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Convertible Car Seat: What saved our car trips
I honestly don't know where to start this post. There is so much I need to say and explain. The biggest reason why I am writing it is to help other parents not go through the hell we had to go through with our infant carseat. {If you don't want to read our story and skip to the review of the carseat, click here}
See, when I was still pregnant and on the hunt for the perfect car seat, I was reading all kinds of guides that say something along these lines:
"You can buy a rear facing infant car seat that is safer because it fits small babies better and then a bigger car seat once they reach 22-35 pounds depending on the seat OR you can purchase a convertible car seat that can have your infant in and then by removing a special infant pad when your baby is older, you use it as a normal car seat and then eventually you can flip it to face forward. With an infant carseat you can carry it in and out of the car without waking the baby up or attach it to a stroller frame."
The idea being that it is safer and more convenient to have an infant car seat rather than one that is convertible. Well little ol' me was all "We have to have an infant car seat and then we'll buy a bigger one when she outgrows it. " It didn't matter that it would mean that we'd have to buy two seats. I wanted what was best for my baby. In addition to that, WHO isn't completely used to the sight of a new mom toting a car seat with the baby in it around town?
That, in my opinion, the problem with going for what's common/popular/traditional rather than trying to figure out what works for you – it's not always what's best, and most likely it's not what's best for YOU.
What noone else seems to tell you is that most likely ( though not in all cases) if your baby is exclusively breastfed (and sometime not), she will outgrow the infant car seat by weight in…umm well… point two seconds.
And you know what else? It's likely that BEFORE she outgrows the car seat by weight, she will be big enough sizewise to be SO uncomfortable in it that you will want to throw it out of the window.
And finally? If you've got an active/difficult/high needs or, in general, curious baby, he will want NOTHING to do with anything that requires him to be reclined and squished like that. You might also have a baby that screams and screams in the car seat, so the whole "put it in the stroller frame" or "carry in and out of the car" advice becomes kind of useless. And what's wrong with babywearing instead lugging a 20 pound container?
Ok, so maybe this won't/didn't happen to you and your baby, but those were exactly the issues we were having PLUS some more.
My dad bought us a wonderful expensive infant car seat by Peg Perego. It's rated well and all. I have nothing bad to say about the brand, it's a good company, but after the initial few weeks of being totally OK in the car seat, Alexis ALL OF A SUDDEN HATED it! With a passion! She'd scream and cry in it the second I put her there (or 5 minutes later if she was in a good mood). She was so uncomfortable, she'd get hot in an instant in that polyester covered seat and it was just NOT a good situation. Once she got a bit bigger ( 2-3 months) it got even worse. She was cramped in it, she didn't like being reclined like that, she couldn't see anything. Forget using the car seat in a stroller! Ha! What a joke! She'd sit in a normal stroller as long as it was upright and let her look around. Oh and toting the car seat around? It's so heavy that it wasn't even a question.
So we spent the first 3 months thinking that she just doesn't like BEING in a car seat. She'd never fall asleep in it calmly. NEVER. She'd be sooo tired, but she'd just cry and cry until we either pull over, or I somehow get her to close her eyes for a second and shush her to sleep (or more likely she'd get too tired from crying). I never thought the blame was to be put on her carseat. I just figured some babies didn't tolerate being in the car or whatever. I know plenty of people using this particular car seat with their kids with no problems. So one day, I googled and bumped into a thread about babies who hate being in a car seat. And a few people suggested getting a convertible car seat saying it helped their baby.
I wasn't sure it would help, but it definitely beat staying home most of the time because your baby won't fall asleep or stay calm in a car seat.
So I started researching. I had another concern. Besides her being cramped into the infant car seat, I felt her crying was partially stemming from the fact that she was hot. Whenever we'd get her out, her back would be soaking wet and no amount of air conditioning or fan blowing would help. So besides finding a good convertible car seat, I needed to find one that hopefully wouldn't get as hot.
And then there was another issue. Fire retardants. UGH! MOST car seats are sprayed with BFRs (brominated fire retardants). It is one of the reasons I will NOT buy Britax until they phase out BFRs. It's hard to get away from them, but one CAN use this resource to check whether the car seat they are planning on buying contains too much of these highly toxic chemicals. {here's a list of best and worst car seats from the toxic chemicals standpoint. Also pay attention to where the toxins were detected. If there's lead in the base, I'm not concerned, since the baby doesn't come in contact with that part, just wash your hands after installing or touching it. But if there's some in the clip, watch out – what baby doesn't like to chew on their car seat clip?}
So after days of looking around, comparing car seats, reading reviews, checking out HealthyStuff.org, I finally decided on 2 car seats: Sunshine Kids convertible car seat and Maxi Cosi Pria 70.
The biggest reason for SunshineKids was lack of aforementioned fire retardants (and they do rate well on the safety).
Maxi Cosi's comparable seat (they didn't have Pria in their healthystuff.org database) had very little fire retardants in the seat and was only rated medium due to lead in the base (which as I said earlier was not my concern). But the biggest reason why I ended up going with Pria 70 was how big and comfortable the seat looked AND after reading a ton of Amazon reviews, I discovered that the fabric Maxi Cosi used for this seat was a different type of fabric that feels and stays cool to skin. Bingo! That was EXACTLY what I wanted!
Once it was shipped, the seat seriously couldn't come fast enough. Every car trip was torture and I put ALL my hopes in this new magical seat. When it came in, we quickly put Lexi into it just to see her reaction. She usually starts fussing right away when she is put into our infant car seat. So here was her reaction:
Cute, but not necessarily what she's going to think of it after she's been in it for 20 minutes. So the next test would be taking her out in it.
Then I removed all the fabric and washed it immediately (or maybe I wiped it down, I don't remember now whether it comes off or not. I'm pretty sure it does).
As soon as it was ready to be installed, I had Andrew go install it, which he said was as easy as any other seat. And then we took our first car trip. We went for a little outing into a neighboring town. Alexis was just fine in the seat getting there and I could see how wide and spacious and comfortable it was for her. We spent a few hours walking around the center of town, grabbing a sandwich, taking pictures. Then it was time to go home. It had been 4 hours since Lexi last slept at that point ( the normal is 1.5-2hrs), so I was dreading the car ride but hoping she'd do better in the new car seat. Usually the worst of her crying in the car is when she is too tired, but can't fall asleep in it.
To make a long story short, a few minutes into our ride, I noticed her slowly closing her eyes. KLOP! KLOP! KLOP! She was blinking fast trying to stay awake while staring at the window. The smaller her eyes were getting, the bigger mine were becoming. I was in shock that she wasn't crying- she was clearly very sleepy. And then within a minute or two, BAM! She was asleep!
To explain to you the shock, relief, joy that went through our heads at that moment – I don't think you can understand it unless you've dealt with a baby that hates their carseat and won't fall asleep in it.
From that moment on, we were SOLD and we were so grateful to Maxi Cosi for having made a comfy car seat and at the same time SO MAD that we had waited so long to realize that our old car seat what was causing all the trouble. I am still mifted at myself for not doing it sooner and at Peg Perego for being hot and uncomfortable (lol).
As far as fabric goes, the reviews I read were spot on. It's this smooth, breathable cover that JUST DOES NOT GET HOT. Seriously, we would drive for 3 hours non-stop and I pull Lexi out and her back would be her body temperature and the seat would be cool to touch. It's an ABSOLUTE MUST for hot climates but I am sure even northerners could use a seat that doesn't make their baby sweat.
So from that point on, I can count on 1 hand the number of times when Alexis had a breakdown in the car. However, I don't have enough fingers and toes to count how many times she's fallen asleep in it, with either minor fussing and help from me or completely on her own. A complete 180 on our situation prior to getting the new car seat. We've been able to go places, take trips, drive for 3-4 hours to Disney with relative ease. She still gets sick of sitting in one place like any normal baby would, but it's manageable.
I think this huge of an improvement is due to a lot of things: the spaciousness of the seat, how comfortable it is, how well padded it is, how cool and pleasant to touch the fabric is, the perfect recline of the seat and some of it, at this point, I am sure, is due to Alexis growing up and not needing as much help falling asleep. Those, who follow me on Instagram, know how many times since getting this car seat, I've posted a photo of Lexi sleeping in it with the words: "I can't believe this is happening!"
So a few more things about the seat that is worth mentioning. It features a TINY FIT system, designed to fit the smallest babies ( 4lb +). When your baby grows out of it, you simply remove the insert. The car seat works in both rear facing and forward facing positions, fits babies up to 70 lbs in forward facing ( up to 40 lbs in rear facing). It has a FlexTech™ system for multi-directional energy management , as well as Air Protect advanced side impact protection.
It takes up little space in our car, but we do own a large SUV, however according to reviews, it has a pretty nice fit even in smaller cars.
In all the reviews I have done, I have never really felt like something was such a MUST that no other product existed. This is a first one. As far as car seats are concerned, I am a Maxi Cosi customer for life.
For a cheaper alternative, check out the Safety 1st Complete Air seat, it's made out of the same breathable fabric, rated well, and is about $100 cheaper. The shape of the seat is a bit different, it looks like it's not as wide, but without having tried it, I can't really tell.
If you are still feeling strong about buying an infant car seat first, I'd suggest you take a look at their new Prezi infant carseat that looks stinking cool, comes in awesome colors, looks comfy and has the same type of fabric that doesn't make your baby hot. Looking at it, I SOOOOO wish I had known about it when we were first buying a car seat. Though even then I'd probably get the convertible one from the get go, knowing what I know now.
In the near future I will be doing a 2 week trial of Clek's brand new Foonf car seat (for 6+ months), which promises to be fabulous. However, it would need to be mind blowing to outdo Pria 70.
Pria70 Convertible Car Seat Giveaway from Maxi Cosi
LEARN MORE ABOUT Maxi Cosi
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There are 3 mandatory entries , after which you will have additional entries available.
This giveaway is open to US residents only.
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Each giveaway has specific rules, so read them on the widget (including which countries are eligible). See the rafflecopter widget for additional terms and conditions.
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I was not compensated for this post. Maxi Cosi provided me with a seat sample to review. All opinions are 100% my own.
Tags: baby cries in a car seat, baby screaming in a car seat, car seat, car seat giveaway, car seat guides, car seat review, convertible car seat, crying in a car seat, infant car seat, maxi cosi, maxi cosi car seat, maxi cosi pria 70, what saved our car trips
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Comments (96)
Oh.my.goodness. I totally understand you with this post!! My 8 month old also HATED the infant carseat with a passion and it was the same one you have – the Peg Perego!! Is it the carseat brand then?? Oh how I hated car rides…absolutely dreaded them. For a while I didn't take him anywhere it was that bad. He too would refuse to fall asleep in it, no matter how tired he was. Same thing, as soon as we upgraded to the bigger carseat, he tolerated it much better! Haha…I too was in shock the first time he fell asleep. And now? If we're going somewhere an hour+, we time it during his nap and he sleeps the whole way!! Wow…totally get ya!!
If your baby can get the chest clip from the seat in her mouth, you probably need to tighten the straps a bit the clip really shouldn't be able to slide.
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Lexi has a super tongue and she sucks on it and licks it by tilting her head down lol
Nina T.
I can tell you why she cried in the first carseat. Because it was RED. Red up on you colors you will see red is not a calming color just the opposite. Ever been in a restaurant? Check out the colors most have red one does not feel comfortable looking at this color they do this so you eat and leave so they can get more customers. Same with us red is not a calming color it raises blood pressure.
Red actually increases appetite FYI
Nina T.
Clips are made in China. You do jot care she is sucking on it lol?
Elizabeth Gaudette
Hi I am a CPST, Certified Passenger Safety Technician, I could not help but notice that it looks like you have your carseat tethered. If that is correct you need to undo that and store the top tether. Maxi Cosi does NOT allow for their seats to be tethered when they are rearfacing. I would recommend getting your seat checked by a technician ASAP! You can go to http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm to find a CPST near you.
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Thanks for the heads up! I went and checked and yes, you're right. It says to store it. Hubby installed it and since it was moving, he figured he'd attach the tether, since it was there, to "make it safer" lol.
Again thanks for the heads up!
Elizabeth Gaudette
Glad you got it fixed. Make sure both you and your husband read the manual and know how to install the seat. There can be movement at the "head" of the seat when rearfacing. You only want to check for movement at the belt path. There should be less than 1 inch of movement when you gently shake the seat side to side and front to back (at the belt path). Again I would strongly suggest getting it inspected by a CPST.
Just a heads up – Lexi's seat needs to be an inch away from the front seat! In the photos it looks like it is touching and that is a huge safety issue. We had our carseat installation inspected by a qualified car seat technician and they stressed this.
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Oh good to know! I think someone moved the seat back when they were riding in front ( i ride in the back). I'll adjust that.
Jaclyn Armstrong
I wish I had read this a year ago! I was also convinced that an infant seat was mandatory for a newborn, and it was the first purchase we made for our little one. Now that he is 8 months old I have told my husband so many times what a waste of money it was. It has never left my car because it is so heavy and I've been baby wearing from day one. I wish I had known that a convertible seat was an option! I will never buy another infant car seat for our family.
Julia Babs
Oh goodness…this post brought tears to my eyes because I SO resonate with the dread for car rides. My 6 month old HATES car trips…even a 5 minute one down the street has him crying and anything longer usually leads to a meltdown. I feel stuck and trapped at home because I can never go anywhere with him for fear of my poor little guy getting so upset. It has me feeling somewhat depressed, but the thought of driving with him (especially without my hubby) makes my stomach clench up. I've been thinking about getting a convertible car seat, but it's not in our budget at the moment (my husband is finishing up his Ph.D. so finances are tight)…I entered the giveaway and I really hope I win! We're going on an 11 hour car ride in a few months and I'm already dreading it…
Elizabeth Gaudette
You can get a Cosco Scenera at Walmart or KMart for less that $50 and all seats meet the same safety standards.
So did you pick this out and order it, or did the company send it to you to review? I'm confused.
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
I picked this out and Maxi Cosi sent me one to try
i swear it's the Peg Perego Infant seat! Just looking at it, it looks very uncomfortable compared to the Graco Safe Seat we used. I have had a few friends now whose little ones HATED the Peg Perego Infant seat and would either scream as soon as they were put in it or just would never really settle in their seat, and would never fall asleep in it. They all tried their little ones in different brands of seats and amazingly, they were fine in them. At the same time I do know a couple of people whose babies were ok in the Peg, but it seems like a disproportionate amount don't like it. Glad you found one that worked for you though.
I never had a problem with the peg perego. She didn't start fussing until a year old when she out grew it due to length. I loved mine and never had a problem with it.
We had a Graco infant seat and I agree- the fabric on those seems to be cooler (temperature wise) than the Peg Perego. My son was fine in the infant seat, but grew out of it by 4 months. But he is huge. Most of my friends have been able to use their infant seats up to at least 10 months, often a year or more. We actually started out w/ a convertible Britax, but this was difficult to use in the floppy newborn stage for us b/c we have a two door car. With the infant seat, we could click the whole seat into place with the baby already in it. This was really helpful for us and made the infant seat worth it, even though it didn't last us long.
We were also told that the safest place for the carseat was the middle. This isn't an option in our little car b/c my excessively tall husband needs to be able to put the seat far enough back to be able to drive, but if you can, it's supposed to be safer.
I totally get it. We switched our daughter at around 6 months to her convertible and she loved it. We wet with Britax though. Also, she HATED her Maxi Cosi Mico infant seat. Maybe the new one will be much improved since we travel a LOT and plan to with the next as well.
Rachell @Adventures of a Wee Brandon Lee
I had the same experience with our infant seat. We switched to a convertible at 5 months and it has been an drastic change to the positive since then. If I had to do it over again I would have just skipped the infant seat and went straight to the convertible.
Just FYI –
"What noone else seems to tell you is that most likely ( though not in all cases) if your baby is exclusively breastfed (and sometime not), she will outgrow the infant car seat by weight in…umm well… point two seconds."
Our seat went to 30lbs – even Lexi hasn't reached 30lbs, has she? My kid was in the higher percentiles also – not as big as Lexi, but 85% ish from birth (weighed 9lbs even when she was born). But she still had plenty of weight left to go when she outgrew it by length. I haven't ever heard of anyone outgrowing it by weight before they outgrew it by height (the Chicco Keyfit 30 and Graco Snugride 32 are the two most popular infant bucket seats and go to 30/32lbs).
That said, I wouldn't have traded our infant seat for the world. I still miss the ability to take her into stores when she fell asleep in the seat! It's definitely about finding out what works best for each individual baby – for Lexi it was a convertible right away, but for a lot of babies it's still the infant bucket seat!
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Peg goes up to 22 lbs. At 4 months she was at around 19 lbs, so it wasn't going to be too long until she hit the top weight limit for it. The biggest issue was the fact that at that size/weight she just didn't fit into it comfortably. I can't imagine a 22 lbs baby ever riding comfortably in that seat.
Yeah, I was going to say that your main issue (Lexi outgrowing the seat by weight) is an issue very few people will run into – since Lexi's in, what, the 97th percentile for weight if I remember right? Then only 3 percent of moms will have the same issue! 😉 Our daughter still fits happily into the Chicco Keyfit 30 at 9.5 months old, and I can see her still using it for quite some time. But she's only 50th percentile for height and 25th for weight, so we're in the normal height/weight range (although she is also breastfed on demand as well).
I'm glad you found a seat that works for you. I know a lot of moms whose babies hated the car until 3-4 months, so it may have been just her growing up a bit and getting used to the car.
We were recently and unexpectedly gifted the new Peg Perego convertible seat (by a doting grandparent), and we love it, so I wouldn't write off the whole brand. It looks very similar to the seat you posted. Although it is so pricey! We wouldn't never have bought it ourselves, but we do really like it. I also like the fact that it's rated to 45 lbs rear facing and 70 lbs forward facing, the highest on the market (my husband is a firefighter, so safety is obviously our number one concern). It is also much cooler than the Chicco Keyfit infant seat, but I think all bucket seats run a little hot, and since we're far north of Florida, it's not really an issue for us!
No the Peg actually goes to 30/30.
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
I seem to remember the manual saying 22 lbs. Either way, we would have switched regardless. I cannot imagine a 30 lbs baby sitting in that crammed of a space.
No, even on the website it states that it is for 5lbs. to 30lbs. I did a lot of research too:) My niece has the Maxi and they love it. It is a nice car seat.
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Ha! Yeah you're right! I think I might have convinced myself it was 22 lbs, because I really really hoped switching to a convertible would help her car seat hatred.
They used to go up to 22lbs and then they recently re-designed them to go up to 30lbs.
My Peg only goes to 22lbs…but it's a Canadian one so that's probably where the confusion comes in.
We stopped using it at about 6-7 months, but I loved it during that time. I've got some weak-ass arms and I still had no problem carrying my big chubby baby in it up to that point! A convertible works for a lot of poeple, but my goodness I would not have wanted it during those first few months especially….I know Lexi never has been a great sleeper, but most newborns sleep so much it's a huge blessing to be able to pop them in and out of the car without waking them!
Man, I did NOT complete my thought. Haha. We stopped using it around 6-7 months, wellllllll before she outgrew it by weight. I honestly don't know any babies who hit the weight limit before they hit the height limit. I agree, a 30lb baby would probably be pretty squished, but even if you use them until a year, most babies aren't close to that. That said, again – whatever works for your family is awesome. It's just important to note, I think, that not all of the cons listed are necessarily applicable to most people.
Well, I purchased mine in April 2011. My daughter is 16 months so it couldn't have been that recently that they redesigned it. I guess you must have gotten on of the older ones.
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
No I got the 2012 model, I was mistaken about 22lbs limit. I might have read about something else.
I did the entire Maxio Cosi travel system: Infact car sit (Mico, because Prezi was not on the market yet), stroller (Quinny) and just purchased the convertable Pria 70. It is perfect. The stroller is a little on the heavy side (11lbs) but folds great and works with the infant car seat. no special adaptors to buy, or anything. it is not overly expensive – cheaper than peg perego – and you get what you pay for. Stroller is on the high side (around $575) but worth it for me.
You and your husband are both "big" people (and by "big" I mean TALL, of course), so Lexi is a big baby. I have a tiny baby. Exclusively breastfed, eats solids by the handful, poops great, healthy, just small. She is still in the infant car seat and loving it. We have to transition her to the convertable because she is going to outgrow the infant seat in length at some point, but I will still be using the tiny fit insert for her. I find infant car seat to be invaluable for us, and she does not mind the reclining, and I provide a lot of intertainment/toys in the seat. It is impossible to predict how big the babies end up to be, unfortinately, so it is hard to recommend one over the other. It is always a little bit of a gamble.
Great review!
Vivien is still small for her age (18 lbs at 11 1/2 months) so she's been loving her Eddie Bauer infant seat still. But I've been looking everywhere for an awesome convertible car seat. This one is on my amazon wish list, for sure.
For infant seats, it's awesome, because it accommodates kids who are taller because it's 4″ deeper, and the weight goes up to 35 lbs. At that point based on weight, she may start kindergarten in it. 😉
(kidding, of course.)
I can't believe that the Peg seat only goes to 22 lbs. That seems really low, and I know lots of "infants" that would outgrow that in a hot minute.
xoxo I hope I win!
Review: Lollacup | The Memoirs of Megan
[…] Also, speaking of reviews that are amazing, my bloggy friend Elena is having a review and give-away of an amazing carseat, and as much as I am dying to win it, I thought I'd pass along the info for that. Click here. […]
Mrs Loquacious
Cannot wait for your Clek Foonf review! It is back ordered here until Nov. but I can hardly wait to get one! Baby Loquacious likes her Orbit infant car seat but it is getting way too small now, and the Orbit toddler car seat isn't approved in Canada :(.
Since you have a Pria and are trying a Foonf, I'm guessing you already plan to rear face past two years, is that correct? Lexi should be able to rearface either seat for a LONG time, even if she's inherited your height she'll probably make it to at least three years old.
As another poster mentioned, yes the Pria does not allow RF tethering. I second the suggestion to set up an appointment with a CPST. Lots of people have their seats "checked" by firefighters and police officers who mean well, but aren't actually car seat techs. It's really important that the person be a CPST.
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Agree about firefighters/police checking. We went to a local fire department to check our first seat and while he was nice, he really didn't know much. It looked "good" to him.
Tried to find a tech but the one in the area wouldn't return phone calls. So that was that.
My husband is a firefighter, and now their policy at the fire department is to send people straight to CPSTs since they themselves aren't certified. You definitely want a CPST to check your carseat!
carla g
I want to win because we are in need of a convertible seat for our son and this would be great
Is the winner selected at random? Or does the answer to the question make a difference and you select the one you like best?
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Random. I just like to know more about where the prize is going.
I know this sounds kind of knit-picky, but when you say "What noone else seems to tell you is that most likely ( though not in all cases) if your baby is exclusively breastfed (and sometime not), she will outgrow the infant car seat by weight in…umm well… point two seconds." if you actually look at the statistics (http://kellymom.com/health/growth/growthcharts/) after the first 2-3 months (when breastfed babies do tend to be bigger) breastfed babies tends to be much SMALLER than formula-fed babies. So Alexis really is an anomaly (a very large breastfed baby). I would hate for other moms reading your blog to start to feel bad that their exclusively breastfed 8 month olds are smaller than Alexis, when, if fact, that is the norm and it is perfectly healthy! Either way, Alexis is just adorable!
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
That is knit picky lol
All mothers should think for themselves and not compare sizes or feel bad. That's just ridiculous. Like I said in my Mojo post, I am done being concerned about how "other mothers" might perceive anything I write. I write about my experiences. Period.
Now as far as Kelly mom article, it's very much spot on. After the initial 2-3 months of growth Alexis has gained less than a pound a month and continues to slow down. But she will always be a big baby, at least in height.
Yeah, I know it was nitpicky, it's just that a number of times you've mentioned that Alexis is so big because she's exclusively breastfed, where the research actually shows the opposite – Alexis is big DESPITE being exclusively breastfed! And of course no one should feel bad about the size of their baby, whether they are in the 10th or 90th percentile! I have a friend whose boy is under the 10th percentile and she feels bad about it because she gets SO many comments on it, and "helpful" family that suggest she should give him formula to "fatten him up." It's rough when there's a lot of judgmental people out there!
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Well actually, she IS big because she is EBFed but also because her parents are "big". That applies to height primarily, though. I expect her to be in the 50-75 percentile weight wise when she is over a year old. But because she was EBFed, she gained like 18 lbs in the first 4 months and that was that. 😉
I agree with this comment. Everything I've read is that EBF babies are smaller than formula babies, which is why there's a whole separate growth chart for EBF babies that documents lower weight gains than the standard WHO charts. My son was EBF for a year, and was a little chunky monkey and everyone commented that they were surprised to learn he only got boob juice! But like Alexis, he fed nonstop so I think that's more of the reason vs what type of milk he was getting.
As for the car seat, we switched to a convertible at close to a year, and he totally loved his new view! I agree that I should have totally switched sooner because while he technically fit, he was uncomfortable at being so reclined because he always wanted to see what was going on. Now he's in a Diono Radian and loves life. However, I would still use a bucket seat for the early months – he hated being worn despite me trying out five different carriers and wraps – so we would still need to transport him anyway. I purposely got the Graco Snugride because it was the lightest infant seat I tested…even so those things are a pain to carry.
I also was gonna go for the Maxi Cosi Pria, but I couldn't find crash tests on that back then. So we bought the Peg Perego that you had
I'm seeing now Pria has only TWO stars in RF position, aren't you worried about that?
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Where are you seeing that? I looked up a few places and only found good ratings.
Elena, at the NHTSA page: http://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa_eou/info.jsp?type=all
What pages do you usually consult for crash tests?
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Consumer reports (which i dont put much stock in) and this one, too. But none of these are crash tests. These are only ease of use ratings if you read the previous page carefully. "Securing the child" in this case means: how easy it is to secure (fasten) the child in it. Not how safe the child in it.
And since ease of use isn't really my concern, I don't go by these numbers.
Like the Car seat tech above said, all seats are safe, as long as they fit your child and are installed properly.
My biggest reason for going with pria was the fabric that doesn't retain heat and size of the seat, plus relatively good rating on healthystuff.org
You're right, those are not crash tests. I still, though, cannot find crash test on Pria (ADAC doesn't have it)
I would disagree with the person saying that as long as the car seat fits your baby – it's safe. I don't think chep, plastic, supermarket car seat are safe (even when they fit perfectly). I suppose there is a reason why some seats fail crash tests.
I do get that the toxic is very important for you, we just have different priorities
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
I was under the impression that if a car seat fails a crash test, it can't be sold… Am I wrong? Let me know where you can look up actual crash tests
Elizabeth Gaudette Payne
Once again, crash test results ARE NOT released to the public in general, the only brand that does is Diono. A carseat CANNOT be sold if they do not pass the tests. A $40 Cosco Scenera passes the same tests as Britax, Maxi-Cosi or any other higher priced seat. All you are paying for is comfort and bells and whistles.
Elizabeth Gaudette Payne
Only one manufacture releases crash test ratings and that is Diono. The only rating there are of carseats is ease of use, comfort, etc, NOTHING to do with how safe the seat is. All seats meet the same safety standards. The safest seat is the one that fits your child, fits your car, and is used correctly every time.
Definitely to each his/her own. My baby is 8 months old we just switched over to a convertible carseat to give him a bit more room. I loved the infant car seat- so easy to transport him when sleeping and made errands much easier on days we were in and out of the car a lot. I'm really missing it now! I do like having him in a bigger seat though…he is definitely comfortable and enjoys the ride, as the convertible carseat is higher and he can see a bit more out the windows.
Just want to let you know I'm super excited for tomorrow's post. Breastfeeding has been rough for us lately so I would love to hear how it's going for you! I don't know anyone who BF for more than a few months so I have no one to consult with lol
I researched forever to find a carseat I really liked. I still don't know if the one we have will work. I hope so, though.
No, Elena, I'm afraid they are sold. First, go to Wallmart and see the car seats there. No brand, or unknown brands. Those never get any review on safety. Than, there are brands that usually make good car seats, like Peg Perego. The one in group 0 (up to 30 lbs) has good reviews, the following size has good reviews, but the convertible failed! Please check ADAC (that's German automobile club): http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tests/kindersicherung/kindersitz-test/default.aspx?tabid=tab1
What happens with most convertible is that they fail to protect in the 4-30lbs size, but are ok for bigger babies.
Wow, Elena, there are some rude people here!
When you were talking about your daughter being breastfeed and huge-I completely get you. Our son weighs about 14lbs at four months, he's breastfeed/formula fed, but he's tiny because his father and I are really small ourselves. So every baby is different, trust me our baby is huge for his age regarding our family.
I Was so stalking the seats you were talking about! So glad you got them, because the maxi cosi lasts longer than the others, so it's worth the price, also I'd be hesitant about the infant seat, since it would last very long-and it's price.
karen johnson
I had no idea half these car seats were made to face backwards for younger babies! My son was a car seat champ, but my daughter absolutely hates hers… definitely need to look into this
I am coming back and reading this more carefully because I am currently pregnant and am getting harassed by my family to work on a registry and if I don't they will buy whatever they find on sale! ack.
So I was one of those convinced I need an infant seat people but now I am wondering. But my question is if we don't get an infant seat what do we do with the baby in say a restaurant. (I don't know why I picked that I barely eat out) but I live in New England and my baby will be born in winter and I wonder what to do if I get a convertible seat which I keep thinking is better once I take the baby out and go in a store or restaurant or whatever. I mean I know a carrier for some but do you wear the baby while you eat? I totally would fear spilling I am not known for my grace.
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
I think it depends on a person and the baby and there is really no way to know how things will work out, but I'll tell you what worked for us. Life with a newborn (unless you get on that sleeps all the time) is rough in the beginning, so most likely you won't be going out too much. Whenever we did go out and Lexi would fall asleep in the car after crying her poor eyes out, we'd simply sit there and wait till she wakes up anyways, rather than attempt to take the seat with us and risk waking her up. Once she was able to sit straight ( 3 months, I believe), she could sit in the high chair or a stroller next to the table. But mostly, really just in my lap and we'd take turns eating.
I don't think it's safe to eat hot foods with the baby in a carrier. So what I would do in your case is maybe play it by ear. Get a convertible seat and see if you find that you need an infant seat. Or get an infant seat with a 365 day return policy ( amazon does that) and a convertible and if you end up not using the infant seat, return it.
There's really no way to know and that is the suckiest part. Every baby and situation is so different that we all kind of stumble around until the baby grows into someone more reliable God luck and congrats on having a girl!
Thanks that is super helpful. Like I said we don't go to restaurants really with my husband's celiac (I have no idea why I even picked that example. I blame baby brain) but I know we will HAVE to be in the car right away and often because we have one car and need to bring husband to train daily.
That 365 return is a great idea! thanks so much!! You should rent yourself out for people STRUGGLING with their registry later on when lexi is older. seriously like baby concierge.
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Oh I'm glad it helped ( it didn't seem very helpful to me lol). If you don't have to get out of the car or can wait for the baby to wake, then I wouldn't even concern myself with an infant seat. I'd love to help people with their registries. Soon I think I will actually be able to do it, since I have tried so man products. So great idea lol
P.S. Don't feel like you're alone because I had the hardest time picking out gear because there is so much and you have no idea what your baby will like. I found that the hardest!
Sounds like us exactly. I researched and reseaeched before baby arrived. Had to have the infant travel system. Baby arrives and was ok for first 2 weeks. She is now 10 weeks and has screamed every time placed in it since then. We're in FL too and today when I pulled her out after a 5 minute trip, her back was sweltering. We've GOT to find something that works for her! And so funny, I haven't put the carrier in the stroller but for a foolow up OB visit where I couldn't hold her. Everywhere else, I'm wearing her. So much for needing that travel system!
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Try this seat! If it doesn't work, well you'll need a convertible seat soon anyways. I've had a few people email me and tell me that either their LO loves this seat as well, or that they bought it after they read about it and magically their baby stopped crying in the car. I wish you ALL the best, I know first hand how horrible it is to have your baby cry everytime you go somewhere.
Good grief, I'm kicking myself for taking so long to get this seat!!! We've been using it for two weeks now and it was well worth the purchase! I didn't want to buy another one without figuring out why she hated the Chicco so much. After waiting and never quite figuring out the problem I finally broke down and went for it. Thank goodness!!! She's whined a little bit in this one but she was tired anyway. Full blown tears and the heart wrenching cries have not happened though. She actually is able to entertain herself now with toys and loves to look out either side of the car now. So one thing I am certain now that she hated was the recline of the Chicco. One thing I find odd on the Pria is the lack of padding directly behind the head, but it isn't bothering her. Thanks so much for turning us onto this seat! Such a wonderful difference, as you know.
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
I love getting comments like this! Whenever I write a review, I always wonder if my experience is typical or someone else would be like "cat seat that stops baby from crying? Bullshit! My baby yelled the whole way!" lol
You're like the 5th person to tell me that it worked great for your baby and I am so happy it did. It really is awesome.
Re: padding in the head, yeah I noticed that too after the fact. I don't like it, but it's soft plastic so I assume it'd be fine in a crash.
Ha! Yea I was hesitant but here's all the proof I need! http://twitter.com/summersbloom/status/292356951357157376/photo/1
She's fallen asleep to my giddy delight at least 4 times this week! http://twitter.com/summersbloom/status/298548118625071105/photo/1
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Pretty stinking amazing!
unfortunately the Pria is not sold in Canada yet we are using the maxi-cosi infant right now but my son is now 22lbs and reached his limit in this seat.
We are looking to purchase Clek but we don't know if it is free of chemicals as this is not state anywhere on the website. Also, I considered the Diono.
Have you tried the Clek yet? If so, what's your opinion?
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Diono is a very good brand and good with chemicals ( or lack thereof)
I haven't tried Clek but will very soon. My guess is that it's very comparable to Maxi Cosi. I would imagine that a company as good about recycling as Clek is would make sure that their seats are not toxic. If you check out Oobr on healthystuff.org, it has no chemicals and metals detected in the seat. That's all I can go by right now. But I will talk to Clek and report back.
I called Diono multiple times and I don't have an answer yet about the differences and safety of their fabrics for LTX and GTX. They state that LtX Storm and Rugby fabrics doesn't use BFRs, but is the same valid for GTX?
I'm in Canada and Clek being a Canadian product I'm more inclined to trust its safety and "green" approach. Though I only started researching it and calling the manufacturer today.
I need to get a new car seat this week so I'm a little stresses now Where I am it started to snow
Thank you.
I'll check to see when you review Clek. Most likely I will purchase one by end of the week …
Hi there!
So glad to have found your reviews on this seat! But sorry to be joining the discussion late. Hopefully you are still answering questions about it. Yours is the most comprehensive report I have found BY FAR. I have been going back and forth between this seat, and the Recaro ProRide convertible seat and I am going CRAZY trying to decide. Like HOURS and HOURS of research. I'm ready to be done already! I am satisfied with the safety ratings and major points of both seats, so now it's down to the nit-picky stuff Like how easy is this fabric to clean? Does it snag easily? I am anal when it comes to things looking as neat as possible and I will go the extra mile to keep this clean. Does it come off to wash? We have to travel 11-17 hours to visit family, so comfort is a major factor. I loved your in-depth review of your Lexi being comfortable and cool in this. Also, when she falls asleep, does her head slump forward? Does it recline well (or at all) in the forward position? My girl is 17 months old and graduating (coincidently) from the much-hated-but-incredibly-expensive Peg Perego infant carrier. She is tall but very below average in weight. Also – did you "stick" with this carseat for good? Or do you now use or recommend a better one? Thanks so much!
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Ok I hope I remember to answer all your questions in the 2 seconds I have.
It is really easily washable fabric (smooth and nice), it comes off to wash, it could potentially snag but I haven't had a problem with it.
I've never used it FF so can't comment on recline.
Head DOES NOT slump over when sleeping.
I am currently trying out Clek Foonf for the blog. They are very comparable with its own pluses so you really can't go wrong with either one.
The biggest thing I like in Foonf over this is how high the seat sits. But maxi cosi has more pleasant to touch fabric and is wider (so possibly more comfy for bigger babies).
Okay, I just wanted to leave a comment that your review was very informative and I have no idea why people thought they needed to belittle every thing you had to say. Calm down folks, she is talking as a mom with her experience, not as an expert whose every sentence needs to be nit-picked for viability. Sheesh!
Great review I really want this car seat but am having a hard time determining if it is available in Canada! agree with above poster not sure why people were picking on everything!! I enjoyed the review and story immensely
Thank you for this review! Going through the screaming with my son who is 2.5 months and already 14 pounds (and EBF so I agree, and my pediatrician does, FWIW, that generally speaking, EBF babies get wayyy bigger faster than other babies) Anyway- he screams in the carseat every time we are in the car, unless I am sitting back there with him and shoving the pacifier in his mouth, but sometimes even then doesn't help. My daughter went through this a bit, but not to the extent that my son is. I have a Britax convertible for her which we love (she can't get the latch in her mouth) but my son is much sweatier than she ever was so I wonder if its the seat? We have the 2010 Graco Snugride 22. Debating already switching him and I wonder if this seat might help, despite my love for Britax. Thanks again!!
How did you get Maxi-Cosi to send you one to try? Was it at no charge to you? Was it unused? Did you have to pay to return it to them?
Thank you so much for this review. I have been stressing out about getting convertible car seats for my child because I feel so paranoid! I am currently using Sentinel II convertible car seat that I got from this site ( http://www.safety1st.com.au/ ) and my child loves it so much. I have to get another one for my second child, and I might be looking into getting Britax.
Hi I'm searching for a solution to the "screaming carseat hatin' baby" problem and found you article to be very useful. I was just wondering what's the name of this wonder fabric used on the maxi cosi and on the safety first? Do you know of other carseats using this same textile. I've been looking at reviews in amazon and have found no mention of the textile. Thanks for any help on this!!
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
I have no clue. It's some synthetic fabric that's really pleasant to the touch. I'm sure if you call dorel or maxi cosi directly they will tell you.
Hmmm…then how do you know that safety first uses the same fabric?
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
I've seen it. Dorel group owns S1 and Maxi Cosi.
Do you know anything about the differences with the Pria 85 apart from the lowe weight limitation being 14 pounds? My son HATES his infant carseat so we want to get a convertible..
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
It has different fabric. Bamboo, so it's supposed to be moisture wicking and less hot. Though personally I like the previous fabric more (at least to touch)
Michelle Thompson
I just wanted to say, that I am grateful for your blog! When I was researching car seats because our 3 & 1/2 mth old has screamed pretty much from day one, I ran across your blog. I felt as though you were describing my son with every word. I ordered the Maxi Cosi Pria 70 and when it came in yesterday, I put him in it to see his reaction and needless to say, it was the same as your daughters. He was actually happy! Every single car ride has been traumatic on all of us up until this point. Thank you, for telling your story!
Currently have the britax and baby was fine but at around 2 months hates being in it and it's harder to run errands or go to restaurants. Is there a stroller that is compatible with this seat since part of the issue with the fussiness is out of the car? Thanks!
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
Try wearing him/her instead of carrying in a car seat.
There is no stroller that will accommodate a convertible seat like this per se.
This post just made me feel %1000 more hopeful for my little guy! He is 3 months and HATES his infant car seat… I can tell he doesn't like the position and always wants to be upright when he is held etc. ( he is a bit "high needs") I was recommended the Maxi Cosi by a friend and now I am pretty sold. Did you find anything else in particular that was helpful or was the car seat switch enough? (sounds like it was!)
My guy has never fallen asleep in the car seat (also goes into stroller) unless he was so hysterically over-tired that he literally cried himself to sleep- and even that was rare. So I am really hoping for a miracle!
Elena @The Art of Making a Baby
That was all that was needed, just a better more comfortable seat.


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10 Things That Will Definitely Cause The Apocalypse
Asteroid? Nuclear War? The Rapture? Nope. Small fishes, compared to what destruction the things on this list will bring. Be sure to catch World War Z - in theaters this Friday.
1. When dogs and cats become pals, surely existence as we know it will cease to be.
2. A worldwide bacon shortage would incite a world's end disaster on the scale of World War Z.
Back in 2012, there was a bacon shortage threat. People rioted in the streets. Not even Brad Pitt could cope with this.
3. When we finally figure out which way this lady is actually spinning.
4. When ducks start taking selfies and making "humanface"
Get it? Instead of duckface? It would rip a hole in the universe.
5. When cats can no longer land gracefully on their feet, it means that something is not well with the universe.
Stay on your guard. World War Z is upon us.
6. When teens stop talking #only #in #hashtags.
7. Should the children start evolving at an alarming rate, seek refuge in the bomb shelter.
They're coming for you.
8. Same goes for pets, guys.
9. Grumpy cat. Smiling. This is truly the end.


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Cheeky Parlour Topshop FAQ's
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You can make appointments online or call us on 0207 074 1450, and we'll try our best to fit you in!
What services are available at the Cheeky Parlour?
You can view our full treatment menu here. We offer a range of services including manis & pedis. All services can be tailored to your needs.
When can I visit the Cheeky Parlour?
The Cheeky Parlour is open Monday - Tuesday 9.30am - 9.00pm | Wednesday - Friday 9.30am - 10.00pm |Saturday 9.00am - 9.30pm | Sunday 11.30 - 6pm
Can I come with a group of friends?
Absolutely! We encourage groups to come and enjoy the Cheeky atmosphere. We also have a special offering for those looking to come as a group, join us for a Cheeky Five. We would love for your night to start with us, getting primped and pampered and ready for a fun night out with good friends.
I require special assistance. How can I ensure my needs will be met?
Our Cheeky Parlour has wheelchair access and our site is suitable for people with visual or hearing impairments. For specific information please contact the Parlour for more information. We are currently trying to improve access to all of our sites and services, so everyone can enjoy them. While improvements are being made, we apologise for any inconvenience.
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Oct. 29: Asian session
EUR/USD slid to $1.3770, but still remained close to the 2-year high. The Fed begins a 2-day meeting today and economists are predicting that the policy makers will refrain from tapering stimulus. In the euro area watch for German Gfk consumer climate at 07:00 GMT. Data released yesterday showed that US pending home sales slumped in September, while industrial production kept growing at a bit higher pace. Later today don't miss US retail sales figures at 12:30 GMT and consumer confidence at 14:00 GMT.
GBP/USD tested $1.6063 before returning to the levels above $1.6100, but is still trading on the downside. Britain will release net lending for individuals data at 09:30 GMT. USD/JPY is trading in the 97.70/45 range, gravitating towards the lower part of the range. Japan released a bunch of positive data tonight. Retail sales rose by 1.8% m/m (forecast: 0.5%), while household spending grew by 3.7% y/y (forecast: 0.5%). USD/CHF met resistance around 0.8970.
AUD/USD extends the downside, falling by 70 pips to $0.9505 in the Asian trade. RBA Governor Stevens pulled the pair lower by saying that the "unusually high" AUD is not supported by the fundamentals. Stevens said the Aussie is likely to be 'materially lower' sometime in the future given the declining terms of trade. NZD/USD has followed the Aussie's decline, slipping to $0.8260. USD/CAD is trading below resistance at 1.0450. Bank of Canada's Governor Poloz will speak at 16:00 GMT.


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When it comes to social interactions involving information technology, it is important to understand that different entities have different and often conflicting goals and interests. It is puzzling to know that the same people who make the smart business decisions, behave irrationally when information security is concerned. For example, a recent survey shows that 12% of information technology users admitted to knowingly violating security policies to get their work done, while various reports attribute between 4% and 40% of all security incidents to the acts of insiders – ignorant or malicious.The situation is not much better at the corporate levels. For example, software manufacturers often have incentives to introduce new products as early as possible, while there are still many bugs that have to be patched later.
A shared belief is developing that information security is not solely a technology issue but should involve economic and behavioral considerations. A big question is - why do people and organizations that behave rationally and efficiently in other situations, fail miserably when information security is concerned? In this talk, I would like to put together several sets of ideas from economics and psychology that may explain seemingly irrational behavior of individuals as well as organizations. The ultimate goal is to have a better understanding of human factors of information security and lay the groundwork for the development of security-conscious culture, both at the individual and the society level.


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S.S. Lane Victory ; Ship Type: VC2-S-AP2; Hull Number V-794
Launched May 31,1945 at Cal Shipyard of Los Angeles, CA
Length:455 feet
Beam:62 feet
Depth of Hold: 38 feet
Draft (loaded): 28 feet
Gross Tonnage: 7,162 (relative measure of the volume of the ship's enclosed spaces)
Net Tonnage: 4,555 (relative measure of the volume of the ship's cargo carrying spaces)
Displacement Tonnage: 15,200 (total weight of the ship fully loaded)
Deadweight Tonnage: 10,750 (total weight of the ship's cargo, fuel, water & stores)
Ballast: 3,129 tons
Fuel Oil: 2,833 tons
Fresh Water: 300 tons
Cargo Holds:
Ranging 57 to 81 feet long
Hatches: 22 feet wide and ranging from 23 to 35 feet long
All cargo holds have t'ween decks
Cargo Handling:
3x masts with mast-houses, ranging from 104 to 110 feet above the main deck
4x king posts (2 forward, 2 aft of the mid-ships house)
14x cargo booms rated at 5 tons each*
14x 5-speed electric cargo winches**
1x 50 ton jumbo boom serving cargo hatch #3***
1x 30 ton jumbo boom serving cargo hatch #4***
*Note: Electirc winches are powered by 50hp single speed electric motors. Winch speed is controlled by switching resistor banks.
**Note: Due to limitations of available Coast Guard test weights, cargo booms are currently rated to 2.5 tons max operating weight
***Jumbo booms are installed but currently are not rated for operation.
One Allis-Chalmers cross compound steam turbine with double reduction gears
Horsepower: 6000, at 90-100 RPM
Propeller: 19 feet in diameter
Max Speed: 16.3 knots (18.75 mph)
2 sectional-header single pass Babcock-Wilcox boilers
Forced draft, oil fuel, water tube type, with superheaters and economizers
Rated to 525 psi with a max operating pressure of 465 psi*
Capable of producing 27,500 pounds of steam per hour at 750 degrees Fahrenheit
Fuel consumption: about 40 tons per day; 1 barrel/mile
*Note: In order to reduce wear and tear on the S.S. Lane Victory's steam production and distribution systems, max operating pressure has been down graded to 400 psi.
Life Boats:
4x 24' lifeboats; total capacity 124 persons
2x inflatable life rafts intalled on the the boat deck*
16x rigid life rafts (12 forward, 4 aft)*
4x wartime** life rafts were mounted on skids fore and aft of the midship's house; total capacity 80 persons
2x wartime** life floats were mounted aft on the deckhouse; total capacity 30 persons
*Note: The Lane Victory is configured with modern supplemental life rafts as required by the Coast Guard in order to carry up to 800 passengers during her summer cruises.
**Note: supplemental wartime life rafts and life floats were removed sometime after the conclusion of WWII.
Up to 62 Merchant officers and crew
Up to 28 Naval Armed Guard officers and enlisted to man the guns during WWII
1x 5 inch / 38 caliber dual purpose mount*
1x 3 inch / 50 caliber mount*
8x 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft mounts*
1x 40mm twin Bofors anti-aircraft mount**
2x .50 caliber Browning M2 heavy machine guns**
* Note: Entire complement of armament was removed in 1946 after the conclusion of WWII. The Lane Victory served most of her career as an unarmed merchant ship. Armament complement was re-installed as part of the Lane Victory's restoration to her WWII condition
**Note: 40mm mount and .50 cal machine guns were not part of the ship's original armament, but serve as examples of other types of weaponry that may have been mounted on other ships during the WWII era


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CITY leaders today called for a speedy resolution to the latest takeover talks surrounding the company behind the biggest expansion of Edinburgh in hundreds of years.
Forth Ports, which is planning a 30-year regeneration of Leith Docks that will see the creation of nine new "urban villages", has confirmed that its biggest shareholder has relaunched a bid to take it over.
Arcus, an infrastructure arm developed from Australian investment giant Babcock & Brown, failed with a bid last year because the board of the Edinburgh-based firm said its offer was too low. The company has now put a new offer on the table - and Forth Ports has agreed to allow it to carry out a check of its books.
Concerns have emerged that the uncertainty over the future owner of the company could stall the development of the Leith Docks area.
Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, said: "This is clearly a commercial matter for Forth Ports, but we would hope that, if a takeover is agreed between the companies, that any new owner would work with us to ensure that the development plans for the Leith Docks area will continue. "If the company was on a sound financial footing, we would hope that the development could even be speeded up.
"The best thing for all parties, including the council, is that this comes to as speedy a conclusion as is possible."
The takeover speculation could also delay plans to bring a giant observational wheel to Leith Docks. Great City Attractions (GCA) had hoped to submit a joint planning application with Forth Ports in December but no plans have yet been submitted to the city council.
The council had been working with both companies on the plans but it is now understood that it is down to GCA and Forth Ports to reach an agreement to take formal plans forward. Nobody at GCA was available to comment on the proposals today.
Forth Ports is the only listed port operator in the UK but its 400 acres of development land at Leith is seen as one of its most prestigious assets.
Plans include 16,000 homes and a massive development of retail, commercial and industrial units across the site.
The latest proposal by Arcus values Forth Ports at around 745m, compared to 640m last year.
A spokeswoman for Forth Ports was unable to comment on the impact of any potential takeover. In a formal statement, the company said: "On the basis of this indicative proposal, the board has agreed that Arcus can undertake certain confirmatory due diligence."


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Hardcore punk supergroup OFF! is embarking on their first full US tour, in support of the CD release of their debut album, First Four EPs, out on grungy Vice. The group, composed of Black Flag/Circle Jerks frontman Keith Morris, Burning Brides frontman Dimitri Coats, Redd Kross bassist Steven McDonald, and everywhere-drummer Mario Rubalcaba, will tour the US before hitting Coachella in April.
OFF! premiered last March at SXSW, the result of a collaboration between Coats and Morris for a failed Circle Jerks record. In a summer interview, CMJ talked with Coats who commented on the band's formation. "We played what we had, and they flipped out," says Coats. "The first time we got into a room together and played these songs it sounded explosive… I think a lot of people on paper look at super groups and they think, 'oh whatever,' but we actually deliver. The songs are good and the show is good."
Tour Dates For OFF!
03/22 – Atlanta, GA – Drunken Unicorn *
03/23 – Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506 *
03/24 – Washington, DC – The Red Palace *
03/25 – Baltimore, MD – The Ottobar *
03/26 – New York, NY – Santos Party House *
03/28 – Cambridge, MA – Middle East Downstairs *
03/30 – Buffalo, NY – Mohawk Place *
03/31 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop *
04/01 – Detroit, MI – Magic Stick *
04/02 – Chicago, IL – The Bottom Lounge *
04/03 – Minneapolis, MN – Triple Rock Social Club
04/17 – Indio, CA – Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival
* with Trash Talk


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Mar 23 2008
Easter egg
This morning I woke up early to look for an egg.
Last night before I went to bed I saw that Dorothy, the female peregrine at University of Pittsburgh, was on her nest. That probably meant she was going to lay an egg before dawn.
Sure enough, here she is on Easter morning with her first egg of 2008. Congratulations!
To watch her at the nest, see the National Aviary's webcam
March 25, 2008, 2:15pm: Dorothy laid her second egg today at about 2:15pm. Thanks to two sharp observers who sent me comments to alert me. It turns out that at 2:15pm I was outdoors watching the Cathedral of Learning. Suddenly Dorothy and Erie began a courtship flight. Maybe their flying meant "happy egg."
4 Responses to "Easter egg"
# Nancy Battilanaon 23 Mar 2008 at 11:04 pm
My first time seeing the two peregrine nests – i am so thrilled – cannot wait to see the babies hatch and fledge – thank you for the wonderful view
# Sunflower407on 25 Mar 2008 at 1:42 pm
Dorothy just laid her second egg at approx. 2:15 p.m. Tuesday!
# joe schultzon 25 Mar 2008 at 1:51 pm
Noticed second egg today at 2:45 PM. (March 25)
# CathyKon 27 Mar 2008 at 12:16 pm
We were outside on Tuesday around the same time. We work at Carnegie Museum in Oakland and are always on the lookout for the peregrines flying around the building, over Panther Hollow, going for pigeons, etc. We saw the courtship flight, too – including dive-bombing and other impressive swooping, a mere 20 feet over our heads in the museum parking lot!


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Porsche Has an Identity Crisis Amid Its SUV Success
Last month, Porsche Chief Executive Officer Matthias Müller attended the Gaisberg classic-car race in the alpine countryside near Salzburg to schmooze with collectors of legendary sports cars like the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL gull-wing, the Alfa Romeo Spider, and the Ferrari Dino. His unspoken message: The Porsche brand still belongs in that elite company, even if its lineup is increasingly dominated by sport-utility vehicles popular with affluent suburban moms.
After veering away from tradition with models like the Cayenne SUV, which now accounts for about half its profits, Porsche is expanding its stable of purebred sports cars in a bid to shore up its reputation. The 918 Spyder, an $845,000 limited-run hybrid supercar, which will be Porsche's most expensive model ever when deliveries start next year, may be followed by a new $250,000 model to take on superrich toys such as the Ferrari 458 Italia or McLaren MP4-12C. Müller has also tabled plans for a roadster cheaper than its $49,500 entry-level Boxster. "We always have been and still are a sports car company," Müller says. "When there's a model that's not directly a sports car, it should be balanced by a pure sports car model in order to maintain our heritage."
Retaining Porsche's vaunted image is crucial because that's what allows it to command some of the fattest profit margins in the auto industry. As the company has broadened its product line, however, the brand's allure has taken a knock among purists. In 2002, Porsche introduced the Cayenne, which shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7. It followed up in 2009 with the Panamera, a four-door cruiser. The shift to more practical models will accelerate in 2014, when Porsche rolls out the Macan, a compact SUV which will use the same platform as the Audi Q5.
"Porsche was the purest of brands," says Rick Ratliff, a retired media consultant from Ann Arbor, Mich., who until recently drove a Boxster roadster and ran a blog called Porscheophile. After the Cayenne and the Panamera, Porsche "sort of lost its luster. The new SUV seems like yet another attempt to take a wonderful brand and cloud it."
The non-sports car expansion stoked fears among Porsche fans that the maker of the venerable 911 (with top speeds of up to 196 miles per hour) could give up its focus on high-performance driving to churn out cash for Volkswagen, which is in the process of acquiring the 50.1 percent of Porsche it doesn't already own. "When VW really gets its hands on the manufacturing, the economics will take over," says Adrian Streather, the author of several Porsche 911 buyer's guides, who's driven the iconic model for two decades. "There are two Porsche clients nowadays: one that buys the brand and another who buys the car."
Wooing non-sports car drivers has paid off for Porsche, which posted a profit margin of 17.5 percent in the first quarter, vs. VW's 6.8 percent. About 50 percent of Porsche's profit came from the Cayenne, while the 911 generated about one-third of earnings, according to estimates from Jürgen Pieper, an analyst with Bankhaus Metzler.
With the upcoming Macan, Porsche's SUV sales will nearly double to 109,900 vehicles in 2014 from 57,400 last year, IHS Automotive forecasts. Deliveries of the sports cars—including the 911, the Boxster roadster, and the hard-top Cayman version—will probably rise 33 percent to 67,600 cars, IHS estimates.
Porsche wants to counter the SUV shift by using the 918 to establish the brand at the cutting edge of driving technology. The vehicle, which sports a lightweight carbon-fiber body, combines a 570-horsepower V-8 engine with electric motors that can propel the car emission-free for more than 25 kilometers (15 miles). The car accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour in less than 3 seconds—on par with the Lamborghini Aventador's 2.9 seconds. Porsche is also courting favor with sports car enthusiasts by building so-called experience centers in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Shanghai that include racetracks, off-road driving courses, vehicles to rent, and driving instructors.
"Porsche needs to make sure the brand is not being overstretched and the sporty image prevails," says Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive Management at the University of Applied Sciences in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany. "Porsche's character, basically personified by the 911, needs to fit with the other models."


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BALTIMORE -- Vladimir Guerrero homered twice. Javy Lopez also put one over the wall, but his hit produced an out.
That pretty much summed up a Sunday afternoon in which Guerrero led the Los Angeles Angels past the error-prone Baltimore Orioles 9-3.
Guerrero drove in three runs and Chone Figgins hit a three-run homer for the Angels, who received a fine pitching performance from John Lackey and got 13 hits in their most productive offensive showing of the season.
Guerrero hit solo homers in the first and seventh innings, and an RBI single in the fifth. The homers were his first extra-base hits since homering in his first at-bat on opening day.
"Every time I go up to the plate all I am looking for is to make solid contact. That will never change regardless of whether I have one home run or no home runs," Guerrero said through an interpreter. "I never go up looking for the home run."
Lopez was merely looking for a home-run call when he sent a drive to center in the second inning with Miguel Tejada on first base.
As the ball approached the 7-foot wall, Darin Erstad leaped to make the catch. When he tumbled to the ground, it was uncertain whether he caught the ball.
By the time Erstad displayed his empty glove, Tejada had retreated from second base and was passed by Lopez. By rule, Lopez was credited with an RBI single and called out for passing the runner.
"Me and Tejada were looking at the umpire the whole time, wondering what kind of call he was going to make. We were wondering if the ball was out or (Erstad) got it in his glove," Lopez said. "One umpire called an out, so obviously Tejada went back to first base. Then the other umpire said the ball was out. But by the time he made the call, I had already passed Tejada."
The Orioles might have survived that mistake, but they also misplayed a double steal in the next inning, allowing Maicer Izturis to steal home and give the Angels a lead they would not lose.
With runners at the corners and Adam Kennedy at the plate, Figgins got caught in a rundown while trying to steal second. Izturis broke for the plate and beat the throw from first baseman Jeff Conine while Figgins took second.
"We made a couple of mistakes that cost us," Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo said. "We could have come out of that five innings up 3-2 or 4-2 and it would have been a whole different ballgame. But it unraveled after that."
Lackey (2-1) allowed two runs and six hits in eight innings. He struck out five and walked none.
"John Lackey is probably the biggest story. He was terrific for eight innings," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.
Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez entered in the ninth, but left with a cramp in his hamstring after Jay Gibbons hit a one-out RBI double. Brendan Donnelly got the final two outs.
Conine homered for the Orioles, whose three-game winning streak ended.
Orioles starter Kris Benson (1-2) gave up four runs and nine hits in five innings. The right-hander came in with a 1.93 ERA, but yielded at least one hit in every inning.
His wife, model Anna Benson, was among the 19,904 in attendance. It was the second time she's seen Kris pitch since he came to the Orioles in an offseason trade with the New York Mets.
"I was in Tampa, but it's my first time in Camden Yards," she said. "I'm just here with him. Any time he pitches, I'll be here."
Guerrero sent a 2-1 fastball into the left-field seats to give Los Angeles a 1-0 lead.
Baltimore tied it in the second, but was left aching for more after Tejada and Lopez inadvertently crossed paths.
Los Angeles made it 4-1 with a two-run fifth. Izturis doubled and scored on a double by Kennedy, who came home on a broken-bat single by Guerrero.
Conine hit his 200th career homer in the bottom half, an opposite-field solo shot to right.
Guerrero homered off Sendy Rleal in the seventh, and the Angels pulled away with a four-run eighth, capped by Figgins' homer.
- Angels DH Tim Salmon left in the fourth inning with an injury. "His groin got a little bit tight. That'll be day to day," Scioscia said.
- Conine has three hits this season: two homers and an RBI double.
- Los Angeles has scored in the first inning in eight of its 12 games.


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Cameroon's governing body for soccer announced that it will investigate allegations of match-fixing during its three World Cup games. In particular, officials will scrutinize the game against Croatia in which Cameroon fell, 4-0, and had midfielder Alex Song sent off with a first-half red card for this decidedly flagrant foul:
The announcement by Cameroon comes after a report by German magazine Der Spiegel that Singaporean match-fixer Wilson Raj Perumal had given it the final score before the game, and that he had predicted a player would get ejected in the first half. And if anyone would know that sort of thing, it's Raj Perumal, who wrote the book on match-fixing. No, literally, he did — it's available on Amazon!
On its Facebook page, the Fédération Camerounaise de Football, or Fecafoot (insert joke here. Actually, don't eww), had this to say:
Recent allegations of fraud around Cameroon 2014 FIFA World Cup three preliminary games, especially Cameroon vs. Croatia, as well of "the existence of seven bad apples" in our national team, do not reflect the values and principles promoted by our administration, in line with FIFA Code of Conduct and the ethics of our nation.
We wish to inform the general public that, though not yet contacted by FIFA in regards to this affair, our admnistration has already instructed its Ethics Committe, to further investigate these accusations. We are strongly committed to employ all means necessary to resolve this disruptive matter in the shortest delays.
In the meantime we legitimately request that any related information, unless brought before our federation and/or its Ethics Committee, be held for or treated as mere assumption.
We wish to reinstate that in fifty-five (55) years of existence, FECAFOOT has never been sanctioned for, involved in, or even linked to match fixing or any fraud of any kind.
In addition to the Song incident, Cameroon's Benoit Assou-Ekotto appeared to headbutt teammate Benjamin Moukandjo during an on-field argument.


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Contact Information:
David Bond
Marketing Manager
Terex GB Limited
Tel: +44 (0) 2476 339 594
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Coventry, England, June 2014 – As part of its continued drive to bring the latest technology and user performance to compact construction equipment worldwide, leading global solutions provider, Terex Construction, has announced the appointment of a new Engineering Director.
Eric Kuimjian brings more than twenty years' experience to Terex and will play a key part in further expanding the Coventry facility's class-leading range of backhoe loaders, site dumpers and construction rollers.
Alongside leading the West Midlands-based factory team and bringing the latest technologies to the Terex equipment portfolio, Kuimjian will also be responsible for introducing the latest energy-efficient engines and low-carbon technologies, as part of the company's global emissions reduction programme.
"I'm delighted to welcome Eric Kuimjian to the Terex Construction team", commented Neal Nowick, General Manager at Terex Construction.
"With rich experience in the sector and considerable equipment knowledge built over many years' developing specialist construction technologies, we're confident that he will make a positive impact on the products we offer to our customers worldwide.
Commenting on his appointment, Kuimjian said: "With continued investment in its range of compact construction equipment, Terex is going from strength to strength. The portfolio is recognized around the world for delivering strong returns and performance. Joining the team at this time is really exciting and offers a chance to develop the range and the engineering team to keep pace with the challenges and opportunities ahead.
"My key priorities in the first few months will be to drive innovation throughout the Terex range; bringing next-generation solutions and user-friendly equipment to hire firms, owner-operators and construction companies worldwide. Going forward, I plan to look at ways to enhance performance and user experience whilst ensuring that our entire range meets global emissions requirements."
Terex Construction's latest appointment comes as part of continued recent successes. Earlier this year, the compact construction equipment expert announced a new contract to supply 400 Terex site dumpers to leading hire-specialist, GAP Group, alongside announcing the creation of 50 new engineering jobs at its factory site in Prologis Park.
For further information please contact Gill Holtom or Ed Willmott at Prova Public Relations on +44 (0) 1926 776 900 or email firstname.lastname@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com.
About Terex
Terex Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer of a broad range of equipment that is focused on delivering reliable, customer-driven solutions for many applications, including the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, refining, energy, utility and manufacturing industries. Terex reports in five business segments: Aerial Work Platforms; Construction; Cranes; Material Handling & Port Solutions; and Materials Processing. Terex offers financial products and services to assist in the acquisition of equipment through Terex Financial Services. More information can be found at www.terex.com.
# # #
© 2017 Terex Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


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CONTACT: Justin Hoyt, (518) 629-7898, firstname.lastname@example.com RELEASE: Immediate, Sunday, May 5, 2012
The Hudson Valley Community College women's golf team came in first place at Batavia Country Club, hosted by Genesee Community College on Saturday afternoon.
Lisa Oyangen (Mohonasen/Niskayuna) finished in first place overall and was the winner of the individual medalist.
The golf team finishes the season with a perfect 3-0 record.


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Welcome to WebmasterWorld Guest from 18.104.22.168
Forum Moderators: not2easy
Basically, each time I save, if I save as 100% quality, is there any more loss in image quality, and can I mitigate that by using a different format?
Thanks in advance!
In most cases it will get worse. If you convert them to a format that uses compression algo - you loose quality. Even if you open JPG and then save it as JPG - you loose quality.
Better leave them as they are, and don't convert to anything.
So, if I take the original JPG, edit it, then save it as XCF, if I go back and make further changes, I'm not going to lose any more image quality no matter how many changes I make.
Once it is saved in XCF format, the quality stays the same. Am I right or wrong in this assumption?
only ever convert back to a jpeg (if required for the web for instance) as the very last stage of your work
IMO you should convert them to psd (or whatever)
Good advice, but rather than convert them, use 'save as' (batch for multiple) - leaving the originals in tact. If your camera has the option for raw file output, I would keep them this way. JPEG naturally compresses the image.
Store your raw files and then use a lossless format for editing them. I prefer tiff [google.com] and then you compress them into JPEG for the web.
My old digital camera shot JPGs. If I was going to do much editing to one of them I'd work with a TIFF copy. Every time you open and save a JPG, the image degrades a little more.


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Woof to my friends.....
You remember when I last got my mom to write in my diary for me that we had Colbe visiting with us? Well, he went home with his mom and dad....they found a new home in Baton Rouge....I was sad to see him leave if I tell the truth, although, I do not tell my mother those things (she might think I would like to have another friend for real!)...Colbe's parents had to start over again and even though he was with us for almost 3 months, they still had no home, no car and no jobs but God was good to them and found them a place in Baton Rouge. I told Colbe I knew it was gonna be alright and if he ever wanted to come back for a visit, just let my mama know and we would come get him.
Now, remember that other issue that my mom has...the one about graduate school? Well, that has become my worst nightmare. There is this machine that she sits in front of all the time and all I can see are her fingers moving and angry looks on her face most of the time. She stays on it all the time and I don't even get to sit in her lap while she is working on whatever it is. She did tell me one time "Sadie, you cannot stand on my laptop", well, my understanding of laps is that that is exactly where you stand, so what's up with that? She tells me that this will all be over very soon, like I even understand the concept of time....don't dogs just live in the moment? And my other issue is....she KNOWS I DO NOT LIKE CHILDREN so what does she pick for a career? CHILDREN!!!!!!! My mama loves me, I can tell by how she scratches my back for me every single day, whenever I need it....she gives me a greenie every single day and I know they come from Dog Heaven.....she takes a bath with me instead of slamming me off into that big white tub by myself....(some of my friends and her friends laugh at her because of that but I know that means she loves me)....anyway, I just am learning about how to be patient (I didn't know dogs knew what that meant but she has been watching the Dog Whisperer and he says we do know what that means) and I know that after a while, we can go back to our old life of just playing with each other. She tells me she graduates in November this year (whatever and whenever that is)....sometimes, she is funny cause she acts like I understand everything she is telling me!.........
Okay, she says this is all the time she has and has to get back to work on her "school stuff"....I am gonna pout and make her feel bad so she will give me a nice chew bone.....these mamas are such suckers for that sad look....
Hope all you guys and girls are doing good and I am so glad my mama remembered that I like to go on the internet just like she does and look at all my friends......Later, Sadie Moon
My mom got us a new friend to have with us for a while. I made him think I wasn't gonna be too terribly friendly at first, you know you have to get the upper hands with these big dogs (male too!) from the get-go. His name is Colbe and he is from St. Bernard Parish where his mama and daddy lost everything they owned, even their car. Colbe wants to share mine but I don't like it one bit, I can tell you. (even though really, he is a nice guy.....kinda young and rowdy with big feet and long legs but sweet) he is a chocolate lab and he is kinda small even for a big dog. He loves to chase balls, (my mama used to play with me all the time with my maddogs and now HE is getting all the attention). My mom tells me we have to open our hearts and home to Colbe because he went through an awful time down there in St. Bernard Parish.
We all go for walks when mom comes in from class, sometimes in the early afternoon, sometimes in the evenings and you know what? colbe is kinda fun to run with. He will chase me when he is not stuck up my mama's butt (fraid she is gonna walk off and leave him? we live in the country, nut...she is not going anywhere) my mom told me to quit being sarcastic that he doesn't know any better right now and he just wants to be close to someone. Now i chase him when he is bringing the ball back to mom. got more response from mom when i did that instead of just sitting around barking at him for my mom not playing with me.
We are not sure how long we are gonna have colbe, we haven't heard from his owners in weeks. sometimes, i think we are gonna get to keep colbe and mom says that these people are doing good to take care of themselves at this point, and we will do whatever we need to do for colbe and his family. Which means, he is moving to the new house with us..we took him out there one day while susan and mom were cleaning up and he acted like he wanted to run his legs down to the nub. mellie and i relaxed in the shade after we had sniffed around and made sure everything was okay for us. i even let him ride in my car as long as he stayed in the backseat..he is too big for the front seat, my mom says.
anyway, now i have a big guy friend that likes to run and we are both getting stronger and sleeker (my mom told me that word) every day. and mom feels much better too after walking. we get to smell for as long as we want too. the walk is through the field and it smells like deer come out there every day while we are inside. i know they do...
gotta run now...mom has got to go back to town for school and she says the computer has to be turned off now..guess i will go lay down for a while...
Hi you guys and gals...I finally got my mom to at least put one diary entry on this site since everyone has been so nice and loving on here. She tells me every night how thankful she is that my friend, Dumplin, told me about this place. I have been telling her all along I was meant for stardom but she just thinks I am full of it!
Now she is telling me she doesn't know what to write except what a wonderful, loving, loyal, faithful, caring, sweet dog I am....I told her that was good, keep going.
I know I am an individual with an attitude and my mom calls me "twisted sister" at times but I know that is a term of endearment 'cause she calls, Hannah, my human cousin (my mom's first grandchild) twisted sister as well. Sometimes I don't really understand human folks but I just know that they love us and tell us all kinds of things that about 75% of the time, they are using words way over my head and still I sit there and act like I am interested and I guess in a way I always am...If it makes my mom feel better, then what's it gonna hurt for me to listen.
My mom started graduate school this past summer and I can tell you my life went into a downward spiral. First, the divorce, then we moved to Maryland to live with that nasty little Hannah, but her mom is my mom's only daughter, and I have to admit, mom was much happier once she decided that life was about living and we got on with ours....then we move back down here to LA and she decides that she has just got to be a teacher....MORE CHILDREN! I really do not like children except those that stay out of my circle but my mom really loves them and says she knows she wants to do this...WHATEVER, she also says I am supposed to just follow wherever she leads me to, all that dog thing about "loving, trusting companion" stuff.
So for now, we are in Ruston where we have been before with my friend, melody, and her mom Susan (my mom's old college roommate..still here...also single...I really don't think either of them is looking for anyone but I can tell you I miss my Dad lots of times)
Okay, okay, she is telling me to quit reading over her shoulder and that she has to get off this computer and get some studying done and other things that are just taking her attention away from me...she says to stop whining and there are lots of animals worse off than me and I should be grateful...(I am but you know I have a reputation to protect...ME...ME...ME thing) so maybe she will write again, maybe she won't but at least she did this for me. She really would do anything for me, 'cause she says I am her heart (altho, Hannah named her JuJu) still I am her heart...
BYE for now....Sadie Moon...(when I want to be, if I don't I just pick a name and act like she is talking to someone else!!!WOOF WOOF)
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Exclusive: HMRC extends big data system to tackle corporation tax evaders
Department adds extra data feeds and real-time capabilities to Connect system
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is extending its big data IT system as part of its efforts to clamp down on corporation tax evaders, V3 has learnt.
In December last year, chancellor George Osborne said HMRC would be the only government department to be given increased funding, and this was in order to help chase down companies evading corporation tax.
This came as headlines focused on Starbucks, Amazon and Google for not paying their fair share of corporation tax.
Now, in an exclusive interview with V3, HMRC IT director and acting chief information officer Mark Hall, said the department's risk and intelligence IT system, Connect, is currently being upgraded to help chase down such companies.
Connect, which analyses and cross-matches billions of taxpayers' records employment details and self-assessment records, will be extended further to include more data sources, said Hall.
The Connect system was introduced by HMRC in 2010, after being designed by defence contractor BAE Systems at a cost of £45m.
The government said in September the system had already helped HMRC generate £1.4bn in extra tax yield by clamping down on tax evaders and by systematically identifying those having difficulties paying taxes.
Now, Hall said the system is being given "extra data feeds" around business history and behaviour to further increase tax yield from tax evaders, specifically those evading cooperation tax.
"Our current business strategy is about increasing yield, bringing in more tax and providing a better experience to the customer while doing this," said Hall.
"We have already built a lot into the Connect system but we want it extended with more data feeds. We also are looking at moving upstream with the system, so instead of analysis happening after the event, we will embed risk and analysis as part of the transaction itself."
He also touted the real-time capabilities coming to the system as a notable improvement for users.
"These real-time capabilities will alert those filling out their tax forms if they are doing it wrong. So if they submit a figure that is out of the ordinary, they will be given a warning.
"Also, as taxpayers fill out their self-assessment forms, the system will be able to pre-populate the forms at the same time, like insurance companies do."
Additionally Hall said HMRC is working to make HMRC's digital channels clearer for those subject to corporation tax.
"We are moving to a more modern digital environment. In the area of business tax, we plan to create an online banking type of environment so businesses can see all their taxes in one place," he said.
"Also by using more digital channels, we can reduce the amount of paper we send out. So for instance, tax reminders will be given online. We can also make information on the HMRC website more interactive so it's more informative for people."
Hall is currently the acting chief information officer for HMRC, assuming previous HMRC CIO Phil Pavitt's responsibilities this month in addition to his HMRC IT director role.
Pavitt has now taken up a role with insurance firm Aviva, leading its global transformation programme.
"Now I'm a board member, my role is slightly more strategic. But we've had a strong succession process. I've been deputy CIO for two years now so I've already been doing all the running of IT," said Hall.
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Caption It! #106 Contest Winner!
We have a winner! Congratulations to Raeon R. for the winning the Caption It! contest! You win a LeTigre polo!
Mercedes marketing executives admit that they may have picked the wrong spokesmodels to advertise their leather interior and airbags, which are available in either beige or brown.
Everyone was incredibly creative this time around. The main themes that ran throughout the entries were The Three Stooges, drag queens, Botox, Madame Tussaud's, "Snap, Crack & Pop," "The lion, the witch and the wardrobe… ," weaves, trannies, and the Muppets.
Thanks to everyone for submitting the great entries, and thanks to LeTigre for providing the prize. Look for another Caption It! contest this coming Friday.