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Everton angered by training ground decision
Everton have launched an attack on Liverpool City Council after losing a planning appeal that will cost the club £10m.
The Merseyside club had hoped to sell their former Bellefield training ground in West Derby for housing, with the cash going towards their £78m contribution for the proposed new stadium in Kirkby.
The club insist that the Kirkby development – a joint venture with Tesco – will not be affected by the Bellefield site blow, with a club spokesman saying: "We can find that money from other sources."
A separate planning inquiry is currently under way to decide whether the club's new stadium project can go ahead, and it is expected to last another three weeks.
But the Bellefield rejection has reignited the row between Everton and the council over their proposed move outside the city to Kirkby. Liverpool Council do not want to see the club move outside the city boundaries, but lengthy debate over new sites inside the city have failed to produce a solution, and Everton have now opted to move to Kirkby.
Everton insist the cash from the sale of Bellefield was not an integral part of the Kirkby scheme, but the loss of £10m will certainly not help. The club feel the decision is political. Acting chief executive Robert Elstone said: "The truly disappointing aspect of this is that the politicians who run this city went against the recommendations of the council's own planning experts. In such circumstances you have to ask, why is that? What is the point in employing experienced and learned experts if you are simply going to ignore their advice?"
Belfast Telegraph


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Exxon Mobil: A Great Big Buy
John D. Rockefeller, and the heirs to his Standard Oil fortune, would probably all agree on one maxim: Nothing succeeds like success. And so, no doubt, does the management at the company that is the direct descendent of the oil colossus: Exxon Mobil (XOM).
Success, in fact, is what greases the wheels of Exxon Mobil, the world's largest publicly owned integrated oil company. It has been piling up billions upon billions of dollars each year in eye-popping profits. Even some current-day members of the Rockefeller family couldn't budge the company (BusinessWeek.com, 5/28/08) off its chosen path when they tried to push the oil giant's focus toward alternative and renewable energy and split the role of chairman and chief executive officer. Rex Tillerson, current holder of both those titles, would have had to give up the chairmanship of the company's board.
Not So Ho-Hum
To be sure, Exxon Mobil's shareholders should be a happy bunch. The company racked up a record $40.6 billion in profits in 2007 on sales of $358.6 billion, on top of $39.5 billion in 2006 on sales of $335.1 billion, and $36.1 billion in 2005 on sales of $328.2 billion. Since Tillerson's elevation to chairman and CEO in January, 2006, the stock climbed from 55 a share to 96 on May 21, 2008, before easing to 85 on June 3. So it wasn't much of a surprise when shareholders backed management's strong stand against the Rockefeller proposals.
But the real story here is why Exxon Mobil, which is a mainstay in almost every institutional investor's portfolio, remains an attractive stock—and a must-own for long-term investors. True, a big oil tanker is hard to turn quickly when the waters get rough, and with Exxon Mobil's broad base of shareholder ownership —with a huge market cap of $467 billion—you can't expect to see the company's stock make sharp, spectacular upward moves. But it's the company's sheer size, and predictable profitability, that make it an attractive choice in a dicey market.
Even so, or maybe even because of those reasons, some analysts regard Exxon Mobil as a ho-hum stock. Of the 19 major Street analysts who follow it, 10 rate it a hold against nine who recommend it as a buy. But what's noteworthy is none rate it a sell.
So why buy the stock if you don't already own it, or why buy more when you already have shares? One basic reason: The giant oil company is still very much undervalued.
Oil Price Effect
Richard Helm, a senior vice-president and portfolio manager at Cohen & Steers Capital Management (CNS), says that for such a huge company with oodles of cash on its balance sheet (some $34 billion), Exxon Mobil is one of the cheapest energy plays. For one, the stock now trades at just 10 times 2008 estimated earnings of $9 a share. That is about in line with, or less than, its smaller peers. Helms figures that this year the stock could hit 102 a share. Exxon Mobil is one of the top 10 holdings in Cohen & Steers' portfolio.
There are many other reasons, he says, why he considers Exxon Mobil an attractive value. Per-share earnings, for one, have been on a fast track, rising from $1.69 in 2002 to $7.28 by 2007. And its stock has raced up from 30 a share in 2002 to 85 as of June 3, 2008. The company's return on equity has vaulted to 34.5% last year, from 26% in 2006. And dividend growth, a number that Helms pays attention to, is at a yearly clip of 9.1%, with the shares yielding 1.7%. Its fat cash hoard enabled Exxon Mobil to buy back about $8 billion of its stock in the first quarter of 2008.
True, much of its huge profits are currently driven by skyrocketing crude oil prices. But even if oil prices moderate, Exxon Mobil's awesome earnings aren't likely to crash, Helm argues.
Here are some numbers he believes are important to consider: In 2007, 83% of the company's total revenues came from its downstream, or refining, operations, which accounted for just 23.6% of net income. On the other hand, oil and gas production, or upstream, activities accounted for only 7.3% of revenues but generated a whopping 65% of profits, mainly due to the jump in oil prices. He argues, however, that even when the price of oil moderates, Exxon Mobil's refining operations could well produce increased earnings. As of 2007, it owned interests in 38 refineries worldwide.
Outperforms the S&P
As one of the world's largest oil and gas producers, Exxon Mobil owns the largest portfolio of proved reserves and production in North America, and is the largest producer of oil and gas in Europe.
One important issue for oil producers is the life of its reserves and how fast they can be replaced. Helms notes that compared with its peers, Exxon Mobil's reserves have a longer life, which he estimates at about 14 years, one of the highest in the industry. The company increased its capital expenditures to $25 billion in 2008, from $20 billion in 2007.
Exxon Mobil replaced its 2007 production by adding reserves from Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Africa, according to Robert Mitkowski of Value Line (VALU). He considers Exxon Mobil's shares timely for purchase by conservative investors, because of the company's strong finances. Its commitment to increased research and development, he adds, means the company will probably participate, if not lead, in any major industry shifts, such as advanced fuel technology. "The company's position as a mainstay in the energy field appears assured for years to come," says Mitkowski.
With its size and dominance in the energy industry, not many investors realize that Exxon Mobil's stock has outperformed the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index in the past 19 years. That's an impressive score, and it's likely the oil behemoth could continue to outpace the stock market in the years ahead.

subset: commoncrawl


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City of Torrance Appoints John J. Neu as New Police Chief
(October 10, 2006)
The City of Torrance announced the appointment of John J. Neu as its new police chief. Since starting his career in 1985 at the Torrance Police Department, John J. Neu has risen through the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain to becoming the 8th police chief of the City of Torrance. He received his new badge on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at the Torrance City Council meeting. A Torrance resident, Neu serves as captain of the patrol and special operations bureaus prior to his appointment as chief. New brings his breadth of experience, exemplary training, continued education and excellent interpersonal skills to lead a department that has remained committed to protecting the public's safety. He is a West Torrance High School graduate with a bachelor's and master's degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University. read more (PDF) >>
Torrance City Council to Honor Torrance Babe Ruth Team - Champions of the 2006 Babe Ruth League World Series
(Sept. 7, 2006)
Torrance, Calif., - Having won the 2006 Babe Ruth League World Series Champions, the Torrance All-Star team will be honored by the Torrance City Council on September 12, 2006 during a regularly-scheduled City Council meeting that begins at 7:00 p.m. Council meetings are held at City Hall, 3031 Torrance Boulevard. The public is invited to celebrate this unique and joyous occasion. read more (PDF) >>
City of Torrance Mayor and Council Announce Dedication of Lago Seco Park
(August 16, 2006)
TORRANCE, Calif. - Torrance City Council announced today that a dedication ceremony is scheduled on Saturday, August 26, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. to mark the official re-opening of Lago Seco Park located at 3920 235th Street. read more (PDF) >>
New Commissioner Certification Training Program
Interested in becoming involved in the community as a City Commissioner?
Then sign up for the mandatory commissioner certification training. On August 15, 2006, Torrance City Council approved a newly-created Commissioner Certification Training Program to help increase knowledge about what the role entails. Residents interested in becoming a commissioner must complete one two-hour session to become eligible. Certification received upon completion of the training will be valid for two years. Two training sessions were scheduled. The first one was held last September 27th and the second will be held on October 25th at 6 p.m. at the George Nakano Theatre (3330 Civic Center Drive). To attend the second session, RSVP by October 18th. To RSVP, click HERE and fill out the RSVP form or call the City Manager's Office at (310) 618-5880.
Sign up now ane be on your way to becoming the next City of Torrance Commissioner!
(May 2, 2006)
TORRANCE, Calif.- Torrance CitiCABLE Channel 3 will broadcast LIVE the 300th Army Band Concert at the James Armstrong Theatre on May 19, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is part of the festivities for the 47th Annual City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade & Celebration. Anyone interested can watch the concert from the comforts of their own homes by tuning in to CitiCABLE Channel 3 with the Time Warner cable system. read more (PDF) >>


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A co-worker today announced to us today at work that she was diagnosed with strep throat last night! She came into work today! She is on anti-biotics, but I just read on the web that a person should wait at least 24 hours to return to work or school once they start the medication. Unreal!
Hope I don't get Strep.


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You are hereBlogs / Lisa Simeone's blog / Warmonger and Fearmonger Dianne Feinstein Lives to Spout Another Day
Warmonger and Fearmonger Dianne Feinstein Lives to Spout Another Day
U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein is a ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. She voted for the Patriot Act and has voted for it again every time its reauthorization has come up. Likewise, she has consistently voted against requiring FISA court warrants before the government wiretaps Americans at home or abroad.
So it should come as no surprise that she favors TSA procedures.
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As part of the Joining Forces initiative to support our nation's service members and their families, several U.S. government agencies including the National Park Service announced an annual pass to active duty service members and their dependents, granting free access to more than 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, and other public lands around the nation in the coming years.
"First Lady Michelle Obama and I started the Joining Forces initiative last year as a way to honor, recognize and support our veterans and military families," said Dr. Jill Biden. "This effort is a wonderful way to give something back, giving our military men and women and their families a chance to reconnect with their loved ones, experience the beauty of this country, and simply have a little fun."
Beginning on Armed Forces Day on May 19, active duty service men and women - Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and activated National Guard and Reserves - can obtain the new military version of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass. The pass will be accepted at National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees.
"Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to our service men and women who make great sacrifices and put their lives on the lines to protect our country and preserve our freedom," Secretary Salazar said. "In recognition of their contributions and service, we are putting out a welcome mat for these brave men and women and their families at America's most beautiful and storied sites."
Military members and their dependents can pick up a pass at any national park site, including Glen Canyon, or wildlife refuge that charges an entrance fee . Members must show a current, valid military identification card to obtain their pass. The pass is also available to dependents of active duty personnel.
Where there are entrance fees, the pass covers the owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at recreation sites that charge per vehicle. At sites where per-person entrance fees are charged, it covers the pass owner and three accompanying adults age 16 and older. There is no entry fee for children 15 and under.
While the pass is not available to veterans and retirees, many of these individuals are eligible for other discounted passes, such as the Senior Pass, granting lifetime access to U.S. citizens over 62 for $10, and the Access Pass granting free lifetime access for permanently disabled U.S. citizens.


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Tipped-stripe socks
Tipped-stripe socks is rated out of 5 by 1.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Dianne from Fun Socks Have ordered over 2 dozen pairs of different socks for Christmas for my potential son-in-law. I think he will get a kick out of the variety and the different patterns.
Date published: 2015-11-13


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Grade: A
Going into "Doubt," I had a principle concern. While having heard its performances universally praised, I feared that the film would fail to produce the sensation which its title seemed to promise.
It appeared like a power struggle between a likable character and an evil character that would result in the audience never seriously considering the central controversy. It would be obvious that the good guy didn't do that of which he was accused. Thankfully this was not the case at all.
"Doubt" is based on a 2005 play by its writer-director, John Patrick Shanley. The play and its film are set in a Catholic school in the Bronx in 1964, struggling with the changes of the Vatican II commission which modernized the Catholic church. On the one hand you have Father Brendan Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman,) a popular parish priest who the children like and who thinks the clergy should be warm and loving. On the other is Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep,) the disciplinarian principal of the school who inspires terror within her students. She is distrustful of Flynn's vision. In the middle is Sister James (Amy Adams,) a younger nun and eighth grade teacher under Sister Beauvier's supervision.
There is only one black child in the school, Donald Miller (Joseph Foster.) Donald becomes an altar boy and develops a warm relationship with Father Flynn who comforts the boy when he's tormented. One day Father Flynn calls Donald out of Sister James's class to the rectory. When he returns he seems upset and Sister James smells alcohol on his breath. Later, in a discussion with Sister Aloysius, she mentions the friendship between Father Flynn and Donald and the intimidating principal draws out the story and the questionable detail of the alcohol.
Convinced of wrongdoing by Father Flynn, Sister Aloysius then begins an investigation into what happened that includes meeting Donald's mother (Viola Davis.) As Sister Aloysius uncovers new facts and confronts Father Flynn the truth becomes anything but clear.
The reason most people seem to be praising "Doubt" is for its acting. Hoffman, Streep, Davis, and Adams have all received Golden Globe nominations for their performances. One can expect something similar to happen when the Academy Award nominations are announced.
Hoffman continues to show his chameleon-like acting abilities. He seems to be able to be anyone. His 2005 Oscar-win for "Capote" was inevitable. Hoffman's talent was apparent to those first discovering him in the late '90s in several independent film roles. In 1997's "Boogie Nights" he played an awkward, closeted gay man who worked on the crew of '70s porn films. In 1998's cult classic "The Big Lebowski" he turned a seemingly throwaway role as Brandt, the personal assistant to the titular character, into something special. Most important, though, was his performance in Todd Solondz's "Happiness" as a drunken, obscene phone caller. Now in "Doubt" he provides further evidence that he's one of the greatest actors of his generation. His performance, along with Adams, Streep, and Davis, sucks the audience into an absorbing drama and character study.
Suggested Links
More engaging even than the acting are the film's numerous thematic threads. Several issues dance around the edges of the dominant philosophical question. The first is the issue already mentioned - the conflict between the old ways of the church (symbolized in Sister Aloysius) and the new, more gentle approach (symbolized in Father Flynn.) The impressionable Sister James sits between the two. There's also a gender question involved given that the conflict centers between a priest and a nun. Power is distributed unevenly in the church between the genders and technically Father Flynn is Sister Aloysius's superior. Racial questions hang in the balance - the alleged victim is the school's only black student and the film is set in the Civil Rights era. Even questions of sexual orientation come into play. And then one certainly can't escape seeing the drama in the context of the controversial history and current events of molestation within the Catholic Church.
The primary theme of the film, though - doubt - is a question of exhilaration to a mystical agnostic like myself. It's a sheer joy to see this issue explored so openly in a film such as this. No one knows if Father Flynn molested Donald Miller. There's no clear evidence that he did and his denial and explanation seem credible. Yet Sister Aloysius acts in certainty. She begins a campaign to destroy him even though she is without evidence. She's not a one dimensional villain, though. Throughout the film there are tiny clues planted to indicate she might be right about Father Flynn. If she's wrong then she's a villain destroying an innocent man. If she's correct then she would be rightfully lauded as a hero who helped bring a predator to justice and protect a community. Yet is that really her motive? Or are Sister Aloysius's perceptions colored by her biases against Father Flynn's ideas and her desire to maintain her power? The answers to these questions are also in doubt.
The controversy of this possible molestation is a metaphor for every question of doubt. Every time we don't have ample evidence and are confronted with the possibility of acting or making a decision we are thrust into the role of Sister James, the neutral, conflicted third party, stuck between two extremes of opinion. It's the question of whether Jesus rose from the dead. It's the question of whether we should have invaded Iraq. It's every "he-said-she-said" controversy. This applies to religion, politics, and even our interpersonal relationships - the totality of human experience. "Doubt" is an enriching meditation and dramatic entertainment on this universal struggle and I can't recommend it enough.


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December 15, 2015: Further to AAVSO Alert Notice 503 and AAVSO Special Notice #409, Dr. Margarita Karovska (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics) urgently requests that multicolor and visual AAVSO observations of the symbiotic variable RT Cru continue.
The printed version of this issue will be available soon. Please watch for the announcement on our main web page.
The Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers
Volume 43, Number 2, 2015
Table of Contents
The date of the next Spring Meeting, which will be held at the Crowne Plaza in downtown St. Louis, Missouri has been changed to:
May 5-7, 2016
We hope to see you there!
AAVSO Astronomer position
Exempt position reporting to the AAVSO Director.
AAVSO Operations Manager
Exempt position reporting to the AAVSO Director.
The October Solar Bulletin is now available. Please visit the Solar Bulletin web page to download your copy:
The October SID Data report is available here: www.aavso.org/sid-database
WINNER - Video Category:
A Holiday Tour to the Planet Saturn - created by Jashleen Kaur and Low Mun Shuen from Singapore.
WINNER - Essay Category:
The charts and sequences team has been busy over the last several months creating new and updating existing variable star charts and sequences. The following is a list of updates made since 27 June, 2015. If you observe any of these objects please update your charts and photometry tables with the most recent version as soon as possible.
Note: this text is slightly different than the emailed version. No technical information was changed.
November 3, 2015
Event: Nova Sgr 2015 No. 4 = PNV J18225925-1914148
Independent discovery by:
- Shigehisa Fujikawa (Kan'onji, Kagawa, Japan, reported via I. Endoh,
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Mitaka, Tokyo)
- Hideo Nishimura (Kakegawa, Shizuoka-ken, Japan, reported via S.
Nakano (Sumoto, Japan))
- Minoru Yamamoto (Okazaki, Aichi-ken, Japan, reported via S. Nakano)


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Media releases
Australian War Memorial's first musical artist in residenceTuesday 23 May 2017
Musician Chris Latham has been appointed the Australian War Memorial's first ever musical artist in residence, to last until 2021.
During his residency Mr Latham will research the Memorial's music collection and identify, arrange, and record music with accompanying contextual material that reflects on Australia's war, operational service, and home front experiences. He will focus on the First World War, Second World War, and the Vietnam War, in that order.
Memorial farewells MephistoThursday 18 May 2017
Visitors to the Australian War Memorial only have until the end of May to see Mephisto, the last remaining First World War German A7V tank, before it returns to Queensland.
Displayed in Anzac Hall since July 2015, this is the first time the rare tank has been seen outside Brisbane since it was transported from Europe after the end of the First World War. It will be removed from display and returned to Queensland in the first week of June.
Thousands attend Anzac Day 2017 National CeremonyWednesday 26 April 2017
Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial, today said he was proud to see the large crowd braving the elements at today's Anzac Day National Ceremony.
"An estimated 7000 people attended the National Ceremony and veterans' march, bringing the total number of people at both Anzac Day ceremonies at the Australian War Memorial to 45,000," Dr Nelson said.
"Anzac Day is a time for all Australians to come together to commemorate the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and servicewomen in every theatre of war and on operational service.
Strong crowd numbers for Anzac Day Dawn ServiceTuesday 25 April 2017
An estimated 38,000 visitors gathered this morning at the Australian War Memorial for the 2017 Anzac Day Dawn Service.
Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial, said he was proud of the continuing commitment and dedication of everyday Australians to the annual commemoration of Anzac Day.
"The attendance at this year's Dawn Service shows the enduring connection so many people have to Anzac Day and what it represents for our servicemen and servicewomen – and indeed for all Australians," Dr Nelson said.
Two AK-47s seized by HMAS Darwin presented to MemorialFriday 21 April 2017
The Commanding Officer of HMAS Darwin, Commander Phillip Henry, today officially presented two AK-47s seized during Operation MANITOU to the Australian War Memorial.


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Home > News & Events > News > Articles > Policy Matters: The Informal Economy
On a tour of a slum settlement in Ahmedabad City, India, Martha "Marty" Chen paused when she noticed a woman hunched over a neat row of little pill bottles. On closer inspection, Chen realized the woman was assembling cardboard boxes to hold the bottles.
Chen stopped to watch the woman work. This wasn't a typical activity for a home-based worker. It seemed oddly out of context in the dusty alley, better suited to a factory or warehouse. Chen's mind bubbled with questions, both practical and personal, all begging for attention.
"How long have you been doing this work?" she asked. "What happens when it rains? How much are you paid? Who supplies the work to you?"
For Chen, these questions are not merely academic—she cares passionately about the plight of the working poor. Chen is a cofounder of Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO, pronounced "we go"), a global network that seeks to improve conditions for the working poor, especially women, in the informal economy. This includes not only home-based workers like the woman Chen saw in the alley assembling boxes of pill bottles for a multinational pharmaceutical company supplier, but also domestic workers, street vendors, and waste pickers (people who collect and sort waste for recycling).
Supporting and protecting informal workers
Chen advocates for appropriate regulations, protection, and support to improve conditions and give workers a greater voice in processes that affect their work. Progress toward this goal is uneven because WIEGO has to rely on national laws and legal cases to establish basic worker protections. Recently, the WIEGO network celebrated a major legal victory by an association of waste pickers in Colombia. Thanks to the efforts of pro bono lawyers, the Colombian constitutional court affirmed the waste pickers' "right to survival"—i.e., their right to pursue waste picking as a livelihood—and mandated that the city government allow associations of waste pickers to bid for solid waste management contracts. This ruling put US$1.7 billion in solid waste management contracts on hold; these contracts would otherwise have gone to a handful of private companies. Since the legal victory, WIEGO and other supporters have provided technical and political support to the association of waste pickers in preparing their bid for a solid waste management contract.
Chen challenges the common misperception that informal workers are themselves the difficulty. "The informal economy is not the problem," she emphasizes. "The workers provide a vital service. They are part of the solution." She argues that reversing how the informal economy is perceived requires quantifying the size and contributions of the informal economy, which may be broadly defined as any economic activities and workers not explicitly regulated or protected by the state. She notes that workers who are uncounted are also unvalued and unprotected.
How big is the informal economy?
The WIEGO network has a program dedicated to improving labor force and other economic statistics on the informal economy. This involves enhancing data collection and analysis and making data more readily available. With the International Labour Organization (ILO), the WIEGO network has just completed the second edition of Women and Men in the Informal Economy: A Statistical Picture, which contains regional estimates and country-specific data. The report also publishes, for the first time ever, data on the share of domestic workers, home-based workers, street vendors, and waste pickers in urban employment.
WIEGO and the ILO estimate that one-half to three-quarters of nonagricultural workers in developing economies are informally employed and thus have no legal or social protection. When informal labor in agriculture is measured, the share may be as high as 90 percent in some nations, particularly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Effects of globalization
In today's global economy, the issue of informal employment is becoming more pressing. While the globalization of production during the past two decades has generated more jobs, many of these jobs are informal. And as companies seek to cut costs, they often outsource production through long supply chains. The subcontracted workers at the bottom of these chains—like the woman in the alley stacking and boxing pill bottles—find themselves without a voice to speak up for their own working conditions and payment terms. It is not unusual for subcontracted workers to go three to six months without being paid after they have completed their work orders. What's worse is that they have no recourse.
Marty Chen's research and the efforts of the WIEGO network she coordinates are helping the working poor, especially women, in the informal economy find their voice.
Policy matters.
Martha Chen is an experienced development practitioner and scholar who specializes in employment, gender, and poverty with a focus on the working poor in the informal economy. Before joining Harvard in 1987, she had two decades of resident experience in Bangladesh working with BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee, now the world's largest nongovernmental organization) and in India, where she served as field representative of Oxfam America for India and Bangladesh. Chen, who received a PhD in South Asia regional studies from the University of Pennsylvania, is the coauthor of numerous books, including The Progress of the World's Women 2005: Women, Work and Poverty andMainstreaming Informal Employment and Gender in Poverty Reduction. In 2011, Chen was awarded a high civilian honor, the Padma Shri, by the Government of India.
Martha Chen, lecturer in public policy
"The informal economy is not the problem. The workers provide a vital service. They are part of the solution."


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Documentary lays bare our marijuana dilemma
On the night of Aug. 21 I had the privilege of seeing the marvelous first film of local filmmaker Joann Schuch, "Tricky Bidness," the latest Local Filmmakers Night offering. Several earlier documentaries have told the history of our national confusion over cannabis. What sets "Tricky Bidness" apart from the rest is the thoughtful way this film uncovers the destructive differences between the community focused values of Arcata's original, small-scale cannabis culture derived from the '60s Back to the Land movement and the greed-based, prohibition-fueled mayhem experienced in Arcata in more recent decades.
The film unfolds through interviews with a wide range of Arcata locals, long-time residents and civic officials alike, all grappling with the entropy thrown off by the proliferation of grow houses in formerly amiable and safe neighborhoods. Environmental and property damage, secretive, hostile behavior weakening the interconnections between neighbors, real and potential violence — Arcata is a microcosm of the social and cultural harm set in motion nationally by the artificially inflated economic worth that cannabis prohibition brings.
Fortunately, "Tricky Bidness" also describes the insightful ways other than the use of para-militarized police force in which Arcata has been responding to the influx of uncaring outsiders ravenous for big money and indifferent to community connections.
"Tricky Bidness" goes beyond retelling the history of cannabis prohibition. The film's poignant contribution to our country's ongoing discussion about cannabis is its unwavering focus on community well-being. I highly recommend this thoughtful, 70-minute beauty of a documentary. Stream it on Amazon.
Molly Cate, Fortuna


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Guest Editors' Introduction: Special Section on the ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality and Software Technology (VRST 2009)
Issue No. 07 - July (2011 vol. 17)
pp: 873-874
DOI Bookmark: http://doi.ieeecomputersociety.org/10.1109/TVCG.2011.87
This special section is dedicated to the three Best Papers of VRST 2009, which was held in Kyoto, Japan from 18 to 20 November 2009. The papers were first selected by a jury based on the referees' reports and the oral presentation. The authors were then asked to provide an extended version. The extended papers were then reviewed through a strict peer review process.
The first paper, "Robust Relocalization and Its Evaluation for Online Environment Map Construction" by Sehwan Kim, Christopher Coffin, and Tobias Höllerer from the University of California in Santa Barbara, presents robust methodology and evaluation for camera orientation relocalization, using virtual keyframes for online environment map construction. In case of tracking loss, incoming camera frames are matched against known-orientation keyframes to reestimate camera orientation. Instead of solely using real keyframes from incoming video, the proposed approach employs virtual keyframes which are distributed strategically within completed portions of an environment map. The authors compare different system variants using three evaluation methods to show that the proposed system is useful in a practical sense. To improve recovery robustness against lighting changes in indoor and outdoor environments, they propose a new approach based on illumination normalization and saturated area removal.
In the second paper, "Natural Perspective Projections for Head-Mounted Displays," Frank Steinicke, Gerd Bruder, Scott Kuhl, Pete Willemsen, Markus Lappe, and Klaus H. Hinrichs from Munster University in Germany analyze the user's perception of a virtual environment displayed in a Head Mounted Displayed (HMD), which is rendered with different geometric fields of views. They introduce a psychophysical calibration method to determine the HMD's actual field of view, which may vary from the nominal values specified by the manufacturer. Furthermore, we conducted two experiments to identify perspective projections for HMDs, which are identified as natural by subjects—even if these perspectives deviate from the perspectives that are inherently defined by the display field of view.
In the third paper, "A Wide-View Parallax-Free Eye-Mark Recorder with a Hyperboloidal Half-Silvered Mirror and Appearance-Based Gaze Estimation," Hiroki Mori, Erika Sumiya, Tomohiro Mashita, Kiyoshi Kiyokawa, and Haruo Takemura from Osaka University propose a wide-view parallax-free eye-mark recorder with a hyperboloidal half-silvered mirror and a gaze estimation method suitable for the device. Their eye-mark recorder provides a wide field-of-view video recording of the user's exact view by positioning the focal point of the mirror at the user's viewpoint. They implemented and evaluated a gaze estimation method for their eye-mark recorder. They apply principal component analysis and multiple regression analysis to determine the relationship between the captured images and their corresponding gaze points.
Daniel Thalmann
Benjamin Lok
Guest Editors
D. Thalmann is with the Institute for Media Innovation (IMI), Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Drive, Research Techno Plaza, XFrontiers Block, Level 03-01, Singapore 637553.
E-mail: email@example.com.
B. Lok is with the University of Florida, CSE Building Room 544, PO Box 116120, Gainesville, FL 32611-6120. E-mail: email@example.com.
For information on obtaining reprints of this article, please send e-mail to: firstname.lastname@example.com
Daniel Thalmann received the PhD degree in computer science in 1977 from the University of Geneva and an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) from the University Paul-Sabatier in Toulouse, France, in 2003. He is with the Institute for Media Innovation at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He is a pioneer in research on virtual humans. His current research interests include real-time virtual humans in virtual reality, crowd simulation, and 3D interaction. He was the founder of The Virtual Reality Lab (VRlab) at EPFL, Switzerland, a professor at The University of Montreal and a visiting professor/researcher at CERN, the University of Nebraska, the University of Tokyo, and the National University of Singapore. Until October 2010, he was the president of the Swiss Association of Research in Information Technology and a director of the European Research Consortium in Informatics and Mathematics (ERCIM). He is co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Computer Animation and Virtual Worlds, and a member of the editorial board of six other journals. He was a member of numerous program committees and a program chair and cochair of several conferences, including IEEE VR, ACM VRST, and ACM VRCAI. He has also organized five courses at ACM SIGGRAPH on human animation and crowd simulation. He has published more than 500 papers in graphics, animation, and virtual reality. He is coeditor of 30 books and coauthor of several books, including Crowd Simulation and Stepping Into Virtual Reality (2007, Springer). He also received the Eurographics Distinguisehed Career Award in 2010
Benjamin Lok received the PhD degree (2002, advisor: Dr. Frederick P. Brooks, Jr.) and the MS degree (1999) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the BS degree in computer science (1997) from the University of Tulsa. He did a postdoctorate fellowship (2003) under Dr. Larry F. Hodges at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is an associate professor in the Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering Department at the University of Florida (UF). He is also an adjunct associate professor in the Surgery Department at the Medical College of Georgia. His research focuses on virtual humans and mixed reality in the areas of computer graphics, virtual environments, and human-computer interaction. He received a US National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award (2007-2012) and the UF ACM CISE Teacher of the Year Award in 2005-2006. He and his students in the Virtual Experiences Research Group have received Best Paper Awards at ACM I3D (Top 3, 2003) and IEEE VR (2008). His work is primarily supported by the NSF and US National Institutes of Health. He currently serves on the Steering Committee of the IEEE Virtual Reality Conference and he was a program cochair of the ACM VRST 2009 and IEEE Virtual Reality 2010 conferences, and area chair for IEEE ISMAR 2009. He is on the editorial board of the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies and Simulation: Transactions of the Society for Modeling and Simulation.


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* Knit fabric Alice Apple - 150 cm x 50 cm (60 in x 20 in) (long sleeve)
* Ribbing (neckband)
* Two buttons - ⌀ 0,6 cm
Download the free sewing pattern in size 18 months (European size: 80 cm), 24 months (European size: 86 cm), 2T (European size: 92 cm) or 3T/4Y (European size: 98/104 cm). Set your printer settings to A4 paper.
When working with knits, it is important not to stretch or pull the fabric while sewing. Also use a stretch needle and a stretch stitch. In this pattern all seams are sewed with a twin needle. Only the neck seam and the plackets are sewed with a straight stitch.
Double-click images to enlarge.
|Step 1: Draw the pattern.
Draw the pattern with an aqua trickmarker on the back of the fabric.
The pattern is without seam allowance. Ad 1 cm (0,4 in) seam allowance. Ad 2 cm (0,4 in) seam allowance at the bottom of the sleeves and the bottom of the shirt. Draw the neckline without seam allowance.
|Step 2: Cut the fabric.
Cut a front piece, a back piece and, two plackets (buttonhole layers) and two sleeves out of the fabric.
|Step 3: Cut a L shape.
Cut a L shape.
|Step 4: Fold the seam allowance to the inside.
Fold the seam allowance of the plackets to the inside and pin down.
|Step 5: Pin placket in place.
Fold the placket in half lengthwise. Pin the placket in place.
|Step 6: Sew.
Sew the placket to the shirt back. Repeat step 4, 5 and 6 for the other placket.
|Step 7: Sew both plackets together.
Sew both plackets together. Sew a square with a X inside at the bottom of the placket.
|Step 8: Stitch the buttonholes.
Using a ruler, mark where your buttons and buttonholes will go. Stitch the buttonholes.
|Step 9: Sew the sides of the shirt and the shoulder seams.
With right sides facing pin down the back and front piece. Sew the sides of the shirt and the shoulder seams.
|Step 10: Fold the seam allowance to the inside.
Fold the seam allowance of the bottom of the shirt to the inside and pin down.
|Step 11: Sew the hem in place.
Turn right-side out. Sew the hem in place.
|Step 12: Sew the sleeves.
Fold the seam allowance of the bottom of the sleeves to the inside and pin down. Sew the hems in place.
|Step 13: Sew the sleeve into the armhole.
Pin the left sleeve right sides together, into the armhole. Sew.
|Step 14: Turn sleeve right side out.
Turn sleeve right side out.
|Step 15: Pin sleeve down.
Turn shirt wrong-side out. With right sides facing, fold the sleeve in half. Pin down.
|Step 16: Sew.
Sew down the entire side.
|Step 17: Topstitch.
Turn right-side out. Topstitch. Repeat step 13 until 17 for the right sleeve.
|Step 18: Trim placket.
Trim placket.
|Step 19: Sew neckband.
Take your ribbing fabric and cut it about 4,5 cm (1.8 in) wide. Align the raw edges of the neckband with the raw edge of the neck opening, wrong sides together. Sew 1 cm (0.4 in) from the outer edge. Stretch the neckband while you sew, but be careful not to stretch or pull the long sleeve fabric.
|Step 20: Fold your neckband.
Fold your neckband in half hot dog style, wrong sides together. Pinch the two ends together, and sew, wrong sides together (use a straight stitch). Trim.
|Step 21: Sew neckband.
Fold the neckband over the cut edge, re-fold and pin down. Sew.
|Step 22: Sew the buttons on.
Sew the buttons on properly to make certain that they function well and last for years.
© small dreamfactory
intended for non commercial use only


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Revival #1 w/Grading
Anyone interested in a Revival #1 with grading?
I pre-ordered quite a few and have extras in NM/M condition that should have no problems getting 9.8's or higher. If you're interested LMK as I plan on sending a Revival #1 grading order in ASAP.
How much for the graded issue?
Yeah I might be interested, what would the cost be?
Here's the latest census on Revival #1 CGC
Regular Cover CGC 9.8: 15 copies
Variant Cover CGC 9.8: 5 copies
Third Eye/Awesome CGC Cover 9.8: 14 copies, CGC 9.4: 1 copy
Sketch Cover CGC 9.8: 16 copies
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text:
Cuba letting drivers rent buses, make money
By Rosa Tania Valdes
HAVANA (Reuters) - The Cuban government has begun renting its smaller city buses in Havana to the bus drivers in another minor move under President Raul Castro to ease the state's hand in Cuba's socialist economy.
The program, launched several months ago and still not announced by the government, appears to be part of Castro's drive to improve the communist island's troubled economy by giving more incentive for Cubans to work harder.
"They rented us the guaguas (buses). The (state) guarantees gasoline, we pay daily taxes and what is left is for us," said a driver this week while passengers filled the 16 seats of his Chinese-made Yutong bus in a Havana plaza.
Improving public transportation is one of the major challenges facing Raul Castro, who replaced ailing older brother Fidel Castro as president two years ago.
Few people in Cuba own cars and the public transit systems they depend on are notoriously insufficient.
The smaller buses are used in Havana to connect the city center with the suburbs.
The government has fixed ticket prices at five Cuban pesos, equal to 22 cents U.S. And it provides fuel and the bus in exchange for a daily payment from the drivers of 824 pesos, or the equivalent of $37 U.S.
The drivers keep anything they make above that amount, and so far they say they are earning more than the average Cuban salary of about $20 a month. Continued...


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|Jones, Tamara
|Tucker, Dawn
|Ort, Donald
Submitted to: Plant Physiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Corn, soybean, cotton, tomato and many other commercially significant crops in temperature North America are 'chilling sensitive'. These are botanical immigrants of tropical and subtropical origins where selection pressures to deal with low temperature do not exist. Photosynthetic metabolism is among the most chill sensitive process in these plants and the chilling sensitivity of photosynthesis plays a critical role both in limiting the geographical range where these crops are grown and accounts for annual variation in economic success of these crops grown at their northern border. An improvement of even one degree in temperature tolerance would have far reaching beneficial impact on the agronomy of these important crop species. Our earlier work demonstrated chilling interrupts the internal timing mechanism of chilling sensitive plants which is responsible for controlling when during the course of a day certain genes are expressed and specific proteins made. The interruption in circadian rhythm caused by chilling is expected to have adverse effects on photosynthetic metabolism. We show circadian regulation of two important enzymes under circadian regulation, sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), a key enzyme controlling sucrose biosynthesis in leaves, and nitrate reductase is severely delayed by chilling exposure in tomato. However, the effect of chilling is different in each case. Nitrate reductase is affected at gene expression whereas protein phosphorylation is affected for SPS. This finding is an important clue in understanding the molecular basis for chilling sensitive of photosynthesis in crop plants and presents exciting avenues of research designed to improve chilling tolerance in crop plants.
Technical Abstract: In earlier work we have shown that one intriguing effect of low temperature on chilling sensitive plants is to stall the endogenous rhythm controlling transcription of certain nuclear-encoded genes causing the synthesis of the corresponding transcripts and proteins to be mistimed when the plant is rewarmed. We have also shown that the circadian rhythm controlling the activity of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), a key control point of carbon metabolism in plant cells, is delayed in tomato by chilling treatments. Here we show that the activity of nitrate reductase (NR) is under circadian regulation in tomato and, like SPS, is severely delayed by chilling exposure. However, using specific protein kinase and phosphatase inhibitors, we found that the chilling-induced delay in NR activity is at the level of gene transcription rather than the result of corresponding delays in the pattern of the phosphorylation status of the protein as was found for SPS. Whereas the sensitivity of the pattern in SPS activity to specific inhibitors of transcription and translation indicate that the chilling-induced delay in SPS phosphorylation status is caused by an effect on expression of the gene coding for SPS phosphatase, the chilling-induced delay in NR activity corresponds to changes in the NR mRNA and protein levels.


text:
Slazenger Racer Cinch
Style 0946
This style is no longer available.
Need help finding a similar style? Our Customer Service team is here for you! Live chat, email us, or give us a call at 1-800-847-4478 from Monday to Friday during regular business hours.Show Available Products
Product Information
Open main compartment with cinch top
Drawstring design for shoulder or backpack carry
Signature Slazenger logo
Single Color Imprint Only
Item Size: 16-1/2" H x 13" W
Imprint Area: 5-1/2" W x 8" H


text:
Understanding financial matters when considering diagnosis, treatment and care is an important for patients and families to take. Penn Global Medicine works with the patient to educate them on payment processes as this will eliminate any unexpected fees and enable the patient to best prepare for care at Penn Medicine.
It is Penn Medicine's policy to collect 100 percent of an international self-paying patient's estimated fee prior to confirming the appointment(s) or procedures. For convenience, Penn accepts credit cards and wire transfers.
Forms of Payment
There are three main forms of payment an international patient may present. Please contact the Penn Global Medicine office for more information about each payment type:
- Self-Pay
- International Insurance
- Government Sponsored
It is necessary for all international patients to be registered with Penn Global Medicine. All patients presenting with international insurance coverage must obtain authorization from the office of Penn Global Medicine prior to attending appointments.
Patients are responsible for paying all co-payments and deductibles to the office of Penn Global Medicine prior to the scheduled date of service.
For self-pay patients, a financial deposit is required at least 48 hours prior to an appointment date. Please contact the Penn Global Medicine office prior to an appointment to ensure that all financial responsibilities are fulfilled.
Follow Up Care and Surgery
If a patient has been scheduled for additional services or if the patient is a surgical candidate and is scheduled for surgery, then the patient must promptly contact the Penn Global Medicine office after the initial appointment to ensure efficient insurance verification prior to the date of surgery.
All cancellation requests must be received by the office of Penn Global Medicine 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment. Cancellation fees may apply. Patients must contact the Penn Global Medicine office to cancel or reschedule appointments.
Additional Information
For more information about Penn Medicine billing policies, please contact the Penn Global Medicine office


text:
Philip Francis, his wife Simi, and their young daughter Nera, were butchered to death around 11pm on Tuesday Dec 27th as they slept in their home.
Philip's parents, who lived in the same house, survived the attack. The father was not around when the herdsmen came and the mother who slept in a separate room from the slain family managed to escape through the window to get help when she realised what was happeneing to her son, daughter in law and grandchild.


text:
Related Publications
- Related by Author
- Related by Topic
Related Links
Association for Jewish Studies Newsletter-Spring 1990
By Zachary M. Baker, Rela Geffen Monson, Susan E. Shapiro, Michael Grunberger, Linda P. Lerman, Howard Marblestone
Association for Jewish Studies (AJS), Spring 1990
Topic: Gender, Publications, Judaic Studies, Technology, Survey, Employment, Higher Education, Jewish Studies, Scholarship, Academic Research, Jobs
Name of Publication: AJS Newsletter
Editor: Rozenblit, Marsha
Volume/Issue: Second Series, No. 4 (#40)
Genre: Newsletter
Coverage: United States
Language: English
Copyright Holder: Publisher
Copyright Information: Download for personal use, freely distribute link
Bibliographic Information:
Baker, Zachary M. Geffen Monson, Rela. Shapiro, Susan E. Grunberger, Michael. Lerman, Linda P. Marblestone, Howard. Association for Jewish Studies Newsletter-Spring 1990. AJS Newsletter. Association for Jewish Studies (AJS). Spring 1990: http://www.bjpa.org/Publications/details.cfm?PublicationID=11900
» View Publication
(PDF, 5.22 Mb)


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Local sheriff warning people about scam calls
MARIES Co., Mo. - A Mid-Missouri sheriff is warning local residents about a new scam involving Publishers Clearing House.
The Maries County Sheriff's office said on Thursday it had already received several reports. Callers are telling people to put money on a prepaid card from the Dollar General in Vienna, about 40 minutes south of Jefferson City.
The scammers then promise to show up in 45 minutes with the winnings. Even if they have a call-back number, investigators are telling residents to not provide them any personal information.


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"Stop or i'll... or i'll... or i'll... oh heck STOP"
This is a discussion on Wal-Mart Security within the Off Topic & Humor Discussion forums, part of the The Back Porch category; I was just at Wal-Mart and noticed they have a security guy there with all his mall ninja regalia. The best part was the thigh ...
I was just at Wal-Mart and noticed they have a security guy there with all his mall ninja regalia. The best part was the thigh holster with no gun in it. I started laughing in line and had to stop as people were looking at me. He was standing against a wall with his arms crossed and the tough-guy look on his face. The whole time there was a sheriff's deputy a few feet away talking to people and being normal. The whole situation made me laugh.
"Stop or i'll... or i'll... or i'll... oh heck STOP"
"The world is filled with violence. Because criminals carry guns, we decent law-abiding citizens should also have guns. Otherwise they will win and the decent people will lose."
-James Earl Jones
We have those in our local theater.. Big guys with their little ear pieces, even mag pouches with mags in them, hand-cuffs, night sticks, radios, holster.. WAIT... No gun in the holster and to go with those fabulous magazines.
"Stop.. or I'll throw my holster at you! Or start throwing bullets.. yeah.. that will work!"
Last edited by limatunes; May 19th, 2007 at 10:11 PM.
Limatunes' Facebook PageEven death is a poor excuse for not fighting back.
Limatunes' (aka limalife) Youtube Page
Central Iowa Defensive Training
Damm and i thought i had to deal with squirells on road construction lol . Yall are makeing me more glad if possible that i farm and ranch , and only deal with the public as a side line anymore .
Make sure you get full value out of today , Do something worthwhile, because what you do today will cost you one day off the rest of your life .
We only begin to understand folks after we stop and think .
Criminals are looking for victims, not opponents.
Whats the point? A guy looking bad leaning against the wall. Wait, he probably knows karate..
Isn't that a reverse Barny Fife of sorts? Magazine full of bullets and no weapon... hmmm... dang... can't even begin to imagine what the purpose of that equipment configuration is. If I ever hear that they get their firearms from the safe in the back office in the event of an emergency I'll blow a gasket I think.
Semper Paratus (Always Ready)
I love the ones at Target... about 100 pounds of mush in BDU type of uniforms. A few tools on their belt, but they dont know how to use them (no gun).
I had a run in with one once, I think I posted about it on here once. Now that its all over, maybe I'll tell the whole story.
"Just blame Sixto"
I reserve the right to make fun, point and laugh etc.
Target here has one of those. He doesn't have an empty holster or other weapon that I can see, but he does have the tough guy swagger. The funny thing is he can't be more than 5'4" and 130 lbs. Granted I'm aware that size is not everything, I'm not much bigger myself, but I don't walk around trying to look like a badass.
- Kurt
Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it. ~Pericles of Athens
Primary Carry - Colt Commander .45 in a Brommeland Max-Con V
Maybe he left his piece laying on the toilet tank.
How demoralizing it must be to go to work wearing a holster and mags, but no gun.
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft!
-- Theodore Roosevelt --
I have a buddy who I was talking to today that did that for a year (waiting to start grad school). As we discussed it he layed it out best I could find... "I am nothing more than the greeter at walmart, except I had handcuffs and people think those give an air of authority." And for the average sheep it does.
If I had to carry all that BS and was told to wear a holster no gun I would... At least no one my boss could see. It would be there out of sight and out of their mind.
"The world is filled with violence. Because criminals carry guns, we decent law-abiding citizens should also have guns. Otherwise they will win and the decent people will lose."
-James Earl Jones
One time I was at a Publix supermarket here and noticed, as I wandered the wine section unsuccessfully seeking a requested selection, that this big fat (350 lb.+) guy was eyeing me.
Since that was all I'd come for, I headed for the exit empty-handed.
He followed me.
(I was armed: GLOCK 27 in a shoulder satchel -- not a quick-draw setup)
As I got to the exit beyond the checkout aisles, I thought it best to assess the situation with lots of people still around, not out in the parking lot at night. So I stopped and pretended to read a poster near the door.
I sensed he was right there with me.
So I turned toward him and said something like, "Can I help you??"
He then, without identifying himself as store security, challenged me and pointed/reached toward my right hip. There, he claimed, was a bottle of wine I had not paid for.
Now that I knew what was going on -- and had surmised that he was undercover store security by this point (he might have said it after this had gone on a bit, I don't recall) -- I laughed at him, lifted my shirt, and exclaimed, "It's my cell phone, blank-hole!"
At that point, I got loud. I was standing not far from the checkout, where there were lots of shoppers, cashiers, and a manager or two. I looked into the face of one of the managers and said something about the incompetence of their idiot security officer, who accused me of stealing a bottle of wine he couldn't possibly have thought he'd seen me steal, given that it wasn't there! (What kind of idiot makes an accusation of theft when he clearly did not see a theft occur because he could not have seen what did not occur?!)
Just before I turned to leave, he muttered, "...sorry."
I leaned foward and squinted like I was hard of hearing. "What?"
"I'm sorry."
"That's better," I said, and walked out.
I saw him now and then in the store, doing his useless posing-as-a-shopper thing, after that. I'd usually try to make a point of looking him in the eye as I passed him, as if to say, "Yeah, schmuck, remember me?"
I'm probably going to ruffle a few feathers with this post, but i think someone should stand up for some of these people.
I'm only going to speak for myself. See, I did a small stint as a security officer, 7 mos doing this and that, hotel (stay quiet in your room!) office building (can i see your badge?) while I was with the navy in VA as a second job.
It's not glamorous to say the least. Looking back at it now, it's not so totally different than it is for me these 12 years later.
Again, speaking for myself. Keeping my eyes open, watching for trouble. They are there as to "show" a sence of some authority. because in a way, the place they are working for "has" given them some authority. I wasn't armed, you had to pay ALLOT of money at the time to get that way. 1200$ or so
Like anyone else, they should not overpower it.
There was a you.tube video, I can't remember it right off hand now. there was a guy that went nuts in a supermarket line, attacked a clerk, pulled a knife. a security guard tried to subdue him and was stabbed. lived
are they all perfect? no. do some of them look silly to us? yes.
they have a job, I let them do it, if they overpower it to me in particular, i'll call em on it. but in the mean time, i'll let em watch me, look how they want in appearance. I'll know to myself that I'm doin nothing wrong.
my .02 cents
"I no longer list firearms I own as a signature. Why give them another list to use when they come to get them?"


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06.18.14 9:46 a.m.
Whether you're a long-time resident or visiting the Bayou City for the first time, there's no questioning Houston is experiencing an incredible burst of development, particularly within its Downtown core. Today, more than $1.39 billion in new Downtown construction projects are underway and another $2.58 billion in pre-development/design—nearly one-third of these projects being residential developments. Additionally, Houston continues to welcome waves of new businesses relocating offices to its central business district and with that, urban professionals also will see an additional 2.86 million square ...
06.02.14 12:18 p.m.
I have to admit, I was a little weary of the Sunday Streets HTX pilot program that the City of Houston Health Department was heading up. I'm usually not a huge fan of closing streets, but I went along and supported as it was only a "pilot" program and if didn't work out, not a huge deal. After participating in yesterday's event on Wash Ave/Market Square, the last one of the three, I'm now a fan!
We of course were holding down the fort at Market Square ...
04.18.14 3:05 p.m.
We were thrilled this week that City Council unanimously voted to expand the Downtown Living Initiative (DLI) from a cap of 2,500 residential units to 5,000 units by June30, 2016.
The DLI is a program that incorporates financial and other benefits to assist in the development of mixed use residential development. I know there are many folks out there that do not feel that it should be necessary to incentivize development. But, the bottom line is land values west of U.S. Route 59 are prohibitively expensive to ...
02.18.14 4:30 p.m.
We recently got a backstage tour of the House of Blues in downtown Houston and of course it was just as amazing as any music lover would imagine it to be. House of Blues is home to a two-story Music Hall, the intimate Bronze Peacock Room, the Foundation Room and the Crossroads Restaurant and Bar. While many people have been to concerts at the popular music venue very few are aware its history, the uniquely decorative features, or the new and exciting events happening there weekly.
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014


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Shelling Goes To Guppies And Gulls
The full moon low tide yesterday made for a beautiful morning walk at Blind Pass Captiva. But there was so much sand filling in around the jetty on both sides that I wasn't finding the seashell treasures that usually build up there.
As you can see the beach on the left hand side has filled in again like it did last year in December so I walked along the sand bar towards the bridge….. and finally found treasures.
I was tickled to find this beautiful LIGHTNING WHELK up on the beach…
The minute I finished taking this picture below, the big WHELK caught me eye because it seemed to change position. There was a crab in there! He was tucked in there so deeply I didn't see anything in there when I picked the shell up. Woops! Back in the water he went to grow big enough to claim his home a little better. So I had to hunt for another WHELK to make my Sanibel Six complete.
Earlier in the week, I walked down the beach in Captiva with my friend Ellen at low tide to find hundreds and hundreds of GULLS and other birds hanging out.
They were having a feast on thousands of tiny fish caught in the tidal pool. It was fascinating being there to see half these birds enjoying an early Thanksgiving and watching the other half probably feeling a little overstuffed wanting just to take a nap. Ellen and I couldn't figure out what kind of fish they were munching o so I'll just call them Guppies… I know they aren't guppies… but enjoy Guppies And Gulls with Ellen and me.Read More
Shelling And Birding With Bonnie
When I have a question about birds, I ask my friend Bonnie….. a birder. When we have traveled together, I have seen her (on many occasions) quickly digging binoculars out of her handbag to try to identify a bird in flight. I love that! A couple of years ago on Cape Cod, we both watched a bird doing something funny and I said "Look at the funny sea gull!". That's when I learned that there is NOT one bird that has the name of "Sea Gull". Weird, huh? So she is my go-to-girl when I have a question about a bird.
This is not a "Sea Gull" it's a Ring-billed Gull. I know this now because Bonnie met me on the beach at Gulf Side City Park to teach me about birding. We made a deal …. if I would teach her a little about shelling, she would teach me a little about birding. What a deal!!
She brought her binoculars and her Sibley Field Guide To Birds book to give me my first lesson on shore birds. So when we saw the Ring-billed Gull, she whipped out the Sibley and flipped to this page to show me this……(click it to enlarge)
Then we saw a Ruddy Turnstone….
Then she quickly turned to this page…but notice how many different changes and colors the Ruddy Turnstone goes through as it matures.
Then we saw a Laughing Gull. They really sound like they are laughing when they communicate.
Here is the Sibley page for Laughing Gull (again, notice the color changes!)…
So when we came across the next bird, Bonnie had to use process of elimination to figure out what bird this was. Notice the reddish color of the inside of the beak, the orange legs and the rest of the coloration.
The conclusion was that this is an adult nonbreeding Common Tern that is in a maturing stage to an adult breeding Common Tern. This was so much fun to figure out! You have to look at every detail of beak, legs and color patterns through the binoculars. It's a puzzle.
This is one of my favorites to see on the beach. I love that little spiky hair-do ( okay, it's really called a shaggy crest) . I think it was extra spiky since the fog was so thick and everything got damp so quickly… so it was even cuter. This is the Royal Tern…
Here are the details…
See? Birding is so similar to shelling. We identify both of them through patterns, colors, destinations, process of elimination ….and both of these beautiful sites are found by just taking a walk along the beach at any given time of day on Sanibel or Captiva. Here are just a few photos of the shells. I really was so much into the birds, I'm not sure I held up my end of the bargain to teach her about shells. Oops! Well, I'll have another good reason to get together with Bonnie. :)Read More


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This star rating is the opinion of the property owner only. A Self-Rated hotel has not been assessed by the AA or Visit Britain, whose official star ratings we use across LateRooms.com.
Best Inn Hotel3 Self rated
10 Argyle Road,, Ilford, IG1 3BQ
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"Very clean and tidy room upgraded to En-suite for free had a little problem with hot water in the shower but was resolved in good time very..."
"Mattress left a lot to be desired...."
"The hotel did the job, was clean and staff friendly. We got a free upgrade to an ensuite room and a later check-out for free, so we were rea..."
About the hotel
A home away from home, Best Inn hotel has got lots to offer,clean and comfortable, friendly staff, 24 hours reception and customer assistance, reduced prices offered at London attractions and transport organised at your request. The right choice for a perfect break at economical prices.
Best Inn Hotel is ideal for an Economy Stay.
We aim to provide our best services whether for travel or pleasure, time to relax or time for an adventure, Best Inn is the right choice to ensure your break is a memorable one.
All of our rooms are modern and comfortableWe are pleased to offer comfortable, clean and spacious rooms, with both ensuite and shared facilities. In addition, you will have unlimited access to broadband wireless/ WIFI with TV's in all rooms. As our guest, you can enjoy all the conveniences of a modern hotel ranging from comfortable rooms to our attentive service team who are always on call to assist you to try and deliver a first class service. With our many years of experience and long tradition of exclusive service on a very competitive price, we look forward to welcoming you as a guest.
Best Inn at a glance
•Peaceful secluded location 2 minutes away from a vibrant area
•Wide range of rooms and services
•Quality facilities
•Free Parking
•Free Tea and Coffee service
•Free unlimited Internet Wi Fi browsing with free access to a PC
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29% would recommend it to a friend
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Very basic and was dissapointed
Not good experience.
check in was not good
people off street coming and going
won't stay again. broken shower and toilet dirty
with rodent trap in toilet not a nice thing to see
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1802 Fishing Island Road Moncks Corner SC 29461 | Pimlico subdivison
On your phone? Text us now!
You can also Email Marshall to set up a showing of this 3 Bedroom(s) 2 Full Bath home for sale in the subdivision of Pimlico in Moncks Corner SC
No Recent Price Change
1802 Fishing Island Road
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
- Residential Sold
- Single Family Detached
- sold
Agent Remarks
Great Southern style home with full wrap around porch. Home sits on a double lot and backs to tidal canal. Pimlico is a riverfront community with a private boat ramp for its residents. Circle drive in front with Palmetto trees accenting the front of the home giving it that true southern style. Hardwood and tile floors throughout, tile counters and custom lighting all complete this home. Kitchen has great cabinet space, built in wine rack and a bar opening into the living area. Side by side refrigerator stays. Living room has a fireplace and lots of natural light. Master suite has two walk in closets and french doors leading to its own private covered porch. Upstairs has office area, multiple walk in closets, TV room and additional small room that could easily be used as an exercise roo m, nursery, or another office. Great storage space in this home. Utility room large enough for ironing board. Washer and dryer convey with acceptable offer. HVAC units are only 3 years old. The detached two car garage has electric, cable and phone. The yard has a beautiful mature oak tree completing the southern setting. Please view pictures.
Sale Info
Listing Date: 09-26-2011
Sold Date: 03-15-2012
Aprox Days on Market: 171 days
Asking Price: $260,000
Selling Price: $252,000
Price Difference: Reduced By $8,000
New Ownd: Pre-Owned
Bedroom Info
Beds: 3
Master Bedroom: Ceiling Fan, Multiple Closets, Sitting Room, Upstairs, Walk-In Closets
Baths Info
Full Baths: 2
Other Rooms Info
Rooms: Eat-In-Kitchen, Formal Living, Foyer, Loft, Pantry, Utility
Lot Info
Lot Size: 151''X206''X33''X102''X185''
Lot Desc: Level, Tidal Creek, .5 - 1 Acre
Acres: 0.64
Utilities / HVAC
Heat: Electric, Gas, Heat Pump
Cooling: Central
Water Sewer: Public Sewer, Public Water
SqFt Info
Sqft: 2100
Parking Info
Gar Pkg: Detached, 2 Car Garage
Interior Features
Msc Intr: Ceiling - Cathedral/Vaulted, Ceiling - Smooth, Window Treatments - Some
Floors: Ceramic Tile, Wood
Exterior Features
Misc Ext: Fence - Metal Enclosed, Patio, Thermal Windows/Doors, Porch - Wrap-Around
Property Features
Foundation: Crawl Space
Roof: Architectural, Asphalt Shingle
Stories: 2 Stories
Amenities: Boat Ramp, Cable Tv Available, Play Park, Trash Pickup
Desclocation: Gas Logs, Living Room, One
Style Info
Style: Traditional
Elem: Whitesville
Middle: Berkeley
High: Berkeley
Courtesy of listing office AgentOwned Premiere Group
We are FULL TIME and Full Service agents!
Wondering what your home in Pimlico is worth today? Call me and lets speak about your Moncks Corner SC Residential Sold property for sale?
Call Marshall at 843-532-3214 to list your Moncks Corner home today! : Please Bookmark http://www.marshallwalker.com for the best in Moncks Corner real estate : Choose Marshall Walker for your real estate needs!


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Description: This book and DVD on the knee is one in the Advanced Arthroscopy series from the Arthroscopy Association of North America. This publication also includes access to a searchable online version.
Purpose: The goal of the series is to present the best the world's leading organization on arthroscopy has to offer on arthroscopic techniques for the shoulder, hip, ankle, elbow, wrist, and the knee. These are lofty goals that I likely would trust no other organization to accomplish. Richard Ryu, AANA's past president, the lead editor for the series, has brought together experts in each anatomic area to author the individual titles. This book on the knee is edited by Rob Hunter and Nick Sgaglione, both well known as great educators and arthroscopists.
Audience: Like all the books in this series, this one clearly targets orthopedic surgeons at a broad range of skill levels who wish to improve their arthroscopic skills. Residents to established arthroscopists will get great benefit from reading this book and viewing the supplemental videos on the DVD. The contributors are a literal who's who of specialists in a broad range of knee arthroscopic techniques.
Features: This comprehensive book covers basic setup and diagnosis for complex cartilage, meniscal, and ligamentous reconstructive techniques. The DVD does a wonderful job of adding depth to the book, and access to the online version enables readers to reference the book anywhere they need it.
Assessment: The editors have done a wonderful job of creating a go-to, current reference on knee arthroscopy. I have eagerly activated my online access which will allow me to use this reference at home, in the OR, or wherever I have Internet access. I am sure many of my colleagues will take similar advantage of this quality offering from AANA.


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Hodgson, Douglas J, Linton, Oliver and Vorkink, Keith (2004) Testing forward exchange rate unbiasedness efficiently : a semiparametric approach. Journal of Applied Economics, 7 (2). pp. 325-353. ISSN 1514-0326
|Item Type:
|Library of Congress subject classification:
|H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
|Journal of Economic Literature Classification System:
|C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C2 - Econometric Methods: Single Equation Models; Single Variables > C22 - Time-Series Models
|Collections > Economists Online
Research centres and groups > Suntory and Toyota International Centres for Economics and Related Disciplines (STICERD)
Departments > Economics
|Date Deposited:
|27 Apr 2007
Actions (login required)
|Record administration - authorised staff only


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Kate Gosselin Spends $325 On Spring Footwear Shopping Spree! Exclusive
Hot mom Kate Gosselin couldn't resist treating herself to a few pairs of sexy shoes when she hit an Aldo store in New York! Here's what she picked up.
Kate Gosselin, the Kate Plus 8 reality star and Dancing With The Stars alum stopped by the Fifth Avenue Aldo location in Midtown on March 19 and picked up several pairs of spring footwear. She dropped $325 on shoes in an array of neutral shades, while taking a break from filming her hit reality show Kate Plus 8.
Not bad for three pairs? She was quite daring in her picks — opting for trendy wedges and a classy pair of lace pumps that could easily add a touch of glamour to any outfit.


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Stock Picks: Amazon, Exxon Mobil
Amazon.com (AMZN)
Collins Stewart raises to buy from hold
Wall Street is underestimating the contribution the Kindle electronic book reader will make to profits at Amazon.com (AMZN), Collins Stewart analyst Sandeep Aggarwal said in a Feb. 8 report.
"We believe the eBook revolution is much bigger than we and [Wall] Street previously thought," Aggarwal wrote, upgrading the stock from hold to buy. Amazon shares have fallen 15% from their peak, giving investors an "attractive entry point," he said. He gave Amazon a price target of 150. Shares currently trade at 119.
Competition for the Kindle is mounting. There are now more than 45 eReaders, including the newest entrant, Apple's (AAPL) iPad. However, Aggarwal estimates Amazon could ship 3.85 million Kindles in 2010 and generate $2.5 billion in Kindle-related revenue.
Wal-Mart Stores (WMT) and eBay (EBAY) are trying to compete more effectively with Amazon's online commerce platform, but Aggarwal said Amazon retains an advantage. The company "remains the gold standard with operation excellence, scale, and customer satisfaction second to none," he wrote.
Exxon Mobil (XOM)
Collins Stewart raises to buy from hold; raises target price to $80
Investors have taken their distaste for Exxon Mobil's $41 billion purchase of natural gas producer XTO Energy (XTO) beyond reason, with Exxon shedding nearly $40 billion in market capitalization since the December deal was announced, Collins Stewart analyst Katherine Lucas Minyard wrote. As a result, the value of the combined company would be only $200 million more than Exxon Mobil's value just before the deal was announced, she noted.
"Although in general we expect share price weakness upon a company's announcing an acquisition, the magnitude of XOM's selloff suggests to us that negative investor sentiment has now gone too far," Minyard said.
Apart from the value of the shares, the analyst sees opportunity for Exxon's organic production growth rate above 5% to outpace rivals such as Chevron (CVX) and ConocoPhillips (COP). She also boosted her target price on the stock to $80, the company's 52-week high, last reached in February 2009. Exxon Mobil currently trades at $65. "At this point, we see XOM as offering the most compelling risk-reward balance in our coverage universe," Minyard wrote.
Dun & Bradstreet (DNB)
J.P. Morgan downgrades to neutral from overweight; cuts target price to $80
Wary of Dun & Bradstreet's plans to spend as much as $130 million on technology upgrades, J.P. Morgan analyst Michael Meltz lowered his rating on the business analytics company to neutral from overweight. He also cut his December 2010 target price on the stock from $87 to $80. Shares currently trade at $72.
Dun & Bradstreet on Feb. 4 reported quarterly income that was down 16% from a year earlier as revenue from North America fell. The company further expects North American sales to slip slightly in 2010, although international revenue is expected to be strong.
"While we could digest [a second half of 2010] recovery story (or even early-2011), a 2012 story with potential execution challenges is a bigger issue," Meltz wrote in a Feb. 8 note. "We've been around D&B long enough to understand and appreciate the cost 're-engineering' process. And we're fairly confident there hasn't been a significant underinvestment in recent years—we do believe that management is attempting to differentiate vs. competitors and enhance [long-term] prospects. We're well aware that the stock underperformed in 2009 (up just 9%) and is down 12% since December. And new CEO Sara Mathew has ample incentive to reset the bar to exceed objectives."
Southern Copper (PCU)
Credit Suisse upgrades to outperform from underperform; raises target price to $34
Credit Suisse analyst Ivan Fadel boosted the rating on Southern Copper to outperform from underperform and raised his target price to $34 from $31.50 a share, allowing for a 22% upside from the closing price on Feb. 5.
In a Feb. 8 research note, Credit Suisse said the company's stock performance is highly correlated to copper prices, and both slumped over the past few weeks. Prices of industrial metals and other commodities have fallen since the Chinese government announced moves intended to prevent its economy from overheating. On Feb. 5, Southern Copper's shares finished at $27.79, down nearly 21% from $34.51, their closing price on Jan. 13, the day after China ordered higher bank reserves for potentially failing loans and stricter lending standards.
"We believe copper fundamentals remain robust, buoyed by strong Chinese consumption and a gradual recovery in the ex-China world," the Credit Suisse note said. "In our view, any signs of supply disruption (strikes and project delays) might reinforce the notion of market tightness and higher copper prices."
On Jan. 29, Southern Copper reported a swing to a fourth-quarter profit of $363 million, or 43¢ a share, from a net loss of $124.7 million, or 14¢ a share, a year ago, on a nearly 153% jump in net sales, to $1.14 billion. Higher copper prices and a significant increase in the amount of molybdenum and silver produced and sold were key contributors to the improved results.
In its earnings release, the company said its board had approved a $2.8 billion investment program for the next three years to develop new production capacity. The program is expected to increase annual production by 342,000 tons of copper and 6,600 tons of molybdenum and to boost the company's cost competitiveness and efficiency. Southern Copper plans to allocate about $1.8 billion to Peru and $1 billion to Mexico, with roughly $600 million and $200 million to be invested in Peru and Mexico, respectively, in fiscal year 2010.
The main catalysts for the upside in Southern Copper's shares, said Credit Suisse, are strong growth in production volume throughout 2010 to 2014, higher copper prices, strong earnings growth in the next two years, and an attractive portfolio of projects, with little capital spending per ton and low operating costs.
Fadel said that he expects the company almost to double its copper output from 2010 through 2014 and achieve a roughly 19% compound annual growth rate over that period. Copper prices will rise on a tight supply-demand balance, aided by potential supply disruptions, such as strikes and project delays. Fadel is projecting 66% earnings growth in 2010 and 42% growth in 2011. The stock has a price-to-earnings multiple of 13x for 2010 and a multiple of 8.8x for 2011, with the "impressive multiples compression stem[ming] from a combination of a strong growth in copper sales and rising metal prices." In addition, the recent sell-off provides a good entry point for investors, the note said.


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Mass Wendy
A sweeeeet read for ages 9 and up.
Finally is a book about Rory Swenson, who is finally turning 12. It is sort of a sequel to the book 11 Birthdays. Amanda and Leo are characters, but they aren't the main focus of the book. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend you read it after you read 11 Birthdays. It's a really fun book to read and something that some teens and preteens could possibly relate to.
11 Birthdays
Amanda and Leo were born on the same day and have always celebrated their birthdays together. Except for this year, their eleventh birthday. Their friendship ended on their tenth birthday, and they haven't spoken since. But then, something strange happens... Read this book to find out! I really enjoyed this book. It has an interesting concept and was fun to read. If you're looking for a book to read, I recommend 11 Birthdays.


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Painting a hard top?
Has anyone ever painted a hard top using a base coat and a clear coat? If so, did it look ok or did it look too shinny and make it look funny?
The new jeeps with the color matched tops look good, but I think the old tops with the texture surface probably wouldn't look right shiny. It would take a lot of sanding and filling to make it smooth enough to look good.
you could hit it with some 421-40™ HS Polyester Spray. It's much easier than tryin to smooth it out. I sprayed two good coats then sanded smooth with 180 grit and 320 then sprayed two uniform coats with nason high build 421 primer. After that I sprayed 2 coats of nason classic black base coat and cleared it with some nason clear. I went with nason cause I was on a budget at the time but the top is still shiny and in good shape from what I can tell when I pass him in traffic (him)=new owner lol
I washed my HardTop, taped off the windows and vents, then rattle canned it with Krylon Fusion. Looks like brand new.
i just had my hard top painted by a pro shop in base coat clear coat last week. looks fantastic, what an improvement over the factory's dull finish.
they prepared it with Scotchbrite pads, sealer primer, then the base and clear. no need for color sanding.
cost was $400 but it was well worth it as they warranty the paint as long as I own it.
Might be a little off topic but still about hard top's. I know they all pretty much leak but mine leaks real bad. Passenger side corner by the window and passenger side rear by the rear window. Where can I find some sort of weather stripping to maybe seal up some of the leaks. What works best.
here's a pix of my top after the paint work. Jeep painted the top to match the light brown carpeting I have in my Sahara but I had the paint shop match the color of the seats, dash, and door panels which are all a light tan (Camel). I think the lighter colored top looks better on a dark colored Wrangler.
Looks great. That is one of my next projects on my green Sahara.
I think its coming in around the pass. side corner where the top and door and window meet.
And at the back window and tailgate area.
This top is actually a two piece top. The original hardtop (2000 TJ) got damaged by hail and the PO bought this one.
Check the gasket around glass opening. Mine had pulled to one side and was not quite all the way to the bottom and leaked there.
Anybody have a paint code for the tan top. Wanting to paint mine which is currently black.
How are you painting it. Rattle can, custom mix spray or having a shop do it?
i did not have a paint code the shop matched it to the interior (the dash) using some optical device they place onto the surface and it creates a program for a color.
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text: It's a morning like any other. You wake up, wash up and then head towards the breakfast table.The food may be laid out for you already or you may have to rustle up a meal for yourself, but the fare is more or less uniform. Toasts with fruits or eggs. Prefer a desi (local) meal? Then its homemade roti and a bowl of cooked vegetable . Washed down with a glass of juice and tea or coffee.


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A Spring Valley police officer last week shot Herve Gilles.
They say he was out of control armed with a nightstick.
One week later, the memorial candles have died out, but in Spring Valley's Haitian community the questions still burn.
What exactly happened when a police officer opened fire? Herve Gilles was killed, shot in the head and torso.
Police had been called to El Buen Gusto Bar about an unruly patron.
Investigators say Gilles got into a violent struggle, biting and hitting a responding officer with the officer's nightstick.
The cop, a 20-year veteran, has still has not been identified.
Thursday, Gilles' brother and sister met with the Rockland County District Attorney.
Their main concern: whether excessive force was used.
Gilles was homeless, and well known throughout Spring Valley.
His sister acknowledges he was mentally ill.
Residents say that instability was made worse when Gilles drank.
But friends and loved ones insist the 48-year-old was troubled, but not violent.
The family's lawyer says they've been assured the matter will be investigated and presented to a grand jury.
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Eight Red Cross volunteers from the Finger Lakes and western New York have gone to the Mohawk Valley to help flooded residents. The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica that served 22 people Saturday night. Hundreds have been evacuated from homes in Oneida and Madison Counties. Those counties, along with Chenango and Herkimer Counties, have been declared disaster areas. This resident of the area calls the flooding overwhelming.
The National Weather Service says in Little Falls, the Mohawk River crested at three feet above flood stage Friday night before receding. Governor Cuomo toured the flooded area Saturday.


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Intel's Smart Response; SSD Caching Tested
View Single Post
Rob Williams
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Atlantic Canada
Posts: 13,366
Originally Posted by
RST however proposes to bring whatever is in a mechanical drive up to the next level. For a more modest price. One that could fit my wallet on a good day. Certainly not as optimal as a full SSD solution, but surely much better of what can be offered by modern fast mechanical drives. For $110, i'd be immediately sold if my system currently supported it.
I couldn't agree more. In the case that someone is Z68-less, there
still the similar solution from Seagate available in the form of the Momentus XT, but unfortunately that only caches up to 4GB worth of data on NAND flash, which is rather paltry in comparison. And still, technically it shouldn't be quite as impressive as Intel's solution here, because Seagate wouldn't be able to offer the same level of NAND performance due to the tight space it'd be working with.
Just to throw it out there, not
SSDs are super-expensive. Take Kingston's 64GB for example:
It's $125 - not much more expensive than Intel's 20GB SLC - and supports TRIM and fast speeds (250MB/s read, 145Mb/s write). It's
64GB, but at that price, it seems like a great way to jump in and go. And for what it's worth, if you don't store
on the SSD, 64GB is totally manageable.
I'm running a 160GB SSD split into two sections, and at any given time I am using about 40% of the space for my Linux OS and about 75% for the Windows OS. I could scale down each even further than this though, so what I'm saying is, where there's a will, there's a way, and anything you have to sacrifice is going to become a non-issue due to the faster speeds you're enjoying.
Intel Core i7-3960X, GIGABYTE G1.Assassin 2, Kingston 16GB DDR3-2133, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 2GB
Kingston HyperX 3K 240GB SSD (OS, Apps), WD VR 1TB (Games), Corsair 1000HX, Corsair H70 Cooler
Corsair 800D, Dell 2408WFP 24", ASUS Xonar Essence STX, Gentoo (KDE 4.11. 3.12 Kernel)
"Take care to get what you like, or you will be forced to like what you get!" - H.P. Baxxter
<Toad772> I don't always drink alcohol, but when I do, I take it too far.
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