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SKOWHEGAN — As a restless 20-year-old, Jason Davis didn't know what he wanted to do with his life.
He had partied for years on the midcoast but soon came back to Skowhegan to find himself.
Wandering around his grandfather's orchard one fall day, he plucked a ripe McIntosh off a tree and took a bite.
"All the hair on my body stood up on end," he recalled late last week. "I said, 'I know what I want to do.'"
He told his grandfather, Everett Cayford, he was ready to carry on the family's apple dynasty.
It was no easy task., as the orchard planted by his great grandfather in 1889 had been idle for 26 years. The land still produced apples each year, but the trees had bolted.
When his grandfather returned from World War II with a weakened heart, he eventually had to let the orchard go in 1968. Jason's uncle, Alan, the would-be-heir to the Cayford Orchards empire, was killed in a car accident when he was 20.
"That was my mother's only brother," Jason said. "Nobody took over the orchard, so it just sat for a while."
Today, busloads of school children are ferried through the 18-acre orchard where 78 varieties of apples shine like jewels on Edenic slopes. Jason and his wife Heather, who grew up right down the street, now run the orchard. The two have come a long way from when they would throw rotten apples at each other as kids.
The couple have three children — all named after apple varieties — Cortlynn, 16, Ben, 13, and Liberty, 1.
"We are apple freaks," he said.
But it's deeper than that.
The Davis family is united by their stunning farm atop Hilton Hill that has become their livelihood. Apples are not a weekend hobby.
"They truly are our tree of life," said Heather. "Our whole life revolves around this crop, and it comes once a year."
To make the most of the harvest, every Davis pitches in.
After school, Ben picks up fallen apples, so customers don't trip. For each bin he fills, he gets $2.
Though he would rather ride a dirt bike through the orchard instead of bend over all day, he enjoys the outdoors and climbing trees.
"It's really fun, and apples are my kind of my life because I've grown up around them," he said.
Cortlynn makes $8 an hour sorting apples in the packing house, and Liberty, who turns 2 in November, gets to eat all the apples she can muster.
On Saturdays, the cherubic towhead joins her mother at the Skowhegan Farmers' Market, and frolicking amid apple bins in her parents' truck has been good for business.
"Our sales have doubled since she started going," said her father sounding both amused and impressed.
Taking over the orchard in 1994, Jason instinctively knew how to prune and graft trees.
Though most of the 1,400 Ben Davis trees killed off in the winter of 1930 are gone, Jason has preserved ancient crops such as duchess, Milton and northern spy. He's also planted new varieties like honeycrisp, empire and jonagold.
In a welcoming barn, Cayford Orchards has an active retail business open all fall. They sell their own blueberry and peach jam, applesauce and apple syrup. A third of their crop is pressed for cider, and in February, they tap maple trees on the 70-acre farm for syrup. Though the business has diversified, crisp macouns and tart courtlands will always be the main draw.
Looking out over lush fields dotted with red orbs on a brilliant autumn day, the scene seems near perfect. It's a good apple harvest, and the next few weeks will be hectic. But the family, who sells apples to Hannaford, independent stores in central Maine and schools, will not take a break all year.
"There's a lot of stress involved. You've got to work against Mother Nature," said Jason. "You try to beat Mother Nature, and you can't. You try to learn from it."
New this year, the family is trying their hand at hard cider for the fall.
"We have three months to make it happen," said Heather, who handles distribution for Cayford Orchards and is on the road daily.
This time of year she works around the clock.
"My house is a mess, my orchard is a mess. I'm going 100 miles an hour all day," she said. "We are almost borderline out of control."
They take a break to show a visitor the tree they planted where they got married in the middle of the orchard.
"Most people light unity candles," said Heather. "We plant apple trees. It's a keepsake tree, and it will be here forever."
Running an orchard is "full-time work with part-time pay," but the agrarian lifestyle, dictated by the seasons and the fast-pace, keeps her going.
But there are days, after 15 hours on her feet, when that glass of wine can't come soon enough.
"It was easy when our two children were younger," said the 33-year-old with auburn hair and boundless energy. "Now, [the orchard] has turned into a teenager. When you have a business that's a teenager, and you are raising two teenagers and a toddler, it's intense."
But the chaos and rhythms give her "drive," and that dedication and respect for manual labor is being passed down to the next generation working the fields by her side.
"I'm glad to be part of a business that my dad takes a lot of pride in," said Cortlynn, who has grown into a budding orchardist but sometimes misses out on being a teenager.
Working after school one afternoon last week with her siblings, the 16-year-old junior at Skowhegan Area High School was thinking of Homecoming Weekend and her classmates decorating for a pep rally. She would join them as soon as she finished her work.
"It's a lot different from a normal family," said Cortlynn, dismounting a tractor loaded with cider. "Normal kids don't go to work with their parents or get to see their parents all the time. We are all a big family, and we help each other to get things done."
On Saturday mornings, when most teenagers would kill to sleep late, she's up early cooking her father breakfast because her mother is at the farmer's market.
"It's a lifestyle that my parents choose for us to live, and I'm really proud of them for everything they do. They work really hard to give us kids what we have, so I'm thankful for that."


text:
Every hundred gallons of Thames water destroy in this way thirty ounces of soap before becoming a detergent.
Formerly used to make an astringent and detergent lotion:—1 oz.
Oxymel of verdigris is stimulant, detergent, and escharotic.
Hot water is itself a detergent; that is, it has the power of dissolving dirt.
Uses, &c. Stimulant and detergent; very useful in indolent ulcerations, scald-head, and various foul eruptions.
In the case of weak-bodied soap, this addition gives firmness and tends to increase the detergent qualities.
When fetor exists, as during the detachment of patches of exudation, antiseptic and detergent sprays may be employed.
Gingerly she sat him down on a stool, and with detergent and water she began removing the mud.
The bark of Quillaia saponaria renders water frothy and is used as a detergent by wool dyers.
Tincture of iodine locally, detergent washes, and the like, often secure a certain amount of comfort as palliatives.
1610s, from Latin detergentem (nominative detergens), present participle of detergere "to wipe away, cleanse," from de- "off, away" (see de-) + tergere "to rub, polish, wipe." Originally a medical term, application to "chemical cleansing product" is from 1938.
"detergent substance," 1670s, from detergent (adj.).
detergent de·ter·gent (dĭ-tûr'jənt)
A cleansing substance that acts similarly to soap but is made from chemical compounds rather than fats and lye. adj.
Having cleansing power.
A cleaning agent that increases the ability of water to penetrate fabric and break down greases and dirt. Detergents act like soap but, unlike soaps, they are derived from organic acids rather than fatty acids. Their molecules surround particles of grease and dirt, allowing them to be carried away. Compare soap.

subset: commoncrawl


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Behind the buzz and beyond the hype:
Our Nanowerk-exclusive feature articles
Subscribe to our Nanotechnology Spotlight feed
A key benefit of nanoimprint lithography is its sheer simplicity. There is no need for complex optics or high-energy radiation sources with a nanoimprint tool. Especially the nanopatterning of high refractive index optical films promises the development of novel photonic nanodevices such as planar waveguide circuits, nano-lasers, solar cells and antireflective coatings. Researchers have now developed a robust route for high-throughput, high-performance nanophotonics based direct imprint of high refractive index, low visible wavelength absorption materials.Posted: Jan 29th, 2013
Optical tweezers offer researchers the chance to perform precise force sensing in a fluid environment. This could help to give clarity to some of the picoNewton forces that govern fundamental processes in the cell. However, currently the use of tweezers to probe biological, samples requires either direct irradiation with a laser, or the use of a tool or proxy to exert or sense very small forces. There are many instances when exposing samples to high intensity laser light is less than ideal - typically this is within a biological context. Researchers have now have shown that optical tweezers can be combined with naturally derived algae to create a stable nanoscale optical force sensor. This may enable other groups to utilize this technique to probe key force interactions that occur at the lowest end of the nanoscale force regime.Posted: Nov 15th, 2012
The refractive index is the property of a material that changes the speed of light and describes how light propagates through the material. The refractive index is an important property of solar cells - the higher it is, the more incident light gets reflected and is not converted to a photocurrent. Solar cell manufacturers have developed various kinds of antireflection coatings to reduce the unwanted reflective losses. The purpose of these optical thin-films is to minimize the differences in the refractive indices between the ambient medium and the solar cells. For both solar cells and LEDs, coating with nanoparticles can enhance the performance without harming the electrical properties of the devices, as can occur with etching or lithographic processing. In new work, researchers have now have not only demonstrated this advantageous feature but also provided a strategy for optimizing the types and sizes of nanoparticles for use in both solar cells and LEDs.Posted: Nov 5th, 2012
By exploiting the outstanding properties of self-organizing materials, a team of Italian scientists has investigated a new way to build a bridge between two branches of physics: 'hard matter' and 'soft matter'. This allows researchers to address specific issues towards the realization of active-plasmonics devices, where the plasmonic resonance of gold nanoparticles can be finely controlled by means of external perturbations (electrical field, optical field, temperature). In place of a static approach - e.g. varying particles size, materials, etc. - the researchers used liquid crystals as active surrounding medium. This approach represents a 'scientific wedding' between the fascinating worlds of soft matter and plasmonics worlds.Posted: Oct 22nd, 2012
Quick Response Codes, or QR codes for short, are two-dimensional matrix codes that can hold 100 times more data than a traditional barcode. QR codes have rapidly gained popularity and are now very commonly used in various products, because of fast readability and large storage capacity. Applying the concept of QR codes to security printing applications - think banknotes - researchers have now developed an invisible QR code made from nanoparticles. They applied upconverting inks to print QR codes on paper and transparent tape, using an aerosol jet direct writing machine. They produced QR codes with embedded security characters using blue and green upconverting inks. These codes are invisible to the naked eye but produce single- and multi-color upconversion luminescence images under near-infrared excitation which can be read and decoded with an unmodified smart phone.Posted: Oct 8th, 2012
Reducing the size of photonic and electronic elements is critical for ultra-fast data processing and ultra-dense information storage. The miniaturization of a key, workhorse optical instrument - the laser - is no exception. Coherent light sources at the nanometer scale are important not only for exploring phenomena in small dimensions but also for realizing optical devices with sizes that can beat the diffraction limit of light. Researchers at Northwestern University have now found a way to manufacture single laser devices that are the size of a virus particle and that operate at room temperature. They show that subdiffraction nanoresonators based on metallic bowties, when coupled to a gain material, can generate coherent and directional light emission.Posted: Oct 4th, 2012
The unique energy band structure in graphene allows it to actively respond to photons with ultra-wide spectrum range - from the visible to the infrared - with record strong inter-band transition efficiency. As a consequence, graphene based ultra-fast photonics has been rising fast in various aspects of ultra-fast photonics - an ultra-fast graphene photo-detector with bandwidth exceeding 500 GHz; a broadband graphene optical modulator; a broadband graphene polarizer etc, which all benefit from the material's broadband photonics property. Researchers have now experimentally demonstrated for the first time that graphene, besides its well-known optical saturable absorption, also shows microwave and terahertz saturable absorption. The results lead to the expectation that graphene may show potential applications in microwave photonics.Posted: Oct 2nd, 2012
The size of pixels is one of the key limiting features in the state of the art of holographic displays systems. Holography is a technique that enables a light field to be recorded and later reconstructed when the original light field is no longer present, due to the absence of the original objects. The resolution and field of view in these holographic systems are dictated by the size of the pixel, i.e. the smallest light scattering element. To address the limitations of current holographic systems due to their pixel size, a research team set out to use nanostructures as the smallest possible light-scattering elements for producing holograms. They harnessed the extraordinary conductive and light scattering abilities of nanotubes and patterned an array of carbon nanotubes to produce a high resolution hologram.Posted: Oct 1st, 2012


text:
Omaha's Design Board Throws a Wrench in Revitalization
Matt Miller writes, "The redesign of downtown Omaha's run-down 16th Street is going back to the drawing board amid concerns that the proposal would fail to revitalize the corridor.
The project had seemed to be gaining momentum, winning buy-in from 16th Street's major tenants and private interests.
But the project hit a buzzsaw this month when it went before a new city board with oversight on urban design issues. In the end, the board authorized the plans to move forward - only on the condition that the plans change."
Thanks to David Nelson


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Berkley girls hoops team takes aim at elusive division title
By Mike Moore
Posted December 4, 2013
BERKLEY — Too long.
Way too long, actually.
That's how Jordan Gruppen described the Berkley High girls basketball team's drought, as far as division titles are concerned.
"It's been since 1988 that we won a league," he said. "And I only know that because that's what it says on a banner in the gym."
With the 2013-14 season off and running, Gruppen feels 2014 may be as good a time as any to put an end to the suffering.
"The chemistry and the positive energy is one of the first things that jump out at you with this year's team," Gruppen said last week. "We're kind of inexperienced, but I think the chemistry is good enough to make this a real good year."
A season after going 12-10 in the Oakland Activities Association Blue Division and placing third, Berkley graduated just one senior, but had a few others who decided not to return to the team.
While three starters are back in the mix, varsity experience beyond that is relatively slim.
"Which means we may have some growing pains," Gruppen said. "But I still think it comes down to how these girls are able to work together. So far, the practices have been great, and that gives me a lot of hope for the potential they have."
Celia Somers, Emily Koerner and Grace Hammerle are all back to anchor the starting lineup.
Somers and Koerner led the team in scoring last season with roughly nine points per game, each. Koerner averaged seven rebounds, as did Hammerle.
"The scoring is there, as is the rebounding," Gruppen said. "Defensively, we were strong last year, and I expect to be again."
Ferndale High won the Blue last winter and will likely be a top contender again. Southfield High will also have a shot, and Gruppen said Oak Park High has vastly improved.
Still, after looking over his team, the way the division could shake out and the potential he feels he has this year, there is optimism.
"It's time, absolutely," Gruppen said of winning the Blue. "It's a goal every year, and if you ask me, '2014' would look great on that banner."
About the author
Sports Writer Mike Moore covers a variety of sports in Oakland County and the Detroit Catholic League. Mike joined C & G Newspapers in 2006 shortly after graduating from Albion College where he played football. He attended Dearborn Divine Child where he met his wife Jennifer. They have four sons together and reside in Dearborn.
More from C & G Newspapers
Macomb County
OAA coaches name top boys hoops players from winter season
Oakland County


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Debbie Does Poker - Get Ready, Get Set for the 2013 WSOP!May 22, 2013 - 12:24pm
by Debbie Burkhead
The 44th Annual World Series of Poker kicks off on May 29 and runs through July 15 with 62 coveted WSOP gold bracelets up for grabs in 2013 – which is one more than last year. The WSOP starts off in grand style on Saturday June 1. Event #6, The Millionaire Maker, ($1,500 no-limit hold'em) will feature a one-day start, twoflight, single re-entry event, where the winner will receive $1,000,000!
The WSOP season is heaven for poker players; the tournament draws tens of thousands of poker players from all over the world, and Las Vegas cardrooms prepare well in advance to offer a variety of games during this once-a-year gathering of poker players. Poker Player Newspaper will have information on specially designed tournaments offered throughout Vegas as an alternative choice for players.
PPN is also happy to announce that once again, we will be your go-to publication for information on all of the games around town as well as all things WSOP related. This publication will have four special editions that will also include trivia and information about the history, happenings, and results of the WSOP.
Make sure to pick up your free souvenir copy of PPN, which, as always, is available in every cardroom in Vegas. For your convenience, PPN will have all the latest tournament schedules from cardrooms around Las Vegas, with four special editions during May- July for your most up-to-date information throughout the Series.
I hope that all our readers have a great experience while here in Las Vegas, and I know that information in our souvenir WSOP editions will help you make the most of your time in town. Good Luck, and I hope to see you at the table.
All-in Northwest: A Good ReadMay 18, 2012 - 12:22pm
by A.C. Clark
"Early Saturday morning, I woke up refreshed and ready to go for the day. Why all this energy? Not a normal occurrence for me, especially on a day off. I started a pot of coffee, threw in a load of laundry, made a fire, sat down in my favorite chair, and decided to read a short, motivational book that had been sent to me in the mail. My life was about to change forever. Wow! What an inspiring read!
212 The Extra Degree, by Sam Parker and Mac Anderson, intrigues the mind while making perfect sense. At the core is the notion that water is hot at 211 degrees. Then, at 212 degrees, it boils. With boiling water comes steam, and steam can power a locomotive. Think of that … what a statement. Just simply raising the temperature of water one extra degree means the difference between something that is very hot and something that generates enough force to power a machine. Point made: Small things can make major differences.
Tips for the Poker TouristMay 17, 2012 - 12:18pm
by Ashley Adams
I wrote my last column, "Driven to Distraction," to show how occasional poker players have specific challenges that aren't encountered by card room regulars. I divided these into three groups: The Lure of Action, Free Stuff, and Other Gambling Opportunities. In this column, I'll let you know my thoughts on how to keep those distractions from hurting your best poker game.
Controlling Your VarianceMay 16, 2012 - 1:15pm
by David Chicotsky
When reading a title like, "Controlling Your Variance," it's easy to assume this article covers minimizing variance.
The dreaded variance has scared many hopeful tournament players. Without a doubt, there are times when minimizing your variance is the best possible option, but in certain situations, it's more optimal to increase variance.
Handling DrawsMay 15, 2012 - 11:11am
by Tom "Time" Leonard
Today I'd like to delve into how one can make additional money by the way a no-limit hold'em player handles drawing hands. Many players are somewhat tentative with draws. They prefer to just check-call their opponents, hoping to complete their draw before getting feisty. That is certainly one way to play a draw, but let's explore some advantages that come with being more aggressive. When you raise with a drawing hand on the flop, you gain a read on your opponents by their reactions.
Wedding & WSOP Plans: A Joe and Hobby Poker FictionMay 13, 2012 - 2:05pm
by David Valley
I was driving back to L.A. from Palm Springs with my fiancée, Kim, to get started on establishing our new quarters. Both Kim and I own condos which we will put up for sale while we start looking for a larger one suited to our living together. We want to find one in or near Marina del Rey so we can be close to Hobby and Sue's yacht home. We were still on the I-10 heading west when Sue said, "We've kicked around some ideas about when we should get married, but you didn't have a lot to say, Joe.
What do you think?"
It's Game On! Horseshoe Cleveland Bursts onto the Casino SceneMay 11, 2012 - 2:05pm
By Barbara Rogers
The race to open first was neck and neck between Horseshoe Cleveland and Hollywood Casino in Toledo, Ohio. Horseshoe Cleveland was first with the green light, although Hollywood Toledo will be following close behind with an expected opening in a couple of weeks.
May 14 will see the first of thousands of players expected to rush through the doors at Horseshoe Cleveland. Expectations are very high, with projections of five million customers annually. The $350 million casino will showcase a World Series of Poker room with thirty tables. While playing in this spacious poker room, you will no doubt notice a very tall, six foot five inch gentleman, poker room manager Jeremy Smith, guiding the activities with a quiet confidence.
Dover Downs Offers Poker, Sports Betting, and Horse RacingMay 11, 2012 - 1:23pm
By Barbara Rogers
Where can you play poker, and then walk outside your room for fresh air, a beautiful view of a horse racing track? The answer is crystal clear; it's Dover Downs Hotel & Casino.
Under the blue skies of Dover, Delaware, home of Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, a four-diamond casino and hotel, you will find The Crown Royal Poker Room. This beautiful casino is bursting with activity seven days a week.
Full Tilt Creates Drama at PokerStarsMay 9, 2012 - 12:48pm
by Wendeen H. Eolis
No sooner than Laurent Tapie hit the send button on an email to employees of Pocket Kings (a Full Tilt Poker company) explaining that discussions to acquire FTP had gone down in flames, word began to spread like wildfire of another suitor for the online poker site—FTP's longtime arch rival, PokerStars.
Tapie Deal Goes South
As previously reported, Tapie's repayment plan to refund non U.S. "Rest Of World" (ROW) customers was a bone of contention in Group Bernard Tapie's negotiations with the DOJ during the past few months.
Enter PokerStars
Poker News: Tapie Out, Stars In as Full Tilt Assets Buyer and MoreMay 8, 2012 - 12:21pm
by Haley Hintze
The on-again, off-again courtship by Groupe Bernard Tapie to purchase the assets of Full Tilt Poker is off again—this time for good. Citing an "eleventh hour" demand from the United States' Department of Justice that all affected players would be able to withdraw suspended balances immediately upon reopening of a new Full Tilt site serving the rest of the world, Tapie pulled the plug on the deal.


text: Abstract, Subtract, Retract With Todd Chilton November 19, 2008 by Sasha Plenty of nice geometric abstractions on Todd Chilton's portfolio site. Geometric abstractions can sometimes be a bore but Todd manages to get it right with his playful paint handling and the occasional drip of paint. Tweet Share on Tumblr


text:
|New Course: 3700:602 Foundations of Political Science
|Submitting Dean
|Submitting College
|Arts & Sciences -- Dr Richard W Stratton x7440
|Departments Generating the Proposal
|Poli Sci
|Objection Deadline
|March 08, 2010
|Proposal Status
|Final Approval Granted
|Proposal Last Updated
|March 09, 2010 by Karen Greene
|Effective Date
|Fall 2010
|Brief Summary of Proposal
|Add new course 3700:602 Foundations of Political Science. An introduction for graduate students of the major works in political science. The works to be discussed will range from ancient Greece to 20th century Europe and America.
|Type of Proposal
|Course changes only
|Graduate School Endorsement Status
|Graduate School Endorsement Updated
|February 22, 2010 by GS Heather Blake
|Institutional Research Status
|IR Status Updated
|February 05, 2010 by IR Diane Maffei
|Library Status
|Library Status Updated
|February 15, 2010 by UL Lori Fielding
|Distance Learning Review Committee Status
|Not required
|DLRC Status Updated
|General Education Advisory Committee Status
|Not required
|GEAC Status Updated
|November 09, 2009 by PR Rex Ramsier
|Resource Requirements
|No additional resources
|Resource Requirements Updated
|November 30, 2009 by AS dean's ofc Cathy Moore
CPS Menu


text:
Michael Fields, one of the many theme wranglers for Automattic has published his wishlist of items he'd like to see implemented into the WordPress media manager. Of the things he mentioned, The ability for a theme to define multiple types of images like Logo, Custom Header, Body Background, Content Background, etc. We have two of these already, but IMHO it would be awesome if themes could define more than these two sounds like a really cool idea. What's on your wishlist?
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text:
But behind the PA is a kind of bourgeois revolution Israel should encourage—and does not.
That's right, I said it: this is a landmark victory for the forces of staid, bourgeois sexual morality.
Millions of Chinese were persecuted, especially intellectuals labeled "revisionist," feudal, or bourgeois.
Flashing my bourgeois trophy around made me feel naughty and subversive, but settling down for real felt like defeat.
I confess to being surprised at the reaction to yesterday's article on the boring, bourgeois future of gay marriage.
The crowd, we soon discovered, was bourgeois in the extreme.
"I hear every one speak well of the bourgeois Philibert," remarked Amlie.
For you, bourgeois; it just came, so your concierge told me.
Bigot hated the bourgeois Philibert as one hates the man he has injured.
It was in your power, on becoming our employer, to exploit us, as the bourgeois do.
1560s, "of the French middle class," from French bourgeois, from Old French burgeis, borjois "town dweller" (see bourgeoisie). Sense of "socially or aesthetically conventional" is from 1764; in communist and socialist writing, as a noun, "a capitalist" (1883).
It is better to be a good ordinary bourgeois than a bad ordinary bohemian. [Aldous Huxley, 1930]


text:
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Magneto (Magnetic Hands & Chest)SKU: 035112494560 Price: $34.99 Write a review | No reviews for this product.
The evil mutant master of magnetism, Magneto is the arch-enemy of the X-Men. With his magnetic power, Magneto's magnetic force can pull even the heaviest objects to him, throw them miles away, or cause them to shatter with sudden explosiveness. Magneto plans to enslave mankind and mercilessly rule Earth with the other evil mutants. But first he must destroy the X-Men, the super hero mutants who are mankind's defenders. Features Magnetic Hands & Chest and includes Official Marvel Universe Trading Card!
Write a review | No reviews for this product.


text: Amigo - Unregistered May 27, 2012 6:19 PM "Kamui Kobayashi was sent skyward as he hit the back of cars ahead of him" The report was wrong. Kamui didn't hit back of Grosjean car. Grosjean car was rolling backward and he hit the Kamui's rear wheel. Grosjean should have brake his car for to prevent further accident but he didn't brake and hit Kamui car. Bad luck for Kamui. Every point is very important for him because his contract with Sauber will be finished at end of year. His future is unknown as being Asian driver even thought he is very fast and consistent driver now. I hope he will lucky in Canada. 8 agree 2 disagree


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Obey The Ooze T-Shirt in Aqua Green
This is a lovely aqua shirt by obey, featuring a logo that appears to be Oozing! If you love urban clothing grab this up!
Track tee with front graphic of the Obey Face, This shirt is it.
This "new wave" shirt is one of the coolest girl shirts I have seen in awhile with the simplicity and also the cool design it lines up the ladies to lure the guys on in.
This shirt is awesome, made by obey it states the message of do i care, I'm married to the mob on the back it states "Do I look like i give a F*ck"


text:
The Raritan River is an important portal to many municipalities in New Jersey as well as to Rutgers New Brunswick. During their years "on the banks of the Old Raritan," many Rutgers students, staff, and faculty members have had the good fortune of enjoying recreational activities on the river. In fact, from their time spent on the "Old Raritan," some have gone on to become quite accomplished boaters, testing their skills on a multitude of other rivers, coastal bays, and the ocean.
For those Rutgers recreational boaters wishing to become certified and, perhaps, earn a Captain's license, they can now do so through an agreement between Rutgers University and the Mariners' School, which offers courses for those pursuing a professional career in commercial boating operations and for recreational boaters wishing to increase their knowledge and skills. Rutgers students, faculty, staff, and alumni are eligible for a 25% discount on a Coast Guard-approved program called the Mariners Learning System™, a series of online training programs leading to a Captain's license, and which can be accessed twenty-four hours a day, from any place you have an internet connection. Who says it's not possible to graduate from Rutgers with a diploma in your major and a Captain's license, too?
The Mariners Learning System™ is an extraordinary learning tool that incorporates broadcast quality audio/visual media, workbooks, and integrated computer-based training. This is a one-of-a-kind learning system that is based on Coast Guard-approved classroom courses. Students who successfully complete the courses will be awarded a certificate that will be accepted in lieu of the standard Coast Guard examination!
The Coast Guard-approved online courses that are available through the Mariners Learning System™ at Rutgers include:
Course participants have twenty four-hour online access to certified United States Coast Guard (USCG) Licensed Master instructors, all of whom have undergone rigorous training to meet the standards of the United States Coast Guard. These instructors bring a level of knowledge, experience, and professionalism that enhance the total learning process. In the rare event that an online instructor cannot answer a question, toll free telephone support with a Mariners Learning System™ staff instructor will be provided.
To earn the Captain's License, within one year of successful completion of the coursework, participants simply submit their application package to a Coast Guard Regional Exam Center for its review and approval.
Much like the incalculable benefits of getting a degree at Rutgers, the skills learned on the water and honed through The Mariners Learning System™ online courses can provide benefits that last a lifetime.
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text:
Uncyclopedia:Pee Review/User:UNmarine777/The Great War of Armagedden
From Uncyclopedia, the content-free encyclopedia
edit User:UNmarine777/The Great War of Armagedden
vladimirKruscecev 23:42, July 18, 2011 (UTC)
- I'll review it. Just give me a day or two -- Sir Xam Ralco the Mediocre 20:34, July 19, 2011 (UTC)
|Although this article definitely has potential, you rely on random humor frequently, which isn't always exheedingly funny. I highly recommend HTBFANJS. Now lets take a look at the article section by section.
The quotes: Not really necessary and the Oscar Wilde one is very cliche. I would recommend removing them or at least the Oscar Wilde quote.
Prelude: This seems very random. Why are there billions of n00bs in a bathroom? Since it so obviously can't be true, it just makes it confusing instead of funny. Also tone it down on the swearing. Swears don't necessarily make something funny. For example, the line, "Who the fuck left a piece of shit in the goddamn toilet?" could be funnier if written along the lines of "Who left a dump and stunk up the place?" This isn't really funny, but it's just an example.
Sometime later: Again, you seem to use random humor in this section. Also, try not to be so blatant about sarcasm. The line "...killed some pee reviewers thats why your article never got a chance the result was that it would stop production of good articles" could be funny if you made the joke more subtle. And try to be less cliche like when you said their heads asploded
War begins: As I said before about being more subtle, the parts with the pictures could be very funny if it was only more subtle. The part with the tweets was just random and confusing. You should probably just get rid of it.
UN intervention: The idea about how different parts of uncyclopedia were being captured by different countries could be very funny if you put more time into it. Try giving examples of why a certain country would capture a certain section of uncyc. Example: The French captured failed feature nominations because they both feel like they're important when they're not (Only write it in a more subtle way, I'm just making this up off the top of my head)
Plan goes wrong: Again, very random and confusing. This section requires either a rewrite or just delete it.
Battle at the barriers and Aftermath: More randomness. Definitely needs a rewrite, but don't be discouraged, this article can be turned into something great.
|The idea of an uncyclopedia war is very good, just poorly executed. Try focusing more on the uncyclopedia aspect of it then on random political statements. This article has a ton of potential and adding in more stuff about uncyclopedia going to war with the world could be very, very funny. You might want to change the name to something that concentrates more on uncyclopedia though.
|Prose and formatting:
|The biggest problem with this article is the way it is written. Your grammar, spacing, and spelling is incorrect most of the time. Even the name is spelled wrong (it's spelled Armageddon). You definitely want to fix this since it makes the article confusing and hard to read. In addition, you seem to talk to the reader in the first person. This works in some articles, however, it doesn't seem to really work very well with your theme. Try and make it seem more like a wikipedia article. Read actual wikipedia articles or other uncyc articles for reference.
|The pictures aren't bad, but it would be funnier if you incorporated uncyclopedia into the pictures. For example, show the logo being bombed by a plane or something like that. If you can't edit the photos yourself, ask others to edit them for you.
|Used Template:Pee to average your score.
|Final Score:
|Overall, the article needs a lot of work but has great potential. Keep working on it and don't get discouraged. If you have any questions, leave a message for me on my talkpage (However, I can't use my computer during August so i might not be able to respond if you leave a coment too far towards the end of July or in the month of August itself)
|Sir Xam Ralco the Mediocre 21:23, July 19, 2011 (UTC)


text: Anti-Dry Fire mechanisms sound like a good idea, but in reality they can create more problems than they're worth. If you have a compound crossbow, an anti-dry fire mechanism is important - one dry fire and the bow is generally trashed. Excalibur Crossbows, on the other hand, can withstand a dry fire without significant damage. So, adding an anti-dry fire mechanism introduces more complexity - which means more things to go wrong - without providing much value.


text:
Bella thought that her trip to London with her friend...
One Direction Imagines
- by One_Direction_All_The_Way
- Rating:
- Published: 30 Dec 2012
- Updated: 19 Jan 2013
- Status: In Progress
Hello little corrots (my readers) theese are my imagines for you in the comments give your name,username, the 1D boy of your choice,and a rating (ex. pg.13, R, pg, etc.) This is my first Movella and I will update as much as possible. If you don't have an account then you can e-mail me at: email@example.com Thaks to all my little carrots and I love yu all. -Abby
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text:
9.1 On 11 February
when we looked at this proposal to transfer appropriations we
were concerned that appropriations which had been allocated for
Community Initiatives under the Structural Funds were being reallocated
to other Structural Funds programmes which were said to be short
of funds. We noted in our conclusions that however meritorious
the projects may be, it remains the case that this expenditure
was not included in the approved EU Budget for the 1997 financial
year and that this could be a case of money being spent just because
it was there. We asked the Minister to explain the background
and justify the transfer. We also recommended that the Document
would be relevant to the Debate on 18 February in European Standing
Committee B on the 1996 Court of Auditors' Report.
The Minister's reply
9.2 The Minister,
the Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Helen Liddell), has responded
in a letter dated 21 May in which she says:
transfer 59/97, the Commission sought to transfer payment appropriations
totalling 173.5 million ECU (£128 million) to programmes
under two "Objectives" covered by the European Social
Fund (ESF) from a number of other Community Initiative programmes
under the Structural Funds which looked likely to underspend in
its Report, the Select Committee expressed concern that this transfer
was funding extra Structural Fund expenditure which was not included
in the adopted 1997 EC Budget and that it could therefore be an
example of money being spent just because it was there.
"I would
like to reassure the Committee that proposals such as this where
the Commission seeks to transfer payment appropriations between
budget lines (rather than from the Reserve Chapter) are not uncommon:
about 30 per cent of the 62 EC Budget transfers in 1997 were transfers
between budget lines. These do not involve an overall increase
in expenditure but simply serve to correct the forecasts of execution
rates which underlie the figures in the adopted Budget. They are
quite different from transfers of commitment appropriations which
involve a change in the way that resources are to be allocated.
respect of this transfer proposal, the Commission demonstrated
that the amounts drawn up with Member States for ESF projects
in 1997, including many in the UK, could not be matched by available
payment appropriations in the Budget. The Committee may be interested
to know that, whilst the Council agreed to this transfer proposal,
the European Parliament, which has the final say on this type
of expenditure, did not accept the proposal. It felt that the
Commission failed to explain clearly enough why the Community
Initiative programmes were still executing so slowly despite concerns
previously expressed by the European Parliament.
Committee's report also noted that the transfer would be relevant
to the European Standing Committee B debate on the 1996 Court
of Auditors' Report on 18 February and I can confirm that the
issue was discussed during that debate".
9.3 We thank
the Economic Secretary for her response and have noted her views.
We accept that in this case the transfer was between budget lines
and would not have added to the total amounts provided in the
budget for the Structural Funds, but suggest that the degree of
inaccuracy in estimates of how the monies were to be spent within
the total programme which sparked our concern, may also have triggered
the action taken by the European Parliament.
9.4 We are now
content to clear the document.


text:
MLK Human Rights Conference set for Saturday
Friday, January 17, 2014 - 11:14am
The 16th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Conference, co-sponsored by Woodring College of Education, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Huxley College of the Environment and Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Whatcom Community College.
See the attached program for the full schedule of the day's events.
Campus News
In the Media
The Register-Guard
The Bellingham Herald
The Bellingham Herald
The Bellingham Herald


text:
Risk: Factions
- Xbox Live Arcade / 1200 Microsoft Points (�10.20)
Yeah, we're a bit late to the party with this one, but only because the game steadfastly refused to work on our 360. Fortunately, it was worth the wait for this slick, streamlined version of the classic board game.
But before the board game purists have a coronary, we should point out that Electronic Arts has been thoroughly respectful of the source material, presenting Risk in both old and new flavours.
For fans of classic Risk, nothing's changed from the board game, with the ability to play the same turn-based game of world domination that we all know and love. Playable offline or online, it ticks all the boxes you could wish for. The only problem is that playing a decent game of Risk can take absolutely hours, which is where Risk: Factions comes in.
Rather than simply tart up the existing gameplay with a few lazy gimmicks, EA has adopted the goal-based rules introduced in 2008, where the aim is to achieve specific objectives (such as controlling all the radar installations at once) rather than engage in a pure land-grab exercise.
Capturing enemy capitals, for example, grants you more units to deploy on the next turn, while securing control of a dam allows you to flood enemy territory. But with several key parts of each map to aim for, there's always an alternative strategy available. As ever in Risk, though, even the best-laid plans can falter at the mercy of the dice.
With five excellent campaign missions to master, and local or online play for up to five players, it's hard to think of a single reason why you wouldn't enjoy battling it out with malicious cats, malfunctioning robots, slavering zombies and hairy yetis.
Soul of Darkness
- DSiWare / 500 DSi Points (�4.50)
If even Konami itself can't seem to fashion a decent Castlevania any more, what chance has Gameloft of doing any better?
Unexpectedly, despite being the most blatant tribute imaginable, Soul of Darkness serves as a timely reminder of why Castlevania is held in such high esteem in the first place.
On a mission to save your loved one from the clutches of an evil vampire (as opposed to the cuddly sensitive ones you might come across in True Blood), it's the usual 2D platforming romp through intricate castles and cathedrals. Humming All About Eve and Sisters Of Mercy songs is, of course, mandatory.
It's only fair, then, that you get to dispatch an array of familiar foes, from gargoyles and werewolves to zombies and succubi. Armed with a fire spear and, eventually, an ice spear, you cut a dash, slashing wildly, showing everyone what a dark prince you really are.
As if there were in any doubt of your greatness, you'll eventually get to show off your shape-shifting skills, periodically changing into a bug, fish, or column of water in order to negotiate all those tricky-to-reach places. No-one said winning back your love was going to be easy.
With its pleasantly non-fascist checkpointing, sensibly compact level design and satisfying combat system, you'll appreciate Soul Of Darkness all the more. It's short, sweet and entirely unoriginal, but for all the right reasons.


text:
Get irresponsible spending under control
November 15, 2012
I recently sent a letter to The Union concerning "No new taxes." I am a citizen of Nevada County, a businessman and have raised five children here in Grass Valley. I found out soon after the letter to The Union that the state does not need a vote for new taxes on your property, they just mandate a new fee and demand payment.
This so-called fire fee and mandate sounds pretty much like what we are facing nationally with health care. It is a tax and I hope it will be found to be illegal. I paid mine under protest. I feel bad for the lady who wrote to The Union and said she would have a hard time paying for this. This so-called fee has no checks and balances so it can be manipulated and raised according to the needs of select people.
However, I have a question to the lady who will have a difficult time paying this unfair tax: Did you vote, and what and who did you vote for in the last election?
Please be careful when you vote. Not all of our representatives have our best interest in mind. Fact is, their agenda is: tax and spend and to make sure their salary, pension, and Cadillac health care, financed by the people is always well-funded. All of these people are in the public sector (government).
Not all of our representatives have our best interest in mind.
Our financial problem is simple. From the top down; corruption, lack of wisdom when it comes to spending our hard earned money and greed. No amount of new tax or fee's will fix this problem.(Get It). We sure do need to clean house. However it will never happen until the people wise up and make it happen.
No new taxes or fees. Stop the silly regulations and above all get the irresponsible spending under control. Period! The people are fed up!
Go vote!
Emery L. Wood lives in Grass Valley.
Recommended Stories For You
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- Nevada County marijuana community advisory group learns about state pot laws


text:
I know my lungs won't actually explode but ...(7 Posts)
Reiltin Fri 20-Sep-13 15:58:13
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EeTraceyluv Fri 20-Sep-13 16:18:27
BlueChampagne Thu 26-Sep-13 12:45:29
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text:
This is a totally flexible course aimed at giving you server support technician MCSA qualifications as well as a nationally recognised Pitman Training diploma!
The course is delivered by online video with email and phone support, so you can choose when and where to study.
Server Support Technician MCSA – Subjects.
You'll study five core modules:
How Long & How Much?
This Pitman Training diploma programme with MCSA qualifications will take the average student approximately 270 hours to complete at a cost of just £1820.00.
You can start the programme at any time and study at hours to suit you.
About Pitman Training.
We're one of the oldest training organisations in existence. Our founder, Sir Isaac Pitman launched his world famous shorthand system nearly 180 years ago and the Pitman name has gone from strength to strength.
Today, we have a chain of training centres although the Server Support Technician MCSA Diploma is delivered as an online course, as are most of our IT Technical course range.
Apart from our IT technical training, we offer approximately 150 courses, most of which can be studied in our centres in London's Notting Hill and Holborn, and in Croydon and Manchester.
We're particularly well known for our self-paced Microsoft Office training and many of these courses are packaged for specific careers, such as our Executive PA and Secretarial diplomas.
We're also respected for our Accounting Technician diploma range which, in addition to leading to Pitman Training qualifications also lead to AAT level 2 and 3 qualifications.


text:
Lawrence Harte Items83 textbooks were found
List Price:$39.99
IPTV Testing; Service Quality Monitoring, Analyzing, and Diagnostics for IP Television Systems and Services
List Price:$34.99
Introduction to Digital Rights Management (DRM); Identifying, Tracking, Authorizing and Restricting Access to Digital Media
Introduction to IP Telephony, Why and How Companies Are Upgrading Private Telephone Systems to Use Voip ServicesList Price:$10.99
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- If you decide to keep the book it will never cost more than the purchase price.
As always, you have access to over 5 million titles. Plus, you can choose from 5 rental periods, so you only pay for what you'll use. And if you ever run into trouble, our top-notch U.S. based Customer Service team is ready to help by email, chat or phone.
* Free shipping excludes HI, AK and PR.
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Order now and we'll cover you through the end of the semester!
We're automatically extending 125-day rental orders toMay 21, 2012*. It's our way of giving those of you who plan ahead a special "Thank You."
For all your procrastinators, the Semester Guarantee program lasts through January 11, 2012, so get going!
*It can take up to 24 hours for the extension to appear in your account.
**BookRenter reserves the right to terminate this promotion at any time.
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text:
Literary Humiliation – First Teenage Book Crushes
The Awl has a fantastic piece today on the horrifyingly humiliating first book choices of over 30 successful and established writers of today.
Some of the titles/authors that made the cringeworthy list:
Ayn Rand
Anne Rice
V.C. Andrews
The book based on the movie (yes, you read that right) "Tombstone"
Jack Kerouac (most often named)
The list made me feel much better about my own predilection for pap and crap in my formative years (though I read plenty of good stuff, too, don't get me wrong). I was delighted to see that New Yorker writer Ariel Levy used to love Sweet Valley High – I had an insatiable appetite for those books and used to scour secondhand shops for ones I hadn't read, and spend my allowance on them. I was a huge proponent of The Babysitters' Club, as well, and later, could not get enough Dean Koontz to sate me. How embarrassing.
What were some of your embarrassing early literary preferences? Go on, be brave – leave a comment.
via BoingBoing


text:
Refining the recommended system requirements for Windows 8
Microsoft's listed requirements fall short for daily use.
Site theme
Microsoft's listed requirements fall short for daily use.
Ladies and gentlemen, start your downloads!
Real-world customers still getting a mere 100Mbps.
Segregated cloud storage will tick regulatory checkboxes.
FiOS availability is still limited, but man is it fast.
The White House hopes for an explosion of commercial application development.
This tasty Fedora release packs some meaty new features.
Cellular's share of worldwide Internet traffic will increase fivefold.
Skype has more users, but the much-vaunted integration is still absent.
With supplies back on the upswing, HDD prices have found a new, higher normal.
Chrome OS window manager hits stable channel, offline Docs editing coming soon.
Network technology is changing the nature of healthcare—slowly.
This release—the first with 5-year long-term support—is rock solid.
Stack Exchange discusses the best ways to become an expert programmer.
The PC I respect most used to be a piece of junk—now I use it nearly every day.
We also looked at the anatomies of hacks and text messaging for businesses
Businesses don't buy tablets, people buy tablets.
My, what a big tape library you have.
You won't be able to use the free Visual Studio Express to develop desktop apps.
Can a project from former Google Voice devs ease the pain of conference calls?
Axis is available for iOS and through browser add-ons on the desktop.
When is a plugin not a plugin? Why, when it's integrated, of course.
ISPs will also be able to inject their own contextual ads into search results.
Now you'll choose to enter the Windows boot menu before you reboot, not after.
Charles Nutter and Tom Enebo will continue their work on JRuby at Red Hat
Google seeks to deter lawsuits with nine new patents.
Get up and running with git without once having to use the command line.
Service will let consumers—and employers—store text messages in the cloud.
Windows 8 gets spruced up to better reflect the realities of desktop computing.
Experimental ports are bringing the popular programming language to the Web.


text:
As we prepare for the 2016-17 Fantasy Basketball Season, I'll be taking a look at each NBA team with their major adds and drops to see if we can pan for any surprise rotational gold. This open is especially witty for the Nuggets. We'll be counting down from worst NBA regular season to the best, mainly because I'm still figuring out how to rank the Warriors…
Los Angeles Lakers (17-65)
Key Acquisitions:
F Luol Deng
F Brandon Ingram (Rookie)
C Timofey Mozgov
C Ivica Zubac (Rookie)
G Jose Calderon
Key Losses:
G Kobe Bryant
C Roy Hibbert
D'Angelo Russell's Cell Phone Privileges
Wow, you'd think a roster this bad would bring in something better than that! Deng is a pretty good haul, but I'm not giving a unique opinion saying that Mozgov's deal was preposteroni. The Lakers go into 2016-17 still rebuilding, and obviously the key to rebuild is to sign mid-range free agents to big deals… Ahhhh, the lunacy of this Mozgov deal! [pretend in a Trump voice] "The first thing I'd do is repeal Healthcare.Mozgov! …you're fired."
Despite a lackluster output from the Lakers fantasy options last year, there's some interesting pieces that could be late round steals. Here's how the purp and gold are suiting up:Please, blog, may I have some more?


text:
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text:
September 18, 2013
Národní technické muzeum
Ladies and Gentlemen,
thank to those of you who came to share their interest in new visions in mobility to the first year of Mobility Management Congress. From the feedback we received in person or in questionnaires it is evident on our market there already are companies which see great economic potential in supporting new way of thinking and new technologies. But many companies are still limited by unwillingness to change groovy processes.
This "differentiation" of opinions on the market was significantly reflected in feedback of the first presentation at the congress. Martin Hausenblas, founder and vicepresident of the Board of Adler Int. company divided with his visionary presentation the audience to those who honoured the brand new perspective of viewing personal ownership of cars "Status is not created by cars but by mobiloity" andd those who were shocked by this presentation and therefore they commented it, in the better case, with words "Czech will have to wait a long time more for this.
As other speakers agreed in their following presentations growth of influence of new technologies and changes in values of individuals and corporate strategies are faster than they seem to be. It is "just enough" to decide: "Whether it will take place with us or without us."
More details about the congress content are the core of separate press release. The best evaluated part of the congress was traditionally the afternoon panel discussion, that openly revealed sensitive relationships between customers and suppliers this year.
We believe the discussed impulses will be planted in the mind of those who participated at the congress as well as of those who just read about it or watch shared videos. We believe even on the Czech market there will grow number of companies who are taking the nowe path of mobility and they will prove it at the next congress year.
Looking forward to seeing you next year
In the name of organizers
Antonín Parma
General Manager
Blue Events
Main Partners
Mobility Management Congress 2012
Gold Partner
Silver Partners
Bronze Partners
In Cooperation with
© 2011-2012 Blue Events - všechna práva vyhrazena.
Blue Events, sekretariát konference, Hlubočepská 38c, 152 00 Praha 5, Česká republika
fax: +420 222 749 840; email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Infolinka pro účastníky: +420 222 749 841
Infolinka pro zájemce o propagaci: +420 222 749 843
Název subjektu: Blue Events, s.r.o., IČO: 25737392; DIČ: CZ25737392; Datová schránka: ch7r23k; Sídlo: Praha 9, Vysokovská č.p. 1336, PSČ 19300 (Místo podnikání: Praha 5, Hlubočepská 38c, PSČ 152 00); Spisová značka: C 65675 vedená u rejstříkového soudu v Praze;
bankovní spojení: ČSOB, Praha 1, č.ú. 900625233/0300, IBAN CZ63 0300 0000 0009 0062 5233 (BIC/SWIFT- CEKOCZPP)


text:
Loving airi. …
Loving airi.
Recent comments by bluecarrot:
- Top 25 Slender & Sexy Anime Girls:
maybe its cuz of carnival phantasm?? which u know akiha got all of 4mins of screen time in XD
- Cops Raid 4 "Schoolgirl Observation Clubs" & Net 32 Girls:
- TMA Makes "BL" Tiger & Bunny Cosplay AV:
I for one couldnt leave an unclicked thumbnail. fck u curiosity
- Anime "Obscene" "Disrespects the Dead" "Boosts Smoking":
Gintama XD. I really dont get why japan is filled with all these purists. That was a good episode too.
- Ano Hi Mita Cosplay Nightmare:
lolololol, the okama from onepiece are here to take over. hide your children and onepiece dresses


text:
An Unruly Night of Political Misbehavin'!
Feminist Women's Health Center
Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (EDT)
Event Details
The Feminist Women's Health Center
is proud to present our 2012 fall FUN-Raiser:
An Unruly Night of Political Misbehavin'!
Thursday, October 25 from 7-10pm at Manuel's Tavern
602 N. Highland Ave, NE Atlanta GA 30307
Join us for political misbehavin', games and prizes, entertainment, and fun activism.
Click here & check out the YouTube video created by one of FWHC's amazing volunteers!
For more info about this event and for bulk/group purchases, visit www.FeministCenter.org/UnrulyNight or contact Betty at firstname.lastname@example.com or call 404-248-5445.
For 35 years, the Feminist Women's Health Center (FWHC) has been on the front lines for women's reproductive justice in the Southeast. As the only non-profit, women-run and locally-operated comprehensive reproductive health services center in Georgia, we are committed to providing safe, accessible services to all who need it without judgment.
Each year, FWHC's Community Education & Advocacy Network hosts a fundraising event to provide funding for our vital community education and advocacy programs. Last year, we served 7,500 in metro-Atlanta (and beyond) through our work and by building coalitions with those who advocate for reproductive health, rights and justice.
Join us and poke fun at the badly behaved politicians who are working to dismantle reproductive justice in Georgia and across the U.S. Stay tuned for further updates on the program!
Don't let our future look like the past two years - get involved in the movement for reproductive freedom!
An UnRuly Special Drink List to Help You Politically Misbehave
Vagina Warrior - $5.50
Rum & lemon-lime soda
Tall, Dark, And Pro-Choice - $4.50
Dark rum & Coke
Screaming Orgasm - $6.50
vodka, Irish Cream, and coffee liqueur
Goodbye McFlip (shot) - $5.50
AKA A Brain Hemorrhage shot – Peach Schnapps, Irish Cream and Grenadine
The Feminist - $6.50
Rum, Amaretto and Coffee Liqueur with Peppermint Schnapps and Ginger Ale
The Great Yogurt Conspiracy - $6.00
An invigorating take on the white russian
When & Where
Manuel's Tavern
602 N. Highland Ave NE
Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (EDT)
Add to my calendar


text:
shaleena Model
b photographyPhotographer Male Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
My Website: FacebookMy MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/BCGstudio
Mayhem # 2030185
About Me
Moving on from the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii to the land of unfiltered lights that Australia is. everything won't b' the same shooting from Down Under... welcoming new mates for creative works...
Aloha, my name is Bernard but just call me b'
I will work with your idea(s) or leave it to me to come up with a one or two of my own. If you would like to work with me, check out my port and let me b' your photographer
With each shooting assignment, each image retouching work I explore my creativity and develop my skills keeping both sides of my brain in check. A strong believer that opposites attract, I look to capture the uniqueness of women, bodies and souls, nuanced by moods into frames. French by birth, American by choice but making Australia my new home, I bring the old and new world in what I hope to be a different style.
"The woman's body is a landscape of peace as the man's body is a landscape of war"
Changed from BCG Studio to b' photography.
Have you worked with b photography? Add Credits for b photography! >>
Credit Notes
Amber Anarchy MM# 1894353
Amber Powers MM# 1990489
Anatomy MM# 765237
Aubrey MM# 681424
Bethany KB MM# 2006513
Briella Jaden MM# 1845189
Dottie Mae MM# 2187693
Dragongrl MM# 2268811
Jenna Kins MM# 1924498
Kerri Taylor MM# 982
Lifetime Memories Photo MM# 331728
Manchester MM# 371054
Marie Christina MM# 116539
Misa Mew MM# 789993
Miss Angeline MM# 2124581
Model Sarah MM# 9510
Phoenix Jenn MM#1897092
Rio Chick MM# 1435704
Roselani MM# 2480214
Sandy Gabriel MM# 572038
Trisha 13 MM# 1199864
XingCai MM# 1885895
Lili (Sydney Australia)
LinleyC MM# 2811795
Loading Content


text:
Not Accepting Guests
- Last login over 3 years ago
Join Couchsurfing to see Gena's full profile. It's free!
About Me
Get settled now that I've completed my cross country journey from North Carolina to LA and meet as many new people as possible
I enjoy new experiences, especially traveling, meeting new people, trying new foods, contemplating novel theories, etc. I try to keep an open mind about most things and be compassionate to others, although there's always room for improvement on that end!
I graduated from law school last year but don't really plan to pursue a legal career at the moment. I am more interested in the music industry and helping talented musicians realize their goals of being heard. I am currently a booking agent and that helps me accomplish this.
Be open minded and open hearted and learn from others and from life and also try to be an inspiration through being the best person I can be
Why I'm on Couchsurfing
Right now I don't have a couch for myself, much less for anyone else. I hope this changes sometime soon, but for now, I'm just excited to be a part of couch surfers as a surfer- to get to know others along my journey. I think the CS Project is brilliant and such an amazing opportunity!
Several awesome experiences with surfing!!
Reading, animals, traveling, shopping, people, music, food
- animals
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- dining
- shopping
- reading
- traveling
- music
- surfing
- law
Music, Movies, and Books
Music: Bob Dylan, The Cure, U2, Starflyer 59, The White Stripes, Depeche Mode, Lady Gaga, Outkast, Smashing Pumpkins, Bjork, Fiona Apple, many more
Movies: Return to Oz, Some Girl, Alice in Wonderland (miniseries), Kill Bill (I and II)
One Amazing Thing I've Done
I was very pleased (and relieved) when I graduated law school.
I enjoyed living (briefly) on an RV and traveling the country.
I have packed up and moved myself several times from the southeast to various places such as NYC and LA.
Countries I've Visited
Jamaica, Mexico, United States
Countries I've Lived In
United States


text:
FYI

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ahmad Arafat Abdullah <email@example.com>
 Date: Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Subject: PCBSD got good reviews on CommTechAsia during MSC Opensource Conference 2009!
To: Kris Moore <email@example.com>, Kris Moore <firstname.lastname@example.com>, email@example.com, Josh Paetzel <firstname.lastname@example.com>, "James T. Nixon III" <firstname.lastname@example.com>
 Cc: firstname.lastname@example.com

Hi all;

Today i got email from Charles Pereira of CommTechAsia during our Conf, and he really come to our PCBSD booth, played with it, give it test on his usb DSL wireless modem and it's responding thru WINE!!

check out this link:
http://commtechasia.net/tech/features-mainmenu-38/531-msc-malaysia-open-source-conference-2009-an-eye-opener.html

It was also pleasantly surprising to see that all Linux variants showcased – namely Ubuntu 9.04, OpenSuSe 11 and Fedora 10 all came in-built with drivers for increasingly popular cellular-USB modem dongles, while PC BSD – not a Linux but a variant of the Unix-like FreeBSD optimised for desktops – let us install the modem's Windows driver within its Wine translator. Only OpenSolaris – an Open Source version of Sun Microsystems' flavour of Unix called Solaris did not have the drivers for the Huawei E230 cellular modem we plugged in.

I also do a demo on PCBSD playing DVD, ( in this case i just pop in the IRON MAIDEN / JUDAS PRIEST live concert DVD and play it ) it's attract lots of people ( including Charles himself ) because no one is demonstrating how the distro/OS is useful on daily use/multimedia and so on except us! So Charles is taking a snapshot of the desktop with live DVD video is playing, with "Digi" icon on the desktop that he installed his DSL modem driver thru wine!

I like to congrats to all PCBSD team and all of u for supporting me and future of PCBSD-malaysia team..

TQ so much

p/s: i think this news/reviews can be published on our official PCBSD.org website

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# uname -a
NetBSD 5.0 NetBSD 5.0 (GENERIC) #0: Sun Apr 26 18:50:08 UTC 2009 email@example.com:/home/builds/ab/netbsd-5-0-RELEASE/i386/200904260229Z-obj/home/builds/ab/netbsd-5-0-RELEASE/src/sys/arch/i386/compile/GENERIC i386

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# uname -a
NetBSD 5.0 NetBSD 5.0 (GENERIC) #0: Sun Apr 26 18:50:08 UTC 2009 firstname.lastname@example.com:/home/builds/ab/netbsd-5-0-RELEASE/i386/200904260229Z-obj/home/builds/ab/netbsd-5-0-RELEASE/src/sys/arch/i386/compile/GENERIC i386


text:
Biochemical Facts behind the
Definition and Properties
Edward D. Harris, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Biophysics and
Faculty of Nutrition
Texas A&M University
Investigations into the chemistry of living organisms have reached a stage where one can say with reasonable certainty that pathways of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and practically all components that comprise a living system are known. Thus, with identity to a known compound being a criterion, it is conceivable that there are scientific principles that will allow one to distinguish dietary ingredients that are in accord with the statutory meaning from those that fall outside that definition. However, there is a caveat, and that is that mere semblance in structure does not necessarily suffice to meet the criteria of a metabolite. The functionality of the molecule as it interacts within its natural environment must also be taken into account.
Scientific Considerations of Properties
Metabolites are the products of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that occur naturally within cells. To be classified as a metabolite a compound must meet certain criteria. Below is a summary of the major factors to consider in designating a substance a metabolite.
1. Metabolites are compounds found inside cells
2. Metabolites are recognized and acted upon by enzymes
3. The product of a metabolite must be able to enter into subsequent reactions
Metabolites have a finite half-life;
they do not accumulate in cells
5. Many metabolites are regulators that control the pace of metabolism
6. Metabolites must serve some useful biological functions in the cell
The concept of a "pathway" was put forward to give meaning to a seemingly endless series of chemical reactions that occur within living cells. The concept served to isolate a specific series of reactions that described logical changes to a parent compound. The intermediates that were formed in the pathway were referred to as "metabolites". Metabolites were thus compounds that intervened between the start and end of a pathway. Suffice to say, within the limits of certainty, pathways begin with defined compounds either derived directly from the blood stream or from an adjoining pathway1.
A metabolite retains most if not all of the properties of its parent compound until it carbon structure blends into larger structures or is reduced to smaller structures. Examples of the former include amino acids that appear in proteins, glucose molecules that appear in glycogen, fatty acids that appear in membrane lipids, or nucleotides that appear in DNA. Smaller metabolites are created when a parent compound is subject to systematic dismemberment as, for example, during oxidation reactions where the carbon appears in smaller size molecules and ultimately as carbon dioxide. These are examples where a metabolite is either a building block of a larger structure or a degradative product destined for excretion. Somewhat related are metabolites that enter different cellular compartments during the course of metabolism. Noting, for example, that a mitochondrial compound is derived from the cytosol allows one to designate that metabolite as an end product of a cytosolic pathway and the beginning compound of a mitochondrial pathway. The compound is still subject to change, but not within the compartment of its origin.
1 Technically speaking, a compound outside the cell is not considered a metabolite. One definition would hold that metabolites arise by enzyme-catalyzed chemical changes within a cell. This is not a hard-fast rule. Glucose, for example, when in the blood is considered a metabolic product excreted from the cell but when inside the cell, glucose is a metabolite because of its vulnerability to chemical change.
Functions of Metabolic Pathways
As compounds course their way through pathways, the metabolic steps result in changes in chemical and biochemical properties. Oxidation reactions add oxygen or remove electrons, reducing agents add hydrogen, and other reactions transfer groups such as phosphate, amine, carboxyl, etc. to the parent structure. In essence the molecule is being transformed structurally. Catabolic reactions tend to split the molecule into component parts, whereas anabolic reactions tend to use the molecule to assemble larger structures. It should be noted that even though the parent molecule may no longer be visible, the carbon atoms that made up its structure can still give rise to additional compounds and thereby be properly considered as metabolites of that parent structure. What understanding we lack is when during the course of such changes, the chemical identity has been eroded to such an extent that the molecule ceases to be identified with a unique parent structure and blends into the general milieu of molecules of other compounds. Based on the aforementioned scenario, one must say that a definition of a metabolite must deem "proximity" to the parent structure as an important consideration in the definition.
Based on the limitations cited above, one can now turn to specific examples of parent-compound-metabolite and seek a rationale for rendering a decision.
Is arachidonic acid a metabolite of a prostaglandin? The answer is yes. Chemically, both molecules have nearly identical empirical formulae, both have very similar functional groups, both have very similar physical properties, both shun water and are soluble in non-polar solvents. Biochemically, arachidonic acid and the prostaglandin family are linked by a defined series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that follow a logical progression of chemical change. The separation perhaps involves no more that 5 distinct modifications to the prostaglandin molecule. This latter fits the requirement for proximity mentioned above. The modifications brought on by enzymes in the pathway result in a molecule that has acquired properties that are outside the scope of function of the parent compound. If the prostaglandin molecule continues to undergo changes in chemical composition, a point will be reached when it will be impracticable to determine by visual inspection alone when the derived molecule ceases to be a part of the parent structure, but instead blends with molecules derived from other pathways.
In this example 5'-IMP is a metabolite that has two source compounds. This is typical of many biochemical pathways, i.e., to have a metabolite arise by condensing two or more intermediates. It is important to note that in this example the reverse reaction does not occur, i.e., 5'-IMP cannot revert back to PRPP and glutamine. Directionality, dictated by principles of free energy exchange must, therefore, be taken into account. In biochemistry the free energy yield or requirement determines which direction the reaction goes and determines if a reverse of the forward reaction is possible. These energy relationships, therefore define precursor-product relationships in quantitative terms, making it possible to predict carbon flow, which in essence allows one to rule out certain compounds as precursors.
Steroid hormones and cholesterol
Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol. These reactions constitute changes in the basic cholesterol nucleus that are irreversible. They are also characterized by minimal changes to the superstructure of the cholesterol ring. The derived products resemble cholesterol and share many of its physical properties such as solubility. The products, however, have acquired biochemical functionality that is not endowed within the cholesterol molecule. Examples of the latter include binding to receptor molecules in the cytosol and eliciting genetic expression in the nucleus. Cholesterol is assembled de novo from acetyl-CoA, a product of glucose and fat catabolism. In that reaction the smaller acetyl-CoA molecules coalesce to form intermediates of greater carbon number, very similar to a brick becoming a component of a wall. One could argue that acetyl-CoA loses its identity as it blends into the larger structure, or for that matter, in the first condensation reaction. The lesson here is that smaller metabolites will perhaps be the more difficult to define with precision because they rapidly lose any semblance of structure of the parent structures. Similarly, small metabolites can arise from the break down of numerous molecules whose origins are obscured by sheer numbers.
This is an example of a defined pathway. Catecholamines such as L-DOPA, dopamine, norepinephrine, can only arise through the amino acid tyrosine. There is no alternative route. Hence, it is possible under such circumstances to state unequivocally a precursor-product relationship. It is also important to note that catecholamines cannot give rise to the aromatic amino acids from which they were formed. The pathway, therefore, is irreversible. Based on the established biochemistry, it is possible to state that for a compound to be a precursor of a catecholamine, it must go through a tyrosine intermediate if it wishes to be indistinguishable from the natural compound. To bypass tyrosine is to postulate a non-biochemical event.
"Just because it walks on two legs does not mean its human"
In arriving at a series of concepts for the properties of metabolites derived from dietary ingredients, the following are considered for discussion.
Concept 1: To be considered a metabolite, an ingredient in a dietary supplement must be closely identified with a known biochemical compound. If resemblance is not exact, there should be a known biochemical pathway that connects the unknown with the native molecule2. Moreover, there should be limited number of feasible metabolic steps between the two and some assurance based on the chemistry that much of the architecture of the native molecule is in the ingredient molecule.
2Native refers to a compound that occurs naturally within the cell or its extracellular environment
Rationale: Structural similarity is one criterion used to link a dietary ingredient with a native compound. Evaluating and making judgements is based on a defined biochemical pathway. Thus if compound X, the ingredient, bears some structural resemblance to A, the closest naturally occurring biocompound, the two would appear to be metabolites in a common biochemical pathway. But, if X bears no resemblance to A or any other biocompound, an argument can be made against X being a metabolite. The validity of that argument must be based on (1) lack of a defined pathway between A and X, and (2) X showing few of the structural features of A. The latter presents the most difficult challenge because the further X is from A the less likely it will resemble A. For this reason, X and A should be within a reasonable number of metabolic steps apart. If X undergoes hydrolysis or condensation to form A, the absolute origin of X cannot be determined with certainty and its relation to a parent compound becomes arbitrary. Hydrolysis destroys chemical structure and when the hydrolysis products are part of a general pool, tracing the origin of the compound becomes impossible.
Concept 2: Derived metabolites must not represent a threat to homeostatic mechanisms.
A metabolite is synthesized by the cell for the purpose of performing (1) a biological function as is, or (2) a biochemical function after a structural modification, or (3), no biological function per se other than to be excreted as a waste product. The principle recognizes that metabolites have a purpose that is designed to benefit, not harm cells.
Rationale: Metabolites tend to fall into two categories. Those that are generally present in abundance and those that are present in fleeting, and sometimes non-detectable amounts. An increase in the first category would have little perturbation on cell function. Metabolites present in fleeting amounts, however, do not accumulate, because their destiny is to be changed and their low concentration is indicative of the rapidity of that process. In essence, category two molecules are sacrificial. An important function of category two molecules is regulation. Suffice to say that a metabolite that is a metabolic regulator (see concept 5) when present in very small concentrations has the capacity to exert profound effects by slight changes in concentrations.
Within this scenario, one can see that harm can arise by perturbing the balance of minor metabolites within a pathway. Perturbing balance could mean:
1. Reversing carbon flow to favor degradation over synthesis or vice versa. On a larger scale this could mean advancing one process at the expense of another.
2. Stimulating production of inducible enzymes. Enzyme concentrations tend to keep the status quo. Metabolic flow can be interrupted by changes in the activity of these important pace setters.
3. Altering the activity of allosteric enzyme. Allosteric enzymes monitor pathways by instantaneous recognition of changes in some key metabolite.
4. Effecting a rate determining step(s). This has been alluded to earlier. A rate-determining step controls carbon flux. The pathway moves no faster than the concentration of the limiting component.
Concept 3: Metabolites must perform useful, if not indispensable functions to cell survival
Rationale: The inference of this rule is obvious. Regardless of concentration, a metabolite is present for a purpose that is linked closely with survival. That purpose may be to contribute to the infrastructure or energy requirement of the cell.
Concept 4: Metabolites have biochemical compatibility with the normal processes of synthesis and replacement.
Rationale: A characteristic of a living system is the continual replacement of worn out or spent molecules. This is especially true of macromolecules whose half-life can be measured in seconds, minutes and hours. Metabolites do not accumulate because such would upset a delicate balance of metabolic turnover. In essence, metabolites are synthesized to be used, to have a finite time of function, and to be compatible with systems that replace them.
Concept 5: Metabolites can serve as regulators of carbon flow in competing and interacting pathways.
Rationale: This concept does not apply to all metabolites. Regulation of metabolic events occurs at the level of pathway intermediates. Certain metabolites exert profound effects on biochemical processes through their ability to feedback and inhibit (or stimulate) the action of enzymes in the pathway. Biochemists are alert to a family of enzymes referred to as "allosteric". The principle of allostery when applied is best described as a self-governing system that controls the direction and rate of a metabolic pathway by influencing the activity of rate-determining enzymes in the pathway. On rare occasions a metabolite can also influence synthesis of enzymes de novo by interacting at the genetic level of cell function. These concepts point to important functions of metabolites in maintaining the pace of metabolism.
Metabolites are the byproducts of metabolism. Their formation critically depends on enzymes that act on a parent structure. As such, they represent defined chemical intermediates in a pathway that is designed to modify the parent compound. Because they are intermediates, metabolites tend to be present in small amounts. Nonetheless, the metabolites that have been inferred to exist in biochemical pathways have had their existence confirmed by rigorous chemical analysis of the isolated compounds. Metabolites, therefore, are not hypothetical constructs used to explain how compound A became compound B. A characteristic of a metabolite is rapid chemical change. This is especially true if the metabolite is an intermediate in a pathway where stability considerations must enter into the discussion. A metabolite owes its instability to the enzyme that will use the metabolite as a substrate for a subsequent step in the pathway. It is not unusual for metabolites to be "channeled" into pathway enzymes due to close packing as in a membrane bound system. Metabolites have a finite existence in a cell and generally are not allowed to accumulate. Metabolic turnover is a principle of life and the synthesis and degradation of metabolites is one of the ways turnover is accomplished. Some metabolites have the capacity to act directly on enzymes or on the transcription machinery of a cell. In both cases the metabolite can influence its own metabolic fate and the fate of molecules in a pathway of which it is a member.
To fit the definition of a metabolite, a dietary ingredient must bear a semblance to a "living" molecule both in structure and function. The candidate molecule(s) must interact favorable with the host's metabolic machinery. Enhancing the level of the candidate molecule must not present a toxic challenge to the host or otherwise cause an untold situation that would differ from the elevation of the host's molecule. The candidate molecule must have a known metabolic fate that does not violate the principles of metabolic turnover. The candidate molecule must behave in accordance with the principles of metabolic turnover. It must show timely degradation and excretion. It must not leave a lasting imprint on the metabolic systems of the host or cause the host system to adapt to a new position of homeostasis or need. In essence, it must not be addictive. Molecules fitting these criteria, or supplement ingredients that give rise to said molecules, would be considered capable of meeting the host need for optimal health, growth and development.
Based on the concepts enunciated above, any compound that serves as a dietary ingredient must demonstrate that imparts a vital function to cells. Failure to do so risks putting cells into a downward spiral toward apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Although product safety and efficacy is not an issue to be addressed, it behooves anyone who would recommend a particular supplement to provide evidence that the supplement contains no ingredients that will upset a delicate balance of ongoing metabolism or delay the natural turnover of components, a process that is characteristic for sustaining life.


text: I stand at the graveside of a young student. Fifteen years old. Dead in an instant. Skateboarding on a foggy night and a car that never even saw a faint shadow, until it was too late. I don't know what I'm supposed to feel. I've met this kid only one time and he attended youth [Read More…]


text:
Live Your Dream and Share Your Passion.
Posted by PANDA Team on
We recently came across a manifesto that has truly inspired us. It was created by our friends at Holstee. The timing is perfect, as we launch PANDA. Join us on our journey.
← Older Post Newer Post →


text:
I've been away from here for a couple of years. How things have changed All I see are topics about rejected files. I better up my game.
Good to be back.
Wowee, blast from the past, Welcome back
Yeah things have changed a lot in the last few years, since the good old FD days.. The music community's a lot bigger now. Things got serious, yeah Here's wishing you a great return.
Wowee too. You're on the pay role now?
Yep, the community is much bigger now. There was only a handful of us back in 06/07
I'm off to a bad start though, I've just uploaded a track without the watermark.
SubKutz said
I'm off to a bad start though, I've just uploaded a track without the watermark.
Uh oh. The new rules state that this infringement warrants a lifetime ban!
Joking aside, I'm glad to see the quality bar raising. The higher the better, even if it means my own tracks get rejected. I'd love to see the day where we have fewer but high quality music here. It'll make it easier for buyers to select the right track, attract more buyers, and so forth… Happy days


text:
Space Acquisitions:
Acquisition Management Continues to Improve but Challenges Persist for Current and Future Programs
GAO-14-382T: Published: Mar 12, 2014. Publicly Released: Mar 12, 2014.
Additional Materials:
- Highlights Page:
- Full Report:
- Accessible Text:
(202) 512-4841
Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
What GAO Found
Most of the Department of Defense's (DOD) major satellite acquisition programs are in later stages of acquisition, with the initial satellites having been designed, produced, and launched into orbit while additional satellites of the same design are being produced. A few other major space programs, however, have recently experienced setbacks. For example: the Missile Defense Agency's Precision Tracking Space System, which was intended to be a satellite system to track ballistic missiles, has been cancelled due to technical, programmatic and affordability concerns; the Air Force's Space Fence program, which is developing a ground-based radar to track Earth-orbiting objects, continues to experience delays in entering development; and the first launch of the new Global Positioning System satellites has been delayed by 21 months.
Congress and DOD continue to take steps they believe will improve oversight and management of space systems acquisitions. In the past year, for example, DOD has updated its major acquisition policy with the goal of improving efficiency and productivity in defense spending. Among other things, the policy change adds a requirement for independent development testing for DOD acquisition programs, which officials believe will provide an independent voice on programs' development. However, DOD still faces significant oversight and management challenges, including (1) leadership of a space community that is comprised of a wide variety of users and stakeholders with diverse interests and (2) alignment of the delivery of satellites with corresponding ground systems and user terminals. For instance, in some cases, gaps in delivery can add up to years, meaning that a satellite is launched but not effectively used for years until ground systems become available. One reason DOD has been unable to align the delivery of space system components is because budgeting authority for the components is spread across the military services.
While most DOD major space system acquisitions have overcome development challenges and are currently being produced and launched, past problems involving large, complicated systems, coupled with the recent fiscal climate of reduced funds, has led DOD to consider efforts that could signal significant changes to the way it acquires and conducts space activities. DOD is considering moving away from its current approach in satellite development—building small numbers of large satellites over a decade or more that meet the needs of many missions and users—toward a more disaggregated architecture involving less complex, smaller, and more numerous satellites. GAO has found that DOD does not yet have sufficient information to make decisions on whether to disaggregate, but it is in the process of gathering that information. In addition, in response to predictions of dramatic increases to the price of launching its satellites, coupled with restrained budgets, DOD has made changes to the way it procures launch vehicles, and is moving forward with plans to allow competition for launch services—a significant shift from past ways of doing business. According to the Air Force, other recent steps in launch acquisitions, including gaining significant insight into launch services cost drivers, have enabled it to achieve significant savings.
Why GAO Did This Study
Each year, DOD spends billions of dollars to acquire space-based capabilities that support military and other government operations. The majority of DOD's space programs were beset by significant cost and schedule growth problems during their development. Most programs are now in production, however, and acquisition problems are not as widespread and significant as they were several years ago. In prior years, GAO has identified a number of actions DOD is taking to improve management and oversight of space program acquisitions. Facing constrained budgets and concerns about the resiliency of its satellites, DOD is considering potential changes to how it acquires space systems.
This testimony focuses on (1) the current status and cost of major DOD space systems acquisitions, (2) recent actions taken to further improve space systems acquisitions, and (3) potential impacts of the direction DOD is taking on upcoming changes to the acquisition of DOD space systems. This testimony is based on previously issued GAO products, ongoing GAO work on disaggregated architectures, interviews with DOD officials, and an analysis of DOD funding estimates from fiscal years 2013 through 2018.
What GAO Recommends
GAO is not making recommendations in this testimony. However, in previous reports, GAO has generally recommended that DOD adopt best practices for developing space systems. DOD has agreed and is in the process of implementing such practices.
For more information, contact Cristina Chaplain at (202) 512-4841 or email@example.com.
Jun 9, 2017
Satellite Acquisitions:Agencies May Recover a Limited Portion of Contract Value When Satellites FailGAO-17-490: Published: Jun 9, 2017. Publicly Released: Jun 9, 2017.
May 16, 2017
NASA:Assessments of Major ProjectsGAO-17-303SP: Published: May 16, 2017. Publicly Released: May 16, 2017.
Apr 27, 2017
NASA Human Space Exploration:Delay Likely for First Exploration MissionGAO-17-414: Published: Apr 27, 2017. Publicly Released: Apr 27, 2017.
Mar 23, 2017
Commercial Space Launch Insurance:Weakness in FAA's Insurance Calculation May Expose the Federal Government to Excess RiskGAO-17-366: Published: Mar 23, 2017. Publicly Released: Mar 23, 2017.
Feb 16, 2017
NASA Commercial Crew Program:Schedule Pressure Increases as Contractors Delay Key EventsGAO-17-137: Published: Feb 16, 2017. Publicly Released: Feb 16, 2017.
Dec 7, 2016
James Webb Space Telescope:Project Meeting Cost and Schedule Commitments but Continues to Use Reserves to Address ChallengesGAO-17-71: Published: Dec 7, 2016. Publicly Released: Dec 7, 2016.
Sep 8, 2016
Environmental Satellites:NOAA Needs to Ensure Its Timelines Are Accurate, Clear, and Fully DocumentedGAO-16-767: Published: Sep 8, 2016. Publicly Released: Sep 8, 2016.
Jul 27, 2016
NASA Human Space Exploration:Opportunity Nears to Reassess Launch Vehicle and Ground Systems Cost and ScheduleGAO-16-612: Published: Jul 27, 2016. Publicly Released: Jul 27, 2016.
Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle:Action Needed to Improve Visibility into Cost, Schedule, and Capacity to Resolve Technical ChallengesGAO-16-620: Published: Jul 27, 2016. Publicly Released: Jul 27, 2016.
Jul 22, 2016
Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle:DOD Is Assessing Data on Worldwide Launch Market to Inform New Acquisition StrategyGAO-16-661R: Published: Jul 22, 2016. Publicly Released: Jul 22, 2016.
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text:
Prince, Roots featured in The New York Times
No doubt about it. Prince is the king of vegetarians.
Sunday's New York Times sports section featured a color photo of the Milwaukee Brewers slugger dining at Roots, 1818 N. Hubbard St. along side a nearly 1,500-word feature story that spanned two pages.
Written by Alan Schwartz, "Meat is out at Fielder's Plate," is a tour through various menu selections at Roots as well as Fielder's thoughts on his likes and dislikes.
Schwartz calls Fielder's new life without meat, "a lifestyle change attempted by few major-sport athletes." He can't name "any other baseball-playing vegetarians," but notes that "the tight end Tony Gonzalez of the Kansas City Chiefs last year became a vegan."
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text:
Klitschko retired in November but said he would consider a rematch with former world heavyweight champion Lewis.
But Lewis said he was "happily retired" from professional boxing.
"To be a great champion, it's important to have longevity and to be the last man standing. I'm one of the people who has done that," he said.
Lewis added that he had been surprised by Klitschko's retirement.
"I was shocked," he said at a gala evening to mark the opening of Muhammad Ali's museum in Louisville, Kentucky.
"They need me back but I won't come back."
Klitschko retired after being forced to pull out of his WBC title defence with Hasim Rahman with injury for the fourth time.
But the 34-year-old told pravda.ru: "I will come back only if Lennox Lewis does the same and agrees to fight me.
"Lennox is the only competitor who matters to me."
Lewis also retired from the ring when a reigning world champion after beating Klitschko in June 2003, the Ukrainian being stopped on cuts when ahead on points after six rounds.
Klitschko cancelled the Rahman bout after suffering a serious knee injury during sparring.
The WBC has since decided to declare Rahman the new title holder.
"I heard a nasty crackling in my knee when I was on the eighth round of a sparring fight," added Klitschko.
"The doctors first attached a special strong analgesic to my knee. I had to wear a special support bandage for the next sparring fight.
"But I could not move around freely. The doctor said I could barely last a round with the knee like that."