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DETROIT - Local 4 is inside the courtroom for the federal corruption trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Kilpatrick's dad Bernard Kilpatrick and his childhood friend Bobby Ferguson. Each day we bring you information from inside federal court as it happens.
8:50AM It will be an abbreviated day for us today at the US District courthouse. Judge Nancy Edmunds announced yesterday that we will be ending today at 12:30pm as well as Thursday. Not sure why but I am not complaining.
Word has it that Bobby Ferguson's lawyer Susan Van Dusen will be rejoining the courtroom this morning. Van Dusen had a nasty fall last week when she slipped on a mat outside the courtroom and pitched forward face first onto the hard marble floor. The poor woman has been plagued by headaches and has been making visits to a neurologist. Hoping that she is feeling much. much better.
We will likely start off the morning with the cross-examination of government witness Tyrone Clifton, a project manager with the Detroit Building Authority (DBA), by Gerald Evelyn, another lawyer for Ferguson. Clifton testified yesterday that he was called by fellow witness LaJuan Wilks, a former employee of the Detroit Recreational department, who told him she feared Ferguson was threatening her job.
9:03AM Video turns on and there is Susan Van Dusen in a wine-colored sweater wrap. The court stenographer just got up to give her a great big hug.
Van Dusen was cross-examining executive Kathleen McCann last Monday before her accident. I wonder if she will continue her cross after the defense finishes with Clifton.
We've just been informed by a court officer that a juror has been delayed due to an accident on I-94. May be another 15 minutes or so before we can get started. Let's hope it's earlier than that.
Prosecutors and defense counsel have all just gotten up likely headed to judge's chambers. That leaves behind Kwame Kilpatrick, Ferguson, Bernard Kilpatrick and a gentleman who accompanies Ferguson every day that I can only describe as a "handler."
wyers just filtered back into the courtroom. No sign of Judge Edmunds yet.
9:26AM Judge Edmunds entered the courtroom but Kwame just bolted out the door. Jim Thomas, his lawyer, tells the judge he'll be back in a second. Witness Tyrone Clifton is standing by the witness stand getting ready to continue his testimony. Kwame is back and so is jury. Judge welcomes Van Duson back to the courtroom.
9:29AM Gerald Evelyn begins cross-examination of Clifton. Clifton confirms he was the project manager on the Heilmann project. Clifton says he has been with the DBA since July 1st 2002, previous to that he worked in the construction industry. He ran his own construction company.
Clifton agrees that he works with contractors a lot and that sometimes he needs to be aggressive with contractors. Says he has yelled at contractors and they have yelled at him. "It comes with the job." Clifton says usually he does the yelling. He has never yelled at Bobby Ferguson though. Clifton says in his experience architects usually need to get pushed. Witness found Michael Woodhouse and Calvin Hall of Xcel Construction to be effective. Evelyn speaks so quickly, judge tells him to slow down. "I think fast and talk fast," says Evelyn. Clifton says he had dealt with LaJuan Wilks, another witness in the trial who testified yesterday about her involvement with the Heilmann project and her difficulties with Ferguson. Clifton says he had communications with Wilks on the project. Evelyn asking about the conversation he had with Wilks about her confrontation with Ferguson. Clifton says she stated they were in an argument and it was very heated. Clifton states again she was very upset. Witness told her she had no cause for concern. "I felt she was in no danger of losing her job," says Clifton. Looking at the Request for Proposal for the Heilmann project. States that it is a proposal for the renovation of the Heilmann Recreational Center that is not to exceed $7 million. See list of what the city wanted in the center. Paragraph in the document states that the DBA reserves the right to reject all proposals. DBA doesn't intend to award contracts based on the responses to the RFP. Another paragraph discusses the "economy of preparation", states that presentation should be simple and clear and devoid of fancy binders. Clifton says he would get communication from JOA/Xcel team. He would coordinate activities to get the project moved forward. Looking at a memorandum from April 27th 2004 to the DBA from Michael woodhouse of Xcel regarding Heilmann. Woodhouse waiting for zoning approval which is causing significant delays. Says winter enclosures are going to be pashed which will incur winter heating costs. Asking to expedite zoning approval to reduce additional costs incurred. Clifton doesn't recall the memo but doesn't dispute it. It is something typical of such a project agrees the witness. Another Woodhouse memo on July 1st 2003, looking for DBA budget approval for a $15,000 line item to provide a Level 1 Environmental Assessment. Another hold up to the project. Judge requests a sidebar.
9:50AM Evelyn admits more documents into evidence. Thomas comes up to Evelyn at the podium and whispers in his ear for a moment. Evelyn asks to approach the witness with one of the documents.
Looking at May 9th 2003 memo to La Juan Wilks from Bobby Toliver of Xcel. Addresses a request from Wilks about pool temperature she is asking for. Not sure why this is important.
Clifton says he was satisfied with the results on the Heilmann Recreational facility. Evelyn asks if it was a nice facility.
"It was alright," says the witness. He steps down.
9:55AM FBI agent Bob Beeckman is back on the stand yet again. Jennifer Blackwell for the government. She has just introduced a bunch of things into evidence which I can only assume are all texts. Blackwell asking about texts on Heilmann. Talking about Wilks's boss Vincent Anwunah who answered to Lee Stephenson, deputy director of the city rec department, and before that to a Mr. Hautau.
Text message between Ferguson and Anwunah. April 16th 2003.
FE:Heilmann rec center is it a design building and when is it coming out.
A: Yes, it is design build it will be coming out this week or next.
F:I need to talk to you first is Dick gone.
A: Yes Dick is gone as far as decision making.
F: Ok we need to meet on the project.
Dick refers to Dick Hautau, Anwunah's boss.
Text exchange between Beatty and Ferguson. June 10th 2003
F: Need to see you for 5 minutes when is that possible ma'am
B: Thursday or Friday would be good.
F: Ok hope you haven't met with Mrs. Benson yet
B: No I haven't
F: Good.
Benson is Ayanna Benson, the director of the DBA and Kwame's second cousin. Ferguson seems to want to tell Beatty to tell Benson what to do. Benson reported to board of directors chaired by Beatty who was Chief of Staff at the time. The bid for Heilmann publicly opened on June 19th.
Thomas asks for sidebar.
Exchange between Anwunah and Ferguson on June 18th 2003.
A: Congratulations for tomorrow.
F: Ok what happen good.
A: Your team got Heilmann
F: Yeah I know, thanks, also call that guy from dwsd.
Exchange between Ferguson and Beatty on June 19th 2003.
FE: Thank You I love you you are for sure my sister.
B: What did I do?
F: Benson.
B: Oh, you know I was going to take care of you.
F: Thank you
Jury asks to slow down and review text.
Exchange between mayor and Beatty. On June 19th 2003 day of project is awarded.
mayor: I'll feel better when I see you!
B: All!! Ditto!!! I'm at the DBA board meeting. I thought the civic center changes were being made through the DBA?
Text exchange about tailor made suits for Stephenson. Between Anwunah and Ferguson. October 29th 2003.
A: Sir I am calling you as you requested. Lee was in my office when I tried to reach you. He wants to know time and when we are going.
F: I can meet you at the tailor at 1:30 today. is that cool. I know that it is short notice.
A: where is the tailor located?
F: 112 Clifford St next to Madison building.
A: Yes he will be ready at 1:30
Nick Sereno is the tailor.
Exchange between Eugenia Blake and Ferguson October 31st 2003.
Fe: Ask him for me or for lee who he is making suits for. Lee is the big guy he is making the suits for
B: Nick the tailor says he needs Lee to come in for more measurements...
B: I just spoke with Nick the tailor and told him that you and Mr. Stephens will be there on Monday november 3rd.
Missed most of this exchange about Blake and Ferguson on December 16th 2003.
B: Nick the tailor just called and says he has your coat ready and Mr. Stephenson garments too. please call him at.
F: Thank you.
Anwunah and Ferguson. December 18th 2003
A: Were you able to go to nick's place
F: Done he can pick up one suit of his choice and I can pay for the rest Monday.
A: Thank you.
Anwunah and Ferguson on December 29th 2003.
A: Hey merry Christmas and happy New Year. I hope you are having a great time. Lee talked to me this morning...
F: damn I didn't pay for it all wait until Tuesday...
A: ok I have told him to wait. Do you want him to wait until tomorrow?
F: yes.
Incomplete exchange because prosecutor is going way too quickly.
Slow down Blackwell. Ferguson and Carmen Cunnigham December 30th 2003.
F: Man I forgot I was leaving town I will be back tonight and pay for the suits in the am. I think my office has the check you can take it over in the am..
F: Carmen cut this check call nick.
C: $3360- is that right.
F: it sounds right but he won't take the check from no one but me.
Nick is the tailor. Anwunah was Wilks boss at the Detroit rec department. He called Ferguson "Boss" testifies Beeckman.
10:20AM Thomas cross-examines Beeckman.
Talking about the lines of authority. There were about 6 lines to get to LaJuan Wilks. No evidence that she ever spoke to Kilpatrick about her handling of the Heilmann matter.
Looking at exchange between mayor and Beatty on June 19th 2003.
mayor: I'll feel better when I see you!
B: Ditto!!! I'm at the DBA board meeting. I thought the civic center changes were being made through the DBA?
Thomas asking if at that point it seemed to Beatty that changes were being made through the DBA. Yes says Beeckman.
Thomas has nothing further.
10:27AM Evelyn cross-examines Beeckman.
Evelyn has to temper some pretty damaging texts the government just introduced. Thomas says they were misinterpreted. Wonder what Evelyn will say. Looking at minutes from DBA meeting. Looking at Cobo Hall project done by White/Xcel venture. Looks like it was a well-received contract/project. Beeckman says proposals for Heilmann project "opened" on June 19th 2003. Looking at June 3rd 2003 letter from DBA to JOA/Xcel about Request for Proposal for the Heilmann project. Judge says there is some ambiguity that needs to be cleared up about when project was opened up. Beeckman says about awarding of the project on June 19th. Beeckman says the proposals were earlier. Beeckman steps down. Evelyn did not touch a single of Ferguson's texts about the tailor and suits for Stephenson.
10:34AM New witness takes the stand. Eric Doeh for the government. Sean Werdlow, currently an investment banker with a NYC firm. Before was with the city of Detroit Finance Department. Worked under Archer, starting in 1994, and the Kilpatrick administration. Under Archer, he was #3 or 4 in the department. Between administrations, VP of finance for the Detroit Medical Center. Started with city under Kilpatrick in 2002 as Chief Financial Officer. Werdlow says he didn't know mayor for long when he was appointed to the position. Attended cabinet level meetings in the city. They were held every Monday or every other Monday. All the "chiefs", directors of the large departments were at the meetings. Witness knew Beatty, Derrick Miller who were present at the meetings. Knew Ferguson, met him early on in the administration. Werdlow says that mayor would make flattering remarks about Ferguson at the meetings when projects would come up. "Let's give it to my guy Bobby" or "I would like for my guy bobby to get it" is what mayor would say when projects were discussed at meetings. Nothing too out of the ordinary says witness. Projects or Super Bowl that would come up says witness. Werdlow says that the mayor did make specific mention of Ferguson.
Shortly after Werdlow became CFO, he revised finance directives because they were antiquated. They were from the 70s for the most part and needed updating. There were at least 50 finance directives that impacted all the departments. Therefore, Werdlow let the mayor know what he was doing with regards to the revisions. Memo about competition for city of Detroit contracts. Beatty is listed as a recipient. Ayanna Benson, head of the DBA, also a recipient. Now looking at actual memorandum on September 10th 2002. Competition for city of Detroit contracts. From finance department- states "all contracts should be awarded through an open and fair competitive process". Spelling out to all department directors how contracts should be entered into. This includes professional services, like a consultant to the city. Should be governed by "code of ethics" and "be governed by the highest ideals of honor and integrity." Werdlow says that when you are contracting with firms as the government, you should be transparent. Talks about "merit the respect and inspire the confidence" of the public being served. "City employees should seek or dispense no personal favors" and "not accept gifts, gratuity or other things of value from suppliers"!!!!! Werdlow says it's pretty clear what that means. Werdlow says this was a directive to all departments, "something that you absolutely have to follow." Jones Lang Lasalle, a company that did some work for the city in 2003 and 2004. A real estate company. Staubauch, owned by Roger Staubauch of the Dallas Cowboys. City did a real estate assessment with Jones Lang Lasalle says the witness. Inventory of buildings and leases of the police department. Jones Lasalle Land hired to revevaluate leases. It was a very big job. Christine Beatty and Derrick Miller were involved in crime lab project with Staubauch. Miller brought Jones Lang Lasalle to take over the project which evolved into something else. Werdlow says no such decision could be made without the mayor's knowledge.
10:57AM Judge calls for 20 minute break.
11:15AM Thomas and Kwame are sitting alone in the courtroom talking to each other intensely.
People are starting to come back into the courtroom slowly. Liking Bernard's royal blue tie and dark suit today. Kwame pulled out a bow tie for this morning- it's been weeks since I last remember seeing him wear one.
11:22AM Doeh continues with Werdlow.
Werdlow says most department heads are appointees and even the non-appointees report to mayor. Witness says if they didn't report to mayor, they reported to Beatty or Miller. Werdlow reported to the mayor. Witness was also in charge of the purchasing department.
US Attorney Mark Chutkow flipping through a catalogue looking thing with Jim Thomas behind Doeh.
Werdlow says he signed off on contracts between city and contractors. Werdlow says that the mayor could have prevented that but it was never an issue. Werdlow says the DBA was specially created for construction projects in the city. Before the DBA's existence, it was a very cumbersome process. To get anything built, you had to go through the DBA. Werdlow's responsibilities were oversight and to approve contracts. Werdlow, Beatty, Wendell Anthony, Derrick miller possibly on board of DBA. Witness says Ayanna Benson's boss was her cousin the mayor. Werdlow says he knew that Beatty and Benson knew each other. Werdlow knows Vincent Anwunah who used to work with the DBA. Also knows Lee Stephenson who was for a short period the director of the city recreation department.
Werdlow became aware of the Heilmann project in 2003. It came before the DBA when he was a member of the board. He knows about the evaluation committee for the Heilmann project. He knew most of the members of the committee. He knew Tyrone Clifton who was on the evaluation committee for Heilmann. Werdlow says he relied on their recommendations because the committee was identified as persons having a certain expertise. "Yeah, we really heavily on them." Werdlow talking about meetings to vote on contracts before the DBA. Werdlow looking at set of minutes from June 19th 2003 meeting for the DBA board of commissioners (witness, Carl Collins and Christine Beatty). Werdlow requested that the DBA staff provide the board copies of the bid sheets for the Project. Witness can't recall why he made this request. But usually it's because he needed additional information to feel comfortable on how he voted.
Werdlow knows several companies put in bids for Heilmann. Knew value to be somewhere around $10 million (actual amount was $7 million). Looking at the reviews for the final 5 candidates for the project. Wrdlow says that on the 19th of June when he voted he did not have the ranking information he is seeing now. Did not know that JOA/Xcel was ranked second to the bottom. Another document which states that on May 13th 2003, the DBA received 12 responses to is Request for Proposals and an Evaluation comitteee found 5 of the 12 proposals to be most responsive to the overall scope of the project. The final proposal of the Evaluation Committee was JOA/Xcel/SDG for the Heilmann project.
"This would be a huge discrepancy," says Werdlow about what the document says and the actual evaluation committee reviews.
June 19th 2003 letter from Ayanna Benson, director of the DBA to the Board of Commissioners. there is a Handwritten note saying "to send fee listings to Sean Werdlow."
11:45AM Looking at construction services agreement between contractors and the city- agreement dated June 19th 2003. An article IX on conflict of interest: contractor will not have any proprietry interests that will conflict with services of this agreement. No public official who exercises responsibilities has any financial or personal interest in this agreement. Werdlow says this is to identify that the contract has been raised to a higher level of scrutiny. Werdlow says it would be important to abide by these principles.
Doeh asking if Werdlow knew that prior to the awarding of the project on June 19th 2003 that there were text messages between Vincent Anwunah and Ferguson. Before witness can answer defense asks for a sidebar.
Werdlow says it was important for city employees to abide by the previous directives laid out. Reiterates what he has already said.
Doeh asks if he would have changed his vote known about the texts. Before witness answers, both Thomas and Evelyn object. Judge sustains so no answer to the question.
11:52AM Thomas gets up to cross-examine the witness.
Seaford Branford and Shank, current employer of the witness, used to do business with the city of Detroit.
Thomas showing witnesses a pamphlet that shows the different branches of the Kilpatrick team. The chief development officer was Walter Watkins, witness worked with him previous to their roles in the Kilpatrick administration. Thomas saying this guy had extensive experience in banking and well qualified to run his department. Very qualified agrees the witness. Talking about Chief of Staff Christine Beatty and how she ran mayoral campaigns for Kilpatrick in 2001 and 2005. Thomas asks if she was a hardworking lady. Thomas says he is trying to demonstrate that Kilpatrick's directors of departments were extremely competent. Judge says there is no issue as to their competency so move it along.
Witness asks if you want me to say if those people are competent?
Courtroom laughs.
Witness agrees that sometimes people disagreed with mayor at the Monday meetings about how to do things. Thomas says these were very tough meetings.
12:00PM Witness agrees that Derrick Miller didn't always follows mayor's recommendations. Witness says "Mayor didn't always take my side. Mayor didn't always take Derrick's side."
Witness says that the mayor respected his skill set and allowed him to run the finance department. Also says he can't speak for anyone else.
Witness agrees that running a city is a multi-functional job. That's correct says Werdlow.
Thomas asks are there things that the mayor might want to know but does not. Werdlow agrees that is possible.
Doeh objects, Judge overrules but we are speaking in too broad generalities.
Thomas says that the mayor is not responsible to know all the intricacies of every department. Werdlow agrees with that statement.
So, Thomas says, there were things going on in the city he did not know about. Yes says the witness.
Thomas asks if witness remembers contracting processes with law firms. Yes says the witness. Relevance apparently has to do with competency to know that the departments could do their jobs.
Kwame is agreeing fervently with witness's testimony with several affirmative head shakes.
Werdlow says he was not aware of the minority initiative instituted by Kilpatrick. Says that was in place beforehand. Thomas says yes there were other mayors and Kilpatrick that gave preference to minority businesses.
Talking about Lewis White and Clay. Judge intercedes and says they are a very fine law firm and has nothing to do with this case.
Thomas talking about minority law firms and when competing for contracts in the city. Werdlow says that question is better suited to someone in the law department.
Looking at the revised finance directive on competition for city contracts.
Werdlow says the DBA was much more focused in terms of contracting than other city departments.
Thomas talking about the directive and open and competitive process.
Werdlow says there is one common thing with all contracts- "It's always expertise and price." Wow hard to argue with that.
12:15PM Thomas says directives are not statute or ordinance. No it is not says the witness. Werdlow says that this was simply guidelines as to how the city should be operating.
"No one is going to jail for violating that as far as you were concerned," says Thomas.
No one was going to jail says Werdlow but you could fire someone on the basis of the directives.
Thomas is done.
12:18PM Evelyn cross-examines.
Meeting minutes from DBA board member of June 19th 2003. LaJuan Wilks, Tyrone Clifton, Ayanna Benson and Robert Hill were all present at this meeting.
Werdlow says he can't recall if he saw the actual RFP for the Heilmann project.
Now Evelyn puts up the RFP. Lists Rodney Stokes as the head of the Recreational Department. Vincent Anwunah listed but Lee Stepheson is not.
Evelyn reads about DBA reserving the right to reject any proposals and that the DBA does not intend to award contracts solely based on responses to the RFP.
Evelyn says there is nothing illegal about awarding contracts on basses other than just proposals. Witness agrees.
Evelyn is done and Doeh has no further re-direct.
12:23PM Doeh says they will start with a new witness tomorrow. Judge dismisses jury and says we'll be back tomorrow at 9AM.
About the author
Alexandra Harland is a Princeton undergrad and has a masters degree in International affairs with Columbia. A Montreal native, she worked with the Daily Telegraph newspaper for a few years before transitioning to TV, when she worked at ABC News with Peter Jennings. Alexandra has also worked in newsrooms in both Detroit and Boston.
Copyright 2012 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Mocha Import: Cyborg Arm with Mocha & After Effects
Mathias Möhl (http://www.mamoworld.com/) has developed an excellent script for AE users: mochaImport. In this great video Mathias, teaches how use the script for advanced composite techniques in After Effects. He inserts mechanics into his arm using only planar tracking techniques available in mocha, and 2D elements in After Effects.

subset: commoncrawl


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I have 3 tables linked with a left join. see example below:
SELECT s.suiteid, s.testid, s.naam, ms.id, ms.projectid, ms.naam FROM suites as sleft join tests as t on s.testid = t.idleft join meta_suites as ms on t.projectid = ms.projectidwhere s.testid = 44
result:'10000', '44', '000_10000_suite_algemeen', '10000', '1', 'Basis test SKM''10000', '44', '000_10000_suite_algemeen', '10050', '1', 'Informatievoorziening''10000', '44', '000_10000_suite_algemeen', '10100', '1', 'Test beheer'
below is the outcome that I really want:'10000', '44', '000_10000_suite_algemeen', '10000', '1', 'Basis test SKM'' ', ' ', ' ', '10050', '1', 'Informatievoorziening'' ', ' ', ' ', '10100', '1', 'Test beheer'
The connection is the "10000" in both tables. Because 10050 and 10100 has no connection they don't have data in the first table
thanks for helping!
Oh, nvm... I'm a dummy head. =p
LEFT JOIN will basically only get something where all of them have values.
What you want is probably a RIGHT join for the first table.
a right join makes no difference. maybe something with a subquery??
Can you break down the data in each database (as it relates to this).
If there was no relationship at all, the 10000 wouldn't be there... so there is some relationship I can't determine from that little bit of data.
Table Suites:'10000', '44', '000_10000_suite_algemeen'
Table Tests:'44', '1', '2011-02-25 19:00:47', '2011-02-25 19:01:29', 'passed', '2', '0', '2'
Table Meta_suites:'10000', '1', 'Basis test SKM', 'Basis test SKM''10050', '1', 'Informatievoorziening', 'Tests van de informatievoorziening''10100', '1', 'Test beheer', 'testen beheer activiteiten'
Relations are:44 is testnumber10000 is testcasenumberand 1 in tests and meta_suites is the project number
i want to make a collection of suites in a test (nr. 44) AND meta_suites which id not in suites.
'10000', '44', '000_10000_suite_algemeen', '10000', '1', 'Basis test SKM'' ', ' ', ' ', '10050', '1', 'Informatievoorziening'' ', ' ', ' ', '10100', '1', 'Test beheer'
so 10000 has matching information in the meta_suites table and 10050 and 10100 has not yet meta information
Ah, I see.
So, if you ignore the second join, you get this:10000, 44, 000_10000_suite_algemeen
Then, because of the test ID, with the third join this winds up getting duplicated, so you get the results you get, where it joins the test ID to the other.
Changing the second table to be a RIGHT JOIN should do the trick, though you'll likely get more rows then you want. If you add something like "GROUP BY ms.id', you can get rid of the duplicate ms.id rows (assuming ms.id is unique... if it's not you may lose results you want).
Unfortunately, nothing works. I tried left, right and inner joins with group by and having
the result is:'10000', '44', '000_10000_suite_algemeen', '10000', '1', 'Basis test SKM''10000', '44', '000_10000_suite_algemeen', '10050', '1', 'Informatievoorziening''10000', '44', '000_10000_suite_algemeen', '10100', '1', 'Test beheer'
or only '10000', '44', '000_10000_suite_algemeen', '10000', '1', 'Basis test SKM'
maybe another type of query will do the trick??
Don't try to solve this type of problem with SQL.
It is much each easier and more efficient to handle in the presentation layer.
Retrieve the data ordered by s.suiteid, s.testid, s.naam and keep track of when there are new values for these values.
It seems that you want everything from meta_suites, so it may be prudent to rewrite your query and make that be the main table (in the from), and then do a cross join to get the other tables.
with a bit of tinkering I found the solution!
(SELECT s.id, s.suiteid, s.testid, s.naam, s.result, s.totalTime, s.numTestTotal, s.numTestPasses, s.numTestFailures FROM suites as s left join tests as t on s.testid = t.id where t.projectid=1 and s.testid =44)
(SELECT null,id,null, ms.naam,ms.omschrijving,null,null,null,null FROM meta_suites as ms where ms.projectid=1 and ms.id not in (select suiteid from suites))
With the union i combine the two tables with the folowing result:
'256', '10000', '44', '000_10000_suite_algemeen', 'passed', '26', '4', '4', '0'NULL, '10050', NULL, 'Informatievoorziening', 'Tests van de informatievoorziening', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULLNULL, '10100', NULL, 'Test beheer', 'testen beheer activiteiten', NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL
if someone knows a better solution i like to hear. Thanks
Not bad. There probably is a slightly better way, but off the top of my head I'm not sure what it'd be.
Good job.


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Looking to find, remove unused CSS on a dynamic site.Possible an FF 4 extension.Tried Helium and DustMeSelectors doesnt work on FF4 and I dont think it works on dynamic sites anyway
It would be very difficult to create such a plugin. You'd have to basically look at every single page in the site and hunt for unused CSS.
Even then, it's not guaranteed you aren't getting rid of something that is supposed to be used, because it could be part of an error system, CSS elements/classes for a CMS, etc.
Unless you suspect a huge amount of unused CSS, I'd say leave it. The risk of an extra kilobyte or two is worth not breaking your site in some unforeseen way. Of course, it's better to keep track of this when developing and make sure none gets left in.
i hear you, but i do know that i have a HUGE amount of unused css on my site
In that case, you may want to take a slightly trial-and-error approach.
You're running a Wordpress site, so that means you have a finite number of template files.
Go through those and pull out all the elements, classes, and IDs that you use in your templates. You could use a text editor to search for "<", "class", and "id" to find your targets.
Then, go through your CSS and look for CSS that isn't in that list. Remove it, run through a handful of pages and make sure you didn't accidentally break anything. (You could try commenting it out with /* */ around the block, then testing, and remove everything at the end).
If you get a steady supply of traffic, I highly recommend doing this on a local/test server, as you'll probably break stuff.
However, looking at your site, it looks like there is only 40kb of CSS (unless you somehow have control over the ones on the fbcdn ). That is a bunch, but unless you think you're going to be able to reduce it by about 50% or more, I honestly wouldn't risk trying to clean it up in one go. Over time you could slowly find bits and pieces that aren't used and pull them out. You can probably find better areas to direct that effort.
Nice site, btw. Very clean.
thanks. doing it on my test site now


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Cindy, yes thats beebalm! Looking foward to your photos! I have a small yard , but I make the most of it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! happy gardening! With the crapes, just look for the variety Dynamite!!!
Oh wow! I love that red crape. The color is awesome. I have a purple butterfly bush. Cant wait to use my new camera to capture pictures this year. Most of the crape 's are either white or the pink around here. The redbud tree's and forsynthia bushes are what will start blooming first around here. Is that red flower Beesbalm?
Cindy, the crapes are a light pink,but I also have white&red! I have three in front of the house! these will grow to 20 feet. So i'm going to shape them into little trees! The others in the yard are schrubs ,but prune(6 feet)
I purchased a standard Rose of sharon . Coming this spring! Can't wait!
I had a Butterfly bush that grow to big , Ihad to remove it<but I purchased a smaller one blue chip! Did well last summer!
I love crepe Myrtle's. I think I am going to plant some this year. I planted a couple of Rose of Sharon about 3 years ago and they have really took off. Did a buttlerfly bush the year before and it has done very well last year. That reminds me I need to check it. What color are your Myrtles?
Cindy, I here ya! I had to trim my Crape myrtle's. They were forming bud already! Crapes are usually the last to leave out here! i trimed the roses too!
We had a very mild winter here in Missouri. My Rose bushes are already putting on leaves and the jonaquils are starting to bloom i noticed today.
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Prevention Success
What makes a prevention program successful? That's the million dollar question, right? Some preventionists might think that if they just had more money, or if they had that one, perfect curriculum their program would be a success. Although beneficial, we know that money and a great curriculum alone do not a successful program make.
Because we wanted to explore this question, the NSVRC worked with an evaluator to identify and interview innovative sexual violence prevention programs throughout the country. Twelve innovative programs were selected and interviewed to find out how the programs were thinking about prevention and the processes that allowed their innovation to develop. What we found was that, although these programs varied in size, budgets, and target audiences, they shared very similar characteristics. Here's a hint: It has much more to do with the organization itself than with the specific prevention innovation. Intrigued? To find out what makes these programs tick, check out our Year 2 Report: Innovations in Prevention. While you are there, be sure to listen to the podcast interviews that Prevention Connection recorded with the innovative programs. Then, let us know what you think by commenting below!


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Thailand, Indonesia and India have all made bullish noises of late, suggesting they may raise rates in the near future.
Indonesia's central bank governor said today that it remained vigilant against rising inflationary pressures, which is good to know from a bank that has been keeping at least one eye firmly on growth. Consumer price inflation rose to 6.96 per cent in the year to December, against a 2011 target of 5 per cent +/- 1 per cent. The central bank has kept rates at their post-crisis low of 6.5 per cent to drive growth via commercial loans, Reuters reports. The IMF has called on the country to raise rates, which recently cut import duties on food to try to dampen price rises.
India is expected to raise rates next Tuesday, January 25. A "vast majority" of Read more


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BP Comment Quick Links
January 17, 2013
In A Pickle
The Disunited States of America
It's 2013, which, as you well know, means it's time for the World Baseball Classic, which in turn means that it's time to speculate about rosters and project results and ask just how much Italian blood you need to be eligible and complain about Team Canada's weird caps and be jealous of Team Mexico's sweet sweet sweet unis. More than all that, though, here's what I'm really interested in:
(Population is rounded to the nearest million and taken from the latest estimates on Wikipedia, the best source for all correct and honest information on the Internet.)
There are some big countries and there are some small countries. (Also territories.) The United States is one of the big ones. So big, in fact, that if you start adding from the smallest on up, it takes the population of 12 countries/territories to top the U.S.'s 315 million souls. (If you add all 15 non-China countries up, though, you still don't reach China's population. You don't even get particularly close. China is very large. Has anyone looked into this?)
For comparison to some of those countries/territories, here are some of the states that make up our little federation:
The task I have assigned myself, which you've possibly already figured out at this point: I am going to create a team of players born in each of those states. While it would be nice to limit myself only to active players, that's going to be impossible for the smaller states, so I will instead limit eligibility to players who are merely alive, with a preference for more recently active athletes, though not a hard-and-fast one. (If I'm choosing between Conor Jackson and Matt Young for a backup outfielder spot, I'll take Jackson even though Young played in 2012, for instance.)
I'll make standard 25-man teams with five starters, seven relievers (yurgh, but I guess it's the way of things and there's not likely any going back any time soon), the usual position men, and a bench as good as I can make it while still covering the basic bases (backup catcher, e.g., is a must—no throwing my hands up and shouting, "Cust! Bring your big mitt!"). I'll even put the guys in a preferred batting order for the hell of it. Trust me, that part is going to get hilarious come Oklahoma time.
Finally, I've noted our preliminary PECOTA TAv and ERA forecasts next to players for whom there is one. For the retired types, I'll substitute in my best guess at the player's favorite snack food.
You would expect this to be a great team, and it does not disappoint.
Dustin Pedroia, 2B (Woodland), .286
Allen Craig, 1B/COF (Mission Viejo), .291
John Jaso is the least famous member of the starting lineup, and he's no slouch of a backstop. I thought about bringing Jonny Gomes (Petaluma) as platoon DH and cheerleader, but giving up Allen Craig's bat and flexibility wasn't worth it.
Nick Punto (San Diego) and Michael Young (Covina) just missed the cut. (No they didn't.) (Punto is pretty fun, though.)
CC Sabathia (Vallejo), 3.10
Ryan Cook (Clovis), 4.44
There's significant depth in the starting-pitcher pool here —even aside from the fact that I shoved Kris Medlen and C.J. Wilson back into relief roles, Doug Fister (Merced), Ian Kennedy (Huntington Beach), Brandon McCarthy (Glendale), Matt Garza (Selma), and Trevor Cahill (Oceanside) didn't crack the rotation (though I'd understand some controversy on that point vis a vis Shields). I could have built an entire bullpen from starters, but that felt boring. The relievers are in no particular order because my California team (which will be managed by Jason Giambi (West Covina)) is not going to have traditional bullpen roles.
Would you pick against this team in the real WBC? They would at least be co-favorites with Cuba and the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, right? I think they'd beat Canada, the country whose population is most similar. Which they should. Canada's a frozen wasteland of politeness. If I learned one thing from Dollar Sign on the Muscle, Kevin Kerrane's legendary book about baseball scouts, it's that the most important factor in picking a pitcher is whether he'll knock you on your ass. Canadians have selected out all their ass-knockers and put them on skates and taken their teeth away. The non-hockey players aren't mean enough to get Prince Fielder out or to do much more than wave politely at Sergio Romo's slider as it buzzes past into Jaso's mitt.
Adam Eaton, CF (Springfield), .272
David Lough, OF (Akron), .231
Pete Rose (Cincinnati) is technically eligible for this team and is arguably a better option than David Lough or Matt Kata. Or either of the catchers for that matter. I just can't bring myself to do it, though. I'd take away from his hectic Las Vegas autographing schedule and, in any case, chemistry matters and Rose is weird.
I chose Payton over Angle as a starter even though Angle played in the bigs in 2011 and Payton hasn't since 2010 because otherwise the squad was just too depressing. Ohio was once a major, important state! Depending on how you count William Henry Harrison, six American presidents have been from there. That's tied with New York (not counting Grover Cleveland twice) and Ohio wins the tiebreaker because of Warren G. Harding.
Chad Billingsley (Defiance), 3.61
Matt Guerrier (Cleveland), 3.47
Roger Clemens (Dayton) should be on this list, but starting pitching is actually the strength of this team, so if there's anywhere that I need to break the rules, it isn't there. I do apologize, by the way, for violating #notomkos.
This team is not quite as good as California's. Fair to say, right? Also fair to say they'd get eaten alive by the Cuban team that comes from the country closest to Ohio's population. Their only hope would be to convince the Cuban team to throw the game in exchange for defection for the entire squad and their families.
Dirk Hayhurst (Canton) is surely sad as hell about the state of this team. (That's a joke. The state.)
New Jersey
Derek Jeter, SS (Pequannock), .258
Kristopher Negron, OF (Willingboro), .221
The Eric Youngs stunt isn't a stunt. Young, Sr. is sadly and undoubtedly the best utility infield option. Also, Bill Haselman hasn't played major-league ball since 2003, a season in which he had three plate appearances. He's 46 years old. His career True Average is .244. His photo looks like
and makes it entirely clear that he doesn't want to be here. Good freakin' job, New Jersey.
Anyway, this team has a very nice core of talent for such a small state, but once you get past the top four, or maybe five, or maaaaaaaaybe six in the lineup, you're into some really marginal dudes.
Rick Porcello (Morristown), 4.54
Andrew Bailey (Voorhees), 3.54
Al Leiter and Willie Banks go back to 2005 and 2002, respectively, but if you prefer Casey Fossum (Cherry Hill) or Jason Bergmann (Neptune), you go right ahead.
Overall, I like the New Jersey team because I could have slipped a random guy and a random town name in there and you'd have no idea. Did I make up "Joe Martinez" and "South Orange"? Probably! Very very likely! (Don't click his link to find out.)
New Jersey has a similar population to the Dominican Republic. New Jersey's best pitcher is a closer who, were the two teams to play a series, would never ever ever get to pitch with a lead. But hey, the outfield defense is real good so Vin Mazzaro might have a shot at keeping his earned runs under 12.
(Are you excited?)
Matt Kemp, RF (Midwest City), .302
Cory Sullivan, OF (Tulsa), banana walnut muffin
Weird lineup, right? I'm just trying to get the Matts the most at-bats I can because the rest of the lineup might go a collective ohfer if they played against their analogue, Puerto Rico. Holliday and Kemp are two of the best players on the planet, just absolute beasts with the bat and no slouches in the outfield (or at least Kemp would be no slouch if he were in a corner), but the next best player born in the state is Koyie Hill? Really?
But hey, Oklahomans, be thankful for Hill. If he drops out, Stinnett, who hasn't played since 2007, would be the starter, and Charlie O'Brien (Tulsa), who last appeared over a decade ago, would be the backup. He's 52. Might be better off checking in on Mickey Tettleton, who's actually the same age despite retiring before O'Brien. Or, hell, if we're on Mickeys, how about Mantle? If Old Hoss Radbourn can tweet whilst corpsish, Mantle can probably outhit Cory Sullivan as long as he's motivated by braaaaaaaains. (That's his snack food. Sadly there's no PECOTA for Mantle.)
Dylan Bundy (Tulsa), 4.40
Jeremy Hefner (Perkins), 4.43
Fans hoping to see a Dylan Bundy/Brett Anderson top of the rotation, which actually could be formidable and give Holliday and Kemp a chance to hit a bomb to win a game or two 1-0, will be sad to learn that Anderson, despite graduating high school in Oklahoma and being the son of Frank Anderson, head coach at Oklahoma State from 2003 to 2012, was actually born in Midland, Texas, a city notable for its Bushes, Nixes, and Explosions in the Sky members as well as its decrepit downtown. Sorry. For so many things.
There you have it. California makes good ballplayers, even accounting for the fact that it's many times the size of most states. You are not surprised. That's okay. You don't have to always be surprised.
Jason Wojciechowski is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @jlwoj
12 comments have been left for this article.
BP Comment Quick Links
I was laughing at the Midland, TX description...then I remembered I work and live here and started sobbing. RockHounds baseball, baby!
Jan 17, 2013 08:10 AM
My favorite thing about Midland, hands down, is this detail from a mural downtown.
Jan 17, 2013 09:38 AM
how about Pro. Parks stepping up and contributing his All-Texas team? they could battle California for the title of Best Burrito and Ohio fo the Chili Bowl title.
Jan 17, 2013 08:19 AM
A quick look at Texas shows its major-league talent being down a bit. There's Adam Dunn and Chris Young and Jay Bruce and Austin Jackson, but the starting shortstop is probably Cliff Pennington and the team's best pitcher is Brett Anderson. (John Danks? Shelby Miller?) It's not quite Sabathia-Strasburg-Hamels.
Jan 17, 2013 13:14 PM
Russell A. Carleton
BP staff
Jan 17, 2013 08:52 AM
Geoff Young
BP staff
If you're willing to go a little older than 52 for Oklahoma's catcher, there's always Johnny Bench.
Jan 17, 2013 10:13 AM
Surprised by the number of Oklahoma players who passed through Arizona at one time or another. Doesn't bode well that they tended to be parts of the leaner years here...
Jan 17, 2013 10:14 AM
Sam Rothstein
Oklahoma actually has more talent than any Team Canada I can recall.
Jan 17, 2013 12:19 PM
But Joey Votto! And Matt Stairs! And ... um. Joey Votto!
Jan 17, 2013 13:05 PM
Jason Bay, ummm Larry Walker and Joey Votto!
Jan 17, 2013 13:39 PM
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MyDigitalSSD BP4 2.5" & mSATA (240GB) Reviewby Kristian Vättö on 4/3/2013 11:13 AM EST
35 Comments
Back to Article
CoryS - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkEveryday I check for the HTC One review, and frown :( Reply
epoon2 - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linksupply chain issue lol Reply
MadMan007 - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkAnandtech seems to have one though, they've included it in recent Android graphics benchmark charts. Reply
thesavvymage - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkthey have one for sure, anand posted his thoughts on it. In that article theyve said that they are working on their review Reply
alexvoda - Thursday, April 04, 2013 - linkUnfortunately I lost all my interest in the HTC One ofter this:
I find such construction method inexcusable. Reply
SSDuser101 - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkI can attest to the quality and support. I have a original BP3 from 2011 and see no reason to upgrade or change. These drives are BulletProof as the name suggests. Also followed lots of posts on Notebookreview about the drives and whenever there was a problem they fixed it. For example there was a bug with the W500 and EP121 that was pointed out and it was fixed within 4 weeks. Also they had a problem with the FW of the BP3 in early 2012 that only effected the 64GB mSATA SSD and that got fixed as well. And as far as drives dieing in the filed you will be hard pressed to find anyone who has had one brick on them. 2 thumbs up for MyDigitalSSD. Reply
Samus - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkI've had a mSATA BP3 in my Elitebook Folio 9470 for about a year. Haven't had any problems...sometimes a simple controller design is better. Sandforce is ridiculously complex with a lot of things that can go wrong. With the exception of the Intel SSD 330, every Sandforce drive I've ever owned has given me problems. Reply
Johny12 - Thursday, April 04, 2013 - linkSamus, I too have had problems with my SF based SSDs earlier. But since I have started using Intel 5xx series of SSDs, my opinion about SF has changed ridiculously. I think only the first generation of their SSDs had some compatibility issues across SSD manufacturers. I am excited to hear about their yet to be launched 3rd gen controllers :D Reply
MyDigitalSSD - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkHi all Matt from MyDigitalSSD here. Thanks you for the great review. I would like to let everyone know there is a large shortage of flash in the market right now and it may be 2-3 weeks until inventory on this items is flowing again. So whatever you find on the market right now is it for about 2-3 weeks. Not the best timing for such a thing but just wanted to give a heads up for those of you wondering why you cannot find stock readily available. Reply
jhoff80 - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkSo, would you say that mSATA drives are generally proportional to their 2.5" counterparts? It sounds like they use the same controller, and the same flash chips (albeit fewer).
For example, looking at 4KB random writes, the Intel 525 is third in performance. Would that also presumably mean that the mSATA variety of the Intel 525 would be one of the top mSATA performers?
My guess is that no, you can't assume that, but with so few sites with extensive mSATA benchmarks (and even here, there's only a couple that have been tested) it's hard to determine which is best and it'd be nice to have some way to figure it out other than guessing. Reply
Kristian Vättö - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkIntel 525 is mSATA only, so the scores there are for mSATA version ;)
It really depends on the firmware and hardware you're using. For example, Intel 525 is actually slightly faster than the 520 or 335, which may be due to newer firmware or higher quality NAND, but Plextor M5M is a bit slower than its 2.5" counterpart. A lot depends on the controller/firmware design and how much that relies on parallelism. SandForce does have a minor advantage there because they write less to the NAND due to compression, so you can get away with less (or slower) NAND.
The overall problem with mSATA is that there really aren't that many drives available, especially in the retail market. Most drives are OEM only (like Samsung's) so getting them in for testing is harder. Reply
jhoff80 - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkAaah, right, I got it confused with the 520. My mistake. Reply
DanNeely - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - link"Most drives are OEM only (like Samsung's) so getting them in for testing is harder."
Sounds like you just need to start voiding warranty stickers on review ultrabooks to stick the drives into the benchmark box after taking pictures of what's inside the shell. Reply
Kristian Vättö - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkTwo problems with that:
1. Manufacturers don't usually like laptop review samples to be taken into pieces. Having good connections with manufacturers is one of the most important things in this field, so we can't just do what we wish -- we also have to respect manufacturers' requests. Legally all review samples are property of the sender/manufacturer.
2. Laptop and SSD reviews aren't done in the same place; in fact I'm not even on the same continent as the others. Thus it's not possible (or worthwhile) to send the SSD to me for testing, especially as most laptops only have a few week review period. On the other hand, Jarred/Dustin/Vivek could test the drive, assuming they have a modern desktop, but I'm not sure if that's worth it because dealing with different setups always represents some potential issues when it comes to consistency and they already have tons of work to do.
Lets put this in another way: What mSATA SSDs would you like to see tested? I can always ask if the manufacturers can give us review samples, even though the drive may not be available for retail. Reply
msahni - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkHi there,
I am contemplating buying mSATA drives 240GB-256GB range. It is really becoming confusing to purchase a drive considering so many different specs.
My options are
1) Crucial m4 mSATA 256GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
2) Plextor M5M 256GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
3) Intel SSD 525 240GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
4) Mushkin Enhanced Atlas 240GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
I have not been able to get a head to head comparison of the drives anywhere. Most of the tech spec shootouts are of these drives against SSDs or older models.
Could you please advise which of these drives in your opinion would be the most eligible buy in a real world consumer scenario..
Cheers.... Reply
MyDigitalSSD - Thursday, April 04, 2013 - linkVisit Amazon and search bp4 240gb mSATA there are a few still left in stock. Best deal on one right now. Reply
Kristian Vättö - Thursday, April 04, 2013 - linkI would pick either Crucial or Plextor. The Plextor one is a bit faster and Plextor also has very good reputation when it comes to reliability, although in this case the Crucial is "more proven" as it's been out longer. Both are good choices, so this is a matter of personal preference. Reply
LouisPR - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkHappy to see a review about the BP4. I own it since mid February if I'm not mistaken and it's awesome! Reply
Vepsa - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkI really like the price of $160 for the 240GB drive. Seriously considering getting one now and a second later for RAID0. Reply
jamyryals - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkI got one of the 256GB Samsung 830 SSDs for $160. It was a great price for a drive on sale. I'm very happy to see retail starting at that price for a comparable drive. Time to wait and see what BP4's reliability will be like before I jump in on a nicely priced ~500GB. Reply
watersb - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkExcellent. I shall purchase the 512GB! Reply
Death666Angel - Wednesday, April 03, 2013 - linkWell, the availability in Europe seems crappy (only one UK shop 35% higher priced than the Samsung 840). I don't understand why the mSATA version is so under performing either. All-in-all, not something I would buy. Reply
MyDigitalSSD - Thursday, April 04, 2013 - linkmSATA uses 4 channels (can only fit 4 chips on board) on an 8 channel controller while the 2.5" uses all 8 channels. You will never notice a difference in daily use. Reply
Oxford Guy - Thursday, April 04, 2013 - link"The Samsung SSD 840 has really been the only budget drive without any serious drawbacks."
HardOCP's review of the 120 GB TLC drive found that its read speed plummeted because of testing, indicating that the low lifespan of the TLC NAND can be a problem. That is in addition to not very impressive write speed. Reply
MyDigitalSSD - Thursday, April 04, 2013 - linkGood point. We only use the best Toshiba MLC toggle (synch) flash. Our BP4 performance over time will not deteriorate at all. This drive is a great alternative to Samsung for sure. Reply
pcrusan - Thursday, April 04, 2013 - linkWhere is the 240GB BP4 at $160? I find it at $180 and $200. Reply
MyDigitalSSD - Thursday, April 04, 2013 - linkLow stock is causing the temporary pricing fluctuations. There is a serious flash shortage right now. Reply
MyDigitalSSD - Thursday, April 04, 2013 - linkThey are in stock at MyDigitalDiscount.com at 159.99! Reply
AKFlyerFan - Friday, April 05, 2013 - linkI just ordered one of the last two reported in stock there, so we'll see how good they are when it comes in and I get it up and running.. Reply
pcrusan - Tuesday, April 09, 2013 - linkNow $179.99. Reply
MyDigitalSSD - Tuesday, April 09, 2013 - link240GB mSATA is $179.99 240GB 2.5" SATA is $159.99 Reply
kallogan - Friday, April 05, 2013 - linki find it very annoying to see that modern ssds seem to consume as much power as 5400rpm mechanical HDD...Why no classic HDD listed as reference in power consumption chart ? Reply
vol7ron - Tuesday, April 09, 2013 - linkIs there any talk about how compliant this is cross-platform?
Samsung had firmware issues that pretty much required Windows to update. Do these play nicely with *nix and Mac? Reply
MyDigitalSSD - Tuesday, April 09, 2013 - linkAt this time we have had no issues on any platform with the current FW 4.6.
MyDigitalSSD Reply
VjRao - Sunday, February 16, 2014 - linkI have a 128 GB MyDigitalSSD that was purchased in October-2012. Its performed with no issues .. I suspect battery performance might not be ideal, or speed either.. I beat up on this system every day.. use it with Linux on my Lenovo T430s. Reading this review wants me to upgrade - especially since I did not have any issues with this manufacturer.. The low price helps too. Reply


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Seniors claim harassment; Speaking out against affordable housing management
ARCATA- A handful of Plaza Point residents claim that they have been threatened and harassed by property management. Tenants fear they will be evicted unfairly for minor infractions OR going against the company, AWI.
Plaza point, an affordable housing complex for seniors, was built by DANCO and completed in June 2012. AWI, a property management company based in Auburn, Calif. is contracted by DANCO to supervise the apartment.
Maureen Kane has lived there since June, she said her neighbors are fearful that they will be evicted if they go against management or make complaints about the building to managers. "It sounds like, if you don't do this, you're going to get a notice of eviction," she said.
Several residents spoke in open comment at the Arcata City Council meeting on Wednesday night about the harassment at the apartment complex. Kane said she wanted to make the city's elected officials aware of the problem.
Kane said the main problem with the building is the noise. Kane lives on the third floor and said she can hear the residents below her walking, "Footsteps of people under me."
Janice Fetzer was one of the first tenants to move in. She said she was excited when she first moved in, but immediately was aware of the noise problem. "From the get go, noise was an issue," she said.
Fetzer has received several complaints about causing too much noise in her one bedroom apartment. "I'm probably a little less noisy than the average," she said. Fetzer said the problem was so bad that she would get regular complaints and even attempted to change the way she walked to be quieter.
Fetzer said she is afraid the projected noise in the apartment from her steps will put her at risk of being evicted. "I don't know where I would go. It's very, very hard to find affordable housing here. I'm on a really limited income," said Fetzer. "What if I get kicked out?"
Kane said several residents have sent letters to the property manager, but have received aggressive letters in response. She said the management company has never fixed the problems.
One woman who lived there said she was fearful of speaking out or signing a letter. She said she was afraid if she did, she would be evicted or singled out.
Vice President of AWI, Michael Burke said he had responded to every letter he has received. "We have an "open door" policy and any resident has the ability to reach out to the on-site manage, the Regional Manager, or myself as an owner of AWI….without fear of retaliation," said Burke in a statement.
Burke said he had addressed the ideas previously. "My next step is to meet with staff to review the commentary and our actions to date and determine if further measures are needed to address the items raised."
DANCO said they did not wish to comment on the matter.
Fetzer hopes the action at city hall will help the management company and the residents communicate better. "I think and I hope that eventually some steps will be taken," said Fetzer


text: NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Debra Borchardt: Jim, let's talk about Hain Celestial Group ( HAIN). The company reported their earnings. Their profits were up. They beat expectations, but on the revenue side, they missed so the stock is getting hammered. Jim Cramer: Right. Debra Borchardt: Is that warranted? Jim Cramer: Irwin Simon (Hain's CEO) came on Mad Money last night. I asked about the problems. He did what I think most executives would do, he said, "Look, what kind of revenue growth do you need to see us have? What do we need to do to satisfy the market after our long outperformance?" It's funny, it's like Apple ( AAPL), what do we need to do? What do we need to do? They made an acquisition and some of its not working. So, they're addressing it and they'll eliminate what's not working. Debra Borchardt: As you mentioned what's working is that their net sales rose 24%, their gross profitability up 25%. Jim Cramer: It's not even a high multiple stock. Debra Borchardt: We know the market is in love with organic. We know that people are buying the stuff. They're willing to pay high prices to have this healthy stuff. So, all of it is in favor of Hain. They're kind of at the midpoint of their 52-week range. It looks like people are missing out on what could be a good deal here. Jim Cramer: I think they are. Annie's ( ANNI) has a higher price during its multiple. Not as proven as Hain. Whole Foods ( WFM)has a price range multiple that's much higher. Now Whole Foods has executed, executed, executed. They've got a big runway. Barron's had a very critical piece about Irwin Simon's company back in October. There they questioned whether the growth needs constant acquisitions. They've been acquisitive. Irwin Simon addressed that by saying there are a million opportunities for acquisitions. They can do that. The gross margins were good. The organic growth was healthy. This is one of those instances where the stock is down. I think it represents attractive value. Carl Icahn has big position in it. If he decided, listen, I'm going to put this in play he could. Campbell's ( CPB) would buy them I believe to be able to raise their earnings multiple because they don't have enough natural stuff.


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Dual-core and 4G smartphones might dominate the headlines these days, but the fact of the matter is that not everyone is after the latest and greatest. Some don't need all the bells and whistles; some are just making their first jump to a smartphone. There's also the fact that the higher-end devices come with premium price tags, so there's certainly a market for affordable, entry-level devices. The HTC Wildfire S is one such device. At $79.99 with a two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate, the Wildfire S brings a wallet-friendly Android smartphone to T-Mobile's lineup. It's certainly not the first--the carrier also has such models as the Samsung Gravity Smart and the LG Optimus T--but the Wildfire delivers better build quality and updated features. If you're on a budget or new to smartphones, the Wildfire S is certainly a good option, though its petite size will be a turnoff to some.
At 4 inches tall by 2.3 inches wide by 0.49 inch thick and 3.7 ounces, the HTC Wildfire S is a nice break from today's mammoth devices. The petite handset easily slips into a pants pocket and feels very comfortable to hold. The Wildfire also has a very nice build quality--not plasticky or cheap--and is available in black or a cool white.
The flip side of the Wildfire's compact size is that it's not going to be for everyone, especially with its smaller display. The 3.2-inch HVGA (480x320 pixels) touch screen makes it a bit difficult for people with larger digits to navigate through the menus and type messages on the cramped onscreen keyboard. Reading text and viewing Web pages and media are also a bit more challenging on a smaller screen, but at least the display offers pinch-to-zoom support and a built-in accelerometer. The smartphone also comes with the Swype keyboard, so you don't have to peck away at the smallish buttons.
Below the display, you get four touch-sensitive navigation keys for the home, menu, back, and search functions. On the left side are a volume rocker and a Micro-USB port. The top of the device houses the power button and 3.5mm headphone jack, and on back you'll find the camera and flash. There is no front-facing camera for video calls.
T-Mobile packages the HTC Wildfire S with an AC adapter, a USB cable, a 2GB microSD card, and reference material.
The HTC Wildfire S delivers a decent set of features for the price. As a phone, it offers quad-band world roaming, a speakerphone, speed dial, smart dialing, voice commands, conference calling, and text and multimedia messaging. With support for Wi-Fi calling, you can also make calls over a Wi-Fi network. The feature is free, but be aware that minutes are deducted from your regular voice plan. In addition to Wi-Fi, the Wildfire has Bluetooth 3.0, GPS/AGPS, and 3G support.
The smartphone ships running Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread with the HTC Sense user experience. The Wildfire doesn't feature the latest version of Sense, which is found on such devices as the HTC Sensation 4G, so you won't get some of the new enhancements like the revamped lock screen. Still, Sense provides an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-use interface.
In addition to the standard Google services, the Wildfire S comes preloaded with a number of extra applications from T-Mobile and HTC. This includes HTC Peep, HTC Likes, T-Mobile Mall, and Slacker. The amount of bloatware isn't as bad as on some other phones, but there's no way to uninstall it, either.


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1943-1945 — New York, New York
One of the stories I remember hearing about my uncle, Don, was that he had patrol duty during a blackout. I believe he was in New York patrolling the pier when he missed the turn and walked off the pier into the freezing water. He had his heavy pea coat, boots, etc. on and they couldn't turn on any lights to get him out. Somehow he found his way out though!


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UF football signee to report in July
Published: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 1:24 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 1:24 p.m.
The majority of Florida's remaining members from its 2013 football recruiting class reported to campus Tuesday, but there's one signee who won't make it in until next month.
Delray Beach American Heritage offensive tackle Roderick Johnson came up a half credit short and has to earn it through an online class before enrolling at UF.
Johnson will have the course completed soon, according to Johnson's high school coach, Stacy Sizemore.
"One of our coaches talked to him and Rod told him he would be at Florida in two weeks," Sizemore said.
This is similar to last year's situation with five-star defensive end Jonathan Bullard, who was held up because of an academic issue and didn't report to UF until late July. Whenever Johnson fulfills his credit requirements, he will be able to register for the fall semester and participate in preseason camp, which begins in early August.
Aside from Johnson, the rest of Florida's signees have made it to Gainesville, moved into their dorms and enrolled in school.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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Awww what a pretty little girl. She is so cute. And this is such a nice portrait of her.
She is just about the cutest little ruby I have seen!! And I love her name.
Riley (black & tan, born 8/2002), Madison (ruby, born 9/2003), and Oz (tri-color, born 7/2007)
In loving memory: Oliver 2001-2015
Thanks folks ) thought it was a lovely pic myself.. Couldn't live without this breed.. Beautiful dogs
Mia is adorable!!! Its amazing just how photogenic cavaliers are, the camera just loves them, sending lots of hugs and cuddles,Karen, Ruby and Sadie x
She is really, really beautiful!
Charlotte & Christian
Molly & Éowyn & Khaleesi
What a beautiful little girl .
Brian M
Poppy the Tri, Daisy the Blen, Rosie the Ruby and Lily the B & T
Just like my Sasha x[IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]
is absolutly gorgeous
sending mia kisses and cuddles from louie and his mum


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text:
HTC One S for T-Mobile Review
0. phoneArena posted on 18 Apr 2012, 16:04
Strangely, it's been a while since we've seen a top-shelf Android powered smartphone for T-Mobile. Yeah, the carrier has been blessed with quality devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S II and HTC Amaze 4G, but they've been available for some time now – with nothing particularly "fresh" put out by them in the last few months. Now that spring is in full swing, the wait for something special will soon be over, as the highly anticipated HTC One S is set to shake things come April 25th...
This is a discussion for a review. To read the whole review, click here
1. cellphonator (Posts: 298; Member since: 29 Oct 2011)
John, any news about out of contract price?
2. Berzerk000 (Posts: 4275; Member since: 26 Jun 2011)
Not even stock HTC earbuds? It's bad enough they took away the Beats, but now you don't even get ANY earbuds? That makes me sad. I get it was mostly just marketing, and the Beats buds aren't really that great in quality, but still.
6. Obviously (Posts: 29; Member since: 29 Feb 2012)
Agreed, atleast throw in some $2 headphones if you're going to claim to be music oriented and team up with Beats.
3. bokajay (Posts: 11; Member since: 03 Nov 2011)
The off contract price is $599.99
4. kingkoopa765 (Posts: 18; Member since: 22 Oct 2011)
Anyone know when the black version is coming? Might stick with Amaze until then...
5. Rayzin (Posts: 83; Member since: 27 Oct 2011)
Nobody wants that gray/blue with neon blue color scheme. The black one looks 100 times better. And we have to wait all the way to June to get that. But I'm willing to wait, this phone is pretty exciting with the speedy 28nm S4 dual core. THE POWER! And I'm getting tired of my concave sensation 4G display. It's like my thumb can never reach the edge because of that curve.
8. dok2005 (Posts: 55; Member since: 18 Apr 2012)
the official msrp is $550 go to bestbuy and grab yours
9. Leon101 (Posts: 90; Member since: 27 Feb 2012)
I love it and had till i found out.... NO BEATS AUDIO EARBUDS d-__-b or any earbuds!!! Gosh my lg optimus t is nothing compare to this and YES IT BROUGHT eardbuds!!!
10. hoevito (Posts: 8; Member since: 18 Apr 2012)
No removable storage...no removable battery...pentile display...
3 critical aspects this phone already fails at. As a Sensation 4g owner there's absolutely no sense in upgrading to this device because quite frankly I feel it's a downgrade anyway...at least my phone came with headphones...jeez...
11. Berzerk000 (Posts: 4275; Member since: 26 Jun 2011)
But it has an amazingly fast processor, upgraded camera, and more vibrant display. And the pentile isn't really noticeable to the untrained eye without a magnifying glass.
13. hoevito (Posts: 8; Member since: 18 Apr 2012)
Ok, but I can just as easily get the same camera software on my sensation by installing one of the ever growing (and surprisingly stable) sense 4.0 builds directly ported from the One S and negate every single software advtange the One s might have. Granted the camera might not have as big or newfangled of a lense or the processor may be older...I still have the EXACT same sense 4.0 the One S has, and I have all the removable storage I could ever need, and can install extended batteries all day long...and my screen is *argubly* better lol...not to mention the fact I get to keep $600 in my pocket and don't have to re-up on a contract for a device that takes 2 steps forwards, but 3 steps backwards...
16. RORYREVOLUTION (Posts: 3117; Member since: 12 Jan 2010)
I have had the Galaxy Nexus since it launched. I also had the Droid 3 for a while. Comparing the normal LCD pentile display vs AMOLED pentile display is a HUGE difference. You will not notice the AMOLED one even if you try your best to look for it. Galaxy Nexus/Note owners never complain about the pentile displays or at least from what I have seen.
So check for yourself before you write it off.
22. hoevito (Posts: 8; Member since: 18 Apr 2012)
I didn't just personally write it off because of the screen, but lack of sd storage, removable battery, and only having roughly 10gb of memory available to the user out the box is what turned me off sadly...otherwise, I like the phone...but it's honestly just not worth the money or the upgrade (coming from a rooted and ROM'ed Sensation)
Btw...a pentile HD screen...yeah, you're right, those are nice nonetheless, but Qhd? I compared my phones screen (which is S-lcd/rgb) to a RAZR, and the RAZR's screen is pretty don't get me wrong...but noticebly not quite as sharp as my own due to the amoled/pentile format vs. S-lcd/rgb. I'm not a stickler by any means but it's all a matter of preference ultimately and I personally just don't see it as something to be excited over when the screen on my current phone has a (somewhat) valid argument for being better in some aspects. It's a wash :-/
18. Berzerk000 (Posts: 4275; Member since: 26 Jun 2011)
Yes, you have the software and the option for extended battery life and memory, but my point about the hardware still stands. Some people don't need the more battery, or more memory. Granted it's still always good to have the option, they made this phone in mind of the average user. Not the power hungry user, or the memory hog, the AVERAGE consumer. And the average consumer's main priorities are speed and looks. And this phone delivers that speed and (arguably) looks better than the Sensation ever did. People love the vibrant Super Amoled screen, because its more eye candy to the user. People want faster processors, because they don't want lag like the S3 had. The One S has everything the average consumer asks for, it's pretty and fast. Don't get upset because the manufacturer didn't fit your standards, because majority rules, and not as many people cared about battery and memory as other people cared about speed and beauty.
23. hoevito (Posts: 8; Member since: 18 Apr 2012)
You are absolutely correct, the utterly average uniformed t mobile customer *may* flock to this phone in droves...but the "informed" consumer who is at least aware of his options, let alone one who may already be in possession of a phone manufactured in the last year or so...probably won't.
I could easily understand someone who has a phone that may be a couple generations behind springing for this phone, because honestly it's not bad by any means...BUT honestly HTC could've done so much better with the phone. It could've had more memory or at least removable storage because that alone is a deal breaker for many. The removable battery is very questionable because this phone better get GREAT battery life, and I'm not talking about hypothetically either just due to the processor blah blah. If it doesn't...then your stuck with it as is because aftermarket battery options won't exist. Other than that...the screen just doesn't seem cutting edge enough...I mean it's on par with the RAZR basically, which is a phone that been out for what, 6 months? Htc (and Tmobile in this case) needed to hit a homerun with this phone, and it is VERY underwhelming to me considering the competition.
By the way...my sensation with it's supposedly "laggy" S3 is buttery smooth after upgrading to ICS. I'm pretty sure that in a lot of cases with phone's packing S3's...it's not the hardware per say that makes it perform laggily, but the software (Sense, overlays, lack of optimization) and the fact that quite a few phone's packing the S3 are still on gingerbread. Give those same phones ICS and properly spec'd software and I'm sure the average user wouldn't care WHAT processor it had...it's be a seamless experience either way...
20. remixfa (Posts: 14605; Member since: 19 Dec 2008)
The S4 chip should get close to 40-50% more battery life than the sensation which had HORRIBLE battery life
Amoled with pentile BLOWS AWAY the sensations screen. dont get caught up on pentile or not.. you can not see the pixels. Ive had pentile for 2 years on my SGS1 and i still stop and stare at how pretty it is.
the S4 processor is WAY faster than the 1.2ghz S3 processor per clock
it has nearly double the ram for faster and more smooth operation.
you can get the software.. but you wont get the hardware. The OneS has dedicated camera HARDWARE that makes it work. The sensation is software only.
In no way other than removable storage is the sensation superior to the OneS.
Now if you are just holding out for something that appeals to you, sure.. but dont act like this is a downgrade when its far from it.
I'm skipping it too, but thats because I know something 2x as good is right around the corner.
21. RORYREVOLUTION (Posts: 3117; Member since: 12 Jan 2010)
"I'm skipping it too, but thats because I know something 2x as good is right around the corner."
jk jk SGS3 of course ;)
24. hoevito (Posts: 8; Member since: 18 Apr 2012)
I'm pretty sure that it won't get 40-50% better battery life...because my ICS packing/1900mah $10 anker battery packing sensation can last as long as I want it to depending on usage (record is 36 hrs :-)
Btw...the sensation has 768mb vs One S @ 1gb...not quite double.
Either way...the sensation with ICS is no slouch, throw in a custom kernel and it gives sensation owners like myself, let alone anyone with hardware spec'ed simliarly to anything worth a damn that came out last year no compelling reason to upgrade to this phone. Yeah, you and your OG vibrant might be due for an upgrade...but this phone at it's best is a "niche" phone. It's not targeted at everyone, but instead those new to smartphones, those who don't have much need for storage space, or those who are upgrading from something ancient. Personally, I don;'t think it'll sell well, but we'll see...
All I'm really saying is there is no really compelling reason to choose this phone over say a Motorola Droid RAZR for example...a 6 month old phone spec'ed similiarly that the One S hold no *clear* advantages over maybe except for the processor.
Compared to the Sensation tho, it's DEFINITELY not a downgrade I know...but it's also no REAL Upgrade...because for everything you may gain you lose something just as important if not more important. Removable storage and batteries are HUGE to a lot more people than just myself...the screen, that's a debatable advantage/disadvantage honestly, and the processor and camera? Yeah they're great don't get me wrong...but not worth losing expandable storage and a removable battery.
Me=patiently waiting to SGSIII :-)
27. kshell1 (Posts: 1143; Member since: 05 Oct 2011)
the funny thing is the dual core s3 is still only slightly more powerful than the vibrant.....you ever compared a sensation to a galaxy s2? much much more powerful phone than your sensation. The One S is no different it is much more powerful than your sensation, but yes i agree with you on the subject of the expandable memory, but on the screen no qHD is plenty high enough to not be able to detect pixels unless your purposefully looking for them (why would you?) I can almost guarantee you at least 75% of normal consumers would choose the qHD amoled over the qHD s-lcd on your sensation because people are more attracted to the vibrant colors.
34. itiswhatitis (Posts: 423; Member since: 23 Jan 2012)
hey i hope you answer this cuz phonearena neer answer my questions i'm planning to buy unlocked htc one s so what i wanna know is that wil i have to pay or get a different a/c to use wifi hotspot?? or i can use it without any issues since i'm from india there's no way of paying it to t mobile for internet sharing or opening an account for that ,please let me know
12. KEVlN (Posts: 83; Member since: 19 Aug 2011)
The Galaxy Note gets a 7/10, The One X gets a 7.8/10 and the One S gets a 8? I don't understand PA's review process.
14. protozeloz (Posts: 5396; Member since: 16 Sep 2010)
depends on the reviewer.... I like John V. His video Reviews are the best on PA.
29. John.V (Posts: 99; Member since: 27 May 2011)
Of course, one person's dislike might end up being a positive for another individual. In general, you have to be impartial, even if the device in question isn't something I'll be personally buying. As I've said, I question the $200 price point, but I'm sure that's not going to stop people seeing it performs well and has one killer design. Glad you like it though!
30. protozeloz (Posts: 5396; Member since: 16 Sep 2010)
I have respect for reviewers as they must try and see things with other eyes while giving their opinion about it. its hard and needs lots of time for practice.
15. Berzerk000 (Posts: 4275; Member since: 26 Jun 2011)
Different people. They lean towards their own preference. John is more balanced with everything, Ray is just... idk. Ray did the review for Note and One X, and alot of people think he's really against Android because of the low scores he gave them because he wasn't open minded. He judged them mostly by his own preference. John did this review, and I say its fair, he lists both good and bad things about the device, and scored it according to what the average person would want.
17. RORYREVOLUTION (Posts: 3117; Member since: 12 Jan 2010)
If I'm not correct and please feel free to correct me but I believe RAY S reviewed the Note and we all know how much he loves the iPhone and loves it's size. So it's no shock whatsoever that he would downrate it due to it not being a "one handed device". That's his view and I respect it but look at it this way. It's one of the most desired and loved devices for a reason. I don't even care about phone ratings anymore, it's always somewhat biased.
19. Berzerk000 (Posts: 4275; Member since: 26 Jun 2011)
Everything is biased in someway. Nothing is ever truly fair.
25. Joshing4fun (Posts: 1237; Member since: 13 Aug 2010)
RORY: Whether he uses an iPhone or a Droid X; the Note is simply huge. Almost no matter what phone you are coming from is going to be significantly smaller. That's a fair con.
I checked that phone out at best buy one day and personally, idk how anyone could use that as their daily phone. I would think him unfair if he didn't list that as a con.
26. RORYREVOLUTION (Posts: 3117; Member since: 12 Jan 2010)
True but you can't have a PRO to the massive display and a CON as the device being too big. That just doesn't add up. Instead of evening it out, it will simply marked down big time because of its size. When most people either work past the size or eventually start to like it.
28. kshell1 (Posts: 1143; Member since: 05 Oct 2011)
Great product in my opinion, but if i was still on tmobile i wouldn't get it because im waiting on the s3


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Fifty different activities will feature in the 2014 Otley Walking Festival.
The organisers have lined up everything from testing, 16-mile moorland hikes to a gentle Teddy Bear stroll for this year's event.
Running from Saturday, June 21, to Sunday, June 29, the festival will also feature a variety of themed walks, with bats, a Christian pilgrimage route, wild food, literature, cakes and ale, and local history among the subjects.
On top of that there will be clue-solving events, like the Troll Stroll, Morris dancing, and a musical mystery pub tour, with Otley Ukulele Orchestra.
Otley Walking Festival Organising Committee chairman, Ruth Blackwell, said: "It's back again!
"I would urge everyone to get their boots ready for the 14th Otley Walking Festival, which will have events and walks running each day and evening.
"With a choice of 50 walks and events, there really is something for everyone. You can be sure of a warm welcome from all our walk leaders, and the chance to meet other friendly folk.
"As always, there are walks for all ages and abilities, including short town-based strolls, themed walks, waterside walks, strenuous moorland hikes plus a full evening programme of themed events."
A nine and a half mile trek from Shipley to Otley, meeting at Otley Bus Station at 9.15am, will start proceedings off on June 21.
A deceptively easy sounding Bacon Buttie Walk – in fact a 12-mile circular featuring steep climbs "with stunning views" – will leave from The Buttercross just after on the same day, at 9.30am.
Another likely highlight over the nine days looks like being the Saunter with Strolling Minstrel on Monday, June 23, when minstrel Eddie Lawler and friends will lead a musical wander around the town's inns.
And the Sociable Saunter on Saturday, June 28, will offer walkers a chance to tuck into a rewarding barbecue after a five-mile workout.
As always the festival will end with a grand finale held at the Manor Pub on its last day, Sunday, June 29, when there will be a prize raffle.
Festival programmes are available from Otley Courthouse along with local libraries, Tourist Information Centres and businesses, and the Festival office at Chevin Trek, off Gay Lane.
Full details can also be found at chevintrek.co.uk.


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♦ While most in Turkey acknowledge that every Turkish ruling class has sought to put its stamp on Istanbul, there is a growing sense that none has done so as insistently as the current government. Philip Stephens thinks Mr Erdogan's heavy-handed response has only proved the protesters right. However, the protesters themselves have been let down on all sides, says Dani Rodrik: "Sadly, there is no organised political movement that can give voice and representation to the protesters that have made their point so loudly and clearly in recent days."
♦ As Bradley Manning's trial continues, he has a strong network of supporters behind him – more than 20,000 people have raised $1.25m for his defence.
♦ When Ben Bernanke spoke to the graduating class at Princeton this year, he seemed to confirm his intention to retire. John Cassidy considers why he would do so despite being in good health and good standing.
♦ US infantry are training Afghan troops to take over Afghanistan's Wardak province, while trying to protect Highway 1, the lifeline that runs between Wardak and Kabul and, ultimately, their exit route out of the country.
♦ Jonah Blank explains how the US military will have to start negotiating like the Pashtuns: "A Pashtun proverb states: 'A man with the power to fight doesn't need to bargain.' For more than a decade, power and money have shielded America from the necessity of negotiation. That luxury is over." Read more
© The Financial Times Ltd 2016 FT and 'Financial Times' are trademarks of The Financial Times Ltd.


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Bloggers back to #MeetSouthAfrica at INDABA 2014
We're looking forward at INDABA to hosting a new pool of bloggers who are eager to come and meet South Africa, explore our destination and convey what they find to the world. – Thulani Nzima, SAT CEO
The 14 bloggers will traverse South Africa from 2 to 11 May 2014 in search of the ideal activities, accommodation and destinations for their readers, after which they will attend INDABA. The bloggers include a mix of international and local bloggers known for their influence in the travel sphere.
These include:
- Melvin Boecher – www.traveldudes.org
- Matt Karsten – www.expertvagabond.com
- Mauricio Oliveira – www.trilhaseaventuras.com.br
- Caspar Diederik – www.storytravelers.com
- JD Andrews – www.earthxplorer.com
- Umei Teh – www.ccfoodtravel.com
- Kash Bhattacharya – www.budgettraveller.org
- Rob Lloyd – www.stophavingaboringlife.com
- Adriana Lacerda – escapismogenuino.com
- Heather Mason – www.2summers.net
- Meruschka Govender – www.mzansigirl.com
- Ishay Govender-Ypma – www.foodandthefabulous.com
- Dawn Jorgensen – theincidentaltourist.com
- Katarina Mancama – simplysouthafrica.wordpress.com
Thulani Nzima, South African Tourism (SAT) CEO, says SAT has always been a leader in the digital marketing field.
'We're looking forward at INDABA to hosting a new pool of bloggers who are eager to come and meet South Africa, explore our destination and convey what they find to the world,' he says.
The bloggers will start off in Johannesburg and then visit other parts of South Africa in the week preceding INDABA 2014.
'We will be following their every move through the use of the hashtag #MeetSouthAfrica, and we have lots of exciting elements and activities planned,' says Nzima.
Among the planned activities are Instawalks – city walks with local Instagrammers who will show off their favourite photo spots; a bloggers' cocktail event in Durban ahead of INDABA; and a panel discussion in the new TechZone at INDABA.
SAT launched its first #MeetSouthAfrica bloggers' campaign in 2013 with the aim of opening up a new form of communication with potential travellers looking for their next holiday destination. The campaign saw more than 219-million impressions of the hashtag across various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
INDABA 2014 opens on 10 May 2014 at the Durban International Convention Centre.


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Kevin Pietersen and the England and Wales Cricket Board have announced that they have agreed "a process for his re-integration into the England team" but he looks unlikely to make his return before the new year.
Pietersen has not played international cricket since the second Test against South Africa in the summer, being dropped for the series finale and then being left out of the World Twenty20 squad despite reversing his limited-overs retirement.
Discussions have been ongoing behind the scenes in a bid to establish common ground with Pietersen and while Wednesday's news appears positive in terms of Pietersen continuing his England career, the forthcoming Test tour to India looks likely to be too soon.
There was no news about a central contract for Pietersen, whose previous deal with the ECB expired two days ago, but the issue of "provocative" phone messages to friends in the Proteas dressing room appears to have been finally resolved.
Certainty has been a scarce commodity throughout the recent saga, meaning a Pietersen return for the four Tests in India cannot be ruled out. But reports that he would be parachuted into the main touring party after a full and frank apology were wide of the mark.
Wednesday's statement read: "ECB and Kevin Pietersen confirm that agreement has been reached concerning a process for his re-integration into the England team during the remainder of 2012. Upon completion of the programme, the England Selectors will consider Kevin for future matches.
"Kevin Pietersen has apologised to Andrew Strauss and wishes to express to all those who support England his regrets at the impact the recent controversies have had on the England Team. He now wishes to put the events of the summer behind him and to focus on regaining his place in the England Team."
The exact content of the messages sent by Pietersen to South Africa players has not been established but the ECB have accepted a promise by the player that they were not critical of his England colleagues or tactically sensitive.
"With regards the issue of the BBM (Blackberry Messenger) messages, due to the fact that Kevin had not retained the BBM messages, this matter has been successfully concluded through a binding assurance provided to ECB by Kevin," the release continued.
"Kevin conceded that the messages exchanged were provocative. ECB is satisfied, following receipt of this binding assurance, that to the best of his recollection, Kevin did not convey any messages which were derogatory about the England Captain, the England Team Director, the ECB or employees of the ECB. Furthermore, there was no tactical information whatsoever provided to members of the South African Touring Party."


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|Good Owner, Bad Owner
Insider advice on how to keep the best crew.
By Kim Kavin — August 2003
The septuagenarian owner, his decidedly younger wife, and the three couples aboard as their guests gathered in the megayacht's saloon. One crew member slid the glass-top coffee table out of the way. Another closed the blinds. The owner and his gentlemen friends lined up side by side, called for the captain, and dropped their pants.
By the time the captain had walked from the pilothouse to the saloon, the four wives were kneeling before their half-naked partners and preparing to hum "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" in simultaneous performance.
The captain knew his cue. He walked along the line, epaulets gleaming, eyes averted. The men reached eagerly toward him, grabbing over the women's heads like sugar-starved children.
The captain's job, you see, was to hold the candy dish full of Viagra.
Though eccentric to the point of grotesqueness, it's a true story, an example of the questionable duties megayacht owners sometimes demand. While it's true that finding good crew is the biggest challenge many owners face (some even leave boating altogether out of frustration), professional crew say bad owners are the biggest reason they quit the profession. The behavior that drives good crew away ranges from annoying to insulting to illegal—from demanding a chef send meals to friends back home, to making lascivious overtures, to insisting a first mate overlook a drug-smuggling business. Beyond the scandalous details, though, each example is evidence of the same thing that sends good crew running: a lack of respect, appreciation, and trust.
"There are so many owners out there who have taken advantage of the situation," says Joshua Simcox, who happily served as captain aboard the 95-foot Broward Independence before becoming a charter and sales broker at International Yacht Collection. "They look at crew as servants when in actuality they're running a multimillion-dollar corporation. I don't think the owners would walk into their companies and treat people the way they treat their crew."
Capt. Raymond Young, who has worked for the owner of the 124-foot Christensen Wehr Nuts for 11 years and hopes to stay with this same owner until he retires, makes a similar analogy. "Finding a good captain is like finding a good CEO," he says. "He knows I'm not going to hire just anybody to come on this boat. He knows I'm shopping for him and I'm not going to get hosed on prices."
Next page > Part 2: Owners must work hard at being the team leader. > Page 1, 2, 3, 4
This article originally appeared in the July 2003 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.


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From Our 2010 Archives
Latest Sexual Health News
80% of Young Adults Surveyed Believe Oral-Genital Contact Doesn't Count as Sex
Kelli Miller Stacy
Reviewed By Laura J. Martin, MD
April 8, 2010 -- What is sex? Think you have that answer down pat? Well, if you have a teen or college-aged child, you might want to ask them what they think.
Most young adults agree penile-vaginal intercourse is sex, but less than one in five think that oral-genital contact counts as "having sex," according to a 2007 survey of undergraduate college students.
This attitude toward oral sex represents a dramatic and sudden shift in thinking since 1991, when a similar survey found that nearly twice as many young adults (about 40%) would classify oral-genital contact as sex.
Researchers point to former President Clinton's infamous statement, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman," as the pivotal turning point in society's changing views about oral sex. The attitude shift has been dubbed the "Clinton-Lewinsky" effect.
"Like President Clinton, adolescents and young adults often interpret these words with a degree of latitude, depending on whether they want to maintain an image of being sexually experienced or inexperienced," Jason D. Hans and colleagues at the University of Kentucky, Lexington write in their report, "Sex Redefined: The Reclassification of Oral-Genital Contact."
A surge in abstinence-only education and sex education programs that focus primarily on vaginal-penile intercourse also may play a role in the disassociation of oral-genital stimulation from sex, the authors say.
Would You Say You Had Sex If ...?
The survey involved 477 undergraduate students, mostly white heterosexual females, enrolled in a human sexuality class. The majority (98%) of participants was age 24 or younger; the average age was 20.7 years.
The participants answered the following question:
"Would you say you 'had sex' with someone if the most intimate behavior you engaged in was ..."
Among the survey's notable findings:
Males were much more likely than females to say sex included the following behaviors:
Why the Concern?
Oral sex has become increasingly acceptable among youths in recent years, perhaps because it's viewed by some as a less risky alternative. But experts say oral-genital contact can lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Such diseases include HIV, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and the human papillomavirus (HPV), which has been linked to cervical cancer.
The researchers encourage sex educators to increase awareness about oral sex and how it can lead to the spread of STDs.
Complete survey results are available online ahead of print at www.guttmacher.org/pubs/psrh/full/4207410.pdf. The article will be published in the June 2010 issue of Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health.
published online ahead of print.