text:
Leigh Hunt's much-anthologised mini rondeau 'Jenny Kissed Me' was the inspiration for the latest challenge, which asked competitors to take its first line, substitute another word for 'kissed' and continue for up to 16 lines. The poem was apparent-ly inspired by Thomas Carlyle's wife, Jane Welsh, who gave Hunt a smacker on learning that he'd recovered from a severe bout of flu — as Ray Kelley obviously knows. Here is the concluding half of his excellent entry:
Who was Jenny, from her chair
Leaping? It was Jane Carlyle.
She and Tom, that inkstained pair,
Were my neighbours for a while.
Sometimes only Jane was there
In their Chelsea domicile…
Memories make this crocodile
Jenny proved to be a real crowd-puller and produced a high-calibre field. A con-gratulatory slap on the back all round, with special mentions to A.J.K. Backus, Mi-chael Growcott, Nick Grace, Matt Quinn, Gail White and Mike Morrison. The magnificent seven printed below earn their authors £20 each. Mae Scanlan scoops the extra fiver.
Mae Scanlan
Jenny stunned me when we met;
It had been ten years or better.
She'd grown old and heavy-set —
Rolls of fat beneath her sweater.
Underneath each eye a sack that
You could fit a cat inside of;
Frankenstein's the likely quack that
She could maybe be a bride of.
Jenny used to be a knockout;
Not a fellow could resist her.
Now, she's one you'd like to block out,
Looking like Medusa's sister.
Say I'm bald — no gift to ladies;
Say the God of Handsome shunned me.
She's, however, straight from Hades;
Jenny stunned me.
Alanna Blake
Jenny bit me when we met,
Though I'm sure she didn't mean to;
She was hiding, cold and wet,
In the little garden lean-to.
Poor wee thing in such distress
Lashing out — no one could blame her.
Name on collar, no address,
Likely nobody will claim her.
First I fed her, dried her fur,
From some rooted sense of duty,
Then I stroked her, heard her purr,
Found I had a tawny beauty.
Say I'm soppy, say I'm mad,
Say six strays is one too many,
Say you'll leave me, I'm still glad
We've kept Jenny!
Sylvia Fairley
Jenny beat me when we met
In a vicious game of tennis,
Smashed a volley at the net,
Broke my serve; the girl's a menace.
Sliced returns with lethal aim,
Whacked my balls, this girl could eat me;
How can I endure the shame?
Jenny beat me.
Jenny thrashed me, game and set —
Kissed me once; I couldn't hack it.
She'd resolved I'd pay the debt,
Sought my guts to string her racquet.
Fifteen… thirty… forty-love,
One match point before she lashed me.
As I'd given her the shove,
Jenny thrashed me.
Frank Upton
Jenny sack'd me when we met,
Frowning from the chair she sat in;
I, the atheroma, set,
She, the lipid-busting statin.
Profits down by three per cent
Placed on her a heavy onus:
Leverage our complement
Or she'd not receive her bonus.
Bloomberg ask me, five years gone,
Now my company has floated,
Who it was who spurred me on?
Who my breakaway promoted?
'Say I'm famous, say I'm glad,
Say it was the folk who backed me,
Say I'm growing rich, but add:
Jenny sack'd me.'
Basil Ransome-Davies
Jenny freaked out when we met
In a bar in Barcelona,
She I'd sweated to forget,
She for whom I'd lived a loner.
Jenny, who cost more than gold,
Jenny of the wondrous body,
Jenny who blew hot and cold,
Jenny sober, Jenny voddy.
Who would want another trip,
Mad and blind, to Heartbreak Junction?
I tapped my watch and touched my lip,
Headed for a business function.
Memories, like dwindling wine,
Must be savoured, sipped and eked out
Like my frugal final line –
Jenny freaked out!
Chris O'Carroll
Jenny shot me when we met,
Laughing at my shocked expression.
Says she did it on a bet
To undermine my self-possession.
Jenny smiled at distraught me,
All agape and goggle-eyed.
Utterly off-guard she caught me,
Gasping, stumbling. 'Wha . . . ?' I cried.
She flicked the lights on, jumped out, shot me.
I recoiled, threw up an arm.
Who likes a moment like that? Not me.
Jenny says she means no harm,
Says such shots are all in fun.
That's not what her shooting taught me.
I'm glad she didn't use a gun
When her iPhone shot me.
Jerome Betts
Jenny flashed me late last week
After tennis at the vicar's.
What a brazen bit of cheek!
No red Sharapovan knickers
But a glimpse of . . . I must say
Spicy visions have goulashed me
Since the heat-inducing day
Jenny flashed me!
Your next challenge is to submit a short ode (there's only room for 16 lines max., I'm afraid) on the death of a pet in unusual circumstances. Take a look at Robert Gray's 'Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat Drowned in a Tub of Gold Fishes' for inspiration. Please email entries to email@example.com by midday on 6 August.
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text:
NEW YORK, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Singer Jennifer Hudson, who gained popularity on the U.S. TV series "American Idol," has signed with Arista Records to record her debut album.
Having already taken to the big screen with a role in the film "Dreamgirls," Hudson is set to launch her musical career by signing with Arista and will take to the studio next year to record her first album, a news release from the label said.
"Jennifer is a vocal wonder, a tremendously gifted artist," Arista founder Clive Davis said. "Her extraordinary voice gives her a signature sound and distinguishes her from every singer on the horizon today. Jennifer is a very exciting new addition to the Arista family."
The label has a history of producing successful female singers such as Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin.
"Clive Davis is a legend and I feel more than honored to be associated with him," Hudson said of her decision.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
2009 OGIO Ozone Stand Bag Review
OGIO is an anomaly in the golf industry. Unlike most of the familiar golf brand names, the Bluffdale, Utah bag manufacturer traces its 20-year old roots to youth "action†sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, motocross, and snowmobiling. Capitalizing on its "outsider†status, OGIO quickly developed a reputation for designing stylish golf bags with innovative features, including nontraditional club dividers, zipperless ball pockets, easy-access clam-shell rainhoods and, most recently, stand legs that arc open and closed instead of popping straight out.
Before OGIO entered the golf scene, the most difficult feature to find on a golf bag was an effective club organization system – dividers that didn't just compartmentalize clubs, but actually organized them. Fortunately, since OGIO introduced its Woode club divider system, other manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon and have started releasing their own versions of bags with club organizers. The result is more choices for the consumer. Still, OGIO is the originator of the species and its Woode system remains the gold standard for golfers seeking advanced club organization without stepping up to the added weight and smaller compartments of a full-fledged 14-way divider system.
The 2009 OGIO Ozone holds on to its heritage as a lightweight bag designed for walkers, like its little brother the Vaporlite. But while the Vaporlite (3.8 lbs./1.7 kgs.) is OGIO's stripped down and lightest full-sized stand bag, the Ozone (4.2 lbs/1.9 kgs) takes the basic construction of the Vaporlite and adds several small organizational and convenience features.
Over a period of approximately two weeks, the OGIO Ozone served as my primary golf bag. If I was doing something golf-related, whether that was practicing or playing, the Ozone was with me and transported all of my equipment and supplies.
Woode Club Management System: The feature most commonly associated with OGIO's line of golf bags is the Woode (pronounced "woodyâ€) club management system. Rather than traditional symmetrical dividers, the Woode system uses an asymmetrical layout that isolates the entire woods section on one side of the bag, with individual compartments for each wood or hybrid, while locating the irons in three horizontal compartments on the opposing side of the bag. OGIO claims that "this organization provides a clear view and easier access to both woods and irons.â€
I have been a fan of the Woode system since acquiring an OGIO Vaporlite several years ago. It provides a specific and individual location for four woods or hybrids, and three general slots for irons and wedges. When situated in a Woode bag, clubs are clearly visible and easy to grab when needed. An added benefit is that, when walking, a single arm can be draped over the irons to minimize bag chatter. With the Woode 4.0 top, the latest incarnation of the system, OGIO has slightly reduced the size of the four individual wood/hybrid compartments in order to increase the size of the three iron compartments. The result is a vast improvement over previous Woode designs. I experience virtually no club tangle when using the Ozone, in contrast to my Vaporlite which suffered from nagging minor club tangle in the iron compartments. Also added to the Woode 4.0 are "shaft separators,†which are essentially nubs in the iron compartments. When walking, the nubs provide no real separation benefit. However, when the bag is resting on the ground, the nubs allow the golfer to push aside clubs, which then stay put.
OGIO's Woode top is an excellent organization design for anyone using four or less headcovered (woods and hybrids) clubs. Although still an outstanding system, it is less effective for golfers using more than four headcovered clubs because the "excess†clubs must reside in one of the iron compartments, disrupting the system.
One minor criticism with the Woode system is the lack of true "full-length†dividers. It is unclear why the 8-way fabric dividers terminate a few inches before the bottom of the bag. The result, however, is that, occasionally, grips from different compartments rub together. On the Vaporlite, this was a major cause of the club tangle. The bigger iron compartments of the Woode 4.0 on the Ozone seem to have mostly mitigated the problem, but the lack of true full-length dividers is curious.
ARC Lite Stand System: The 2009 Ozone is the first bag in OGIO's lightweight carry line to include the new ARC Lite legs. OGIO describes the new legs as a system that "deploys the legs in an arced motion, providing the user with additional clearance to help reduce and eliminate entanglement on the user's leg when returning to the carry position.†The system also replaces traditional round legs with "oversized extruded aluminum legs [which] provide added stability while remaining ultra light for carrying.†The performance of the ARC Lite stand system is arguably the most important review point on the 2009 OGIO Ozone for two reasons: first, it is the most substantive change from the 2008 Ozone, which can currently be found selling at retailers for a discount over this year's model, and; second, the traditional style stand system used OGIO's prior bags is easily the most criticized aspect of OGIO golf bags.
Having owned and an OGIO Vaporlite for several years, I can attest that criticism of the previous stand system is well-justified. Legs on older OGIO bags are unstable and no amount of tinkering keeps the legs from failing to fully extend or from flopping around when retracted. As such, the prior leg design was a regrettable misstep on an otherwise fine bag.
Consequently, the arc-shaped path of the new leg system was far less important to me than a system that deploys firmly, retracts securely, and provides stability when the bag rests on the ground. The ARC Lite system achieves these goals and finally corrects the biggest flaw in the OGIO golf bag line. Although the ARC Lite legs don't deploy with the same vigor as some other stand bags (such as the TaylorMade Monza Featherweight, which THP reviewed earlier this year), they are a vast improvement. The legs also retract quickly and hug the bag when not in use. Interestingly, OGIO bags seem to stand at a slightly more upright angle than some other bags. As a result, the Ozone can potentially be less stable than bags with a wider footprint when placing the bag on sloping ground. Under normal use, however, the difference was nominal.
Shoulder Straps: The OGIO utilizes the "Crossbow Lite Shoulder Strap System,†which is really nothing more than OGIO's version of a dual strap carry system. The straps themselves are well-padded and comfortable, even with a fully-loaded bag. The straps are secure and easy to adjust, although our Ozone needed very little adjustment out of the box, even for my six foot four inch frame.
Ball Silo: OGIO's "Ball Silo†is an externally mounted molded plastic frame designed to hold three golf balls. The Ball Silo is located on the front of the Ozone, just below the main carry handle. Balls slid in and out of the fame easily and with no visible scuffing to the balls. The Silo is conveniently located and is a welcome alternative to fishing through an overloaded ball pocket crammed full of items other than balls – particularly when reaching for a provisional while still shell-shocked from watching your first ball take a sharp right turn into the woods or water.
Front Pockets (2): The front of the Ozone has two pockets: an average-size ball pocket and, above that, a small pocket suitable for tees, a divot tool, batteries or other small items that tend to get lost in larger pockets. The ball pocket is a good size and functions well. The small pocket located above the ball pocket, however, is partially blocked by the Ball Silo, making zipping and unzipping the pocket somewhat annoying. But there is no other obvious location for the Ball Silo, and the small pocket is still useful for miscellaneous small items despite the inconvenience.
Right Side Pockets (3): The right side of the Ozone incorporates three pockets: a small fleece lined "valuables†pocket sits jut below the top of the bag and has an internal mesh "Cell Phone†sleeve; a large apparel pocket that spans three-quarters of the length of the bag and which sits just below the valuables pocket; and a shallow pocket suitable for flat items like a glove, rule books, or located on top of the apparel pocket. The apparel pocket is not as large as those on some other bags, but is still big enough for a sweater or waterproofs. It would be nice if the flat pocket on top of the apparel pocket was just a tad taller so that gloves still in their plastic sleeves were easier to store and remove.
OGIO's valuables pocket is relatively deep for a small pocket. It is fleece-lined and large enough for keys, a wallet, and whatever else you forgot to take out of your pants pockets before hitting the links. The internal cell phone sleeve is large enough for an average size flip-phone, and is equally adept at securing a small GPS rangefinder. However, larger cell phones, such as Blackberries, may be a challenge to fit into the smallish sleeve.
Left Side Pockets (2+): The left side of the Ozone includes two pockets plus a water bottle holster, scorecard sleeve, and a pencil strap. The larger pocket on the left side uses a zipper facing the front of the bag for a moderately deep pocket. The pocket is large enough to hold a wadded up long-sleeve windshirt. The smaller pocket uses a zipper facing the rear of the bag (leg area) and is thin and shallow, suitable for several Sharpies or a small cigar case. The water bottle holster is a mesh and fabric cylinder large enough for a small sports-drink bottle. The scorecard sleeve is a flap of fabric that is open on one side and situated on top of the larger of the two pockets. The pencil strap is a reinforced piece of elastic designed to hold a small scorecard pencil. The scorecard sleeve and pencil strap are conveniently labeled for those forgetful souls who may have suffered too many snowboarding related concussions. Now, where was I? Ahh yes, pockets . . .
OGIO's "walking accessible water bottle holster†is just that – easily reachable while walking provided you are wearing both shoulder straps so the Ozone hangs across your back. Also accessible are the scorecard sleeve and pencil strap. These little convenience features proved to be much more appreciated than initially suspected – especially for someone who dislikes carrying anything in his or her pockets while playing and who forgets his score immediately upon stepping on to the next tee box. (The consequences of those pesky snowboarding headers again.) Writing legibly while walking, however, is a skill I still have yet to master.
Pockets (generally): Except as noted above, pockets are well-located and large enough to store everything required for 18 holes or more. The pockets appear well-sewn and sturdy. Zippers, however, are a tad sticky. The zipper on the valuables pocket in particular snags almost every time it makes its way around the first corner of the pocket.
Handles: The Ozone has three handles, excluding the shoulder strap system. The primary carry handle, used to move the bag quickly and carry it for short distances, is well-padded and comfortable. However, because of the position of the Ball Silo, it is located slightly higher than on other bags. As a result, the bag feels alittle heavier and more out of balance than it should. But this is a minor annoyance considering that any lengthy carrying of the bag will be achieved using the shoulder strap system. Moreover, the added convenience of the Ball Silo is worth the minor inconvenience of the handle, which still functions adequately.
The "Lift Grip†is a small handle located underneath the ball pocket and is helpful for maneuvering the bag into a car. The Lift Grip is sturdy and the enclosed design keeps it from snagging while the bag is in the car with other items.
The "integrated grab handle†is a bit of a curiosity. Although useful when the Ozone is empty, as soon a putter (particularly on with a cover) is inserted into the putter well, the handle is substantially blocked. However, the handle does not present any immediately identifiable problems, so its inclusion is not a detriment.
Tee Holders: On the front of the upper part of the bag, on either side of the primary carry handle, are four elastic tee holders. The straps securely hold one or two traditional tees each, and keep you from holding everyone else up while you dig through your bag after realizing you don't have a tee in your pocket.
Velcro Strip: To the right of primary carry handle is a large Velcro patch (the soft "loop†part of Velcro's "hook and loop†system) for holding a glove or putter headcover while putting. Initially seeming unnecessary, I quickly found myself unconsciously using the Velcro strip, instead of my pocket, after removing my glove.
Pen/Sharpie Sleeve: Just below the Velcro strip is a long, narrow sheath designed to hold a Sharpie. Although it is a complete luxury, the additional weight is virtually non-existent. Moreover, it is nice not having to dig to the bottom of a bag pocket when you need to quickly and surreptitiously mark your buddy's ball so he will quit "finding†his ball on the short grass when both of you saw it land in the knee-high weeds.
Rain Hood: The rain hood included with the Ozone is the typical strap-down, single-zipper hood almost always supplied with any stand bag. While it works fine, it is a bit disappointing that the Ozone was not fitted with the OGIO invented "Hoode†clamshell rain hood, which is included on bags such as the Nexos and which is a exponential improvement over the old stand-by hood.
Towel Loop: The Ozone uses a small elastic strap to secure a towel. It works as intended.
Umbrella Holder: The Ozone uses a fabric sleeve and a drawstring to secure a golf umbrella. It also works as intended.
Weight: OGIO lists the weight of the Ozone as 4.2 pounds (1.9 kilograms). Analysis on the Longshanks Bathroom Scale of Doom confirms a weight in the mid four-pound area.
Performance: Everything on the OGIO performed exactly as it should. Clubs slid easily into the bag and came out just as effortlessly. The Woode divider kept clubs organized and visible. The legs and stand mechanism are a quantum improvement over previous generations. The shoulder straps made the bag both comfortable to carry and easy to put on/take off. Pockets were adequate in both location and size for a bag of this type. The water bottle holster allowed easy access to hydration while walking, as did the scorecard sleeve and pencil holder. The Ball Silo, tee holders, Velcro strip, and Sharpie sleeve all worked exceptionally well and added an element of luxury to a still lightweight bag. Overall, the performance of the Ozone proved to be everything I had hoped for, and more.
Quality: In past years, OGIO has taken a reputation hit over the quality of their golf bags, primarily because of the sub-par leg system, but also because of occasional quality control issues in the form of broken zippers, imprecise plastic cutting, and fabric problems. There were even rumors that the delay in the introduction of the new OGIO line was the result of problems with quality control.
However, the Ozone provided to us (as well as several Ozones I inspected at different local stores) was close to immaculate. Except for the aforementioned zipper snagging, the bag appears as well-made as any bag currently on the market. Seams were clean and tight, fabrics strong, and buckles secure. Compared to my three-year old Vaporlite, the quality improvement in the Ozone is visibly apparent. Frankly, I bought my Vaporlite solely for the Woode divider system and, at the time, knowingly and voluntarily sacrificed quality in other areas to get it. But fortunately for consumers contemplating an OGIO golf bag purchase, that conundrum no longer exists if the Ozone is any indication of the quality of the entire 2009 OGIO line
Appearance: Besides innovations in golf bag features, OGIO has spearheaded innovation in golf bag style. In addition to conventional bag colors, OGIO offers most of its bags in several non-traditional colors and/or patterns. Both conservative golfers and golfers wishing to stand out from the crowd will undoubtedly find something to suit their own style.
The Ozone provided to THP for review was the Copper/Copper Plaid pattern, which is new for the 2009 line (it's new enough that the OGIO website doesn't display that color option for the Ozone yet.). I have historically selected conservative bag colors such as black and navy, and the Copper Plaid pattern initially jarred me. But after less than a day, the color scheme started to grow on me. In just over two weeks, I have wholeheartedly adopted the stylish color scheme to the point where I actively sought to find another design I like as much. To date, I have only found one – and that was also an OGIO. But if the Copper Plaid isn't for you, the Ozone is offered in five other color options: Black (solid black), Greyhound (black and grey herringbone), Merlot (red), Electric Blue (grey and bright blue), and Pinstripe (black pinstripe and white with orange piping).
WHO (is it for?): Organization freaks who still want a lightweight stand bag.
WHAT (can it do for you?): Lighten your load, organize your gear, quiet your walk, and increase your style.
WHERE (should you use it?): On the course, at the practice facilities, or anywhere else your golf travels take you. The OGIO Ozone is light enough to be convenient anywhere, but large enough to carry everything you need. A near perfect combination.
WHEN (can you use it?): The Ozone is equally at home walking or riding. However, if you ride frequently and don't mind a little extra weight, consider looking at one of OGIO's bags with an integrated "Torq Strap†which keeps the bag from twisting when secured to a cart.
WHY (would you want to use it?): It's well-made, well-designed, and has all the organization and convenience features you could want in a lightweight stand bag. Bells and whistles, baby. Bells and freakin' whistles.
HOW (does it work): It's a golf bag. Stick clubs in it and go play golf. Or plant begonias in it if you want. It will probably ruin the bag and kill the begonias, but if that's how you roll, don't let us cramp your style.
LONGSHANKS RATING: Eagle
Price (MSRP): $170.00
Price (Street): $149.99
Top Size: 9″ top
Top Dividers: 8-Way "Woode†4.0 club divider system with EVA molded shaft dividers and integrated grab handle.
Full Length Dividers: 8-Way
Carry Straps: Dual carry "Crossbow Lite Shoulder Strap Systemâ€
Pockets: 7 zippered, including 1 fleece lined "valuables†pocket
Rain Hood: Strap on, single-zipper.
Convenience Features:
• Ball Silo
• Walking accessible water bottle holster
• Lift Grip integrated trunk handle
• Umbrella containment system
• Elastic oversized towel loop
• Internal cell phone pocket
• Glove/putter headcover Velcro strip
• Pen/Sharpie sleeve
• Elastic tee holder
• Scorecard sleeve
• Elastic pencil holder
Material: Square Ripstop Nylon
Manufacturer's Stated Weight: 4.2 lbs. (1.9 kgs.)
Color Options: Copper Plaid, Black, Greyhound, Merlot, Electric Blue, and Pinstripe.
Contact Information
OGIO International
14926 Pony Express Road
Bluffdale, UT. 84065
(801) 619-4100 Phone
(800) 922-1944 Toll Free
(801) 619-4111 Fax
Category: Accessories, Equipment
About the Author (Author Profile)
Comments (20)
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Extremely thorough and great review. Thanks.
Excellent review, I'm in the market for a new bag and OGIO is definitely at the top of my list. I really want one with full length dividers, although the eight way sounds like it works well enough. I wish they had included the Torq Strap with this one.
We will have the review of an OGIO cart bag in the next 5 days or so.
Nice stand bag. The legs look really sturdy. I'm full up on stand bags at the moment (and I only use them when going to the driving range) but when it comes time for a replacement, one of these would do the trick.
great review, thank you. if i were looking at stand bags, i would definitely give this one a look. but since i never walk, i need a cart bag. and i'll probably get an Ogio cart bag like JB has eventually.
Terrific, well-written review. It covers all the bases and then some.
Great Review, Harry.
Nice review. If I had the $$, I'd pick this up in a heartbeat.
Excellent review, thanks Harry! Well written and very thorough.
I may be looking at my next golf bag ^_^
Great work! Although "20-year-old roots" should be hyphenated between year and old. He he. Just kidding. Anyway, having won an OGIO here at THP not too long ago, I can attest to the fact that it is an extremely well designed and attractive product, and that the Woode system works nicely.
That is the most entertaining and informative bag review I have ever read. Thanks, Harry!
I have not been a fan of the Ogio Woode system but it seems to have been improved.
Great write up Harry. I like the electric color.
I just ordered one in copper, but the pinstripe is also nice. Can't wait till it gets here. Great review.
Great bag! However, is it me, or are the pinstrip and flannel versions heavier than the other colors?
This sold me! I just ordered my 2010 "Stealth" Ozone…thanks for the review.
hi, quick question, when will you do a review on the ogio ozone 2010? are there any differences other than the look? it says it has a new arc lite system but that was on the 2009 model as well no?
I've had a 2010 for a few months and am loving it. Looks like a difference with the 2009 is a magnetic scorecard pocket and full pencil sleeve not just a strap. Not the lightest bag, but for me the feature more than make up for it. Well thought out pockets, even found a zipper inside the windbreaker pocket that allows access to the bottom of the bag (in case you drop something down through your clubs, like my sunscreen the other day). Construction is solid with thicker fabric then most. Highly recommended to others and the black plaid design looks stylish but not overstated IMHO. Great product OGIO!
I already own the bag but there are a couple of sleeves and uses I wasn't able to figure out.
Considering I can't even find this level of product detail on the OGIO site, huge **thanks** for all the great data on the features.
I haven't even had this bag for 2 full seasons and already I am having serious problems with it.
The leg broke completely off the other day – while I was setting it down on the course. The fabric around the compartment, that I keep my driver, has completely warn off and now has warn away at my graphite shaft – very upsetting.
I love this bag and all the amenities that it has – but I certainly won't buy another Ogio or recommend them. I contacted the company and they told me the best they would do was offer me a discount on a new bag. I'm not really looking to spend that kind of money every couple years.
Sure hope I can find another great bag – any suggestions???
We stumbled over here coming from a different page and thought I may as
well check things out. I like what I see so now i'm following you. Look forward to going over your web page yet again.


text:
Judge right about high-speed rail
The 2008 voter pamphlet required securing federal, private, and local public matching funds before construction of the high-speed rail. That didn't happen.
The pamphlet said the entire 800-mile system would cost $56 million per mile. Now the state says $122 million per mile, with an opening date 13 years later than promised.
The first 520 miles — mostly going east, not south — will cost $130 million per mile. It will share tracks with local freight. That's not "high speed."
Does anyone, anywhere, believe the state of California can build cheaper than the BART extension to the Oakland Airport at $156 million per mile (an obscene cost in itself)? And the BART job is entirely in one city: dealing with one local government, on an existing right-of-way, on one road.
The state will be negotiating with hundreds of entities: federal regulators, parks and water agencies, farm bureaus, cities, counties, towns, villages, property owners and local environment regulators.
One need only lament the state-owned Bay Bridge new east span, which cost 600-700 percent beyond the original plan.
Gov. Jerry Brown, a deal with voters is a deal, not a suggestion. Let's vote again.
Joe Moran
Project is not what people voted for
I have always been a staunch proponent of public transportation and the type of high-speed rail that exists in Japan and France. I supported and optimistically voted for the California high-speed rail bonds.
But everything has changed. Instead of San Francisco to San Diego, we have San Francisco to Los Angeles. With building starting in the lower populated Central Valley, it will likely be underutilized for years. It may not even be that high speed or timesaving anymore. Certainly not a lower priced alternative to flying.
The total cost is now more than three times higher than we were told and voted for. Even with the federal funds of $3.3 billion, this is not the same project voters approved.
If you agreed to buy a five-bedroom house for $500,000 and it's now a three-bedroom house for $1.5 million, would you still agree to the purchase or re-evaluate your decision?
The judge did the right thing in stopping the sale of the bonds.
Kevin Wilk
Walnut Creek Wilk is a Walnut Creek transportation commissioner.
Opposition to rail project is surprising
I am amazed and shocked by the Times' continuous opposition to high-speed rail in California, which would also be the first in the United States.
High-speed rail is an efficient means to transport people quickly over long distances. I have ridden it in Japan several times and am amazed at its comfort and speed. Remember, the transcontinental railroad was funded by Congress and signed by President Abraham Lincoln during our Civil War.
I would like to see a second opinion (appeal) of the judge's rulings and then quickly proceed while there are federal and state resources available. Private funding should be anticipated following such a decision.
I live in Martinez, a passenger rail hub in California. I ride the Capitol Corridor trains, as well as the California Zephyr, the Coast Starlight and the San Joaquins.
Doug Sibley
Just one more 'boondoggle'
I totally agree with the judicial decision to stop sale of high-speed project bonds.
Gov. Jerry Brown already has a legacy project: the new Bay "Boondoggle" Bridge. The taxpayers do not owe him another.
Considering the multiplicity of proposed stations, I do not see this as significant high-speed travel unless there are nonstop trains between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
A significant aspect of high-speed rail service is identical to that associated with air travel: the time and cost relating to travel from your home to your final destination at the end of your trip.
The cost of providing infrastructure for arrival and departure connecting transportation will be very expensive. These facilities already exist at all major airports, so why not use airports as termination points? Most airports are relatively inactive during nighttime.
In any case, this project would likely be obsolete by the time it was completed. The future of high-speed trains is likely to be that of magnetic levitation and propulsion — not steel wheels on steel rails.
The presumed private-sector financing portion has not materialized and likely will not.
Edward Zawatson
Let the public decide on project by vote
I agree with Judge Kenny's ruling blocking the sale of bonds for this "train to nowhere."
In California, the public is never told the true cost.
In 2008, voters approved this project, at a cost of $48 billion for a train from Sacramento to San Diego. Now it's $68.8 billion from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
The distance has been reduced and the cost's gone up, with no work done yet. At this rate, the project will cost $135 billion in 2029 (simple math).
California has a track record of projects being underestimated and then costing three or four times as much. The cost for the new section of the Bay Bridge rose from less than $2 billion to almost $7 billion.
We're still not out of a deep recession. Cities are filing for bankruptcy, schools are closing, police and fire services are being trimmed, and we're considering wasting billions of dollars on this rathole of a project?
Californians voted for a rail system whose cost is escalating out of control. The project has lost public support and more than 59 percent of the people say they'd vote against it. Let the public decide the fate of this project.
It's time to stop this project before Gov. Jerry Brown or his supporters force our children and grandchildren to pay for it.
Virendra Jain
Would like chance to vote again on it
I agree with the judge's decision. Anything that can slow down or stop this "train to nowhere" is a good thing for the state. It isn't necessary, with Interstate 5 working just fine. It seems like it's just folly — a dream of a politician who wants to add to his "legacy" — Gov. Jerry Brown.
My wish is that another ballot measure appears, so that Californians can vote again on the high-speed rail project, now that we are learning more about it.
Dorothy K. Baker
Bullet train's plan not what was sold
I strongly agree with the judge's decision to stop the sale of high-speed rail bonds.
First, this isn't the bond measure we voted in. Second, it was supposed to go from the Bay Area to Sacramento and Los Angeles and San Diego.
This paper has already printed an editorial stating that only 5 percent of Californias citizens will have any use for a bullet train, but 100 percent of us will have to pay for it.
We need a bullet train like we need a 10.5 earthquake. Spending $69 billion for it? Couldn't this state put that money to a better use? Like help for education, help for social services, the governor has to give early releases to prisoners due to over crowding, so how about we build another prison?
Our elected officials can surely find better uses for this money.
A bullet train is a stupid idea and a waste of money. Let's get our priorities straight.
Bruce Barry
It makes no sense to sell the bonds
I definitely agree with the judge regarding the high-speed rail. It will be another boondoggle.
After what happened with the Bay Bridge cost overruns, I can't imagine what will happen with the high-speed rail. Plus the route of the high-speed rail doesn't make sense. The bonds shouldn't be sold.
Michele Jordan
Voters should act on revised plan
The recent major cost overruns of the latest Bay Bridge construction project clearly indicates a need for realistic fiscal projections.
Major budgetary miscalculations must not be allowed to proceed on an unaccountable business-as-usual mode by government entities and their contractors, especially for new, unnecessary projects and especially when their formation was based within electoral conditions and restrictions.
The bullet train in California was approved by the voters in principle.
The cost restrictions and construction process of the project have greatly exceeded the parameters of the approved ballot measure. Former head and proponent of the California High-Speed Railroad Authority Quentin Kopp has stated the obvious. The project being undertaken is not the project that was approved by the voters.
Either modify the project to within the established parameters, quash the project altogether or let the voters decide again on the actual project with the modified valid cost projections.
Reputable polls indicate voters would not allow the bullet train to proceed on its modified costs and plans.
John Thurston


text:
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text:
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Police in San Francisco say two victims have been found dead in an apparent murder-suicide at a convalescent home.
The San Francisco Chronicle (http://bit.ly/1cyqmx7 ) says the bodies were discovered Monday night at the Central Gardens skilled nursing facility in the city's Western Addition neighborhood.
Police did not say how the victims died and their names and ages were not immediately released.
Police also did not say if the two found dead were related to each other.
Employees at the 92-bed facility declined to comment late Monday.
Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, http://www.sfgate.com


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Johannesburg - Sixteen Chinese workers sub-contracted to build cellphone company Cell C's high-speed 4G network were detained in Durban for allegedly having invalid work permits, the home affairs department said on Sunday.
"We inspected 16 work permits at the ZTE Corporation's premises in Durban on Thursday, after receiving a complaint from someone about the validity of permits for workers in from China," home affairs inspectorate spokesperson Modiri Matthews told Sapa.
"We detained 16 people for further investigation... our system has to be checked and investigations are continuing... no charges or arrests have been made."
Home affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said the raid in Durban also resulted in the arrest of a home affairs official.
"It is our understanding that the arrest was related to the officer bringing foreigners into the country."
The raids on ZTE in Durban, as well as in Cape Town and Bloemfontein, were a joint effort between home affairs, the immigration inspectorate and police, he said.
The Sunday Times had reported that Chinese telecoms company ZTE Corporation was under investigation for allegedly bringing hundreds of illegal workers into the country every month.
R2.9bn contract
It reported that ZTE had won a Cell C contract worth R2.9bn in January to roll out its high-speed network.
In a statement Cell C CEO Lars Reichelt said the company had entered into a contract with ZTE to expand its network in the southern parts of South Africa. He said Cell C however was not responsible for employee matters of its subcontractors.
"The contract between Cell C and ZTE is a "turnkey" contract. This means that ZTE as an independent contractor... is accountable for engaging its own employees and sub-contractors.
"Cell C is not responsible for the recruitment policies or processes of ZTE."
Reichelt said he had only become aware of alleged illegal Chinese workers when he was approached with questions by the Sunday newspaper.
"Cell C has asked ZTE to urgently provide it with information in this regard and has since been assured by ZTE that all of its workers have the necessary and legal documentation to work in South Africa."
Applications delayed
ZTE spokesperson Chris Fuentes said it was a ZTE, and not a Cell C matter. The company had applied to home affairs a while ago to have work permits extended for its Chinese workers.
"It seems our applications were delayed... there is a major problem with the department... after the World Cup, home affairs was on strike," Fuentes said.
"It is not just us, but many multinational companies which have their applications delayed. What happened is that our people came here with a 90-day visa. We then asked for work permits. Even when the visas expired, the permits were not processed.
"What we perhaps should have done is promoted dialogue with the department, voicing our concerns and challenges that we had experienced with delays."
Fuentes said with such a short turnaround time for their contract they had been forced to look for workers from various places. They had not been trying to promote using only Chinese labourers.
Fuentes denied reports that 16 people had been detained. He said only three were detained in Durban because they did not have their passports on them. They were released soon after producing them. A person at the company's Cape Town branch was detained and released on Thursday.
"Right now we are collecting information to send out a release showing all our people are totally legal."
Importing labour
The Congress of SA Trade Unions said there was no justification for importing labour from overseas when unemployment in South Africa was so high.
"I am sure there are South African workers with the requisite skills," Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven told Sapa.
If there weren't any people skilled enough, locals should be trained.
"It's outrageous. If the allegations are true, we can say it is tantamount to human trafficking... labour brokering on a global scale."
I agree with Cosatu, but what are they going to do about it? This whole thing is bull$hit. There are so many foreigners that are in the country, whether legally or illegally it's immaterial. The fact is, South Africa has skills in the areas in question, especially ICT. Where there are no adequate skills, training is available. Most of these imported "skills" come here to be trained on the job, by South Africans. You have a lot of imports from India who use SA as a training ground and get paid good money for it, while our people remain unemployed and companies profiteer form this injustice and cruel practices. Big consulting IT firms are involved this. I don't know how the government and labour movements can sit back and do nothing when unemployment figures hit the roof and crime won't dissipate. Something ought to be wrong somewhere; somebody is not doing his/her work.
So the Trevor Noah advert was partly true. Cell C is not being watched like a hawk but they are being watched by The Hawks...........
is C stand for Chinesse?
The fact is that the DHA changes their procedures last May/June after which all applications for permits will be processed in Pretoria instead of the regional offices. Where it used to take up to 30 days to process an application, it now takes more then 3 months. That in itself is not a problem, if the DHA could at least indicate what the ETA is on the application. And that seems to be impossible as there are little to no applications for work permits processed since June and no one knows when to expect a reply from the DHA. The only response is: in process. I am in this country for about 10 years now and had to renew my permit in July. I am waiting for 3.5 months now and there is no end in sight as to when I can expect an answer. The regional office nor the call centre is not able to give feedback on the progress, the DG is not answering mail, the minister of performance monitoring at the presidents office is not either. And during this long wait, I can not provide for my family in a legal way as one can not work without a valid work permit. What is Home Affairs thinking? That they can put peoples lives on hold indefinitely because they implemented a process without having the capacity? If they don't want us any more, reject the applications but don't use these delay tactics hoping the problem will resolve itself by foreigners leaving the country. And I can assure you that if that happens, only the skilled people leave that actually do pay tax and assist in building this country, not the illegal immigrants that are a burden on the state.
So when ZTE was required to deliver in accordance with their contact and DHA was not able to provide timelines on a possible outcome it not strange that they took the risk of starting the work without valid permits. DHA changes the rules without understanding the economical impact and they are the only ones to blame. If the Chinese where not welcome their applications had to be denied not delayed indefinitely.
I have been waiting for a work-permit for a year n subcntract to feed my family the sad thing is I see a lot of unqualified South Africans in my industry n some of them in high positions unable to articulate themselves in English n worse still they cannot do the job! A South African is not prepared to work on weekends whereas I do to make ends meet! If my permit is approved will finish my certification n leave the country for overseas imagineSAQA does not evaluate international qualifications leaving me at a disadvantage!
@hmmm you are correct, Cell C are just not interested in putting up with the risk. They would rather deal with hard working, respectful, honest labour. They are trying to offer their clients a service. This is impossible if you have labour recruited from say the same pool as PnP or JuJu types
You cannot wait for people to e trained when a job is subcontracted. The time factor of any project is important.
The Government cannot create jobs but it can assist companies in special training of a suitable pool of candidates but there is a cost involved and the company cannot be expected to absorb the costs. The taxpayer will have to foot the bill for training under these circumstances.
If this is not done then the training will not happen and SA will remain will too much unskilled labour. This can be applied to artisans who need to improve their skills e.g. specialist welders.
Training centres are fine for apprentices but not artisans who have the basic skills but need the many hours of practice to become proficient in their trade. Cosatu should be lobbying government to follow this route and not make statements when "I am sure there are South African workers with the requisite skills," Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven told Sapa.
I suggest he doesn't guess about skills but show the evidence to prove that these skills exist.
Employ a South African and you are practically married to that person, regardless of whether they perform or not. ANC, wake up and smell the roses boys. This is how life works !
The point that I picked up on was the mysterious tip off to the police to check the work permits. This for me amounts to corporate bullying and the losers will be the consumers. Both MTN and Vodacom have been critical of Cell C's new campaign. Maybe this is because of a relationship gone bad or it could just be that Cell C is now able to offer a product and a service that rivals their own.
What about all the illegal Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Congolese, Mozambique'ns and other Nationalities. ZTE is also not the only Chinese company operating here in SA, another is Huawei is doing the same thing with Chinese doing work for Telkom Mobile,Cell-C and others. At least the Chinese come and work and are not a drain on the economy as so called "refugees", they are also not involved in the drugs and money schemes like nigerians and others. If you going to clampo down on one, then do it fairly and clamp down on all! Get rid of all the "illegal" foreigners, i.e. those without proer documentation allowing them to work and live in SA and you will quickly have a very large number of jobs available to SA citizens. Also the reason these people get jobs is because they are flexable unlike the over politicised and unionized SA workers.
Check other simular companies in the telecoms companies
Suppose that every evening, 10 men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to R100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this :-
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay R1.
The sixth would pay R3.
The seventh would pay R7.
The eighth would pay R12.
The ninth would pay R18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay R59.
So, that's what they decided to do....... The 10 men drank in the bar every evening and were quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner said,
"Since you are all such good customers, I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by R20".
Drinks for the 10 men would now cost just R80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes. So the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men? The paying customers? How could they divide the R20 windfall so that everyone would get his fair share? They realised that R20 divided by six is R3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.
So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by a higher percentage the poorer he was, to follow the principle of the tax system they had been using, and he proceeded to work out the amounts he suggested that each should now pay.
Therefore, the fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing.
The sixth now paid R2 instead of R3 (33% saving).
The seventh now paid R5 instead of R7 (28% saving).
The eighth now paid R9 instead of R12 (25% saving).
The ninth now paid R14 instead of R18 (22% saving).
The tenth now paid R49 instead of R59 (16% saving).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But, once outside the bar, the men began to compare their savings.
"I only got a rand out of the R20 saving," declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,"but he got R10!"
"Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a rand too. It's unfair - he got 10 times more benefit than me!"
"That's true!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get R10 back, when I got only R2? The wealthy always win!"
"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison, "we didn't get anything at all. This new tax system exploits the poor!"
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had their beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girls, journalists, labour unions and government ministers, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes will naturally get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas, where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D. Professor of Economics.
For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.
The problem is that the DHA is inefficient, they delay in processing permits for much needed skils and frustrate qualiofied foreign nationals. You then end up only having fraudulent unqualified foreing nationals as the reall scarece skills are offered better opporunities elsewhere. Hoe affairs needs to revisit their policies.
They need to understand that there are skills that are scarce, not only in SA but all over the world. The world is fast becoming global and to be competitive countries that want to be ahead have gone a step further to open their gates to scarce skills.
If they coninue wanting to fast track empowerment, we will end up like our neighbour Zimbabwe!


text:
Nowotny: "Austria is Safe"
The governor of Austria´s Central Bank (OeNB) Ewald Nowotny asserts that the economic stability in Austria is substantially better than in other regions of the Eurozone.
"We face difficult times at the moment." the governor of OeNB states. In the last OECD report, the Eurozone is said to be a severe danger for the recovery of the global economy. The OECD warned of a vicious circle in Europe. The mix of austerity policies, public debt and weak banks would be dangerous. Nowotny admits that this situation leads to a "substantial degree of nervousness".
Nevertheless, Nowotny emphasizes to differentiate between different countries of the Eurozone. "We have certain countries and segments in the Eurozone, which are actually problematic. But there are also countries, where the real economy performs very well, such as Austria." Correspondingly, the governor of OeNB is more optimistic for Austria and announced to upgrade the next economic forecast. In the last analysis, OeNB anticipated an economic growth rate of 0.7% in 2012. A "solid growth rate" of 1.0% would be more realistic, he thinks. "We are safe." Nowotny underlined and warned of excessive pessimism.
Whether Greece should stay in the Eurozone or not mainly depends on the Greeks themselves, Nowotny said. Also the Greek elections in June are a crucial factor. However, Nowotny refused to give a clear answer. "We put effort in solving the difficult situation reasonably."


text:
In Wilbur Smith's Rage, in the second half of the twentieth century, the future bears down on Africa--fueled by the sins of the past and the blood feuds of nations, tribes, and families. For the Courtney family, who have known this continent from the depths of its gold mines to the pinnacle of political power, a time of reckoning is at hand.
Shasa Courtney has lived, fought and loved amongst Afrikaners, Englishmen, and natives. His mother is by his side but the rest… (more)
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (March 06, 2007)
Collection: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Format: EPUB
Protection: DRM
Language: English


text:
Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber says he'll convene a workgroup to study possible changes to the state's driver's license laws for undocumented immigrants. That news prompted cheers at a May Day rally in front of the state capitol Tuesday evening. Thousands of people marked the day with demonstrations in Salem, along with other cities across the Northwest. Correspondent Chris Lehman has this report from the march in Salem.
I'm standing along the route of the march near the state capitol in Salem. People are shouting "Si se puede" and "This is what democracy looks like." The rally here is focused in large part on immigration issues: Things like drivers licenses and in-state college tuition for children of illegal immigrants. Gaspar Ponce of Silverton says he was unable to renew his driver's license recently because he lacked the proper documentation.
Ponce: "We need the driver's license for work, to get a little money for my family and I came here to help a little bit for all of the people, and help my family."
The rally here was largely peaceful. That's a contrast to May Day rallies in Portland and Seattle, where people were arrested, windows were smashed, with the focus there being on more corporate issues. I'm Chris Lehman in Salem.


text:
...gratitude, with love.
Thank you to all the wonderful people that came to visit my house Lilla Ljuva during the two weekends of traditional Christmas Homes.
I have met such warm, kind, generous, funny and loving people! My heart is filled!
Thank you! Tack! Kiitos! Grazie! Spasiba!
Here is a link to dear Cheris blog, Autuas olo, she has also written such kind words about her visit! Kiitos!


text:
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text:
British Colonial Legacies and Political Development
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Volume (Year): 32 (2004)
Issue (Month): 6 (June)
Pages: 905-922
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- Kaufmann, Daniel & Kraay, Aart & Zoido-Lobaton, Pablo, 1999. "Governance matters," Policy Research Working Paper Series 2196, The World Bank.
- Grier, Robin M, 1999. "Colonial Legacies and Economic Growth," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 98(3-4), pages 317-335, March.
- William Easterly & Ross Levine, 1997.
"Africa's Growth Tragedy: Policies and Ethnic Divisions,"
The Quarterly Journal of Economics,
Oxford University Press, vol. 112(4), pages 1203-1250.
- Easterly, W & Levine, R, 1996. "Africa's Growth Tragedy : Policies and Ethnic Divisions," Papers 536, Harvard - Institute for International Development.
- La Porta, Rafael & Lopez-de-Silanes, Florencio & Shleifer, Andrei & Vishny, Robert, 1999. "The Quality of Government," Journal of Law, Economics and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 15(1), pages 222-279, April.
- Rafael LaPorta & Florencio Lopez-de-Silanes & Andrei Shleifer & Robert Vishny, "undated". "The Quality of Government," Working Paper 19452, Harvard University OpenScholar.
- Andrei Shleifer & Robert W. Vishny, 1998. "The Quality of Government," Harvard Institute of Economic Research Working Papers 1847, Harvard - Institute of Economic Research.
- Rafael La Porta & Florencio Lopez-de-Silanes & Andrei Shleifer & Robert Vishny, 1998. "The Quality of Goverment," NBER Working Papers 6727, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
- Mandle, Jay R., 1974. "The Plantation States as a Sub-Region of the Post-Bellum South," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 34(03), pages 732-738, September.
- Daron Acemoglu & Simon Johnson & James A. Robinson, 2002. "Reversal of Fortune: Geography and Institutions in the Making of the Modern World Income Distribution," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, Oxford University Press, vol. 117(4), pages 1231-1294.
- Daron Acemoglu & Simon Johnson & James A. Robinson, 2001. "Reversal of Fortune: Geography and Institutions in the Making of the Modern World Income Distribution," NBER Working Papers 8460, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
- Daron Acemoglu & Simon Johnson & James A. Robinson, 2001. "The Colonial Origins of Comparative Development: An Empirical Investigation," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 91(5), pages 1369-1401, December.
- Daron Acemoglu & Simon Johnson & James A. Robinson, 2000. "The Colonial Origins of Comparative Development: An Empirical Investigation," NBER Working Papers 7771, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
- Englebert, Pierre, 2000. "Solving the Mystery of the AFRICA Dummy," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 28(10), pages 1821-1835, October.
- Ferleger, Louis, 1985. "Capital Goods and Southern Economic Development," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 45(02), pages 411-417, June.
- Kohli, Atul, 1994. "Where do high growth political economies come from? The Japanese lineage of Korea's "developmental state"," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 22(9), pages 1269-1293, September.
- Kenneth L. Sokoloff & Stanley L. Engerman, 2000. "Institutions, Factor Endowments, and Paths of Development in the New World," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 14(3), pages 217-232, Summer.
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text:
A hip friend and music critic recently advised (or demanded) that I check out this very hip and young quintet. Long story short, the band's latest album will sure be counted among my 2007 top-10 list. Powerful, articulate and teeming with youthful enthusiasm, this album is asymmetrical parts jazz, grunge, jazz-rock and punk. But the predominant component would be progressive-jazz as they stylishly rip through several genres while engineering an inimitable group-focused sound. According to the group's website, the respective musicians have performed with well-known figures in the jazz, hip-hop and rock spectrum. But like-minded individuals usually generate some magic when aligned.
With a makeup consisting of horns, keys, and the bass-drums element, the band uncannily morphs punchy backbeats with colorific overtones and pesky, soloing spots. They're a multidimensional unit for sure. And they navigate thru sinuous time signatures with the exactitude of a complex mathematical formula. It's all energetically executed, where laid-back funk/blues motifs are seamlessly integrated with darting horns choruses, beefy fuzz-bass lines and memorably melodic riffs. At times, trumpeter Shane Endsley and saxophonist Ben Wendel roll of the rhythm section's variable metrics with a smoothing edge.They project a panorama of scenarios here, as the quintet also injects a textural approach to these largely, up-tempo and pleasantly, in-your-face and ears pieces. But they tone matters down some on the genteel work titled "Of Course," then engage difficult rhythmic metrics via the hornists' circular passages heard on the following number titled "Finlayson." In other spots, the musicians fuse EFX into their game-plan. And it's all meaningful and simply adds to the thrust or tonalities of a particular mood or segment. Don't miss out, folks. This gem is an antidote for those who periodically experience listening fatigue, thanks to a glut of ho-hum recordings emanating from the affordable aspects brought about by the digital age


text:
Reiki Center of Venice
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Easy to follow directions and photographs.
Successful completion of this course allows you to use the methods and techniques learned in the course in your own practice, as well as, to teach this information to others.
Cost of Certification is $129.00 plus $11.99 postage.
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Guide to Crystals & Download
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FX Energy Announces New Well in Edge License
Aug 04, 2014, 17:00 ET from FX Energy, Inc.
SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- FX Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FXEN), today announced it has selected a drill site for its third well in the Edge license. The Company's two previous wells in the license, Tuchola-3K and Tuchola-4K, both are commercial and in development for production. The new well, Angowice-1, targets a Devonian reefoidal buildup, similar to the productive horizon at the Tuchola field. The Angowice-1 is located approximately 12 kilometers west of the Tuchola wells and is one of four similar prospects clustered together.
The Angowice-1 well will be drilled to a depth of approximately 4,000 meters into the middle Devonian. Drilling is expected to commence at the end of September, subject to required permits and contractor agreements. If the well is commercial it will likely be tied into the production facility to be built for the Tuchola wells, approximately 12 kilometers to the east.
"The Angowice-1 well is based on the same Devonian reefoidal buildup model that we used to identify the Tuchola field," said Jerzy Maciolek, Vice President of International Exploration. "We think this model holds a lot of potential for the Edge license. But we need to remember this is only our third well in the license and we are at the very beginning of the learning curve."
The Angowice-1 well will test one of four prospects identified on a 3D seismic grid covering 240 square kilometers. Several additional leads on this grid are still undergoing geophysical interpretation, which is expected to be complete early fourth quarter. The Company plans to select one more location to begin drilling late this year.
The Edge license covers approximately 730,000 acres. The Company operates and owns 100% of the working interest.
About FX Energy
FX Energy is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company with production in the U.S. and Poland. The Company's main exploration and production activity is focused on Poland's Permian Basin where the gas-bearing Rotliegend sandstone is a direct analog to the Southern Gas Basin offshore England. The Company trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol FXEN. Website www.fxenergy.com.
This report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees. For example, exploration, drilling, development, construction, or other projects or operations may be subject to the successful completion of technical work; environmental, governmental or partner approvals; equipment availability; or other things that are or may be beyond the control of the Company. Operations that are anticipated, planned, or scheduled may be changed, delayed, take longer than expected, fail to accomplish intended results, or not take place at all.
In carrying out exploration, it is necessary to identify and evaluate risks and potential rewards. This identification and evaluation is informed by science but remains inherently uncertain. Subsurface features that appear to be possible traps may not exist at all, may be smaller than interpreted, may not contain hydrocarbons, may not contain the quantity or quality estimated, or may have reservoir conditions that do not allow adequate recovery to render a discovery commercial or profitable. Forward-looking statements about the size, potential, or likelihood of discovery respecting exploration targets are certainly not guarantees of discovery, the actual presence or recoverability of hydrocarbons, or the ability to produce in commercial or profitable quantities. Estimates of potential typically do not take into account all the risks of drilling and completion nor do they take into account the fact that hydrocarbon volumes are never 100% recoverable. Such estimates are part of the complex process of trying to measure and evaluate risk and reward in an uncertain industry.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties outside FX Energy's control. Actual events or results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional contingencies and uncertainties to which information respecting future events is subject, see FX Energy's SEC reports or visit FX Energy's website at www.fxenergy.com.
SOURCE FX Energy, Inc.


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The Momentum Blog
The Five Stages of Falling in Love with Ebooks
Posted August 20, 2015 by Momentum
Stage One: Curiosity
You get an e-reader and some e-books. Maybe you borrow one from a friend, maybe you already had a tablet, and you don't want to carry a pile of books on a long trip. Maybe you are just curious, and want to see what all the fuss is about. But, you insist to yourself, your heart still lies with physical book. You'll never want to give up your beautiful library.
Stage Two: Denial
There's a small voice in the back of your head saying that this ebook thing isn't so bad. You ignore it, and you focus on all the things you love so much about physical books. They way the paper feels. The smell. Oh the smell! Nothing compares to the smell of a book, you tell yourself. You think about buying perfume so you too can smell as good as a book.
Stage Three: More Denial
You find yourself reading more and more book on your ereader. You don't tell people how much you like it, and you still carry around an old paperback "just in case." You make jokes about how real books don't need to be recharged, while anxiously hoping your ereader isn't dead so you can finish the book you started yesterday. You start realizing how much you love adjusting the font size, the page color, and the brightness.
Stage Four: Assimilation
You realize resistance is futile. You love your ereader, and you want it to be a part of your life. You take it everywhere with you, and you start telling everyone about how nice it is to carry hundreds of books in your pocket. You think about getting your grandmother one for her birthday.
Stage Five: Happily Ever After
Your ereader is fully a part of your life. It usually isn't far from your hand, just in case you have a spare moment to read. Maybe you'll never give up your bookshelves, and there will always be books you prefer to read in their physical form, but ebooks are taking up more and more of your reading time. You realize that there's room in your heart for both ebooks and regular books, and that anything that helps you read more is a good thing.
Tagged: benefits of ebooks, ebook, ebooks, ereaders, falling in love with ereaders, reading digitally, reading ebooks
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Podmentum 7: The Bingeing on First World Problems Episode
Posted February 15, 2013 by Anne
On this week's Podmentum we talk about the idea of reselling used ebooks, bingeing on books and television, and then the Macquarie Dictionary publisher joins us to talk about the Word of the Year.
Topic 1 Amazon second hand ebook patent
Amazon has received a patent for a system for selling "pre-owned" digital files, opening the way for a secondary market in ebooks
"Amazon's business model has long been dependent on resellers of used books and other merchandise. But a U.S. patent that Amazon Technologies in Reno, Nev., received last week indicates that the mega-retailer has its sights on digital resale, including used e-books and audio downloads. According to the abstract, Amazon will be able to create a secondary market for used digital objects purchased from an original vendor by a user and stored in a user's personalized data store.
Boston-based ReDigi opened the first marketplace for pre-owned digital music, which it launched in late 2011, redigi.com. Once a lawsuit that Capitol Records filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan over the way it handles music downloads is behind it, ReDigi plans to expand into e-books and other digital items. In a press release issued yesterday, ReDigi commented that "the Amazon patent is further proof that the secondary market is the future of the digital space and that there is no turning back."
Motherboard article that so angered Joel (tell us why)
Topic 2 Serialisation
With the Netflix series House of Cards being the talk of the entertainment world for the past couple of weeks, we thought we'd take the chance to talk about how the consumption of content is changing. While TV used to be serialized and consumed in episodic chunks, the trend is now to binge-watch whole series. On the other hand, where we used to read a whole novel in a sitting, publishers are now experimenting with serialized novels in the time-honoured tradition of Charles Dickens.
John Scalzi – The Human Division (episodic narrative) 13 episodes
Alison Rushby – The Heiresses (new adult serial with St Martin's Press)
"'An e-serial is a series of digital-only discrete dramatic novella-length "episodes" that advance an overall "season" narrative arc through 4-6 installments, published at regular intervals at a low price. We are conceptualizing e-serials as a loose bridge between a full length novel and a TV show. An e-serial episode is analogous to a one hour drama, one installment of a season of dramas.'
In other words, think Downton Abbey, but in serialized digital book form! Yay!"
Mark Z. Danielewski – serial novel The Familiar (beginning in 2014) 27 volumes, first 10 to be published by Pantheon in 3-4 month increments
"'Volume' speaks to it being a little different from a standard trade paperback book," Danielewski said by phone Monday. "I can't write something that takes months and months to read if we're releasing one every three or four months. It's possible that [our publishing] schedule could be accelerated. We're constantly open to new ideas — where will we be in 2014? Maybe digital releases every week, every few months a trade paperback or hardcover. The novel is designed to accommodate, anticipate various platforms."
Topic 3 Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year
The Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year for 2012 was announced last week, and the winner was "Phantom Vibration Syndrome". We have the Macquarie editor Sue Butler in to have a chat with us about the dictionary and how they go about naming their word of the year.
Anne – Medium, and Connor O'Brien on twitter
Mark – The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Joel – Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
This episode of Podmentum is brought to you by Kylie Scott's Skin
Tagged: Amazon, consumption, ebook, episodes, ereading, house of cards, John Scalzi, netflix, podcast, podmentum, publishing, second hand, serialisation, volumes
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My Recovery: Eating Disorder Survivors and Experts weigh in
Posted August 28, 2012 by Anne
Testimonials are coming in thick and fast for Julie Parker's forthcoming My Recovery: Inspiring Stories, Recovery Tips And Messages Of Hope From Eating Disorder Survivors.
"Recovery from an eating disorder can seem confusing and distant. My Recovery brings you closer. Through the hopeful and from-the-heart stories of individuals who've been there, My Recovery reveals what recovery looks like. It features valuable insights and tools for recovering from eating disorders and leading a healthy and fulfilling life. This beautiful book has a powerful message that everyone needs to hear: Eating disorders are devastating, serious illnesses. But recovery, while personal, difficult and far from linear, is absolutely possible for everyone. I highly recommend reading My Recovery. It's one of those books you'll keep turning to and want to share with others. "
– Margarita Tartakovsky, Weightless
"My Recovery is brilliant. It's beautifully written and clearly articulates how different everyone's journey through illness and wellness is. Treatment cannot be a one-size approach because just like the illness, recovery comes in all shapes and sizes and what works for one person may not work for someone else. All patients, families and treating professionals should read My Recovery. It's emotional, hopeful and most importantly, inspiring. For those of us in the thick of the illness, it shed a little light and some hope that there is an end in sight."
– Ella (in recovery)
"My Recovery will be wonderful resource for people with eating disorders and their loved ones. Hopeful and positive, yet realistic, the powerful message that "Recovery from an eating disorder is possible" comes through in each survivor's story."
– Jane Cawley, Maudsley Parents
"As always, Julie's words are given with kindness, care and compassion. The gift in this book is that it will gently accompany the reader on their own journey of transformation and blossoming. I am sure this book will be of great comfort and empower the many who read it."
To read more about My Recovery, or to pre-order the book, click here.Tagged: body image, eating disorder, ebook, mental health, non-fiction, recovery, review
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Kerala Police Admit Card 2016 – SI, ASI, Constable, Home Guard Hall Ticket
Kerala Police Admit Card 2016 – SI, ASI, Constable, Home Guard Hall Ticket – Kerala Police recruitment board has recently fill up the application form of various post. large no of applicants had applied for this recruitment for various posts like SI, ASI, Constable, Home Guard, Applicants who are waiting for Kerala Police Admit Card 2016 are informing you that cab download own admit card from here soon. The Admit car will be arrive very soon on its main official web site. So Applicants may able to download Admit card after Official declaration. our experts will update Examination date, Admit card date and more Details at here in up coming days. So Applicants will have to wait for few days for admit card. Candidates keep in Touch with us for more latest information.
Kerala Police SI, ASI, Constable, Home Guard Admit Card 2016
Kerala Police department has been invite to fill a huge vacancies for variosu post. thousands candidates had applied for various post. candidates who are looking for Kerala Police Call letter 2016 at variosu Web sites are informing you that can check Hall ticket status from here soon. the admit card is a most important part of Examination. Without admit card can not permit at exam room. so candidates have to bring admit card print out at examination centers. after official declaration of Admit card date can download admit card through official site and also get it from here.
Details about Kerala Police Admit card 2016
- Name of Police Department – The Kerala Police Recruitment Department
- Post Name – Constable, ASI , SI , Constable
- Exam Date – Update Soon
- Job Location – Kerala State
- Job Type – Police Job
- Declaration Type – Admit Card
- Status- Soon
- Application Mode – Online
- Official Portal – www.keralapolice.org
About Kerala Police
Kerala Police is a one of the most powerfull and best police force entore statee, India. Its was Formed in 2004 in the state of Kerala which Is Headquarter situated at Thrissur. Kerala Police Acadamy is situated at Ramavarmapuram in Thissur. The Education Police Acadmic runns full term baisc course for SI, ASI, Constable , Women Constable,Drivers and other.The Kerala Police Department one of the First Proffesional Traing Colagges for Police Dipartment which was stated in Kerala state.when its estibilished Trvandrum Police Training School in 1982 to learn Police force of priamry trains
Now the department of Kerala Police want be hire a huge Eligible and active candidates fro their Department at Kerala State. So for its will be declare a large no of vacancy details in up coming days. canidates look towards our Portal and official site for more details
How to Get Kerala Police Admit Card 2016
- Candidates need to visit official website.
- Find out Kerala Police Admit card link.
- Click it and enter all regional details like registration no and DOB.
- Click on Submit Button.
- Download / Save Admit Card Pdf.
- Take a hard Copy for further use.


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Courtesy of Red Bull Bike
Rampage has come and gone, but the videos keep on coming, which is a good thing because the Road to Rampage series is excellent. This episode tackles The Curse–you know, the one in which you win Red Bull Rampage and it's all champagne and high-fives, right up until the next season when you wreck bad, break a limb and are unable to defend your Rampage title.
Mere superstition? Sure. But it keeps happening…..


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Veterans officer on his way to Iraq again
David Till had already been deployed to Iraq once. He knew a second deployment was possible.
"I knew this could happen," Till, Pierce County's Veterans Service Officer (VSO), said. "It's my job. It's what I do."
The orders became official last month and Till, a sergeant first class with the HHC 1-128 of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, will be deployed right after the new year. He'll arrive in Iraq at the end of April and depart in February 2010. He figures he'll be back in the VSO office in March 2010.
To fill Till's shoes, Irv Yelle, former Pierce and Buffalo County VSO, will work approximately two to three days a week in his absence.
He said nothing about the office will change--its office hours will still be 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. If Yelle is unavailable, Till said, questions should be directed to Secretary Laurie Unseth. Till did advise people to be patient during this period.
Till was hired as Pierce's VSO last March, succeeding Merlin Blaisdell, who became St. Croix County's VSO.
"I love this job; it's become my passion," he said. "It's been great getting to know everyone here and I'm looking forward to coming back after deployment."
When he arrives in Iraq, Till, who has been a member of the Wisconsin National Guard for 14 years, will work in operations. He added he believes he'll be able to give updates to the VSO office on his exact mission and location over time.
In his first deployment, which was from 2004-05, he was an infantry squad leader patrolling in the City of Samarra. Till has been a member of the Wisconsin National Guard for 14 years.
Till, who turns 32 next week, presently lives in River Falls and is the father of a 10-year-old boy. Before becoming Pierce's VSO, he spent four years as a government account manager for a software company.


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Hey how's the baby doing? We haven't heard anything lately. Hope alls well and your sleeping good.
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All is well. the little critter is fat and happy (just like her daddy).
maybe I can get a picture link up in a few days.
thanks for asking.
Hi Dave,
I didn't know you had a little critter. Cool deals!
Hi Frank!
I didn't know either! Happy "fatherhood"! Best wishes. ...Rick
I've got a whole damn litter----four!