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At Phonsavan's evening market.
I recently spent two weeks in Laos, taking photos and gathering information for two separate articles on food and travel. I was primarily occupied with these two topics until while in Luang Prabang I happened to run into Magnum photographer Abbas. Talking to him about his work, I was inspired to go back through the pics I had taken that didn't necessarily have to do with my work. There's little in common with Abbas' work (he's doing a long-term project on Buddhism), and no single unifying theme, but rather the images below are simply those that I find interesting.
Landscape, Vientiane.
Watch repairman, Xam Nuea.
Mekong River, Luang Prabang.
Rice farmer outside Phonsavan.
Cooking, Luang Prabang.
At Xam Nuea's evening market.
Takraw, Vieng Xai.
For a slideshow of the entire photoset of 19 images go here.
I'm going to Vientiane for the weekend. My first trip to Laos so I'm very excited. I'll be taking some pictures of course, but I'm sure nothing as stunning as yours. I especially love the one with the watch vendor. The colors are beautiful.


text: I've had my phone for about four and a half months. I was just using my camera on Thursday. However, I noticed yesterday everytime I try to use my camera, it'll open and then a few seconds later it will close. I rebooted my phone, I reset my phone. I took out the battery. I cleared the data on my camera. It used to do this sometimes, but never for this long. Is there anything I can do to fix it? :\

subset: commoncrawl


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Searsport Town News
Monday, Sept. 1, the Town Office is closed for Labor Day.
Tuesday, September 2, starting at 7 p.m., the regular meeting of the Selectmen will take place in the Town Hall. This meeting will be televised.
Sunday, September 7, starting at 2 p.m., Dave Morrison will present Poetry Rocks at WORKS, 21 E. Main Street, Searsport. Poetry Rocks is the poems of Dave Morrison crossing a rope bridge of simple guitar grooves. Poetry Rocks is not songs, and not exactly poems, but a new delivery system for poetry. Each piece is created from scratch for the audience in real time, so that each person has a distinct musical accompaniment. Each reading is unique.
Monday, September 8, starting at 6:30 p.m., the Planning Board will hold their regular monthly meeting in the Town Hall. This meeting will be televised.
Tuesday, September 9, starting at 7 p.m., the Searsport Historical Society welcomes authors John Ford Sr., Retired Maine Game Warden, and Mark Nickerson, Retired Maine Trooper. Their program, "Blue Lights and Funny Cider," is a raucous and sometimes poignant look at Maine Law Enforcement "back in the day!" As always the Society welcomes the public at no charge. Join them for refreshments and a chance to speak with John and Mark. The books by both authors will be available for sale before and after the program, personalized for you.
Thursday, September 11 (9/11), Searsport Emergency Services and the Lions Club will be holding a Spaghetti Supper from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Lions Club on Prospect Street in Searsport. Cost is by donation and all monies raised will be forwarded to the Wounded Warrior Project. Checks should be made out to Barney Hose Co. FMI Contact Dick Desmarais.
Friday, September 12, from 5 to 7 p.m., Maine Printmakers, an exhibit featuring 5 local printmakers working in a variety of styles and techniques, opens at WORKS, 21 East Main Street with a opening reception for the artist.
Included in this exhibit are: Chris Clarke of Vinalhaven, Jeff Jelenfy of Washington, Madeline Owen of Hope, Karin Otto of Belfast and April White of Union. Monotype, etching, woodblock and mixed media printmaking techniques will be exhibited.
Saturday, September 13, starting at 4:30 p.m., the Searsport United Methodist Church will hold their monthly Turkey Supper with all the trimmings.
Feel free to pass this on to interested people.


text:
Send to a Friend
Iphone app that pays you to watch videos?
Asked by College_girl (915) February 4th, 2014
So my friend has this app on her iphone that gives her points when she watches videos and whatnot on it. She said she can earn up to 1,500 points a day or something and turn those points into gift cards or even a kindle fire (it takes a LOT of points). However, she is being rude and won't tell me what app it is. Has anyone heard of an app like this?
Using Fluther


text: Hi, I deleted the cache directory [only the archives iirc] to save space. However apt failed to work after that. Thats understandable as it "needs" a system directory....but what was really counter-intuitive was the error message was something like "E: could not dequeue object" . How does that help in conveying the actual problem in any fathomable way ? [Also is it not possible to do a mkdir -p to just create the empty directory?] Thanks. Regards, Vikram


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Honda Pilot vs Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Highlander
I compared the nav extensively. It was a big part of my test drives as it was one of the deciding factors. I would rank them in this order:
1) Pilot
2) Highlander
The Highlander and CX-9 both license the same underlying system from the same provider so the physical navigation is almost identical. However, the Highlander has a slightly newer version of the software and each company has its own UI wrapper (menuing look, etc.) and in that category the Highlander's is way ahead of the CX-9 version. They both also have voice command, but the Mazda dealers could not get it to work at all on either of two test drives and two places with two cars. The Toyota one requires you memorize their not so obvious wording sequence but once I did I was able to input my home address by voice and it worked perfectly. It was less successful with things like finding the nearest gas station. However, the system was super annoying in that it required you wait for long, repetitive vocal instructions and hit the talk button twice for each command so it took forever -- about 3 minutes just to enter my address.
The main problem I have with both of these is that they disable all user input, except by voice, when you are traveling 5 MPH or greater. This makes them almost useless in my book. Most people I know often travel with a passenger who can program the system while the driver is driving but Toyota, Mazda and the other users of this system seem to have decided that didn't matter. They would rather always have you pull over to the side of the road or off the nearest freeway exit, every time you need to search for something, or use the very iffy voice commands...
The Pilot would win automatically in my book because it works while you're moving -- just like the Garmin and all the after-market ones do. But even if it weren't for this, it would win because it also had the most comprehensive and best working set of voice commands and the most comprehensive control of non-nav functions from the screen. You could, for example, plug in your iPod and control it from the nav screen, seeing playlists, artists, albums, etc. Same for sat radio. Better still the voice commands control al these things too. You can say "passenger temperature 68 degrees" and it works. You can say something like (I forgot exactly what I said but I just did trial and error and it was pretty logical) "audio ipod track 2" and it works Also, the new Pilot is using the exact same nav as the Acura MDX with just a few things taken out (the live traffic feature and Zagat's I think), and the Acura nav is considered the best in the industry. My only gripe is I prefer the touch screen to the new "joystick" control that they have copied from BMW and others, but to each their own. It was easy to use, I just like a touch screen. Still, I would take the radical feature improvement over the touch screen any day.
All of them navigated OK in my tests. None are remotely as good as the newest high-end Garmin or Tom Tom products, but the integration is important. I have a Garmin now and often don't bother using it because I don't like setting it up or having the dangling power cord, etc
The AWD on the CX-7/9 works with throttle and G-Force readings from the DSC system, engine status as well. During a parking lot crawl below 10mph, the AWD is in total 100% FWD mode, above, it's in 90/10 split. Heavy throttle, snow, rain, cornering, and it can go as high as 50%, it all depends, but it is NOT a reactive system, it diverts torque BEFORE wheel spin, A highly common misconception of Mazda's AWD system is that it reacts and only diverts power only when wheel spin is present, not true in the slightest. There is a Normal, Sport, and Snow setting, all not controllable by the driver.
If you want the other two, go get either
It sounds to me that the AWD system in Mazda is superior to that of Pilot or Highlander. I wonder why Mazda literatures don't "sell" it in more details and more aggressively. I know VTM-4 of Pilot is passive (reactive) and lockable (good for some people who need it). Not sure about the Toyota system. SH-AWD of Acura is very advanced but its cost prohibits it to be installed on Hondas.
Maybe because of the 90%/10% torque split (above 10mph), the AWD system is always working on CX9. That might explain the worse MPG with AWD on CX9 than that of Pilot or Highlander. The FWD models of CX9 seems to be doing well as far as MPG is concerned.
... Many Toyota dealers these days call themselves Toyota/Scion dealers. So, solely Toyota dealers may not hold true these days, but considering the volume and prior knowledge, betcha those dealers are just as capable of servicing Toyotas just as fine prior to Scion arrival. ...
Scion is 100% owned by Toyota and only offer 3 vehicles (if my memory serves me well). Mazda is only 30+% owned by Ford and offer many more vehicles than Scion.
So, I consider Scion is part of Toyota. Scion vehicles are sold as Toyota in Japan.
Mazda/Ford relationship is more distant. My nearby Ford/Mazda combo dealer only has 1 master technician for Mazda. When he is off, there is no Mazda repair scheduled.
cx7lover wrote: If you want the other two, go get either
This was listed as a reply to one of my posts but I have no idea what you are referring to. What "other two"? I haven't expressed an overall preference for any of the three vehicles discussed in this thread. I've listed pros and cons to each (way back in this thread). Someone asked today for an analysis of the navigation systems and I ranked the cars for that specifically, but that is hardly the only factor in an overall vehicle decision.
I would not call Mazda's AWD "superior" to Honda's VTM-4 or Toyota's full time AWD system. I would say Toyota's is better because it uses a static torque split AWD that is 50/50 all the time.
The Mazda CX-9 mpg's vary only 1 mpg from AWD and FWD applications. Also, it is 100% FWD until slippage occurs, and then up to 50% can be distributed to the rear as needed.
nxs138 Posts: 481The Mazda and Highlander NAV systems are not game changers by any means. The Pilot system sounds neat, almost like the Ford Sync system--too bad the Sync system was not installed in the Mazdas.
I would have loved a system like the Pilot's...but we didn't like the look of the Pilot at all, and it lacks a bit in power, imo......
what you described is a typical "passive" AWD. It detects slippage and reacts.
Mazda's ATS-AWD is called "active" for a reason. Here is what the Australian Mazda website describe the Mazda Speed6's AWD (similar one is used on CX7 and CX9)
http://www.mazda.com.au/Technology%20and%20Environment/Driving%20technology/Acti- ve%20Torque%20Split.aspx
On top of that, there are three modes
Normal, Sports and Snow plus a Power TakeOff module to assist fast acceleration
by sending more torque to the rear. It also adjust torque split at turns. i.e. it is more active than passive.
However, I can't seem to able to find the 90/10 torque-split that the prevous post refers to.
No doubt in my opinion that Honda/Acura has the best OE Navi system in the industry . I have '05 Toyota Prius and '08 Mazda CX9, both have OE navi systems Both are OEM from Denso. Other than some graphic interface differences, they are very similar in usage model, also look and feel. They both suck compared with stat-of-the-art portable units. However, I cannot say that the one on my Prius is better than the one on my CX9. Maybe this is not a fair comparison since the '08 models of Toyota might have made some advancements in this area.
Anyway, the speed-lockout on Toyota/Mazda is a big headache. Buyers be aware of it. One needs to buy an aftermarket kit to bypass it (essentially cuts the VSS input to the NAVI unit when needed).
I know it's not a reactive system, but, it does go from 100:0 to 50:50. It is not 90:10 by default like the previous poster said it is.
In the Mazda, if you are on dry pavement and going straight, the system reads 100:0. If you enter a corner or are on optimum driving pavement (wet or slippery) then you are anywhere from 100:0 to 50:50. The power distribution is measured in torque, not total power or horsepower.
Yes it does, it's never in 100%FWD mode unless you're in a crawl.
This is from a speed6 driving event pamphlet.
The AWD on the CX-7/9 is almost the same, but the mounting for the rear diff is much more secure, along with a cheaper setup that isn't as performance oriented (no limited slip)
I can't find the link to where I found out it's 90/10 but it is.
Other two meaning Pilot or Highlander, you seem to put them on a higher level because of their iPod interfacing ability.
If I couldn't have iPod with Bluetooth, then I would just buy an AUX in cable and control the iPod myself. The click wheel makes that possible because it's simple, I can change songs without looking.
I read your post a couple times. You seemed to mean that CX9 has no limited slip differential. Is that correct?
The Australian Mazda website seems to disagree....
"A new rear differential with greater torque capacity is employed by the system to deliver a high level of reliability. Increased torsional rigidity of the propeller shaft and rear differential mount improves the response of torque transfer to the rear wheels and delivers a more rigid feel to the ride under acceleration. And a limited slip differential is used in the rear differential optimizes transfer of torque to the left and right rear wheels, realizing solid traction and linear vehicle control that delivers a stable feeling ride when cornering."
If you followed this thread you'd see I have been even-handed with all the cars and ranked the CX-9 first in other areas. The CX-9 doesn't have to be first in everything to be a good car, so no need to defend it... Controlling the iPod from the iPod itself is not as ideal or as safe as being able to control it from the steering wheel or with voice commands, as you can do on the Pilot. And you still have to buy the after market switch to even get the aux to work and still have sat radio. Then you have to run a second cable to power/change the ipod while you use it (unless you are using it for short time and charging it elsewhere) and order yet another part from Crutchfield (etc.) so that you don't get static with the CX-9 while charging and playing the ipod through the aux at the same time. It's doable but I don't think the average person would say its as elegant a solution as the Pilot or even the Highlander in this particular category.
Sales figures of July/2008
Honda Pilot: 7486
Toyota Highlander: 6763 (including Hybrid)
Mazda CX9: 1965
(others, competiting)
GM Lambdas (triplet only): 11,600 (combined)
Acura MDX: 3477
This may seem like CX9 is selling poorly, when in fact it holds steady compared with 2007. Both Pilot and Highlander were selling at nearly 13,000/month July last year. So, both dropped nearly 50% compared with last year's sales figures.
Yes it does, it's never in 100%FWD mode unless you're in a crawl.
This is from a speed6 driving event pamphlet.
I attended the Mazdaspeed6 driving event at Fort Worth TX in November 2005. What Mazda means by that is the rear diff is active, however, power is not being applyed to the rear wheels. The rear diff is active the rest of the time and power is applied as needed. There was an extensive Q & A session that related to Mazdas ATS AWD system.
I have the Mazdaspeed6 drive event guide book too.
There are still some out there that think Mazda's AWD system is a Haldex system. That, is not true either.
Thanks for the info. It makes sense. By keeping the rear differential active, it certainly should respond more quickly, but it may also consume more energy. So far, the AWD on my CX9 has been working very smoothly (not on snow yet). I can't really tell when it is working or not.
So Ford, like Mazda, says their AWD system can "predict" slip and react before the slippage actually occurs too. According to this Ford press release their AWD system can send power to any one of the 4 wheels sort of like SH-AWD (but I'm guessing not in the same way). Would the Ford and Mazda systems be one in the same or is the Ford system actually better?
I know the default setting of the system in my Explorer waits until slippage occurs, and it can be felt to an extent (unless I pop it into 4WD-Hi or Lo of course). But the system in our Escape is seamless and I've never felt the front wheels slip or ever even noticed that it was in 4WD mode. And yes, it is a "4WD" model.
slamtaz Posts: 55Sales figures of July/2008
Honda Pilot: 7486
Toyota Highlander: 6763 (including Hybrid)
Mazda CX9: 1965
(others, competiting)
GM Lambdas (triplet only): 11,600 (combined)
Acura MDX: 3477
This may seem like CX9 is selling poorly, when in fact it holds steady compared with 2007. Both Pilot and Highlander were selling at nearly 13,000/month July last year. So, both dropped nearly 50% compared with last year's sales figures.
My interpretation of the above:
Both Pilot and Highlander sold poorly this year, dropping nearly 50% to only 7,4++ and 6,7++ respectively, though these figures are still far better than the CX9 which is steadily selling poorly at a current level of 1,9++
Regardless of the figures, i believe that all three have their own strengths and weakness and each may certainly appeal differently to everyone.
They probably just got that info from the Speed6, but the CX-7/9 infact does not have a limited slip. The speed6 does.
The AWD is seemless, wheel spin never happens, unlike the reactive system on the Highlander. The Honda has a system that isn't as generous to send power to the rear, most Ridgeline owners report poor snow performance, they share the same AWD.
Both Pilot and Highlander were selling at nearly 13,000/month July last year. So, both dropped nearly 50% compared with last year's sales figures.
Toyota's press release has the following numbers for the Highlander:
July 2008: 6,763
July 2007: 8,858
DSR Change: -29.5%
Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2008080117514
A 30% drop is not good, but that's not quite the "13,000/month" and corresponding "50%" drop that you're claiming.
YTD numbers for the Highlander are off just 8% compared to 2007.
Ford and Mazda use different AWD systems. While they seem similar, and they are, they are different. They are both FWD biased AWD systems. Also, Haldex supplies the AWD systems for the Taurus / Taurus X and former 500 / Freestyle. The Fusion and Edge / Flex use Fords in house AWD, which again, is similar to Mazda's.
Now, on Ford's AWD Explorer and Mountaineer, that is a true full time AWD system that has a center diff and can distribute power virtually to any single wheel. The Edge/Fusion/Flex do not have a center diff, and cannot do that. They can only send power from front to back, not side to side (like the Explorer / Mountaineer AWD can) unless equipped with limited slip , like the Mazdaspeed6.
Honda's SH-AWD is far more advanced then Ford/Mazda and Toyota in this case. SH-AWD is more like Subaru's Symmetrical AWD or Audi's Quattro (non Haldex Quattro).
In my opinion, Mazda's system works very well with how they build cars. While there system is not the most advanced, their total vehicle package (suspension, steering and braking) assist in how well the car will grip the road in addition to the AWD system. In dry conditions, the CX-9 (or any Mazda AWD vehicle) is glued to the road. For example the Mazdaspeed6 has much better road manners then the Legacy GT Spec B which has a FAR more advanced AWD system, but can't handle or grip the road like the MS6 can.
In foul weather, the CX-9 will do just fine. The cars weight helps keep the car dug into the snow, and the AWD keep you moving. It does do quite well.
One thing to remember with any AWD vehicle. It is not how good the AWD system is, but rather how well it works with the vehicle that was built upon it. AWD is not everything. You need a total package (brakes, tires, suspension, ans steering) to compliment the AWD system so you can get the most out of it. It is up to the individual to asses what they think a total package is. Is it dry road handing? Is it deep snow driving? That is why all these cars are so different. One car is not better then the other for every situation.
> A 30% drop is not good, but that's not quite the "13,000/month" and corresponding "50%" drop that you're claiming.
Indeed, I overlooked the sales figure of Highlander for July,2007. In May, 2007, Highlander sold almost 12,000 unit. Check autodeadline.com for data.
I assumed that two months should not make such drop in sales. Boy! I was wrong!
My mistake in that sense.
On AWD, I need to check my CX9 workshop menual to see if there is any reference to the aforementioned limited slip differential.
Indeed, I overlooked the sales figure of Highlander for July,2007. In May, 2007, Highlander sold almost 12,000 unit. Check autodeadline.com for data.
I assumed that two months should not make such drop in sales. Boy! I was wrong!
My mistake in that sense.
No problem. I can understand viewing roughly 2,000 units as nothing more than a rounding error when you're talking about sales volume.
I don't remember when the 2008 Highlander first hit dealers' lots last summer, but I wouldn't be surprised if sales dropped as the '07s were blown out and the '08s made their way to shore.
In any case, I don't think it really matters if one vehicle sells more than another. Mass market popularity doesn't necessarily equate to superiority.
> No problem. I can understand viewing roughly 2,000 units as nothing more than a rounding error when you're talking about sales volume.
You did mean 1,000 right?
(13000-12000 = 1000, not 2000)
1000/12000 is about 8% off.
True, the Highlander sale dropped because of '08 coming out. Between 12/06 to 05/07 Highlander was selling between 10,000 to 12,000 every month.
Actually you were over 4,000 units off (13,000 - the actual 8,800), but my comment about it being a "rounding error" was just a poor attempt at humor (the CX9's sales volume -- even in a good month -- is less than the margin of error in our discussions of the Highlander).
Thanks for the lesson avi, but I'm afraid I knew all of that already. Hopefully someone else learned something from your hard work though.
The Ford press release I posted stated several times that the AWD system in the Fusion, and a couple of other models, does shift power to individual wheels. That's the first I've heard of that too and I'm just fishing to see if anyone knows if it's true or not.
Based on the information in this article that I the original question was posed, I'm guessing no one will say it is true. :shades:
lol....not much hard work on my part. I have posted that info several times, in several threads!....However, if one person got something out of it, it was worth it!
ch1rravu Posts: 14Seeing the going prices on 08 MDX models, base model going for 33K, and top-of-the-line between 36K - 37K, certainly cutting into sales of top-end models of both platforms.
Dunno what CX-9 purchasers cross-shop with though,


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TALLAHASSEE -- Florida is shedding "sunshine" on state contracts by putting them online.
Gov. Charlie Crist and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink unveiled the new Web site Tuesday during Sunshine Week, which promotes transparency in government.
Citizens, though, can check on how their tax dollars are being spent only if they know at least the first part of a vendor's name.
The site is called www.MyFloridaCFO.com/SunshineSpending.
Most state agencies previously listed contracts of at least over $25,000 on their Web sites. The new site includes even the smallest contracts dating back to 2005. It was created without additional cost.
© 2017. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us


text:
Following the surprise success of slacker-rap novelty "Loser" and Mellow Gold, Beck Hansen teamed up with producers the Dust Brothers (Beastie Boys' Paul's Boutique) to create a certifiable classic. Odelay captured all the elements that would make Beck such an enduring, shape-shifting star: cut-and-paste hip-hop, searing white boy funk and deeply felt folk melancholy. But while the crate-digging, mash-up style was ahead of its time, it's Beck's assured songwriting, appealingly nonsense lyrics and aloof charisma that seal it. From the mad guitar riff of "Devils Haircut" to the clap-along of "Where It's At" to the weary, heartbreaking folk drift of "Jack-Ass," Odelay gleefully bent all the rules of the rapidly ossifying "alternative" genre. As eternally fresh as a radioactive Twinkie.
Description provided by Eric Grandy, Google Play


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WASHINGTON, May 4 (UPI) -- U.S. officials denied claims waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques produced vital intelligence that led to the killing of Osama bin Laden.
President Barack Obama continues to consider such tactics torture that betray U.S. principles for little or nothing of value, White House spokesman Jay Carney said Tuesday.
"It simply strains credulity to suggest that a piece of information that may or may not have been gathered eight years ago somehow directly led to a successful mission," he said.
National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor told The New York Times, "The bottom line is this -- if we had some kind of smoking-gun intelligence from waterboarding in 2003, we would have taken out Osama bin Laden in 2003."
"It took years of collection and analysis from many different sources to develop the case that enabled us to identify this compound and reach a judgment that bin Laden was likely to be living there," he said.
The denial followed assertions by several conservatives and members of the George W. administration that "enhanced interrogation techniques," or an "alternative set of procedures," provided key information in 2003 about the courier that led to bin Laden.
Those terms were adopted by the Bush administration to describe interrogation methods used by U.S. military intelligence and the CIA to extract information from suspects captured in the "war on terror" after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
"President Obama can take credit, rightfully, for the success ... but he owes it to the tough decisions taken by the Bush administration," John Yoo, a former U.S. Justice Department official in the Bush White House, wrote in National Review.
Yoo became known as the author of the Aug. 1, 2002, "torture memos" that argued the use of mental and physical torment and coercion -- such as prolonged sleep deprivation, binding in "stress positions" and waterboarding -- was "legally permissible" under an expansive interpretation of presidential authority.
Yoo -- whose memo also advocated hypothermia, in which a prisoner is made to stand naked in a cell kept near 50 degrees while being regularly doused with cold water to increase the rate at which heat is lost from the body -- said bin Laden's death justified such harsh interrogations.
"Without the tough decisions taken by President Bush and his national security team, the United States could not have found and killed bin Laden," Yoo wrote separately in a blog of the conservative American Enterprise Institute.
Obama, who called such tactics torture when he campaigned for president, signed an executive order Jan. 22, 2009, two days after being sworn in, requiring the CIA to use only the 19 interrogation methods outlined in the U.S. Army Field Manual on interrogations, conforming with Geneva Convention guidelines, "unless the attorney general with appropriate consultation provides further guidance."
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King, R-N.Y., told Fox News the success of the bin Laden hunt was due to waterboarding.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., later said none of the intelligence "came as a result of harsh interrogation practices."
"There clearly was no smoking gun of a direct correlation between waterboarding and finding this suspect," Geneve Mantri, government relations director for terrorism and counterterrorism and human rights at Amnesty International USA, told Britain's Guardian newspaper, referring to the courier who eventually led investigators to bin Laden's hiding place.
The courier, who was identified as Abu Ahmed al-Kuwaiti, was among those who died in Monday's raid, the Times said.


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In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Sanjiv Shah, executive director, Goldman Sachs AMC gives his views and expectations of the gold import hike from 4% to 6%.
In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Sanjiv Shah, executive director, Goldman Sachs AMC gives his views and expectations of the gold import hike from 4% to 6%.
Shah opines the move by the Government, in order to check its wide current accound deficit (CAD), is positive for the market. "If the scheme really works well, then the gold which is basically lying with the ETFs can be monetised and can be used in terms of lending it out to jewellers," he says.
Shah says gold ETFs can now earn interests. "This whole process will help in terms of reduction of imports at that point in time where in we give the gold to the bank. The bank will there onward lend to the jeweller. It's a very positive step in terms of the imports. The benefit to the gold ETFs is that we will start earning some interest. So, the fund itself will start earning some interest," he adds.
Below is the edited transcript of Shah's interview to CNBC-TV18.
Q: What do you think will be the impact on gold itself? Do you think we are going to see any reduction in gold imports because of this?
A: If the scheme really works well, then the gold, which is basically lying with the ETFs can be monetised and can be used in terms of lending it out to jewellers. That, hopefully will over a period of time reduce imports of gold.
Q: Why don't you start by explaining how exactly it will work? We are at the moment awaiting directions from Sebi on how this scheme will work. A gold ETF with say 50 tonnes of gold. How much gold can it deposit? What exactly are you expecting from the bank because we have not heard too much by way of gold deposit schemes either? What will be the announcements that the various entities will have to make and how will it work?
A: Firstly, we will have to get some direction from Sebi as to how much we can actually lend out. That I presume will come in the next few weeks. But assuming hypothetically we can lend out X amount of gold, let's say 20-25% and assume that the gold with the ETFs today is about 40 tonne and growing every year. Say you can lend out 10 tonnes, each tonne is about Rs 300 crore today.
If really Rs 3,000 crore of gold can be lent out to the banking system, the banks can then lend it out to the jewellers who typically borrow against rupee and import gold for their own consumption.
This whole process will help in terms of reduction of imports at that point in time where in we give the gold to the bank as we understand. The bank will there onward lend to the jeweller. That leg will reduce the imports of gold to the tune of atleast 10 tonne. So, that could be the number to start off with. It's a very positive step in terms of the imports. The benefit to the gold ETFs is that we will start earning some interest. So, the fund itself will start earning some interest.
Q: How much might that be?
A: I don't know, but if you look at the numbers, then it could be anything between 0.5 percent to 3 percent. Now, it depends on the market conditions at every point in time, but any number is better than zero. So it's always much positive for gold ETF investors.
Q: What sort of consumption trends have you seen till now with regards to consumption of gold? The import duty on gold has been hiked for the second time this year itself and is at around 6% and not to mention that gold prices have risen from 2004 to 2007 but that really hasn't deterred consumption patterns. Give us a sense in terms of whether this will actually help in terms of deterring consumption of gold at all?
A: I really don't have a view in terms of whether import duties will reduce the consumption of gold because consumption of gold has many factors. Obviously, cost of duty is one of them, but there are so many other factors again on the inflation, the world wide trends, etc. However, our hope is that the linking of the gold ETF and the gold deposit scheme will basically, atleast reduce the imports of whatever gold is lying with the gold ETFs. That, in turn will help the government. One might argue that the number is very small compared to what our imports are but you have to look at from the perspective that basically if more and more people buy gold ETFs instead of physical gold and if gold can be monetised, over a long period of time, we believe it's a very positive step.
Q: What's the difference in terms of how consumers utilise gold ETFs as of now vis-à-vis for consumption otherwise. And should one just buy physical gold or maybe use it for other purposes like jewellery, etc. What is the difference and how do you expect the mix to change going forward with this?
A: If you look at it, consumption in terms of jewellery is consumption. At the end of the day, people would want to have jewellery and they wear it and it's something which will be consumed over a period of time. However, if you look at the numbers, typically India consumes about 800 tonnes of gold. The numbers could wary by about 5-10 percent. Out of that, the sense is that about 500-550 tonne of gold is consumption which is jewellery and about 200-250 tonne is basically for investment purposes. If that amount can be moved towards the whole gold ETF and also can be monetised over a period of time through the gold deposit scheme - that would really help in terms of decreasing imports and ensuring that gold is monetised in the country. But this is the first step. What we are talking here is not something which is going to happen overnight, but it is the first step and I hope that it actually lends itself to a much better environment in terms of reduction of imports.
Q: Is there any gold deposit scheme in the market now?
A: SBI and a few more banks have it. Right now, the maturity of those gold deposits schemes is nearly three years. So, that becomes an issue for most of the investors especially for gold ETFs, because we have to ensure that basically we are liquidated at all points in time. These changes especially in the maturity of only six months will help us ensure we can invest and we also have the ability to kind of redeem it at any point in time. So, those changes are going to be useful for us.
Q: So if I have gold now, I can go with maybe 10 grams of gold or a kilogram of gold or whatever is the minimum size and deposit and I get what - 3% for it?
A: Right now it is little less than 3% as I understand. The rates have gone up to 3% over a period of time.
Q: What is the normal cycle of these asset classes especially gold? Is it a ten year cycle?
A: It is very interesting because if you look at the cycles - they have varied over a period of time. The last cycle was in 1980 to nearly 2000. So, it was a 20 years down cycle. Before that, it was a ten year up cycle. Bretton Woods were broken up and then oil prices started rising. So, typically they are longer cycles. They are not shorter cycles especially in terms of gold.
Q: Any sort of consumption patterns that you are spotting going forward with regards to gold and especially in India?
A: Our thought is that Indians really buy gold not just because they consume gold in terms of social pressures and the social norms. Indians also buy gold because it is one way to basically invest in dollar. You have to take that into account. I am not talking about the so called black economy and the money which goes into it, but it's a proxy for investment outside of India. It also bears on us as an industry, not just mutual funds but others to give products to Indians who can get assets which give them risk which is basically outside of India.


text:
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger convinced Jack Wilshere can be better than ever
Arsene Wenger says Jack Wilshere will not be held back by fear on his return to action and can make a full recovery.
Last Updated: 26/10/12 6:52pm
Wilshere is closing in on a first-team comeback after more than a year out with ankle and knee problems and, after appearing for the club's Under 21 side on Monday, he could be involved against Queens Park Rangers this weekend.
Wenger has no worries that Wilshere will not only rediscover his former level of play but will actually surpass it, having shown few signs of anxiety during his rehabilitation.
"We even have to calm him down," Wenger said in The Independent. "He goes for every challenge and has no apprehension.
"If you protect the ball and somebody tackles you from behind and kills your knee, when you come back it will be difficult to protect the ball in the same position. Jack has none of that. He has not been injured in a specific tackle."
Questioned on whether Wilshere can fully recover, Wenger said: "It is not possible, it is certain. He will be a better player. If you have this kind of injury at the age of 20 you will take off again and move forward normally. At his age it is no problem."
Wenger is also confident that Wilshere will be able to slot straight back into the side and strike up an understanding with players such as Santi Cazorla.
"Good players like to play with each other," he said. "Cazorla came here and, straight away, after 10 minutes training everybody understood he is a great player. So the easiest way to find good combinations is to play together."
Wilshere's ability to unlock defences will come as a major boost to Arsenal at a time when they have just started to fade after a bright start to the season.
"Jack is a guy you can give balls to, to create openings with his passing."


text:
Sample size available.
Reversible for extended wear.
BRAND: Colonial Mills
COLLECTION: Twilight
STYLE: Twilight
COLOR: Federal Blue (TL-50)
MADE IN: United States
CONSTRUCTION: Braided
MATERIAL: 50% Synthetic, 35% Nylon, 15% Wool
THICKNESS: 1⁄2" (approx.)
WARRANTY: 1 year - manufacturer
Soft, gentle colors work their magic in this special space-dyed blend of 15% wool, 35% nylon and 50% olefin to ensure softness and durability. Choose from six colors for six ways to enhance any room. Please Note: All accessories including stair treads, chair pads, trivets, slices, baskets and accents, coordinate with the outer band in the image shown.
The digital images we display have the most...
Rugs Direct recommends you avoid using your vacuum's beater bar on any area rug. For complete information on area rug care and cleaning, please click here.
Rugs Direct in-home delivery is available for selected rugs in this collection.
Standard curb-side delivery of oversized rugs is free on most purchases from Rugs Direct.
However, special "white glove" delivery is available for selected rugs in this collection at additional cost. If you select this option, we will make an appointment to deliver your purchase at a time convenient for you and place the rug in...
The weave is thicker, and the colors are awesome. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality for a very fair price.
Rug is pretty and I'm very happy with it.
The size is great for my room. However, shipping it folded was a mistake. Should have been rolled on a cardboard tube. Has stretching where it was folded. Binding sewing between the braids is long,sticks up. I've had to trim them. Hope they're tied off correctly so the rug doesn't get holes. Composition wise, much more Nylon than expected. Color, hard to determine on monitor, was not what I thought. Ordered darker color what came is really light.
Totally better quality than I thought it would be. Looks great and the colors match perfectly.
This is the second rug I've purchased from Rug Direct and I could not be more pleased. I still can't get over how quickly I received it. I have it in the bedroom and just ordered two more smaller rugs to go on either side of the bed. I tell everyone about Rugs Direct. Great service, fast delivery and good deals...what more can you ask for?
Sales person at local store was very well informed about the product; love the quality of the rug for the value, the color, fits in perfectly with my decor.


text:
Honestly, I can only think of a couple of reasons why one wouldn't want to program in Assembly...
-not up to (or afraid of) the challenge
-not willing to stare at code for a while (while program if you don't want to???)
-not wanting to write the fastest functions/programs possible
And, why are we programmers if you aren't 1) up to a challenge and 2) you don't want to spend time debugging challenging code and 3) you don't want to write the...best code!!!
Can somebody explain this to me???


text:
Tempted by the white side
Subject: General Tech | November 12, 2007 - 03:37 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
You may have caught yourself smiling in the reflective Apple logo as you look at a new iMac or one of the MacBooks, as you admire it's sleek white lines. Those who cannot resist straying from the world of PCs may find themselves in a strange land where nothing works quite as expected. PC Mechanic can offer advice for those poor soles, in this guide on common confusions for the recently assimilated.
"Mac OS X is a different paradigm than Windows. Yes, many things act very similar, but there is a lot that is different as
well. As a Windows user trying to learn OS X, some of it will be confusing. As I write this, I have not been using OS X
very long."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
Tech Talk
- Mac OS X Leopard Review @
- Beginners Guides: Most Common Ways to
Kill a PC @ PCSTATS
- Ubuntu 7.10 & Fedora 8 Performance @ Phoronix
- Microsoft Webcam
and Mouse Mobility Pack @ Futurelooks
- AsylumLAN 30 @ Techgage
- Installing Software on the Mac
@ PC Mechanic
- PC Doctor Diagnostic Test Kit @ Phoronix
- Interview:
Uniblue, Makers of Registry Booster @ PC Mechanic
- Multiplay i32 Coverage (Part I) @ CPU3D
- The Switch to Mac Begins @ PC
- Google Gphone - Bye-Bye Iphone?
@ PC Mechanic
- Windows Activation Sucks
Sometimes @ PC Mechanic
- Roy Taylor vice president of
content relations at NVIDIA @ DH
- TechReviewSource.com's 2007 Holiday
Tech Gift Guide
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text:
By James B. Milliken
President, University of Nebraska
When it comes to the topic of college affordability, the headlines often focus on runaway tuition rates and excessive student debt. President Obama's recently announced proposals to rein in college costs in the U.S. have renewed the focus on what should be done to ensure that higher education is open to all who could benefit from it.
I welcome the opportunity for a conversation about a critical issue that impacts not only students and their families, but also the competitiveness of our nation. While the details of the President's proposals are still to come, I am convinced that the University of Nebraska has a good story to tell. Affordable access to quality education has long been our highest priority. True to our land-grant tradition, we believe the university should be accessible to all Nebraskans who are qualified and want to attend, so that they may enjoy the numerous personal, economic and societal benefits that higher education brings and so our state can enjoy the competitiveness that an educated workforce provides. And I am proud to say that we have delivered on our commitment.
Almost a decade ago, we worked with the Board of Regents to develop a set of strategic goals for the university – goals that would guide our actions and keep us focused on the future. Each broad goal includes specific performance metrics in key areas – tuition rates, enrollment growth, graduation success and others – by which we regularly and publicly measure ourselves.
One of the important sets of strategies we have pursued involves striking an appropriate balance among state funding, tuition charges, financial aid and cost effectiveness. For a public university like ours, a stable base of funding from the state can help ensure moderate, predictable tuition increases that help students and families plan for the cost of college. Since we implemented our strategic plan, we have increased tuition and fees at a rate 20 percent lower than the average for four-year public universities. Further evidence of the importance of this balance came this year, when we proposed to freeze tuition for Nebraskans if the state would make a basic investment in the university. The compact we reached with Governor Heineman and the Legislature will save the average undergraduate up to $1,000 over two years – savings that could mean less time working or smaller debt loads for our students.
Even before the tuition freeze, tuition rates on each of our campuses were well below the peer average. UNL's tuition is lowest in the Big Ten. Our student debt levels are at or below the peer average – students at UNL and UNK, on average, graduate with about $4,000 less in debt than do their peers – and our four campuses have the four lowest student loan default rates among all Nebraska public institutions.
In addition to keeping tuition low, we've made significant investments in need-based financial aid, including our Collegebound Nebraska program, which guarantees that students with the highest need can attend the University of Nebraska and pay no tuition. More than 6,600 NU students are attending the University this year at least in part because of Collegebound Nebraska, and many more benefit from the numerous need-based and merit-based aid opportunities available. In fact, more than half of all NU undergraduates receive some form of grant aid that does not have to be repaid, meaning the majority of our students pay less than the advertised "sticker price."
There is a final and very important aspect of providing affordable access – ensuring that our campuses are cost effective. Managing our resources in a way that is accountable to those who invest in us – taxpayers, students, parents, donors and others – is among our most important goals. Since 2000, we have implemented more than $78 million in budget reallocations in order to keep costs down while also investing in priorities. And this is in addition to many cost avoidance strategies adopted during that same period. We have streamlined programs, eliminated services and kept employee numbers down, all while significantly growing enrollment and research activity. Our staffing numbers, including at the administrative levels, are lower than those at comparable institutions.
I know college is a major investment for Nebraska families and that the state of Nebraska makes a significant investment in higher education. I think the evidence is clear that the investment is worth it. In just a few short years, two-thirds of all jobs in our state will require education beyond high school. And despite what the national headlines may say, we are fortunate that in Nebraska students can receive an excellent education for a great value. That's something all Nebraskans can be proud of.


text: We enjoyed the beautiful sunset and strolling around the South Point. Some people were enjoying fishing while others were enjoying cliff diving (4-5 ?? stories high - there was a ladder to climb up). We looked for the sign related to the most southern point of USA within 50 states but couldn't find it. Signage to the Green Sand Beach... More


text: {Maxim.com} [ Amarillo Student Brittani Was Featured In Maxim Magazine's Hometown Hotties By The Bull Staff June 4, 2012 An Amarillo student represented Amarillo for Maxim Magazine's Hometown Hotties. Read More Category: Amarillo News Tags: Amarillo, brittai, hometown, hotties, magazine, maxim, News Send to a friend! Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr!


text: Adverse Decisions in Interference In the designated interferences involving the following patents, final decisions have been rendered that the respective patentees are not entitled to patents containing the claims listed. Patent No. 5,684,813, Douglas A. Keszler, POLYBORATES USEFUL FOR OPTICAL FREQUENCY CONVERSION, Interference No. 104,577, final judgment adverse to the patentee rendered December 12, 2000, as to claims 1-26. Patent No. 5,421,924, Paul Ziegelhoffer, Gary E. Johnson, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ULTRASONIC SEALING DISPOSABLE DIAPERS, Interference No. 104,623, final judgment adverse to the patentees rendered November 21, 2000, as to claims 1, 3-8, and 12-14. Patent No. 5,412,049, John N. Argyropoulos, Molly I-Chin Busby, Jeffrey M. 0. Lewis, POLYMER COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING HYDROXYL FUNCTIONAL (METH)ACRYLATES AND HYDROXYALKYL CARBAMATE (METH)ACRYLATES AND NHXTURES THEREOF, Interference No. 104,465, final judgment adverse to the patentees rendered September 22, 2000, as to claims 1-3 and 5-10. WANDA M. TIGNER, Sup'v. Legal Board of Patent Appeals & Interferences (703) 308-9797


text:
Mr. I.W. Hardy was my neighbor when I was growing up in Virginia. From Illinois, he had met and married a local girl while stationed in Norfolk during World War I. He was not only a neighbor, but also a surrogate grandfather to me. I spent a lot of time doing yard work and talking to this man in the twilight years of his life.
One of the things I enjoyed were his stories from his military days, first in the Army on the border with Mexico during the days of Poncho Villa and later when he was in the Navy during World War I. He was fiercely patriotic and was raised in a day when service for country was not to be taken lightly. His sons would follow his footsteps and served in World War II, one as a Navy aviator.
He flew the flag on special occasions and always carried a true sense of duty and loyalty with him. As a kid, all I knew about Memorial Day was it meant we got out of school a day near the end of the school year. It was on a Memorial Day that I asked him about the meaning of the day. I don't remember his exact words, but what I do remember was the emotion they carried. I can even remember the spot we were standing when the conversation took place.
In retrospect, I guess it is one thing to know about something, a definition of a holiday. But it is something else to know people for whom the day had been dedicated. His voice spoke with the emotion of one who had served and who personally knew the loss of those who had sacrificed their lives for freedom. Some had been boys he had grown up with and others were boys who had been raised along with his own.
This Memorial Day, I would encourage you to share with your kids the meaning of the day. The Bible says in Romans "to give honor to whom honor is due." Those who have sacrificed their all are ones to whom honor is due. Take some time to walk through a cemetery covered with flags and reflect on those who gave all. This should not be too difficult, especially for Christians who have built our faith and hope on one who sacrificed himself for us in love.
Charles G. Jones is the minister at Mars Hill Baptist Church in Watkinsville.
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text:
Mission: Take the best available talent
By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com
The Cubs have the 20th pick in the first round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, which will be held today. Scouting director John Stockstill and his staff, who will set up their war room in Phoenix this year, have one philosophy when selecting a player: Take the best one available.
"We take the best available talent," Stockstill said. "To me, the only way to [draft] is to stack up the players, take the best ones, and that's it."
Last year, the Cubs did not have a first-round pick, and chose Notre Dame pitcher Grant Johnson in the second round. In the 2004 draft, the Cubs chose seven pitchers, five outfielders, one infielder and one catcher among their first 15 picks.
Because the Cubs' first pick this year is so low, they hope to snag a highly-touted player who might have slipped past other teams. Super talented third basemen Alex Gordon of Nebraska or Ryan Zimmerman of the University of Virginia, or Virginia high school shortstop Justin Upton or Wichita State pitcher Mike Pelfrey won't be available at No. 20.
Stockstill said the overall depth in this year's field is one of the thinnest he's seen.
"There's no great strength at any position," he said. "We'll take whatever we can get for 50 rounds."
This isn't 2001, when Prior, Joe Mauer, Dewon Brazelton and Mark Teixeira were top-five picks. All of them are in the big leagues.
In its draft predictions, Baseball America suggested the Cubs would take Utah left-hander Mark Pawelek, who did not allow an earned run in 51 innings and struck out 109. He's the state's all-time strikeout leader, and also was a kicker on the Springville High School football team until his senior season. Pawelek's older brother Dennis was a 40th-round pick by the White Sox out of Snow Junior College in Utah in 2002, but didn't sign.
His father helped motivate him his junior year, rewarding the lefty with $1 for every strikeout, $100 for an ERA under 1.50, $30 for a shutout, and $50 for each win. He lost $3 for every walk. This year, Baseball America ranked him third among high school players being closest to the Major Leagues. He has committed to Arizona State, but has said he'll consider a pro baseball career.
However, the Cubs also have looked at shortstop Tyler Greene of Georgia Tech. Last year, the Cubs drafted Greene's infield partner -- and Corey's younger brother -- Eric Patterson in the eighth round. A junior, Greene batted .362 this year with 28 stolen bases.
Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds
Milwaukee Brewers
Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals
Then there's Brian Bogusevic, an outfielder and left-handed pitcher for Tulane who grew up in Oak Lawn, Ill. He's considered a five-tool outfielder, and batted .324 for the Green Wave with 20 homers and 42 RBIs. He also was 12-1 with a 2.57 ERA in 16 starts, striking out 114 in 112 innings. He's got to pick a position.
Another left-handed pitcher on the Cubs' radar is Ricky Romero of Cal State Fullerton, who was 10-4 with a 2.60 ERA his junior year. Romero led his team to the College World Series last year, and compiled a 1.57 ERA for Team USA.
However, Romero may not be around by the 20th pick. The draft goes fast, and Stockstill and staff have done their homework.
"We look at a player's past performances more than what he does in the spring," Stockstill said. "The saying is that the Majors are full of guys who had bad springs."
The Cubs have several first-round picks already on their roster. Derrek Lee was San Diego's first-round selection in 1993, Jeromy Burnitz was the New York Mets' first pick in 1990, Michael Barrett was the 28th player chosen in 1993 by Montreal, Nomar Garciaparra was a first-round pick (12th overall) by Boston in 1992, Mike Remlinger was a first-round pick in 1987 by San Francisco (16th overall), and Todd Walker was a first-round pick in 1994 by Minnesota.
Stockstill was named the Cubs' scouting director in October 2000 after serving as the organization's coordinator of scouting and national crosschecker since October 1998. His first pick was Prior, who made it to the big leagues after nine Minor League starts.
The Cubs have leaned toward drafting pitchers with their top picks, selecting 10 since 1990, including Kerry Wood in '95. John Stockstill took over as the team's scouting director in 2000, and has taken three pitchers in his last four selections, including last year's second-round pick: Notre Dame right-hander Grant Johnson.
Ryan Harvey, OF, 2003, pick #6 overall: A knee injury in 2003 slowed Harvey, who missed his first professional season. He made his debut in 2004 in the Arizona Rookie League, and batted .400 in two games before he was promoted to Boises. He batted .268 with 14 homers and 43 RBIs for Boise. Harvey played at Dunedin High School in Florida, which is where Cubs GM Jim Hendry went to school. He's at Class A Peoria this season, and was leading the team in home runs and RBIs.
Bobby Brownlie, RHP, 2002, pick #21 overall: Brownlie is slowly working his way up, pitching at Triple-A Iowa this year. He was 9-9 with a 3.36 ERA at Double-A West Tenn last season, striking out 114 in 147 1/3 innings. Brownlie attended Rutgers University, but didn't report to the Minors until 2003 to give him time to recuperate from a shoulder injury.
Mark Prior, RHP, 2001, #2 overall: Prior made only nine Minor League starts before he was promoted to the big league club in 2002. He made his ML debut May 22, 2002, against Pittsburgh and won, 7-4, giving up two runs on four hits and two walks over six innings while striking out 10. In 2003, Prior was 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA and struck out 245. Freak injuries have interrupted his career, including the latest, a line drive off his right elbow May 27 by Colorado's Brad Hawpe. Prior began this season on the DL because of a sore elbow.
Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text: I'm gathering up my wife at our house in Berkeley and taking her to Costanoa on the San Mateo coast for our 5th wedding anniversary. I'd like to take her somehere good and intimate for dinner. I figure we can go south as far as Santa Cruz and north as far as Half Moon Bay. When I was an undergrad at UCSC way back in the early 1970s the food ran to crepes or brown rice served in a hot Earth Shoe. From looking at posts here it seems that things have gotten better, but not a whole lot better. Fresh and local is good. Doesn't have to be too fancy, but not a roadhouse or a taqueria either (much as I love them). Thanks for the help.


text:
Republican Rep. Jim Ott's proposal would require judges to request the state Justice Department supply information on whether the person is otherwise prohibited from possessing a gun.
The Senate committee approved the bill on a 5-0 vote Thursday. The vote clears the way for a full vote in the Senate. The Assembly approved the bill unanimously earlier this month.
End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association have both registered in support of the bill. The only group registered against it is Wisconsin Gun Owners, Inc. The group's website says it opposes all gun control.


text: On Wed, May 14, 2008 at 06:01:37PM -0400, Chung-chieh Shan wrote: > Conal Elliott <conal at conal.net> wrote in article <ea8ae9fb0805140915of9434b1la727da90de82635a at mail.gmail.com> in gmane.comp.lang.haskell.cafe: > > I share your perspective, Edsko. If foo and (Let foo id) are > > indistinguishable to clients of your module and are equal with respect to > > your intended semantics of Exp, then I'd say at least this one monad law > > holds. - Conal > > I am at least sympathetic to this perspective, but the Expr constructors > are not as polymorphic as the monad operations: if in > > do a <- foo > return a > > foo has type "ExprM String" (perhaps foo is equal to "return []"), then > we want to generate the DSL expression "Let [] id", but "[]" is not of > type "Expr". Because whenever foo's type is not "ExprM Expr" the above > code using do notation must be exactly equal to foo, by parametricity > even when foo's type is "ExprM Expr" we cannot generate Let. Yes, absolutely. This is the core difficulty in designing the monad, and the reason why I started experimenting with adding a type constructor to Expr data Expr a = One | Add (Expr a) (Expr a) | Let (Expr a) (Expr a -> Expr a) | Place a This is useful regardless, because we can now define catamorphisms over Expr. Nevertheless, I still can't see how to define my monad properly (other than using Lauri's suggestion, which has already improved the readability of my code). Return is now easy (return = Place), and it should be relatively easy to define a join operation Expr (Expr a) -> Expr a *but* since Expr uses HOAS, it is not an instance of Functor and so we cannot use the join operator to define return. Actually, I think this approach is a dead end too, but I'm not 100% sure. Edsko


text: The Curious Writer is an assignment-oriented rhetoric-reader that stresses the connections between personal and academic writing. Offering a unique, entertaining, and personal author voice, The Curious Writer is sure to grab the reader's interest and motivates writing. Also distinctive is The Curious Writer's emphasis on inquiry as both a driving force behind the writing process and a method of discovery and learning.


text:
Semester One: 12 February to 22 June 2018
Semester Two: 09 July to 09 November 2018
Three years full time. Part time study is also available.
The Bachelor of Hotel Management aims to prepare graduates for employment in hotel and tourism management positions in New Zealand and internationally. It is a three year, full-time degree which includes specialised study in the core management areas as well as other specialised topics and electives. The final semester incorporates an internship in industry where theory and practice come together in the workplace.
Year One
Compulsory Papers
HTM101 Tourism and Hospitality Studies 1This subject introduces students to a range of issues and concepts that are relevant to the hotel and tourism industries. The paper will provide an awareness of the patterns and trends in tourism, both on a global scale and with reference to the three kinds of whole tourism systems affecting New Zealand.
HTM102 Personal Communications for Tourism and HospitalityThis paper explores the theories and practices of communications as they pertain to hotel and tourism management. Topics covered include the communications model, verbal and non-verbal communication, interpersonal and cultural communications, effective writing, persuasion and motivation and organisational communications. This paper provides both theoretical and practical information.
HTM103 Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality MarketingA paper designed to introduce students to the concept and functions of marketing within the tourism and hotel industries. In particular the paper focuses on developing an understanding of how tourism and hospitality managers can stay close to their customers, be aware of their competitors' actions, and keep abreast of market trends within their operating environment.
HTM104 Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality ManagementThis subject introduces students to concepts, theories and practical examples of organisations and the fundamentals of managing these organisations within the hotel and tourism industries. The paper will provide an awareness of tourism businesses and form a knowledge base which students may draw on as they progress through their academic career.
HTM105 Food and Beverage ManagementThis paper examines the management of food and beverage facilities, focusing on strategic, managerial and operational impacts on product and service quality, and organisational profitability.
HTM106 Financial Analysis for Tourism and HospitalityThis paper introduces students to accounting practices that underpin financial information that is used in management planning, control and decision making processes integral to achieving organisational objectives. It offers students an understanding of the 'language of business' essential for those who wish to participate in these processes. It introduces students to the concepts of reading, understanding and interpreting financial information. It also introduces students to some of the business activities and financial management issues, particularly in service organisations such as hotels and airlines.
HTM107 Hotel OperationsThis paper looks at the hotel industry, specifically the front office, housekeeping skills and the successful ways to manage this area. The accommodation sector forms a large part of the hospitality industry and there is an increasing need for employees within this sector to understand the management principles and issues concerning rooms division from both the front office and housekeeping perspective.
Elective Paper - one paper to be selected from the list below:
HTM108 Tourism and Hospitality Sales and PromotionThis paper will introduce students into the world of promotion in the hotel and tourism industries. It includes areas such as public relations, advertising, personal selling, designing and managing products, which involves pricing strategies and distribution options.
HTM109 Hospitality Service Delivery SystemsThis paper will apply students' knowledge and ability of managerial concepts and techniques to the analysis, evaluation, planning and design to the hospitality service operations. They will apply practical skills and integrate them with the theoretical aspects of managing a food service operation. The main focus is to apply the theoretical studies and to further develop practical and communicational skills within a hospitality service operation.
Students will also define and demonstrate an understanding of the working practices required by personnel at a supervisory level in a service operation, and examine issues of service quality and service recovery management.
Elective 1An elective paper may be taken from a degree other than SIT Bachelor of Hotel Management - to be approved by the programme operations manager (prerequisities may apply).
Year Two
HTM201 Tourism and Hospitality Studies llThis paper builds on BHM101, and includes consideration of issues such as ecotourism, sustainability and authenticity in tourism. In this paper the focus widens from elements of whole tourism systems to the interactions of these systems with their environments.
HTM202 Human Resource Management in the Tourism and Hospitality IndustryThis paper introduces the understanding of principles and practices of human resource management to help maximise the potential of your employees. This includes topics such as legislation requirements in business, human resource planning, training and development.
HTM203 Tourism and Hospitality Research and AnalysisThis paper will give students an understanding of the research process and basic statistics, which are important in making business decisions. The paper will help students understand the importance of collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of research results in tourism management decisions. It aims to provide a basic introduction to research planning and design, including data collection and data analysis techniques applicable to tourism and business research.
HTM204 Tourism and Hospitality Services ManagementThis paper will link marketing, human resource management and food and beverage together. Students will learn why the customer is considered the centre of the organisation. At the end of this paper students will have developed skills in organisational strategies and service management techniques.
HTM206 Hospitality and Tourism Financial ManagementThis paper enables students to use financial and operating information for management in planning, control, evaluation and decision making. It develops the skills for understanding, interpreting and using management accounting and other financial information, mainly in the hotel environment.
HTM207 Employment Relations and Law for Tourism and HospitalityThis paper concentrates on the legal environment and employee relations. As tourism organisations operate in a complex legal environment, managers must be aware of the business implications of the legal requirements of operations in their industry, and understand their legal obligations to guests and staff. Employee relations affect the environment within which business decisions are made, and as such the employment relations system in New Zealand has many implications for the operation of the various sectors of the tourism industry.
HTM208 Entrepreneurship in Tourism and HospitalityThis paper examines entrepreneurship, new venture creation and innovation in tourism and hospitality industries. Its main aim is to equip students with knowledge, skills, and conceptual frameworks that assist in recognising and assessing inputs to the entrepreneurial process, in planning and creating a new venture, and in managing it successfully through establishment and growth.
DHTM205 Strategic Management for Hospitality and Tourism EnterprisesStudents will demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of various theories and practices in strategic management, applicable to organisations in tourism and hospitality industries. They will identify, consolidate and evaluate strategic issues studied in earlier parts of this degree programme.
HTM209 Hospitality Operations ManagementThis paper provides students with an understanding of the management function in relation to the production of goods and services in the hospitality industry. Students will gain knowledge of the practical realities of operations management and how it contributes to the overall management of the organisation.
Elective 2An elective paper may be taken from a degree other than SIT Bachelor of Hotel Management - to be approved by the programme operations manager (prerequisities may apply).
Year Three
HTM303 Tourism and Hospitality Industry ProjectThis paper fulfils an integrative role within the programme. The student is required to complete a research project. The project will involve the identification of a suitable topic, the planning design, and implementation of study methods and the preparation of a report.
HTM310 Event ManagementThis paper expands student knowledge and ability towards managerial concepts, techniques and trends of hospitality food and beverage operations developed through previous and concurrent studies. It will increase student aptitude towards integrated strategies surrounding event management, incorporating budgetary and quality controls, planning and marketing, whilst focussing on international, national and local markets. The paper enables students to use appropriate analytical and problem solving techniques, when applying both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to operational management within an actual physical environment.
HTM320 Internship StudyIn their last semester, students are required to complete an internship with an organisation within the tourism and hospitality industry. This internship gives students practical experience in the workplace. During the internship students will also be required to complete four internship study papers, which will allow them to illustrate the level of knowledge they have acquired throughout the degree programme.
HTM301 Gaming and Club ManagementThis paper will introduce students to a range of managerial skills and operational knowledge required to effectively manage gambling operations in casinos and registered clubs within New Zealand. It aims to provide students with the ability to meet customers requirements in this area, adhere to legal requirements, provide adequate security, and recognise the social and economic impacts of gaming operations in this increasingly competitive environment.
HTM304 Contemporary Issues in Hotel ManagementStudents will demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of various theories and practices in strategic management, applicable to organisations in tourism and hospitality industries. They will identify, consolidate and evaluate strategic issues studied in earlier parts of this degree programme.
HTM305 Strategic Hotel ManagementStudents will demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of various theories and practices in strategic management, applicable to hotel organisations reflecting the key contemporary issues of strategic and operation hotel management. They will identify, consolidate and evaluate strategic issues studied in earlier parts of this degree programme and within the current hotel environment.
Elective 3An elective paper may be taken from a degree other than SIT Bachelor of Hotel Management - to be approved by the programme operations manager (prerequisities may apply).
This programme is eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme.
SIT's Bachelor of Hotel Management is a smart choice! With no tuition fees and direct material costs of just $985.25 per year (GST inclusive), over three years you'll pay around $2,955.75 saving a massive $15,974* - all while gaining a high quality education and internationally recognised degree.
International Fees can be found here.
(*Prices above are estimated over 3 years of study, based on 2018 costs.)
Graduates of the Bachelor of Hotel Management will be well suited for employment in a supervisory or management capacity within the accommodation, hospitality and tourism related sectors, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, events and convention centres, as well as their own small business.
Graduates can identify and explain a range of issues relating to tourists, and facets of hospitality and tourism and their systems and industries, and how they interlink. They can use their knowledge to evaluate operational matters, and implement processes across a range of specialist areas including finance, sales, marketing, human resources, and food and beverage services.
Applicants under the age of 20 years
University Entrance - NCEA Level 3: three subjects at Level 3, made up of:
Applicants over the age of 20 years
The entry requirements noted above may be applicable to mature entry applicants. Adults over the age of 20 years who do not have the minimum entry requirements may be admitted if they can satisfy the teaching institution they are capable of studying at this level and have a reasonable chance of successfully completing each paper attempted.
Language Requirements
Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate of at least 80 percent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having passed an NZQA approved English Proficiency Assessment, or one of the following tests of English language competence in accordance with the NZQA rules below:
Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate below 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English must provide evidence that they:
In order to be awarded the Bachelor of Hotel Management the student will have been credited with all required papers and electives as specified in the schedule of papers (360 credits).
The student completing the Bachelor of Hotel Management will normally be expected to complete the three-year programme (full-time equivalent) over no more than seven years.
The Head of Faculty may approve longer periods to complete the programme, following consideration by the Board of Studies.
Note – students failing to attend for 80% of timetabled programme hours may forfeit Zero Fees Scheme entitlement.
Semester 1, 2018
Note: Students are required to attend both weekly sessions. Papers begin on 12th February and run through to 22nd June (two week break from 16-27 April). Papers, times, locations are subject to confirmation and change.
Business Communications (+COM140)
Principles of Human Resource Management (+MAN135)
Food and Beverage Management
Hotel Operations
Services Management & Marketing
Human Resource Development
Tourism and Hospitality Financial Management
Contemporary Issues in Hotel Management
Hotel Strategic Management
Sustainability in Tourism
Event Management
Internship Study
Semester 2 2018Note: Students are required to attend both weekly sessions. Papers begin on 9th July and run through to 9th November (one week break from 10th - 21st September). Papers, times, locations are subject to confirmation and change.
Introduction to Tourism
Principles of Marketing (+ MKT171)
Financial Analysis for Tourism & Hospitality
Hospitality Service Delivery Systems
Contemporary Tourism
Employment Relations and Law for Tourism & Hospitality
Operations Management (+ MAN232)
Facilities Management in Hospitality
Textbook List 2018 - please contact the School of Business email@example.com
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SIT's Zero Fees Scheme allows New Zealand citizens, New Zealand permanent residents and Australian citizens residing in New Zealand the opportunity to study approved programmes without paying tuition fees. The Zero Fees Scheme, where available, applies only to the base tuition fee attached to each programme of study. Direct Material Costs apply. Direct material costs are costs that relate directly to students, for example, to cover your uniform, texts, tools, activities and NZQA charges.
For more information, call
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1. Do I need to activate it on T-Mobile first for any reason?
2. Should I unlock first or root first.?
3.What's the best way to unlock, (if at all possible) have T-Mobile give you unlock code, use pay online service (if cost not an issue) or some free method described on this forum?
4. Is Root de la Vega the best way to root? Any risks?


text: Hi All, My name is Dave ( Nickname Sock because I'm always talking ) and I have recently purchase a 57 plate Audi A3 2.0l TDI S-Line and I love it. My previous 2 cars before that were both Mondeo ST's , One ST220 and one ST TDCI and both cars were fantastic but sadly both the Ford dealers and too many repetitive problems with the cars forced me to sell up, and as I have always liked Audi's I went for that option. I have modified my past cars in various ways so look forward to reading about performance enhancing options on The A3 I would also appreciate any helpful tips on keeping the car running at its best ( cleaning EGR valve etc) as I used to have to do the same on the Mondeo. I dont have a lot of access to a PC so I will try yo reply to any comments as soon as I can Thanks Dave


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Press Release: IMF Approves Third Annual ESAF Loan for Mali
August 7, 1998
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the third annual loan for Mali under the Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF),1 equivalent to SDR 20.7 million (about US$28 million) in support of the government's program for 1998–99. The loan is available in two equal semiannual installments, the first of which is available immediately.
Mali successfully implemented its adjustment program supported by the ESAF arrangement that was approved on April 10, 1996 (see Press Release No. 96/14). Nearly all the performance criteria and the quantitative and structural benchmarks under the 1997 program were observed. Real GDP grew by about 6.7 percent in 1997, with cotton production rising to a record level and gold output expanding nearly threefold, following the opening of a new goldmine. The favorable performance, also experienced in most other sectors of the economy, reflects the strong adjustment policies implemented in the 1990s under the ESAF-supported programs and the substantially enhanced international competitiveness that developed in the aftermath of the 1994 devaluation of the CFA franc. Consumer price inflation declined to 1 percent in 1997 from about 3 percent in 1996, owing to an abundant supply of food crops as well as the sound monetary policy pursued by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). Other macroeconomic indicators in 1997 also showed improvement. Strong export growth and a moderate expansion in imports limited the external current account deficit to 9.3 percent of GDP from a deficit of 14.2 percent of GDP in 1996. The overall budgetary deficit in 1997 is estimated at 7.8 percent compared to a deficit of 7.9 percent a year earlier.
Medium-Term Strategy and the Program for 1998-2001
The government's medium-term development strategy aims to consolidate macroeconomic stability and attain sustainable economic growth that will reduce poverty and raise the living standards of the population. The principal macroeconomic objectives for 1998/99-2000/01 are to achieve an average annual GDP growth of at least 5 percent, limit inflation to 2-3 percent, and reduce the external current account deficit to 7 percent by 2001. To achieve these objectives, Mali's strategy will be to reinforce macroeconomic policies and deepen and accelerate structural reforms.
Within this medium-term strategy, Mali's program for 1998/99, which will be supported by the third annual ESAF arrangement, projects a real GDP growth of 5 percent, of consumer price inflation of 2-3 percent, and an external current account deficit of 8 percent. To these ends,fiscal consolidation efforts in 1998–99 are aimed at reducing the overall budget deficit to 7.6 percent in 1998 and 6.4 percent in 1999. The government intends to increase the revenue base while keeping overall outlays under control. A determined effort will be made to collect overdue taxes, and the value-added tax (VAT) will be restructured and its base expanded. Current outlays, including the wage bill, will be closely monitored and adequate allocations will be provided for the education and health sectors, the social safety net, the revenue collection agencies and counterparts funds for the investment program. In line with the BCEAO's monetary policy, the program envisages an annual average expansion in broad money of about 9 percent in 1998 and 1999.
Structural Reforms
The government's agenda of structural reforms is designed to support the goal of pursuing widespread poverty reduction and improving living standards. The key structural reforms are in the areas of agricultural development, public enterprises, the regulatory system, and regional cooperation and integration. The government plans to sustain the momentum for privatization by selling its stake in four state enterprises this year. Mali's efforts to improve the regulatory system will focus on the continued reform of the judicial framework and the provision of incentives for increased private sector participation in all areas of economic activities. In keeping with the agreed timetable for establishing a customs union among the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries, Mali has lowered its maximum import tariff to 30 percent effective July 1, 1998.
Social Issues
The government's medium-term social objective is to achieve a broadly based improvement in living standards through the implementation of well-targeted poverty reduction programs and sustained economic growth. The Malian authorities have prepared a 10-year development strategy aimed at improving the quality of education as well as its access. The official target is to raise the enrollment rate for primary education to 55 percent in 1999 from 47 percent in 1997. In the health sector, the government has adopted a 10-year program with a view to increasing the quality of health services and extending coverage. The shares of education and health in the government's budget are [.] being increased accordingly during 1998 and 1999.
The Challenge Ahead
Mali has implemented its adjustment programs for 1996 and 1997 with determination and has improved growth prospects by reducing inflation, and trimming financial imbalances. Continued implementation of strong macroeconomic policies and critically needed structural reforms will help the authorities move toward achieving their goals over the medium-term. The timely availability of external project and budgetary assistance will also be important for the success of the authorities' program.
Mali joined the IMF on September 27, 1963. Its quota2 is SDR 68.90 million (about US$92 million). As of end-July 1998, Mali's outstanding use of IMF resources totaled SDR 125.1 million (about US$167 million).
|Public Affairs
|Media Relations


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NCUA Audit Stokes an Uproar
Audits typically are prosaic matters, filed by accountants, read by accountants and swiftly forgotten. Not so the recent audit of NCUA's Temporary Corporate Credit Union Stabilization Fund, announced by the agency on Dec. 27, a day when many are on vacation.
Despite the timing of the release to coincide with a nationwide gap in attention, a firestorm has erupted about the audit and, more broadly, the NCUA's handling of the huge losses incurred in the meltdown of five corporate credit unions that the NCUA conserved in 2010.
For its part, the NCUA applauded the audit, "The Stabilization Fund's clean audit opinion by an independent body demonstrates our commitment to robust financial reporting," said NCUA Board Chairman Debbie Matz in a prepared statement.
The applause stopped there, however, and what has followed is a wave of criticism and a torrent of questions from critics of the audit.
Throwing down a gauntlet was industry expert Chip Filson, who, in a blog on his company's website (creditunions.com), asked a pointed question about what might loom as the audit's most salient detail, how much is the industry's IOU? Why did "the contingent liability for losses increase from $6.4 billion as of December 2009 to $7.8 billion?" wrote Filson.
The audit performed by a leading firm, KPMG, addressed this in a footnote. "The increase in the aggregate contingent liability from 2009 to 2010 of approximately $1.4 billion is primarily a result of increased losses in the previously conserved CCUs and three additional CCUs, all five of which were [conserved] during 2010."
But, groused Filson, "For more than 18 months the NCUA had presented the $6.4 billion contingent liability for the TCCUSF in the financial statements released in open board meetings. In public comments during the campaign to have credit unions voluntarily prepay TCCUSF assessments, NCUA board and staff reaffirmed this estimate."
Filson continued, "At the Dec. 15, 2011 open board meeting (seven days before the audit's release), NCUA published its TCCUSF statement from Nov. 30, 2011, which showed the $6.365 billion figure."
His bigger point: Was the agency caught by surprise with the increase, and if so, how?. Or was it being disingenuous?
A sharp question, but that $1.4 billion may be just the tip of an expensive iceberg, said a number of industry experts and corporate credit union executives.
Industry consultant Marvin Umholtz pointed out that the value of the underwater securities in the NCUA's portfolio is inherently unclear and, therefore, the losses arguably could turn out to be much higher still.
That is, $7.8 billion in losses may be just the beginning, suggested Umholtz. "The uncertainties about how deep the hole really is will haunt the industry for years to come," he said.
Haunting just may be the apt word. Pete Duffy, managing director at Sandler, O'Neil, said that a continuing concern at the larger credit unions where he consults is that "the wide bandwidth and uncertainty about how potential losses are calculated." He elaborated that his clients have been contemplating sizable investments–opening new branches, for instance–but a roadblock for some has been the uncertainty about the losses and how deep individual credit unions may have to dig.
A senior executive with a corporate credit union, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the record on behalf of his institution, said the estimates offered by the NCUA are inherently vague.
"Read the notes to the report and note the loss recognition estimates are based on modeling that can have dramatically different outcomes," the executive said. "It will take 10 to 20 years to figure out how right or wrong they are compared to actual."
Another corporates executive focused on a more fundamental issue. Is the KPMG audit report in fact clean–as proclaimed by Matz in her statement–or is it a qualified opinion? Superficially, that question appeared to be answered in the audit. Wrote KPMG, "In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the TCCUSF."
The NCUA, in its commentary, touted that verdict as offering a clean opinion.
Yet the audit, pointed out several experts who had closely analyzed it, is characterized by an unusual density of long footnotes and opinions throughout, along with persistent criticism of the NCUA's handling of the crisis. That is what a corporate CEO noted in his comments. "The audit expresses an unqualified opinion, but given that it contains a sufficient deficiency in internal controls over the corporate system resolution program, it is not what would, in my experience, be called a clean opinion. Given the fact that the survival of many small credit unions may well depend on accurate estimates of losses, I can't think of anything more critical to credit unions than the prompt establishment of functioning internal controls over this program."
"The solvent corporates have worked hard to restore and maintain confidence in the system, and we don't want to see that work endangered by internal control deficiencies that can be addressed and solved," he added.
The NCUA, for its part, in response to a request from Credit Union Times, has offered comments in response to its critics. In particular, in response to complaints about the vagueness of the estimated liabilities faced by credit unions, the NCUA Office of Public and Congressional Affairs wrote in an email, "To date, credit unions have paid $5.6 billion in depleted member capital when the corporate credit unions were liquidated and another $3.3 billion in assessments. At the Aug. 29, 2011, open board meeting, NCUA provided its estimate that credit unions would be assessed another $1.9-$6.2 billion in assessments. The range is wide given the complex and illiquid nature of the legacy assets."
As for the Umholtz complaint about not knowing how deep the black hole of losses can go, the NCUA wrote, "Credit unions can go to NCUA's website, click under Credit Union Resources and Information, and select Corporate System Resolution Costs to find NCUA's most recent estimates on the full cost of the corporate credit union resolution. NCUA has regularly communicated that these estimates will change over time with new information about the economy and actual performance on the complex underlying legacy assets. NCUA will update total cost estimates on its web site semi-annually."
Finally, with regards to the $1.4 billion jump in contingent liability reserves noted by Filson, the NCUA said, "The 2010 reserve increased by $1.4 billion over 2009 levels based on updated loss projections and accounting for new guarantee obligations in 2010 as part of the corporate resolution process. Further, NCUA disclosed beginning on Sept. 24, 2010, an estimated range of remaining stabilization fund assessments of $7 to $9.2 billion. The 2010 TCCUSF audited financial statements show a net position of negative $7.5 billion, which is within the range reported.
As to what all the to-and-fro over many billions of dollars means, NAFCU President/CEO Fred Becker indicated that, from his chair, there are two realities. The first is that "the securities are tainted. It should surprise no one that it is difficult to put a value on these securities," Becker said. There are and will continue to be uncertainties about the size of the liabilities because no one knows the value of off-setting securities.
Becker's second point, "It's questionable that the agency is as transparent as it could be."
And that is not likely to change any time soon.


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By Maureen Mullen
FORT MYERS, Fla. Saturday marked the third consecutive day on which Jacoby Ellsbury has played a game. Its the first time this spring hes played three straight days. Hes not scheduled to make the trip to Bradenton to play the Pirates on Sunday, but he may want to lobby manager Terry Francona to let him jump on the bus.
In his last two games hes gone a combined 5-for-6 at the plate, with three runs scored, three RBI, two doubles and his first home run of the spring.
I think he looks tremendous, said Francona. He looks real good. Sometimes that comes and goes in spring because of the sporadic play. But especially the last couple days, hes really looked good.
He hit that home run. That was a pretty swing. That ball jumped out in a hurry. So, I think its pretty safe to say he feels pretty good about himself at the plate.
Ellsbury opened Saturdays game against the Marlins at City of Palms, a 9-2 Sox win, with a double to right, scoring on Dustin Pedroias single.
After missing all but 18 games last season with fractured ribs, Ellsbury is just happy to be feeling healthy.
I felt good, day one, coming in to spring training, he said. So its nice to get out there and play.
He said he has no reservations about his health.
That was the plan when I came to spring training, to not have any, not think about it, he said. And thats where Im at right now.
Hes also growing into the role of being the leader of the outfield, directing his corner outfielders. Its a role hes had to grow into over the last few years, as a young center fielder with veterans J.D. Drew, Manny Ramirez, Jason Bay to his sides.
Ive always been comfortable out there playing center, but yeah, maybe, Ive been there a little bit longer and just communicating with the guys, which I did in the past but maybe just being a little bit more vocal, he said.
Look at the guys I had beside me, some pretty good names in there. So a lot of times you kind of let them, theyve been there, they know what theyre doing. But its nice to just get in and play center and communicating with everybody. We did that in the past but I think its just a little bit more noticeable now.
Its a role Francona has encouraged him to take on more.
We want our center fielder to run the show out there, Francona said. Everybody has to move off of him. If hes moving and nobody else is, were covering stuff we shouldnt. So, yeah, we really encouraged him to take charge out there.
And as he demonstrated Saturday scoring each time he got on base his role at the top of the lineup is just as vital.
We missed him a ton last season, Pedroia said. He brings a ton of speed to our team. He can create a run without getting a hit. He could get on with an error and steal two bases and a sac fly. He could do a ton to help us win. Plays great center field. So hes huge for our team.
Maureen Mullen is on Twitter at http:twitter.commaureenamullen


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Scuba Diving equipment for scuba diving can very expensive depending upon the type of diving that you are interested in doing.
Most beginners wisely stick with the general diving conditions appropriate with their skill and knowledge level.
Understanding the fundamentals of scuba diving usually begins with locating a certified teacher to begin giving you lessons.
Keep in mind the basic competency test must be given by your instructor in regard to what you have learned from the diving course.
Most instructors are very open to allowing their students to ask questions that they are confused about. But let's take a look at just a few devices that are part of the scuba equipment you may need.
Many divers use various units of equipment, one of which includes a demand regulator which we will discuss here. There are cylinders that are used to contain the air that you breathe.
This air is actually under a great amount of pressure, around 4000 PSI or pounds per square inch; this is fed directly to what is called a diving regulator. Of course the job of the demand regulator is to provide the gas at an appropriate pressure for breathing.
Other factors such as the depth or level that the diver is at modify the end result. You remember of course the wetsuit is extremely popular in scuba diving paraphernalia.
Colorful wetsuits are worn by countless divers who want to add their individual flair to their diving accessories. Nonetheless, the critical component is to purchase a well made wetsuit that is conditionally appropriate.
You will need to choose from a temperature category that matches the water temperature. How comfortable you will be while you are diving is dependent on the wetsuit thickness so pay special attention to it. Obviously the temperature of the water plays a role also and the correct thickness of the wetsuit depends on where you will be diving.
You will always know if you are with a technical diver as they will go deeper than you would imagine going yourself.
The deeper you go, obviously, the more dangerous it can be and it will require special equipment. Part of their additional regimen is to have special fixtures in their oxygen tanks, along with redundant systems to provide emergency backup just in case.
It is commonplace to see pony cylinders attached to divers that do this type of diving. Pony cylinders have a their own demand regulators, hoses and mouthpieces.
Used for extreme malfunctions, the primary gas supplies in them will help compensate for a lack of air in the main unit. There is so much more to discuss and consider with the subject of scuba equipment.
Certain reputable cyber-sites like PADI can give beginning divers multiple tips as can their diving instructors. Choosing where your dive area will be is the greatest way to start.
A lot of what will be required depends on the way the water is so this needs to be a priority.