text:
This event has the potential to be great, but there are just too many problems. Evidently proper organization is not in place to take care of all the details. PROS, Nice start, course and finish. Loved parking near start. Food/drink at the finish. Volunteers were great CONS, Could not believe there was no timing mat at the start or at the turnaround at TR. I don't need spectators to run, but many folks do. Not enough water stops. It was a good day to run with cool temps, but on a warm day this would have been a big issue. Not enough porta-johns. I ran into the woods twice. On their website it says that there will be complimentary beer and age will be verified from bib. Another fellow and I walked up to get a beer and were asked to show ID and the beer was NOT complimentary. How many people run a marathon with their ID and money? Handing you a bracelet at the turnaround is a joke. Was this to verify that you were really there? After the turnaround I saw 2 of the bracelets laying along side the trail. So were the individuals that lost their bracelets disqualified for not having it at the finish? No one was checking at the finish. Generic shirt and medal. It didn't matter if you ran the marathon or half you got the same shirt and medal. Finishing a marathon is a big accomplishment and the shirt and medal should say so. Before I went to the expo their website said to get your number online and this would speed things up at the expo. I got my number before I went to the expo and when I got to the expo found out that my number had changed. So it actually slowed down the process. Looked all over the website to see if there would be pace groups. Could not find it so I emailed the director and was told there would be. At the expo I looked for the table concerning pace groups. There was no sign or table or anything referring to pace groups. After searching around and not finding the pace groups I asked a lady sitting at a table and she said sure there is and gave me the info I needed. It shouldn't be this hard to get simple information. I now understand why so few people run this marathon. I sincerely hope that this was NOT a Boston qualifier. It does not deserve to be with someone being able to cheat so easily.
This is one of my favorite marathons and this is the third time running it. I like smaller marathons and you definitely can tell this is run by a well-organized experienced crew. Pros Park right next to the course and real bathrooms at the baseball stadium Marathoners start first and have their own course Beautiful scenic course on the swamp rabbit trail and not many hills Wristband at the turn-around was a nice touch Cons You are by yourself part of the time because of the amount of runners Some of the mile markers were backwards Kinda cute some of the volunteers messed up Looking forward to next year&
This was my first time running Spinx and I was excited, since it was in my home town. PROS: *The course is beautiful and the time of year adds to the beauty. *The run through Furman University definitely adds a touch of class and a welcome respite. *The course was clearly marked as we ran through Furman, and there were helpful volunteers every step of the way. Great job! *There was AMPLE post-race food & drink. CONS: *The packet pick up was very disorganized, with many volunteers who had no idea what was going on. *The turn-around in Travelers Rest was so awful, it soured the entire experience for me. There was an art fair ON the trail, and no one thought to coordinate? I was dodging pedestrians left and right, and there were no volunteers or police helping to protect runners. Very disappointing. *There were basically no fans the entire course, and precious few police in the second half. The Spinx Marathon, while set in a beautiful locale, still suffers from small town-itis. If the organizers can coordinate with towns along the way, and somehow rouse community/fan support, it has potential to become a great marathon. If not, it will be relegated to mediocrity, I'm afraid.
I have run Spinx twice and this year enjoyed the route , the morale along fellow runners. I was disappointed to hear about the train incident. That could have been avoided through communication and planning for this. Also , the bikers on the trail REALLY bothered me..I saw many trailing directly behind other runners. Is it possible to post signs to have bikers avoid the trail from certain hours on race day.. I mean they have 364 other days to ride. Also the car traffic at Furman was very unsafe..there were no police monitoring cars at the mall while runners were right next to them. My opinion is there needs to be more safety measures taken for the runners. Greenville is not a small town and would love to see better support from locals.. This race pours money into the city and lots of it! Businesses should post signs welcoming runners-it's a boost to them too. I don't mean to complain but I see a big need for improvements for 2013. Thanks
I had a great time. This is a good local race and I would do it again next year. This is not a big city race so if you need crowds lining the course cheering then you may want to you on look elsewhere. However, there were plenty of spectators along the course and plenty of cheering. I think there were 500 marathon finishers. Participants were friendly and chatted along the way. There are benefits of doing small races like this. For example I was able to park literally at the starting line in a church parking lot. This was my 5th Marathon and I've never had that luxury of parking so close to the start. The aide stations were good with enthusiastic volunteers handing out GU, Gatorade, and water. I would not describe this course as being hilly but there are some rolling hills and several long false-flats which can be challenging as you get tired. There was only 1 big hill which was about 100 feet in elevation around mile 12-13 and 1 small but steep bridge around mile 2/24 which I ended up walking on the way back. I ran in the 3:50 pace group but dropped off at the end finishing just over 4 hours. There was a steady stream of runners on the course but by mile 20 I frequently ran by myself. However, I was never alone on the course. Someone was always running within 10-20 yards or so. Faster runners would not have to deal with this. The expo was pretty small but that's not important to me. The tech shirt was fine. The medal was nice. And we got a pair of sport socks. I drove from Charlotte which is 2 hours away and stayed at the Clarion Inn & Suites which was about a 10 min drive to the start. They had really cheap rates and the room was exceptionally clean. This would be a good course for a 1st time marathoner provided you trained on some hills and didn't need the excitement of cheering crowds.
I wanted to buy gas at a Spinx gas station to support the race sponsor but didn't see one??? A big thank you to the nice man at the start and finish line who ensured our times were accurate because we were late to the start line. Sorry we were late. The trail was nice and the hill to avoid the railroad tracks wasn't that bad.
I just ran this marathon (2012) and was somewhat disappointed with it. PROS: Flat Course - The course was definitely the easiest course I have ever run. There were only a few hills worth any note and even those were smaller than majority of the ones I train on. Beautiful Course - The run was definitely a very pretty and scenic run down the swamp rabbit trail and through Furman. Probably one of the prettiest courses I have run. Price - The cost of the marathon is much better than most, especially if you register early. But even a late registration is not bad. CONS: Not enough Aid - I guess I have become spoiled in some of my other marathons, but they did not have aid nearly often enough. I was constantly needing more aid and would have to wait too long. Finish - My biggest disappointment was the finish line. I loved that we finished in the baseball stadium, but once I was done, I had to walk a few hundred feet, up the entire bleachers, and then another hundred or two feet before I could get any water or food. That was a HUGE issue for me. On top of that, the water was unopened cases of water in plastic wrap sitting on a pallet that runners were needing to tear at the plastic to get the warm bottles out. As for an alternative to water, they only had vitamin water, nothing with the calories or sugars that you need post race. For food they only had bananas and a small sandwich (with no vegetarian sandwich options). I really wish they had several more items to choose from. Spectators - The course is definitely not a spectator friendly course as most of it is done on a trail in the woods and is a straight out and back. I would not recommend it for someone who is bringing spectators in tow.
Kinda-small marathon (about 450 running the full). The start could have really been simplified. There were banners about 100yds apart & Race Volunteers told us that the start of the Marathon was DOWN the street. After walking down the street, some other Race Volunteers said, 'NO, trust me... it's UP the street.' Even 3-4min before the start, folks were walking around asking, 'Where is the Start?' Finally everyone fell in & the Start went off okay. By mile 2, we thinned out significantly & simply followed the paved trail for miles & miles. I ran A LOT of this race all by myself. There is very little crowd support or even ACCESS to the trails. Even though my family knew the area, they were not ALLOWED access to a couple of the streets that accessed the trail system. So, I had NO family/friend support even though they tried to get to the 13mi point, then the 17 mile point, then the 20, then gave up. They BARELY made it back to the finish line to see me finish! Even at mile 25 when I was really hurting & striving for a PR, there was not a human in sight: no spectators, no other runners in either direction... just a long trail. Finally at about 25.5, I heard some cowbells & suddenly the trail spits you out close to downtown. That being said, the stadium finish was nice.
I highly recommend the Spinx Run Fest Marathon to both beginners and experienced marathoners. The course offers a few challenges throughout while giving you a tour of Greenville. The course starts on Main St. in downtown, runs through Falls Park and loops back through downtown onto the Swamp Rabbit Trail, which is bike/walking path with no traffic and a very very gradual incline. You stay on the trail for 6 or 7 miles and veer off into some neighborhoods and a golf course with some decent hills, challenging but nothing to worry about. After going through the neighborhoods you come back to the trail and head back towards downtown, but not before running 2 miles or so through Furman University. Once back on the path it is all downhill, literally, till the last mile or so. The last mile is uphill into the baseball stadium, where you finish at home plate. The last mile is brutal, but not impossible. After finishing you have to walk 15 or so steps up to the food and drinks, which is NOT THAT BAD. The expo on Friday was well organized, stress free, and easy to get to. Volunteers were awesome handing out water and Gatorade, as well as GU at one of the aid stations. The spectators were few, but enthusiastic. Restrooms were plentiful at the start of the race, and evenly placed along the course. The one and only complaint I have is that at the start you couldn't hear the announcements they gave over the PA before the gun, that's all. Like I said I would recommend this race to anyone, I will be back next year.
Beautiful course and fantastic volunteers!! The weather was perfect and I enjoyed the Swamp Rabbit Trail. I do not live in SC and opted to stay in the host hotel, thinking that made the most sense. Unfortunately, they would not accommodate a late check-out AT ALL (they required a 12p check-out and the marathon began at 730a) and they were a good distance from the start/finish with no shuttle. I had to check-out at 6a and did not get to shower before heading back to VA. I recommend out of town runners opt for a property closer to the stadium and check in advance to see if they will accommodate a late check-out. Additionally, perhaps the race director can work with the host hotel in the future to make sure they are more accommodating. The Swamp Rabbit Trail does cross many streets and some railroad tracks. The police were fantastic but there was a train that crossed the course between mile 23 and 24. The train finally stopped but we had to climb the ladders on the box car to get over the train. Getting stopped for a train and having to lift your legs much at all at mile 23 in a marathon are both quite strange events. I was not qualifying for Boston but I was on pace to PR ....until the train. Another posing mentioned that the medal doesn't say 'marathon'. They also didn't sell any clothing or posters with the race name on it, but they did have coffee mugs. No souvenir options, if you're into that. Loved the finish in the stadium but would have liked some music or an announcer or something. Again, BEAUTIFUL course and amazing volunteers. Great downtown area with nice shops and restaurants. It was a very clean city and I felt safe walking around.
WMA makes no representations as to the accuracy of information on this site or its suitability for any use. | privacy policy | refund policy


text:
Toronto: After desperate attempts by the Unforgettable Tour guys to paint what was a flop show as a superhit (a trick often employed in Mumbai with new releases), they seem to have come around to the realization that it was indeed a flop show. Having been able to sell less than a third of the available tickets at the Rogers Centre, there was no question in those present at the venue that the Bachchan magic was on the wane, and largely helped by unrealistic ticket prices and the less than capable promotion provided by the local organizers.
India Abroad received several letters claiming there were not more than 8,000 people present. One letter writer lamented that 'such outstanding artists had to perform before empty seats.'
Roger Nair, the distributor of the film Guru in Canada [Images], said there were a maximum of 8,000 to 10,000 people present.
Peter Fonseca, Ontario's minister of tourism, told India Abroad that there were 23,000 people present. When told there were reports contrary to that number, he said he would try and find out.His office came back with an excuse that they were misinformed by the promoters of the show Ethnic guru and the number was not from their office and thus washed their hands off.
Mumbai-based Wizcraft International Entertainment, the organisers of the tour, parted company with the Canadian promoters, Ethnic Guru, saying that the latter had failed to meet contractual commitments, a statement released by them in India said.
According to an IANS dispatch, the organisers have also notified Ethnic Guru to refund the money of the sponsors and also of the people who bought the tickets.
And now comes the news that the Vancouver has dropped the Bachchans for lack of box office enthusiasm among the fans.
Well known local promoter Kamal Sharma, who had been handling ticket sales for the Vancouver show, announced last Thursday the cancellation and offered refunds for those who had bought tickets.
"This is a real disappointment for the fans and it is certainly a set back for Vancouver as a Bollywood stars show destination," Sharma told the local paper LINK. "But there was apprehension about the prices of tickets but I believe it is still a doable show and for the sake of the fans I hope the show is saved."
Sharma said a drastic reduction in price from the Tour's management company WizCraft is the only way to save the show. The bottom price that WizCraft will sell the show for is $650,000 but Sharma feels that is still too high and something in the range of $500,000 - $550,000 is what will put the show back on track.
Some people now wonder why there was such an unseemly haste in portraying the show as a hit even by the Senior Bachchan on his website and some pliable media, when it was all too evident that Toronto was best forgotten. It was embarrassing when a blogger wrote on the same website, that he was there and he was a witness to the empty chairs.
A lot of attention is being paid to the local organizers who is being blamed for faulty organization, and an arrogant attitude. A source confided to Voice, "Last year they made a presentation to one of the major Canadian corporations, and they wanted $1 million in sponsorship. And they were serious!"
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty might have something to do with creating this uncalled for level of confidence when he first lent his name to an event that launched the Unforgettable Tour last year where he was present and spoke eloquently of the 'Miss World' and her husband, Bachchan Jr. who were present. As a smart politician, it was a great photo opportunity for the Premier, but the people connected with it now suddenly swelled with importance and expectations.
With the collapse of the Toronto show, yet another dream of the Bachchans might have vanished - to host the IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) film festival in Toronto in 2011. In fact, according to one insider, the local agents with the support of some senior politicians were hoping to garner financial support for the festival, selling it as a great PR exercise both within and without the South Asian community.
"If the financial support of various levels of government had come through, they would've profited in the millions of dollars," said a source privy to how government grants work.
Now with so much negative attached to the Toronto opening, it is unlikely that the supporters within the government will be eager to cut the cheques for an event that could put their careers on line.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Other on 400 BLOCK OF N PARK DRIVE, SALISBURY, MD |
Other - 4XX N PARK DRIVE, SALISBURY, MD
Email to a friend Submit a Crime Tip |
Google Map Loading ...
Google Streetview Disclaimer: This is a Google Maps Street View of the approximate area where the crime occurred. It is not necessarily the exact address view of the crime.
Local news for Salisbury provided by
Shooting Reignites Gun Talk, But Bills Still Cold (by WMDT)
A deadly shooting in the heart of the nation's capital has reignited talk about guns, but it's unclear whether the tragedy will revive a legislative debate that has gone cold.
Former Princess Anne Police Chief Russell Pecoraro Has Passed Away (by WMDT)
Princess Anne Police Department released a statement on Tuesday saying "It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that the Princess Anne Police Department announces the passing of former Chief Russell Pecoraro."
Council Approves Firehouse Transfer Between Companies (by WMDT)
According to council president Jake Day, project developer Brad Gillis requested to transfer the fire house property from G Plus Properties LLC to a real estate development company he owns called Devreco.
Smith Enters "Not Guilty" Plea For 68 Counts Of Arson (by WMDT)
The man accused of setting the majority of the 77 fires in a nearly four-month long string of arsons pleaded not guilty.
Mikulski: Congress Needs To Look At Security Clearances (by WMDT)
WMDT asked the Senator if she heard anything new from folks in Washington, specifically how Aaron Alexis got security clearance to enter the U.S. Navy Yard.


text:
In the first episode of our podcast, Jeremy, Joab Gilroy and myself discussed the nature of games as a unique medium. During this discussion, the game Heavy Rain, and it's predecessor, Fahrenheit were mentioned.
These are fairly unique games, for two reasons:
Firstly, they have truly adaptive plot structures – precisely the thing that makes people like Roger Ebert state that makes video games incapable of qualifying as 'art'. (A subject for another article) This should make me hugely happy to play it (and doubtlessly, also play the second one) over and over.
And yet I haven't, and after playing the demo of Heavy Rain, suspect I probably won't for that, either. Why? For this, second reason:
Despite their brilliant use of the medium's ability to adapt its narrative based on the player's actions, the actual 'gameplay' alternates between extremely simple gestures and a frustrating Alone in the Dark-esque movement system… and quicktime events.
I played the demo with my partner sitting on the couch beside me, sipping some wine. The lights were off, the sound was up, and appropriately enough, there was a torrential downpour outside. Add a large, expensive HDTV and you have pretty much the perfect environment to get truly immersed in anything – video game or film.
Now, There is a sequence in the Heavy Rain demo that has the player character involved in a spectacularly well-choreographed fight sequence. Two men are hurling objects, crashing through things and desperately trying anything to subdue their opponent.
Once it began, the quicktime events came on-screen in earnest. Tap Circle. Tape Square. Make the following gesture with your right-stick. Now hit triangle.
After an epic struggle with my controller, the fight was over – my character victorious.
"Wow," was the comment from my partner.
But from me? Well, don't ask me what just happened – I was paying too much attention to the little Playstation symbols appearing on-screen to actually appreciate the visuals, the choreography, or the intensity of the scene in general.
Which is where these games fall down.
In almost another action game, be it Modern Warfare 2, Grand Theft Auto IV or Dead or Alive: Extreme Beach Volleyball, you learn the controls quickly and then are simply able to play the game – all the while absorbing the visuals and the world that the designers have created.
You are controlling the world using a system which, after a while, becomes intuitive. It is second nature to duck behind cover, enter a vehicle, or perform a high pass with the ball. The gameplay adds to the immersion.
But with these games – Fahrenheit and Heavy Rain – even ignoring for a moment that the "gameplay" is a largely arbitrary collection of button-presses and gestures – you are forced to look out for the little symbols that keep floating frustratingly and obtrusively on-screen. You cannot simply learn the interface and 'play'. Instead of adding to your immersion into the world, the gameplay helps destroy and detach you from the experience that these games might otherwise be able to provide you.
As a result, it becomes difficult to fully appreciate the impressive amount of effort that's got into everything else in the game – from the animations & characterisations to the background detail of each scene.
These are fascinating games. Spectacular exercises in just what gaming might become in the future – truly interactive stories, not just rollercoaster rides where they give you a fake steering wheel to make you think you're in control.
But as long as they are pinned down by "gameplay" that's actually less complex (and much less intuitive) than Space Invaders, they will simply be exercises – curiosities.
I'm sure I'll play the game once it's released, and if I can get past the "gameplay" I might even enjoy it enough to finish it – maybe even more than once. But I'll tell you one thing about Heavy Rain: it's the first time in gaming history that I've actually wished my girlfriend was the gamer, and that I could be the spectator – one sitting on the couch with a glass of wine actually enjoying the game.
Because around half the entire length of the game I sure as fuck won't be.


text:
The Benefits of Consciousness in meetings
What another meeting? Do you dread the thought?
Running an effective meeting is more than sending out a meeting request to a number of people with a time and place. Time is a precious and limited resource that turning time spent in meetings into sustained results is a priority for any successful organization. Successful meetings require planning, preparation, execution, and follow up prior, during, and after the meeting. With structure and order meetings become an effective tool and applying the steps used in the Beyond Coaching training can have an amazing energized result.
Starting with a clear purpose for the meeting clearly set out in the meeting request. Draw up an agenda then stick to the format and time allocated.
A useful format to follow is :
- Where are we at today
- Checking back on assignments/action items (Not getting stuck in story – it is either complete or not? Can you still complete and if so by when?)
- What has happened since our last meeting
- Discuss and reach agreement on what we want to achieve. Don't finish any discussion in the meeting without deciding how to act on it.
- How are we going to achieve the purpose/ what needs to be done
- Assign tasks with deadlines and hold each other accountable.
Finally, after the meeting prepare and forward the minutes, This is simply a record of what was agreed upon or achieved and an action item list of who is responsible for what and my when.
When we are in integrity during a meeting and accept an assignment with commitment to complete by an agreed date we achieve so much more. Meetings now shift from being a reporting tool to an action tool.


text:
- Products:
- 1-1 of 1
Tommy HilfigerBoys Authentic Long-Sleeve T-shirt
Tommy Hilfiger Boys Authentic Print Long-Sleeve Top
In retro red or crisp white, this long-sleeve boys top from the Tommy Hilfiger clothing collection will bring vintage style credentials to his everyday casual clothing.
Vibrant logo detail to the front gives this cotton boys top an abundance of nostalgic charm for an instant injection of retro design. The NYC theme pays homage to the roots of this internationally–renowned classic American brand.
For a cool casual outfit, you can coordinate this boys t-shirt with jeans or chinos and a nice pair of retro plimsolls.
Useful info:
- Boys top from Tommy Hilfiger
- Long sleeves
- NYC logo detail
- Vintage style
- Casual clothing for boys
- Weekly Price
- From £1.10 per week
- Price
- £22.00 to £29.00
- Low stock, selling fast
- Availability
- Low stock selling fast
- Products:
- 1-1 of 1


text:
Find the Perfect Gift
Please select an age range or price range.
Select an Age Range Birth-12 Months 12-24 Months 2 Years 3 & 4 Years 5-7 Years 8-11 Years 12-14 Years Big Kids
Select a Price Range under $10 $10 - $20 $20 - $30 $30 - $40 $40 - $50 $50 - $75 $75 - $100 $100 and up
Both Girl Boy
Buy 1 Get 1 40% Off
Sale $39.99
Easy Bake Ultimate Oven
Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off
ALL Crayola Arts & Crafts
selected Frozen Dolls & Play Sets
NERF Blasters
Clearance Blast!
Up to 70% off in our OnlineClearance Store
Stocking Stuffers
Thousands of Toys $10 or less!
20% Off
Transformers Construct Bots
Sale $12.99
Shimmer n Sparkle Cra-Z-Loom Rubber Band Bracelet Maker
Sale $224.99 ea.
Power Wheels 12-volt Corvette
ALL Mega Bloks Building Sets (excludes diecast)
$21.99 ea.
Monster High Boolittle Doll or Class Play Set
Save $20
Tabeo e2 Tablet
ALL VTech Toys
25% Off
ALL Disney Planes Diecast, Play Sets & R/C
All Video Games, Video Game Accessories, Movies & CDs
Leaves warehouse in 2 - 3 weeks. Details
Gift wrap is not available for this item.
Product is not available for shipping internationally. (Details)
Story time will be blast for Baby with Elmo's So Big! book, part of the Sesame Beginnings series. This fun book puts a super-cute spin on the classic baby game "So Big" and features Baby Elmo demonstrating all the things he can do on his own. A surprise pop-up at the end displays a "sooo big" version of Elmo that your little one is sure to love! Published by Random House. Page count: 12. Book size: 8"H x 8"W x .25"D. Genre: children's board book.
"R"Web#: 908498
Manufacturer #: 0037581
Author/Artist: Anna Jay Hays
Date Published: 01-APR-03
Publisher: Random House
Product Weight:0.5 pounds
Product Dimensions (in inches):7.9 x 7.9 x 0.4
Shipping Info:
Average Customer Rating:
(based on 18 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Stars
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Best Uses
Most Helpful Positive Review
My son's ABSOLUTE Favorite book!
I bought this book for my son when he was about 5 months old. He is now 15 months old. He has LOVED this book since day one. He has always gotten the biggest...Read complete review
I bought this book for my son when he was about 5 months old. He is now 15 months old. He has LOVED this book since day one. He has always gotten the biggest smile on his face right before the last page when Elmo pops out. Then he would grab Elmo. Eventually, he tore Elmo out and he still LOVES the book. Now he mimics everything Elmo does along the way in the book. It really is great. I cannot imagine this book not holding a child's attention. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Most Helpful Critical Review
Just OK for 10-12 month old
My mother bought this for my son (he was 10 - 11 months old at the time...he's 1 year now) because he adores Elmo. The age range given is 6 - 12...Read complete review
My mother bought this for my son (he was 10 - 11 months old at the time...he's 1 year now) because he adores Elmo. The age range given is 6 - 12 months, but I think it's best for the lower end of those ages. Every single page has a picture of Elmo, with a blank background. There is no variety of color, images, etc. Just Elmo, Elmo, Elmo. There's a pop-up of Elmo in the back, which my son has pulled at until it's wrinkled. Fine for younger babies as a first book, but older infants need more visual variety.
Reviewed by 18 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Back to top
Previous | Next »
Elmo! She loved it
By Gigi
from Brookhaven, MS
About Me Everyday Reader
See all my reviews
Comments about Random House 1008253 Sesame Street Elmo So Big! Book:
It was a good little story with large colorful pictures.
Comment on this review
I bought this for my Grandson!
By Grandma Cathy
from San Diego, CA
This is a great book to read to my Grandson. He loves Elmo and did not want to put it down! I have read it over and over to him. At the end there is a big pop open of Elmo. My Grandson give him kisses everytime we come to the end! So cute!Great book for Elmo lovers!
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Cute book
By Mason's mom
from Chicago, IL
This is a very cute book and rhymes, which is good for young babies. I gave this book to my 9 month old, but it may be better to wait a little longer to give this book to a baby. There is a big pop up Elmo in the back of the book and my son has destroyed that in less than a month.
Daughter's favorite book by far!
By bugsmom4
from GA
My daughter LOVED this book! It was by far her favorite! SO BIG became her favorite thing to do! We wore it out so I am about to buy a copy for my 6 month old son!
Great First Book!
By chol1024
from Warren, MI
We bought this for our baby's first Easter at 3 months old and it's become his favorite! As he's gotten older he can point to different things on the pages and of course, he always loves the end when Elmo pops up saying "So BIG!"
My sons favorite!
By Anthony's Mommy
from Glenolden PA
About Me Bookworm
This book became an instant favorite of my 12 month old sons! He mainly loves the last page when Elmo is popping out.
BEST book ever
By Zoe's mommy
from West Concord, MN
My daughter learned where her nose was, how to say ma ma and da da from this book. Absolutely wonderful! She has memorized the pages and can say the words that need to be said as we turn to that page! The only complaint, they need to make Elmo out of tougher cardboard. He is missing an eye and very wrinkled from my daughter!
Great book!
By Diana
from Atlanta, GA
About Me Casual Reader
My first son LOVED this book. It was his favorite book and we must have read it everyday, several times a day. He finally tore out the Elmo in the back. I just gave birth to my 2nd son last week and already have a new book on hand for when I can start reading it with him!
By Dee
from Brooklyn, NY
I bought this book for my 12 month old. She enjoys the book mainly for the last page where elmo pops out as "so big"!! Otherwise, she probably wouldn't be as interested in it! Overall, a good book!aqsaz
Great Book
By active mom
from Maryland
This book is so cute! I bought this for my son when he was 6 months old and he has loved it ever since. It really grabs his attention! It's a great learning book for the age range suggested; words, actions, colors, etc.
Product availablitiy and pickup options will be displayed for this store. You can change this store anytime using the Store Locator or My Store Link.
© 2013 Geoffrey, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site signifies your acceptance of Toys''R''Us Website Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.


text:
Late Breaking News
Follow Us
2013 Compendium
VA Spared from Automatic Budget Cuts - Sequestration Still Threatens DoD
- Categorized in: Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), June 2012, News
By Sandra Basu
WASHINGTON — While Congress has yet to agree on a way forward to avoid a series of automatic federal budget cuts slated to go into effect in 2013, the Obama administration has made it clear that VA medical programs would not be slashed as a result of those cuts.
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta addresses sequestration at a press briefing on defense issues at the Pentagon in April. (DOD photo) |
In response to inquiries about the effect of the massive budget cuts scheduled to take effect automatically as a result of sequestration, the Office of Management and Budget told the GAO in a recent letter that "the conclusion that we have reached is that all programs administered by the VA, including veterans' medical care, are exempt."
The letter formally cleared the air over whether veterans' medical care would be adversely affected by sequestration, an issue raised by some members of Congress.
"I am pleased this legal ambiguity has been cleared up. Our veterans deserve the peace of mind it helps to provide," Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, said in a written statement.
Rep. Jeff Miller, R-FL, chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, called the response "long overdue." He said in a statement that, to ensure VA is fully exempt from sequestration, he would like to see passage of a bill he introduced, the Protect VA Healthcare Act of 2012, which would legally exempt veterans' benefits from similar cuts in the future.
"This decision, nine months in coming and after numerous congressional inquiries and my own letter to the president in January, is long overdue," Miller said. "Unfortunately, this move demonstrates the administration's penchant for political brinksmanship, even when it concerns those who have served this nation with honor."
Should pay-for-performance be used to improve healthcare quality at the VA?


text:
Mannix S1 Ep06 The Cost of a Vacation
One of the most violent detective series in TV history, "Mannix" tells the weekly adventures of private eye Joe Mannix, who originally worked for a high-concept computerized firm known as Intertect, but later opened his own agency at 17 Paseo Verde, Los Angeles, California. Peggy Fair was his black secretary, who was frequently kidnapped. Lots of shootings, car chases, fights, and crashes.
Season 1 Ep.06: The Cost of a Vacation
The search for a missing person leads Mannix to the discovery of a murdered colleague made to look like a suicide.
Cast and Crew:
* Mike Connors as Joe Mannix
* Gail Fisher as Peggy Fair
* Ward Wood as Lt. Art Malcolm
Creators: Richard Levinson, William Link
Directors: Paul Krasny, Sutton Roley & others
Production Company: Desilu Productions, Norway Corporation, Paramount Television
Audio/Visual: mono, color
Date Release: 1968
Additional details in:
Mannix in IMDB | Mannix in Wikipedia
TV Shows visitors:
- mannix
- mannix episodes
- mannix episodes online
Watch some more full episodes:
Staff Picks
Disclaimer: Some videos have been gathered or embedded from reliable sources across the internet, such as www.youtube.com, www.putlocker.com, www.novamov.com and www.video.google.com, and are believed to be in the Public Domain, legally licenced to be streamed online by 3rd party websites, or have a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License. If you own the Copyright please inform us to have it removed through our Copyright Policy.
Filed Under: Mannix


text:
5806 Theall Rd, Houston, 77066 159900$ - 2560SQFT Swiss chalet in Champions! Bring some opulence to your ordinary routine with this fully renovated ready to move in cul-de-sac home. A long horseshoe driveway brings you to the courtyard and grand front entry with beautiful wood stained french glass doors surrounded by two garages. Inside their is... back to original listing
To view code that will display these images, click here.
Questions, comments, or simply having trouble? Contact us.


text:
Fourth District Community
The Fourth District covers the upper Northwest (east of Rock Creek Park) and Northeast quadrants of the city, including the neighborhoods of Carter Baron, 16th Street Heights, Fort Totten, Lamond/Riggs, Shepherd Park, Takoma, and Petworth. A diverse mix of business and residential areas, the community is composed mostly of low-density single family homes and row houses, with some public housing developments. Major business corridors in the district include 14th Street, Georgia and New Hampshire Avenues, Kennedy Street and Riggs Road. The Fourth District is also home to the world-famous Walter Reed Army Medical Center, as well as some Civil War fort sites and the Takoma Historic District..
With the PSA restructuring that took effect in May 2004, the FourthDistrict now has eight Police Service Areas (or PSAs). View some of the community resources available to all residents of the Fourth District (for additional resources, see the DC Guide):
Helpful Online Resources


text:
SYRACUSE -- The Rosamond Gifford Zoo announced the birth of a markhor, a member of the goat family.
It is the first markhor kid born at the zoo in nine years. The kid was born on July 20 and weighed 5.8 pounds.
"The Rosamond Gifford Zoo has long been committed to international markhor conservation efforts," said Ted Fox, Rosamond Gifford Zoo director. "We've been working on expanding our herd over the past year, and the addition of some younger animals is allowing us to make valuable contributions to the North American population."
According to the zoo, markhor is the largest member of the goat family. They can grow to be up to 45 inches tall and weigh up to 250 pounds.
Markhor are part of a Species Survival Plan, an effort between the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and zoos around the world to help ensure their survival, says the zoo. Markhor have been listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 1994 with an estimated 2,500 living in the wild.
Markhors come primarily from Afghanistan and Pakistan. They have been difficult to study because of what's been going on in those countries.
The zoo plans on adding a few more of these animals in the near future.


text:
Fancy organising some local MN Meet-ups? Free Dodo Pad stationery for anyone who wants to become a Local Ambassador in the next week…
(185 Posts)Registering is free, easy, and means you can join in the discussion, get discounts, win prizes and lots more.
Register nowAlready registered? Log in to leave your comment.
Talk: Customise | Unanswered messages | Getting started | Acronyms | FAQs
Threads: Active | I'm on | I'm watching | I started | Last 15 minutes | Last hour | Last Day


text:
Let Her Eat Cake (pt. II)
Mem made it outside later that night after her successful journey downstairs. Most people had left by this point and she sat down at a table littered with half eaten cookies and desserts. My mom was talking to a couple who was on their way out when she noticed behind them that Mem was scooping food off of all of the plates. Mom was of course mortified, but there was nothing she could do without drawing attention to it. By the time my mom was finished talking there wasn't a speck of food left on the table. You'd think we starve the woman.
All in all, my sister had a wonderful birthday party. Okay, it was really a graduation party, we just stopped correcting Mem after a certain point.


text:
Welcome to CowboysZone! Join us! Come on! You know you want to!
You cannot post in the chat room because you have not posted enough in the forums!
QUESTIONS: Post your questions for Matt Mosley
Discussion in 'CZ Announcement Zone' started by Deb, Nov 21, 2006.
Page 1 of 2
Page 1 of 2


text:
J. Brian Boyd, MD
158 Expert Answers
14650 Aviation Blvd, #210Manhattan Beach, CA 90250 Get a Free Consultation
About J. Brian Boyd, MD
J. Brian Boyd, MD practices in Manhattan Beach at Manhattan Beach Plastic Surgery as a Plastic Surgeon, board certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Boyd was invited to join RealSelf in 2011, and has achieved "Distinguished Member" status. The doctor has 30 years of experience providing cosmetic and aesthetic medical services, and is a member of American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr. Boyd has hospital affiliations at Little Company of Mary, Torrance; Torrance Memorial Hospital; Long Beach Memorial Hospital.
Consultation Fee
Featured Patient Reviews
Are you a patient of J. Brian Boyd, MD?
Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy - Los Angeles, CA
Posted by Wendi in California
Dr. Boyd was highly recommended to me by my surgical oncologist. Nobody wants to have cancer. However, Dr. Boyd is always extremely considerate, answers questions until you understand, short wait times in his office, and very available for all after care. My recovery was in record time. It is not however an easy surgery to recover from. At night it is hard to find a comfortable position. However, Dr. Boyd's staff was also extremely helpful, and helped me through it. I was given a prescription for a surgical post mastectomy bra, and that helped a lot. I had frequent after care visits to make sure that everything was healing well. I am so lucky that I had such an experienced, and highly skilled surgeon. It is a long process. The reconstruction is not over, and will continue on for several more months.
Happy with my Results - Manhattan Beach, CA
Posted by Sammy Joe
Dr. Boyd is an Excellent Surgeon and made the whole experince worth doing. He was very caring and has a great staff who was ready and available with all the questions and information that I needed. I would reccomend him to any of one. I am very happy with my results and am so glad that he was my Doctor.
Tummy Tuck - Manhattan Beach, CA
Posted by sunshine10
I am so happy that I choose Dr. Boyd as my surgeon. He is not only professional he is a Great surgeon. He took his time to explain procedure as well as post op care instructions. My results are amazing and has changed my life! I have referred many friends and family members to Dr. Boyd.
Treatments offered at Manhattan Beach Plastic Surgery
Education / Training
Medical: MB ChB, University of Liverpool, UK, 1980
General Surgery, United Liverpool Hospitals, FRCS, London, England, 1976
Plastic Surgery, University of Toronto, Canada, FRCS, 1981
Microvascular Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia,1983


text:
December 13, 2013
Live Stream
What's On
Texas A&M
Blinn College
Sam Houston State
SEC on the Road
Allergy Report
Desktop Weather
First Time Forecaster
Hurricane Center
Interactive Radar
Live Eye
OurTown Weather
Severe Weather
Aggie Gameday
Aggie Sports Page
High School Sports
High School UPICKEM
Blinn College
Brazos Valley Bombers
Checkered Flag Challenge
Classroom Champions
Sam Houston State
Scores Text Alerts
SEC News
Hometown Heroes
Friday Football Scores
Friday Football Fever
BGFN Feature Game
CBS Sports Radio
Job Search
Pump Patrol
Saving You Money
BV Journal of Medicine
Restaurant Report Card
Affordable Care Act
Christopher's Kitchen
From the Ground Up
It Pays to Stay
Reason to Smile
The Buzz
Traffic Patrol
Weekend Gardener
Tour of Duty
Moms Everyday
Focus at Four
Free Music Friday
Treat of the Day
Tech Talk
The Wright Response
Bucket List
Builder's Gallery
Bush Library
Eye on You
Treat of the Day
Half Price Thursdays
Names and Faces
Tour of Duty
Half Price Holidays
KBTX Cares
KBTX Cares
Caldwell Country Cares
Community Calendar
Food for Families
It Pays to Stay
Jefferson Awards
Pet of the Week
Wednesday's Child
Inside KBTX
Inside KBTX
News Team
Sales Team
Order Stories
CW8 Aggieland
What's On
Site Map
KBTX Tours
Studio Gallery
Breakfast from BVTM
Checkered Flag Challenge
Contest Rules
First Time Forecaster
Order a DVD
Watch CW
Back to KBTXCares - Obituaries
Billy Andrew Erwin
Posted: Wed 11:49 AM, Jan 30, 2013
Funeral Home:
Hillier Funeral Home
March 8, 1937 - January 28, 2013
Billy Andrew Erwin passed away on January 28, 2013 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. A devoted husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather, he will be deeply missed by family, friends and the community.
Born March 8, 1937 in Brady, Texas to Roy and Eva Erwin, Bill and his family moved to Denison, Texas when he was five. Because his parents were deaf, Bill was from a very young age the voice of the family. While a student at Austin College, he married his long-time sweetheart, Barbara Garrison and in 1961, he began a 35-year career with GTE. It was that career that brought him to the Bryan-College Station community in 1967, a place that he would proudly call home for the next 45 years.
While serving as Division Manager/Public Affairs Manager for GTE, he began his unique and personal commitment to volunteerism, lending his name, service and considerable efforts over the years to numerous local charitable events, worthwhile causes and community activities. He cared deeply about the Bryan-College Station community and was a firm believer in freely giving his time and energy to various organizations that served to benefit and promote health care, economic growth, leadership development, education and literacy. He openly encouraged others to get involved and to give of themselves and to share his guiding principle, which was to always give back more than you take.
To know Bill Erwin was to be accepted without hesitation, as his friend and to be placed into his special "Friends of Bill" network. While he may have been the pied piper and ring leader, hosting numerous lunches and other social events, he knew in his heart that the true value of this network was simply to provide a venue for bringing people together who might not otherwise have known one another, but who shared a love for their community and a willingness to get involved. It was this extended network that served as the foundation for many of the successful charitable and philanthropic community-wide events that brought so many people together across the Brazos Valley for the greater good of their community.
While the effects of Parkinson's slowed his body, it never diminished the love and commitment that he showed for his family and friends. He continued to persevere and when his physical condition created road blocks, he found new ways to stay involved, all the while cherishing the relationships with the many friends and colleagues that he was so honored to have known throughout his life. A truly wonderful and selfless person, he never once complained about his physical condition, instead choosing to focus on the positives in life and the good of others.
The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful people who cared for him over the years. These include Joyce Brown, the staffs at Crestview Retirement Community and St. Joseph Manor, and the numerous doctors and nurses who assisted him along the way.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Barbara, two daughters, Karen Zee and Amy Jones, one son, David Erwin, son-in-law Glenn Jones and daughter-in-law Jennifer Gill Erwin, and five beloved grandchildren, Jay Gillespie, David Andrew Erwin II, Julia Erwin, Zach Jones and Will Jones.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the MRC Crestview Benevolent Fund, 2505 E. Villa Maria, Bryan, TX 77802, Attention: Donna Williams, or to The St. Joseph Foundation, P.O. Box 993, Bryan, TX 77805, Attention: Thomas Pool.
A public viewing will be held on Thursday, January 31st from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Hillier Funeral Home, 2301 E. 29th Street, Bryan, Texas. Following a private burial service, a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 1, at Christ United Methodist Church, 4201 State Hwy. 6 South, College Station, Texas.
Please view, sign, and share memories at www.hillierfuneralhome.com
We ask that the following Community Standards be followed:
Comments must not be profane or vulgar.
Comments must not use hate speech, racial slurs, or violent descriptions.
We encourage varying views to be shared. We do ask commenters to not personally attack other readers, groups, people featured in our stories, or other posters for disagreeing with their views.
Comments must not contain negative, comparative debates between community standards of cities or towns.
Comments must contribute to the discussion, flaming and/or trolling will not be tolerated.
Comments must be truthful and not intentionally falsified. Providing a source link is encouraged.
If you find that a comment violates the above rules, please use the flagging option located to the right of the comment to notify the moderators.
For a complete list of guidelines, please follow this link:
powered by Disqus.
powered by
KBTX-TV Channel 3 4141 E. 29th Street Bryan, TX 77802 Phone: (979) 846-7777 Fax: (979) 846-1490 News Fax: (979) 846-1888
- Copyright © 2002-2013 - Designed by Gray Digital Media - Powered by Limelight Networks
Website Policy
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy/YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS
EEO Statement
Public Inspection File
FCC Form 388
User Agent: CCBot/2.0 - 189039811


text:
SEE: Guide to Download NPTEL Video Lecture
Course Description :
�Fundamental Concepts of Fluid Flow: Fundamental definitions, Flow characteristics, Classification of fluids, Fluid properties, Foundations of flow analysis.
�Fluid Statics: Fluid pressure, Forces on solid surfaces, Buoyant forces.
�Kinematics of Fluid Flow: Equations for acceleration, Continuity equation, Irrotational and rotational flow, Potential and stream functions.
�Dynamics of Fluid Flow: Finite control volume analysis, Euler and Bernoulli�s theorems, Impulse momentum theory, Applications of energy and momentum equations
�Laminar and Turbulent Flows: Types of flow, Reynolds experiment, Laminar flow between parallel plates, Laminar flow in pipes, Turbulent flow in pipes.
�Pipe Flow Systems: Darcy-Weisbach equation, Moody diagram, Energy losses in pipelines, Minor losses, Multiple pipe systems.
�Dimensional Analysis: Model similitude, Model scales, Theory and applications.
�Navier- Stokes Equations and Applications: Introduction to Navier- Stokes equations, Exact solutions for simple cases of flow, Plane Poiseuille flow, Coutte flow, Stokes flow and porous media flow.
�Boundary Layer Theory and Applications: Concepts of boundary layer, Flow separation, Circulation, Drag and lift on immersed bodies.
Other Resources :
Syllabus | Citation |
The above video lectures are presented by IITBombay, India, under the program NPTEL, there are more than 130+ NPTEL courses Online available.
Other Civil Engineering Courses
- Structural Dynamics by IIT Bombay
- Soil Dynamics by IIT Bombay
- Architecture Studio: Building in Landscapes by MIT
- Urban transportation planning by IIT Madras
- Stochastic Structural Dynamics by IISc Bangalore
- Structural Analysis II by IIT Bombay
- Probability Methods in Civil Engineering by IIT Kharagpur
- Strength of Materials by IIT Kharagpur
- Engineering Geology by IIT Kharagpur
- Surveying by IIT Kanpur
» check out the complete list of Civil Engineering Video lectures
Learning the subject


text:
Click image to enlarge
Order by 3pm EST 12/23 with Next Day, receive by 12/24
$4.99 3-day shipping. Need it faster?
Take charge of your ensemble with this Open Control tee from Fox. It features distressed Fox graphics on the chest and both sleeves for a competitive look.
- 85% Cotton/15% Polyester
- Lightweight ribbed T-shirt
- Screen print graphics
- Tagless collar
- Imported
Fox Customers also liked:
Have a Suggestion?
Have a Suggestion?
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game
or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are
received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items
are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite
number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


text:
* Profile: 12.1oz, 344.49g. A high prformance tennis shoe with full-length Tubes Technology (TM) cushioning. * Midsole/Outsole: High performance solid rubber herringbone outsole fior traction and durability. * Upper: A very supportive molded synthetic leather upper with Dragguard (TM) toe for added durability.
Comments should be restricted to size, fit and other useful information for future customer purchases. Other comments can be expressed through testimonials and emails to our customer care. Comments may be edited if they contain vulgar language or are derogatory in nature.
Sorry, there is no information for this brand.
Men & Womens Shoes Size Conversion Chart
Kid's Shoes Conversion Chart
Men's to Women's Shoes Conversion Chart


text:
Oracle EMEA Alliances & Channels Solutions Corner
Improve Efficiency and Drive even Higher Achievements
This area has been specifically created for OPN Members who develop and implement solutions based on Oracle Technology and Applications products and services. It is a place where you can find all the relevant programmatic material and especially the EMEA Specialized communities that have been created for System Integrators (SIs) and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs).
Paul Thompson, Director Alliances and Solutions Partner Programs, Alliances & Channels, Oracle EMEA
EMEA Partner Communities
To register directly to one community, please click here or for more details about our communities, see below:
Partner Events
- EMEA Partner Community Casts - Engage. Share. Grow
- Oracle Partner Days - Maximize your potential - Partnership for Growth
- In Touch Webcasts for EMEA Partners
Oracle Services Available for Partners
- OPN Competency Center
Designed to help you improve your skills to get your job done better and faster, and to lead to great rewards. - Oracle Marketing Kits for Partners
Quickly and easily create your own demand generation programs and accelerate your growth opportunities. - Oracle Demonstration Services
These demonstration environments allow Oracle Partners to leverage the competitive advantages of Oracle's technology and applications products. - Open Market Model (OMM)
A comprehensive channel engagement strategy designed to provide Oracle Partners with maximum opportunities to earn revenues with Oracle.


text:
- Text Size:
- ASmall Text
- AMedium Text
- ALarge Text
U.S. stocks closed at three-month lows Tuesday, sliding during the final hour of trade, as investors faced worrisome signs out of Greece.
Stocks started the day under mild pressure after politicians in Athens failed to agree on a coalition government, and President Karolos Papoulias' office said the debt-wracked country will hold new elections in June in response to the political stalemate.
Selling picked up steam in the afternoon following news that Greek depositors withdrew ?700 million from local banks on Monday, according reports citing a transcript of Papoulias' remarks to Greek political leaders that was released on Tuesday.
The Dow Jones industrial average lost 63 points, closing at the lowest level since Jan. 19.
The S&P 500 fell 8 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq shed 9 points, or 0.3%. Both indexes finished at the lowest levels since Feb. 2.
The instability in Greece has re-ignited fears that the country could fail to make debt payments as early as next month, potentially forcing it to exit the euro and imperil Europe's periphery in the process.
"Now Greece is facing at least another month of uncertainty, and that's something that the market hates," said Tom Schrader, managing director at Stifel Nicolaus.
"This doesn't help the rest of the southern European countries in the debt situation either. Spain, Italy and Portugal are going to come back to the forefront as Greece's situation remains fragile," he added.
While Greece continues to be a question mark, better-than-expected economic growth in Germany was somewhat encouraging.
German economic growth came in at 0.5% in the first quarter. That's far better than the 0.2% decline in gross domestic product at the end of last year, which raised fears that Europe's largest economy could fall into recession.
German growth also lifted the reading for all of the European Union to 0.1%, and left GDP unchanged in the 17-nation eurozone.
There had been fears that both the EU and eurozone would report their second straight quarter of declining GDP, the common benchmark for an economy in recession. By that standard, 12 of the nations in the EU are now mired in an economic downturn.
European finance ministers are winding up a two-day meeting Tuesday, and newly elected French President François Hollande is set to meet with German Prime Minister Angela Merkel in Berlin.
Lightning struck the plane carrying Hollande, CNN affiliate BFM-TV reported, forcing the president to return to Paris to board another plane and delaying his meeting with Merkel. No one was hurt, the station reported.
Late Monday, Moody's downgraded 26 Italian banks between one to four notches, saying, "the potential for further rating transition is heightened by the possibility of rapid increases in problem loans."
U.S. stocks fell Monday amid worries about the stability of the eurozone and the safety of the U.S. banking sector.
Economy: Reports on retail sales and inflation for April were close to expectations, providing additional support for stocks.
U.S. retail sales edged up 0.1% last month, below the forecast from economists surveyed by Briefing.com, after increasing by 0.7% in March.
The Consumer Price Index was flat in April, as expected, after rising by 0.3% in March.
Companies: Avon Products said that Coty has withdrawn its bid for the company, less than a week after it upped its offer with backing from Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. Avon's board had said it wanted a week to consider the latest offer, but Coty demanded an immediate answer. Shares of Avon tumbled.
Dow component Home Depot, a bellwether of activity in the nation's troubled home-building industry, reported quarterly earnings in line with estimates but issued an earnings forecast that fell short. The stock dipped.
Shares of daily deals site Groupon surged for a second day. The company reported narrowing losses and better-than-expected sales Monday, giving investors hope that it can steady its ship.
Chesapeake Energy's stock dipped after Standard & Poor's downgraded the company's credit rating, citing "mounting turmoil" amid concerns about corporate governance practices and the likelihood Chesapeake will face an even wider budget gap than the agency had previously anticipated.
In a sign of strong investor demand for shares in its upcoming initial public offering, Facebook boosted the target price range for its stock. Facebook now expects to price its shares at $34 to $38 each, up from the $28 to $35 range it set earlier this month, according to a Tuesday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
JPMorgan Chase shareholders gathered in Tampa, Fla., for the bank's annual meeting. The shareholder meeting comes just days after the bank disclosed a $2 billion trading loss, an event that led to the departure of its chief investment officer and forced CEO Jamie Dimon to apologize for what he called "a terrible mistake."
World markets: European stocks ended modestly lower. Britain's FTSE 100 slipped 0.5%, France's CAC 40 dropped 0.6% and the DAX in Germany fell 0.8%.
Asian markets ended mixed, with the Shanghai Composite closing off 0.3%, the Hang Seng in Hong Kong gaining 0.8%, but Japan's Nikkei falling 0.8%.
Currencies and commodities: The dollar was higher against the euro, the British pound and the Japanese yen.
Oil for June delivery rose fell 80 cents to settle at $93.98 a barrel.
Gold futures for June delivery dropped $3.90 to settle at $1,557.10 an ounce.
Bonds: The price on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury edged lower, boosting the yield to 1.79%.
Are you worried about how the 2012 presidential election will impact your investment portfolio? Which candidate do you think will be better for the stock market? E-mail firstname.lastname@example.com for the chance to be included in an upcoming story.


text:
Ferrari have thrown a protective blanket around Felipe Massa, saying they want to "protect him in all conditions".
While his team-mate Fernando Alonso are sitting pretty at the top of the Drivers' Championship with 154 points following three race victories, Massa is 14th in the standings having accumulated just 23 points with a best finish of fourth.
Speculation over his future has certainly not helped as many believe he will make way for someone else when his contract runs out at the end of this season.
However, team principal Stefano Domenicali says the Brazilian has the support of everyone at Maranello as he is still part of the family.
"We want to support Felipe 100 per cent," is quoted as saying by Autosport. "We want to express that we are all together as a team and a family at the moment.
"In Silverstone we saw Felipe was close to Fernando, so that's why we need to believe in the fact that Felipe can do the right job for the team.
"That is why we have always said there is no pressure. We want him to realise that he is a part of us, and we will protect him in all conditions. And I am sure that he will give back what the team is giving him."
As for contract negotiations with Massa, Domenicali says they will do it when the time is right.
"We said from the beginning that we have no rush," he said. "It doesn't change our approach. Now is not the time to discuss the future."


text:
Dirty regions
Dirty regions can help speed up the GUI in XBMC and decrease the demand on your CPU and GPU. Dirty regions has no effect during video playback unless there are GUI elements (on screen buttons) visible. Using dirty regions requires XBMC v11 (Eden) or higher.
XBMC started as a project for the original XBOX where things were very different. After the move to desktops and embedded environments, many of the legacy procedures remained. One of these procedures, and a long-time thorn in XBMC's side has long been its rendering model in which where every frame is rendered by the GPU in its entirety, typically at 60fps. As you can imagine, this is incredibly intensive and very unfriendly to low-power platforms. This is where dirty-region rendering comes in. Thanks to the work of Tobias and Jonathan (jmarshall), XBMC now has the ability to only render what has changed.
For more information see: Working with dirty regions
1 Modes
"Mode" 3 is currently enabled by default (as of XBMC v12), as it will reduce CPU/GPU usage without causing any flickering in the graphics. However Mode 3 will not make the GUI any faster. For that you will need mode 1 or 2. Mode 1 will provide the greatest speedup.
Some GPU/hardware configurations will have some minor issues (such as a visual "flicker"), so for those situations try mode 2 or use the default (mode 3, which requires no advancedsetting).
2 Example
This example is probably the setting that most users will want to try if they want to increase the GUI speed. As noted above, if you have issues you might want to try this same setting with mode 2 or 3:
- 1. Create a text document and save it as
(or edit the existing one if you've already made it) - 2. Cut and paste the following into your new advancedsettings.xml file:
<advancedsettings> <gui> <algorithmdirtyregions>1</algorithmdirtyregions> <nofliptimeout>1000</nofliptimeout> </gui> </advancedsettings> |
- 3. Place your advancedsettings.xml file in your userdata folder.
- 4. Done!
3 Technical notes
From the advancedsettings.xml page:
Enable dirty-region processing. Dirty regions are any parts of the screen that have changed since the last frame. By not re-rendering what hasn't changed, big speed gains can be seen. Because all GPUs work differently, only Mode 3, combined with nofliptimeout=0, is guaranteed to be safe for everyone, but current timing issues with nofliptimeout keep this from being the default.
value | result | description |
0 | Off | The entire viewport is always rendered. |
1 | Union | All dirty regions are grouped into the smallest possible rectangle. This is typically the fastest mode for slower GPUs due to only making one pass. |
2 | Cost reduction | Each dirty region is presented separately, in as many passes as there are regions. |
3 | Whole Screen | The entire screen is rendered if there are any dirty regions. This, combined with nofliptimeout is a safe default for drivers that clear buffer contents (manifests as blinking or vibrating images). Default |
Specifies the timeout in milliseconds after which XBMC will not flip the graphics buffers anymore when nothing has been rendered, this lowers both CPU and GPU usage.
- -1: disabled
- 0 or higher: timeout in milliseconds (0 is default)


text:
I want another week or two without, once the ball & chain has gone home to see her folks then it can snow for months.
The snow in Glasgow can get tae, i hate slush. Oh just wait till the novelty factor wears off and people start acting like they cant handle it.
Snow = good Slush = bad Ice on road in London = nothing moves = good I am actually enjoying a the refreshing drop in temps, I want my snow
Something like that. I need some me time. As in; taking my rig apart and making a mess around the flat. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Man, I am serious fucked off. Shitsung sent me back a duff drive The god damn platter on the thing spins so fast its creates its own fucking magnetic gravitational field and it hums LOUDER then any vibrator my girlfriend/ex-girlfriends have ever owned that ive come across. the vibration the spinning platters make is so rediculous you could hotwire a PSU to run it and pleasure your other half all night with it. and the worst fucking thing is ive been left hanging as Samsung have shutdown their RMA dept while they hand over to Seagate so i cant chase them up about it. the only thing i can do is contact the RMA center in surrey that handled my RMA. BUT SINCE I NO LONGER HAVE AN RMA NUMBER - THEY WILL SIT THERE AND DO NOTHING. I DONT WANT A FAILGATE HDD. I could sell it on Ebay, but the buyer might complain also. all i can do is wait for the handover with Seagate to complete then apply for another RMA in the hope they send me a back something that doesnt vibrate enough to hover by itself. If they send me back a seagate - I can flog it on fleabay. Im not touching that rubbish. Merry fucking christmas to you too Samsung!
Don't get me wrong I love my girlfriend whole heartedly but she's constantly in my face. Having some me time works both ways & we'll both be better for it.
Angry pissed off emails have been sent to the rep who handled my RMA for Samsung... I bet hes gonna tell me theres nothing they can do until samsung/seagate finishes doing their dirty business behind the bikeshed. I need a stiff drink.
I don't want any snow until February just because i know i'm be 2x more lazy and avoid school work if it snows.
I am so fucking annoyed with Dabs and now remember why I stopped using them, has anyone else had the "security check in progress" status after pacing an order? I get it all the time, and infact only returned to Dabs tonight cause ebuyer are being a bunch of tossers too, I need to order components for a friends rig and this is pissing me right off, just spoke to my bank too to confirm my identity cause after cancelling the 1st order, my Visa verification didn't go through, I believe this is something to do with me getting flagged when I try and order from Dabs and although my bank verified my details and told me to replace the order and try again in 5mins I get the same fucking "security check in progress" status on the order, just sent them an email, doubt I will get anywhere though this doesn't seem to be an isolated incident and googling brings up other forum posts of people who constantly have the same problem, here's a copy of the email I sent them:: What you think, the DPA shit will work and I will get some kind of explanation from them or just get fobbed off??? fucking fuming
Double post but no post count in clubhouse so wth. Am flabbergasted, I got a reply back in 10 mins and not just an automated one, here have a look and there's my follow up to it (start from the bottom):
I have always found personally with Dabs, whenever I have had an issue they always come good, just frustrating when it takes a while.
I've only been ordering my components from Scan just because i know i can reach to their customer service rather quick than like ebuyer. Even though some of them are rude but i managed to get through to them 3 times in less than like 5 minutes. Two for RMA which got provided quickly too and 3rd for refund. Also my cousin can go to their stock since he doesn't live that far from there HQ.
Oh a lot...a Whole computer build 3 times,hard drives,graphics card,power supply,cases and a motherboard and CPU. The last things i got exchanged was my motherboard and cancellation of a ordered SSD was quick and quick respond to provide RMA refund for a 2.5" hard drive. All from phone calls. Not to mention i have free next day delivery with them and they always provide tracking so its been smooth transaction for me and good customer service,with a bit of a stroppy call service.
Works like a champ. Even at stock its a bit smoother in Skyrim and BF3. Hope i can replace the cooler i have and try for at least 4.5ghz 24/7 clocks. I think the cache or something is helping load Football Manger load a lot faster. I have on Intels version of cool and quiet, goes down to 1.8ghz and ridiculously low volts at desktop and just ramps up to stock whenever a load is detected. Works a hell of a lot better than AMDs interpretation. That's how i read it too AH fuck the weather, on top of the snow there is now a weather warning (wind) for this part of Scotland. All the Schools in East Renfrewshire are shut so my sister is off school today. I cant leave the house either because of the weather warning. What i always say is you dont get if you dont ask. I dont listen to any one persons opinion on a company anymore because people can have one shite experience and put someone else off, if there is a majority of people having problems then i will avoid. More error messages for my Seagate hard drive. I think there are bad sectors. Cant replace it with prices being as they are but fortunately its not dead yet, i can view and copy stuff from it but i dont want to write anything to it.
This. I've had nothing but good things from eBuyer and Dabs, even when I've been a very difficult customer. Dabs are my favourite as they send a courier to pick up any RMA items from your house or workplace, which is convenient. I've had numerous HDD's RMA'd through them; one time I had it dropped off ast the same time that they picked the old HDD up. They ony did that once though, the other times it takes about a week for the replacement to arrive. I like to be a difficult customer to test customer service FreedomEclipse knows how difficult I can be No receipt, no proof of purchase, no e-mails to confirm purchase, but I still want an RMA!!!


text:
Rumor has it and even Fox News is talking… A Stronger Real Estate Voice then heard in recent years!
"Hear Ye Hear Ye" Inventory going down and Prices may begin going up!
What caused such a turn of events? A few months ago, Arizona was ranked as one of the hardest hit housing markets and now Arizona's housing market is being touted as the "Turn-Around Kid."
What about the Market Activity in Spokane? Recent numbers indicates change is occurring and for the good! Get a free, up-close look at your neighborhood now….go to: http://www.shop-or-sell.com/whats-home-worth.asp
So, What has changed? Do you think we are employing more workers into local economies and that's what has signaled this recovery? Could it be a matter of timing now that the summer months are here (The Buying Season) more Home Buyers are venturing out to see what's available? What is promoting, Home buying?
Buyers are re-engaging into the housing market because simply, it's too cheap, not too!
Simply, It's Cheaper with more Perks!
· Cheaper to borrow money due to extremely low interest rates.
· Greater inventory variety – foreclosures, short-sales, motivated owner occupied Sellers.
· Cheaper list prices of homes for sale.
· Greater Buyer incentives – free home warranties, free home inspections, Buyers paid closing costs, more appliances included in the sale (Refrigerators, Washer and Dryer) and the list goes on & on.
· The Cost to Rent is headed up & tenants are becoming penny-wise and believe while the getting' is good ~ get to getting and find a home to buy.
· New Home Builders are including upgraded features to attract Buyers and close more sales this year.
Buyers are pulling the trigger and placing offers on homes showcasing the biggest bang for the buck and GUESS WHAT (?) They are finding them in very nice neighborhoods.
In a recent survey, Realtors responded that finding a home in a stable neighborhood that would maintain its value was most buyers' highest priority. (What homebuyers desire in 2012 survey)
5 ways to help find a home in a stable neighborhood:
1. Look for Well-Established Neighborhoods. It is ~ What it is. Little to No Surprises here with an easy to track trending value report.
2. Neighborhood Appearance. Sidewalks, Streetlights, Community Parks, Close-by Schools and Shopping Centers.
3. Physical Styles and Characteristics of Homes in the neighborhood. Are they easily maintained or do they require extensive maintenance. Fences; are they chain link, wood or vinyl (is there any consistency?) Is the majority of homes in good condition and well-cared for by their Owners?
4. Know the local crime rate and check out the schools that service that neighborhood.
5. Try to insulate your homes value from market price fluctuations with a quality investment.
Tune in…next blog as we talk (Real Estate) & Help define what a Quality Investment is to you!
Have a question or comment NOW ~ 509-993-0039 (text or call it in)
Follow me on: https://twitter.com/gracechiquette
I'm always interested in what you have to think and what your experience is with local real estate buying and selling. Please share your comments and stories with us. Suggestions (?) Got a story idea, Let's talk, call me.


text: Global Problems of Population Growth (MCDB 150) Throughout prehistoric, written, and recent history, human warfare has been commonplace. Nearly all societies engage in regular or periodic war. In many examples, human warfare has characteristics similar to chimpanzee war: an in-group fights with and kills members of the out-group. This information is not to be misinterpreted as either justifying human violence or considering it inevitable. When it comes to births and fecundity, though, humans are very different from the other great apes. Chimpanzees reproduce once every five to eight years; humans can give birth again within 18 months. It is likely that an increase in male contribution to child rearing allowed this greater fecundity. 00:00 – Chapter 1. Introduction to Human Demography and Violence 09:24 – Chapter 2. Violence in Prehistoric and Primitive Societies 23:37 – Chapter 3. Explanations for Human Violence 29:09 – Chapter 4. Violence in Written Human History 36:08 – Chapter 5. Violence: In-Group Versus Out-Group and Biological Basis 46:45 – Chapter 6. Human Demography: Births 59:26 – Chapter 7. Differences in Fertility Between Humans and Chimpanzees Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: open.yale.edu This course was recorded in Spring 2009.


text:
Looking Back on the Limits of Growth
Forty years after the release of the groundbreaking study, were the concerns about overpopulation and the environment correct?
- By Mark Strauss
- Smithsonian magazine, April 2012, Subscribe
Recent research supports the conclusions of a controversial environmental study released 40 years ago: The world is on track for disaster. So says Australian physicist Graham Turner, who revisited perhaps the most groundbreaking academic work of the 1970s,The Limits to Growth.
Written by MIT researchers for an international think tank, the Club of Rome, the study used computers to model several possible future scenarios. The business-as-usual scenario estimated that if human beings continued to consume more than nature was capable of providing, global economic collapse and precipitous population decline could occur by 2030.
However, the study also noted that unlimited economic growth was possible, if governments forged policies and invested in technologies to regulate the expansion of humanity's ecological footprint. Prominent economists disagreed with the report's methodology and conclusions. Yale's Henry Wallich opposed active intervention, declaring that limiting economic growth too soon would be "consigning billions to permanent poverty."
Turner compared real-world data from 1970 to 2000 with the business-as-usual scenario. He found the predictions nearly matched the facts. "There is a very clear warning bell being rung here," he says. "We are not on a sustainable trajectory."
Next in Futurism: How to Become the Engineers of Our Own Evolution »
Subscribe now for more of Smithsonian's coverage on history, science and nature.
Related topics: Future
Comments (78) |
@ R. Dow Good grief. The observed trends conform every closely to the predictions in the years for which there is data. What makes you think extending the observed trend lines without any data to base them on is valid? The predictions are not linear for very good reason. So why should you expect the reality to be linear? It never has been except for short segments like the one to which you refer. Learn how to interpret data before making silly, extremely naive remarks like this. A big whole in the knowledge of science, empirical data collection, and interpretation is behind this comment. No remotely competent scientist, mathematician, or even engineer would make a comment like this. Maybe, just maybe, a lousy cookbook engineer without a creative bone in his/her body or any understanding of basic underlying principle could conceivably be guilty of such a comment.
Posted by robert_13 on December 20,2012 | 09:13 PM
What is the Y axis on this graph? How can non-renewable resources, industrial output, pollution, services and food, be measured and plotted in the same units?
Posted by Alex on November 29,2012 | 08:35 PM
All of these predictions are based on models. First of all, the most important things in a model are those it doesn't contain. Second, future cannot be predicted because the future is always under construction. Last but not least, analyses of this sort should take into account one of the salient characteristics of our times - complexity (which can be measured and which can only grow to certain thresholds). The limits to growth (of any system) are dictated by the so-called critical complexity (think of it as the highest value of cholesterol that gets you to a pre-cardiac infarction state). Once you get close to critical complexity your system becomes very fragile and has the capacity to suddenly deliver unexpected behavior (this is called spontaneous mode-switching or phase-changes). According to our analyses, based on data from the World Bank, the World, as a system, will reach critical complexity around 2045-2050 (if the current rate of complexity increase continues,..... an assumption which remains to be monitored).
Posted by Jacek Marczyk on November 4,2012 | 05:32 AM
Dear editors, Pure Bunk! I am just now getting through the April issue, and was amazed to see the article by a senior editor Mark Strauss, about the negative predictions for the future (based on the book The Limits of Growth ). Most readers weren't as fortunate as I've been, and didn't study economics in university ( in the 1990's as part of a Business Administration degree).Therefore, they have no way of knowing that the once-accepted Malthusian theory predicting the world would run out of food due to man's inability to meet population-growth needs, has been proven entirely wrong! Furthermore, around 1990 an economist from MD. University placed a $1000 bet against a biologist from another American university. He stated that contrary to many biologists' views, based on economics theories and the past, all major commodities (including wheat,) would go down considerably during the following ten years. Needless to say the economist won the bet! Most commodities indeed went down by large percentages, some by smaller amounts, yet they were all cheaper. (I saw that show right here in Israel, twice, on one of the cable channels.) I also checked the article on your Web-site and immediately saw the three false assumptions the writers had made. They didn't take into account A) price mechanisms, B) advancements in technology, C) they treated the world as a whole. These crucial points are enough to invalidate the whole "prediction." In addition, nowhere in your report do you mention what fields the professors who wrote the report have their degrees in. Was any of them an economist? That seems highly unlikely considering the above omissions. One really wonders why a senior editor such as Mark Strauss didn't do his homework? The article will no-doubt worry many readers, to say the least. To sum it up: not everything presented at the Smithsonian Institution is sacred. Sincerely yours, Joseph B. Israel
Posted by Joe on August 8,2012 | 05:00 PM
The economic collapse is normally, I think, the most problems of the world is, how if women will be collapsed of environmental problems (human made) of economy growth. God Bless You from Indonesia. Bakti Social Borunauli Foundation of Indonesia.
Posted by Jumi S on August 3,2012 | 12:19 AM
I have been researching the global-resources problem for roughly the past ten years. My latest "essay" on it is titled DEPLETION OF NATURAL RESOURCES WILL CAUSE THE DECLINE OF MANKIND. It is online at www.decline-mysite.net Until today I was not aware of the 1972 MIT study. Although their efforts were forty years earlier,I am pleased with how similar our conclusions are. For instance: please note how comparable my curves (about two thirds through the essay) are with those developed by MIT, yet they and I had no contact with each other. The world has seen a great many ecological, weather, resource depletion, and economic developments since 1970 (all of them bad news) therefore those of us concerned with it can see the decline of humanity even more clearly than that early team was able to. Striving to make it broadly inclusive and easy to read, this essay was written for a more general audience than their work was. Francis Reynolds
Posted by Francis D. Reynolds, PE. on June 24,2012 | 02:05 AM
Even a cursory examination of the graph shows that if you extend the "Observed Trend" lines they are nowhere near the "Trend Predicted" lines. So how does that support the "Limits of Growth" projections?
Posted by R. Dow on June 18,2012 | 01:25 PM
"The environmental movement has always been about seizing power by making up one phony emergency after another." Yeah that's really worked for them, hasn't it? Since the grand-wizards of the environmental (surely pseudosciences at best) sciences seized power with all those fake emergencies and brainwashed the planet with polar bear cub images everything's gone to hell. It's a miracle that the fossil-fuel industry has survived. The comment is especially ironic considering that the emergencies mentioned are intimately tied, still present and that investigating their relationships to one-another was part of the reason for the research in the first place. In any event, the experiment is running but it's little comfort to those who are persuaded by the quality science behind this research, that those who aren't will have to share in whatever the consequences of inaction will be. What IS a comfort, however, is that having got a bloody nose with CIV 1, some lessons will be carried into CIV 2.0, who won't, in any event, have the sort of resources to throw about waantonly like their forebears.
Posted by Matt Quinn on May 30,2012 | 09:48 AM
Jorgen Randers discusses the misinterpretation of economic growth which has led several contributors to deny that Limits to Growth spoke of the possibility of continued growth. Limits to Growth only dealt with limitations deriving from physical factors. The authors did state that it might be possible to have an increase in value (economic growth) that does not entail an increase in resource consumption or waste production. They are correct in stating this as economic growth is not fundamentally linked to either resource consumption or waste production. The fact that economic growth has, historically, always been associated with resource consumption and waste production does not change this fact.
Posted by Mitch on May 24,2012 | 02:32 AM
The environmental movement has always been about seizing power by making up one phony emergency after another. The population crisis was one, then the energy crisis, and now global warming/climate change. Julian Simon's "The Ultimate Resource" proves that population growth is actually beneficial. Why would they lie like that?
Posted by John David Galt on May 20,2012 | 11:39 AM
Short of a nano material PV / thermoelectrical / ultracapasitating Black swan, What we can do now with "off the shelf" technology, what I proposed at the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. The most cited soil scientist in the world, Dr. Rattan Lal at OSU, was impressed by this talk given to the EPA chiefs of North America, commending me on conceptualizing & articulating the concept. Bellow the opening text. A full Report on my talk at CEC, and complete text & links are here: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/biochar-policy/message/3233 The Establishment of Soil Carbon as the Universal Measure of Sustainability The Paleoclimate Record shows agricultural-geo-engineering is responsible for 2/3rds of our excess greenhouse gases. The unintended consequence; flowering of our civilization. Our science has now realized these consequences, developing a more encompassing wisdom. Wise land management, afforestation and the thermal conversion of biomass can build back our soil carbon. Pyrolysis, Gasification and Hydro-Thermal Carbonization are known biofuel technologies, What is new are the concomitant benefits of biochars for Soil Carbon Sequestration; building soil biodiversity & nitrogen efficiency, as a feed supplement cutting the carbon foot print of livestock & in situ remediation of toxic agents, Modern systems are closed-loop with no significant emissions. The general LCA is: every 1 ton of biomass yields 1/3 ton Biochar equal to 1 ton CO2e, plus biofuels equal to 1MWh exported electricity, so each energy cycle is 1/3 carbon negative Beyond Rectifying the Carbon Cycle, the same healing function for the Nitrogen and Phosphorous Cycles Since we have filled the air, filling the seas to full, soil is the only beneficial place left. Carbon to the Soil, the only ubiquitous and economic place to put it.
Posted by Erich J. Knight on May 11,2012 | 09:42 PM
A lot of sophistry and willful denial in the posts above. Basically, a lot of countries are ramped up for massive overpopulation set to vastly exceed carrying capacity. If they all want to have 10 children who, in turn, all want 10 children then the result is obvious. And on that day the fight for resources turns ugly. 2030 dudes. The number is in.
Posted by hidflect on May 4,2012 | 10:34 PM
People interested in this discussion might be interested in reading my book (in French) « Thermodynamique de l'évolution ». The evolution of mankind is a dissipative process. As such it is subject to self-organised criticality. The collapse of a society is a consequence of this process. Societies self-organise to dissipate energy. The more energy they dissipate, the more their environment evolve, the more they have to reoganise themselves. It leads to what biologists call « the red queen effect ». One has to run as fast as possible to stay in place. At some point species become extinct and/or societies collapse. This is what we are now experiencing.
Posted by François Roddier on May 1,2012 | 01:44 PM
Some silly comments up above. The human brain is useless without food, and food requires energy to be produced. In fact, nothing whatever happens without energy, and that includes the 'hydrogen economy' (unfortunately, hydrogen is a vector, not a source). And the C of R didn't set out to be catastrophic, indeed they doubted their initial findings. Then - like Bartlett with Hubbert http://www.hubbertpeak.com/bartlett/hubbert.htm They ran it with 'double resources' (two planets, in other words)and found almost no change to the outcome.
Posted by murrayg on April 30,2012 | 04:20 AM


text:
True Grit details
Formats: | 15 DVD, Blu-ray |
Starring: | Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Jeff Bridges, Barry Pepper, Domhnall Gleeson, Elizabeth Marvel, Hailee Steinfeld |
Directors: | Ethan Coen, Joel Coen |
Genres: | Action/Adventure, Drama |
Studio: | PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
Collections: | Award Winners 2011, June - Drama/Thriller, June New Releases, Summer 2011 Releases, The Biggest and Best, Top 400 All-Time Rentals |
Name | Discs | |
True Grit |
15 Feature |
DVD Information
Run time: | 1 hour 50 minutes |
Rental release: | 13 Jun 2011 |
Main languages: | English, English Audio Description |
LOVEFiLM Review
By Tom Charity from LOVEFiLM
The Coens return with their reinterpretation of Charles Portis' novel True Grit, with 14-year-old newcomer Hailee Steinfeld impressive as Mattie Ross.
- Was this review helpful to you?
- (0) Yes |
- No (0)
Most helpful review
A classic western in the old style
By JCPHankins (57 reviews) from London , 02 Feb 2011[Highly rated reviewer]
This really is a straight down the line honest to goodness western in the old style i.e. 50's and 60's. Unsurprising because its based on an old John Wayne film but surprising that the Coen brothers haven't put more of their own style in.
There are visual Coen flourishes (including two lovely widescreen shots as the characters travel) as well as the recycling of several previously used actors although the standout is Hailee Steinfeld as the feisty little girl. There is some great banter-like dialogue between her and a number of the male staff which really does add a lightness to the film. Matt Damon continues his rise with an excellent representation of a vain but 'fish out of water' Texas ranger whilst Barry Pepper is the great sheepskin wearing baddy with honour in his heart.
A lot of the talk has been about Jeff Bridges first return to the Coens since playing 'The Dude'. I forsee a problem for Jeff in that he has now played two drunken layabouts with hearts of gold within the space of 2 years 'type-casting'?? His chewy tone, added to the need to appear drunk does render him incomprehensible occasionally, which isn't great, but you don't miss much of the story.
This is an enjoyable film with a few flaws but I'd say its for a specialist audience i.e. one that likes their westerns. its not going to convert people on its own to either the Coens or new fans but for those that do, its a good solid film.- Was this review helpful to you?
- (62) Yes |
- No (28)
All reviews
(566)What a gem and Bridges is a diamond!
By Janeekins (27 reviews) from Banbury , 11 Nov 2013A really strong tale very well told. Visually dramatic with a few tricks up it's sleeve and a central performance from the young actress who plays Mattie that fizzes off the screen. Matt Damon is unrecognisable and all the better for that and Bridges plays up a strom. One to see more than once, you spot things you missed the first time around. Another Cohen delight!- Was this review helpful to you?
- (0) Yes |
- No (0)
Wow, wow
By a customer , 14 Sep 2013Generally I like Coen brothers films, especially Fargo and No Country For Old Men, both of which I think are superb films, but this one . . .
I avoided it for a long time because I'd seen, and enjoyed, the 1969 film. In my opinion it was the best film John Wayne ever made. But . . . This is unbelievable! It is a heart-wrenching film, one of those that as the credits roll up at the end I turn to my wife and with a slightly shaky voice say 'Excuse me, I need the bathroom', you all know what I mean,
It's wonderfully acted, set, filmed and directed. I could watch it again tomorrow, and probably will because after renting it I went out and bought it. If you haven't seen it, please do.
I'd give it 6 stars if I could- Was this review helpful to you?
- (0) Yes |
- No (0)
Top Cowboy Movie
By a customer , 26 Aug 2013Top notch Cowboy. The girl steals the show with some great lines. Better than the John Wayne version. I would recommend this as a good night at the movies- Was this review helpful to you?
- (0) Yes |
- No (0)
Took me back to being a kid watching the Sunday afternoon Western on Tv
By NOGOODBOYO (20 reviews) , 30 Jul 2013I loved this film and even my wife who hates Cowboy films agreed with me. A brilliant remake by the Cohen brothers and a strong superb performance from Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn (played by John Wayne in the original). Not sure if the naysayers reviewing here were watching the same film as me, but I thought this was fantastic. See it and judge for yourself.- Was this review helpful to you?
- (0) Yes |
- No (0)
Characters with depth
By a customer , 10 Jun 2013This was the best film I've seen all year. I was a big fan of Fargo and this reminded me of that film insofar as the plot is a little bit quirky and the characters have a bit of depth.- Was this review helpful to you?
- (0) Yes |
- No (0)


text:
Top Apps
- Audio & Video
- Business & Enterprise
- Communications
- Development
- Home & Education
- Games
- Graphics
- Science & Engineering
- Security & Utilities
- System Administration
Showing page 1 of 3.
Inkscape A Linux, Windows & OSX vector graphics editor (SVG format) featuring transparency, gradients, node editing, pattern fills, PNG export, and more. Aiming for capabilities similar to Illustrator, CorelDraw, Visio, etc.
89,825 weekly downloads -
Pidgin An instant messaging program.
338,865 weekly downloads -
Orwell Dev-C++ A portable C/C++/C++11 IDE
29,484 weekly downloads -
Wine Is Not an Emulator Wine is an Open Source implementation of the Windows API on top of X and Unix. Wine provides both a development toolkit for porting Windows sources to Unix and a program loader, allowing many unmodified Windows binaries to run on x86-based Unixes.
24,925 weekly downloads -
Tux Paint Art software to let kids draw and paint. For children 3 to 12 years.
20,187 weekly downloads -
Nullsoft Scriptable Install System Windows installer development tool
11,721 weekly downloads -
ZABBIX ZABBIX is an enterprise-class open source distributed monitoring solution designed to monitor and track performance and availability of network servers, devices and other IT resources. It supports distributed and WEB monitoring, auto-discovery, and more.
11,570 weekly downloads -
UltraDefrag Increase your system performance with this simple to use tool
10,099 weekly downloads -
MPC-BE Media Player Classic - BE
8,333 weekly downloads -
gretl GNU Regression, Econometrics and Time-series Library
6,245 weekly downloads -
Gutenprint - Top Quality Printer Drivers A very high quality package of printer drivers for Ghostscript and CUPS on Linux, Macintosh OS X, and other POSIX-compliant operating systems. This project also maintains an enhanced Print plug-in for GIMP 2.x from the same code base.
3,201 weekly downloads -
GCompris : I got IT Educational Software for children aged 2 to 10.
2,418 weekly downloads -
Bluefish Advanced code and web development editor
1,955 weekly downloads -
Clam Sentinel Clam sentinel is a program that detects file system changes and automatically scans the files added or modified using ClamWin. Require the installation of ClamWin. For Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000/XP/Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.
1,563 weekly downloads -
Domination (Risk Board Game) Domination is a board game that is a bit like the well known game Risk
1,817 weekly downloads -
BZFlag - Multiplayer 3D Tank Game OpenSource OpenGL Multiplayer Multiplatform Battle Zone capture the Flag. 3D first person tank game.
1,220 weekly downloads -
PNotes PNotes is light-weight, flexible, skinnable manager of virtual notes on your desktop. It supports multiple languages, individual note's settings, transparency and scheduling. Absolutely portable as well - no traces in registry. PNotes.NET edition requires .NET framework 4 Client Profile and VC++ 2010 runtime libraries.
3,455 weekly downloads -
OpenEMM - e-mail & marketing automation web-based application for email marketing and marketing automation
1,159 weekly downloads -
Glade/Gtk+ for Windows Windows port of Glade 3. The latest version includes a stand-alone installer with bundled GTK+ 2.16.0 and libxml 2.7.3. Extra installers or zip files are not required. No changes to the Glade source were required to compile under mingw.
1,047 weekly downloads -
Tux of Math Command "Tux, of Math Command" is a math drill game starring Tux, the Linux Penguin. Lessons are included from simple number typing through addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of positive and negative numbers. It is intended for kids ~4-10.
592 weekly downloads -
Sudokuki - essential sudoku game Sudokuki is a free graphical SUDOKU game
477 weekly downloads -
BillardGL BillardGL is a GPL 3D OpenGL Billard Simulator for both Windows and Linux, available as RPM, Windows Setup File and pure code.
485 weekly downloads -
Dr. DivX Dr. DivX 2.0; officially the unofficial DivX encoding tool to create DivX Media Format files for playback on DivX hardware and software players.
478 weekly downloads -
LuninuX OS LuninuX OS is a Debian/Ubuntu based Linux distribution.
339 weekly downloads -
Wubi, the easiest way to Linux! Wubi is an officially supported Ubuntu installer for Windows users that can bring you to the Linux world with a single click. The website has moved to http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/windows-installer, where you can find the latest release.
354 weekly downloads