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Burcu Akyol on Blogging with EFL Students
EFL teacher, Burcu Akyol of Turkey, talks about advantages and challenges of using a classroom blog.
Tara: For many EFL teachers in the blogosphere "Burcu" is a household word. Can you share a bit about your background for those who are just about to meet you?
Burcu: I graduated from Hacettepe University, ELT Department and have been teaching English for nine years. I started my career at a language school where I taught adults. After teaching adults for two years, I decided to work at a private school. In Turkey, private schools provide better opportunities for teachers. I've worked in three different private schools since then. Currently, I work at a group of private schools in Istanbul as an Education Coordinator. My main areas of interest are teacher training and learning technologies. I find great pleasure in sharing my experiences with colleagues. The possibility of inspiring a lot of people is just great! In February 2009, I decided to create a teacher blog to share ideas and experiences. At the same time, I joined Twitter which I believe is a great tool and resource for teachers. On Twitter, I met great people and we're sharing great links and resources there.
Tara: Besides maintaining your popular EFL blog for teachers, you have created an interactive learning blog for your students. What inspired you to develop your first classroom blog?
Burcu: I've been blogging with my students for two years. Until I started my EFL blog, I was a silent blogger in the ELT blogosphere. Especially in the first year, I was so busy with improving my blogging skills that I couldn't spend any time building connections or telling people about our class blog. In the second year, I was more confident and spending relatively less time finding or creating content for the blog. My primary source of inspiration for the classroom blog was absolutely my students. We all know that our students today have fairly different living and learning experiences compared to ours. As a Hebrew proverb says: "Do not confine your children to your own learning, for they were born in another time." So I thought using some appropriate Web tools in my lessons would attract their attention more than anything. Taking my students' age and language level into consideration, I decided to get started with a class blog. At that time, I was not totally sure about its possible effects on my lessons and student motivation. Fortunately, it turned out to be one of the best things that I've ever done for my students.
Tara: Your fifth grade students at TED Istanbul College made an excellent video about their blogging experience. Many of them talk excitedly about their connection with international visitors. How do you encourage students and visitors to leave comments?
Burcu: I love to share that video with my colleagues, because I think it is really inspiring. Whenever I hear about a method, technique or activity, the first thing I want to see is how well it works with my students and to get feedback from them. I think this video proves that I did something good for them. The connection with the students from South Dakota Brandon Valley Middle School was a great experience for me and my students. They also love seeing our ClustrMaps Widget which is a tiny map on which red dots grow as the readers of your blog from around the world visit your blog. I encourage my students to leave comments by giving them real reasons to write. They just think that they are answering me or interacting with each other or students from other countries. They forget that the main purpose is studying English.
Tara: You had some great advice about moderating student comments in your IATEFL presentation "ELT meets the Blogosphere". Can you share a few tips with us?
Burcu: Moderating student comments is a very important part of blogging with students. There are issues that you have to consider before you introduce the blog to your students.
- Are you going to correct mistakes? If yes, what type of mistakes are you going to correct? Spelling? Punctuation? Grammar? Personally, I prefer to correct major spelling and grammar mistakes. Besides, I don't approve comments with lots of punctuation mistakes.
- How are you going to give feedback on your students' mistakes? Sometimes I gather some student comments (without giving names) on a worksheet and ask students to spot the mistakes in class. Although this technique works very well, it is the most time consuming.
- What are your blogging rules?
- If a student does not have a computer or Internet access at home, what is going to happen? I have a few students who do not have computer and Internet access at home. I try to make them feel involved by giving them more time for blogging in our computer lab lessons. Besides, we are lucky to have a computer and a projector in each class and we usually open the blog in the last five minutes of the lessons to watch some videos or to read student comments.
On the other hand, you should show your students that their comments are important by replying to them either on the blog or face to face. Praising the students who regularly write comments also has a great effect on their motivation and consequently increases the number of comments.
Tara: In your teacher's blog you talk about ways to maintain student interest. One idea I had never heard about was assigning a blog assistant. Is this like the online version of having a "star student"?
Burcu: I don't have any criteria for choosing blog assistants. However, I tend to choose the ones who look the most hesitant about blogging. It is a great way to make them feel involved. At the beginning, I talk about their responsibilities. (eg. Responding to friends' comments regularly, finding good links and reporting to the teacher, helping the teacher find interesting content for the blog, etc.) You should see how enthusiastically they are doing their jobs!
Tara: What challenges can teachers expect when attempting to launch a classroom blog?
Burcu: At the beginning, be ready to spend a lot of time on finding content for your blog and moderating student comments. Never feel desperate because it is a trial and error process and soon you will realize that you are getting better every day. Don't forget that "Motivation will almost always beat mere talent" (Norman R. Augustine). Hopefully the school administration will support your decision to start a class blog. Otherwise you may either have to convince them or forget about blogging with your students.
When you start a class blog, the other teachers may be told to do the same. This is where the problem starts. A lot of teachers are reluctant to use technology since they are quite happy with their traditional materials. Unfortunately, schools do not question their teachers' attitude towards technology and they take little or no action to help teachers overcome this anxiety. There is a problem of heavy workload as well. Teachers are usually told to use technology but they are not given fewer teaching hours. All these things may lead to serious problems in schools.
Tara: Recently teachers have appeared in the media for having unprofessional relationships with students on Facebook and MySpace. What advice do you have for keeping the classroom blog "professional"?
Burcu: The only key to keeping your blog professional is setting rules and clear criteria at the very beginning. Your students should know that there will be consequences if they do not follow the rules. These consequences may differ according to your students' age level. My students are very young (10-year-olds). When a student of mine sends an inappropriate comment, I usually warn that student privately and the problem never occurs again.
Tara: Your blog for teachers caught our attention via a Tweet to a post you wrote about the ELT Twitter users you follow. What tricks do you have for maintaining an audience for your classroom blog?
Burcu: Actually, I don't have any. I sometimes refer to my class blog in the articles that I post to my EFL blog and this way the class blog gets visitors. My target audience is my own students although we feel good when we have visitors from other countries. However I can say that I have a lot of tricks for maintaining my own students' interest.
Tara: I read that you are hoping to give your TEFL blog a makeover (we like it how it is!). Your current classroom blog is extremely colourful and interactive. How important is the look of a classroom blog and how can teachers create an attractive web space for students?
Burcu: Thank you! I decided not to give my teacher blog a makeover so soon. I received very useful comments from experienced bloggers and I agree with them that developing strong readership should be my priority.The situation is different for a class blog. Especially if your students are young, the look of the blog is as important as the content. If they do not find the blog visually attractive, they will not want to visit it.
- For more information about Burcu Akyol, visit her EFL blog: http://burcuakyol.com
- For ideas on how to develop your own classroom blog, visit Burcu's classroom blog: http://tedistanbul5thgraders2009.edublogs.org
July 2009 | Filed under Interviews
Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials for the ELT industry.
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**PREWAR** VERY RARE LIONEL #7 Locomotive and Tender Standard Gauge
- Sold for: Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
- Item Category: Toys, Dolls, Games & Puzzles
- Source: eBay
- Sold Date: Dec 01, 2011
- Channel: Auction House
MY RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS IS A #7THE #7 IS VERY SIMILAR TO A #6 PLEASE DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH BEFORE BIDDING SINCE THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT IT COULD BE A #6 This is a rare opportunity to purchase a Locomotive and Tender in this Excellent Condition. It appears to be completely original. Please email me for additional photos. There is some minor rust on the Caboose trucks. Please include your email address and any particular view that you would like to see.
I am liquidating my fathers collection and do not have anypersonal knowledge of the Locomotive and Tender. Please look at photos very closely for a better idea of the model locomotive that it is and the condition before bidding.Please read entire listing before bidding on this item. Please see photos for complete description and condition. Thank you taking to take the time to consider bidding. Unless otherwise stated, the item has not been tested and is being sold as is. Stated condition of items is based on cosmetic appearance only. You are bidding on the actual item pictured. If you have any questions or would like a further description please ask prior to bidding and I will be happy to try and answer your questions. Please do so at least 24 hours prior to close of bidding so I have time to answer. Please, if you have any questions, e-mail me prior to bidding. All transactions are final. Sometimes my ads say economy shipping, but I always try to ship Priority Mail when economically feasible. Terms: No international sales, only ship to United States. Ship only to paypal confirmed addresses I try to answer email within 24 hours. Please be aware that my shipping fees include more than the actual postage cost. This item will require special packaging and will be sent insured. This fee also include Ebay's recent 9% shipping fee, handling, packaging, boxing and supplies.
I make every effort to ship within 24 hours of payment, depending on post office hours.I like almost everyone like to get my purchases as soon as possible. I prefer & accept only Paypal at the moment. Payment is required within 4 days of the auction ending, otherwise I reserve the right to re-list or offer to second chance bidder. Thank you for looking.

subset: commoncrawl


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New Incarnation of La Fonda Del Sol Is on the Way
A tribute to the first great Latin-themed New York restaurant is headed to the Met Life building.
La Fonda Del Sol, a new Latin restaurant in the Met Life building, will open this fall, reports Gael Greene at Insatiable Critic. The original La Fonda Del Sol was one of first big theme restaurants engineered by Joe Baum in the early sixties, along with such classics of kitsch as the Forum of the Twelve Caesars and Zum Zum. (For a quick refresher on Baum's genius, check out this tribute from the Times' archives.) The current version, reports Greene, comes by way of the Patina Group (the Sea Grill, Brasserie, Nick and Stef's) and will be designed by Adam Tihany.
Short Order [Insatiable Critic]


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Career Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, dean and executive professor at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, who retired as an ambassador from the United States Foreign Service in 2009, will receive the 2011 George Catlett Marshall Medal, the highest award presented by the Association of the United States Army.
Awarded annually to an individual who has exhibited selfless service to the United States of America, the medal will be presented to Crocker by the Association's Council of Trustees to recognize his contributions to the United States Foreign Service, the diplomatic corps, national defense and the men and women of the armed forces.
"His service exemplifies his underlying firm and patriotic commitment to the highest American ideals of freedom, liberty and democracy," an AUSA official said.
The award presentation will take place Oct. 12, at the George Catlett Marshall Memorial Dinner, the final event of the three-day AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington.
"As an exceptional diplomat and ambassador, who served his country for over thirty-seven years in many of the world's most volatile, dangerous and challenging posts with extraordinary heroism, dedication and diplomacy, Ambassador Crocker is a true American icon who represents the best of public service and sacrifice to the nation," AUSA President Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, USA, Ret., said.
Adding, "Through his close collaboration with General David H. Petraeus in Iraq, Ambassador Crocker has demonstrated how potent strong civil-military partnerships can be in addressing the global challenges we are faced with today.
"The Association of the United States Army and its over 100,000 members are honored and proud to recognize Career Ambassador Ryan Crocker. He is a great American and truly deserving of AUSA's highest award."
A native of Spokane, Wash., who grew up in an Air Force family, Crocker attended University College Dublin and received a bachelor's degree in English literature from Whitman College in Walla Walla, before entering the Foreign Service and Persian language training before his assignment to Iran.
He then moved to Doha, Qatar, as an economic-commercial officer before returning to Washington for Arabic training and later a tour in Tunis. He then received a post in the U.S. Interests Section in Baghdad, Iraq.
From 1981 to 1984, Crocker served in Beirut, Lebanon, as chief of the political section. It was in this position that he reported to the State Department about the Sabra and Shatila massacre and, in 1983, he survived the U.S. Embassy bombing.
After pursuing course work in Near Eastern studies at Princeton University, he served as deputy director of the Office of Israeli and Arab-Israeli Affairs at the American Embassy before becoming the political adviser at the American Embassy in Cairo, Egypt.
In the aftermath of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Crocker was appointed to serve as the Iraq-Kuwait Task Force.
From 1990 to 2009, he served as the United States Ambassador to Lebanon (1990 to 1993), Kuwait (1994 to 1997), Syria, where his residence was attacked and plundered by an angry mob, (1998 to 2001), Pakistan (2004 to 2007) and Iraq (2007 to 2009).
Before his confirmation as ambassador to Pakistan, he was appointed interim envoy to the new Afghanistan government.
In September 2004, President George W. Bush conferred on Crocker the diplomatic rank of Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the Foreign Service, equivalent to a four-star rank in the military.
Bush also presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian award, to Crocker in January 2009 for his work "to build a worldwide coalition to combat terrorism and help millions of oppressed people travel the path to liberty and democracy.
"Ambassador Crocker's unparalleled accomplishments and his extraordinary diplomatic career – in the tradition of soldier-statesman General George Catlett Marshall – make him truly deserving of the Marshall Medal, and we at AUSA are proud to recognize him in this way," Sullivan said.
AUSA's chapters are located world-wide. Their mission is to support our Soldiers and the civilians and families who work alongside of them in the local community. To learn how you can become involved click here.
Find a Chapter
Membership is open to all components of the Army, families, government civilians, companies and concerned citizens. To join click here.
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According to Dr. Vogel, an astrobiologist and former employee at NASA Ames, "Wi-Fi is an energy field that is transmitted as waves. The waves have a certain height, distance between them and travel at a certain speed. The distance between Wi-Fi waves is shorter than that of radio waves and longer than that of microwaves, giving Wi-Fi a unique transmission band that can't be interrupted by other signals. Wi-Fi waves are about 3 to 5 inches from crest to crest." Continue reading for more.
The latest developments in the technology world. Gadgets, cars, computers and rare and interesting things.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
This is What Wi-Fi Signals Would Look Like if You Could See Them
Published by JaLo


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I've been searching for a way to (without more effort than warranted) construct a poll like Netflix does in their fantastic emails. If you aren't familiar, the emails include an invitation to rate a movie or its picture quality. All you have to do is click one of the stars or links. Then your browser opens and says "Thanks for voting." It's so simple and painless that I respond every time I get one of these emails.
Email poll response rates vary considerably, but the average is incredibly low. Some get less than 1% response, while rare standouts boast ridiculous rates like 85%. Obviously, this metric will vary considerably with the quality of the email list, the email itself, and similar factors. So, getting your heart set upon a specific percentage is a pipe dream—for the first poll, you have no idea how your audience will respond.
In my case, this one-click poll technique earned an 18.4% response rate (184 of 999 recipients). While I don't yet have any data for a sufficient comparison, I am very very happy with this. I was expecting under 5%.
Here's what the email looked like:
Click to see full size.
Those who clicked landed on a simple html page with no styles that records the vote with JavaScript:
And on my end, I see the results in a Mixpanel pie chart in real time:
Click to see full size, uncropped screenshot.
Rigging this was remarkably simple once I found the right tools. Most analytics platforms I tried don't provide enough flexibility in creating custom reports for custom events. With Mixpanel, I just track a vote event in my code, and then sign into the app, find the event, and stick it into a chart (which I can then bookmark). Easy and painless.
(Disclaimer: I am in no way compensated for promoting or mentioning Mixpanel, and I only use their free account at the moment. I found their service to be exceptionally useful for this purpose but can't speak to any others.)
The JavaScript is very simple. I'm using jQuery and a cookie plugin. There's probably a more elegant way to do this, even without using a library, but here's my code:
// Function to grab the vote value from a query string // Source: http://stackoverflow.com/a/2480180 $.urlParam = function(name){ var results = new RegExp('[\\?&]' + name + '=([^&#]*)').exec(window.location.href); if (!results) { return 0; } return results[1] || 0; } $(document).ready(function(){ this.pollName = "20120726_test"; //grab vote value from query string this.vote = $.urlParam('vote'); if(this.vote != 0 && this.vote != undefined){ //If there is a cookie, inform the user they've already voted. if( $.cookie((this.pollName + '_voted')) == 'true' ){ $('#status').html("Thanks, but you already voted!") //If there's no cookie saved, set a cookie and track the vote in Mixpanel. }else{ mixpanel.track( "vote", { "pollDate": this.pollName, "value": this.vote } ); $.cookie( (this.pollName + '_voted'), 'true'); } } });
You can view a live sample of this html page here.
If I do another poll, I'll stick this html file in a new directory and use a new pollDate. That way the cookie and data points are separate.
(If you have a suggestion on how to improve this code, leave a comment and I'll update the post and credit you.)
If you're considering an email poll that only has one data point, this is a great technique to try. It's not ideal if you need more in-depth data. But, for simple voting, the barrier to entry is incredibly low. You're only asking for one click from the user.
The purpose of this poll was to get a basic idea of what my existing customers need now that they've read my design ebook. The obvious factor I left out of the poll is the possibility they need nothing. In hindsight, I wish I'd included that as an option.
The screencast and toolkit concepts were neck-and-neck for most of the voting, but the screencast has since pulled ahead. However, merely building the concept with the most votes would be a mistake. This data tells me much more than just which project idea is most popular. The voting pattern tells me about readers' confidence in their own design ability.
The three most popular choices are all projects that would assist readers with building their confidence and not their skill or knowledge: screencast, toolkit, and workbook. This reinforces what I've learned from many personal emails from readers.
This result is fantastic. It means, in my readers' minds, the ebook was successful in teaching the design fundamentals. It's also proof they're ready for the next step in their design learning.
I still have much more research to do, including asking for individual feedback on more detailed concepts, but this is a great start.
If you want to be involved with that process, or have suggestions or needs to share, send me an email.
Written by Jarrod Drysdale. Follow me:
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|Christa Vincent, Eric Haile
|Written by Wauneta Breeze
|Wednesday, 07 August 2013 19:44
Together with their parents, Christa Vincent and Eric Haile, both of Doniphan, announce the engagement and upcoming wedding on Aug. 31, 2013, at the United Methodist Church in Doniphan.
The bride-elect is the daughter of Craig and Brook Vincent of Doniphan. The prospective groom is the son of Jay and Burnetta Haile, also of Doniphan.
The bride-elect is a 2006 graduate of Doniphan-Trumbull High School. She received an Associate's degree in Medical Assisting from Hastings CCC in 2010 and is pursuing a degree as a Registered Nurse. She is currently working at Menards in Hastings while finishing college.
The prospective groom is a 2007 graduate of Doniphan-Trumbull High School. He received a bachelor's degree in Health Services with a minor in Chemistry and Psychology from Hastings College in 2011 and received his BSN from the Creighton University Medical Center's accelerated nursing program in 2012. He is currently working at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings.


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Bernhard Langer Wins in Florida
Former Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer won the Champions Tour Allanz Senior Golf Championship in Florida by shooting an eagle off his first play-off hole and beat John Cook. The German was tied at 17-under 199 after 54 holes. Cook ran into some bad luck, originally he had reached the green in two and was favourite to win the play-off but missed an eagle chance when his putt rolled past the hole later in the game.
For winning the title Langer took home $255.500, stating "First of all, I didn't want to make it that exciting, I'm emotional because I did it at home in front of a home crowd, family and friends".
Langer finished third in the event last year. This year Langer and Cook both shot a 5-under 67 in their final round and Joey Sindelar scored 16-under 200. Langer was leading at the beginning before he missed a 4 foot putt but managed to bounce back again with a birdie on the par-5 hole.
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The critics–without access to all the secret squirrel information–have been more consistently accurate on program progress than those with all the access to the secret squirrel information. If only those involved in the program didn't depend on groupthink.
35 thoughts on "F-35 critics #military"
I can agree with you on that. The USAF and Lockheed are badly overselling the plane, the F-35 is a strike fighter, not air superiority nor deep interdiction. If they keep the arguments for the F-35 narrow, there won't be as much of a problem.
I believe that the F-35 represents what the F-16 should be replaced with, but its really hard to keep arguing for this particular plane in the face of the ongoing bad news.Note: the problems are with the B model, as usual, this one variant can be safely said to be dragging down the other two. And software always has issues. I doubt any new program will escape that. You want sensor fusion integration on the F-16? You're going to get software problems just like the F-35
But on a wider note, I think that the AF would be well served if it could allow for ok programs and at the same time critics can allow for implementation difficulties. (I am not saying that the F-35 program cannot be criticized for running this late) Everyone would be better served if we did not expect perfection. And the AF would be greatly served it if accepted the technologies from the F-35 program for the next decade, at least as opposed to developing the next greatest tech for the next fighter.
I agree with you on both points. LMT has to start giving us some good news and whatever is developed next (NGB,FA/XX,etc….) should draw heavily on work done on F35.
Arkady: "…on a wider note, I think that the AF would be well served if it could allow for ok programs… Everyone would be better served if we did not expect perfection."
Of course, but realize that this view is totally conflicting with a F-35A model. That logical thinking is the anti-thesis of a 'stay the course F-35A program' strategy. We simply can't have it both ways.
As for F-16 having the same software issues as JSF if it wanted to be 'F-35'ized'… sure, but for this reason and the example you just expressed, we (Congress/USAF/taxpayers) should be CONTENT with a sufficiently 'OK' F-16 upgrade spiral plan and not necessarily the Whole enchilada. Take a block 60+ forinstance: it would come ALREADY fusion-mature and as such would be fused with systems such as RACR (or SABR), Litening ATP-SE (upgraded G4), PAWS-3 (and potentially, AN/AAR 56) and the LW Shadow IRST pod. I'm sorry, but right there you would have superior passive target search, track and visual ID over an EOTS!!! Not bad for affordable and MOTS.
What aircraft do you guys think the RAAF should buy?, i reckon PAK FA myself.
Probably one of the few people that post here that thinks Super Hornet is a good jet and a good buy for RAAF.
Jimbo –
Sir, selecting a tactical fighter jet is more of a geo-strategic and alliance based decision, than the actual raw technical performance of a particular jet potentially on the market. It is a very intimate national decision.
Likewise, the host govt of the manufactuerer of said soon-to-be high-performance next-gen jet would need to implement deeper courting efforts and fundamental ideological/strategic policy shifts (beyond the current advances and bi-lateral trade deals) in order to gain such trust, in order to even approach such a possibility.
Besides, PAK FA will be a very big gas guzzler (on scale with F-22) and a beast to maintain/operate of its respective life cycle. Something far heavier than I'd think RAAF could afford – something which if they could afford, would be probably better off served by an export F-22x or F-15SE with pre-existing friendly logistics.
As unpopular as the thought is, I actually weigh in with NICO as assessing an F-18-International block type Super Hornet (with CFT, improved engines giving T/W of around 1.28:1), improved SA and self-protection and internal IRST. While not a super-cruiser, it would arguably be the most cost-effective and balanced platform. imho.
To Geogen:
What is your plan B? Personally, after SH, I think RAAF should take a look at Euro2000. You could buy some second hand ones from European countries for cheap or may be a group buy between Japan,SK and Australia? They pretty much share the same common "enemy" in China. I think it could be competitive if you figure AESA, CFTs are in the works, TVC has been bench tested, Meteor should be available aaround 2018.
RAAF's plan B, besides a full-blown, follow-on Super Hornet-Int plan B in lieu of JSF?
You got me… *shrugs* In the past I've conjectured that a Super Eagle configuration would be the best option. I even sketched a delta-winged, vertical-tailless model some yrs back as a rogue entry proposal to the 'competition'.
EF-T is a helluva an aircraft though w/ plenty of growth potential, no question and would especially be so if they could integrate an effective AESA. Do you have a link for CFT related projects story, btw? CFT would seem to be a no-brainer upgrade, not to mention possibly improve the looks of that wing blend. Furthermore, I don't think it needs the engine upgrade, but if they did put that into work, including TVC capability, that would be a bonus I'm sure. I'm just curious then, for RAAF's concern, it could be custom configured with SABR radar and F414 EDE w/ fluidic chevron nozzle? Apparently, Rafale was initially prototype tested with F404. Which might lead into a wildcard 'plan B' option I could ponder: a CFT equipped Rafale, with F414 EDE (enabling common O&S logistics with existing Supers), SABR and integrated Litening and Shadow IRST pod. That might get a bit expensive, perhaps in-line with a block III F-35A, but still, would be an extremely hot jet with insane T/W. Those would be some credible twin-engine plan Bs, imho. Cheers-
CFTs have been wind tunneled tested, I am sure I saw a picture somewhere Euros did a form/fit to a Typhoon. No plumbing or actual flight if recall. But it's not that hard. There is a picture of RAFALE flying with CFTs but I don't know if it is real or not. Rafale first prototype did fly with F404 because M88 wasn't ready at the time, might require quite a bit of work to install F414s. I guess we can agree that RAAF has other viable options to JSF.
Stick with the F-35, it's the next best thing to the F-22. Alternatively, if you don't mind reducing your ambitions and requirements, buy more Super Hornets and gamble on the availability of suitable UCAVs in 15 years time to manage the toughest missions.
B. Bolsøy
Right, its the next best thing to the F-22. Hey, can you share with us that good stuff your smoking these days in Norway? It must be really good because it seems to make you deaf to all the broken sounds coming out of the good ship JSF engine room these days.
Even with its dismal top speed the Super Bug is in service, battle ready and can actually deliver as advertised at around $60 each. The F-35 remains a vaporware plane, with a diminishing customer base, ever expanding price tag, and an uncertain future. Come to think of it, I know the perfect item that truly reflects the state of the F-35…..
Diminishing customer base, RSF? Hmm. I see plenty of speculation in places like this. What I don't see are customers leaving the program. Not one single partner nation has pulled out. Not one single order has yet been cancelled.
Plenty of speculation over what numbers of aircraft might be ordered and in what year they might be ordered and delivered etc, but not one single customer has changed their mind about the F-35 platform itself, despite all the schedule, cost and development problems. Plus one additional Country has joined and several others are reportedly very keen to do so as well (Singapore, South Korea, UAE and Japan are VERY likely future customers).
Considering that most of these partner nations actually joined the program 8-10 years ago and aren't expecting their first aircraft for another 5-6 years yet, I think this is a rather remarkable feat.
Even A400m can't boast as much (with South Africa having formally withdrawn from that program).
That IS reality RSF. A curious situation isn't it? You are so convinced it's a terrible aircraft. They are all clearly convinced it's an excellent aircraft. Must be some powerful stuff in those powerpoints, eh?
Sorry? 'Not one single order has yet been cancelled?' Do you have a source for that?
With all due respect m8… have you heard about DoD's procurement cuts through FY15? LRIP 2, 3 and 4 cuts?? I'll give you the benefit and will accept a clarification of what you intended to say.
They ain't orders Geo. They are intentions. Every single order for an F-35 aircraft remains funded. Not one acquisition contract has been torn up. 'Intended' orders may have dropped, but then they may have been fanciful in the first place!
"but not one single customer has changed their mind about the F-35 platform itself, despite all the schedule, cost and development problems".
A: Just what planet are you calling from? Here is the latest from all the news feeds in the UK:
"Future prospects for the F-35 joint strike fighter program got a lot murkier Tuesday after British government officials announced plans to delay and dramatically trim their purchases of the warplane from Lockheed Martin".
"The sweeping review of defense programs unveiled by Prime Minister David Cameron envisions cutting purchases of F-35s from 138 planes to as few as 40. It would also delay the first orders until later this decade and switch the type of jet the British navy will operate".
"Considering that most of these partner nations actually joined the program 8-10 years ago and aren't expecting their first aircraft for another 5-6 years yet"
A: Say what? The JSF program is conducting flight testing now that should have happened 4-5 years ago. Attached below is the first JSF SDD schedule, and the second, and the third, and now all these years later we've all lost count how many times the development schedule has slipped. Really do yourself a favor and at least research your comments before you make them.
"That IS reality RSF. A curious situation isn't it? You are so convinced it's a terrible aircraft. They are all clearly convinced it's an excellent aircraft. Must be some powerful stuff in those powerpoints, eh"?
A: The reality is that this plane is billions over budget, and at least 4-5 years late. The reality is that all these years later and countless engineering mistakes, costly airframe redesigns, engine testing meltdowns, and cost over runs, not a single battle ready F-35 exists in any form.
And all the JSF trolls and PowerPoint jockeys can't put this flying disaster back together again…
Well put. If BB and the other members of the JSF coalition of the willing were to take a look at the five (5) reasons at the end of the above APA link which outline why the JSF is a failed program, they will see these are the same points made in the Root Cause Analysis and Assessment annexed to the Nunn-McCurdy Re-certification Letter signed by Ashton Carter and dated 01 June 2010 – just over 2 years after the results of the earlier APA analysis were published.
Peter. It's easy to be in opposition. It's a whole different matter to provide solutions that actually works. I don't see much in the form of that that in your paper. I think noone has denied that the JSF is an abitious untertaking. But that's the nature of the fighter game, if you wan't to push your abilities you aim above it.
It remains that most modern fighter programs – F-22, Gripen, Eurofighter, Rafale etc. – were all years late and over budget. Yet they are fine aircraft today. Even successful programs and the best fighter choice, according to some.
Couple of quick questions on your points:
* No. 5 (and partly your final remarks). You claim the program suffers from lack of transparency and oversight. How, exactly? It seems to me one of the more transparent fighter programs in recent history. All three services and international partners have unfiltered access to the program, contractors and affiliates are regularly updated, there are annual audits by the DoD and Congress, and contracts are negotioated each year as the law dictates.
How do would you say this compares to other programs, and what do you propose as a better model?
No. 4. Can you point to any capabilities which have been traded to reach cost targets? How does this relate to the SWAT program, which added cost to maitain capabilities, or the decision to equip all F-35s with EOTS, as opposed to only part of the fleet?
No. 3. In what way do these technologies represent a too large risk in your view, and what would be the better alternative? Can you point to any critical engineering problems with the EHA, cockpit, ASEA, F135 or other system? That is, problems which require significant resource investments and falls outside the normal sphere for a new fighter type? Does your analysis consider the benefits of F-22 and F-16 spiral development?
No. 2. Design compromise. Isn't there examples of fighters designed with say Navy requirements, but successfully adapted by conventional air forces? Isn't it true that all three services agreed on the JSF's requirements — and still do?
No. 1. Concurrency risk. Can you elaborate, and which historic programs are you refering to? Didn't the F-22 program also enjoy a high degree of concurrency?
B. Bolsøy
Bjørnar Bolsøy:
As ever, you have missed the point; namely, the 5 points at the end of the APA 2008 paper are the same reasons which may be found in the JSF Re-certification Letter, signed by Ash Carter and dated 01 June 2010 – 2 years after the APA analysis was published. BTW – the actual analysis pre-dates the publication date by some degree.
Now, if you want answers to your questions about the 5 points, either read the related material on the APA website or, better still, go and ask the Hon Ashton Carter.
It is obvious you have not done the former since if you had then you would know the APA Team have provided solutions that not only will but do work and are more cost effective and strategically relevant than the just-so-flawed JSF Program.
As for your statement:
"I think noone has denied that the JSF is an abitious untertaking. But that's the nature of the fighter game, if you wan't to push your abilities you aim above it."
there are two points worth considering.
Firstly, the only things a(m)bitious about the JSF Program have been the wild and crazy blue sky marketing claims and, of course, the STOVL and "affordability is the cornerstone of the JSF Program". The latter two are both failures while the "a total indifference to what is real" marketing bears little resemblance to the JSF specification and, moreover, the KPP's and KPI's that are actually in the contract.
As for the last part of your statement "….if you wan't to push your abilities you aim above it", that is very true but this hardly applies to the JSF Program in terms of the resulting aircrafts abilities and competitiveness as a fighter or a bomber or a CAS aircraft against the Reference Threats.
It may also interest you to know that circa 2000 through to as late as 2004, the JSF marketing by senior defence officials here in Australia and elsewhere included statements like "excellence is the enemy of good enough" and similar.
Such marketing sound bytes were meant to steer attention away from the air dominance capabilities of the F-22 Raptor and to encourage people whose expertise lies elsewhere to infer that the JSF was "good enough".
Enjoy your reading tasks. I hope you find them both informative and of some assistance in developing your ability to filter out the "a total indifference to what is real" emanating from the JSF Program marketing teams.
Peter. Point well taken, but you made the points on your website, not Asthon Carter.
Your conclusions might be similar, but the specifics may differ. There is certainly no mention of, say, EHA or radar problems, reduced capability or "limited success" of SWAT, or "marketing distractions" in Carters letter, as you seem to claim. Nor am I aware of such issues in the publizised DCMA reports, though I could be wrong. Therefore I'm asking you to elaborate, and discuss your views on how things should have been done.
If you feel it's too time consuming to write, it's appropriate that you provide exact references to your analysis. Keep in mind the blog form, I don't think we can expect the readers to have easy access to all program literature, such things as this letter (perhaps it's on your site?). Nor can you expect the debatants to wade through piles of references and analysis in search of cognitive points, though I'm sure it's there. That is your job, if I am to assume you wan't a reasonable debate.
Increasing cost and delays are quite real and serious issues, but still a certain amount of sober mind should accompany the readers of reports and future prognoses. Experts differ, and it is very difficult to predict the future. Though everyone /tries/ to. Often reality ends up somewhere in the middle of two opposing viewpoints.
As for your comments on capabilities, well you know we disagree on that. I have still not come over one reasonably complete and credible study which concludes that the F-35 will not be able to execute its misson, including air-to-air combat against future threats. If you can point me to one, by all means do. It's assuming, of course, that the F-35 delivers something close to its planned capabilities. And before you accuse me of "blind faith", the JSF partners fully agree on its capabilities. Israel too.
B. Bolsøy
The UK has ordered 3 test aircraft to date, if recollection serves. That is it and they haven't pulled out of that commitment, though the aircraft type delivered may change to the F-35C rather than the F-35B. As above, stated acquisition intentions may have decreased but the UK has NOT pulled out of the F-35 program NOR has it cancelled it's only current order. Yes, it's eventual fleet will probably number far less than the 138 aircraft mentioned earlier, but they have NOT left the program. No country has. That was my point earlier and it is quite remarkable, especially in light of all the hurdles which you and Mr Goon point out so adroitly.
What you wrote is completely irrelevent to my earlier point. I said the Countries joined the JSF program 8-10 years ago. The SDD phase. I said nothing about the success or otherwise of the SDD program, merely when the partner nations joined. Nor has a single partner nation left the JSF program since that time.
Yes, I know of the delays and it's hardly good or welcome news. I don't deny them, but rather find it interesting that despite them ALL the Countries that originally invested in the program, plus one more now (Israel) are still committed to it so strongly.
Now the choice seems to come down to believing that ten of the best and most professional air arms in the world are all hopelessly mired in groupthink and besotted by their own incompetence for believing this aircraft meets their air combat needs OR perhaps they may just understand a bit more about this aircraft and it's capability than we do?
TO Bonza:
I hope you are right that they have it all under control and they know what they are doing.
I don't know that the F-35 program is exactly 'under control' there ARE slippages and the cost seems to be rising. I do know however that these issues, whici seem so very important to most of the people who post here funnily enough, don't seem such an issue to those who will actually buy and use this aircraft.
Interesting, no?
Bonza, sir,
Read over GAO's March 2008 report to Congress on the JSF again and then ask the taxpayers and citizens how they should 'funnily' have any interest at all in the outlay of their tax dollars and the nation's key defense capabilities and those of our allies.
And more good news from the fighter program to large to fail, but to flawed too succeed….
Lets start at the top:
"The UK has ordered 3 test aircraft to date, if recollection serves. That is it and they haven't pulled out of that commitment, though the aircraft type delivered may change to the F-35C rather than the F-35B. As above, stated acquisition intentions may have decreased but the UK has NOT pulled out of the F-35 program NOR has it canceled it's only current order. Yes, it's eventual fleet will probably number far less than the 138 aircraft mentioned earlier, but they have NOT left the program. No country has. That was my point earlier and it is quite remarkable, especially in light of all the hurdles which you and Mr Goon point out so adroitly"
A: Stating that the UK is not pulling out of the program, or is simply trading one variant for another ignores the huge reduction in aircraft. Recent comments in the UK seem to indicate that the actual number of the F-35C's may fall to 12 fighters. Since you like so much playing word games so much, lets quickly review recent developments among the nations of the unwilling and their "altered participation" (LAUGH) in this loser program.
Reduces F-35 purchase to 4 aircraft in 2016 for "training purposes" (sure), with full deliveries not to start until 2018 and IOC in 2019 (holding out for fully functional and flying block 3 aircraft to the dismay of Lockmart and Gate). There is also a second contingency plan to potentially push IOC out to 2022, and as Mr. Sweetman pointed out, that's 22 years after the original SSD. So much for your 8-10 year lag!
The Dutch parliament voted on May 20 to pull out of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter test program and cut its purchases of its F-35's to one of two. Since then among political turmoil the decision to purchase the F-35 has been delayed until 2012 (my that sounds encouraging).
Denmark's 2010-2014 defense cuts would trim its payment commitments under for production, sustainability, and follow-on development MOU to DKr 520 million ($86 million) from DKr 680 million, based on "a lower number of aircraft" than the planned acquisition of 48 F-35 foreseen in the MOU. But it appears Denmark hopes to negotiate to pay only administrative costs during this period, as it has delayed its planned decision on a new fighter (source Aviation Week).
My those are ringing endorsements of the F-35, and sorry those pesky Dutch did VOTE TO LEAVE the JSF program (see, words do cut both ways).
"but rather find it interesting that despite them ALL the Countries that originally invested in the program, plus one more now (Israel) are still committed to it so strongly".
A: That's certainly an interesting way to spin the recent developments that I just covered, sounds like bullshit to me. And Israel after fighting to try and get real technology transfer for integration of indigenous weapons systems, finally gives in under personal pressure from Gates with of course the debt laden out of work US taxpayer footing the 2.7 billion dollar price tag.
Meanwhile back at the ranch, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz got Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to promise that acquisition of the planes will be considered by a forum of senior ministers.
"Now the choice seems to come down to believing that ten of the best and most professional air arms in the world are all hopelessly mired in groupthink and besotted by their own incompetence for believing this aircraft meets their air combat needs OR perhaps they may just understand a bit more about this aircraft and it's capability than we do"?
A: This statement is now so far removed from reality that its hard to know where to start. This aircraft is absolutely untested in the extreme and its real capabilities and or problems will not be known for YEARS. So this spin that 10 air arms (how many are falling by the way side) somehow know better then everyone else is just a crock. Until a battle ready F-35 actually is flying, your opinions remain unproven just the marketing drivel created by Lockmart.
12 fighters? Please. That figure was how many 'peace time' F-35's they plan to operate on their carrier/s. Not a wartime carrier group which as was stated clearly in their recent strategic update will remain at 36 aircraft, ala the Falklands. Do you honestly think this is all they will buy, or do you think perhaps the UK might need some for training, test and development, attrition etc?
If the RN has 12 aircraft at sea then they will require more than double this on land and that is even if the RAF doesn't purchase any to begin replacing the GR4 Tornados in the 2020-2025 timeframe. I've already agreed it is unlikely the UK will get it's planned 138 aircraft. Is this not enough for you?
Your spin aside, The Dutch Parliamentary vote was symbolic only, it had no authority under the care-taker conventions at the time and the Dutch order for an initial test and training aircraft to be followed by a 2nd similar aircraft HAS been confirmed by the new government.
My point remains valid however. You can throw as much vile and venom as you like, but not one partner nation has withdrawn from the program. Not one single order that HAS been placed has been cancelled, despite the great list of problems the program has encountered AND Israel has joined the program and placed an order for the aircraft. Whilst the US taxpayer might be paying for this in Israel's military aid budget, Israel COULD have used this money for ANY US fighter, bar the F-22 or indeed any other capability the US is prepared to sell to Israel. They didn't however. They chose F-35 at a time when nearby Countries are introducing large numbers of 4th Gen fighters into their inventories and DESPITE being a current advanced F-15 operator and prseumably therefore being aware of the capabilities of a so-called 'Tier 1' fighter .
Reality. It seems to be that reality is dependant on what your personal opinion is here. If you are pro-JSF you are deluded, incompetent, corrupt and beset by groupthink. If you are a critic, you are obviously switched on and understand precisely everything there is to know about this program. Very amusing, but suggesting there is no 'proof' of F-35 capability seems a bit much to swallow.
Do you honestly believe that in the 400 odd test flights conducted to date, all the CATBIRD flights and bench/lab testing of avionics, sensor systems and RCS pole testing etc that they've learnt nothing about this aircraft?
Seems to me there is some trouble with reality all right…
RSF. Just a check on some of your facts here:
"Norway: Reduces F-35 purchase to 4 aircraft in 2016 for "training purposes" (sure), with full deliveries not to start until 2018 and IOC in 2019 (holding out for fully functional and flying block 3 aircraft to the dismay of Lockmart and Gate). There is also a second contingency plan to potentially push IOC out to 2022"
Firstly, the acquisition of four training jets in 2016 is according to plan. You are correct, however, that the main batch is not expected until 2018, a one year delay. The reason for that is to ensure Block IV readiness, which was the baseline for the Norwegian fighter evaluations. However, your comment that there is a "contingency plan for IOC towards 2022" is incorrect. Rather, the last F-16 jets has a service life until 2022, if needed.
"UK. Recent comments in the UK seem to indicate that the actual number of the F-35C's may fall to 12 fighters"
What is actually being said is that that no figures will be determined until 2015, and that the carrier wing will have at least 12 operational jets. In addition, RAF Tornados are to be replace by F-35s. The minimum suggested number is about 40 jets.
B. Bolsøy
Bonza – Stop getting so excited.
Nobody has left the program but they have not yet reached the crunch decision point where they have to, and the competing offers keep getting better – Gripen NG, AESA Typhoon, Super Hornet Plus.
Meanwhile, you can stick your fingers in your ears and yell LALALALALA all you want but that gigantic sucking sound is the JSF SDD slipping, the production ramp sinking and sliding right, APUC headed for the upper limit of CAPE estimates, and faith in the magic O&S costs diminishing by the second.
Those facts account for why you and your other yellow-bellied, hide-behind-pseudonyms, John-Gabriel-theorem-proving Internet tough guys are redoubling personal attacks on independent observers who are calling the shots as they see them and putting their reputations on the line.
I'm excited? Hmm, I don't remember insulting anyone on this blog, nor launching a personal attack on anyone.
I made a simple uncontestable statement that despite all the handwringing and prophesies of doom that seem to permeate this and some other sites, not one customer has withdrawn from the project and not one customer has cancelled an order for an F-35 airplane.
Now I'm a 'yellow-bellied tough guy'… It is interesting that people should get so riled up by this one statement of fact. As for pseudonyms, were you born Arthur Harris? Was Geogen or RSF born with these names? Tis the done thing on the Internet. Ask Horde.
re: Jimbo
"What aircraft do you guys think the RAAF should buy?, i reckon PAK FA myself."
Gripen NG if they want to be tied to land bases.
Sea Gripen if they want to be expeditionary.
Horrible that 12 plane number, and yes its quite possible if the UK decide to order Super Hornets which cost quite a bit less I might add.
Furthermore electing to stay in the program to see what happens next is quite a bit different then canceling aircraft which is precisely what is starting to happen now. On Israel they are surrounded by enemies and completely dependent of US arms sales, do you really think that they have a choice in ordering the F-35 at this point?
Contrary to your comments, I do not believe that the JSF supporters are stupid, just mislead along with several governments on the promise of a "cheap" Swiss Army knife fighter that can do everything well.
I see a complete disconnect between whats happened in the JSF Program to date, and the continuous PR blitz from Lockmart on this plane. BTW – I will say this just once, I started life blogging in support of the F-35 back when Lockmart first got the program, and I actually liked the X-35 test aircraft. But over the years I lost confidence in the JSF with the continuing history of program and technical problems and cost overruns.
On Catbird and lab testing to date, the promise of a revolutionary new way of building fighters rings hollow with far more technical problems in the JSF program so far. I should also point out that dependence on lab testing was pointed out by the JET investigating teams as a program vulnerability, and so far their findings have been accurate both in predicting technical/production issues and elevated costs. Here is what the JET II report said on page 1 of the report, 3rd paragraph (see the attached link to the report below):
"The revised plan relies on state-of-the-art simulation labs, a flying test bed, and desk studies to verify nearly 83 percent of JSF capabilities. Only 17 percent is to be verified through flight testing. Despite
advances, the ability to so extensively substitute for flight testing has not yet been demonstrated".
Fair enough RSF, but I will say the "problems" that F-35 have had to date, pale in comparison to other recent development programs. Super Hornet for instance? So far there have been no "show stopper" technical issues with the variants, problems that one should expect in flight trials (and this is probably the biggest issue I have with L-M, reporting publicly that flight test is more in the nature of "verification" rather than discovery is utter nonsense) have of course occurred but nothing severe yet.
I make no secret that I think the F-35 will be a success. It would be utter foolish to deny issues in it's development program, but L-M has a track record of delivering exceptional combat aircraft and I am happy to wait and see what they can deliver.
To RSF:
Good job on the point by point country presentation, I wanted to do something like that and ran out of energy. Countries have still intentions to buy JSF but I think it is undeniable and not much of a stretch to say "confirmed" orders are going to be less than "intention" orders, between bad economies and costs overrun, it just is going to happen. When I was reading GAO report, page 9 table 2, I was surprised as I had forgotten that original buy in 2001 was 2880 as now it around 2440 or so. Obviously I have no proof but I just don't see US buying that many JSFs.
To Bonza:
Good job on trying to defend JSF, it's not easy because as I complain all the time, LMT needs to do a better job and give us some good news. Everybody is different, I am not a "stay the course kind of guy", some people are. I understand you and others believe LMT/DOD know what they are doing and we should trust them or give them more time. I just don't believe in that. It's our money and security in play, I want these people to do a good job and if they aren't, we need to do something about it. I have never argued complete cancellation of JSF, I do believe we should get rid of the F35B, we should consolidate on the F35C for both USAF/NAVY. My grip with staying the course is I just see cost increases going through the roof and more delays, I think there are ways to avoid those and save the best parts of the program. I really hate this US mentality of just throwing good money after bad money and then when that doesn't work, let's just cancel it. I hate that. You spend a ton of money and you have nothing to show for it.😦
I think that is where our differences lay.
I agree! The Gripen offers the most technology and capability for the best price point. And they have had a near flawless development program with the Gripen NG to date.
And again more bad new on the JSF Program. Note the part about needing more flight testing and software work….


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White Collar Review: Series Premiere
By Kelly West 7 years ago comments
USA is a network that thrives on series with great characters and after viewing the pilot episode of White Collar, it appears this series will fit in perfectly on the network. The show follows a con-man who is paying off his debt to society by working with the FBI.
White Collar opens with Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) making a daring escape from prison look all too easy. A simple shave and a haircut (and a prison guard uniform) is all it takes for the criminal mastermind to make his escape. He literally walks out the front door and gets to his destination through a series of well-timed and well thought out maneuvers. Witnessing the escape is the perfect intro to who this character is. Caffrey wasnt making a living robbing banks or holding people at gunpoint before he was caught. He is a master of deceit and that isnt something thats gone unnoticed by the man who finally caught him and put him away. FBI agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) knows Caffrey inside and out and is put in charge of tracking him down and bringing him in to serve four more years. Fortunately for Caffrey, who in addition to being extremely observant, also seems to have a lot of luck on his side, he manages to work out a deal with Burke wherein he avoids returning to prison in exchange for helping the FBI take down other con-men.
Does any of this sound familiar? If youve seen Catch Me If You Can or know the story of Frank Abagnale Jr then youre probably seeing the similarities. Abagnale was con-man who, after evading the FBI for a long time and scamming millions of dollars out of banks and people, was finally caught and ended up becoming a security consultant. While I doubt well be seeing Caffrey flying any planes anytime soon, his charming (and lets face it, good-looking) nature is not unlike that of Leonardo DiCaprios portrayal of Abagnale.
The first episode introduces us to the characters and establishes the new working-relationship between Burke and Caffrey. As the two were playing cat and mouse for a long time before Caffrey was eventually caught and imprisoned, they sort of already know each other, so its not all that hard to buy the friendship that begins to develop right off the bat. We also get to see Caffrey help out on an investigation involving some art forgery, which is a nice introduction to how this job is going to work. As Caffreys tethered to a GPS tracker on his ankle, getting around proves to be tricky for him, since hes confined to a two-mile radius, however he manages to do alright and upgrade his living situation startlingly fast.
Were also introduced to Burkes wife Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen), an event planner who appears to be somewhat in on what her husband does, at least enough to offer her two-cents. Willie Garson, whom I will always associate with his role as Stanford in Sex and the City plays Mozzie, a work acquaintance of Caffreys that will likely be helping out with information as the series progresses.
The mystery of Caffreys romantic interest looks like itll be one of the overlying plots of the series, in addition to Caffreys work with the FBI. We know that he cares about this woman enough to break out of prison (with just four months left on a five year sentence) and we know that she took off without leaving much in the way of a note. Im assuming well be fed more of this story as the series progresses.
White Collar looks like its going to be a lot of fun with some humor, mystery and a bit of action mixed in to keep audiences engaged. The series seems almost like itll be another Burn Notice-type of show. While BNs Michael Westen is a wealth of spy-knowledge, Neal Caffrey appears to be just as educated in the art of crime. Whats more, despite his history of criminal activity, hes working for the good-guys now, so its ok to cheer him on. Credit to Bomer for delivering a great performance as a man who is actually believable as someone who could get away with some of the things hes got on his record. And credit to DeKay for portraying the quick-minded FBI agent who didnt let Caffrey get away with everything. The two actors have a good chemistry together and the two characters look like theyll make a great on-screen team.
What I think we can expect to see from this series on an episode-to-episode basis is Caffrey using his crime knowledge to help the FBI, while also putting himself in danger on a regular basis (we see a sampling of that in the pilot) and also trying to find out what happened to his girlfriend. Im also guessing that, like Burn Notice and some of USAs other series, this is the kind of show that will have fans on the edge of their seats each week, while also being open to new viewers who might decided to jump into the show mid-season.
In terms of the pilot episode and the potential this series has from the start, White Collar is exciting, intelligent, humorous and all around good TV.
White Collar
Starring: Matt Bomer, Tim Dekay, Tiffani Thiessen, Willie Garson
Premieres: Friday, October 23 (10:00 p.m. ET) on USA
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|My faves. Always fave the best
Almighty PunishmentI live down the road from a hospitalAlmighty Punishment by BlazingMalice
I can see its many windows from my few
And sometimes when the time seems slow
And I find myself with nothing else to do
I ponder the frequency of happenings
Of flashing fluorescent lights
And the deathly banshee wail
At the late hours of the late night
And the wee hours of the early morn
I ponder what almighty Father, Mother, Guardian
Could harm his many children so
As I watch them roar past in their white vans
And turn into their towering white building
Pulled out on white stretchers with white skin
Surely our father would be there to save us
To tend to our scrapes and wipe our tears
And stop the flashing and wailing
In the night and early morning…
|My faves. Always fave the best
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Bedfordview is an upmarket suburb in the east of Johannesburg, South Africas commercial hub. It lies on the famous East Rand, and like many of Joburgs suburbs, has a history steeped in stories of the gold rush. The town of Bedfordview, because it once was independent of Johannesburg, began life as many do a farm. The large farm was known as Elandsfontein until it was subdivided during the heyday of the Witwatersrand Gold Reef (that is, the gold rush). One of the buyers was a Mr Farrar, who named his plot Bedford after his hometown in England.
As is often the case, the group of farms developed into a settlement, which needed a name. A competition was held and a girl who thought the view from Bedford farm was particularly pretty, won and the area became known as Bedfords View, and later Bedfordview. As Johannesburg expanded simultaneously with the little town, Bedfordview was enveloped by the city.
Today it is an affluent suburb, quiet with leafy streets and pretty gardens. It is surrounded by other wealthy suburbs like Houghton, Rosebank, Germiston and Edenvale. It is also close to the Johannesburg CBD, which is currently part of a gentrification project, and is one of the closest suburbs to OR Tambo International Airport.
Some of the attractions in the area include the impressive Eastgate Shopping Centre, Gilloolys Farm, which is a slice of bucolic life in the city, offering a lake with picnic spots under the trees and a view over Kensington and the northern suburbs. There is also the Bruma Lake Flea Market, which is a tranquil spot on a transformed sewage catchment area.
Bedfordview is an especially convenient suburb for visiting businesspeople who want to come home to a peaceful environment after a busy day in the city.
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Ekurhuleni (East Rand)
Bedfordview Accommodation has been rated 4/5 based on 19 reviews.
BedfordviewOne of the best areas within Johannesburg; close to the airport, clean, an abundance of good-value eating establishments, entertainment venues and up-market shopping. - Paddy Janneman
BedfordviewBeautiful area. - Maxwell Nhlapo
BedfordviewBeautiful surroundings, everything is nearby, nice neighbourhood ! - Felihle Dumisa
BedfordviewI love Bedfordview. The area is central to many parts of Johannesburg and has all the amenities (movies, restaurants etc) close by. - Vionne Tregurtha


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Ever hear of these???
Hi all...
New here, nice forum! Anybody know of these boats? Saw one in a Wally world parking lot in Memphis and it looked sweet!
Couldn't find the owner and can't find info about them. Any idea? Any Thoughts??
<jammer boats - non-sponsor link removed>
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What If Your HOA Can't Pass Necessary Amendments?
What happens if you really, truly, positively need to amend your HOA governing documents, but your owners are so apathetic you can't get the supermajority your governing documents require? Can you go to court to get a judge to amend your governing documents? Here, we explain whether that's possible and, if not, what you can do if you're stuck in amendment limbo.
Please, Judge, We Need Your Help!
Whether you can go to court to ask a judge to amend your governing documents will depend on your state's law. Here's the status in a few states.
Arizona — "If association documents say you need 75– or 90– percent approval, often that essentially means you'll never meet that approval rate," says Kristen L. Rosenbeck, a partner at the Mulcahy Law Firm PC in Phoenix, which represents associations. "There isn't any case law now, but we have a pending bill addressing this issue. The legislature will give a standard that would be applicable in all situations. The proposed bill would allow planned communities and condominiums to amend CC&Rs with the approval of two–thirds of those voting as long as a quorum of 50 percent of owners is present. However, they'd also retain the power to amend the CC&Rs pursuant to the procedures set forth in their documents."
The bill has passed the Arizona House of Representatives, but a vote scheduled for March 16 in the state senate was indefinitely postponed. So it's not law yet. "Until then, an association could attempt to go to court," says Rosenbeck. "But we don't have any case law indicating what the outcome might be."
Massachusetts — "In Massachusetts, theoretically it's possible," says Robert Galvin, a partner at Davis, Malm & D'Agostine PC in Boston who specializes in representing condos and co–ops. "But I've never had to do it, and I'm not aware of any reported case in Massachusetts in which it's happened."
Galvin, however, says your amendment would have to be very important to get court approval. "Maybe some owners want a no–dog policy, and others didn't," he explains. "I don't think a court would intervene in a case like that. The only time I can see the possibility is if you have documents with some kind of an insurance provision that's wrong, and it prevents you from insuring the building properly."
Virginia — "It's not possible," says David Mercer, a partner at MercerTrigiani in Alexandria, Va., who represents more than 500 associations in both Virginia and Washington, D.C. "In Virginia, the state constitution is unlike others on one particular issue. The general assembly is prohibited from passing a law that has a negative impact on the existing contract rights of the citizens of the commonwealth.
"With respect to the Virginia Condominium Act, there's a statutory process for amending the governing documents," says Mercer. "If you can't amend under that process, the general assembly isn't going to pass a law that abrogates owners' rights or the governing documents. The general assembly could say condos need only 50 percent owner approval for an amendment, but that would be relevant only to documents recorded after that change in the law. And there's no way a judge is going to say, 'This amendment is a good idea, and I can't understand why you can't pass it, so I'm going to change it myself."
Homeowners associations are a little different in Virginia. "They don't require statutory authority to come into existence," explains Mercer. "Many of the documents creating them have very inartfully written provisions on amending the documents. Some don't have any mechanism for amendments, and others require 100 percent owner approval. That dilemma has created lots of discussion with boards asking, 'Can't we change that?'
"The Property Owners Association Act tries to provide a statutory process for amending documents," Mercer adds. "It's not been constitutionally or legally tested, but I don't believe it can alter existing documents, only those created after the act was created. It's a tough question, but the contract rights of the residents are highly protected in the state's constitution."
That said, Mercer might still head to court. "For associations that can't get the required 66 percent or 100 percent, before I gave up, I'd file in court the most imaginative pleading I could for a reformation of the governing documents, with some form of amendment procedure 'approved' by the court. It would be a long shot, but I wouldn't give up until I took it. But that's assuming there's some grave need to amend the documents."
All Hope Is Not Lost
If your state is among those in which a court is unlikely to amend your documents in the face of owner apathy, what's next?
"Here's what I do," explains Galvin. "I call for a meeting giving the proper notice and give out proxies at the meeting. I don't adjourn the meeting. At the end of the meeting, I say, 'The meeting is continued to next Thursday at 7 p.m. in this room.' You don't have to give notice again, and you spend the week calling owners trying to get their vote. When the next meeting begins, you don't need a new quorum, but you count the number of proxies and votes. Eventually, you'll get the votes."
|Related Articles
· HOA Voting: Everything You Need to Know About Proxies
· How to Get Your Homeowners to Step Up When You Don't Have Enough Board Members for a Quorum


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{ 08/07/2013 }
arin innovation today announced three Apps in a Box Oracle Accelerate solutions available in Spain, targeting companies in the chemicals sector, industrial manufacturing, retail stores and retail distribution networks. The Apps in a Box Oracle Accelerate solutions offered by arin innovation deliver hardware architecture and optimized software comprised of Oracles JD Edwards EnterpriseOne engineered to run together in one compact and highly affordable SPARC T4-1 server. Oracle's SPARC T-Series servers and the Oracle Solaris operating system offer a superior combination of security, consolidation, scalability, performance and reliability.
Apps in a Box Oracle Accelerate solution for Oracles JD Edwards EnterpriseOne are complete, fixed implementations of the Oracle Optimized Solution for JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, designed to help simplify the deployment of complete ERP solutions on Oracles compact and cost-effective SPARC T4 server platform. All Oracle Optimized Solutions, including the one for JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, have three main goals:
In its Apps in a Box Oracle Accelerate solutions for Oracles JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, arin innovation provides a fully integrated hardware and software stack designed for higher reliability and greater security, as well as excellent performance and low total cost of ownership, and even manages to simplify the day-to-day administrative tasks associated with data center operations as well. The solutions include every layer required for deployment, from Oracles JD Edwards EnterpriseOne applications to the Oracle Database, and provides server, storage, operating system, and middleware infrastructure.
arin innovation is an Oracle Accelerate solution provider and a Specialized Gold level member in Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN).
With Apps in a Box Oracle Accelerate solutions for Oracles JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, we can meet the expectations of our customers with a solution tailored to their needs and business flows, a deployment with lower costs and risks, leveraging Oracle Business Accelerators, said Hugo Amann, arin innovation General Manager, As it incorporates the entire Oracle stack, we are able to offer the highest levels of performance, availability and manageability.
Oracle Optimized Solutions for Oracles JD Edwards EnterpriseOne are specifically designed to enhance midsize deployments of enterprise resource planning solutions, said Steve Fearon, vice president, Oracle Applications for Midsize Enterprises & Cloud CRM Sales, Western Europe. The fully tested, pre-defined Oracles JD Edwards applications offer rapid software adoption and low cost of ownership that enables midsize organizations to safely run core business services.
Organizations across industries and geographies use the comprehensive suite of applications delivered by Oracles JD Edwards to cost effectively support a diverse set of business processes, said Lyle Ekdahl, group vice president general manager, Oracles JD Edwards. With Oracle Optimized Solutions for Oracles JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, these benefits can now be quickly and easily extended to midsize organizations at a lower risk. This further increases the flexibility delivered by Oracles JD Edwards applications and enables organizations to build and expand their IT solution to meet specific business requirements delivered on the solid foundation of Oracle.
Related links:
© 2013 arin innovation - All rights reserved


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Twenty-third ranked junior Taylor Ng and sophomore Kristina Mathis of the Dartmouth women's tennis team fell to Arizona State's Alexandra Osborne and Ebony Panoho in the 2016 NCAA Doubles Championship Round of 32 on Thursday.
The draws for the 2016 NCAA Division I Women's Tennis Doubles Championship were released this week.
Junior Taylor Ng has been named the national winner of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA)/Arthur Ashe, Jr. Leadership and Sportsmanship Award prior to the beginning of the 2016 NCAA Division I Singles and Doubles Tennis Championship on Tuesday.
The Dartmouth College Department of Athletics and Recreation hosted its annual Celebration of Athletic Excellence on Monday evening inside Leede Arena, honoring the achievements of teams and individuals for the 2015-16 academic year.
Head coach Bob Dallis announced the 2015-16 Dartmouth women's tennis awards in the team's annual end-of-the-year banquet, which was held in conjunction with the Dartmouth Men's and Women's Tennis Community Appreciation Day at the Boss Tennis Center on Wednesday evening
Junior Taylor Ng and assistant coach Dave Jones were honored by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) on Monday afternoon.
Junior Taylor Ng and sophomore Kristina Mathis have been selected to compete in the 2016 NCAA Division I Women's Tennis Championship from May 25-30 at the Case Tennis Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Four members of the Dartmouth women's tennis team were named to the 2016 All-Ivy League Women's Tennis Teams, as announced on Wednesday afternoon.
No. 49 Dartmouth women's tennis closed the 2016 regular season with a 5-2 win over No. 59 Harvard at the Thompson outdoor courts on Senior Day Saturday.
No. 49 Dartmouth women's tennis will close the 2016 season on Saturday, hosting No. 58 Harvard at 2 p.m.
No. 54 Dartmouth defeated No. 69 Yale, 4-3, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at home. The Big Green improved to 12-6 overall and 3-3 in Ivy League play, while the Bulldogs dipped to 8-12 and 2-4.
No. 54 Dartmouth women's tennis defeated No. 72 Brown, 5-2, at the Brown Varsity Tennis Courts on Friday. The Big Green improved to 11-6 overall and 2-3 in Ivy League play, while the Bears fell to 13-10 and 1-4 in conference action.


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Tom Fazio created this masterpiece, and it has long since claimed its place among the top in the area.
Splash down in the beautiful water amenities at the Paradise Resort. View More »
There is so much to do in Myrtle Beach! See all of the area attractions. View More »


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Vegetarian recipes are no longer on the fringe: Some estimates have the nation's population of vegetarians at more than seven million, but even carnivores have embraced ideas like "meatless Mondays" to curb their meat consumption and promote healthy eating. Here's a secret about eating vegetarian - the food isn't just healthier, it actually tastes good. (We promise!) Even tofu, which is fairly bland, can be jazzed up with marinades and creative cooking methods (try it broiled!). Try making some of your favorite dishes without the meat - you might be surprised at how much flavor remains ( spaghetti with homemade sauce is still great without the meatballs, Asian stir-fries are delicious with just veggies, tofu and a handful of peanuts). You can even make vegetarian crock pot recipes! So if you're in a meat-eating rut, try making a vegetarian recipe once in awhile - you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.See Popular Vegetarian Recipes
Trending in Our Kitchens
Kristina Vanni
Fresh Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Amy Palanjian
Megan Myers
Our Best Vegetarian Recipes
Get our best easy vegetarian meal ideas and recipes in on delicious recipe collection.
Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
Beans and vegetables stand in for the ground beef in this vegetarian version of sloppy joes that's full of tasty Italian flavors.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Vegetarian Lasagna
We've officially entered one of the coziest times of the year! Warm up with a plate of produce-packed vegetarian lasagna--an ideal make-ahead dinner.
Vegetarian Lasagna: Dinner for $10
Spring is here, and that means it's the perfect time for vegetarian lasagna. Why? Well, whereas the cold winter months fairly called out for a hearty, meatier dish, there's something about the fresh green burst of spring that puts us in the mood for something just a bit lighter and which heralds the summer garden season.
Vegetarian Comfort Food: Eggplant Parmesan Casserole
Eggplant Parmesan is a favorite cold weather casserole that's sure to please the whole family. What's not to love about cheese, tender eggplant, and sauce?
18 Won't-Miss-the-Meat Vegetarian Recipes
These vegetarian recipes have all the protein and other nutrients your body needs. Click to find out what meatless mains we've been whipping up lately.
Easy Vegetarian Dinner: Butternut Squash Casserole
This recipe is reminiscent of a really good, classic mac & cheese--but the squash adds a load of vitamins and fiber to up your nutritional game.
Great Vegetarian Recipes, for your 'Special' Friends
You know who you are: Vegetarians, those guests who announce just before everyone sits down for grilled cheeseburgers, with thick-cut bacon, that they -- um --don't eat meat. (Just kidding, you would never do that.) But who are you really?
Viva Vegetarian! 10 Ultrasatisfying Meatless Meals
Erase that vision of a bland block of tofu! Whether you're trying to reduce the amount of meat in your diet or just want to shake up your nightly dinner routine, vegetarian dishes can be a delicious option. Eliminating meat isn't as difficult as you might think--some of your favorite dishes already have layers upon layers of flavor even before you add the chicken or beef.
Vegetarian Taco Salads with Baked Tortilla Bowls
Bring the flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant home by stuffing a vegetarian taco salad inside a crispy baked tortilla shell.
Easy Vegetarian Recipes that Work in Winter
Delicious, satisfying and meat-free? These yummy recipes make it easy to be a vegetarian in winter, too!
Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili: Dinner for $10
It's April, which means Earth Day is coming up. To celebrate, we're bringing you some of our top Meatless Monday recipes all month here at Dinner for $10. What's going meatless on Monday have to do with Earth Day?
Tailgating Time! 10 Crowd-Pleasing Vegetarian Recipes
Kick of your tailgating party with these 10 appetizers, side dishes, entrees and desserts that will satisfy meat eaters and vegetarians alike.
McDonald's Debuts 2 Vegetarian Wraps in Canada
A Mediterranean wrap and a Santa Fe wrap. Sounds like something we'd like. In fact, these two new sandwiches, just introduced by McDonald's in Canada, sound like they might be filled with sausage and red sauce or something spicy and Mexican chicken, like a burrito.
10 Vegetarian Recipes for Celebrating Earth Day
Earth Day's gotten a bit tattered over the years (although, of course, not has tattered as the actual Earth). Instead of building a compost bin or picking up litter at the playground, why don't we celebrate April 22 by doing something that will really help the planet? Like eating a vegetarian meal?
McDonald's Goes Vegetarian-Only (Probably Not Where You Live)
Ever had the urge to order a Big Mac, hold the beef? Head to India. The world's largest fast-food chain is catering to popular demand in the world's second most-populated country and opening its first all-vegetarian restaurants next year, reports the Wall Street Journal.
MyPlate Meals: 7 Super-Healthy, Full-Flavored Vegetarian Dinners
Even confirmed carnivores need a break sometime, and vegetarian entrees -- chock-full of veggies, healthy proteins and grains -- can be just as satisfying as any animal protein. Furthermore, because vegetarian dishes are often inspired by world cuisine, they're also a great way to expand your palate. There is one small catch.


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Too early for a rivalry, but not to gain fans
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. It didn't take long for Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler to size each other up in a lineup of stars.
They were teenagers in the Walker Cup five years ago at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. The Americans were so loaded that year that eight players from the 10-man team have made it to the PGA Tour and five of them already have won - Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson, Kyle Stanley, Chris Kirk and Fowler, who won at Quail Hollow last week in a playoff that included McIlroy.
"I felt like he was the best player on that team at the time," McIlroy said. "And he was also the nicest guy."
McIlroy was a little easier to identify, especially since this was a home game. Earlier that summer, he posted a bogey-free opening round at Carnoustie in the British Open and was low amateur. Padraig Harrington, with the claret jug in his arms, predicted greatness for the kid and few disagreed.
"I knew he was one of the top players, and once I got over there," Fowler said, "I knew he was kind of their stud on the team."
They went their separate ways. McIlroy turned pro after the Walker Cup, had a few close calls and finally won 16 months later in Dubai. A year later, he shot 62 in the final round at Quail Hollow for his first PGA Tour title - one day before turning 21 - and then blossomed into a veritable star with his record-setting win at Congressional last summer in the U.S. Open.
McIlroy is back at No. 1 in the world ranking.
"I've definitely watched him, stayed up with his career," Fowler said. "In a way, seeing other young guys like him play well motivates me to play well. In a way, you don't want to be outdone."
Fowler went off to Oklahoma State and didn't turn pro until two years later. Within a few months, he lost in a playoff on the PGA Tour. Fowler waited two years before his first pro win - the Korea Open, with McIlroy as the runner-up - and a little longer before winning on the PGA Tour. In the meantime, he became the first tour rookie to be picked for the Ryder Cup, and won his last four holes to earn a crucial half-point that kept U.S. hopes alive at Celtic Manor.
"I didn't really have much contact with him for those couple years," McIlroy said. "But since he's been out on tour, I feel like it's been a good relationship. I always thought it was just a matter of time before he won. He got into that playoff really early in Arizona just when he first came out here and yeah, it was just a matter of time. He's a great player, and it's good to see that he's broken through."
The connection was clear as ever at Quail Hollow - not just when they were televised having a chat on the putting green before the playoff, but a day earlier on the tee box at the 17th hole.
There was a long wait on the par 3. Fowler was waiting to hit and McIlroy had just walked over from the 16th green. They kept their distance, but as Fowler hit a tight draw over the water and onto the green, he was walking off the tee when he looked back at McIlroy, smiled and nodded his head. McIlroy returned the smile, a couple of kids loving the competition.
A rivalry in the making? Maybe.
Fowler, the same age but two years behind in experience as a pro, still has more trophies to win to be put in the same conversation as McIlroy. They are linked because of their age (both are 23), their exuberance, swings that are powerful and not overly complicated, and refreshingly, their quick pace of play.


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Green curry headlines menu for Obama India dinner
WASHINGTON Guests at President Barack Obama's first state dinner were being treated to an eye-catching scheme of green and purple, from the green curry surrounding the prawns to the purple floral arrangements paying homage to the peacock, India's national bird.
Pumpkin was on the menu, too, with Tuesday's dinner coming just two days before Thanksgiving.
Hours before guests were to start arriving and in keeping with tradition, first lady Michelle Obama previewed the glamorous table settings in the State Dining Room. That's often the venue for such dinners, but not for Tuesday's honoring Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Instead, in an effort to show Singh how much the U.S. values relations with his country, the Obamas decided to serve dinner for 320 people in a huge white tent on the South Lawn, with views of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial through clear panels.
Magnolia branches native to both India and the U.S. adorn the inside walls, along with ivy and nandina foliage.
Guests, including some Hollywood A-listers, were to sit 10 apiece at tables draped in green apple-colored cloths and napkins, offset by the sparkle of gold-colored flatware and china, including service and dinner plates from the Eisenhower, Clinton and George W. Bush settings.
Floral arrangements of hydrangeas, roses and sweet peas in plum, purple and fuschia were meant to evoke India's state bird.
Mrs. Obama brought in award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit, a Scandinavian restaurant in New York City, to help White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford and her staff prepare the largely vegetarian meal. Singh is a vegetarian.
Samuelsson said being chosen to help whip up dinner was both "overwhelming and humbling."
The culinary offerings included potato and eggplant salad, arugula from the White House garden, red lentil soup and roasted potato dumplings or green curry prawns. Pumpkin pie tart and pear tatin were for dessert; the pears were poached in honey from the White House beehive.
The entertainment lineup promised to be as stellar.
Singer-actress Jennifer Hudson and jazz vocalist and composer Kurt Elling, both Grammy Award winners from the Obamas' hometown of Chicago, were performing. Hudson also won an Academy Award for her role in "Dreamgirls." Indian musician and singer A.R. Rahman, who won two Academy Awards for the music in "Slumdog Millionaire," also was in the lineup.
The guest list, which the White House released a few hours before dinner was to begin, was a mix of wonky Washington, Hollywood A-listers, prominent figures from the Indian community in the U.S., and Obama friends, family and campaign donors.
Among them were actors Alfre Woodard and Blair Underwood, and Hollywood moguls Steven Spielberg, David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg. Guests with ties to India included spiritual adviser Deepak Chopra, director M. Night Shyamalan and PepsiCo chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi. Katie Couric of CBS News, Brian Williams of NBC News, Robin Roberts of ABC News and CNN Medical Correspondent Sanjay Gupta were among the media representatives invited. Oprah Winfrey was not on the list, but her best friend, Gayle King, was among the guests. Also on the list were Obama friends Eric Whitaker and Martin Nesbitt, along with Obama's half sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, and her husband, Conrad; and Marian Robinson, the first lady's mother.
Every aspect of Tuesday's events was fraught with meaning and symbolism, from the flower colors to Mrs. Obama's clothing designers.
The first lady wore a skirt by Rachel Roy, who is Indian, for the State Dining Room event. It was Mrs. Obama's second wardrobe change of the day, to be followed still by the gown she was wearing to dinner.