text:
Best Rugged Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers 2015
Wherever you go today, music follows. A bluetooth speaker can spice up a ski lift or turn the top of a mountain into a club. It can keep the threat of karaoke alive and well and, more importantly, prod drunk uncles onto the dance floor. But up until now, these lightweight, hand-sized wireless speakers, while convenient, were delicate and infinitely vulnerable to drowning.
No more. Now, hikers have Nalgene-sized speakers, coming in at under two pounds, packed into their trail bags without any worry of rain or leaking water bottles. And even better, weekend BBQers can now shower their speakers with cannonball fallout, and even dip them in the pool. No sweat. There's no plug, no jacks and no need to check the weather report. This is durable music wherever you need it, and these are your best options.
Braven BRV-X
Best All-Around Speaker: Along with its 12-hour battery life, the 1.5-pound Braven is protected to up to 1 meter underwater and has a shockproof rubber exterior, meaning you can let it roll down a cliff into a lagoon and it won't be worse for wear. Separate indoor and outdoor modes make the most out of the speaker's volume to fill big areas, and a strap connection lets you hang it from a tree, kayak or backpack. And if you buy two they can be paired to work as left and right stereo speakers.
NudeAudio Super M
Editor's Choice: Of NudeAudio's first three portable, durable bluetooth speakers, the pocket-sized M speaker was by far the most popular, so the founders redesigned it to be waterproof and sand-proof and, most noticeably, able to produce 360 degrees of sound. The speaker, with 8 hours of battery life, features 2 full-range drivers and a passive subwoofer on each side of the speaker, which is unprecedented for a speaker this size. The Super M model is still in its Kickstarter phase, so the price hasn't yet been released, but the Move M is available for only $69 as part of the founders' "fair price policy" — so don't expect to break the bank.
Altec Lansing Life Jacket
Worst-Looking Waterproof Speaker: The Life Jacket looks like something out of Tron (not in a good way), but the 1-pound speaker is the most durable in Altec Lansing's line of outdoor speakers. Waterproof, dirt-proof and washable, the speaker features a 16-hour battery life, CD-quality audio and dual 2.5-inch Neodymium drivers, along with the ability to remember up to eight devices. Built-in caller-ID and voice operated commands allows you to accept and reject phone calls via the speakerphone if anyone calls while you're jamming.
Fugoo Tough
Best High-Endurance Speaker: This speaker has the best battery life on the list; the ability to play for 40 hours at 50 percent volume makes it ideal for a weekend trip. It's snow-, mud-, shock- and waterproof and a speaker strap (sold separately) allows you to strap it to a tree — just to let everyone know you aren't joking around about the Fugees. Complete with six symmetrically placed drivers, producing sound from all four sides of the speaker, and Siri/Google Now integration, this speaker is one of the best on the market and is also available with more fashionable (but less tough) exteriors.
Ultimate Ears Boom
Best-Looking Waterproof Speaker: These speakers lean more toward water and stain resistance than being fully water- and stain proof. Looking like a giant pill, these are the most stylish on the list and come in a selection of colors and limited-edition designs (hunt for the sold out colors on eBay). The speakers offer 360-degree sound, pair with speakerphones and can even be used as alarm clocks. They're better suited to an outdoor summer BBQ than a full-on rugged adventure, especially if you use the iOS app to enable two of them as stereo speakers.
Grace Digital EXOXGEAR ECOXBT
Best Speaker for Kayakers: This 6-watt speaker isn't the most powerful on the list. It doesn't deliver 360 degrees of sound, or have an exceptional battery life (10 hours). But it floats. It's designed to be attached to your kayak, waterski or boat for easily listening while you don swim trunks. And as one of the cheapest speakers on the list, it's an easy add-on for any boating kit.
Outdoor Technology Big Turtle Shell
Biggest, Baddest, Loudest Speaker: The Big Turtle Shell is the biggest, loudest speaker on the list. At over 2 pounds and almost a foot in length, it's double and triple the size of these other speakers — which means it isn't designed to blast its 110 decibels on a hike or kayaking trip, but rather at an outdoor party or large campground shindig. The speaker lasts for 16 hours of playing time and features simple navigation buttons. Because of its size, it can recharge your iPhone four times over and, when placed on its side, can go from 360-degree room-filling sound to directional blasting.
Divoom Voombox
Best Value: Delivering an output power of 15 watts, this is a surprisingly potent speaker for its price (you'd have to buy two of the ECOXBTs listed above for the same sound). It has a battery life of 12 hours; the speaker can answer you calls with a Bluetooth range of 30 feet; and at around 7 inches in length and 1.5 pounds, it's the perfect entry-level speaker for your hiking bag.


text:
You have no items in your shopping cart.
Buy from us safe in the knowledge that you have the best price out there.
We will match any price against selected retailers and we will even give you 10%
of the price difference. We don't price match... we price beat.
Be the first to review this product
Availability: In stock
Use spaces to separate tags. Use single quotes (') for phrases.
Add to Cart
We Evolved to ride
Please see the opening hours for all of our stores
J E James Cycles © . All right reserved

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning letter to orthopedic maker Smith & Nephew PLC over manufacturing problems uncovered at a plant in Germany earlier this year.
Government inspectors visited the company's Tuttlingen, Germany plant in July and cited the company for several quality control problems, according to a warning letter dated Dec. 21. The plant manufactures replacement hip implants.
According to the letter, Smith & Nephew failed to document a number of important production steps, including quality tests and corrections to device parts manufactured at the plant. London-based Smith & Nephew responded to the agency's citations in August, but the FDA's warning letter says that response was inadequate.
The FDA asks the company to respond to its letter within 15 business days, outlining a plan to correct the problems.
Calls placed to Smith & Nephew for comment were not immediately returned.
The FDA regularly issues warning letters to companies that don't follow regulations for manufacturing and marketing drugs, medical devices and other products. The letters are not legally binding, but the FDA can take companies to court if they are ignored.
Shares of Smith & Nephew fell 28 cents to $51.89 in Tuesday afternoon trading.


text:
What the fraggle nackle bull crap is this?! Justin Timberlake and Timbaland may have thought they would be bringing sexy back, but no way! Two thieves thought they'd strap on some heels, make-up and tights to not only bring sexy back, but use their sexy to rob unsuspecting folks in Chicago.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Brandon Arnold, 24, of the 6800 block of South Aberdeen Street, and roommate Michael Burns, 21, thought they'd go trick or treating after Halloween, but still looking quite scary dressed as two ugly women. But these two idiots were like the two stooges attacking people with a faulty mace spray.
The first person they assaulted was a man and he got free and outran them (it was probably the heels that held them up). Then they robbed a 16-year old girl at Lincoln Park West, who gave up her camera during the trickery they pulled on her. They asked her for directions then pulled out the mace threatening to "mace her."
Now these two idiots were set on a $100,000 bond. Good grief! Imagine if they had guns. And we're not condoning their actions nor saying they shouldn't be arrested, but how is it that they get a $100,000 bond for their unsuccessful crimes and Jerry Sandusky, who raped more than 10 kids is out on the same $100,000 bond. Crime truly does not pay boys and girls!
Read the full report here on dumb and dumber.
-J.C. Brooks


text:
Norma Jean Miller, 81, of Ashland, died Monday, March 11, 2013 at the Good Shepherd Home. Full obitu
Current subscribers have full access to all online news content as part of their subscription. If you are a current subscriber, please log in with your website account information for full access. If you are a current subscriber, but have not yet registered for access to the website, please call our Circulation Department at (419)281-0581


text:
Would you like to save as your currency permanently or for this visit only?
At OYO Rooms Hyderabad Secretariat, you'll be 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Birla Mandir Temple and 3.7 mi (6 km) from Charminar. Free perks include WiFi, self parking, and continental breakfast daily between 7:30 AM and 10 AM. Rooms offer 24-hour room service, LCD TVs, and slippers.


text:
Voting Rights: A Sleeper Issue For Latino Community
Here's a small blip on the radar that's sure to be getting brighter this year: Six out of the nine states covered under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act are supporting a challenge, in the Supreme Court, that could overturn one of the strongest tools that advocates have in their defense of voting rights.
It's called preclearance, and it says that when any of the nine fully covered states (Texas, South Carolina, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia and Alaska), and parts of seven others (Florida, California, New York, North Carolina, South Dakota, Michigan and New Hampshire) make any changes to their voting rules, those changes must first be cleared by the federal government.
Shelby County, in South Carolina, has challenged the rule saying it's out dated and no longer needed. The challenge has ended up in the Supreme Court. Five states, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, South Carolina and Texas, are backing Shelby's suit.
That's where the issue now lies. Not a big concern compared to gun control or the series of impending fiscal cliffs – but that just may be what makes this issue all the more serious, it's a sleeper, just because there're more immediate things to worry about these days. But this case should have our full attention, it's that important.
The preclearance clause provides the teeth to the voting rights advocates' bite. Without it there's no fight, no defense against an election authority arbitrarily changing times, locations, language on a ballot, rules, etc… The final authority on election changes and practices would be the very same authority that made the change.
We should point out that the preclearance rule is not universal. It only applies to states where voting discrimination practices were and are proven to still be a problem. So the Shelby County challenge is expected. And if Section 5 prevails this time, we should expect more of the same brought by other counties and states in the future, it's the nature of the law. And that only means that our vigilance on the issue shouldn't wane.
This is as important as immigration reform, health care, gun control and the rest. The difference is that this one is going to keep sneaking up on us.[Photo by yeowatzup]


text:
3 Recommendations
maitai's recommendation
i know the "handsome devil" in my life this mug would belong to!
Denverb's recommendation
Okay, I couldn't resist this....I can see my man just proudly gulping his favorite beverage with his head held high. Thanks to this mugs daily boost on his ego.
corrosiveheart's recommendation
Because even handsome devils need love... and coffee! Why not pair this cute mug with gift certificates from your favourite coffee house or a package of coffee you've blended yourself?
My Collections:


text:
The supplier supports Trade Assurance – A free service that protects your orders from payment to delivery.
Supplier's Trade Assurance Limit: US $283,000Learn More
Home > Company Profile
Guangzhou Skyfun Animation Technology Co., Ltd.
Start Order
Onsite Check
The supplier's company premises has been checked by Alibaba.com staff to ensure onsite operations exist there. A third-party verification company has confirmed the legal status of the supplier.
|Business Type:
|Guangdong, China (Mainland)
|Main Products:
|game machine,5D cinema,soft play,naughty castle,amusement equipment
|Total Employees:
|51 - 100 People
|Total Annual Revenue:
|US$50 Million - US$100 Million
|Year Established:
|Top 3 Markets:
|Eastern Europe 20.00% Southern Europe 10.00% Eastern Asia 10.00%
|Product Certifications:
Guangzhou Skyfun Animation Technology Co., Ltd. is a producing & marketing management site co-in...
Guangzhou Skyfun Animation Technology Co., Ltd. is a producing & marketing management site co-integrated industrial company specialized in anime amusement products, located in Guangzhou city - one of the largest game machine production bases in China.
Our main products include 5D/6D/7D/8D/9D/XD cinema, children's indoor soft playground, simulator racing machine, simulator shooting machine, lottery machine, basketball machine, toy crane machine, kiddy ride machine, video game machine, gambling machine and accessory of game machine.
Guangzhou Skyfun Animation Technology Co., Ltd. provides indoor and outdoor playgrounds services, including overall planning, professional decorative theme designing and management training with the thoughtful, enthusiastic, efficient services for every customer.
We have already exported our products to Europe, Australia, North and South America, Asia and the Middle East, etc.
We own the professional R&D department and sales teams, with high-quality products and one-stop services to gain the long-term trust and support of customers from all over the world.
Our aim: To be the most professional game machine export supplier in China.
Our mission: To provide the best service and the profitable products for clients.
Our vision: Bring the fun of amusement equipment to every corner of the world.
Our motto: excellent credibility, high quality products, best after-sales service, fastest delivery and the most competitive prices.
We are flexible to our customers' requirements and OEM & ODM service as well. We promise that we will provide you with qualified products of first-class quality, nice service and favorable prices which will meet all your demands. We believe that we can be your long-term and reliable partner. Welcome to our company for further cooperation!
Production Capacity View More >
Factory Information
|Product Name
|Units Produced (Previous Year)
|Highest Ever Annual Output
|Unit Type
|amusement equipment
Trade Capacity View More >
Trade & Market
|Main Markets
|Total Revenue(%)
|Eastern Europe
|Southern Europe
|Eastern Asia
|Mid East
|Northern Europe
|Central America
|South America
|South Asia
|Western Europe
|Southeast Asia
|North America
|Export Percentage:
|91% - 100%
|Export Mode:
|Using an agent
|No. of Employees in Trade Department:
|11-20 People
Email to this supplier
- Company Overview
- Company Introduction
- Company Capability
- Trade Capacity
- Production Capacity
- R&D Capacity
- Business Performance
- Buyer Interactions
- Feedback
- Transaction History
- Additional Information
- Transaction Level


text:
Welcome to the Page Unified School District's calendar of events. Please hover your mouse over an event on the calendar below to see more details on the event pop-up. We hope you'll check back frequently for updates on Governing Board Meeting schedules, holidays, grading periods, early release days, parent conferences, and other district-wide events.
For other events, please view the Cultural Arts Building (CAB) calendar.
For school-specific event information on an interactive calendar, just click on the appropriate school link below:
To download a printable version of the Parent/Student Calendar, get your copy below:
You will need a copy of Adobe Reader to view this calendar, you can download the latest version.


text:
Creation/Application Sponsored by
Over the past 10 years I have had the pleasure of instructing more than 6,000 students via online courses and in-person workshops and private courses. Their ages have ranged from eight to 80, from complete beginners to some of the most experienced professionals in our industry. One of the first questions I ask in the workshops is, "Have you ever had lessons in how to smell?" I usually raise my hand in the hope of encouraging a positive response. Usually receiving none, I will dig further and add something like, "Maybe your mother sat with you and went through smells with you." Still, without fail, I will receive no response.It seems incredible that the most important and fundamental of techniques to the perfumer's and flavorist's skill—smelling—is hardly, if ever, systematically taught, even for those in the industry.
This is only an excerpt of the full article that appeared in P&F Magazine. The full content is not currently available online.


text:
Chris Matthews Blurts: Send Scooter to Iraq!
Chris Matthews actually came out for a pardon for Lewis "Scooter" Libby, but he had a catch, "Send him to Iraq." On tonight's Hardball the MSNBC host, during a discussion about whether Bush should pardon Libby, threw out the following wacky proposal on the June 21 edition of his show:
Chris Matthews proposed to former Cheney aide Ron Christie and former Assistant Attorney General Robert Raben: "I got an idea, I got a solution. Pardon him but send him to Iraq in uniform and put him on the front. Send him to the front. He supported the war, send him to fight it! Hey look a lot of guys have to go fight that war, didn't do anything wrong....In the old days the judges would take a working class kid who got into a scrape with the law and say, 'Junior want to go jail or do you want to go join the Army?' They should say the same thing to Scooter Libby. 'Want to join the Army?'"


text:
Grays 1
Carshalton Athletic 4
RYMAN PREMIER: GRAYS suffered a heavy home defeat against struggling Carshalton to bring a run of five straight wins to an end.
Andy Swallow's side got off to the worst possible start, conceding after three minuts when a defensive slip saw the ball fall to Reece Hall. He squared to Kingsley Aikhionbare and he slotted the ball past the advancing George Kamurasi.
Ten minutes later it was 2-0. Billy Dunn broke from midfield before easing past Phil Anderson and smashing home his first of the club.
Danny Bunce had the ball in the net for Grays on the 30 minute mark but he was ruled offside and 10 minutes later it was 3-0. Bobby Price rode two challenges and finished with his left foot from 20 yards.
After the break Grays should have got one back when Leroy Griffiths had a close range effort cleared off the line. However the forward did score soon after, lashing home from outside the box. Carshalton made the points safe with 12 minutes to go when Price scored his second, subjecting Grays to their first defeat for almost a month.
Grays: Kamurasi, Pope, Flynn, Yala, Anderson, Bunce, Lalite, Cruickshank, Small, Griffiths, Carlos.
For Blues news see the THurrock Gazette every Thursday


text:
Prostate Cancer: Erectile Dysfunction (cont.)
How Effective Is Injection Therapy with Each Type of Treatment?
If Viagra and other oral drugs fail, injections into the penis can be an effective form of treatment for men who have undergone surgery or who have received radiation therapy (whether by external beam or seed implants) for prostate cancer.
Overall, 60% to 80% of men will regain erections with the use of injection treatments. Side effects include occasional pain due to one of the medicines used for injection therapy, and the development of scar tissue.
What About Other Treatments?
If Viagra and injections fail (or if you are unwilling or unable to use either therapy), other treatments may be appropriate.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Urological Institute.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
SOURCES: American Cancer Society. Muse (alprostadil) package insert. American Urological Association.
Last Editorial Review: 12/1/2006 3:44:26 PM


text:
The New Balance Check Backpack in blue is made of durable polyester, and is adorned with an all-over checked pattern. Featuring a zip top closure, the backpack opens to reveal a spacious interior with an internal laptop compartment.
With an additional zip pocket on the front, the practical New Balance backpack also has a padded back panel for optimum comfort. It's easy to carry thanks to the fully adjustable shoulder straps. - L.M.
|Size / Fit:
If ordered before 8pm, delivered by courier next working day. Available on orders placed before 8pm (2pm weekends and Bank Holidays) for delivery next business day. Applies to most delivery addresses within mainland UK.
Please remember to add postal time (2-3 working days) to obtain a complete estimate of delivery to your door.
You will receive an email to confirm when your item has been sent.
You can also check the status of your order and individual items by accessing your account details and following the prompts.
Please allow 10 working days from the shipping date of your order before notifying us of any late deliveries.
It may be advisable to check with your neighbors to see if your delivery has been left with them, check any places it could be left such as: garage, porch, or behind garbage cans if it was too big to fit through your mailbox. Contact your local post office to see if the item has been returned to the depot as undelivered and awaiting collection.
Please see our returns policy.
There are currently no reviews.


text:
Luxury Pillows: Considering that we spend one-third of our life sleeping, having the best accouterments in ones bed is worth the time it takes to find them. Whether it be Egyptian Cotton sheets or a snuggly down comforter, this is the place to make investments. Its no secret that as we pass the 35-year mark, our body requires more attention and neck pain seems to be one of those things that is grandfathered into the equation, whether we like it or not. Its so prevalent that Americans spend $50 billion a year to alleviate neck and back pain.
His invention, Pillo1, was used in a study that supported his theory. The study, done this fall at the St. Johns Sleep Center, compared the depth and quality of sleep by providing participants with a conventional pillow and then Pillo1. The results, of landslide significance, showed that 21.3% got more REM sleep, the deepest, most restorative sleep. They also fell into REM sleep faster. Our bodies are made to sleep at night to restore, replenish and rebuild for the next day of activity, Dr. Hall says. When your neck is stressed all night, it not only disturbs your sleep patterns, but your bodys ability to regenerate in the way that its built.
Incredibly enough, Pillo1 seems to train the body into the exact optimal sleeping position by itself, which according to Dr. Hall is the back. Many people dont enjoy sleeping on their backs, says Dr. Hall, it can be hard to train oneself to do this, but once your body learns it, the difference of how you feel in the morning can be astounding. And a pillow can do that? Uh huh; I am here to tell the tale and am thrilled to report that the thousands of dollars Ive spent on chiropractors to fix my neck are now behind me. The best thing about Pillo1 is that it is luscious and made with eco friendly materials. You wont miss your down pillow at all; and you may not even notice that you are sleeping on a therapeutic pillow.
By Alyson Andrea
JustLuxe Contributor


text:
If you have overdue book fines from the Pima County Public Library, you can have those waived by donating non-perishable food items.
The library will waive $1 in fees for every food item brought in, up to $10.
All donations will be given to the Community Food Bank or its affiliates in Ajo, Arivaca, Catalina, Green Valley and Marana.
Take food items along with your library card to any of the Pima County Public Libraries' customer service desks and have your fines cleared.
Food for Fines takes place now through Saturday.


text:
You have a SkyLight! Now what?….
INSTRUCTIONS – Some short & sweet instructional videos for using the SkyLight! Also available directly as a YouTube playlist or on Vimeo if you so desire.
EDUCATION – Many of you are amazing teachers on the lookout for something new. Check out this page for some ideas (and even a downloadable lesson plan!) on using the SkyLight in an educational setting.
For inspirations sake, this photo of a lymph node was taken by Andre Kougioumoutzakis, a teacher at the College du Rosemont, with a SkyLight donated through the 5 to 1 Program. Using the iPhone panorama function enables the entire slide to be viewed in one image.


text:
London, October 22 (ANI): Simon Cowell was spotted enjoying a night out with Kelly Bergantz and a number of pals in Los Angeles.
The 54-year-old music mogul was seen entering Pearl's Liquor Bar with the 'Syco' music producer, who also accompanied him in New York earlier this week, the New York Post reported.
Meanwhile, it is believed that the X factor boss is keen to marry his six months pregnant girlfriend Lauren Silverman as quickly as possible. (ANI)


text:
Sneakier Peeks Week of December 4, 2006
Monday, 27 November 2006 07:01
Guiding Light Sneakier Peeks
User Rating:
/ 0
Coming up the week of December 4, 2006...
Billy wants to get back into the Lewis company.
While working with Ashlee to find guests for her show, "Light on Springfield," Dinah and "The Law" crew spot Mallet and Marina in a chummy moment.
< Prev
Next >


text:
they just look s much better. i dont have a device to get good photos of them otherwise i would try to change this.
does this bother anyone else?
Because nobody has uploaded any. Tom Talk 23:31, March 22, 2012 (UTC)
- Plain and simple. RusselNorthrop(Talk2Me--Contribs) 00:30, March 23, 2012 (UTC)


text:
I have numbered my questions because I do have quite a few. Thank you in advance to those who have taken the time to reply.
I have just completed a bachelors in culutral anthropology and would like to apply for an M.ARCH program.
To give you a brief history, I have always been interested in design. As I got further into my studies and took years off, I just decided to commit to Anthropology and complete my degree. Now being done, as a mature student with Visual Merchandising and Marketing experience (from years off of school), I would like to study architecture.
What I would like to know is how I need to prep myself for this.
What I have done so far:
Applied to the Career Discover program at both Harvard and Columbia.
1) Who should I ask to be my reference? Some profs know me, but not all that well. Am I better off asking someone who could better explain my character? I sing, and my voice teacher went to harvard...but totally unrelated to Architecture. My varsity hockey coach? I also teach yoga, my yoga teacher? Should I be seeking out an architect to give me a reference?
I've also started to sketch.
2) Should I be sketching buildings or am I better off sketching other things? I was thinking of putting together a project of some of the infastructure I have come across through my travels...Or should I try and be more out of the box with this?
My goal is to apply by December 2013. My GPA isn't amazing so I'm currently trying to boost that.
3)But what should I spend my time doing until then? Any special tips?
4)Any books I should get to build a good base of knowledge?
Any resources and tips would be greatly appreciated.
if you just started to sketch recently and with the assumption that your drawing skills aren't very good, I'd advice you not to include sketches that merely copy buildings or life as your main pieces. It would do you more good to include something more creative, perhaps an artwork, design piece or speculative drawing that displays something of your own creation or experimentation.
I feel just the opposite of accesskb - drawing from life is an essential skill for architecture school, and attempting to draw something without having art experience may make it just look amateur. If you haven't done drawing from life before, I would suggest that you find an art class, even if it's for a week or two - as long as it's rigorous enough that you can draw from life and then get constructive feedback. And drawing from life always looks good in your portfolio and adds more variety to your work - I think it's pretty much a staple item for non-architecture applicants. You can improve your drawing skills a lot in a year, so start practicing. Both buildings and other subjects are okay - I think that in your portfolio the quality/accuracy of the drawing will matter more than the subject matter. And more figurative/speculative drawings would be okay to include for variety once you can make them rigorous enough that they look more like real art than amateur doodles.
As for recommendations, I think that if you're applying from a non-arch background there will have to be an assumption that you haven't had as many architecture instructors as someone who majored in architecture. I think it would be better to include sincere recommendations from people who have worked with you than a vague recommendation from an architect who you barely know. With that said, you should seek a recommendation from your TAs or instructors of your summer architecture program, if they know you well enough by the end of the program. And in any event I think that you will need some academic recommendation/s from a professor of some sort.
As for other things to prepare - visiting different buildings can be good, and that's also an opportunity to draw those buildings. And, of course, you can read. You should look at a general history of architecture like Kenneth Frampton's Modern Architecture, which can then help guide you to other buildings/architects which you are interested in, and which you can then explore further on your own. Two other books which I remember being memorable early in my architecture journey were Strange Details and The Death and Life of Great American Cities, but I am sure that there are others which I am forgetting.
So far, your best capital is your degree in cultural anthropology. These days it is extremely relevant to architecture. If I was making the decision, I would definitely accept you to the school. Good drawings and students who make them are dime a dozen and quickly it will be a second nature to you to make drawings as well. Students who can talk about anthropology are harder to come by. Think about ways you can bring that to the table in architecture school.
Read some essential arch history material and keep visiting Archinect and other websites for all kinds of current information. For now, just go after the things you enjoy and think they are related to architecture. Write it down, document and ask. Good luck.
I disagree with the person above, who summarily would accept you because you studied cultural anthropology. I have seen people in the extended M.Arch. programs with degrees in art and urban planning who did not do as well as students with degrees in civil engineering and economics, for that matter. Let's not rush to say that a liberal arts and science education is the biggest contributor to such a program.
The importance is to be able to design, blending art and science in the process. Usually, people with a different education seem to have an edge in one area of the curriculum. For the civil engineers, it would be the courses in structures. For an anthropologist, I presume they would have an edge in architectural history, urban studies, and theory. However, that is not a guarantee. Someone who studied biology could just as easily learn to discuss history and theory. Generally, MOST applicants to M.Archs. are broadminded enough to make that leap.
Your most important asset will be your portfolio. You need to work on that, convey 3-dimensional thinking skills, and that you are trainable in the design of buildings. Your GPA and GRE scores are important, but many schools clearly indicate that the portfolio takes precedence. That's how they "tie break" among applicants from different backgrounds.
Lastly, you may have done summer exploratory programs at good Ivy League schools, but admission is competitive. There, your portfolio will be evaluated with a much more critical eye, as will other parts of your application package. That said, there are other schools out there where gaining admission to a 3+ year NAAB accredited M.Arch. program is less rigorous. You may have to pick from the best of those that admit you. In this game, you cannot apply to 1 to 3 schools. You need to apply to more.
Work on your portfolio and I wish you the best in gaining admission to a school you like, as well as enjoying your career in the field.
the person above, people who think like you about the architectural education are dime a dozen since the 19th century. no offense however. I am talking about something different.
my thinking is more radical. i would first ease out from this portfolio centric acceptance process and include other methods of checking applicants awareness and strata. a personal face to face interview when possible could be one of them. because i believe the days of architecture as spatial production is numbered.
everybody is talking about the need to change architecture. well, that is not going to happen only by changing the form/shape making every ten years. in my belief, architecture schools should be open to all and should not limited to people who can understand and translate 3d whatever.
in a nut shell..
I concur with the person above.
Let's just say OP (potentially) will triumph in the many class discussions. Sufficient drawing skills can be learned (I teach drawing from time to time) and so are other technical skills to get you through school, but really it is your background in cultural anthropology that would be of most interest to the professors. I think for good graduate schools, what they look for would be evidence of critical+creative thinking and what you can contribute to the discourse.
In the mean time you can of course continue to polish your drawing skills!
To the two above posts, it is exactly this kind of thinking that makes architecture as "bohemian" as it is and why people neither earn nor command the commissions from their clients that befits the occupation.
First, I did not criticize the OP's major. All are capable of embarking on this journey. The gentleman with the Turkish background said he would accept the applicant based on their previous major. That is ridiculous. How about looking at what this applicant can do? That is, if their hand can make things happen in three dimensions. And, additionally, look at the inherent discipline shown by their grades. A very selective program, particularly those in the East, is not lacking for applicants who can produce 3 dimensional work and draw, in addition to having good grades.
In a M.Arch. program, a former BFA in Painting was one of the worst performers in design. This person has left the occupation. The problem was the inability to make the transition from how expression is conveyed in an art curriculum to the three dimensional problem solving required in architecture. On the other hand, a commerce grad who had begun as a freshman in architecture came back to do a M.Arch. He is licensed and has worked in a major city in America's interior since graduation.
How do you figure the days of spatial production are limited? What will replace that? How much more "ivory tower" need we be? Architects are responsible for the spatial and enclosure dimensions of a building. The other systems belong to allied disciplines and the architect integrates their work to arrive at a design solution.
Some people want to push architecture to something they can't even define. That's just grand. That's a problem in and of itself! If you are a visionary, you should be able to define what you want architecture to become. Architecture clearly needs to adapt - in how the process is delivered, in the relevance of concerns, such as sustainability and socially responsible design, and even in the way buildings are configured.
To the OP, your cultural anthropology background makes you just as qualified and worthy of being admitted as any other major. No more. No less. That someone would, in a reactionary manner, view this as a "plus" over a science, economics, philosophy, language, or engineering degree reflects poorly on the person that is so titillated, and who hopefully is NOT sitting on an admissions committee. You can teach someone graphics. However, you may not be as successful in teaching someone spatial creativity and fluidity in generating design solutions, which is what is required in a work setting.
Again, work on your graphic skills to assemble a good portfolio and let your essay paint a picture as to why you want to be an architect. An interview is usually not practicable. But, most of all, be prepared to accept the curriculum as a compendium of both the intangible and subjective, as well as that which is very tangible and measurable, unless you attend a school where the emphasis is skewed and unfortunately NOT comprehensive. In that way, it is an educational and professional path that is very unique.
It's a profession, habitually spoken of in the same sentence as doctor, engineer, and attorney, albeit incorrectly, given some of the flakiness that is sometimes encountered. In those professions, the filtering to be admitted to professional school is very rigorous, and people aren't admitted because someone on an admission committee think an applicant's previous major is "neat." Please.
Lol... I think you're reading too much into what I wrote.
All I am saying is that he's got an interesting background that could sit well within the architectural discourse at graduate level, and that he should spruik it and use it to his advantage because he will stand out from other non-architecture graduate whose background was mainly, say, visual study such as painting. Of course, he's gotta polish the graphic side of the portfolio as well in the meantime, this goes without saying.
Anthropologist, one book I would recommend just to get a gist of the basic stuff you will learn is 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School.
Kamil, my comment was actually more directed at the gentleman whose comment preceded yours ... the one who got all excited about the cultural anthropology degree. Reflecting on the very balanced curriculum I experienced, I really don't see what kind of a pronounced advantage that would have, except in courses in history, theory and urban studies. Not only that, a knee jerk reaction to think that a particular previous education is "cool," almost as if to throw that applicant's file into the "sure admit" category may not always be accurate, and can be a disservice to someone who studied the sciences or commerce, and is just as capable. Again, having gone through this educational track, the best designers were either those on the 4+2 track, because of their lengthier indoctrination in design, and, in the 3+ year track, oftentimes those from backgrounds which might surprise someone.
To the OP:
Please do apply to a graduate program in architecture, the M.Arch. Be aware that a cluster of schools is coveted, and others are more available for admission. Balancing who to admit with divergent backgrounds must be challenging. As for your degree and grades, that is already in your past, so concentrate on marketing them to the school as pluses, via your essays, and then work on what is still an "open book:" your portfolio, showing the conveyance of spatial thinking, your recommendations, and your GRE.
While discovery programs at Harvard and Columbia are pluses, I don't know how it will translate into admission to those schools, but some schools will view it as a favorable achievement. Again, I encourage you to apply to several schools. A final comment is to note how these programs are configured. Some take 3 years, some take 3 years and a summer session, and some take 3.5 years. I can now think of two schools who require 4 years, but with less of a load each term, particularly in the last 2 years. The only comment I can make is that architecture is NOT medicine, so try to stick to programs that require between 3 and 3.5 years.
You will find a school that will accept you and that works for you. Sometimes the process may seem unfair but, in the end, it unfolds the way it was meant to be. Good luck.
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?


text:
Archive for July, 2010
Are Cruise Line Bar Prices Too High?
By Dave Beers (CruiseReviews Editor) One of the top questions asked on any cruise website is about drink prices on cruise ships. This usually leads to questions about sneaking alcoholic beverages aboard, with two main camps being predominant. One side claims the cruise line prices are not affordable for them and even buying a couple […]
Posted: July 29th, 2010 under David Beers.
Tags: beer prices, cocktails, cruise line bars, cruise line drink prices, cruise ship drinking, drink prices
Comments: 9
What's Been The Biggest Change in the Cruise Industry This Century?
The past decade, or so, has seen massive, industrious, and innovative changes in the cruise industry. Some lament the changes, and wish a return to "the good old days". Some applaud the changes, and the direction the industry those changes are taking the industry. For this week's Blog I thought we might take a look […]
Posted: July 27th, 2010 under Paul Motter.
Comments: 7
Two Perspectives Answering the Top Ten Cruise Questions Asked on the Internet
I was contacted by a representative of Ask.com. Apparently 50 Million people each month visit Ask.com to seek answers to their questions. Ask.com supplied me a list of the Top 10 cruise questions asked on their site, along with the answers that were supplied to the queries. And I was invited to offer my perpective […]
Posted: July 20th, 2010 under Kuki.
Comments: 3
Understanding The "Closed Loop" Cruise
By David Beers (CruiseReviews editor) — Over the weekend a cruise review was posted at my website which lambasted Royal Caribbean because they denied boarding to the person writing the review. In the review the person claimed Royal Caribbean's cruise documents were vague about what was needed to prove citizenship and identity, and so he […]
Posted: July 19th, 2010 under David Beers.
Tags: caribbean cruise passport, closed loop cruises, cruise passport requirements, Passport requirement
Comments: 7
New Ships; And Why Smart Cruisers Might Want to Avoid Their Inaugural Seasons
As cruise enthusiasts, and also cruise travel writers, it's somewhat natural that we wait with baited-breath, or any trickle of news and/or pictures, or even artists renderings of new ships as they near completion. The Cruise industry Public Relations departments do their very best work, with imaginative means of releasing tidbits of information, to help grow the […]
Posted: July 13th, 2010 under Kuki.
Comments: 4
On Board Nieuw Amsterdam – Emotional Opening Bell Ceremony and walk for "On Deck For The Cure"
This morning I witnessed one the most emotionally charged beginnings to the "On Deck for the Cure" walks I've seen on any ship. On Deck for the Cure is a program done in conjunction with the Susan B. Komen for the Cure Foundation, to allow cruise passengers, who choose, to participate in raising funds to find […]
Posted: July 6th, 2010 under Kuki.
Comments: none
Onboard Nieuw Amsterdam- Emotional Bell Opening and On Deck for the Cure Walk Ceremonies
This morning I witnessed one the most emotionally charged beginnings to the "On Deck for the Cure" walks I've seen on any ship. On Deck for the Cure is a program done in conjunction with the Susan B. Komen for the Cure Foundation, to allow cruise passengers, who choose, to participate in raising funds to find […]
Posted: July 6th, 2010 under Paul Motter.
Comments: 1


text:
The New Workspace
Posted Oct 15, 2009 in Work
Me sitting in my new (shared) office.
Come on in... we're open.
The new office space.
Lisa Sandoval, our program manager.
Lisa Sandoval and Mike Taylor
Ed Messerly, the network dude.
Corey, the server guy.
Kari Thoreen in my office.
Kate and Pio in the conference room.
Martin, Kate, Pio and Trevor in the conference room.
WEB/ITC 210 - Advanced Web Design & Development
Terry Fresenius
Jana Sheehan
Jana Sheehan pretending to work.
Trevor Curtis
Seth Syberg, my co-pilot.
Jasmine Fears
Joshua Hammack
Sean Walling
Sean and Olga hard at work.
Carol, Adam and Jana.
Adam Funk
Carol, Jana and Adam with their Client.
Deborah Higdon in the classroom.
The server room.
Many of you have maybe heard about my new, but temporary, promotion to being the full-time web design & development instructor at Seattle Central Community College. But, what you probably don't know is that we also got a new remodel.
Our Information Technologies division has grown about 300% since I first started teaching there in 2001. So, I guess it was time to get a bit of a face lift if we are going to be seeing that many students.
It has been inspiring for me to walk around the new digs. We are all finally together in one wing and are all very proud to be a part of the future of Information Technology.
Who knows, maybe the media will finally give us some much deserved attention? What do you think, Keith? I got a few jokes you might like.


text:
Club News
Cork GAA News
Welcome to the Castletownroche GAA Website, created to give all its member and supporters both home and abroad the opportunity to stay informed and up to date with matters of the Castletownroche GAA Club The site will be updated on a weekly basis with news from the club including Lotto results, and the various results and fixtures from both the Hurling and Football leagues and Championships. For those of you who are abroad you can get in touch with us by filling out your details in the contact us form, we would love to hear from club members over seas, please let us know what you think of the website. You can also support the club and be in with a chance to win or share in the fortnightly lotto jackpot by buying your lotto ticket online. Finally I hope that you will find the website both interesting and informative and please do not hesitate to contact us with any suggestions regarding content or improvements to the website


text:
One of Brisbane's favourite bars has expanded. Lefty's in Caxton Street has added a bottle shop and micro bar, carved out of the former storeroom on the ground floor.
Owners Jamie Webb and Jason Scott have continued the wild west theme of Lefty's with the tongue-in-cheek Liquor Store & Prairie Supplies.
"It's just a fun little project," Webbs says. "[It's] the last stage of development of the site. We're selling boutique bourbon and craft beer and there's a couple of tables out the front for early evening dining. Lefty's is nuts on a Saturday night, so it's great to have this place, where you can actually sit and have a conversation."
As well as the bottle shop, Liquor Store & Prairie Supplies has a bar list, and food can be ordered from the main bar menu. The pair have also been doing a brisk trade in "prairie supplies", in this case in cowboy hats and shirts, perfect for Caxton Street cowpokes.
"They were really just meant for display but people kept wanting to buy them," Webb says.
Liquor Store & Prairie Supplies is at 15 Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace and is open Friday-Sunday 12pm-10pm.


text:
There are 13 newly-discovered genealogy and family-history related blogs that we've located this week. Remember to try and help out these new blogs by:
- using any follow feature listed on the blog
- adding them to your blog reader
- adding a comment on their blog saying "hi" and "welcome"
Here are this week's new listings:
1625 Lincoln Avenue
Blog type: Individual family history
My name is Linda Dooley and I am a family historian. My interest in genealogy began about 1980 upon receiving my Grandmother's Bible. My Grandmother diligently recorded every family event. Her Bible sat sadly on my shelf gathering dust for over two decades! In 2008 I finally reached for her Bible and have been learning and researching ever since. I am finally following in my grandmother's footsteps. My family trees have multiplied. So much so, that sometimes I do not know which way to turn! Though an amateur, I am ready to tell my ancestors stories. They lived through good times and turbulent ones. Some were very successful. Others struggled through life. This process has taken me places I never imagined. Please join me on my journey of learning and loving those who came before. Life is a wonderful story made by everlasting love.
A Genealogy Lady Blog
Blog type: Individual family history
My blog is about research on a variety of surnames including but not limited to: TAIT, DOUCETT, ROPER,MATHEWS,TENNEY,APPLETON and more! Thanks for coming by to check out my blog A Genealogy Lady! I've started this blog to help others in their quest to know their family history and to maybe even learn some more about mine. This site is sort of under construction but stay tuned because I'm going to be trying to add info as much as possible. Subscribe via email, follow me on Goggle Friend Connect (right hand side of blog), follow me on Twitter, or Facebook to get day to day updates! I enjoy reading comments so whether they are good or bad I'd love to hear from ya!
Civil War Diary of Henry Stephen Archer, Sr.
Blog type: Diary blog, Military history blog, US Civil War blog
As many of you are aware starting in April 2011 and going through June of 2012 various organizations across the country are sponsoring various events in recognition of the Sesquicentennial (150 years) anniversary of the Civil War. It is an appropriate time for my new blog. This is my small effort to share an amazing civil war artifact which I acquired in June of this year. First just a little history on the who, what, where, when and how. My gt. gt. gt. grandfather, Henry Stephen Archer Sr. (pictured to the left) was born in North Carolina in 1832 and lived his adult life in Mississippi. He is a huge Brick Wall in my genealogy research. About his family and himself I have a great deal of information; about his parents, not so much. Regardless, before June of this year, I had a pretty good idea of who and what this man was. I knew he was a Baptist minister and served various churches in the north east portion of Mississippi (Tishomingo county) as well as the south west part of Mississippi, Wilkinson county, in his later life. I knew he had a large family. I knew he was not a huge land owner. I knew he did not own slaves. I knew he was in the Civil War, enlisting 13 March 1862 in the 32nd Mississippi Infantry under Col. Lowry as a sergeant and maybe later in the 41st Mississippi Infantry as a chaplain. I knew he died in 1909 in Wilkinson county, Mississippi.
Discovering Yesterday
Blog type: African-American genealogy, Individual family history
I come from a family of ordinary folks who lived ordinary lives. My family is very private and does not talk much about the family history. There is no oral history that was passed down through the generations. I have a few photos of my grandparents, but nothing for the previous generations. Most of the family history I know I obtained in bits and pieces from relatives and a lot of research.
I have not met anyone who is researching my direct family line. However, I have met a few cousins who are descendants from siblings of my great grandfather, Overton Roy Woodfork. One cousin in Philadelphia had an interest in the family history and had done research. She shared with me a family bible, pictures and other documents that were very helpful. We still talk occasionally. I have met a few other new cousins who have been helpful as well.
Emily's Genealogy Quest: Leaving a Legacy
Blog type: Individual family history
I teach a genealogy class each semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for Widener University. Each semester I begin the genealogy class telling the story of visiting cemeteries throughout the Midwestern United States as part of every summer vacation that I can remember. My mom always gave the kids (my brother, sister and myself) the same task and reward, "Find the tombstone with this person's name, and you can choose the place for dinner tonight." For many years I thought that this was the same experience every child had during vacation.
It wasn't until my mid-20s that I realized these experiences were at the heart of genealogy research. I then began to learn more about genealogy, as my husband and I researched my husband's ancestors with my mother's help. The research took us from Montana, the birthplace of my husband, back to Texas, Missouri, Tennessee, and North Carolina in the 1770s.
Throughout the process my mother made sure I studied the stories of the relatives, not to just find the documents that established their lineage, but to research the history and background of the era to better understand why people moved or bought and sold land. It was also during this time that I watched her write and publish several articles about our Fox relatives.
Upon her death in 2006, I received 40 boxes and four filing cabinets of genealogy materials. Pictures, files, documents, and stories—all left for me to learn more about my ancestors.
Last week at a conference (I am by day a continuing educator) one session talked about how blogging could be a great way to communicate information to others. I realized that blogging would be a great way for me to journal my research in genealogy, and to be able to share my work with others. Thus the "birth" of Leaving a Legacy!
The work from the class has resulted in an article that was just published. You can find it here: http://usm.maine.edu/olli/national/pdf/LLI%20Review/LLI_Review2011.pdf
Meanwhile – who am I researching? On my parents side we have the names of Coffman and King (my dad's parents) and Fox and Yoder (my mother's parents). On my husbands side we have the names of Richardson and Coleman (his fathers parents) and on his mothers side we have Robertson and Braun. I am hopeful that this blog will help me to stretch my thinking and share the stories of my family.
Blog type: Individual family history, Spain genealogy
Este es un blog sobre genealogía y el estudio de la historia familiar en general. Concretamente el apellido que estoy investigando es COLL. Es mi primer apellido y aunque se trata de un apellido de origen catalán, la familia de mi padre procede de Beniel en Murcia.
Translation (via Google Translate): This is a blog about genealogy and family history study in general. Specifically I am researching the family name is COLL. It's my last name and although it is a surname of Catalan origin, the family of my father comes from Beniel in Murcia.
Finding Foleys
Blog type: Individual family history
Genealogical information on Foley families mainly in New York City and environs.
Blog type: Genealogy education blog, Individual family history, Technology blog
Fascinated with genealogy at a young age, I put pen to paper and spent many hours interviewing my wonderful grandmother, Goldie (Simpson) Edwards. "Grammer," as she liked to be called, was also fascinated with family history, and was especially proud of her Stanwood heritage. She would baby sit for me while I would spend many hours at the national archives, researching census records on microfilm for clues about her heritage. Later, my mother would join me in my research excursions, and after my grandmother's passing, mom and I would pour over old photographs, Google our family name, and celebrate each time we'd find another clue or solve another mystery.
My mother and grandmother are both gone now, but my lifelong passion for genealogy is not. I hope you find this blog helpful in learning about my family history research progress, travels and latest technological gadgets. Please feel free to leave a comment or email me is you find this blog helpful.
Happy Hunting!
Personal Pedigree
Blog type: Genealogy vendor blog, Professional genealogist
I got into genealogy and family searching many years ago when I was trying to find out who REALLY was my Swedish great grandfather. If any of you have any Swedish ancestors, you will know that they used to change their names each generation depending on father's name, mother's name, family dog and/or where they were living. No kidding, if you are American, you get lost in this search — FAST. And this was WAY before we could use the Internet….yes, it was by routine mail….hoping for some kind of answer in a few weeks.
In the last few years, I decided to start my hunt again, but started with other "easier" relatives. I hit the jack pot and ended up finding more relatives than I thought was possible. I had always thought that I came from a small family, but once I started looking, I found so many living relatives by going up one chain and down another, that I was astonished.
During all this time, I was having so much fun, I started doing searches for others. I have found many relatives, photos, facts, proof of ancestry for an inheritance, missing family members, etc., that I decided to do it for real. I puttered about this until I logged hundreds of hours.
While exchanging information with one relative I found that my father, brothers and I were actually descendants of John Alden, a leading Mayflower pilgrim. So, I spent months finding birth, marriage and death certifications to prove that lineage from 1620 to present time. Full approval was gotten….and now I am onto getting the proof for my brother's membership in the Sons of the American Revolution organization.
Meanwhile I kept at it and my family tree kept growing. I started talking to and meeting all my newly discovered relatives. In May 2011, I even took a trip to England to meet over 20 relatives there. It was one of the best trips of my life. Besides the fact that I love all my family there, I was able to see the sites and walk the walk of my ancestors who lived in The Midlands. What an experience!
And, as to my Swedish relatives? Well, I got smart on this one and now have a good friend in Sweden who helped me sort all that out – and I am now emailing to and learning about my Swedish cousins. Hmmm, maybe that will be my next big trip…but first I am taking a quick jaunt south to meet several other cousins.
If this interests you at all, or if you have questions about how this may work for you, then just go to the Contact Me tab on the Welcome page and send me a communication about you and your family and we will get started.
Raking Through the Leaves
Blog type: Individual family history
Genealogy has been an interest since I received a gift subscription to Ancestry.com in 2010. Already it's more like an obsession. I hope to use this blog to learn more, share my stories, and connect with folks. Other interests are travel, great books, papercrafting, and spending time with the living! Thanks for reading!
Remember When Genealogy
Blog type: Canadian genealogy, Individual family history
I am the family Genealogist and have been researching for about 10 years. I have quite a lot of info and a lot of it that needs to be entered still. I have made contact with some distant cousins through my research and shared where I could. I am researching Goodwin, Lafleur, Dennie, Forwell, Ouellette, Gervais, Trudel, and more. Check out the blog and feel free to share, I will.
The Road Backward
Blog type: Individual family history
I started researching my family history around the same time I started blogging. It didn't occur to me until recently to ask why? I mean, what does it matter who my 3rd great-grandparents were?
I read recently, to my surprise, that genealogy is the third largest hobby in the United States, and there are probably many reasons for this.
For me, there are a couple of reasons:
Finding a sense of heritage and identity. I think modern people in the western world have become… well, rootless. Back in the old days, most people lived their whole lives in the same town or county, near much of their family, and died within just a few miles of where they were born.
Today we're far more mobile; families are often scattered about the country and even the world. We know longer seem to have any roots.
My mother's ancestors were Puritans who came over from Britain to settle in Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the 1620's-30's. My father's mother's ancestors were Irish potato farmers who immigrated to Boston in the 1850's, and my father's father family were Russian Jews who fled to the U.S. and Canada after the Bolshevik Revolution.
Having lived most of my life away from New England, where my parents grew up, I often felt disconnected from these roots.
Growing up, my mom used to tell me stories about her family and her childhood, and perhaps her death has added to this desire for me to research her family; connecting with them is really connecting with her.
Another reason is my love for history. In discovering an ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary War or who was accused of witchcraft, it makes history personal and real. These aren't just names and dates, but people who actually existed and lived and loved and suffered.
I decided to start this blog to share the discoveries I have made and will make during this quest. Although I am not a professional genealogist– and that point should be stressed– I hope to also share tips and resources I find with others who might be embarking on a similar journey.
It promises to be a long but interesting road.
Whippersnapper Genealogy
Blog type: Genealogy education
I love researching my ancestors and finding their old photos and stories that help tell more about them. Of course, this all helps shed light on those in the present. I often find myself being the youngest one in genealogy-type gatherings. At a recent workshop, the speaker remarked that he didn't see many young whippersnappers in the room. In fact, I believe I was the only one there under the age of 45. That is not to take away from the older generations at all. They are the ones who have paved the way and from whom we younger ones can learn. That is, however, what prompted me to start this blog. I know there have to be more genealogists out there who are of similar age. Where are you? Let's share resources, success stories, and commiserate together.
© 2011, copyright Thomas MacEntee


text:
Yesterday, Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen admitted the team has discussed the potential of giving quarterback Terrelle Pryor a chance to play. If the Raiders choose to play Pryor it will be the right decision. At 3-8, the organization can chalk the 2012 season as a loss. It is time to see which players are in the future plans for Oakland.
Pryor has only played one snap in his two year NFL career. After the Raiders gave up a third round draft pick to take Pryor in the 2011 Supplemental Draft, he has yet to be active in 2012. Now is the time to see how Pryor's skill set can be used in the NFL. No one is suggesting turning the team over to Pryor completely, but to use him in some packages to give opposing defensive coordinators more to think about. Although Pryor has made strides as a quarterback in preseason and practice, he has a long way to go. However, he has shown flashes of electricity and has earned a shot at some playing time. He is one of the more physically gifted and athletic quarterbacks in the NFL. The situation could be very similar to the way the San Francisco 49ers used Colin Kaepernick before he took over for Alex Smith.
It is not a damnation of starting quarterback Carson Palmer either. Palmer has shown incredible toughness and perseverance this season. He has thrown for 3,181 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The turnover numbers are high and his decision making is questionable at times, but he has tried to will this team to wins all year. Palmer is a fine quarterback, but he is not the future. He is already 32 years old and has played ten years in the league. It is time to see what Pryor can offer this organization.
This is a very low risk move for the Raiders. They have lost eight games on the season, including four in a row. Six of their eight losses have come by double digits and their average margin of defeat is 19.25 points. The defense has been gashed in many games. The offensive line has had their fair share of struggles. Can it really get any worse?
New Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie has made it very clear he is not totally confident in the talent on this team. Proven by the cuts and moves he has already made, it appears the Raiders will look very different next season. Sticking with that mindset, the organization would be doing a disservice by not giving Pryor a chance to play.
Tags: Carson Palmer, Colin Kaepernick, Dennis Allen, Football, NFL, Oakland, Oakland Raiders, Reggie McKenzie, Supplemental Draft, Terrelle Pryor


text:
Stylish remote contrpl for hip zombies!!
Apple Computers today unveiled its long-awaited iSlave mind control device. Aimed at law enforcement officers, UN stormtroopers and New World Order henchmen, the handheld unit allows users to take over the actions of nearby citizens while also checking email, tweeting and listening to iTunes.
"Initially, it will work only on long-time Apple users," said a company spokesdrone at the launch. "Until the Government gets going with its large-scale brainwashing and chipping program, we'll have to rely on that portion of the population that's used to doing what it's told."
According to the official announcement, the iSlave runs on a 50MHz ARM CPU chip, and uses RFID technology reversed engineered from the alien craft that crashed at Roswell. Apple claims that the 850g device will run for as much as 30 minutes between charges and can control slaves at distances of up to 5 metres.
The iSlave has a 3in touchscreen allowing the use of mouse gestures to gain fast access to commands such as 'run', 'stop' and 'open fire'.
A number of apps have been announced to coincide with the launch.
Some firms have complained that the apps they submitted for the iSlave have been rejected by Apple. Most of those companies have since disappeared.
One app, HappyClappyApple, which makes owners of Apple products buy everything the company produces, was initially approved but was later withdrawn by the company as being "redundant".
Apple also used the launch event to announce its new iPad tablet computer. Every journalist attending the event bought one.


text:
COLUMBUS -- Another lawmaker has announced intentions to seek statewide office in 2018.
In a video posted online over the weekend, state Rep. Robert Sprague, R-Findlay, said he is running for state treasurer.
Current subscribers have full access to all online news content as part of their subscription. If you are a current subscriber, please log in with your website account information for full access. If you are a current subscriber, but have not yet registered for access to the website, please call our Circulation Department at (330) 821-1200


text:
The Beneteau 473 combines extraordinary interior comfort, large cockpit, elegant lines and blue water strength. Te Matau is in excellent condition because of her limited use and caring owner. You must see her to appreciate her.
To see this beautiful Beneteau 473, contact Jim Chamberlain at CA Yacht Sales in San Diego. We are located in Sunroad Marina on Harbor Island. Call my cell phone, 949-280-9478, or email email@example.com for a boarding appointment or more information.
IJPE : 892.00 sq ft
I : 53.83 ft
J : 18.08 ft
P : 47.42 ft
E : 17.08 ft
Working Sail Area : 892.00 sq ft
The redesiged Beneteau 473 combines extraordinary interior comfort, volume, and light with bluewater strength. Designed by Groupe Finot, this design offers a unique combination of elegant lines with extraordinary space and performance. The 473 boasts more features and creature comforts than ever before in a boat this size. The Beneteau 473 was awarded 2001 Boat of the Year Best Production Cruiser.
- Bruce anchor with 275 feet 5/16 chain
- Delta anchor with 50 feet 5/16 chain and 275 feet nylon rode
- Salt water wash down pump with hose bib in anchor locker
- Asymmetrical spinnaker
- Spinnaker halyard and tack line
- Whisker pole mounted on the mast
- CANVAS Pedestal cover
Covers for all deck hatches
Cockpit table cover
Line bags at companionway for all aft led lines
Covers for all winches
- Screens for all opening hatches
- Thru hulls installed for future installation of watermaker
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Sunroad Resort Marina
955 Harbor Island Dr. Suite 160
San Diego, CA 92101
United States


text: In Budapest, only 645 feet from the Lehel tér metro station and within less than half a kilometer from Nyugati train station, Westend Hostel provides its guests a shared kitchen and a common room. Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas. Private parking is available on site for an additional fee and should be reserved in advance. The property includes shared bathroom facilities. Linen and towels are provided for free. Each room and dormitory also includes lockers. The island of Margit-sziget, one of Budapest's largest parks and recreational areas, is within 1 miles from the hostel, and the bank of the Danube river is a half mile away. The lively Lehel Csarnok market is within 270 yards, providing a large selection of fresh food and drinks every day. The bustling downtown pub area is only a few stops away by metro or tram.


text:
Congratulations to the winner of the $100 Lane Bryant Gift Card! Our very own Stiletto Siren of Lips, Hips, and Fatshion Tips was chosen using Random.org. Can't wait to see what she buys! Now, on to giveaway #3!
It's officially December! That's means holiday parties galore. And you know you're going to need a hot snow melting design created for the curvy woman! And I know exactly where you can find it…JIBRI!
JIBRI is "a perfect combination of high fashion chic and urban street sleek sizes in 14-24. JIBRI features a variation of punk innovation, classic construction, and vintage inspiration." Now, wouldn't you want to own a design from this label?
Holiday Dress Giveaway #3 is here with a $150 gift certificate from JIBRI to use on any regular priced merchandise or sample! I received this gift certificate during Viva Fat Vegas, but haven't been able to make up my mind of a purchase. I've kind of been driving myself crazy about it! So, I've decided to give it to one of you!
Imagine rocking this Strapless Leopard Cocktail Dress (right) during the holidays. You will definitely give those curves attention!
To enter:
- Leave a comment below telling me which one of JIBRI's past collections are your favorite.
- You must be 18 years old or older, leave a VALID email address, and the winner will be chosen on 12/6/10 using Random.org.
- Giveaway is open internationally.
- For only one extra entry tweet: "I just entered @CurvesandChaos #HolidayDressGiveaway for a $150 #JIBRI gift certificate http://t.co/z8MG9Pt " (must leave a separate comment with link of tweet).


text:
I want someone who will take my breath away as I will his. Someone who wants to be with me as much as I want to be with him. Someone who makes me smile at the mere thought of him. I love the ocean, walking on the beach, spending time with family and friends. Like being at home just hanging out with some one special. Am a bit old fashioned in some ways. I like when a man opens doors for me and brings flowers for no special reason. I have a big soft spot for cowboys. I'm kind of shy at first till I get to know you. Because of my loss( lost husband to cancer) I've found out what is truly important in life. I've really learned to appreciate and not take those you love for granted. Sharing things with the right person is very important. If you are looking for some of the same please contact me.
someone special to spoil
my kids & grand kids
the ocean,lakes or rivers I'm really drawn to water.
Books & laptop
You don't play games.
You're not looking for wealth. My late husband did not have life
insurance. I'm comfortable but not willing to support a man or he
Be between 60-70
You have a picture & profile.
Think we might have something in common.


text:
Thank you so much for your quick turnaround (2 days) on the fabric that I ordered. I ran out and had one more block to finish on a quilt for a suprise 50th birthday party and I couldn't find the fabric anymore at my local quilt store. You rescued me and I am thankful. Keep up the great work.
Karen G. - Huber Heights, Ohio
Our goal is for QuiltHome.com to become one of your valued sources of quality quilting supplies, information, and inspiration. We welcome your comments, suggestions, observations, and bug reports.
Please leave your Comments HERE.
This fabric collection is Amy's interpretation of her enchanted, modern passage through the floral delights of India. Dreamy jewel toned prints in multi-hued flowers and designs - uplifting and passionate - weave together her ethnic inspired story. Amy's three color collections; Passion, Joy and Bliss, work in a harmonious treasure box palette for endless exotic combinations. Find your own inspirations to help your creative soul blossom!
0 items


text:
OrphansTrick brain teasers appear difficult at first, but they have a trick that makes them really easy.
Two sisters walked up to a house. They were dressed in dirty clothes and looked starving. They knocked on the door, and when it was answered, the elder sister spoke.
"We are in need of money. My name is Ella, and this is my little sister Sarah," she said, gesturing to the other girl. "Our mother died giving birth to me, and our father died recently due to an illness. We are starving. Would you be so kind as to give us some money?" Ella said.
The lady who answered the door thought for a moment, then answered, "You are a liar. I will not lend you any money."
Why does she think the sisters are lying?
AnswerIf Ella's mother died giving birth to her, then how could she have a younger sister?
What Next?
See another brain teaser just like this one...
Or, just get a random brain teaser
If you become a registered user you can vote on this brain teaser, keep track of
which ones you have seen, and even make your own.
Back to Top


text:
Here are a handful of success stories, highlighting just a few of our outstanding students:
Kaseir Archie
17 year-old Kaseir Archie lives in the Kensington section of Philadelphia and is in the 12th grade at the Bodine High School for International Affairs. He was recently accepted into the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at his school. Kaseir is a part of BuildOn, a program that focuses on breaking the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectations through service and education. Outside of school, Kaseir is a player and advocate for Snider Hockey. This past season, Kaseir was the captain of his midget 16-U team. Last summer, he traveled to hockey camp in Minnesota with a few of his teammates, an experience he says put him in the best shape of his life. As a member of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Youth Advisory Board, Kaseir wants to take in as much knowledge about health as possible. He wants to learn about his fellow Youth Advisory Board members and meet new people from different environments, so he can have a broader outlook on the health of youth in the U.S.
Michael Chism
Mike Chism started playing for Snider Hockey in fall of 2007 as an eighth grader. Growing up in West Philadelphia, his home rink is the Laura Sims Skatehouse at Cobbs Creek Park. After spending his first two years of college at Shippensburg University, Mike transferred to Albright College, where he is currently a junior studying Business Management. He plans to get a degree in Sports Management so he can achieve his dream of working for one of the Philadelphia sports teams. His favorite Snider Hockey memories are his early days with the program, just practicing and playing games on the weekends. In particular, Mike was thrilled to be a member of the inaugural Snider Hockey High School Travel Team. Mike continues to be involved with Snider Hockey when he is home from school by coaching at Sims and helping out with administrative duties at the Hockey Operations office. Mike's athletic abilities span beyond ice hockey; he is a wide receiver for Albright's football team.
Saidie Lopez
Saidie Lopez started playing for Snider Hockey in fall of 2008 as freshman in high school. Her home rink is the Flyers Skatezone in Pennsauken, NJ. She is currently a sophomore at Camden County College, where she is on a Stars Student Scholarship as a result of her outstanding high school grades. She plans to transfer to Fairleigh Dickenson University to complete her degree in Sports Management. She also plans to pursue her Masters after she is finished with her bachelor's degree. Saidie has remained with Snider Hockey past high school graduation as an assistant coach for the Girls Select Travel Team. She is also currently completing a Hockey Operations internship with the Foundation. Her favorite Snider Hockey memory is meeting and introducing Olympic ice hockey player Erika Lawler. She is a member of Rowan University's Women's club ice hockey team.
Virlen Reyes
Virlen Reyes grew up in a single-parent household, the oldest of three siblings. Her mother, Glenda Rodriguez, whom Reyes counts among her heroes, was 16 when she gave birth to Reyes. Rodriguez worked multiple jobs to support her family while Reyes played surrogate to her younger brother and sister. Reyes grew up in Kensington, a neighborhood in north Philadelphia known for little aside from drug use, poverty and crime. As a child, Reyes attended Julia de Burgos Elementary, a large school where nearly every student lives at or below the poverty line, according to Philadelphia figures. In a school district hamstrung by budget cuts, school closings and overcrowding, Julia de Burgos stands out as a severe case. Before joining Snider Hockey, she recalls not having direction. "I actually had no goals at all. I had no desire to better myself as a person," Reyes said. She signed up for the Snider hockey program, too. Now, she's a 22 year-old graduate of West Chester University, where she studied philosophy and criminal justice while serving as captain of her Division I Club Hockey team. "The people in the foundation really built me," she said. "It's not just about the sport. The sport drew me in, but what kept me in was the advice and the emotional help I needed to better myself."


text:
"We see a clear connection between charging at home, at work, while shopping or on the road during a trip," continued Mr. Brar. "Having Blink HQ home charging products in EV drivers' homes, bundled with a membership, will help support our growth and generate an annuity base as the number of EV drivers grows."Blink HQ continues the legacy of home charging solutions provided by the company. To date, Blink has installed over 8,300 residential chargers in 38 states. The first new Blink HQ model will launch in early summer 2013 and reservations are now being accepted. For customers looking for the most feature-rich in-home charging solution, Blink still offers its classic wall mount unit as part of the HQ family. The Blink HQ family of products includes a one-year parts and labor warranty, as well as a $100 membership credit to be used at any of Blink Network's over 4,000 publicly available charging stations. Qualified drivers are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $1,000 on the purchase and installation of a residential charging station through the end of 2013 (learn more at https://www.blinknetwork.com/ev-infrastructure-tax-credits ). For more information on product availability and to sign up, visit http://www.blinknetwork.com/hq . Consumers can call 1-888-998-2546 to reserve a charger today. Blink HQ will also be available through leading online retailers this summer.
|Technical Specifications include:
|Power Input
|208-240 VAC, single phase, 30 A maximum, 60 Hz
|Standby Power
|Delay Timer
|2, 4, 6, or 8-hour delay, user selected
|Operating Temperature
|-22F to 122F
|Charging Cable Length
|18 feet
|NEMA Type 3R
|13.8 W x 15.7 H x 5.0 D inches
|15.4 pounds
|Safety Listing


text:
No I'm sorry but we were the weaker schedule prior to O'Brien being fired. In other words when teams looked at the calendar saw our names on it and marked it off as an easy game.
When O'Brien was fired he was 10 games below .500 in fact his tenure in Indiana was below .500% Vogel was not the beneficiary of any type of magic trick or schedule fluke, he changed the entire structure of the team.
From day one he said Danny Granger was going to take better shots, he said we were going to play a smash mouth style of game. In other words were going to take everything that Jim O'Brien did as a coach and throw it out the window and guess what, it worked.
Instead of Roy Hibbert playing 20 min a game in the high post he started running a double low post offense. Instead of James Posey getting the most min. of any of our power forwards he deactivated him & played him one time the rest of the year. Instead of a passing motion offense he put the ball back in our point guards hands & Darren Collison started to play much better.
Why did the players give up on Jim O'Brien? Many coach's are hated by their players as you have said, but they don't as a group collectively give up very often so why now? The answer is simple and not complex at all. You can get by with being a disciplinarian and even somewhat of miserable person if you are a winner, but when your system doesn't win & you can't or won't adapt to any other system then the players you have are going to lose faith in you.
I'll accept a lot of stuff about O'Brien's time here but I won't EVER accept people saying the team only played better because of an easier schedule and even though you also threw in the caveat that the team had given up on O'Brien I won't accept that either because it implies that the team would have had a winning record the rest of the season under Jim & that was just never going to happen.


text: The dumbing down of the electorate -- first Bush, then Palin, now a new low...in the form of Herman Cain. The man who is presently being hailed as the GOP "frontrunner" offers uninformed, non-specific, mostly establishmentarian views. Like Obama, the charismatic Cain is riding on his supposedly inspiring story and his non-vanilla appearance and oratory skills in an era in which "vanilla" has become uncool.


text:
Kendra's Kid is Screwed
Kendra Wilkinson apparently told Ryan Seacrest her sex tape is going to be "learning tool" for little Hank IV. Make sure you reread that: Infant son and sex tape. That's not fucked up at all. Popeater reports:
"Now that this happened, it hurts, but I know it's going to make me and Hank better parents. It's really going to make us teach our child what's right and wrong in this world. We're going to make sure our son is raised with a good head on his shoulders, a person that has morals, that treats women with respect."
Hmm, I wonder if that wrong part will include pretending you didn't sell your own sex tape for a chunk of the profits. Anyway, several parenting outlets and child therapists are already flipping out over what has to be the most retarded thing they've ever heard in their entire career. Here's just a few responses:
"To justify the tape in this way, however, will teach him that he is not accountable for his actions and to make excuses for bad decisions." – Cecelia Mecca, PhD., Cool Baby Kid.
"I think sometimes things are better left not talked about. Son and sex tape in the same sentence is one of those times." – Christina Coppa, Parenting.com.
"When her son grows up, if anyone remembers the sex tape, or if he finds stacks of them in the garage, he will be psychologically damaged by seeing his mother performing sex acts."
– Carole Lieberman, M.D.
Yes. Everything that last chick just said. If I saw my mother getting Baby Ruth'd by Sloth from The Goonies, it'd take no less than three SWAT teams to stop from me shooting a rifle off an overpass. Shit, just thinking about it makes me incapable of a committed relationship and now I have to start frequenting hookers. Look what you did, Kendra.
Photos: Splash News


text:
Premier Christy Clark says she won't attend any all-candidates' meetings in her Vancouver riding because she prefers to debate the other party leaders, notably the NDP's Adrian Dix.
Ms. Clark made her stand clear Wednesday amid criticism over her absence from an all-candidates meeting earlier this week organized by the students' society at the University of British Columbia. The B.C. Liberals said the invitation for the event came too late.
But Ms. Clark, following an unrelated affordable-housing announcement, said she would not attend any such gatherings during the provincial election campaign that begins in mid-April. Voting day is May. 14.
"Historically, I don't know if there has ever been a premier that has participated in the local debates," she told reporters, adding it would be a departure from tradition for her to attend such meetings in her Vancouver-Point Grey riding.
Former premier Gordon Campbell, Ms. Clark's predecessor as MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey, did not attend all-candidates meetings during his time as representative of the riding.
"I am very much looking forward to as many debates as possible with the leader of the opposition. I really think that's where British Columbians are going to get a chance to see my vision and Mr. Dix's vision."
She said she was looking forward to a "healthy competition of ideas" with Mr. Dix.
Ms. Clark said she would send surrogates to future local debates. Andrew Wilkinson, the B.C. Liberal candidate for Vancouver-Quilchena, attended the UBC meeting, but organizers declined to allow him to speak because he is not the Point Grey Liberal candidate.
Mr. Dix's office said he will be participating in some debates in his Vancouver-Kingsway riding as he seeks re-election, though it's unclear how many his schedule will allow him to get to.
Ms. Clark won Point Grey in a 2011 by-election after she captured the leadership of the B.C. Liberals. She got 49 per cent of the vote compared to 45 per cent for her nearest rival – New Democrat David Eby.
Mr. Eby is running again in the May general election.
On Wednesday, he said he understood there are "special circumstances" for Ms. Clark as premier that would prevent her from attending every all-candidates' meeting.
"It's strange she is not attending any," said Mr. Eby, who noted that Mr. Dix is attending some despite his provincial campaign responsibilities.
But he suggested Ms. Clark's approach may be doing him a political favour. "It makes my job easier to tell people in the community it's time for a change when the other candidate is not there to provide their perspective."Report Typo/Error
Follow @ianabaileyon Twitter:


text:
An 18-year-old from Brentford has become London's youngest Tube driver.
For Seth Anderson-Crook, who works on the District Line, it marks the end of a lifelong dream to be in the driving seat of a London Underground (LU) train.
Just like other youngsters he played with trains and train sets as a child, but the ambition to be a train driver never faded.
At 15, while studying for his GCSEs and with a place at college to study for his A-levels, Seth applied for LU's apprentice scheme.
When he got the job he was "ecstatic and over the moon" – 1,300 young people apply for the apprenticeship scheme, with just 15 being selected.
Seth then worked in operational roles ranging from customer service to signal operations.
He said: "It was a real eye opener.
"A whole new world was revealed; you get an amazing insight into all the hard work that goes into making the Tube run all day, every day, 364 days of the year."
He could not complete his on-the-track training until he turned 18 as he was not legally allowed to – but within a week he began the four-month, hands-on training course.
"As soon as I got into the driver's seat I felt at home," he said.


text:
Tue Nov 13, 2012, 08:01 PM
France Recognizes New Syrian Rebel Group, Hints It May Provide Weapons
Source: NY Times
PARIS France on Tuesday became the first Western country to recognize the newly formed Syrian rebel coalition and raised the possibility of arming the group as it begins taking charge of the oppositions role in the civil war.
The French announcement, conveyed by President François Hollande at his first news conference in office, went beyond other Western pledges of support for the new Syrian rebel group, which was officially created on Sunday and calls itself the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces.
Though the United States and Britain have welcomed the rebel groups formation, they have nonetheless held back on whether to recognize it as the legitimate government of Syria for now and have expressed reluctance to provide it with lethal military aid in their struggle to oust President Bashar al-Assad. That is in part because of uncertainties over how weaponry would be used and fears it would fall into the hands of the radical jihadists in Syria who are also fighting to topple Mr. Assad.
I announce that France recognizes the Syrian National Coalition as the sole representative of the Syrian people and thus as the future provisional government of a democratic Syria and to bring an end to Bashar al-Assads regime, said Mr. Hollande, who has been one of the most vocal critics of Mr. Assads harsh repression of the domestic opposition.
<more at link>
Steven Erlanger reported from Paris, and Rick Gladstone from New York. Reporting was contributed by Nick Cumming-Bruce from Geneva, Hwaida Saad from Beirut, Lebanon, and Richard Berry from Paris.
Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/world/middleeast/syria-war-developments.html
18 replies, 2885 views
|18 replies
France Recognizes New Syrian Rebel Group, Hints It May Provide Weapons (Original post)
|Nov 2012
|The Magistrate
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
|The Magistrate
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
|The Magistrate
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
|Alamuti Lotus
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
|Alamuti Lotus
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
|Nov 2012
Response to pinto (Original post)
Tue Nov 13, 2012, 08:05 PM
The Magistrate (85,194 posts)
1. France Used To Run The Place, Sir
They tend to take a degree of responsibility for former colonial possessions.
Response to The Magistrate (Reply #1)
Tue Nov 13, 2012, 08:22 PM
Mosby (7,790 posts)
2. what are your thoughts about arming the rebels or creating a no fly zone??
I have mixed feelings, though generally support the idea of creating a no fly zone at a minimum even though there may be a lot of islamists involved in the rebel movements. The humanitarian crisis there just keeps getting worse and that is my main concern.
Response to Mosby (Reply #2)
Tue Nov 13, 2012, 08:30 PM
pinto (106,886 posts)
4. I've ex-pat Syrian friends - mainly Catholics and Orthodox Catholics.
At one time they saw the Alawites as a buffer for their communities. Yet as the Assad regime continues its reign of terror and Syria disintegrates, I think they would welcome French intervention. Some I spoke with today are hoping for support of a moderate opposition coalition if that's doable.
Response to pinto (Reply #4)
Wed Nov 14, 2012, 12:48 PM
Mosby (7,790 posts)
15. Assad is losing the Druze as well
Some of the Golan Druze have even applied for Israeli citizenship, something they have never done before. In the past they have refused to support one side or the other in Syria's ongoing conflict with Israel.
Response to Mosby (Reply #2)
Wed Nov 14, 2012, 12:55 AM
The Magistrate (85,194 posts)
10. My Personal Inclination is To Keep Clear, Sir
When ( I do not think it is an if ) Assad and his people are taken down, there will be sectarian killing on a large scale. Too much blood has been spilled already for it to be otherwise. This is not something an outside power will want to be closely associated with, and anyone who openly arms the rebel forces will have to shoulder some responsibility for the killings and expulsions.
What I pretty much expect to happen is covert supply of arms and intelligence, mostly funneled through Turkey, but never in any form that cannot be plausibly denied.
Response to The Magistrate (Reply #10)
Wed Nov 14, 2012, 12:52 PM
Mosby (7,790 posts)
16. I hadn't thought about the possibility of "payback"
Hard to imagine how much worse it could get.
Response to The Magistrate (Reply #10)
Wed Nov 14, 2012, 03:25 PM
pinto (106,886 posts)
18. Agree. Assad is going to go down and there will be more bloodshed. The fall of his family's regime
won't be a "solution". Just the opening stage of a simmering sectarian conflict.
I assume covert supplies of arms are current and on-going.
Response to The Magistrate (Reply #1)
Tue Nov 13, 2012, 08:22 PM
pinto (106,886 posts)
3. Yeah. And France may play a unilateral role in all this.
Wouldn't be the first time.
Response to pinto (Reply #3)
Tue Nov 13, 2012, 08:46 PM
dipsydoodle (42,239 posts)
6. Meanwhile
The French president has vowed to trim public spending and simplify France's huge public sector during a speech in which he told a pessimistic nation "decline is not our destiny".
François Hollande, who was elected six months ago after opposing Europe's one-size-fits-all austerity, admitted cuts were needed in the public sector, which comprises more than half of the French economy. Amid rare criticism from the left on public spending, which is among the highest in the continent, he said France "should be capable of doing better, in spending less".
At his first official press conference at the Élysée, a set-piece of every French presidency, he urged the nation to stand together during the economic crisis.
The stakes were particularly high for Hollande, whose approval ratings have plummeted recently to make him France's least liked president in the half year after an election.
France's least liked president in the half year after an election.
Response to dipsydoodle (Reply #6)
Wed Nov 14, 2012, 12:02 AM
David__77 (17,125 posts)
8. The Socialist Party is profoundly immoral.
...with the exception of positive elements here and there, the best forces have left and were exemplified by the Left Front campaign. Sadly, French socialism has a terrible track record on foreign affairs. The "Third Way" meets ultra-nationalism.
Response to pinto (Reply #3)
Wed Nov 14, 2012, 12:57 AM
The Magistrate (85,194 posts)
11. True, Sir: Like England, They Still have The Reflexes Of A Great Power
"I'm not so good as I once was, but I'm good as I ever was once."
Response to pinto (Original post)
Tue Nov 13, 2012, 08:39 PM
libdem4life (12,715 posts)
5. Still the result of Western European/Israeli meddling...remnants of the Ottoman Empire.
Response to pinto (Original post)
Tue Nov 13, 2012, 11:10 PM
Alamuti Lotus (3,093 posts)
7. France's growing militarism is troubling
They are taking a strong stance for an attack on Mali, now vigorously supporting the terrorists in Syria. Their present and historical record in the Middle East and Africa is simply atrocious, they have no valid arguments to bring to the table.
Response to Alamuti Lotus (Reply #7)
Wed Nov 14, 2012, 12:05 AM
David__77 (17,125 posts)
9. They keep with all this screwing around, hinting this and that.
They've been threatening to arm the insurgents for quite some time now - what are they waiting for? I don't think they have the stomach to go it alone. That would be quite the humiliating fiasco, and I might add a well-deserved one.
Response to David__77 (Reply #9)
Wed Nov 14, 2012, 03:16 AM
Alamuti Lotus (3,093 posts)
12. I think they're angling for some Anglo backup
I keep recalling that nauseating image of Sarkozy and Cameron triumphantly posing in the NATO Libyan Republic after the damage was done. Both stood out front, but knew that they acted only with big brother's approval. They cannot take on Russia again without it, but Barry and company seem reluctant for reasons I don't fully understand. Perhaps now with the election mess behind them, the facade of hesitation will be shed. As far as arming the rebels, the Saudi and Qatari dictatorships (with M14-Lebanese and Turkish leg-work) are providing adequate supplies at this time for creating chaos--the only thing that Wahhabist doctrine excels at--, except for the pesky fact that they dislike each other and are accordingly backing rival factions. Surely that won't end badly.
Response to pinto (Original post)
Wed Nov 14, 2012, 06:15 AM
pampango (24,377 posts)
13. Nice to see the one socialist leader in a sea of European conservative governments lead on this
issue. I trust Hollande will lead cautiously but lead nonetheless.
Response to pinto (Original post)
Wed Nov 14, 2012, 06:28 AM
dipsydoodle (42,239 posts)
14. France recognises new Syria opposition, U.S. hangs back
(Reuters) - France became the first Western power to recognise a fledgling Syrian opposition coalition fully, stepping out beyond the United States, which said on Wednesday the body must first show its clout inside Syria.
Six Gulf Arab states recognised the Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces on Monday and France followed suit the next day, unlike its European partners.
The European Union bans arms sales to Syria, but Hollande said the question of arming rebels would be examined when the coalition formed a transitional government. Paris had previously ruled this out, fearing arms could reach Islamist militants.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the formation of the coalition, which supersedes the widely discredited Syrian National Council as the face of the Syrian opposition, was an important step, but did not offer it full recognition or arms.
It doesn't follow that Hollande can overcome the European Union arms ban on his own and there are currently no signs of support from elsewhere on the subject in Europe.
Wed Nov 14, 2012, 12:56 PM
riderinthestorm (23,192 posts)