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Selecting Farm Equipment
- Mar 7, 2014
- Basic
- Topics:
Almost every farm needs a good commercial-grade mower, an appropriately sized tractor, a loader, a manure spreader, and a chain-drag harrow.
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse
Travel to any major equine event (think All American Quarter Horse Congress or Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event), and you will see vendors advertising a variety of products for people in the horse industry. If you're in the market for farm equipment, there are great opportunities to compare prices and products. While large farm equipment options such as tractors are not always on-site at the vendor booths, small- to mid-sized pieces, such as drags, arena-watering equipment, mowers, and utility vehicles, might be on display. Local dealers and representatives from various companies man these booths to describe the products and help you decide what you need for your property.
Manufacturers also provide information about their products on the Internet. If you're in the market for farm equipment, online searches are a great way to start reviewing what each company offers and to find local dealers. You might also visit sites such as TractorByNet.com, which advertises itself as "the world's largest tractor community" and offers tractor and equipment guides and reviews, forums for discussion, classified ads, and even a dealer locator.
Types of Equipment
Depending on your mowing needs, a compact tractor (a small, versatile machine with, on average, 30 to 50 horsepower) with a mower attachment might get the job done in both your fields and yard. At one farm where I used to board the owners had a lawn tractor, small chain drag, and a small friction-driven manure spreader that met all their needs. They were very good at rotational grazing, which kept the need for mowing the fields to a minimum. However, the farm was only about 15 acres and housed 10 horses, so there was not a lot of extra land to -manage.
Steven Anderson, founder of Equine Savings, a Georgetown, Ky., company that provides group purchasing benefits for horse farms, equine facilities, and individuals, says almost every farm needs the following: a good commercial-grade zero-turn mower; an appropriately sized tractor; a loader; a manure spreader; and a chain-drag harrow. A good utility vehicle is also a plus, he says. Paul Williams, senior product manager for Kubota Tractor Corporation, adds, "The single most popular piece of equipment (among horse farm owners) is a utility tractor equipped with a front-end loader. The loader handles multitudes of material, from hay and grain to (muck from) cleaning stalls and corrals." Additionally, he says farm owners use their tractors to maintain pastures, exercise areas, and arenas, which can involve mowing, fertilizing, and dragging.
In an extension publication from Louisiana State University, Dick Parish, MS, PhD, recommends asking yourself the following questions when deciding on a tractor purchase:
- Will I want a tractor mostly for mowing, or are there other farm chores for which I need a tractor?
- Do I need a front-end loader for digging, loading, or hauling materials?
- Will I be using the tractor for extended periods of time at full power?
Once you have answered these questions, you will have a better idea of whether a compact or even subcompact tractor (which lands somewhere between a compact and garden tractor in size, typically with less than 30 horsepower) will meet your needs. It's also important to investigate what types of attachments come with each tractor, and what must be purchased separately. Will you need a blade or plow for clearing snow in the winter? Do you need a hay spear to transport round bales? No matter what type of tractor you purchase, you should make sure that parts and repair services are available. This is especially important when purchasing an older used tractor. Some light-duty lawn and garden tractors are designed to last for a short period of time (six to nine years, according to the LSU Ag Center), and parts availability might be limited. Make sure to discuss this with any dealers before purchasing.
"When choosing a tractor that may have multiple operators, target one that's user-friendly to operate."
Paul Williams
Selecting a manure spreader and chain harrow is a bit simpler than choosing a tractor. However, the size of your tractor might impact the type of spreader or harrow you choose. Questions I suggest asking when choosing a spreader include the following:
- How many horses do I have, and how much time do they spend in their stalls? Ideally you'll secure a spreader large enough to minimize the number of trips needed to empty it when cleaning stalls.
- Is it the appropriate size for the tractor I will use to haul it? Is it operated by ground-drive (connecting directly to the engine with a belt) or PTO (power -take-off, drawing energy from the engine)? You want to make sure your tractor and spreader are compatible.
- What kind of bedding will I use, and is this spreader designed to handle it? Straw bedding will require a more rugged spreader.
Selecting What You Need
"Many farms buy too much equipment or oversized equipment," Anderson says. A local dealer or extension agent can offer useful input and help you identify your needs.
Choosing equipment that is too large for your operation will very likely end up costing you more in both initial purchase price and fuel, but equipment that is too small for your needs will require more man hours to complete the job and might cause equipment to wear out faster—leading to more repairs or replacement.
"When choosing a tractor that may have multiple operators, target one that's user-friendly to operate," Williams suggests. "Today the hydrostatic transmission (which offers the most maneuvering and speed control) in compact tractors is very popular, or in larger utility tractors the hydraulic shuttle transmission for easy direction changing (from forward to reverse, and vice versa) that does not require the use of a clutch pedal all the time." He also recommends finding a tractor with a quiet, smooth-running engine for working around horses as well as excellent maneuverability for working around smaller corrals and horse barns.
Anderson says you should also consider what similar-sized farms in your area are using and with what success. "Sharing of resources and information is a great way to make sure you are getting the best value for your dollar," he says. "Again, don't overbuy; get the right equipment with versatility."
The University of Nebraska "Nebraska Tractor Tests" might be of help when you evaluate the variety of tractors available. Originally designed to test tractors sold only in Nebraska, it has now expanded to include almost every tractor produced and marketed within the United States and is considered a nationally accepted standard for farm tractor comparison. The advisory group for these tests includes Nebraska farmers, implement dealers, and extension agents. Information includes, but is not limited to, engine specifications, turning radius, fuel consumption and efficiency under a variety of situations, tractor sound level, and hitch performance. Test reports are available at http://tractortestlab.unl.edu/testreports and are designed to give property owners the ability to compare tractors without product endorsement bias.
To Purchase, Rent, or Lease
Depending on your farm's needs, you might find that renting or leasing equipment (or even joint ownership with a neighbor or two) might be more economical than purchasing all your own equipment. Iowa State University researchers have produced an article on these various alternatives that includes questions to ask before making a decision, and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Ownership is the most popular option, as it provides long-term control of the machinery and might be less expensive in the long-run if the implement is something that will be used on a regular basis. Joint ownership might be more economical, but cooperation between the parties involved, including a written agreement on use and how dissolving the partnership will be handled, is very important.
Rental can be a good option if the equipment is something you only need for a short time. Williams believes there are some cases where renting makes good financial sense: "Some applications like ground preparation, where you would use a specialized power rake or rotary tiller, could be a good choice for renting the implement to put on your own tractor."
Anderson has thoughts on this topic as well: "For seasonal use a rental makes great sense. You don't need to worry about upkeep or the added purchase expense." He recommends renting heavy equipment and farm-project items such as posthole diggers, trenchers, and stump grinders. It is probably most economical to rent anything that will only get light and infrequent use, especially for smaller operations.
Rental agreements usually guarantee the use of a piece of equipment for a short period of time. This could be a one-time use for a specific job, such as a posthole digger when installing fence, or a long-term use, such as renting hay-making equipment for a season. Edwards notes in the Iowa State article that one of the biggest concerns is how well the previous renter cared for the equipment. Make sure the company offers a guarantee on equipment condition before you take possession.
As for leasing, Anderson has the following advice: "Leasing is a great way to keep fresh equipment for large fleets; use a trusted source to help you manage your assets. For example, a low-hour user will have different needs than a large commercial equine farm or facility."
Long-term farm equipment leases are becoming more popular, and leases of three to five years are not uncommon. Depending on the agreement, you might have options at the end of the lease to exchange for a newer piece of equipment, purchase outright, or return with no obligations.
Another option to consider would be hiring a professional to do the job for you, especially with short-term or one-time needs, such as applying fertilizer or herbicides to fields, seeding pastures, removing trees, or leveling an area for a riding ring. In this case you would be hiring an individual or company who owns and operates the equipment desired to do a specific job. An advantage is that you would not need to acquire special licensing, which some states require for applying herbicides or pesticides or for operation certain equipment. Downsides include scheduling conflicts and expense.
Take-Home Message
Any farm equipment dealer or company representative you speak with should be ready to answer your questions. Always comparison shop to ensure you are getting the best deal. You might also want to see if companies have references for others in your area who have purchased, leased, or rented their equipment. They should have clients that can speak to the service they received and the reliability of the equipment.
Anderson offers some final advice for people purchasing equipment for their farms: "Look for the best overall value; while the creature comforts are nice, they all add to inflated prices. Find equipment with rugged durability and proven track records in the industry. Seek out industry leaders (known for) reliability; spend money on quality and versatility. Doing your homework and comparing brands will pay off down the road."
About the Author
Janice L. Holland, PhD, PAS
Janice L. Holland, PhD, PAS is an associate professor of Equine Studies at Midway College in Midway, KY. Her main academic interests are equine nutrition, pasture management, and behavior.
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In its inaugural Sun Belt Conference and NCAA Division I FBS campaign, Appalachian State University football has been picked to finish seventh in the 2014 Sun Belt preseason coaches poll, the league
announced on Saturday.
Appalachian State placed seventh in the preseason balloting with 47 points, edging fellow Sun Belt newcomer Georgia Southern, which was picked to finish eighth with 44 points.
Louisiana-Lafayette was the unanimous choice among the Sun Belts coaches to win the 2014 conference championship, followed by Arkansas State, South Alabama, Troy, Louisiana-Monroe and Texas State. After App State and Georgia Southern, Idaho, Georgia State and New Mexico State rounded out the preseason poll.
Appalachian State opens the 2014 campaign on Aug. 30 at Michigan (noon ESPN2) and plays its first-ever Sun Belt game on Sept. 25 with another nationally televised contest at Georgia Southern (7:30 p.m. ESPNU).
1. Louisiana-Lafayette 121 pts. (11 first-place votes)
2. Arkansas State 102
3. South Alabama 98
4. Troy 84
5. Louisiana-Monroe 78
6. Texas State 70
7. Appalachian State 47
8. Georgia Southern 44
9. Idaho 29
10. Georgia State 27
11. New Mexico State 26

subset: commoncrawl


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Wine and dine for a good cause at Les Dames d'Escoffier Summerdine on August 6
We all need something to look forward to after the long weekend, so why not schedule some fun for Wednesday night?
On August 6, you can wine and dine for a good cause at the British Columbia chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier's annual Summerdine event.
The event takes place at 40 restaurants across B.C. For $79 per person, you get a dinner that includes wine pairings at restaurants such as Chicha, Hamilton Street Grill, ZEST Japanese Cuisine, and the Hart House Restaurant.
Each restaurant donates a single table in its garden, courtyard, vineyard, urban patio, or kitchen and serves a multicourse set menu inspired by the summer bounty. Les Dames provides the wine, which is donated by local vineyards.
All the proceeds—100 percent—benefit Les Dames scholarships and initiatives for women pursuing food-related careers.
While some restaurants are already sold out, there's still time to buy tickets for those remaining if you act quickly.


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After my student escapades with the Nova and AX, and with a new sensible office job, it was time to get a normal car that would be reliable, inoffensive and cheap (ish!) So, I ended up with a metallic green V reg Almera Ambition 1.4 last July. Bought for £5500 on a good finance deal from Arnold Clark Liverpool. The Ambition I think was the model they used to empty the parts bin for the introduction of the new model, as mines got a fair bit of kit for a base model. Only 14,000 miles, Ex-Motability, FSH, Tax, full tank of petrol, new 5 spoke wheel trims to make it look less of a mean green pension machine and a bit sportier, PAS, EW, AC, RCL, ABS, 1.4 engine giving 88- 90BHP and Airbag. It's got a 6 year bodywork warranty - which i have used for blistered paintwork, and you'd never tell it had a respray - a testament to AC Nissan for matching the metallic colour! What more can I say? Its reliable! Its innofensive - nobody looks twice even in those crazy moments! And the fiance deal is good - so its cheap-ish! Arnold Clark also sorted me with insurance - £670 fully comp for a 22 year old in Liverpool parked on the street.... nobody else got close to it! I gave it a full service a few weeks back - £55 anyone? Yes, its that cheap to run - but if youre not careful it will drink petrol more than you might expect. The big surprise for me though is that it handles really well, and goes ok for a heavy feeling car (the doors weigh a tonne!) with a small engine. It even impressed a sceptical girlfriend who wanted me to get a smart car (!?). Its ride is comfortable but firm enough to have a bit of fun with it if you want, the sterring wheel talks to you, the gearbox is ok, but maybe a bit notchy, I was only really disapointed with the turning circle - it makes it a bit fiddley to park in a tight spot in town. I guess its not really a car you would expect someone like me to drive, but its not a bad package if you can weather a few jibes
off your mates. Its more of a family car - theyre very spacious inside - or a motability choice (as mine was in a former life). I bought mine because I know someone who swore by his Sunny and then his Pulsar - they never broke down or cost him much to run. Happy days says I. I'd reccommend any Nissan (except a Micra - first hand experience says theyre god awful) to anyone who needs a good, reliable, decent spec car. If your'e in the market for one of these then you will probably be looking at V reg Astras, Escorts and Focuses aswell? I'd go for the Almera or the Focus depending on what you prefer...my logic was "Every swine's got a Focus, so....." Astras are too small and feel a bit cheap inside, and the Escort is based on a 1983 design, say no more. If you get a 1.6 Almera Ambition, it looks like you will probably get a rear spoiler and alloys aswell. I think thats as good a place as any to finish....
My dad bought his 97P dark metallic green GTI back in 1998 for £10995 not long after they were launched, with around 9000 miles on the clock. It was only last summer when my parents went on holiday that I finally got to use it for 2 weeks. Appearance – I think the original Almera shape stake some getting used to at first and from the rear it looks strangely oval. The GTI extras make the car far more aggressive and aesthetically pleasing than the standard models. It has 15 inch 5 spoke alloy wheels, side skirts, a deep front spoiler which houses front foglights and a rear roof level spoiler which houses the high level brake light. Two small red GTI badges on the front and rear give the only indication of it stature. This can be useful when you get boy racers at the lights, they get a bit of a shock when you leave them for dust. Spec: – 2-litre 16v engine ABS All round disc brakes Air Con Sony CD / Tuner, with steering column controls 140 bhp, 135 mph top speed, 0 – 60 8 secs Electric Windows and Mirrors Height and Rake adjustment on steering wheel Performance – This is obviously the key point of such a vehicle and the Almera is one of the most under-rated and unassuming cars in this area. The engine is extremely torquey and pulls superbly thorough all the gears. One problem especially in the wet is trying not to spin the wheels as you pull off. The car has wide fat tyres and hard sprung suspension so it seems to hold the road forever and a day. The exhaust note is quite an unassuming until you get above 4,000 rpm and then a great rasping quality comes thorough. The clutch and gears are surprisingly light for a performance car, making it one of the easiest cars to drive. Inside – the car is characteristically Japanese with lots of high quality black plastic. The dash layout is functional and the leather cover steering wheel and gear stick are nice touches.
There is easily enough room in the back for three adults with plenty of leg and headroom. The front seats hug and support you nicely as you go round corners. The seats are also fully adjustable to give you the best possible driving position. Reliability – What can I say it's a Nissan and in the 4 years we've owned the car it has never had anything go wrong, the only non-routine work it has had done was a recall to put some heat insulation above the heater matrix. Servicing costs are also relatively cheap, the last service it had at 39,000 was around £160, with the most expensive being around £300. Tyres are the one thing to watch out for, the speed rating of V (130mph) makes them extremely expensive and if you want the tyre place to fit a lower speed rating you have to sign a disclaim absolving them from all responsibility should something happen. Overall I think this car is a wonderful all round package, with lots to offer in every department. It is highly underrated by the public despite rave reviews in all the press when it was launched, and also more recently when it was in the top three best second hand hot hatch buys. I have just checked on Auto Trader and you can pick up a similar car to my dads for about £5000, what a bargain.
THE ALL NEW NISSAN ALMERA ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Introduction ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Here's an amazing fact for you. Even at the end of the production run of the old model Nissan Almera, it lay in a highly creditable fourth place in its particular segment of the car market here in Ireland, only being outsold by Ford's top selling Focus, the Opel Astra, (Vauxhall in the UK) and the Toyota Corolla, all of which were far newer models, thus making the Almera's remarkable sales figures even more astonishing. When you further consider that this car took a lambasting across the board from almost all the motoring press, who took great pleasure in calling it bland, boring, and totally lacking in character, then its sales performance becomes nothing less than phenomenal. So now that there is a brand new range of far sportier looking Almeras in the showrooms, you can look out for fireworks in the new car league tables from this car from Japanese car giants Nissan. Styling ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The all new model Nissan Almera offers buyers no fewer than three distinct body styles, each one of them both ultra-modern and very sporty, and each designed in their own way to appeal to different segments of the market. The new grille forms the mainstay of the new design concept, and this allied to the sweeping and sleek body contours, that rise from the front of the car and flow smoothly towards the rear, gives it its new and distinctly sporty character. There is a hatchback, designed very much with the younger driver in mind, a saloon model made to appeal to the very lucrative "young executive" bracket and family sector, and a sports version, for all those who like a "bit of flash" in their motor cars. In fact, one of the greatest risks that Nissan are taking is that the new Almera compares so favourably in all departments, including size and space, with its big (and
more expensive) brother the Primera, that they may actually lose sales of the more expensive car to a "lesser" model from their own range. The new hatchback model should appeal to younger drivers in particular, and succeed in winning Nissan many new customers from outside of its already very loyal customer base. Exterior ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The new hatchback version can either be a fairly normal, if very attractive, looking family wagon, or in its sporty guise with a sun roof, sports alloys, side skirts and spoilers fitted, can look like a machine that wouldn't be out of place in a race at Brands Hatch. Its basic version is the three door, 1.5-litre model, and there is a five-door version also available for the family market. For just under three grand extra, you can upgrade to the 1.8-litre engine, that comes with automatic transmission, or for another £300 go for the so-called Gti model. Whatever one of the hatchbacks you choose, you can be sure of getting a car that is attractive to look at and very pleasing to the eye. With the large stake that French manufacturer's Renault now have in this Japanese company, it is fairly easy to spot the touch of Gallic flair that has gone into the design of this new car. The same applies to the new saloon model. In its basic format it will appeal to the more conservative older buyer who is looking for classic elegance wrapped up in a compact package. But yet again, if you add the right extras, and choose the right colour, it can be turned from fairly ordinary looking into an absolute stunner, which will turn heads wherever it goes. Interior ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The first thing I noticed were the new seats. In the old model, these were usually made out of light coloured fabrics, which you could almost visualise two years up the road, hacked around and tatty looking from constant use. Not so in the new model. The seats
are a made in a very attractive darker material, which is also extremely practical, as it won't show the dirt so easily. The inevitable plastic is also very tastefully managed, using a combination of both dark and light grey colours. The darker colour is used on the steering wheel and column, and also on the top surfaces of the facia, in order to reduce reflections in your windscreen, and the overall effect gives a bright and very pleasant ambience to the cabin. The instruments are set in a hooded console with an attractive matt silver surround, directly in front of the driver, and a matching silver inset is placed on the gear stick and on the centre console. The heating and ventilation controls are easily accessible in the centre of the facia above the console, and are both large and very simple to read and understand. One last little touch is definitely inherited from Renault, and that is the remote radio and audio controls, which are set into the steering column for ease of use while driving. (I had this feature on a Renault 25 as long ago as the mid 1980's) Comfort and Convenience ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This is a car that is built with the comfort of the driver and passengers very firmly in mind. The two front seats are superbly designed, and very comfortable, seeming to give a good level of lumbar support, and being snug and comfy on the old bottom. There is ample headroom for even the tallest of drivers, and the seating and leg clearance in the rear seats is much improved on the old model, with plenty of room for two fully grown adults, and space for three at a bit of a pinch. Another improvement is the provision of lap and shoulder seat belts for all three passengers in the rear, including the "piggy in the middle", and all models have fittings for child safety seats fitted as standard. ~ ~ The centre console in the front contains a stand for holding two dr
inks, and there is a cleverly concealed storage space just below this for hiding valuables, with plenty of further storage in all four doors. Yet another cleverly concealed storage box is placed right on the top of the facia, and a neat little extra is the small box that is provided just above the rear view mirror to hold your sunglasses. Something that will appeal to the ladies in particular is the little slot especially designed to hold a pack of tissues, that is hidden beneath the front arm rest, which also contains yet another small box designed to hold regularly used items like your credit card, fuel card, or parking permit. ~ ~ The rear seat passengers are not neglected either. The centre arm rest opens up to reveal a holder for two cups and a small storage tray, and another totally new innovation is the 12 volt power socket in the rear, below which is yet another small storage drawer for things like sweets, pens, and other small items. Without question, the single most unusual extra on the new Almera is the "curry hook" on the front passenger side of the centre console, that is designed specifically for hanging your take-away bag on the way home. This is only provided on the hatchback model however. I suppose the thinking behind this is that takeaways are more the habit of a younger driver, while older drivers, who will tend to buy the saloon model, mostly prefer the ease and comfort of a good restaurant when they want an old nosebag. ~ ~ The boot, while not in the jumbo jet class, is large enough for most purposes, and deeper than on the old model. A new touch are the nets that are now provided to hold small knick-knacks that tend to clutter up the boot space, and which can also be used to hold large items securely in place while driving. Performance, Roadholding and Ride ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The new 1.5-litre Nissan engine is an able if not startling performer
. It will take you from a standing start to 60mph in 13.8 seconds, which is by no stretch of the imagination Porsche like performance, but is never the less more than adequate to leave you not feeling too embarrassed at the traffic lights. Again, the top speed of 107mph should be more than enough to satisfy all but the budding Michael Schumacher's in our midst. The 1.8-litre version will speed things up somewhat, taking you to 60mph in 11.1 seconds, and on to a top speed of 115mph, while the 2.2-litre diesel version is somewhere between the two, with a 0 to 60mph time of 12.3 seconds, and a top speed of 115mph. ~ ~ The precise and accurate five speed manual gearbox is a delight to handle, and the engine and box are well matched for either urban driving or more sporty driving on quiet rural roads. On the open road the new Almera moves and handles like a far larger car than it actually is, and the front McPherson strut suspension gives a comfortable and easy ride on all levels of road surface. It could be a bit less firm on poor surfaces, but by doing this it would tend to "wallow" a bit when cornering, so the compromise setting seems the ideal solution. The power assisted steering is both precise and responsive, giving good "feedback" to the driver at all speeds, and allowing the car to be driven in both a steady, sedate fashion, or with more verve and vigour when the fancy takes you. And a powerful set of servo-assisted brakes finish off a most competent package, and are good enough to cope with most emergencies. (1.8-litre versions come with ABS as standard) On the safety side, there are two airbags fitted in the front, and side airbags are available as an extra at a cost of £450. Electric windows all round, and electrically adjusted rear view mirrors come as standard on all models. And last, but not least, they are fitted with both an alarm and immobiliser system.
Fuel Economy ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This is excellent. The pick of the bunch in this department is obviously our old friend the "oil burner", (diesel) which will whisk you around the place at the merest whiff of fuel, or to be more precise, at the rate of about 51mpg overall. The 1.8-litre is next best, with a fuel return somewhere in the region of about 44mpg, while the smallest engined 1.5-litre fares worst (it has to work harder!) with a return of about 37mpg. Cost and Warranty ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This car will not break the bank, or have your bank manager threatening to cut off your assets. The base model 1.5-litre starts at a very cheap £9,980, with the basic 1.8-litre costing some £11,200. The basic diesel costs a respectable £12,625. There is a large and diverse range of models available throughout the range, all with different prices, but even the most expensive diesel "Sports" model is only £14,725. So the car is well priced in today's competitive market. Nissan don't include delivery and related charges, so allow for an extra £250 or so for this. All Almeras come with a 3-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty, and this also goes for the paintwork. They also offer a 12-year anti-perforation warranty, and free roadside assistance for one year anywhere in Europe. Conclusion ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I was highly impressed with this car overall, although it has to be said that I have been a Nissan fan for many years. I felt that it could have done with just a touch more power right throughout the range, but as the overall size of the car has been dramatically increased, I suppose this is simply a by-product you would have to accept as inevitable. The new design, obviously strongly influenced by their recent merger with Renault, is really eye catching, and will win Nissan many new customers. Ally this to the outstanding rel
iability that has always been a byword of Nissan vehicles, and this car has to be a real winner. An excellent all-rounder, and a four and a half out of five from this driver.
this is a review of a P reg ie old model Almera bought in line with my car buying strategy - always second-hand and try for a car that is well on in its model life and rather unfashionable. The Almera had been around for 5 years or so, is built in Japan and mocked by motoring journalists and the trade depreciates it very fast. Regularly serviced, it has been reliable and cheap to run. It does not have as much space inside as my previous car a Fiat Tipo but has been comfortable to drive. I do a lot of miles between London and North East Scotland - 1000 mile round trip and have clocked up 30,000 miles in 15 months.The radio is good. No aircon on this model at least.Notenough space for storage inside. Rear seats ok for room. Nissans are consistently underrated as a very naff car driven by pensioners and fluffy dogs and dice people but the reality is that they are very well built and a pleasure to drive. It will be interesting to see what Renault does to the company or the Nissan effect on Renault - Renault adds the style and Nissan the reliability?


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Audi's Sweep of the Podium in 2010. Dr. Ullrich Speaks
Audi Motorsport Boss, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich believes that the teams 9th Le Mans win was the toughest so far. He told Autosport:
" Peugeot looked like they had beaten Audi for the second straight year, but the 908's all suffered failures"
Audi's revised R15 TDI Plus came through to take a one-two-three led by the No 9 car of Timo Bernhard, Mike Rockenfeller and Romain Dumas.
"At the beginning it was a little unlucky for us but at the end it all worked fine" said Ullrich.
"It's a great reward for all the work that everyone has done. I think this has to be the hardest Le Mans we've ever done"
Dr. Ullrich was congratulated by his counterpart at Peugeot their Director of Motorsport Olivier Quesnel, straight after the race and he paid tribute to Audi's arch rival and remarked on the camararderie between the two teams.
"I think that they know that we have done a great job" said Ullrich.
"In sport when someone wins then someone else loses, but when the loser comes and congratulates the winner it is all very sporting. That is what we did last year and that's what Peugeot has done this year. It has been a fantastic battle, we've invited the Peugeot guys to a party tonight and we hope that they will all come"
Source: Le Mans
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With the usual links to some other Rule 5 bloggers and their collections. Will update often so please check back.
Jake Finnegan has his Burkalesque Babe
The Eye Of Polyphemus treats us to Jenna Louise Coleman and Mila Jovovich
If All You See from The Pirates Cove
Daley Babe from The Daley Gator
The last Tradition has Imogen Thomas strolling the beach
Proof Positive is still advertising sex
Monica Keena from The Classic Liberal
Reaganite Republican has Miss Switzerland 2011
Odie does Rule 5 Woodsterman Style
Too Much Girl from Guns and Bikinis
Rule 5 Saturday from The Camp Of The Saints
The Other McCain has Rule 5
Spring break at Maggie's Notebook


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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/7/2013 (1494 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Porsche Centre Winnipeg hosted a special guest on July 11 -- the 911 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Carrera S rode in for the day as part of a 14-city cross-Canada tour.
Like the original 911, the anniversary model is a coup© with a flat-six rear engine, seven-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Sales rep Trip Sandhu said the car puts out 430 hp (560 hp with a turbocharged engine), can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 186 mph.
In a walkaround, Sandhu pointed out the model's wide body (typical of the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models) and special 20-inch wheels in matte black paint with machine-polished centers, a tribute to the legendary "Fuchs" wheels. Chrome trim strips on the front air inlets, the fins of the engine compartment grille and the panel between the rear lights also give the limited-edition model a distinctive appearance.
"This is the first 911 with LED headlights, which lessens the brightness for ongoing traffic," Sandhu said.
Interior tributes to the original 911 Carrera include green labeling on the instruments with white pointer needles and silver caps on the instrument pivot pins, and the leather seats (heated in the modern edition), which are designed with a fabric pattern reminiscent of the "Pepita" tartan design from the 1960s.
The full-leather interior, he said, is designed in agate grey or black with decorative stitching, some in contrasting color. Modern features include anelectric sunroof, park assist and BOSE surround sound.
The 50th anniversary model sells for $152,125 and will be limited to 1963 cars, a number that represents the year of the 911 world premiere.
GM's 2014 Sierra now in local showrooms
Chris Moore, sales manager at McNaught Buick Cadillac GMC, says the newly arrived 2014 Sierra is in great demand.
"We've sold quite a few models already since the Sierra arrived at the end of June," he said. But there's plenty available -- McNaught has 10 in stock and another 50 in the pipeline, he added.
The 2014 Sierra is an all-new design, the first significant upgrade since 2007.
"The biggest change is the esthetic," Moore said. "The truck's new body styling gives it a more aggressive look."
The Sierra is available with three different engines. The base and SLE models are powered by a by a 4.3-litre V6 EcoTec3 engine with Active Fuel Management, Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing (VVT). It puts out 285 hp @ 5,300 rpm and 305 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3,900 rpm.
The SLT trim has a standard 5.3-litre V8 that puts out 355 hp @ 5,600 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm. With the SLT, you also have the option of installing a 6.2-litre V8 that gives you 420 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 5.3-litre V8 option is one of the industry leaders in fuel consumption for full-size pickups, with an estimated 13.0L per 100 km city and 8.7L per 100 km highway (2WD). Combined with the available Max Trailering Package (double cab, 4x2), the model can tow a maximum 11,500 lbs (5,216 kg).
The 2014 model has a fully boxed frame of high-strength steel for improved ride and handling, as well as stronger and larger axles and shear body mounts that reduce vibration and deliver a smoother ride.
New innovative features that make working in the cargo box easier include standard integrated rear bumper CornerSteps on all models for easy access to the box, four movable upper tie-down hooks to help manage cargo of different shapes and sizes, and available LED box lighting to help you see inside when a tonneau cover is installed.
Among the new design details are projector-beam headlights, LED signature front lighting on SLT models, chrome bumpers and chrome grille surround, wheel-arch mouldings and optional rear wheelhouse liners (in the Double Cab and Crew Cab models).
New technology includes a rear-vision camera, trailer sway control, Intelligent Brake Assist, driver shift control, hill start assist and optional ultrasonic front and rear park. The 2014 Sierra is also the first pickup truck to offer optional Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning.
Inside, Moore pointed out the 2014 Sierra's optional 8-inch Colour Touch radio with IntelliLink, which lets you customize your media. Features include natural language voice command, voice- and touchscreen-activated navigation, Bluetooth and smartphone integration.
The 2014 Sierra base model sells for about $40,000 (including freight and pdi), ranging as high as about $60,000 for the top-end model with all options.
Portage resident wins Mustang in Birchwood Keystone draw
Birchwood Keystone Ford customer Landis Campbell from Portage La Prairie was the lucky winner of a 2012 Mustang on July 9, in the dealership's first-ever draw of its kind.
About 360 people gathered outside the dealership for hotdogs (with face-painting and balloons for the kids) and the opportunity to win the Mustang. Anyone who purchased a new or used vehicle at the dealership in May and June was eligible to win.
"We drew the names of 10 finalists and Landis was the winner," said Birchwood Keystone general sales manager Graham Cox.
Campbell purchased a 2012 Ford F-150 at the dealership in May. "It was our reputation that persuaded her to come here to purchase her truck," Cox said.
He added that Birchwood Keystone Ford is considering holding this kind of prize draw once or twice a year.


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Print Subscription
Australian Sailing Magazine Subscription
Australian Sailing is a performancesailing magazine with a deepreaching appeal to all ages & disciplines of sailboat racing.
It is unique in the Southern Hemisphere and is recognized as the most authoritative performance sailing publication in Australia a position which it has held for many years. Australian Sailing carries indepth reports of major international events, all the big raceweeks and the latest triumphs of those at the top of the sport from international to club and youth level.
It is read by the most competitive sailors seeking the latest innovations in kit, boat design, technology and information in a sport where learning is a lifetime's occupation.
Australian Sailing is the official media partner for many of Australia's best-known regatta weeks. Australian Sailing is read by winners! Want to know how to win a Sydney-Hobart or around the cans at your local club? Look no further!


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Moberly Turns to Charter TV® for Entertainment
If you love sports, movies, and top-rated television shows, you have to take advantage of HD. Approximately 3,817 homes in Moberly are already enjoying HD programming as part of their home entertainment package with Charter Cable. HD deals won't break the bank, either — Charter has a multitude of packages available for every budget. Sports fans appreciate HD, making you feel like you are on the sidelines. Whether it's NASCAR favorite Clint Bowyer swapping paint with Kevin Harvick or NBA basketball, you'll feel the blinding speed of the track and hear the press of the crowds just like you're there when you take advantage of a cable TV package from Charter. See the intense faces, feel like you're on the sidelines, and experience the excitement of the racetrack with an HD package from Charter Cable.


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Lighter Brownie Sundaes
These brownies a la mode get topped with chocolate sauce, nuts, and coconut.
- Prep:
- Total Time:
- Servings: 8
Source: Everyday Food, January/February 2009
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more for ramekins
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
- 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg white
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 pint vanilla frozen yogurt
- Toasted sliced almonds and shredded coconut, for topping
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush eight 8-ounce ramekins with oil; set aside. In a bowl, whisk together flours, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, applesauce, and oil until smooth. Whisk in egg white and vanilla. Add flour mixture; mix just until moistened. Divide batter among ramekins; smooth tops. Bake on a rimmed baking sheet until a toothpick inserted in center of a brownie comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer sheet to a rack to cool completely. (To store, cover ramekins with plastic wrap, and keep at room temperature, up to 2 days.)
Assemble sundaes: Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring, until almost completely melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Top brownies with frozen yogurt and chocolate; serve with additional toppings.
Cook's Notes
Reviews Add a comment
Jenava8 JAN, 2009Made these last night and they are really not bad at all! Not to be compared taste- or texture-wise with "real" brownies, but with the calorie count on these babies you can eat more than one a year! I highly recommend doing the whole thing with the sauce and frozen yogurt as this makes them much more delicious.Reply


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I would like to hire a Programmer
Presupuesto $30-250 USD
8 los freelancers están ofertando un promedio de $155 para este trabajo.
-------------------------------Professional Programmer! Best Result in Time!------------------------------ Dear sir. I read your project description very carefully. I've really rich experience in c, C++, C#, JAVA, P Más
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I have good programming experience in C, C++, Perl, Python and Java. Also I have vast knowledge in solving complex algorithmic problems.
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We are a group of very sound developers and designers. We are committed to give a quality work with satisfaction to our Clients. We are expertise in: - .Net - C# - Cloud Hosting - Azure - Angular JS - MVC - Selenium Más
Dear, sir. Your project attracted my attention at first glance, because I've really rich experience in C++. I'm really confident about your project, and very eager to join your project. If we have a chance to cooper Más


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Washington D.C. - Israel Water Summit
This event is at capacity. If you are interested in being put on our waiting list, contact Stuart Diamant Cohen at email@example.com or 301.589.8565, x841.
Both a national and global water crisis is upon us. Israel has been at the forefront of water solutions including desalination, drip irrigation, water purification and reuse, for several decades. Jewish National Fund has played a central role in Israel's water achievements—and continues to do so. To share Israel's technological advancements and accomplishments in water "technology" with the U.S., JNF invites you to its exclusive Washington D.C. - Israel Water Summit.
Washington D.C. - Israel Water Summit
"Israel and the Global Water Crisis: Practical Approaches"
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Hogan Lovells, Fulbright Center • 555 13th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Hear from water expert Seth M. Siegel, author of Let There Be Water: Israel's Solution for a Water-Starved World as he delivers his keynote speech. Our program will also feature high-level water professionals and experts including:
Event Host:
Event Co-Chairs:
No cost to attend • Registration includes a copy of Let There Be Water
For more information, contact Stuart Diamant-Cohen at firstname.lastname@example.com or 301.589.8565 x 841.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
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Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Gentile Hall, University of Maine Presque Isle, Presque Isle, Maine
For more information: Reegan Brown ; 207-768-1254
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Momentum Aroostook will host a family-friendly event, All Aboard the Polar Express, 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, boarding at the University of Maine Presque Isle's Gentile Hall.
Tickets are $5 starting Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Wintergreen Arts Center for a holiday ride on the Presque Isle Historical Society's Molley the Trolley, a visit to "the North Pole" with cocoa, cookies and time with Santa, and a jingle bell to take home.
Rides are intended for children ages 10 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Wintergreen Arts Center is open 9-11 a.m. and 2-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m-noon Saturdays. Time of departure may be selected when purchasing tickets. reservations will not be accepted.
For information, call Reegan Brown at 207-768-1254.


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SOBRE OpEPA
SOBRE OpEPA
Login - Opepa
¿Recuperar clave?
¿Quiere registrarse?
Reconnection with the Earth
The Organization for Environmental Education and Protection (Spanish acronym OpEPA), aims to reconnect children and young adults with the Earth so that they act in an environmentally sustainable manner, ultimately becoming agents in reducing environmental degradation and promoting a more sustainable generation of decision makers. OpEPA was founded in Colombia in 1998 and has been operating in the United States as OpEPA USA 501©3 since 2007.
Project Summary and Objectives
One of OpEPA's current projects being developed in the state of Colorado is Spiritual Reconnection with the Earth. The objectives of this project are to generate consciousness regarding humankind's spiritual relationship with the Earth and raise awareness of the current ecological footprint on the Planet. We do so by exposing audiences, through multimedia presentations and discussions, to indigenous wisdom, modern day uses of sacred elements (including corn, coca leaf and tobacco, among others) and the contrasting means by which food is produced in modern times.
Through the project we intend to uncover possible solutions and take steps towards creating a positive transformation starting specifically in the Boulder/Denver community. Our overarching perspective is that we must take action HERE and NOW, find our MODERN WISDOM and achieve sustainability.
Project Methodology
Given the abundance of easily accessible information today, audiences are highly skeptical- they have developed an "information filter". Youth, in particular, as a digital generation, are bombarded with so much that it is difficult to capture their focus and help them see connections between seemingly diverse ideas. We approach the obstacle of "information permeability" with a unique methodology that helps the audience absorb the information offered.
OpEPA uses a distinctively crafted, interactive multimedia lecture and it measures changes in perception through questionnaires before and after the presentation. We are targeting universities, schools, treatment centers, recreational centers, spiritual communities and theater venues.
Our first strategy is to break down the information permeability filters and have the audience be present. We engage by having individuals connect with as many senses as possible; for example, trying to notice bodily sensations (temperature, heart rate, feelings of vacuum), breathing abdominally, tasting or smelling "mate" (a leaf beverage from South America), and singing or following rhythms of ancestral chants. We connect the audience with information that has been shared by humanity for over 4000 years – chants. The words brought forth in the chants makes one realize that humans have been in harmony with the Earth for millennia, experiencing the sense of cosmic oneness.
The chants we bring forth have been shared by Muiscas, Mayas, Cofanes – ancient communities from the Andes, Amazon, all the way up to Guatemala. The messages concur with some teachings from North American tribes as well. These are the lyrics to the chants:
"Four Elements" - Earth my body, Water my Blood, Air my Breath and Fire my Spirit…
"I Am" - I am a savage child, innocent free and wild. I am of all ages, my grandparents live in me. I am sister/brother of the clouds and all I can do is share. I know that all is everyone's and all is alive in me. My heart is a star, I am daughter/son of the Earth. And aboard my spirit, I'll travel eternity...
Indigenous cultures have connected with the Earth for millennia through food, chants, ceremonies, "knowledge" plants, and fermented beverages made from grains and psycho-tropic plants. They search for the sacred within themselves to be able to connect their spirit with the Earth. We take a close look at this indigenous wisdom and explore the sanctity of plants, beverages and medicine that continues to be used today on a daily basis. This contrasts with modern times where some sacred elements have been transformed into vices, addictions, money mechanisms and justifications for war.
Our second strategy is to bring information about the dire state of our Planet and humankind's role in it close to the heart, to an undeniable reality. Our guiding premise is that for the last two millennia we have put what is sacred outside our bodies and become disconnected from nature. As a result, we take much more than we give back to the Planet and to each other; we oppress the feminine, and we seek never-ending growth leading to an unsustainable lifestyle.
Our final strategy is to come up with solutions as a group, during an audience participation section of our presentations. We explore vertical farming, legalization of elicit substances, resource based economies, respecting the feminine, and natural euphoria, among other topics. Transformation is possible but it must begin at the individual level, we must transform ourselves in order to transform our surroundings.
Desired Results
We hope to achieve the following specific results through our program:
Reduced personal carbon footprints – Inspire audience members to seek out lifestyle choices that reduce their personal carbon footprint and connect them with nature.
Approach substance abuse from a spiritual perspective – so that individuals are more aware of how abuse of substances that were once sacred causes spiritual voids and planetary disconnection.
Transform the perception of sacred elements – understand that much of the current destruction is being caused by modern humankind's use of chemicals and technology in transforming sacred plants into vices and profit. The plants and nature are not at fault, it is our abuse of them that is.
OpEPA's GOALS
We envision a film documentary, a theater presentation and many individual presentations done by spirited individuals within the Boulder/Denver community.
Our Ask
Your generous contribution will allow us to grow on the quest to spiritually reconnecting individuals with the Earth. We are able to issue tax deductible donation certifications in the United States of America or Colombia. Please consider donating toward anyone of our target areas: Documentary, Lecture Series or Theater Presentation. We hope you would like to be involved and would gladly go over budgets with you.
Mateo A. de Valenzuela
Director of Development
(303) 808-2358
© 2017 OpEPA · Calle 70 A # 13-18 · Teléfono +57 (1) 235 7577 · Bogotá D.C. · Colombia · Sur América


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The Pacific Islanders had gone into the dying minutes of the match 20-15 ahead, but a converted Tom Smith try ended their hopes and sealed Scotland's passage into the quarter-finals.
McCallion said: "Naturally we're disappointed. There is no doubt about it. In the first half it was there for the taking.
"The crucial moment was when we lost our hooker, Greg Smith, five minutes before half-time. We lost our composure after that and Scotland came back very strongly."
Smith, the Fijian captain and hooker, had inspired a superb showing from his forwards before coming off with a neck injury.
Despite that, a 14-6 lead at half-time - courtesy of tries from Rupeni Caucaunibuca - had put his side in a strong position.
But a missed scoring chance by Caucaunibuca and fellow wing Aisea Tuilevu kept the Scots in the contest.
McCallion added: "You never think the game is won until the final whistle is blown. I knew we were under pressure and the Scots would come back and they did.
"We didn't finish off our rucks and mauls, but we were confident to go ahead in the second half, then we lost composure.
"But in the end it was still only two points and with a bit of luck, or even a penalty, we would have won."


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This tutorial demonstrate how to compare two character array are equal or not. The Arrays.equals(c1, c2) helps to compare it and return boolean value.
import java.util.Arrays;
Posted on: June 29, 2010 If you enjoyed this post then why not add us on Google+? Add us to your Circles
Share this Tutorial Follow us on Twitter, or add us on Facebook or Google Plus to keep you updated with the recent trends of Java and other open source platforms. Connect Me on Google+


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Zynga (ZNGA) is hated.
It's become a punch line, trading 70% below its initial offering price. At every new bit of bad news, critics run out and dance on the online game maker's gravestone.
Monday's news that the company would lay off 18% of its workforce provided more shouts of glee from Zynga bears. They pointed out, fairly, that an 18% reduction in headcount amounted to 520 people. And that the entire former OMGPOP office in New York was let go about a year after it was acquired by Zynga for $180 million, when it had one of the hottest games around, Draw Something.
The bears also said that Zynga announced another "disastrous" quarter. (In reality, Zynga said that its current quarter would come in at the bottom half of previous guidance.)
But there are many positives:
- There's about $2.27 per share worth of cash and real estate holdings built into the stock. At Monday's $2.99 price, you're getting a great entry with a strong floor beneath it.
- The headcount reductions translate into annual savings of $80 million per year.
- High-revenue-potential games are coming in the second half, including Battlestone.
- It only takes one hit for it to be massively profitable to Zynga's bottom line.
- Sure, there are problems at the company, but that's why you're getting it basically for cash value.
- If Zynga squeak out one hit this year, this stock could double.
There's no question that the rapid shift to mobile caught Zynga off guard; it had a high headcount and didn't see this playing out when it went public.
Does Zynga deserve to be in the penalty box because of those mistakes? Sure. But the bears have to recognize that this group has been able to deliver hits before, and the risk-reward setup for investors looks good.
If only one out of 10 new releases is a hit, Zynga's stock will be a home run.


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Gifts for Easter Prank – stupid or not?Published by Cristian April 25th, 2009 in Pranks. 0 Comments Tags: No Tags.
Easter is very important holiday when children in special and not only, are receiving gifts. The family in the following video made a prank on their children and put him to eat a little rabbit made from cioc?!
Would you do this prank? My personal opinion is that it is just stupid!
If you want to receive new video hacks, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
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Rackable Systems said today that it has completed its legal name change to "Silicon Graphics International Corp." and will also change its NASDAQ stock ticker symbol from RACK to SGI, effective today. There had been initial reports that the company would continue to trade under RACK. Please update your portfolios accordingly.
"Leveraging a unified SGI brand will enable us to communicate more effectively to our customers and partners around the globe," Mark Barrenechea, president and CEO of SGI. "Implementing the new trading symbol better aligns our corporate brand with our vision."


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The recognition from the UK's music industry comes as the newly-reformed band revives its career with gusto.
Last year, Duran Duran played a series of critically-acclaimed comeback shows in the US and Japan, and they recently toured with Robbie Williams in Australia.
In October they were given a rapturous reception at the Forum in London - their first UK gig featuring the band's original line-up for 18 years.
Now they have sold 120,000 tickets for their UK arena tour in April, and an album of new material is to follow.
But wind the clock back a few years and it was a different story.
Frontman Simon Le Bon and keyboardist Nick Rhodes were carrying on under the Duran banner.
The pair had been going it alone since bassist John Taylor's departure in 1996. Drummer Roger Taylor and guitarist Andy Taylor were long gone - having quit in 1985.
Le Bon and Rhodes had been joined for over a decade by guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, but they had not enjoyed a big hit since the success of Ordinary World and Come Undone from 1993's Wedding Album.
Despite support from some loyal fans - and a handful of sell-out shows in the UK during the late 1990s - it seemed Duran were fading into obscurity.
But in 2001, there were rumours of a reunion.
The following year, the three Taylors - John, Roger and Andy - joined Le Bon and Rhodes in the south of France and the five began working on new songs together.
Mini-tours in Japan and the US were soon under way - and Duran were back in business.
The success and media attention surrounding the comeback concerts has revived memories of the band at the height of their fame in the mid-1980s.
The pouting good looks of Simon Le Bon and John Taylor ensured their faces regularly appeared on the covers of every pop and teen magazine around.
The hysteria surrounding the US leg of their Sing Blue Silver tour in 1984 reached epic proportions - with comparisons to Beatlemania.
In the spirit of the 1980s, their personal lives were full of glamour and excess - with marriages to models and dalliances with designer drugs.
Exotic and extravagant videos made them MTV favourites while they performed the theme tune to 1985 Bond movie A View To A Kill.
Twenty years on, the screaming teenagers are now in their 30s and the band are approaching middle age.
But their recent reunion has rekindled some of the Duran magic of old.
Whether or not their new material wins over a new generation of fans, their place in British pop history is already assured.


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HVAC design, Manuals J, S, T, & D, Duct leakage, Air flow, ENERGY STAR new home requirements, and more. Since heating & cooling are such a big part of home energy use, understanding HVAC is critical.
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Lions Earn Eight Quick Wins, Concede at No. 6 Singles by Default
SAINT LEO, Fla. – The eighth-ranked Saint Leo women's tennis team made easy work of Walsh University on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Cavaliers by a score of 8-1 at the Saint Leo Tennis Center. The lions advance their mark to 4-3 on the season, while Walsh drops to 2-2.
The Lions dropped their only decision at No. 6 singles, handing the victory to Walsh in a win by default. Saint Leo opened doubles action with Anastasia Wagner and Paula Montoya defeating Sofya Logunova and Daria Bondareva, 8-0 at No. 1 doubles, while the tandem of Pauline Helgesson and Laura Kemkes took down Alisha Angle and Alona Skobkina 8-0, at the No. 2 spot.
Adrianna Daszkiewicz and Coralie Pesenti sealed the deal at No. 3 doubles, taking down the duo of Anastasiya Dasik and Jaclyn DiDomenico, 8-0 to close out doubles action with the Lions holding onto a 3-0 advantage.
Pesenti picked up a victory at No. 1 singles, winning the first set over Logunova 6-4 before earning the win with Logunova retiring.
Wagner picked up a 6-0, 6-1 win in the No. 2 flight, taking down Bondareva, while Helgesson picked up a win at the No. 3 slot, 6-1, 6-0.
Montoya defeated Angle at the No. 4 position, 6-4, 6-3, followed by Daszkiewicz picking up a quick 6-0, 6-0 win over Kravitz at No. 5 singles to close out the day.
The Saint Leo women's tennis team returns to action on Friday, March 7, when they host Wayne State (Mich.) at the Saint Leo Tennis Center. Match time is slated for 2 p.m.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's tennis team, be sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.


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Items where Author is "Al-Hussaeni, Khalil"
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Group by: Item Type | No Grouping
Number of items: 3.
Fung, Benjamin C.M. and Trojer, Thomas and Hung, Patrick C.K. and Xiong, Li and Al-Hussaeni, Khalil and Dssouli, Rachida (2012) Service-Oriented Architecture for High-Dimensional Private Data Mashup. IEEE Transactions on Services Computing, 5 (3). pp. 373-386. ISSN 1939-1374
Al-Hussaeni, Khalil (2017) Preserving Privacy in High-Dimensional Data Publishing. PhD thesis, Concordia University.
Al-Hussaeni, Khalil (2009) Preserving Data Privacy and Information Usefulness for RFID Data Publishing. Masters thesis, Concordia University.


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Campbell Jewellers Dublin Diamond Ring Collection
Please enquire directly about this product.
A Beautifully crafted Citrine 5.78ct & diamond cocktail ring the emerald shape cut is iconic and in a stone of this size really wows, we have paid particular attention to the finish of this ring tapering the claws into a talon shape for extra effect.
Appointments In Our Donnybrook Village Boutique Are Available, We Look Forward To Helping You Decide On The Finest Crafted Diamond Engagement Rings, Offering Straight Forward In Depth Expert Advice.
To Arrange an Appointment You Can Email Ronan Campbell Our In House Diamond Expert firstname.lastname@example.com Or Call 01-2600060
With 1,000's of Certified Diamonds Available Through Our Global Network Of Ethical & Trusted Partners We Will Find, Study & Approve The Finest Diamond For Your Most Important Diamond Ring.
Our Prices For True Quality Are Better Than Stores In Dubai, NYC & Antwerp, Get In Touch You Will Be Pleasantly Surprised
Campbell Jewellers Dublin Offer The Finest Diamonds Available In Ireland


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- 3M Littmann Stethoscopes
- Same-Day Laser Engraving & Shipping! Details Same-Day Engraving & Free Shipping $125+ Details
Orders placed before 2PM EST Monday - Friday ship the same day (excludes Ultrascope). There is NO SHIPPING DELAY on stethoscope engravings. Shipping warehouse closed weekends and holidays. If an order is placed over the weekend, it will ship Monday.
THE STETHOSCOPE EXPERTS, MAKING HAPPY CUSTOMERS SINCE 2005!MyStethoscope.com • 33 Wood Avenue South, Suite 600, Iselin, NJ 08830 • (800) 679-7811 • Live Chat


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Butterfly Wrap by Sharon Miller
Welcome! You are browsing as a guestWould you like to see projects made from this pattern and much more? create a free account What am I missing?
Butterfly Wrap
This pattern is available from heirloom-knitting.co.uk for £5.00.
This pattern is worked with three alternating colors of mohair.
For more information, see: http://www.heirloom-knitting.co.uk/butterfly_pattern...


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We all love our spas for the amazing experience it offers. The feeling after taking a dip in a hot tub certainly can't be expressed in words. Along with the joy, there are several therapeutic advantages to be had by using a spa. One of the best means for enjoyment and relaxation, a spa can […]Read More
Pool Safety First! Swimming Fun Next!
Almost nothing turns out to be better than old-school parental care when it comes to ensuring the safety of children while they are playing in or around a swimming pool. There are, of course, certain basics such as "not to run on wet cement", " not to drink and drive", "not to do any physical […]Read More
Clean the Cartridge Thoroughly- Enjoy the Pool Boundlessly
It is widely known that pool filters are easy to maintain and can be easily cleaned but what is comparatively unknown is that these pool filters can be cleaned using multiple techniques. Mostly pool owners confine themselves to the process of backwashing; fortnightly backwashing is necessary but besides backwashing one can also try other ways […]Read More
The Guide to Choose a Pool Filter Wisely
A lot of research goes into choosing a filter and more often than not all we are looking for is an impeccable filtration with easy maintenance. Some pool owners commit a mistake by taking an inappropriate filter and some even commit graver mistake of neglecting equipment maintenance. For optimum hygiene you need superior- quality pool […]Read More
Some Spa Filter Tips Worth Remembering
We all have the desire to enjoy our luxuries forever, without putting any effort in maintaining the same. The desire, however, is nothing more than a dream that won't ever come true. With every luxury you have, you will get your fair share of joy but at the same time, you will have a significant […]Read More
Cut the Energy Consumption in Spas
If the entire spa information was written like a novel, the benefits of using it would probably be the preface that everyone has read already. It is high time that spa owners turned the page and focused more on the smart and exciting ways of using a hot tub rather than getting stuck with the […]Read More
A Chemical-Free Alternative for Algaecides
No matter how many attractive features one appends to his/her residence, the appeal of a swimming pool is truly exceptional. With so many options for decorating the area around your swimming pool, such as placing table and chairs, arranging benches or simply maintaining some greenery with neatly trimmed bushes and shrubs, you can make your […]Read More
How to Choose Best Covers for Spas?
Spas are no longer just another luxury – today there is a whole bunch of people who can't carry out their regular routine without taking a dip in their very own spa. Owing to the multiple benefits of using spas, the number of users is rising at a steady rate. A bath tub experience is […]Read More
Know the Right Chemicals for Your Spas
We may not have reached the highest financial status, yet we have our list of required luxuries. Pools and spas, as a matter of fact, are on top of this list. Being some of the greatest means for enjoyment and relaxation, these luxuries also offer health benefits. While swimming in a pool helps you get […]Read More
Consult Professionals Before Working on Spa Replacement Parts
Most of us who have enough money to buy luxuries own a spa or a hot tub. A dip in a hot tub is certainly an excellent way to get rid of the physical and mental stress we deal with throughout the day. The care of this hot tub, however, often seems too tedious and tiresome […]Read More


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Making their debut on the arcade-entertainment scene at Chiba's Makuhari Messe exhibition venue on Saturday were Crimson Viper, a redhead with a predilection for cross-dressing and ultraviolence, and Abel, a Teutonic blond whose rippling physique seemed to bear the hallmarks of some serious steroid abuse. Hordes of gamers gathered for what proved to be the main draw of this year's AOU Amusement Expo, prepared to tough out a two-hour wait in order to get their sticky mitts on the controls for the latest arcade version of Capcom's seminal fighting game "Street Fighter."
The Expo is the industry's equivalent of a coming-out ball, where game fans get a tantalizing glimpse of the year's upcoming releases. Children cuddled up and had their picture taken with their favorite furry characters, while older gamers grabbed a photo opportunity with glamorous models sporting scanty costumes (cuddling up was strictly off the menu).
In addition to checking out costumed characters and stage shows, it was also possible to try the latest releases before they hit arcades later in the year. Of course, the most important question of the day was whether it was worth queuing up to play "Street Fighter IV."
Thomas Soubrier, a 25-year-old Web designer from France, certainly seemed to think so: "The basics are still the same — the same attacks and so on — but the whole game is very different from the past episodes," he said. "The game design is the best I've ever seen. The graphics are as near perfect as you get for a fighting video game."
Karl Schutz from Sweden, a 24-year-old student of Japanese, agreed, with a few equivocations: "The control is kind of sticky. But this is the demo so it's not the final product by far," he said. "I'm pretty curious about the new characters. It's a very beautiful game. I like what they've done with the 3-D cell-shading graphics; it's very, very nice."
The backgrounds are, indeed, very impressive, even down to realistic faded-red wood textures in a Chinatown fight scene and the movements of bystanders, who take photos and cheer on the adrenaline-fueled pummel-fest.
New features include focus attacks, which allow the player to unleash a powerful counterblow while in a defensive state, and are designed to add depth for experienced players while being easy for newcomers to pull off; and the revenge gauge, which increases every time the player takes a hit, presumably allowing them to use a special life-saving attack when all hope seems lost.
Capcom would not divulge much about the new characters, saying only that Crimson Viper "is a mysterious woman" and Abel "is a man who can't remember his past." It looks like fans are going to have to wait until the release (chalked in for summertime) to find out more.
In addition to the plethora of "version ups," there were several brand new games. Konami's "Action Cop" attracted huge interest with its innovative controls designed to follow the player's movement, allowing you to punch, block, shoot and smash opponents to satisfying smithereens.
The cabinet's screen is gratifyingly large, giving the feeling that you are up close and personal with your opponent. Although motion sensitive, the segment of the game I caught did not appear to be particularly politically sensitive, with white protagonists fighting a gang of muscular black baddies. But as watchers of the "Grand Theft Auto" series will attest, political incorrectness is no barrier to international success.
Another new title was Square Enix's "Lord of Vermilion," a fantasy adventure where players collect physical cards, each representing a character, which can be placed on a board in front of the screen to access the character during play. The cards have been designed by artists including Aiba Ryosuke, who designed characters for "Final Fantasy IV," and cartoonist Katsuya Terada. Those who braved the 90-minute line were rewarded with limited-edition cards to be used when the game is released later this year.
Engineer Kenichiro Takayasu, 29, enthused: "Out of everything at the fair I liked it best. It's interesting because it's a card game, and many different artists designed the characters."
A whole lot of hoopla was going on over the unveiling of "Jubeat," due in the summer, with professional dancers cavorting in states of apparent ecstasy around the flashing cabinets. The latest product from Konami — creator of rhythm games "Beatmania," "Pop'n Music" and "Dance Dance Revolution" — "Jubeat" is music-based, with players having to hit keys in time to the rhythm. But there's one big and most-welcome difference: Instead of looking up at a screen while your hands do the hitting down below, the buttons themselves contain the visual display. Looking like a cross between a Rubik's Cube and the box from "Hellraiser," the game is a real blast from the 1980s past and an indication that the industry is well aware of the rising trend for retro gaming.
Kei Takada, 26, an office worker, played the game and remarked: "I'm a big fan of 'Beatmania,' so I was pretty interested because this game is completely original. I found the controls really easy to use, but I wondered whether this kind of game system would be difficult to maintain in an arcade, where the sensitive keys can take a lot of bashing."
Developer Taito went even further on the retro tip by releasing a souped-up version of its classic arcade game "Space Invaders." Timed to celebrate the game's 30th anniversary, "Space Invaders Extreme" has a new arsenal of weapons, introduces a bonus-points system for gunning down aliens and has the enemy ships swooping down in more interesting attack formations. However, while many had hoped this would be an arcade version, the game is in fact to be released on the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS hand-held consoles.
The space had not been totally invaded by the big-hitting corporations: This year also saw the triumph of the small guy. Nagasato Souichi, CEO of MechaTracks Co., was showing off "Robo Catcher," a potentially revolutionary twist on the UFO-catcher arcade machine, where hopefuls steer a crane-mounted claw to try to grab prizes.
Eschewing the traditional claw, "Robo Catcher" lets players operate a miniature robot, making the whole process of being swindled out of your small change that little bit more pleasurable: Instead of the usual position, drop and grab controls familiar to UFO-catcher fans, the player hits buttons to maneuver the robot to the prizes, bend down to grab them, and then carry any winnings safely to the deposit chute. Of course, actually winning something remains fiendishly difficult.
"Robo Catcher" was launched in December last year, but so far it can only be found in 30 arcades around Japan.
For the moment, the lure of the UFO catcher remains strong, as testified by the swarm of preteens lining up in the hope of snagging something shiny from the free-to-play machines on various manufacturers' stalls.
"I love UFO catchers," beamed a jubilant Natsumi Yagino, 11. "I won a small doll — it's soooo cute."
As for the prizes, there was a plethora of plastic injection-molded/cuddly toys on show at the Bandi-Namco stand. Alongside new models of the usual suspects — toys based on "Kamen Rider," "Gundam," "Ultraman" and "Pokemon," etc. — was newcomer Moicho, a white chick who sports a red scarf and "likes lettuce and peanuts." Come July, Moicho appeal will be tested in the cutthroat market of kawaii (cute). Over on the Sanrio stand, Kitty-chan was dressed to kill as a lovable panda. Isn't the panda a threatened species? Who knows, maybe Moicho stands a fighting chance.
"What I like best is that there is a lot of stuff for different age groups," said 25-year-old Australian Brad Cameron, who is teaching English in Japan. "There's even stuff for toddlers."
Cameron's words sum up the broad and abiding appeal of the arcade industry. Coin-op games may not attract the volumes of players they once did, but the sheer number of both young and old(ish) gamers who eagerly lined up to try out the latest technology at the AOU Amusement Expo was living proof that the industry is alive and power-kicking its way through the 21st century.


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Former coal billionaire Nathan Tinkler has put the blame for the collapse of his planned share investment in Blackwood on commodities trader Noble Group.
Mr Tinkler in the NSW Supreme Court today said he expected Singapore-based Noble would pay $25 million to $30 million for his three-quarter share of a royalty stream from the Middlemount coal mine in Queensland, allowing his private company Mulsanne to complete the purchase of shares in Blackwood.
But Mr Tinkler told lawyers for the liquidator of Mulsanne that the verbal arrangement, between himself and Noble's Will Randall, was never documented - although in hindsight "I certainly I wish I had done that".
''I have a very good working relationship with Noble,'' Mr Tinkler said. He had done transactions with Noble ''in the $100 million to $200 million range and I didn't think a $20 million deal would be a problem,'' he said.
On May 6, 2012, Mulsanne signed a share purchase agreement to pay $28.4 million for 94.7 million shares in Blackwood at 30 cents a share by July but Mr Tinkler said after the due date had passed Noble Group came back and offered half the previously discussed valuation for the Middlemount royalty.
The unencumbered royalty, of $1 per tonne produced from the Middlemount mine, is owned by private company Oceltip, which is 75 per cent owned by Mr Tinkler's wife and 25 per cent owned by Mr Tinkler's former partner Matthew Higgins, was to sell the $1 per tonne royalty to Noble, which had its own royalty from the mine and was consolidating its Australian interests in the ASX-listed Yancoal.
"It was always two separate transactions," Mr Tinkler said. "Ideally they would have happened simultaneously".
Mr Tinkler discussed loans to fund Mulsanne's obligations under the Blackwood placement with UBS, Credit Suisse, Bank of America and certain hedge funds.
Unencumbered homes owned by his wife Rebecca in Newcastle and Brisbane were offered as security.
Mr Tinkler said he had a long-standing, good working relationship with Noble which he "trusted". He had previously done deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars with Mr Randall, a director of Noble, so did not doubt his authority to do the Oceltip deal.
Noble, which owns 51 per cent of Blackwood, would have had an incentive to complete both sides of the transaction.
But Mr Tinkler conceded that as he did not own 100 per cent of Oceltip he could not be certain that all the royalty would be sold to Noble and Mulsanne would be able to come up with the $28.4 million it owed Blackwood.
As the July due date came and went, as did an extension until August, Mr Tinkler conceded "I couldn't deliver".
"I believed I had a sale, but there was another partner in the royalty stream," Mr Tinkler said.
Mr Tinkler said he expected Noble was interested to buy his 75 per cent stake in the royalty if they could not get agreement from Mr Higgins, but admitted that was never promised and it was not an agreement he expected he could enforce."It was a general discussion," he said.
Mr Tinkler said coal markets turned adverse in the second half of the year and coal stocks fell, making it tougher to raise finance. "Noble didn't expect Yancoal shares to be under $1 and I didn't expect Whitehaven to be trading at $3".
The evidence followed heated discussion between lawyers for the liquidator and for Mr Tinkler over whether all documents relevant to the share purchase agreement had been provided to the court.
Mr Tinkler indicated he kept his own diary notes and filed them: "I generally run through one or two of these things a week".
Mr Tinkler said he had thought a deal with over Oceltip would take about a month but before the lunch adjournment the liquidators counsel Robert Newlinds SC put it to Mr Tinkler that "you never really expected a sale of the Middlemount royalty [to complete before the Blackwood payment was due because] there just wasn't going to be time".
"I disagree," Mr Tinkler said.
The hearing resumes at 2pm.


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Brisbane great Darren Lockyer has urged Canberra to use the embarrassing 68-4 meltdown to Melbourne as motivation to ''prove a point'' and revive their tattered finals hopes.
As Raiders coach David Furner described his club's biggest loss as ''getting in front of a boulder going downhill'', Lockyer warned there was no quick fix and urged them to adopt a siege mentality to the criticism. The former Queensland and Australia captain knows how it feels to walk off Canberra Stadium humiliated. He was skipper of a Brisbane side thrashed 56-0 in Canberra in round 21, 2009. The Broncos bounced back to win their next seven games before losing a preliminary final to Melbourne.
''There's only one way to turn it around and that's through hard work. It's not about saying things, it's about doing things,'' Lockyer said.
''The media will be very critical of them this week and they can use it as motivation, whenever there's criticism out there it drives players to prove a point.
''Obviously they need to question their attitude a bit on the weekend. If they want to play for premierships, you can't turn up with that attitude.''
Lockyer said the Broncos' disaster in Canberra was the spur to get their season back on track.
''It was embarrassing and that's what it was for the Raiders yesterday,'' he said. ''If you don't come with the right attitude and something like that happens, it kicks you back into gear.
''It's one thing to be talking about doing this and that but they need to speak with their actions. I'm sure that's what their plan is.
''The Broncos and the Raiders both have had a lot of success in the past and a lot of great players have created that legacy.
''You feel embarrassed and you want to restore some pride.''
Furner was still at a loss to explain the Raiders' capitulation, but said there needed to be accountability in terms of what caused the biggest loss in club history.
Storm skipper Cameron Smith advised the Raiders to ''wipe the game from the memory bank'' after the match, but Furner sifted through the wreckage in watching a replay of the game on Monday.
''We have to have a look at some of it, there has to be accountability,'' Furner said.
''You can't come up with that performance and we have to understand why, so sometimes you have to look at things you don't like.''
The loss was a brutal reality check for the Raiders who may have been over-confident after three straight wins over bottom-eight sides Parramatta, St George Illawarra and North Queensland. ''It was uncharacteristic with the things we've been doing, that's the disappointing part,'' Furner said. ''We must have felt we were going better than we were.
''I said before these two games [Storm and Roosters], but especially this game, it was going to determine where we're at as a team.
''We got exposed. It was like getting in front of a boulder going downhill and we just couldn't stop it. It was a reality check to be honest, how we respond is up to us.''
The Raiders are still in seventh spot, but face arguably the toughest run home of any finals contender. After the Roosters they face Canterbury (home), Manly (home), Warriors (away) and Cronulla (home).
Furner refused to be drawn into whether Blake Ferguson would make his return against the competition-leading Roosters. The star centre has played for NSW Cup side Mounties the past two weeks after returning from an NRL-imposed suspension.


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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A Jacksonville Beach man who shot and killed a Jacksonville firefighter and tried to shoot his own stepfather in February 2011 was convicted Friday of first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder.
A jury took about an hour to return the guilty verdicts for 33-year-old Charles Pearce, who killed 42-year-old Mike McCue (pictured below) and shot at Pearce's stepfather, Michael Otis, in Jacksonville Beach but missed.
A sentencing hearing for Pearce is set for June 2.
During closing arguments Friday morning, prosecutor John Guy said McCue spent his last day on Earth working on the yard with his girlfriend. He said that was turned into "a universal nightmare by a man with evil in his heart and a loaded gun."
Prosecutors said while Pearce was delusional, he knew right from wrong.
"He did not kill because he had to. He did it seeking revenge," prosecutor Janeen Kirch said.
The defense, however, said Pearce didn't know what he was doing.
"There are two Charles Pearces: one that's hard working, kind and helpful to others," defense attorney Michael Bateh said. "The other Charles Pearce was paranoid, obsessive, delusional and accusatory."
Defense attorneys told the jury that a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity would not mean he would be released from prison.
After the guilty verdict was read, the McCue family that packed the courtroom cried and exchanged hugs.
"Mike was a special person and he'll be remembered as a hero," said Kelly McCue, Mike's sister.
"Is this a form of justice for mike? You know, I'm his twin, it'll never be justice for me. I see his face in the mirror every day," Mitch McCue said. "We were together since inception to the day he died."
They said while McCue was a former firefighter, at the time he was killed, he was training soldiers how to detonate bombs and was supposed to be going to Afghanistan that weekend to do so. They said he got in late from out of state and decided to go home to rest and was killed 12 hours later.
McCue's family said thousands of people attended his funeral, which was televised in Iraq and Afghanistan.
During the trial, defense attorneys said Pearce was a man convinced that his family and neighbors had stolen $30 million in inheritance money that did not exist. They called witnesses to speak to Pearce's long history of mental health issues and contend his delusions became his obsession.
Prosecutors called a psychologist, who said Pearce was sane at the time of the shooting.
Pearce's family was in the courtroom Friday for the first time during the trial but did not stay for the verdict.
Copyright 2014 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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T the M was the T S B O M in 1998Letter Equations are well known phrases or facts where the key words have been replaced with the first letter of that word. These are often in the form of an equation, which contain a number, an = sign and the rest of the obscured phrase or fact.
T the M was the T S B O M in 1998
AnswerTitanic the movie was the top selling box office movie in 1998.
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Hi everyone! My name is Jessa Gianotti and I am returning for my third semester as a Style Guru at CollegeFashionista. Although I am still in denial about it, I will be entering my senior at The College of New Jersey in the fall as a Journalism and Professional Writing major with a minor in Marketing. The past two semesters I have written for the FASHIONISTA/O SPOTLIGHT category, but this summer I am ecstatic to start writing for STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK for a change.
Fashion is something that has always consumed me. Even before understanding the fashion industry or sophisticated designs, I have always loved clothing. My mother has always let me dress myself from a young age — for better or for worse. Luckily my older brother, a men's clothing and accessories designer, has always been teaching me about fashion, and I have him to thank for a great deal of my knowledge and love of fashion. This is also a reason that I also love scoping out men's styles just as much as women's.
My style is mostly preppy, although sometimes I find myself leaning towards more bohemian pieces, especially in the summertime. But most days you can usually find me in an oxford shirt and pearls. My style is influenced a great deal by classics like Jackie Kennedy Onassis and contemporary style icons like Emma Watson. I also love blogs like "The College Prepster" and "Gal Meets Glam." I practically live on fashion blogs and social media, so writing for a CollegeFashionista is ideal for me, allowing me to combine my love for writing and fashion in an outlet outside of the classroom. Be sure to look out for my STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK posts every Monday!


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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
It is possible that the main title of the report Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is not the name you expected.
General Discussion
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant under the age of 1 year that remains unexplained after careful review of the history, death scene investigation, and thorough autopsy. In 2008, the most recent published data from the National Vital Statistics System indicated that SIDS was listed as the third leading cause of death in infants in the United States. Causes of SIDS are considered to be multifactorial. The triple risk hypothesis describes the presence of three risk factors that, when overlapping, predispose a baby to SIDS. These include an environmental trigger/stress, a critical developmental period, and an underlying vulnerability. Physician-scientists and scientists are studying neuropathological tissue and genetic material from SIDS victims to ascertain factors that might be responsible for heightening an infant's vulnerability to SIDS. Others are performing physiologic studies on infants known to have an increased risk for SIDS. Basic scientists are studying animal models that might provide insight into mechanisms responsible for SIDS. Current clinical management targets improving education for families and caregivers regarding known modifiable environmental stressors (risk factors) (see below).
Supporting Organizations
American SIDS Institute
- 528 Raven Way
- Naples, FL 34110
- Tel: (239)431-5425
- Fax: (239)431-5536
- Tel: (800)232-7437
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Website: http://www.sids.org
CJ Foundation for SIDS, Inc.
- HUMC: WFAN Pediatric Center
- 30 Prospect Avenue
- Hackensack, NJ 07601
- Tel: 551-996-5111
- Fax: 551-996-5326
- Tel: 888-8CJ-SIDS
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.cjsids.org
First Candle-SIDS Alliance
- 2105 Laurel Bush Road
- Suite 201
- Bel Air, MD 21015
- Tel: (443)640-1049
- Tel: (800)221-7437
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Website: http://www.firstcandle.org
Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths
- 11 Belgrave Road
- London, SW1V 1RB
- United Kingdom
- Tel: 2078023200
- Fax: 8707870725
- Tel: 8707870554
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Website: http://fsid.org.uk/Page.aspx?pid=191
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Tel: (301)251-4925
- Fax: (301)251-4911
- Tel: (888)205-2311
- Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
Infants Remembered In Silence, Inc. (IRIS)
- 112 Third Street NE
- Faribault, MN 55021
- Tel: (507)334-4748
- Fax: (507)334-4748
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.irisRemembers.com
NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- 31 Center Dr
- Building 31, Room 2A32
- Bethesda, MD 20892
- Fax: (866)760-5947
- Tel: (800)370-2943
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/
NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- P.O. Box 5801
- Bethesda, MD 20824
- Tel: (301)496-5751
- Fax: (301)402-2186
- Tel: (800)352-9424
- Website: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
National Sudden and Unexpected Infant/Child Death Resource Center
- 2115 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
- Suite 601
- Washington, DC 20007
- Tel: (202)687-7466
- Fax: (202)784-9777
- Tel: (866)866-7437
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.sidscenter.org
SIDS Educational Services, Inc.
- PO Box 2426
- Hyattsville, MD 20784-0426
- Tel: (301)322-2620
- Fax: (301)322-9822
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.sidssurvivalguide.org
Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support, Inc.
- 402 Jackson Street
- Saint Charles, MO 63301
- Tel: (636)947-6164
- Fax: (636)947-7486
- Tel: (800)821-6819
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.nationalshare.org
Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc.
- 6010 Route 53
- Suite A
- Lisle, IL 60532
- Tel: (630)305-7300
- Fax: (630)305-4773
- Tel: (800)432-7437
- Email: email@example.com
- Website: http://www.sidsillinois.org
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
Last Updated: 7/11/2012
Copyright 2012 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.


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Unmanned National Guard Surveillance Drones To Fly Over New York State
Unmanned National Guard Surveillance Drones To Fly Over New York State
By Dave Tobin
If you feel like you're being watched while floating in a canoe or driving along some lonely road in the Adirondacks this summer, you might be right.
In June, the New York Air National Guard's 174th Fighter Wing in Syracuse plans to begin regular unmanned surveillance flights from Fort Drum over the Adirondacks.
The training mission of the drones, called Reapers, will mark the first ongoing flights east of the Mississippi with aircraft that don't have people in them.
The 174th's New York flights will train pilots (who remotely fly the planes) and sensor operators (who monitor video shot from the plane). The Reapers, or MQ-9s, will be controlled from a station at Hancock Airfield, the same place from which the 174th is flying Reapers over Afghanistan.
The New York flights will not be armed and should be undetectable by those on the ground.
The new training mission shows the Syracuse air guard unit's prominence in the growing role of unmanned military aircraft. It also hints at the looming issues of civil liberties and air safety that come with government surveillance by unmanned aircraft over American soil.
The Rest…HERE