text:
Experts wary of roll-out for liberalisation
In the second part of our series on the yuan, we look at what market watchers are saying about Beijing's plan to open up its capital account
Related topics
Market watchers remain sceptical about whether Beijing's targeted time frame for opening its capital accounts, a key step in the yuan's journey to global acceptance, is too soon.
After making its currency fully convertible for trade settlement under the current account, China's key task in globalising the yuan is to promote free capital movements under the capital account.
The central bank is looking to achieve a "basic" opening of the capital account by 2015 and attain full liberalisation by 2020.
However, critics said, no clear timetable has been announced to achieve what a fully open capital account requires - flexible interest and exchange rates.
"With inflexible interest and exchange rates, capital account liberalisation will render monetary policy ineffective and create large welfare losses for China," said Yu Yongding, a former member of the central bank's monetary policy committee.
The yuan's internationalisation can be achieved only when "the exchange rate can adjust constantly around its equilibrium level and domestic interest rates are flexible enough in response to the fluctuations of cross-border capital flows", Yu said.
China's 12th five-year plan said the mainland would gradually open up its capital accounts, and the volume of cross-border capital flows has been growing sharply.
But critics said it remains to be seen how Beijing could stop possible capital flight from the mainland and how its fragile financial system could sustain the attack of "hot money" if the window fully opens.
Beijing boosted the quota for the renminbi qualified foreign institutional investor (RQFII) scheme to 270 billion yuan (HK$341 billion) in March and approved nearly half of that by last month. The scheme allows offshore yuan to be invested in the domestic securities market.
Meanwhile, US$46 billion flowed into the mainland under the qualified foreign institutional investor (QFII) scheme, the equivalent for inbound investment of foreign currency. Shanghai-based Z-Ben Advisors estimates that would double to US$100 billion by the end of next year.
As outbound merger and acquisition activity increases, outward foreign direct investment is expected to rise to about US$5.15 trillion by 2020 from US$311 billion, accounting for 27 per cent of gross domestic product, according to IMF forecasts.
Independent economist Andy Xie told the Post exchange rate liberalisation should not be the top priority for mainland regulators at this moment.
"The nation is having a domestic crisis, and they should handle those problems first," Xie said by phone, warning that opening up too fast would lead to capital flight.
According to IMF calculations, a speedy liberalisation of cross-border capital movements could produce over several years net outflows from China equal to as much as 15 per cent of the country's gross domestic product, roughly US$1.35 trillion.
Of that sum, China would send as much as US$2.25 trillion overseas, while foreigners would invest US$900 billion in China.
That follows the experience of Japan, where 10 per cent of its GDP flowed out of the country in five years following capital account liberalisation.
Capital flows in and out of the mainland are still tightly controlled. For instance, every citizen can take abroad no more than US$50,000 each year. Mainland firms need regulatory approval for every direct investment deal overseas.
Portfolio investment - purchasing bonds and equities - has to be conducted under limited quota schemes, namely the QFII and RQFII for inward flows, and the qualified domestic institutional investor scheme (QDII) for outward flows.
Xu Hao, a deputy director general at the China Securities and Regulatory Commission, told a summit in Hong Kong this month that the QDII scheme is expected to grow rapidly.
He said the government will bring in reforms cautiously.
"Deng Xiaoping had a famous saying, 'crossing the river by feeling for the stones' … we are facing a river and we wanted to make sure that we took our first step towards stone, not to get drowned in deep water," Xu said.
Most Popular
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5


text:
The various major railway networks of the world are shown in the map. The most dense networks are the ones in USA and Europe, which is natural for these developed regions of the world. At the same time, China, India and Russia also seem to have fairly extensive railway routes. Africa is yet to catch up on development, while Brazil has a very small railway network, which, given the rapid growth of economy, is expected to grow.
- India: In India, the second-most populated country in the world, trains do most of the commuting work. Except for in the far North mountainous regions, railways tracks covers each and every part of the country. It is generally considered to be the fourth largest railway network in the world. A recent development is the introduction of Metro trains for intra-city travel.
- China: Already the second-largest in the world, the rail network in China is set to grow even further. Currently at 91,000 km of length, the network is expecting to soon touch 110,000 km. Apart from the mainland, cross-border services are available to the special administrative zones.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Swift Raglan Women T-Shirts are an Idakoos specialtiy! Idakoos has many things to offer. Whether you want to get a Swift Raglan Women T-Shirt for a special occasion, give a Swift Women T-Shirt as a present or need to represent with a funny Swift Raglan Tee during Holidays or Family and Friends get-togethers, Idakoos is sure to have the right Swift Raglan Women T-Shirt for you! Even if it turns out you can't find the right Swift Raglan Shirt with the perfect design for your mother, father or children (or friends!); Idakoos offers all of its men's women's and children's Swift Raglan Women T-Shirts as Custom Swift Women T-Shirts. Personalize any Swift Raglan Women T-Shirt the way you want to ensure the perfect gift.
Showing 1 - 24 of 78 Women Raglan T-Shirt


text:
Recipe: Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Soup
It might not be the prettiest, but this puréed soup more than makes up for its homely appearance with the deep flavors of roasted broccoli and extra-sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy yet cream-free texture. Best of all, it all comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner option.
This soup was born on a hungry weeknight, when I was looking for a meal made with ingredients I almost always keep on hand. When cool-weather vegetables start dominating the farmers market, my crisper always holds bunches of dark-green broccoli and fat, sandy leeks. My husband's life-long devotion to extra-sharp white cheddar cheese means there is always a block in the cheese drawer. And there's always a potato lurking around the kitchen somewhere.
But the beauty of this soup — and of soup in general — is its flexibility. I've made it with vegetable stock, chicken stock, and plain water. I've skimped on the broccoli and used more potato. I've started with onion or green garlic in place of the leek. And every rendition is good: creamy, bursting with broccoli, with a sharp edge of cheddar peeking out.
Roasting the broccoli adds a depth that plain boiled broccoli just doesn't have. If you are using a bunch of broccoli with stalks that are tender and sweet, chop up the excess stalks and roast them as well. If you love roasted broccoli as much as I do, it might be difficult to resist chowing down on the whole pan, but a bowl of this soup is a reward worth waiting for. Especially since you won't have long to wait.
2 tablespoons oil, divided
1 leek, washed
1 medium waxy potato
1 bunch broccoli (about 1 1/2 pounds)
6 cups vegetable stock, chicken stock, or water
1 cup grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper
Lemon wedge
Crème fraîche or yogurt (optional)
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Thinly slice the white and light green portion of the leek. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the sliced leek. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the leek is soft. While the leek cooks, peel and chop the potato into 1-inch chunks. Add the stock and potato to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
While the stock is coming to a boil, chop the broccoli into florets and spread onto two sheet pans. If the excess broccoli stalks are tender and tasty, they can be peeled and added to the pans. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of oil over the broccoli, sprinkle with a little salt, and put the pans in the oven. Roast for 5 minutes. Stir the broccoli and return to the oven for 5 more minutes.
Once the stock is boiling, add the broccoli and bring to boil again. Simmer until both the potatoes and broccoli pieces are tender when pierced with a fork, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Purée soup with an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender. Add the cheese and stir until it has melted and incorporated into the soup. Taste soup and adjust the seasoning. If you are not serving the soup with crème fraîche or yogurt, add a squeeze of lemon. Serve topped with a small dollop of crème fraîche or yogurt, or a grind of fresh pepper.
Originally published October 2011.
Related: Vegan, Gluten-Free & Lactose-Free — Yet Creamy Soups?
(Images: Anjali Prasertong)


text:
Newspaper Abstracts
1850 - 1858
Used with permission of Julie Hampton Ganis
From Surrounding area newspapers about Stanly County.
Tuesday, January 8, 1850, Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.)
-Married: In Stanly county by Dr. H. D. KENDALL at the residence of Col. David KENDALL on the 4th, Elems KENDALL of Mississippi to Miss Lidia HOWELL, all of Stanly county.
Saturday, May 27, 1854 THE PEE DEE STAR (Wadesborough, Anson Co,
-Died: In this town, on Saturday morning last, Mr. Adam SPRINGER, formerly of Stanly county.
Saturday, July 8, 1854 THE PEE DEE STAR (Wadesborough, Anson Co,
-We learn that on Monday last, Parham KIRK, Sr., of Stanly county, met with an accident which caused his death. He was riding upon a load of lumber when the jolting of the wagon throwing him off his balance, he fell to the ground and the wheels passing over his body caused his death in a short time. He was an aged and respectable citizen, and held the office of sheriff many years ago.
This is part of the


text:
Magic, Mysticism & the MoleculePosted by red pill junkie at 23:50, 21 Jan 2010
Micah Hanks, the young Fortean researcher in charge of The Grailen Report, has just informed us his new book is now available; and if you are the kind of person interested in the links between shamanic trips, magick practices, & modern mysteries like ghosts & UFOs, then THIS is a book you definitely won't want to miss.
Since this is such an exciting time, I look forward to seeing where the road ahead will lead! Below are just a few of the topics featured in the book:
- What role did the infamous magician Aleister Crowley play in the history of modern Ufology? Furthermore, did he somehow manage to contact and interact with an alien "gray" during one of his magical rituals?
- Out of 80,000 plants that were available, how did native tribes in the Amazon jungles discover the right mix of ingredients that allow DMT, the psychoactive ingredient in their ritual ayahuasca brew, to become active; a feat anthropologist Jeremy Narby says stood a one in six-million chance of discovery?
- Do Tibetan mystics possess the strange ability to create "tulpas," literal thought-forms that manifest physically from their thoughts alone? Even stranger, could a sixteenth century Jewish mystic have done the same thing in creating a "golem" in medieval Prague?
- Did famed scholar of the macabre, H.P. Lovecraft, somehow predict that the human pineal gland could act as a gateway between unseen worlds? If so, did the research of famous inventor Nikola Tesla not only prove Lovecraft's own predictions, but illustrate ways we can literally contact creatures From Beyond?
- Do mirrors act as portals to other realms? According to Dr. Raymond Moody, the spirits of deceased loved ones can actually communicate through reflective surfaces… is this a psychological "trick" of the mind, or something else?
- How are sleep paralysis, UFO abductions, out of body travel, psychedelic visions and near death experiences all interconnected? Could they all be much more similar than we've previously imagined?
The book will be available on Amazon shortly, but you can already purchase it directly from Micah, by following this link.
Micah seems like the kind of investigator who's not afraid to look at the world of Esoterica with a holistic approach, daring to cross the interdisciplinary boundaries to see what sense we can make of such phenomena, instead of sticking with prestablished theories and dismissing evidence that might challenge long-held preconceptions.
I'm sure that Magic, Mysticism & the Molecule will rattle quite a few cages within the Fortean world.
- Login to post comments
I still don't buy that argument about the statistical unlikeliness of combining two plants out of thousands to get a psychoactive effect.
There might be many hundreds of so-far untested plant combinations that have psychoactive effects, but after you find the first, I guess your motivation to look for more drops off somewhat!
- Login to post comments
We'll all have to wait until we read Micah's argument, of course.
One thing we do know: if finding such combinations were so easy, then big pharmaceutical companies would be churning out new drugs faster and faster.
On a side note, there was this news Greg linked to a few days ago, about a slug that was found to have genes of an algae —meaning the creature was part animal, part plant.
The though occurred to me: is it possible that somewhere in our distant past the genes of our species combined with the genes of an entheogenic plant? Is that the reason why we humans can "tune in" so easily to other realms through the use of power plants?
Is that why ancient cultures could find the proper ingredients for shamanic trips in the regions they inhabited? because they "recognize" them as 'kin'?
Wild speculations, I know :)
It's not the depth of the rabbit hole that bugs me...
It's all the rabbit SH*T you stumble over on your way down!!!
Red Pill Junkie
- Login to post comments
I have wondered if ancient man had an ability to recognize the characteristics of plants or if there were perhaps a system of knowledge from a previous civilization that served such a purpose.
The knowledge of the properties of these plants and the chemicals in them cannot be the result of simply random experimentation. Can there be tells in the appearance, odor, or some other feature of a plant that give away its makeup?
I wonder if any study has been done regarding what shamans do when confronted with new flora? Maybe we are missing something.
- Login to post comments
Knowing plants is the career of many people in hunter gatherer societies. Of course they know all kinds of details about it - they don't do anything else all day. They learn this stuff as kids and young adults, from professionals.
We are the cat.
- Login to post comments
Hay RPJ,
I too am a bit skeptical of these probability estimates in this context. After all, role back the universe 4 billion years and what was the probability that i would be sitting here typing this now. Perhaps i remain not so unconvinced that the estimate cannot be made; more that the estimate has no deep 'meaning'.
Perhaps the discovery of a plant concoction should be seen in the context of all possible plant concoctions. So someone stumbled across one of them - big deal, what is the context of the discovery? Penicillin is a perfect parrallel. Do the odds even matter, or are our minds playing a trick, unavoidably confusing the 'meaning' behind probabilities like picking random cards, with the 'meaning' of random discovery in the much wider 'open-ended' context of nature.
Also, if anything, a probability like that speaks not to the probability of any single individual correctly mixing the correct concoction to achieve a retrospective result, but the amount of time it would take. So it might be better not to express the odds as 1/80000, but that it would take say 1000 years of tribal existence to discover it given some standard rate of human inquisitivness over X number of tribes and assuming the availability of resources over the given area. The difficulty in expressing those terms i think shows a more realistic appreciation of the odds, within the better 'meaning' of this type of context.
Having said all that, lets see what the author thinks first :)
...about a slug that was found to have genes of an algae —meaning the creature was part animal, part plant.
The though occurred to me: is it possible that somewhere in our distant past the genes of our species combined with the genes of an entheogenic plant? Is that the reason why we humans can "tune in" so easily to other realms through the use of power plants?
Part Animal, Part Plant
In the Ancestors Tail by Richard Dawkins there is one section that caught my eye that might be relevant here. He talks about species and how the concept, though useful, is really part of our perception of life. As an example you have species called Ring Species. He lists a gekko where you have one species on one side of a mountain range and another on the other side, but if you pick one side and follow it all the way up, then back down the other side you see a continuous change in the gekkos - the two species form a ring. At no point in the unbroken chain of gekko changes would you say you have a different species, but looking at the two on either end you would.
The point here is that just like we have an example of a Ring Species in 'space', all other species are examples like this in 'time'. Without extinctions, which give us the impression of missing steps in the line (plus of course the continual change of all forms), we would see all the links in the process and we would not be able to determine the differece between species, unless we only picked the end points.
Prior to reading that i had taken the notion of species as a given, as well as something that is written into nature, unlike what it is - just our fixed temporal and spacial perspective of life.
Obviously most life-forms cannot breed together, but role back the clock and you will see them merge - ultimately all of them.
It is in this sense that picking - part animal, part plant represents part of temporo-spacial viewpoint!
Obviously part of what is relevant here is the point of evolutionary separation. We are full of 'plant genes', just like plants share many of our genes. This is a false view of course - they are not really 'plant genes' when we go back in time this far - though they are common genes. We share genetic information based on the point of separation down our various roads.
So firstly people should always have their guard up when they see 'plant genes' found in animals. It could just mean 'common genes' from our last common anscestor.
In this instance it is more interesting though (but only in some ways). Removing plant 'factories' and incorporating it into their own is very interesting and has parrallels with the inclusion of mitocondria into our own (to me). This is symbiotic, though in a way that seems quite unfair to the algae, but in a way that harks back to the Selfish Gene. I would be interested to see if the genetic material in the algae is in anyway co-evolved to fit into this picture, or whether it is all in the slug (whether they are a jigsaw, or more a tool the the slug). I would be willing to bet there is a meeting in the middle between the slugs genes and the 'selfish' evolution of the genes behind the photosynthetic material.
Viruses can also assist in horizontal transfer of genetic material in complex lifeforms (i.e. not microbial) - as per New Scientists naughty title 'Darwin was Wrong', which so pleased the creationists even though most never read it enough to realise that it screwed them further.
As for affects of entheogenic plants resulting from horizontal transfer (rather than common anscestoral inheritance) between humans and the genes behind these plants affects on us.... interesting, but very doubtful. It might be easy to find out, but i would place money against it.
- Login to post comments
As always, a lot of food for thought.
OK, so it makes sense to realize that defining 'animal genes' and 'plant genes' is a bit arbitrary. And the probability of horizontal gene transfer from entheogens might be unlikely.
But then, we might have to assume that we DO share, as a species, some common genes with entheogenic plants. That from a biological POV, we might be distant cousins of Psylocibin mushrooms and the like :)
Either that, or some hominin liked to experiment with funny plants; but then, having transfered that ability to tune in with entheogens precludes the idea that using entheogens had some form of evolutionary advantage —just like taking advantage the plentiful sugar reservoirs of fermenting fruits —i.e. alcohol.
Bottom line is that, we need to find out how is that these cultures got so 'lucky'. As Rick pointed out, the beauty of Ayahuasca is that it's the perfect medium to facilitate the gastric absorption of DMT. And that is no small feat.
PS: Then again, I'm still very curious to know what Micah has to say on the matter!
It's not the depth of the rabbit hole that bugs me...
It's all the rabbit SH*T you stumble over on your way down!!!
Red Pill Junkie
- Login to post comments
It would definitely be interesting to know. I suspect there might be quite a human story to it, perhaps an adolescent teen experimenting in the forest, or an older lady making a meal, or a shaman experimenting with new things. I guess the answer is lost in time.
I am not very experienced on this subject so forgive me if i say anything silly. One thing i have not seen mentioned here is what these plants actually smell or taste like. Also how they bare relations to other plants, eaten or used in some other way, in shape or colour.
Plant experimentation could be a dangerous thing, but i guess our anscestors would have behaved much like any of us. I personally would lick the plant to see what it tasted like, or smelt it to see if i liked it. If i didnt get ill after a day or two and i had liked the smell or taste then perhaps i would try a bite. I am imagining here if i was dropped in some forest or jungle and had to survive on my own.
Taste and smell are subjective so it is not hard to imagine someone thinking it was nice (so long as it has a taste or smell). To combine things we like the taste of is extremely common. I have concocted quite a few experiments from things in my kitchen, some work.. many do not :) Though i do like marmite and peanut butter. Clearly though the odds of edible materials being combined is down to the affect of the 'eye of the beholder'.
Just out of interest i have never seen any information on artificial selection (of the type used on dogs or plants). Presumably Amazonian peoples still affected the evolution of local plants in some way through selection.
As for common genes i would recommend a quick look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of.... Banisteriopsis caapi is a flowering plant - an Angiosperm, which are a recent (245million-202million) evolution in the plant line. Our split between Kingdom Animalia and Kingdom Plantae is obviously far far older so our common genes will be representative of that fact. Possibility of horizontal transfer is always interesting, but again it is random with viruses chopping and changing bits of code. I honestly don't know how much gets interchanged, but i believe it to be more in the region of strands of code, rather than whole genes, as befalls the randomness of it. So for example we may well find bits of recent reptile code in mammals, but they are fragments rather than large chunks and i guess likely coped into junk sections (through probability, but also selection) rather than areas of expression where they would probably result in defective gene function. Even still though i like the idea, but think it more likely that it is a chemical that just happens to interact in a certain way with our brains (some are bound to in a positive/negative way given the chemistry), so we choose it, rather than it choosing us so to speak.
- Login to post comments
First, I would like everyone reading this thread to note that Micah Hanks, the author of the book in question, was kind enough to drop a few lines in this thread & comment on some of the things being discussed so.
Now, Daydreamer: as to taste and smell of these brews, from what I've read so far (I've never tried entheogenics myself) the ayahuasca tea is one foul-smelling broth from Hell! Not only it's quite disgusting when swallowed, but after 10-15 minutes you begin a horrible cycle of vomits & diarrhea that lasts HOURS —this might be one of the reasons the Brazilian government acknowledged the ayahuasca use to be for religious reasons, rather than just wanting to have a 'good trip'— so it's kind of difficult to think the South American cultures found the right mix of this brew when they didn't have anything left in the fridge ;)
The idea of trying plants to see if they are edible seems more reasonable with mushrooms. But then again, the level of toxicity of these plants is so high that the idea of having a high number of willing volunteers seems a bit far-fetched. Maybe after watching some animals eat the mushrooms, the ancient shamans looked for less direct ways to ingest them —like drinking the animal's urine, for example.
Peyote is said to have a bitter, astringent taste. I don't know if trying that in the desert where there's little water would be reasonable.
Bottom line is: I'm aware there's cases where humans have discovered valuable chemicals by observing animals eating unknown plants —that's how Starbucks came to be ;) —but with some entheogenic brews like Ayahuasca, this theory doesn't seem to hold up. Ayahuasca suggests a careful and deliberate mix of substances that permit the slow absorption of DMT through the stomach; like a researcher once mentioned, it is a consciousness technology. So the question remains, IMO.
It's not the depth of the rabbit hole that bugs me...
It's all the rabbit SH*T you stumble over on your way down!!!
Red Pill Junkie
- Login to post comments
Fair point.
I more meant what the ingredients are like on their own though, not once mixed. What they taste or smell like on their own as roots, leaves, vines etc before they are mixed.
Given the affect of the brew then it does seem like an extreme example, though i'm not sure if that precludes it being normal experimentation.
Ancient people did have good knowledge though, even if it was often placed in contexts and language that have since been replaced. I would be interested in how common/widespread discoveries of this nature have been in the past, in herbal medicine for example, as well as drug use.
I guess we would also need to know what the minimum knowledge would need to be to appreciate this type of affect. Its a very interesting example of a problem without a clear solution though, if it is as intractable as it appears.
- Login to post comments
What they taste or smell like on their own as roots, leaves, vines etc before they are mixed.
Hmm. Good question. Also it's interesting to note the unremarkable appearance of the ayahuasca vine itself. I mean, with a mushroom like Amanita Muscaria, you have a plant of such bright colors that it easily stands out, and might have prompted some curious and reckless ancient to wonder how it tasted like.
But ayahuasca seems like something that would easily be passed by unnoticed among the lush flora of the Amazonian jungle.
There really must be some remarkable story on how the Amazonian shamans took notice of its properties. Maybe some hunter-gatherer version of Alexander Fleming, or maybe something even more interesting.
We are also diminishig the importance of the ingestion as part of a ritualistic experience. I mean, it's not just a matter of swallowing the stuff; there is a whole tradition of chants and sounds and music and dances that are part of an entheogenic experience; I think dismissing those as irrelevant cultural baggage might be a grave mistake.
It's not the depth of the rabbit hole that bugs me...
It's all the rabbit SH*T you stumble over on your way down!!!
Red Pill Junkie
- Login to post comments
Possibly quite like Alexander Fleming. Many discoveries are like that. I would guess the story is lost though.
Perhaps dismissing them would be a mistake, i guess it depends on what angle we are viewing it at any time. If we wish to appreciate the cultural significance then not thinking about that side would be silly. It is not neccesary for understanding of the chemistry or biology, though state of mind could well be an important thing for conditioning the type of experience one experiences. I would guess preexisting beliefs could be amplified etc by these types of drugs, or at least that a persons state of mind or existing beliefs can influence the context of the experience.
I would be interested in how the shaman and culture view whatever they consider to be non-spiritual experiences while using the drug. Presumably a person can take the drug and come out the other end feeling that they had had a good high and a good experience, but that it didn't compare with their previous spiritual ones in some important way - enough so they would not call it spiritual. Perhaps the trip doesn't occur in a religious/folk religious (for them) context so it is not perceived as cosmically significant. How they treat these experiences, rationalise them, could be an important window on the nature and ritual requirements of what they might consider to be the 'real thing'.
- Login to post comments
The thing is, if they get the wrong combination of plants, then it can cause serious illness, or even death. Once bitten, twice shy. Amazonians know what makes them sick without any benefits, and they would tell their children and their children that. It's kind of insulting that some skeptics think they were just mindlessly eating every plant in the jungle and found benefits/combinations purely by chance -- tribal people are smarter than that.
The amazing thing is it's a plant with an enzyme inhibitor that allows the DMT from the other plant to be digested. It's almost as if they knew they needed to find another plant that would allow them to get the full effects of DMT.
The odds of finding ayahuasca in the jungle really are astronomical, I don't buy the skeptic arguments at all. There's something deeper going on that can't be explained by materialist science.
RPJ and everyone, why don't you spend a week in the jungle and eat every plant you can find, put your theory to the test that it was just chance? I'll visit you in hospital, what flowers do you like? ;-)
~ * ~
- Login to post comments
no one has mentioned the observation of animals here. Native would have learnt a lot by observation of animals over some thousand plus years. Animals have a very powerful instinctual knowledge of plants for survival. Also a percentage of accidental dicovery and many generations of "medicine persons" accumulating massive knowledge of plants. It's not like they had to go to work 9 to 5 so time was their own.
"Life can be whatever you want it to be, as long as you do what your told."
- Login to post comments
Animals don't combine two plants, one necessary to gain the full effects of the other. Plenty of evidence for animals eating fermented fruit and getting drunk though. ;-)
~ * ~
- Login to post comments
but they would of used one and maybe the other for some reason. Like I said, thousands of years here. Look at what we have done in 100 years.
"Life can be whatever you want it to be, as long as you do what your told."
- Login to post comments
"[Magic, Mysticism & the Molecule] Out of 80,000 plants that were available, how did native tribes in the Amazon jungles discover the right mix of ingredients that allow DMT, the psychoactive ingredient in their ritual ayahuasca brew, to become active; a feat anthropologist Jeremy Narby says stood a one in six-million chance of discovery?"
Love Narby's works, but if people think that the only reason that the brew exist is for the delivery of DMT they are sorely misguided. DMT bearing plants are indeed found in many "ayahuasca" brews, but not in all. What is found in every brew is Yage, Banisteriopsis Caapi, also known as "Ayahuasca". DMT plants are additives, not the main ingredient.
The whole concentration on "DMT" is wholly from a westerners perspective, and certainly not the Amazonian one.
Yes DMT is wonderful, but the real grist of the mill comes from the Yage Vine.
Gwyllm Llwydd
- Login to post comments
Echoing what Gwyllm said, "ayahuasca" is Quecha for "vine of the dead/soul" and really refers to Banisteriopsis Caapi. Psychotria Viridis ("chacruna") the most commonly used DMT-containing admixture plant is not a vine. Some cultures don't even use that and will use Diplopterys Cabrerana, and of course there are hundreds if not thousands of other admixtures.
I have no idea why they hold the vine in such esteem. It produces nausea in everybody, vomiting in most, defecation in less. I've had it alone a few times and don't think I can identify any effect at all in the thing. So why they should stick with it, revere it, and pair it with so many other plants in making their brews, I don't know. And I doubt they really know either; the fact that it's used over such vast areas by tribes who've never met each other suggests an origin well in the mists of time.
And a great mystery that aspiring botanists here can go and explore in the Amazonian is the great number of "types" of ayahuasca that are not botanically distinguishable. In Wade Davis's excellent book One River we're told that they are separated by the tones they sing whilst intoxicated on them, or some such. !
- Login to post comments
We should bear in mind the sociocultural matrix in which ayahuasca was developed - NOT the truncated, impoverished but canny societies of today's Amazon, but the 5000 years of South American civilization preceding the Conquest.
I recall a brown-bag lecture at the University of Illinois years ago, where a tropical-forest geographer pointed out that the bulk of today's Amazonian rainforest came into being during the global warming of the Holocene glacial retreat -- that is, CONCURRENTLY with human settlement of the region. He claimed much of the "pristine" rainforest we see today is due to selective human transport along trade routes; trade routes that crossed the gallery forests and savannahs that became the rainforest we know.
If you look at the very first explorers' tales - that of the 1542 Orellana expedition, for example, you realize that they saw hundreds of thousands of people in contiguous towns that stretched for miles along the riverbanks. The re-discovery of the vast mound-and-causeway networks in Bolivia and Brazil demonstrates the complex natures and large populations of the extinct Amazonian societies.
This was the world that fostered the study and development of ayahuasca, just as Sumer and China fostered development of their own complex medical lore and pharmacopaeias. Although writing was never developed in South America, the archaeology, art and architecture of the ancient Andes reveals the power of psychedelic jungle ideas and practices. Google "Chavin de Huantar" for examples of literally trippy imagery over 3000 years old!
"Famous Monsters of Filmland" www.famousmonsters.com
"The Brackett & Burroughs Adventures" www.groovium.com
"As for my manners, I don't like 'em either. They stink. I grieve over them long winter evenings. I don't mind you ritzing me or drinking your lu
- Login to post comments
We have this erroneous idea that the ayahuasca brew was concocted by primitive hunter-gatherers with little else to do. But now we now that the Amazonian jungle harbored complex industrious civilizations, rivalling that of the Incas & possibly the Mayas.
The first Darklore had an article about Chavín, "Enter the Jaguar". Fascinating stuff.
It's not the depth of the rabbit hole that bugs me...
It's all the rabbit SH*T you stumble over on your way down!!!
Red Pill Junkie
- Login to post comments
Well, as the line begins to blur between science and mysticism, more books like this will come out. Really and truly, this process began with The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra, and has grown from there. There will be more to come.
It is apparent to me that the ancients knew much more than we give them credit for. So much of what the ancients said was true has turned out to be true.
I think. Therefore, I am dangerous.
- Login to post comments
Juridic Sky Craft
"are we there yet"...
The Juridic sky craft
- Login to post comments
For many years the white settlers wondered at the huge amount of leaves that Buffalo had packed in around their teeth. In Africa the same was noted about elephants....especially as some sort of cavity was in the tooth. Later with better knowledge it was found that the animals were packing their sore cavities and mouth sores with willow leaves. The animals knew the pain killing properties of willow (asprin). Animals in the wild eat certain plants apparently for certain ailments. Herbalists in humans have existed for thousands of years, People, early on, learned the properties of certain plants could be put to good use or bad use, depending on the individual. Many herbalists were reguarded as witches and burned at the stake, thus the herbalist in the dark ages had to be very careful. What people do not understand they often obuse or distroy. Shaman, witch doctors and Granny women have passed down plant magic from the dim past to the present. Knowledge of herbal remedies is now frequently used by modern pharmacetical companies. Even in America, in some of the out back areas, herbalists still practice with some degree of success. Most herbal remedies are found by chance and logic by these people and over long centuries, trail and error have produced results. So how did Shamen discover the combinations of plants that they use? Hundreds, possibly thousands of years of trial and error. No, they were not visited by little green men from Alpha Centurii.
- Login to post comments
Greetings all,
This is Micah A. Hanks, author of Magic, Mysticism and the Molecule. First and foremost, thanks to Red Pill Junkie for posting the featured link regarding my book, and also to all of you for the thoughtful commentary. It is much appreciated!
Brig, you're absolutely right when it comes to comparisons between animals using plants with curative properties for pain relief in conjunction with natives discovering a similar entheogenic combination. I must add to that the fact that Mountain Gorillas have been witnessed doing something very similar with leaves which are known to have a medicinal capacity. Could natives have used "trial and error" to develop the various recipes used in ayahuasca throughout South America? Furthermore, could it merely be a by-product that certain varieties would be psychedelic when consumed orally?
Perhaps this is possible... but I also like Delaiah's early observation as to whether there might be "tells in the appearance, odor, or some other feature of a plant that give away its makeup?" Could this be how certain animals are able to discover their curative properties? If not, and it is purely instinctive, what governs those instincts, and led to the present use of these sorts of plants?
I have always prescribed to the notion that natives may have learned these things over periods spanning thousands of years, like Daydreamer notes (and by the way, the "one in six-billion chance in discovery" I note in my book was first cited by anthropologist Jeremy Narby, not me). However, as Rick points out, there are also a variety of plants that can cause illness (or even death), and merely experimenting with them might have resulted in less than thriving conditions had this practice continued.
So ultimately, although the question as to why (or how) ayahuasca came about is interesting... it remains elusive. In all likelihood, looking at it rationally there must have been some indication given (chemically, i.e. through odor, etc) at some point that caught the attention of the early shaman... but what was it?
Finally, I must address Gwyllym's (correct) assertion that ayahuasca is not brewed merely for delivering DMT, but because it contains the liana vine (Banisteriopsis Caapi). Here is a brief excerpt from Magic, Mysticism and the Molecule that discusses this more in-depth:
"One of the most curious entheogenic substances, and perhaps becoming the most popular thanks to the New-Age movement today, is the powerful herbal tea ayahuasca of South American origin. Though early missionary diaries and other writings that were published included information on the brew, ayahuasca wasn't entirely made known to the west until the 1950s, at which time it was alternatively known as "telepathine" for the strange, seemingly psychic effects professed by the shamans who drank it. For such reasons, the Catholic Church began attempting to eradicate it, calling its powers "demonic".
"Though ayahuasca is the popular term used today, other regional names throughout South America include "yage", "natem" or "caapi" after the official name of its active ingredient, Banisteriopsis caapi. It is this element, taken from the vine of the Liana plant, when paired with plants which may include Psychostria viridis and Diplopterys cabrerana, that create the psychedelic effect found in ayahuasca tea. In essence, the combination provides both the active hallucinogen, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), with MAO inhibiting harmana alkaloids (the same element once called telepathine), which allow the DMT to become active before being broken down in the stomach when ingested."
So in essence, what Banisteriopsis Cappi actually does is provide the monoamine oxidase inhibitors that allow DMT to become active. Although it isn't what causes the trippy effects of the ayahuasca, it is nonetheless considered the "key" ingredient, and even revered as the "plant spirit of the jungle" by some cultures.
Again, thanks for all your kind commentary, and if you have further questions, I recommend you buy the book (although at this moment the book may be unavailable for a short period, I'm told. This should be rectified by tomorrow)! Of course, you can always contact me at www.gralienreport.com also.
Warm regards,
Micah A. Hanks
Author, "Magic Mysticism and the Molecule"
"That's the problem with time travel... no one can ever seem to find the time!"
- Login to post comments
Thanks for dropping by, Micah :)
It's not the depth of the rabbit hole that bugs me...
It's all the rabbit SH*T you stumble over on your way down!!!
Red Pill Junkie
- Login to post comments
It seems the vine is also used alone and in combination with other, non-DMT-containing, plants.
Perhaps the vomit-inducing nature of the brew (without additional ingredients) was sufficient motivation to experiment with a wide variety of combinations primarily in an effort to reduce this unpleasant aspect, and various happy accidents ensued.
- Login to post comments
Induced vomiting can be quite useful, even though it is unpleasant. It is particularly useful when one is experimenting with potentially poisonous substances.
We are the cat.
- Login to post comments
Thanks for sharing very good information that will be so helpful..
now most are prefer like Psychoactive for getting best enjoyment of life.
- Login to post comments
Personally I've never tried entheogenic substances, and I would discourage anyone of trying them 'just for the hell of it' and to see if they can have a good time with it. You don't get refunds if something goes wrong with your own brain ;)
I think these substances need to be treated with the outmost respect, and should someone feel it's a likely avenue to gain important insights about their mind and to further advance their spiritual growth, they should do so in a controlled environment, and with the guidance and assistance of trusty & seasoned veterans.
It's not the depth of the rabbit hole that bugs me...
It's all the rabbit SH*T you stumble over on your way down!!!
Red Pill Junkie
- Login to post comments
One of the best personal accounts of ayahuasca use I have ever read written by a now world famous jungle medicines healer who was kidnapped as a teeneager fom a rubber tapping crew in the Amazon, and who was indoctrinated by the tribal leader of his kidnappers in the intricate ways of the vision vine and the uncanny ESP abilities that develop from proper guidance. A true story that has to be considered by anyone interested in the subject:
The follow up book "Rio Tigre" goes into his subsequent career as a healer sought out for his ability to handle diseases considered intractable by modern science including cancer.
- Login to post comments
Thanks for the recommendation :)
It's not the depth of the rabbit hole that bugs me...
It's all the rabbit SH*T you stumble over on your way down!!!
Red Pill Junkie
- Login to post comments


text:
Faceted amazonite beads.
6 mm amazonite beads. Natural amazonite beads. Very good quality.
Amazonite beads 6mm round smooth - AAA quality. Natural round blue green tone. Smooth beads. Very good quality. approx 6 mm. View full product details
Amazonite 9 mm round beads. Natural amazonite smooth round beads. Blue green tone, soft green tone. View full product details
Faceted Natural Amethyst gemstones. Beautiful purple color gemstones. 2 sizes available: 8 mm and 10 mm Length 16 inch. View full product details
Natural light blue Aquamarine. Smooth round beads. Beautiful light blue beads. 4 sizes available: 14 mm, 8 mm, 6 mm and 4 mm. View full product details


text:
If Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey truly is a defensive guru, he must relish the chance to slow down New York Knicks phenom Jeremy Lin when the teams meet Tuesday night at the Air Canada Centre.
But 10 days into Lin's rocket ride to fame there remains no playbook on containing the runaway popularity of the new hottest marketing commodity in pro sports.
Which is great news for the NBA, which hopes Lin, an American whose parents are from Taiwan, can replace the retired Yao Ming as an ambassador to the lucrative Chinese market.
And it's wonderful news for the Knicks. The club is undefeated in five games since Feb. 4, when Lin erupted for 25 points and started the hot streak that has made him famous. Over that span shares in Madison Square Garden, which owns the Knicks, have risen five percent to a record $32.50.
And outstanding news for Lin. Two weeks ago he was a little-used backup who slept on his brother's couch because he didn't know if his gig with the Knicks would last. Now the Harvard grad is poised convert popularity to sponsorship dollars.
"All of the sponsors are going to pile on right now, especially as he's riding this wave," says Quency Phillips, a marketing agent who represents several NBA and NFL players. "There's nobody else out there like him. It's the perfect groundswell of everything."
Lin's surging popularity owes to a confluence of factors.
As the NBA's first Asian-American player he's a pioneer, and his Harvard degree further sets him apart in a league where Ivy League grads are rare. And if his educational pedigree didn't make him enough of an underdog, Lin was dumped by two different teams in December before catching on with the Knicks.
Who promptly demoted him to their farm team.
Lin's uniqueness coupled with the long odds he has conquered makes his back story as attractive as his success is surprising.
"I don't think anyone, including myself, saw this coming," Lin told the New York Times last week.
His Twitter following (@JLin7) is rapidly approaching 220,000 and his on-court heroics have spawned one of the social media network's most active hashtags: #Linsanity.
Which describes the feeding frenzy at the Knicks online store, where sales and have increased 3,000 percent since Lin's hot streak began. By Monday several varieties of Lin T-shirts and jerseys remained sold out.
By Monday Lin also had the top selling T-shirt at NBA.com's online store.
And he might have the best selling replica jersey except that the second-year pro's success is so sudden the site doesn't yet sell Lin jerseys. Instead customers can buy blank Knicks jerseys and customize them with Lin's name and number.
Lin's rapidly rising profile also blindsided Adidas, which didn't produce any Lin jerseys before the season and may not ship any to Canadian retailers until next year.
At Pro Image, a sports memorabilia story at Square One in Mississauga, operations manager Patricio Torres has spent the last week politely explaining to customers that he has no Lin jerseys in stock.
"We're a licensed store so we can't go outside Adidas to get any other jersey," Torres said. "A new rising star? There's no way we'll get it in Canada (this season)."
Predictably, online auction sites have stepped in to try to meet local demand for Lin gear, both authentic and bootleg.
While eBay Canada had one Lin Knicks jersey for sale Monday, bidding had reached $140 for a replica of his Golden State Warriors jersey from last season.
Over on Kijiji, Lin knockoffs abound, with one local vendor hawking hastily made Linsanity t-shirts for $30 and imploring buyers to "Support the movement."


text:
Rosie Steeves
There comes a time in many peoples' careers when their job is no longer to do the work themselves but instead to direct others. This transition from doer
to leader is a challenging and critical evolution. This is particularly true for technically oriented experts who are promoted to leadership positions
because of their professional knowledge.
Few make this transition seamlessly, and some never fully step into it. They continue to hold onto the work, despite having a fundamentally different role.
The consequences can be serious: those in charge are swamped with work, and those who report to them are left feeling as though they are not trusted. The
results are an overworked and overstressed management, which hinders their professional development, and an epidemic of disengagement.
But what is at the core of this poor leadership behaviour, particularly in mining? People often act in ways that reflect their sense of identity. Those in
technical professions sometimes define themselves by their occupations; their sense of self is closely tied to being an engineer or a geologist, for
example. They see themselves as experts, something that has served them well for much of their careers.
However, as they transition into leadership positions, this sense of identity can become a liability rather than a strength. When they try to let go and
empower others, they worry that things may not be done perfectly. Their whole sense of self could be threatened if this were to happen. Unwilling to risk
this, they keep a tight control over tasks, regardless of the cost to themselves or others.
If managers develop their identities to be able to see themselves achieving goals through the actions of others, they make the transition from doer to
leader. Their new identity becomes closely tied to the collective, rather than the individual achievement. While this developmental stage has its own set
of unique challenges, it does nevertheless permit a manager to lead and avoid micromanaging others.
It is imperative that we help leaders in this industry grow beyond seeing themselves as technical experts. Only then will they be able to lead in a way
that is empowering, physically and emotionally sustainable, and effective.
To do this, we have to stop investing in training programs that fail to delve below the surface of an individual's behaviour and that disregard the manner
in which they make sense of their world. Training, or the development of a specific skill set, is fundamentally different from permanent personal
development, which helps leaders grow as individuals and professionals. It is unrealistic and unproductive to expect the outcomes of personal development
while merely providing leadership training.
We also cannot assume that the problem stems from a lack of knowledge. While the distribution of relevant articles – from the latest blog or Harvard
Business Review – is done with the best intentions, simply sharing information will not result in long-lasting changes.
Instead, individuals need to go on a developmental journey and learn to integrate deep self-reflection, peer support and developmental challenges into
their daily practice of leadership. The most effective programs help a person evolve their identity. But sustainable rewards from these programs only come
after at least a year of commitment, challenges and a willingness to change.
In the shorter term, there are a number of strategies everyone can employ to avoid the "expert trap." Try reflecting on your leadership style at the end of
each day. Ask yourself: "How did others experience me as a leader today?" Next, reflect on what you get paid to do. Do your behaviours reflect that? You
could also initiate conversations with your team to determine what they could take off your plate. If they do not have the necessary skills, develop a plan
to transition them into more appropriate responsibilities. Remember that it is not all or nothing.
Consider using the metaphor of a ship when delegating decisions. Decide whether the decision is an "above waterline" or "below waterline" decision.
Above-waterline decisions are those that will blow a hole in the side of the ship if things go wrong, but will not metaphorically "sink the ship." For
example, the decision to change the maintenance schedule of some critical piece of equipment might result in a loss of production. While this is a setback,
it is not catastrophic. Anyone can and should make above waterline decisions. Below waterline decisions, meanwhile, are those things that could cause the
ship to go down if the wrong decision is made. Examples include losing a major client, having a significant safety incident or sending the company out of
business. Such decisions demand more oversight and involvement from everyone. Hold onto these as a leader, but make sure your waterline is not too high. On
a personal level you must be willing to accept and embrace the learning curve that comes with failed above-waterline decisions.
Our industry is one that prides itself on technical innovation and excellence. Yet there is much work to do before such pride exists in the field of
leadership. It is imperative that we stop assuming that technical expertise can simply translate into expertise in leading. Until those in charge commit to
real leadership development for technical experts and view such development as a critical strategic initiative, our industry will continue to be defined by
those who do, rather than lead.
Copyright 2011 - Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. All Rights Reserved


text:
Auto X Dates
If you are looking for Auto X Dates we have the most comprehensive list on the market. Auto x date lists provide you with clients who's car insurance is coming due. The leads can be filtered by auto renewal month along with other selects enabling you to reach out to the customer and offer them a your insurance products.
- Owner Name
- Address
- City, State, zip
- Telephone #s where available (scrubbed)
- Auto Renewal Month
- Vehicle type (where available)
- Vehicle year (where available)
- Head-of-household Age
615-357-2240 (fax)
Target clients who's insurance is coming due
Many auto owners shop insurance carriers when their insurance comes up for renewal. This is a great opportunity for you to increase business. You tell us the months you would like to target. We run and pull the list for you. Then you do the rest reaching out to offer the client your insurance services. If you have competitive rates and great coverage this is a great way to increase your business.
Increase ROI
We have a variety of leads. Some of our insurance lists we carry are date of birth lists, Postnatel, Recently married, renters. We also have attributes such as home value, pool owner, heating and cooling type.
Another lead that we specialize in is our insurance trigger leads. These can be filtered by credit score and tell us when someone is shopping for insurance with in the past 24 hours.
We also can target lists by make and model, odometer, vin and a lot more. There are many ways to help you reach your ideal client. We will work hard to help you find the perfect list for your situation.
Direct Mail Leads
A long term relationship is what we would like to develope. We strive to add value to your marketing. Helping you have more opportunites to close more business by providing quality lists and services.
We look forward to hearing from you. Let us run a count and see what we have available.
Need direct mail? We also offer design, printing and direct mailing lists. Call us for a quote 423-406-1544.


text:
found a new home!
Plenty of my friends are looking
for one too. Find a pet to adopt.
I am already spayed, housetrained, purebred, in need of an experienced adopter, up to date with shots, good with kids, good with dogs, and good with cats.
Roxie is great with other dogs of all sizes and should be the same with cats, based on her sweet, easy going temperament, but since there are no cats living in her foster home, this is purely an assumption. Roxie is not food aggressive but doesn't care to be pushed around either. She is a bit intimidated by little people, so pug savvy kids a must as she is curious and wants to see what these little two legged critters are all about (especially when they leave all those yummy crumbs behind). Although we have not seen any behavior issues with Roxie, she will need an experienced dog owner who has time and patience to help her heal from her terrible past as a breeder pug. She will be a wonderful addition to the right home and will gladly love you back tenfold. Another mellow, easy going dog or two in the home would be ideal for her since she seems to bond quickly with her four legged friends and can trust them easier than humans right now. This will no doubt change, but until she can learn to trust humans for the first time in her life, she enjoys another canine to lean on. If you have the love and patience to help Roxie continue to blossom and heal, please consider making her a special part of your family by submitting an application today and asking for her by name. This little beauty will steal your heart! If you love Roxie but can't adopt her, please send a donation to help pay medical bills for not just her, but her fellow foster brothers and sisters. They sure could use it!
Roxie, a Windermere Pug dog was adopted! Here's how you can benefit by looking at adoption as an option to buying a Pug for sale in Windermere, or seeking a Pug dog from a breeder in Windermere.


text:
Raleigh, N.C. — World Beer Fest Raleigh is less than a month away and we are getting a glimpse of some of the hundreds of beers that will be available.
Double Barley Brewing in Smithfield and Bombshell Beer Company in Holly Springs will be making their World Beer Fest debuts during the April 5 event in Moore Square. They will be joined by other local favorites including Aviator, Fullsteam and Big Boss.
More participating breweries will be released each week. You can check the list on the World Beer Fest website.
All About Beer magazine sponsors this annual celebration of beer.
General admission and VIP tickets are on sale now. General admission tickets are $45 and include unlimited two-ounce tastings and access to the Art of Beer Experience, which features beer ingredient samplings, pairings, educational seminars and more.
VIP tickets are $90 and include all of that and more – access to the VIP lounge in Cobblestone Hall (private bathrooms!), a traveling beer dinner, where guests can sample dishes from local chefs paired with beer, and a commemorative gift from the festival. Plus, VIPs have the opportunity to sample beers not available to the rest of the festival.
There are two four-hour sessions to choose from at the festival. The afternoon session is from 12-4 p.m. and the evening session is from 6-10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online through etix.com.


text:
Two things tonight:
First, I'm joining Farai Chideya at Brownstone Books in Bed-Stuy. She'll read a bit from Kiss The Sky and then she and I will do a live interview. I expect that it will be a good and engaging conversation about the book and Black rock, in general.
Brownstone Books
409 Lewis Avenue (bet Decatur and MacDonough)
718 953 7328
WKCR interview
Later that night (early Thursday morning, actually), I've been invited to join the Audio Gumbo crew on WKCR 89.9 FM beginning at 1AM. This will be cool, since it'll be a show with live performances by MuthaWit, Paris Suit Yourself & Kaneng Lolang, three artists who will be performing at the upcoming URB Alt Festival.
If you're a night owl, please tune in. And, yes, you can live stream it if you're outside of the NYC.


text:
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
That feel when your TDM teammates are all racist and you almost get white guilt,
You're browsing the GameFAQs Message Boards as a guest. Sign Up for free (or Log In if you already have an account) to be able to post messages, change how messages are displayed, and view media in posts.
- Boards
- Call of Duty: Black Ops II
- That feel when your TDM teammates are all racist and you almost get white guilt,
SDR1845 posted...Who cares? You're not changing their minds about who they hate, and you're not changing the Ebonics-blathering ppl they're taunting either, so don't worry about things you can't control.
Hey dummy, I was referring to the ones that DO sit there blathering and blasting horrible rap music. Go save the whales on the Jesse Jackson forum whiner. Jealousy? Of what? lol
Sl3pniir posted...
That's why i just mute everyone.
Me too. Can't stand the stupid rap music everyone blares through their mic. Followed by 90% of them talking like they're black (even if they're not) to try and sound "urban" lol
im not gonna say too much about musical preference.. because that what it is.. a preference
but heavy metal bands actually have to learn to play instruments.. and study music.. read music and understand chord progressions and what scales go with the chords.. and so on..
music theory
Rappers dont have to learn music theory or how to play music instruments. they just write poems and talk them over electronic beats.
Wu tang clan plays their own instruments and a few other rappers but not many. Rappers like drake and lil wayne just talk over pre-recorded beats
Music theory is an amazing science. Scientist claim that music may be the only universal language . Like if we ever meet intelligent life from other planets we may have to communicate with them through musical theory.
buzzerr3 posted...
im not gonna say too much about musical preference.. because that what it is.. a preference
Another smug db. Every metal band does not study music or understand chord progression. There are crappy metal bands that play the same three chords or worse the same three power chords for a full three minutes. I hate when people try to compare rap and rock. They both suck right now anyway so they're the same. And yes there are plenty of rappers that have studied musical theory and can play instruments. Wyclef Jean, lil John, will.i.am,....I can go on.
if you are playing a guitar or a bass or a keyboard in any fashion then you know which cords go with which scales... or notes..
thats music theory.. not advanced theory.. but music theory....
and a singer that sings note over a chord progression.. no matter how many chords are being played... is singing the proper notes from a proper scale that goes with that three chord progression.
im sorry if that bothers you.. but its the truth..
hell.. if they played one chord over and over... but still played the correct scales over it... then its still music theory..
rappers don't tune their rap voices to fit with any chord progressions.. or to follow any scales..
they just talk..
while the metal guys have to not only write the music and lyrics.. but then they have to play the instruments and sing the correct notes
im sorry.. I did acknowledge that a few rappers do play and write music.. its in my original post.. but the majority of them. ..... well they just dont
weezygd posted...
It's obvious you are one of those guys that got bullied and beat up in high school by one of us and now with the addition of the Internet,you can sit in your moms basement safely and spew your ignorance. You think rock or heavy metal is better,with devil worshiping lyrics and biting heads off bats and ****? Lol Jesse Jackson another stupid Neanderthal 1960s stereotype probably passed down from your loser father. What you should do is thank God right now for the anonymity of the Internet so 140 pound punks like you can wear white sheets on a forum. The jealousy stems from the ***** envy you have which is why your women are flocking to us. You just can't satisfy them dork.
Sorry I'm not some kid. I'm 33 years old and 6'5". service veteran. Moms basement how original lol. And the only women "flocking" are the crack whores. You can have em.
It's funny how defensive ppl get over music preference.
InfamousBC 4 years ago#58
destructoclaus posted...
What really irks me is the white people that pretend to be black or just try to talk black
It's that stereotyping that gives this conversation a purpose.
Spetsnaz420 4 years ago#59
How did this turn to a music theory debate?
A tiger doesn't lose sleep to the opinions of sheep
PSN: Spetsnaz420
buzzerr3 posted...
if you are playing a guitar or a bass or a keyboard in any fashion then you know which cords go with which scales... or notes..
Dude you lost when you said Wu tang plays instruments I want you to know that. It was checkmate in three from that point on. You were wrong.
We got into musical theory because that's some people's reason for being racist. People's taste in music. Like using the mute button in game is hard to do. I hate when people breathe hard on the mic, know what I do? I hate when I hear someone's conversation in game, know what I do?
- Boards
- Call of Duty: Black Ops II
- That feel when your TDM teammates are all racist and you almost get white guilt,
Report Message
Terms of Use Violations:
Etiquette Issues:
Add user to Ignore List after reporting


text:
'Cougar Town' Co-stars Josh Hopkins And Courtney Cox Just Friends
Although they were seen on vacation in St. Bart's last month, Josh Hopkins insists that he and Cougar Town co-star Courtney Cox aren't romantically involved. Extra interviewed the pair at an event where the show was honored by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in which Hopkins claimed that Courtney was helping him 'look for the ladies' while beaching it in the Caribbean. He went on to say that even though he 'loves her so much,' the two are just friends.
PHOTOS: Courtney Cox Onscreen In Scream 4 With David Arquette
You know, I usually don't believe the 'just friends' line whenever stars are seen together looking all romantical and my suspicions are always validated a few weeks later when its admitted true in the tabloids. For some reason, however, I really believe that Josh and Courtney are just friends. I mean, if you look at the St. Bart's shots of the two on the beach, there's no conclusive proof that they were there on a romantic getaway. No hugging, kissing, butt cupping… nothing. And Coco was there for goodness sake! If I were a single woman separated from my husband with no intention on working it out and half naked on a tropical island with a handsome man like Josh, I would NOT have my child there with me! I'm not convinced.
Then there's the fact that Courtney and David Arquette haven't filed for divorce yet. They've been 'separated' for 6 months and we haven't heard anything about a permanent split. Instead, there's tons of evidence proving that Courtney is still on love with David. I may be a hopeless romantic (highly doubtful) but I believe her. Courtney and Josh are seen laughing like good friends would at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences event at Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre on April 20, 2011 in North Hollywood, California. Nope, still not convinced!


text:
NDTV carried this unique story of Jhiri village in Rajgarh District of Madhya Pradesh where people converse in Sanskrit. The people have renewed interest in the language. Almost all the people in the village make use of Sanskrit for communication.
They feel the language has made them more civilized and cultured.


text:
Panhandle Slim /Rock and Roll Cowboy announces endorsement deal with Tuf Cooper, reigning World Champion Calf Roper
May 29, 2013 – Westmoor Manufacturing Company, the Fort Worth, Texas based western wear maker of Panhandle Slim and Rock and Roll Cowboy and Cowgirl clothing lines is pleased to announce the signing of World Champion Calf Roper Tuf Cooper to promote its brands in the Rodeo and western lifestyle community. The partnership will include a Tuf Cooper line of clothing that will consist of shirts, jeans, and caps. Jamison Hochster, head of sales and marketing calls the signing one of the single biggest events in the company's 67 year history. "We believe this partnership allows us to expand our reach in the rodeo community. Tuf Cooper is a huge figure in the sport of pro rodeo. His name is synonymous with winning with style."
Cooper joins a list of the brands other endorsees including retired rodeo great Tuff Hedeman, reigning world champion barrel racer Mary Walker, reserve world champion barrel racer Carlee Pierce, world champion saddle bronc rider Jesse Kruse, NFR saddle bronc riders Jacobs and Sterling Crawley, as well as Cooper's traveling partner NFR calf roper Cory Solomon. The brand will heavily focus its marketing and advertising efforts on the sport of rodeo, which it views as a major avenue for growth.


text:
D. J.'s Prayer
Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household (Alma 34:21).
(click to view larger)
Illustrated by Elise Black
The Four Seasons
As you read the poem, find the picture of the word that should go in each blank.
In summertime it's always fun
To be outdoors in the warm, bright _____,
To watch the _____ and _____ grow,
And sometimes see a bright ______.
When days are cooler in the fall,
I go to school and play ______.
I'll wear a _____ with woolly sleeves
When I help my dad rake up the ______.
In wintertime the ______ turns brown,
And then the ______ tumble down.
I go out in my warmest clothes
To make a ______ with a ______ nose.
For wet and rainy days in spring,
My ______ is a handy thing,
When it's dry and windy, I fly my ________,
Holding on to the _______ real tight.
Before ______ long, it's summer, and then
I can go to the playground and ______ again.
There's plenty to do all through the year,
But I like it best when summer is here.
Crazy Kazoo
You will need: an empty toilet paper roll, a 4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm) piece of cellophane or waxed paper (not plastic wrap), and a rubber band.
Put the cellophane or waxed paper over one end of the roll.
Hold the paper in place with the rubber band.
Hum into the open end of the roll. You can hum tunes or just make strange noises. Make kazoos for your friends, if you like, and have a whole kazoo band.


text:
By A.J. Atkinson | Correspondent
The Garfield G-Men started slowly, but once they found their tempo, they didn't stop, defeating the host Woodridge Bulldogs 66-57 on Friday night in Peninsula.
"Outplayed, outshot, outrebounded, outhustled," Woodridge coach Brian Fantone. "So much of basketball comes down to execution, energy and enthusiasm, and we had none of that. For whatever reason, we didn't come out to play tonight."
Woodridge (6-8 overall, 4-6 Portage County Division) dominated the first five minutes of the first quarter, forcing four Garfield turnovers and leading 15-4 in that span. However, the last three minutes of that quarter was a total collapse.
Garfield (6-10 overall, 6-5 County Division) had found its stride and ability to break down the Woodridge double-team by slipping in passes under the basket to forwards Fred Maxey and Anthony Workman. Combined, the forwards scored eight of Garfield's 13 first-quarter points while holding Woodridge to 15 points.
Woodridge struggled both offensively and defensively in the second quarter. Three minutes in, Fantone replaced all his starters with players off the bench. The bench managed to keep the game close as Woodridge ended the half up 33-31.
Fantone went back to his starting lineup to start the third. The starters were still unable to get any flow. The G-Men capitalized, putting together their best half by holding Woodridge to seven third-quarter points to their 18.
Woodridge managed to get within four points early in the fourth quarter after Sean McCoy's back-to-back 3-pointers, but the Bulldogs failed to build on the momentum. The Bulldogs' struggles from the free-throw line in their following possessions allowed Garfield to rebuild its lead and ultimately close out the game 66-57.
"We got lackadaisical," Fantone said. "We took our time and got lazy on defense. (Garfield) fought back. They played harder. Give all the credit to them."
Garfield coach Andy Olesky had nothing but positives to say about his team.
"I don't often say you deserve anything, but we deserved to win tonight," Olesky said. "We've had some hard luck go against us. Once we acclimated ourselves to Woodridge's style, we built ourselves a lead and didn't look back."
The G-Men's scoring did not just come from one player. Andy Workman led the team with 20 points, Matt Pratt followed with 18, and Steven Lambert finished with 15.
"I am so proud of these guys," Olesky said. "It was a tremendous team win tonight."
Workman said the game was a perfect reflection of the G-Men's talent as a team, and credited point guard Pratt as the reason for many of his points from under the basket.
"I haven't had a better point guard than Matt," Workman said. "He may throw with a little style, but he'll get the ball to you some way or another."
McCoy led the Bulldogs with 14 points, with John Harry coming off the bench to add 10 points.


text:
A blog about genealogy and thoughts about the various roots and branches of my family tree as well as the times in which my ancestors lived.Included are the West, White,and McFarland families.WARNING:DO NOT TAKE ALL OF MY FAMILY RECORDS AS GOSPEL. ALWAYS CONFIRM YOUR OWN RESEARCH!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Geniaus has come up with a new geneameme, The Ancestors' Geneameme
and the instructions to fill in the information are as follow:
Things I have already done or found: bold face type
Things I would like to do or find: italicize (colour optional)
Things I haven't done or found and don't care to: plain type
Can name my 16 great-great-grandparents (I'm missing the last name of
2x great grandfather Michael McFarland's wife Nora)
Can name over 50 direct ancestors
Have photographs or portraits of my 8 great-grandparents
Have an ancestor who was married more than three times
Have an ancestor who was a bigamist
Met all four of my grandparents (Never met my Mom's father)
Met one or more of my great-grandparents
Named a child after an ancestor
Bear an ancestor's given name/s
Have an ancestor from Great Britain or Ireland (Many)
Have an ancestor from Africa
Have an ancestor from Asia
Have an ancestor from Continental Europe (Germany)
Have an ancestor who was an agricultural labourer
Have an ancestor who had large land holdings
Have an ancestor who was a holy man - minister, priest, rabbi
Have an ancestor who was a midwife
Have an ancestor who was an author
Have an ancestor with the surname Smith, Murphy or Jones
Have an ancestor with the surname Wong, Kim, Suzuki or Ng
Have an ancestor with a surname beginning with X
Have an ancestor with a forename beginnining with Z (Zerviahs Holt & Abbott)
Have an ancestor born on 25th December
Have an ancestor born on New Year's Day
Have blue blood in your family lines
Have a parent who was born in a country different from my country of birth
Have a grandparent who was born in a country different from my country of birth
Can trace a direct family line back to the eighteenth century
Can trace a direct family line back to the seventeenth century or earlier
Have seen copies of the signatures of some of my great-grandparents
Have ancestors who signed their marriage certificate with an X
Have a grandparent or earlier ancestor who went to university
Have an ancestor who was convicted of a criminal offence
Have an ancestor who was a victim of crime
Have shared an ancestor's story online or in a magazine
Have published a family history online or in print
Have visited an ancestor's home from the 19th or earlier centuries
Still have an ancestor's home from the 19th or earlier centuries in the family
Have a family bible from the 19th Century
Have a pre-19th century family bible
Some of the things that I haven't done are simply things I can't do for
various reasons even if I wanted to do them, like meeting all four of
my grandparents.
Another interesting meme! Thanks, Geniaus!
2 comments:
- Geniaus said...
Thanks, Bill,for your response to the meme.
Yes, it's sad that so many of us didn't get a chance to meet our grandparents.
- tools for english language said...
Thank you for an insightful and useful post. The web is a better place with you writing!
tools for english language
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
PRZOOM - /newswire/ -
St Albans, Herts, United Kingdom, 2008/02/14 - The global learning provider, Tata Interactive Systems (TIS), has established a presence in the North East of England with the appointment of Jayne DSilva as an account director.
Jayne, who is based in the Newcastle area, spent over 14 years in the e-learning sector before joining TIS.
Immediately prior to joining TIS, she was an independent consultant working with blended learning specialists REDTRAY. Before that, she was an account manager for the suppliers of generic e-learning, SkillSoft, having joined SkillSoft from General Physics (formerly System House Ltd).
At TIS, Jaynes key focus is on helping organisations in the finance and manufacturing sectors to resolve their workforces learning needs in order to meet business objectives.
Naturally, were delighted that Jayne has joined us, commented Alan Samuel, TISs head of UK operations. Her undoubted experience in helping her clients to meet their learning needs built up over many years in this industry fits in with TISs business model of supporting its clients through the use of both consultancy and technology.
A picture of Jayne DSilva is available, on request, from Bob Little Press & PR (+44 (0)1727 860405; email bob.little[.]boblittlepr.com)
About Tata Interactive Systems (TIS)
Tata Interactive Systems (TIS), a global leader in e-learning, is a part of the $45bn Tata Group. Truly international, TIS has a presence across the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Japan, India, Amsterdam and mainland Europe. TIS offers corporations, universities, schools, publishers, and government institutions a diversified and innovative bouquet of learning and training solutions including Simulation-based Learning Objects (SimBLs), Story-based Learning Objects (StoBLs), courseware and curriculum design, special-needs education, assessments, electronic performance support systems (EPSS), mobile learning, game-based learning along with other corporate training and consultancy services. Our multi-disciplinary expertise and 17 years experience across domains helps us design e-learning programmes that are unique to clients requirements and specifically crafted to boost knowledge retention and application.
TIS is the only e-learning organisation in the world to be assessed at Level 5 in both the SEI-CMM and P-CMM frameworks. TISs quest for excellence is reflected in numerous prestigious industry awards, including a Silver Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Award 2005 and 2004, APEX Award of Excellence in 2005 and 2006, BETT Awards in 2004 and 2006, and two Business WorldNID Design Excellence awards.
Further information from:
Alan Samuel, Tata Interactive Systems, +44 (0) 20 7235 8281
Agency / Source: Bob Little Press & PR
Availability: All Regions (Including Int'l)
Traffic Booster: [/] Quick PRZOOM - Press & Newswire Visibility Checker
Distribution / Indexing: [+]


text:
AccuScreen 119" Diagonal HDTV 16:9 Manual Projection Screen - White CaseItem#: D177-1186 | Model#: 800008
Currently Out Of Stock!
You May Consider This Alternative
Elite Screens 135" Projection Screen - VMAX135XWV2$819.00$499.00
Additional Resources
AccuScreen 119" HDTV 16:9 Manual Projection Screen Product Details
Additional Resources: Product Manuals
Related Items
Manufactured by: AccuScreen
Warranty provided by: AccuScreen
UPC No: 892308001076
Mfg Part No: 800008
Box Size:
( Length:114, Width:6, Depth:4)
Shipping Weight: 32.0000 pound(s)
Click here for full warranty and support information
- AccuScreen logos are registered trademarks of AccuScreen. All others trademarks and copyrights mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.


text:
Noupoort, Eastern Cape - A Port Elizabeth man accused of being illegally in possession of R1.1 million worth of perlemoen was granted bail in the Noupoort Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesman Phaladi Shuping said John Jacko Blake, 31, was granted R30,000 bail in the Eastern Cape court.
He would appear again on March 19. - Sapa


text:
I've always had a fascination with these G3 iMacs. I don't like Apple products usually, but when I was younger I always saw these iMacs and thought they were cool so I guess that's why I like them now. I want one to work on. I'm looking on ebay (craigslist doesn't have anything) and came across this one:
For the 600mhz model with upgraded ram, that is a really good price, but the shipping is $50(!). I don't really want to waste $100 on an old computer I'm just going to mess with, but do you guys think I could upgrade the RAM to 1 gig, upgrade the hard drive, and then re-sell it for a profit? I see non-upgraded ones on ebay going for more, but I don't know if they sell or not. What do you guys think?
Edit: It seems everyone thinks they are shite. Well can't say I didn't expect that lol. Guess it's not worth it.


text:
You Are Here: AHRQ Home > State & Local Policymakers: Workshop Summaries > Designing Systems of Care that Work for Children with Special Health Care Needs > Access to Affordable Insurance
This information is for reference purposes only. It was current when produced and may now be outdated. Archive material is no longer maintained, and some links may not work. Persons with disabilities having difficulty accessing this information should contact us at: https://info.ahrq.gov. Let us know the nature of the problem, the Web address of what you want, and your contact information.
Please go to www.ahrq.gov for current information.
Designing Systems of Care that Work for Children with Special Health Care Needs
Access to Affordable Insurance
Recent Findings from CHIRI™ Projects
The Child Health Insurance Research Initiative (CHIRI™) provides a rich source of information on the success of Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in serving children, including CSHCN.
One CHIRI™ project examined the experience of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) enrolled in Medicaid managed care in Michigan. Michigan's Title V program for CSHCN, the Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) offers enrollees a choice between two managed care plans in addition to the traditional fee-for-service plan. This research project explored the following questions about this program:
The study analyzed claims and membership files of children enrolled in both Medicaid and the CSHCS program between January 1998 and December 2000. The major findings of the study included the following:
Other CHIRI™ projects have also identified and analyzed the needs of CSHCN in State Children's Health Insurance Programs. CHIRI™ projects in Florida, Kansas, and New York have recently examined data to determine baseline information for new enrollees regarding the types of health care needs reported, prior insurance status, usual source of care, and unmet needs and expenditures. This information is intended to help policymakers better understand the needs of CSHCN, to help tailor SCHIP plans to meet children's actual needs, and to use the baseline as a tool to help monitor performance over time.
Initial analyses have found that:
The next steps in this study include a one-year longitudinal study, involving telephone surveys and analyses of claims data. In addition, an analysis of the use of preventive services by adolescents with special health care needs is planned.
Equitable Payment Mechanisms
Developing equitable payment mechanisms is an important element of the development of effective insurance strategies for CSHCN. In general, if capitation rates are not adjusted for the risk associated with CSHCN, plans that are particularly responsive to their needs will face large financial losses. This will discourage the provision of appropriate, comprehensive care for this population. Therefore, various health-based payment systems have been proposed to address the need to vary payments by predictable risk, encourage outstanding quality especially for costly conditions, and promote plans that innovate or tailor services for people with disabilities.
Payments can be risk-adjusted based on several criteria, including:
Of these criteria, diagnosis is the most popular. Ten States are currently collecting diagnostic information and using it to adjust payments. This approach has the advantage of ICD-9 data being readily available, and the system providing an incentive to adequately serve those with high levels of need. However, like most risk adjustment systems, a diagnosis-based system can be gamed, as it provides a clear incentive to over-diagnose, and it presents the risk that plans will be rewarded for better reporting rather than for enrolling sicker patients.
Four systems have been devised to classify diagnoses:
The most popular classification system is the Chronic Illness and Disability Payment System (CDPS). In this system, specific diagnoses are associated with future costs. Individual diagnoses are grouped by body system or type of condition, creating four or five major groups, with subcategories based on the severity of the condition. The relative costs for each group is estimated based on the ratio of the average cost for a person with the diagnosis (at the specified level of severity) and the average cost incurred by a person with no diagnosis. The payment to the plan is then based on the case mix of its enrollees. Clearly, the availability of complete and equitable data is critical to this system.
Results of tests of this system show that many diagnoses do persist from year to year, making the system a fairly accurate predictor of future expenditures. In addition, little evidence has been collected that shows that plans or providers are responding to this system by developing systems of care to attract sicker people; however, it is believed that HBPs have not been used for a long enough period of time to expect this outcome.
Previous Section Contents
Next Section
The information on this page is archived and provided for reference purposes only.
AHRQ Home | Questions? | Contact AHRQ | Site Map | Accessibility | Privacy
Policy | Freedom of Information Act | Disclaimers | Plain Writing Act
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | The White House | USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web Portal
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 427-1364


text:
Finding love in an occupied zone
It's often said that meeting that right someone has as much to do with luck and timing as it does with careful thought, planning and strategy. I agree that there is much truth in this statement- yet I know how hard that is for many singles to hear and accept. After all, how can you control luck and timing? You can't- but you can put yourself into new situations and reach out for new experiences that will help you to be in the right place at the right time. Now you may be wondering what in the world I am saying here, so let me use an example.
Virtually everyone is aware of the "Occupy" movement. There are camps in major cities around the country (and even the world)- where people of many different ages are going to live out their protest against big business, the wealthy, and anyone who (in their belief) is one of the privileged 1% of the population. They have banded together, erecting elaborate tent cities and forging a shared identity as that of the oppressed 99%. They have established rules for behavior and governance- and their tent cities have food, medical and community meeting areas. They even have folks who handle PR with the community and interface with police and their elected leaders. In other words, they have established a common cause, sense of identity and become a sub group within the larger culture.
So, it's only natural that within this environment, love will flourish. After all, their housing is primitive and communal, they must work closely together for the good of the group- and their shared passion is a great aphrodisiac. Unlike their peers, they are not living in communities where many people go about their very separate lives, rarely interacting or getting to know their neighbors. They need each other and they all share a common purpose and reason for being there. There is no way not to get to know one another- as they have repeated contact, help each other out with daily tasks, and interact in a way that singles bars and other social events don't allow for.
Now, I'm not suggesting you become an "Occupier." What I am saying is that we can learn from their experience through examining the elements that enable more open and intimate relating. The veneer that layers our busy and disconnected existence needs to be stripped away- leaving us open to new possibilities that are rarely present in our "real lives."
So, what can a single person do to achieve this? I have always recommended people pursue a passion in order to maximize their opportunity to meet someone they can relate to. (right time). I have also suggested activities that give you the opportunity to let your guard down and that challenge you and help you become part of a like-minded group (right place). Perhaps extreme sports where we must rely on one another physically as well as emotionally, or volunteering to be part of a group that helps build houses or works in a disadvantaged community- or any of the many volunteer opportunities that push us outside of our comfort zone and strip away the carefully laid veneer- and just allow us to be us, and to be one with those around us.
So, let this be a year where you think outside the box, find something new to experience- and push against the boundaries of your comfort zone. Love could be a new experience away if you happen along at the right time.


text:
On Translation - Speeches from the 2014 French Voices Ceremony
The Cultural Services of the French Embassy held the second French Voices Ceremony, presided over this year by Honorary Chair Rick Moody. Among the ten grantees for 2014, one has been selected to receive the 2014 Grand Prize, worth $10,000. Rick Moody and the grantees agreed to share their thoughts on the virtues of translation. Read their speeches here!comments


text:
As you no doubt remember, the President has already managed to get the country's credit rating downgraded by Standard & Poor; and if Fitch goes then Moody's is probably not too far behind. So the President's under a little bit of pressure, here… which is complicated by the fact that the electorate last night decided to make sure that the party calling for tax increases on small businesses – excuse me; 'the rich' – kept the Presidency, while also keeping the House of Representatives firmly in control of the party that is adamantly against tax increases. And then there's the Senate… which is run by Harry Reid, who is even now trying to get new and exciting powers to let him do nothing in particular. So it's a mess.
Fitch Ratings threatens to downgrade the US's credit rating.
Current Status: Published (4)
Seeded on Thu Nov 8, 2012 5:52 AM
keyboard shortcuts: V vote up article J next comment K previous comment


text: Nutrak 26 x 2.1 - 2.4 inch Presta - Self-Sealing Inner Tube is a high quality inner tube that will minimise any inconvenience from punctures. Contains a liquid sealant that will seal a puncture in the tread area up to 3 mm wide, upon rotation of the wheel. Durable welded butyl rubber construction. Great value, puncture resistant replacement tube with Presta valve.Check stock and price


text:
Australian air travellers will likely need to wait longer than their US counterparts to read e-books or watch videos on tablets during takeoff and landing.
The US Federal Aviation Administration is due to decide by September 30 whether to relax restrictions on the use of electronic devices. The New York Times reported new rules, which will likely allow the use of devices in flight mode but not the use of wi-fi or phone calls, could take effect next year.
A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority said the Australian agency would look at changes made by the FAA but "that's still a way off yet".
Nathan Safe, a
"Our position is if the FAA has done a study [for passengers] and found the risk is negligible, who are we to argue?" he told The Australian Financial Review. "I think you would be naïve to think there aren't a bunch of mobile phones that are left on on plenty of flights during the day around the world."
Qantas and
A Virgin spokeswoman said the airline would welcome a CASA review on the use of electronic devices during take-off and landing. "We think it would greatly improve the customer experience," she said.
Virgin does not currently provide iPads to its flight crew.
A Qantas spokeswoman said the current electronic device guidelines were established from the airline's own rigorous testing and the FAA direction. "We will continue to monitor new learnings in this area as they come to hand," she said.
The Australian Financial Review


text:
KenchezKenchez of Wolverhampton celebrates luxury in hair like not too many collections do these days. The creative minds bring back the big hair, the elaborate looks and ultra feminine lines that were replaced with easy going, casual looks. There is a time for everything and now we need more allure, more opulence, more beauty and outrageous hairstyles.
Click to enlargeThe new Kenchez collection does not hold back and lets women be divas and goddesses again. This is the type of hair that is classic, artistic and goes so well with a fine expensive perfume and a string of pearls while radiating a modern vibe and contemporary design.
You don't have to be a celebrity to look like one! The following six looks are three haircuts that are styled down and up. They are glamour multiplied to the max.
Hair: Kenchez


text:
Latest Deals & Offers in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a wonderful location for cultural city breaks, romantic escapes, family getaways and gourmet discoveries. We have a number of special offers, promotional packages and great deals for you to enjoy the vibrant Dutch capital while staying at Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre.
Choose from our latest deals below:
Make memories this Autumn and save up to 30%
Embrace your wanderlust this autumn with Mövenpick and explore the world with us.
Book on our website to save up to 30% on your stay in Amsterdam and receive an exclusive $20 voucher.from 127.00 € per room, per night
Stay & Save
Enjoy up to 30% off your holiday in Amsterdam, indulge in a scrumptious breakfast and get an exclusive $20 voucher when you book on our website.
Family Happinest Offer
Book your family stay in Amsterdam and save 50% on your second connecting room. Kids up to 6 years eat free and youngsters from 7-12 years get 50% off while enjoying meals in our restaurants and room service.
Say yes to happiness with our Family offer!from 239.00 € for both rooms, per night, breakfast included
Canal Cruise
Book and discover Amsterdam by boat with our Canal Cruise offer and stay overnight in one of our comfortable and luxurious room overlooking Amsterdam city or harbour. Enjoy our famous Mövenpick breakfast buffet and a one hour cruise on Amsterdam´s canals.from 134.00 € per room, per night
The Uniform Conditions Horeca (UVH), filled at the District Court of The Hague under nr. 94/83, apply to all reservations.


text:
If you have cirrhosis, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the digestive system (gastroenterologist) or the liver (hepatologist).
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and what to expect from your doctor.
Preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time. Some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
Don't hesitate to ask additional questions during your appointment.
Be prepared to answer questions your doctor is likely to ask, including:
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.
Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.