text:
God, I've been dying to make these for so long!! And Spring is the perfect time for it!
First, one thing I'd like to say is that Milles Feuilles (Napoleons) in Greece are THE BEST outside of France! Believe me, growing up in NYC, this has been one of my favorite desserts, and I have had sooo many there....but it does NOT compare to the ones here. This is hard for me to admit as a New Yorker, but it's the truth! I think New York has very high standards when it comes to, well....just about anything!!! But this one is a winner.
Back to my new invention! I wasn't sure that this was going to work out. But, hey, just about anything has been made into a cupcake, why not a Milles Feuilles cupcake!
I don't know what else to say, only that it turned out so much better than I ever imagined it would. It was insanely delicious!! Light, fresh and not too sweet!!
This one is definitely a must and I will share it as best as I can. I tried to follow recipes here and there but I always end up doing my own thing and many times not measuring!!! A splash here, a tad there.....
Ok, here it goes!
For the cake I used a yellow cake recipe that I've always loved! It's a cake made with WINE, from one of my favorite cook books The Silver Palate by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins. This book is great! It takes me way back to the time in NYC when I used to frequently visit their shop and sample many of their irresistible dishes! What a cute, little place that was!! Oh! The good old days!...
This cake is very versatile; it goes with just about anything....and so easy to make!
2 cups of sugar
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
and here goes my favorite part!
1 cup of dry WHITE WINE!
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/4 tsps. of baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 F or 175 C.
Beat sugar and eggs for about 30 seconds on medium speed with and electric mixer. Then pour all the other ingredients into the egg/sugar mixture and beat for another minute. That's all!! Super easy.
Divide into prepared cupcake pans and fill a little less than 3/4 each one. You want to have some room on top to hold some of the pudding cream later. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
For the pudding cream.....this is where I have a hard time explaining since I've always made my own pudding without measuring for my kids. To make it easier, you can use ready made, or use this recipe I found and followed, but made some changes. I added an extra teaspoon, more or less, of Madagascar Vanilla. Please, please do not skip this step and use regular extract instead of either the vanilla bean or Madagascar!!! Trust me, I did it and had to do it all over again! It makes all the difference!!
Then add about 2 1/2 cups of heavy cream, whipped with 3 tablespoons of sugar (more or less), to the pudding cream (or pastry cream...whatever you want to call it), and beat both, very briefly, until nicely blended. You will also need about an extra four cups of whipped cream for topping.
The Puff Pastry
You can make it the day before if you like. It's just Puff pastry already rolled out to thin strips and sprinkled with a little caster sugar. Bake it in a cookie sheet for about 7 minutes or until golden in 200 C or 400 F.
*Cut some fresh strawberries for topping and have some confectioner's sugar at hand for sprinkling.
Construction of cupcake:
Make holes in cupcakes and fill with pudding cream. (BTW, if you don't have this yet, MUST get it!! Cupcake corer ....saves you so much time and it's so easy. Love it!)
Cover cupcake with a layer of pudding cream....just enough so it won't spill out. Place strawberries on it and top them with broken pieces of the puff pastry.
With piping bag, add whipped cream, again more broken pieces of puff pastry and sprinkle with plenty of confectioner's sugar. A slice of strawberry on top to finish as you would do with a cherry on a Sundae. And there you have it!
Hope I didn't make it too complicated! Really, it's not all that hard. If you prepare the pudding, puff pastry, and cupcakes ahead, then in the end it's just decorating it!
It's soooo worth it!


text:
Traditionally we've always just gone up to Wal-mart or Home Depot to buy seeds (generally Burpee), but the more I read about some of Monsanto's (who bought out Burpee) questionable practices, the more I'm interested in just getting back to the basics.
I've been looking around the Baker Creek website, and am curious whether anyone around here has ordered from them. They have a great rating from "Garden Watchdog". If you've ordered from them, what varieties did you grow, how did they do?
Besides Baker Creek, can you suggest any other reputable and cost effective companies I can take a look at? Thank you!
Views: 807
I was looking into heirloom seeds as well, and I found this helpful site with lists and lists of info on Heirloom seeds.
To answer your question, here is a list of heirloom seed companies:
The Heirloom Vegetable Gardener's Assistant
I have been looking at Baker Creek for my winter order. I have heard great things and look forward to trying them out for myslef
I love Baker Creek and Seed Savers. I also recently "discovered" Landreth seeds. They've been in business since 1784 and sell only heirloom seeds. Due to a lawsuit, they've been trying to raise funds and are selling their catalogs for $5 each. Best $5 I've spent in a long while. Loads of information on the seeds listed. I can't wait to get garlic and blue potatoes from them and start growing!
© 2019 Created by HOMEGROWN.org. Powered by

subset: commoncrawl


text:
As virtual reality is veritably becoming reality we can expect that any experience we desire will eventually be available to us - for a fee, of course. One day magnetic pulses might alter our brainwaves to allow us to perceive what we now cannot even imagine; formula 1 racing, walking down the catwalk with other world famous models, singing for a crowd of crazed fans, or soaring through the air as an eagle - might just be a few examples of standard packages.
Most significantly, the experience of dying a slow, painful death will be one better replaced with your own ultimate fantasy ending. The computers will monitor your vital signs and adjust the virtual experience so your last living perception is timed perfectly to the scenario of your choice. Perhaps you just want a perfect moment that ends suddenly with no indication of the end at all, or perhaps you want to die as a hero on a medieval battlefield.
If you could, what would YOU choose for your final experience?
Views: 271
Since death is not an experience, it can't be virtualized. DYING is a different thing altogether. Want to know what the last few days of life as a cancer patient is like?


text:
State of Madison County address details gains, troubles for 2013
WAMSPVILLE -- In his fifth State of the County address, Madison County Chairman John Becker reflected on the county's activity in 2012 while looking forward to 2013.
On Tuesday, Becker recapped what he sees as the the county's successes in a difficult economic climate and predicted more hardships for 2013. With the consolidation of many departments, Becker said "the private sector has gone through this very painful process and government should not be immune to these trends either."
"My hat is off to all of our employees for doing the job that needs to be done to make us a more efficient, stable work environment as well as a leaner government," he said.
Hoping to see a "calmer, more balanced approach to problems whose solutions seem to have eluded many," Becker anticipated the county will continue to struggle to support Medicaid and pension costs.
"The continuation of the New York Legislature to be lethargic at best, to do what is right by its taxpayers and not its tax consumers, will be a huge problem in 2013," he said, predicting unsustainable state mandates will cause New Yorkers to move out in search of cheaper places to live.
The county will continue to make economic development a priority, investing in its agricultural heritage, he said. Part of that will include the new county-wide economic development plan, a project former Cazenovia Supervisor Liz Moran and others have been working on for several years. The plan will be available on the county's website soon.
Becker also highlighted the success of county departments. The installation of a new public safety radio system was completed and connected to surrounding counties last year, a project partially supported by grants. The Health Department collaborated to battle synthetic drugs, the IT Department launched a new county website and the Highway Department devised innovative ways to maintain county roads while saving money. The Personnel Department finalized collective bargaining contracts with both CSEA units, the Planning Department redesigned the soon-to-be defunct Madison Transit System and initiated the installation of residential solar panels through the Solarize Madison program. The Solid Waste and Sanitation Department opened a reuse store and is moving forward with the development of the Agricultural Renewable Energy Park. The Mental Health Department's ADAPT program was privatized; the county will continue to look for ways to privatize other programs.
"Have a prosperous and healthy New Year," Becker said. "Remember that the glass is half full and not half empty."
In other action on Tuesday, supervisors hosted a public hearing to gather comments on its revised weighted voting calculations. The change will adjust the number of votes each supervisor casts based on the 2010 Census data. Sullivan, Oneida, Lenox and Hamilton will stand as the top four voting strengths on the board, although Oneida's votes are split among four supervisors.
Oneida resident Rob Kinsella spoke during the public hearing, suggesting that supervisors take the recalculation of votes as an opportunity to examine consolidation. Pointing to the 19 supervisors on the board, Kinsella said "that's more government than we need with 70,000 people."
The board ultimately tabled the resolution to, according to Administrative Assistant Mark Scimone, "gather more information."
A second public hearing was held to establish the salaries of 10 county officials. The positions are elected or appointed, so their salaries are required to be set by local law. The list includes the sheriff, commissioner of social services, highway superintendent, treasurer, public health director, personnel officer, county clerk, election commissioners and the real property tax services director. Their salaries will increase 3 percent this year, in line with the raises management and confidential employees will receive.
Supervisors also agreed to a contract with Family Counseling Services of Cortland County for the administration of the ADAPT program. The county currently has an agreement in place for the agency to manage the program. The new contract will allow the agency to completely take over the program once it receives approval from the state.
Along with the $88,006 the county receives from the state for the program, Family Counseling Services will be paid $70,663 a year directly from the county. Scimone said the county intends to provide that money for no more than two years; this agreement lasts one year. When it expires, county officials will review the contract and the quality of service the agency has provided. In the past, the ADAPT program has cost the county as much as $110,000 to as little as $10,000 a year.


text:
A garden is a lovesome thing
Oamaru Gardens, Oamaru, Waitaki District, North Otago. One of the oldest gardens in New Zealand.
Absolutely! The poet's right. Gardens grow more than plants. They grow good feelings. They're a space for the soul.
And the Oamaru Gardens have been making space for the soul since they opened in 1876.
The Lonely Planet Guide calls them "gorgeous public gardens". What it doesn't say is that they're also Significant - with a capital S.
The New Zealand Gardens Trust rates them Gardens of Regional Significance - and you won't find many of those on your travels!
But you will find plenty to savour as you stroll about. Significance, serenity, statues, luscious scents, take your pick - but not the flowers.
The gardeners would like to keep them! While you keep enjoying the Garden's other unique features.
Like the great marble Craig Fountain near the main entrance and the splendid 1926 bronze 'Wonderland' statue, set in its own glade and a definite must-see for Peter Pan fans.
There's also an intimate Chinese Garden, the restored 19thC begonia Display House, children's play areas and an aviary with more tweets than a teenager's cellphone.
Tranquil trails, plants and peacocks, ponds and pigeons, budgies, begonias, statues, shrubs, ferns and fountains, swings, roundabouts and the magical Mirror Lake created by gardener James Kidd 140 years ago; all significant parts of a officially Significant space.
It would be a Significant mistake not to see it.
OAMARU PUBLIC GARDENS: Entrances off Severn Street (S.H.1) and Chelmer Street
More info from the Oamaru i-SITE, Cnr Thames Highway and Itchen Street


text:
I thought I left you
Untitled by FabriziaMiliaPhotos Fallen by AnitaAnti
Moondance by CrazyGirL44 Untitled by FabriziaMiliaPhotos diva-in 4 by Wywiur
The Forests Song by EmilySoto 6/52 Ivy by baravavrova Do you count the stars at night? by idaniphotography
kiki beguin by prismes ...But in the end I'm lost... by Lissuin reincrntn by GeoArcus
green rubber by Lycilia Forgotten by MaryaS Corpse Pain by Spiegellicht
Dancing under the rain 2 by naru-naru3 we must take adventures ... by emznocedo quiescent by emznocedo
Anna pink2 by JackyRoyalTS Bloom2 by fae-photography lost in colors by StefanBeutler
Olga by FlexDreams Emmanouela by xeneras Megan by HappyKootie
August by MargotMi Forbidden Fruit by Aisii Gimme the Light by idaniphotography
Marina by BubbleguN-oo Gift I by FlexDreams winter's fairytale by karinephoto
Flowers in December III by zemotion Julia by NataliaCiobanu *** by tdum
453 by crelight Desire by Jumeria-Nox Alisson by coralielauren
Selene by Lycilia Medusa by artviveslidia Wolves for Breakfast. by KassandraLeigh
Bianca II by mocanubogdan Portrait with a cameo by apalkin Sense and Sensibility XXX by Michela-Riva


text:
After Viewing This Item, Customers Ultimately Buy:
$33.99 $31.99
Save: 6% off
$3.79 $3.68
Save: 3% off
Fashion Ladies Beige Leather Handbag Shoulder Bag Girl Women Bag Wholesale Female Bag Wholesale BA58_05
Product Description:
Bag Height:11.02inch(28cm)
Bag Length:17.32inch(44cm)
Bag Width:5.11inch(13cm)
Material:Pu Leather
Shipping and insurance:
Items will be shipped as soon as possible (11-13 working days except Sunday and Public Holiday) when the payment has been cleared. Free Ship from Hong Kong Post Air Parcel service with online tracking number.
Contact us:
If you have any questions, please contact us by this e-mail: .Don't hesitate to get in contact if there are any problems or queries you need answering.
About Us:
We are a china suppiler all kind of handbag , woman bag. We sell bag product at wholesale price,give you the best quality and the best service.Price discount will be negotiable for large order.We ship worldwide.


text:
Danielle is an extremely young lady, with an awesome body she has energetic tits and a charming bum, my first time regularly utilizing an escort services, so characteristically I was nervous as hell, but she had grace to overlook my nervousness and relaxed me first with a nice massage. Many thanks to you Danielle, for being gracious, sweet and relaxed!by Antonio R.
FEATURED Sloane Avenue ESCORT GIRLS
Cheap Sloane Avenue Escorts
In time of visiting Sloane Avenue, you'll want a superb companion guide, with who you can discuss about the area nicely and also it can have some very serious implications on your personal life and the professional. Escorts Sloane Avenue is often offered to everyone. This escort service is nicely made by our agency. We are always willing to supply all type of escorts in Sloane Avenue. You will get a variety of escorts females, you can get all age ranges. If you need a young escort woman, or if you desire the aged or middle aged escorts you will definately get them.
You'll feel special to understand the escorts in Sloane Avenue is capable of doing more than merely become your official companion. These girls can offer personal entertainment and pleasure for you personally too. You can navigate to the take bureau and examine the cheap escorts who're accessible for hire. You can even identify that which services they'll conduct, exactly like rub, for your self while you're Sloane Avenue. Even though you would really like cheap Sloane Avenue escorts does not necessarily mean you will want to quit for value. You possibly can still get top quality ladies while you are considering affordable escorts if you visit Sloane Avenue.
Outcall Sloane Avenue Escorts
Kisses and touches aren't the only pleasures furnished by these escorts. Top class escorts are conditioned to make you contented, both physically and mentally. They are competent in such things as massage to be sure that they could aid you in attaining complete relaxation. In the company of Sloane Avenue outcall escorts, you'll feel as if you're that has a buddy or perhaps a lover, due to the professional attitude and also the thorough training offered to girls by these escort services. You will not think that something has forced you along with the girl will leave abruptly following your time has ended. These cheap escorts are educated to be considered a companion as opposed to a worker.
Though, in case you simply want to have passionate intimacy then Sloane Avenue escorts are able to do the task perfectly to suit your needs. There are various types of girls to select from, you'll be able to pick a litttle lady or perhaps an experienced woman based on your individual needs, men just want to have fun in any way with the curves and clevages of any size and shapes. While they travel without a companion the Sloane Avenue escorts will be the best partner during a dinner party. In case, that you are going to some business trip in Sloane Avenue, it is possible to really expand your pleasure by investing time with excellent escorts while you're in Sloane Avenue. Yet in order to appreciate the escort service in Sloane Avenue, which you will have to placed the reservation online or can likewise request the escort company to get quality time which has a hot escort.
Blonde Escort Girls
Posted by Escorts Agency on 05/05/2015
Men are always looking for an adventure. If you wish to be a fantastic experience tonight, the actual luscious blonde escorts are here that may help you. These gracious girls can serve your fantasies hot and crispy. These are the females who are sizzling with desire and passion. They are able to providing you the romance that you might want as well as the thrill you're wanting for. Spend the night time with him or her and you'll never get back to what we had been..
Busty Escort Girls
Posted by Escorts Agency on 05/05/2015
A number of traveling agencies present Busty Escorts planning spouse and kids and in addition suitable for stag parties. Accordingly, whether you are getting yourself ready for a stag occasion or simply a loved ones holiday getaway, this original metropolis is perfect location. Sloane Avenue also provides several outing functions which can be enjoyed with slag partied. The particular pleasurable functions in slag social gatherings busty escort Sloane Avenue require activities like Escorts in Sloane Avenue..
Mature Escorts in Sloane Avenue
Posted by Escorts Agency on 04/05/2015
Elegant, reserved and educated, mature escorts are experienced in all popular areas. Not only will you manage to check out the famous sights of Sloane Avenue, your escort will have the capacity to teach you locations are far taken out of the key attractions. Together with your companion you'll have the ability to begin to see the real Sloane Avenue, the spot that the famous and rich eat, drink, and party, the spot that the middle class spend their money, and to purchase the top deals on shopping. With a stunning mature scort on your side you'll have the capacity to see Sloane Avenue for the first time..
Cheap Outcall Escorts
Posted by Escorts Agency on 03/05/2015
Are you bored and lonely as well as the same time frame traveling for pleasure or business, maybe both? Sloane Avenue Outcall Escorts could be your solution to save lots of from suffering. These girls would be the the top heap with regards to escorts. Sloane Avenue escort girls are certain to put a smile within the face of including the most discriminating male. Not to get out created by the outcall escort girls the Sloane Avenue escort girls will definitely fit the bill. If not consider setting some requirements. This is that you might you any escort, in case you want being looked at and talked (within a great way) then hiring the outcall escort girls will allow you to accomplish this goal..
Massage Escort Services
Posted by Escorts Agency on 02/05/2015
These Massage Escort girls are attractive, sensuous, beautiful in addition to graceful. They know ale seduction and will cause you to be fully satisfied. Once you have a look at their pictures inside escort websites, you might start fantasizing about them. Wildest fantasizes should come for a mind plus in order to produce your wildest fantasizes become a reality, avail the expertise of these girls..
Open Minded Escorts
Posted by Escorts Agency on 01/05/2015
Meeting on top of open minded escorts in Sloane Avenue is extremely just like dating and it is a sensible way to meet new pretty ladies, and even your perfect partner. Sloane Avenue culture still dictates how the man offers up family members, plus the women covers her man in turn. Whilst the city is rolling out over several many young open minded ladies today are smart, hard workers and also a major part of the emerging middle class, the regular values of relationships between man and some women still stand..
Brunette Sloane Avenue Escorts
Posted by Escorts Agency on 30/04/2015
Locating a quality London escort agency is not really a troublesome job today. With the Internet being one of the most lucrative opportinity for finding most jobs in the sunshine, wonderful better to choose an escort agency in Sloane Avenue today. If you Google with the internet, in all probability you'll run into 1000s of escort agencies online. This can be overwhelming if you're an novice. However, you simply need some solid tips and proper guidance to generate your option. A busy city needs busy girls. The brunette escorts in Sloane Avenue are working girls in themselves. They are the main providers of fun and entertainment in your community. If your body requires a pleasant and warm massage tonight, these ladies could arrived at your apartment and provide you with just of solace that you might want..
Featured Escort Girls
Posted by Escorts Agency on 23/04/2015
The escort agencies of Sloane Avenue provide premium quality escort in your service. While you are availing this sort of service of Sloane Avenue escort or agency, you should take into account that there always exists component of risk. All escort agencies usually do not provide good quality plan to people. It has been observed there are some escorts who familiar with grab the benefit of their clientele in past along resorted in blackmailing them. You have to pick the agency meticulously. The escort agency you'll select should have minimum two or three many years of experience of the respective field. The selection strategy of these featured escorts is basically vital. The escort you are likely to choose need to have excellent service. The escorts of Sloane Avenue are very well groomed and also have pleasing manners and outgoing nature. They must cater the requirements clients with virtually no sort of hassles. You may select such type of escort for social events and family meet up function..
Duo Escorts
Posted by Escorts Agency on 23/04/2015
These Duo escorts can adjust with personal function and gives you the right company in a natural way. If you are hiring them for almost any private arrangement, then its better to invite these duo escorts your place or some other common spot selected by you. A large number of escorts can be found. They mainly consist of British escort to European, eastern European, Latin Asian and African origins. If you want the escorts of Sloane Avenue to be with via some time you land in Sloane Avenue and remain along with you and soon you leave town, next the sort of service is also supplied by many Sloane Avenue escort agencies.
Elite Sloane Avenue Escorts
Posted by Escorts Agency on 22/04/2015
Not all the experienced businesses provide excellent service. That is why picking a the company needs to be made cautiously. You need to do plenty of searching for picking the appropriate escort agency. The agencies have to be reputed one with lots of numerous example of the respective field. The selection of the escort really should be done cautiously. It is important for ensuring quality service from top quality escorts. The Elite escorts you'll choose really should be well groomed, having pleasing manners and must have outgoing nature etc.
Party Ladies
Posted by Escorts Agency on 21/04/2015
The party escort ladies of Sloane Avenue are very well trained and therefore are the top in relation to giving the most effective plan to each customer. An party escort girl in Sloane Avenue is beautiful, attractive, charming, and extremely sophisticated to make certain a terrific company. Girls of nearly every age are offered, which range from 18 to 30, and you'll choose your escort in line with your taste and also your fantasies. An party girl will provide you with total affordability and service that you will have wished you could be. Take a break from a daily schedule, and also have awesome with escorts in Sloane Avenue. But, prior to you buying an escort service agency, you should never forget some crucial things. It is always preferable to do your homework or enquire around to be able to hire the very best possible service according to the escorts plus the cost factor. You may consult fellow colleagues and also require availed of such services. The Internet is the very best resource to test high on such facts. The websites of the agencies will feature the profiles of most escorts and their fees.
Red Haired Escort Females
Posted by Escorts Agency on 19/04/2015
Red Haired escorts can be found in Sloane Avenue so you could obtain precisely the types of gal you would like this way. If you are looking for reasonable red haired escorts, you will need check out your individual machine. You can use the net here and examine exactly what a beneficial move service inside Sloane Avenue spot offers in relation to escorts who are not only versatile but additionally inexpensive. You don't need to repay big money when you find yourself trying to find friendship inside Sloane Avenue seeing as there are lots of women who're happy for making your remain in Sloane Avenue much more pleasing with out them costing you a lot of cash.
High Class Escorts
Posted by Escorts Agency on 18/04/2015
Primarily we still have a wonderful variety of high class escorts which are likely to be able to to link up to the necessities our shoppers may have, finally everyone knows you are trying to the expertise of Escorts in Sloane Avenue as you are less than selected pleasure, so as we recruit our ladies we bear this tightly in the mind. We also take in to account the belief that you are going to even be requiring an escort which may be very popular with think of both while in her clothes and from them.
New Sloane Avenue Escorts
Posted by Escorts Agency on 17/04/2015
Are you bored and lonely as well as the same time frame traveling for pleasure or business, maybe both? These new Sloane Avenue escort girls are definitely the the surface of the heap in terms of escorts. This is really because you might you any escort, in case you want for being looked at and talked (in the simple method) then hiring the new escort girls or even the Sloane Avenue escort girls will allow you to manage this step goal.
Hotel Visits Escorts
Posted by Escorts Agency on 16/04/2015
The Hotel Visits escorts are section of a royal league of escort girls and several men can verify their supreme seduction abilities. If you are accustomed to dating escort ladies, it's about time which you shift your sights on the hotel visits escorts Sloane Avenue. This league of women certainly looks different. And it also follows how they would feel different to your touch too. Experience a thrilling adventure with your girls below in the Sloane Avenue.
Dinner Dates Escort Ladies
Posted by Escorts Agency on 15/04/2015
There is a wide selection and assortment of entertainment options before you choose to pay your visit to Sloane Avenue. The dinner dates escort service supplied by lady who develop the qualification and personality essential for the task is probably the the reason why Sloane Avenue is on the top of our report on good destinations. The service and varied experience these particular female escorts provide with their clients undertake a major international character as models are of numerous nationalities and have absolutely varying backgrounds.
Our Goal
Cheap escorts in Sloane Avenue
Whenever you want undertake a beautiful girl to get a wild date, try the assistance of an escort agency in Sloane Avenue. In their roster you will discover great girls with great personalities? Girls who are able to present you with a whole lot pleasure and adventure just like you never had it before.
Our Guide
Our agency is based in London, here you have which zones we cover:
Primary ContactsCall us now from 07:00pm to 07:00am / 7 days
☏ 07504 657 350 ☏
Via Email
For Recruitment
For Booking
Kelly is a stunningly beautiful & passionate lady that truly knows how to show a guy a good time I'll definitely see her back for more.by Rodrigo J.
Jessica is one of the hottest and best escort you can ask for. She takes well care of you and has a body to lust for. Worth spending quality time with her.by Michael T.
Annabelle is beautiful young lady and would highly recommend this booking to anyone. Had no problems with her services and would like to see her again.by Richard A.


text:
Around midnight last night, I finally finished a guest blog post on my former university professor's site, "Business School Presenting." It had been in the works and on my to-do list for a very long time, so I'm both excited and relieved to finally have it posted on Dr. Ridgley's site, whose URL makes me laugh.
Go on over to http://www.ihatepresentations.com/?p=2845 to read my article about some very basic personal branding steps.
If you're still here, I just want to make a quick point about blogging in general -- and how it's not easy to find time to write quality content and balance all of your other real-life, big-girl responsibilities, especially when you're not getting "paid" for it, but it's rewarding in its own rights, as both an exercise and a sort of time capsule -- and then maybe sometime today I will finally go to bed.
Yes, it is noon and I have been awake, with no caffeine, for at least 24 hours. One conference call to go and then I'm setting myself free for the evening and quite possibly the rest of the weekend.
Go GIANTS!


text:
Southend 3-1 Stevenage (Agg: 4-2): McLaughlin's extra-time strike helps send Shrimpers to Wembley
Last Updated: 15/05/15 3:59pm
Southend United beat Stevenage 3-1 in the second leg of their League Two play-off semi-final to seal a place at Wembley 4-2 on aggregate.
The tie finished 1-1 at the end of normal time after Tom Pett's strike ten minutes after half-time was cancelled out by a Ryan Leonard goal 12 minutes later.
However, after Barry Corr had hit the crossbar with a last-minute penalty, Phil Brown's side booked their place in the final against Wycombe thanks to extra-time goals by Stephen McLaughlin and Michael Timlin.
Stevenage almost got off to a dream start when Ben Kennedy fell in the box under a clumsy looking challenge from Ben Coker, only for referee Graham Scott to wave away the visitors' protests.
However, if Stevenage thought themselves unlucky not to have been awarded a spot-kick for that incident, then Southend were also more than a little unfortunate not to have been given a penalty when Simon Walton clearly prevented Corr from reaching a corner after just seven minutes.
In an opening half in which there were few goalscoring opportunities, it was the home side who had the clearest chances, the first coming on the quarter-hour mark following a great move down the left flank involving David Worrall and Corr.
But after the former had given his team-mate a clear sight of goal, his close-range shot was beaten to safety by Stevenage goalkeeper Chris Day at his near post, before Joseph Pigott nearly gave his side the lead with a sweetly struck shot from just outside the area.
The best opening, however, fell the way of Corr a minute before half-time, but after working himself space in a crowded penalty area, the striker chipped his shot wide of Day's near post when it seemed easier to score.
And Southend were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal when Pett fired Graham Westley's team in front after 55 minutes, although their goal was more than a little lucky.
Having worked a corner short between Walton and Parrett, the latter's shot from the edge of the area took a deflection off Wells, before falling kindly at the feet of Pett, with the substitute side-footing home from close range.
However, Southend did not take long to draw level, with substitute McLaughlin's deep cross from the left flank somehow finding its way through to an unmarked Leonard at the back post, and he made no mistake with a confident finish from close range.
Thereafter, it was the home side who looked the most likely to score a winner in normal time, only for Pigott miss two good chances, before there was drama in second-half injury time when referee Scott adjudged Dean Parrett to have pushed over Leonard in the box.
The decision looked harsh and justice was arguably done when Corr struck the top of the bar with his 97th-minute spot-kick, taking us into an extra half an hour, 30 minutes which Southend again dominated as their opponents tired visibly.
After Day denied both McLaughlin and Corr with impressive saves, Southend finally scored the goal their pressure merited when with only 12 minutes left to play, McLaughlin headed home John White's inch-perfect right-wing centre to send the home fans into a state of delirium.
And that only increased when Timlin won back possession on the edge of the Stevenage box, before jinking his way past a posse of opponents and curling an unstoppable effort past Day to seal the Shrimpers place at the home of football against Wycombe Wanderers on May 23.
Watch the League Two play-off final between Southend and Wycombe live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday 23 May from 5pm.


text:
Air quality officials on Friday approved spending $200,000 on long-term monitoring of odors from the Salton Sea, a response to last fall's foul stench that spread 150 miles from the lake and triggered hundreds of citizen calls to 911.
Equipment will be set up at two locations around the lake in an effort to establish baseline and elevated odor levels, said Sam Atwood, South Coast Air Quality Management District spokesman. The information will be used to develop a plan for notifying the public of peak odor events.
On Sept. 9, hydrogen sulfide from the lake bed was stirred up by a monsoonal thunderstorm. Wind swept across the desert and the Inland area, carrying with it a rotten egg smell that spread all the way to the San Fernando Valley. It was two days before air regulators confirmed the source.
"One of the concerns that a lot of people had was, they just didn't know what the cause of the odors was," Atwood said. "At least with this monitoring network we'll be able to pinpoint the Salton Sea as the source very quickly and we can rule out any other possible sources, like an industrial accident or an upset at an oil refinery."
Odor problems are expected to worsen at the 376-square-mile lake, formed more than a century ago when the Colorado River changed its course. The lake, which straddles the Riverside-Imperial counties border, has been shrinking as more water is drawn out of the Colorado River and farmers are planting fewer acres of alfalfa, resulting in less irrigation runoff into the sea.
With a smaller body of water, it takes less wind to disturb the water enough to release the hydrogen sulfide, Salton Sea experts said.
Air quality equipment for detecting sulfur-containing gases released from the lake will be set up near the Saul Martinez Elementary School in Mecca and at a wetlands project on Torres-Martinez tribal land. Monitoring will begin in late summer, when odor problems are the worst, Atwood said.
In the days after the storm-blown stench was released, officials from the air district measured up to 150 parts per billion of hydrogen sulfide closest to the Salton Sea – not enough to make anyone sick. The measurement was one-tenth to one-millionth the level at which the odor would be considered a risk to public health, Atwood said.
Often, fish kills caused by heavy concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and lack of oxygen also create foul odors at the lake.
While the monitoring network won't cure the stink, it may help draw attention to problems there, said Riverside County Supervisor John Benoit, a member of the air district's board and the Salton Sea Authority, a state-appointed joint powers agency focused on restoring the Salton Sea.
The monitoring will help "get appropriate levels of attention to what will be an ecological disaster if we don't stabilize the sea," he said. "The sea is too large to sustain with the amount of water that's going to be available in the future."
Michael J. Cohen, a senior research associate at the Pacific Institute in Oakland and an expert on the Salton Sea, said the air monitoring action was too long in coming. He cited a 2003 agreement by the Imperial Irrigation District to ship water to San Diego. As part of that deal, the irrigation district agreed to deliver water to the Salton Sea for 15 years. Those deliveries end in 2018, which spells doom for the lake, he said.
"Here we are, two-thirds of the way through that, and there's no plan. People could argue this is 12 years late," Cohen said. "People have been arguing for years we needed to have baseline data. It's too late. We've lost the baseline."


text:
Royal Mail Group Apprentice Service Technician
This listing has expired
Vacancy details:
Description of vacancy: As a Service Technician you will be involved in all aspects of maintenance and repair from routine servicing to the complete component overhaul of vehicle systems.
Technicians are also vital to customer care. The service provided by the workshop is a major factor considered by customers when they decide to replace their car.
Main duties for this service technician vacancy include the following;
• Marking out & measuring, basic hand tools
• Bumper to bumper overview, service and inspection
• Body materials & Construction
• Engine mechanical
• Cooling and lubrication, air & exhaust
• Ignition petrol fuel, CI fuels
• Braking systems, suspension, steering, wheels and tyres
• Charging and starter, electrical auxiliaries, lighting
• Clutches, manual/auto gearboxes, drivelines
How many positions will be available? 1
Weekly wage? 132.00
Working week? 40 Hours per week
Future prospects? Qualifications to Achieve – On completion of the Advanced Apprenticeship you will receive the following qualifications:-
• VCQ Level 2 progressing to VCQ Level 3, in Maintenance and Repair of Light Vehicles
• Key and Core Skills Certificates
• IMI Technical Certificate
• Advanced Apprenticeship Completion Certificate
Employer description Service Technician within a dealership, carrying out general services and Mot's.
Candidate details:
Skills required: None Required. Full training will be given.
Personal qualities: You must have a genuine interest working in the automotive sector and be committed to the three year apprenticeship programme.
Qualifications required: A minimum of three GCSE's grades A-C in English, Maths and Science or the equivalent.
Additional details:
Reality check:
Please do not contact dealership, we are main point of contact for this vacancy and carry out a full recruitment service for the local dealer. Approaching the dealer directly will not always help your application.
Important other information:
• Working away / outdoors
• Travel
• Shift work The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for Apprentices is £3.50 per hour. This applies to 16-18 year old Apprentices and those aged 19 and over in the first year of their Apprenticeship. For all other Apprentices the Apprentice National Minimum wage appropriate to their age applies.
The Wage for Apprentices applies to both time spent on the job plus time spent training.


text:
Feb 11, 2014
From staff reports
The Ohio University Classified and Administrative senates, with the support from the offices of the President, the Executive Vice President and Provost, and the Vice President for Finance and Administration invite you to attend the professional development seminar scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27 in Baker University Center Ballroom.
"The seminar being offered through Ohio University Classified and Administrative senates will provide unique opportunities to assess and ultimately enhance progress toward our shared values," said President Roderick J. McDavis. "I encourage all classified and administrative professionals to attend and contribute to this important discussion."
Vice President for Finance and Administration Stephen Golding said the senates have been working hard to develop a seminar that relates to the University's classified and administrative employees.
"I believe all employees within these classifications will find value from attending the seminar," Golding said.
The event will be conducted by Tracy Kitts, owner and operator of Tracy Kitts, Consulting LLC, and will focus on professionalism and respect in the workplace.
"The topics suggested by the Classified and Administrative Senate leadership for this seminar are on point for a healthy organization," said Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit. "My experience across all of our units and all of our campuses is that we have talented, dedicated employees who strive for utmost professionalism. I see this seminar as an opportunity to discuss strategies and best practices for continuing to enhance the culture of civility and mutual respect."
Attendees have the option to participate in the morning or the afternoon session, however seating is limited to 150 attendees per session. To register to attend one of the sessions, please visit http://www.eventzilla.net/web/event?eventid=2139027334. Lunch will be provided between the two sessions for all attendees. Coffee, ice water and hot tea will be provided during both sessions.
Session One: 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Lunch for Session One participants: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch for Session Two participants: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Session Two: 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
For Regional Higher Education and other University staff who are unable to attend the seminar, there will be a live feed available during the morning session. Please visit http://www.ohio.edu/mediaserver/live.cfm?videoid=d4795709d8cb to access the link to watch the seminar online.
According to seminar facilitator Tracy Kitts, the session is designed to create effective teams while considering respect, professionalism and conflict resolution in the workplace. Kitts answers the questions:
What defines a great place to work?
Many organizations have identified flexibility and respect as core competencies for success, but how do we get there?
Who is responsible?
Participants in this seminar will learn why a common purpose, shared core values and practicing good communication are important in creating the ideal workplace. Participants will also discuss behaviors, and be given tools, that will help create the engaging and respectful workplace we all desire.


text:
Day 5 T-Shirt of Choice: FFB Raglan by Fur Face Boy
NYC Neighborhoods Visited: Theater District, City Hall, Brooklyn Bridge, Union Square, and TriBeCa.
Today was a big day and long day. We kicked it off by crossing one big and long bridge – the Brooklyn Bridge! Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. It is 5,989 feet (1825 m) long and 85 feet (26 m) wide and it connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. This was my second time crossing the bridge so I knew what to expect, but this was Michelle's first time. I kind of wish that I had timed the length of time it took us to cross the bridge.
Once we reached Brooklyn, we headed straight for Grimaldi's Pizzeria. After getting lost for a little bit, we finally found this little pizza gem on Old Fulton St. The establishment has quite a storied history:
"Patsy Grimaldi, the founder of Grimaldi's, learned to make pizza at his uncle Patsy Lancieri's pizzeria (trained under pizza patriarch Gennaro Lombardi of Lombardi's Pizzeria) in 1941 at age ten. He eventually opened his own restaurant, Patsy's Pizzeria, in Brooklyn. Grimaldi originally planned to build it in Manhattan. However, he believed that coal-fired brick ovens produced the best pizza, and it was illegal to build new coal ovens in Manhattan. As a result, he moved to the current location at South Ferry, Brooklyn."
We ordered a small pizza with pepperoni, italian sausage and mushrooms. My first bite reminded just how much I loved this place the first time I visited in 2007. Grimaldi's is awesome and it will be one of those place that I will always visit whenever I visit New York. The crust is perfectly thin, the meats were nice and fresh and spiced perfectly, and the cheese was thick and plentiful. Mouthgasm? Hell yes. The amazing part is that the amount of time it takes to cook a Grimaldi's pizza in their over 100 year old brick oven is faster than it takes a Pizza Hut to cook a pie in their modern ovens. Whenever I eat pizza, I will think of Grimaldi's. Grimaldi's is the real deal. If you want good pizza, you must pay a visit to the mecca of pizza, Grimaldi's Pizzeria.
Once we had our fill of Grimaldi's, we headed toward Union Square so that Michelle could make a stop at Trader Joe's. What's awesome about Union Square is it's commanding and engaging intersection. People come to union square to relax, sit, people watch, mingle and even play chess. And since it's surrounded by shops, it's the perfect place for tourists who want to escape the madness of Times Square.
Saddled by bags of Trader Joe's nuts, we headed back to the hotel for a little rest. We needed that rest so that we wouldn't fall asleep during our broadway experience – American Idiot! In factor, American Idiot was the entire reason why we began planning this trip. I am a huge fan of Green Day so I had been dying to see this musical by Billy Joe Armstrong, featuring music from the iconic 2004 Album, American Idiot and select songs from their latest album, 21st Century Breakdown.
The St. James Theater is the home of American Idiot and lucky for us, Hotel Mela is located a measly 3 minute walk away. We left the hotel at 7:30 pm for an 8 pm show and arrived in our seats with ample time to spare and take in the inspiring interior of the St. James Theater. Once the curtains went up, the madness started and it was complete rock and roll for 90 minutes. Non-stop punk and non-stop Green Day for 90 minutes. I loved it. I loved every burning second of this musical. I loved it so much that I want to see it again. The songs came alive right before my eyes and I was in Green Day heaven. Did I say I loved it? I loved it.
After waiting around a bit for the stars of the show to meet and greet, we jetted off to TriBeCa to dine at Ninja Restaurant. I had been itching to go there ever since I first heard Dan Trachtenburg and the rest of the Totally Rad Show crew talk about it in one of their past episodes. I was sold when Dan mentioned that Ninjas appear out of nowhere. Awesome.
When you first arrive at the unassuming front door, you are greeted by a host in a small room with an elevator. I don't want to spoil the experience for those of you planning to pay a vista to Ninja Restaurant, but, I will say that the Totally Rad Show guys swear right – Ninja do appear out of nowhere. Oh, and if given a chance, take the secret yet dangerous path. You'll love it. Michelle and I found ourselves still talking about it the day after. It was that fun.
The food at the Ninja Restaurant was okay compared to the Ninja experience. We had the Four Elements sushi (California roll topped with tuna, salmon, yellowtail and eel) and the Spicy Tuna sushi to start. Being from Hawaii, we know good Sushi – this was just okay sushi. For the main entree, I had the Ninja Paella (orzo pasta with seasweed and miso marinated salmon, short-neck clams and veggies) and Michelle had the Poseidon's Pot (a pot of mussels and calamari, steamed with white soy sauce and sake). The serving size of my entree was unexpectedly huge. Five large filets of salmon was the main attraction for my entree. The salmon was cooked well, but again, living in Hawaii, I've had better fish prepared and cooked much better. Still, the Ninja Restaurant is quite the experience. You're even treated to a Ninja magic show prior to eating. Neat!


text:
LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- New York filed suit against Credit Suisse Group AG CS, +1.23% Tuesday, alleging the bank fraudulently misled investors over the quality of residential mortgage-backed securities that led to $11.2 billion in losses, according to reports. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's lawsuit covers RMBSs underwritten in 2006-07. Despite knowledge of problems with the mortgages in the RMBS pools, the Swiss lender still encouraged loan originators "to continue delivering ... crap," Reuters cited the lawsuit as saying, in a quote of one bank trader.
New York sues Credit Suisse on mortgage securities
Quote References
+0.14 +1.23%


text:
Cyberlink has recently announced full compatibility with the new Windows 8 OS in the latest update for their PowerDVD 12 software allowing you to playback Blu-ray 3D movies and stereoscopic 3D videos on systems using the new operating system. Cyberlink has also released PowerDVD Mobile for Windows 8, a software that is specially optimized for multimedia playback on tablets with Windows 8 (note it is Windows 8, not ARM-based tablets with Windows RT), offering similar tile-based interface like the one of the Windows 8 Start menu. I was however more interested in trying PowerDVD 12 on a Windows 8-based tablet and luckily I've had an Acer Iconia Tab W700 handy to test with. The Acer W700 tablet uses Mobile Intel HM77 Express chipset and comes with a 3rd Generation Intel Core i5-3317U Processor and an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 along with a micro HDMI connector for use with external displays, making it a perfect combination for playing back 3D movies and videos. The hardware does offer support for Intel's InTru 3D technology that is required in order to be able to output 3D content using HDMI 1.4 frame packaging for example to Blu-ray 3D movies on compatible 3D HDTVs or other 3D-capable displays.
Unlike on a computer used for work, desktop or laptop, where I really don't like much the new Tile-based Start menu, a real productivity killer for me, on a tablet it is really handy. The Acer W700 tablet comes with a 1920×1080 resolution IPS LCD panel in an 11.6-inch display which is not a problem for the Start menu, but makes the standard Desktop and everything running there quite small and hard to use just with the touch panel (adding a wireless Bluetooth mouse is a kind of a solution). So the new PowerDVD Mobile for Windows 8 could actually be quite handy when you don't need 3D support as it plays back not only video, but also music and photos. Using the standard PowerDVD menu is not a problem with the touchscreen display of the W700, however when playing back 3D videos you'd probably want to have a mouse handy due to the specific requirements in order to be able to make things work. You'll have to select the external 3D HDTV in my case a Panasonic 3D Plasma to be the only monitor in order for PowerDVD to detect and activate properly the 3D support of the Intel GPU (not Clone or Extend Displays). So you end up with a working touchscreen on the tablet, but no image on the tablet and the image displayed on the bigger 3D HDTV, believe me it is not very easy to navigate this way, so a mouse is a must have. Other than that everything is working just fine, 3D videos play just fine and the 3D mode is automatically activated on the display. If you want to be able to play Blu-ray 3D movies you'll need to either get an external Blu-ray device that uses USB interface (the tablet comes with USB 3.0 support) or to backup the Blu-ray 3D movie into an image file that you can transfer to the tablet.
I should warn you that not every tablet out there with Windows 8 will be able to play stereoscopic 3D video on an external 3D-capable display like the Acer Iconia Tab W700 is capable of. The reason for that is the fact that the more affordable tablets with Windows 8 do not come with Core i-series of processors, but instead use the relatively new Intel Atom Dual-Core Processor Z2760 that according to Intel has been designed especially for Windows 8 tablets. This Intel Atom processor doe not come with graphics supporting HDMI 1.4 or the InTru 3D technology, two things that are required for playing back 3D video on active 3D-capable displays – 3D HDTVs, 3D Projectors or 3D monitors. You could still be able to make this work with passive 3D HDTV though by using direct Row Interleaved output to the TV set instead of relying on HDMI 1.4's frame packaging method. This however will still probably be a no-go option for Blu-ray 3D movies as the Atom processor will probably not be powerful enough to decode the 3D MVC streams in real time, though I still haven't personally tried that, but it should work Ok with most 3D videos.
I'm also interested to see some ARM-based tablets running Windows RT, wondering how these will handle stereoscopic 3D content if they can. Actually I'm not sure if the RT version will have native stereoscopic 3D support like the Windows 8 does and Microsoft isn't helping much in telling us clearly if it does or not. Not to mention the fact that Windows RT will have much less software available for it initially, but still it is interesting to see what Microsoft has come up with on that front as well.


text:
BAGHDAD, July 12 (UPI) -- Iraq's troubled government is drawing up a new energy strategy that envisions investment of $620 billion in the next 17 years to triple production to 9 million barrels per day by 2020.
But, just as global industry experts decried Baghdad's original target of 12 million bpd by 2017 as way too ambitious, they're now saying the new blueprint is beyond reach as well.
They blame crippling infrastructure bottlenecks, abysmal governance, a lack of skilled workers and the ever-present security crisis, in which hundreds of people are slaughtered every week.
Iraq has crude oil reserves estimated at 150 billion barrels, the fourth-largest reserves of conventional oil in the world, and gas reserves of 122 trillion cubic feet, the 12th-largest in the world.
The country's long-neglected oil industry, battered by decades of war, insurrection and international sanctions, has made a remarkable recovery since Saddam Hussein was overthrown in the U.S.-led invasion of 2003.
Much of that is due to international oil majors who signed 20-year production contracts with Baghdad in 2009-10, marking foreign oilmen's return to Iraq for the first time since Saddam nationalized the industry in the 1970s.
The companies -- including BP, China's CNPC, Royal Dutch Shell and France's Total -- have restored and expanded fields, particularly the megafields across southern Iraq, where two-thirds of Iraq's oil lies.
Production has risen from around 1 million bpd to about 3 million bpd today, and in 2012 Iraq overtook traditional foe Iran to become the second-largest producer in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
The International Energy Agency, the West's Paris-based energy watchdog, predicts Iraqi production will hit 6.1 million bpd by the end of the decade as Baghdad strives to challenge Saudi Arabia's production rate.
"But storm clouds threaten Iraq's revival," oil analyst Guy Chazen cautioned in The Financial Times. "Bottlenecks are undermining continued production growth: weak government institutions mean contracts for crucial infrastructure projects are not being awarded quickly enough. A deficit of skilled workers is dogging the industry."
Jessica Brewer of the Edinburgh-based energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie said, "There are a lot of issues that are out of Western oil companies' hands, such as Iraq's infrastructure constraints.
"There's a shortage of pipeline, storage and pumping station capacity."
This impedes building up vital export levels, which bring in the revenue that will pay for reconstruction.
All this has meant that the increase in production levels over the last two to three years has stalled.
The slowdown has been worsened by a bitter feud between the central government in Baghdad and the independence-minded Kurds in their semiautonomous northern enclave.
They sit on reserves of 45 billion barrels of oil, the fourth-largest in the world, which they are starting to export through northern neighbor Turkey rather than via Iraq's state-owned pipeline network.
On top of that, the Kurds claim the northern Kirkuk oil fields, which hold about one-third of Iraq's reserves, as part of their historical territory. Baghdad refuses to relinquish these fields, and there's now an armed confrontation between the federal government and the Kurds across the north.
Exxon Mobil, Chevron Corp. and Total, along with Russia's Gazprom, have all defied Baghdad and defected to Kurdistan, where they get more lucrative terms and few of the infrastructure problems that plague the rest of the Iraqi industry.
Under the tough production contract terms imposed by Baghdad's Oil Ministry, international companies only get about $2 per barrel produced.
That was an important issue in the defections by Exxon Mobil and the others to Kurdistan. Baghdad is only now starting to think about sweetening the contracts, but whether it will offer enough to keep the international companies happy is another matter.
The issue has played a big part in the foreign companies' reluctance to make further massive investment to boost Iraqi production rates on which Baghdad is clearly is counting.
And it's widely seen as one reason why Baghdad has had to revise downward the ambitious production targets it announced four years ago.
"The majors are entering a period of very large spending decisions as they move to full field development," one Western consultant observed. "But they won't risk huge investments in oil that might not make it to market because of export bottlenecks."


text:
I was asking myself, if the following list of conditions is sufficient to determine the usual smooth structure on the spaces of $k$-jets.
- the map $j^k f:M\ni x\to j_x^k f\in J^k(M,N)$ is smooth, for any $f\in C^{\infty}(M,N)$;
- the map $(\alpha,\beta):J^k(M,N)\to M\times N$, defined by $(j^k_x f)\mapsto (x,f(x))$, is a smooth summersion, for any smooth manifolds $M$ and $N$;
- the composition map $\gamma:J^k(N,O)\times_{N} J^k(M,N)\to J^k(M,O)$, defined by $(j^k_{f(x)} g,j^k_x f)\mapsto j^k_x(g\circ f)$, is smooth, for any smooth manifolds $M$,$N$ and $O$, (here $J^k(M,N)\times_{N} J^k(M,N)$ is the fiber product of $\beta:J^k(M,N)\to N$ and $\alpha:J^k(N,O)\to N$);
- the map $(\alpha,\beta)^{-1}(U,V)\to J^k(U,V)$ defined by $j^k_x f\mapsto j^k_x(f|_{U\cap f^{-1}(V)})$ is a smooth isomorphism, for any open subsets $U\subset M$, $V\subset N$;
- for any open subsets $U\subset \mathbb{R}^m$ and $V\subset \mathbb{R}^n$, the map $J^k (U,V)\to U\times V\times \bigoplus_{i=1}^k{L^i_{sym}(m,n)}$, given by $j^k_x f\mapsto (x,f(x),Df(x),\ldots,(D^kf)(x))$, is a smooth isomorphism, (here $L^i_{sym}(m,n)$ is the vector space of the $\mathbb{R}^n$-valued symmetric $k$-multinear maps on $\mathbb{R}^m$).
Probably it is not sufficient, or redundant, but, in such a case, I would know if there is in the literature such a kind of characterization.
My question is: Once prescribed the usual smooth structure on the $J^k(U,V)$, for arbitrary open sets in euclidean spaces $U$ and $V$ (as in point 5), what kind of conditions are sufficient to uniquely determine the usual smooth structure on $J^k(M,N)$ for all other smooth manifolds $M$ and $N$?


text: WNS (Holdings) Limited (WNS) (NYSE:WNS), a leading provider of global Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services, was recently positioned as an industry 'leader' for Insurance BPO in Everest Group's 2012 Insurance BPO PEAK Matrix. According to Everest, 'leaders' have significant market share as measured by Insurance BPO revenue, and delivery capability as measured by scale of operations, scope of services, technology capability and global delivery footprint. Per the report, WNS was one of only three firms named in the 'leader' category. Together, these firms account for approximately 60% of the overall insurance BPO market, and are growing at a healthy rate. "WNS is honored to be recognized as a Leader in Everest Group's 2012 Insurance BPO PEAK Matrix," said Keshav R. Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS. "We believe that our capability and positioning in the Insurance space is a result of our deep domain expertise, differentiated market approach and strategic investments designed to provide our clients with the right blend of expertise, technology and flexibility to outperform their competition," he added. "With the increased competition to gain market share, it is important for service providers to offer differentiated value proposition to succeed in the Insurance BPO market. WNS' investment in building domain expertise in higher value-added services, fuller suite of services across insurance segments and scaled up delivery experience across multiple geographies is especially noteworthy," said Rajesh Ranjan, Vice President, Everest Group. For more information, visit: https://research.everestgrp.com/InsuranceBPOPEAKMatrixGP.PDF About WNS WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS), is a leading global business process outsourcing company. WNS offers business value to 200+ global clients by combining operational excellence with deep domain expertise in key industry verticals including Travel, Insurance, Banking and Financial Services, Manufacturing, Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods, Shipping and Logistics and Healthcare and Utilities. WNS delivers an entire spectrum of business process outsourcing services such as finance and accounting, customer care, technology solutions, research and analytics and industry specific back office and front office processes. As of September 30, 2012, WNS had 25,931 professionals across 30 delivery centers worldwide including Costa Rica, India, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and the United States. For more information, visit www.wns.com. Safe Harbor Provision This document includes information which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied are discussed in our most recent Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. WNS undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.


text:
The Australian Electoral Commission is accountable to the federal Parliament in relation to its statutory responsibilities under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984, and the Workplace Relations Act 1996.
The Parliament has established various committees which are empowered to inquire into aspects of the electoral process, and the most relevant committee for electoral purposes, is the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs may also inquire into aspects of the electoral process as necessary.
Further information on federal parliamentary committees and their reports may be found on the Australian Parliament website.


text:
Sounds like your trip to Disney World was great. And glad to hear the baby is doing well after your scary ride. Its good you got to go on your trip and spend some fun time with your older kids before the baby comes.
And octupus inside you - that just cracked me up. Glad to hear your echo cardiogram was good. I am just waiting for the third trimester to begin. How old are your daughters?
Its been pretty quiet around here. I am sure that means everybody is doing well.
AFM, we had another ultrasound last week because the baby would not turn out around for the technician to see a couple of things with the first one. It was fun to see him again and the OB was able to get all the pictures they wanted. I am gaining a lot of weight!! DH doesnt want me to worry about the weight gain and I am not worried but I have always been borderline underweight and never put on weight despite what I eat so I am really surprised with how fast I am putting on the pounds. I had my diabetes test last week and have not heard from the doc yet - crossing my fingers that its all good.


text:
Pocket as many pool balls as you can before the time runs out!
Battle to be the King! In this massive multiplayer game, based on the 2D arcade games, you have to battle against other Knights to earn gold coins and to be the King. Explore the map to find new weapons to use. Upgrade the power of your weapons with your coins.Help
There are no awards for this game!


text:
The Mac Cannot Connect To The Windows-Based Computer, OSX RDP With CoRD
I have noticed every now and then when using Remote Desktop Connection for Mac that I am unable to connect to Windows based computers. Initially I thought the issue was related to specific versions of Windows 7 and then when that turned out not to be the case I thought it had to do with the Remote Connection Settings on the Windows computer specifically the "More Secure" and "Less Secure" setting when configuring RDP on Windows. It turns out neither of those were the actual problem and it really is just the fact that the computer is connected to a Domain or Domain Controller.I was able to make connections using actual Domain accounts however not the local computer accounts which not only included users in the Remote Desktop Users group but also Administrators that by default should be able to make Remote Desktop Connections. Below I describe some of the basic items that should be confirmed to not be the case however I still suggest that you uninstall Remote Desktop Connection for Mac and install CoRD: Simple RDP Remote Desktop.


text:
Man charged with killing wife faces arraignment
WESTFIELD, Mass. (AP) -- An Ohio man charged with killing his wife and daughter almost two decades ago faces arraignment in one of those slayings.
Robert Honsch is scheduled to be arraigned on a murder charge Monday in Massachusetts in connection with the death of his wife, Marcia Honsch.
The body of 53-year-old Marcia Honsch was found in October 1995 near an entrance to Tolland State Forest in western Massachusetts. She had been shot in the head.
At about the same time, his daughter, 17-year-old Elizabeth Honsch, was found dead behind a New Britain, Connecticut, strip mall.
The family lived in New York at the time.
Robert Honsch was arrested in July living on Ohio under an assumed name. He had remarried.
It could not immediately be determined if he had a lawyer in Massachusetts.


text:
Track my order(s)
Cart is empty
Type the characters you see in the picture above.
Creating a new account is easy and takes less than a minute.
My account
Company Information
Customer Service
Stay Connected
Enter your email address to receive special offers and promotions.
Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter
© 2014-2019 VSD - Vapor Store Display . Powered by CS-Cart - Shopping Cart Software


text:
Monday, May 24th, 2010
Bloom where you are planted. I've been saying this to myself for awhile now.
Single and in my early twenties, I lived outside of Washington D.C. and worked in the city where it was easy to do things like take photography, politics, and religion classes at night after work at the Smithsonian, and hop over to Old Town Alexandria on weekends to pick up groceries at Trader Joe's.
After Brian and I married almost seven years ago now, we moved to a Virginia suburb to be closer to his family. Life in the suburbs is different from city life. There is no Smithsonian, no coffee shops within walking distance, and TJ's is over half an hour away.
But you know what? Half a mile down the street is a farmer's market where I can walk to buy fresh produce all summer long. And right next door to that market every spring is a strawberry farm where I can pick some pretty amazing fresh berries.
I'm also able to work from home and not have to commute an hour each way to work. And best of all, here we can afford enough land that Brian can experiment with just about every gardening idea he can dream up (the "big" garden has been tilled and the first plants are in the ground – hop rhizomes).
So, though I love the hum and culture of city life, I am trying to bloom where I am currently planted. Literally and figuratively.
The Saturday before Mother's Day I took little Jonathan to the strawberry farm to pick berries. I've been feeding him strawberries already this spring, so I could see the excitement and questioning in his eyes as he saw the berries on the vines. It was such a perfect expression of surprise and wonderment that came over his face when I picked a berry in the field and let him taste. Such sweetness.
I came home and while Jonathan napped – worn through from the sun and humid coastal VA heat, I made this strawberry mascarpone pie/tart with lavender vanilla whipped cream to take to lunch with Brian's family the next day.
I've always loved strawberry pie. My mom used to make it simply growing up using sliced strawberries and strawberry gelatin on a flaky crust served with cool whip.
Here I wanted to capture everything I loved about Mom's pie, but eliminate the strawberry gelatin that contains food colorings and artificial flavorings. I also love mascarpone cheese with, well – just about everything, so I thought adding a thick slick of honeyed mascarpone accented by lemon zest beneath the strawberries would be lovely. I also adore strawberries and lavender together, so I made fresh lavender vanilla whipped cream to serve alongside.
There are no pictures of the tart cut since I took it the next day to lunch and didn't want to be hovering over people's plates trying to grab a picture, and it went quickly.
I liked everything about this pie/tart except my crust shriveled and was a bit dense – I'm doing well on savory tart crusts, but a simple flaky pie crust (with no partially hydrogenated oils) seems to be eluding me – I welcome links to any favorite recipes!
I ended up with leftover whipped cream, so I decided to pulse it in the food processor and make lavender vanilla butter. It worked beautifully!
With the butter I made part whole wheat lavender rosemary shortbread cookies inspired by this and lavender accented granola bars with dried cherries, coconut, apricots, cocoa nibs and almond butter, inspired by this recipe – both of which were wonderful and Jonathan enjoyed for over a week.
I have been working hard on my business and am trying to stick to a reduced carb diet, which has left me feeling quite tired (must remember to take vitamins, drink more water, get more sleep, and still treat myself), but I hope to be back in order shortly. I hope you are well.
Fresh strawberry mascarpone tart
1 crust for 9 inch pie pan or 9 or 10 inch tart pan
1 quart fresh strawberries, washed and tops trimmed
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup water
8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened *
2 teaspoons honey
pinch of fine grain sea salt
zest from 1 lemon
lavender vanilla whipped cream (recipe following)
Prepare and bake pie crust according to recipe instructions. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Mix the honey, pinch of sea salt (no more than 1/8 teaspoon), and lemon zest into the mascarpone cheese in a medium bowl. Spread cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the baked pie crust and place in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the pie.
Puree half of the strawberries in a food processor (alternately you could simply mash them in the pan) and place in a medium saucepan with the sugar over medium heat, bringing to a boil while stirring frequently.
Whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl and gradually stir into the strawberry sugar mixture. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened into a thick syrup, about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Allow mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes.
Mix the remaining half of the strawberries with the strawberry glaze either in the pan (if large enough) or in a large bowl in order to evenly coat the berries. Gently pour coated strawberries into the pie shell on top of the cheese mixture along with all extra strawberry glaze/syrup. Arrange strawberries to your liking and chill pie in the fridge for several hours (allow at least 6+ hours) before slicing. Serve with lavender vanilla whipped cream.
* If you cannot find mascarpone cheese, cream cheese would make a nice substitute
Lavender vanilla whipped cream and lavender vanilla butter
1 pint heavy whipping cream, very cold
1 teaspoon lavender buds, crushed and broken, using a food processor or mortar and pestle
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla bean
1 tablespoon light brown sugar or natural raw sugar
Using a hand mixer or standing electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine all ingredients and whip till soft cream peaks form.
If you end up with leftover whipped cream, you can make lavender vanilla butter by placing whipped cream into the food processor and pulsing till the fat separates from the liquid. Strain the "buttermilk" from the solid, and you have butter!
Tags: chewy granola bar, cocoa nib, Dessert, granola bar, homemade butter, homemade whipped cream, lavender, lavender whipped cream, mascarpone cheese, rosemary, shortbread, strawberry pie, strawberry tart, whole grain, whole wheat
Posted in Dessert | 29 Comments »


text:
Now that I've left you wondering about what these dreams I'm chasing are... It is time for some details.
I started writing about them a few days ago and after I got through about four pages of words I thought, "I might need to break this up."
So, this is the "what it looks like" edition. I hope to share more of the why in the future.
But, exciting things are happening around my house that are fun to talk about and fun to share.
I am now officially a CrossFit coach!
Yes, it is true.
People show up to my house in black leggings and I ask them to do hard things, and then they do it!
A couple of months ago a friend of mine was lamenting a stuck place in her life, specifically in the area of fitness.
I felt like an absolute fraud, but I offered to have her come to my house a few times a week to do push ups and squats and maybe lift some heavy things.
I kept reminding her that I am just a regular girl who happens to like CrossFit and happens to have a few pieces of equipment in my garage, and that I didn't have a clue what I was doing, but I was willing to cheer her on.
Well, she showed up, despite my disclaimer.
Then I opened up the invitation to a few more gals, since it is infinitely more fun to workout with people than alone (in my opinion). My open invitation received a much eager response than I expected.
Suddenly, I had FIVE girls showing up three times a week to get sweaty.
Then, Andy and I got the wild idea to get enough equipment for all these brave ladies.
So, in our house that is still without a couch, we installed a few pull up bars, collected some kettle bells, wall balls and weight sets and invited a few more people to join the fun.
Now, we have "classes." We have a website. We have a GYM!
And I am a coach.
Who would have guessed?!
The more that people started showing up, the more responsible I felt to make sure they were being safe, and that the workouts we were doing would move them toward their goals.
So, I chased another wild hare and registered to go through the official CrossFit coaching course.
This in itself was an amazing experience to me. I mentioned to a friend that I thought I should get a little more instruction on how to coach and she suggested that I go through the course. I looked it up online and low and behold, there was a course in Washington, just three weeks away. Every other course, around the country, before and for months after was already sold out. Except the one I needed.
So this past weekend, I spent full days practicing squats and lifts and learning how to teach pull ups and why CrossFit is what it is. I almost cried twice, from appreciation and warm feelings toward this culture and community of people and sport.
I came home feeling slightly more informed, but still just a girl who likes CrossFit. More than anything, I was inspired to keep chasing excellence - stronger skills in coaching, in my own fitness, in my challenge and encouragement to others.
The more I coach, the more I see people improve, the more I practice being an athlete and trainer, the more I love my days.
I feel full of energy and enthusiasm. I am inspired by the women who come to my house and try hard and scary things. I feel a huge sense of possibility for what our family is moving toward.
I feel a freedom to fail that is new and refreshing. And equally exciting, I feel a freedom to succeed!
Our little gym might grow, it might stay just a hobby, but whatever it is, it is fun! And I will love it for what it is.
So, if you are in our area, and want a good workout, stop by The Compound! I promise I'll be nice!


text:
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Quick Links
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Quick Links
Meet your fellow owners in our Owners Clubs
Chrysler Voyager/Dodge Caravan Prices Paid and Buying Experience 2003-2007
Please relate your buying experience here. Town & Country owners welcome too!
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
I bought my last two vans from Hayes Chrysler in Lawrenceville, GA (Gwinnett County, northeast metro Atlanta) and had two very good experiences. In 2001, we bought a new base Chrysler Voyager in dark green with the upgraded V6, power win/locks/mirr, CD and dark windows. Their selling price was about $600 higher than the Norcross, GA Carmax, but Hayes gave us $2500 more for our trade, a 1997 Hyundai Sonata GLS with V6. Very courteous and pleasant to work with. In April of this year, we wanted an update. I did not want a T&C as the size of the Voyager was perfect for the type of driving we do here in Atlanta. Plus, we only take one big trip a year, so the added space would just be wasted the other 51 weeks of the year. So, taking advantage of the great offers through Chrysler Financial, we went back to Hayes and traded for a white 2003 Chrysler Voyager LX with the quad captain's chairs and split folding rear bench, ABS, keyless and roof rack--all things my 2001 did not have. Our payment actually went down even though the van's price tag was higher! Again, great service and would definitely recommend them. My mother-in-law was in the market for something new last year and she also bought from Hayes due to our good experience.0
"The price for one popular version of the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan is up $1,170; other versions are up $405. The incentive has increased $666. Chrysler's destination charge went up $55."
As auto incentives head higher, so do prices
Steve, Host0
Sounds like the incentives increased by more than the price hikes on most of the vans--so consumers will still come out ahead. Prices on automobiles have to go up over time. New cars can't cost $1500 forever!0
captnroger Posts: 7I posted this in another thread, but my wife and I took delivery on a T&C Limited this evening for close to 4K under sticker, minus another 4500 in incentives. Great experience, great dealer. Got financed at 3.9% to boot!0
Got a letter today saying the A/C compressor of my 2003 Voyager LX was now covered for 7 years or 70k mi, whichever comes first. It appears that there was a problem with the lubrication on some of these, so they are covering all of them for an extended length to take care of problems we may come across in the future. I think that's pretty good pro active customer service.0
With the 2005 and the stow and go on dealer lots the incentives on the 2004 models are high. $2000 cash back plus 0% financing on the Caravan STX short wheel base AND an additional $1000 on your trade-in. Some dealers are also giving dealer discounts in addition to the manufacturers. I got a price of $18590 (includes rebates) plus tax tags and destination charges. Trying to get one for 17,200 plus tax/tags. Wondering is it possible to get a new van for under $20,000 out the door that isn't a KIA SEDONA?0
I just answered my own question. We got a 2004 Caravan SXT for $20,500 out the door. So we did almost get it for 20,000. It was the last one on the lot. It had the popular equipment pkg, quad seating, cd player, roof rack, alloy wheels and power drivers seat. The other van we got a price of 18,590 only had a roof rack as the options in it. We got this much nicer one for 18,890 plus tax and fees for 20,500. We are happy and love the silver color too. Waiting an extra month got us a much better deal and a nicer van too.0
congrats and best to you0
pdodson20 Posts: 2Wife and I purchased a loaded SXT tonight for $11000 of sticker. MSRP'd at 35, got it for 24 with no trade. Wife and I were not really looking for a loaded van but we got a really nice van for basically the price range we were shooting for. I should state that it was an end of the month last hour deal.0
russla Posts: 74I'm looking at DGC right now, and all the dealers are offering 6k in dealer cash to reduce the invoice price, I would love to get a DGC for 11k off sticker but don't know where the discount are from.
sticker ~35k
invoice ~32k (just over)
DC Emp price ~31k
Dealer emp price ~32K (just under)
holdback 1K
the only way I figure these sums add up is if the dealer sold it at DC emp price 31k less the dealer cash of 6k, and gave away all the hold back of 1K for a total of 24k.
Is this something that very many dealers would/could do? I think it's a great deal, but in my area, I'm finding a hard bottom around 26k
usually advert at 8k under MSRP ~(27k)0
Any recent buyers in Michigan feel free to reply:
A newspaper reporter would like to talk with recent minivan buyers who live in Michigan. Please respond to [email protected] or [email protected] with your daytime phone number by Thursday, June 17, 2004. Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon, PR Director
Steve, Host0
krash24 Posts: 2We just bought a 2005 SXT with a Power Liftgate as the only option (The base STX is loaded with options, such as 3-zone A/C, roof rack, 2 power side doors, keyless entry, garage door opener, 2 row Stow-n-go, and much more). The window sticker has a base of $26,315 plus $400 for the power liftgate and $680 for destination for a total of $27,395 on the sticker. Edmunds says the sticker should be $27,585, I'm not sure why there is a difference. We negotiated to $25,132. There is a $1000 cash rebate, a $1000 trade-in rebate (we did have a trade), and a $1000 rebate if you finance with Chrysler Financial for a total of $3000 in rebates. Edmunds says my trade is worth about $1700 and they gave me $1750. That brought us to $20,382. Add in $1457.01 for taxes, a $53.52 Document Fee, and $80 for title and transfer, and we financed $21972.53 total with no cash out of pocket. We haven't had it a week yet, but we love it. We couldn't find an SE with the options we required (3-zone a/c, roof rack, and 2nd row bucket seats) that didn't have more options that brought it near the SXT price range. And the SE's don't have stow&go (unless you get the SE PLUS which is an expensive option). So, for us, the SXT was the way to go, and we love the power liftgate (even though we didn't need/want it).0
scotttique Posts: 2I just purchased and 05 GC SXT with the following options: Linen Gold Paint, Premium Group, Center Console, Entertainment System, 6 disc cd/dvd. I did not get the leather as we were dissapointed in the quality of the leather and prefered the cloth. The MSRP was 30,645. Invoice was $28,480 (incl "advertising" for MD) We paid 27,800 plus an additional $3000 in rebates. (1000 cash back, 1000 financing through Chrysler cash back, 1000 cash back for trade). I "traded" in a worthless shell of an old pickup truck that our company had for which they gave me $1 to get the $1000 trade rebate. Total Price paid before Title, Tax, and Tag was 24,800.
It definitely pays to shop around and be willing to walk out. I had 9 dealers tell me that it was impossible to sell me the vehicle for that price since it was well below invoice.
I also didn't find out about the trade "rebate" until another dealer revealed it to me. No wonder all the dealers were pushing me for a trade because they could make that 1000 instead of me if I didn't ask for it.
It's a beautiful car (as far as minivans go) and we are excited about it.0
pompedo Posts: 2I see you mentioned 3 rebates, cash , financing and trade-in. Are they still offering all 3? Need a new van this month and am looking at a DGC SE - Any thoughts?
andrelaplume Posts: 934what is a good price for a left over 04 model. Likely the Sport model Dodge which appears popular and I don't see any options I'd add.0
hospsafe Posts: 4Last weekend the wife wanted to test drive a Pacifica and a Town & Country. (Central Florida Chrysler, Jeep Dodge) Not enough room in the Pacifica. Also had looked at the Quest. Found the one we wanted but explained to the salesman that we couldn't buy that day because the vehicle had to go through the business. However, I did mention that I wanted a proposal that I could take to my boss in the morning. He wanted me to sign a statement saying" that if "we agreed on a price today, I would buy the car." I refused and explained to him and two other individuals why I couldn't sign it. Finally, the 3rd salesman understood my situation and gave me some numbers that were workable. The sticker on the car was $33,130. This included the DVD, leather, power everything. They gave me $2000 off plus a check for over $2400 to get me out of my current lease on a Beetle. They were offering $5000 off on all T&C's. Walked out the following morning with a lease payment of $550 including tax for 36 months. I think it was a fair deal. Edmunds said $515 without the $2400 check. However, I will tell that the dealership did not like it when I brought out the Finance Page from Edmunds. The second salesman I talked to on Sunday was very agitated and tried to dispute every number on it. He couldn't. Finally it got to the point where he said that Edmunds is a consumer web site and mumbled something under his breath. I said, yes it is and what's wrong with that? There was no response. This was the first time, certainly not the last time, I have used Edmunds. Thank you Edmunds. The look on the one salesman face was worth all of the research. Thank you Central Florida Chrysler Jeep Dodge for a wonderful car.0
dwade Posts: 3Details on the transaction to follow but first the buyer profile.
Gone are the days where I need to barter the $9 bucks for valve stems on the sticker. Being middle aged with kids and employed I dont have the need to pound a car dealer, yet, I did use an Edmunds TMV to get to my target. Here it is....
7/29/04 transaction - Autoway Dodge Clearwater , Florida.
2005 Grand Caravan SXT Base $26505
add Leather Pkg $2930
add rear DVD video $1150
add 6 disc DVD/CD $555
add destination $680
Total MSRP $31820
Deduct Discount $2380
MFG Rebate $1000
Financing Rebate $1000
Trade (95 Montero) $2500
Net before TTT $24940
Out The Door $27300
My target was $27000 OTD, they stayed at $28300 for about 20 minutes, then added 500 on trade in value, and we decided to finance $5000 of the Van to get the $1000 Financing Rebate, after 6 months I can pay it off with a Home Equity Line which is how we paid the balance. Dealer basically gave me the options for free and increased my trade by $1000....the trade wont make them money. They had a $500 Dealer handling Fee, which I balked then ok'd. It was smooth, I got more options than I wanted and still stayed on target. The salesman actually thanked me for having my Edmunds TMV with a target for this exact vehicle.
Moral of the story is, these guys will treat you better if you have made up your mind on style, color and options and ask them to pull from Inventory prior to the deal. Research dealer inventory on the WWW prior to contact. If they dont have it start somewhere else. They hate waisting time just like us. We were off the lot in less than 2 hours start to finish.
Good luck.0
swfeature Posts: 6I had promised to post my price paid in an earlier posting in satisfaction category - so here it is. This car was purchased 6/28/04.
2005 Dodge GC SXT (stow & go) with split rear seats, dual auto side doors and electronic lift gate:
Vehicle price; $25,640.00
Cash price - $27,808.08 (with NYC 8.5% tax)
Rebate - $ 2,300.00
Total paid - $25, 508.08
I had no trade in. Rebate for June was $1300. I financed for 36 months @ 3.9% to get $1000 off. It was slightly cheaper than the 0% financing without the $1000 cash back. I like the van. Hope this info helps others do better than I did!0
badgerfan Posts: 1,565I haven't got into details with him as he went on vacation just after buying it, but a coworker of mine just bought a 2005 GC with Stow and Go seating and paid less than $20K (no trade in). I assume this is the price before tax title and license transfer. This sure sounds like a good deal, even assuming it is an SE Plus with no additional options, which has an MSRP of $25180.0
jvcn Posts: 50Just got a new 2005 TC Touring model with AFF package (stow go, pwd drs, etc) plus CD/DVD, rear video and linen gold paint. List almost $30,000. Final price includes everything except state taxes $24,589. This includes $5000 financed for 60 months at 5.59 % but i plan to pay it all off without penalty in 3 months (min time for pay-off). The financing was just to get the $1000 back. So cash of 19,589.0
zgd Posts: 3I got my 2005 T&C Touring (a great car) at a dealership in Rochester, MI. I just want to share my experience.
I set a price goal to get 2-yr lease, the sales rep and the manager both worked out a deal that was about $100 over my goal. I signed the deal that included (1) monthly payment with tax, license plate included; (2) down. Before I signed, I asked the manager while the sales stood by "Do I have to pay anything else?" He said, pointing to the paper, "No. That's all you need to pay."
They did not have the car I wanted when the deal was signed. Two days after, I got the delivery and signed all the papers. When I reviewed the papers in the night, I found that they inserted another item, $300 turn-in fee, not seen in the original signed deal. The sales intentionally skipped it when I signed the final papers. The day after, I asked them to reverse that. They would not.
There were a few "first" with this dealership:
1) The first time I bought a car without giving me the brochure of the car;
2) The first time I bought a car with only half tankful of gas, although they filled her up when I returned to pick up the plate;
3) The first time I heard that using credit card to make down payment was against MI state law;
4) The first time I needed to return to get the temporary license extended.0
edges_wife Posts: 1We are looking at a 2004 Grand Caravan SXT Anniversary Edition (leather, DVD, power doors/liftgate) with 7500 miles on it. Do you think 20,000 is a good price for this? Thanks!!0
$15,000 for a nicely equipped T&C LX with less than 27,000 actual miles. First owner got a DaimlerChrysler 7 year/75,000 mile extended warranty that was transferred to me in addition to the 7 year/100,000 mile Factory Powertrain Warranty.
This nice van had an MSRP of about $30,000 when new.0
we bought a new 2004 T&C touring platinum, which is the T&C version of what you are looking at, we paid $24,000 for it back in Feb 2004, it listed for around $36,000, beautiful van
so for 7500 miles you save $4,000 on buying used, thats 53 cents per mile for the first 7500 miles
when we looked for our van the dealer had a "demonstrator" 2004 T&C limited with something like 30,000 miles on it and they were only offering 15 cents per mile for the miles or $4,500 off, I considered it to be a used van that cost the dealer 15 cents per mile to drive, I wish I could drive a new car every 6 or 12 months and have it cost me only 15 cents per mile
not sure of whats a good deal on a used van or not
but the "discount" you are getting for the mileage of 53 cents per mile is much better than the 15 cents per mile that we we offered from a dealer
good luck, we really like our van, nicest car/van/truck we have ever owned0
janb2 Posts: 2We walked out of negotiations today on an SXT that had almost everything..No leather, no navigation system, however it did have the sideair bags which is what I want but that van is located at a different dealer. It also had the DVD and CD 6 disc. The MSRP is $30880. They offered us $28880. We said no and left. The salesman actually came out into the parking lot and opened my door and said "wait 2 minutes, we're making a phone call"...They came back with $25995 + $250 = $26245. We said no. I was insulted that they wanted to charge $250 to "go get the van." Do you agree this $26245 is too high? I was thinking around $23K is what I would pay. The current rebate they told us about is $2000 (which brought it to the $28880) and its a 0% 60 month finance.
Even though the lot had many 'loaded' SXTs, not one of them had the side air bags. They could only find one SXT in the area that had that option. I would think it would be a popular option! Is there something about them I should know? My husband was eyeing the loaded SXT with leather & nav system but I said no, I want one with the side airbags, who wouldn't? He thinks I'm being difficult now0
Since I have never met a person injured in a side impact collision, the side airbags are not a very high priority for me.
If side air bags are important, buy the Odyssey which has side air bags standard on every 2005 model beginning with the LX which has MSRP of $25,510. Honda dealers are giving nice discounts of up to $3,000 on new 2005 Odysseys.
I like my used 2002 Chrysler T&C LX but the driver's seat is uncomfortable whereas all Odyssey driver's seats are comfortable. The original owner of my 2002 T&C LX got a nice discount when it was new and paid just under $24,000 for it.
DaimlerChrysler lowered their MSRP for 2005 so the vans cost about the same but with a lower discount than in earlier years.0
Not too long ago I test drove a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT back to back with a 2005 Odyssey LX and Honda really is much nicer. Plus, as he said, the Honda was marked down $2000 off MSRP. Plus, I am not a Honda person saying this. I had a 1993 Dodge, a 2001 Chrysler and currently have a 2003 Chrysler. The 2005 Dodge could not match the ride found in my 2003 Chrysler--and the seats were not as good, either--IMO. The Odyssey LX does not give you power sliding doors, alloy wheels, the roof rack or the lazy susan under the second row; but you get the same engine, rear air, sliding door roll down windows, traction control and most of the mechanical goodies found on the EX models. Check it out.0
marine2 Posts: 1,155Just bought the 2005 DGC SXT. List price was $28,459. Has the three power doors, tinted windows, security system, CD/Cassette with 6 speakers, with radio controls on steering wheel,Stow n Go seating, eight way power drivers seat, between the seat storage bin, above temp,direction, mpg,computer, extended warrantee, etc. With discount,$25,054 and O% financing. They would knock off another $1,500.00 if I would have taken Chrysler's 6.? financing. Decided to take the zero percent instead. Don't think it was as good a deal as most got on here, but I can't complain to much. I was about $700.00 under on my trade.
Really love the van. It's very quiet and smooth riding. Really love the storage space with the stow n go seats up. Nothing has to lay on the floor or seats now, it can be all hidden away.
I stow one middle seat and that gives the dog plenty of room to lay down and makes it easy to get my grand kids in and out of the van fast.0
Stow and Go is cetainly a wonderful feature and it provdes tons of useful storage opportunities. I think the problem lies with those of us with previous generation DC vans that have more comfortable seats and an even smoother ride.0
This discussion has been closed.