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Much has been written (in recent years, at least) about turning your passion into a full-time job. I mean, that's the dream, right? Getting paid for doing what you love?
Well, the situation is actually a little more complicated than that. Can you make a living doing what you love? Yes. . . and no. To be honest with you, it depends. Not every passion or every dream or everything you love to do has profit potential. Some dreams and some hobbies make lousy businesses. Professional careers don't exist for everything.
The trick is finding that sweet spot where what you love to do and what other people want overlap. Opportunity lies at the point where your passion and its usefulness to other people converge.
For a business to exist there have to be at least two things: a product or service, and people willing to pay for said product or service. If what you love to do isn't useful to anyone else — if it doesn't create value for other people by solving an obvious and irritating problem or bestowing some desirable benefit — then you're probably never going to make money doing it. Passion isn't enough if there's no business potential.
That said, it's almost always possible to find a career (or make your own) in an area closely related to something you love.
No one is going to pay you to read books for fun, but there are plenty of jobs — book editor, patent lawyer, proposal writer, reviewer/critic, researcher — that require a great deal of reading. No one is going to pay you for working in your garden or taking care of your own lawn, but they might be interested in buying your flowers or produce, or in learning how to create and tend their own garden. There's the opportunity.
The question then becomes: Are any of the opportunities related to what you love interesting to you? If so, dig deeper. If not, pick something else you enjoy and explore the possibilities there.
If you're thinking about starting your own business based on a hobby or personal passion, answering these questions before you continue will help you figure out if that's really something you'd enjoy, and whether there's actually a market for it:
- Would you enjoy pursuing your hobby/passion full-time, or at least 20 hours a week?
- Do you enjoy teaching others to practice the same hobby/share the same passion?
- Do you like ALL the details of your hobby, even the parts other people find tedious or boring or difficult?
- If your passion required a decent amount of administrative work, would you still enjoy it?
- If your paycheck depended on pursuing your hobby/passion, would you still enjoy it?
- Have other people asked for your help related to your hobby/passion?
- Are there enough people out there willing to pay to benefit from your expertise?
- Are there other businesses serving this market? Would you be able to serve this market better?
It's all about the research. Whether you dream of bringing a new product to market or getting hired at Google, you need to become an expert on everything related to your dream job. Say you want to own your own coffee shop. Okay. What does it actually mean — what does it actually require to own your own coffee shop? Do you know anything about beans, farming, and growing regions? Do you know anything about different roasting, grinding, and brewing methods? Do you know anything about running a retail business? Do you know if there's a market for a coffee shop in your area? Do you know what you could expect to earn running a coffee shop? Management? Hiring? Customer service? Do you know anything about FDA certification? If not, it's time to learn.
As you think about your dream job and begin to refine it, here's what you need to know:
- The history of the company, business, or product
- The education requirements and potential cost
- The working environment or physical location
- The tools of the trade
- The typical pay you can expect when starting out
- The typical benefits you can expect when starting out
- The time requirements needed to be successful
- The physical requirements
- The skills requirements needed
- The emotional, relational, and physical costs
- The laws and legal issues associated with the job
Intimidated? Allow me to introduce your new best friend — the Internet. So much information is available to you today, and much of it is free and can be accessed within three minutes. And don't forget to take advantage of your local library as well. There's much to be learned from books.
In the end, these questions should challenge you, not defeat you. If these questions challenge your dream and it your dream standing, it's worth pursuing. If these questions defeat you, you need to ask yourself why. Are you settling? Are you giving up? Or have you simply discovered you've been barking up the wrong tree? Change demands growth and growth demands change.
This post is an excerpt from the author's book, "Jump Ship: Turn Your Passion into a Profession."


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Monday, December 7, 2009
Winter Meetings
The important thing to remember during this week is that rumors are just that - rumors. Most of what you read or hear this week won't come true, so don't get too worked up about it. In fact, most of the news coming out of here won't be entirely reliable. Even this. In fact, you're wasting your time right now by reading this sentence.
Ok, so you get the point.
Actually, this week in baseball news can be highly entertaining, if that's the way you choose to take it. So settle in, if you're reading this back in San Diego, be happy you're not in Indy, and enjoy the rumors. Just don't take them too seriously.
22 comments:
- Unknown said...
Glad to see you're still around! I think we all got worried for a while there that you might stop posting. :)
What are your thoughts on Tate's injury? Did he have anything written into his contract about off-roading, or other activities? Does he now? ;)
- John - December 7, 2009 at 1:14 PM
- Nick said...
Good luck with the meetings. I think it might be interesting to the readers to post some observations about working with, and styles of, Jed versus Kevin.
There seems to be a very interesting back and forth (almost literally) between the Red Sox and Padres from a baseball operations perspective and, although Jed was never with the Padres, he worked closely with Theo and Larry in Boston who, obviously, were San Diego guys for some time.
Do you have any insight on the baseball operations vibes/styles between the two teams. With two clubs on opposite ends of market size, it's interesting to see how baseball operations styles play out between the two cities. - December 7, 2009 at 3:59 PM
- Wonko said...
Good to see that you're back posting again. I was afraid the new front office had asked you to keep your lips sealed or, worse, gave you the Jimmy Hoffa treatment. Welcome back.
- December 8, 2009 at 1:13 AM
- Dave said...
Good to have you back!
- December 8, 2009 at 7:26 AM
- Mike Dark said...
Good, because the Reed Johnson and Kevin Correia rumors are totally annoying!
Thanks for your bi-monthly posit, see you next year! - December 8, 2009 at 8:17 AM
- Rob Homan said...
Long time no post. Nice to see you back at the keyboard. - December 8, 2009 at 10:37 PM
- Unknown said...
Hey Paul,
Why didn't the Padres select a player in the Rule V draft after clearing a roster spot on the 40 man roster? - December 10, 2009 at 8:07 AM
- Paul DePodesta said...
I think Donavan learned a valuable lesson. Fortunately, we expect him to be ready for spring training. - December 10, 2009 at 2:26 PM
- Paul DePodesta said...
There were a few reasons why we didn't select anyone today. First and foremost, though there were a handful of intriguing players, we didn't see the one that was both a great fit in 2010 and had plenty of upside. Secondly, our team is in a much different position than we were a year ago in that a number of our young players have seized jobs, and we expect to give them every opportunity to lock those positions down next spring and summer. Lastly, we have to manage our roster, and fortunately with the trades we made last summer and the advancement of some of our minor league players, the tail end of our roster now has more talent than it has had in a while. - December 10, 2009 at 2:30 PM
- Unknown said...
Thanks for getting back to me Paul!
I was excited that the Padres acquired Mark Worrell with his unconventional delivery as part of the Kahlil Greene trade, so I was surprised to see that he was allowed to walk as a free agent yesterday.
What factors contributed to that decision? - December 13, 2009 at 12:19 PM
- Poolie said...
Hi Paul,
I am so glad to see you are still with the Pads and back to blogging!
Why let go of Jackson Quezada? Wasn't he our "closer of the future"? \
Poolie - December 16, 2009 at 2:19 PM
- Xeifrank said...
Please DO NOT trade Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox. They and the Yankees are already good enough, why give them any more great players even if you do get some decent young players back in return.
vr, Xei - December 17, 2009 at 11:27 AM
- Andy said...
although I am 33, I have been attending games since 1983. I was at the kurt bevaqua game (doesnt get as much credit, of course, as the garvey game).
i love adrian. but given the way the padres handle their finances, there is no way we will give him 20million per year. lets herschal walker the red sox and be in the playoffs in 2 years! - December 21, 2009 at 7:47 AM
- Unknown said...
hi Paul, hope you had a great holiday season, I was reading that Oregon State left-hander Josh Osich will be having tommy john surgery, some had projected him as a first rounder, what do you think? should the Padres use a late round pick on him an offer him a contract full of incentives? It is like stealing a 1st rounder if you get him, by the way, what are the odds of a full recovery with TJ surgeries?
- January 24, 2010 at 10:46 PM
- Steve Adler said...
Looking forward to reading your blog in 2010. I wanted to request that you add my site to your blog roll. It is www.Friarhood.com.
Steve - January 27, 2010 at 12:23 PM
- Howard Lynch said...
Hello Paul - Hey, you're overdue for an update! :-)
This article about Kyle Blanks ...
... is encouraging for 2010. But it makes me want to ask how one of our top prospects gets thru the minor league system and then has a "newfound dedication to conditioning" ... why doesn't this seem to be common amongst minor leaguers? Is just "youth being young"?
This Q&A with Frank Howard at BP seems applicable ...
BP: Being a power hitter, did you see your job solely as driving in runs, with relatively little attention paid to getting on base?
FH: No, I didn't view it that way. I was just young and immature; I didn't know any different. I didn't become a big-league hitter until I was 28-30 years old and I should have been one when I was 24-25. If I had it all to do over again—most guys say they wouldn't, but I would—I'd have made some adjustments earlier in my career as a hitter. I didn't become a professional hitter in the big leagues until I was 28. I should have been one much earlier, but I just didn't pay enough attention to detail. The guys who make those adjustments early in their career, most of them are in Cooperstown right now. They became great Hall of Fame players, because they not only had exceptional skill, they also had great baseball acumen.
... how can coaches get young players to internalize this sooner? - February 16, 2010 at 10:00 AM
- field39 said...
Olly Olly oxen fee
- February 17, 2010 at 9:06 PM
- Londog said...
We're well into 2010, and no post yet. Heard you on xx1090, so I know you're still on the job and still communicating with the masses--how about an update here?
- February 18, 2010 at 11:48 AM
- Howard Lynch said...
Are the Padres investing in a way to use the "substantial body of literature on executive functioning" mentioned in this article?
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=10131 - March 1, 2010 at 7:02 AM
Does Luis Durango have a future at another position? Maybe 2B, like 1984 OF turned 2B Alan Wiggins? - April 3, 2010 at 12:50 PM
- Paul DePodesta said...
Favorite comment of the off-season!
-Paul - April 7, 2010 at 1:49 PM
- Paul DePodesta said...
Durango was actually signed as a 2B, but we moved him to the OF shortly thereafter. Due to other players in the system, he has been forced to play a lot of corner OF, but we believe his future is in CF. He's made great strides there and should really benefit from playing that spot everyday in AAA this season. - April 7, 2010 at 1:51 PM

subset: commoncrawl


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Ok, I am a freak for jumping to the ED nurse conclusion (med student-itis maybe?)
But that was some CRAZY muscle cramp.
Leg is 100x better today, almost completely symptom free. I was told to "walk it off" by one of my classmates.
*And yes, I think Cartoon Characters was right--dehydration makes the most sense. I was really good about hydrating on the plane, it was the 12h after that with moving and unpacking that I dropped the ball. And yes, it was actually the *worst* pain I have ever felt in my life (not that I have undergone serious trauma but have had my share of sports related injuries to compare it to).


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"You've always been crazy. This is just the first chance you've had to express yourself." Susan Sarandon as Louise
Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis / film still from "Thelma & Louise" / cover AMPAS newsletter
On Thursday, August 25, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences will host a special screening to honor the 20th anniversary of "Thelma & Louise," the box office stunner that redefined the buddy movie (and every other outlaw genre) forever. Nominated for six Oscars--including Best Actress nominations for Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, and a Best Director nod for Ridley Scott--the film took home the award for Best Screenplay by Callie Khouri.
In the lesser known category Best Supporting Accessory on a Best Actress Nominee, l.a.Eyeworks took home the golden statue for Cornu, the sassy-shaped sunglass that Susan Sarandon wore as the gutsy, quick-witted Louise Sawyer.
Vintage "Cornu" frames (l.a.Eyeworks Archives)
Tickets for the screening ($5 general admission) are on sale at www.oscars.org! Hosted by film journalist Anne Thompson; confirmed panelists include Geena Davis and Callie Khouri.
Limited edition stone lithograph by Michael Elins and printed by Angeles Press / AMPAS newlsetter


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Thursday, January 19, 2012
William Lane Craig's Cambridge Union Society Debate
Christian philosophers William Lane Craig and Peter S. Williams debate atheists Arif Ahmed and Andrew Copson on the topic: This House Believes That God is Not a Delusion. It took place before a packed house at the Cambridge Union Society on 20th October 2011, as a part of William Lane Craig's Reasonable Faith Tour 2011. Want to hear every audio debate by William Lane Craig? Check out the audio debate feed here.
Full Debate MP3 Audio here. (1hr 30min)
13 comments :
- Billy Squibs said...
Any sign of the other debaters doing the rounds during this tour? I'm thinking about John Lennox in particular.
- Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:59:00 PM GMT
- whosjonny said...
I'm thinking Craig and Williams lost this one.
Neither Craig nor Williams defended their assertion that the cause of the universe must be God, just that it should be timeless and immaterial, but to take that and leap to deity is too far a leap. It seems easier to simply say that the universe has an external explanation of its existence, and at this point we simply don't know what it is.
Further, as Ahmed pointed out, where exactly is the contradiction in asserting that objective moral values can exist without God? Why can't they simply be brute facts?
-J - Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:55:00 PM GMT
- psykojojo said...
man thats too choatic for my taste, craig is a juggernaut, he so rhetorically gifted
- Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 1:23:00 AM GMT
Brian, thanks for posting this. I remember Craig's description of this debate from his newsletter, so I am expecting excitement.
- Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 3:25:00 AM GMT
Thanks for posting this lively debate!
This is the first time I've seen this format and I really enjoyed it.
Let's say a person were to hold that belief in God is a delusion. The question I'd like to ask the opposition would be: "What's the remedy?"
@Faith Monkey
I thought the atheist side insisted and implied that objective moral values don't exist, didn't they?
Sounds like a good excuse as any for me to relisten to this fast-paced debate... :) - Friday, January 20, 2012 at 12:21:00 PM GMT
- Russell said...
Hi Faith Monkey,
you said "Further, as Ahmed pointed out, where exactly is the contradiction in asserting that objective moral values can exist without God? Why can't they simply be brute facts?"
If moral laws are simply brute facts, then why ought anyone obey them? What about those moral ideas that people disagree over? Who has the authority to enforce them, and where does that authority come from? - Friday, January 20, 2012 at 1:20:00 PM GMT
- mhssu said...
Faith Monkey, I thought that they did defend the idea that the immaterial timeless cause of the universe must be a mind, and therefore a God.
They set up a dichotomy- it's either an abstract object, or a mind, concluded that it was not an abstract object, and therefore is a mind. You'd have to dispute the dichotomy, but somehow I don't think appealing to unknown unknowns is going to be very convincing. - Friday, January 20, 2012 at 8:35:00 PM GMT
- LittleGoose said...
I think Craig and Williams had a tough time on this one but they did as well as anyone can. Definitely seemed like a strange debate format.
- Friday, January 20, 2012 at 10:12:00 PM GMT
I think the first Ahmed/Craig debate was much better. In it, Craig made clear, bold arguments, and Dr. Ahmed easily dismantled all of them. In this debate, Craig seemed to be running scared: appealing to emotion ("Don't name call"), flip-floping between topics (existence of god, and god the delusion),blaming the Cambridge Union for not allowing him the last word, etc. This in addition to dumping the actual arguments on Williams, whose strategy seemed to be to present the arguments in an incomprehensible way to evade refutation. The theist's performace was really pathetic; not one of Craig's best moments. By the way, this debate format has worked at the CUS for neatly 200 years now, with debaters much more notable than Craig - like John Stewart Mill.
- Monday, January 30, 2012 at 3:31:00 AM GMT
- Hoops said...
Brian, I couldn't help but notice that Dr. Craig was shaking quite a bit while standing and speaking. Is he having any health issues we should know and pray about?
- Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 5:25:00 PM GMT
"In it, Craig made clear, bold arguments, and Dr. Ahmed easily dismantled all of them."
Why do you think Ahmed 'easily dismantled all of them'? Can you give any evidence to support your claim?
"In this debate, Craig seemed to be running scared: appealing to emotion ("Don't name call"),"
That is no indication of running scared, Anonymous. That is simply a rule of
thumb for any discussion or dialogue. Your comment seems to indicate that you advocate name-calling. Do you?
"flip-floping between topics (existence of god, and god the delusion),"
Craig did not 'flip-flop' between topics. The opposition was the one who decided to change the meaning of the resolution that was originally proposed by the House. I recommend you re-watch this debate (if you even bothered to watch it at all) more carefully.
"blaming the Cambridge Union for not allowing him the last word, etc."
Can you give any reliable source or reference for that claim?
"This in addition to dumping the actual arguments on Williams."
How did Craig 'dump' the arguments on Williams? The debate format requires the first member of the House to present the arguments. In any case, Craig would have to be the one to address objections, since the debate format does not allow Williams to do so!
"whose strategy seemed to be to present the arguments in an incomprehensible way to evade refutation."
In what way did Williams 'present the arguments in an incomprehensible way'? Can you provide support for this claim?
"The theist's performace was really pathetic; not one of Craig's best moments."
Again, can you please provide support for your claim? You have not said anything at all about the substance of the debate. You have only thrown around unsupported accusations and claims. - Friday, February 3, 2012 at 6:49:00 AM GMT
- Brian said...
I don't know of any. - Friday, February 3, 2012 at 1:23:00 PM GMT
I'm not sure the moral argument is sound, but I don't think all of morality can just be a brute fact. Some of morality, maybe, but not all of it. The brute facts of this universe include things like the speed of light. Now in a different universe the speed of light could easily be something else, say half as fast. However, morality seems to make claims across all universes, not just ours. To illustrate this think of sciFi, say Star Wars. Could the moral facts of the Star Wars universe have been different such that Darth Vader was good and Luke evil? If morality is simply a brute fact, then it could be different in other universes. In some universe it could be not only good but your duty to torture little children. Morality, or at least some of it seems to me to be necessary. E.g. there exists some morality which has to exist in every conceivable world like abstract numbers. If someone could show me why morals can't be brute necessary facts I might change my mind on the moral argument.
The real zinger in the debate I think was that the opposition decided to deny objective morals exist—e.g. they not only think god is a delusion, but that morals are as well. I doubt they are actually able to live their lives true to a belief that morals are a delusion. - Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 4:54:00 AM GMT
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Generic Lomotil Availability
Last updated on Feb 8, 2024.
Lomotil is a brand name of atropine/diphenoxylate, approved by the FDA in the following formulation(s):
LOMOTIL (atropine sulfate; diphenoxylate hydrochloride - solution;oral)
Manufacturer: GD SEARLE LLC
Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
Strength(s): 0.025MG/5ML;2.5MG/5ML (discontinued)
LOMOTIL (atropine sulfate; diphenoxylate hydrochloride - tablet;oral)
Has a generic version of Lomotil been approved?
Yes. The following products are equivalent to Lomotil:
DIPHENOXYLATE HYDROCHLORIDE AND ATROPINE SULFATE (atropine sulfate; diphenoxylate hydrochloride tablet;oral)
Manufacturer: ANI PHARMS
Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
Strength(s): 0.025MG;2.5MG [AA] -
Manufacturer: BAYSHORE PHARMS LLC
Approval date: November 13, 2018
Strength(s): 0.025MG;2.5MG [AA] -
Manufacturer: CHARTWELL RX
Approval date: October 21, 2020
Strength(s): 0.025MG;2.5MG [AA] -
Manufacturer: LANNETT
Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
Strength(s): 0.025MG;2.5MG [AA] -
Manufacturer: LEADING
Approval date: February 20, 2020
Strength(s): 0.025MG;2.5MG [AA] -
Manufacturer: MYLAN
Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
Strength(s): 0.025MG;2.5MG [AA] -
Manufacturer: SPECGX LLC
Approval date: October 6, 2020
Strength(s): 0.025MG;2.5MG [AA] -
Manufacturer: WINDER LABS LLC
Approval date: January 27, 2021
Strength(s): 0.025MG;2.5MG [AA]
Note: No generic formulation of the following product is available.
- atropine sulfate; diphenoxylate hydrochloride - solution;oral
Note: Fraudulent online pharmacies may attempt to sell an illegal generic version of Lomotil. These medications may be counterfeit and potentially unsafe. If you purchase medications online, be sure you are buying from a reputable and valid online pharmacy. Ask your health care provider for advice if you are unsure about the online purchase of any medication.
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RLD | A Reference Listed Drug (RLD) is an approved drug product to which new generic versions are compared to show that they are bioequivalent. A drug company seeking approval to market a generic equivalent must refer to the Reference Listed Drug in its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA). By designating a single reference listed drug as the standard to which all generic versions must be shown to be bioequivalent, FDA hopes to avoid possible significant variations among generic drugs and their brand name counterpart. |
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text:
Named Official Car for 2013 International CES
DEARBORN, Mich. – Customers are reacting positively to the new Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid, which combined to outsell Toyota Prius plug-in and Prius v during November, the first full month both C-MAX hybrids were available.
- Ford C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid combined November sales beat Toyota Prius plug-in and Prius v in C-MAX's first full month of availability
- C-MAX hybrids showcase Ford's most advanced technologies, making both vehicles natural selections for Official Car of the 2013 International CES, the largest technology trade show in the world
- Ford is committed to delivering leading fuel economy across our vehicle lineup to customers; C-MAX Hybrid is EPA-estimated to deliver 47 mpg city and highway; C-MAX Energi is EPA-estimated to deliver 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined
A total of 4,848 C-MAX hybrids were sold in November compared with a total of 4,456 Toyota Prius plug-in and Prius v hybrids. The C-MAX sales figures helped Ford achieve its best hybrid sales month ever in November with 6,985 delivered.
"The C-MAX hybrids are off to a great start and our dealers and customers, especially in California, cannot get enough of them early in the launch," said Dave Mondragon, Ford Motor Company general marketing manager.
Ford dealers in California say customer reaction to the C-MAX hybrids has been phenomenal.
"Because Ford has so perfectly hit the nail on the head with C-MAX hybrids, we have a tremendous number of former import buyers in the dealership every weekend who say they are ready to purchase a domestic vehicle," said Tim Paulus, owner and president of The Ford Store Morgan Hill, located just south of San Jose in Northern California.
The Ford Store Morgan Hill bought a 2013 Prius v and gives customers the chance to drive and compare it with a C-MAX. Paulus says not a single customer prefers the Prius v over the C-MAX hybrids.
"We really weren't sure if customers in Northern California would give C-MAX hybrids a shot because the region has traditionally been import-heavy," says Paulus. "But they truly love the vehicle, so it's very exciting."
Dealers in Southern California report a good response, too.
"The amount of interest in C-MAX has been outstanding," says Dan Theroux, general manager of Los Angeles-based Airport Marina Ford. "We are getting more and more questions about C-MAX every day – including from quite a few Prius owners."
The strong momentum now carries into 2013, as C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid will kick off the year as Official Cars of the 2013 International CES, the world's largest annual innovation event, scheduled Jan. 8-11 in Las Vegas.
The 2013 CES is made for the all-new line of C-MAX – fitting in among the newest TVs, tablets, cameras, sound systems and just about all things.
Both versions of C-MAX – which make up Ford's first line dedicated to hybrids in North America – will be featured prominently throughout CES.
"C-MAX is made for CES, especially when you consider the amount of advanced hybrid technology it delivers," said Mondragon. "From SmartGauge and MyKey to the hybrid transmission and strong fuel economy, C-MAX belongs in the same conversation as the other technologies at CES."
C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid showcase Ford's latest and greatest technologies, including:
- SmartGauge® with EcoGuide – SmartGauge is a unique instrument cluster that gives hybrid owners a more connected driving experience by coaching them to further maximize the fuel efficiency of the vehicle
- EV+ – Learns frequent destinations using the vehicle's onboard GPS system with the purpose of keeping it in electric-only mode for a longer period of time. Information about EV+ can be found here
- EV mode – Allows drivers to switch vehicle operation between three modes: driving all-electric only, normal hybrid mode or saving battery pack mode for later use
- Charge port light ring (C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid) – Conveniently located on the driver's side and near the front of the car, activates a light ring that illuminates the port twice when plugged in. The light ring then illuminates in quadrants as the car charges. Each quadrant represents 25 percent of the maximum battery charge
- Hands-free liftgate – The available hands-free liftgate allows for quick and easy access to the cargo area without fumbling for keys. A simple kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the liftgate when the user keeps the key fob to the vehicle in his or her pocket or purse, telling the vehicle it's OK to engage
- MyFord® Mobile (C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid) – Allows owners to control select features of their vehicle from nearly anywhere, anytime, using the MyFord Mobile website or app. More details about MyFord Mobile can be found here
Max performance and choice
C-MAX Energi is estimated by the EPA to deliver up to 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined. C-MAX Energi also delivers up to 620 miles of range on a single tank of gas and a fully charged battery – 80 miles more than what is delivered by Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid – and can drive up to 21 miles in electric-only mode. By comparison, Toyota Prius plug-in can only go six miles in electric-only mode.
C-MAX Hybrid delivers EPA-estimated 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway – 7 mpg better than Toyota Prius v – for a 47 mpg combined rating.
More information about the C-MAX line of vehicles can be found here. In addition to C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid, Ford's other electrified vehicles include Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi.
Details about the 2013 CES can be found at CESweb.org.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 172,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 172,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.


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The New Jersey Nets have entered into serious talks with the Orlando Magic on a multi-team trade scenario that would bring Dwight Howard to the Nets, according to sources close to the process.
Sources told ESPN.com that the most active proposal discussed by the teams would make Portland Trail Blazers swingman Gerald Wallace and Nets center Brook Lopez two of the main pieces Orlando would receive in exchange for Howard.
As part of such a trade, which could be expanded to include a fourth team, sources say Orlando also would shed the long-term contracts of Hedo Turkoglu and Chris Duhon -- both would be absorbed by the Nets -- while also potentially receiving future draft considerations.
Other players would have to be added to the deal to make the salary-cap math work, but sources said Portland would receive multiple first-round picks as part of the exchange for surrendering Wallace and facilitating the trade.
Yet it remains to be seen if the Brooklyn-bound Nets can convince the Magic to indeed go through with trading Howard before the season starts. Earlier this week, one source familiar with the Magic's thinking insisted to ESPN.com that they were not yet prepared to trade Howard, clinging to the hope that he can be talked into staying.
Howard himself is known for changing his views on the matter on a near-daily basis, torn by his desire to move to a more glamorous market such as Brooklyn or Los Angeles, and the prospect of staying with the team that drafted him and delivering the championship to Orlando that Shaquille O'Neal could not.
One source said the Nets were moving "aggressively" in their pursuit of Howard after Nene -- New Jersey's top free-agent target -- agreed to terms Tuesday night on a five-year, $67 million deal to return to the Denver Nuggets.
The Nets also know they likely have to fend off the Lakers, who have long been linked with a possible trade for Howard with an offer built around young center Andrew Bynum.
But there also is a sense around the league that the Lakers' re-emergence in the Chris Paul sweepstakes could signify the Lakers' belief the Nets are in the lead for Howard.
It's believed that a deal for Howard ultimately will force the Nets to not only release forward Travis Outlaw through the amnesty clause, provided by the league's new collective bargaining agreement, but also to renounce the rights to free-agent power forward Kris Humphries.
The question remains: How fast is Orlando willing to move when it comes to surrendering Howard, who can become a free agent in July 2012 along with Paul and Nets star guard Deron Williams.
New Magic CEO Alex Martins met with Howard Monday at Amway Center. Afterward, Howard sounded as if he'd softened on the possibility of staying in Orlando -- as long as there are some changes.
"I love this city, there is no place I'd rather be but Orlando," Howard said. "I just want to make sure we have the right things here so we can win a championship. I'm all about change. If you're willing to change and you're willing to do what it takes to win then, you know, you got me."
Martins, promoted to CEO just last week after the surprising resignation of Bob Vander Weide, has insisted publicly that the franchise believes it can keep Howard and convince him to extend his contract. But the Nets have been targeting Howard for months, convinced that re-signing Williams can be assured next summer if they can complete an in-season deal for Howard.
"I'm an optimist," Martins said Monday. "I am confident that we can work with Dwight and convince him to stay here long term."
Days earlier, Orlando announced that it would allow Howard to speak with the Lakers, Nets and Dallas Mavericks about a trade. On Tuesday, ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard reported that the Lakers, Nets, Mavericks and Magic are the only four teams Howard is willing to commit to long-term.
Marc Stein and Chad Ford cover the NBA for ESPN.com. Information from ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst was used in this report.


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by Tony Leonardo, Sarasota
By Tony Leonardo
The 1998 U.S. Nationals was held October 22-25 in Sarasota, Florida. 28 Men's and Women's teams and 7 Master's squads competed over four days for the National Championship, considered by many to be the pinnacle of the sport.
Is U.S. Nationals the premier tournament for Ultimate Frisbee? From an American perspective, yes. Worlds is almost considered a bonus – a fun and competitive experience with teams from around the world. But how do teams from outside the U.S. regard the tournament?
1998 Worlds' Champion Furious George from Vancouver, Canada, evidently thinks highly of U.S. Nationals, even after claiming the International Crown and besting top American team Death or Glory, twice.
Furious co-Captain CJ Harmer explained to me the team's perspective, "I understand that a lot of U.S. teams don't like Canadian teams because it's their Nationals in a sense. But it is the best tournament. We'd have a hard time not being able to come. It's an incredible showcase of top talent and good spirit."
Continued Harmer, "There's better quality teams here. With Worlds there was us, States, Sweden, Japan, then it kind of dropped off."
In fact, Furious was so intent on proving themselves at U.S. Nationals that they chose to skip Canadian Nationals in favor of attending the Chicago Tune-Up tourney – an early season battle grounds for National-caliber teams in the U.S.
But there will always be discussion. Strong squads like Sweden and Germany will never have an opportunity to play in this tournament – so how can it truly be considered the best the sport has to offer?
"Well, to me the World Series is not even remotely a World Series, and the Super Bowl is a debatable topic," explained Bob Byrne, Executive Director of the UPA.
Byrne's implication is that the World Series and the Super Bowl may be played only among North American teams, but they are considered the pre-eminent tournaments worldwide for their respective sports. Another example would be the NBA Championships for Basketball.
So how did the first real threat to American dominance stand out in their rookie appearance?
It is extremely difficult coming to Nationals for the first time. It can be a grueling tournament and every team is capable of pulling off an upset. Add the fact that Furious traveled 14 hours in a plane to reach Florida and one can see how they ran out of steam on the second day and fell to bottom-seeded Red Tide to end their first Nationals campaign at 3—3.
Still, they were a remarkably good-natured bunch and enjoyed the competition. But they will have to wait another year for the chance to win the "Big One."
On the Women's side, the tournament once again focused on the East Coast versus the West Coast. Could two-time defending World Champions from Seattle, Women on the Verge, finally put a stop to Boston's Lady Godiva – winner of three consecutive U.S. titles?
Like Furious, the Northwestern women had beaten Boston at Worlds. Could they beat them again in Florida?
The Women's field featured several teams with legitimate chances of taking home the title. Besides Verge and Godiva, Atlanta's Ozone, San Francisco's HomeBrood, Chicago's Nemesis, Philadelphia's Philly Peppers and Denver's Rare Air all possessed the talent and dedication needed to win.
Ozone especially has been on the doorstep – making finals in 1994 and semifinals every year thereafter.
But once again it was Women on the Verge and Lady Godiva that rose to the challenge. Godiva, behind a host of veterans and a team history that includes 11 straight Nationals' appearances and 5 Championships, rolled over pool competition en route to making semifinals as expected. There they defeated a spirited HomeBrood team to advance to finals.
Verge, too, crushed opponents, outscoring the competition 45-9 in the first three pool games (including a pasting of last year's semifinalists Nemesis). They finished pool play unblemished and faced Ozone in the semifinals.
Ozone picked up new talent in the off-season to keep the team fresh and it worked. They advanced confidently and were ready to square off against the talented Northwest crew.
The winds were strong, blowing across Western Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. It hampered play for teams like Ozone and Verge who were unaccustomed to playing in such conditions. The semifinal became quite a dogfight as both squads fought for every possession. Verge missed several chances to take commanding leads, only to watch Ozone's 6' 0″ power-forward Chris O'Cleary throw score after score for Atlanta.
Verge finally changed their defense on O'Cleary and scored a fast-break upwind goal to pull out of 13-13 tie to win 15—13 and advance to the Finals against rival Godiva.
The final proved to be a great game for the sport of Ultimate. Great layout defenses, huge endzone skies – and a seven-point turnaround in the second half.
Behind veteran captain Abbi Nilssen and star players Kathy "KP" Porter, Kathy Scott and Pam Kraus, the Seattle women surged in the first half of play. They beat Godiva to discs, sent long throws that were pulled down for scores, and shut down Godiva's superstars Christine "Teens" Dunlap and Molly Goodwin.
When it was over, Verge had opened up a commanding 10—4 half-time lead and Lady Godiva looked to be on the verge of cracking. One more scoring sweep for Verge and they could have all but locked up the game (played to 19).
But Dunlap and Goodwin didn't see it that way. Goodwin especially has a fierce competitor's determination. If Lady Godiva wasn't going to step up and play big then she was going to do it herself.
While Verge put points on the board in the second half sparingly, Godiva ran off spurts of three and four going both upwind and downwind.
Behind Goodwin (who would throw or catch 9 of Godiva's 13 scores in the second half) Boston came close to Verge at 10—11. They scored to tie, but it was called back. Verge completed the turn and took a 13-11 lead.
Godiva responded and Verge did too – but it was called back on a mysterious call. Godiva scored and the game was tied at 13s. It was going to be tooth and nail to the finish.
Godiva's furious comeback gave them confidence and something even more important – the downwind advantage. They scored again when rookie Vicky Chow found the endzone and suddenly Godiva held their first lead of the match, a 14-13 advantage. They had outscored Verge 10—3.
Nilssen and KP refused to let the game slip away for Verge. They scored downwind on a Pam Kraus layout. Godiva responded downwind. Both teams were playing well as the game drew to a close. The two-and-a-half hour time limit was approaching.
Neither team could punch in an upwinder. Goodwin was everywhere for Godiva. At 15s the cap was announced.
At 16 all, game to 17, it looked like trouble for Verge. Godiva received the disc going downwind. They moved through a Verge zone and found their money player, Gwyn Tracy, in the endzone. Tracy has caught the final goal in each of the last three Godiva Championships. Make that four.
In a spectacular comeback Lady Godiva won 17—16.
Verge was devastated. They had played a great game, only to find their winning margin evaporate in the second half. Godiva's tough attitude again provided them a victory. They refused to get down on themselves after the disastrous first half. They got angry instead, and that anger fueled the come-from-behind win.
Lady Godiva is a very tight-knit group. And they have no plans on disrupting their dynasty, "People are going to be playing until they are menopausal," says Peg Hollinger.
The Men's division was just as exciting. Besides World Champs Furious and four-time defending Champions Boston there were Raleigh-Durham's Ring of Fire, 1997 semifinalists and winners of Tune-Up, San Francisco's Jam, who had plastered Furious George in the Northwest Regionals, New York's WSL All-Stars, re-tooled and in prime contentious form, and the Santa Barbara Condors – undefeated in the regular season and winners of all tournaments they had played.
Of course there were plenty of other talented teams as well. In fact, this might have been the strongest field to compete at Nationals ever.
East Coast versus West Coast was still active incentive for teams, but this year the defining line of the tournament was old versus young.
For most games it was actually youth versus youth. Across the nation the collegiate teams have been getting stronger and stronger. There is a very tangible youth movement in the United States and it showed at 1998 Nationals.
Besides Furious George, whose average age is 24, there was Minnesota's Sub Zero, carrying only two players who had previously been to Nationals and twenty who were two years or less out of school. San Diego's Los Guapos could form a line with players still in college. From Philadelphia to Houston, from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, New York and North Carolina, key positions were filled with recent college grads.
Only Boston remained a team without youth. Their average age was 34. But where they lacked fresh legs there was savvy, talent and conviction. They wanted this tournament.
There were several excellent pool play games. In pool One, Furious George sneaked by Sub Zero 17—15 but lost to Boston 9—16 and the Condors 9-13. They were having trouble with the wind. And the best game of the tournament was played in the last round when the undefeated Condors faced undefeated Death or Glory.
In pool Two, San Francisco Jam outlived the WSL All-Stars 15—14 in a cranky, foul-plagued match. Ring of Fire came from five back to defeat Jam 17—13. Ring put away New York and Houston to finish undefeated. Houston stunned heavily favored San Francisco 14—10 to force a tense game-to-go final round versus rival New York. New York strode to victory 16—9 to earn their first birth in semifinals since 1994.
It was the Condors-DoG match that outdid everyone's expectations of seeing great competition at Nationals.
The Condors, led by captains Steve Dugan and Andy Crews, came to Nationals with a somewhat novel player subbing strategy for high-level competition.
"We don't call subs, players can walk on when they think they're ready to go in. People play when they're fresh, not when someone else thinks they may be fresh, and it builds a lot of confidence," explained Crews.
I don't think many people gave the Condors a chance. After all, Death or Glory has never lost a game at U.S. Nationals since forming in 1994. They have been that dominant.
But Santa Barbara was unfazed, "Half of why they win is that they count on a little bit of a choke from the other team. They rarely play against teams that have been under as much pressure as they have," suggested Crews.
The Condors got ahead of DoG early and stayed ahead. All the way, in fact, until the final point.
At Halftime it was 9—6 Condors. When the cap was enacted to 18 it was 16—14 Condors.
DoG scored two to tie at 16s. Santa Barbara responded going downwind and DoG returned the favor. 17 all, next point wins. The Condors were receiving the disc going downwind.
Moving patiently through a deceptive DoG zone, the Condors found themselves 5 feet from the goalline. But the Boston defense was covering all the angles. It would take a great look or a great throw to break through. Dugan decided to go for it and he flipped a scoober to Crews in the endzone. Crews caught the disc heading out of bounds…
Did he get his feet down? In or out? Several spectators were on top of the play but no one could make a ruling. Neither team appealed to the observers. The disc went back to thrower.
Perhaps the tenseness of the situation caught up with S.B. They could not find a way to convert the point. Finally DoG forced a turnover. Boston marched the opposite direction and scored to win the barn-burner 18—17.
It was quite a show by both teams. Santa Barbara looked calm and yet determined even in losing. Boston felt lucky to escape with the win – but it still fed their confidence, knowing that they remained King of the Hill.
The semifinals were set. Boston matched up with arch-rival New York (albeit without Ken Dobyns) and North Carolina played Santa Barbara.
The WSL All-Stars, behind captain Josh Faust, managed to stay with Boston in the first half. They were primed for playing their rivals in such a high-profile game. But they had to keep up the intensity for the whole game. DoG would be ready to capitalize on any mistakes.
At 8-8, DoG found the miscue they were looking for, baiting a New Yorker into putting the disc in the endzone on a high count. Instead of New York taking the half, DoG took the stanza 9—8.
DoG focused intently on the start of the second half. They wanted to win the game right then. One misread, a dropped pass, and suddenly DoG opened a 13—8 advantage. New York was not keeping pace. They closed to within two at 12—14 before Boston turned up the heat and won 17—13.
Both Santa Barbara and North Carolina carry integrated squads of players, ranging in age from 19 to 39. Almost half of Ring of Fire's players come from the local colleges – NC State, Duke and UNC. Several of Santa Barbara's high-profile starters played this year for University of California Santa Barbara.
Ring of Fire was the favorite, but they did not know what to expect from Santa Barbara. They hadn't seen them in 1998.
Ring of Fire relies on spurts of defensive blocks to spark the offense and overpower teams. They often score bunches of points in bursts of energy. When they get fired-up they are tough to beat.
Santa Barbara scores rhythmically. They rarely lose focus or play less than the best they can. They don't make many mistakes. When they play their game they score.
Something had to give. Santa Barbara established pacing early, scoring on consecutive upwinders. Ring of Fire kept up but they failed to get the burst of points they needed. Every time they looked to get a big defensive spurt, S.B. would find a way to score.
The Condors took a 9-8 halftime lead. Like the DoG–WSL game, the start of the second half proved to be important. The Condors started with the disc and scored. Ring got on the board, but then the Condors went on a streak and put in three consecutive for a 13—9 lead.
Ring closed to 12-14 behind co-captain Augie Kreivenas. But they could not stop the Condors. The game ended in Santa Barbara's favor, 17—13. They were headed to a re-match with Boston.
Santa Barbara had proved that they belonged in the finals. But could they be the team to knock Death or Glory from their throne?
It was a matchup of loose, game-faced cocky Californians versus self-assured veteran strategists from the competitive Northeast.
Both teams came with their pedigree. Steve Mooney, Boston's co-captain, has been playing in Nationals since the early 80's. He can recall the days of Ultimate when 90% of teams resided on the East Coast.
The Condors hold the distinction of keeping a team intact for nearly 20 years. The team was founded by Ultimate pioneer Tom Kennedy in 1979.
DoG always gives the opposing team some slack to open the game. They prefer to find out how the opponent operates. Often their lax demeanor will give the other team a false sense of confidence.
The Condors took advantage and opened a 6—4 lead. They weren't concerned with DoG's head games. But DoG finally spotted an opportunity and rallied for a 6-2 run, giving them a halftime lead 10—8.
When DoG started the second half with two straight after the Condors repeatedly failed to score upwind, it looked as if the game might head to its predictable end.
Santa Barbara was unnerved, but they were not panicked. They finally got on the board. DoG responded to keep the four-goal lead. And then they waited.
Death of Glory's veterans will often rest up at times during games, hoping to psychologically take advantage of opponent mistakes. But the Condors were not so willing to give in to Boston.
Instead they closed the gap. Boston held a 14—10 lead when they dropped down a notch in play and Santa Barbara coolly focused on scoring.
A downwind point was followed by a silly DoG turnover, converted by the Condors quickly on a 50-yard upwind huck for the goal. Going upwind, Boston again made a throwing error, allowing Santa Barbara to score downwind easily.
The next possession was huge. DoG was moving downfield but couldn't find an open cut. Jim Parinella was forced to come all the way from the back for a dump pass. JD Lobue read the pass from the beginning and flew in to just get a piece of the disc. It airbounced high, allowing Parinella and teammate Eric Zaslow to position themselves for the junk. Instead Zaslow sailed into Parinella and the disc scattered to the ground.
James Studarus picked up the disc for the Condors and unleashed a big upwind huck to the endzone. It was safely brought down and with it came DoG's advantage.
The game was tied at 14s and the Condors possessed momentum and the downwind advantage. The California faithful on the sidelines were ecstatic. The horn sounded just before the pull on the next point. It was going to be a game to 17 no matter what.
Boston was clearly shaken. But Mooney pulled Death or Glory together and commanded victory. He would not let his team lose.
Paul Greff, nicknamed The Greatest Player in the Game, or TGPITG, made sure Mooney was not made the fool.
DoG moved patiently upwind for four passes before Greff found it reasonable to let loose a huge upwind huck to a covered Jeremy Seeger. The disc was placed perfectly and Seeger had a step on his man. He leapt and caught the disc high above the endzone, landing in and restoring confidence for Boston in a grand fashion.
But still the Condors would not die. In fact, they should have tied the game again. Working thirty passes through a tentative Boston zone, they found themselves five yards from the goal with an easy scoring opportunity.
Instead a forehand throw crept up in the wind and then leaped up in a gust over the wide-open Condor. Greff tracked it down in the endzone and tipped it away at the last minute.
That may have been the game right there. The should-have-been score would have ignited the Condors and put serious pressure on Boston. But fate had something different in mind.
Boston scored and Santa Barbara responded. 16—15 DoG. One more point. And now Boston was moving downwind.
The Condors played a zone. Boston had some nervous trouble with it but still managed to move within 10 yards of a fifth consecutive title.
Greff found himself with the disc and nowhere to throw. The count was getting high. Mooney went back for a swing, then snuck forward a step. Greff threw the disc anyway, a high-release shovel pass, up high where only Steve could get it. Mooney adroitly leapt up to catch the disc, kicked his feet out, covered the remaining five yards, and landed just over the line. Game over.
Five consecutive National Championships for Death or Glory. They are a powerful dynasty that refuses to lose.
It was a spectacular match, filled with great plays, spirit and competition.
Hopefully 1999 Nationals in San Diego will be just as exciting. I can guarantee that the competition will be even stronger.
Tony Leonardo covered 1998 and 1997 U.S. Nationals for the UPA. He currently lives a miserable, god-forsaken life trying to be a writer in the thicket of humanity that is New York City


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WASHINGTON — The tally of newly laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits fell unexpectedly for the fifth straight week, a hopeful sign that the job market is slowly improving.
Still, claims remain above the levels that most analysts say would be consistent with an economy that is adding jobs. The unemployment rate is at 10.2 percent and expected to keep climbing into next year.
First-time claims for unemployment insurance dropped by 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 457,000, the lowest total since the week of Sept. 6, 2008, the Labor Department said Thursday. Wall Street economists expected an increase, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters.
A Labor Department analyst said the closing of state unemployment offices for last week's Thanksgiving holiday was responsible for some of the decline.
Ohio had one of the largest increases in claims, up by 1,491 because of layoffs in manufacturing.
Economists closely watch initial claims, which are considered a gauge of layoffs and a sign of whether companies are willing to hire.
The four-week average of claims, which smooths out fluctuations, dropped for the 13th straight week to 481,250, about 180,000 below the peak for this recession reached this spring.
But the Federal Reserve said in a report Wednesday that employers in most regions are reluctant to hire new workers, even as the economy stages a modest recovery.
Many economists say that claims need to fall to about 425,000 for at least a month to signal that employers are adding jobs. The nation's economy has lost jobs for 22 straight months.
The department's employment report for November, to be released Friday, is expected to show that employers shed another 130,000 jobs after cutting 190,000 in October. Economists forecast the unemployment rate will remain at 10.2 percent.
Meanwhile, the number of people claiming unemployment benefits for more than a week rose by 28,000 to 5.5 million, the department said. Analysts had expected a decline.
That total doesn't include millions of unemployed Americans that are receiving benefits under extended programs paid for by the federal government.
About 4.5 million people were receiving extended benefits in the week ended Nov. 14, the latest data available. That's an increase of about 300,000 from the previous week. The jump is a result of Congress adding another 14 to 20 weeks of extra benefits last month, the fourth extension since the recession began and the longest total extension on record.
That boosted the total number of weeks a person could collect unemployment to as much as 99 in the hardest-hit states.
Layoffs continued this week. Gannett Co. said it was cutting 26 newsroom jobs at its flagship USA Today newspaper and eliminating 11 positions at USA Weekend magazine. Another media company, the Greenspun Media Group, which publishes the Las Vegas Sun, announced it was reorganizing its operations in a cost-cutting move and would lay off an unspecified number of workers.
Among the states, California had the largest increase in claims, with nearly 15,000, which it attributed to layoffs in the service industry. Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas had the next largest increases. The state data lag initial claims by one week.
The largest decrease in claims was in Michigan, with a drop of 1,242, which it attributed to fewer layoffs in the auto industry. Indiana, Hawaii, Oregon and the Virgin Islands also reported declines.


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Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
These facilities are part of the Wood County Park District, not Bowling Green City Parks. Please visit the Wood County Park District website to learn more.
Show All Answers
For a complete list of programs and registration information, visit the Parks and Recreation section.
Visit our Facility Rentals page to learn more about renting park shelters.
Please call 419-353-0301 for the Rotary Nature Center and the City's Natural Resource staff.
The Registration Desk is located in the Bowling Green Community Center, 1245 W Newton Road, at the corner of Newton and Haskins, one mile north of the Wood County Fair Grounds. Call the main switchboard for more detailed directions by dialing 419-354-6223 or email the Parks and Recreation Department. You may also register online; for more information, visit the Parks and Recreation section.


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Please read the following SetupBuilder Code-Signing Guide:
Table of Contents
Part I Introduction
Part II FAQ
Part III Buying A Certificate - The Lindersoft "Deal"
Part IV Getting the Tools
Part V Setting Up SetupBuilder
Part VI Code-Signing Your Installer
Part VII Code-Signing Your Application Files
Note: CAPICOM.dll has been removed from the Microsoft Windows SDK for Windows 7 and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.
Q3 2014 Updates:
As of late August 2013, all valid (not expired, not revoked) Comodo Code Signing Certificates can be used for Kernel-Mode Code Signing (Windows Vista and greater).
Microsoft has published a security advisory on "Deprecation of SHA-1 Hashing Algorithm for Microsoft Root Certificate Program". The new policy takes effect after January 1, 2016 and requires CAs to migrate to the stronger SHA-2 hashing algorithm.
In summary, Windows will cease accepting SHA-1 certificates on January 1, 2017. To continue to work with Microsoft platforms, all SHA-1 SSL certificates issued before or after this announcement must be replaced with a SHA-256 (SHA-2) equivalent by January 1, 2017. Organizations need to develop a migration plan for any SHA-1 end-entity SSL certificates that expire after January 1, 2017 and SHA-1 code signing certificates that expire after January 1, 2016. SHA1 code signing certificates that are time stamped before 1 January 2016 will be accepted until such time when Microsoft decides SHA1 is vulnerable to pre-image attack. Microsoft will give new consideration to the SHA deprecation deadlines in July 2015.
1. Customers should "renew" with SHA-2 end-entity and intermediate certificates.
2. Microsoft will cease trusting Code Signing Certificates using SHA-1 on January 1, 2016.
Most applications, servers and browsers now support SHA-2, however some older operating systems such as Windows XP prior to Service Pack 3, and some mobile devices do not.
For example: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2763674
Before the SHA-1 algorithm is formally deprecated by Microsoft, it is important to ensure your organization and those relying on your infrastructure are benefiting from SHA-2 support by installing the latest version of the application or browser and applying all known security updates to your operating system.
Comodo will support only SHA-2 on all 3 year code signing certificates. They will also confirm policies at this time regarding 2 year SHA-1 code signing certificates.
Friedrich Linder
--Helping You Build Better Installations
--SetupBuilder "point. click. ship"
--Create Windows 8 ready installations in minutes
--Official COMODO Code Signing and SSL Certificate Partner


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Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
Albany County does not have any building codes. However, if you wish to sell your property in the future, we recommend that you use a national building code standard.
Show All Answers
Enforcement complaints may include, but are not limited to the following:
A nuisance is any use or non-use of property, real or personal which causes material injury to others or which presents a threat to the health or safety of Albany County citizens. The Nuisance section is Chapter VI, Section 7 on page 84 of the Albany County Zoning Resolution (PDF).
To file an enforcement or nuisance complaint you may fill out the Nuisance Complaint Form (PDF) and submit it to the planning office.
The Albany County Clean Up Day, which includes the waiving of fees for Albany County residents to use the Laramie Landfill, is usually scheduled in Late August.
The Board of County Commissioners, the Laramie Rivers Conservation District and the City of Laramie sponsor this event. The disposal cost of auto tires and old refrigerators are paid for by the sponsors.


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Blackstone and Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division to Acquire Ipreo from KKR
New York – April 14, 2014 – Ipreo Holdings LLC ("Ipreo"), a leading global provider of market intelligence and workflow solutions to capital markets and corporate professionals, announced the signing of a definitive agreement to be acquired by private equity funds managed by Blackstone (NYSE:BX) and by the Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division ("Goldman Sachs") (together, the "Sponsors"). The Sponsors are acquiring the business from affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. ("KKR"), who will retain a minority ownership stake in the business. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Ipreo is a leading global provider of new issuance software solutions across the equity, fixed income, municipal, and syndicated loan markets, including bookbuilding systems, roadshow & conference management platforms, and electronic document delivery. Ipreo's extensive suite of investor relations services provides corporate clients with unparalleled cross-asset class surveillance, shareholder analysis, investor targeting, perception studies, proxy solicitation and transaction analytics. Ipreo is especially known for its Bigdough database, widely recognized as the leading source for institutional contact data and investor profiles, which is available via a suite of sophisticated CRM and prospecting applications and relied upon by both capital markets and investor relations professionals.
"Together with KKR, we have grown significantly and solidified our leadership in capital markets software, and data and analytics services. We are excited to partner with Blackstone, Goldman Sachs and KKR in our next phase of development," said Scott Ganeles, Chief Executive Officer of Ipreo. "Our new investors bring a complementary set of experience, relationships, and in-market expertise that will help support the growth of the business and will allow us to provide our customers with accelerated access to new market-leading products."
"The Ipreo executive team has done a remarkable job building Ipreo's leading product portfolio and strong market position. We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner alongside management, Goldman Sachs and KKR," said Martin Brand, Senior Managing Director of Blackstone. "We look forward to working with Ipreo and positioning it for continued innovation and success."
"Ipreo is a world-class organization, and Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking is delighted to be an investor in the company. We are looking forward to helping maximize Ipreo's growth potential alongside our new partners," said Sumit Rajpal, Global Head of Financial Services Investing for the Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division.
Over the last three years since KKR's initial investment, Ipreo has seen tremendous growth. The company has grown revenues by approximately fifty percent, undertaken strategic acquisitions of Debtdomain and Discovery Data that have enabled it to expand its offerings to customers, established new operations with a sizable employee base in Raleigh, North Carolina, and significantly expanded its footprint globally.
Ipreo was advised by BofA Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup. Legal counsel was provided to Ipreo and KKR by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.
The Sponsors were advised by Blackstone Advisory Partners, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Marlin & Associates; and financing for the transaction is being led by Goldman Sachs & Co. and BofA Merrill Lynch, with Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley and RBC Capital Markets also participating. Legal counsel was provided to the Sponsors by Davis Polk & Wardwell, Fried Frank and Kirkland & Ellis.
About Ipreo
Ipreo is a global leader in providing market intelligence, data, and technology solutions to all participants in the global capital markets, including sell-side banks, publicly traded companies, and buy-side institutions. From new issuance through ongoing investor management, our unique solutions drive connectivity and efficiency throughout all stages of the capital-raising process. Ipreo has more than 700 employees supporting clients in every major financial center around the world. For more information, please go to www.ipreo.com.
About Blackstone
Blackstone is one of the world's leading investment and advisory firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, the companies we advise and the broader global economy. We do this through the commitment of our extraordinary people and flexible capital. Our asset management businesses include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, hedge fund solutions, non-investment grade credit, secondary funds, and multi asset class exposures falling outside of other funds' mandates. Blackstone also provides various financial advisory services, including financial and strategic advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone.
About the Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division
The Merchant Banking Division of Goldman Sachs is one of the leading private equity investors in the world, having invested and committed approximately $45 billion of equity capital in over 650 companies globally across its corporate equity investing business. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high-net-worth individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world. For more information on Goldman Sachs, please visit http://www.gs.com.
Press Contacts:
For Ipreo:
Kate McKay
[email protected]
For Blackstone:
Christine Anderson
[email protected]
For Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking:
Andrew Williams
[email protected]


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Break your own GeodesBrand New
Break your own Geodes
Brand New
Let each student in your classroom be an archeologist with this fun science activity. Place a geode in a bag or sock and hit it firmly with a hammer (not included) to break open. Each 1" - 2" geode has a center that may contain colored rock or sparkling crystals. What treasure will you find? Bulk packed - no retail packaging - each bag has about 8-12 geodes. Adult supervision required.


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Release of the new Wolfpakk output "Nature Strikes Back" is January 24th 2020! Have a look at the new lyric video with guest appearances from Michael Sweet (Styper) and Mikkey Dee (Motörhead). Have fun!
Working hard for album number 5
Release of the new Wolfpakk CD is March, 24th 2017. Claus Lessmann (Ex-Bonfire) will be part of one song. More Infos www.wolfpakk.net
The third album with Wolfpakk is out! Have a look all the reactions of this masterpiece!
Click below! Merry Christmas and a happy new Year to my fans, Mark Sweeney
Mark is happy to be Number 1 in the Rock it magazine Soundcheck with his band Wolfpakk!
Brandnew Wolfpakk Video feat. Mark Sweeney!
Spooky Voodoo Voodoo.... ;-)
Release from Mark's Wolfpakk is August 30th, 2013.
To seasoned music lovers, it was obvious and little or no surprise, that the WOLFPAKK debut album of 2011 would not be the last we would hear of the all-star project led by Mark Sweeney (ex-Crystal Ball) and Michael Voss (Mad Max, ex-Casanova).
Now, two years later, WOLFPAKK returns with brand new album "Cry Wolf", and once again many high-class musicians contribute with their very own styles and strengths, forging an album that even outshines that well-received debut. As on "Wolfpakk" (2011), Voss and Sweeney wrote all the songs together (bar 1 cover version) and were responsible once again for production, mix and vocals.
After the succes of the first Wolfpakk output, Mark Sweeney and Michael Voss will enter the studios in September 2012. Again they will invite some "guest-Wolves" for the new cd. Be curious who gonna join Wolfpakk for the 2nd Wolfpakk record. More to come.
Mark gonna release his 2nd Single taken from the album ALL IN which is called "ANOTHER DAY"
Release Date: 09/30/11
www.imusic1rocks.com presents the world premiere of the Wolfpakk video "Reptile's Kiss" on Monday, 08-15-2011 from 17.00 - 18.00h CET or later on TV at 23:00 pm on iMusic1 "ROCKS" im1.tv !!!
Cover Artwork of Wolfpakk's debut album coming out Europe August 26th / Japan September 7th
If you like the softer side of Mark, this won't be the right earshot for you! If you like the hard side, follow the link!
New pics from the video shooting "Reptile's Kiss" on the Wolfpakk website, have a look
Wolfpakk gonna shoot their first video with the well known video producer Martin Müller from www.rcntv.de june 24/25th, 2011!
Martin Müller already worked with bands like UNHEILIG, U.D.O., BLACKMORE'S NIGHT, HELLOWEEN, GAMMA RAY, MASTERPLAN, PC69 OR GOTTHARD.
Soon you can see this brand new video ( "Reptile's Kiss" ) on this side, stay tuned!
Mark Sweeney got a deal with the famous Label AFM Hamburg for his new Band Wolfpakk!
Release for this new masterpiece (Hardrock stuff) is August 26th, 2011
click blelow on "more" for more detais and infos about this huge project
Now it's official! Mark Sweeney leaves Crystal Ball after 15 years. Have a look for his new outstanding project www.wolfpakk.net
Everyone has it's own memories... R.I.P. Steve!
Mark Sweeney
Radio Inside supports Mark Sweeney! Informations about this brand new radio station click "more"
Radio Swisspop supports Marks song "Moments" feat. Robin Beck! For more informations click below
Click "more" and vote for Marks new Video Clip on Swiss Television! Thanks for your support ("Line of Fire"; Song ID 096)!
Now, you can order the merchandise under online-shop. Pay easy with credit cards (mastercard/visa)
Have a look:
If you wanna order the brand new single "Line Of Fire" write an Email to:
and your whole name, adress an hometown.
You'll get the single very soon - enjoy!
At least. The new homepage from Mark Sweeney is done! From now, the site will be updated every week. Have a look on the following sites and enjoy!
Robin and Mark in Frankfurt. The brand new song Moments with Robin and Mark will be also on the Single "Line of Fire". Don't miss it!
click <<more>> to see Robins Homepage


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Dollar General to relocate to new store in Alton
From Illinois Business Journal news services
ALTON — Dollar General will hold the grand opening of its new store at 1822 East Broadway in Alton on Saturday, Oct. 17, beginning at 8 a.m.
Customers will enjoy special deals and free prizes at the event. The first 50 adult shoppers will receive a $10 Dollar General gift card, and the first 200 shoppers will receive a Dollar General tote bag, among other giveaways.
The new store, a short distance from the current location in Alton Plaza shopping center, will continue to provide customers with the same value and convenience, the company said.
"Dollar General is committed to delivering a pleasant shopping experience that includes a convenient location, a wide assortment of merchandise and great prices on quality products," said Dan Nieser, Dollar General's senior vice president of real estate and store development. "We hope our Alton customers will continue to enjoy shopping at Dollar General's new location."
Dollar General's new location features a fresh layout, designed to make shopping easier and simpler for customers. Some of the store's new features include seasonal products featured in the center of the store, easily recognizable departments with visible signage and coolers that are more conveniently located at the front of the store.
Dollar General stores offer convenience and value to customers by providing a focused selection of national brands and private brands of food, housewares, seasonal items, cleaning supplies, basic apparel and health and beauty care products.
Dollar General says it is an ardent supporter of literacy and education. At the cash register of every Dollar General store, customers interested in learning how to read, speak English or get their General Education Diploma can pick up a brochure with a postage-paid reply card that can be mailed in for a referral to a local organization that offers free literacy services. Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $100 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping nearly six million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education. For more information about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and its grant programs, visit www.dgliteracy.com.


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Here is the Bittorrent link and direct MP3 download for the EGC clambake for March 4, 2006.
I play my favorite song from the Changelings; I talk about my chat with Damon Young and when musicians are grateful to have their music in podcasts vs suing your nuts off for playing them; I talk about getting interviewed a few times last week for the "Slusher Overexposure Tour 2006"; I play a song by Steve Newman; I talk about watching the Wild Bunch and listening to the Reel Reviews Cinephile show about it; I'm still knocked out by how funny the Better Bad News mockery of me is, enough that I play a segment of it; I play the song to end all songs by Beau Hall and giggle my ass on out of the show.
To clarify something I said in a flip manner in the show, I don't mean that my sponsors are owned by right wing nut jobs specifically. I mean that companies have a strong tendency to be owned by right wingers, whether by cause or effect I have no way of knowing.
You can subscribe to this feed via RSS.
This episode is sponsored in part by iPod Juice. If you enter the phrase "Evil Genius" in the comments section while you are placing your iPod Juice order, you'll get free USPS shipping, so that ain't bad. Thanks iPod Juice, for making this an even better deal. To sponsor the show, contact BackBeat Media.
Don't forget, you can fly your EGC flag by buying the stuff package.
This show as a whole is Creative Commons licensed Attribution-NonCommercial 2.5.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- The Changelings
- Damon Young
- Steve Newman
- Lullaby for Lawyers song
- Patti Rothberg
- Reel Reviews Wild Bunch episode
- Better Bad News skewers me
- The Chair and the Automan – my brother's podcast
- Beau Hall
- Sign my Frappr Map!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download


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The buffer requirement during diafiltration is typically expressed as "diafiltration volume" (DV). The DV is equal to the volume of the permeate removed during diafiltration divided by the volume of the remaining retentate (Equation 1).
Microsolutes that are partially retained by the membrane will require additional DV. As a general rule of thumb, using DV=three times the sample volume will wash out 95%, and using DV=five times the sample volume will remove 99% of a non-retained microsolute.
Equation 2 can be used for theoretical calculations of diafiltration volume requirements. However, these are guidelines and actual diafiltration volume requirements need to be empirically determined.


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This article is more than 1 year old
Yahoo! and Microsoft terminate talks, this time for good
Yahoo! falls into Google's arms, as shares swoon
Microhoo! Yahoo! has terminated all acquisition talks with Microsoft, today saying Microsoft was only interested in the internet provider's search business. Yahoo! shares fell 10 per cent today to $23.52, from yesterday's closing price of $26.52.
The beleaguered company is hitching its fortunes to the Google juggernaut with a search, advertising and IM deal. Google said Thursday it's providing Yahoo! access to its AdSense service in the US and Canada. Also, the companies will work on interoperability between their competing IM systems.
Google stressed this is not a merger, won't take out any competitors, increase Google's share of search traffic or prevent Yahoo! from making similar arrangements with others. Got that, US and EU regulators? Good.
In a statement today, Yahoo! said all talks with Microsoft over acquisition have been concluded following numerous meetings between both sides. Attending the meeting from Yahoo!'s side was chairman Roy Bostock and other independent board members.
The catalyst for the break up was a June 8th meeting during which Microsoft "stated unequivocally" it was not interested in purchasing the entire company "even at the price range previously suggested". Microsoft instead said it remained interested in buying Yahoo!'s search business only, as it stated last month.
"Such a transaction would leave the company without an independent search business that it views as critical to its strategic future and would not be in the best interests of Yahoo! stockholders," Yahoo! said.
Yahoo! thinks the online advertising industry will grow from $40bn last year to $75bn in 2010. "The company believes it has the right assets, strategic plan, board of directors and management team to capitalize on this growth opportunity," Yahoo! said.
Microsoft said in a statement its offer for the search business is still on the table. "This partnership would ensure healthy competition in the marketplace, providing greater choice and innovation for advertisers, publishers and consumers," Microsoft said.
Microsoft's opening shot on January 31 was $31 a share, about $44.6bn. Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer last month verbally offered $33 a share - worth another $5bn - to Yahoo! founders Jerry Yang and David Filo. They held out for $37 a share, giving Ballmer his opportunity to walk away from the table.
Yahoo!'s "all or nothing" attitude is likely to inflame further gazillionaire greenmailer Carl Icahn, who is waging a proxy war to depose the incumbent board. Class action suits also loom, with investors seeking to overturn generous pay-outs to staff who leave if the company is acquired, and remove other poison pills in place to fend off hostile takeover.
In early court skirmishes, Yahoo! documents released to two angry Detroit pension funds reveal that the company declined an offer from Microsoft in January 2007 worth $40 a share. The funds complain of the failure of fiduciary responsibility. Icahn is muttering about holding the board personally responsible for letting Microsoft slip through.
This will get even messier.
We gotta get out of this place
Two more senior executives are leaving Yahoo!. Jeff Weiner, executive vice president of the network division, and Usama Fayyad, chief data officer and executive vice president of research and strategic data solutions, announced their departures today, the New York Times reports.
Weiner, recruited by former chief executive Terry Semel, lad various portal-based activities spanning mail, Flickr, Answers news and entertainment. Fayyad was in charge of data mining.
The follow in the footsteps, of course, of Semel and chief technology officer Farzad Nazem. More can be found here.®