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South African Journal of Science
On-line version ISSN 1996-7489
Print version ISSN 0038-2353
S. Afr. j. sci. vol.106 n.9-10 Pretoria Sep./Oct. 2010
Bacterial profiling of casing materials for white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
Nazareth A. SiyoumI; Karen SurridgeII; Lise KorstenI
IDepartment of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
IIDepartment of Plant Production and Soil Science, Faculty of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Commercial producers of white button mushrooms utilise a casing material to cover the spawn run compost, which stimulates the mushrooms' reproductive stage. Certain bacteria in this casing are responsible for this stimulation, which is known as pinning. Bacterial species richness and diversity within peat and peat-based casing mixtures made from industrial waste materials (i.e. those containing coir, wattle bark, bagasse and filter cake) were examined using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) at three phases of mushroom growth: (1) casing, (2) pinning and (3) harvesting. Results from the DGGE established that higher bacterial species richness occurred at pinning and harvesting than at casing. Increases in bacterial population density at pinning were greater in the peat-based mixtures, which contained industrial waste materials, than in peat alone. Peat mixtures containing these alternative materials are therefore favourable substrates for bacterial growth. The DGGE profiles for pasteurised casing materials reflected their ability to rapidly re-establish the original bacterial community. The bacteria found to be dominant in casing materials during pinning were closely related to Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, alpha-Proteobacterium, beta-Proteobacterium, gamma-Proteobacterium, delta-Proteobacterium and uncultured species.
Keywords: Agaricus bisporus; bacteria; casing; denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
In the commercial production of white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach), spawn run compost is covered by a top layer of casing soil. This layer is necessary for the mushroom mycelium to undergo sudden transformation from the vegetative stage to the reproductive stage, in which the growing mycelium thickens to produce pinheads, which later develop into mushrooms.1 Although the mechanism for this transformation is not completely understood, bacteria in the casing are often found to be associated with the process of pinhead initiation, also known as pinning.1,2,3
Several researchers have reported the association of some pseudomonads with fruit body formation in A. bisporus. For example, Umar and Van Griensven4 reported that the onset of primordia occurred in casing soil which was naturally inhabited by Pseudomonas-like bacteria.4 In another study, fluorescent Pseudomonas spp., including Pseudomonasputida, were isolated from casing materials that resulted in primordial formation.5 Bacterial populations isolated from non-sterile casing were identified as close relatives of P. putida by Hayes et al.6, who also found that they stimulated fruit body formation when used to inoculate pure cultures of A. bisporus. Miller et al.7 also reported an increased proportion of fluorescent pseudomonads during the reproductive phase of A. bisporus and observed that these bacteria adhered rapidly and firmly to the walls of the mycelium.
Peat is a widely used casing material for the commercial production of button mushrooms.3,8 It is a nutrient-poor material that results from the partial decomposition of plant matter.1,9,10 The spongy physical characteristic of peat makes it a natural water reservoir, and it is generally preferred for the provision of adequate moisture to the growing mushroom mycelium because of its high water-retention capacity. It has a slightly acidic pH, which is neutralised (to a pH between 6.5 and 8.5) by adding lime to make it suitable for the production of mushrooms.2 Although peat is considered to be generally free from pests and disease-causing organisms, it is known to harbour the beneficial bacteria believed to play a vital role during pinning.3
Peat is mined from wetlands, which also are sources of pure water and ecologically important niches that support plant, bird and insect life.11,12 The natural formation of peat is very slow, ranging between 0.02 cm and 10 cm per year depending on the environment10 and consequently, continuous mining of peat results in depletion of this valuable natural resource, creating ecological imbalances.
The search for easily available alternative materials to replace or supplement peat in commercial mushroom production has become important in countries where this natural resource is scarce. The evaluation of possible alternatives for peat require that certain physiological, chemical (unpublished data) and microbiological criteria be met. Certain beneficial bacteria associated with the pinning stage could be used as an indicator for potentially suitable alternative casing materials, which should either be naturally inhabited by these beneficial bacteria or have the ability to support their growth once introduced.
It is speculated that only 20% of naturally occurring bacteria are culturable,13 mainly because selective growth media do not provide optimum growth conditions for micro-organisms harvested from their natural environments. Microbial profiles of various environmental samples would reflect a bias towards culturable organisms if growth media alone were used. Fingerprinting molecular techniques such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) provide more accurate and detailed results than cultural techniques. Therefore, in this study, the richness and diversity of bacteria in different casing materials were examined using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method.
Casing materials
The materials used to prepare the mushroom casings were South African reed-sedge peat, and the industrial waste materials coir, wattle bark, bagasse and filter cake. Peat originally obtained from Potchefstroom (North West Province, South Africa) was collected from Highveld Mushrooms farm, in Gauteng, South Africa, where it was mixed with lime to increase its natural acidic pH to 7. Freshly mined peat from Potchefstroom was also collected directly from the mining area and was mixed with lime on the experimental farm at the University of Pretoria. Coir is a by-product of the coconut industry and was obtained from Galuku Africa, Sri Lanka, in 30 cm3 x 30 cm3 x 15 cm3 compressed bricks. The coir bricks were hydrated in 20 L of water for 24 h. Wattle bark (a fine-textured, dust-like material) is a by-product of charcoal and red tannins produced from black wattle trees (Acacia mearnsii) and was obtained from Paulpietersburg, South Africa. Bagasse and filter cake are waste products of the sugar industry and were collected from Sezela Sugar Mill in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The bagasse and filter cake were leached out for two years before being used in the experiment, in order to remove substances toxic to the mycelium.
We compared casing preparations of 100% peat with those of peat combined with various industrial by-products. Peat was combined with coir and wattle bark at a ratio of 1:1 and 7:3 (70% peat and 30% coir or wattle bark), and with bagasse and filter cake at 1:1 ratios. Each casing was replicated in three baskets, each containing 10 kg Phase III (Highveld Mushrooms farm, Gauteng, South Africa) compost (spawn run compost that is colonised and ready for casing). The baskets were randomly placed in a mushroom growing unit maintained at the University of Pretoria. Mushroom growing conditions had previously been optimised (22 ºC - 24 ºC temperature and 90% - 95% relative humidity; unpublished data). For the 100% peat preparation, both pasteurised and unpasteurised casings were used. For the peat-based mixtures, except for the wattle bark mixture, pasteurised casings were used. Pasteurised wattle bark is susceptible to contamination by cinnamon brown mould (Chromelosporium fulvum; unpublished data) and was therefore not pasteurised. Of the three replicate baskets, two baskets were sampled (100 g) for DNA extraction. Samples were taken directly after casing, at pinning (10 days), and at harvesting of second break (21 days). The entire experiment was then repeated.
DNA extraction
DNA was extracted from duplicate samples of casing materials using a Soil Master Extraction Kit (Epicentre Biotechnologies, Madison, WI, United States), according to the manufacturer's instructions, with the following volume modifications: 100 mg of casing material sample was placed in a 2-mL screw-cap microcentrifuge tube (Whitehead Scientific, Cape Town, South Africa) with two 0.25-inch ceramic beads; 375 µL of soil DNA extraction buffer was added to increase the DNA yield; tissue was disrupted using FastPrep FP 120 (Bio 101, Thermo Electron Corporation, Milford, USA) at 5 m/s for 20 s; and 75 µL soil lysis buffer was added. DNA was eluted from the filter using 100 µL TE buffer.
PCR amplification
Enzymatic amplification of the 16S rDNA region was performed using the primers Prun518r 5'ATT-ACC-GCG-GCT-GCT-GG3' and PA8f-GC 5'CGC-CCG-CCG-CGC-GCG-GCG-GGC-GGG-GCG-GGG-GCA-CGG-GGG-GAG-AGT-TTG-ATC-CTG-GCT-CAG3', designed for DGGE by Øvereås et al.14 and Fjellbirkeland et al.,15 respectively. The reaction consisted of a total volume of 20 µL containing the following reagents: 10.8 µL double-sterilised distilled water, 2.5 µL PCR buffer, 2 µL MgCl2 (10x), 2 µL dNTPs (2.5 µM), 1 µL of each primer (10 pM), 0.2 µL Taq DNA polymerase (5 U/µL) and 0.5 µL (±25 ng/µL) of sample DNA. PCR amplification was performed in an Eppendorf (Merck, Johannesburg, South Africa) thermal cycler starting with 10 min denaturation at 95 ºC, followed by 35 cycles of 30 s denaturation at 94 ºC, 30 s annealing at 58 ºC, 1 min extension at 72 ºC, and a final 10 min extension at 72 ºC. The amplicon was visualised on a 1% agarose gel, stained with 0.01% ethidium bromide in a Vilber Lourmat (Omni-Science CC, Randburg, South Africa) gel imaging system.
Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
The DGGE was performed using a D-Code (Bio-Rad, Johannesburg, South Africa) universal mutation detection system. PCR products in a 10 µL volume, each mixed with 3 µL loading dye, were loaded onto 40% - 55% denaturing gradient polyacrylamide (40%) gels. A control sample of Escherichiacoli was also loaded (data not shown). Electrophoresis was performed at 20 V for 10 min to allow gels to acclimatise and then at 70 V at a temperature of 60 ºC for 17 h. The gels were stained with 4 µL SYBR Gold nucleic acid gel stain (Whitehead Scientific, Johannesburg) for 1 h in the dark, then visualised and photographed under UV light in a Vilber Lourmat (Omni-Science CC, Randburg, South Africa) gel imaging system.
Band excision, purification and sequencing
Dominant bands from the resulting fingerprint pattern on the gel were excised under blue light on a Jiffy Lites Blue Light Box (Inqba Biotech, Pretoria, South Africa), using a sterile scalpel. The excised acrylamide gel fragments containing the bands were placed in sterile 1.5-mL microtubes, each containing 30 µL of sterile SABAX (Adcock Ingram Critical Care Pty Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa) water, and stored at 4 ºC for at least 24 h. A 0.5-µL aliquot of the liquid was then used as a template for PCR using the previously mentioned primers. The DNA yield was verified by visualising the amplicon on 1% agarose gel as described previously.
PCR products were purified using a PCR Purification Kit (250; QIAquick, Cape Town, South Africa) according to the manufacturer's instructions and sequenced at the University of Pretoria's sequencing unit.
Gel analysis and phylogeny construction
Gel analysis was performed using Gel2k gel analysis software,16 where similarity between samples was compared using a Jaccard group average setting. This analysis is based on band intensity in the lanes.
Amplified DNA from the excised DGGE bands, using the above primers, was sequenced, producing a tentative species identification. Partial sequences of the 16S region of the rDNA were obtained using the same forward and reverse primers as before. Using BioEdit,17 a consensus sequence was created by aligning the forward and reverse partial sequences and electropherograms were edited using Chromas.17
A search, using the basic local alignment search tool (BLAST), was done for each sequence on the GenBank database and the matching hits, that is, those with the highest percentage identity and e-values closest to 0.0 indicating a statistically acceptable match, were selected for alignment. Resulting sequences were edited using Contig express (Vector NTI advance 11.0, Invitrogen 2008),18 aligned with Clustal X19 and inserted gaps were treated as missing data. Analysis for phylogenetic relationship was performed based on parsimony using the program Phylogenetic Analysis Using Parsimony (PAUP 4.0b8).20 Random addition of sequences (100 replicates), tree bisection-reconnection, branch-swapping, MULPAR-effective and MaxTrees were used to perform heuristic searches. Tree length distributions over 100 randomly generated trees were evaluated to assess phylogenetic signal in the data sets. The consistency and retention indices were determined for all data sets. Phylogenetic trees were rooted with Thermotoga maritima as the outgroup to the remaining taxa. In order to determine confidence in branching points (1000 replicates), bootstrap values were generated, retaining groups with greater than 70% consistency.
Bacterial population density
The bacterial population density on the casing mixtures was very low during the casing stage for all samples. Therefore, sufficient amplification for samples at casing was achieved by doubling the amount of template DNA. PCR products run on a DGGE gel showed higher bacterial population densities at the pinning and harvesting stages, indicated by higher band intensities in the gel (Figure 1).
The intensity of a band in a DGGE gel is indicative of the relative abundance of a species in the population13: intense bands depict high population numbers of that particular species. Some bacterial populations were found to be abundant from the pinning stage onwards, which underlines the importance of these populations in the pinning process. Bacteria associated with pinning are believed to remove substances that inhibit fruit body formation.2,5 The dominant groups in this study, the Flavobacterium and Pseudomonas spp., have the ability to break down macromolecules such as protein, starch, cellulose and chitin21,22 and can also mineralise and assimilate several organic compounds.23,24,25 Several members of the phylum Proteobacteria are reported to be associated with utilisation and degradation of low-molecular weight and high-molecular weight carbon compounds.26,27
Lowering carbon dioxide levels by allowing fresh air into the growing room is a common practice that triggers or increases pinning of button mushrooms.3 Higher oxygen levels are favoured by aerobic bacteria and results in this study show that aerobic bacteria dominate the bacterial profile of the casing materials used.
The similarity of band patterns (or band positions in the gel) signifies species similarities in all these peat-based casing mixtures, and the patterns are similar to that of peat alone, which is the common material in all tested casing mixtures. According to the band similarities, the bacteria that were prominent in peat-only casings also inhabited the casing materials prepared from peat-based mixtures supplemented with alternative industrial waste materials.
Bacterial population density at the casing stage was higher in peat than in peat-based mixtures and the unmixed alternative materials. This result was evidenced by a lower quantity of DNA in the mixture samples, compared to the peat-only samples at casing. To obtain a PCR product that produced visible bands on the DGGE gel for the mixtures, the amount of template DNA had to be at least double that of the peat alone (optimisation experiments are not shown). However, at pinning there was a remarkable increase in bacterial population numbers in the mixtures in comparison with those in peat alone. Visual analysis of the gels showed a smaller increase in bacterial population sizes (from the time of casing to pinning) for the peat alone than that for the mixtures, indicating that the peat casings reflected stabilised bacterial populations. The alternative materials used in this study were effective in supporting the abundant growth of beneficial bacteria, which is important if specific bacteria selected from the profile data (with a well-identified beneficial role at pinning) are to be inoculated into casing material to enhance pinning formation.
The pasteurisation of casing materials is practised by some growers for the purpose of eliminating disease-causing organisms. From this research, it is clear that pasteurisation did not eliminate the natural bacteria in the casing materials and allowed for a rapid re-establishment of these populations. Bacterial populations, as can be expected, were initially lower in the pasteurised peat samples than in the unpasteurised samples (Figure 2a). However, at pinning, there was no difference in the species richness and diversity between pasteurised and unpasteurised samples, which is evidenced by the common bands (1-11 in Figure 2a) in both the pasteurised and unpasteurised samples.
Jaccard group average analysis for casing mixtures resulted in the identification of four main clades (Figure 3). Most of the casing mixtures prepared from peat and wattle bark (B and F, respectively) were grouped within Clade 1. Casing mixtures prepared from peat and coir (A and E, respectively) were grouped under two neighbouring clades (III and IV) and casing mixtures prepared from bagasse and filter cake (C and D, respectively), were relatively scattered across Clades II, III and IV. Generally, the clades tended to form as a result of the origin of the samples and not in relation to the different mushroom growth stages.
Jaccard group average analysis clustered pasteurised and unpasteurised samples of peat (from two sources) into five main clades (Figure 4). Peat samples tended not to cluster by their source. All five clades were composed of samples from both sources.
The Jaccard group average diversity analysis of samples from casing mixtures showed a general tendency towards grouping samples based on their origin (i.e. the industrial by-product used in the mixture), though the grouping was not very distinct. The cluster analysis for peat samples, however, tended to group samples in relation to the mushroom growth stages. This established that the natural bacterial community structures in peat samples were not affected by pasteurisation or the peat sources used. Most peat samples at casing, irrespective of the source (from the farm or the mine), clustered together in two clades. This grouping reflected the difference in population sizes, rather than community structure, in the peat samples between the time of casing and subsequent growth stages.
Sequencing and phylogeny
Sequencing of DNA from the DGGE gel bands indicated that the prevailing dominant species from pinning onwards were close relatives of Flavobacterium spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Other dominant species included close relatives of alpha-Proteobacterium, beta-Proteobacterium, gamma-Proteobacterium, delta-Proteobacterium and uncultured species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the bacteria that were dominant from pinning onwards were taxonomically diverse.
Sequences that originated from the brightest bands of samples from the time of pinning onwards are mainly in Groups 2 and 3 of the phylogenetic tree (Figure 5) and their closest relatives are Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium and uncultured species. Group 4 also represents sequences of bands that remained high in population size at pinning, with their closest relatives being from the Proteobacteria group, dominated by the alpha- and beta- groups. Sequences that originated from less bright bands of samples from pinning onwards, as well as bright bands of samples at casing, were grouped at the lowest part of the phylogenetic tree (Group 1).
In conclusion, several species were identified in the bacterial profile of the peat casing materials and as potential bacterial communities possibly involved in the pinhead initiation process. Pasteurisation caused a reduction in bacterial population size in mushroom casing materials; however, by the time of pinning, bacterial populations had been re-established. Peat-based mixtures of the alternative materials, coir, wattle bark, bagasse and filter cake, produced a similar profile to that of peat alone. These materials are thus able to harbour high numbers of bacteria, and can be used successfully for casing mushrooms when mixed with peat.
We acknowledge the South African Mushroom Farmers Association (SAMFA), National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP), a partnership programme funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and managed by the NRF, for funding this research work. We also would like to thank Dr L. Meyer, Ms R. Jacobs, Mr C. Wairuri, Ms C. Johnston and Ms S. Colignon for molecular advice and assistance, Ms A. Redmond for technical assistance, Ms A. van Heerden for editorial support and Highveld Mushrooms for providing research materials.
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14. Øvereås L, Forney L, Daae FL, Torsvik V. Distribution of bacterioplankton in meromictic lake Sælenvennet as determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR amplified gene fragments coding for 16S RNA. Appl Environ Microbiol. 1997;63:3367-3373. [ Links ]
15. Fjellbirkeland A, Torsvik V, Øvereås L. Methanotrophic diversity in an agricultural soil as evaluated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles of pmoA, mxaF and 16S rDNA sequence. Anton Leeuwenhoek. 2001;79:209-217. [ Links ]
16. Norland S. Gel2k gel analysis software. University of Bergen, Norway [software on the internet]. c2004 [accessed 2004 Jun 7]. Available from: http://folk.uib.no/nimsn/gel2k [ Links ]
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19. Thompson JD, Higgins DG, Gibson TJ. CLUSTAL W: Improving the sensitivity of progressive multiple sequence alignment through sequence weighting, position specific gap penalties and weight matrix choice. Nucleic Acids Res. 1994;22:4673-4680. [ Links ]
20. Swofford D. PAUP 4.0b7a, Phylogenetic analysis using parsimony (and other methods). Sunderland: Sinauer; 2000. [ Links ]
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22. Hamann C, Hegemann J, Hildebrandt A. Detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation genes in different soil bacteria by polymerase chain reaction and DNA hybridization. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 1999;173(1):255-263. [ Links ]
23. Hickey WJ, Searls DB, Focht DD. Enhanced mineralization of polychlorinated biphenyls in soil inoculated with chlorobenzoate-degrading bacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol. 1993;59(4):1194-1200. [ Links ]
24. Kirchman DL, Yu L, Cottrell MT. Diversity and abundance of Cytophaga-like bacteria in the Delaware Estuary. Appl Environ Microbiol. [serial online]. 2003 [cited 2009 Feb 23];69(11):6587-6596. Available from: http://aem.asm.org/cgi/reprint/69/11/6587 [ Links ]
25. Madsen EL, Alexander M. Effects of chemical speciation on the mineralization of organic compounds by microorganisms. Appl Environ Microbiol. 1985;50(2):342-349. [ Links ]
26. Covert JS, Moran MA. Molecular characterization of estuarine bacterial communities that use high- and low-molecular weight fractions of dissolved organic carbon. Aquat Microb Ecol. [serial online]. 2001 [cited 2009 Mar 19];25:127-139. Available from: http://0-www.int-res.com.innopac.up.ac.za/articles/ame/25/a025p127.pdf [ Links ]
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Correspondence to:
Lise Korsten
Postal address: Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology University of Pretoria, Main campus
Lunnon Street, Hatfield
Pretoria 0002, South Africa
email: email@example.com
Received: 03 Nov. 2009
Accepted: 28 July 2010
Published: 04 Oct. 2010
This article is available at: http://www.sajs.co.za
© 2010. The Authors. Licensee: OpenJournals Publishing. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.


text:
Drones: Say it with figures
WASHINGTON, April 30 (UPI) – Attacking drones, the most effective counter-terrorism tool the United States has found thus far, is a new cause celebre among progressive public intellectuals and major segments of the media.
Their arguments would deserve more of a hearing if, instead of declaring their contentions as fact, they instead coughed up some evidence to support their claims.
One argument that is repeated again and again is that killing terrorists with drones generates resentment from Pakistan to Yemen, thereby breeding many more terrorists than are killed. For example, Akbar Ahmed, a distinguished professor at American University, told the BBC on April 9 that, for "every terrorist drones kill, perhaps 100 rise as a result."
The key word is "perhaps"; Ahmed cites no data to support his contention.
Similarly, in The New York Times, Jo Becker and Scott Shane write that "Drones have replaced Guantanamo as the recruiting tool of choice for militants," citing as their evidence one line Faisal Shahzad, who had tried to set off a car bomb in Times Square, used in his 2010 trial seeking to justify targeting civilians.
At the same time, when HBO interviewed children who carry suicide vests, they justified their acts by the presence of foreign troops in their country and burning of Korans.
No such self-serving statements can be taken as evidence in themselves.
And Peter Bergen, a responsible and serious student of drones, quotes approvingly in The Washington Post a new book by Mark Mazzetti, who claims that the use of drone strikes "creates enemies just as it has obliterated them." Again, however, Mazzetti presents no evidence.
One may at first consider it obvious that, when American drones kill terrorists who are members of a tribe or family, other members will resent the United States. And hence if the United States would stop targeting people from the skies, that resentment would abet and ultimately vanish.
In reality, ample evidence shows that large parts of the population of several Muslim countries resent the United States for numerous and profound reasons, unrelated to drone attacks.
These Muslims consider the United States to be the "Great Satan" because it violates core religious values they hold dear; it promotes secular democratic liberal regimes; it supports women's rights; and it exports a lifestyle that devout Muslims consider hedonistic and materialistic to their countries.
These feelings, data show, are rampant in countries in which no drones attacks have occurred, were common in those countries in which the drones have been employed well before any attacks took place, and continue unabated, even when drone attacks are greatly scaled back.
As Marc Lynch notes in Foreign Affairs:
"A decade ago, anti-Americanism seemed like an urgent problem. Overseas opinion surveys showed dramatic spikes in hostility toward the United States, especially in the Arab world … It is now clear that even major changes, such as Bush's departure, Obama's support for some of the Arab revolts of 2011, the death of Osama bin Laden, and the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, have had surprisingly little effect on Arab attitudes towards the United States. Anti-Americanism might have ebbed momentarily, but it is once again flowing freely."
The Pew Global Attitudes Project says anti-American sentiments were high and on the rise in countries where drone strikes weren't employed. In Jordan, for example, U.S. unfavorability rose from 78 percent in 2007 to 86 percent in 2012 while Egypt saw a rise from 78 percent to 79 percent over the same period.
Notably, the percentage of respondents reporting an "unfavorable" view of the United States in these countries is as high, or higher, than in drone-targeted Pakistan.
In Pakistan, a country that has been subjected to a barrage of strikes over the last five years, the United States' unfavorability held steady at 68 percent from 2007-10 (dropping briefly to 63 percent in 2008), but then began to increase, rising to 73 percent in 2011 and 80 percent in 2012 — a two-year period in which the number of drone strikes was actually dropping significantly.
It is also worth noting that these critics attribute resentment to drones rather than military strikes.
Do they really think that resentment would be lower if the United States were using cruise missiles? Or bombers? Or Special Forces?
If they mean that we should grant these suspected terrorists a free pass if they cannot be brought to a court in New York City to be tried, they should say so.
Another frequent claim of drone opponents is that the use of drones greatly lowers the costs of war (at least for the United States) and, thus, promotes military adventurism.
For example, Mazzetti (as quoted by Bergen) claims that the use of drones has "lowered the bar for waging war, and it is now easier for the United States to carry out killing operations at the ends of the earth than at any other time in its history."
However, there is no evidence that the introduction of drones (and before that, high-level bombing and cruise missiles that were criticized on the same grounds) made going to war more likely or its extension more acceptable.
On the contrary, anybody who followed the American disengagement in Vietnam after the introduction of high-level bombing (which was subject to criticism similar to that of drones) or the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan — despite the considerable increase in the use of drone strikes elsewhere — knows better.
In effect, the opposite argument may well hold: If the United States couldn't draw on drones in Yemen and the other new theaters of the counterterrorism campaign, the nation might well have been forced to rely more on conventional troops, a choice that would greatly increase our casualties as well as the resentment by the locals, who particularly object to the presence of foreign troops.
Finally, critics argue that many of those killed by drones are "low-ranking militants." Well, so were the 19 men who brought down the World Trade Center and hit the Pentagon, and terrorized a nation with an attack from which we have yet to recover and which brought us to Afghanistan in the first place.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Samsung Urges Users To Turn Off Exploding Phones In Recall
Samsung has told Australian Galaxy Note7 owners to turn-off their phones and return them to stores after reports the phone's batteries caught fire or exploded while charging.
Around 51,000 phones were voluntarily recalled in Australia on Monday by Samsung Electronics Australia, following similar moves overseas, citing "isolated battery cell issues".
Samsung Australia has taken a voluntary step to recall all Galaxy Note 7 smartphones purchased by Australians. https://t.co/lRTz9K66CA— Samsung Australia (@SamsungAU) September 5, 2016
The company said Samsung customers can receive replacements or full refunds and courtesy devices would be available on Wednesday for those who had to return their phones.
"Customers who have purchased a Galaxy Note7 from Samsung are entitled to choose a new Galaxy Note7 (and a courtesy device until replacement Galaxy Note7 stock arrives) or a full refund," the wrote on the Samsung site.
"The delivery of a replacement Galaxy Note7 to customers is expected within three to four weeks."
The company is advising users to complete a data back-up, power down the device before returning it to the place of purchase.
AAP/Staff Writers
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text:
- Locations: 20
- Villas: 151
- Private Islands: 0
Rural Chic
Tuscany is overflowing with natural, architectural, and artistic masterpieces. The birthplace of Italian Renaissance is home to rolling hills, majestic cypress trees, miles of sandy coastline, and beautiful vineyards in addition to the world's finest art center, Florence. Stay in a rustic yet elegant villa enjoying life's greatest pleasures: sprawling countryside, simple, fresh cuisine, and Italy's finest wines.
Each villa rental in this magnificent province is unique to the area in which it resides. A shopper's delight, Florence is home to charming cobblestone streets, artistic and architectural masterpieces, and some of the world's biggest fashion icons. Those who rent villas in the 39-square mile Chianti wine region will love sampling the fruits of the region's spectacular vineyards at the wineries themselves or in the comfort of their villa. Villas in the bigger cities of Pisa and Livorno offer a slightly different experience, allowing vacationers to explore the mystique of the Medici era and visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Famous for its butteri, cowboys who managed cattle, Maremma offers visitors the opportunity to go horseback riding or swim in one of the area's beautiful bays. In Siena, one of the region's loveliest medieval cities, visitors can stroll the famous shell-shaped Piazzo del Campo, where horse races are held twice a year. No matter where in Tuscany you choose to stay, your villa vacation is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Arezzo Area(2)
Cortona Area(4)
Cortona City(1)
Florence Area(30)
Florence City(9)
Forte dei Marmi(1)
Lucca Area(38)
Pisa Area(4)
Segromigno Monte(1)
Siena Area(10)
Val d'Orcia(24)
Tuscany Villas
A few Villas of Distinction team members recently took a weeklong trip to Tuscany to inspect villas first-hand. It took no time at all for us to unanimously agree: We were in love. Here are a few of the many reasons Tuscany stole our hearts.
1. Postcard-Perfect Views Around Every Corner
Everything you've ever heard about the stunning beauty of Tuscany is completely true! You'll see rolling hills, olive trees, sprawling vineyards, and charming farmhouses around every corner. Whether you're sitting on your private patio, swimming in your pool, or hiking through the countryside, every view is postcard-perfect.
2. Villas Feature Classic Tuscan Décor…
Most Tuscan villas epitomize "Tuscan luxury:" a blend of traditional materials (think stone floors, wood-beamed ceilings, and frescoed walls) with modern amenities like AC/heating, Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and flat-screen televisions. Many Tuscan villas are actually old farmhouses or estates that have been expertly restored and refurbished. The heart of the Castiglione del Bosco estate near Montalcino, for example, was an old village that fell into disrepair before it was refashioned it into a luxury resort – in fact, you can still see the remains of the castle walls built in the early 13th century!
3. … And One-of-a-Kind Design
If you're looking for a more offbeat villa, you can find those in Tuscany, too! Villa Mimmi in San Casciano dei Bagni is a perfect villa for seasoned travelers looking for something different. A converted schoolhouse, Mimmi features six bedrooms down a single hallway, all furnished with super-modern light fixtures and Asian-style beds. You'll find high ceilings, contemporary art, sculptures, and unique statement pieces throughout.
4. Romantic Touches for Weddings & Special Events
Is there anywhere more romantic than Tuscany? If you're looking for the perfect wedding venue, look no further. Many villas in Tuscany feature reception rooms, games rooms, and elevators in addition to the aforementioned breathtaking views. Ten-bedroom Novedieci even has its own private 16th-century chapel! A romantic tree-filled backyard and lovely mountain views add to the dreamy atmosphere.
5. Wine, Wine, Wine
You probably know all about the fantastic wine in Tuscany (Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino are two of the most famous) – but did you know that many Tuscan villas serve their own wine, produced on-site from the vineyards surrounding the villa? It doesn't get more local than that. You can even purchase the wine from your villa manager or private chef to bring home to family and friends.
6. Food, Food, Food
You can't talk about Tuscany without bringing up the incredible food. Whether you dine out at a local restaurant or take advantage of your in-villa chef, you'll eat some of the best cuisine you've ever tasted – there's simply no way around it! Tuscany is famous for its Pecorino cheese, cured meats, papardelle, and wild boar. Chef Valentino at Villa Daniela is superb; we adored his chicken cacciatore, polenta, and shrimp pasta.
7. Quaint Small-Town Squares
The art, architecture, and museums in big-name Tuscan cities like Florence, Siena, or Lucca can't be beat, but smaller town centers like San Casciano dei Bagni and Greve in Chianti shouldn't be overlooked as excellent villa destinations. Small-town squares offer plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, and you'll get to know your home-away-from-home in a more intimate, personal way – like a local! If you want to explore nearby cities, your villa concierge can arrange guided tours and special excursions based on your interests.
8. Family-Friendly Activities
A Tuscan vacation doesn't have to be all wine tasting and museum hopping. There are plenty of activities to keep children entertained, including horseback riding, hiking, and bike riding. Villas in the Castiglione del Bosco estate also offer cooking classes for children, archery lessons, painting classes, and more. Many Tuscan villas also feature wood-burning pizza ovens, perfect for poolside pizza parties.
9. Warm, Friendly Locals
You'll be pleasantly surprised by locals' hospitality when you visit restaurants, gelato stands, butcher shops, and wine stores. If you can speak a bit of Italian, even better – most people will be happy to chat. Locals are proud of everything Tuscany has to offer and will readily share their traditions with you.
10. Exceptional Villa Staff
If you are lucky enough to stay in a Tuscan villa with a live-in owner, staff, or management, you'll experience an additional treat. By the end of your vacation, it's not uncommon to feel like your part of the villa owner's family. The graciousness, hospitality, and warmth exuded by our villas' staff members made our experience even more memorable. If your experience is anything like ours, you'll be figuring out how to get back to Tuscany before you've even left!


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Plastics: Materials and Processing
Prentice Hall, 2000 - Technology & Engineering - 811 pages
This book is designed to introduce plastics to a wide range of readers who need to either gain, improve, or refresh their knowledge of plastic materials and manufacturing. It fully discusses both materials and manufacturing processes in a carefully-constructed and logical presentation. While providing a fundamental overview of a broad spectrum of topics, the author touches upon polymeric materials (molecular viewpoint); micro structures in polymers; mechanical properties (macro viewpoint); chemical and physical properties (macro viewpoint); thermoplastic materials (commodity plastics); thermoplastic materials (engineering plastics); thermoset materials; elastomeric (rubber) materials; designing with plastics; extrusion process; injection molding process; blow molding process; thermoforming process; rotational molding process; casting processes; foaming processes; compression and transfer molding processes; polymeric composite materials and processes; radiation processes; finishing and assembly; environmental aspects of plastics; and operations. For practicing engineering technologists and engineers as well as anyone interested in plastics.
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Introduction to Plastics
Polymeric Materials Molecular Viewpoint
Micro Structures in Polymers
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Common terms and phrases
addition adherend adhesive allow amount applications atoms blow molding bottles called carbon carbon-carbon double bond casting cause cavity chapter chemical coating common composite compression molding cooling copolymer cost crosslinking crystalline cure cycle degradation density diameter discussed elastomers electrons energy epoxy extruder fibers fillers film flexible flow foam force free radical groups HDPE heat impact important increase injection molding machine LDPE liquid mandrel manufacturing mechanical properties melt index metal method mixing molding process molecular weight molecules monomer nylon occur operation parison phenolics plastic material polyesters polyethylene polyimides polymer polymer chains polymerization pressure problem PTFE reaction recycling reinforcement removed resin resistance result rotational molding rotomolding rubber runner system sample screw shape shear sheet solid solvent sprue stiffness strength stress structure surface temperature tensile thermal thermoforming thermoplastic thermoset thickness tion toughness transfer molding tubing typical usually vacuum vinyl viscosity


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Since it was founded as Central Christian College in 1950, Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City has maintained strong ties with the Churches of Christ as a higher learning community. We are a Church of Christ university that transforms lives for Christian faith, leadership, and service.
While we recognize that a Christian college is not the church, we are a Christian community which seeks to be guided by the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in scripture. We welcome all students, regardless of their church affiliation, who agree to abide by our covenant.
As was the case when members of the Churches of Christ founded OC, there are many faith-building and spiritual opportunities that are part of campus life. The entire campus gathers for a daily chapel program at 11:00am. OC students nurture their spiritual life with Bible classes, service opportunities, mission trips, devotionals and participating in a local congregation. The university also serves the community with its annual lectureship each October.
As a higher learning community dedicated to a faith-based mission, OC seeks to unite with others in the Christian community. The following is a list of just a handful of notable Oklahoma Christian University alumni:
- Molefi Kete Asante, who attended under his birth name of Arthur Lee Smith, Jr., and went on to become the founder the first Ph.D. program in African-American Studies at UCLA.
- Sherri Coale, head coach of the University of Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team.
- Dan Branch, member of the Texas House of Representatives.
- Sam Winterbotham, an Oklahoma Christian Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers men's tennis team at the University of Tennessee.
- Silas Kisorio, a Kenyan middle distance runner who became the first person to be inducted into the Oklahoma Christian Athletic Hall of Fame while still a student.
- Andrew K. Benton, president of Pepperdine University, has been honored as an outstanding alumnus of the College of Liberal Arts.
- Darryl Tippens, provost of Pepperdine University
- James Hallmark, vice chancellor for academic affairs, Texas A&M University.
As part of this mission of unity, OC also maintains an alumni network of former students who wish to keep in touch with their classmates. This network can be found at connect.oc.edu


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Board of Advisors
Thayer School's Board was established in 1867 by Sylvanus Thayer in his original "Instrument of Gift" founding the School which now bears his name. It was Thayer's intention that the School "be under the management and control of a Board of Overseers." By agreement of the Thayer Board and Dartmouth Board of Trustees, the name of the Thayer Board of Overseers was changed to "Board of Advisors," effective March 3, 2018.
The members act on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Dartmouth College to:
- Periodically assess the School's programs in light of the future needs of society and their relationship to the other academic activities of the College.
- Review and approve, as advisory to the College's Board of Trustees, the Thayer School budget and its sources and applications of funds.
- Review the adequacy of Thayer School academic programs and faculty resources in relation to the student population it seeks to enroll.


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With the new guidance technology, receivers are able to receive signals from at least one additional satellite system besides the U.S.-developed GPS system. As a result, companies now use the generic term Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to describe them.
Although GPS continues to be the workhorse for navigation systems in the U.S., many new top-end receivers also capture signals from the Russian GLONASS satellite system. Some also are ready to work with the European Galileo system just getting off the ground.
Being able to access navigation signals from multiple satellite systems will make guidance systems more robust, with fewer dropouts along tree lines and other obstructions.
Both Topcon and Trimble have introduced new second-generation receivers for 2009. Both companies previously offered GNSS receivers, which were used primarily for land-leveling applications. Leica's mojoRTK receiver also offered GPS/GLONASS capability when introduced in 2007.
Integrated and upgradable The latest navigation systems package more components together to simplify installation, reduce costs and build in extra features that allow systems to be upgraded down the road.
Topcon's new AGI-3 receiver packages the antenna, receiver and controller in a compact package designed to be moved easily from vehicle to vehicle. The receiver, which will be used in AGCO's new Auto-Guide2 system, will automatically recognize various vehicles in AGCO's lineup, simplifying the move from vehicle to vehicle.
Trimble's new FmX display takes integration in another direction. Except for an external antenna, the display contains the necessary navigation system hardware, including two satellite receivers. The second receiver can be activated to guide an implement steering or land-leveling system.
Topcon and Trimble didn't invent this trend. To varying degrees, new products in recent years from virtually all guidance system manufacturers have packaged various components together.
Touchy-feely Satellite navigation is not the only game in town. Last fall, John Deere introduced its AutoTrac RowSense steering system, which uses a pair of steel whiskers mounted on the corn head to help refine steering on AutoTrac-steered Deere combines.
Now Reichhardt Electronic Innovations, a relative newcomer to the U.S. market, is offering a range of guidance systems using tactile, sound and mechanical sensors. The systems are designed to improve steering of sprayers, combines and other vehicles that need to cope with the challenges of using satellite guidance in the real world of planter drift.
Falling costs The cost of guidance continues to fall for both high-end and low-end systems. RTK systems that cost $50,000 a few years ago now cost half that much. In many cases, new receivers, displays and lightbars have more capabilities than in the past, but cost the same or less.
Here's a look at some of the newest guidance products and capability upgrades, including receivers, displays, lightbars and mechanical sensors.


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Vacation rentals are privately owned residential properties that property owners and managers rent to travelers on a nightly, weekly, or monthly basis. According to a study by PhoCusWright, the market for vacation rentals in the U.S. stood at $23 billion in 2012, lower than its levels prior to the recession. However, the share of online sales in vacation rentals doubled from 12% in 2007 to 24% in 2012, and this is expected to increase to 30% by 2014. [1]
The growing market for online vacation renting has fueled the rise of many start-ups. One such company, HomeAway, was founded in 2004. It brings together travelers and vacation property owners on a single platform via its website. The company generated $54 million in revenues in 2007. The figure increased over fivefold to $280 million in 2012, making HomeAway the world's largest online marketplace for vacation renting. [2]
HomeAway caters to about 15% of the U.S. and European vacation rental bookings market. Analysts estimate that the company will double its revenue to $560 million by 2016. HomeAway's diversified geographic presence, formidable inventory, vast user base and steeply rising revenues make it a potential target for acquisition by online travel giants such as Priceline (NASDAQ:PCLN). [3] We estimate that Priceline had 4.3% share of occupied hotel rooms in 2013 and currently forecast it to cross 4.7% by 2020. This could potentially reach 5% if Priceline decides to acquire HomeAway. Below we analyze how:
- Domino's Pizza Inc Leads Pizza Chain Growth Across The World
- How Does China Mobile's Wireless Business Compare With Its Peers?
- Why Has Roku Stock Outperformed?
- A Detailed Look At Why GE's Stock Has Underperformed The Market Since The Downturn
- Can Revenues For Akamai's Cloud Security Solutions Business Exceed $1 Billion By 2021?
- How Does Vale's Iron Ore And Pellet Business Compare With Its Major Peers?
1. Strong International Foothold: The acquisition of Booking.com, Agoda and TravelJigsaw has helped Priceline in expanding its international business. While Priceline's domestic (U.S.) gross bookings have more than doubled since 2007, international gross bookings have increased almost tenfold. Priceline grasped the opportunity in international markets at an early stage which helped it overtake Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) as the world's largest online travel agency by sales in 2010. Similar to Priceline, HomeAway also has a vast international footprint with presence in 171 countries across the globe. We think that significant operational efficiencies could result from Priceline's acquisition of HomeAway if both the companies share resources in international markets.
2. Huge Inventory: Priceline is strongest in Europe, where its Booking.com brand has over 45% share of bookings made through online travel agencies. Booking.com caters to about 85,000 vacation rental properties across the globe. [4] By acquiring HomeAway, Priceline would get access to the former's inventory of more than 750,000 listed vacation rental properties worldwide.
3. Good Penetration In The U.S. Market: Though Priceline overtook Expedia as the world's OTA by sales in 2010, Expedia still remains the most popular OTA in the U.S. Expedia has 43% share of U.S. gross bookings as compared to Priceline's 11% market share in 2012. [5] The U.S. online travel market is growing at the slowest pace compared to other economies such as Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Nevertheless, with estimated revenues of $151 billion in 2012, the country remains the biggest market in terms of online travel sales and will continue to be so for years to come. [6]
After gaining traction in the international markets, Priceline is striving to enhance its presence in the U.S. The company recently acquired Kayak, the leading meta-search engine in the country, and also launched the first ad campaign for its Booking.com brand. Given that HomeAway earns over 60% of its revenues from the U.S., Priceline could significantly enhance its penetration in the country's online travel market with HomeAway's acquisition. The overlap between the two companies' U.S. businesses is likely to be less since Priceline caters primarily to hotel properties while HomeAway is more focused on vacation properties.
Financial Implications Of Further Expansion Into Vacation Rentals
Vacation rental properties have fewer units to rent out as compared to hotels, which limits the booking opportunities. Also, such properties have lower average daily rates and greater credit risk than hotel properties. Thus, increasing the percentage of vacation properties in Priceline's lodging mix could weigh on the company's gross bookings growth rate as well as the profit margins. Nevertheless, the vacation rentals industry is growing at a fast pace, and acquiring HomeAway will help Priceline to enhance its presence in the space. [7]
See our complete analysis of Priceline
Understand how a company's products impact its stock price on TrefisNotes:
- The Rise of U.S. Online Vacation Rentals, PhoCusWright, October 2013 [↩]
- HomeAway 10-K Report, www.sec.gov, FY 2012 [↩]
- Priceline Seen Circling HomeAway for Listings: Real M&A, Bloomberg, December 2013 [↩]
- Second Public Offering By HomeAway Would Raise $200 Million, Rivaling Its Own IPO, Skift, December 2013 [↩]
- Priceline, Travelocity take steps to increase share, Travel Weekly, February 05, 2013 [↩]
- Online Travel Sales Explode In Latin America, eMarketer, November 20, 2012 [↩]
- Booking.com No Longer Toying With Vacation Rentals, Reaches Historic Milestone, Skift, December 07, 2013 [↩]


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Jynx Maze has that beautiful ass that makes men lose their minds. She probably manipulates a lot of guys by shaking it for them but we won't be distracted. She has a super sensitive pussy and we LOVE those around her. As soon as the cock goes in the moans start as we tear multiple, uncontrollable orgasms from her. We don't even unhook her when we're done, knowing we'll be back for more soon....
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18 U.S.C. 2257 Compliance Statement


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It's a well known fact that hairstyles have a huge impact on the geometry of the face, having the capacity to modify our facial features in a decisive way, by modifying the angles and hiding some traits while emphasizing others. Those who have long faces often feel like they have a hard time finding suitable hairstyles for their features as they find it difficult to minimize face length. Although minimizing the overall length is important it is usually not enough. For best results it is necessary to find ways to create an adequate balance be... Read More


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The Island Institute and Photography of Peter Ralston
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Becky |
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I'm up in Maine right now and this weekend and I popped into The Island Institute's Rockland headquarters and store, Archipelago. The Institute was celebrating its 30th anniversary and it was not only amazing to hear about all of the great work they've done to sustain Maine's island and remote coastal communities, but also to look at all of the amazing photographs by co-founder Peter Ralston. There was an exhibit and the entire building is filled with them, to which we were allowed rare access.
Ralston began the Island Institute with Phil Conkling in 1983 with a shoestring budget that has grown to $5 million dollars a year. Around 50 employees work hard to preserve the unique cultures of these special places, as well as help their economies, educational systems, marine management and more. I always enjoy their journal very much and if you are a fan of the coast of Maine, I recommend you join this wonderful organization and help their efforts. When you join, you get a 10% discount at their store, Archipelago, which has amazing made in Maine artwork, jewelry, pottery and other items, like gorgeous blankets from Swan Island.
Cofounder Peter Ralston is one of my favorite photographers of all time. He can capture fog, boats, still lifes, animals, landscapes, seascapes, photos of houses in such a way that they look like an Andrew Wyeth egg tempura painting … his photographs have documented Maine's islands and coastal communities for decades.
Learn more about visiting/joining The Island Institute


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Here's the recipe for my Spicy Valentine's Heart Cookies in process.
Cream the creamables. Butter and white sugar. Essentially, this is an oatmeal sugar cookie dough.
Combine the wet ingredients. Vanilla and egg. Simple, simple, simple.
Add the wet ingredients to the creamables. Mix.
Combine the dry ingredients. Don't forget to grind the oatmeal before you measure it.
Add the dry ingredients to the combined wet ingredients and creamables. Mix again.
Roll out the dough, cut out the cookies, and bake. I used two chopsticks as thickness guides. Aim for about 1/8" thick. I used a small heart cookie cutter. My blog buddy Alicia sent me this a while back. (Thanks, Alicia!)
Grind the cinnamon candy. While the cookies are baking, roughly chop/grind your cinnamon hearts or Red Hots.
Melt the chocolate and coat the cookies. Once the cookies have cooled, melt milk chocolate (or whatever chocolate you like) over a double boiler. Dip the cookies, facedown, into the chocolate.
Dip the chocolate-coated cookies into the candy topping. While the chocolate is still wet, press the cookies, facedown, into the chopped-up candy pieces. To get the chocolate to set up, place the cookies in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. Happy Valentine's Day!


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Used 2012 MAZDA MAZDA5 Van/Minivan
Used 2012
MAZDA MAZDA5 Van/Minivan
2012 MAZDA MAZDA5 Pricing
For Sale Near 20146
2012 MAZDA MAZDA5 KBB Expert Review
The Mazda5 is in a class all its own. Too small to be a minivan (by today's standards), and too large to be a wagon, the 2012 Mazda5 is built on a platform that's about the size of the first 1986 Dodge minivan. For a short time the Kia Rondo was considered a competitor, and Ford had planned to market a similar vehicle called the C-Max, but both vehicles have been cut from their respective line-ups, leaving the Mazda5 as the lone "C-Wagon" (as this size class is sometimes described) in the U.S. market. Essentially a small minivan, the 2012 Mazda5 can accommodate six adults, has sliding rear doors for easy access to the second and third rows and a center aisle to aid access to the rear when children's car seats are being used in the second row. Combine all of these features with creditable driving dynamics and a starting price under $20,000, and the Mazda5 could fill a niche. It's not an obvious choice to be compared to a Honda Odyssey, Toyota Rav4 or Volvo XC70, but you might be surprised how well it would fare on the price-value continuum based on seating, versatility and overall performance.
You'll Like This Car If...
If you need seating for six with easier third-row entry than an SUV and a smaller price tag than a minivan, the Mazda5 can fill your need. Starting under $20,000, the Mazda5 features sliding rear doors and a center aisle, making access to the third-row seats relatively easy.
You May Not Like This Car If...
If you're looking for seating for six but also want the kinds of features offered by the Chrysler Town and Country (table and swivel seats), Toyota Sienna (reclining seats with footrests) or Honda Odyssey (rear entertainment system), then you are better off moving up to a full-sized minivan, which will also offer more cargo space behind the third row.
What's New for 2012
The Mazda5 gets a new look for 2012 that gives it more style than most minivans on the market but doesn't completely disguise its wagon/minivan heritage. That may turn off some buyers who might seek a more traditional wagon shape.
Driving It
Driving Impressions
It may seem like an oxymoron to refer to a wagon/minivan as fun to drive, but the Mazda5 offers a sportier driving experience than a minivan or other "people-hauler." Considering its size and utility, the Mazda5 is surprisingly spry on the road and hugs tight to the curves during spirited driving. It's easy to forget that you're in a minivan-type vehicle because the Mazda5 drives so much like a sedan. But, for all its athletic prowess on the road, the Mazda5 has also been refined for 2012, with a more compliant suspension that allows for a little more roll on the curves but makes the ride smoother for passengers who once got jostled around by the previous model's somewhat stiffer arrangement.
Favorite Features
Exterior Style
The Mazda5's exterior style is influenced by Mazda's Nagare design philosophy that has appeared in the company's line-up for the last few years. Notably, the side body panels feature striking molded swoops that give the Mazda5 a definitive style that turns heads in the parking lot and on the road.
Nooks and Cubbies
The Mazda5 features many inventive places to stow items. The second-row bucket-seat bottoms can be lifted up to reveal storage boxes for safely stashing valuables out of view of prying eyes. There is also a surprisingly large and deep glovebox with a molded ledge above that can hold electronic devices, and a convenient cubby just above the power and auxiliary outlets is the perfect size for a cell phone or MP3 player.
Vehicle Details
The Mazda 5's interior can be summed up in one word: Functional. With seating for six, flat-folding seats and plenty of cubbies for gadgets and storage, the 2012 Mazda5 is a "mini-minivan" without the higher price tag. Granted, to keep costs low there is no navigation option, rear DVD system or a lot of gimmicky features for the kids, but the Mazda5 gets the job done as a family hauler that can easily be converted to move a lot of cargo. Cloth seats are offered on the Sport. Touring models get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob and the Grand Touring version has heated leather seats. All seating positions can comfortably hold adults, although the third row doesn't offer the bolstering and support that the second-row captain's chairs do. Overall, the fit and finish of the Mazda5's interior is pretty nice, featuring high-grade plastics and soft touches throughout the cabin.
The Mazda5 looks like a small minivan. It might not be everyone's idea of a great-looking ride, but the stylish molded side swipes and the way the car handles can easily sway many anti-minivan types. The front of the Mazda5 resembles that of the Mazda3, while the flanks are unlike anything else you will find on the market today. Molded ridges sweep back across the car like ripples in a pond, and the effect looks very nice in all colors. Highly functional sliding rear doors and a rounded rear hatch complete the tasteful if small exterior package that disguises the spacious interior.
Notable Standard Equipment
The 2012 Mazda MAZDA5's base Sport trim comes with a choice of a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, power accessories, cruise control and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with an auxiliary input jack (no USB port is offered). Safety features include six airbags, dynamic stability and traction control systems and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.
Notable Optional Equipment
Opting for the mid-level Touring trim gives you fog lamps, spoiler, Bluetooth connectivity, trip computer and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Moving to the up-level Grand Touring trim adds HID headlights, power moonroof, driver's-seat adjustable lumbar support, heated leather seats and a six-disc in-dash AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio and auxiliary input jack. Available packages include the CD changer for the Sport and Touring trims, a Moonroof and Audio Package for the Touring trim and Mazda's HomeLink system.
Under the Hood
The 2012 Mazda5 comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. It can be matched with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. The Mazda5 is the only minivan-like vehicle that can be equipped with a manual transmission, giving those who want to shift for themselves an appealing option in the family-hauler arena.
2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder
157 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
163 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 (manual), 21/28 (automatic)
Pricing Notes
A 2012 Mazda5 Sport (the entry-level model) with a manual transmission has a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) under $20,000. Opting for the automatic transmission adds about $1,000. The higher Touring trim level starts at about $22,000 and a fully-loaded Grand Touring can reach $26,000. Be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what consumers are typically paying for the Mazda5 in your area. The Mazda5 doesn't have any direct competitors in the U.S. market, but consumers might cross-shop it with both full-size minivans and three-row crossovers and, of course, compact station wagons. As for resale value, we expect the Mazda5 to hold its value well over a five-year period, surpassing the Nissan Quest and Mitsubishi Outlander, but falling short of the projected value of the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Rav4.
MAZDA MAZDA5 Consumer Reviews
October 30, 2018
Best all around small van with good handling
Very reliable and great fun car to drive. Seating options are great with up to 6 seats......the main reason I selected this car over...
April 06, 2017
Its been a great car for us
This is a car for a family with small children. The 3rd row is too small for older kids.
Touring and town driver
November 27, 2016
Great driving in this Grand Touring model.
I've owned this car almost a year and a half and have driven it under all conditions from urban traffic to turnpike cruising. It's...
September 16, 2016
Practical Family In town Car
We have owned this car (Touring model) for 4 years and do about 20000 miles a year shuttling kids about town. (We also own an Odyssey...
September 14, 2015
Love my Mazda5
Seating for 6 (back 2 seats more comfortable for children or smaller adults), but drives like a car. Good gas mileage (24 average)....
June 25, 2015
Zippy but fucntional
We bought this 4 years back and have had no issues. To this day, it still drives like new. We just replaced the tires at 46K miles which...
March 17, 2015
A bit boring but an excellent car
Really good value for money. As far as minivans go, this one's the only one I would consider. Easy to forget that it's so big since it...
March 07, 2015
Great car, but poor collision results
This really is an excellent vehicle - good on gas, no problems at all, nice ride, excellent handling in emergency situation and very...
September 27, 2014
A sports wagon in a minivan costume.
This car is Mazda's best kept secret. I planned to buy a Mazda CX-5 until I drove the Mazda 5. It handles like my Audi wagon did and is...
September 12, 2014
a quite good balance between price and functions
I with my wife and two kids, 15 and 13, traveled around California, Oregon and Washington. Our Mazda 5 is fun to drive and very quiet....
2012 MAZDA MAZDA5 Specs
Fuel Economy
Seating Capacity
Cargo/Interior Space
Basic Warranty
2012 MAZDA MAZDA5 Safety Ratings
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