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Approximately fifty people gathered last night at La Alma Park to protest against police aggression. This is the latest in a string of anti-brutality rallies in recent months, though this march focused predominantly on the death of Kevin Ryberg, who was shot by police while in custody on July 31, and on political activist Amelia Nicol, who faced trial yesterday after months in prison.
Eric Verlo, a member of Occupy Colorado Springs, said the group organized the event to show solidarity and prove that citizens are not intimidated by the police.
"When you've got a police department like this that acts very heavy-handed, it deters a lot of people," Verlo said. "It scares a lot of people away. So it's about showing that we're not afraid and other people shouldn't be."
Protesters carried signs remarking on police corruption, greed and the Occupy Wall Street movement. The rally began on 13th and Mariposa and ended at Civic Center Park, where the protesters dispersed. Police officers followed the march on bicycles, while other officers wearing riot gear surrounded the area in squad cars. According to the Denver Police Department, officers arrested three protesters for misdemeanor jaywalking charges during the event. Continue for more photos. Continue for more photos. Continue for more photos. More from our Politics archive: "Occupy Denver's May Day protest ends with three arrests for obstruction, public fighting."
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Timeline: The Year in Islamophobia
Mother Jones has an excellent time line on Islamophobia in 2010 that is worth checking out. The above picture also doubles as the picture of the year.
— By Tim Murphy| Thu Dec. 30, 2010 11:00 AM PST
It's never a good sign when you find yourself longing for the halcyon days of George W. Bush. But after a year in which right-wing activists and politicians identified America's greatest threats as mosques and infants, you could be forgiven for feeling a bit nostalgic for the man who responded to the 9/11 attacks by emphasizing that "Islam is a religion of peace."
So, is America Islamophobic? It depends. For the overwhelming majority of Muslims, America's still a pretty sweet place to work and pray (just watch out for these fellas). And as conservatives like Jeff Jacoby are quick to point out, when it comes to reported hate crimes, Jewish Americans still have it worse. Much, much worse. But withprecious few exceptions, anti-Semitism is confined to the paranoid fringe; you'd never see a slew of presidential candidates line up to, say, protest the construction of a synogogue.
2010 was the year Islamic fearmongering officially went mainstream. Here's a quick look back at how the heck it happened. Enjoy.
The Year in Islamophobia Timeline

subset: commoncrawl


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Inside Commercial Constructions MVPs Amazon Reviews
If you're in the construction industry, and if you're looking to fast-track your career, this is the book to read. Discover what people are saying about Coty Fournier's book: Inside Commercial Constructions MVPs.
Here are what people are saying on Amazon:
By Amazon Customer
This book should be read by anyone who is entering the construction industry.
By John J. Wayte
This was a delight to read. It is an easy read with such an insightful view of the commercial construction industry. Such knowledge needs to be shared. Thank you Coty. Highly recommended.
By Max
If you are interested in elevating your construction career this is a must have tool. The lessons learned included in this book will add value to everything you do! I have given it as a gift to any young rising star I come across.
By Craig Noble
This book is a fast read with worthwhile behind the scenes material from a been-there-done-that high-level commercial construction manager. As a 20-year industry veteran myself, I recognize the wisdom and I recommend this book equally to students considering the industry, recent grads scoping out their career path ahead, and long-timers looking for the elusive differences to help get them into the upper echelon of commercial construction players. Pay particular attention to CLF's ability to paint the picture of 'all the players on the court'. Her never-written-about-until-now vantage point, along with her additional insights about how all the players (MVP and non-MVP) THINK are the real career gold here for the taking.
Read more Inside Commercial Constructions MVPs Amazon reviews


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5 Different Types of Pantry Organizers
Having a pantry is great, but keeping it organized can be really tough, and that is why many of us need to invest in pantry organizers. Depending on the type of pantry you have, you may need to consider different ways to keep your pantry clutter free. Here are 5 different types of pantry organizers for you to consider when you need to arrange your pantry.
Turntables and Lazy Susan's
A turntable is a great organizer especially when the pantry shelf is higher up and you have trouble seeing what you have. Lazy Siusan's are an easy way to store away items because they normally are easily accessible and will offer more storage. These types of organizers are great for pantry shelves that are in high and lower areas of your kitchen.
Wire Organizers
A great way to keep a pantry organized, especially if it is fairly large, is with a wire organizer that offers wire shelving. Lazy Susan's can be expensive when you need them for a large space, but wire is a lot cheaper and just as effective. Wire can also be hung on the pantry door if needed, in order to hang up smaller and lighter items such as a tin foil box or garbage bags. There are also wire organizers that you can put together yourself to form a free standing shelf where you are able to place your larger items in.
Free Standing Pantry
A free standing pantry is a large cabinet that is not attached to anything and can be put in a corner or against a wall. They offer more storage when needed and normally have a lot of shelving space and are very tall to offer more room for items.
Pull Out Drawers
Pull out drawers can either be added to your pantry or can be purchased in a pantry organizer fitting. These type of organizers are normally tall and free standing but instead of only having shelves, they have pull out drawers for you to put your items in.
Custom Fit Shelving
If you have a large walk-in pantry you probably want shelving to keep it organized and even off the floor. There are different types of shelving such as wood, metal and wire that you are able to use as a free standing unit or a sturdy wall mounted shelving unit. If you have the room you can also use both to accommodate everything you have in your pantry.


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Do you have a car? That's almost a silly question to ask these days since people start driving when they're 15 or 16 years old. Many people drive to school, many people drive to school and to work after school. Many people can only afford to feed themselves, and their car.
Well, there's a way to reduce some costs on fuel, and potential engine damage. There are many companies that manufacture engine flush liquids, and oil enhancers. I know of one, but just to make sure I don't make this sound like I'm trying to sell, I'll keep the name to myself and will release it to anyone who is interested, and contacts me.
These oils are designed to do something that your regular oil does not do. Some of them serve a purpose to dissolve the carbons and build-ups in your oil pan and flush them right out of your car's system. Others are designed to lubricate the metal in the engine to reduce friction and maximize efficiency. Here's something interesting for you: regular oil only lubricates the engine parts enough to withstand about 30 pounds of pressure. Any more than that, and the engine stalls, possibly never to start again.
Here's the importance of those two key oils: the build-ups in your oil contaminate the oil, therefore contaminating the engine. The more build-ups in the oil, the less lubrication it allows your oil to provide. This is the reason why you need to change your oil every so often. But changing your oil still leaves build-ups in the oil pan and the engine. So your oil change was, to an extent, ineffective. This will dramatically decrease your car's performance, efficiency, and it will increase emissions. Eventually your engine will wear out because the oil is not performing to the standards that the engine is built for. This is why you might want to add an oil enhancer or a metal conditioner next time you change your oil.
The purpose of a metal conditioner, or an oil enhancer, is to give the oil more lubricating abilities. The more lubrication, the less friction. Try this: rub your palms against one another, while applying some pressure. Increase the vigor with which your rub your palms. Feel anything? Your palms should produce heat, and it should be harder for you to rub your palms as you apply more pressure. Now put a little bit of vegetable oil into your palm, and try the exercise again. See the difference? This is what metal conditioner does to your engine. It gives the oil more lubrication, and lets the engine run with less effort. This gives your car better performance, efficiency, and it reduces emissions! How does it do that? Well, the pistons cope with some friction when functioning. But the less lubrication there is, the less power your engine will have to offer. It will use some of that power to keep the cylinders rotating. The less effort it needs to keep the engine running, the more power you'll have to play with. And with that, you'll need less fuel to keep the engine running too! And we can all agree that the less fuel a car uses, the less emissions it produces.
Here's a tip: Next time you change your oil, try finding an engine flush liquid that will do its thing, and an oil enhancer that will do its thing. Pour some flush liquid into your engine oil and let the car run on idle for about ten minutes. Then flush the oil, add new oil, and to that oil, add a specific amount of metal conditioner that will add more lubrication to the engine.


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The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is used as part of the application process to most graduate school programs. The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is specifically required for admission to most business schools' Masters in Business Administration programs. According to the Princeton Review, more and more business schools are accepting both the GRE and GMAT for admission. Taking the GRE typically costs more than the GMAT and both scores are valid for five years. If you are applying to business school, check that all your schools accept the GRE or plan to take both tests.
GRE Test Structure
The GRE takes about three hours and 45 minutes to complete. It measures three main subjects: analytical writing, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning. Analytical writing features two essays and there are two sections each of verbal and quantitative reasoning.
GMAT Test Structure
The GMAT takes approximately three hours and 30 minutes to complete. It consists of four timed sections: analysis of an argument, integrated reasoning, quantitative and verbal. The analytical writing section features only one essay. A substantial difference between the GRE and GMAT structure is the integrated reasoning section. This GMAT section gauges your ability to analyze, evaluate and interpret texts and graphs in a business-related format.
Content Differences
In general, the material on the GMAT and GRE is similar, yet there are still some differences. According to Dan Gonzales, managing director of Manhattan GRE, the GRE focuses on vocabulary and definitions more than the GMAT. The GMAT pays more attention to logic, reasoning skills and grammar. The GRE math section focuses on data interpretation and real-life scenarios, while the GMAT is more traditional, with an emphasis on word problems. There is greater emphasis on geometry in the GRE.
Question Differences
The GMAT features questions in the math section in which the test-taker must determine if there is sufficient information to solve the problem; this type of question is not on the GRE. In the verbal section, the GMAT features sentence correction problems in which you must correct grammatical errors, while the GRE does not feature this style of question.


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AceShowbiz - "The Big Bang Theory" will mark its milestone with an episode different from previous outings. In the 100th episode which is set to air January 19, 2012, the cast and the crew will do something that's never done before by going back to the pilot.
"We wanted to go back to the relationship which started the series, which was Leonard's attraction to Penny and it was a sweetness to it and it's where we started and it felt like we'd come full circle on the 100th and explore it again," co-creator/executive producer Chuck Lorre said at an event celebrating the 100th episode in Los Angeles.
Lorre admitted that the installment is "a little risky." Meanwhile, another executive producer Steve Molaro explained to The Hollywood Reporter that the episode will "be exploring Leonard and Penny's relationship and where they've been and the possibilities of where they can go in the future."
Mayim Bialik who plays Amy calls the outing a "really quirky episode" that is "breaking the format and breaking a little of our standard format." She reasoned, "It's a little bit different and they're mixing it up a little bit."
Agreeing that the episode is different than any other outings, Kaley Cuoco said, "This 100th episode is a real departure for us creatively." The episode may take fans to think a bit when watching it as the Penny depicter gushed, "It's kind of a brain-teaser a bit; you don't know what's going on until then end. The end comes and then you realize it all makes sense."
Calling it an homage to the pilot, Simon Helberg had other words to describe the said episode. "It is its own thing; it's a simple story that's not quite what it seems with some twists and turns in it," the actor who plays Howard elaborated. "It's like how little we've traveled in five years and how slow the growth is for these guys but still how interesting they are to watch."
To give more hint, the official synopsis to the 100th episode titled "The Recombination Hypothesis" states, "Everything might change when Leonard offers Penny a spur of the moment invitation to a romantic dinner for two."


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Amy Lonetree
Decolonizing Museums
Representing Native America in National and Tribal Museums
University of North Carolina Press 2012
New Books in American StudiesNew Books in Native American StudiesNew Books in Peoples & PlacesNew Books in Politics & SocietyNew Books in Public PolicyNew Books Network November 20, 2012 Andrew Epstein
"Museums can be very painful sites for Native peoples," writes Amy Lonetree, associate professor of history at UC-Santa Cruz and a citizen of the Ho Chunk Nation, "as they are intimately tied to the colonization process."
Such a contention appears incongruous to most; museums are supposed to be places of wonder and learning, after all, pillars of our democratic culture. But consider the history. From the wholesale plunder of cultural artifacts and human remains — "If you desecrate a white grave, you wind up in prison," Walter Eco-Hawk puts it, "but desecrate an Indian grave, and you get a Ph.D." — to racist representations of disappearance and primitivity, museums are deeply implicated in colonialism.
Yet as Lonetree powerfully proposes in Decolonizing Museums: Representing Native America in National and Tribal Museums (University of North Carolina Press, 2012), it doesn't need to be that way. Assessing new efforts of collaboration, accountability, and control at Mille Lacs Indian Museum, The National Museum of the American Indian, and The Ziibiwing Center of Anishinaabe Culture & Lifeways, Lonetree lays out a path toward decolonization, putting these once aloof institutions to the task of sovereignty, survivance, and the telling of hard truths. This work is not only politically vital, but ultimately makes for a better museum.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 1:09:19 — 31.7MB)
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The certificate is given describing the merit and the logo can be displayed on their advertisements and directory in www.webexpressguide.com.
The certificates are awarded on receiving recommendations at email@example.com or even written recommendations to the advertisers and forwarded to the editor. This is not to say that other advertiser are not as good, the recommendation is something additional given by users. So please tell us if you are happy about the services you received.
As you can see, we have been pretty busy with this edition and there is not a lot more that I can tell you apart from the fact that we have increased our distribution yet again and we have re-started our Diners' Club for the benefit of advertisers. Anyone can apply to the editor but restaurateurs and other media may not be permitted to join for obvious reasons.
I hope you will enjoy this new edition, there is lots to read and see.
When you contact an advertiser please remember to let them know you have seen their advert in W


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Ibrahim Mai Riga (alias Kawulala), the 30 year old man who trekked from Taraba to Borno state to show appreciation to the Nigerian military over their efforts at liberating captured territories from Boko Haram, has been awarded for his effort. Riga received a traditional title as well as a Peugeot 406 car and N250,000 from the Borno state government
The government said they were rewarding him for his efforts at encouraging other fleeing residents of the state to come back home. Riga trekked for 11 days and covered a distance of over 800km
He was received in Maiduguri by the GOC 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Lamidi Adeosun, in company of other officers and soldiers on Monday May 18th.
General Lamidi Adeosun said he personally received Kawulala in order to identify with his feat. Riga also visited the emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammadu Idrissa Timta, who bestowed the title of 'Sarkin Tafiya' (Master Trekker) on him
"We are proud of you because your trek is symbolic and opens the way for our people that fled to various locations within Nigeria and neighbouring countries to return," the emir said.
Borno state Deputy governor, Zannah Umar Mustapha also granted Riga audience in his office and presented him with a 406 Peugeot car and N250,000.
|Posted: (5 years ago) at


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Freewell Phantom 4 Pro/Pro Plus/Advanced E Series 4 Pack Filter Set
- High-end optical glass for HD Video
- Remarkably lightweight for zero-effect on gimbal
- Essential standard day pack include ND4 , ND8, CPL, UV
- Made to be used with Phantom 4 Pro/ Pro+/Advance
- Easy grip on filter to screw on camera lens
- Life-time warranty
The Phantom 4 Pro/Pro+ 4-Pack from Freewell is designed for professionals looking to get the most out of standard daytime filming experience. This pack offers 4 essential diverse filters (CPL/UV/ND4/ND8) along with a free lens cleaner and protective case. These filters are designed by Freewell to give professional drone flyers an ideal solution for filming in cloudy , Partly cloudy daylight conditions. The UV filter is best for preventing the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays from entering the lens while the CPL (Circular Polarized Lens) filter helps to remove unwanted reflections from natural surfaces. The ND4 and ND8 filters are useful for cutting light entering the sensor and removes 'jello' effect. These filters allow you to get sharp and crystal-clear images in normally sunny to cloudy daytime lighting.
The Freewell Phantom 4 Pro/Pro+ 4-Pack Essential contains:
- Freewell ND4 (4 Grams) – This filter helps to cut light by 2 f-stops. This reduces the camera's normally 'jello'-like effect usually seen due to its rolling shutter. It helps to reduce the amount of light hitting the sensor and helps to smooth out the blurry footage.
- Freewell ND8 (4 Grams) – This filter cuts light entering the lens by 3 f-stops. This causes the camera's shutter speed to slow down and give a natural-looking blur effect. These filters are best for using while filming on partial cloudy day's.
- Freewell UV filter (4 Grams) – This filter is designed to prevent the sun's UV (ultraviolet) rays from entering the lens and give clearer and sharper images. This works to reduce hazy pictures as well as offers extra protection to the lens from dust, dirt and scratches.
- Freewell CP filter (6 Grams) – This filter is made to remove the unwanted glare from naturally reflective surfaces while filming outdoors, especially in bright sunny conditions. This filter will stop the reflection from water and windows to give a better colored and contrast image.
- Freewell Lens cleaner – This comes included in the pack. It ensures that you get the best footage while keeping your lens clean and clear. It effectively removes dirt, dust, oil marks, fingerprints, etc.
The Phantom 4 Pro & Phantom 4 Pro Plus 4-Pack Essential from Freewell is most-suited for professional drone flyers for standard day shooting need. It offers you solution for sharp and HD footage/Videos while filming.


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Sunday, 10 July 2011
Human Origins, EMVs and E.T.-Life - Mark Snider interviews James Horak on Ohio Exopolitics Radio
The true human heritage and history is revealed for the first time by James Horak. Six extinctions have already resulted from our mental and moral decline. Only once has a culture survived and they are still on Earth, hidden in Antarctica. Humanities present path is heading for the seventh and last extinction if we can not turn around. Los Alamos, Nebraska, Fukushima - the depopulation of this planet by our narcissistic elite has begun.
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12 comments:
- Anonymous12 July 2011 at 00:41
James, That interview has me depressed. As the PTwTB turn on us and spiral this thing into the ground, the EMVs leave and we get to be crispy critters. Being awake to this reality doesn't make it easy to get through the day. What can we do to turn the tide? Most people I know will never wake up in time...ReplyDelete
- James Horak12 July 2011 at 01:45
There are some, Anon, and it doesn't take any majority...even close to a minority. The issue will fall on the captains and lieutenants of tptb. If enough of them realize the world envisioned by their bosses will not be tenable to them anymore than us. It's up to them if they want to facilitate this monstrosity.ReplyDelete
Either way this in not the end. Your spirit is immortal and will live on in a wondrous place. JCH
- Anonymous18 July 2011 at 03:42
No smoking gun, no wisdom for the rest of us, no understanding of the greater picture, yet all of the burden. No thanks.ReplyDelete
- James Horak18 July 2011 at 05:31
There is no simplistic all-resolving solution to anything...nothing that puts simplistic thought to rest in its anticipation of being relieved of complexity. Truth never saves one from themselves, just challenges complacency. Open your mouth and take the wafer...for another 2,000 years. You don't seem to be ready for anything better. JCHReplyDelete
- Anonymous18 July 2011 at 13:45
Not asking for simplistic solutions, just a larger perspective that will allow me to participate in whatever is really going on. It sucks being non-complacent in complete darkness. Just assume I do as much as you to create change, moral outrage, whatever you wish to promote. Simplicity is much more complex. You still have a few things to learn, Sir.ReplyDelete
You would not be in "complete darkness" had you eyes to see. I am showing you the scale of a cosmology offering hope and design, not to fear and cringe from (as the NWO would have you believe,) and you whimper like a scolded child. Yes, I have a lot to learn from that. JCHReplyDelete
- Anonymous10 September 2011 at 00:15
May I ask if the cosmic wave Dr Paul Laviolette talks about is on it's way from the galatic centre and if it is going to have a positive affect on the earth/humanity? Also is our planet hollow and is it expanding? Are our bodies changing into a more crystaline based body rather than present carbon based?ReplyDelete
- James Horak10 September 2011 at 03:51
Cavities exist, some vast, in the earth. However, it has no central massive hollow cavity such as does the moon. Changes are constant and people, as does the earth, adjust to them. The scale of stress being applied throughout the world today will yield a far greater genetic adaptation of otherwise dormant (genotypic)traits to express as phenotypic (actual.) This has always been so in upheaval just as there are survivors of even virulent smallpox and bubonic plague. Even that which has been engineered to be "weapon grade". Since this is possible, don't doubt other attributes might be as well. Even to the extent of an almost New Man. We await eagerly to see. JCHReplyDelete
- Anonymous15 September 2011 at 09:41
Hello James i wanna thank you for what you have done for Humanity, i now that is a strange way.ReplyDelete
Most of the time i feel and think what iam doing here, it makes no sense to live on a Planet together whith so much Violence and stupidity.
But now i know why im here,after so much Years.
thanks and love from the Heart
- James Horak15 September 2011 at 14:34
Kurt, just know that whatever happens here is not the end. That the wonders of the Universe lay before you. Things have gone terribly wrong here and those that have managed well and have done what they could to alleviate the pain and suffering for others are far more remarkable than those that have lived elsewhere and not had these tasks applied to themselves to such extent. JCHReplyDelete
- Anonymous17 September 2011 at 14:44
Thank you for these warm and heartily words James.ReplyDelete
Till my last days on this beautiful Planet,i belive we make it.
This comes from my deepest feeling that i have for all living Beings on and in and off Mother Earth
whith utmost respect for you.
sincerly Kurt
PS. sorry for my bad Englisch
i live in Germany have not to much Practice hope i could express myself correct.
- Anonymous18 September 2011 at 11:42
Dear James i have only one Question.ReplyDelete
Is there an fixpoint for the final Desicion that you have to make.
If it isnt possible for you to answer that it is ok.
I understand why.
thank you for all Kurt.


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As the fourth baby, there's not many firsts for baby Zachary. I'm pretty determined to make sure I note those few and far between firsts, just so he can have some claims to fame. 🙂
This is regarding my pregnancy with him and my labor/his birth. {Don't worry, it's pretty mild, not much gory detail, but it is birth related, so if that's not your thing… just be warned} It may also have to double as his mini-birth-story because I'm not sure at this point if I'm going to get an actual birth story written up. And everytime I start writing it on paper I feel like it's something just for me at this point, maybe later I'll be ready to share it in more detail.
1. He's the first baby we found out we were expecting while we were in Georgia. Along the same theme, we were also able to tell Jared's family in person (at least I was, technically Jared was able to tell them about Katherine, but I wasn't there for it……) And finally we were able to tell him family first out of everyone else (which hasn't happened… I don't think).
2. I didn't go to the hospital even one extra time for baby Z before he was born. No bleeding where I went, no going in early for labor and having to leave, nothing!
3. While I didn't go for baby Z, I did go in for myself to have a surgery (with no general anesthesia). I've never had a surgery while pregnant (before him). Since this wasn't baby related, maybe I shouldn't include it, but details, details…
4. He was my first pregnancy where I tested positive for GroupB Strep. Which meant that it was the first time I had antibiotics given during labor…. I was told the first dose would take about 30 minutes. Two hours later it was finally done and I was able to go walking the halls (I hadn't want to drag the IV pole, which is why I hadn't gone earlier.) But I was able to use the birth ball and that worked really well for me, so all was good. (Unrelated to GBS, I also told the midwives I wouldn't be doing an early glucose test just because I had had a previous baby that was over 9lbs. It was the first time I've told them "no" #powertothepregnantladies)
5. This was my first natural birth, so it was the first time for all the things that go with that. No drugs, walking around as much as I wanted, getting into the hot tub, pushing while on all fours, being able to feel everything. If I had to describe it in one word: intense. Not necessarily painful (although right there at the end it was, it really was), but just really, really, intense. I felt that I handled it well though. I was at least able to maintain control of myself (although, there may have been some screaming and yelling as he was crowning… I don't know…). He was the longest labor of my boys about 13 hours start to finish, just about 2-3 hours of more "active" labor and only the last little while was really "hard". No tearing or stitches or any complications of any kind (yay!).This all happened in our hospital's alternative birthing center which was really nice.
6. He weighed the most of any of my kids (10lbs even). This isn't a first I guess, more of a "ranking"… and I suppose it could be subject to change if we were to have any more children. 🙂 I was also told a few weeks later that his head measured 14" (I understand that "average" is around 12″) I don't remember what the other kids' were, but I'm going to assume he had the biggest head too!
7.His birth resulted in my shortest hospital stay. Less than 24 hours. That was mainly due to the fact that he was admitted to NICU (unfortunately he wasn't able to hold that title of "first" as John also went) and I didn't want to stay in my room if I couldn't be near him. But I also think that was only possible because I didn't have an epidural or anything else during labor. I felt great, considering I had just given birth.
I'm sure there will be more firsts for him, I know of at least one already, so I'm sure there will be another write up at some point in the future. 🙂
(NICU stay ended with no problems, and he's been home now doing great since the beginning of November.)
Linking with Kelly for 7QT


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Whatever Happened to Indie Rock?
As the recent Lawrence Field Day Festival illustrates, indie rock may be artistically benefiting from an increasingly marginalized status in the music world.
"Without even the slightest hope of a thousand sales….
The band went in and knocked 'em dead in 2 minutes, 59".
"Hitsville U.K." The Clash (1981)
In many ways Lawrence, Kansas offers an ideal case study to gauge the state of contemporary indie rock. Too small to be the site of -- or accommodated by -- large record companies and festivals, the college town the locals call LFK is not so small to not have its own infrastructure of indie bands, labels, media, studios, and venues. As a result, the indie aesthetic there has the autonomy to flourish on its own creative terms, without either internal or external pressures or expectations.
With a population of 90,000, a third of which attends the University of Kansas, LFK has a built-in demographic with music tastes that often lean towards independence and innovation. These predilections are fostered by the engaged student-run radio station, KJHK, and are rooted in a tradition of outsider music and art that dates back generations and boasts such former landmarks as The Outhouse, a "shithouse" venue that served as a notable stop on the underground highway of hardcore punk in the mid-to-late '80s. With a pedigree for alternative culture and the advantage of being ideally located for bands traveling between Chicago and Denver, Lawrence has long been renowned as a welcoming host for indie musicians, whether home-based or just visiting.
Over 100 of these local and regional indie acts recently came together to participate in the 6th annual Lawrence Field Day Festival (hereafter LFDF). Spanning three days and hosted by eight local venues, the LFDF is a celebration of the independent character of local cultural expression. Held when most of the college kids are home on vacation, it is, to borrow from Frank Costanza, "a festivus for the rest of us." Or, as chief organizer Cameron Hawk puts it, "a time for when LFK townies can enjoy the things that make their community great."
Reflecting an indie rock trait some see as dissipating in recent years, Hawk regards the festival as an "art for art's sake" project, one promoting local pride in local music over any global or business ambitions. "It's obviously not the point of LFDF to be some sort of national platform," he explains. Instead, the LFDF provides a local and regional platform, one where bands considered unworthy or unwelcome on the stages of big city festivals are given the opportunity to perform for audiences that span the breadth of local fan bases. This objective, one that promotes artistic over remunerative pursuits, community over personal identity, and autonomy over corporate business directives, takes us back to the very foundations and motivations of early indie rock.
A starting point for this mission and history is 1977 in Manchester, when The Buzzcocks bypassed London's corporate oligarchy by producing and distributing their debut "Spiral Scratch" EP on their own New Hormones label. After three hours of recording and two hours of mixing, the band paid £500 for 1,000 copies. The rest, as they say, is history.
That history actually consists of multiple histories, depending on the country and on how one defines that malleable term "indie rock". Is it a genre? Is it an attitude? Does it describe a business or behavioral model? Does it speak to the type of company that produces and/or distributes the product Initially, in the UK, indie spoke to the latter, and New Hormones soon begot Rough Trade, Factory, Mute, Small Wonder, and a thousand-plus more labels, many of which were content to release a single or two before shutting up shop, never to be seen again. During the period between the late '70s and early '80s innumerable bands on indie labels re-chiseled the punk template in their own ways, all conveniently categorized under such catch-all terms as "post-punk" or "alternative" music. Rock has never seen such ambition in scope and daring in invention, such that John Peel, then the only radio DJ that would play indie records, often referred to this period as the greatest in the history of popular music. If punk had shown that anyone could play in a band, the birth of indie showed that anyone could make a record, too.
Most indie acts were content to remain in a cottage industry in the early years, usually laboring in obscurity for little reward other than the satisfaction of having produced art on their own terms, perhaps having their records played on Peel's show or landing a "session" in his BBC studio. By the mid-'80s the US took note, bringing indie to new levels of popularity thanks to a burgeoning college radio network that allowed student DJs to select what went on the air; they often chose the more acclaimed British indie acts (The Cure, The Smiths), alongside some of their own home-grown ones (REM, The Replacements, Violent Femmes). Soon the term "indie" morphed from a description of a record label into a general genre of music, one largely characterized by chiming guitars, idiosyncratic vocals, and an irreverent attitude. This "left-of-the-dial" insurgency took in bands signed to majors, too (The Clash, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Jesus and Mary Chain), but that didn't seem to matter; the music was still deemed indie.
Indie shed its last skins of identity as a purely DIY or underground phenomenon in the early '90s -- on both sides of the pond -- when, first, Sub Pop brought grunge to the indie-ignorant masses, and then Britpop graced Top of the Pops with its slick, catchy anthems and the tabloid press with its manufactured melodramas (Oasis Vs. Blur!). If indie was now neither a genre of music nor working within an indie business model (most of the flourishing indie labels were being distributed by majors by this point), what was indie? What had it become?
Going into the next century the term "indie rock" seemed as meaningless as "alternative rock" had a decade prior. Last gasps, such as the lo-fi recordings of Guided by Voices or the Elephant 6 bands, arrived as intermittent nostalgic flashbacks to a bygone era as the indie rock of Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie (in the US) and Franz Ferdinand and the Arctic Monkeys (in the UK) sat comfortably on the charts alongside the mainstream popular music of the day. By the end of the "noughties" we had an "indie landfill" of what Simon Reynolds describes as "drearily adequate" music.
Fast forward to 2017 and we no longer have a chart littered with so-called indie rock, even though some of the pop, EDM, and hip-hop on there is released on indie labels. What has been lost, according to Reynolds and others, is the essence and sound that were indie, that independent personality and "defiant amateurishness" that once defined the form. But is this a lost aesthetic, or has "real" indie just left the stadiums, returning to the shadows beyond the reach of an indie industry now synonymous with the mainstream? Experiencing the LFDF in July left me wondering about some of the complaints and concerns that have befallen indie in recent years; my main response to them is that what the professional critics are referring to as "indie" is categorically different than what I had witnessed on the stages of LFK. Might we now be entering a twilight zone of parallel but unrelated indie universes?
Dorian Lynskey of The Guardian refers to "Indie Rock's Slow and Painful Death" due to declining sales and loss of mainstream relevance. He waxes sentimentally about the Britpop heyday when Oasis and Blur ruled the UK charts. But besides being on indie labels, what did these bands have to do with the traditions of indie? "Wonderwall" and "Country House" had their appeals as pop songs, but they played within well-worn musical formulas that were anathema to the innovative post-punk and C86 artists that resided solely on the independent charts. Most of the bands at the LFDF will never have a hit song; indeed, many will never make a record or CD nor release music beyond their Bandcamp sites.
But what most will have done is undergo a process of adventure during their (likely) short life as a band; they will have taken risks in their songwriting, made brilliant mistakes in engineering their sounds, and played intimate, emotional shows as if their lives depended on it. To see a band like LFK's Psychic Heat right now is to experience the pleasures of such performances. Their soaring, improvised investigations of the sonic possibilities of guitar rock, coupled with a stage presence oozing pride and joy, is to see a band reveling in the risk-taking ambitions of indie music-making rather than the ambitions of commercial success.
"Where have all the Indie Rock Bands Gone?" asks David Sackllah of Consequences of Sound. Rock festivals have replaced them all with superstar divas, DJs, and rappers, he grumbles. But what festivals is he referring to? Personally, I would much rather see and hear -- up close -- the heart-wrenching soul-folk of Heidi Gluck, the understated melodic ballads of Toughies, and the wry power pop of Jon Harrison and the Harrisonics -- as I did at the LFDF -- than suffer the same old histrionic egotists preaching dull clichés to the choir at Bonnaroo and Coachella. The true sites/sights of indie rock are not huge, impersonal corporate rock festivals, but dingy bars where intense kids express anger, snark, sadness, eccentricity, or whatever other natural urges and feelings their music bespeaks. Seeing and hearing Springfield, Missouri's punk-metal wits Gigantic explode with sweaty, vein-popping intensity for 20 minutes from the stage-less basement of LFK's Tap Room in front of six or seven transfixed attendees is an experience I will not soon forget. Where have all the indie bands gone? Hopefully, for lovers of indie aesthetics, it's back to indie land.
Zachary Lipez regards recent indie rock as lacking the rebel instinct it once proudly radiated. In "The New Solipsism: What the Fuck Happened to Indie Rock?" he drolly explains: "Rock music used to have the decency to be about doing too much coke or banging groupies while complementing itself on its own sensitivity; now it's about maintaining your lawn." Although I'm sure Zach can find sufficient songs out there about coke and groupies, his underlying argument that indie rock no long has anything to say is a common one. Both lyrics and music have become too safe, too content, too self-absorbed, and too middle class, Lipez claims.
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The same complaint is taken up by Dirty Projectors' frontman, David Longstreth, in a recent Stereogum post. He sees today's indie rock as "musically underwhelming" and "boujee" (although he doesn't cite his own band as guilty of these), and as "mining a codified set of sounds and practices". These practices, he opines, have become divorced from our everyday lives, disconnected from recent social concerns. Such a critique did not reflect my experience at the LFDF, which may not produce the next Kathleen Hanna or Morrissey, but in The Cave Girls' faux-primitive feminism and Vibralux's camp provocations one viscerally felt pertinent aspects of contemporary identity politics. Politics might not be paraded with a capital "P" in recent indie, but inclusivity, diversity, and community are avowed principles of both the organizers of the LFDF and the local labels (Replay Records, High Dive, Whatever Forever, Weepy Vision, and Datura) that offered their eclectic showcases.
In celebrating the underground DIY traditions of indie music there is always a danger of overly romanticizing willful obscurity, as if bands were not entitled to be successful (or financially rewarded!) for their efforts; or as if authenticity automatically evaporates the moment an indie band breaks through the corporate glass ceiling. Such sentimental myths are just that, yet from a purely aesthetic perspective one cannot help but reflect upon the sobering stories of thousands of bands that have artistically suffered when they lost sight (or control) of their initial intentions and visions. When Postcard bands Orange Juice and Aztec Camera signed to majors in the '80s it seemed like much of the ramshackle energy that made them so touching and distinct in the first place was sapped out of them. Events like the LFDF, if nothing else, illustrate that the spirit of indie The Buzzcocks bequeathed 40 years ago is alive and kicking, though perhaps located along paths less traveled by the establishment culture.


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A DISPUTE over care home closures in Sefton has left elderly residents in doubt over their future.
The suggested closures of five homes resulted in a 24-hour walk-out by Unison union members, that ended last night.
Three facilities - Cullen Grange, Melrose House and Rimrose - were temporarily closed and residents moved to other homes.
But relatives have now been told they cannot return to their original homes until the threat of strike action has been cleared.
Lynda Hill says her mother, 94-year-old Ann Maria Billington, is distraught.
"My mum receives respite care at Rimrose and she absolutely loves it. The staff are wonderful, she has friends there, and feels very secure and comfortable when she stays.
"Because of the walk-out, I brought her home for the night, expecting her to be able to return last night. But we were told that it was staying closed and the residents were being sent to Connelly House in Bootle instead. Don't get me wrong, the staff at Connelly House are marvellous, but it is a nursing home, and not the right environment for my mother.
"She is in her twilight years and is so worried. She keeps saying to me: 'Where am I going to end up?' It's just not fair."
Lynda is considering a legal challenge to Sefton council about the closure of Rimrose, scheduled for December 31.
A council spokesman said: "We have been warned that there could be further action next week, and if that is the case, it would be unfair to the residents to accept them back, only to move them again next week. The decision about their long-term future will be considered when this matter is clarified."
Unison representatives were meeting with the three party leaders and council officials today at Southport town hall.
Glen Williams, branch chairman of Sefton Unison, who said a decision over further action would be made later this week, added:"If the council really wanted to keep the homes open, they could always hire agency staff to keep them running."


text: Rail tours Norway, All countries 1 holiday(s) found The Viking Tour 7-day tour of Scandinavia The highlights of Scandinavia in one trip. Denmark, Sweden, Norway. Flamsbana panorama train and boat tours. from € 1049 The Viking Tour Rail Journeys Countries Norway Delete Switzerland Germany Austria Italy Spain Scandinavia Great-Britain / Ireland France Departure date October 2020 November 2020 December 2020 Facilities Wifi Delete


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The G35: Infiniti Enters the Fray
Although Infiniti has not been getting as much attention in the market as its premium competitors seem to have, the company is not standing still when it comes to rolling out with new products. In March, 2001, it brought out the third-generation Q45, which was followed in October of that year with the new I35 (successor to the I30 sedan). And there's more to come within the next several months, as the company begins to redefine itself as a builder of performance-oriented luxury vehicles. One vehicle that certainly fits that description is the just-released G35 sport sedan, which has the front-engine/rear-wheel-drive setup that will become more prevalent in the lineup. And yes, that means that Infiniti is entering the fray in a big way not just against marques like Lexus and Acura, but BMW and Mercedes, as well.
Featured Content
No static.
The 2003 Infiniti G35 is on a new platform. It's designated "FM." Not quite "frequency modulation," although one could argue that by placing the vehicle's V6 engine so that its center of gravity is located just behind the front axle there's not only a 52:48 front/rear weight distribution, but that there's improvement in handling, stability, and ride quality. (Which is one way to modulate bumps, shakes, vibrations, and other frequencies.) "FM" actually signifies "Front Midship," as in reference to the engine location.
This architecture contributes to a vehicle weight ratio of 52:48. (The base curb weight is 3,336 lb.) Actually, the 52:48 ratio is by design. Rather than going for a 50:50 weight distribution, the front is 2% heavier so that the front wheels are preloaded, such that when the car is accelerated while coming out of a curve, the balance is 50:50. It also means that the nose carries sufficient weight so that turn-in and front-end bite are enhanced. (As this is a sport sedan, it is meant to do things like be driven hard into turns.)
Another aspect of the FM platform that relates to this driveability is described by Kazutoshi Mizuno, chief vehicle engineer, Nissan Technical Center (Atsugi, Japan). He says the architecture helps create what he calls the "flat ride concept," which controls the pitching and yawing of the passenger compartment without compromising the ride or handling.
Just as the engine is, comparatively speaking, moved back, the 20-gal. fuel tank is moved forward. In this case, it is forward of the rear tires, below the rear seat. This results in a 14.8-ft3 trunk.
The four-wheel independent multi-link suspension system is a study in aluminum. The material is used for all major components up front, including the upper and lower control links, the axle housing, and the compression rod. The rear suspension uses an aluminum subframe, axle housing, A-arm, and lower link. Up front, the use of aluminum rather than steel results in a mass reduction of 25%. At the rear, the savings is 20% versus steel.
However, as many people will be quick to point out (especially people associated with the steel industry), aluminum components are more costly than their ferrous counterparts. So what gives? After all, pricing for the vehicle has been announced (base MSRP is $27,100) and it is cost-effective compared to the cars with which it is in competition (including the Acura TL-S, BMW 330, Lexus IS300, Audi A4, and Mercedes C 320). There are a few answers to this question.
One comes from Randy Fior, regional product manager, Product Planning, with Infiniti: "This shows our commitment to dynamic performance." As this is no run-of-the mill suspension architecture and execution, the commitment is there.
Another comes from Jack Collins, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America: "At higher volumes, aluminum is reasonable." Higher volumes? They're thinking on the order of >30,000 for the first year of sales for the G35. Which isn't exactly "volume" in the context of many vehicles. But Collins goes on to note that there is a G35 coupe scheduled for the fall, and the FX45 concept crossover is expected to be rolling out by the spring of 2003, as well.
(The Altima has a similar aluminum-intensive suspension system that has had some of the competitors in that market segment scratching their heads. Collins confirms that the same approach of higher volumes is behind that, too.)
One more thing: the hood is aluminum, too. (But the preponderance of the body is steel.)
And under the hood, the 260-hp, 3.5-liter, double-overhead cam, 24-valve V6 engine is fabricated with an aluminum alloy block and heads. The pistons are coated with molybdenum.
The case for the five-speed automatic transmission is a high-pressure alumi-num die casting, which is said to provide high rigidity. (Note: as this is a "high-performance premium sport sedan," there will be a six-speed manual transmission coming for it. It will come after the G36 coupe and the Nissan Z get fitted with theirs.)
Most people who buy a G35 will probably never see the underside of the car. Yet the under floor surface was of concern of Mizuno and his engineers. Mizuno was a team manager of Nissan's LeMans and Group C racing programs. In racing, all of the aspects of a vehicle are examined from an aerodynamic standpoint. The underside is key with regard to reducing lift. So the G35 is designed with that in mind. Especially the G35 with the aero package, which includes a rear spoiler. The space between the front bumper and the rear edge of the engine undercover are designed to compress the airflow. That has a result of increasing the velocity of the air. That reduces lift. Then the airflow is diffused, only to be recompressed and diffused again as it moves along the underside of the car past the muffler and the fuel tank. The result (taking into account the sheet metal on the top side, too), is a coefficient of drag of 0.26 and zero front and rear lift. Without the spoiler, there is a 0.27 Cd.
Most people who buy a G35 will probably be heavily influenced by the outside of the car. Its styling. Although the car is 185.5-in. long, it has a long wheelbase, 112.2 in., which means the front and rear overhangs are comparatively short. (The length of the passenger's cabin is the same as the more substantial Infiniti Q45.) The front is said to have a "catamaran" style. This is because the fenders are raised up in relation to the hood. Not only does this provide an aero advantage, but the seams along the tops of the fenders are advantageous when cornering.
The G35 has structural stiffness that is as much a function of design as it is of manufacturing.
As for the first: There are such features as a dual bulkhead engine compartment that functions as a body stabilizer and sound attenuater. As for the second: the G35, which is built at the Nissan plant in Tochigi, Japan, features laser welded body panels: the roof and the body sides are joined with a laser rather than spot welds, thereby enhancing rigidity.


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| 12.3°C Belfast
Syrian government troops have battled rebels in several areas outside Damascus while regime warplanes bombed opposition-held areas around the capital, including an airstrike on one village that killed at least seven people, activists said.
Rebels seeking to topple President Bashar Assad have seized areas of territory in northern Syria but have become bogged down in their push for Damascus, where government troops are still firmly in control.
While the opposition fighters have established footholds in suburbs east and south of the capital, Assad's forces have kept them from advancing into the heart of the city and regularly hit them with artillery and airstrikes.
Much of the latest fighting was focused in areas east and south of the city, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, while government jets were bombing rebel areas.
An airstrike on the village of al-Barika, south east of the capital, killed at least seven people, including five members of the same family, the Observatory said. Other activists provided the names of the dead, including the mother and father of the Shehadeh family and three of their children.
A video posted online showed what activists said was the aftermath of an airstrike on the central village of Kafr Aya. The video showed more than 10 wounded people being treated in a field hospital. Some the injured were children and appeared to be unconscious.
The Syrian government does not respond to requests for comment on military actions.
The state news agency said that troops had killed "scores of terrorists" in two rebellious southern suburbs of Damascus. The government considers the rebels and its other internal opponents "terrorists" backed by foreign powers that seek to destroy Syria.
Meanwhile, the Observatory distributed two videos showing a rebel beating a captured government soldier with a rope. The captive had been stripped to his underwear and was forced to raise his arms so he could be beaten on his sides, lifting his feet to receive blows on their soles.
The Observatory's head, Rami Abdul-Rahman, said the videos were from the Jabal al-Zawiya region of Syria's north-western Idlib province, though he did not know which of the area's rebel brigades filmed them.


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Italian pianist Alessandro Marangoni, a former Music Toronto recitalist, has officially completed a long journey through Gradus ad Parnassum by piano pioneer Muzio Clementi (1752-1832) with the release of Vol. 3 on the Naxos label.
John Terauds
Latest posts by John Terauds (see all)
- Classical Music 101: What Does A Conductor Do? - June 17, 2019
- Classical Music 101 | What Does Period Instrument Mean? - May 6, 2019
- CLASSICAL MUSIC 101 | What Does It Mean To Be In Tune? - April 23, 2019
Marangoni is a fine, sensitive pianist with a subtle flair for the dramatic. But not even his most adroit musicianship can hide the fact that what may be good for a pianist's technique is not necessarily rewarding for a bystander's ears.
The four CDs (Vol. 2 contained two) recorded for Naxos represent all 100 sets of studies or finger exercises compiled by the single most significant technical and performance pioneer in the history of the modern piano.
Gradus ad Parnassum translates as The Climb Up Parnassus. Clementi, carefully assessing and laying out his legacy toward the end of his remarkably successful life as a performer and entrepreneur, laid out the exercises to show off his craft while also promising that anyone who works all the way through will emerge an accomplished piano player.
The very nature of this sort of collection means that the last pieces will be the most complex and, hopefully, the most interesting.
Fortunately through all of the repetition of musical figures there are a few treats to be found in this third volume.
Clementi organised his exercises into little five- and six-piece suites. Most of them contain a fugue or at least fugal piece in the middle where Clementi gets to show off his way with what sometimes are very complex subjects and counter-subjects.
Marangoni lays everything out in clearly articulated, deeply committed performances. But, unfortunately, this very deliberate trudge up Parnassus is best savoured by students, not listeners.
For all the details on Vol. 3, click here.
The last eight pieces each feature something a bit unusual to wrap around the repetitive nature of a technical exercise. Here is veteran French pianist and Paris Conservatoire professor Danielle Laval to show them off with a special dash of elegance:
John Terauds
John Terauds
Latest posts by John Terauds (see all)
- Classical Music 101: What Does A Conductor Do? - June 17, 2019
- Classical Music 101 | What Does Period Instrument Mean? - May 6, 2019
- CLASSICAL MUSIC 101 | What Does It Mean To Be In Tune? - April 23, 2019


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Choosing the best cars to start driving is not easy. Because we have proposed to select five and there are many more interesting options in the market, but we believe that these are interesting for what we understand that a car for new drivers should have.
First of all, you must be safe and have a dynamic set-up so that the rookie gets hooked to the pleasure of driving, which will soon help you feel more confident and less nervous every time you take a wheel.
Although it is not the main thing to learn to drive, the design is also important, since I would dare to say that 90% of drivers like to drive an attractive car. Therefore, we have tried to make them cars pintones.
Finally, we have considered the price. Although some would never recommend buying a new car to learn to drive, this is a very personal decision ... Also, it will depend on the budget that each one has, so here we have been somewhat more flexible with our candidates, although all are inside of limits that we consider acceptable for most pockets.
Seat Ibiza
The Seat Ibiza is one of the best cars to start driving, without a doubt. This utility has an image that falls in love, state-of-the-art technology on board and a multitude of extras; The good thing is that a good part of the safety and driver assistance systems are standard… With the 1.5 TSI 115 hp engine, associated with the six-speed manual transmission, the dynamism is outstanding and all for a price that starts at 17,550 euros.
Dacia Sandero Stepway
For those novice drivers who do not want to complicate their lives too much, the Dacia Sandero can be an excellent option. It is a car 'sincere' - as one of our editorial partners says - but not worse. It starts at 6,990 Euros, although in that case we talk about the most basic and stripped. A Dacia Sandero Stepway with a 90 hp engine can be yours from 11,095 Euros and is equipped with automatic air conditioning, rear parking aid, electric mirrors, and Navigation pack with Smartphone Replication, help to start on a slope, longitudinal roof bars, ISOFIX anchors, emergency braking assistance, fog lights ... and a very interesting robust 'SUV' image.
Suzuki Ignis
Another of the best cars to learn to drive is the Suzuki Ignis. Its ion micro SUV 'physiognomy makes it a very attractive option, with a high driving position and compact dimensions with which to find parking - and park it - will not be so complicated. It is offered with a 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, which offers 90 hp and 120 Nm, but has a version with all-wheel drive and certain off-road skills to escape off the asphalt. That is, a great proposal for the more adventurous that in the AllGrip version starts at 14,570 Euros.
Opel Astra
Recently I had the opportunity to test the new Opel Astra 2019 and I think it has many arguments to become a good car for new drivers. Its image is not too novel, but its new grill reminds of the Insignia and brings elegance to its front, it is still spacious and comfortable and allows you to choose between diesel and gasoline engines, all of them oriented to efficiency, so it is not difficult find the Opel Astra that best suits the demands of each one; especially considering that it is also available as a Sport Tourer. Its price starts at 21,800 Euros.
Audi A1
The Audi A1 is for the most gourmets, without a doubt, because it is not a cheap option. But for those looking to debut in the premium segment - why not? - And a pedigree design, it can be the ideal car to start driving. Its price starts at 21,940 Euros and standard, it comes very well equipped: 2-zone automatic comfort climate control, rain and light sensor, six airbag system, involuntary lane departure warning, Audi pre sense and LED headlights. Although with extras the barrier of 30,000 Euros is quickly overcome, the most basic version and its equipment is enough to start driving in style.


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April 2019
Product: Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes
Platform:Apple iPhone
What type of device are you experiencing the issue with? iPhone XR
OS Version Newest
Ally Code: (Find it here: http://bit.ly/AllyCode )
What type of issue do you have? Gameplay
How often does the bug occur? Every time (100%)
Summarize your bug Beginning with the current Territory Battle, Platoons were changed from "randomly generated" to "static." Unfortunately, the new static platoons are requiring characters that are required for missions. As a single specific example, Hoth Rebel Soldier is required in the current phase 2 platoons, but is required for one of the combat missions in the upper zone.
Steps: How can we find the bug ourselves? Play the TB. Submit a Hoth Rebel Soldier for platoons, and then look sadly at the combat mission you can no longer attempt.
Connection Type
Please select your region
On 9/20/2017, Carrie promised that Platoons would no longer require characters that were needed for combat or special missions within a certain phase.
Hopefully this was an oversight, and the platoons for Light and Dark Side TBs will be revised to remove these restrictions.
Solved! Go to Solution.
April 2019
April 2019
I'm sure this must be an oversight on the new platoons model. In the past specific toons needed for a combat mission have purposely not been required within platoons. Logged on to raise this issue also but you beat me to it.
April 2019
One soldier and 5 scouts, it won't cost us the stars now but hopefully this isn't in later phases.
April 2019
Probe Droid is also needed in Phase 6 of DSTB. Please fix before the next DSTB.
April 2019


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Looks good - I like it!
Graphic Wizardry Top Site
This is a topsite for graphics based sites. Please let me know what you think and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Looks good - I like it!
Thank You. It is the first one I have done. Thankfully I have a bit of css experience to help it along
Ooooooooh I like it! Here's wishing you great success with your list.
Thanks Dirty Butter. Much appreciated


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Thursday 06 January, 2011 - 11:10 AM EST
Rolex THE SEA DWELLER
While the Submariner was capable of working at the depths the divers did, the long exposure to high pressures had not been anticipated by its designers. The Subamriner was designed to be waterproof and airtight and to survive the pressures of the deep water.
Rolex and Comex (COmpagnie Maritime d'EXpertise) started working together in order to design a watch that would be efficient enough to work properly under the conditions the industrial deep-sea diving as Comex is the world leader in sub-sea engineering and in manned and unmanned sub-sea interventions, scoured all the seas on earth and worked at depths of over 300 meters. Although both companies working together first took one normal Submariner and modified it till they reached the perfect model: "The Submariner 2000 Sea Dweller". The divers require the best equipment that is available because precision and perfection according to watch quality can mean the difference between life and death. The Sea Dweller differs from a regular Submariner by being much thicker and heavier. It has no "Cyclops" date lens because the glass because of the glass thickness placing the lens at a greater distance from the date disc. According to its bracelet it is machined from solid metal.
The advantage of the Sea Dweller over a Submariner is its ability to undergo repeated compression/decompression cycles in a helium-oxygen atmosphere.
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Pet Grooming Katy TX is important for your dog's overall health and happiness. The majority of all dog owners look at their pets as another family member and treat them accordingly. But for all those owners who love their fur babies like a family member, not all of them regularly groom their dog. Possibly because they do not recognize the importance of it. Pet grooming Katy TX at Dog's Day Inn Pet Resort is not only a way to show concern for your beloved dog, but it also is a great act of love!
Shedding hair is something all dog owners are aware of. Keeping a lint brush handy to remove the hair from your clothing and couch is probably a good idea. Pesky shedding can be greatly reduced by pet grooming Katy TX. Brushing your dog eliminates the excess hair that could otherwise be slowly and constantly shedding around the house.
The natural oils a dog produces keeps his coat shiny. As a result of brushing it through and distributing the oils throughout the coat. Going too long without brushing results in an accumulation of dandruff and dirt. Routine washing also keeps your dog's coat healthy and strong. As your dog is properly washed, the groomer can identify the presence of any fleas, ticks or skin problems.
An added benefit of brushing is that it provides a time when you are giving your dog your focused attention. Even pets that aren't crazy about brushing eventually realize that it's a great time to bask in the attention.
Avoiding Infection
Properly removing hair around your dog's eyes and ears will help prevent infections. Canines also need ear cleaning and tooth brushing that can be provided by pet grooming Katy TX.
Paw Care
Humans are expected and have a desire to keep their nails well-groomed for aesthetic value, professionalism, and to avoid the pains of hangnails and jagged edges. Dogs actually need nail care pet grooming Katy TX for important things such as balance and nimbleness as they run, play, and walk on their precious paws. Often, untrimmed and un-kept nails can result in cutting into their paws and even bleeding. The task of keeping the nails nicely trimmed can be daunting for any loving pet owner because dogs can be less than cooperative. Pet grooming Katy TX professionals are trained and talented at trimming dog nails without hurting the dog, and that saves you the headache of trying to get your pet to join forces with you in this task.
In Addition
There is some at-home care to keep in mind when thinking of your four-legged family member's paw pads. Dogs can feel extreme heat on their paws just as you can when walking barefoot on hot surfaces, such as pavement. Walking your pet in the grass when the sun is shining bright is something you can do to prevent burns and blisters. However, paw pads for any breed of dog can collect debris that becomes entangled in their fur. The type of debris that needs to be removed includes gravel, tar, dirt, and, unfortunately, even gum. Dogs that continuously grow hair between their paws, such as the bearded collie, will be properly groomed around their pads by pet grooming Katy TX to ensure their paws are clean, trim, and free of pain-causing debris. For many long-haired breeds such as this one, regular paw grooming is a pure necessity.
Overall, your dog will be healthier and happier with a regularly scheduled grooming from Dog's Day Inn Pet Resort. Contact us as soon as possible for pet grooming Katy TX for your dog.
Katy, TX Fun Facts
- The City was founded on rice farming in the late 1800s and was formally incorporated in 1945.
- Katy is Known as a UFO Hot Spot.
- Katy Magnolia Cemetery is known by Texas ghost hunters as a historically haunted site.
- For more interesting and fun facts click here.


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by April Irwin
Similarly to what we discussed in our very first class, neuroanthropology at its core is all about weaving together strings from other fields into studying human beings, their environments, brains, and everything in between. Downey and Lende make a great case in setting neuroanthropology apart from other fields such as psychology and neuroscience in order to answer shortcomings that are inherent within each of these fields. In sharing a timeline for the development of neuroanthropology, they criticize the mass modularity theory that had taken root in these fields because it assumes that brain function and structure are universal across individuals and groups.
My personal favorite is the false assumption that brains are inflexible which plagued the social sciences around the 1980s. This was an area of great interest to me because within the field of education, often teachers, parents, and students continue to assume that they have a fixed level of intelligence and that their minds cannot adapt to their new environment or surroundings. (See this lovely Wikipedia page for more information.) These theories of intelligence have behavioral ramifications for their behavior with regards to learning which, to me, exemplifies the necessity for a field that integrates brain science with the rigorous research methods of anthropology. I completely agree with the authors as they argue that speaking to the endless, and highly nuanced, variations in human thoughts, behaviors, and neurological makeup is a critical next step in not only the social sciences, but also the brain sciences as well. With regards to all of this, I am excited to see that, along with integrating information and theory from a variety of fields, neuroanthropology's grounding in anthropology means that defining terms like culture and applying quality field-based research methods are at the heart of this field.
Again, in agreement with Downey and Lende, I agree that culture is a term that is often used as a side note to the variables that we study, even in educational psychology, and that redefining the boundaries of this concept matters to how we study the brain. Their definition of culture includes the shared representations of a group of people and extends it to include the variations within the nervous system as well as the material world. As a second year student on the track for specializing in educational neuroscience, this is by far the most complete and coherent definition of culture because it incorporates the material world of human biology into the meanings and representations that encompass human existence. This definition speaks to the embodiment of thought in a way that my colleagues and I have pondered, but have not been able to put into a concise phrase.
Overall, this chapter and it's look from the past to the future of neuroanthropology gives me hope that people haven't studied everything yet. It allows me to dream about the things that we have yet to uncover. And it gives me the tools and language to carry these discoveries into new territory.
Downey, G. & Lende, D. H. (2012). Neuroanthropology and the encultured brain. In D. H. Lende & G. Downey (Eds.), The encultured brain: An introduction to neuroanthropology (pp. 23-65). Cambridge, MA: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press.


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Editor's Note: I want to personally thank my dear friend Maria Morera Johnson for allowing us to reprint her recent articles on Harry Potter. As a faith-filled Catholic mom and a member of the SQPN's Secrets of Harry Potter team, Maria shares a unique and trusted perspective on this popular series. Join us again tomorrow for the second part of Maria's perspective on the books and movie. LMH
In case you were wondering, yes I went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
And yes, I am suffering from a lack of sleep today, but not so much that I don't want to share my experience with you. I think this is especially relevant because many of my readers come from friendships I've made through Catholic media. I often don't think of myself as a "real" producer of Catholic media although I am both a practicing Catholic and a blogger and podcaster (perhaps more accurately a commentator on a couple of podcasts).
In spite of my discomfort with the label, I cannot deny that I am both Catholic and a producer of new media, so today I find myself capitalizing on both experiences to delve into the world of apologetics. It's not what you're accustomed to hearing about when you see the word apologetics, though. You see, I am about to launch into a defense of Harry Potter.
Yes, I am a Harry Potter Apologist. Let's put that out there right now so you can either call me a heretic or a hero. In either case, pray for me and my on-going conversion. I can't have enough people praying for me. That's a good thing.
But back to Harry and his wizarding world. I love the stories. They are well-written and full of all kinds of interesting and wonderful studies of the human condition, mythological constructs, and yes, supernatural events. It's not unlike many of the other stories that have become a part of our cultural literacy in the last couple of hundred years.
While I am sometimes hesitant to speak directly on Catholic themes because I feel ill-prepared and poorly trained in that area, I can speak from my training as a professor of literature (in fact, you can here me expound on a lot of this stuff in SQPN's Secrets of Harry Potter, a podcast that explores the literary, mythological, historical, and religious themes of the series) and join a conversation that resurfaces in Catholic blogs and social media every time a book or movie in the series is released.
I do not believe Harry Potter is intrinsically evil, nor do I think it directly, or even indirectly, makes our children into little pagans. I do believe, however, that it is a parental right to determine what one's children read, so I would no more label the series evil than I would call it essential reading. That is up to the individual to decide.
Tune in tomorrow for another column from Maria.
Copyright 2011 Maria Morera Johnson
About the Author
Maria Morera Johnson
Maria Morera Johnson, author of My Badass Book of Saints, Super Girls and Halo, and Our Lady of Charity: How a Cuban Devotion to Mary Helped Me Grow in Faith and Love writes about all the things that she loves. A cradle Catholic, she struggles with living in the world but not being of it, and blogs about those successes and failures, too.


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Service Launcher ToonBoom Process Tab
The ToonBoom Process service is responsible for batch rendering and vectorization processes. Use the options available in ToonBoom Process tab to customize the service's behaviour.
|Launch button
Click on this button to start the service. The status will change from Closed to Running.
|Stop button
|This button is enabled when the service is running. Click on this button to stop the service.
|Launch when Service Launcher starts
|Check this option to automatically launch the ToonBoom Proces service when the Service Launcher is launched. This bypasses the need to click on the Launch button.
|Check this option if you would like to debug any problems that may occur while the ToonBoom Process service is running. Debugging may add time to the rendering and vectorization processes.
|This option is checked by default. It is strongly recommended that you leave this option enabled. It runs the ToonBoom Process service using the scheduler.
Other Parameters
Copy and paste parameter codes from the Help tab to the Other Parameters field. Click on the Update Parameters button to initiate the usage of these parameters when the service is launched.
|Help tab
|This tab lists all the available options for the ToonBoom Process (tbprocess). Parameter codes are listed along with a description of their function. You can copy and paste a parameter code into the Other Parameters field and then click Update Parameters to initiate the usage of these parameters when the service is launched.
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This tab lists a record of all the activity created by the service. It only lists up to the maximum number of lines specified in the Preferences tab.


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Gävle to host the 2019 European Athletics U23 Championships
After Bydgoszcz, Poland staged the 2017 edition of the event, the European Athletics U23 Championships will be heading to Gävle, Sweden from 11-14 July.
The European U23 Championships was first staged in Turku, Finland in 1997, replacing the European U23 Cup which was held in 1992 and 1994. The championships has been staged biennially since 1997 and it is designed to facilitate the often difficult transition from the U20 ranks to the senior stage.
Two years after winning the U20 title, Great Britain's 100m sprinter Ojie Edoburun moved through the age-groups by claiming the gold medal in Bydgoszcz. He articulated the importance of the championships after winning the 100m title.
"It is hard to go just from a youth straight to being a senior. I think there should be even more emphasis on a championship such as this one because it is a transition championship," he said.
The championships could potentially feature many medallist from the Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships including Sweden's teenage pole vault sensation Mondo Duplantis along with his compatriot and 800m silver medallist Andreas Kramer.
Other Berlin 2018 medallists who will be eligible to compete in Gavle include Greek long jump winner and reigning European U20 champion Miltiardis Tentoglou, Hungary's hammer bronze medallist Bence Halasz and Belarus' 100m hurdles gold medallist Elvira Herman as well as Poland's Berlin 2018 shot put silver medallist Konrad Bukowiecki, who set two championship record at the last U23 championships in 2017 culminating in a distance of 21.56m
Another four championship records - including a 400m hurdles championship record by Norway''s' Karsten Warholm as a prelude to winning the world title a month later in London - were set at the 2017 European Athletics U23 Championships and there are high hopes the same standards will be reached in Gavle.
Another athlete to win medals at both championships was Ukraine's high jumper Yuliya Levchenko who won gold in Bydgoszcz before silver in London. They were both duly anointed male and female Rising Star of 2017 at the Golden Tracks award ceremony in Vilnius, Lithuania in October.
Consequently, it's certainly possible that a few medal winners in Gavle will stand on the podium again at the IAAF World Championships Doha 2019 and the championship will act as a form guide to who might take the prestigious end-of-season continental honours, especially those won by Warholm and Levchenko last year.
A total of 29 Member Federations - along with one Authorised Neutral Athlete - won medals in Bydgoszcz. Germany topped both the medal and placing tables with 18 medals in total, including four titles.
Official website: https://www.gavle2019.com/


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On Dec. 9, United Airlines, the world's second largest, filed for bankruptcy. USAir, Swissair and Sabena preceded it to court this year.
As with other bankruptcies, United's is ultimately due not to mismanagement, but to 'overproduction': the capitalist class has produced 'too much' to assure profits. Jetliners sit parked in the Arizona desert.
Overcapacity was already a problem a decade ago when United's management proposed a 'solution' – an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Unions would give up $4.9 billion in wages in return for stock.
Class-conscious workers pointed out that this was a ploy to get the unions to support cutting wages, benefits and work conditions. The offer bitterly divided United's unions. But it ultimately passed in 1994. United became the largest ESOP company in the U.S. With wages cut, United's shares rose, briefly exceeding $128. Some workers thought they had become wealthy, although the ESOP put sharp restrictions on share sales.
With industry 'deregulation' of the 1980s, the capitalist class had also begun financing airlines with no unions and poorer wages, benefits and work conditions. Southwest Airlines and JetBlue are examples. This in turn set the stage for even more 'overcapacity.' United's ESOP had not resolved any of capitalism's contradictions.
The downturn in the U.S. economy in the fall of 2000 quickly exposed the 'overcapacity,' not only in the airline but every industry. Profits fell, unemployment rose. Fewer and fewer businesses and individuals booked flights.
Sept. 11 added to airlines' woes. For weeks on end, flights were flying half-empty or worse. More jetliners went off to the Arizona desert. The debt, though, continued to accumulate.
The capitalist class's response to airline 'overcapacity' is telling. It immediately moved not to build demand, but to cut thousands of jobs, mostly unionized. It turned to the state for welfare – for the airline bosses, of course, not the workers, and above all to service debt. The government made airline loan guarantees dependent on the unions accepting even more cutbacks.
When the Machinists union at United finally balked at further cutbacks last month, lenders forced the airline into bankruptcy. The bankruptcy courts are likely to make even tougher demands on the workers. United's shares are essentially worthless. After giving up billions in wages and benefits, tens of thousands of United employee 'stockowners' have lost their savings. The capitalist class's claims, above all through debt, 'contractually' come before workers' jobs, health care, even their stockholdings.
What next? Former airline executive Michael Levine, now a Yale Law professor, told the Boston Globe, 'United must use a bankruptcy filing to wring more productivity concessions out of its workers.' United's pilots, he said, fly an average of 50 hours a month; Southwest Airlines' pilots fly 72 hours a month. 'Where the game gets fought is if United dares to change work rules while in bankruptcy,' Levine said. 'That is the only good that can come out of the filing. USAir is trying to do that now, but they're not big enough. If United lowers its operating costs permanently, its size would create enormous pressure on American, Delta, Northwest and Continental to reduce their costs, too.'
So the exploiters' response to their system's contradictions is for the workers to work 72 hours for 50 hours' pay! The Communist response is to reduce work hours with no loss in pay and no layoffs! Uncompensated-for productivity increases easily make that possible.
The capitalists' response to their system's contradictions is to attack the unions. Our response is to defend and strengthen the unions. The capitalists' response to their system's contradictions is to say – 'Pay the debt before paying for health care or pensions.' We say: 'Health care and pensions before debt!'
In fighting against the capitalists' unending demands for cutbacks and layoffs, United unions actually point the way in making certain that productivity increases go to benefit humanity, not hurt it. The task of tasks is to centralize and generalize such struggles, with the goal of bringing an end to this inhumane capitalist system. Only then will production serve people's needs. In the final analysis, that's what Communism is all about.
The author can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com


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A new research report in Northern Rock Foundation's Third Sector Trends Study is 'An assessment of the willingness of organisations to borrow money in the Third Sector: Findings from studies in Yorkshire, North East England and Cumbria'.
The research was undertaken by St Chards College, at Durham University. It looks at the level of demand for different types of loans by third sector organisations in the area, the the characteristics of those most likely to borrow, and for what purposes.
Both a 4 page briefing (pdf, 313KB0 and the full report (74pages, pdf, 1.3MB) can be downloaded via http://community.dur.ac.uk/chads/p&p-page.html.
(Source: VSSN)


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Vehicles displayed on road reserve by licensed traders
It is illegal for any licensed motor trader to display or sell vehicles on any roads in the Northern Territory that are outside of the area detailed in their licence.
This includes display on public land.
If you are concerned about a road safety issue and the display of a vehicle on a road or road reserve, you should contact Northern Territory Consumer Affairs on 1800 019 310.
Last updated: 17 February 2020
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Solar panels have recently fallen to historically low prices, and that's gotten a lot of people excited about their potential—and many companies eager to sell homeowners on residential solar. While we at Modernize agree that solar energy is revolutionizing how homes use and generate electricity, we also understand that purchasing a solar energy system is a huge commitment, with many factors that can potentially affect your utility bills—and your wallet—for years to come. With so much information floating around, it can be hard to get a measured take. That's why we compiled this list of the pros and cons of going solar, to help you decide if solar energy is really the right thing for you.
- Pro: Solar Energy Can Significantly Reduce Monthly Energy Expenses
- Con: It May Take Years for You to Make Up Your Initial Investment
- Pro: There Are More Incentives Than Ever To Make Solar More Affordable
- Con: Most Incentive Programs Still Require You to Put Some Money Down
- Pro: Solar Energy Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
- Con: Power Generation May Be Unpredictable
- Pro: Solar Power Adds Value to Your Home
- Con: Panels May Not Be Aesthetically Appealing to All Homeowners
- Pro: Investing in Solar Power Makes You a Home Innovator
Pro: Solar Energy Can Significantly Reduce Monthly Energy Expenses
That trend isn't likely to fall off any time soon. With utilities still largely relying on traditional, fossil-fuel energy sources, the price of electricity will only increase as coal grows more scarce. Depending upon the size of your energy system and your location, solar panels may virtually eliminate your monthly energy bill, especially if you live in a state with a generous net metering policy. Net metering laws, which require utilities to credit solar homeowners for any excess energy they return to the grid, definitely vary from state to state, but in states where extra kilowatt hours are credited to homeowners at or above the retail rate, and where utility customers are allowed to roll credits over to their next bills indefinitely, solar energy systems can be pretty lucrative.
Con: It May Take Years for You to Make Up Your Initial Investment
Although solar can lower your monthly utility expenditures, paying the upfront costs of equipment and installation is no walk in the park. The average homeowner used around 10,900 kilowatt hours in 2014—to generate that much electricity, most households would require a system that ranged between seven to ten kilowatts, and the larger the system your home requires, the more money you'll spend on equipment. Since solar is a new industry, and prices vary from place to place, it's difficult to quote average costs with any reliability; however, most households can expect to spend around $20,000 to $40,000 on the system alone.
If, like the average American, you pay around $115 a month for electricity, it could take up to 29 years for your utility savings to catch up to those upfront system costs, assuming you are able to generate enough energy every month to completely cover your energy use.
And those are just equipment costs. You'll also have to pay the so-called "soft costs" of solar—labor expenses, permitting fees, and sales taxes that are all part of the true cost of solar installation. The Department of Energy estimates that soft costs currently represent around 64 percent of the total price tag of solar—meaning when all is said and done, your installed system could be thousands of dollars above the price of the equipment alone.
Pro: There Are More Incentives Than Ever To Make Solar More Affordable
While it's true that solar energy systems are a significant investment, most homeowners won't have to swallow the full cost of equipment and installation by themselves. Government tax credits and utility rebates can provide some hefty savings for homeowners purchasing new systems which can lower your overall costs enormously.
At the end of 2015, the federal government extended the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, an incentive many homeowners use to justify their purchase of solar energy systems. This credit will cover 30 percent of your equipment and labor costs, which is deducted from your total tax liability, or amount you owe to the government on your taxes. If the credit is more than your total tax liability, then the leftover credit can be rolled over to your taxes for the next year. The credit cannot be cashed out like a tax return.
Above and beyond the federal government's incentive, many states offer their own programs to encourage homeowners to invest in solar. These programs vary immensely from place to place, but generally they fall into the following types:
Solar rebates: These are offered as a flat amount or a percentage off your total equipment and installation costs—or, a variable incentive based on your system's expected output.
Production-based credits: These are offered as a credit or cash incentive, and are usually distributed through your energy provider.
Sales tax exemptions: In some states, like Florida, homeowners are not required to pay any sales tax on solar equipment, which can represent a savings of thousands of dollars.
Property tax exemptions: Solar power can increase your home's property taxes, but some states, like Arizona, have an exemption for these added taxes.
If you live in a state that's relatively pro-solar, your energy provider may have followed suit, and offer their own independent rebate or loan programs to encourage their customers to install solar on their rooftops. For instance, Austin Energy in Austin, Texas, offers residents a per-watt capacity-based incentive that returns them up to $1.00 per watt, depending on the system's total capacity. Find information about your city or state on our local solar guide page.
When combined, these kinds of incentives can significantly lower the total cost of solar, shaving off thousands of dollars and making it much more affordable for the average household.
Con: Most Incentive Programs Still Require You to Put Some Money Down
Incentive programs can definitely cut your system costs—if you have the money to purchase your system upfront. Unless you're participating in a loan program, or have opted for a solar lease, you'll have to buy your system in full before you can claim solar rebates and incentives—and even then, you may have to wait until after you've filed your taxes for those rebates to kick in.
Pro: Solar Energy Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
It's 2016, and most of us are starting to think hard about what we can do to help the environment and make our homes more sustainable and green. And solar power makes a massive difference in your household's fossil fuel consumption.
Remember that 10,900 kilowatt hours, the average American households used in 2014? That has the same greenhouse gas emissions as driving 18,359 miles, according to the EPA.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that most solar power—87 to 97 percent—generates no greenhouse gases at all, so if you chose to install it on your home, you would significantly reduce or even eliminate your home's contribution to pollution.
That's important, because greenhouse gases from carbon dioxide, which are generated when coal and oil are burned to create power and heat, are some of the biggest contributors to global warming. Scientists estimate that we must restrain global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius in the future in order to avoid catastrophic climate conditions.
When you install solar panels on your home, you are making an important and vital contribution to the environment, and protecting the future of the planet.
Con: Power Generation May Be Unpredictable
While it's true that solar power will reduce the amount of fossil fuels you use, no matter what, solar energy systems are currently not quite advanced enough to wean households entirely off carbon-based energy.
Because solar energy relies on the availability of the sun, the amount of energy you generate from day-to-day can fluctuate wildly, making it difficult to predict with much precision just what an impact your installation is having, both in terms of the environment, and on your utility bills.
That makes it hard to ballpark how large a system you'll need if you hope to make up most of your energy consumption. If you purchase a solar energy system, you may find that you are still drawing some energy off the grid, which may come from less eco-friendly sources.
Pro: Solar Power Adds Value to Your Home
One of the lesser known benefits of solar power is that it's actually been shown to boost property values, particularly in areas where electricity bills are high. Green features are increasingly popular among home buyers; in fact, research shows that homeowners may make up to 97 percent of their initial investment when they install solar panels on a home's rooftop and then sell. That certainly makes solar panels a solid investment, especially when you consider that many other renovations only have a return rate of 60 or 70 percent. And with millennials entering the housing market, we are seeing a shift in interest towards eco-friendly features in homes.
Con: Panels May Not Be Aesthetically Appealing to All Homeowners
Most homeowners value a good deal over a home's appearance, but unfortunately, not everyone likes the look of solar panels installed on a home—including homeowners' associations. In some areas, they may pass restrictions that make solar panels off-limits, although most state and local governments have enacted solar easement laws that prevent these groups from keeping homeowners from installing solar panels. You can also look into installing solar shingles that blend in with your current roof while still powering your home.
Even if your right to install solar panels in your area is protected, that may not prevent neighbors or future buyers from turning their noses up at the site of them—although, with solar poised to grow enormously in the coming years, you can expect panels to become much more commonplace.
Pro: Investing in Solar Power Makes You a Home Innovator
While solar energy may not be right for everyone at the moment, most evidence points to its eventual takeover as the biggest source of US residential power. If you invest in solar early, you'll not only be making your own individual impact on carbon emissions, you'll also be helping to bring about an overall change to how we use energy in the home. True environmental progress will only happen when many people join in and decide to change their behavior, so when you install solar on your roof, you'll be acting as an influence to those neighbors that surround you—a ripple effect that may make waves for years to come.
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This is very interesting and some of it is laugh out loud funny too! Watching our primate cousins act like us is also humbling in a lovely way.
Empathy, cooperation, fairness and reciprocity — caring about the well-being of others seems like a very human trait. But Frans de Waal shares some surprising videos of behavioral tests, on primates and other mammals, that show how many of these moral traits all of us share.
Another post and video on a similar topic: The Empathic Civilisation: the human family
● The Age of Empathy: Nature's Lessons for a Kinder Society
● Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved
● Our Inner Ape: A Leading Primatologist Explains Why We Are Who We Are