text:
If a mid-size luxury SUV is in your fall wardrobe, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 may be the cable-knit sweater.
Its hardy construction is conservatively stylish, its practicality infused with elegance. This is a vehicle that is equally suited to shuttling five people to a rowing regatta or delivering them to opening night at the opera.
And if you've ever glanced at the price tag of a cable-knit sweater spun from cashmere or angora, you know there's always a way to spend entirely too much on something that is, after all, just a sweater.
So it goes with the ML350 and its diesel counterpart, the BlueTec.
Mercedes' refreshed and retuned sport-utility vehicle is now in its third generation and starts at $49,865 for the base model with a V-6 engine. An additional $1,500 will get you the more fuel-efficient V-6 diesel BlueTec that I tested. As was the case with previous MLs, all new models are built in Mercedes' Tuscaloosa, Ala., plant.
The base prices for each of the MLs are not unreasonable for the segment, which includes the Land Rover LR4, Acura MDX and BMW X5.
Unfortunately, a navigation system isn't standard; it's part of a $3,600 option package that also comes with a backup camera. And that's just the beginning. A leather package replaces the fake stuff with the real, bovine-donated kind. The handling package gives you 20-inch wheels and an adaptive air suspension.
Another package throws in adaptive cruise control that monitors the car in front of you, as well as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. A rear entertainment system, a moon roof, a self-parking feature — all are offered if you're willing to part with serious money.
Finally, who can forget the $1,780 night vision option in which about 500 feet of the road ahead will show up on the navigation screen in an infrared display?
The final bill? The ML350 BlueTec I tested had everything you see here for $75,665.
That's an expensive sweater.
But stick to the basics, avoid all those add-ons (but spring for the navigation package), and you're rewarded with straightforward, prudent luxury.
The best part of this is the interior. Mercedes installed the same dashboard layout it is putting in many of its 2012 models. The color display or navigation screen now sits atop the center console and holds court over revised switchgear and brushed metal trim. A healthy portion of wood trim is also included in the mix.
As with the previous ML, Mercedes took a page from your uncle's outdated Buick and mounted the shifter on the steering column. This frees up more space in the center console for storage and gives the area a cleaner look.
The ML seats five comfortably; drivers with more passengers than cargo will have to wait until the 2013 model year, when Mercedes will offer it with seven seats. For now, the cargo space is average for this segment, though the rear seats fold completely flat if needed.
Changes to the exterior are minor, but welcome. The ML is more streamlined than before and components such as the grille and headlights mesh with one another much better, giving the vehicle a more complete, stylish look.
The ML350 BlueTec features a 3.0-liter, turbocharged V-6 diesel motor that makes 240 horsepower and a staunch 455 pound-feet of torque.
I also logged some seat time in the gas version, whose engine pulls 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque from a 3.5-liter V-6.
Despite the diesel's significant torque advantage, its acceleration doesn't pull back your jowls with force. Driving away from a stop is surprisingly subdued compared with the gas version. It also doesn't give you a towing advantage. Mercedes says both versions of the ML will do zero to 60 in 7.3 seconds and will tow 7,200 pounds.
During daily driving, both power plants are quiet yet assertive. Unless you really honk
on the gas pedal, the engines don't make their presence known. The only transmission on either ML is a seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters, and both feature permanent all-wheel-drive.
Both models also had the aforementioned handling package. The system certainly works well, with the air suspension keeping the body balanced through turns no matter what their radius or your enthusiasm for them.
But nothing about the experience said it was worth the $5,150 that the package costs. I have a sense that an ML350 without this option will still go around a corner without being sucked into a wormhole or turning into a pumpkin.
All told, there was almost no discernible difference between the gas-powered ML350 and the ML350 BlueTec. The only thing that revealed its diesel powertrain was an idle not that different from your kid's school bus.
But to me, a little idle chatter is worth the advantage at the fuel pump. The diesel ML350 is rated at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway, while the gas ML350 is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. In my time with each, I averaged 21 mpg with the diesel and 16.3 with the gas.
This difference in efficiency means it would take about 30,000 miles of driving the diesel to offset the extra $1,500 it costs at the dealership and the additional 10 cents a gallon you may pay currently for diesel fuel over premium-grade gasoline, according to the national average.
Anything beyond that 30,000-mile point would save you about 5 cents a mile, assuming the price difference between premium gas and diesel fuel stays the same. That's an additional $1,000 in savings by the time you reach the end of the ML's 50,000-mile warranty.
Yes, it's possible that if you're spending almost $76,000 on a mid-size SUV, you don't care about saving a grand in fuel costs.
But you should. Think of all the sweaters you can buy.


text:
Welcome back!
Last Sunday, of course, we were blessed to celebrate the beatification of Pope John Paul II in Rome. I was happy to be a part of that celebration.
As I have said so many times, I never thought I would live long enough to know two people who were beatified — and know them so well having been with them many, many times — Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa.
Since the time I was a young priest, I had met both of them on a number of different occasions, and have had wonderful opportunities not only be with them, but to have conversations with them, listen to their wisdom and observe their deeds. So, being at Mother Teresa's beatification, and now John Paul II's, was just a thrill.
Certainly no other human being was seen by as many people on the planet as Blessed John Paul II.
It's obvious that the lives of the people who saw him personally, or even just heard him, were transformed by his ministry. It is because of this impact he had that so many people wanted to be a part of this celebration.
Estimates are that there were about 1.5 million people in Rome for the beatification.
The Holy See, very wisely, planned a number of events because it would have been very frustrating if people had gone with their hearts set on being at the beatification Mass ended up being several blocks away from St. Peter's because they could not get near it.
So, there was a beautiful vigil Saturday night at the Circus Maximus with the praying of the Rosary and a recorded message from the Holy Father.
There were also witness talks by Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, who was the French sister cured of Parkinson's disease through the intercession of Blessed John Paul; Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, who had been Pope John Paul's personal secretary for so many years, and Dr. Joaquín Navarro-Valls, who had been the communications director of the Holy See and was very close to John Paul II.
Sister Marie Simon-Pierre
The Mass of Beatification itself was a glorious celebration. Pope Benedict delivered a magnificent homily, which was so personal because of his years of close collaboration with the Holy Father.
Virtually the whole College of Cardinals was there and they were all invited to concelebrate the Mass. I was very pleased, because I did not think we would all concelebrate.
After the Mass, we went in procession back into the basilica, where we were able to venerate the body of Pope John Paul II.
We were followed by the heads of state — which were many — and finally by the people. The basilica remained open until about 3:00 in the morning. I went to the plaza at about 11:30 at night and there was still a column of people waiting to venerate the body.
Before I left for Rome, I had an interview with R.D. Sahl of New England Cable News where I spoke on Pope John Paul II's life legacy and the beatification. I want to share it with you here:
– – –
The next day there was a Mass of Thanksgiving, where Cardinal Bertone celebrated Mass in the piazza in honor of the new blessed. That also attracted hundreds of thousands of people.
After that Mass, the body was transferred to the altar of St. Sebastian. That altar is between the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the Pieta as you go into the basilica on the right hand side. It's very accessible and very visible — a wonderful spot for it.
St. Sebastian is the patron of athletes and of course the Holy Father was a great athlete. I thought of that as I toured the new Pope John Paul exhibit at the Vatican Museum.
I had run into Dr. Domenico Giani, who is in charge of Vatican security and he asked me if I would like a private tour before the exhibit officially opened. Of course, I was very happy to accept his offer.
– – –
While I was in Rome, I also visited Venerable English College.
There are many interesting historical aspects of the College, among them is its association with English martyrs.
Historically there was a tension between England and the Holy See, particularly during the period when so many of the English priests were being martyred. There was a time when the priests would leave the English College heading back to England knowing they would never see their companions again, that they would probably never return to Rome. St. Philip Neri who lived very close to there also made a commentary about them once. Seeing a group of students from the English College he said simply, "Those are martyrs."
– – –
While in Rome, I also met the new patriarch of the Maronite Catholics, Béshara Rái.
I told him how close we are to the Maronite priests and people here in Boston, and how it was my privilege to give a retreat here a few years ago to all of their priests. He invited me to visit him in Lebanon.
I then discovered the new statue of St. Maron in the niches around the outside of St. Peter's.
They have cleaned St. Peter's, and it looks glorious! They put in these new statues, and one of them is of St. Maron, who is a Syriac monk and a contemporary of St. Patrick. He, of course, is also the founder of the Maronites. The Maronites are one of the largest Oriental, or Eastern Catholic, rites. They have always been Catholic, as there has never been a schismatic or orthodox group break off from them.
– – –
By Wednesday, I was back home in Boston.
That night, as I do several times per year, I met with the priests who have been ordained five years or fewer for a Holy Hour, dinner and reflection. We always have a very good turnout. It's something I think the priests, and myself, find it very life-giving — to be able to talk about priesthood, ministry and the spiritual life of priests.
– – –
Thursday afternoon I met at the Cathedral with Bishop Lesnuchristos, who is the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
We have Father Abina here on loan from the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa. His auxiliary bishop is visiting the Ethiopian Catholics in the United States. Although our Ethiopian community here in Boston is not very large, it is significant and they gather for their liturgies and other events at our Cathedral.
– – –
Finally, I want to mention that the film There Be Dragons is opening in the Boston area this weekend.
It is an epic film about St. Josemaría Escriva as a young priest during the Spanish civil war and is directed by Roland Joffé, who also directed The Mission. St. Josemaría's life was based on calling people to make holy the little ordinary experiences of daily life and encouraging everyone to strive to live a saintly life.
A few months ago, it was screened at a national gathering of U.S. Bishops. The film does a very good job of highlighting the power of love and forgiveness, and making good choices during times of difficulty.
There are many resources for family or parish discussion groups at DragonsResources.com that people can use to discuss the film.
If you want to learn more about the film, you can listen to this interview that Scot Landry conducted with the lead actor on this past Wednesday's The Good Catholic Life radio show followed by a discussion about the film. The Pilot also recently published a review of the movie.
The more you know about it, the more I think you'll agree it is a film worth seeing.
Until next week, peace be with you!
Cardinal Seán

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Free Downloadable Party Cup Wrappers
When throwing a party, cups can be used for more than just beverages. They can hold candies or sweets, starters or even candles on your tabletop. We came across this cute little downloadable wrapper to print out at home to jazz up your basic party cup to add a little something special.
The design and download is courtesy of Amy Moss over at Eat Drink Chic. "La Dolce Vita" is Italian for "The Sweet Life," and we think it's a great phrase for any party, no matter what the theme. Amy suggests hanging your cups from branches or twine if you aren't into filling them with snacks. You can find the download at the bottom of the page, over at Eat Drink Chic.
We think they'd be great holding marshmallows before being filled with hot chocolate for an after dinner treat, or even with caramel corn, or a few pieces of toffee or meringues... really the list just goes on and on! What would you put in them? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Related: Party Disposables
(via: How About Orange)
(Image: Eat Drink Chic)


text:
Kristin Ruotolo
Hometown: Guilford, Conn.
Major: Nursing
WCSU Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Internships: Clinical training at Norwalk Hospital as part of the nursing program
Honors and Awards: Sigma Theta Tau, inducted May 2007; Jones Scholarship - WCSU Nursing Program, January 2007;
Activities: Iris Ministries: Maputo, Mozambique, Africa - aided in children's center; assisted nurse with care of 30 orphaned and HIV-infected infants, January - June 2004, July 2005, May 2006; College Leadership Group/Walnut Hill Community Church - assisted in the organization of religious activities for students at WCSU, Sept 2004 - May 2006; nursing tutor for sophomores in the WCSU nursing program, fall 2007; WCSU resident assistant; per diem at St. Raphael Hospital as a student nurse technician on the OB/GYN/PEDI unit
Kristin Ruotolo found her calling to be a nurse after going on mission trips to India and Mozambique. "While there, I decided I
wanted to become a nurse so I could one day return to
nations such as these and help children who need better health care," she says.
"Africa captured my heart while I lived
there, and I cannot wait until I am able to go back and
contribute with the knowledge I've gained here."
Her decision to study nursing at WestConn was simple: "It was close to home and a lot less expensive than alternative schools."
Ruotolo says that without being aware of it, Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Pat Mooreland was an inspiration to her. "Dr. Moreland has gone overseas to a number of different countries and used nursing to help communities," she says. "It's encouraging to see someone who is living out what I desire to do, and who is making a huge sacrifice to help the less-fortunate people of the world."
Asked what she will remember most about her WestConn experience, Ruotolo says, " I have a feeling my most memorable experience is going to be graduation day! But so far it's the creation of a meeting on campus called the Gathering. It is an off-shoot of the campus Christian ministry where people of faith in the Bible come together, get to know one another and learn more about their faith. A lot of effort and prayer has gone into its development so it's very exciting to see it in action."
After graduation, Ruotolo hopes to find work as a nurse. She has been applying to hospitals in
Connecticut and California. "I am trying to decide
where would be the best place to make my transition
from a student to a nurse," she says. "I've
considered getting my master's degree, but for right
now, I will just start out with work."
Ruotolo's advice to new students entering WCSU is: "Finish well. It's one thing to start out with a lot of hope and excitement. Things can get a lot less exciting as the work load builds up and the stress piles on ... just keep going and finish well."


text:
IO::Async::Channel - pass values into or out from an IO::Async::Routine
IO::Async::Channel object allows Perl values to be passed into or out of an IO::Async::Routine. It is intended to be used primarily with a Routine object rather than independently. For more detail and examples on how to use this object see also the documentation for IO::Async::Routine.
A Channel object is shared between the main process of the program and the process running within the Routine. In the main process it will be used in asynchronous mode, and in the Routine process it will be used in synchronous mode. In asynchronous mode all methods return immediately and use
IO::Async-style callback functions. In synchronous within the Routine process the methods block until they are ready and may be used for flow-control within the routine. Alternatively, a Channel may be shared between two different Routine objects, and not used directly by the controlling program.
The channel itself represents a FIFO of Perl reference values. New values may be put into the channel by the
send method in either mode. Values may be retrieved from it by the
recv method. Values inserted into the Channel are snapshot by the
send method. Any changes to referred variables will not be observed by the other end of the Channel after the
send method returns.
Since the channel uses Storable to serialise values to write over the communication filehandle only reference values may be passed. To pass a single scalar value,
send a SCALAR reference to it, and dereference the result of
$channel = IO::Async::Channel->new
Returns a new
IO::Async::Channel object. This object reference itself should be shared by both sides of a
fork()ed process. After
fork() the two
setup_* methods may be used to configure the object for operation on either end.
While this object does in fact inherit from IO::Async::Notifier for implementation reasons it is not intended that this object be used as a Notifier. It should not be added to a Loop object directly; event management will be handled by its containing
IO::Async::Routine object.
$channel->configure( %params )
Similar to the standard
configure method on
IO::Async::Notifier, this is used to change details of the Channel's operation.
- on_recv => CODE
May only be set on an async mode channel. If present, will be invoked whenever a new value is received, rather than using the
$on_recv->( $channel, $data )
- on_eof => CODE
May only be set on an async mode channel. If present, will be invoked when the channel gets closed by the peer.
$on_eof->( $channel )
$channel->send( $data )
Pushes the data stored in the given Perl reference into the FIFO of the Channel, where it can be received by the other end. When called on a synchronous mode Channel this method may block if a
write() call on the underlying filehandle blocks. When called on an asynchronous mode channel this method will not block.
$channel->send_frozen( $record )
A variant of the
send method; this method pushes the byte record given. This should be the result of a call to
$data = $channel->recv
When called on a synchronous mode Channel this method will block until a Perl reference value is available from the other end and then return it. If the Channel is closed this method will return
undef. Since only references may be passed and all Perl references are true the truth of the result of this method can be used to detect that the channel is still open and has not yet been closed.
$channel->recv( %args )
When called on an asynchronous mode Channel this method appends a callback function to the receiver queue to handle the next Perl reference value that becomes available from the other end. Takes the following named arguments:
- on_recv => CODE
Called when a new Perl reference value is available. Will be passed the Channel object and the reference data.
$on_recv->( $channel, $data )
- on_eof => CODE
Called if the Channel was closed before a new value was ready. Will be passed the Channel object.
$on_eof->( $channel )
Closes the channel. Causes a pending
recv on the other end to return undef or the queued
on_eof callbacks to be invoked.
Paul Evans <firstname.lastname@example.com>


text: I have a setup like this Server 3<----------------- Server 1 -----------------> Server 2 Email server ------------- ISPConfig ------------------DB Server ----------------------------Web server----------------phpMyAdmin I've configured a website, a db and ftp account for a client. After he logged in phpMyAdmin, he changed the password but couldn't login again. What do I do? Should I change the password for that database in ISP Config? How can i give him access to phpMyAdmin?


text:
In Terms of One
I am a DNA Sequencing Scientist at GENEWIZ. Our laboratory, which is a satellite lab, is responsible for cultivating and purifying customer-supplied bacterial plasmids as well as purifying DNA from PCR reactions. We then optimize the DNA to obtain the best quality sequence for customers. We also prepare bacterial colonies that express desired inserts for further analysis upon request. Because of my experience in a multi-lab project while at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA), I am also responsible for most quality control testing and documentation in our satellite lab.
A former colleague of mine, and current Registered Microbiologist, first introduced me to the NRCM and suggested that I become a Registrant. This suggestion came one day after a string of long days of working on a method validation. After some deliberation and a bit of apprehension, I decided to attempt certification to demonstrate my competency. While studying for the exam, I found that I had the chance to expound upon current knowledge in Microbiology, as the exam required information outside my normal scope of activities.
Obtaining certification offers many benefits. For example, shortly after becoming a Registrant, I was appointed to the NRCM exam development committee for the Food Safety and Quality Exam. This honor has given me a deeper sense of community with Food Microbiologists across the United States while challenging me to stay abreast of current topics in terms of the exam. Becoming a Registered Microbiologist has been a great accomplishment for me and I am eager to see how it further burgeons my career.
Semaj McIver, RM(NRCM), DNA Sequencing Scientist, GENEWIZ, Research Triangle Park, NC; he achieved his certification in 2011.
Copyright© National Registry of Certified Microbiologists. Reprinted from The Loop, 2013, Issue 1.


text:
Discovering Kanazawa: the rise of Japan's "Little Kyoto"
Once one of Japan's largest cities, in recent decades Kanazawa has languished in the shadow of its better-known rivals. But all that's changing now, with th…
Mention OKINAWA (沖縄) to a mainland Japanese and you'll likely receive a wistful sigh in return. Perpetually warm weather, clear seas bursting with fish, fantastic food, gentle people, unspoilt beaches and jungle…the list could go on. More than one hundred subtropical islands, collectively known as the Ryūkyū Shotō, stretch over 700km of ocean from Kyūshū southwest to Yonaguni-jima, almost within sight of Taiwan, and provide one of Japan's favourite getaways. Getting here may be a little costly, but Okinawa's lush vegetation, vision-of-paradise beaches and superb coral reefs can charm the most jaded traveller – if you've had your fill of shrines and temples and want to check out some of Japan's best beaches and dive sites or simply fancy a spot of winter sun, then Okinawa is well worth a visit.
The largest island in the group, Okinawa-Hontō, usually referred to simply as Okinawa, is the region's transport hub and home to its prefectural capital, Naha. It's also the most heavily populated and developed of the Ryūkyū chain, thanks largely to the controversial presence of American military bases. Okinawa-Hontō boasts a number of historical sights, many of them associated with the Battle of Okinawa at the end of the Pacific War. But the island has more to offer than battle sites, particularly in its northern region, where the old way of life still survives among the isolated villages.
To see the best of the region, you'll have to hop on a plane or ferry and explore the dozens of outer islands away from Okinawa-Hontō, many of them uninhabited. Even quite close to Naha, you'll find gorgeous beaches and fantastic dive spots around the Kerama islands, just 30km off Okinawa-Hontō. Divers and beach connoisseurs will want to visit Miyako-jima and Ishigaki-jima, way down the Ryūkyū chain. If you're looking for an idyllic retreat, Taketomi-jima can't be beaten, while the adventurous will want to explore Iriomote-jima, coated in thick groves of mangrove and steamy rainforest, and home to the elusive Iriomote lynx.
It's on these outer islands that you'll also find the strongest evidence of the much-vaunted Ryūkyū culture, born of contact with Taiwan and China, as well as the rest of Japan. The most obvious expressions of this culture are found in the islands' cuisine and in a vibrant use of colour and bold tropical patterns, while the Chinese influence is clearly visible in the region's architecture, traditional dress and the martial art of karate – the Ryūkyū warriors' preferred mode of protection. Ancient religious beliefs are kept alive by shamen (called yuta) and, in central Okinawa-Hontō, there are sumo bouts between bulls. There's also a Ryūkyū dialect, with dozens of variations between the different islands, unique musical instruments, and a distinctive musical style that has reached an international audience through bands such as Nēnēs, Diamantes and Champloose. If you're lucky, you'll stumble on a local festival, such as giant rope tug-of-war contests or dragon-boat races, while the biggest annual event is the Eisā festival (fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month), when everyone downs tools and dances to the incessant rhythms of drums, flutes and the three-stringed sanshin.
Besides Hokkaidō, Okinawa contains Japan's largest areas of unspoilt natural environment and its greatest biodiversity. Much of this wealth of wildlife is underwater, spawned by the warm Kuroshio Current that sweeps up the east coast and allows coral reefs to flourish. But there are a number of endemic species on land, too, including turtles, a crested eagle and the noguchigera (Pryer's woodpecker), in addition to Iriomote's wild cat, the yamaneko. A less welcome local resident is the highly venomous habu snake. It measures around 2m in length, is dark green with a yellow head, and usually lurks in dense vegetation or on roadsides, though rarely ventures into urban areas. As long as you're careful – especially during spring and autumn – you should have no problems; if you are bitten, make for the nearest hospital, where they should have antiveni.
With its subtropical climate, Okinawa stays warm throughout the year. Average annual temperatures are around 23°C, with a winter average of 17°C and a minimum of 10°C. Winter lasts from December to February, while the hot, humid summer starts in April and continues into September. Temperatures at this time hover around 34°C and the sun can be pretty intense, though the sea breezes help. The best time to visit is in spring or autumn (roughly March to early May and late Sept to Dec). The rainy season lasts from early May to early June, while typhoons can be a problem in July and August, and occasionally into October.
In the fifteenth century, the islands that now make up Okinawa were united for the first time into the Ryūkyū kingdom, governed from Shuri Castle in present-day Naha. This period is seen as the golden era of Ryūkyū culture. Trade with China, the rest of Japan and other Southeast Asian countries flourished, while the traditionally non-militarized kingdom maintained its independence by paying tribute to China. But then, in 1609, the Shimazu clan of Kagoshima (southern Kyūshū) invaded. The Ryūkyū kings became vassals to the Shimazu, who imposed punitive taxes and ruled with an iron hand for the next two hundred years, using the islands as a gateway for trade with China when such contact was theoretically outlawed by the Togukawa Shogunate. When the Japanese feudal system was abolished in the 1870s, the islands were simply annexed to the mainland as Okinawa Prefecture. Against much local opposition, the Meiji government established a military base and tried to eradicate local culture by forcing people to speak Japanese and swear allegiance to the emperor, forbidding schools to teach Ryūkyū history.
By the early twentieth century, Okinawa had been fairly successfully absorbed into Japan and became a key pawn in Japan's last line of defence during the Pacific War. Following the battle of Iwō-jima in March 1945, the American fleet advanced on Okinawa and, after an extensive preliminary bombardment, referred to locally as a "typhoon of steel", the Americans invaded on April 1, 1945. It took nearly three months of bitter fighting before General Ushijima, the Japanese commander, committed suicide and the island surrendered. The Battle of Okinawa left 12,500 American troops dead (plus 37,000 injured) and an estimated 250,000 on the Japanese side, nearly half of whom were local civilians.
It's estimated that one third of the population of Okinawa died in the war, many in mass suicides that preceded the surrender, and others from disease and starvation. But the islanders' subsequent anger has been directed at the Japanese government rather than America. Most people feel that Okinawa was sacrificed to save the mainland – this was the only major battle fought on Japanese soil – and that they were misled by Japanese assurances that they were luring the American fleet into a trap. Compounding this was the behaviour of Japanese troops, who are accused of denying locals shelter and medical treatment, and ultimately of abandoning them to the Americans.
By comparison, the American invaders were a welcome relief, despite the islanders' worst fears. They brought in much-needed food supplies – Spam was an instant hit in this pork-loving country, and a precursor of the processed luncheon meat found in pork champurū – and gradually helped restore the local economy. This wasn't wholly altruistic, of course, since Okinawa was ideally placed for monitoring events in Southeast Asia. As the 1950s Korean War merged into the Vietnam War, so the American bases became a permanent feature of the Okinawa landscape.
In fact, Okinawa remained under American jurisdiction until 1972, when local protests led to the restoration of Japanese sovereignty. Since then, the two governments have colluded to maintain an American military presence on the island despite growing opposition, which reached a peak when three American servicemen were found guilty of raping a 12-year-old schoolgirl in 1995.
Okinawa has since borne witness to some curious political shifts. In 2007, local elections brought Aiko Shimajiri to power; interestingly, his focus was on the local economy rather than military issues. These were, however, to come to the fore in national elections two years down the line, with Yukio Hatayama elected Prime Minister on a pledge to remove, rather than relocate, the Futenma air base – his failure to do so saw him step down in disgrace less than a year later (see Underground Naval Headquarters and Himeyuri-no-tō).
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text:
Jackie Robinson's 94th Birthday
It is the greatest of baseball stories because it is greater than baseball itself: Jackie Robinson's combination of courage, tenacity, and conviction in the face of unparalleled pressures. He bore the twin burdens of hope and hatred with a dignity and strength that became legendary. His story ascends to the level of myth, like George Washington and the cherry tree or Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, but right now, as we approach the annual celebration of Jackie Robinson Day at America's ballfields, there is still time to appreciate the man as he was rather than as the revered figure the nation needs him to be. Best to recall him not as a martyr, not as a savior, not as a sociocultural icon, but as a great baseball player, one whose fiery competitive spirit finds its equal in Cooperstown only in the person of his fellow Georgian and spiritual opposite, Ty Cobb. His presence in the Hall of Fame adds to the stature of the institution and the game. In 1947 Jackie Robinson's exploits earned for him the first Rookie of the Year, at the advanced baseball age of twenty-eight, and now the award bears his name. In 1949 he won a batting title, was named the National League MVP, and played in the second of his six World Series. But tucked beneath the mementos of that year are items that recall the political realities that made Robinson a standard bearer for integration, before his major league career and after it. Some twenty-five years ago, during a research visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame, I came upon a forlorn uncatalogued box that Look magazine had shipped to the National Baseball Library in 1954.
Inside it were strips of photographic contact sheets, including those displayed in flipbook style here: http://exhibits.baseballhalloffame.org/baseball_enlists/d20.htm. The photos showed a very youthful Robinson and two other black players going through batting and baserunning drills. The players were wearing uniforms that read "Royals." The sheets were dated October 7, 1945, a full two weeks before the announcement of Robinson's signing to play with the Montreal Royals, the Dodgers Triple A farm team. I was perplexed. Over the next few weeks, with the help of historian Jules Tygiel and a visit to the Library of Congress to research the newly available Branch Rickey papers, I was able to piece the story together. Rickey had met with Robinson in the Dodger offices on Montague Street in August 1945, ostensibly to discuss his playing in a new Negro League for a team that Rickey had announced in May, the Brooklyn Brown Dodgers. But what Rickey really had in mind as his scouts fanned out across the nation to contact several black players was to find the men who would integrate his major league Dodgers, thus fulfilling his lifelong conviction that segregation was morally wrong and giving his team an enduring competitive and economic edge.
Rickey knew the value of manipulating the press and public opinion, and wanted to insure that his motives behind the signing were clearly depicted. So he asked writer Arthur Mann, a close friend (and later a Rickey employee) to write a long piece for Look magazine titled "The Negro and Baseball: The National Game Faces a Racial Challenge Long Ignored." The photographs were meant to accompany the article, which was to be held until the signings were to be announced–after the major league meetings in December 1945, or even later.
The "Royals" name that had thrown me a curve was not that of the Montreal Royals but the Kansas City Royals, a barnstorming team run by Negro League pitcher Chet Brewer that Robinson was playing for in California. Look photographer Maurice Terrell was stationed high in the empty grandstand at San Diego's Lane Stadium, snapping shots of Robinson and his fellow Royals, who were unaware of the photographer's presence. The secrecy of the Mahatma's plan was near perfect. The manuscript, with Rickey's annotations in the margin, were revealed in the previously closed Rickey papers in Washington.
Mann makes it clear that Rickey had never planned for one black man to deal with all the problems alone; he had meant to announce the simultaneous signing of several others. Don Newcombe and Sam Jethroe were supposed to have been Robinson's teammates at Montreal, and Roy Partlow, John Wright, and Roy Campanella were to have been assigned to another farm club.
But during the 1945 World Series Rickey wrote Mann and told him not to go through with publication of the article. "There is more involved in the situation than I had contemplated." What he meant was that the integration of baseball was becoming a divisive and public issue in New York City politics, and Rickey no longer had time to execute his master plan.
In order to deter the Communist Party or Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia from taking the credit for pushing baseball to integrate, after all Rickey's years of work behind the scenes, he had to rush the signing of Robinson, and Robinson alone. The grand plan–several players signed at once, the Look magazine scoop and accompanying photographs–dissolved. Rickey had Robinson, and that was all. Luckily for us, it proved more than enough.
After his retirement from baseball following the 1956 campaign, Robinson continued his advocacy of racial justice and integration, for which he had become a potent symbol. Senator John F. Kennedy sought his support in the 1960 Presidential campaign, but Robinson backed Richard Nixon instead, which came as a disappointment to the liberal community but was consistent with who Jackie Robinson was and where he came from.
Proud of his race, his community, his family, he asked nothing more of government than he asked of baseball: neither sympathy nor entitlement, but equal opportunity and a level playing field. In the days to come Our Game will continue to honor Robinson by serializing the above-referenced article on which my dear departed friend Jules Tygiel and I collaborated for SPORT Magazine in June 1988.
Quelle: The Robinson Day
Related articles
- Photos: Dodger Jackie Robinson Would Have Turned 94 Today (photos.mercurynews.com)
- Cardinals Catch-All 01.30.13 (pitchershiteighth.com)
- Jackie Robinson's Birthday (goodolewoody.wordpress.com)
- Baseball Legend Jackie Robinson Honored With Google Doodle (pcmag.com)
- Jackie Robinson Google Doodle Celebrates Baseball Great's 94th Birthday (huffingtonpost.com)
- "42″ Jackie Robinson – Official Movie Trailer (whoneedsagenre.com)
- Dodgers unveil Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe and Roy Campanella statue giveaway (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)
- Photos: Dodger Jackie Robinson Would Have Turned 94 Today (photos.denverpost.com)
- Happy Birthday To Major League Baseball Pioneer Jackie Robinson (newsone.com)


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4:00 am
Sesame Street "The Bubblefest" It's Bubblefest on Sesame Street and Alan and Chris are the leaders of the festivities. Telly is excited since he has never blown a bubble before. Everyone starts blowing bubbles but when Telly gives it a try, he blows way too hard and is unable to make a bubble. D
5:00 am
Sid The Science Kid "Let There Be Light" Sid and his baby brother Zeke are playing a game where they try to "grab" the light coming out of a flashlight, which proves to be impossible. At school, Sid and his friends explore the science of light and discover that light comes from various energy sources. They also discover that there are some light sources that can't be turned off, like the biggest light source of all. D
5:30 am
Martha Speaks "Itchy Martha/Martha and the Thief of Hearts" Itchy Martha - Martha can't keep her paws away from her itchy ear mites. Martha and the Thief of Hearts - The gang decides to make homemade valentines for each other.G
6:00 am
NOVA "Extreme Ice" In collaboration with National Geographic, NOVA follows the exploits of photojournalist James Balog and a scientific team as they deploy time-lapse cameras to create a photo archive of melting glaciers. They grapple with blizzards, fickle technology and perilous climbs to anchor cameras that must withstand extreme cold and high winds.G
7:00 am
Rick Steves' Europe "Munich and the Foothills of the Alps" Rick visits boisterous markets and Baroque palaces, and watches office workers surf in the Isar River. In the foothills of the Alps, Rick visits Oberammergau and tours the fairy-tale castles of "mad" King Ludwig.G
7:30 am
Smart Travels - Europe with Rudy Maxa "A Music Lover's Europe" For a totally different view of Europe, Rudy shows smart travelers how to organize a trip around a theme. Rudy discovers surprising and fresh takes on Europe as he sets out on a music lover's tour. Winning, live performances by the Sicilian folk band Diascouri, and by Groupo Emiliano, a zany, classically-trained quartet from Emilia Romagna, are the backbone of this offbeat trip. D
8:00 am
The Desert Speaks "Royal Road to the Final Outpost" The third installment of the trip along El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro includes a visit to Hildago del Parral, and its monument to the famous soldier of Mexican independence, Pancho Villa. Nearby Santa Barbara, also along the original route, is a festive sight with deep, proud roots to the ancient Royal Road. El Paso del Norte marks the passage of the route across the border into the U.S. D
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Chef John Besh's New Orleans Oyster Dressing, Cornbread and Crawfish Dressing, and Shrimp and Mirliton Dressing. D
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Lidia's Italy In America "Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh's Italian Americans" In this episode, Lidia travels to Bloomfield, home of Pittsburgh's Little Italy. Here she visits Maria Merante Palmieri's quaint Italian gift shop, Merante's Gifts, grabs a sandwich at Primanti's where she talks with Antonia Corradetti, and takes viewers on a tour of Lidia's Pittsburgh. Back in the kitchen, Lidia prepares a Baked Ziti, a delicious sandwich of Primanti's Capicola and Cheese, and Fettucine Mafalda. D
9:30 am
Rudy Maxa's World "Buenos Aires, Argentina" Rudy enjoys Argentina's national dance, the tango, the energy of the city's population, the architecture, the food and the underground art scene.G
10:00 am
The Jazzy Vegetarian "30-Minute Vegetarian" Host Laura Theodore prepares a quick, "good-for-you meal," in under 30-minutes. The menu features tangy "Pasta with Broccoli and Sun Dried Tomatoes," "Warm Bakery Bread with Herbed Dipping Oil," and "Avocado Cashew Salad." Laura even includes a refreshing dessert; "Frozen Banana Creamy with Cocoa Dust. D
10:30 am
Cook's Country from America's Test Kitchen "Tropical Barbecue" Bridget reveals how to make Huli Huli Chicken right at home. Then, Jack challenges Chris to a tasting of reduced-fat potato chips. Next, Adam reveals his top picks for pastry brushes. D
11:00 am
Austin City Limits "Coldplay" The Grammy-winners and modern-rock giants have sold more than 50 million records worldwide. They perform their hits and selections from their album Mylo Xyloto.G
12:00 pm
Sesame Street "Rhyming Block" Mother Goose is visiting Sesame Street and needs to write three new nursery rhymes by the end of the day, but she fears she has become a rusty rhymer. Elmo and Abby say they are great rhymers, and they offer to help. Mother Goose explains that to write really good nursery rhymes, you need conflict - when someone wants something or needs something very badly. D
1:00 pm
Dinosaur Train "Pteranodon Family World Tour/Gilbert The Junior Conductor" Pteranodon Family World Tour - The entire Pteranodon family embarks on a roaring, exploring, World Tour adventure! They meet the Conductor's nephew, Gilbert, who takes them on a tour to meet Martin Amargasaurus, a spine spangled quadruped with an intimidating sail. Gilbert the Junior Conductor - The Pteranodon family is on a World Tour and get to sleep in a special Sleeping Car on the Dinosaur Train. During their first full day on the Train, the kids are super excited to play with Gilbert, the Conductor's nephew. D
1:30 pm
Super Why! "The Beach Day Mystery" Whyatt and the other fairytale buddies have found a clue leading to treasure and they need a little help! So the superhero readers fly into The Beach Day Mystery where they set off on a swashbuckling scavenger hunt adventure filled with clues, pirates, and of course, treasure! Will Super Why and his friends be able to outsmart the trickiest pirate of them all? Educational Objectives: To learn how to figure out clues. Kids will follow the alphabet, rhyme with AIL words, and use the power to read to change the story!. D
2:00 pm
Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That! "You Should Be Dancing/Batty for Bats" You Should Be Dancing - Nick and Sally are planning to put on a show for their moms, but they can't finish their dance without falling down! The Cat in the Hat takes them to meet one of the best dancers in the world, Tango a bird of paradise! With a few costume changes and a little practice, Nick and Sally are finally able to show their moms their new dance! Batty for Bats - Sally and Nick are playing a game of blindfolded freeze tag but they can't seem to find each other! Luckily the Cat has a friend who is always able to find his way in the dark. He takes them to meet Zapita, a bat who teaches the kids about echolocation. Now that Nick and Sally know how to listen to find their way, freeze tag has become a lot more fun!. D
2:30 pm
Wild Kratts "Mom of a Croc" Chris and Martin are determined to prove to Aviva that there's more to crocodiles than their reputation as scary brutes. They use an egg disguise, created by Aviva, to infiltrate a crocodile nest for an insider's look at the challenging journey of the infant crocs and their mom. Science Concept: Heat can be produced in many ways, and can move from one object to another by a process called conduction. D
3:00 pm
Dialogue for Kids "Animal Migration" Animal migrations don't just happen in the spring and arent just something birds do. Lots of different animals migrate and for good reasons. Why? What is it that drives animals to move from one part of the country to another and then back again? Joan Cartan-Hansen and her guest scientists Jeff Knetter, wildlife biologist with the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game and Vicky Runnoe, conservation educator with the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game, will answer questions about animal migration.G
3:30 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "Highlights of Castile: Toledo and Salamanca" Rick marvels at El Greco, pops some explosive pickles and rambles Spain's most awe-inspiring medieval walls. He drops in on a bachelorette party, with local troubadours. He slices and savors tasty jamon, strolls with the crowd, and grabs a front-row seat to enjoy Europe's most enchanting square.G
4:00 pm
The Desert Speaks "Peru's Amazon Desert" Follow host David Yetman and his brother, geologist Dick Yetman, as they descend from 10,000 feet in the Andes Mountains into the heart of the Amazon Desert. Travel by 4x4 down a treacherous one way road through a cloud covered forest. This area hosts hillside agricultural civilizations that continue to harvest the land much as their ancestors have done for hundreds of years. D
4:30 pm
Outdoor Idaho "Canyonlands Calling" Cameras roam desert expanses, narrow canyons, mountains and rock formations of the southwest corner of Idaho. Participants reveal how eight years of collaborative effort among many interests can culminate in the federal Owyhee Initiative that includes many uses, including designated wilderness.G
5:00 pm
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6:00 pm
Legacy: Austria's Influence On American Skiing "Austrian Ski Culture & Helicopter Skiing - (1960s - )" For generations Austrian architecture, apres ski ambience, ski school directors and instructors gained notice and profits in the Americas. In the 1960s and 70s the Austrian Emo Henrich at Stratton in Vermont, and the Austrians Hans Gmoser and Mike Wiegele in the Canadian Rockies, put their cultural and entrepreneurial skills to work and thus furthered this legacy. At Stratton, Emo recruited many Austrian instructors with whom he created not only, the Stratton Mountain Boys -- a successful Austrian alpine music band (that to this day tours throughout the United States) -- but also, with a predominantly New York clientele, a progressive, competitive and innovative climate. D
7:00 pm
Outdoor Idaho "Canyonlands Calling" Cameras roam desert expanses, narrow canyons, mountains and rock formations of the southwest corner of Idaho. Participants reveal how eight years of collaborative effort among many interests can culminate in the federal Owyhee Initiative that includes many uses, including designated wilderness.G
7:30 pm
Dialogue "Food Safety and Biomedical Research" How safe is our nation's food system? Carolyn Bohach is a microbiologist from the University of Idaho who specializes in studying E. coli and food safety. This week on Dialogue, host Joan Cartan-Hansen talks with Bohach about her research and ways we can prevent E. coli breakouts.G
8:00 pm
Idaho Reports 2012 Idaho Public Television's weekly coverage of the Idaho Legislature with host Greg Hahn begins. The one-hour show continues through adjournment.G
9:00 pm
Rudy Maxa's World: Escape to French Polynesia In his first one-hour special, award-winning travel journalist Rudy Maxa (Smart Travels) ventures to Tahiti, Bora Bora and other atolls and islands in French Polynesia to experience their rich sea life, translucent waters and vibrant culture. RUDY MAXA'S WORLD: ESCAPE TO FRENCH POLYNESIA features brilliant underwater and aerial photography of some of the most beautiful waters and tropical islands in the world, while also examining the violent and colorful history of the islands. Maxa observes oyster-cultivation process at one of the major pearl farms, explores the underwater world of French Polynesia and visits the remote and sparsely populated Marquesas Islands, where dramatic mountains offer evidence of its volcanic origins. D
10:00 pm
Globe Trekker "South Atlantic" Zay follows in the footsteps of explorers, adventurers and naturalists from the Falkland Islands to the Antarctic Peninsula.G
11:00 pm
Outdoor Idaho "Canyonlands Calling" Cameras roam desert expanses, narrow canyons, mountains and rock formations of the southwest corner of Idaho. Participants reveal how eight years of collaborative effort among many interests can culminate in the federal Owyhee Initiative that includes many uses, including designated wilderness.G
11:30 pm
Dialogue "Food Safety and Biomedical Research" How safe is our nation's food system? Carolyn Bohach is a microbiologist from the University of Idaho who specializes in studying E. coli and food safety. This week on Dialogue, host Joan Cartan-Hansen talks with Bohach about her research and ways we can prevent E. coli breakouts.G


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Car Review
2010-2013 Volkswagen Golf: Used Car Review
After a brief stint wearing the old Rabbit moniker, 2010 marked the return of the Golf name to the VW lineup. Despite the name jockeying, the handsome and efficient 3- and 5-door Golf never surrendered its status as a global best-seller. The 2010-2013 VW Golf may look like an economy-minded compact car, but it outclasses, outperforms and out-options just about every other player in its competitive set. The Golf is so solid and well put together that it has become the benchmark that other compact car builders strive to reach.
Why You Want It
If you're looking for a smartly styled, comfortable yet fuel-efficient hatchback, but you don't want to drive something that feels like it was assembled from the cheapest parts available, the 2010-2013 VW Golf is the car for you. Available in 3- and 5-door models, the Golf retains a substantial feel worthy of its German heritage and tradition. The interior is almost Audi-like in its execution and quality, and the extremely supportive front seats are comfortable for passengers of all sizes. The Golf's cabin is so well insulated that exterior wind and road noise are all but shut out, and VW loads the Golf with a plethora of standard features that makes even the most basic model a delight to drive. The Golf delivers a comfortable ride even over rough pavement, and the handling -- though not GTI quick -- is nonetheless sporty and confident.
The Golf's standard engine is a peppy 2.5-liter gasoline-powered 4-cylinder that delivers adequate performance and acceptable fuel economy. However, VW offers another choice, a turbodiesel model known as the Turbo Direct Injection (TDI), that we much prefer. The Golf TDI is faster than its gasoline counterpart yet returns fuel economy figures in the high 30s to mid 40s. Those looking for a compact thrill ride might also consider the high-output, all-wheel-drive turbocharged Golf R. But, as this model tipped the scales around $35,000 when new, it's really not something most budget-minded drivers would consider.
Notable Features & Options
The Golf 2.5-liter comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, and the diesel-powered TDI has a 6-speed unit. A 6-speed Tiptronic automatic is optional on the 2.5-liter, while the TDI offers the same direct-shift gearbox (DSG) automatic found in the performance-oriented VW GTI. Standard equipment on the Golf includes power-heated side mirrors, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, air conditioning, one-touch auto up/down power windows, remote keyless entry, driver and passenger front seat lumbar support, an 8-speaker stereo with a CD player and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The TDI adds alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with touch controls and a touchscreen radio with iPod interface and Bluetooth. Options for the Golf include a cold weather package with heated seats and windshield washer nozzles, a power sunroof and upgraded wheels. The TDI offers a touchscreen navigation unit with an upgraded 300-watt Dynaudio stereo and HID headlights. All Golfs feature six airbags (front, front side impact and side curtain), ABS and electronic traction and stability control. All 4-door Golf models can be equipped with optional rear-seat side airbags.
Model Milestones
2011 - The Golf receives an upgraded Bluetooth system that allows for voice control of the phone book and for making outgoing calls. The new system is available on all 3- and 5-door Golf models.
2012 - Option packages are simplified for 2012 and iPod integration is added to premium audio systems. A new Tech Package includes bi-xenon HID headlights, Adaptive Front Lighting and push-button start. The Golf R makes its debut.
2013 - The manual transmission is dropped from the 4-door Golf model.
Engines and Performance
The base engine for the VW Golf is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy estimates for this engine with the 5-speed manual are 23 miles per gallon city/33 mpg highway; the 6-speed automatic nets 24 mpg city/31 mpg hwy. Optional on the Golf is VW's award-winning 2.0-liter turbodiesel, which makes a usable 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. That second figure is important because torque is the force required to move an object at rest into motion, and the Golf TDI has more than enough power on hand to accomplish the task with haste. Fuel economy estimates for the diesel engine are 30 mpg city/42 mpg hwy with either the 6-speed manual or the DSG automatic.
From a driver's standpoint, the Golf is an extremely pleasurable car to pilot. Its ride and handling belie its size, as it delivers the feel and stability of a midsize sedan. The Golf can cruise effortlessly at 75 miles per hour all day long and never leave its occupants feeling fatigued or frazzled. Overall, the Golf's steering is nicely weighted and fairly precise, though we are not big fans of the electric power-steering setup, which sometimes feels over-assisted and slow to respond. The 2.5 is a good engine, but it's not a great one. It's not as refined as the small engines from Honda or Mazda, and its flat torque curve leaves it wanting for more power when the tachometer reads below 3,000 rpm; passing at high speeds, on the other hand, is right up the 2.5 engine's alley. We much prefer the 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel in the Golf. This engine delivers rapid acceleration from a dead stop, provides excellent passing power and returns impressive fuel economy -- especially on the highway, where we noted nearly 48 mpg on one trip. And while it's true that diesel fuel costs more than gasoline, the additional distance you can travel before having to fill up more than compensates for the difference.
Recalls, Safety Ratings and Warranties
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued the following recalls for the 2010-2013 Volkswagen Golf:
2010-12 - A recall was issued for the diesel engine due to the possibility of small cracks developing in one of the fuel lines.
Recall repairs are required by law even if the vehicle is out of warranty. Your dealer can check to see if the repairs were performed; if not, your dealer will fix the car at no charge to you.
As for safety, the 2010-13 VW Golf performs admirably in all its safety tests. The NHTSA gives the Golf four out of five stars in its front-end crash tests, five out of five in the side-impact crash test and four out of five stars in the rollover crash test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Golf its highest rating of Good in the frontal offset crash test, side-impact crash test and roof strength crash test.
When new, VW provided the Golf with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty. If you purchase your Golf through VW's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program, the vehicle warranty is extended by 2 years/24,000 miles, provided that the car is less than five years old and has less than 60,000 miles. CPO cars undergo a thorough 112-point vehicle inspection and come with 24-hour roadside assistance.
Word on the Web
Golfs of the past have a spotty reputation at best, suffering from electrical gremlins that undermine an otherwise excellent car. The 2010-2013 VW Golf seems to have shaken this curse, at least in the short term. Consumer Reports gives the Golf better than average scores, though 2010 cars do earn worse than average scores for squeaks and rattles, fuel systems and audio. Enthusiast sites such as VWVortex are filled with high praise for the Golf, with special mention going to the DSG automatic. The dual clutch gearbox is so quick and precise that it can actually outperform a manual transmission. TDI owners report very few problems with their cars, and after a 10K break-in period, most found that their fuel economy figures far exceeded EPA estimates.
Competitive Set
Nissan Versa: The Versa offers more headroom and a better fit for tall drivers, plus it costs much less than the Golf. However, the Golf is a far better driving car, with a better interior, more features and the option of a diesel engine.
Ford Focus: The Focus (2011 and newer) is every bit the Golf's equal in the areas of ride, handling and comfort. But the Focus isn't as quick or powerful as the Golf, has a rather slow-shifting automatic and can get rather pricey when options are loaded on. The Focus model's fuel economy, however, is far better than the gasoline-powered Golf and nearly as good as the TDI.
Mazda 3: The Mazda 3 returns a much sportier drive with a superior suspension, manual transmission and steering setup. In 2012, Mazda introduced the Skyactiv 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which achieves 40 mpg highway versus the Golf 2.5-liter's 31 mpg. However, the Mazda's looks are somewhat polarizing, it's not as roomy or quiet as the Golf and it doesn't offer a 3-door model.
AutoTrader Recommendations
We can't help but say that if you're going for the Golf, go for the Golf TDI. Yes, the TDI costs a bit more than the Golf 2.5-liter, but it also offers more features, has far better fuel economy and delivers a much more spirited drive. It also holds its value exceedingly well. If you're a fan of technology, try to get a 2011 or newer model, as the Bluetooth in 2010 cars lacks voice command and iPod integration.


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Reel World
Gay For (No) Pay--Organizers are gearing up for the 2006 Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, taking place right here in Albuquerque on Sept. 29-Oct. 5. In addition to accepting film submissions for this year's fourth annual cinema soiree (check www.closetcinema.org for info on that), the SWGLFF is looking for volunteers to help put the event together. Are you a graphic designer? Do you have experience in fundraising? Or marketing? Are you just a film fanatic who wants to get his or her hands dirty? Volunteer coordinators, event planners, venue managers, print traffic coordinators, festival photographers and tons more positions are in need of filling. To sign up, just e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com or call 243-1870. Log on to www.closetcinema.org/get_involved_volunteer.htm for a complete list of volunteer opportunities.
Film News
Duke City Shootout 2006
Digital filmmaking competition offers interactive opportunities for all
The Duke City Shootout is riding into Albuquerque, all guns a-blazing, for the sixth year in a row. The 2006 festival, brainchild of the local Digital Filmmaking Institute, will take place Friday, July 21, through Saturday, July 29. The purpose of the festival is to provide a venue in which a filmmaker's vision can be realized--from script to screen--in a mere seven days (or, in some cases, less).
Film Review
Monster House
Horror comedy takes familiar story into animated territory
There are certain things that kids have always loved: bugs, pirates, monsters, fart jokes. All of these topics have been dutifully exploited by kids movies since time immemorial. (Admittedly, the fart jokes were a bit hard to pull off back in the silent film era, but I have no doubt somebody made the effort.) In this respect, the new CGI toon Monster House isn't anything particularly out of the ordinary.
Film Review
Clerks II
Kevin Smith goes back to his roots for some service with a smile
It's hard to call Clerks II "comfort food." Any film that features explicit discussions about the mating habits of hobbits, ATM sex (use the internet if you have to) and good, old-fashioned bestiality ... sorry, inter-species erotica doesn't exactly fit the standard definition of "comfortable." Nonetheless, Kevin Smith's gleefully smut-mouthed return to form, Clerks II, feels like mom's cooking, an old high school friend and your favorite childhood toy all rolled into one.
Idiot Box
A Boy and His Rodent
"Squirrel Boy" on Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network has unleashed (so to speak) another "boy and his (not quite) dog" series with "Squirrel Boy." The show follows the adventures of 9-year-old Andy Johnson (voiced by the ubiquitous Pamela Segall, who does Bobby on "King of the Hill") and his pet squirrel Rodney J. Squirrel (Richard Steven Horvitz, who lent his vocal chords to "Invader Zim"). Andy's your typical nerdy screw-up, Rodney's your typical id-driven troublemaker. Put 'em together and it's fun for the whole freakin' family.
Week in Sloth
The Week in Sloth
"World Series of Darts" (ESPN2 8 p.m.) Who are you to resist? ESPN's new series comes to us tonight from Uncasville, Conn. How's that for sweetening the pot? Darts from Uncasville? I'm so there! Allow me to quote from Bull's Eye News: "For dart players and fans alike, this is simply a not-to-be-missed television event. Never before has a professional dart tournament been constructed—literally from the ground up—expressively for the American television viewing audience. ... If you think you know how darts is played—think again. The American view of steel-tip darts and darts on television is about to change forever!"


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Proline Promass S 300
Coriolis flowmeter
Easy‐to‐clean, self‐drainable single‐tube system with a compact, easily accessible transmitter
- Legg i handlekurv
- Valg og størrelser
- Konfigurere
Prissetting etter innlogging og konfigurasjon
Promass S is at the forefront in hygienic design and dedicated to applications in the food and beverage industry requiring optimal cleanability. The self‐drainable single-tube system ensures careful treatment of fluids. With its compact transmitter Promass S 300 offers high flexibility in terms of operation and system integration: access from one side, remote display and improved connectivity options. Heartbeat Technology ensures process safety at all times.
Increased process safety – easily cleanable and fully self-drainable tube design
Fewer process measuring points – multivariable measurement (flow, density, temperature)
Space-saving installation – no in/outlet run needs
Full access to process and diagnostic information – numerous, freely combinable I/Os and fieldbuses
Reduced complexity and variety – freely configurable I/O functionality
Integrated verification – Heartbeat Technology
Measuring principle operates independently of physical fluid properties such as viscosity or density
Dedicated to applications requiring optimal cleanability under hygienic conditions.
Device properties
Large range of hygienic process connections
3-A and EHEDG conform
Fast recovery from CIP/SIP
Compact hygienic dual-compartment housing with IP69 and up to 3 I/Os
Backlit display with touch control and WLAN access
Remote display available
Funksjoner og spesifikasjoner
Dokumenter / håndbøker / programvare
Tilbehør / reservedeler
Forgjenger / Erstatter
Forgjenger: Promass 80S, Promass 83S


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Man arrested in deaths of mother, sister
Police on Friday arrested a man in east Houston in the deaths of his elderly mother and sister.
A tip led investigators to Herald Avenue and McCarty about 6:30 p.m. where they captured Mark Gideon, 54, who had been sought since his mother and sister were found dead Thursday inside their Spring-area home.
Harris County sheriff's detectives said Gideon killed his mother, Margaret Gideon, 75, and sister, Vonda Gideon, 52.
He will be charged with capital murder, authorities said Friday.
The women were found dead about 11:30 a.m. Thursday inside the home they shared in the 9200 block of Kirkleigh.
Neighbors told Harris County sheriff's deputies the two women had not been seen for several days.
Detectives said both women had signs of trauma on their heads. They appeared to have been dead for several days,
Mark Gideon had apparently fled in a Honda pickup truck that his sister owned. It prominently featured her name and the real estate company she worked for.
The truck was found late Thursday along the 10900 block of the East Freeway near Jacinto City, deputies said.
Neighbors told Harris County sheriff's deputies the two women had not been seen for several days.
There were no signs of forced entry into the home.
Mark Gideon had lived in Baytown for several years but had also been homeless at times. Detectives said he had been staying with his mother and sister at the time of their deaths.
Gideon has several criminal charges in Harris County. Most recently, he was sentenced to 90 days in the Harris County Jail in November 2011 for stealing two briskets - his third theft offense, according to Harris County criminal records.


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When done plowing the hoe you spit lipper juice in her snapper, slap her on the ass, and yell get along little doggy!
Dude, I gave that girl I met the other night "The Dirty Bandit" and she didn`t enjoy it as much I as thought she would!
by Jameson 42 November 13, 2009


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Trio arrested on drug charges after vehicle pulled over exiting Maine Turnpike
AUBURN, Maine (AP) � Maine police say three people have been arrested on drug charges after their vehicle was pulled over as it exited the Maine Turnpike in Auburn.
Maine Drug Enforcement agents say the trio was stopped Wednesday as they were returning from Connecticut with a shipment of cocaine to be sold in the Lewiston-Auburn area.
Police seized 72 grams of crack cocaine with a street value of $7,500.
Charged with aggravated trafficking in cocaine were Amanda Beth Rodriguez of Auburn; Margoliz Julie Velazquez of Hartford, Conn.; and Markevin Faucette of Lewiston.
The three are being held at the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn in lieu of $75,000 bail each.
They are likely to make their first court appearance in Auburn on Friday.


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Kids Room Inspiration from IKEA's 2014 Catalog
Home decor catalogs are awesome and not just for buying. The room stylists do such a great job in setting up spaces, they offer plenty of decor inspiration, revealing little touches we can add to our own homes. Check out these five screen-grabs from the recent IKEA catalog - you might just find your next DIY project-in-waiting!
1. Large chalkboards can be expensive, but this "chalkboard" is really just a picture ledge plus chalkboard paint.
2. Wooden skirt hangers are easy to find in vintage stores (like this selection on Etsy), and make great artwork holders. Laken used these hangers to display a vintage bird print in her dorm room - if you missed it, you can check that room out here.
3. No space for seating? Cushions could make a comfy hangout space in a tight spot. If you want something more bed-like, try this DIY project.
4. A piece of plywood and a set of casters is all you need to make rolling storage. It's amazing how much better the set of boxes under the desk in this picture look, simply from being lifted off the ground in this way. And when you aren't using it to store/move around boxes, it could double as a rolling play table.
5. This one is my favorite of all - painting a white (but it doesn't have to be white, there are so many options available here) paper lantern with polka dots. It looks like a mushroom! And we all know mushrooms are the best thing ever, right? Right?
(Images: IKEA)


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Advanced Placement Exams
Advanced Placement Exams in Calculus and Computer Science
August 2016
If you did not take the AP exam of the College Entrance Examination Board, or if you took one and scored below 4, you may still receive advanced placement and credit by passing Clarkson's exams, they will be held on August 23 and August 24.
- Don't take the exams if you already have AP or transfer credit, unless you have doubts about going into Calculus II right away.
- The exams are strictly voluntary.
- No record is kept of failures.
- Exams are available for Calculus I (MA 131) and Intro. to Computer Science I (CS 141)
- See Dr. A. Maciel if you are interested in an AP exam for Computer Science II (S.C. 379)
Calculus I
Exam date: Wednesday, August 23th at 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Science Center Room 354
No calculator, notes, books or other references permitted.
- Functions
- Trigonometric functions and their inverses
- Exponential and logarithmic functions
- Limits and continuity
- Differentiation
- Tangent lines
- Inflection points
- Maxima / Minima
- Curve sketching
- Integration and areas
- Integration by substitution
- Note: If you pass the placement test for Calculus I, you must also pass the corresponding ABCs test to receive credit for MA131. Details
Introduction to Computer Science I
Exam date: Tuesday, August 24th 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: Science Center 354
This exam may be taken in either Pascal, C or C++.
No notes, books or other references permitted.
- if statements
- while loops and for loops
- functions - with and without inputs and outputs
- value parameters vs reference parameters
- arrays
- strings
- files I/O
- classes, structures or records
- During the examination students will be required to write programs or functions, and maybe analyze a program or a function. The exam is paper and pencil, not on the computer.


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Grand Theft Auto IV Walkthrough
|Have a Heart
Things are getting really hairy for Niko and his associates. A lot of people are apparently turning, and when you go visit Elizabeta at her place in Bohan, she'll be on edge. Doing lines of coke and protecting herself with a pistol, Elizabeta feels that she is mere moments away from prison, and perhaps she's right. As she's lamenting things with Niko, however, Manny and his cameraman friend knock on the door. Then, they start recording as Manny scolds Elizabeta for selling drugs. And just like that, Elizabeta wields her pistol and shoots them both in the head. Now, it's time to get rid of the bodies.
Elizabeta lets you know that she knows a doctor over in Dukes that can help out. The two drag the bodies to the car, and then you gain control. Walk over to the car and head on in, and then begin your drive from Bohan to Dukes. Your destination is an alleyway off of Yorktown Avenue. This drive is easy enough, as it will take you over the East Borough Bridge on a route you've driven many times before. There is an important catch, though, and that is to be extremely careful as you drive. The trunk is full of bodies, and if you hit anything, the trunk will open up. Make sure this doesn't happen in front of any cops, and if it happens at any other time, get out of your car and close the trunk before proceeding.
When you finally reach Dukes, you're nearly to your destination. Remember that we're looking for an alleyway that's nudged between Yorktown Avenue and the ever-busy Dukes Boulevard. Once you arrive, drive the car over the arrow, and Elizabeta's shady doctor friend will show up on the scene. After examining the bodies, he'll agree to take them (so he can sell their organs and other body parts on the black market), and then he'll take off with the car. And just like that, this brief, surprisingly easy mission comes to an end.
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Haley Reinhart
May 14th, 2012
Haley Reinhart
Years Active:
Haley Reinhart
With a vocal style that landed somewhere between a jazzy croon and a throaty, soulful belt, Haley Reinhart became an American Idol finalist in 2011. She began singing as an eight-year-old, eventually earning a spot in her parents' cover band while attending high school in Wheeling, Illinois. After graduating in 2009, Reinhart began studying jazz at nearby Harper College. Her first audition for American Idol arrived the following year, but it wasn't until the summer of 2010, when Reinhart returned to auditions for a second time, that she advanced to the semi-finals. Pitted against rock singers and country crooners, Reinhart became one of the more unique performers during the show's tenth season, performing a mix of old classics ("Bennie and the Jets," "Steppin' Out with My Baby") and contemporary hits (Adele's "Rolling in the Deep"). She finished third, earning a contract with Interscope Records in the process. In 2012, Reinhart released her debut album, Listen Up! featuring the single, "Free."
Become a fan of the Top Songs 2014 on Facebook for exclusive offers, the inside scoop on latest and most exclusive music albums, singles and videos.


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New Footage Of The 40 Glocc Vs Menace Fight! (Shows Blood On Menace's Shirt & More) [In Club Angle]
Edited by @40Glocc
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The Family Food Store in Sawyer is an oasis of homemade food and specialty grocery items for Pratt County and the region.
If you're driving through Sawyer around noon on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, you may notice a lot of vehicles parked downtown. It's lunchtime at the Family Food Store, which also features a deli and wide array specialty foods.
Diners may create their own sandwich combinations from any of the 10 cheeses and 6 meats that the deli offers. Whether it's a sandwich, cup, bowl, or bread bowl of soup, you will discover delicious, homemade food sure appeal to your taste buds.
One word sets the Family Food Store's lunch apart from the fare found at similar establishments: homemade. From the bread to made-from-scratch soup, it's a refreshing to find a meal that's not prepackaged and shipped in from hundreds of miles away.
One-half of the store has seating for dining, while the other half features a regular grocery store that contains specialty foods like jellies (including juice-sweetened), jams, habanero pickles, bulk food items, homemade soaps, and freshly-baked goods. Perhaps the store is most famous for its freshly-baked cinnamon rolls and pies. Personally, I'm a big fan of the homemade granola.
The Family Food Store just celebrated its one year anniversary on October 18.
"It has really exceeded our expectations," said store owner Greg Wolf.
The Family Food Store is truly about family. Joining Greg are his wife, Ruby, four daughters—Laurel, Chloe, Savannah, and Sophie—and son Elliot. His daughter, Havilah-- born just last summer--can also likely count on future employment at the business.
"We have regarded this whole endeavor as an extension of our home schooling. The store is a place for our children to grow out into the community," he said.
Besides Thursday through Saturday noon meals and some breakfast items as well, the store offers freshly-made Friday night pizzas.
In the coming year, Greg would like to focus on carry out catering and also add more bulk food products and specialty baking items.
If the growing crowd I observed last Friday at the store while enjoying a delicious chicken noodle bread bowl is any indication, this is one Pratt County business that's headed in an upward direction.


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boss wrote:PR's on two of my favorite climbs, one today and one yesterday. Really stoked, because honestly I feel like crap. Little bit of the flu leftover from last week, and drained from pushing out almost 400km and 6420m up since Sunday.
Lazy 40km and 600m this morning. Not that lazy really, I was pushing hard!
Not going to do any more riding today except for my 6km commute home. Resting tomorrow and big numbers on Sunday hopefully.
Nice work Boss, I got a PB on Corkscrew yesterday, 10.18, bit of work to do to crack under 10 but I'm getting there, or a really good tailwind.


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My wife is retiring Friday. She's just retiring from her job — not from being my wife (although Lord knows why she's put up with me this long).
For the past month she's been counting down the days. This morning she has two days and a wake-up. She's actually going into her office Friday, but I'd be surprised if much work gets done. I've been invited to a farewell reception at 4:00 in the afternoon, so they'll all be knocking off early for that. And with all the packing up, office-hopping for farewell hugs and such, I don't expect she'll break a sweat.
I'm actually pleased that she can retire. She's worked hard over the years — as a teacher, a design consultant for a carpet company, a short stint as a church secretary (we called her The Church Lady), and for the past 12 years in customer service. She deals with stress better than I do. Perhaps that's how she's put up with me for nearly 32 years.
I expect adjustments will be forthcoming. As you might know, I work from an office in our home. I have my routines. I check in on Good Morning America, read the local paper, fix breakfast and a large pot of coffee, which I sip on most of the morning.
I crank up my computer, check e-mail, Facebook and national news. I pore over notes, from which I write stories. I post some of them to our Web page and file others for our print issue.
The house is relatively quiet. The cats may create an occasional ruckus and the garbage collectors rattle down the streets on Wednesday morning. My reveries are interrupted at least once a day by the FedEx or UPS truck. But for the most part, I am undisturbed.
How will that change with Pat in the house? Will I be tempted to join her in the den to watch the latest episode of The View? Will Oprah interrupt my creative impulses late in the afternoon? Will the Kardashians interfere with my conference calls? NO! NO! No way on God's green earth will that ever happen.
I have a door to my office. I can insulate myself from the din from the den, so to speak.
I've suggested that Pat can prepare lunch every day when I'm in the office and not traveling across the Southwest in search of timely, reliable information about Southwest agriculture. She was less than enthusiastic about that opportunity.
I am hopeful, however, that from time to time she will accompany me on my jaunts across the region. She's never been to Lubbock, Amarillo, Altus, or many of the other places I frequent frequently. I'd like to show her the Southwest I know, out where real people live and work, and introduce her to the folks who make my work so much more than just a job. They're going to love her.
I want her to see the canyons, the rocky outcrops, the rivers that have no water in them. I'd like for her to see the roadrunners chasing bugs along Highway 380 on the way from Denton to Post. Maybe we can catch a flight of sandhill cranes creating an off-white island in an emerald field of wheat. I want to show her the Southwest I've come to know and appreciate over the last 12 years.
I also expect her to take over the cooking duties.
It's been convenient over the past decade for me to cook when I'm not on the road. She works in Dallas and has to fight traffic going and coming, so I cook. I'm not good at it, but I manage. I look forward to better food.
But mostly I just look forward to her being around more. She's good company. And I'll enjoy the opportunity of having lunch with her most days — even if she doesn't fix it.
Congrats Pat. You deserve it.


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Firedance Panda
iOS iPhone Games
Do you want to become the Dragon Warrior of legends? Come and join FireDance Panda!
Shu was a panda who was living a normal life in the ancient city of Chengdu. One day, when Shu was enjoying his favorite hotpot in a restaurant, suddenly, Po's wonderful fighting scenes appeared on TV, he felt an instant admiration for Po, he wanted to find the scroll of Kungfu and become part of the generation of panda monks like Po, so Shu's life adventure begun.
For his dream, Shu has to go to Qingcheng Mountain and practice the eight diagrams fire arrays. The fire array randomly spout flame, and each time when fire appears, the nearby directions may spout flame, up, down, left and right. In order to pass Kungfu Master's test, Shu has to insist longer in the fire array with the help of some props like Bamboo, Hotpot and Dragon Scroll.
★★★Childlike Invincible★★★
Childish but tough-minded Shu is determined to be a new Dragon Warrior. In order to make his dream come true, Shu had to go to Qingcheng Mountain's and first practice level, the eight diagrams fire arrays. There are lots of tricks and obstacles, even wind, fire, ice and thunder. How will Shu pass this level?
★★★Firedance Panda New play rules★★★
Special play rules make it easy to play. Just control the panda towards a safe place and avoid the fire, wind, ice and thunder. Furthermore, try to insist longer and get the help of many props that appear randomly.
★★★Explore in Bashu Adventure on Qingcheng Mount ★★★
There's an abundance of Bashu things which speaked about Chinese culture, the popular hotpot, Dragon Scroll in Legends, Bamboo (makes panda move faster), and the main scene Qingcheng Mount - the famous Taoist place.
What's New
1. A new partner "Shu Rong" is coming now! You can unlock the new role in the store.
2. You can connect the game store directly to upgrade the props after game over.
3. We increased a free way to get coins.


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Thursday, 1 November 2012
CorfuSelections.blog: Flights to Corfu Summer 2013
CorfuSelections.blog: Flights to Corfu Summer 2013: Andys Studios & Apartments with pool. Summer 2013 fights to Corfu , now available to book with RyanAir departing from March 31st 2013 f...
Flights to Corfu Summer 2013
|Andys Studios & Apartments with pool.
|Villa Leo self catering studios & apartments
|Marvel Hotel bed & breakfast - open all year.
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About Me
Lesley Ann Hoy
- After 30 years of working within the Travel, Tourism & Leisure Sector experiencing some truly amazing places around the world, living out of a suitcase, the time came to settle down and enjoy life and loved ones, hence Corfu Selections was created.My experience within the Tourism, Leisure, Tour Operating and Customer Service Industry has provided me with the platform to passionately promote tourism here on Corfu and offer information to all visitors to Corfu - especially the growing independent market. I offer you a Taste of Corfu, directly from Us to You, supporting small businesses on the island of Corfu. I can also introduce small operators looking for beds for contracts directly to the owners with no middle man. The ethos of the website is to promote local business through tourism.


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British & Irish Lions
McGeechan backs Warburton to lead Lions
ESPN Staff
March 19, 2013
Sam Warburton was back to his best form in Wales' win over England © PA Photos
Sir Ian McGeechan believes Wales flanker Sam Warburton should captain the British & Irish Lions on this summer's tour of Australia.
Warburton was strong favourite for the role prior after leading Wales to the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final and last year's Six Nations Grand Slam but injuries and loss of form saw him overshadowed by other contenders.
Warburton returned to Wales' starting line-up - though not the captaincy - for the last two matches of their Six Nations triumph. And while McGeechan acknowledged England's Chris Robshaw and Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll as strong candidates, he is backing Warburton to lead the Lions.
"For me Sam Warburton has come through strongly," he wrote in the Telegraph. "The biggest question mark hanging over him was his ability to stay fit. It was not an indictment of Warburton for him to be held back from the Wales captaincy.
"(Wales coach) Rob Howley did exactly the right thing. What gets you on the plane for the Lions is playing well. Leadership qualities never go away. Your form or fitness can. His last two games have answered all the questions.
"You would have to talk about Brian O'Driscoll in that captaincy conversation, Chris Robshaw as well. In the first part of the tour, Warren Gatland will give every player an opportunity so you need good leaders every time you put out a side.
"You try to implement the same principles of play so that it becomes second nature to the group. That requires strong, collective leadership. Sam Warburton is my front-runner."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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Another day, another Internet security crisis. This time it's a problem with the encryption protocol that many Internet sites use to protect their data. Yet again, users for whom the basics of Internet security are as obscure as the functioning of car engines are being told there are lots of "site lemons" out there and that they need to be careful.
For those who want the nitty-gritty on what the Heartbleed bug is and what went wrong with the "code library" it snuck into, read Rusty Foster in the New Yorker. As for whether it affects you and the sites you use, check out this tool from password service LastPass. (Yes, Netflix and HBOGo, for example, were vulnerable to the Heartbleed bug, meaning someone may have been able to ping those websites for people's usernames and passwords, and you should change your credentials there when their sites are fixed.)
It will be fixed, just like Apple's GoToFail encryption bug was fixed, and this will blow over, and people will change their passwords, and everything will be fine…. unless, as Bruce Schneier points out, the flaw is in an embedded system that can't be updated. Regardless, something like this will happen again. The bigger problem illuminated by this latest security crisis was spelled out in a report from the Wall Street Journal's Danny Yadron. The OpenSSL code library on which so many companies rely for their Web security only has one dude working on the project full-time.
OpenSSL is managed by four core European programmers, only one of whom counts it as his full-time job.
And it is strapped for cash:
Writing encryption code is complex, so many website operators tap OpenSSL, which is free. It was created in the late 1990s by developers who wanted an easy-to-use encryption scheme for Internet traffic. Its website is bare bones, as are its finances. Steve Marquess, president of the OpenSSL Software Foundation, a separate entity that solicits funding for the team that manages the code, said its 2013 budget was less than $1 million.
That's despite the fact that up to two-thirds of the Web relies on it. The German developer Robin Seggelman responsible for Heartbleed, who introduced the coding version of a typo, did so an hour from New Year's Eve in 2011, according to reports. Because it is an open-source project, anyone can review it, and the hope — one deeply rooted in the philosophy of the Internet age — is that through crowd-sourcing, mistakes will be inevitably by caught and scourged.
But it wasn't spotted until two years later by Google security engineer Neel Mehta, who is not talking to the press, according to a Google spokesperson, who would only provide a statement from Google. "The security of our users' information is a top priority," she writes. "We fixed this bug early and Google users do not need to change their passwords."
But what about the larger problem? Internet users big and small, from billion-dollar corporations like Google and Yahoo to little non-profits offering secure websites, relying on a volunteer project to provide the skeleton for their security.
"Heartbleed is further evidence that we don't have our house in order when it comes to Internet security," Princeton computer security expert Edward Felten tells Farjad Manjoo in the New York Times. He went on to compare the "culture of software development" with that of the "safety culture that is common in fields such as aviation" and finds the former lacking. That makes sense in a way: the Internet doesn't usually kill you when it fails, but it can certainly be expensive for companies and troublesome for Internet users when something like Heartbleed happens.
So what's the solution? Obviously, those tending to the security protocols that support the rest of the Web need better infrastructure and more funding. "Large portions of the software infrastructure of the Internet are built and maintained by volunteers, who get little reward when their code works well but are blamed, and sometimes savagely derided, when it fails," writes Foster in the New Yorker.
He sees some change thanks to venture capital funding in open source code-infrastructure projects, like GitHub and the Node Package Manager. "But money and support still tend to flow to the newest and sexiest projects, while boring but essential elements like OpenSSL limp along as volunteer efforts," he writes. "It's easy to take open-source software for granted, and to forget that the Internet we use every day depends in part on the freely donated work of thousands of programmers."
We need to find ways to pay for work that is currently essentially donated freely. One promising project is Bithub, from Whisper Systems, where people who make valuable contributions to open source projects are rewarded (with Bitcoin of course). But the pool of Bitcoin is still donation based. The Internet has helped create a culture of free, but what we may need to recognize is that we get what we pay for. Well-funded companies pulling critical code from open source projects for their sites should have formal fee arrangements, rather than the volunteer group simply hoping these users will pony up some Benjamins for "prominent logo placement" on a website most people had never heard of before Heartbleed.
Anyone who gave OpenSSL $20,000 or more got its logo on their website according to their donation page. There are no logos on their website.


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Photos: Tracking the Damage in Japan and Our Oceans After the Tsunami
Stiv Wilson joined an expedition organized by the 5 Gyres Institute and Algalita Marine Research Foundation to sail from Tokyo to Oahu to observe and study the debris field from the tsunami which struck Japan last spring.
In a new piece on AlterNet Wilson writes of his journey: "Near Sendai, in the northern prefectures next to where the Fukushima meltdown occurred, the land was quiet, nearly deserted as the government had just opened the area ... The landscape was decimated, haunting. Here there were untold amounts of destroyed rice fields, thousands of empty house foundations, lost neighborhoods ... Streets abruptly ended at cliffs above new streams and tributaries. Scattered everywhere were all manner of human effects: children's stuffed animals, toys, kitchen supplies, picture-less frames. Along the side of the road were piles and piles of debris that had been sorted by type. Things like mattresses were piled 50 feet high and a quarter mile long as well as toilets, metal, concrete, cars, wood, glass. The constant hum of heavy equipment burning diesel could be heard as slowly, painstakingly, Japan dug out from a topography-altering catastrophe."
You can read the rest of his story here about visiting Japan and his voyage by sailboat to track the tsunami debris as it heads for distant shores, including our own. Here are his photos.
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