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Train Nimes → Le Mans
Duration 4h40 - From €79
Nimes - Le MansThe average travel time between Nimes and Le Mans is 5h19 minutes. The quickest route is 4h40 minutes. The first train leaving Nimes is at 05:52, the last at 17:52. There is an average of 14 trains a day between Nimes and Le Mans, leaving approximately every 50 minutes.
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European experts
Nîmes, even the romans loved it! Southern France is full of treasures. Nîmes is one of them. Capital of the Gard department in the Languedoc-Roussillon area, this city is firmly rooted in its Roman past, since it is located right on the Via Domitia which used to link Italy to Spain. Learn more about Nimes
Le Mans, car racing and heritage, a surprising mix in a pretty city! Le Mans is a city of western France, in the Pays de la Loire region. This 140,000 inhabitants city is very famous for the 24 hours of Le Mans, an international motor race. The city was built along the banks of the Sarthe and Huisne rivers and can easily be reached by train from Paris. Learn more about Le Mans


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CHOW's Supertaster James Norton mentioned he was making this olive oil
and yogurt loaf cake from Serious Eats, and I was intrigued. I substituted brown sugar for white and made the loaf into muffins instead, preferring the bite-sized quality and more surface/crust area. I cooked them 10 minutes less than the recipe said, because I know you have to cook stuff less if it's in muffin form.
Bottom line: Nice flavor but too dense. I don't think this had anything to do with the brown sugar, but I found myself embarrassed to serve them to people, apologizing for their hockey puck-like consistency.

subset: commoncrawl


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I found this clutch in a thrift store for less than a $1.
It had a nice shape but had damage and trouble spots.
I had it for awhile before deciding to try the colorblock trend on it. I used acrylic paint and sealed it with modge podge. Pretty content with the outcome.


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Although trees can be an excellent asset to a home or business in Bloomfield, IA, failure to keep them trimmed can actually detract from your property's appearance, and it can even be a safety hazard. Luckily, our team of arborists in Bloomfield, IA is here to help with your needs – for a price you can afford. Please take a look at our price estimator tool below or call our professionals in Bloomfield, IA at 866-325-7958 to learn how much money we can save you!
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Average Cost in Bloomfield: $306.14
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Price chart shows what our customers in Bloomfield, IA should expect to spend on tree trimming. Our customers typically save by using us in Bloomfield, IA. Cost in Bloomfield, IA will vary based on the time of the service and the size of the tree.
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Paulie Works Landscaping
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The Central Massachusetts Genealogical Society will hold its monthly membership meeting on Tuesday, July 24, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion, Post 129, 22 Elm St., Gardner. The featured speaker will be Debbie Henshaw, a war re-enactor from Templeton, who will be discussing "Women of the Civil War." Anyone interested in researching their family history is welcome. There is a $2 guest fee.
For more information, call CMGS Secretary Mary Hasselmann at (978) 297-4484; email Mary at email@example.com or write to C.M.G.S., Inc., P. O. Box 811, Westminster, MA 01473-0811.


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Woodleaf Historic Locations
The following historic locations are located in Woodleaf, North Carolina. Please select a historic place in Woodleaf to view detailed information including address information, historical signifiance, and much more.
North Carolina Historic Places
|Mingus, Joseph H., Farm
S side SR 1947, NE of jct. with SR 1702
Woodleaf, NC
Agricultural Fields, Single Dwelling
|Mount Vernon
SR 1003 and SR 1986
Woodleaf, NC
Department Store, Post Office, Single Dwelling, Manufacturing Facility, Secondary Structure
|St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and Cemetery
NE of Woodleaf on SR 1950
Woodleaf, NC
Religious Structure, Cemetery
North Carolina Historic Places


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Doubletree Hotels Norwalk properties are listed below. Search for cheap and discount Doubletree Hotels hotel rates in Norwalk, CA for your business gathering or personal travels. We list the best Doubletree Hotels Norwalk hotels/lodging so you can review the Norwalk Doubletree Hotels hotel list below to find the perfect place.
Our website will list Norwalk, CA hotels/motels that have similar star quality of Doubletree Hotels.Booking a group or meeting? Get bids from hotels in Norwalk CA
How should we direct your call?


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After an onslaught of announcements about self-driving cars at CES, it's almost hard to believe that even if you want to buy an autonomous vehicle, you can't.
It's a strange era, as car companies try their hand at something new: selling an idea, rather than a product that doesn't yet exist, and won't for some time. But throughout 2017, automakers, suppliers, startups, and giant tech companies spent billions of dollars on R&D, followed by millions of dollars marketing a good chunk of their R&D advancement at CES this week. But fully autonomous self-driving cars are not yet available, or even desired en masse by the general public.
We've said it before: your ability to buy a self-driving car is years away, and is not guaranteed. What you…
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|Cranford, N.J.
|High School:
Yale PRs
800m 1:54.20
1000m 2:28.35
1500m 3:53.81
Mile 4:11.44
3000m 8:54.12
800r 1:54.1
1200r 3:00.9
2009-2010: Ran on the top seven on the cross country team until the flu sidelined him for the remainder of the season...
2008-2009: Improved outdoor 800m PR to 1:54.20, placing second at the Yale Springtime Invitational...Placed second in the mile at the indoor Yale Season Opener...Also placed second in the 800m at the Yale-Dartmouth-Columbia meet... Missed cross country season due to reoccurring knee injury...
2007-2008: Improved 1500m PR to 3:53.84 during the spring season...Improved indoor mile to 4:11.44...Placed sixth in the mile at Indoor Heps... Knee injury prevented participation in the latter half of the cross country season...
2006-2007: Ran PR in 1500m finishing third at the SCSU Invite...Missed indoor track and cross country seasons while recovering from a summer knee injury...
High School: Brought PRs of 4:18 in 1600m and 9:22 in 3200m to the Elis while competing for Cranford High School in New Jersey.
Personal: Ezra Stiles College ... Biology major.
Yale PRs


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Feature and Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by AlisonCanRead and Parajunkee, its a simple way to get to know some bloggers you may not have visited before and to revisit blogs you enjoy. If you want to follow, that would be great and I'll be sure to follow back. If you just want to visit to see my answer to this week's question, that's ok too. Feel free to leave a comment!
Great question! I have several that I have really been looking forward to:


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Masters Fellowship in: Reservoir sediment composition, chemistry, and potential for downstream displacement
|University of New Brunswick
|Type of Fellowship
|Masters Degree
|Graduate Program Type
|Chemical Sciences
|Fellowship Amount
|To be determined
|St John`s
|New Brunswick
|College / University
Graduate Fellowship Description
M.Sc. (Biogeochemistry) - Reservoir sediment composition, chemistry, and potential for downstream displacement.
The Candidate will determine spatial distribution of sediment composition and chemistry in the reservoir by collecting grab and core samples. Shallow (5 cm) sediment layers will be sampled to examine spatial variability in and magnitude of contaminants and nutrients.
From the gravity cores, slices will be used to assess differences among deposition layers for erosion mapping and sediment transport consequences and to inform ongoing collection of sediments.
Analyses will include grain size, %N, %P, total organic and inorganic carbon and contaminants (PCBs, chlorinated pesticides, metals, PAHs). The M.Sc. Candidate will assess nutrients and contaminants and their implications for the dam removal scenario, and the project potentially includes numerical modelling of transport and deposition of nutrients and contaminants using DELWAQ models. [Supervisor Dr. Karen Kidd, UNB Saint John]
To apply:
Prospective candidates should email a cover letter, CV, unofficial university transcripts and contact information for three people who can serve as references. The cover letter must clearly indicate the project being applied for, and outline how the candidate's previous experience has prepared him/her to function as a leader of the respective MAES study component, and what specific qualifications the candidate will bring to the large, multidisciplinary MAES Team.
Review of applicants for the projects starting in summer 2014 will begin 21 February 2014 and continue until the positions are filled. Ideal start date for 2014 projects is in March/April. For positions starting 2015, applications can be provided until fall of 2014.
Send complete application packages to Project Manager Gordon Yamazaki by email ([email protected]).
The research is led by The Canadian Rivers Institute (CRI) was founded in 2000 as a collaboration of researchers at the University of New Brunswick.
For more information, please visit: www.canadianriversinstitute.com
Love it? Share it:
Related Research Fellowships
- The Shastri Canadian Studies Doctoral Research Fellowship for Indian Students, $1100 – $1300
- Doctorate Fellowship available in: Director Scientific Secretariat
- Doctorate Research Fellowship available in: Global Security
- Doctorate Fellowship in: Historical, current and future lateral connectivity within the floodplain
- Masters Fellowship in: The ecology of muskellunge, an introduced predator, in the vicinity of a large dam


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Guideline Ideas For Recognising Critical Elements In Doctor Home Loan Adelaide South Australia
They are also proficient in the study of nutrition, which a list of questions to ask your doctor about gallstones. 1. Read on to know more on the causes positive effect on the recipients. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which myelin would be administered? Questions on Cost of Treatment How danger of these fungi lies in the toxins that it releases. You definitely should not be mixing over-the-counter of discomfort associated with it, and hence opting for its treatment new doctor home loan Oak... Continue reading


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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
a couple rad reviews & a contest reminder...0 comments Posted by 1 less car at 11:23 PM
hey all-
check it- this week we've got a fresh handlebar bag from our friends at Banjo Brothers and a sweet little cycling computer from our friends at Topeak!
also, don't forget to enter to win the Bianchi San Jose Pro!!! all you have to do is sign up for the One Less Car newsletter via the site...a simple two step process could get you a $1000 Bianchi! Not to mention you'll be the first to know what's happening & what's going on with us...subscribers get all the bennies!
so here's a sample of the reviews- click the READ MORE links to read more!
Banjo Brothers 01067 handlebar bag
If you are a regular follower of our reviews you my have read the review about the Banjo Brothers back pack and how much of fans we are of Banjo Brothers. They really are a great company that makes smart, well thought out, quailty stuff.
I was heading out on tour and need a handle bar bag, so I asked Banjo Brothers, and they weremore then happy to send one for me to test out. I belive the 01067 is the flagship model of the handle bar bags. They offer a few different models, but this seems to be at the top. READ MORE...
Topeak Panoram V10 Wireless Cycling Computer
Topeak's Panaram V10 cycling computer is pretty rad- 10 functions in all, the V10 takes care of al the necessities. Personally, I think it only has 9 functions, but if you wanna throw in the low battery indicator as a "function", then it's 10. But actually, it is a pretty nice feature- the V10 is fully programable, so when it comes time to switch batteries, you can write down your stats and plug them back in- and you'll know when to do so ahead of time! So I'm counting the low battery indicator. I said it takes care of all of the necessities and I guess it really does! READ MORE...
and we've got a bike coming from the folks at Day 6 Bicycles, wheels from Aerospoke, and more on the way! Stay tuned...follow the blog!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
this weeks reviews! and don't forget the contest!!!0 comments Posted by 1 less car at 10:53 PM
alright...review time!
this week Cole gives us an update on the Yuba Mundo Utility Bike, Yuba's Go Getter Pannier, and Wald's 157 giant delivery basket. and i review Profile Design's E Pack, and updated my review of Arkel's Utility Basket Pannier!
also, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for your chance to win a Bianchi! the winner will be announced August 15th! If you're already signed up for our newsletter, you're already entered!!!
Profile Design's E Pack
Cole has one of these and he let me use it on our mini-tour, and it would've been a pain in the ass without it- and actually, ever since we got back, it has been a little bit of a pain in the ass without one! Read more...
Yuba Mundo
I've had a lot more time with the Mundo now and have had a few other people take it out for spin, and feel I gave it a good test and here is what I have found out.
First, its amazing how many things you'll use this bike for. I'm sure when you're thinking of buying one you will ask yourself "how much will I really use it?". Well I'm here to say a lot! Read More...
Yuba Go Getter Pannier
Along with the Mundo I received a go-getter pannier. This pannier is designed for the Mundo, but the site says it could be used with other long tails. The pannier is easy enough to attach- you just clip four straps around the tube of the rack and you're ready to go. Read more...
Wald 157 giant delivery basket
I talked to Wald about sending a basket our way- they said sure and asked what we were thinking- my exact words were "the bigger the better".
I was thinking I could use it to take orders to the post office and what not. The idea was to put it on my fixed gear- a run around the city bike. This basket showed up and when they say giant they're not kidding. I could carry an eighth grader in this thing.
Read more...
Arkel OD Utility Basket Pannier UPDATE!
I was talking with Arkel before our mini-tour, and they were going to send a nice set of rear waterproof panniers- only problem, someone was using them at the time, and they didn't show up in time either, so I went with what I had, and that was Arkel's OD Utility Basket Pannier. Read More...
Talk to y'all soon- Ride safe! ...And enter the contest!
Labels: arkel od pannier, profile design, wald, yuba
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Theives & Contests...0 comments Posted by 1 less car at 8:59 AM
so it happened again- someone stole the front wheel off my road bike. i walked outside of my girlfriends to see it hanging on the fence missing its front wheel. it was a pretty nice wheel set. its part my fault- i didn't bring my cable, but still- it was the middle of the day and in a nice neighborhood. so my total loss since moving to chicago is one set of velocity wheels, a cetma rack, a set of fenders, one crank arm, my cargo trailer, and this wheel, not to mention derek's front wheel, or our roommate's wheel derek's sister borrowed.
it sucks...i hate people who steal shit. -Cole
on that note, don't forget about our contest! along with Bianchi, we're giving away a 2009 San Jose Pro! more info here.
Labels: contest, stolen wheel
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
you don't want to miss this!!!0 comments Posted by 1 less car at 9:22 PM
So we've got some HUGE news for you- WE'll have more on it tomorrow, but starting tomorrow through august 15th, everyone that signs up for our newsletter will be entered for a chance to win a Bianchi...that's right! No purchase necessary, no BS- with a big thanks to the fine fols at Bianchi, we've got a bike to give away, and the winner will be randomly picked August 16th from our newsletter subscribers! that's it. sign up for our newsletter- it's a 2 step process- and you just might win yourself a new Bianchi! How rad is that!?!
Now, the reason that there won't be more info until tomorrow is because I thought I had a pic of it (and maybe I do, but I can't find it...), and I gotsta gets more info from Cole. So I'll have it tonight, and pass it along tomorrow along with any other info about it. open to all ages/races/genders/religious preferences/etc. THIS MEANS YOU!
Speaking of Bianchi, around the time the contest ends, Bianchi will have less than 100 of these limited edition 2009 Pista frame/fork, and we get one to review!
And let's not forget it's wednesday- we didn't! Review day!!!
Up first Cole updates his review of Axiom's Monsoon Panniers
"Just a quick update about these panniers. I had chance to take them on our mini tour and a found out a few more things about them.
First, I used them as front panniers and I know they're rear, but they're a pretty good size for a front in my opinion. One of the problems I saw, and I'm not sure if they do this on front panniers or not- is the handles. There is one on each pannier and they snap together. In theory, a great idea- but when you're going 24 mph down hill and you see those handles flapping dagerously close to your spokes, you start thinking about cutting them off pretty fast." Read More...
Next up, I review Axiom's Journey Series Tubular Alloy Rear Rack
"Cole got this rear rack from Axiom and we threw it on his dad's Trek 7.3 before our 3 day tour, and it handled the job fine.
Weighing in at a mere 700 grams, this rear rack is super light, but super tough with it's triple stay design and sweep-back support for panniers. The stay length is adjustable, fitting 26", 27", and 700cc sizes."Read More...
Then I Review Cyclelogical's Reflective Chopspokes
Remember the review I did a few months back of one of Cyclelogical's backpacks? Well, when they sent that, they sent along these too- their Reflective Chopspokes. Little, round, reflective sticks that snap on the spoke of your choice with ease in a couple seconds. They're pretty sweet and do their job really well, and in my opinion beat the hell outta those old school reflectors..." Read More...
After which Cole and I both have something to say about dznuts...
"Watching the Tour deFrance and seeing Dave Zabriskie, I realized I hadn't done the review for dznuts. It's hard to take something called "dznuts" seriously, and the fact it's chamois cream makes it even harder- I'm laughing just writing this review, but if you ever needed chamois cream its very serious." Read More...
And I wrap it up with some quick words on the Trek 7.3FX
"So this is Cole's Dad's bike that I borrowed for our little trip we made- a Trek 7.3FX. It was my first time riding it- I picked it up the night before our trip, put the rack on, boxed it up, and went to Chicago. If you read our tour stories you know the mini-horror i went through, but come time to go, I was ready and so was the 7.3FX.
With a few slight adjustments- mainly the seat and bars, lubed it up, pumped the tires, and we were ready to go. As loaded down as I was, this bike was smooth and handled well. Shifting was smooth- no problems climbing up long, steep grades, nor any going down them...no wobbles, nothing. Sturdy. The brakes were fine through it all. I really liked the fact that it had thumb/finger shifters as opposed to grip shifts. My mountain bike has them and I've never liked it, but then again I've never switched it out either... but that's what I prefer. It's more comfortable for me."
Read More...
So that's it for the reviews for this week, but check back tomorrow for more info on the Bianchi- and tell yr friends- spread the love...who wouldn't want to win a new Bianchi? While maybe slightly jealous, I'd still be happy for my buddy if they happened to be the winner and not me (and although a newsletter subscriber myself, i'm not eligible to win...). How about you? So sign up for our newsletter- how bad could it be? I heard this story once about how the sun shines on every dogs ass some day...lucky dog!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
we bring the goods!!!1 comments Posted by 1 less car at 10:53 PM
Besides our own slick shirts and accessories, we also do weekly reviews! This week, Cole reviews the ETA Power MF Stove from North American Gear, and I reviewed a couple of brand spankin' new goodies from Topeak- their Ratchet Rocket RX and their Flypaper Glueless Patch Kit! We've got a lot of great stuff to review in the next upcoming weeks, so check back soon! Word on the street is we might be auctioning off a new BIANCHI soon! No purchase necessary...details on that are coming really soon!!! So yeah- there's a lot going on around here, and it's all good...
the reviews:
North American Gear ETA Power™ MF stove
I am by no means an expert about backpacking stoves, but on my last tour i was freezing in the rain, eating a pb&j, thinking how much some warm food would really help me out. Well, we'll call that tour a learning experience, and it taught me I need a stove.
North American Gear was kind enough to send me the ETA Power MF stove. I was given a lot of choice, and I knew I wanted a mutlifuel because who knows where I'll end up, and having the ability to burn LP gas and liquid fuels- such as white gas, gasoline/petrol, kerosene/paraffin, and if necessary even diesel, makes this the perfect stove in my eyes. read more...
Topeak Ratchet Rocket RX
I never had the pleasure of using the original Ratchet Rocket, and the RX is a slimmed down, lighter version of it with an added tool. Hands down, this is one of the raddest multi-tools I've got my hands on as of late. About the size of...hmm...unfortunately everything that comes to mind right now is firearm related (I live in the country on a bunch of land in the middle of nowhere, so you gotta give me a little slack!), so let's see- it's smaller than a candy bar, fits in the palm of your hand (unless you have REALLY small hands), and is about the size of a standard cell phone (non flip), and way skinnier but a tad heavier.
The Ratchet Rocket RX measures (L x W x H) 3.9" x 1.5" x 0.7". With 12 tools and only weighing 120g (.26 lbs.), that's not too shabby at all. And for even more convenience than this multi-tool already has to offer, it also comes with a pretty rad poly soft shell case that has an extra pocket for the optional chain tool (or a pack of Topeak's Flypaper: Glueless Patch Kit perfectly!) and also sports a belt loop. Put it on your belt & save the room in your pack- or leave the pack at home- the Ratchet Rocket RX won't weigh you down a bit. If you ride regularly, or distances, or have ever gotten a flat a ways away from home or a gas station and didn't have the tools to fix your flat and you had to walk your bike, you probably know the importance of carrying a few tools with you, some patches, and a pump. The Ratchet Rocket RX covers the first- we'll get to the rest later. read more...
Topeak Flypaper Glueless Patch Kit
We've got one more product from Topeak for you this week- Topeak's Flypaper- their glueless patch kit. Quick, clean, and easy- no worries, no mess, and no fuss. They work great for road bikes as well as mountain bikes and everything in between. read more...
Labels: north american gear, topeak
Thursday, July 02, 2009
reviews...0 comments Posted by 1 less car at 9:13 PM
So yeah- we're back from tour- check out our stories from yesterday if you haven't seen those yet. We got some rad stuff to take with us & test out, and we'll be reviewing that stuff over the next few weeks. This week Cole reviews a Delorme PN-40 GPS and a Therm-A-Rest Trail Pro Mattress. I'm reviewing Kelty's Forecast sleeping bag, and Shauna has an update on the Finesse from Breezer!
Kelty Forecast Sleeping Bag
Kelty sent me their Forecast sleeping bag to test out on our tour. I decided to leave it closed up in it's compression sack until it was time to sleep the first night, which ended up being difficult since we had to postpone our date twice. But we finally did it, and on the first night after I set up my tent, I popped the clips and pulled out the Forecast.
My first impression as I unrolled it into it's mummy shape was nothing but jaw dropping and drool. The blue/grey color scheme looked really good as it fluffed up really nice- I couldn't believe that this sleeping bag was in that little compression sack. The last sleeping bag I bought was probably almost 20 years ago in Boy Scouts, and there's no way in hell that that bag would've compressed into anything smaller than the size of 3 healthy babies! I was honestly amazed. Camping gear has really come a long way! Read More...
Breezer Finesse
The Breezer Finesse is a very well designed bicycle and a complete pleasure to ride. It features so very many thoughtful and high-quality elements that it's hard to know where to start my praise.
The Finesse is among the most comfortable bikes I have ever ridden. The carbon fiber seat post and fork absorb the shock of poor roads and potholes, while the Velo Plush seat provides a comfortable cushion on multi-mile rides. Even the grips are ergonomically advanced, with a soft triangular pad to rest the base of my hands on. Read More...
Delorme PN-40 GPS
Last years tour I set out with 25 pages of a map that made google maps, then transferred to something else which let me print but it would print like 2 miles on a page, so I ended up with a bunch of maps that weighed a ton. I decided a gps would be the way to go.
I used a Garmin gps when I was support on a bike tour last year, and it confused the hell out of me. To be honest it got me lost, so I thought having my own gps I would learn how to use it more and it would be cool. Read More...
Therm-A-Rest Trail Pad Mattress
Last year when I attempted my first tour, the idea of a sleeping pad came to mind. But with my budget way over what I thought it would be, I decided its something I could do with out. I have some hobo friends who say cardboard works great- you can find it anywhere and you don't have to take it with you.
As I lay shivering in my sleeping bag on top of wet cardboard I realized I was learning a lesson the very hard way. So when I set out on tour this time, I made sure to have a sleeping pad. Therm-A-Rest was kind enough to send the Trail Pro to me to test out. Read More...
see ya soon- Brandon!
On Tour! Chicago IL - Muskegon, MI 6.20.2009-6.23.20090 comments Posted by 1 less car at 12:05 AM
reviews will be up tomorrow- instead we thought we'd put up our tour stories- enjoy! and come back tomorrow for the reviews- we're gonna have a lot of good stuff over the next few weeks!
Cole: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again right? Well for me it was if at first you don't succeed, get a bunch of rad gear to review, a good friend to go with you, and try again. If you're a regular follower of the site you might remember last September when I attempted my first mini-tour from Chicago to West Michigan to see my parents- if not, I'll sum it up quick- Under prepared, over confident, leaky tent with a torrential downpour...the list goes on and on. Anyway, I learned a lot and needed to give it another chance.
This time, one of my best friends and our web guy, Brandon, decided he'd give it a go with me. I have never toured with a partner, and was kinda concerned it would be harder. This would be Brandon's first tour and his first time riding large miles. I figured we would take it slow, and as an older tourer said to me anyone can ride 60 miles in a day. The plan was this: Brandon would come down on Amtrak from Michigan with his gear, spend the night, and we'd leave early Sunday morning. Read More!
Brandon: After listening to Cole talk about touring, reading several traveling books and then a bike touring book by The Metal Cowboy, as well as several stories online, I decided it was time to do it- it was time for me to tour by bicycle. I'm not getting any younger- I was about to turn 34 two days after getting home. Cole had been talking about hitting the road again and it was getting me excited about doing it too. Part of me thought he wanted to do it alone, but he sounded pretty excited when I asked if I could ride with him. I was stoked to say the least, and couldn't wait to go.
Cole came home (Muskegon, MI) for a visit about a month before our trip, and we got to talking about it with his parents. His mom was ecstatic that he wouldn't be riding alone, and his dad let me borrow his road bike so I could make the trip. I had also scored a few things to review for the trip- namely a sleeping bag from Kelty (review coming soon!) that I had been dying to try out. I even left it in it's compression bag so it would be a nice surprise on the first night (and I was not disappointed!). We set a date and ended up rescheduling twice before finally deciding to leave Chicago June 20th and returning to Michigan by the 23rd so I could make my MRI appointment (I had my shoulder reconstructed a year & a half ago, and a couple crashes later- I'm seriously accident prone- it still hurts pretty much all the time.), and also be home to my girl & my dog for my birthday on the 25th. Read More!
Labels: chicago to muskegon, touring


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Liberals in the media have been busy parading around Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center to bash the right. As befits his organization's MO, Potok, pictured right in a file photo, has done the best he can to link recently-arrested militia members to the Tea Party movement and conservatism generally.
Potok's job may have just gotten a bit harder, and the liberal media may need to find another way to discredit their political opponents. It turns out most of the militiamen were active voters, and at least one was a registered Democrat. Party registrations for the rest are not yet known.
The new facts undermine Potok's thinly-veiled suggestions that Republican politicians and conservative pundits are at least indirectly responsible for militia activity. NPR, Keith Olbermann, and Chris Matthews may need to find a new issue with which to slander the right (h/t Prof. Reynolds).
The Blade, a newspaper in Toledo, Ohio reported today,
Most of the indicted militia members accused of being anti-government extremists have active voting records, a check with area voter registration offices showed yesterday.
One is a registered Democrat, and the party affiliations of the rest could not be determined.
Jacob J. Ward, 33, of Huron, Ohio, voted as a Democrat in the 2004 and 2008 primary elections. He also voted in 10 other elections since 2000. Party affiliation in Ohio is determined by which party's ballot they requested in the most recent primary election.
Well that should put to rest the notion that these people were somehow affiliated with or influenced by mainstream conservatives.
It should, but it probably won't. Remember, this is the same Mark Potok who tried to link Joe Stack to the Tea Party movement despite his obvious affinity for communism.


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Battery Cluster:
Blocker (Whenever an opponent's creature attacks, you may tap this creature to stop the attack. Then the 2 creatures battle.)
"I programmed it to fire missiles randomly every hour. What's the worst it can hit? Land?" ?Milporo
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Partners for Youth Opportunity (PYO) Partners for Youth Opportunity (PYO)
Here's a sample of our volunteer opportunities:VIEW AS
Mission Statement
PYO Mission The mission of Partners for Youth Opportunity (PYO) is to partner with the community to provide Durham youth with opportunities to connect, develop, and contribute through mentoring, employment and educational support.
Partners for Youth Opportunity (PYO) is the product of a merger between YO:Durham (Year of Opportunity for Durham Teens), and Partners for Youth, two organizations that have served a similar population of Durham youth for the past several years. Both organizations were created to address the growing "opportunity gap" resulting from the chronic disconnection of Durham youth from economic and educational opportunities.
PYO Goals:
PYO is built on the idea that each child flourishes best when surrounded by multiple supportive adults. This is why we match each of our students with a team of four mentors:
- A community-based mentor
- A tutor
- A school-based mentor
- A job-based/professional mentor
By surrounding our students with a team of mentors our hope is that each PYO student will...
- Receive the support and resources necessary to help them improve their academic performance, graduate on time, and pursue post-secondary education.
- Generate income from paid internships and stay out of trouble when school is not in session
- Gain work experience that makes them more employable in the future.
- Broaden their horizons and steer away from gangs, poverty, and unemployment.
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La La Land inspiration is abound, inspiring fashionistas world wide with Mulberry, Lacoste and Jil Sander all sending yellow designs down their Spring/Summer catwalks. So will we see a Yellow trend hitting 2017 weddings following the Hollywood musical that swept the Golden Globes?
Perfect bridesmaid dress inspiration or just too much for you? Here are five fabulous yellow dresses available on the high street at the moment.


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Something doesn't add up. Do all these children need the drugs they're being prescribed? Without a careful review of individual medical records, it's difficult to say -- but the trend is disturbing. Other states are already pushing hard for answers, and Florida should join in. The drugs in question are known as atypical anti-psychotics and include Risperdal, Abilify, Geodon and Seroquel. Originally intended to treat major mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar mania, they have become increasingly widely prescribed for children with autism and attention-deficit disorder with tics.
Yet, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved few of these drugs for use with children -- especially in conjunction with many of the conditions for which the powerful drugs are prescribed. There's little research on the effects of the drugs, and a growing number of reports suggest that the medication could be responsible for deaths or serious side effects, including tardive dyskenisa (involuntary jerking of the limbs and grimacing).
State Medicaid programs across the country have found themselves paying for increasing quantities of these drugs. In Florida, the number of child Medicaid recipients taking atypical anti-psychotics has doubled since 1999, despite a lack of evidence suggesting that they're any more effective than other cheaper drugs.
Twenty-six states are exploring legal action against drug companies for unfair trade practices or consumer-protection violations (Florida is one of them; the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit served drug manufacturer Eli Lilly with a request in 2005 for information regarding its marketing of the drug Zyprexa.) Other states are being more aggressive; several have actually filed suit seeking to reclaim some of the millions spent on these drugs.
But Florida owes a more important duty to the thousands of children across the state who are taking powerful medications. Immediately discontinuing Medicaid reimbursement for the medications would be a mistake -- too many children are currently stabilized on drugs and might actually be benefiting. But the state should move to develop better standards for when the drugs should be prescribed. And this time around, the state should look first to public-health officials and the FDA.
24,290 signatures against TeenScreen http://www.petitiononline.com/TScreen/petition.html


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Construction continues on the Foundation Communities new affordable housing complex in downtown Austin called Capital Studios at 11th and Trinity in the shadow of the state capitol. The complex will feature 135 efficiency apartments for single adults in the range of $400-$650/month (all bills paid). Foundation Communities provides affordable homes and free onsite support services for thousands of working families with kids, as well as veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Photo by Ralph Barrera/Austin American-Statesman
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Wouldn't it be nice to trim the MythTV menus to just what you use. Or, how about simply re-ordering them to suit your preferences? The good news is that you can, and quite easily.
First, a bit on how MythTV's menu system works.
The menu's are driven by XML files (located in
/usr/share/mythtv/). Here is a snippet from the mainmenu.xml file:
<text>Watch TV</text>
<text lang="FR">Regarder la TV</text>
... [more languages snipped]
<text>Media Library</text>
<text lang="FR">Médiathèque</text>
... [more languages snipped]
<action>MENU library.xml</action>
The important parts are the menu title:
<text>Media Library</text>
and the action
<action>MENU library.xml</action>
There are two types of actions:
- link to another menu (
MENU menuname.xml)
- launch an action (
Needless to say, linking to another menu simply loads another menu XML file. Launching an action will run the MythTV feature that you select.
Don't start editing those files just yet! Let's run through an example and I'll show you how to safely go about editing the menus.
Example: Remove MythPhone and Netflix from Info Menu
Let's say that I never use MythPhone, or NetFlix, and I want to remove them from the Information menu. You might think.. "Hey, no problem, I'll just bring up
/usr/share/mythtv/info_menu.xml up in my favorite editor (vi.. right?) and hack away!"
Nope... Once again, the MythTV devs have outdone themselves. You can make a local copy of the entire mythtv menu system in mythtv's home directory
~mythtv/.mythtv and when you fire up mythfrontend, it will read those files instead.
So.. go ahead..
$cp /usr/share/mythtv/*.xml ~mythtv/.mythtv
Just for reference, here is a quick screenshot of the offending menu (with MythPhone and NetFlix)
O.K. Now lets fire up vi and start editing your local copy of
Here is the menu entry for MythPhone
<action>PLUGIN mythphone</action>
Simply remove the section above (everything, including the <button> tags), and MythPhone will be removed from the menu.
Find the entry for NetFlix, and do the same.
Save the file, and re-run mythfrontend.
Viola, here's our new menu. sans MythPhone and NetFlix
As you can see, this process is quite simple.
Additional Notes:
Now, let's say MythTV upgrades to 0.20 and the devs add a new menu item. Unfortunately, you're custom menus won't be updated with the rest of MythTV, and this could leave you in a lurch. What I would recommend is making a diff file of your modified xml file with the original. Then after an upgrade, you should be able to re-apply your diff to the new menus. If you want to be safe, you can also diff your file with the new original and compare the two diff's, and handle the entire situation manually.
You can re-arrange any menu action and move it into any menu. You can create your own menus. One thing you can't do that I would love is to assign a shell action to a menu item.
As requested, here is an example of how I use MythTV's menu to launch Front Row (on the mac) and Hulu Desktop
<action>EXEC /Users/mythtv/bin/runfrontrow.sh</action>
<action>EXEC /Users/mythtv/bin/runhulu.sh</action>
Needless to say, I have scripts in my bin directory that actually execute the commands, but there you go.
Comments, Questions? Post 'em, I'll try and answer any question.
Coming up next: Transcoding profiles for HDTV folks.


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►Our Future Mobility Now and Fiat challenge you to develop your mobility, design and accessibility ideas. ►Be free on November 4 for a webinar with Roberto Giolito, EMEA Fiat Chrysler Design Vice President. Roberto will be holding a special seminar … Read More
Event – Target Youth: Mobile & Safe
This post is in: New mobility services, Safe mobility for all, Site News, Urban communities tomorrow
This event will highlight the importance of ensuring that young people are safe on Europe's roads. This panel debate will be an exiting opportunity to have your voice heard on a subject that affects us all! Register here – and … Read More
The low carbon vehicle of tomorrow
This post is in: Environmental sustainability, Future technologies
What will future low carbon vehicles look like? It is quite difficult to answer this question but for sure major technological breakthroughs will be required for ever cleaner and sustainable mobility. Potential solutions can come from a large range of … Read More
Hybridisation for everyone?
This post is in: Future technologies
The environmental challenges associated with automobile use are being met by technological solutions designed to drive powerful breakthroughs in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Hybridisation – using at least two different power sources – is one of these promising solutions … Read More
Video – 'Everyone has the right to arrive safely' – Alex Wurz
This post is in: Safe mobility for all
To highlight our upcoming debate, 'Target Youth: Mobile & Safe' we asked professional Toyota Factory racer Alex Wurz to say a few words about what road safety means to him, and how it's so important that young adults – the most … Read More
Weighty matters
This post is in: Environmental sustainability, Future technologies
Powertrains are a major but not exclusive area being explored by car manufacturers to improve their vehicles' environmental performances. While less impressive at first sight, reducing vehicle weight is also quite an effective way to decrease their carbon emissions: a … Read More


text: But the Parcel islands are in for a storm. The tides are changing, the clouds are forming, and a full on hurricane is headed for the battlefield. Battlefield 4's levelution on the Parcel Storm map was a brilliant idea with excellent execution. Levelultion was an idea DICE (BF franchise creators) had for the game. They thought they would put a spin their signature huge maps, by allowing an event to be triggered to changed the map entirely. Whether it be a hurricane, a flood, a collapsing building, or maybe even a blizzard, Battlefield has it all.


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People out there in the world are making money coming up with and developing iPhone and iPad applications. Some of us may have good ideas of what sorts of apps may come in very handy and ones that people would buy. As already mentioned in Make Money With Your Smartphone, we hit a snag when it comes to building the application.
If you have some ideas but don


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We've put together a small selection of our extensive product range to help inspire your display, merchandising and shelving system needs.
Whether you're looking for a standard system or something bespoke, we'll have just what you're after. Our extensive customised production service means we can develop a product specifically tailored to your needs.
Our products are used across the UK and overseas, so whatever you need and wherever you need it, just speak to one of our team to find out how we can help.
For further information, please see our data sheets section.


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Russian Orthodox Church backs crackdown on illegal immigration
January 25, 2012
A spokesman for the Russian Orthodox Church has voiced his support for a call by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for a crackdown on illegal immigration.
Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin, the public-affairs spokesman for the Moscow patriarchate, said that "illegal immigration must be curbed with more stringent rules." His statement came in response to statements by Putin, who is now a candidate for the Russian presidency. The influence of the Moscow patriarchate could play an important role in the presidential contest.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!


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Have you heard of fandoms? The word comes from the word "fan" combined with suffix meaning "realm" or "domain" ("dom" like in kingdom). As time has gone on, these little pockets of people are those who are excited about a particular thing, usually a type of entertainment. There are fandoms out there related to book series (Harry Potter), TV shows (Dr. Who), music (Belibers) and even more general groups (anthropomorphics, also called the "furry" fandom).
So why are fandoms so important in today's world?? Do they even really matter? With the world of the internet, we're connecting with people with similar interests even more easily than before. Is this a good thing? Actually, yes, it is. Here's why:
- Fandoms create community. You may not be able to find someone at your school or place of work that "geeks out" about Dr. Who as much as you do, or that really likes the one band that you like, but you can find someone online that does, and they will enjoy your enthusiasm and share it with you!
- Fandoms encourage creativity. A lot of people who are in fandoms are very creative people. You will find a large amount of rich art, creative writing, and more when you check out everything surrounding the fandom. There is a bad side to this as well, because sometimes people take it a bit too far, but most of the time this is a good thing.
- Fandoms give people something to get excited about. Everyone should have something that they're excited about, and a fandom can fill that role in someone's life. Even if it seems insignificant to some people that you may talk to, your passion is something that is important to you and gives you life and energy.
So whether you're someone who enjoys cartoons, or someone that can't wait for the next episode of a popular (or not so popular) television show to come out, there is likely a fandom that will be ready to embrace you with open arms. So instead of enjoying it all by yourself, why not get involved with a fandom that fits your interests and likes?


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- Find low MASwings fares with Skyscanner
- Search by airport or country to find flight routes
- Enter depature dates, months or find cheapest month
Find out more about MASwings including the airports and routes operated by MASwings plus the latest MASwings sale offers, discount codes and online deals for 2019/2020. Learn about hand & checked baggage allowances, upcoming MASwings sale dates and much more.
Latest MASwings sale offers & deals for 2019/2020
Browse the latest sale offers, discount codes and online deals on MASwings flights in 2019/2020. Compare airline fares with popular flight booking engines and comparison websites. Discover how you can save money on your next MASwings flights before you book online.
Where does MASwings fly?
Explore which airports are served by MASwings and the flight routes that it operates. Select a route and check flight prices before you book online. Alternatively compare flight prices using the search form below.


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I wish to point out, this article is a real "meat & potato's" type of subject matter. If you're really into Liberty ships and what went on "behind the scenes" of the countless meetings to get this massive ship building project under way...[before the war] then this article is for you.
Others I'm sure will find it 'dry' reading, but along toward the end of the article a company gets "let go" and you find out the amount of money the big wigs as well as the firm was gathering ...."per ship."
For the era....it was one heck of a lot of money.....but I'll say again....."If your into British & American shipbuilding in building this vast amount of ships in a short time span"....this might interest you.
Click HERE


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Creo Announces Magnus VLF computer-to-plate device
Monday, February 23, 2004
Press release from the issuing companyDrupa Preview, Buren, The Netherlands (February 20, 2004) – Creo Inc. introduces the new Magnus very large format (VLF) computer-to-plate (CTP) imaging device, the next generation of leading VLF solutions. The revolutionary Magnus VLF device delivers quality imaging with repeatability, reliability, improved functionality, and increased speed for large commercial and packaging printers. The Magnus VLF CTP is the fastest fully automated VLF device on the market —imaging 15 2,050 x 1,510 mm (80.7 x 59.4 in.) plates per hour at 2400 dpi. When smaller plates are loaded two at a time, the Magnus VLF device images 31 B1 (707 x 1,000 mm, 28 x 39.3 in.) plates per hour at 2400 dpi. This brand new design builds on the success of the market-leading Creo Trendsetter VLF imaging device, introduced in 1995. "Creo has developed this next generation VLF CTP to provide more functionality and increased speed for the larger commercial and packaging printer while maintaining the quality, consistency and reliability enjoyed by over 1,000 VLF customers today," explains Colin Evans, VLF product manager, Creo. "We will also continue producing the Trendsetter VLF as this best-selling device satisfies the needs of many printers." Fast, Quality Imaging The new Magnus VLF CTP device sports significantly faster performance. Productivity has been improved by using higher power heads, new electronics, and a loading architecture that reduces non-imaging time. The Magnus VLF allows portrait-plate and dual-plate loading, which allows two plates to be loaded side-by-side to further increase imaging speed. Enhanced Automation The Magnus VLF device also offers a continuous load option. This two-plate buffered system allows the operator to load one plate and queue the next plate on the load table. After exposure, the first plate is ejected to the processor and the queued plate is automatically loaded onto the drum. With multi-cassette automation, the Magnus VLF device operates with four cassettes of 75 plates per cassette. Slipsheet removal is automatic. Operators can reload cassettes while the device continues imaging and picking plates from another bay. Market's Largest Drum With its larger drum (1,600 x 2,108 mm, 63 x 83 in.) the Magnus VLF CTP device is capable of imaging plates for VLF presses, including the new KBA Rapida 205 press to be released at Drupa 2004. The appealing industrial design of the Magnus VLF includes a smaller footprint than the Trendsetter VLF. Plates can be rotated on the unload table allowing the narrow side of the plate to be presented to the processor with no additional footprint. The Magnus VLF is a complete CTP solution available today with industry-leading workflow solutions, including Prinergy and Brisque, and third-party workflow connectivity. A wide range of thermal media, including the Creo Positive Thermal Plate, has been qualified for use on the Magnus VLF CTP. Magnus VLF Availability The Magnus VLF CTP device is now available for order. The Magnus VLF device with the continuous load option and the fully automated Magnus with the multi-unit cassette will be the highlight attractions at Drupa on the Creo stand in Hall 4, Stand #B10.
Industry News
Copyright © 2019 WhatTheyThink. All Rights Reserved


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The Talk & Soothe system from First Years is a soothing baby monitor that helps parents put their infant to sleep without hassle. The device boasts audio and video capabilities and works by allowing parents to monitor their little one as they fall asleep.
This product also lets parents record greetings and lullabies for their child in order to make a sleep routine more authentic and nurturing. In addition to its night vision video features and voice-activated controls, this soothing baby monitor is also equipped with LED lights that are affected by sound -- flashing if a baby is crying or in distress.
Appealing to millennial parents, this baby monitor is easy to customize and is tech-savvy, allowing one to keep tabs on their child while on-the-go or while in another room.
Soothing Baby Monitors
More Stats +/-
Smart Baby Monitors
Night Vision Infant Cameras
Protective Baby Pillows
Pregnancy-Sharing iDevice Docks
Hi-Tech Tot Alarms
Free 2019 Report & eBook
Get the top 100 trends happening right NOW -- plus a FREE copy of our award-winning book.
Our Research Methodology
This article is one of 350,000 experiments. We use crowd filtering, big data and AI to identify insights.
The First Years Talk & Soothe Baby Monitor Helps Infants Fall Asleep Calmly
- By: Jana PijakAug 11, 2015
References: thefirstyears
References: thefirstyears


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NHP Electrical Engineering Products has partnered with REMLIVE to introduce an innovative visual signalling device designed to ensure workplace safety. REMLIVE is a specialist in providing visual indication of live equipment.
The REMLIVE RL24I is a low-voltage visual signalling device designed to raise the industry standard of positive isolation indication. Primarily designed to provide positive isolation indication in the event of an isolating device such as a disconnect switch or circuit breaker being switched off or tripped on fault, the REMLIVE RL24I also comes with a number of added features.
The REMLIVE positive isolation indicator from NHP is ideal for internal switchboard access where safety is a priority.
Supplied complete with triple redundant LED illumination, the REMLIVE RL24I positive isolation indicator provides visible indication of voltage (24-1000VAC) from outside the switchboard door. This is achieved by utilising a 30.5mm pushbutton style round indicator display with flashing or non-flashing LEDs for power indication.
The display ensures that the maximum voltage to the door can only be 3.8DVC, which is completely safe and will allow the user to observe the loss of three phases and verify isolation before commencing work.
Designed to meet the needs of switchboard builders who are concerned about product size, the REMLIVE RL24I is DIN rail mountable with reduced installation time to easily suit retrofit applications.
The REMLIVE RL24I positive isolation indicator is a complementary safety device that fits in perfectly with NHP's existing safety, power distribution and enclosures range to offer the complete isolation package.


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Thank you for considering a financial gift to Wellspring Family Services. We rely on the generous support of the community to provide opportunities for children, adults, and families to reach their full potential. As a not-for-profit, 501©(3) organization, your gift to Wellspring is tax-deductible.
Give Today!
- By credit card
- By check
- By electronic funds transfer (EFT) from your checking or savings account (reduces our administrative costs!)
- By stock
How to Give
- Make a gift online
- Make a gift by phone at 206.902.4238
- Mail your gift to:
Wellspring Family Services
Attn: Development
1900 Rainier Ave S
Seattle, WA 98144
Ask your company's Human Resources department if they will match your gift to Wellspring!
Make A Recurring Gift
Donors who consitently give throughout the year are essential to the sustainability of Wellspring and add to our efficiency and effectiveness. Loyal recurring donors give Wellspring the ability to plan year-round for the future of children and their families.
You may make a recurring gift:
- By credit card or EFT online
- By mailing us a check or by phone. For these options, please email Josh Herrington, Donor Relations Director, or call 206.902.4229.
Make A Tribute Gift
Honor someone you love by giving to Wellspring in their name. Tribute gifts are a perfect way to honor the passing of a loved one or to celebrate any special occasion (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.). When you make a tribute gift, we will send a card to your honoree or their family. We will also send you a tax receipt for your records.
You may make a tribute gift:
- By credit card or EFT online (Enter the name of your loved one in the comments field at the bottom of the donation form)
- By mailing us a check or by phone. For these options, please email Josh Herrington, Donor Relations Director, or call 206.902.4229.
Become A Pacesetter Donor
What makes Pacesetters unique? Every year, they make a pledged gift to Wellspring. Their payments are then scheduled throughout the year to fulfill their pledge. Pacesetters are acknowledged for their leadership at our annual Powerful Change Luncheon.
- Make your annual Pacesetter gift by emailing Josh Herrington, Donor Relations Director, or calling 206.902.4229.


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|/ Theory-Nucl
Svintsov, I.A. ; Parfenov, P.E. ; Selyuzhenkov, I.V. ; Taranenko, A.V.
Published in: J.Phys.Conf.Ser.
Year: 2017
Vol.: 798 Num./Issue: 1
Page No: 012067
Pages: 5
Year: 2017-03-14 published
Abstract: The Nuclotron-based Ion Collider facility (NICA) in Dubna, Russia is currently under construction at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR). A Multi Purpose Detector (MPD) at NICA is designed to study properties of baryonic dense matter in the range of center of mass collision energy from 4 to 11 GeV. We present a performance study for anisotropic transverse flow measurement in Au+Au collisions using the UrQMD event generator and Geant4 simulation of the MPD response. The collision symmetry plane is estimated from event-by-event transverse energy distribution in Forward Hadron Calorimeters (FHCal's). Performance of the MPD for a measurement of the directed (v (1)) and elliptic (v (2)) flow of identified charged hadrons is evaluated based on comparison between reconstructed v (1) and v (2) values and the input one from the UrQMD model.


text: The WOB was fairly consistent, I was using a USD Artic 2nd stage reg that had been modified to reclaim my exhaled gas.during the test, how was your WOB? Any increase would also tend to drive the co2 up. I don't know what all the measurements are, but I think the co2 measurements bear some consideration.


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By BRUCE MILES
For my money, the first law of modern baseball is that bullpens are the most fickle and finicky part of any team.
The second law is that the bullpen that starts the season is never the one that finishes the season.
"Annually bullpens are difficult to really define," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday during his "Thanksmas" charity event in Chicago. "It normally takes about a month to figure out what you've got going on. We'll work our way through (spring training) camp, and then that first month of the season, they'll tell us where they belong."
It will be a revamped Cubs relief corps. Gone is closer Wade Davis, who signed a free-agent deal with the Colorado Rockies. Former closer Hector Rondon was not tendered a contract, and he signed with the Houston Astros. Dependable lefty Brian Duensing is a free agent after one season with the Cubs.
So far this offseason, the Cubs have signed former Dodgers right-hander Brandon Morrow, and until further notice he will be the closer. They've added others to the mix, including side-armer Steve Cishek, who took part in the Cubs' service-day program Thursday at Kilmer Elementary School in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. He was the lone active Cubs player to participate, joining Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg and TV analyst Jim Deshaies, the emcee for the event.
Cishek, who pitched last year for Seattle and Tampa Bay, knows all about the ups and downs a bullpen endures.
"For sure," Cishek said. "We spend more time together than any other ballplayers on the team. We're out there on like a stranded island, sometimes it feels like. It's a lot of conversations going on. We're always trying to pick each other up. That's always been the M.O. When one guy goes out there and your name's called, you're going out there to pick him up whether it was good or bad. That's your job, to put a zero on the board."
Maddon expects lefty Justin Wilson to bounce back. Wilson had a rough go after the Cubs obtained him in a July 31 trade with Detroit. With the Cubs, Wilson had an ERA of 5.09 and a WHIP of 2.09.
Returning are Pedro Strop, Justin Grimm, Carl Edwards Jr. and swingman Mike Montgomery.
"Love it," Maddon said. "Brandon Morrow, you saw what he was able to do. I've been a fan of this fella for years. It's very exciting to get him out there at the end of the game, him understanding exactly what's going on and trying to parcel his work and not overutilize him.
"I think a little linchpin is Justin Wilson. We get him back on track, which I believe we will, he'll make all the difference in the world to the success of our bullpen because beyond that, you look at CJ (Edwards) and Stropie, they're bedrock. They're versatile. They're the (Ben) Zobrist kind of relief pitchers. You could put them anywhere and they don't care."
Crediting Trader Jack: Steve Cishek credits former big-league manager "Trader" Jack McKeon for helping him perfect his unorthodox delivery when both were with the Marlins.
"I've been pretty much the same, similar arm angle as long as I can remember," Cishek said. "I don't know how to throw any other way. They tried to make me throw over the top one year, and it was a disaster in the minor leagues. I threw harder, but I was getting crushed.
"It's funny. You don't get the workload in the minor leagues you do in the big leagues. In ' 11, Jack McKeon took over as manager. And I was literally throwing off the mound every day, just in case. My arm got tired, man. Sure enough, just to keep the ball down, my arm slot got lower and lower, and it's just a natural arm slot for me. I kind of credit Jack for that."
Cubs promote three: The Cubs on Thursday promoted Scott Harris to assistant general manager and Jeff Greenberg to director of baseball operations. They named Shiraz Rehman assistant GM/strategic initiatives.
Harris enters his sixth season with the Cubs. He joined them in 2012 as director of baseball operations.
Greenberg also joined the Cubs in 2012 as a baseball-operations intern and was later promoted to assistant to the GM before the 2015 season.
Rehman, who has served the past five seasons as assistant GM, will "focus on evaluating existing systems, and identifying & implementing solutions in an effort to create competitive advantages for the organization," according to the team's statement.


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Granita is a famous cold Italian dessert that combines crushed ice with the flavorful taste of tea. The result is a refreshingly cool take on a traditionally warm drink.
To make this granita treat, begin by steeping one cup of aromatic tea. You can experiment with different types of tea flavors to find one that you like best. If you like lighter teas opt for a green or white tea. If you prefer stronger and more robust tea flavors, go with a black tea like orange pekoe or earl gray. Then dissolve caster sugar into two tablespoons of lemon juice over medium heat and add the mixture into the tea. Freeze the tea for roughly three hours and every hour or so, break up the tea into a slushie-like consistency. When you're happy with the results, serve the crushed ice tea in a bowl and eat with a spoon.
Sweet Tea Sorbets
More Stats +/-
Cultural Tea Recipes
Creamy Donut Sandwiches
Creamy Ice Tea Floats
Animated Beverage Branding
Sweet Floral Beverages


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Best Shots Extra: WildStorm's RED HERRING #1
Red Herring #1
Writer: David Tischman
Pencils: Philip Bond
Inks: David Hahn
Color: Guy Major
Lettering: Rob Leigh
Published by DC Wildstorm
Reviewed by: Henry Chamberlain
In Stores Today, August 12, 2009
Well, it's true, as David Tischman says in a recent Newsarama interview, Philip Bond knows how to draw sexy women. So does David Hahn. That's how we lead into Wildstorm's latest cool caper comic, Red Herring. A young woman in a lacy bra has just slipped into a pump while chatting on her cell phone. Her languorous pose is surrounded by little bits of intimate narration: "It's been crazy-busy at the office and talking to your mother calms you down." We proceed a few pages as Maggie MacGuffin tries to find the right outfit while keeping in mind, as the story title suggests, "Blue Makes Her Look Fat."
With such a stylish beginning, we smoothly move through what is a top-notch sly and sexy story. One goal of this opener is to connect Maggie MacGuffin with male lead, the titular Red Herring. As characters, they could not be more different. They seem to only share the fact that their names represent literary dead ends, false clues in a mystery, but they prove to be very much alive. They are not meant for each other but that could be fun too.
I haven't had quite as much fun with a comic since another Wildstorm series, Mysterius the Unfathomable. This is a totally different scene, the world of high rollers and espionage in Washington D. C., but it's definitely got a similar ultra-cool and clever style. Where Mysterius was very good with details about magicians, Red Herring provides the right balance of insider dealing and conspiracy theorist satisfaction.
We already know that things are never quite as they seem so it makes perfect sense to spice up the ambiguity by having fate bring together a party girl with a conscience, Maggie MacGuffin, and an earnest gumshoe secret agent, Red Herring. Couldn't make matters any worse, could do it? Well, maybe so. Did I mention there is a possible alien subplot and people are already trying to kill Red before he kills them? Yeah, things could get very messy.
This first issue is probably chock full of MacGuffins and red herrings. As for the details that add texture, they build up quite nicely. The narrator mocks Maggie as she struts her way to Capital Hill. "Compromise is the ESSENCE of politics. That's what your AP History teacher said." Maggie works down in the lower levels of Congress "where the offices are small and the salary's even smaller. Two weeks barely pays for a good pair of shoes." At first, we see Maggie filing away papers but then we come to find out this meek office worker is actually the lover of a high powered Congressman.
The tempo slows down for some procedural scenes with the no-nonsense Red Herring. So far, Red is proving to be a little too dry for his own good. But he has this thing about his glass eye and so he may prove to have some interesting issues. . Red is supposed to be about ten years older than Maggie and the plan, according to David Tischman, is to keep these two platonic. That could be a pity. Or maybe it's a red herring.


text: Read an interesting comment in a thread on the forum below : http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/zg4dm/htcs_5inch_phablet_makes_an_appearance_in/ From "dreadnaughtfearnot" - VZW will still be releasing the LG, along with the Note II. expect to see all 3 phablets in the lineup. Which IMO is not a great idea for inventory purposes, but it is happening. I am employed by one of the companies involved in a position high enough up the proper chain to be "in the know". VZW announced the LG Intuition a couple of days ago, and it actually went on sale today: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller? item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=5951 I have used both the Intuition and Note II on Verizon's network, but admittedly have no hands on experience with the HTC. Expect the Note II in the 4th Quarter. A VZW version of it has been planned since the original Note launch, when Verizon opted to pass and instead pick up a second edition if the original sold well. On an Intuition VS Note II basis, while the Note II will almost certainly launch at a higher price point (at least it is planned to) the Intuition feels like a poor copy. While it runs ICS very well and the UI feels fluid, it lacks any "phablet" specific wow features. In short, it is a large phone with a stylus, and has a much smaller battery. The Note II will run 4.1 and has a bevy of useful features specifically for the stylus and multitasking. It also feels much better in the hand. I completely understand if you don't feel my information is credible, and no hard feelings. No I am not willing to state my exact company and position. Just trying to offer up a little bit of information. Sent from my DROID Pro using Tapatalk 2


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Road Hawg
Introducing Road Hawg and the new Juiced Reactive coverstock. With more wrath and fury, the Road Hawg pushes the envelope for ball performance. By using Hammer's new Juiced Reactive coverstock, Road Hawg provides more length, more flip and a shocking rate of oil absorption for more confidence from shot to shot. It's extreme. It's you. It's Hammer. Drive on.
Think this is the right ball for you? Visit our pro shop locator to get a closer look.
Ball Specs
- Color Black/Green/Silver
Honor Roll
- James Merrick 300 game


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OCRV Center prides itself on being able to deliver custom solutions for our customers. We recently finished this trailer conversion for ATS who will be using it for transporting and showcasing some of their latest technologies.
They were in need of a modified trailer roof that could raise and lower allowing their machine to move inside the trailer unimpeded. OCRV Center came up with an elegant solution and everyone was happy with the results.
ATS Truck Project Details:
- 400 man hours
- 24v, 30 inch, 400 lb actuator
- Bard 3.5 ton AC/Heat unit
- Power tech 25kw diesel
- Custom LED inside lighting
- 040 aluminum trailer side panels


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Phone 131 870
TAFE Western Sydney is one of the largest vocational educational providers in NSW and delivers training across 11 locations, OTEN and blended learning. read more
Which direction would you like to go? Are you looking for your first job, promotion, career change, or to enhance your day-to-day knowledge and skills? read more
TAFE Western Sydney provides the framework to help you achieve your study and career goals by taking into account your individual learning needs. read more
Colleges and Specialist Centres of TAFE Western Sydney includes: Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Mount Druitt, Nepean, Nirimba, OTEN, Richmond, The Hills. Visit us now! read more
TAFE Western Sydney is a multi-award winning training organisation dedicated to supporting the aspirations of individuals, the community and industry in Western Sydney and beyond. read more
This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide an advanced level of assistance to a dentist, dental hygienist, dental prosthetist, dental therapist or oral health therapist, which contributes to the quality of oral health care. This qualification reflects the requirements for the specialisation Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (General Anaesthesia and Conscious Sedation). To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 250 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the units of competency. Jurisdictional legislative radiation licensing requirements may apply to candidates who undertake Group A electives for Radiography specialisation. If Radiography units or a Radiology specialisation is not selected,no licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.ENROLLING IN FIRST AID UNITS OF COMPETENCYIf you are seeking to enrol in a First Aid unit of competency you are advised that to complete the unit you must be able to perform basic life support skills, for example control bleeding and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you have a disability that would prevent you from performing required basic life support skills you are advised that you will not be able to achieve the unit of competency.
WORK PLACEMENTSMany TAFE courses have a compulsory work placement component to assist you to apply your learning in a practical environment and you may be required to comply with some (or all) of the following.1. NSW HEALTHBefore you commence any clinical placements in NSW Health facilities, you will be required to• Meet NSW Health's - Criminal Record Check requirements;• Sign the NSW Health Code of Conduct form and any other forms, as required by NSW Health; • Undertake Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Infectious Diseases and provide your Health Care Worker/Student Vaccination Record Card. For specific information regarding NSW Health's requirements, and access to the required forms, it is recommended that you visit their FAQs for students at:http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/student_clearance/pages/default.aspx2. AGED CARE WORK - Before you undertake any clinical placements in Aged Care Facilities you will be required to undertake a Federal Criminal Record Check. Visit: http://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/police-checks/national-police-checks.aspx3. COMMUNITY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES Anyone in child-related work (including student placements and volunteers) MUST have a current Working with Children Check (students/volunteers free) in line with the Office of Children's Guardian phase-in schedule and processes. Visit: http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/Working-with-children/working-with-children-check4. STUDENT READINESS FOR WORK PLACEMENT Generally work placements will only occur after there has been a reasonable amount of student/teacher contact and when the teacher is satisfied that you are ready to benefit from workplace learning and perform workplace duties. Your teacher can provide further information. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES - For more information visit: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/courses/rights-and-responsibilities/index.htm
Contact by Training Services NSW
If your course has been funded by Training Services NSW under Smart and Skilled, you may be contacted by a Training Services NSW representative to discuss your experience at Western Sydney Institute.>


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The school has first class facilities and resources that play a major part in creating a stimulating environment for learning. Pupils enjoy lessons in high quality, purpose built accommodation. Significant investment has been made in the last 2 years in refurbishing practical teaching spaces.
It is our policy to remain at the forefront of information and communication technology. The school's ICT network and classroom ICT equipment is regularly updated and provides our learners with the resources to achieve the very best qualifications.
Enriched Learning
The school has an outstanding reputation in the Sports and Arts, recognised by the highest accolade of 'Sports Mark Gold' and 'Arts Mark Gold' awards.
The school boasts teams in the majority of sports and has enjoyed amazing successes both at home and abroad including becoming National Basketball Champions.
Our young sporting leaders have made a significant impact on the school and they share their skills and experiences with other schools in the UK and around the world.
Music, dance and art are offered during the school day but also include regular trips to the theatre and other cultural events. The school production takes pride of place and involves many students and staff working together on and off stage. Recent school productions include 'Grease', 'We Will Rock You', 'Les Miserables', 'Our House' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar'.
'An extensive range of enrichment activities in sport and the arts add significantly to students' positive attitudes to school.'
Ofsted 2013


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As the weather gets warmer, it spurs us to buy/drink more white wine. One of my go-to white wines of recent has been a very unusual grape varietal. When you think of summer whites you tend to think about fruity Sauvignon Blanc, crisp Riesling, or a full bodied Chardonnay. I enjoy all three of these varieties, but one grape that has had my attention of late is Viognier. This white grape is usually found in the South of France, but I am focusing my attention away from Viognier's home and looking towards
Price: $8.95 (on sale till the end of the month)
This Chilean white is pale straw in colour. A very aromatic white. Tropical and stone fruits dominate the nose (pineapple & peaches) with a hind of floral notes, which are typical of Viognier. The tropical and stone fruits continue on the palate with fresh acidity and great length. A very enjoyable summer white! 88 points


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4736. No drawing, no matter how skilled can ever compare to that drawing driven by the need of the artist to express desire for the subject depicted. This raises a difficult question to answer, what of those masterworks that depict some ugliness that the artist loathed. Are those not great works as well?
4737. I am not going to attempt to answer that kind of question because it leads into a meaningless quagmire, a labyrinth useless to investigate. One runs into the same problem with that strange line, "Beauty is truth, truth beauty, that is all we know on earth, and all we need to know," that puzzling line by John Keats.
4738. But the line is not so strange, if you recall that it is not Keats talking to you, it is the sculptured lover on the vase, talking to his fleeing beloved. Their world was the vase on which they existed, and in that world, "Beauty was truth and truth was beauty." Until, alas, the vase falls off the shelf. Then, what is to be done? Go for the broom, or search for some glue.
4739. So it was with the unknown artist's drawings. The drawing is greater that any other, because at the time it was drawn, nothing else existed in the world but the lover and the beloved. That was the kind of drawings I found in that abandoned sketchbook.


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loving this image.
thinking about what they may be toasting to.
wishing I had clothes just like theirs.
yearning for hardwood floors and big bright windows.
loving the sun shining outside my window.
waiting for my shopping guide to pick me up.
hoping for a job soon.
missing everyone back in FL.
{image from sally scott, via frolic!}


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I put everybody to work.
Our Buddy Brian came out yesterday. He comes out every Monday.
This day he decided not to do nothing, while he watched husband in the garden. He grabbed the machete and went to work.
He was telling us that when his parents lived in Brazil, a couple of men would come by twice a week to mow the lawn using nothing but machetes.
Then at one point Brian looked at Husband and asked him to roll him over there. "Because I'm a push mower." he laughed.
I am glad he still has his humor.
We talked about getting him a Mountain Pony to pull him around the Farmstead, he thought that was great.
Brian is one of the reasons I am raising money for The Downed Bikers Association. If you have yet to read his story, you can find it here.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
I don't accept any excuses
2 comments:
- The Fool said...
No one keeps their sense of humor like bikers.
- July 27, 2010 4:45 PM
- Lilithcat said...
Glad to see he's not letting his physical limitations get him down.
Saw a close call today on the expressway. I'd been keeping my eye on a motorcycle behind me, as we were on a ramp where multiple lanes narrow down. A trucker decided to change lanes and put his semi in the space already occupied by the biker. Fortunately, the guy had good reflexes and room to maneuver, but it could have been bad.
It surprised me a bit, because usually truckers are pretty careful drivers.
- July 27, 2010 7:38 PM
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The best jobs for college students might surprise you. Though it is tempting to simply go down to the local fast food restaurant and get a job to make ends meet, it might not be the best bet. When you consider which jobs might be right for you, consider your resume!
Jobs for college students abound. College towns thrive on the fresh new workers that give back to the economy and energize the area with their ambitions. But when you are looking at all the tempting job offers to supplement your income, don't jump at the first thing that looks good. Consider what will look good to your future employers.
Are you seeking a degree in management? Working in a hotel or running a small shop might be the best bet for you, as it will show your future employers that you were building your management skills long before you had the degree in hand. Are you going into the medical field? Working in a pharmacy or even being a receptionist in a medical office will look wonderful on that work experience section. If you have an eye toward the film or music industry, look for work at your local movie house or record shop.
When you do choose a job, remember that your work history counts with your future employers. Always be certain to show up on time, do your job to the best of your ability, and be courteous to everyone you meet. If you can come up with ways to make your job more efficient and save the business owner some money, do it! It will look very good on you when future employers call with questions about your performance.
The best jobs for college students might not be paying jobs. If you can get by without the extra money from a part-time job, considering becoming an intern. Interns work under mentors in the business they hope to pursue after college, and in doing so, gain valuable experience. You might not get a paycheck for your work, but being an intern opens a very big door to full-time work with your company of choice.
At the very least, being an intern lets you know if the work is right for you. After a summer of working in the industry you think you want to pursue, you might decide on a different career path. It's better to learn your strengths and desires now, rather than when you have the degree in hand and wind up miserable in your chosen profession.
Whatever college jobs interest you, make sure to choose the one that is right not only for your present situation, but for your future endeavors as well.
The best jobs for college students might surprise you. Though it is tempting to simply go down to the local fast food restaurant and get a job to make ends meet, it might not be the best bet. When you consider which jobs might be right for you, consider your resume!


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Way back in November I bought a storage bench that I was going to put in our dining room to store all our board games. You can read all about that saga HERE.
I still don't have a bench, but maybe I don't need one. We currently have our board games stored in the buffet in the dining room since that is where we play. They don't all fit, but if I got rid of some dishes and table clothes that we don't use, I might have enough room. But this post isn't about my dining room buffet organization. It's actually about some progress I've made in the playroom.
I was going to use the $25 credit from Home Depot to buy some wood blinds for the playroom. I had my heart set on white, just like I wanted white bookcases. And yes, we have dark wood bookcases in the playroom now and I love them. And the blinds are a medium wood and I love them. It makes the room so much cozier. I can't get over what a difference it makes in there. And I'm glad I don't have white bookcases and white blinds. I think it would have looked too sterile in there and I'm going for a warm, cozy look.
So how come I didn't get the white? Well, it was going to cost about $180 to buy the white faux wood 2" blinds in the size I needed from Home Depot. I had them in my online shopping cart for weeks and several times, I almost clicked 'buy'. But I kept holding back because they weren't on sale. I was hoping that maybe they'd go on sale soon and I could save some money. All the while I kept searching Craigslist for wood blinds. Finally I found some in the size I needed, but they were medium wood color. I thought they'd work anyway, especially since they were $40 each so I'd be saving $100. I got the blinds two weekends ago and last week I finally got around to installing them.
Here is what the view into the playroom looked like before I hung the blinds.
And here it is after. I got rid of the sheers and took down the valance and hung up the off white curtains that were in our master bedroom. I do like it better with the curtains but am unsure about the valance. What do you think?
Should I go with or without a valance? I'll probably get a lighter colored valance or maybe a cooper colored valance rather than keep the one I have. Oh, and I'll be hanging the curtain rod up higher too.
It's funny how this room is turning out different than I originally planned it to look. I'm glad it's working out this way because I am loving it even more.
Thanks for stopping by,


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May 25, 2004
May 12, 2004
The Honorable William H. Donaldson
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street
Washington, DC 20549
Re: S7-03-04
Dear Chairman Donaldson:
Although the formal comment period has closed on the SEC proposal to require mutual fund boards to have an independent chair, the issue continues to be the subject of continued debate within the industry, the Congress and apparently within the Commission itself. To the extent that Putnam has been used as evidence by various partisans in this debate, I have decided that it is important to offer some of my own observations regarding the merits of requiring independent chairman for mutual fund boards.
For the record, the Board of Trustees of the Putnam Funds supports S7-03-04 in its entirety, but my comments will directed to the requirement for an independent chair. We have had an independent chair since June 2000 when I was elected as the first independent chairperson in the history of the company.
Whatever the merits or demerits of the independent chair proposal, my primary concern is that the Commission focus its deliberations on the real -- as opposed to some of the mistaken or theatrical -- concerns and issues that have been advanced in this policy debate. From this vantage point, it is important to recognize that there are many areas where independent and affiliated chairpersons as well as trustees have identical interests, responsibilities and objectives: both sit on the same side of the table on matters of fund performance, client service, and ethical corporate conduct.
At the same time, there are also significant areas of concern to both independent and affiliated chairpersons where there is not an identity of interests: advisory fees, soft dollars, 12b-1 fees and other expenses paid by fund shareholders to investment management companies. Independent chairpersons have no direct interest or stake in these fees and costs other than that they be fair and reasonable to shareholders. Affiliated chairpersons, on the other hand, have a direct stake in the form of their own compensation or the value of their management companies if they are also owners of the management company that manage their funds.
Given the size of this industry, the dollars involved in these conflicting interests are massive. By way of example, according to data collected by Lipper from public filings, one firm among hundreds had mutual fund assets of 462 billion on February 3, 2004 and an effective advisory fee of .545, resulting in annual revenues at these assets levels of over 2.5 billion per year. These figures do not include soft dollar benefits or 12B-1 revenues retained by this firm or revenues earned from brokerage to the extent that it also provides direct brokerage services to its funds.
Although I would be the first to argue that independent chairpersons are not a panacea for whatever ills real or imaginary afflict the mutual fund industry, I do believe, both from personal experience and from the academic literature, that there is a substantial difference in the mindset of independent and affiliated chairpersons when they sit down to negotiate the level and structure of advisory fees like those noted above, the renewal of advisory contracts or other policies which may affect an investment managers overall business e.g. making mutual fund proxy votes public. This difference in mindset represents millions of dollars and perhaps billions industry wide annually and will remain even if there is a majority or even super-majority of independent trustees.
Given the dollars involved in this conflict, the inherent dynamic of boards as social organisms and the realities of human nature even when performing at its most noble levels, I can frankly can see no good reason not to require independent chairpersons for mutual fund boards.
A word about some of the arguments that have been advanced in opposition to the independent chair rule. One argument is that the role of independent chair will require a greater time commitment or level of responsibility for the trustee who plays the role of independent chair and that it will be difficult to find someone willing to play that role. There is no question that the role requires more time and a heightened level of responsibility but that is precisely why it may, in fact, be both efficacious and necessary. I believe that the extra time I and many of my colleagues on the Putnam board commit to the affairs of the Putnam Funds enables our board to address issues in a more proactive way, which may help explain why the Putnam board was one of the few major fund groups to support the SECs proposed rule in 2003 to make proxy votes public and one of the first to abolish the use of brokerage commissions for sales. I also cannot imagine that there are boards which do not have someone willing to take on the added responsibilities of independent chair. There are several members of the Putnam board who would willingly take on the role. If there are boards which do not have such members, it may be that they need to evaluate their current membership.
Then there are the arguments that affiliated chairpersons lead to better investment results and are more likely to prevent some of the market timing and late trading abuses much in the news over the past year. While these arguments may be good theater, they are without merit:
1 There is no dissimilarity of interest on these issues between affiliated and independent chairpersons. I am certain that the affiliated chairmen at American Funds, Fidelity or T. Rowe Price would care just as much about these issues and work just as hard for the right results whether they were chairmen of their funds or simply affiliated directors.
2 Studies purporting to show that funds with affiliated chairpersons have better investment results are statistically flawed: there are too few funds with independent chairs less than 1 and the time frames selected for comparison are too limited to permit any statistically significant comparisons on the performance front.
3 The role of board chairpersons of large complexes is not to manage funds portfolio managers manage funds. The role of board chairpersons is to insure that his or her board monitors performance and to insist on changes in personnel or strategy when performance lags.
4 In connection with the argument that affiliated board chairpersons are more likely to prevent abuses such as late trading or inappropriate market timing, the data on the 19 firms publicly targeted by the SEC to date actually supports the opposite conclusion. More importantly, I think this argument is without merit since I do not believe that the role of board chairpersons independent or affiliated is the daily policing of the activities of thousands of employees to insure that they obey the rules. In my view, the role of a Chairperson is to insure that a Board establishes clear rules of conduct for employees and a compliance process to make sure the rules are obeyed and violations dealt with in an appropriate manner.
Finally, many critics of the proposed rule suggest that independent directors of mutual funds should be able to decide what governance structure best suits the needs of each complex. While I have some sympathy with this view, especially as applied in the general corporate context, I believe that the pervasiveness of the conflicts inherent in the mutual fund structure and the heightened public concerns emanating from the recent scandals require that we take advantage of this opportunity to demonstrate to the public that mutual funds are indeed run for the benefit of shareholders, not for the benefit of advisers.
I appreciate your consideration of these views.
John A. Hill