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@@5061641 <p> A collection of classic recordings fromthe 1920s and 30s featuring many all-time great performances of early American traditional music . This series is a fascinating overview of traditional American musical styles from the Civil War to the 1920s , including fiddle tunes , rags banjo

@@5061741 <p> It was reported that a huge blaze wrecked the Hogwarts set after a battle scene went spectacularly wrong . According to the report , explosives used in action sequences set light to scenery for the wizardry school , and that firefighters battled for 40 minutes to bring the flames under control but the set - centerpiece for the film 's Battle of Hogwarts climax - was left badly damaged . It was later confirmed that the fire was greatly exaggerated , and that the set that had been damaged was going to need be rebuilt anyway for use in another scene . Some actors were still filming at the studio but none of the movie 's biggest stars - Daniel Radcliffe ( Harry ) , Emma Watson ( Hermione ) or Rupert Grint ( Ron Weasley ) - were involved . No one was injured . <p> Kate Winslet was first considered for and reportedly offered the role of Helena Ravenclaw . The role was rejected by her agent before she was able to consider it , believing that Winslet would not want to " follow suit with every other actor in Britain by being a part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macdonald . <p> Every wand seen in any film in the franchise was created on-site . Taking the lead from descriptions in the books , each wand was 13-15 inches long and created specifically for each character . No two wands were alike . <p> Harry 's lightning bolt scar was applied by make-up teams approximately 5,800 times by the end of the series . Daniel Radcliffe had the scar applied 2,000 times while the rest were applied to stunt doubles and stand-ins . <p> This is the only entry in the series not to feature an arrangement of John Williams ' " Hedwig 's Theme " playing over either the Warner Bros. logo or the title at the beginning of the film . The theme is , however , used several times throughout the rest of the movie , including an extended performance at the beginning of the end credits . <p> According to J.K. Rowling , the battle of Hogwarts was fought on 2 May 1998 . Ironically , Victoire Weasley ( Bill and Fleur 's eldest daughter ) seen at the background in the epilogue has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning " victory " in French . <p> Upon release , it set the record of the highest-grossing opening weekend ever , with $169.2M ( previously held by The Dark Knight , which earned $158.4M in its opening weekend ) . The record was broken again ten months later by The Avengers , which earned $207.4M in its first three days . <p> Six of the eight ' Harry Potter ' movies have been nominated for an Oscar totaling twelve nominations in the franchise . This final film in the series was nominated for three Academy Awards in 2012 and since the franchise had never won an Oscar , there was some expectation that this movie would do it . When the film failed to win any of them , it became film history that the ' Harry Potter ' series never won an Oscar . <p> This movie , the last in the ' Harry Potter ' franchise , has the equal highest number of Academy Award nominations by a ' Harry Potter ' movie totaling to three . The other series entry to do this was the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Stone . This is the only ' Harry Potter ' movie to be Oscar nominated for the Best Make-Up Academy Award . <p> In the first movie , Harry Potter and the Philosopher 's Stone , Harry 's chocolate frog flies out the window of the Hogwarts Express . What happened to said frog is unknown , but in the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 , a chocolate frog is seen climbing up the window of the Weasley and Potter children 's carriage . <h> Spoilers <p> The trivia items below may give away important plot points . <p> Not long after Alan Rickman started to play Severus Snape , J.K. Rowling told him some character secrets about Snape that would not be otherwise revealed until the last book . Most significantly , Rickman was one of the very few people other than Rowling to know ( years ahead of the last book 's publication ) that Snape had been in love with Lily Evans ( later Potter ) when they were students at Hogwarts , and both Snape 's protection of and antagonism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared this information with Rickman because " he needed to understand , I think , and does completely understand and did completely understand where this bitterness towards this boy , who 's living proof of Lily 's preference for another man , came from . " According to Rickman , the directors prior to the publication of the last book were not privy to the information of Snape 's true character either , and he had to ask them to defer to him on the portrayal of Snape , whether or not they understood why . <p> The script was originally written , like the book , to include Draco Malfoy 's bully friends , Crabbe and Goyle . As in the book , Crabbe was to be killed in a climactic battle . Jamie Waylett ' s arrest and conviction on drug charges , however , forced the filmmakers to change this plan . Crabbe was written out of the script , with Goyle being killed in his place . Another Slytherin character Blaise Zabini ( portrayed by Louis Cordice ) takes Goyle 's place from the book . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several separate interviews , that filming their much awaited on-screen kiss was an " absolutely horrible " experience , due to Emma 's admission of Rupert being " like a brother . " It took only six takes to complete ; whereas the kiss between Harry &; Ginny took around ten , Ron &; Lavender approx. 15 , and Harry &; Cho took over 30 takes , by comparison . <p> At the end of the film , Harry has two sons and a daughter , one of whom he addresses as " Albus Severus Potter . " The older one , never addressed by name , is James Sirius Potter ( named after Harry 's father and godfather ) . The girl 's name is Lily Luna Potter ( named after Harry 's mother and good friend Luna Lovegood ) . <p> The character Fenrir Greyback ( Dave Legeno ) is a reference to Fenris the Wolf in Nordic mythology . In the mythology , Fenris was part of the Ragnarok battle and was foretold to be killed by Vidar in retaliation to the murder of Odin . The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack at Hogwarts akin to Ragnarok ; and one of Hermione 's spells caused him to fall to his death . However , in the novel , Ron was supposedly the one indirectly killing him thus matching the role of Vidar killing Fenris . <p> J.K. Rowling initially considered having Arthur or Ron as the Weasley casualty but decided to give reprieve to both as they form an integral part of the series . She ultimately settled on having Fred killed as it serves two purposes : to give a sense of loss for George and the payoff of Percy 's rivalry against his Ministry 's arch-rival Rookwood ( who was revealed to be a Death Eater ) . <p> In the book , Snape 's ( Alan Rickman ) death originally takes place at the Shrieking Shack , but art directors suggested and moved the location ( with J.K. Rowling ' s agreement ) to the boathouse in order to make it more dramatic and poignant . One of the art directors , Andrew Ackland-Snow added , " We wanted to get him out from , not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do it in a more dramatic atmosphere . " <p> Although all of the films except Harry Potter and the Sorcerer 's Stone have had a customized version of the Warner Bros. logo , this one has a scene ( a replay from the previous film of Voldemort robbing Dumbledore 's grave ) *before* the studio ident - the first time this has been done for a studio-made Hollywood film in over 75 years . <p> Some time before the final book was published , Daniel Radcliffe asked writer J.K. Rowling whether his character Harry would die at the end . After a silence , Rowling gave him the very cryptic answer " You get a death scene " . <p> According to J.K. Rowling , one of the few characters that was sure to survive the entire series was Hagrid . She had always had an image of a grieving Hagrid carrying a deceased Harry into Hogwarts , which was fitting since it was Hagrid who had also introduced Harry into the wizarding world . <p> By her own admission , killing off Remus Lupin was one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing the books . She felt that , in order to show that war sometimes demands impossible sacrifices , someone important had to die . She finally chose both Lupin and Tonks as the casualties , as it made their infant son Teddy an orphan , which closely mirrored infant Harry losing his parents in the previous war . In the book , Harry appropriately becomes Teddy 's godfather , but Teddy was deleted from the movie . <p> The hint that Neville ( Matthew Lewis ) ends up in a relationship with Luna Lovegood ( Evanna Lynch ) was created especially for the movie . J.K. Rowling had revealed that both Neville and Luna married different people long before the final movie came out . <p> Although Harry Potter ( Daniel Radcliffe ) does in fact survive in the end , this is the only Harry Potter movie in which Harry himself does not deliver the final line ( his son Albus Severus Potter does instead ) . It should also be noted that in the end of the actual book , Harry does in fact deliver the last

@@5061841 <p> Property manager says he was told oven door left open in apartment where two people died and three more were sickened <p> Residents of a Baltimore apartment where two people are believed to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning on Tuesday may have been using their gas oven for heat

@@5061941 <h> Help ! My son can get out of his carseat ! <p> My son is going to be 3 in a couple of months and he is able to get his arms out of his carseat harness no matter how tight I make it . Has anyone else had this problem ? I really do n't know what to do about it because I 've never heard of this happening . I hope someone has some suggestions because I ca n't just keep him at home all the time . <h> Join Circle of Moms <p> Sign up for Circle of Moms and be a part of this community ! Membership is just one click away . <h> 18 Replies <p> Lindsay - posted on 03/12/2011 <p> 1 <p> 0 <p> I have the exact same problem with my Aspergers 3 year old . She can get out of her car seat without undoing the clips . She waits until we are not looking . I have no idea how she does it . We have tried 3 different cat seats now . Because of her Aspergers we cant get her to listen to us . Its hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in time after time . <p> Mandee - posted on 04/09/2010 <p> 68 <p> 8 <p> What type of a car seat are you using ? We had that problem , but modified the seat so she can not get out , and it made a huge difference . <p> Tamara - posted on 04/06/2010 <p> 47 <p> 62 <p> When my son would undo the chest clip i would pull over to do it back up and explain that every time I have to pull over the longer it takes to get where we are going and when we would be close to our destination I would remind him that we would be there already if he had left his sea tbelt on . it took a little while and lots of patient and not so patient talks but he eventually left it on ... eventually I think we said something to the extent of getting in really big trouble with the policeman and they might take us to jail if he did n't keep it on and they have these rules to keep us all safe . He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ <p> Emma - posted on 04/06/2010 <p> 7 <p> 5 <p> Can you believe it is our " typical " son we have trouble with ? He undoes the buckle of this car seat and we " solved " the problem by taking the straps off and putting them back the wrong way round . so the button for unclipping the belt is facing the child and " hidden " if that makes sense ? It does n't work on all car seats but even if it works short term it may help <p> Deanna - posted on 04/06/2010 <p> 23 <p> 8 <p> just checked out some more search results for the ez-on vest and saw they had some for sale on Amazon.com , unfortunately it looks like they are a little pricey . about $220 dollars <p> Deanna - posted on 04/06/2010 <p> 23 <p> 8 <p> hello everyone , I just googled ez-on vest and found their website if anyone wants to look into it . I guess it mounts on to your vehicles car seat safety mounts . i have n't looked that far into it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not have those mounts . here is the website for those of you who want to look into it . http : **29;6710;TOOLONG <p> Susy - posted on 04/06/2010 <p> 4 <p> 8 <p> What I try is keep my older son buckled up , so as soon as my 2 year old sees her brother sitting and buckled up she wants to do the same , she gets out of the seat bealt because her brother does so , so she wants to repeat her brother behaviour . I will also look into the EZ straps someone mentioned before , it will help if they can tell us where they bought them . <p> Tracy - posted on 04/06/2010 <p> 18 <p> 4 <p> Thanks for posting ! I am having the same problem with my two year old . He is taking off the shoulder straps in the car . I also caught him trying to open the car door while we were in motion . He is unable to open the car door as they are always locked . He is also able to unlock doors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bar for the sliding glass door in the back . He is my only boy and really has me on my toes ! I 've never experienced these types of safety concerns with the girls . I will have to check out the EZ-on vest to see if it will help my situation . Thanks . <p> Deanna - posted on 04/05/2010 <p> 23 <p> 8 <p> thanks so much for all the suggestions everybody , at times if I can give my son something to hold he will not try to get out of his carseat but he would get bored if i gave him the same thing everytime . sometimes something will occupy him and other times it will just make him mad and he will throw it on the floor . Michelle , where did you get thie EZ-on vest you talked about ? that sounds like it would really help . also his car seat does have the shoulder pads that are over the harness , i could try to put them below the chest buckle , but i 'm not sure if they would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is by sliding the chest buckle down to the leg buckle . <p> Michelle - posted on 04/04/2010 <p> 90 <p> 8 <p> My son wears an EZ-on vest . It slips over his arms and zippers up the back . You have to attach straps on your car that come with it . 2 straps come over top of seat and attach to vest , and 2 straps come between seats to attach at his waist . This has worked great for him and he likes wearing it . <p> Mandy - posted on 04/03/2010 <p> 8 <p> 24 <p> Hi there i have a son he is now 11 but when he was 18months he used to undo his seatbelt i tride all sorts of things to stop him toys books ect ... nothing seemed to work then one day i put him the front and kept him there even when he went into a big seat he still used to do it so i decided to put a sock over the top of the clip but that did nt work so then my aunty said to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hides it better and its padded too . how about trying putting the padded seatbelt cover over his straps then he may not take them out as it maybe rubbing on himand he is getting too big for it . if he is a harnes one my son came out of the harnes type at 2yrs as he was doing all of the same too try it might help you . Lv Mandy xx <p> Rachael - posted on 04/03/2010 <p> 7 <p> 7 <p> hi deanna , i used to my sons favorite kids music on in our case it was ( the wiggles ) then we 'd all sing along this often kept them occupied , i also used to have a bag of colouring books &; crayons , pens &; there favourite toys ( thomas the tank engine trains etc ) plus if they where getting restless i 'd play games with them like " what can you seeout the window " then ask is that a red car ? etc , until they where older then it became eye spy , i hope this helps ..... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ <p> Just brainstorming here ... I wonder if attaching a grippy rubbery material ( similar to the stuff they make those rubber jar openers out of ) to the straps would help , as it would hopefully grab onto his clothing and make it more difficult to slip out of the shoulder straps . I suppose it depends on how persistent he is . Or , maybe this will inspire someone else 's " outside the box " solution ... : ) <p> Red - posted on 04/03/2010 <p> 5 <p> 26 <p> Oh my son used to scare the crap out of me . I would see him run across the back of the van in the rear view . Well I would put the straps as tight as they go with out cuttting of the blood flow and I had him in a 5 piece harness . I ended up getting him something to hold the was two tone so the light would keep his attention . I also woulds have to do short trips as in 30 min long . <p> Sheila - posted on 04/02/2010 <p> @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I heard big sister yell , " he 's standing up ! " I looked back to see my little three year old ( ASD ) standing , but thankfully he also had the look of How did this happen ? and he began crying . It was the first and last time because I do n't know what I would have done if he had continued with it . <p> I hope you find a good solution . <p> Sheila <p> Julie - posted on 04/01/2010 <p> 5 <p> 3 <p> It is not an unusual problem . He can do it so he will do it . It is a concern because we want to make sure our kids are safe . Can he understand rewards for appropriate behavior ? Maybe try rewarding him with a treat . For example , " If you stay in your seat you can have your juice " or a banana , toys , stickers . If he gets out he does n't get to keep his treat , but if he gets back in he can have it back . You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car seat behavior . Put him in the car seat and drive around your immediate neighborhood . When he gets out pull over , tell him he must stay in and fix the car seat . Drive more and when he gets out again , pull over , tell him he must stay in and fix the car seat again . Repeat this with every car ride you can and make your point until he understands that you will not allow him to get out of his seat . You know him best . Just do what you can to protect him and do n't feel guilty . A behaviorist may be your best solution . <p> Deanna - posted on 04/01/2010 <p> 23 <p> 8 <p> thanks for the info , i checked with them and unfortunatly they do not have anything that will work for my specific situation . <p> Cherish - posted on 04/01/2010 <p> 712 <p> 72 <p> Hi , Here is a link to some special needs car seats and buckle guards ... They are expensive , BUT if you find one that will work @

@@5062041 <p> i got a call that said you wanted me to meet you on the corner here and now we 're standing here and it 's very clear you 're not coming <p> i check it once , i check it twice , i check it three , i check it four times and i 'm so sorry so sorry <p> i began thinking that you 're about playing games i began thinking that you will always stay the same it should n't happen in the first place it should n't happen in the first place <p> hey hey hey woah , it 's safe to stay that it let me down and i 'll pick myself up off the ground <p> hey hey hey woah , it 's not the way we 're always turning around and i 'll pick myself up off the ground <p> you left a note that said you had to run and now i 'm running free and now i 'm running free oh baby , you always catch right up to me i know the first and the second and the third and now you 'll say to me that you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you 're about playing games i began thinking that you will always stay the same it should n't happen in the first place it should n't happen in the first place <p> hey hey hey woah , it 's safe to say that it let me down and i 'll pick myself up off the ground <p> hey hey hey woah , it 's not the way we 're always turning around and i 'll pick myself up off the ground <p> i got something and i think it works so sweet you and i , oh no we never meet this never happened in the first place this never happened in the first place <p> hey hey hey woah , it 's safe to say that it let me down and i 'll pick myself up off the ground <p> hey hey hey woah , it 's not the way we 're always

@@5062141 <h> Amazon 's Howard Shore Store <h> Music <h> Photos <h> Biography <p> Canadian composer Howard Shore is best known for scoring movies like The Fly , The Silence of the Lambs , and the Lord of the Rings trilogy . <p> Howard Shore spent his formative years studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston , which sets out to prepare students for a career in contemporary music . After graduating he put his training to good use as one of the founding members of Canadian ... Read more in Amazon 's Howard Shore Store <h> Product Details <p> Note on Boxed Sets : During shipping , discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage . Please examine and play these discs . If you are not completely satisfied , we 'll refund or replace your purchase . <h> Editorial Reviews <p> The Lord of the Rings : The Two Towers film 's entire score composed , orchestrated , conducted , and produced by Howard Shore . The set encompasses three CDs plus a DVD-audio disc featuring the score in four superior sound configurations . <p> It is 2002 . Howard Shore just finished scoring David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Panic Room " before he stepped to the podium of the Kodiak Theatre to pick up his first , well- deserved Academy Award for " Fellowship Of The Ring " . Film score enthusiasts all over the world wondered whether his success at the Oscars would affect the upcoming second part of the Lord Of The Rings trilogy , " The Two Towers " . After all , it would n't have been the first blockbuster to get destroyed by its success . <p> All worries were unfounded because luckily , Howard Shore is still one of the composers who prefer artistic integrity over success . <p> But the big question remained : after recording not only a tremendously successful score , but also an enormous work of Wagnerian proportions , how could you take that up a notch ? It 's simple , you do n't . Two Towers is not a sequel to Fellowship , it is its continuation . This answer is deceptively simple , but understanding it is the key to understanding and fully appreciating The Two Towers . These scores ca n't be reduced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond that - they are a mirror image of the story , they are subtext . With Fellowship Of The Ring , Howard Shore laid the fundament for the trilogy , he established the sound and many of the most important themes . And just like each film builds on each other , the music constantly evolves , develops its material , confronts itself and introduces new themes where needed . <p> So , for those who are n't familiar with the complete score , if there is one thing you should not expect from Two Towers , then it is any radical departure from Fellowship . That does n't mean Two Towers is not different , though . The film is darker than part one , much more grim and complex . The score reflects that in so far as it is alot more introverted , with amazing subtlety , some really gutwrenching moments , and that makes Two Towers radiate a maturity that really rockets this score over the roof . <p> This has something to do with the shift of perspective . Where Fellowship Of The Ring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Two Towers focuses on the decaying world of men , their desperate war against Saruman and Frodo 's dreary journey through marshes and woods . Some lighter hobbit material provides a couple of comedic breaks during Merry and Pippin 's storyline with Treebeard and the Ents , who are represented by a very particular sound texture of wooden percussion and a specific motif , which unfortunately mostly cut from the film , but which can be heard here in full form . <p> All in all , there are over a dozen new themes and motifs to fill in the blank spots for Rohan , Gondor , Fangorn , Gandalf The White and Frodo . Very noticeable , and very appropriately , in the score is the extensive exploration of the Isengard material , whose 5/4 pattern is very invasive , spreads throughout the score and tries to take over other thematic material . Orchstration and composition of the theme are expanded as well , it 's not as isolated as in Fellowship anymore , it feels alot more active . <p> Connected to that is Gandalf 's resurrection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ features unused music , the White Rider theme is introduced , which sounds like a beautiful , soaring contrast to the Isengard motif . <p> Frodo and Sam 's journey , as soon as they encounter Gollum , is slowly getting dominated by his music . The Pity Of Gollum theme , already present in more conventional form in Fellowship , gets some serious workout , and not only that ; Howard Shore expands it and defines a distinct Gollum sound , together with the cembalon . This hammer dulcimer is the weapon of choice for Gollum 's evil " Stinker " motif , one of the many new themes for Two Towers . It can be heard prominently in " Lost In Emyn Muil " and on bassoon at the end of " The Tales That Really Matter " . <p> As I 'm typing this review , I realise how impossible it is to adequately describe the unbelievable complexity in this score with so few words . This is n't even comparable to Fellowship Of The Ring , this is a quantum leap in scope . Already the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score is going to be alot more epic , but at the same time it 's so personal and emotional . <p> What constantly blows my mind is how seemingly effortlessly Howard Shore shifts and swerves between various feelings , atmospheres and styles . From comedy to deepest sadness , from 20th century harmonies to deepest 19th century opera , the whole palette is amazing . Not to mention the spectacular choir work that is even more prominent and complex in Two Towers . With all the great solo performers , Isabel Bayrakdarian , Sheila Chandra , Elizabeth Fraser , Ben Del Maestro and Emiliana Torrini , Two Towers is not only a top notch orchestral work , it is even stellar in the vocal performances , which has also something to do with Howard Shore writing pieces especially for their voices . With so much mastery in composition , orchestration and execution , it is almost a by-product that the music matches the picture . But you should n't forget it , since that , amongst other things , is indeed what makes Lord Of The Rings extra- special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " The Two Towers " has three separate , intertwining storylines , and that 's also how the music can be heard here . Not only does this serve the storytelling idea of these Complete Recordings , it also highlights Howard Shore 's outstanding ability to build bridges between dozens of themes and bring them all together for some mindblowing climaxes , like in " Theoden Rides Forth " and " The Tales That Really Matter " . These sets are n't called " Complete Recordings " for nothing , so be prepared ! They give us the music how it was recorded , and that 's not necessarily how it appeared in the film . There were plenty of edits in the film versions , and music that was left out even from the extended film has been moved to its proper place for this set , so be prepared for some brand new listening experiences ! <p> Just like the Complete Recordings for Fellowship , this one also comes in a thick box with a 45 pages long booklet full of liner notes by Douglas Adams , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis of the score . <p> Lastly , allow me to lose a few words on the price , which some are complaining about , and also about the existence of these Complete Recordings . All the useless , commercially driven releases affect the real gems in a very negative way because those are then also automatically branded as commercially driven . <p> I for one love it that we have the possibility to listen to every single note that Howard Shore recorded for the films - music for which he went through stress , worry , and god knows what emotions . For TTT , he 's worked himself into the ground over a period that lasted well over six months with the firm will to create something worthy of remembrance , he had barely any sleep in those times , just to do Tolkien 's book justice , to translate it into unbelievably complex music and to give us a bone- chilling experience - and I think that deserves at least an ounce of gratitude . <p> Our younger generation slowly has to get used again to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an extensive review for the Fellowship of the Rings complete recordings , and most of what I wrote for that set applies here . This is wonderful music . Although it suffers a bit from being the middle movie ( the themes feel less new , although there are new themes ) , I love hearing Miranda Otto 's funeral lament in Old English and the full version of Gollum 's Song , which is a wonderfully cathartic piece . <p> The box configuration is identical , including the impractical rubber " nub " for the audio DVD . The box is pretty , but it will not stay closed properly on the shelf , the glued-down paper wrapping will tend to snag and tear on the inside corners when you pull out the contents , and the box itself is prone to coming apart at the seams rather easily . <p> The DVD is still of somewhat dubious value , because of lack of widespread support for higher-bit-rate audio formats , and the fact that it is copy-protected , making it difficult , although far from impossible , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put it on your portable player . You will probably want to put it in a more protective case . I would recommend removing the DVDs from their rubber nubs and placing them in those soft sleeves , and stashing those in the boxes . <p> The price really is a bit alarming ; the list price of FOTR Complete is $59.98 , and Amazon sells it for close to that ( $2.10 off is not much of a discount ) . But although you are getting the same number of discs in an identical format , TTT Complete is listed at an astonishing $75.98 , although Amazon 's price is $60.99 . Ignoring for a moment the audio DVD , that prices out at over $20 per CD for the music content , which is really , really high . <p> Unfortunately this leaves us fans in a bind ; I want to support the release of this complete recording set and convince those that put it out to release ROTK in the same format . I really love the content of these extended editions , but not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Extended Edition DVD boxes would have been more practical and allowed the use of a larger format for the booklet , which has painfully small print ( and the music notation is almost illegibly tiny ) . It also could have held a more robust case including a place for the audio DVD . <p> So the question then becomes ( since I do n't advocate theft ) , " do I send a message that this is just too expensive and go without it " or " do I grit my teeth and shell out over $60 ? " Personally , I caved in , although the fact that I spent so much on this boxed set slightly taints my enjoyment of it every time I listen to it or squint at the booklet . <p> I 'm steeling myself for a list price of $99.98 for ROTK , which might mean a street price of $80 . They 'll do it , because they know they 've got you . And unfortunately , they are right ! <p> There are a couple of different ways you could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two Towers " film score . The simplest would be to just pop one of the CDs into your player , lean back and let this gorgeous music wash over you , carrying you away to Middle Earth . Or you could use the excellent 45-page program guide to help you explore the music more methodically . <p> As with the complete " Fellowship of the Ring " , there is an excellent write-up on each of the major themes appearing in " The Two Towers " . Some of the language can get pretty technical , such as this excerpt from page 29 : " The keening rhaita and swelling mixed chorus return , bolstered by weighty brass writing , thicker accompanying textures , many aleatoric , and increased orchestral doublings . " It was very helpful of the publisher to define " aleatoric " in a footnote . As for the rhaita , you can see a picture of it on page 41 . It looks like some sort of woodwind instrument . <p> And that 's another thing I like about the booklet : it is sprinkled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and scenes from the film : Eowyn standing in front of the palace at Edoras , the wind whipping through her dress ; the ents marching off to war ; Merry and Pippin discovering the goodies in Saruman 's flooded larder at Isengard . <p> For those with extensive orchestral musical training , there are little snippets of sheet music for each of the themes . Those of us who struggle with sight reading will appreciate this touch : the discussion of each theme includes a disc and track number , plus a time index , so you can hear it for yourself . Want to know what " The White Rider ( In Nature ) " sounds like ? Try Disc One , Track 13 , index 2:11 . Very nice , especially if your player lets you scan tracks in a hurry . <p> Another item of interest is the section entitled " Nine Notes to Rule Them All " on page 24 . It seems that the number nine plays a prominent role in the music of " The Lord of the Rings " . <p> One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the songs , especially the ones in Old English . But at 45 pages , I suppose the program guide was already getting pretty bulky . Reference is made to a book called " The Music of The Lord of the Rings Films " as well as a tie-in web site , where we can learn more about the choral texts . <p> If you had asked me just a month ago what my all-time favorite film score was , I would cheerfully have answered " The Star Wars saga , all six movies " . Indeed , the techniques composer John Williams used there resemble those for Howard Shore 's " Lord of the Rings " score to a great degree . Both are based on something called " leitmotif " , pioneered in the 19th-century by the likes of Richard Wagner and Carl Maria von Weber , wherein various characters , places and ideas have distinctive musical themes . There are motifs for the Fellowship , Eowyn , Gollum , Mordor , Rohan and the hobbits -- more than 80 in all , I 've read . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to convey different moods , to the point that it 's possible to follow the plot of the story just by listening to the complete score . I can do this both with " Star Wars - A New Hope " and with " The Fellowship of the Ring " . Because of the complexity of the music for " The Two Towers " , I 'll need to study it more thoroughly first , but even as I 'm writing this I 'm following the basic plot points . At this very moment , Gollum and Smeagol ( " Stinker " and " Slinker " ) are having that wonderful " schizoid " self-conversation , where the Smeagol personality temporarily gains the upper hand ( " Leave now , and never come back ! " ) And now a gleefully cackling Smeagol is bringing the " nice hobbits " a brace of coneys , just before the Mumakil show up . <p> Another commonality between John Williams and Howard Shore is their use of real or made-up ancient languages in chorus , be it Sanskrit in " Star Wars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sindarin and Quenya , not to mention Black Speech for Mordor music and Old English for the Rohan themes . Now that I have the complete " Lord of the Rings " scores for the first two movies , I 've revised my opinion : Howard Shore had done what I long thought was impossible -- he 's surpassed John Williams in the sheer audacity and scope of his work . I can hardly wait for " The Return of the King " to round out the experience . <p> While an asking price of $60 is admittedly a bit steep , I was cheerfully willing to pay it . It most certainly was an incentive to take advantage of Amazon 's " early bird " discount . <p> Finally , I most certainly concur with a previous reviewer 's comment about the rubber DVD nub . Most of us , I suspect , are used to pressing down on a center locking button , then gripping the edge of the DVD and carefully lifting it free . Not here . Pressing down on that horrid piece of rubber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found myself gritting my teeth as I twisted the DVD free , striving valiantly not to smudge it or , even worse , bend it unduly . The same is true when returning the disc to its place , trying to find that precarious balance between not mashing it down too hard versus having it pop free again and fall on the floor , face down . <p> Excessive bending can do fatal damage to a DVD , as I discovered much to my chagrin with the " Return of the King " movie boxed set which likewise had very tight DVDs . After six months or so , two of the discs showed signs of " DVD rot " and would no longer play properly . I had to replace the whole set . Fortunately , the maker had fixed the problem by then . Hopefully , the same will be true with the music . <p> Realistically , though , I probably wo n't be playing the DVD much . My only surround-sound stereo is my computer , and that is n't always practical for playing music . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for my needs . <p> With scalping prices for TTT CR at $197 or $200 PLEASE do not waste your money ! ! ! ... These are not discontinued . Doug Adams is looking into why Amazon stated this .... As of Nov. 23 , 2008 ... This happened once before . <p> This is indeed the real thing if you have not looked there is a version of the first film out as well and the third one is due out as well . I do not have this one yet but I have the one from the first film at it is the complete version including music Howard Shore did for the extended cut . <p> The ' reprise of the March of the Ents ' ( which is actually the theme , Nature 's Reclamation ) was not Shore 's original composition for that scene . The intent for the CR was to provide the music Shore originally composed which means many portions are , in fact , alternate versions different from what 's ... Read more <p> There is still no official release date . ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a pleasant surprise . ) The press release officially revealing the street date for the Two Towers set arrived in the middle of September last year

@@5062241 <h> FAQ : What you need to know about health insurance ' open enrollment ' <h> Listen Now <h> David McNew/Getty Images <h> Listen Now <p> ' T is the season for " open enrollment , " the annual ritual when workers with employer-sponsored health insurance and those covered by Medicare are allowed to make changes to next year 's health insurance coverage . <p> And while scouring all the documents necessary to make the right decision is about as appetizing as sitting down to a pile of income tax forms , experts say it 's a worthwhile investment in time that can save you money and improve your health coverage . <p> " It is a little bit like tax season and it 's a little bit like voting , too where it takes some work to make a good choice , says David Sayen , regional administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( CMS ) Region IX in San Francisco . " There 's a potential to have better health care and save precious money by going through this process . " <p> Nationwide , more than 150 million U.S. residents covered by an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to National Association of Insurance Commissioners . <p> Taking the time to review your health plan thoroughly , even one that you 're happy with now , is key to making sure you 're not caught off guard by changes that no longer cover the treatments you need or the prescription drugs you take . <p> Getting the most out of open enrollment requires that you have some understanding of the health insurance alphabet soup ( think HMO , PPO , PSO , HAS ) and a few other basics . <p> We 've compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions with resource links to help you better navigate through your choices . <p> 1 . What is open enrollment ? It 's the annual period that most companies offer when their employees can make changes to employer-sponsored health plans without being subject to underwriting or evidence of insurability . <p> 2 . When does it take place ? It usually takes place at the end of the calendar year and typically lasts from one week to more than a month , depending on the company . Check with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your company offers open enrollment . <p> 3 . What 's the first thing I should do when evaluating plans ? Health plans come in multiple flavors . Choosing which works best for your health needs is step one . The major medical plans offered by most employers usually include : <p> HMOs -- Health Maintenance Organization plans . These managed care plans offer the best pricing but the least flexibility . They do so by limiting your care to the doctors , clinics and hospitals within the HMO 's network . HMOs also require you to choose a primary care physician ( PCP ) who coordinates your health care and provides you referrals before you are able to visit other network doctors . Go outside the network and your services are n't covered . For information about HMO plans , which are regulated by the California Department of Managed Care , go to www.dmhc.ca.gov . <p> PPO -- Preferred Provider Organization plans . Like HMOs , these plans offer networks of doctors , hospitals and clinics that are preferred providers . Go to them and you get lower rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than HMOs because they allow you to seek care outside the network , which will likely cost you more in deductibles and co-pays . Unlike HMOs , PPOs do n't require you get a doctor referral before you see a specialist . Many of the plans , however , do require prior approval for certain expensive services . The California Department of Insurance regulates the state 's PPOs . <p> Point of Service ( POS ) plans . Think of these as hybrids between HMOs and PPOs . Like an HMO , you 're required to choose a primary care doctor to oversee your medical needs . But like a PPO , you 're allowed to seek care out of the network if you 're willing to pay a bit more . These plans also pay for treatment outside the network when your primary care physician refers you for such care . <p> 4 . My existing coverage works well for me . Ca n't I just ignore all that gnarly paper work ? Not a good idea . Plans change -- especially this year , with health reform provisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if your existing coverage works for you , at the very least you 'll want to review whether : <p> Your doctor and hospital will remain in your network next year . <p> Your prescription medicines are included in your plan 's list of approved drugs . <p> The plan allows you to add dependents ( spouse/children ) . <p> How much you 'll pay to add your dependents . <p> Other treatments you may rely upon , such as chiropractic care and counseling , are covered . <p> 5 . What changes created by federal health reform could affect my health insurance coverage ? Health reform is changing the way insurance companies do business . Some highlights : children under the age of 19 can no longer be denied coverage because of a preexisting condition ( beginning in 2014 , that ban will extend to every person , no matter their age or health ) ; adult children can now be covered by their parents ' health insurance policy until age 26 , as long as that policy provides dependent coverage . Many preventive health services are now free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other health screenings . For more detail on mandatory coverage in California go to http : //www.chbrp.org , click on FAQs . <p> 6 . How do I best compare the plans my employer offers ? Health reform is making that chore easier by requiring you be provided with two consumer-friendly forms . <p> The Summary of Benefits and Coverage provides -- in plain language -- the cost-sharing requirements , coverage limits and exceptions under each health plan offered by your employer . It also includes coverage examples that illustrate common benefit scenarios as a way to clarify for you how the plan might work for you in a real-life . <p> The Uniform Glossary provides standardized definitions of common health insurance terms , such as " co-payment " and " deductible . " <p> 7 . What is a Flexible Spending Account ( FSA ) and should I start one ? FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for deductibles , prescription co-pays and other treatments not covered by your insurance . Starting in 2013 , the maximum you 'll be able to deposit is $2,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be stricter rules on how you can use the money . A big down side for many : Whatever you do n't use by the end of your company 's benefits year , you 'll be forced to forfeit . Go to this link for more information . <p> 8 . Should I consider switching from conventional coverage to a Health Savings Account ( HSA ) ? HSAs are tax-advantaged savings accounts available to those enrolled in high-deductible or " catastrophic " medical insurance plans . HSAs allow you to set aside tax-free dollars to pay for routine , out-of-pocket health expenses . You also get an Internal Revenue deduction for the amount you contribute to the account each year , and you pay no federal taxes on interest earned by your HSA as long as you use the money to pay for eligible medical expenses , as defined by the IRS ( dental and vision are included ) . Another plus : unlike an FSA , HSA funds roll over annually and accumulate . Still , federal health reform has imposed stricter rules and guideline on the spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go here or here . <p> 10 . What are my choices for Medicare coverage ? Open enrollment allows you to switch between the two categories of Medicare health plans : Original Medicare , managed by the federal government , and Medicare Advantage plans , run by private companies . During open enrollment , you can also change your prescription drug plan . Check out this 5-minute CMS video explainer . <p> 12 . Do I need to do anything in order to stay in my Original Medicare ? Nope . If you 're content with your Original Medicare coverage , you can sit tight as there are no changes for 2013 to consider , says CMS 's David Sayen . However , because Original Medicare does n't include a drug plan , it 's wise to review your Part D drug plans as the medicines they cover , the pharmacies they work with , and their premiums do change . <p> 13 . What are Medicare Advantage Plans ? Also known as Medicare Part C , this category includes HMOs , PPOs and other plan options provided by private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you 're considering this option , you 'll have plenty of plans from which to choose . In Los Angeles County , for instance , there are 29 different Medicare Advantage health plans - only three of which do not include drug coverage . Los Angeles County residents in those plans ( and those enrolled in Original Medicare , which also does n't include a prescription medication plan ) have 32 Medicare drug plans from which to choose . <p> 14 . Do I need to do anything in order to stay in my existing Medicare Advantage Plan ? If it 's working for you , make sure to confirm that any changes in the plan are n't deal breakers for you . If your plan is among the few that does n't include prescription drug coverage , it 's important to review any changes to your drug plan and , if necessary , choose another . <p> 15 . Is there help if I ca n't afford my drug prescription premiums ? Yes . It 's called the " Extra Help " program . To qualify , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests . " People who qualify for this help save about $4,000 a year , " Sayen says . " So it 's really a significant amount of money . " To learn more , call 1-800-MEDICARE . <p> 16 . Help ! Can someone guide me through all these Medicare choices ? Yes . Computer savvy beneficiaries can find their answers at Medicare.gov , scroll down to the button that reads " Find health and drug plans . " This takes you to the Medicare Plan Finder that allows you to compare the premiums , deductibles and co-pays of each plan , as well as how many stars the plan received in under Medicare 's Five-Star Ranking System . <p> Prefer a more personal touch ? Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE ( 1-800-633-4227 ) for a counselor in your area who will help you evaluate your medical and drug plan needs . Or you can speak with customer service

@@5062341 <h> Do n't worry : Hanging out on the Internet wo n't drive you insane <p> There is no conclusive evidence that increased Internet use results in loneliness , isolation or psychosis . <p> Despite Newsweek 's scary-sounding July 9 cover article , spending time on the Internet will not cause you -- or anyone else -- to become lonely , depressed or even ( Heaven forbid ! ) psychotic . <p> For , as Maia Szalavitz , a health writer for Time.com points out , Newsweek 's suggestion that Internet use can lead to mental illness " runs counter to what the research data actually show " : <p> Newsweek senior reporter Tony Dokoupil makes much of brain scan studies suggesting that Internet use " rewires " the brain in ways that look similar to changes seen in drug addiction . The reality is that any enjoyable activity leads to changes in the brain 's pleasure regions if a person engages in it frequently enough . Indeed , any activity we perform repeatedly will lead to brain changes : that 's known as learning . Riding a bicycle and playing the violin also rewire the brain , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " damage . " <p> As yet , there is no brain scan that can clearly determine whether certain brain changes signify addiction or simple , harmless enjoyment . Nor can brain scans predict , in the case of addiction , who will be able to regain control over their behavior and who will not . <p> Writing on his blog Mindhacks , British psychologist Vaughan Bell is equally dismissive of the Newsweek article , calling it " a litany of scientific stereotypes and exaggeration . " <p> One of the most egregious statements in the article , says Bell , is this one : " The current incarnation of the Internet -- portable , social , accelerated , and all-pervasive -- may be making us not just dumber or lonelier but more depressed and anxious , prone to obsessive-compulsive and attention-deficit disorders , even outright psychotic . " <p> Writes Bell : <p> This is an amazing list of mental illnesses supposedly caused by the internet but really Newsweek ? Psychosis ? A condition ranked by the World Health Organisation as the third most disabling health condition there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disable by total limb paralysis and dementia and that comes ahead of leg paralysis and blindness . <p> We 're talking schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder here . The mention of psychosis even makes the front page , of one of the most respected news magazines in the world , so this must be pretty striking evidence . <p> But what is the evidence cited by Newsweek ? A 1998 Carnegie Mellon study that found that " Web use over a two-year period was linked to blue moods , loneliness , and the loss of real-world friends . " <p> Yet , reports Bell , a three-year follow-up to that study -- a follow-up not mentioned in the Newsweek article -- found that those negative effects dissipated . <p> Incredibly , as Time 's Szalavitz notes , the Newsweek article also <p> approvingly cites an expert who has become a target of widespread ridicule in the science blogosphere for her extreme claims about Internet-related brain damage . Baroness Susan Greenfield , a pharmacology professor at Oxford , told Dokoupil in her typically understated way that the Internet problem " is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " <p> Greenfield has never published a study on Internet use . The logic behind her claims is often befuddling : for example , this is how she attempted to explain why she believes the Internet has something to do with the recent rise in autism , in a 2011 interview with the Guardian : " I point to the increase in autism and I point to Internet use . That 's all . " Obviously , that is not scientific reasoning , which is why her comments inspired an Internet meme ( among other outrage and disdain ) that trended on Twitter . <p> Dr. Ben Goldacre , a leading British science journalist and author of the " Bad Science " blog , sums up the criticisms of Greenfield this way : " Her ideas are never set out as a clear hypothesis , in a formal academic publication , with the accompanying evidence and a clear suggestion of what research programmes might be planned to clarify any uncertainties . " <p> So , if you are a frequent surfer of the Web ( and reader of Newsweek ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make you psychotic if you only listen to the three people who think so ,

@@5062441 <h> Do I have to take the NCLEX in the state I graduated from ? <p> This is a discussion on Do I have to take the NCLEX in the state I graduated from ? in NCLEX Discussion Forum , part of Nursing Student ... Hello ... I graduated in May this year in Michigan , &nbsp; and my husband accepted a job in Austin ... <p> Hello ... I graduated in May this year in Michigan , &nbsp; and my husband accepted a job in Austin Texas . I need to take my NCLEX , but I am unsure whether I should or have to take it here or if it 's alright to take it in Texas ... He is already living there and my family and I are to follow the fist week of August . &nbsp; Any thoughts on whether it would be harder taking it in you ! ! ! ! <p> Print and share with friends and family . Compliments of allnurses.com. http : **30;7898;TOOLONG ? t=74 ... <p> Yes each state has its own Nurse Practice Act but the NCLEX does n't test you on laws in each individual state . And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone goes to school in OH but tests in NY , it would n't be fair to them to get questions on their exam asking them about nursing laws in NY because they wo n't know . <p> The NCLEX is just a huge test bank of questions pertaining to nursing care , not nursing laws in each state . If you call Pearsonvue or your BON they 'll tell you the same thing . <p> How do you know its not different from state to state NCLEX exam ? Each states has different guidelines for nurses right ..... ? I 'm not sure that 's why I 'm asking . <p> NCLEX is a national exam using national standards . While everyone does not get e exact same questions , the required knowledge base is the same . The basics are the same whether you take the test in NY or CA or TX or overseas in the Philippines . The nurse practice acts and facility policy and procedures may vary , but the basic nursing knowledge , skills , expectations , and responsibilities are the same across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can take it anywhere . But I think the license that would be distributed to you after you pass will be from the state you are registered as a resident of . If you 're planning to practice in Texas , you need to get your paperwork rolling to transfer your resident status for Texas . Michigan is not part of the Nurse Liscensure Compact , so you will need to have all your personal info flipped over to Texas before you test - or your license will be for Michigan , which will only be valid in the state of Michigan . The NLC lets your license cross state lines without having to retest in a new state . <p> But before you do , poke around for Texas ' requirements to sit for the exam . Some states require more clinical hours in order to graduate from nursing school . A girl in my program ran into this problem and had to do this elaborate paper dance because our school could n't squeeze in the extra clinical hours her state required ( she moved all her resident paperwork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , passed , then transferred everything back to her home state . BUT , her state was part of the Compact Act , so it worked . Your state is not ! ) . <p> It 's confusing , since everyone in America takes the national test by the same test maker ... but that 's why I did n't major in political science . <p> Thank you , everyone . Ok , so its across the world same test , national . Now how is it each person had the same exam til CAT realizes our weak areas ? <p> We do n't have the same exam but the same basic content . There have been many statistical studies as to which combinations of questions , when answered correctly , statistically ( with a string confidence interval ) indicate an individual meets the minimum basic knowledge competences to safely practice as an entry level nurse . Many of the studies are published on the NCSBN website ( the organization that develops the test/test questions and determines the validity of each question ) . <p> Since its thru NCSBN , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay money since its from their published ? Vs. kaplan Vs . HESI ? Im just reviewing CDs from Exam Cram and Saundara , LaCharity , and HESI book .... all over ... such a mess headache to cover all : - ( <p> Since its thru NCSBN , would it be best to do their online review and pay money since its from their published ? Vs. kaplan Vs . HESI ? Im just reviewing CDs from Exam Cram and Saundara , LaCharity , and HESI book .... all over ... such a mess headache to cover all : - ( <p> I know a girl who graduated last year that highly recommended NCSBN . She said the questions were really similar to the ones she encountered on NCLEX . According

@@5062541 <p> Indeed I agree with Airika - I am a professional photographer and I think I could sell a few Prisms of my Instagrams , but I would like to make a few bucks as well . At 47.99 I can not mark them up at all . Thanks for listening ! <p> I would very much like this , I 've had people comment on my photos saying that they wo n't buy my work ( even though they 'd like to ) because your prices are too expensive , therefore I 'm making no sales and this is making a big impact . If we could mark up our

@@5062641 <h> You Know What 's Cooler Than A Billion Dollars ? A Billion Users . <h> Benjy Weinberger <p> Editor 's note : Benjy Weinberger is foursquare 's West Coast Engineering Lead . He previously worked on infrastructure and revenue engineering at Twitter , and before that spent eight years at Google , working on search and ads engineering . <p> Full disclosure : I have never worked at Facebook , and own no Facebook stock , but I do know and respect many people who work there . <p> The sharp declines in Facebook 's stock price since their IPO have lead to a frenzy of alarmed comment , some going as far to declare the company in a state of emergency . I 'm not sure I agree . <p> First , the facts : Facebook has been around for only 8 years , has a mere 4000 employees , and yet has over half a billion daily active users almost a billion monthly active users . <p> Think about that . 500,000,000 people interact with Facebook every day . And these are n't involuntary corporate connections , like when it turns out that your entire country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose , daily , to have an intimate , personal and emotional relationship with the brand . A brand that , it bears repeating , did n't exist eight years ago . And all this is as true at $40B as it was at $80B . True , Silicon Valley is known for successes of this scale , but that does n't make it any less remarkable . <p> Entire companies piggyback off Facebook 's success . The site has spawned a completely new way for businesses to connect with their customers . On the technology side , Facebook has created innovative systems to reliably handle their phenomenal amounts of very rich data , and has made many contributions to the open source community . Facebook is absolutely huge , a success story so rapid , radical and planet-changing that it inspired an award-winning Hollywood movie . <p> So about that stock price ? That seems to me like a Wall Street issue , not a Silicon Valley issue . Sure , Facebook has monetization challenges to overcome . And the company would do well to sort out their developer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 3rd parties can add value to the Facebook platform . But they have incredibly smart and capable people who will surely figure all this out . But just because analysts ' pre-IPO valuation guesses may have been off by a factor of two does n't mean Facebook is anything less than a phenomenal success , one that I am confident can be monetized successfully . <p> And anyway , since when do we turn our noses up at $40B companies ? That 's more than the market cap of the entire US airline industry combined , I believe . And was achieved with one hundredth the number of employees . <p> As long as Facebook makes enough money to keep operating successfully , and there 's no indication that they wo n't , we in the tech industry should look at Facebook as a product , not a ticker symbol . Will the stock price hurt retention ? Maybe . But it 's no less likely , then , to help with new hiring . So while it is , of course , relevant to report on it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leave that to the stock market blogs . We 're supposed to be in this business not because we love money but because we love technology and its transformative power , and Facebook

@@5062741 <p> It incorporates an ActiveX control that can be run either as a stand alone executable or can be called from within this purchased application . It runs correctly in the stand alone mode on Windows 7 , but does not run when called within the application . <p> I do not have any specific information about the details of how the ActiveX control was written , and my question realates to possible security settings in Windows 7 that would prevent this control from running when called from the VB6 application . <h> All Replies <p> Run your Setup program by right-clicking the EXE and then click on the " Run as Administrator " menu entry . ActiveX controls must be registered using Administrator rights ( not just an Administrator account ) . You also can disable UAC before running the Setup program

@@5062841 <p> This column describes the nuclear salt water rocket , a radical new concept for propulsion in space . It is the idea of Robert M. Zubrin of the Martin Marietta Corp. , author of the fascinating recent Analog science-fact article " The Magnetic Sail " , which the cover described as " a liberating new concept in space travel " . The nuclear salt water rocket is another such liberating concept .. <p> The basic difficulty with space propulsion comes down to the problem of energy . There simply is not enough energy stored in NASA 's best chemical fuels to generate much push ( or more precisely , specific impulse , a quantity measured in seconds and given by I SP =v ex /g , i.e. , exhaust velocity divided by gravitational acceleration ) . The laws of physics dictate that if the specific impulse is low , the fuel consumed per second must be correspondingly very large to provide enough thrust ( upward force ) to boost a reasonable payload . The laws of economics dictate that a very large and reliable engine consuming a very large quantity of low-energy fuel to produce a large thrust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the laws of politics dictate that any project that is very , very expensive will be dominated by political decisions rather than scientific and engineering decisions . Within these boundary conditions the **40;2847;TOOLONG ... proclivities of NASA and the current dismal state of the U. S. Space Program are inevitable . <p> Zubrin proposes to break out of this dilemma by going nuclear . His is not the first such idea . Project Orion , a product of the swords-into-plowshares theme of the late 1950s , proposed to propel a space vehicle by using a series of nuclear bombs exploded behind a thick steel plate to drive the space vehicle forward . Orion was rendered illegal and canceled because of the Test Ban Treaty of 1963 . <p> There have been more recent proposals for high-energy space propulsion systems . My Alternate View column " Laser-Sustained Propulsion and the 4 P 's " Analog , Aug- ' 87 described an innovative high-energy launch system that would use a very high power ( 10 MW to 1 GW ) ground-based laser to create a sequence of planar explosions behind the launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block " on the rear of the vehicle and driving the resulting gas cloud into a plasma explosion with a strong laser pulse . This concept is still under active development at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory , but no suitable laser is presently available for a full-scale test of the concept . High energy propulsion systems that would use antimatter annihilation or pulsed thermonuclear fusion have also been proposed . However , both of these concepts require technologies that are at least two decades away from any practical full-scale implementation . <p> Zubrin 's nuclear salt water rocket ( NSWR ) , on the other hand , requires only minor extrapolations from the mature technology of existing nuclear power systems and could probably be implemented for prototype testing in a very short time . Writing the environmental impact statement for such tests , however , might present an interesting problem , because Zubrin 's scheme vents highly radioactive nuclear fission products directly into space . It is therefore appropriate mainly for deep space missions . It is , in a sense , complementary to the laser-sustained propulsion scheme which requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . <p> In his paper describing the concept , Zubrin considers using NSWR for a round trip mission to Titan , Saturn 's largest moon . The NSWR would be fueled by 20% enriched uranium in the chemical form of a soluble salt ( uranium tetra-bromide ) dissolved in ordinary water at about the same atom number concentration as the salt in sea water . <p> Fissionable isotopes in such concentrations can easily produce great heat from fission reactions or even a nuclear explosion . An uninterrupted volume of this liquid massing a few dozen kilograms would reach critical mass , massively fission in a sustained chain reaction , and explode . In Zubrin 's scheme 41,000 kilograms ( 41 tonnes ) of the salt water fuel are stored in a neutron-absorbing fuel tank . The fuel tank would be made from long tubes of boron carbonate , a strong structural material that strongly absorbs thermal neutrons , preventing the fission chain reaction that would otherwise occur in the fuel . The liquid fuel is pumped from the storage tank into a absorber-free cylindrical reaction chamber which allows buildup of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can occur . <p> In a nuclear rocket the reaction chamber presents a severe materials problem because no conceivable mechanical structure could sustain the force of a nuclear explosion . However , Zubrin uses a very clever trick . He has used a simplified model to show that the distribution of fission-inducing thermal neutrons in the reaction chamber depends critically on the velocity of the liquid fuel as it passes through the reaction chamber . This dependence occurs because the moving salt water fuel is also the medium in which the neutrons are slowed . If the liquid is at rest , the maximum flux occurs at the center of the cylinder , but if the moderating fuel liquid is in motion , the point of maximum flux is skewed downstream and also rises to a much higher maximum . If the right fuel velocity is chosen , the thermal neutron flux ( and therefore the site of maximum fission energy release ) can be made to peak very sharply just outside the exit end of the cylindrical reaction chamber . <p> In other words , one can produce a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear rocket . At this point the water of the fuel liquid flashes to very high temperature steam , expelling reaction mass with an estimated exhaust velocity of 66,000 meters per second ( as compared with perhaps 4,500 m/s for a chemical rocket ) . The NSWR engine is calculated to produce a thrust of almost 3 million pounds ( 1.3 x 10 7 N ) and to have a power output of 427 gigawatts . With this kind of performance , the mission to Titan could be launched from low earth orbit with an acceleration of almost 4 g 's and could , in principle , be carried out with low launch mass , low cost and high efficiency . <p> Zubrin also considers how a NSWR might be used in a more ambitious 120 year one-way probe mission to Alpha Centauri . He envisions a 300 tonne spacecraft carrying 2700 tonnes of salt water fuel containing 90% enriched uranium . This highly enriched fuel would be burned in a high efficiency engine to produce an exhaust velocity of 4,700,000 m/s , permitting the spacecraft to achieve a velocity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He proposes to use most of the fuel for acceleration and to use a magnetic sail ( see Analog , May- ' 92 ) for deceleration by creating drag against the interstellar medium . <p> What Zubrin has described , therefore , is a high-energy space propulsion technology suitable for deep space and interstellar missions that could be implemented with fairly modest extensions of current technology . Moreover , the end of the cold war has left in its wake considerable stockpiles of fissionable materials ( 239 Pu and highly enriched 235 U ) from decommissioned nuclear weapons that can be regarded as a source of cheap fuel for such projects . Zubrin also points out that , despite the highly radioactive exhaust of the NSWR , the engine itself need not be radioactive to any significant degree . The fuel has only low-level alpha activity , the fission products from the consumed fuel are vented into space , and the induced activity from the large neutron flux produced by the fission burning can be minimized by constructing the engine from such low activation materials as graphite and silicon carbide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there should be no significant radioactive inventory present to endanger the crew of a manned mission . <p> The highly radioactive exhaust , of course , constitutes a major disadvantage for the NSWR scheme . The prospect of contaminating space with radioactive waste is certain to draw strong opposition from the same environmental and anti-nuclear groups that have opposed the use of nuclear power sources in NASA 's deep space missions . Zubrin argues , however , that the NSWR 's exhaust velocity of 66 km/sec far exceeds the escape velocity of any planet , and that as long as the exhaust vector does not intersect the Earth " the amount of contaminant reaching the Earth could be insignificant " even in an NSWR launch from low earth orbit . In fact , since the atoms of exhaust gas have sufficient velocity that they are not bound by the Sun 's gravity well , the expelled exhaust will dissipate rapidly and will soon leave the Solar System altogether . Zubrin also points out that since the NSWR is not a weapon or a bomb , its testing and use does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlike the Orion scheme , its use as a space propulsion system is legal . <p> There would , of course , be some very demanding technical challenges in designing a safe and reliable NSWR . The extremely high exhaust temperature and velocity of the device present a particular challenge in designing an exhaust nozzle for the NSWR that will not be severely eroded during a brief period . Zubrin suggests that a continuous flow of normal ( unsalted ) water along the surface of the reaction chamber and nozzle could provide cooling and extra reaction mass , but this remains to be demonstrated . A full design would also have to consider possible failure modes , including the possibility of a fuel pump failure that could cause a fuel detonation within rather than behind the reaction chamber . These appear to be solvable problems , but they would have to be addressed . <p> In summary , the NSWR appears to be a radical but feasible solution to the problem of mounting an interstellar mission with essentially existing technology . An unmanned Alpha Centauri probe of the type that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost that I would guess would be much smaller than the growing price tag of NASA 's troubled Space Station Freedom project . The anticipated mission time of 120 years is a long time . But the sooner we start , the sooner we ( or our descendants )

@@5062941 <p> There were 14 journalists on the Media Desk . I 'm not sure if every single one was there , but most were , including two females on the desk , Motoko Rich and Stephanie Clifford . I had asked them several times to participate in the picture , I really wanted to represent a full picture . Unfortunately , they both declined . <p> I wondered what Rich and Clifford now think about their decision not to participate . Did they like the documentary after seeing it ? Here 's what they told me in emails : <p> STEPHANIE CLIFFORD Andrew did ask me to participate in the film , but I was n't comfortable with it for two main reasons . When he started making the film , the company was going through a rough time , other newspapers were shutting down , and there was a lot of doubt about the future of the industry . Given the timing , I suspected it would be a documentary that painted newspapers , the Times and our group in a bad light . ( Andrew came in when the memory of the Jason Jones Daily Show piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned out to be completely wrong -- Andrew 's film was lively and interesting , and he showed the great personalities of the media group just as they are , but I was n't sure enough of his intentions going in . <p> The other reason I declined was because I was covering media people , who are pretty jittery about being covered to begin with . Many of them were talking to me on background or off the record , and probably would have been fired if their bosses found out they were talking to me . I did n't want to compromise my sources , or alter the quality of an interview , by asking them to be on camera or having to tell them a filmmaker was recording my end of the interview . I was also imagining what would happen if , say , a particular Conde Nast caller ID showed up on my phone and the shot was accidentally included in the film -- it would have gotten the people I talk to in trouble , and that 's not fair to them . <p> @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great portrait of what the journalists here do . And yes , I was totally envious when I saw Brian Stelter strutting the red carpet at the premiere , but that 's mainly because he has a better figure than I do nowadays . <p> MOTOKO RICH I really enjoyed Page One . As you 've probably heard , we had a staff screening in the Times Center and it was great to feel the warmth in the room for our friends in the film . I thought David Carr was a phenomenal movie presence , and Bruce Headlam was a break-out star . ( Did you see his appearance on The Daily Show ? The movie was n't a fluke ... ) And along with Brian Stelter , Tim Arango and Richard Perez-Pena , they all came across as fighting the good fight for the journalism we believe in . <p> It 's not quite accurate to say I completely declined to participate in the film , as I did give one to-camera interview to Andrew . It did n't end up getting used . <p> It is fair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me around on interviews or on the phone . That was a personal choice ; I 'm happy to give interviews about my published stories , but did n't feel comfortable being shadowed . It 's not my style and I worried my sources might feel uncomfortable . Still , more power to my colleagues , who represented the media pod and newspaper with great panache . <p> COMING SOON : A Q-and-A with Andrew Rossi , who told me in email on Nov. 14 that " I am jumping on a plane to Paris for the French premiere of the film ( the success of the movie internationally is actually a great story ) . " <h> Archive <p> Is n't it somewhat outrageous that journalists that routinely ask sources to reveal secrets about their own organizations cowardly refuse speak openly about their own media companies ? Even though policing media coverage is probably far more socially useful than things those journalists cover . <p> Albert911emt said : November 21 , 2011 3:18 pm <p> AngryKrugman , reporters are people too , and they do n't want to lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearing in a film that may compromise what they do everyday . Most people look out for their own selfish interests first , including yourself . <p> george krimsky said : January 26 , 2012 9:52 am <p> Jim : <p> Can you post this ? Tewfik was known and beloved by a lot of Washington biggies , and I figure this is the best way to reach them .... <p> GK <p> -0- <p> Tewfik Mishlawi , the first director of training at what is now the International Center for Journalists in Washington , died on Jan. 25 . <p> A legendary journalist in the Middle East , Tewfik succumbed to heart failure at the American University Hospital in Beirut after a fall at his home in the Lebanese capital . He was 76 . <p> Tewfik directed training programs at what was then called the Center for Foreign Journalists in Reston , VA , from 1985 , the center ' first year of operation , until 1992 , when he returned to Beirut following the retirement of his longtime partner at the daily newsletter called the Middle East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ core , " George Krimsky , the first president and co-founder of the Center , said from his home in Connecticut . " We had worked together in Beirut during the civil war , and I thought he would be perfect to launch our training programs at the Center . He was . " <p> Although initially reluctant to leave his beloved Beirut , Tewfik accepted the challenge and spent seven years on these shores with his wife , Phillipa and their young son , Nadim . " He was already well-known by many in the Washington press corps , and that gave us a needed leg up in those early days , " Krimsky said . <p> For every foreign correspondent who came to Beirut after the outbreak of war in the mid-1970s , their first stop was usually the MER office off Hamra Street to find out what was really going on , not only in Lebanon but throughout the Mideast . " Tewfik and his partner , Ihsan Hijazi , monitored the Arab media closely and were among the very few who could make sense of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinian by birth , Tewfik stood out as a professional journalist who believed in the ultimate value of truth gathered from hard facts . He taught and ran programs for hundreds of visiting journalists from developing countries on how best to find and report that truth . " He never veered from that course , " Krimsky said . <p> Through the ' 90s , Tewfik wrote on a freelance basis for the New York Times , the Wall Street Journal ,

@@5063041 <p> Bent double , like old beggars under sacks , Knock-kneed , coughing like hags , we cursed through sludge , Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs And towards our distant rest began to trudge . Men marched asleep . Many had lost their boots But limped on , blood-shod . All went lame ; all blind ; Drunk with fatigue ; deaf even to the hoots Of tired , outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind . <p> Gas ! GAS ! Quick , boys ! -- An ecstasy of fumbling , Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time ; But someone still was yelling out and stumbling And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime . . . Dim , through the misty panes and thick green light , As under I green sea , I saw him drowning . <p> In all my dreams , before my helpless sight , He plunges at me , guttering , choking , drowning . <p> If in some smothering dreams you too could pace Behind the wagon that we flung him in , And watch the white eyes writhing in his face , His hanging face , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could hear , at every jolt , the blood Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs , Obscene as cancer , bitter as the cud Of vile , incurable sores on innocent tongues , -- My friend , you would not tell with such high zest To children ardent for some desperate glory , The old lie : Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori . posted by Blue Meanie at 1:21 AM on November 11 29 favorites <p> DOES it matter ? -- losing your legs ? ... For people will always be kind , And you need not show that you mind When the others come in after hunting To gobble their muffins and eggs . <p> Does it matter ? -- losing your sight ? ... There 's such splendid work for the blind ; And people will always be kind , As you sit on the terrace remembering And turning your face to the light . <p> Do they matter ? -- those dreams from the pit ? ... You can drink and forget and be glad , And people wo n't say that you 're mad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country And no one will worry a bit . posted by MartinWisse at 1:27 AM on November 11 13 favorites <p> My great uncle joined the Royal Artillery shortly before the war . He was stationed in Guernsey when he deserted the army to be with his sweetheart . To avoid the military police he went first to South Africa , then to India , before ending up working as a farm hand on a mate 's ranch in Australia , which was where he was when the fighting began . Unable to join the British army again due to his deserter status , he volunteered along with his best friend and 1 in 2 Australian men for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps , and was shipped off to a place on the coast of Turkey known as Gallipoli . <p> The Anzac troops landed on the shores of the Dardanelles amid a hail of machine gun and shell fire . He distinguished himself by capturing a Turkish machine gun post and turning the gun upon its previous owners . He was wounded in the early days of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexandria , Egypt , to recover . He was then sent back to Gallipoli in time to take part in the diversionary assault on the heavily fortified trench position at Lone Pine . <p> The Turkish trenches were deep and well constructed , sandbagged and covered with logs and earthworks . Although the Australians had the shortest distance to cover over no-man 's land ( only 100 meters ) they had to do so under heavy enfilading machine gun and rifle fire from the well entrenched Turks . <p> Once across the blasted waste and into the trenches the Anzac soldiers found themselves fighting in a hot , dark , cramped press of men ; thousands of fighting figures crammed into a trench only a few feet wide . The conditions were so tight that rifles could not be used and the battle devolved into a melee of entrenching tools , knives , clubs and fists . In the hideous , gloomy , bloody mess of those trenches friend and foe were all but indistinguishable . Only by white bands tied around the arms of their fellow Anzacs could a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . <p> My great uncle died somewhere between the 8th and 12th of August , when his body was found , amid many others , both Turk and Australian , in a huge shell crater just behind the captured Turkish trenches . <p> I do not celebrate Remembrance Day . It is not a celebration . It is a day of mourning , a day to remember the horrors and tragedy of war . It is not a day to hate the Turkish people , or any of the other belligerents . It is a day to remember all the dead , all those who did not grow old . It is a day to mark so that people like my great uncle do not have to go through such a nightmare again . <p> So if you have a problem with remembrance day , then you are remembering it wrong . posted by dazedone at 1:38 AM on November 11 81 favorites <p> " But now , for the first time , I see you are a man like me . I thought of your hand-grenades , of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife and your face and our fellowship . Forgive me , comrade . We always see it too late . Why do they never tell us that you are poor devils like us , that your mothers are just as anxious as ours , and that we have the same fear of death , and the same dying and the same agony--Forgive me , comrade ; how could you be my enemy ? " ? Erich Maria Remarque , All Quiet on the Western Front posted by runincircles at 2:20 AM on November 11 12 favorites <p> Ataturk was the Ottoman commander at Gallipoli , later the first President of Turkey . Here 's how he commemorated the Australian war dead in the Memorial at ANZAC Cove : Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives ... You are now living in the soil of a friendly country . Therefore rest in peace . There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours ... <p> You , the mothers , who sent their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace , after having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well . posted by **29;2060;TOOLONG at 2:22 AM on November 11 29 favorites <p> There should be a web standard such that when your browser is directed to one of these virtual gravesites , all music and system sounds are rendered silent . <p> Perhaps the summer woods will shimmer bright , And crimson roses once again be fair , And Autumn harvest fields a rich delight , Although You are not there . <p> Perhaps some day I shall not shrink in pain , To see the passing of the dying year , And listen to the Christmas songs again , Although You can not hear . <p> But , though kind Time may many joys renew , There is one greatest joy I shall not know Again , because my heart for loss of You Was broken , long ago . <p> To R. A. L. Died of Wounds in France , December 23rd 1915 <p> Vera Brittain 's Testament of Youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , could not fight , but had to watch their sons , husbands and brothers die in the war . posted by MartinWisse at 2:53 AM on November 11 6 favorites <p> I 've been rereading Barbara Tuchman 's ' The Guns Of August ' recently . It 's as good a picture as any of the outright idiocy that led up to World War I. Madness . posted by Ghidorah at 3:07 AM on November 11 3 favorites <p> Tonight at bed time my sons reminded me that we had n't commemorated the soldiers who had died by offering up a minute 's silence . <p> I told them about their great-grandpa , Harold , who was 15 when he ran away to war in 1916 and who suffered the most terrible things in the fields of France . He survived the war but with permanent damage to his lungs because of the gas , along with so many other scars from that war which he carried within him until his death . <p> I asked them to give thanks to those who have sacrificed if not all then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one day we will never ask this of anyone ever again . <p> Aiden recited In Flanders Field , which he 'd learned in class , Ash stayed quiet for a whole minute , and altogether we said ' lest we forget ' . I told them I loved them and they went to sleep . And here I am , thinking of Grandpa and so many others who have offered themselves up as pawns to be used in the terrible games that people play . I abhor those games but I will always remember and cherish those who are the human face of war . posted by h00py at 3:30 AM on November 11 11 favorites <p> Rilla of Ingleside , the last of the " Anne of Green Gables " novels , and starring Anne 's youngest daughter , is notable for being one of the few depictions of the women on the Home Front during WWI . The absence of men is also notable -- Anne comes of age in a world of excluded men by traditions separating the sexes and by choice of bosom friends . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for they have all gome to war . There are interesting and deliberate contrasts between the two books showing how different a world Anne 's daughters faced . But if you just want THE novel of the feminine experience in Canada , its Rilla. posted by Eyebrows McGee at 3:36 AM on November 11 8 favorites <p> SO Davies wrote : ' This leaves me in the pink ' . Then scrawled his name : ' Your loving sweetheart , Willie ' . With crosses for a hug . He 'd had a drink Of rum and tea ; and , though the barn was chilly , For once his blood ran warm ; he had pay to spend . Winter was passing ; soon the year would mend . <p> But he could n't sleep that night ; stiff in the dark He groaned and thought of Sundays at the farm , And how he 'd go as cheerful as a lark In his best suit , to wander arm in arm With brown-eyed Gwen , and whisper in her ear The simple , silly things she liked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we trudge Up to the trenches , and my boots are rotten . Five miles of stodgy clay and freezing sludge , And everything but wretchedness forgotten . To-night he 's in the pink ; but soon he 'll die . And still the war goes on -- he do n't know why . posted by TheWhiteSkull at 3:50 AM on November 11 1 favorite <p> Every year I keep forgetting that I ca n't get the red poppy pins in New York and therefore forget to pick up one in advance on Thanksgiving . I wonder if the consulate has any . <p> In Canada , November 11 is traditionally observed as a day of somber rememberance ; respect for those who died and reflection on the horrors of war . " Never again " is a frequent refrain . Typical events include pipers and veterans marching to the war memorial for wreath-laying ceremonies and/or a gun salute . Some years , this parade reminds me of a funeral procession . <p> The Memorial Day occasion in the States has a very different feel . The parades seem triumphant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the kids . Along with the cheerful sales promotions and " Happy Memorial Day ! " signs , it took some getting used to . <p> The New York observance of the anniversary of 9/11 is the closest I 've seen to an equivalent Rememberance occasion in the US . You wo n't see flyers for " Macy 's 9/11 Electronics Sales Event ! " or similar , that weekend . posted by ceribus peribus at 4:09 AM on November 11 8 favorites <p> " More4 is marking Remembrance Sunday this weekend with a series of short films featuring some of Britain 's finest actors reading war poetry from the period . Sean Bean and Gemma Arterton read poems by Wilfred Owen , and Sophie Okonedo reads one of Rupert Brooke 's pieces " posted by Augenblick at 4:12 AM on November 11 <p> The US does officially observe 11 November , but as " Veteran 's Day . " Most people do n't have it off work or school and it mostly goes unobserved , other than the pressure to " thank a vet " . A veteran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very upset when a formerly Vietnam war-protesting , bleeding heart liberal teacher at the school read " In Flanders Fields " during morning announcements , rather than the school allowing a " real veteran " to say something . The focus is entirely different and it 's not about " never again " , it feels more like " this is a necessary evil so we 're grateful to the people who fight . " I wo n't say that 's the " wrong " focus but it is quite different from what I see in Remembrance Day or ANZAC Day observances . <p> And yeah , Memorial Day is about cookouts and flags . <p> I 'm in the UK now and just came back from the Remembrance Day service in the city I live in , and got myself a poppy on Thursday after feeling uncomfortable walking around all week without one . ( No one beats the US for superficial veteran worship/recognition but boy I felt out of place here not having my poppy ) It is without a doubt more somber and reflective here than it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the service this morning made a point to mention the civilian casualties of war , which I thought was very good . All things considered I found this service today far more meaningful than any Veteran 's Day or Memorial Day activity I 've been to in the US. posted by olinerd at 4:18 AM on November 11 4 favorites <p> From a different war , one that 's too often remembered as a solely American trauma , but which had a large ANZAC contribution as well : Redgum 's I Was Only 19 , linked here before . posted by MartinWisse at 4:49 AM on November 11 <p> I went to a memorial this morning , but only as I had to take some photos for a magazine . Otherwise , I do n't go , in memory of my grandfather . <p> My grandfather was forced to fight in the First World War , and never went to Remembrance Day as he found it ridiculous . Like him , an awful of soldiers were conscripts who did n't want to be there , who were little more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is " lest we forget " , yet by remembering them as soldiers , as heroes , as honorable because they fought and died , we 've already forgotten them . Where are the frightened teens , the cowards , the folk who wept themselves to sleep in fear of death ? We are remembering nothing but ghosts of our own pride . <p> Once , as an old man , my grandfather was listening to somebody on radio talk about the First World War . He never really spoke about his experience , nor showed much emotion . But here , a man was speaking in glowing , honorable tones about the " sacrifice " soldiers had made in that war , speaking as though he knew the dead soldiers personally . My grandfather wept -- the only time my father ever saw him do so -- and shouted , " You were n't there , you do n't know ! You were n't there ! " My grandfather was being written out of history , and millions of those who suffered with him likewise . <p> The hypocrites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trumpets , their vain show and empty words . They march like a little army through the streets , ready to fight another war , but this time against history . Those poor soldiers never get any rest , but are dug up and killed anew every year . Lest we remember . posted by Jehan at 5:31 AM on November 11 45 favorites <p> From my mother 's sleep I fell into the State , And I hunched in its belly till my wet fur froze . Six miles from earth , loosed from its dream of life , I woke to black flak and the nightmare fighters . When I died they washed me out of the turret with a hose . posted by KokuRyu at 5:32 AM on November 11 1 favorite <p> What always grates me at Remembrance Day ceremonies at the cenotaph on the lawn of the legislature is the oppressive ( but understandable ) martial atmosphere , with howitzers saluting and jets flying past , and the absurd blanket statement that " they died to make the world a better place . " Perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idiotic to say that about a conflict like World War I. posted by KokuRyu at 5:35 AM on November 11 2 favorites <p> My great-uncle was in the balloon corps in France . He never spoke of the experience , but whenever there was a thunder and lightning storm he took his wife and child and hid in the bathroom of their apartment , the only room that had no windows . <p> A great uncle on the other side , irretrievably distant when I knew him , was described by his brother as having been a wonderful , kind man until he , too , spent time serving in France . I knew him only as a broken alcoholic who would not look anyone in the eye . <p> Thank you for posting . To me this day will always be Armistice Day . posted by kinnakeet at 5:40 AM on November 11 <p> I was shopping today at 11:11 . Some guy mumbled something over the store PA and they played Last Post , and the shop went silent , except for the television that was cranked up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling me all the great things I could be spending my cast on . <p> Not being the type to stand there and whatever , I continued to browse in the same section of shelves ( for what seemed more than a minute ) so as not to interfere with all the serious commemoration people , I noticed there was also the ping-ping-ping of the register to accompany the jingle . <p> We all volunteered , and we wrote down our names , And we added two years to our ages , Eager for life and ahead of the game , Ready for history 's pages , And we brawled and we fought and we whored ' til we stood , Ten thousand shoulder to shoulder , A thirst for the Hun , we were food for the gun , And that 's what you are when you 're soldiers posted by Sailormom at 6:17 AM on November 11 3 favorites <p> Perhaps that is what each soldier thought , but it 's idiotic to say that about a conflict like World War I. <p> A war - let it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted by Egg Shen at 6:41 AM on November 11 1 favorite <p> So if you have a problem with remembrance day , then you are remembering it wrong . <p> For what it 's worth , though , this is kind of the point of the article . The author takes issue with how the public-at-large is ' remembering ' and implicitly advocates the day of mourning you mention . posted by six-or-six-thirty at 6:48 AM on November 11 <p> Your story , Mezentian , reminded me of something I saw a few years ago . <p> I was watching Platoon on cable TV . In the final scene , with that famously melancholic music , we see bulldozers push dirty bodies into pits , as Charlie Sheen 's character is loaded on a stretcher into a helicopter , to be sent home . <p> Charlie starts weeping , and the final monologue is dubbed in over the action as the helicopter lifts off and flies away : <p> I think now , looking back , we did not fight the enemy , we fought ourselves . The enemy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , but it wi <p> Instead of hearing Sheen say he 'll " try with what 's left of our lives to find a goodness and a meaning to this life " I heard some cheery announcer try to sell me on the next program , as the movie window shrunk to half size , and the network 's graphics came swooping in , framing the soldier in his agonizing , epiphanic moment . posted by victorylaser at 6:48 AM on November 11 5 favorites <p> Pile the bodies high at Austerlitz and Waterloo . Shovel them under and let me work -- I am the grass ; I cover all . <p> And pile them high at Gettysburg And pile them high at Ypres and Verdun . Shovel them under and let me work . Two years , ten years , and passengers ask the conductor : What place is this ? Where are we now ? <p> It sucks when this day falls on a Saturday or Sunday . A Friday or a Monday observance would have really done wonders for the pre-Black Friday economic situation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and festivities which usually occur over a three-day holiday weekend . posted by Renoroc at 6:58 AM on November 11 1 favorite <p> I 've always preferred the more solemn approach towards remembrance in the UK and Commonwealth . The more raucous US version just leaves me cold . <p> There 's not enough periods in the world convey the grief and loss that this day signifies . I remain forever grateful for their sacrifice . posted by arcticseal at 7:10 AM on November 11 2 favorites <p> My great uncle volunteered in WWI when he was a year too young , and he died two weeks before Armistice . Even so , he was responsible , in a roundabout way , for my parents meeting , and therefore , me . RIP . posted by oneironaut at 7:19 AM on November 11 <p> A war - let it be remembered - in which no volunteer armies participated . <p> Yes and no . Britain did n't institute conscription until 1916 . Before that , when General Kitchener wanted you , they signed up in droves . <p> It seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dull tunnel , long since scooped Through granites which Titanic wars had groined . Yet also there encumbered sleepers groaned , Too fast in thought or death to be bestirred . Then , as I probed them , one sprang up , and stared With piteous recognition in fixed eyes , Lifting distressful hands as if to bless . And by his smile , I knew that sullen hall ; By his dead smile , I knew we stood in Hell . With a thousand fears that vision 's face was grained ; Yet no blood reached there from the upper ground , And no guns thumped , or down the flues made moan . " Strange , friend , " I said , " Here is no cause to mourn . " " None , " said the other , " Save the undone years , The hopelessness . Whatever hope is yours , Was my life also ; I went hunting wild After the wildest beauty in the world , Which lies not calm in eyes , or braided hair , But mocks the steady running of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here . For by my glee might many men have laughed , And of my weeping something has been left , Which must die now . I mean the truth untold , The pity of war , the pity war distilled . Now men will go content with what we spoiled . Or , discontent , boil bloody , and be spilled . They will be swift with swiftness of the tigress , None will break ranks , though nations trek from progress . Courage was mine , and I had mystery ; Wisdom was mine , and I had mastery ; To miss the march of this retreating world Into vain citadels that are not walled . Then , when much blood had clogged their chariot-wheels I would go up and wash them from sweet wells , Even with truths that lie too deep for taint . I would have poured my spirit without stint But not through wounds ; not on the cess of war . Foreheads of men have bled where no wounds were . I am the enemy you killed , my friend . I knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through me as you jabbed and killed . I parried ; but my hands were loath and cold . Let us sleep now . . . " <p> Also around this time every year is the anniversary of Operation Hump , with a particularly crisp set of images that I use to flag my not altogether misspent youth . <p> However , John McCrae was especially qualified to mark the season : Flanders Fields John McCrae , 1915 . <p> In Flanders fields the and in the sky The larks , still bravely singing , fly Scarce heard . We are the Dead . Short days ago We lived , felt dawn , saw sunset glow , Loved and were loved , ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep , though poppies grow In Flanders fields . posted by mule98J at 7:59 AM on November 11 2 favorites <p> A war - let it be remembered - in which no volunteer armies participated . <p> Most of the Canadians who fought were volunteers . Conscription began late in the war . We can talk about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of voluntary volunteers who did not need the pressure ( but may have pressured others ) . <p> In Britain , more upperclass young men died proportionately in WWI than lower-class men -- because young officers were more likely to die than enlisted , and because more upperclass men volunteered than lowerclass . For more , this is a good demographic study . <p> Of all of the wars of the 20th century , WWI is not a good example of elites sending off poor people to die for them . Certainly for the British - and Canadians and other commonwealth citizens - we sent our own sons , brothers and fathers . posted by jb at 8:12 AM on November 11 5 favorites <p> I do n't mourn this day , or celebrate , because those particular choices do n't seem to be working out to well for me . But I do remember . That 's my job . They would do the same for me , if they could . posted by mule98J at 8:15 AM on November 11 2 favorites <p> A war - let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . posted by Egg Shen at 9:41 AM on November 11 + ! <p> Not entirely accurate . There was no conscription in Australia during the war . posted by dazedone at 8:29 AM on November 11 <p> June 9 , 1918 To : J.W. Hodges RFD #1 USA <p> From : Anniston , Ala . <p> Dear Mamma , <p> I received your letter a few days ago , but I have been so busy that I have n't had time to write . Well , I may leave here pretty soon , but I do n't know just when it will be . It was alright for you to spend some of the money , but if you get the other before I go across , I wish that you would send it to me . After that , you can do anything you want to with it . <p> Well , I did n't get to go to see my girl to-day , but I am not much grieved about it . If you do not hear from me for a week or two , do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going across , but all the boys address a card to their parents before they leave and when the ship arrives safe on the other side , it is sent to you . <p> I will close . Ans. soon . Joe <p> My add . Is the same . <p> July 21 , 1918 To : J.W. Hodges RFD #1 USA <p> Dear Mamma , <p> I will try and answer your letter which I received about a week ago . We have moved again and I guess that we will have a little fun before very long . I guess you will be surprised to know that I am as close to the as from to . I have been almost all the way across France and I like better every day . I think I will just marry a French girl when the war is over and stay over here , what do you think of that ? Well , I have an automatic rifle squad and I think that we will get a few of the Germans . It seems that pay day will never come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is nothing much to buy over here , but I would like have a little money . I will close . Answer real soon . <p> March 4 , 1919 To : J.W. Hodges RFD #1 USA <p> Dear Mamma , <p> I will try and write to you again to-day as I am not drilling . I am on guard and I am lucky too because it is raining . It rained yesterday and I was out on the rifle range . The rain does n't make any difference with us . We drill in any kind of weather . I will be glad when June comes . It will all be over . I guess unless there is another war by that time , but I think by the next war , I can stay at home and wave a flag when the boys leave and say " so long boys . I hate to see you go . " <p> Well , the boys forgot my birthday I guess . Anyway , they did not do any thing to me . I hope that you all are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon . <p> March 20 , 1919 To : J.W. Hodges RFD #1 USA <p> Dear Mamma , <p> I will try and write to you all again . We are not drilling to-day . It has been snowing all the morning , but its the first time we have stayed on account a snow or rain . This is pretty late for it to snow , but it is two inches deep . I had a pass to go to a football game to-day , but I do n't think I will go . It is too cold and we have to go in trucks anyway . <p> I had a letter from Charlie a few days ago and he said that he thought that he would be home soon . I guess he will get home before I do , but let 's all hope it wo n't be later than June when I get back . I can sign up in the regular Army for three more years and get a sixty day furlough home not counting traveling time , but I do n't believe I like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to though . <p> I think that it makes sense for Grandpa to take care of the girls while I am over here , do n't you ? I will close . Ans. soon . <p> RETURN to greet me , colours that were my joy , Not in the woeful crimson of men slain , But shining as a garden ; come with the streaming Banners of dawn and sundown after rain . <p> I want to fill my gaze with blue and silver , Radiance through living roses , spires of green , Rising in young-limbed copse and lovely wood , Where the hueless wind passes and cries unseen . <p> I am not sad ; only I long for lustre , -- Tired of the greys and browns and leafless ash . I would have hours that move like a glitter of dancers , Far from the angry guns that boom and flash . <p> Return , musical , gay with blossom and fleetness , Days when my sight shall be clear and my heart rejoice ; Come from the sea with breadth of approaching brightness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice . posted by TheWhiteSkull at 8:37 AM on November 11 <p> I wish there was also room on this day to remember those who did not choose to go to war , but lived through it all the same . None of my family members served in any military , but they lived on other people 's battlegrounds. posted by emeiji at 9:28 AM on November 11 6 favorites <p> 1 . Before an Examination <p> The little letters dance across the page , Flaunt and retire , and trick the tired eyes ; Sick of the strain , the glaring light , I rise Yawning and stretching , full of empty rage At the dull maunderings of a long dead sage , Fling up the windows , fling aside his lies ; Choosing to breathe , not stifle and be wise , And let the air pour in upon my cage . <p> The breeze blows cool and there are stars and stars Beyond the dark , soft masses of the elms That whisper things in windy tones and light . They seem to wheel for dim , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of silver helms Ring icy-clear from the far deeps of night . <p> 2 . Talk <p> Tobacco smoke drifts up to the dim ceiling From half a dozen pipes and cigarettes , Curling in endless shapes , in blue rings wheeling , As formless as our talk . Phil , drawling , bets Cornell will win the relay in a walk , While Bob and Mac discuss the Giants ' chances ; Deep in a morris-chair , Bill scowls at " Falk " , John gives large views about the last few dances . <p> And so it goes -- an idle speech and aimless , A few chance phrases ; yet I see behind The empty words the gleam of a beauty tameless , Friendship and peace and fire to strike men blind , Till the whole world seems small and bright to hold -- Of all our youth this hour is pure gold . <p> 3 . May Morning <p> I lie stretched out upon the window-seat And doze , and read a page or two , and doze , And feel the air like water on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beat With a small noise , monotonous and sweet , Against the window -- and the scent of cool , Frail flowers by some brown and dew-drenched pool Possesses me from drowsy head to feet . <p> This is the time of all-sufficing laughter At idiotic things some one has done , And there is neither past nor vague hereafter . And all your body stretches in the sun And drinks the light in like a liquid thing ; Filled with the divine languor of late spring . <p> 4 . Return -- 1917 <p> " The College will reopen Sept. -- . " Catalogue ' . <p> I was just aiming at the jagged hole Torn in the yellow sandbags of their trench , When something threw me sideways with a wrench , And the skies seemed to shrivel like a scroll And disappear . . . and propped against the bole Of a big elm I lay , and watched the clouds Float through the blue , deep sky in speckless crowds , And I was clean again , and young , and whole . <p> Lord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doze Waiting for Bill to come along to class ! I 've cut it now -- and he -- Oh , hello , Fred ! Why , what 's the matter ? -- here -- do n't be an ass , Sit down and tell me ! -- What do you suppose ? I dreamed I . . . am I . . . wounded ? " You are dead . " posted by maryr at 9:38 AM on November 11 1 favorite <p> Someone linked me this poem today as her husband is a Canadian Navy veteran . I had never heard it before or know the source : <p> IN DEEP WATERS <p> In ocean wastes no poppies blow , No crosses stand in ordered row , There young hearts sleep ... beneath the wave ... <p> ... The spirited , the good , the brave , But stars a constant vigil keep , For them who lie beneath the deep . ' T is true you can not kneel in prayer On certain spot and think . " He 's there . " <p> But you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row ; Know one for him will always ride ... In and out ... with every tide . And when your span of life is passed , He 'll meet you at the " Captain 's Mast . " And they who mourn on distant shore For sailors who 'll come home no more , Can dry their tears and pray for these Who rest beneath the heaving seas ... For stars that shine and winds that blow And whitecaps marching row on row . And they can never lonely be For when they lived ... they chose the sea posted by kanata at 9:48 AM on November 11 8 favorites <p> I could not dig ; I dared not rob : Therefore I lied to please the mob . Now all my lies are proved untrue And I must face the men I slew . What tale shall serve me here among Mine angry and defrauded young ? <p> The comments in this post are why I love Metafilter . Living in Canada , I always feel uncomfortable with everyone barking at me to thank the veterans " for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sort of like being against smoking or drunk driving- it makes you feel good to raise your hand , with no thought required . I also hate how ALL wars are lumped in together today , and your support for soldiers is all-or-nothing . How one can equate terrified teens signing up for the World Wars ( either due to pressure , conscription , or a desire to fight ) with professional soldiers fighting in Afghanistan for debatable reasons is beyond me . <p> This rant aside , I like how many other commenters here have reminded me that the day can be what you want it to be . It certainly sounds like many ( here , at least ) use the day to think about the insanity of war and the terrible suffering of the fallen , and that war is something we should be ashamed of . I 'll remember this approach for next year , and try to pass it on to my kids . <p> I find Veterans Day alienating . I know only a few veterans personally ( who are still alive , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at some point in their lives ) , and I would feel weird saying " thank you for your service " or whatever the phrase is we 're supposed to use . I 'm not even sure what we 're thanking them for . posted by The corpse in the library at 10:49 AM on November 11 <p> Have you forgotten yet ? ... For the world 's events have rumbled on since those gagged days , Like traffic checked while at the crossing of city-ways : And the haunted gap in your mind has filled with thoughts that flow Like clouds in the lit heaven of life ; and you 're a man reprieved to go , Taking your peaceful share of Time , with joy to spare . But the past is just the same--and War 's a bloody game ... Have you forgotten yet ? ... Look down , and swear by the slain of the War that you 'll never forget . <p> Do you remember the dark months you held the sector at Mametz-- The nights you watched and wired and dug and piled sandbags @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stench Of corpses rotting in front of the front-line trench-- And dawn coming , dirty-white , and chill with a hopeless rain ? Do you ever stop and ask , ' Is it all going to happen again ? ' <p> Do you remember that hour of din before the attack-- And the anger , the blind compassion that seized and shook you then As you peered at the doomed and haggard faces of your men ? Do you remember the stretcher-cases lurching back With dying eyes and lolling heads--those ashen-grey Masks of the lads who once were keen and kind and gay ? <p> Have you forgotten yet ? ... Look up , and swear by the green of the spring that you 'll never forget . <p> Ladies and gentlemen , this is High Wood , Called by the French , Bois des Fourneaux , The famous spot which in Nineteen-Sixteen , July , August and September was the scene Of long and bitterly contested strife , By reason of its High commanding site . Observe the effect of shell-fire in the trees Standing and fallen ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twelve times changes hands ; ( They soon fall in ) , used later as a grave . It has been said on good authority That in the fighting for this patch of wood Were killed somewhere above eight thousand men , Of whom the greater part were buried here , This mound on which you stand being ... Madame , please , <p> You are requested kindly not to touch Or take away the Company 's property As souvenirs ; you 'll find we have on sale A large variety , all guaranteed . As I was saying , all is as it was , This is an unknown British officer , The tunic having lately rotten off . Please follow me - this way ... The path , sir , please , <p> The ground which was secured at great expense The Company keeps absolutely untouched , And in that dug-out ( genuine ) we provide Refreshments at a reasonable rate . You are requested not to leave about Paper , or ginger-beer bottles , or orange-peel , There are waste-paper baskets at the gate . <p> PHILIP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and there was an hour of silence . It 's not terribly unusual at my Meeting to not speak for the whole hour , but there was something more to it , today . posted by kalimac at 10:55 AM on November 11 4 favorites <p> his wellbelovd colonel ( trig westpointer most succinctly bred ) took erring Olaf soon in hand ; but--though an host of overjoyed noncoms ( first knocking on the head him ) do through icy waters roll that helplessness which others stroke with brushes recently employed anent this muddy toiletbowl , while kindred intellects evoke allegiance per blunt instruments-- Olaf ( being to all intents a corpse and wanting any rag upon what God unto him gave ) responds , without getting annoyed " I will not kiss your fucking flag " <p> but--though all kinds of officers ( a yearning nation 's blueeyed pride ) their passive prey did kick and curse until for wear their clarion voices and boots were much the worse , and egged the firstclassprivates on his rectum wickedly to tease by means of skilfully applied bayonets roasted hot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does almost ceaselessly repeat " there is some shit I will not eat " <p> our president , being of which assertions duly notified threw the yellowsonofabitch into a dungeon , where he died <p> Christ ( of His mercy infinite ) i pray to see ; and Olaf , too <p> preponderatingly because unless statistics lie he was more brave than me:more blond than you . <p> Scene : the summit of Achi Baba , an exposed spot , looking out across the Dardanelles towards Asia and the East . In a crevice between the rocks lie two graves covered by a single heap of stones . No monument marks them , for they escaped notice during the official survey , and the heap of stones has blended into the desolate and austere outline of the hill . The peninsula is turning towards the sun , and as the rays strike Achi Baba the graves begin to speak . <p> FIRST GRAVE : We are important again upon earth . Each morning men mention us . <p> SECOND GRAVE : Yes , after seven years ' silence . <p> @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refers to the " sanctity of our graves in Gallipoli . " <p> SECOND GRAVE : Why do the eminent men speak of " our " graves , as if they were themselves dead ? It is we , not they , who lie on Achi Baba . <p> FIRST GRAVE : They say " our " out of geniality and in order to touch the great heart of our nation more quickly . Punch , the great-hearted jester , showed a picture lately in which the Prime Minister of England , Lloyd George , fertile in counsels , is urged to go to war to protect " the sanctity of our graves in Gallipoli . " The elderly artist who designed that picture is not dead and does not mean to die . He hopes to illustrate this war as he did the last , for a sufficient salary . Nevertheless he writes " our " graves , as if he was inside one , and all persons of position now say the same . <p> SECOND GRAVE : If they go to war , there will be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desire . That is what Lloyd George , prudent in counsels , and lion-hearted Churchill , intend . <p> SECOND GRAVE : But where will they dig them ? <p> FIRST GRAVE : There is still room over in Chanak . Also , it is well for a nation that would be great to scatter its graves all over the world . Graves in Ireland , graves in Irak , Russia , Persia , Inia , each with its inscription from the Bible or Rupert Brooke . When England thinks fit , she can launch an expedition to protect the sanctity of her graves , and can follow that by another expedition to protect the sanctity of the additional graves . That is what Lloyd George , prudent in counsels , and lion-hearted Churchill , have planned . Churchill planned this expedition to Gallipoli , where I was killed . He planned the expedition to Antwerp , where my brother was killed . Then he said that Labour is not fit to govern . Rolling his eyes for fresh worlds , he saw Egypt , and fearing that peace might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whatever he undertakes is a success . He is Churchill the Fortunate , ever in office , and clouds of dead heroes attend him . Nothing for schools , nothing for houses , nothing for the life of the body , nothing for the spirit . England can not spare a penny for anything except her heroes ' graves . <p> SECOND GRAVE : Is she really putting herself to so much expense on our account ? <p> FIRST GRAVE : For us , and for the Freedom of the Straits . That water flowing below us now--it must be thoroughly free . What freedom is , great men are uncertain , but all agree that the water must be free for all nations ; if in peace , then for all nations in peace ; if in war , then for all nations in war . <p> SECOND GRAVE : So all nations now support England . <p> FIRST GRAVE : It is almost inexplicable . England stands alone . Of the dozens of nations into which the globe is divided , not a single one follows her banner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SECOND GRAVE : Yes ... inexplicable . Perhaps she fights for some other reason . <p> FIRST GRAVE : Ah , the true reason of a war is never known until all who have fought in it are dead . In a hundred years ' time we shall be told . Meanwhile seek not to inquire . There are rumours that rich men desire to be richer , but we can not know . <p> SECOND GRAVE : If rich men desire more riches , let them fight . It is reasonable to fight for our desires . <p> FIRST GRAVE : But they can not fight . They must not fight . There are too few of them . They would be killed . If a rich man went into the interior of Asia and tried to take more gold or more oil , he might be seriously injured at once . He must persuade poor men , who are numerous , to go there for him . And perhaps this is what Lloyd George , fertile in counsels , has decreed . He has tried to enter Asia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who , seven years ago , failed to join England after they had promised to do so , and our graves in Gallipoli are the result of this . But Churchill the Fortunate , ever in office , ever magnanimous , bore the Greeks no grudge , and he and Lloyd George persuaded their young men to enter Asia . They have mostly been killed there , so English young men must be persuaded instead . A phrase must be thought of , and " the Gallipoli graves " is the handiest . The clergy must wave their Bibles , the old men their newspapers , the old women their knitting , the unmarried girls must wave white feathers , and all must shout , " Gallipoli graves , Gallipoli graves , Gallipoli , Gally Polly , Gally Polly , " until the young men are ashamed and think , What sound can that be but my country 's call ? and Chanak receives them . <p> SECOND GRAVE : Chanak is to sanctify Gallipoli . <p> FIRST GRAVE : It will make our heap of stones for ever England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do that to my portion of it . I was a Turk . <p> FIRST GRAVE : What ! A Turk ! You a Turk ? And I have lain beside you for seven years and never known ! <p> SECOND GRAVE : How should you have known ? What is there to know except that I am your brother ? <p> FIRST GRAVE : I am yours ... <p> SECOND GRAVE : All is dead except that . All graves are one . It is their unity that sanctifies them , and some day even the living will learn this . <p> FIRST GRAVE : Ah , but why can they not learn it while they are still alive ? His comrade can not answer this question . Achi Baba passes beneath the sun , and so long as there is light warlike preparations can be seen on the opposite coast . Presently all objects enter into their own shadows , and through the general veil thus formed the stars become apparent . <p> That " whole generation who were butchered and damned " left generations behind them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was gassed in the very last days of the war ( Meuse-Argonne ) . He died in a hospital in the desert when my father was a toddler . I 'm sure Dad 's life would have been very different , and mine , too , had he not been raised by a widow who became a nun to his father 's memory . Little boys and girls should be raised by women or men , not by " pictures in brown leather frames " . ( NOT Willie McBrideist ) posted by cookie-k at 11:50 AM on November 11 1 favorite <p> Survivors Siegfried Sassoon <p> No doubt they 'll soon get well ; the shock and strain Have caused their stammering , disconnected talk . Of course they 're " longing to go out again , " -- These boys with old , scared faces , learning to walk , They 'll soon forget their haunted nights ; their cowed Subjection to the ghosts of friends who died , -- Their dreams that drip with murder ; and they 'll be proud Of glorious war that shatter 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , grim and glad ; Children , with eyes that hate you , broken and mad . posted by iotic at 12:10 PM on November 11 1 favorite <p> Every Remembrance Day ceremony I 've attend here in Canada has included some discussion of praying for peace and finding a way to bring about peace without war . It is interesting to me to see the contrast between American Veteran 's Day . I never thought of Nov. 11 being anything but remembering those who lost their lives in war , those who are currently serving , and acknowledging war is not the way to achieve peace and hoping for a future without it . posted by kanata at 12:40 PM on November 11 <p> &gt; &gt; Flocks , not droves . Each callow bird came with his own white feather . <p> Not even just the callow . My ( American ) grandfather happened to be in Canada before the US got involved and was given one of these . Not sure if it had any effect on his entering . <p> ( Other American grandfather , the pacifist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Red Cross and POWs , to which end he was studying a bit of Russian . A patriot on a bus noticed the cyrillic script in a book he was reading and denounced him then and there and quite loudly as a spy . Happily , the bus conductor was a man of cooler temperament , escorted the fellow off and apologized to my grandfather . As far as I know , the feather thing never reached Germany . Strange times. ) posted by BWA at 12:44 PM on November 11 <p> Now light the candles ; one ; two ; there 's a moth ; What silly beggars they are to blunder in And scorch their wings with glory , liquid flame -- No , no , not that , -- it 's bad to think of war , When thoughts you 've gagged all day come back to scare you ; And it 's been proved that soldiers do n't go mad Unless they lose control of ugly thoughts That drive them out to jabber among the trees . <p> Now light your pipe ; look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; stop thinking ; count fifteen , And you 're as right as rain ... Why wo n't it rain ? ... I wish there 'd be a thunder-storm to-night , With bucketsful of water to sluice the dark , And make the roses hang their dripping heads . Books ; what a jolly company they are , Standing so quiet and patient on their shelves , Dressed in dim brown , and black , and white , and green , And every kind of colour . Which will you read ? Come on ; O do read something ; they 're so wise . I tell you all the wisdom of the world Is waiting for you on those shelves ; and yet You sit and gnaw your nails , and let your pipe out , And listen to the silence : on the ceiling There 's one big , dizzy moth that bumps and flutters ; And in the breathless air outside the house The garden waits for something that delays . There must be crowds of ghosts among the trees , -- Not people killed in battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shapes in shrouds -- old men who died Slow , natural deaths , -- old men with ugly souls , Who wore their bodies out with nasty sins . . . . . <p> You 're quiet and peaceful , summering safe at home ; You 'd never think there was a bloody war on ! ... O yes , you would ... why , you can hear the guns . Hark ! Thud , thud , thud , -- quite soft ... they never cease -- Those whispering guns -- O Christ , I want to go out And screech at them to stop -- I 'm going crazy ; I 'm going stark , staring mad because of the guns . posted by catlet at 1:30 PM on November 11 3 favorites <p> I always feel uncomfortable with everyone barking at me to thank the veterans " for my freedom . " <p> There is one odd sense in which every soldier fighting for a democratic country is fighting for freedom . Soldiers know better than most the cost of war , and are better trained than most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered into pointless and futile wars , they go . The alternative is a coup d'etat . The bedrock of democracy is that the folks with the guns obey elected civilians . <p> American soldiers now fighting in Afghanistan know that our stated war aims are absurd , but there they are , in obedience to the democratic process . They are fighting for the freedom of Americans to vote for either of two cynical , ignorant warmongering parties , or perhaps to vote for something better if something better came along . posted by **29;2091;TOOLONG at 3:26 PM on November 11 6 favorites <p> The fault lies not in our Bronze or Silver Stars but in ourselves . posted by infinitewindow at 3:30 PM on November 11 <p> Had he and I but met By some old ancient inn , We should have set us down to wet Right many a nipperkin ! <p> But ranged as infantry , And staring face to face , I shot at him as he at me , And killed him in his place . <p> I shot him dead because -- Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course he was ; That 's clear enough ; although <p> He thought he 'd ' list , perhaps , Off-hand like -- just as I -- Was out of work -- had sold his traps -- No other reason why . <p> Yes ; quaint and curious war is ! You shoot a fellow down You 'd treat , if met where any bar is , Or help to half a crown . posted by caphector at 3:44 PM on November 11 2 favorites <p> Where have all the graveyards gone ? Long time passing Where have all the graveyards gone ? Long time ago Where have all the graveyards gone ? Covered with flowers every one When will we ever learn ? When will we ever learn ? posted by Twang at 6:15 PM on November 11 <p> Veterans Day . You may be surprised by what we remember . <p> The Hump had come and gone , and I was into my second tour , and we were back up on the Song Be again . I had killed them before , but I had never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the KZ , point my weapon into the green darkness while trying to see through trees and clutter , and listen , while my brothers behind me go through bloody pockets for documents or maps , to find what they can find ; usually diaries and pictures ; PAVNs are great diarists . We take their weapons and ammo and leave their bodies on the trail for their fellows to find later , and bury . I know they do this because I have watched them . Contrary to the rumors , they seem to value human life . <p> This day , after all the noise and busy stuff , it was my turn . I rolled him over an looked into his face , and even though it so very obviously was impossible I had to keep swatting back the image that he would open his eyes and find me going through his pockets . My team leader on his knees a few feet away muttered for me to keep moving . All those weeks I had been a soldier doing remarkable and audacious things but now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my age , a boxer 's shoulders , clean hands , well trimmed fingernails . He had walked six hundred miles and I had come from half the world away to meet here in this little clearing in an impossibly beautiful forest , and now I was stealing his wallet . Do you know ? --sometimes they groan when you move them , but it does n't mean anything . <p> Two weeks later my team leader caught a bullet in his knee and two more in his butt cheek . He did n't bleed much and we got mixed up on the surrettes and I think probably we gave him too many , because he was inappropriately laughing now and then as we hauled him to the edge of the clearing and set up to wait for the choppers . He went home , and I got a medal for it . Go figure . <p> A few months after that--this is where Veterans Day comes in . You see , I am a solid Scorpio--I went home on leave to Arizona , and I wanted to buy a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see , I did n't turn 21 until the next day , and the guy would n't sell it to me , tells me the law is the law , and he ai n't going to put his liquor license on the line for me . I get my friend 's mother to buy it . She drops a five-dollar bill on the counter and tells him that she hopes he 'll turn her in for giving liquor to a minor . What a deal . <p> I got drunk and went by myself to the movies . The Sound of Music . I still ca n't stand that goddam movie . posted by mule98J at 8:03 PM on November 11 10 favorites <p> He fell in October 1918 , on a day that was so quiet and still on the whole front , that the army report confined itself to the single sentence : All quiet on the Western Front . He had fallen forward and lay on the earth as though sleeping . Turning him over one saw that he could not have suffered long ; his face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end had come . posted by Chrysostom at 7:25 AM on November 12 1 favorite <p> After some deaths in the family , my partner found a book containing his grandfather 's letters home from WW1 . We 've been transcribing them onto the computer . He enlisted in 1916 , was a driver for the Australian Medical Corps , spent much of the war around Armentieres and was invalided out when he was gassed . <p> We finished the letters on November 10 . Yesterday I went through them and made notes on all the boys he mentions in passing who did not come home . Nine of them , mostly from Nyah , the tiny country town he came from ; mostly farmers , fruit growers or farm labourers ; one a doctor killed by a shell whilst in charge of a medical aid post . <p> His little comments on them are so poignant in retrospect ; casual , cheerful things like " Roy sends his best wishes for a Happy Xmas , and you can tell Mrs Louttit from me that Roy is a " @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then you discover that Roy and his two brothers were all killed , one at Gallipoli , two on the Western Front . <p> I found tributes to many of them in their local paper of the time , like this one for the rather handsome Val Foster : <p> He enlisted a little over twelve months ago , having previously been rejected twice because of a slight physical defect . Previous to enlisting he was a most energetic worker in all patriotic efforts , and was untiring in his work on behalf of the men who had gone to the front . All his spare time was devoted to doing things on behalf of the soldiers . In fact , Val Foster had no spare time . He organised working bees on the orchard blocks belonging to men who were on active service , and every soldier who went from Nyah carried to his comrades at the front stories of what Val Foster was doing for them , earning for him the undying gratitude of Nyah soldiers and their dependents . He was not satisfied with that , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to join them . At last he was accepted , and ended a life of usefulness on the battlefields of Flanders . <p> " Ended a life of usefulness on the battlefields of Flanders " says it all . It 's just so unbelievably sad and pointless . posted by andraste at 3:16 AM on November 13 4 favorites <p> Older William Manchester was an American author

@@5063141 <h> Soaring Import Penetration Slows US Economic Growth and Job Creation <p> Welcome to Trade Ticker - the web 's only up-to-the-second counter for the U.S. Trade Deficit . <p> What does this number actually mean ? The number above represents the U.S. trade deficit , up until this second , for the year 2012 . A trade deficit is a calculation of the difference between the goods and services Americans sell to foreigners and the goods and services that Americans purchase from foreigners . A trade deficit with one country or in one year is not necessarily worrisome , and according to standard economic theory , will correct itself over time . But the theory has been proved wrong over the last 30 years as the United States has run consistent and increasing trade deficits . The enormous size of the trade deficits over the last several years raises the possibility of a severe international economic crisis should foreigners begin to dump the dollars they hold in world currency markets . The trade deficit is calculated on an annual basis , so the number above was $0.00 on January 1st , 2012 . <p> How is it calculated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published to the general public approximately two months after the last day of the month . For example , the final trade deficit for January 2001 was published in March 2001 . The Trade Ticker records the monthly trade deficit when it is published , and calculates the number above , to the nearest second . The running total for the year is calculated , then the average increment per second is added for every second since the release of the latest figures . <p> The number looks like a lot of money , but what does it mean for me ? Thousands of U.S. layoffs occur every week . You only have to look at **27;6594;TOOLONG news section to see the number of US jobs that are being cut across a wide range of industries . A high percentage of these layoffs are as a direct result of competition from foreign companies . Eventually , as more and more money leaves the U.S. , our businesses will be powerless to prevent further such activity . <p> Monthly Trade Figures Since January 2003 <p> Month <p> US Trade Deficit ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 <p> $43,790 <p> July 2012 <p> $42,446 <p> June 2012 <p> $41,899 <p> May 2012 <p> $47,596 <p> April 2012 <p> $49,826 <p> March 2012 <p> $51,647 <p> February 2012 <p> $44,507 <p> January 2012 <p> $52,209 <p> December 2011 <p> $50,421 <p> November 2011 <p> $47,542 <p> October 2011 <p> $43,121 <p> September 2011 <p> $44,009 <p> August 2011 <p> $45,091 <p> July 2011 <p> $45,613 <p> June 2011 <p> $51,774 <p> May 2011 <p> $50,210 <p> April 2011 <p> $43,231 <p> March 2011 <p> $46,059 <p> February 2011 <p> $45,381 <p> January 2011 <p> $47,521 <p> December 2010 <p> $40,264 <p> November 2010 <p> $38,239 <p> October 2010 <p> $38,227 <p> September 2010 <p> $44,079 <p> August 2010 <p> $46,316 <p> July 2010 <p> $42,226 <p> June 2010 <p> $49,941 <p> May 2010 <p> $41,996 <p> April 2010 <p> $40,571 <p> March 2010 <p> $39,506 <p> February 2010 <p> $39,718 <p> January 2010 <p> $34,647 <p> December 2009 <p> $39,902 <p> November 2009 <p> $36,114 <p> October 2009 <p> $32,933 <p> September 2009 <p> $35,281 <p> August 2009 <p> $29,938 <p> July 2009 <p> $31,165 <p> June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2009 <p> $28,440 <p> March 2009 <p> $28,816 <p> February 2009 <p> $26,504 <p> January 2009 <p> $36,901 <p> December 2008 <p> $48,165 <p> November 2008 <p> $54,259 <p> October 2008 <p> $58,030 <p> September 2008 <p> $58,135 <p> August 2008 <p> $60,244 <p> July 2008 <p> $62,505 <p> June 2008 <p> $59,135 <p> May 2008 <p> $59,790 <p> April 2008 <p> $60,498 <p> March 2008 <p> $56,491 <p> February 2008 <p> $60,573 <p> January 2008 <p> $57,856 <p> December 2007 <p> $57,896 <p> November 2007 <p> $62,408 <p> October 2007 <p> $57,586 <p> September 2007 <p> $56,945 <p> August 2007 <p> $56,729 <p> July 2007 <p> $58,895 <p> June 2007 <p> $59,983 <p> May 2007 <p> $60,274 <p> April 2007 <p> $59,213 <p> March 2007 <p> $63,035 <p> February 2007 <p> $58,228 <p> January 2007 <p> $57,356 <p> December 2006 <p> $61,453 <p> November 2006 <p> $58,214 <p> October 2006 <p> $58,926 <p> September 2006 <p> $64,603 <p> August 2006 <p> $68,915 <p> July 2006 <p> $67,882 <p> June 2006 <p> $64,695 <p> May 2006 <p> $65,340 <p> April 2006 <p> $63,598 <p> March 2006 <p> $62,266 <p> February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2005 <p> $65,074 <p> November 2005 <p> $64,462 <p> October 2005 <p> $67,836 <p> September 2005 <p> $65,585 <p> August 2005 <p> $58,462 <p> July 2005 <p> $57,355 <p> June 2005 <p> $59,130 <p> May 2005 <p> $55,971 <p> April 2005 <p> $57,681 <p> March 2005 <p> $53,754 <p> February 2005 <p> $60,114 <p> January 2005 <p> $58,267 <p> December 2004 <p> $54,672 <p> November 2004 <p> $58,977 <p> October 2004 <p> $55,574 <p> September 2004 <p> $51,939 <p> August 2004 <p> $54,195 <p> July 2004 <p> $51,331 <p> June 2004 <p> $54,894 <p> May 2004 <p> $48,472 <p> April 2004 <p> $48,406 <p> March 2004 <p> $46,966 <p> Feb 2004 <p> $45,834 <p> Jan 2004 <p> $46,053 <p> Dec 2003 <p> $43,742 <p> Nov 2003 <p> $39,559 <p> Oct 2003 <p> $41,126 <p> Sept 2003 <p> $41,645 <p> Aug 2003 <p> $40,125 <p> Jul 2003 <p> $40,929 <p> Jun 2003 <p> $39,882 <p> May 2003 <p> $40,792 <p> April 2003 <p> $42,176 <p> Mar 2003 <p> $43,543 <p> Feb 2003 <p> $40,073 <p> Jan 2003 <p> $41,218 <p> American Economic Alerts in your Mailbox <p> Sign up below to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

@@5063241 <p> " Markets seem to be looking for some gigantic action . I 'm not sure the data warrants that , " he said on CNBC . <p> The commentary hit the market like a bucket of cold water ; one day earlier the Street interpreted commentary in the Fed minutes as a sign QE3 was imminent . <p> However , if QE3 is n't coming , then the market is overbought right ? <p> Not according to three of the Fast Money pros . <p> Top trader Stephanie Link , director of research at TheStreet , says just because the Fed does n't move does n't mean Mario Draghi and the ECB wo n't act . Nor does it mean Beijing is n't about to hit the gas . <p> Considering those potential catalysts , she says it would be a mistake to short the market . " We 're definitely not getting short . In fact , I 'm looking for opportunities to buy . " <p> He thinks growing rhetoric that QE3 is not coming may be a bullish sign - that the Street may take inaction from the Fed as a sign the US economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headwinds , that 's pretty good . " I 'm looking for the S &P; <p> ... Got something to to say ? Send us an e-mail at and your comment might be posted on the Rapid Recap . If you 'd prefer to make a comment , but not have it published on our Web site , send those e-mails to . <p> Trader disclosure : On August 23 , 2012 , the following stocks and commodities mentioned or intended to be mentioned on CNBC 's " Fast Money " were owned by the " Fast Money " traders ; Stephanie Link is long AAPL ; Stephanie Link is long JPM ; Stephanie Link is long WY ; Brian Kelly is long SPY Puts ; Brian Kelly is short SPY ; Simon Baker is long AAPL ; Simon Baker is long INTC ; Simon Baker is long WMT ; Simon Baker is long PBI ; Michael Murphy is long WFC ; Michael Murphy

@@5063341 <p> This version of the Constitution incorporates into the original document all amendments adopted through the 1998 general election and omits certain provisions apparently superseded or obsolete . The footnote following an amended section is the latest action only . The original Constitution and amendments in chronological order , referenced in footnotes following some sections , may be found in the official printed Code of Iowa . References in footnotes to the Code refer to the Iowa Code . This codified version generally adopts the rules for capitalization and punctuation used in drafting legislation . <p> Preamble . WE THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF IOWA , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed , and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of those blessings , do ordain and establish a free and independent government , by the name of the State of Iowa , the boundaries whereof shall be as follows : <p> Boundaries . Beginning in the middle of the main channel of the Mississippi River , at a point due East of the middle of the mouth of the main channel of the Des Moines River , thence up the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to a point on said river where the Northern boundary line of the State of Missouri--as established by the constitution of that State--adopted June 12th , 1820--crosses the said middle of the main channel of the said Des Moines River ; thence Westwardly along the said Northern boundary line of the State of Missouri , as established at the time aforesaid , until an extension of said line intersects the middle of the main channel of the Missouri River ; thence up the middle of the main channel of the said Missouri River to a point opposite the middle of the main channel of the Big Sioux River , according to Nicollett 's Map ; thence up the main channel of the said Big Sioux River , according to the said map , until it is intersected by the parallel of forty three degrees and thirty minutes North latitude ; thence East along said parallel of forty three degrees and thirty minutes until said parallel intersects the middle of the main channel of the Mississippi River ; thence down the middle of the main channel of said Mississippi River @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of Volume IV of the Code <p> Rights of persons . SECTION 1 . All men and women are , by nature , free and equal , and have certain inalienable rights--among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty , acquiring , possessing and protecting property , and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness . Amended 1998 , Amendment 45 <p> Political power . SEC. 2 . All political power is inherent in the people . Government is instituted for the protection , security , and benefit of the people , and they have the right , at all times , to alter or reform the same , whenever the public good may require it . general assembly shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; nor shall any person be compelled to attend any place of worship , pay tithes , taxes , or other rates for building or repairing places of worship , or the maintenance of any minister , or ministry . <p> Religious test--witnesses . SEC. 4 . No religious test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or public trust , and no person shall be deprived of any of his rights , privileges , or capacities , or disqualified from the performance of any of his public or private duties , or rendered incompetent to give evidence in any court of law or equity , in consequence of his opinions on the subject of religion ; and any party to any judicial proceeding shall have the right to use as a witness , or take the testimony of , any other person not disqualified on account of interest , who may be cognizant of any fact material to the case ; and parties to suits may be witnesses , as provided by law . Referred to in 729.1 of the Code <p> Laws uniform . SEC. 6 . All laws of a general nature shall have a uniform operation ; the general assembly shall not grant to any citizen , or class of citizens , privileges or immunities , which , upon the same terms shall not equally belong to all citizens . <p> Liberty of speech and press . SEC. 7 . Every person may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjects , being responsible for the abuse of that right . No law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech , or of the press . In all prosecutions or indictments for libel , the truth may be given in evidence to the jury , and if it appears to the jury that the matter charged as libellous was true , and was published with good motives and for justifiable ends , the party shall be acquitted . . SEC. 8 . The right of the people to be secure in their persons , houses , papers and effects , against unreasonable seizures and searches shall not be violated ; and no warrant shall issue but on cause , supported by oath or affirmation , particularly describing the place to be searched , and the persons and things to be seized . <p> Right of trial by jury--due process of law . SEC. 9 . The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate ; but the general assembly may authorize trial by a jury of a less number than twelve but no person shall be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due process of law . See also R.Cr.P. 2.17 , 2.21(2) , 2.67 ; R.C.P. 1.902 , 1.903 , 1.1108 <p> Rights of persons accused . SEC. 10 . In all criminal prosecutions , and in cases involving the life , or liberty of an individual the accused shall have a right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury ; to be informed of the accusation against him , to have a copy of the same when demanded ; to be confronted with the witnesses against him ; to have compulsory process for his witnesses ; and , to have the assistance of counsel . See 602.1601 of the Code <p> When indictment necessary--grand jury . SEC. 11 . All offenses less than felony and in which the maximum permissible imprisonment does not exceed thirty days shall be tried summarily before an officer authorized by law , on information under oath , without indictment , or the intervention of a grand jury , saving to the defendant the right of appeal ; and no person shall be held to answer for any higher criminal offense , unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cases arising in the army , or navy , or in the militia , when in actual service , in time of war or public danger . <p> The grand jury may consist of any number of members not less than five , nor more than fifteen , as the general assembly may by law provide , or the general assembly may provide for holding persons to answer for any criminal offense without the intervention of a grand jury . Paragraph 2 added 1884 , Amendment 9 Paragraph 1 amended 1998 , Amendment 46 As to indictment and the number of grand jurors , see R.Cr.P. 2.3 , 2.4 Magistrate jurisdiction , see 602.6405 of the Code <p> Twice tried--bail . SEC. 12 . No person shall after acquittal , be tried for the same offence . All persons shall , before conviction , be bailable , by sufficient sureties , except for capital offences where the proof is evident , or the presumption great . <p> Habeas corpus . SEC. 13 . The writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended , or refused when application is made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or invasion the public safety may require it . <p> Military . SEC. 14 . The military shall be subordinate to the civil power . No standing army shall be kept up by the state in time of peace ; and in time of war , no appropriation for a standing army shall be for a longer time than two years . <p> Quartering soldiers . SEC. 15 . No soldier shall , in time of peace , be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner , nor in time of war except in the manner prescribed by law . <p> Treason . SEC. 16 . Treason against the state shall consist only in levying war against it , adhering to its enemies , or giving them aid and comfort . No person shall be convicted of treason , unless on the evidence of two witnesses to the same overt act , or confession in open court . <p> Bail--punishments . SEC. 17 . Excessive bail shall not be required ; excessive fines shall not be imposed , and cruel and unusual punishment shall not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 . Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation first being made , or secured to be made to the owner thereof , as soon as the damages shall be assessed by a jury , who shall not take into consideration any advantages that may result to said owner on account of the improvement for which it is taken . <p> The general assembly , however , may pass laws permitting the owners of lands to construct drains , ditches , and levees for agricultural , sanitary or mining purposes across the lands of others , and provide for the organization of drainage districts , vest the proper authorities with power to construct and maintain levees , drains and ditches and to keep in repair all drains , ditches , and levees heretofore constructed under the laws of the state , by special assessments upon the property benefited thereby . The general assembly may provide by law for the condemnation of such real estate as shall be necessary for the construction and maintenance of such drains , ditches and levees , and prescribe the method @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amendment 13 <p> Imprisonment for debt . SEC. 19 . No person shall be imprisoned for debt in any civil action , on mesne or final process , unless in case of fraud ; and no person shall be imprisoned for a militia fine in time of peace . <p> Right of assemblage--petition . SEC. 20 . The people have the right freely to assemble together to counsel for the common good ; to make known their opinions to their representatives and to petition for a redress of grievances . <p> Attainder--ex post facto law--obligation of contract . SEC. 21 . No bill of attainder , ex post facto law , or law impairing the obligation of contracts , shall ever be passed . Referred to in 12E.11 , 16.2 of the Code <p> Resident aliens . SEC. 22 . Foreigners who are , or may hereafter become residents of this state , shall enjoy the same rights in respect to the possession , enjoyment and descent of property , as native born citizens . <p> Slavery--penal servitude . SEC. 23 . There shall be no slavery in this state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the punishment of crime . <p> Agricultural leases . SEC. 24 . No lease or grant of agricultural lands , reserving any rent , or service of any kind , shall be valid for a longer period than twenty years . Referred to in 461A.25 of the Code <p> Rights reserved . SEC. 25 . This enumeration of rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others , retained by the people . <p> ARTICLE II . RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE . <p> Electors . SEC. 1 . Every citizen of the United States of the age of twenty-one years , who shall have been a resident of this state for such period of time as shall be provided by law and of the county in which he claims his vote for such period of time as shall be provided by law , shall be entitled to vote at all elections which are now or hereafter may be authorized by law . The general assembly may provide by law for different periods of residence in order to vote for various officers or in order to vote in various elections . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this state and sixty days in the county . Repealed and rewritten 1970 , Amendment 30 See Amendments 19 and 26 to U. S. Constitution <p> Privileged from arrest . SEC. 2 . Electors shall , in all cases except treason , felony , or breach of the peace , be privileged from arrest on the days of election , during their attendance at such election , going to and returning therefrom . <p> From military duty . SEC. 3 . No elector shall be obliged to perform military duty on the day of election , except in time of war , or public danger . <p> Persons in military service . SEC. 4 . No person in the military , naval , or marine service of the United States shall be considered a resident of this state by being stationed in any garrison , barrack , or military or naval place , or station within this state . <p> Disqualified persons . SEC. 5 . No idiot , or insane person , or person convicted of any infamous crime , shall be entitled to the privilege of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general election for state , district , county and township officers in the year 1916 shall be held in the same month and on the same day as that fixed by the laws of the United States for the election of presidential electors , or of president and vice-president of the United States ; and thereafter such election shall be held at such time as the general assembly may by law provide . Repealed and rewritten 1916 , Amendment 14 For statutory provisions , see 39.1 of the Code <p> ARTICLE III . OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS . <p> Departments of government . SECTION 1 . The powers of the government of Iowa shall be divided into three separate departments--the legislative , the executive , and the judicial : and no person charged with the exercise of powers properly belonging to one of these departments shall exercise any function appertaining to either of the others , except in cases hereinafter expressly directed or permitted . <p> LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT . <p> General assembly . SECTION 1 . The legislative authority of this state shall be vested in a general assembly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives : and the style of every law shall be . " Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa . " <p> Annual sessions of general assembly--special sessions . SEC. 2 . The general assembly shall meet in session on the second Monday of January of each year . Upon written request to the presiding officer of each house of the general assembly by two-thirds of the members of each house , the general assembly shall convene in special session . The governor of the state may convene the general assembly by proclamation in the interim . Repealed and rewritten 1974 , Amendment 36 Special sessions , see also Art . IV , 11 <p> Representatives . SEC. 3 . The members of the house of representatives shall be chosen every second year , by the qualified electors of their respective districts , * * ** and their term of office shall commence on the first day of January next after their election , and continue two years , and until their successors are elected and qualified . *Certain provisions , apparently superseded or obsolete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original Constitution for omitted language . For provisions relative to the time of holding the general election , see Art . II , 7 ; see also 39.1 of the Code <p> Qualifications . SEC. 4 . No person shall be a member of the house of representatives who shall not have attained the age of twenty-one years , be a citizen of the United States , and shall have been an inhabitant of this state one year next preceding his election , and at the time of his election shall have had an actual residence of sixty days in the county , or district he may have been chosen to represent . Amended 1880 , Amendment 6 and 1926 , Amendment 15 <p> Senators--qualifications . SEC. 5 . Senators shall be chosen for the term of four years , at the same time and place as representatives ; they shall be twenty-five years of age , and possess the qualifications of representatives as to residence and citizenship . <p> Senators--number and classification . SEC. 6 . The number of senators shall total not more than one-half the membership of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that as nearly as possible one-half of the members of the senate shall be elected every two years . Repealed and rewritten 1968 , Amendment 26 See also Art . III , 34 Referred to in 42.4 of the Code <p> Officers--elections determined . SEC. 7 . Each house shall choose its own officers , and judge of the qualification , election , and return of its own members . A contested election shall be determined in such manner as shall be directed by law . <p> Quorum . SEC. 8 . A majority of each house shall constitute a quorum to transact business ; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day , and may compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide . <p> Authority of the houses . SEC. 9 . Each house shall sit upon its own adjournments , keep a journal of its proceedings , and publish the same ; determine its rules of proceedings , punish members for disorderly behavior , and , with the consent of two thirds , expel a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offense ; and shall have all other powers necessary for a branch of the general assembly of a free and independent state . <p> Protest--record of vote . SEC. 10 . Every member of the general assembly shall have the liberty to dissent from , or protest against any act or resolution which he may think injurious to the public , or an individual , and have the reasons for his dissent entered on the journals ; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house , on any question , shall , at the desire of any two members present , be entered on the journals . <p> Privileged from arrest . SEC. 11 . Senators and representatives , in all cases , except treason , felony , or breach of the peace , shall be privileged from arrest during the session of the general assembly , and in going to and returning from the same . <p> Vacancies . SEC. 12 . When vacancies occur in either house , the governor or the person exercising the functions of governor , shall issue writs of election to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . The doors of each house shall be open , except on such occasions , as , in the opinion of the house , may require secrecy . <p> Adjournments . SEC. 14 . Neither house shall , without the consent of the other , adjourn for more than three days , nor to any other place than that in which they may be sitting . Referred to in 2.1 of the Code <p> Bills . SEC. 15 . Bills may originate in either house , and may be amended , altered , or rejected by the other ; and every bill having passed both houses , shall be signed by the speaker and president of their respective houses . <p> Executive approval--veto--item veto by governor . SEC. 16 . Every bill which shall have passed the general assembly , shall , before it becomes a law , be presented to the governor . If he approve , he shall sign it ; but if not , he shall return it with his objections , to the house in which it originated , which shall enter the same upon their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after such reconsideration , it again pass both houses , by yeas and nays , by a majority of two thirds of the members of each house , it shall become a law , notwithstanding the governor 's objections . If any bill shall not be returned within three days after it shall have been presented to him , Sunday excepted , the same shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it , unless the general assembly , by adjournment , prevent such return . Any bill submitted to the governor for his approval during the last three days of a session of the general assembly , shall be deposited by him in the office of the secretary of state , within thirty days after the adjournment , with his approval , if approved by him , and with his objections , if he disapproves thereof . <p> The governor may approve appropriation bills in whole or in part , and may disapprove any item of an appropriation bill ; and the part approved shall become a law . Any item of an appropriation bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objections , to the house in which it originated , or shall be deposited by him in the office of the secretary of state in the case of an appropriation bill submitted to the governor for his approval during the last three days of a session of the general assembly , and the procedure in each case shall be the same as provided for other bills . Any such item of an appropriation bill may be enacted into law notwithstanding the governor 's objections , in the same manner as provided for other bills . Paragraph 2 added 1968 , Amendment 27 Statutory provisions , 3.4 , 3.5 of the Code Referred to in 3.7 of the Code <p> Passage of bills . SEC. 17 . No bill shall be passed unless by the assent of a majority of all the members elected to each branch of the general assembly , and the question upon the final passage shall be taken immediately upon its last reading , and the yeas and nays entered on the journal . Referred to in 3.7 of the Code <p> Receipts and expenditures . SEC. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the public money shall be attached to and published with the laws , at every regular session of the general assembly . Statutory provisions , 2B.10(5) of the Code <p> Impeachment . SEC. 19 . The house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment , and all impeachments shall be tried by the senate . When sitting for that purpose , the senators shall be upon oath or affirmation ; and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of the members present . Referred to in Art . V , 19 <p> Officers subject to impeachment--judgment . SEC. 20 . The governor , judges of the supreme and district courts , and other state officers , shall be liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor or malfeasance in office ; but judgment in such cases shall extend only to removal from office , and disqualification to hold any office of honor , trust , or profit , under this state ; but the party convicted or acquitted shall nevertheless be liable to indictment , trial , and punishment , according to law . All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in office , in such manner as the general assembly may provide . Referred to in Art . V , 19 <p> Members not appointed to office . SEC. 21 . No senator or representative shall , during the time for which he shall have been elected , be appointed to any civil office of profit under this state , which shall have been created , or the emoluments of which shall have been increased during such term , except such offices as may be filled by elections by the people . <p> Disqualification . SEC. 22 . No person holding any lucrative office under the United States , or this state , or any other power , shall be eligible to hold a seat in the general assembly ; but offices in the militia , to which there is attached no annual salary , or the office of justice of the peace , or postmaster whose compensation does not exceed one hundred dollars per annum , or notary public , shall not be deemed lucrative . <p> Failure to account . SEC. 23 . No person who may hereafter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a seat in either house of the general assembly , or be eligible to hold any office of trust or profit in this state , until he shall have accounted for and paid into the treasury all sums for which he may be liable . <p> Appropriations . SEC. 24 . No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in consequence of appropriations made by law . <p> Compensation and expenses of general assembly . SEC. 25 . Each member of the general assembly shall receive such compensation and allowances for expenses as shall be fixed by law but no general assembly shall have the power to increase compensation and allowances effective prior to the convening of the next general assembly following the session in which any increase is adopted . Repealed and rewritten 1968 , Amendment 28 Statutory provisions , 2.10 through 2.14 of the Code <p> Time laws to take effect . SEC. 26 . An act of the general assembly passed at a regular session of a general assembly shall take effect on July 1 following its passage unless a different effective date is stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed at a special session of a general assembly shall take effect ninety days after adjournment of the special session unless a different effective date is stated in an act of the general assembly . The general assembly may establish by law a procedure for giving notice of the contents of acts of immediate importance which become law . Amended 1966 , Amendment 23 , and repealed and rewritten 1986 , Amendment 40 Supplementary provisions , 3.7 et seq . of the Code <p> Divorce . SEC. 27 . No divorce shall be granted by the general assembly . <p> Acts--one subject--expressed in title . SEC. 29 . Every act shall embrace but one subject , and matters properly connected therewith ; which subject shall be expressed in the title . But if any subject shall be embraced in an act which shall not be expressed in the title , such act shall be void only as to so much thereof as shall not be expressed in the title . <p> Local or special laws--general and uniform--boundaries of counties . SEC. 30 . The general assembly shall not pass local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessment and collection of taxes for state , county , or road purposes ; For laying out , opening , and working roads or highways ; For changing the names of persons ; For the incorporation of cities and towns ; For vacating roads , town plats , streets , alleys , or public squares ; For locating or changing county seats . <p> In all the cases above enumerated , and in all other cases where a general law can be made applicable , all laws shall be general , and of uniform operation throughout the state ; and no law changing the boundary lines of any county shall have effect until upon being submitted to the people of the counties affected by the change , at a general election , it shall be approved by a majority of the votes in each county , cast for and against it . Laws uniform , see Art . I , 6 <p> Extra compensation--payment of claims--appropriations for local or private purposes . SEC. 31 . No extra compensation shall be made to any officer , public agent , or contractor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contract entered into ; nor , shall any money be paid on any claim , the subject matter of which shall not have been provided for by preexisting laws , and no public money or property shall be appropriated for local , or private purposes , unless such appropriation , compensation , or claim , be allowed by two thirds of the members elected to each branch of the general assembly . See 3.14 of the Code <p> Oath of members . SEC. 32 . Members of the general assembly shall , before they enter upon the duties of their respective offices , take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation : " I do solemnly swear , or affirm , ( as the case may be , ) that I will support the Constitution of the United States , and the Constitution of the State of Iowa , and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of senator , ( or representative , as the case may be , ) according to the best of my ability . " And members of the general assembly are hereby empowered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . <p> Senate and house of **27;2298;TOOLONG . SEC. 34 . The senate shall be composed of not more than fifty and the house of representatives of not more than one hundred members . Senators and representatives shall be elected from districts established by law . Each district so established shall be of compact and contiguous territory . The state shall be apportioned into senatorial and representative districts on the basis of population . The general assembly may provide by law for factors in addition to population , not in conflict with the Constitution of the United States , which may be considered in the apportioning of senatorial districts . No law so adopted shall permit the establishment of senatorial districts whereby a majority of the members of the senate shall represent less than forty percent of the population of the state as shown by the most recent United States decennial census . Repealed and rewritten 1968 , Amendment 26 See also Art . III , 6 , 39 <p> Senators and representatives--number and districts . SEC. 35 . The general assembly shall in 1971 and in each year immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators and representatives to be elected to the general assembly and establish senatorial and representative districts . The general assembly shall complete the apportionment prior to September 1 of the year so required . If the apportionment fails to become law prior to September 15 of such year , the supreme court shall cause the state to be apportioned into senatorial and representative districts to comply with the requirements of the constitution prior to December 31 of such year . The reapportioning authority shall , where necessary in establishing senatorial districts , shorten the term of any senator prior to completion of the term . Any senator whose term is so terminated shall not be compensated for the uncompleted part of the term . Repealed and rewritten 1968 , Amendment 26 Referred to in 49.3 of the Code <p> Review by supreme court . SEC. 36 . Upon verified application by any qualified elector , the supreme court shall review an apportionment plan adopted by the general assembly which has been enacted into law . Should the supreme court determine such plan does not comply with the requirements of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause to be adopted an apportionment plan which shall so comply . The supreme court shall have original jurisdiction of all litigation questioning the apportionment of the general assembly or any apportionment plan adopted by the general assembly . Repealed and rewritten 1968 , Amendment 26 <p> Congressional districts . SEC. 37 . When a congressional district is composed of two or more counties it shall not be entirely separated by a county belonging to another district and no county shall be divided in forming a congressional district . Repealed and rewritten 1968 , Amendment 26 Referred to in 42.3 , 42.4 of the Code <p> Elections by general assembly . SEC. 38 . In all elections by the general assembly , the members thereof shall vote viva voce and the votes shall be entered on the journal . <p> Municipal home rule . SEC. 38A . Municipal corporations are granted home rule power and authority , not inconsistent with the laws of the general assembly , to determine their local affairs and government , except that they shall not have power to levy any tax unless expressly authorized by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law that a municipal corporation possesses and can exercise only those powers granted in express words is not a part of the law of this state . Added 1968 , Amendment 25 <p> Legislative districts . SEC. 39 . In establishing senatorial and representative districts , the state shall be divided into as many senatorial districts as there are members of the senate and into as many representative districts as there are members of the house of representatives . One senator shall be elected from each senatorial district and one representative shall be elected from each representative district . Added 1970 , Amendment 29 <p> Counties home rule . SEC. 39A . Counties or joint county-municipal corporation governments are granted home rule power and authority , not inconsistent with the laws of the general assembly , to determine their local affairs and government , except that they shall not have power to levy any tax unless expressly authorized by the general assembly . The general assembly may provide for the creation and dissolution of joint county-municipal corporation governments . The general assembly may provide for the establishment of charters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or authority of a county conflicts with the power and authority of a municipal corporation , the power and authority exercised by a municipal corporation shall prevail within its jurisdiction . <p> The proposition or rule of law that a county or joint county-municipal corporation government possesses and can exercise only those powers granted in express words is not a part of the law of this state . Added 1978 , Amendment 37 <p> Nullification of administrative rules . SEC. 40 . The general assembly may nullify an adopted administrative rule of a state agency by the passage of a resolution by a majority of all of the members of each house of the general assembly . Added 1984 , Amendment 38 Referred to in 3.6 , 17A.6 of the Code <p> ARTICLE IV . EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT . <p> Governor . SECTION 1 . The supreme executive power of this state shall be vested in a chief magistrate , who shall be styled the governor of the state of Iowa . <p> Election and term . SEC. 2 . The governor and the lieutenant governor shall be elected by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the general assembly . Each of them shall hold office for four years from the time of installation in office and until a successor is elected and qualifies . Repealed and rewritten 1988 , Amendment 41 <p> Governor and lieutenant governor elected jointly--returns of elections . SEC. 3 . The electors shall designate their selections for governor and lieutenant governor as if these two offices were one and the same . The names of nominees for the governor and the lieutenant governor shall be grouped together in a set on the ballot according to which nominee for governor is seeking office with which nominee for lieutenant governor , as prescribed by law . An elector shall cast only one vote for both a nominee for governor and a nominee for lieutenant governor . The returns of every election for governor and lieutenant governor shall be sealed and transmitted to the seat of government of the state , and directed to the speaker of the house of representatives who shall open and publish them in the presence of both houses of the general assembly . Repealed and rewritten 1988 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Code <p> Election by general assembly in case of tie--succession by lieutenant governor . SEC. 4 . The nominees for governor and lieutenant governor jointly having the highest number of votes cast for them shall be declared duly elected . If two or more sets of nominees for governor and lieutenant governor have an equal and the highest number of votes for the offices jointly , the general assembly shall by joint vote proceed , as soon as is possible , to elect one set of nominees for governor and lieutenant governor . If , upon the completion by the general assembly of the canvass of votes for governor and lieutenant governor , it appears that the nominee for governor in the set of nominees for governor and lieutenant governor receiving the highest number of votes has since died or resigned , is unable to qualify , fails to qualify , or is for any other reason unable to assume the duties of the office of governor for the ensuing term , the powers and duties shall devolve to the nominee for lieutenant governor of the same set of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the powers and duties of governor upon inauguration and until the disability is removed . If both nominees for governor and lieutenant governor are unable to assume the duties of the office of governor , the person next in succession shall act as governor . Repealed and rewritten 1988 , Amendment 41 <p> Contested elections . SEC. 5 . Contested elections for the offices of governor and lieutenant governor shall be determined by the general assembly as prescribed by law . Repealed and rewritten 1988 , Amendment 41 For statutory provisions , see 58.1 through 58.7 of the Code <p> Eligibility . SEC. 6 . No person shall be eligible to the office of governor , or lieutenant governor , who shall not have been a citizen of the United States , and a resident of the state , two years next preceding the election , and attained the age of thirty years at the time of said election . <p> Commander in chief . SEC. 7 . The governor shall be commander in chief of the militia , the army , and navy of this state . <p> Duties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive business with the officers of government , civil and military , and may require information in writing from the officers of the executive department upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices . Duty as to state accounts , 70A.8 of the Code <p> Execution of laws . SEC. 9 . He shall take care that the laws are faithfully executed . <p> Vacancies . SEC. 10 . When any office shall , from any cause , become vacant , and no mode is provided by the constitution and laws for filling such vacancy , the governor shall have power to fill such vacancy , by granting a commission , which shall expire at the end of the next session of the general assembly , or at the next election by the people . <p> Convening general assembly . SEC. 11 . He may , on extraordinary occasions , convene the general assembly by proclamation , and shall state to both houses , when assembled , the purpose for which they shall have been convened . See also Art . III , 2 <p> Message . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the general assembly , at every regular session , the condition of the state , and recommend such matters as he shall deem expedient . <p> Adjournment . SEC. 13 . In case of disagreement between the two houses with respect to the time of adjournment , the governor shall have power to adjourn the general assembly to such time as he may think proper ; but no such adjournment shall be beyond the time fixed for the regular meeting of the next general assembly . <p> Disqualification . SEC. 14 . No persons shall , while holding any office under the authority of the United States , or this state , execute the office of governor , or lieutenant governor , except as hereinafter expressly provided . <p> Terms--compensation . SEC. 15 . The official terms of the governor and lieutenant governor shall commence on the Tuesday after the second Monday of January next after their election and shall continue until their successors are elected and qualify . The governor and lieutenant governor shall be paid compensation and expenses as provided by law . The lieutenant governor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and expenses prescribed for the governor . Repealed and rewritten 1988 , Amendment 42 <p> **32;2327;TOOLONG . SEC. 16 . The governor shall have power to grant reprieves , commutations and pardons , after conviction , for all offences except treason and cases of impeachment , subject to such regulations as may be provided by law . Upon conviction for treason , he shall have power to suspend the execution of the sentence until the case shall be reported to the general assembly at its next meeting , when the general assembly shall either grant a pardon , commute the sentence , direct the execution of the sentence , or grant a further reprieve . He shall have power to remit fines and forfeitures , under such regulations as may be prescribed by law ; and shall report to the general assembly , at its next meeting , each case of reprieve , commutation , or pardon granted , and the reasons therefor ; and also all persons in whose favor remission of fines and forfeitures shall have been made , and the several amounts remitted . <p> Lieutenant governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the death , impeachment , resignation , removal from office , or other disability of the governor , the powers and duties of the office for the residue of the term , or until he shall be acquitted , or the disability removed , shall devolve upon the lieutenant governor . Referred to in 7.14 of the Code <p> Duties of lieutenant governor . SEC. 18 . The lieutenant governor shall have the duties provided by law and those duties of the governor assigned to the lieutenant governor by the governor . Repealed and rewritten 1988 , Amendment 42 <p> Succession to office of governor and lieutenant governor . SEC. 19 . If there be a vacancy in the office of the governor and the lieutenant governor shall by reason of death , impeachment , resignation , removal from office , or other disability become incapable of performing the duties pertaining to the office of governor , the president of the senate shall act as governor until the vacancy is filled or the disability removed ; and if the president of the senate , for any of the above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the office of governor the same shall devolve upon the speaker of the house of representatives ; and if the speaker of the house of representatives , for any of the above causes , shall be incapable of performing the duties of the office of governor , the justices of the supreme court shall convene the general assembly by proclamation and the general assembly shall organize by the election of a president by the senate and a speaker by the house of representatives . The general assembly shall thereupon immediately proceed to the election of a governor and lieutenant governor in joint convention . Repealed and rewritten 1988 , Amendment 42 Referred to in 7.14(2) of the Code <p> Seal of state . SEC. 20 . There shall be a seal of this state , which shall be kept by the governor , and used by him officially , and shall be called the Great Seal of the State of Iowa . See chapter 1A of the Code for a description of the great seal of Iowa <p> Grants and commissions . SEC. 21 . All grants and commissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people of the state of Iowa , sealed with the great seal of the state , signed by the governor , and countersigned by the secretary of state . <p> **29;2361;TOOLONG . SEC. 22 . A secretary of state , an auditor of state and a treasurer of state shall be elected by the qualified electors at the same time that the governor is elected and for a four-year term commencing on the first day of January next after their election , and they shall perform such duties as may be provided by law . Repealed and rewritten 1972 , Amendment 32 <p> ARTICLE V. JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT . <p> Courts . SECTION 1 . The judicial power shall be vested in a supreme court , district courts , and such other courts , inferior to the supreme court , as the general assembly may , from time to time , establish . Court of appeals , 602.5101 of the Code <p> Supreme court . SEC. 2 . The supreme court shall consist of three judges , two of whom shall constitute a quorum to hold court . But see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Code <p> Jurisdiction of supreme court . SEC. 4 . The supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction only in cases in chancery , and shall constitute a court for the correction of errors at law , under such restrictions as the general assembly may , by law , prescribe ; and shall have power to issue all writs and process necessary to secure justice to parties , and shall exercise a supervisory and administrative control over all inferior judicial tribunals throughout the state . Amended 1962 , Amendment 21 See 602.4102 , 602.4201 , 602.4202 , 624.2 of the Code <p> Jurisdiction of district court . SEC. 6 . The district court shall be a court of law and equity , which shall be distinct and separate jurisdictions , and have jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters arising in their respective districts , in such manner as shall be prescribed by law . Statutory provision , 602.6101 of the Code <p> Conservators of the peace . SEC. 7 . The judges of the supreme and district courts shall be conservators of the peace throughout the state . <p> Style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process shall be , " The State of Iowa " , and all prosecutions shall be conducted in the name and by the authority of the same . <p> Judicial districts . SEC. 10 . * * ** The general assembly may reorganize the judicial districts and increase or diminish the number of districts , or the number of judges of the said court , and may increase the number of judges of the supreme court ; but such increase or diminution shall not be more than one district , or one judge of either court , at any one session ; and no reorganization of the districts , or diminution of the number of judges , shall have the effect of removing a judge from office . Such reorganization of the districts , or any change in the boundaries thereof , or increase or diminution of the number of judges , shall take place every four years thereafter , if necessary , and at no other time . <p> At any regular session of the general assembly the state may be divided into the necessary judicial districts for district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the number of the districts and the judges of said courts increased or diminished ; but no reorganization of the districts or diminution of the judges shall have the effect of removing a judge from office . Paragraph 2 added 1884 , Amendment 8 . Much of paragraph 1 apparently superseded by paragraph 2 *Certain provisions , apparently superseded or obsolete , have been omitted from this codified Constitution . See original Constitution for omitted language <p> Attorney general . SEC. 12 . The general assembly shall provide , by law , for the election of an attorney general by the people , whose term of office shall be four years , and until his successor is elected and qualifies . Repealed and rewritten 1972 , Amendment 32 <p> System of court practice . SEC. 14 . It shall be the duty of the general assembly to provide for the carrying into effect of this article , and to provide for a general system of practice in all the courts of this state . For provisions relative to the grand jury , see Art . I , 11 <p> @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supreme court and district court shall be filled by appointment by the governor from lists of nominees submitted by the appropriate judicial nominating commission . Three nominees shall be submitted for each supreme court vacancy , and two nominees shall be submitted for each district court vacancy . If the governor fails for thirty days to make the appointment , it shall be made from such nominees by the chief justice of the supreme court . Added 1962 , Amendment 21 <p> State and district nominating commissions . SEC. 16 . There shall be a state judicial nominating commission . Such commission shall make nominations to fill vacancies in the supreme court . Until July 4 , 1973 , and thereafter unless otherwise provided by law , the state judicial nominating commission shall be composed and selected as follows : There shall be not less than three nor more than eight appointive members , as provided by law , and an equal number of elective members on such commission , all of whom shall be electors of the state . The appointive members shall be appointed by the governor subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be elected by the resident members of the bar of the state . The judge of the supreme court who is senior in length of service on said court , other than the chief justice , shall also be a member of such commission and shall be its chairman . <p> There shall be a district judicial nominating commission in each judicial district of the state . Such commissions shall make nominations to fill vacancies in the district court within their respective districts . Until July 4 , 1973 , and thereafter unless otherwise provided by law , district judicial nominating commissions shall be composed and selected as follows : There shall be not less than three nor more than six appointive members , as provided by law , and an equal number of elective members on each such commission , all of whom shall be electors of the district . The appointive members shall be appointed by the governor . The elective members shall be elected by the resident members of the bar of the district . The district judge of such district who is senior in length of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shall be its chairman . <p> Due consideration shall be given to area representation in the appointment and election of judicial nominating commission members . Appointive and elective members of judicial nominating commissions shall serve for six-year terms , shall be ineligible for a second six-year term on the same commission , shall hold no office of profit of the United States or of the state during their terms , shall be chosen without reference to political affiliation , and shall have such other qualifications as may be prescribed by law . As near as may be , the terms of one-third of such members shall expire every two years . Added 1962 , Amendment 21 <p> Terms--judicial elections . SEC. 17 . Members of all courts shall have such tenure in office as may be fixed by law , but terms of supreme court judges shall be not less than eight years and terms of district court judges shall be not less than six years . Judges shall serve for one year after appointment and until the first day of January following the next judicial election after the expiration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand for retention in office on a separate ballot which shall submit the question of whether such judge shall be retained in office for the tenure prescribed for such office and when such tenure is a term of years , on their request , they shall , at the judicial election next before the end of each term , stand again for retention on such ballot . Present supreme court and district court judges , at the expiration of their respective terms , may be retained in office in like manner for the tenure prescribed for such office . The general assembly shall prescribe the time for holding judicial elections . Added 1962 , Amendment 21 <p> **36;2392;TOOLONG . SEC. 18 . Judges of the supreme court and district court shall receive salaries from the state , shall be members of the bar of the state and shall have such other qualifications as may be prescribed by law . Judges of the supreme court and district court shall be ineligible to any other office of the state while serving on said court and for two years thereafter , except that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court judge . Other judicial officers shall be selected in such manner and shall have such tenure , compensation and other qualification as may be fixed by law . The general assembly shall prescribe mandatory retirement for judges of the supreme court and district court at a specified age and shall provide for adequate retirement compensation . Retired judges may be subject to special assignment to temporary judicial duties by the supreme court , as provided by law . Added 1962 , Amendment 21 <p> Retirement and discipline of judges . SEC. 19 . In addition to the legislative power of impeachment of judges as set forth in article three ( III ) , sections nineteen ( 19 ) and twenty ( 20 ) of the constitution , the supreme court shall have power to retire judges for disability and to discipline or remove them for good cause , upon application by a commission on judicial qualifications . The general assembly shall provide by law for the implementation of this section . Added 1972 , Amendment 33 <p> ARTICLE VI . MILITIA . <p> Composition--training . SECTION 1 . The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ male citizens , between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years , except such as are or may hereafter be exempt by the laws of the United States , or of this state , and shall be armed , equipped , and trained , as the general assembly may provide by law . Amended 1868 , Amendment 5 <p> Exemption . SEC. 2 . No person or persons conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms shall be compelled to do military duty in time of peace : Provided , that such person or persons shall pay an equivalent for such exemption in the same manner as other citizens . <p> Officers . SEC. 3 . All commissioned officers of the militia , ( staff officers excepted , ) shall be elected by the persons liable to perform military duty , and shall be commissioned by the governor . <p> ARTICLE VII . STATE DEBTS . <p> Credit not to be loaned . SECTION 1 . The credit of the state shall not , in any manner , be given or loaned to , or in aid of , any individual , association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or become responsible for , the debts or liabilities of any individual , association , or corporation , unless incurred in time of war for the benefit of the state . <p> Limitation . SEC. 2 . The state may contract debts to supply casual deficits or failures in revenues , or to meet expenses not otherwise provided for ; but the aggregate amount of such debts , direct and contingent , whether contracted by virtue of one or more acts of the general assembly , or at different periods of time , shall never exceed the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ; and the money arising from the creation of such debts , shall be applied to the purpose for which it was obtained , or to repay the debts so contracted , and to no other purpose whatever . <p> Losses to school funds . SEC. 3 . All losses to the permanent , school , or university fund of this state , which shall have been occasioned by the defalcation , mismanagement or fraud of the agents or officers controlling and managing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state . The amount so audited shall be a permanent funded debt against the state , in favor of the respective fund , sustaining the loss , upon which not less than six per cent . annual interest shall be paid . The amount of liability so created shall not be counted as a part of the indebtedness authorized by the second section of this article . <p> War debts . SEC. 4 . In addition to the above limited power to contract debts , the state may contract debts to repel invasion , suppress insurrection , or defend the state in war ; but the money arising from the debts so contracted shall be applied to the purpose for which it was raised , or to repay such debts , and to no other purpose whatever . <p> Contracting debt--submission to the people . SEC. 5 . Except the debts herein before specified in this article , no debt shall be hereafter contracted by , or on behalf of this state , unless such debt shall be authorized by some law for some single work or object , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impose and provide for the collection of a direct annual tax , sufficient to pay the interest on such debt , as it falls due , and also to pay and discharge the principal of such debt , within twenty years from the time of the contracting thereof ; but no such law shall take effect until at a general election it shall have been submitted to the people , and have received a majority of all the votes cast for and against it at such election ; and all money raised by authority of such law , shall be applied only to the specific object therein stated , or to the payment of the debt created thereby ; and such law shall be published in at least one newspaper in each county , if one is published therein , throughout the state , for three months preceding the election at which it is submitted to the people . For statutory provisions , see 49A.1 to 49A.9 of the Code <p> Legislature may repeal . SEC. 6 . The legislature may , at any time , after the approval of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been contracted in pursuance thereof , repeal the same ; and may , at any time , forbid the contracting of any further debt , or liability , under such law ; but the tax imposed by such law , in proportion to the debt or liability , which may have been contracted in pursuance thereof , shall remain in force and be irrepealable , and be annually collected , until the principal and interest are fully paid . <p> Tax imposed distinctly stated . SEC. 7 . Every law which imposes , continues , or revives a tax , shall distinctly state the tax , and the object to which it is to be applied ; and it shall not be sufficient to refer to any other law to fix such tax or object . <p> Motor vehicle fees and fuel taxes . SEC. 8 . All motor vehicle registration fees and all licenses and excise taxes on motor vehicle fuel , except cost of administration , shall be used exclusively for the construction , maintenance and supervision of the public highways exclusively within the state or for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the construction of such public highways and the payment of interest on such bonds . Added 1942 , Amendment 18 <p> Fish and wildlife protection funds . SEC.9 . All revenue derived from state license fees for hunting , fishing , and trapping , and all state funds appropriated for , and federal or private funds received by the state for , the regulation or advancement of hunting , fishing , or trapping , or the protection , propagation , restoration , management , or harvest of fish or wildlife , shall be used exclusively for the performance and administration of activities related to those purposes . Added 1996 , Amendment 44 <p> ARTICLE VIII . CORPORATIONS . Referred to in 12C.13 of the Code <p> How created . SECTION 1 . No corporation shall be created by special laws ; but the general assembly shall provide , by general laws , for the organization of all corporations hereafter to be created , except as hereinafter provided . <p> Taxation of corporations . SEC. 2 . The property of all corporations for pecuniary profit , shall be subject to taxation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to be a stockholder . SEC. 3 . The state shall not become a stockholder in any corporation , nor shall it assume or pay the debt or liability of any corporation , unless incurred in time of war for the benefit of the state . <p> Municipal corporations . SEC. 4 . No political or municipal corporation shall become a stockholder in any banking corporation , directly or indirectly . <p> Banking associations . SEC. 5 . No act of the general assembly , authorizing or creating corporations or associations with banking powers , nor amendments thereto shall take effect , or in any manner be in force , until the same shall have been submitted , separately , to the people , at a general or special election , as provided by law , to be held not less than three months after the passage of the act , and shall have been approved by a majority of all the electors voting for and against it at such election . <p> State bank . SEC. 6 . Subject to the provisions of the foregoing section , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state bank with branches. * *Sections 6 to 11 , apply to banks of issue only . See 63 Iowa 11 , also 220 Iowa 794 and 221 Iowa 102 <p> Specie basis . SEC. 7 . If a state bank be established , it shall be founded on an actual specie basis , and the branches shall be mutually responsible for each other 's liabilities upon all notes , bills , and other issues intended for circulation as money . <p> General banking law . SEC. 8 . If a general banking law shall be enacted , it shall provide for the registry and countersigning , by an officer of state , of all bills , or paper credit designed to circulate as money , and require security to the full amount thereof , to be deposited with the state treasurer , in United States stocks , or in interest paying stocks of states in good credit and standing , to be rated at ten per cent . below their average value in the city of New York , for the thirty days next preceding their deposit ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocks , to the amount of ten per cent . on the dollar , the bank or banks owning such stock shall be required to make up said deficiency by depositing additional stocks : and said law shall also provide for the recording of the names of all stockholders in such corporations , the amount of stock held by each , the time of any transfer , and to whom . <p> Stockholders ' responsibility . SEC. 9 . Every stockholder in a banking corporation or institution shall be individually responsible and liable to its creditors , over and above the amount of stock by him or her held , to an amount equal to his or her respective shares so held for all of its liabilities , accruing while he or she remains such stockholder . <p> Billholders preferred . SEC. 10 . In case of the insolvency of any banking institution , the billholders shall have a preference over its other creditors . <p> Specie payments--suspension . SEC. 11 . The suspension of specie payments by banking institutions shall never be permitted or sanctioned . <p> Amendment or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the provisions of this article , the general assembly shall have power to amend or repeal all laws for the organization or creation of corporations , or granting of special or exclusive privileges or immunities , by a vote of two thirds of each branch of the general assembly ; and no exclusive privileges , except as in this article provided , shall ever be granted . Analogous provision , 491.39 of the Code <p> State university . SEC. 11 . * * ** *Certain provisions , apparently superseded or obsolete , have been omitted from this codified Constitution . See original Constitution for omitted language . See Laws of the Board of Education , Act 10 , December 25 , 1858 , which provides for the management of the state university by a board of trustees appointed by the board of education . See also sec. 2 of 2nd. division of this article . <p> Board may be abolished . SEC. 15 . * * ** The general assembly shall have power to abolish or reorganize said board of education , and provide for the educational interest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best and proper. ** *Certain provisions , apparently superseded or obsolete , have been omitted from this codified Constitution . See original Constitution for omitted language . **The board of education was abolished in 1864 by 1864 Acts , ch 52 , 1 . For statutory provisions , see chapters 256 and 262 of the Code . <p> 2ND . SCHOOL FUNDS AND SCHOOL LANDS . <p> Control--management . SECTION 1 . The educational and school funds and lands shall be under the control and management of the general assembly of this state . <p> Permanent fund . SEC. 2 . The university lands , and the proceeds thereof , and all monies belonging to said fund shall be a permanent fund for the sole use of the state university . The interest arising from the same shall be annually appropriated for the support and benefit of said university . <p> Perpetual support fund . SEC. 3 . The general assembly shall encourage , by all suitable means , the promotion of intellectual , scientific , moral , and agricultural improvement . The proceeds of all lands that have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States to this state , for the support of schools , which may have been or shall hereafter be sold , or disposed of , and the five hundred thousand acres of land granted to the new states , under an act of congress , distributing the proceeds of the public lands the several states of the union , approved in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-one , and all estates of deceased persons who may have died without leaving a will or heir , and also such percent as has been or may hereafter be granted by congress , on the sale of lands in this state , shall be , and remain a perpetual fund , the interest of which , together with all rents of the unsold lands , and such other means as the general assembly may provide , shall be inviolably appropriated to the support of common schools throughout the state . Referred to in 175.4 of the Code <p> Proceeds of lands . SEC. 5 . The general assembly shall take measures for the protection , improvement , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may hereafter be reserved , or granted by the United States , or any person or persons , to this state , for the use of the university , and the funds accruing from the rents or sale of such lands , or from any other source for the purpose aforesaid , shall be , and remain , a permanent fund , the interest of which shall be applied to the support of said university , for the promotion of literature , the arts and sciences , as may be authorized by the terms of such grant . And it shall be the duty of the general assembly as soon as may be , to provide effectual means for the improvement and permanent security of the funds of said university . <p> Agents of school funds . SEC. 6 . The financial agents of the school funds shall be the same , that by law , receive and control the state and county revenue for other civil purposes , under such regulations as may be provided by law . <p> How proposed--submission . SECTION 1 . Any amendment or amendments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the general assembly ; and if the same shall be agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each of the two houses , such proposed amendment shall be entered on their journals , with the yeas and nays taken thereon , and referred to the legislature to be chosen at the next general election , and shall be published , as provided by law , for three months previous to the time of making such choice ; and if , in the general assembly so next chosen as aforesaid , such proposed amendment or amendments shall be agreed to , by a majority of all the members elected to each house , then it shall be the duty of the general assembly to submit such proposed amendment or amendments to the people , in such manner , and at such time as the general assembly shall provide ; and if the people shall approve and ratify such amendment or amendments , by a majority of the electors qualified to vote for members of the general assembly , voting thereon , such amendment or amendments shall become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provisions , see 49.43 to 49.50 , and 49A.1 to 49A.11 of the Code <p> More than one amendment . SEC. 2 . If two or more amendments shall be submitted at the same time , they shall be submitted in such manner that the electors shall vote for or against each of such amendments separately . <p> Constitutional convention . SEC. 3 . At the general election to be held in the year one thousand nine hundred and seventy , and in each tenth year thereafter , and also at such times as the general assembly may , by law , provide , the question , " Shall there be a convention to revise the constitution , and propose amendment or amendments to same ? " shall be decided by the electors qualified to vote for members of the general assembly ; and in case a majority of the electors so qualified , voting at such election , for and against such proposition , shall decide in favor of a convention for such purpose , the general assembly , at its next session , shall provide by law for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submitting the results of said convention to the people , in such manner and at such time as the general assembly shall provide ; and if the people shall approve and ratify such amendment or amendments , by a majority of the electors qualified to vote for members of the general assembly , voting thereon , such amendment or amendments shall become a part of the constitution of this state . If two or more amendments shall be submitted at the same time , they shall be submitted in such a manner that electors may vote for or against each such amendment separately . Repealed and rewritten 1964 , Amendment 22 Statutory provision , 39.4 <p> ARTICLE XI . MISCELLANEOUS . <p> Justice of peace--jurisdiction . SECTION 1 . The jurisdiction of justices of the peace shall extend to all civil cases , ( except cases in chancery , and cases where the question of title to real estate may arise , ) where the amount in controversy does not exceed one hundred dollars , and by the consent of parties may be extended to any amount not exceeding three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I , 11 The office of justice of peace has been abolished by 72 Acts , ch 1124 . <p> Counties . SEC. 2 . No new county shall be hereafter created containing less than four hundred and thirty two square miles ; nor shall the territory of any organized county be reduced below that area ; except the county of Worth , and the counties west of it , along the northern boundary of this state , may be organized without additional territory . <p> Indebtedness of political or municipal corporations . SEC. 3 . No county , or other political or municipal corporation shall be allowed to become indebted in any manner , or for any purpose , to an amount , in the aggregate , exceeding five per centum on the value of the taxable property within such county or corporation--to be ascertained by the last state and county tax lists , previous to the incurring of such indebtedness . Statutory limitation , 346.24 of the Code See 72 Acts , ch 1088 <p> Boundaries of state . SEC. 4 . The boundaries of the state may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general assembly . See boundary compromise agreements at the end of Volume IV of the Code <p> Oath of office . SEC. 5 . Every person elected or appointed to any office , shall , before entering upon the duties thereof , take an oath or affirmation to support the constitution of the United States , and of this state , and also an oath of office . See 63.10 of the Code <p> How vacancies filled . SEC. 6 . In all cases of elections to fill vacancies in office occurring before the expiration of a full term , the person so elected shall hold for the residue of the unexpired term ; and all persons appointed to fill vacancies in office , shall hold until the next general election , and until their successors are elected and qualified . <p> Land grants located . SEC. 7 . The general assembly shall not locate any of the public lands , which have been , or may be granted by congress to this state , and the location of which may be given to the general assembly , upon lands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The extent of the claim of such occupant , so exempted , shall not exceed three hundred and twenty acres . <p> Seat of government established--state university . SEC. 8 . The seat of government is hereby permanently established , as now fixed by law , at the city of Des Moines , in the county of Polk ; and the state university , at Iowa City , in the county of Johnson . See 1855 Acts , ch 72 <p> ARTICLE XII . SCHEDULE . <p> Supreme law--constitutionality of acts . SECTION 1 . This constitution shall be the supreme law of the state , and any law inconsistent therewith , shall be void . The general assembly shall pass all laws necessary to carry this constitution into effect . <p> Laws in force . SEC. 2 . All laws now in force and not inconsistent with this constitution , shall remain

@@5063441 <p> Two silo vases are joined by a seam to create an instant landscape . This unique vase stands alone as a sculptural piece as well as inviting a variety of uses . Fill one side with fresh flowers and

@@5063541 <h> Products Affected <p> Time Machine is the built-in backup that works with your Mac and an external drive ( sold separately ) or Time Capsule . Connect the drive , tell Time Machine to use it , and relax . Time Machine automatically backs up your entire Mac , including system files , applications , accounts , preferences , email messages , music , photos , movies , and documents . But what makes Time Machine different from other backup applications is that it not only keeps a spare copy of every file , it remembers how your system looked on any given day -- so you can revisit your Mac as it appeared in the past . Time Machine keeps hourly backups for the past 24 hours , daily backups for the past month , and weekly backups until your backup drive is full . <h> Setting up Time Machine backups using an external drive <p> Setting up Time Machine is as easy as connecting an external drive to your Mac via Thunderbolt , FireWire or USB . You can also use a secondary internal drive if your desktop Mac has one ( that is , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ <p> If you have n't specified a Time Machine backup device yet , Time Machine asks if you would like to use the disk for backups the first time you connect it . <p> Click " Use as Backup Disk " to confirm you want to use the drive for Time Machine backups . Time Machine preferences will then open with this drive selected as your backup destination . <p> That 's all you have to do for Time Machine to automatically backup your Mac . <p> Manually preparing a new disk for Time Machine <p> If you want to erase a disk before using it with Time Machine , follow these steps : <p> Open Disk Utility ( located in the Utilities folder ) . <p> Connect the disk if it is n't already attached . <p> In the left side of the Disk Utility window , select the disk you want to use with Time Machine . <p> Optional : If you want to partition the disk , click the Partition tab and select a layout . Make sure " Mac OS Extended ( Journaled ) " is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be used for backups . Click Apply . <p> After erasing , open Time Machine preferences in System Preferences and configure as described in the section above . <p> About the first backup to an external drive <p> You may want to set up Time Machine in the evening so that the initial backup can be done overnight because it may take a while depending on the size of your OS X volume . You should not interrupt the initial backup . You can continue to use your Mac while Time Machine backs up . <p> Once the initial backup is completed , Time Machine performs subsequent hourly backups of only the files that have changed on your Mac since the last backup ( as long as your backup drive is connected ) . <p> Tip : You can manually initiate a Time Machine backup cycle at any time by choosing Back up Now from the Time Machine menu , even if you have Time Machine preferences set to off . <p> Choose a drive where backups will be stored , then click " Use Backup Disk " <p> Note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backups is listed . If you 've partitioned a drive , the available partitions are listed . Time Machine ca n't backup to an external drive that 's connected to an AirPort Extreme , Time Capsule , or a drive formatted for Microsoft Windows ( NTFS or FAT format ) . If you select an NTFS or FAT-formatted drive , Time Machine prompts you to reformat the drive . Choose a different drive or reformat the drive in Mac OS Extended ( Journaled ) format . Because reformatting erases any files on the drive , only do this if you no longer need the files or if you have copies of them on a different drive . <p> The most common format for a Time Machine backup drive is Mac OS Extended ( Journaled ) format , but Time Machine also supports Mac OS Extended ( Case sensitive , Journaled ) and XSan formats . <p> If the drive is partitioned using the Master Boot Record ( MBR ) partition type , some partitions may not be available for use with Time Machine . The GUID Partition Table ( GPT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are recommended . <p> Time Machine works best if you use your backup drive only for Time Machine backups . If you keep files on your backup drive , Time Machine wo n't backup those files and the space available for Time Machine backups will be reduced . <p> Hold down the Option key at startup to boot into the startup manager . Select the Recovery system of the Time Machine backup to start from . Once started , you will have all of the functionality of Recovery . <h> Setting up Time Machine for backups using a Time Capsule <p> If you have a Time Capsule on your home network , you can use it as your Time Machine backup device . See the documentation that came with your Time Capsule for information about setting it up on your home network . <p> Once your Time Capsule has been configured for your home network , open Time Machine preferences and click " Select Disk ... " . <p> From the sheet that appears , select the Time Capsule you would like to use for backup . Tip : Click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AirPort utility to setup and configure your Time Capsule . Enter the name and password or password only that you set for your Time Capsule via the Airport Utility . You can encrypt it with OS X Mountain Lion . <p> About the first backup to a Time Capsule <p> The initial backup may be faster if you leave your computer in the same room as the Time Capsule , or use an Ethernet cable to connect your Mac to one of the Ethernet ports on the Time Capsule . You should not interrupt the initial backup . You can continue to use your Mac while Time Machine backs up . For more information , see Backing up with Time Capsule for the first time . <p> Once the initial backup is completed , Time Machine performs subsequent hourly backups of only the files that have changed on your Mac since the last backup ( as long as your Mac is awake and the backup drive is connected ) . <p> Tip : You can manually initiate a Time Machine backup cycle by selecting " Back up Now " from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Machine preferences set to off . <h> Selecting items to exclude from the backup <p> In Time Machine preferences you can click the Options button to adjust settings . A sheet similar to this appears when you click Options : <p> This sheet allows you to exclude files , folders , or entire volumes from being backed up . You might want to do this to avoid filling up your backup drive . <p> Tip : If you regularly modify a very large file ( greater than 1 GB , for example ) , you might want to add that specific file to the " Exclude these items from backups " list . Time Machine backs up modified files , regardless of how much or how little the file changed from the previous backup . <p> The " Notify after old backups are deleted " option tells Time Machine to warn you when older backups are removed from your backup drive to make space for more recent backups . <p> The " Lock documents ... after last edit " setting is the time that an idle file will lock in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and password to proceed with the restore . <p> Restoring specific files or folders <p> Choose Enter Time Machine from the Time Machine menu and the restore interface appears . You can literally see your windows as they appeared " back in time . " <p> You can use the timeline on the right side of the window to reach a certain point back in time ( the timeline shows the times of all backups on your backup drive ) . If you do n't know exactly when you deleted or changed a file , you can use the back arrow to let Time Machine automatically travel through time to show you when that folder last changed . <p> Note : Dates in pink indicate the data resides on your Time Machine backup device . Dates in white indicate the data resides on your Mac . In OS X Mountain Lion and Lion , portable Macs have the feature of local snapshots . See this article for details . <p> You can also perform a Spotlight search in the Time Machine Finder Window search field to find a file . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrow to have Time Machine search through your backups to find what you are looking for . <p> Before you restore a file , you can also use Quick Look to preview a file to make sure its the one you want . Highlight the file and press the Space Bar to bring up a quick look . <p> To restore , select the file/folder and click the " Restore " button . The file will automatically be copied to the desktop or appropriate folder . If the file you are restoring has another file in the same location with the same name , you will be prompted to choose which file to keep or keep both . <p> Restoring your entire system from a backup <p> If you are restoring a backup made by a Mac to the same Mac <p> With your backup drive connected , start up your Mac from the Recovery system ( Command-R at startup ) or Mac OS X v10.6 installation disc . Then use the " Restore From Time Machine Backup " utility . <p> Note : If " You ca n't restore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Mac " appears when restoring a backup that was made on a different Mac , follow the onscreen instructions . <p> If you are restoring a backup made by one Mac to a completely different Mac <p> Important : If the backup you are about to restore is from a completely different Mac , use the Migration Assistant to transfer data from the backup , as described in the next section . <p> Migrating a Time Machine backup to a new Mac <p> When you buy a new Mac , you can transfer all of your applications , files , settings , and other information from a Time Machine backup you 've already made . <p> You will be asked if you want to transfer files when you start up your new Mac for the first time . Or , you can use the Migration Assistant ( located in Applications/Utilities ) . <p> After Migration Assistant completes the transfer and you select your existing Time Machine backup drive , you will be prompted with " Inherit Backup History " . Once selected you will be able to continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . <h> Additional Information <h> Backup drive fills up <p> As your backup drive begins to fill up to its capacity , Time Machine intelligently deletes the oldest backups to make room for newer ones ( and will alert you if the " Notify after old backups are deleted " option is selected in Time Machine preferences ) . <p> If your backup disk is filling up often causing your oldest available backups to be erased sooner than you might want , consider the following options : <p> Use an additional drives for your backups or transfer your backups to a new , larger drive as detailed above . When you connect a new drive for the first time , use Time Machine preferences to select the drive . Tip : You can also browse the original backup drive for past backups by using " Browse other Time Machine Disks " --to see this choice , hold the Option key then click the Time Machine menu in the Finder ( to see the menu , " Show Time Machine status in the menu bar " must be selected in Time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed up by adding to the " Exclude these items from backups " list in Time Machine preferences , as mentioned above . Your backup drive will fill up less often . <p> Delete file(s) that are no longer needed ( such as from your desktop , Documents folder , or other Home folder locations ) , so they will no longer be backed up . You can also enter the Time Machine restore interface and find files that can be removed from the backup drive itself to conserve space . To do this , select the file(s) and from the Action pop-up menu ( gear icon ) in the Time Machine Finder window choose " Delete All Backups of ... " . Be sure to only delete files you are sure you wo n't need or want to restore later . <p> Important : Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple

@@5063641 <h> share this story <p> Economies should be scouted like baseball players -- against the competition in the same league . Brazil and Russia , with real incomes greater than $12,000 , are not in the same league as India ( $1400 ) or China ( $6000 ) , yet these nations are commonly lumped together as the " BRICs . " I spend my professional life scouting the world for the economies most likely to post strong growth rates for their income class over the next five to ten years , and right now there are n't many of these Breakout Nations . The global economy is slowing , taking down developed and emerging stars alike , but one somewhat surprising prospect is the United States . If it gets a few key reforms right , it can be the breakout star among the established economies . <p> This is not how most Americans see themselves , due to the prevailing end-of-empire gloom . Polls show that a majority of Americans think China is already the world 's " leading " economy , even though it is still about one third the size of the U.S. economy . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2008 has slowed US growth from 3.4 percent between 1950 and 2007 to about 2.0 to 2.5 percent . But is that speed good or bad , given the competition ? <p> It 's rather good . This year , it means that the United States will grow faster than the global average for the first time since 2003 , the year an unprecedented boom in emerging market growth began . For the next four years , emerging market growth doubled to over 7.0 percent , creating the widespread perception that the rich nations of the West were being overtaken by the rise of the poor . Now , the historic norm is reasserting itself -- the big emerging nations are slowing dramatically , and the coming years are once again likely to produce more laggards than winners . As of 2007 the emerging markets were on average growing three times faster than the United States ; now they are growing only twice as fast . <p> Evidence of an American revival , against both developed and emerging world competition , is mounting , driven by the traditional strengths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adapt quickly . America 's worst worries -- heavy debt , slow growth , the fall of the dollar and the decline of manufacturing -- will look much less troubling when compared to its direct rivals . While US growth has slowed by a full point so has growth in Japan and Europe , leaving the United States on top of the league of rich nations . <p> In a global economy that is increasingly shaped by competing forms of capitalism , the American brand appears to be winning . Consider the key challenge of " deleveraging " or digging out from debt . A new study from the McKinsey Global Institute shows that the United States is the only major developed economy that is even loosely following the path of countries that successfully negotiated similar debt-induced recessions , like Sweden and Finland in the 1990s . Total debt as a share of GDP has fallen since 2008 by 16 percent in the United States , while rising in Germany and rising sharply in Japan , the United Kingdom , France , Italy and Spain . As in Sweden during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but total debt is falling due to sharp cuts in the private sector . The US financial sector has reduced its debts from $8 trillion to $6.1 trillion , down to levels last seen in 2000 . American households have reduced their debts by $584 billion or 15 percent of household income , driven by mortgage foreclosures . In Britain , often seen as the twin pillar of tough Anglo-Saxon capitalism , banks are choosing forbearance over foreclosure and household debt is still rising . The swift cuts in U.S. debts , wages , employment and real estate prices are the opposite of what happened in 1990s Japan , which tried to dodge the pain of deleveraging but set up its economy for stagnation . <p> The weakness in the U.S. response is the government . The Scandinavian cases show that increased government spending makes sense in the early years of deleveraging , but the government needs to start containing the resulting debts roughly four years after the downturn -- exactly the stage where the US is today . Washington has so far failed to put in place a plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pundits are still pushing for more borrowing to ward off " depression . " The Scandinavian cases suggest this is exactly the wrong worry right now . The public debt burden is a big reason that long-term US growth is likely to slow , but even 2.5 percent is still fast enough to restore America 's place in a debt-burdened world . <p> China , now typically portrayed as a major creditor , has total debt equal to 180 percent of GDP . The more wealthy you are , the more debt you can carry , so America 's total debt ( 350 percent ) is actually less of a challenge . If China slows to under 7 percent in the coming years , which is likely , the United States would once again be the single largest contributor to global growth -- a symbol of economic status it lost to China in 2007 . <p> The most dramatic signs of a US revival are in manufacturing . Even as it was losing out to emerging manufacturing powers in the last decade , the U.S. was responding much more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restraining wage growth , boosting the productivity of remaining workers with new technology , allowing a steady fall in the dollar that has made US exports much more competitive , particularly relative to Euro nations , and incorporating inexpensive new foreign sources into its supply chains . China 's rise came largely at Europe 's expense . Since 2004 China has gained market share in the export of goods and of manufactured goods , while Europe 's share is falling and the US share has held steady . In fact it now appears that the US share of global exports is climbing again . After losing 6 million manufacturing jobs in the last decade , the US gained half a million in the last 18 months while Europe , Canada and Japan lost jobs or saw no change . <p> Energy is also rapidly emerging as an American competitive advantage . After falling the for 25 years , the share of the US energy supply that comes from domestic sources has been rising since 2005 , from 69 percent to around 80 percent , due to increasing production of oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas prices to the lowest rates in the world , inspiring manufacturers to relocate to the United States . Textiles was one of the first industries to leave the developed world , but recently Santana Textiles moved from Mexico to the US due to energy costs . <p> The big danger in the US remains that the government will fail to attack the debt problem , leaving a Japanese-style anchor on the recovery . Just as it makes no sense to analyze emerging markets in terms of generic rubrics like BRICs , developed markets also need to be analyzed as individual stories . The dramatically different approaches of the developed nations to the basic challenges -- de-leveraging and maintaining strength in manufacturing -- is going to put them on very different growth paths . And if you compare the United States to its rich peers , it has the best chance to be a Breakout Nation , particularly if Washington can get its game together and attack the public debt . <p> Economies should be scouted like baseball players -- against the competition in the same league . Brazil and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not in the same league as India ( $1400 ) ... <p> Economies should be scouted like baseball players -- against the competition in the same league . Brazil and Russia , with real incomes greater than $12,000 , are

@@5063741 <h> The Impossible Question of ' We Need to Talk About Kevin ' : Nature or Nurture ? <p> A mother grapples with grief and shame after a son 's act of violence in a spellbinding new film . <p> Osilliscope <p> " You are leaving , my darling boy . You always have been your mother 's joy . " Those words come from 1920s gospel singer Washington Phillips 's " Mothers Last Word to Her Son , " a hauntingly beautiful expression of the bittersweet bond between a mother and a son she knows she can no longer protect . But what happens when everything ugly about the world is embodied in the son , when he 's the source of the " sin and woe " that Phillips sings about over his ethereal zither ? If the bond between mother and son becomes tenuous or broken , is that the result of his evil deeds , or the cause of them ? <p> Director Lynne Ramsay 's new film , We Need to Talk About Kevin , returns again and again to Phillips 's song as it examines the relationship between Eva Khatchadourian ( Tilda Swinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a boy troubled seemingly from birth . As a baby , he rarely ceases crying , to the point where a frazzled Eva seeks refuge from the noise by walking him by construction sites , where the sound of the jackhammer five feet away provides momentary relief . As he gets older , he refuses to speak , refuses to allow himself to be potty trained , and asserts a manipulative dominance over his mother that his doting , Pollyannaish father Franklin ( John C. Reilly ) refuses to acknowledge . Kevin is anything but his mother 's joy . <p> The film zeroes in on a connection between Eva and Kevin that defies easy explanation . <p> Adapted from the 2003 novel by Lionel Shriver , Ramsay departs from that book 's epistolary structure ( it was comprised entirely of letters from Eva to Franklin ) in favor of a narrative of disjointed flashbacks . In the present , Eva lives the solitary existence of an outcast , trying to remain as invisible as possible in a community whose residents at best eye her distrustfully and at worst accost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face . In the seclusion of her forced exile , her memory strays to events throughout Kevin 's upbringing . Her thoughts always return , however , to the chaos and flashing police lights that surrounded the horrific act of violence , perpetrated by Kevin , that led her here . <p> Serious contemplations of truly horrific and nearly unfathomable incidents of youth violence are rare in film . The question that inevitably follows those tragedies is " Why ? " , but the answer is always maddeningly difficult to discern . Gus Van Sant 's Columbine-inspired Elephant , still the best film made on the subject , sidesteps that question in favor of an attempt to find meaning in the mundane details of the event as it plays out for the victims and the perpetrators . <p> Kevin approaches things from an entirely different angle : that of how an event like this impacts a violent child 's mother . As the person who was there during Kevin 's formative years , there is an assumption that Eva must have something to do with forming the terrifying figure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bears responsibility is just as difficult to answer as the question of why . Ramsay refuses to engage in futile attempts to answer either . She is , however , concerned with the obsessive need for closure inherent in the search for those answers . It 's a need that consumes and tortures Eva every moment of her life . <p> At one point in the film , two missionaries knock on the door of Eva 's small , run-down house and ask her if she knows where she 's spending the afterlife . " Oh , yes I do as a matter of fact , " she responds cheerfully . " I 'm going straight to hell . " It 's delivered as a flippant comment to get the pair off her doorstep , but Eva is entirely serious . Moreover , she 's not so much awaiting damnation as she is already living it . <p> In her clouded recollections , every incident of Kevin 's upbringing is a chance for her to condemn herself : she was never loving enough to him ; always too quick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him . Even her memory of the night of his conception plays back like a nightmare : lying in bed in the present , the room lit with a bloody hue thanks to the angry splash of red paint vengeful locals have thrown on the front of her house , she recalls a night of carefree , irresponsible sex with Franklin as ominous and foreboding , an effect heightened by Jonny Greenwood 's dark score . <p> Ramsay is much more sympathetic to Eva than Eva is to herself , though . Even as she presents us with Eva 's self-flagellating memories , the director refuses to let her shoulder the blame . Eva may have been short on patience , but Kevin is a more deeply disturbed individual than any of his mother 's actions could possibly have created on their own . The film never attempts to resolve the nature/nurture debate regarding what makes a monster out of a young boy , but presents the prodigious intelligence , the blank detachment , and the manipulative ease of a sociopath that he displays even as a toddler . His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all those around him . " You do n't look happy , " Eva says to him on a prison visit near his 18th birthday . " Have I ever ? " he responds incredulously . <p> Kevin is an extraordinary work from Ramsay , a filmmaker with an uncommon gift for getting at the inner psychology of her characters through striking visuals . Opening up a character 's head and examining the contents without ever having her articulate them is no easy feat in filmmaking , and doing so through such a highly coordinated and dizzying attack of overlapping timelines requires absolute precision . <h> MORE ON MOVIES <p> Ramsay uses the paint-stained house as a constant touchstone : Eva 's time spent sanding and scrubbing gives her time to reflect and provides space for the flashbacks to gradually fill in the story . By the time the film returns to the present , it 's clear that working her hands raw trying to remove the splash of red is an act of self-imposed penitence ; the reminder of Kevin 's bloody crime is on the house , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Lady Macbeth , the spot simply will not come out . <p> The use of sound is similarly well-orchestrated . Sounds and voices overlap and bleed in and out of Eva 's head from various points in the timeline . Familiar sounds are recontextualized until they taken on entirely new meanings . The rhythmic click of a garden sprinkler suddenly takes on the portentous weight of an orange in the Godfather movies . Songs are cleverly inserted to ironically contrast the scenes they accompany : Buddy Holly 's sunny " Everyday " accompanies a nightmarish , slow-motion Halloween night drive past frightening trick-or-treaters ; the Beach Boys ' " In My Room " appears as Eva searches Kevin 's bedroom ; three jaunty skiffle tunes from ' 50s great Lonnie Donegan soundtrack otherwise dark situations . <p> And , of course , there 's that recurring Washington Phillips song , which first appears unironically during the one genuinely loving moment Eva and Kevin share in the film . That lasts all of a couple of minutes though , and it 's immediately reprised as Kevin shows his first signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more disorienting with the same song on the soundtrack now given an entirely different connotation . <p> The film is able to zero in on a connection between Eva and Kevin that defies easy explanation . There is resentment , hatred , and manipulation , but there are also odd strains of respect and even love . They identify with each another in ways neither is prepared to admit , and that uneasy bond allows for surprising moments of reluctant tenderness in an otherwise brutal film . As Phillips plays Eva into the credits , the uneasy message being sent is that even if Kevin is

@@5063841 <h> Community <h> Events <h> Southern HospitaliTEA <p> In our 15th birthday year , what could be more appropriate than recreating the tea that started it all ? ! Join your Sisters in " the Sisters ' Choice " city of Atlanta , GA for Southern HospitaliTEA ! Event Info Register Here View Promo Video <h> London New Year 's Day Parade <p> Join the Red Hat Society as we celebrate the New Year in London ! The Red Hat Society is delighted to be invited back as special guests of the London New Year 's Day Parade . Event Info Register Here <h> How to read the RHS Event Calendar <p> Invited Event <p> Official Event <p> Flagged Event <p> Chapter Event <p> Did you know that , as a Supporting Member of the Red Hat Society , you have access to events in your local area and around the world ? From Fashion Shows and Tea Parties , to Author Signings and Themed Outings , your choices are limitless . Come

@@5063941 <p> The family name of Belcher is a historic one in England and America . There are many thousands of individuals named Belcher throughout the world . Of these , a large number are residents of Great Britain , but most live in the United States of America . <p> Although the family name of Belcher is a prominent one in English and American history , it is actually Old French in origin . The ancestor of the Belcher family came to England from France , as part of William the Conqueror 's army that came to England in the Norman Conquest of 1066 A.D. This Belcher ancestor 's name , as listed on " The Roll of the Battle Abbey " ( the original list of those who came to England with William the Conqueror ) , was Belesur . Belesur is believed to have come from Bellasis ( near Paris , France ) . Belesur 's name can be defined from the meanings of the words that comprise it : <p> bel <p> ( derived from the Old French ) <p> beautiful or fine <p> sur <p> ( derived from the Old French ) <p> sir ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because the English language ( as we know it ) was forming and taking shape in medieval England after the Norman Conquest , sur , sir , sire , ser , sere , schere , and scher were variant spellings of the word we know today as sir . Thus , today , the Belcher ancestor 's name might be spelled with the two syllables " Bel " and " Sir " -- Belsir . <p> According to Henry Barber , British Family Names : Their Origin and Meaning ( 1894 ) , the name Belesur became Belcher , which is now the most common spelling of the name . The first person documented as using this spelling was Ralph de Belcher , who was a witness to a deed in 1176 in Staffordshire , England . Because the English language was forming and taking shape during the medieval era , slight variations occur in the early records in the spelling of the name . Some examples are : Richard Belechere , who resided in Gloucester County , England about 1273 ; John Belsire ( 1273 ) of Kent County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1553 ; William Belsher , who was Sheriff of Bristol , England in 1562 ; and Edmund Belchier ( also listed as Edmund Belcher ) , who died in Northamptonshire , England in 1529 . Governor Jonathan Belcher ( 1682-1757 ) , who was very proud of the family name and had researched the matter , believed that " Belcher " was the most correct and honorable spelling of the name . <p> Therefore , the surname ( family name ) of Belcher has its roots in medieval England , and , before that , in France . The name Belcher is composed of two syllables : " Bel " and " cher " . In Old French , Bel meant " beautiful or fine . " The Middle English word cher ( also derived from the Old French ) meant an " an expression on the face " ; in Middle English , this word was also spelled chere ( as in Richard Bele chere ) . A person 's mood , especially gladness or joyfulness , as expressed on a person 's countenance or face , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as cheer . Cheer denotes gladness or joy . Cheer was also spelled scher , shere , or chire ( which is very similar to some of the variant spellings of sir or sur , as in Bele sur ) . When spelled cher or chere , the word also referred to good hospitality ( such as one would find on the estate of a sir , knight , or gentleman ) . Thus , the Belcher name refers to a beautiful or fine expression on the face , hospitality , or , in summary , " good cheer . " <p> The Belcher name is sometimes described as meaning " beautiful dear or beloved , " because in modern French , the word cher refers to " dear " or " beloved . " However , a meaning more consistent with the name 's Old French origins is " good cheer . " Thus , according to William Arthur , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names ( 1857 ) , the surname of Belcher means " good cheer " . <p> Finally , it should perhaps be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the word " belch , " which is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word bealcan . The family name of Bel-cher , as we have seen , means " good cheer " and is derived from the name of the original ancestor Belesur , which is Old French ( not Anglo-Saxon ) in origin . The family name of Belcher is also divided into the different two syllables of : " Bel " and " cher . " By contrast , the word " belch " is derived from the language of the Saxons ( not Old French ) , has an entirely different meaning , and is composed of just one , undivided syllable : " belch . " ( The Saxons were a Germanic people that invaded and moved to England several hundred years before the Norman Conquest and Belesur 's arrival in England ) . Therefore , etymologically speaking , there is no connection between the family name " Bel-cher " and the Saxon-derived word " belch . " ( Etymology is

@@5064041 <h> Greatest Hits <p> If Keith Whitley had n't drunk himself to death at the age of 34 , he could easily have been as big as Randy Travis , with whom his voice shares an uncanny resemblance . Whitley 's version of " On the Other Hand , " a huge hit for Travis , says it all : Just slightly more understated than Travis ' take , it holds a deeper " country " feel , especially with Whitley 's drawl and more traditional instrumentation . But it 's the gently depressed " When You Say Nothing at All " and the all-too-telling "

@@5064141 <h> How to get to heaven entering your email address in the field below and clicking on " Subscribe . " <p> Question : " How to get to heaven - what are the ideas from the different religions ? " <p> Answer : There appears to be five major categories regarding how to get to heaven in the world 's religions . Most believe that hard work and wisdom will lead to ultimate fulfillment , whether that is unity with god ( Hinduism , Buddhism , and Baha'i ) or freedom and independence ( Scientology , Jainism ) . Others , like Unitarianism and Wicca , teach the afterlife is whatever you want it to be , and salvation is a non-issue because the sin nature does n't exist . A few believe either the afterlife does n't exist , or it 's too unknowable to consider . <p> Derivatives of the worship of the Christian-Judeo God generally hold that faith in God and/or Jesus and the accomplishment of various deeds , including baptism or door-to-door evangelism , will ensure the worshiper will go to heaven . Only Christianity teaches that salvation is a free gift of God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no amount of work or effort is necessary or possible to get to heaven . <p> Atheism : Some atheists believe there is no heaven -- no afterlife at all . Upon death , people simply cease to exist . Others attempt to define the afterlife using quantum mechanics and other scientific methods . <p> Baha'i : Like many other religions , Baha'i does n't teach that man was born with a sin nature or that man needs saving from evil . Man simply needs saving from his erroneous beliefs of how the world works and how he is to interact with the world . God sent messengers to explain to people how to come to this knowledge : Abraham , Krishna , Zoroaster , Moses , Buddha , Jesus , Muhammad , and Baha'u'llah . These prophets progressively revealed the nature of God to the world . Upon death , a person 's soul continues its spiritual journey , perhaps through the states known as heaven and hell , until it comes to a final resting point , united with god . <p> Buddhism : Buddhism also believes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejoined in spirit with god . Reaching Nirvana , a transcendental , blissful , spiritual state , requires following the Eightfold Path . This includes understanding the universe , and acting , speaking , and living in the right manner and with the right intentions . Mastering these and the other eight paths will return a worshipper 's spirit to god . <p> Chinese Religion : Chinese Religion is not an organized church , but an amalgamation of different religions and beliefs including Taoism and Buddhism . Upon death , worshipers are judged . The good are sent either to a Buddhist paradise or a Tao dwelling place . The bad are sent to hell for a period of time and then reincarnated . <p> Christianity : Christianity is the only religion that teaches man can do nothing to earn or pay his way into heaven . Man , a slave to the sin nature he was born with , must completely rely on the grace of God in applying Jesus Christ 's sacrifice to the sins of the believer . Upon death , the spirits of Christians go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to another temporary holding place . At the final judgment , Christians are given a new body and spend eternity with God in paradise , while unbelievers are separated from God for eternity in hell . <p> Confucianism : Confucianism concentrates on appropriate behavior in life , not a future heaven . The afterlife is unknowable , so all effort should be made to make this life the best it can be , to honor ancestors , and to respect elders . <p> Eastern Orthodox : Orthodoxy is a Christian-Judeo derivative that reinterprets key Scripture verses in such a way that works become essential to reach heaven . They believe faith in Jesus is necessary for salvation , but where Christianity teaches that becoming more Christ-like is the result of Christ 's influence in a believer 's life . Orthodoxy teaches that it is a part of the salvation process . As a result , they believe if that process ( called theosis ) is not performed appropriately , a worshiper can lose his/her salvation . After death , the devout live in an intermediate state where this theosis can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accomplish sufficient progress in theosis are sent to a temporary " direful condition " and will go to hell unless the living devout pray and complete acts of mercy on their behalf . After final judgment , the devout are sent to heaven and the others to hell . Heaven and hell are not locations , but reactions to being in the presence of God , as there is nowhere that He is not present . For Christ-followers , God 's presence is paradise , but for the unsaved , being with God is eternal torment . <p> Hinduism : Hinduism is similar to Buddhism . Salvation ( or Moksha ) is reached when the worshiper is freed from the cycle of reincarnation , and his spirit becomes one with god . One becomes free by ridding oneself of bad karma -- the effect of evil action or evil intent . This can be done in three different ways : through selfless devotion to and service of a particular god , through understanding the nature of the universe , or by mastering the actions needed to fully appease the gods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gods , there are differences of opinion regarding the nature of salvation . The advaita believe salvation occurs when one can strip away the false self and make the soul indistinguishable from that of god . The dualist insists that one 's soul always retains its own identity even as it is joined with god . <p> Islam : Islam is a take-off on the Christian/Judeo God . Muslims believe salvation comes to those who obey Allah sufficiently that good deeds outweigh the bad . Muslims hope that repeating what Muhammad did and said will be enough to get to heaven , but they also recite extra prayers , fast , go on pilgrimages , and perform good works in hope of tipping the scales . Martyrdom in service to Allah is the only work guaranteed to send a worshiper to paradise . <p> Jainism : Jainism came to be in India about the same time as Hinduism and is very similar . One must hold the right belief , have the right knowledge , and act in the right manner . Only then can a soul be cleansed of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . There is no higher god to reach or lend aid . Salvation is man as master of his own destiny , liberated and perfect , filled with infinite perception , knowledge , bliss , and power . <p> Jehovah 's Witnesses : The teaching of the Watchtower Society is the epitome of the saying " a cult of Christianity is a religion that misinterprets the book of Revelation . " Similar to Mormons , Jehovah 's Witnesses teach different levels of heaven . The anointed are 144,000 who receive salvation by the blood of Christ and will rule with Him in paradise . They are the bride of Christ . To all others , Jesus ' sacrifice only freed them from Adam 's curse of original sin , and " faith " is merely the opportunity to earn their way to heaven . They must learn about Kingdom history , keep the laws of Jehovah , and be loyal to " God 's government " -- the 144,000 leaders , 9000 of whom are currently on the Earth . They must also spread the news about the Kingdom , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resurrected during the millennial kingdom where they must continue a devout life . Only afterwards are they given the opportunity to formally accept Christ and live for eternity under the rule of the 144,000 . <p> Judaism : Jews believe that as individuals and as a nation , they begin reconciled to God . Through sin ( individually or collectively ) they can lose their salvation , but they can also earn it back through repentance , good deeds , and a life of devotion . <p> Mormonism : Mormons believe their religion to be a derivative of Judeo/Christianity , but their reliance on extra-grace works belies this . They also have a different view of heaven . To reach the second heaven under " general salvation , " one must accept Christ ( either in this life or the next ) , and be baptized or be baptized by proxy through a living relative . To reach the highest heaven , one must believe in God and Jesus , repent of sins , be baptized in the church , be a member of the LDS church , receive the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mormon " Word of Wisdom " and all God 's commandments , and complete certain temple rituals including marriage . This " individual salvation " leads to the worshiper and his/her spouse becoming gods and giving birth to spirit children who return to Earth as the souls of the living . <p> Roman Catholicism : Roman Catholics originally believed only those in the Roman Catholic Church could be saved . Joining the church was a long process of classes , rituals , and baptism . People who had already been baptized but were not members of the Roman Catholic Church had different requirements and may even already be considered Christians . Baptism is " normatively " required for salvation , but this can include " baptism of blood " ( i.e. : martyrdom ) or " baptism of desire " ( wanting to be baptized really badly ) . From the catechism : " Those who die for the faith , those who are catechumens , and all those who , without knowing of the Church but acting under the inspiration of grace , seek God sincerely and strive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not been baptized . " Despite the changes through the years , baptism ( or the desire for baptism ) is still required for salvation . <p> Upon death , the souls of those who rejected Christ are sent to hell . The souls of those who accepted Christ and performed sufficient acts to be purified of sin go to heaven . Those who died in faith but did not complete the steps to be purified are sent to purgatory where they undergo temporary , painful punishment until their souls are cleansed . Purification by torment may be lessened by suffering during life and the offerings and prayers of others on the sinner 's behalf . Once purification is complete , the soul may go to heaven . <p> Scientology : Scientology is similar to Eastern religions in that salvation is achieved through knowledge of self and the universe . The " Thetan " ( Scientology 's answer to the soul ) travels through several different lifetimes , attempting to expel painful and traumatic images that cause a person to act fearfully and irrationally . Once a Scientologist is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " operating thetan , " he/she is able to control thought , life , matter , energy , space , and time . <p> Sikhism : Sikhism was created in reaction to the conflict between Hinduism and Islam , and carries on many of Hinduism 's influences -- although Sikhs are monotheistic . " Evil " is merely human selfishness . Salvation is attained by living an honest life and meditating on god . If performed sufficiently , the worshipper is released from the cycle of reincarnation and becomes one with god . <p> Shinto : The afterlife in Shinto was originally a dire , Hades-like realm . Matters of the afterlife have now been transferred to Buddhism . This salvation is dependent on penance and avoiding impurity or pollution of the soul . Then one 's soul can join those of its ancestors . <p> Taoism : Like several other Eastern religions ( Shinto , Chinese folk religions , Sikhism ) , Taoism adopted many of its afterlife principles from Buddhism . Initially , Taoists did n't concern themselves with worries of the afterlife and , instead , concentrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aligning with the cosmos and receiving aid from supernatural immortals who resided on mountains , islands , and other places on Earth . The result was immortality . Eventually , Taoists abandoned the quest for immortality and took on the afterlife teachings of Buddhism . <p> Unitarian-Universalism : Unitarians are allowed to and encouraged to believe anything they like about the afterlife and how to get there . Although in general , they believe people should seek enlightenment in this life and not worry too much about the afterlife . <p> Wicca : Wiccans believe many different things about the afterlife , but most seem to agree that there is no need for salvation . People either live in harmony with the Goddess by caring for her physical manifestation -- the Earth -- or they do n't , and their bad karma is returned to them three-fold . Some believe souls are reincarnated until they learn all their life lessons and become one with the Goddess . Some are so committed to following one 's individual path that they believe individuals determine what will happen when they die ; if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hell or joined with the goddess , they will be . Others refuse to contemplate the afterlife at all . Either way , they do n't believe in sin or anything they need saving from . <p> Zoroastrianism : Zoroastrianism may be the first religion that stated that the afterlife was dependent one 's actions in life . There is no reincarnation , just a simple judgment four days after death . After a sufficient amount of time in hell , however , even the condemned can go to heaven . To be judged righteous , one can use knowledge or

@@5064241 <h> Microsoft Messenger being phased out in favor of Skype <p> Windows Live Messenger , the globally recognized instant messaging client Microsoft debuted in 1999 , will be phased out in favor of the Skype app that Microsoft acquired in 2011 . <p> Skype today confirmed rumors first reported by The Verge that it will become Microsoft 's new home for instant messaging . The video calling and online communication service announced that it will integrate Messenger into the latest version of Skype for Windows and Mac , which permit users to sign-in with their Microsoft account . Messenger users will then be able to reach their contacts , which are automatically imported , within Skype . Once connected , users will be gain access to instant messaging , video calling , screen sharing , group video calling with Facebook friends , and support for the Apple iPad and several Android tablets . <p> Messenger will shutdown next year in all markets except China . All users outside of China will find that the Windows Live Messenger will cease functioning at some point in the first quarter of 2013 . Skype encourages users to migrate

@@5064341 <h> Everything Else <h> Biggest Mistakes in Web Design 1995-2015 <p> I 've gathered what I think are the biggest web design mistakes committed during the period 1995 to 2015 . Yes , it is a little facetious to say these mistakes will be made in the year 2015 , but it 's human nature to repeat your mistakes over and over . But it 's human nature to repeat your mistakes over and over &lt;grin&gt; . <p> I 've added more material to the article -- especially the sections on Contrast , Graphics , Flash , JavaScript and Text . I 've added more videos and screenshots , including those of sites that have changed . I have proof of how bad they used to be . <h> 1 . Believing people care about you and your website . <p> These women are laughing at you . Why ? You designed your website for your needs , not theirs . It gets worse . After they stop laughing , they 're going to one of your competitors ' sites to buy something . <p> Here 's an email I received about the topic : <p> Powerhouse is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nice bread maker at an even nicer price , so ( we ) went to their website to see if we could buy it . <p> Because we use Firefox , we were n't allowed in . ( Note : The site has disappeared . Did a Firefox-free environment cause this to happen ? I do n't know , but I 'm sure you do n't want to find out what happens if you keep potential customers out of your site . -- vf ) <h> Nobody cares about you or your site . <p> Really . What visitors care about is solving their problems . Now . Most people visit a website to solve one or more of these four problems : <p> They want/need information <p> They want/need to make a purchase / donation . <p> They want/need to be entertained . <p> They want/need to be part of a community . <p> Too many organizations believe that a website is about opening a new marketing channel , getting donations , promote a brand , or increase company sales by 15% . No . It 's about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phrase enough ? <p> If there ever was a site that was not about meeting their customers ' needs , it has to be the Association of International Glaucoma Societies . They 've " fixed " the site , but here is a video catching them in the act . The YouTube version is below . <h> 2 . A man from Mars ca n't figure out what your website is about in less than four seconds . <p> You should be able to look at the home page of any site and figure out what the site is about in less than four seconds . If you ca n't , the site is a failure . A current example of a site that would confuse a man from Mars is Genicap . <p> People who make Mistake #1 often end up making Mistake #2 . An example of a site that fails the Four-Second Test is an older version of the Mars Hill site ( shown below ) . <p> Is this an African sewing cooperative ? Are they trying to sell us something ? What is this site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to stay around and find out ? <p> The name of the organization ( Mars Hill ) and the " tag line " ( we are beginning a new season of covenant ) tell you nothing . Non-profit organizations are the worst offenders when it comes to names and tag lines . Here 's a typical non-profit organization 's name and tag line : <p> Big Hands of Hope -- It 's all about compassion <p> No . It 's all about solving your visitors ' problems . Nothing in the name or tag line tells you this organization helps African children . <p> Here 's an over-the-top example of a name and tag line that 's better : <p> Save the African Children -- We keep them from dying a horrible death <p> Yes , you must tone down the tag line , but at least you understand the mission of the organization . <h> 3 . Contrast , dammit . <p> According to Wikipedia : " Contrast is the difference in visual properties that makes an object ( or its representation in an image ) distinguishable from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flanders : " Without proper contrast , visitors to your site ca n't read the text and if they ca n't read it , they will leave it . " Here 's a website that explains the need for contrast -- and it 's done visually . <p> Of all the 16 mistakes , this one is the most mystifying . How is it possible not to notice you ca n't read the text on a page ? <p> The image at the left is a look at a piece of the menu on one of the subpages at Tampax.com . If you click the image , you 'll see a full-size version . ( The file was saved at 99% , so there 's no loss in quality . ) <p> Many otherwise excellent web designers fall victim to Gray , Light , and Bad Type or " GLBT . " One site , that will remain somewhat anonymous , had an article about an interesting use of PHP ( he 's a programmer , not a web designer ) . Right away , I knew I was looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see what I saw . <p> I ran the page through AccessColor and , if you click the image below , you 'll see how badly the site failed to have sufficient contrast . <p> 73.93% of the text fails to meet one of the contrast standards . <h> More bad contrast <p> Another example of bad contrast comes from The Wedding Lens ( click picture for original size image ) . <h> Learn About Contrast <p> There 's no excuse for contrast problems . If you wo n't take my word for it , take Alistapart 's . Between the two of us , you 've got the omega and alpha of web design telling you to wo/man up and make your site readable . <h> 4 . Using design elements that get in the way the sale . <p> You 're a fundraiser getting ready to make the ask for a large sum of money . You 're the best fundraiser on the planet because you have a pitch that can move the heavens . <p> You walk into the donor 's office , introduce yourself and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ <p> As you start to make your big pitch , the donor reaches into the packet , extracts the pledge form you hope he 'll sign and grabs a pen . <p> As the donor starts to sign the lucrative , long-term pledge you reach over across the table , grab the donor by the throat and yell . " Not so fast , jerkface ! I have n't finished my pitch ! ! ! " <p> You would n't do that , would you ? Then why are you using design techniques that keep the visitor from getting to the sale ? These design techniques are the web equivalent of grabbing someone by the throat because they violate the golden rule of doing business on the Web -- " Do n't do anything that gets in the way of the sale . " <p> Here 's an example of getting in the way of the sale -- literally -- as performed by Jakob Nielsen . Well , somebody at the Nielsen Norman Group . As the person who sent this mistake in to me said in his email : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informs me that Dr. Nielsen will be holding usability conferences around the globe - one in a city only a few hours drive from where I live . Clicking the link that 's 2/3rds the way down the newsletter , I find myself on a nice , concise and easy to navigate page that provided me with all the information I need . <p> Sold on the idea of attending , I see and click one of the links on the left column menu under each conference city entitled " Registration " for the locale of my desire - only to find that I ca n't register . <p> When you click on the link , you 're given the ubiquitous basic authentication username and password dialog with no instructions on how to enter said page . They want me to register for their conference , but they 've thrown down a frustrating step into the process that forces a user to come back some other day . <p> I suspect this occurred by not testing all the links on a machine that was n't already authenticated . Even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the best way to show one 's expertise in the area of usability . <p> Some of the many , many other techniques that get in the way of the sale : Splash Pages , FlashSplash Pages ( Video ) , animations , lack of focal point on the page , too much text , too little text , too many pictures , etc . See any of my books or any article on this site for more examples . <p> When people arrive at your site , it 's because they 've made a commitment . They 've clicked a link or an ad and now they are at your site so you do n't have to try to seduce them . Let them in your site . <p> On the other hand , seduction is necessary when you buy ads on other sites and search engines . You have to seduce people before they click . <p> I was hanging out at a non-web design conference and two of my friends sat down and wanted to talk about their websites . One of them kept loudly saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tired of me trying to tell him otherwise . <p> It 's possible that his blog " is everything , " but you can only make that statement when you 've tried a website , Facebook fan page , Twitter account , and whatever other marketing activities are appropriate . For all I know , his " everything " might actually be Google ads and a simple landing page . Believing there 's only one , true path is dangerous . <h> 5a . Thinking your website is your marketing strategy . <p> Unless you 're an online shop selling t-shirts , cameras -- you get the picture -- your website is not your marketing strategy . Your website is part of your marketing strategy . <p> If you take orders over the phone , do n't get rid of your phone banks . If you 're successfully using direct mail , do n't stop . Heck , if the Yellow Pages are working for you , continue to use them . The hard part , is to find where your website fits in your marketing strategy . <p> Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was consulting for an organization that was going to put all of its eggs into one web basket : <p> I have to tell you that I attended a board meeting today for the organization whose website you checked out for me . <p> The board consists of high-end people who had flown in from all over the country ! When push came to shove , they asked me what I thought about their ability to raise money by driving people to the website . <p> I shared your response with them . Silence in the room . And then a couple of other board members acknowledged that it needed work , affirming that they had the same impression but did n't have the expertise to say anything .. <h> 6 . Have you ever seen another website ? Really ? Does n't look like it . <p> I usually do n't let bad design affect me , but there 's one mistake that really gets under my skin . I do n't understand how it 's possible to create web sites that look like car wrecks on the information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puzzle me . Has n't anyone at this organization seen another web site ? Have they been to Amazon.com or the ASPCA or even to Catholic.net ( which sucks , but is infinitely better than AJFF ) ? <h> 7 . Navigational failure . <p> Common mistakes include different types of navigation on the same site , a link to the current page on the current page ( home page link on home page ) , poorly worded links so the visitor does n't know where he 'll go if he clicks , no links back to the home page and confusing links to the home page . <h> 8 . Using Mystery Meat Navigation . <p> While there are 10 million ways to screw up your navigation , the best way to screw it up is to use Mystery Meat Navigation ( MMN ) . Here 's my definition : <p> Mystery Meat Navigation occurs when , in order to find specific pages in a site , the user must mouse over unmarked navigational " buttons " -- graphics that are usually blank or do n't describe their function @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the button is and where it leads . <p> Wikipedia used to have a great definition of MMN : <p> Mystery meat navigation ( also abbreviated MMN ) is a term coined and popularized by author , web designer , and usability analyst Vincent Flanders to describe user interfaces ( especially in web sites ) in which it is inordinately difficult for users to discern the destinations of navigational hyperlinks -- or , in severe cases , even to determine where the hyperlinks are . The typical form of MMN is represented by menus composed of unrevealing icons that are replaced with explicative text only when the mouse cursor hovers over them . <p> Flanders adopted the epithet mystery meat because , like the unidentifiable processed meat products historically served in many American public school cafeterias , MMN is unfathomable to the casual observer . Before conceiving the term mystery meat navigation , Flanders temporarily described the phenomenon as Saturnic navigation , a phrase named for the Saturn Corporation , whose web site formerly served as a high-profile example of this web usability problem . <p> Certain types of sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movie , art , experimental , fashion -- sites where making an impression or being cool is mandatory . <p> Another exception is what I would call " cult sites " -- sites that are so popular with a specific group that their audience automatically commits the icons to memory . The old version of Slashdot immediately comes to mind . <p> The problem with MMN is it influences designers and companies who are n't smart enough to realize they 're not in the music , art , movie , or fashion business . When a manufacturing company ( video ) starts using MMN , you know the apocalypse ca n't be too far off . The University of Calgary used MMN for unknown reasons . Of course , they changed their site -- improving it in the process , but they ca n't hide their crimes . The video below shows you what the University of Calgary looked like when it used MMN . <p> It 's not just small companies and universities that suddenly become brain damaged . Big corporations also act like lemmings . The example below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . Site lacks Heroin Content . <p> In his classic book Naked Lunch , which I read when I was 15 , William Burroughs described heroin as the ultimate product . Why ? Because people would crawl through the sewers and beg to buy it . In the non-drug world , there are very few products that can be classified as having heroin 's appeal . <p> How many web sites have Heroin Content ? <p> Heroin Content 's characteristics vary by type of site -- but you 'll know it when you see it . One global characteristic , though , is frequently updated content . The best way to get people to come back to your site again and again is by having content they need , and then updating this content on a regular basis . <p> How do you create Heroin Content ? The answer depends on the likes and dislikes of your audience . Remember , it 's what your audience wants that counts . What I consider Heroin Content is somebody else 's Quinine Content . <p> Ask yourself : " What content do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to visit my site a second , third , or fourth time ? " This is extremely important . You might con ( seduce ) someone to visit your site once , but why would they want to come back a second , third , or fourth time ? If you ca n't answer this question , you really should n't have a web site . <p> Is the content technically correct ? <p> Does your customer need to know the content you 're presenting ? <p> Is the content current and updated frequently ? <p> Can people find the content they 're looking for ? <p> Does my site have Heroin Content ? <p> I just got through reading that Bill Gates wants to start a blog . Why would anyone in their right mind want to read it ? Do you think it will contain Heroin Content ? As Seth Godin brilliantly points out , blogs only work when they meet four of the following five conditions : <p> Candor <p> Urgency <p> Timeliness <p> Pithiness <p> Controversy <p> Content Trumps Design . PostSecret is poorly designed . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ text that does n't contrast well with the background , lime green headers , a page that goes on and on , content that only changes once a week and a poorly designed logo . The postcards are often hard-to-read , especially on a small monitor . <p> The content , however , is extraordinary and ever since I discovered the site , I 've visited it every week . Well , every week but the week I had brain surgery &lt;painful grin&gt; . This site is proof that content is much more important than design . Yes , my comments about the design are accurate , but meaningless because the site has Heroin Content . <p> Before you start saying , " My site also has Heroin Content so I do n't have to worry about the design , " let me point out a small fact . Your site does n't have Heroin Content . Digg.com has it , YouTube borrows a lot of it , and Google is another site that has Heroin Content . <h> 10 . Forgetting the purpose of text . <p> After ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use text , but they do n't . Here are some helpful hints . <p> Text is Text . Do n't use graphics or Flash for text . The first reason is it increases the size of the page ; the second reason is it is n't search engine friendly ; the third reason is the graphics are often of poor quality and are aliased ( jaggy ) ; and fourth , mistakes are hard to correct as this example demonstrates ( it was originally created in Flash ) . <p> Gim me contrast . Web designers have fallen in love with creating text that does n't contrast with the background . <p> One of the strangest set of text contrasts I 've ever seen was at the University of Idaho Children 's Center ( it 's been fixed ) , with blue and black text on a green background . It certainly hurt the eyes . They also alternated the color of their links -- now that 's a bad design technique you 've probably never seen before . <p> As I said , they fixed their page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . <h> 11 . Too much material on one page . <p> Yes , it 's called a web page , but that does n't mean you have to cram all your material on one page -- just like this page does &lt;grin&gt; . <p> It 's very easy to keep adding material to your home page until it gets out of control . <p> With so much content vying for attention , it 's difficult for the eyes to find the focal point . People get confused and they leave . A long web page means you have failed to organize your site properly -- probably a combination of not planning your site and poor navigation . An example of too much material on one page is Arngren.net . <h> 12 . Confusing web design with a magic trick . <p> Web design is the reverse of a magic trick . In a magic trick , you show the audience your right hand and perform the trick with your left . In Web design , you tell them where you 're going first -- and then go there . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like surprises . It will certainly confuse them and it could make them want to leave and find a site that 's less confusing . <p> If you 're a dentist , your visitors expect your web site to look like it belongs to a dentist -- not to someone who is going to the opera . <p> Speaking of magic tricks , links should be clearly labeled so your visitors wo n't be surprised when they click . I made a mistake of not labeling a link on one of my pages and I received the following email : <p> Because I use your site for design considerations , I access your site at work . You probably know where I 'm going with this , but ... it might not be a bad idea to warn folks when the content is going to be " racy . " <p> Do n't get me wrong , Sports Illustrated ' s swimsuit issue is tame ( and in my view , the models are gorgeous ) , but some of us work in an environment of hyper-sensitivity ! It would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be non-PC so I can at least glance over my shoulder . ( I know I could look at the address on the status bar to get a clue , but ... ) <h> 13 . Misusing Flash . <p> Just as a raincoat is a tool that can be used for good or evil purposes , Adobe Flash can also be used for good or evil . It all comes down to how it 's used and who is using it . <p> Unfortunately , there 's a tendency to misuse Flash and because of space I ca n't go into every detail . Here 's a typical scenario : <p> You have to watch a boring , soundless , twenty second flash introduction with no option to skip it . If you 're still around when the content loads , the pain does n't stop . There is a lovely eight or ten second delay between when you click one of the navigation options and when the content actually arrives . <h> Annoying Flash Techniques I Have Witnessed <p> Forgetting to put a " Skip Intro " button @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time they visit . The problem could be " solved " by setting a cookie so visitors only see the animation once unless they click a button to " play it again , Sam . " <p> Putting a " Skip Intro " button on the page . Of course , we all realize that a " Skip Intro " button signifies that the content on the page is worthless . Good Web designers only put content that must be viewed on a page . By giving them the option to skip this material , you 're saying it 's not worth seeing . If it is n't worth seeing , why do you have it on your site in the first place ? <p> No , I 'm not trying to have it both ways . An introductory Flash animation is a Splash page . Splash pages , as we learned long , long ago , are not necessary . If you must have a " Skip Intro " button , make it big enough so people can see it and have it available as soon as the animation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ button . Here 's a useful Flash video about Skip Intro . <p> Making people listen to music . If you have ( original ) music in your Flash animation , give people the option to turn off the music . <p> And if people turn the off the music on one page , it means they do n't want to hear it on any other page . There are dozens of sites where the programmer has n't figured out how to make the music stop on all pages . They have a " Stop the Music " button on each page . Arrgh ! ! ! A good example that may not be work appropriate ( I warned you ) is a fashion site where if you turn off the music on the FlashSplash page and click " Enter " , the music automatically comes back on . The designer should be whipped ( unless s/he likes to be whipped ) . <p> Creating a " non-Flash " version of a site that still includes some Flash animation . If you have an HTML version of your Flash site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few things more stupid than using Flash in a non-Flash Web site . <p> Using Mystery Meat Navigation with Flash -- taking one bad technique and making it four times worse . <h> Proper Uses of Flash I Have Witnessed <p> There are many sites who understand how Flash should be used . The New York Times brilliantly used Flash and MMN ( may be the only brilliant use of MMN ) on their feature " A Look at 1,000 Who Died " ( registration is free , but required ) . <p> You can view the casualty list by last name , branch , date of death , home town , home state , gender , age , type of death , and " other . " On the " Other " page , they could use some contrast . Black type on brown background is hard to read . <p> Here 's another great use of Flash . Once again , it 's from the New York Times : <p> Today , you 're in charge of the nation 's finances . Some of your options have more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have closed the budget gaps for both 2015 and 2030 , you are done . <p> When Flash works , the results are powerful . <h> Flash Today <p> I 've been against Flash before it was cool , but my complaints are about using it inappropriately . Today there is an ethnic cleansing-like movement to eliminate Flash from the face of the earth and the movement 's leader is Apple 's Steve Jobs . There are many technical issues with Flash like overheating CPUs , but the biggest force against Flash is HTML 5 and the web standards people who hate everything proprietary unless it comes from Apple . Going Straight : How To Ditch Flash and Embrace the Future of the Web has links to a lot of the background about Flash 's weaknesses as well as tips on how to go Flash-free . <h> Graphical Misuse / Misunderstandings <p> There are only about a trillion ways to misuse graphics and images on your website . The following checklist lists some of the ways you can misuse graphics . Oh . If you check any of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ <p> These are simply tools . Remember , nobody gets excited about the tools used to build a house ( " Please tell me what brand of hammers you used ! " ) . People get excited about how the house looks and performs . <p> The article 9 Ways to Misunderstand Web Standards provides interesting insights into the problem . Speaking of problems , the text does n't show up in IE6 ( could also occur because of ad-blocking software I 'm using ) . Works fine in Firefox . Hmm . <h> 16 . JavaScript <p> This is the most controversial of my selections because JavaScript is more often used for good than evil . <p> The Number One problem with JS is security . Many of the browser exploits -- especially with Internet Explorer -- can be traced to JavaScript . Microsoft 's solution to many security holes is to " turn off scripting " ( JavaScript ) . <p> The second problem is JS bloats up your page . My home page goes from 31,803 bytes to 71,488 because of the JavaScript I 've added to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then , there 's the issue of all those ads on this site . They 're run by JS . No ads , no money . The benefits make JavaScript so wonderful , but there 's a cost . I know , I know . I 'm getting a lot of benefit out of JS , which brings me to problem three . <p> The fourth problem is all the widgets in use today . All these widgets use JavaScript and most of these widgets are poorly written and cause delays in loading web pages . <p> The fifth problem comes from JS conflict . So many JS programs say they want to be the last item before the BODY tag . Who wins ? Does it make a difference ? Then there 's the problem of other JS programs in the HEAD of the page . Most of us do n't write JS so we copy and paste elements from scripting sites . I have had conflicts and it takes forever to

@@5064441 <h> Analysis &; Opinion <h> Related Topics <p> A sign is shown at the headquarters of Oracle Corporation in Redwood City , California February 2 , 2010 . <p> Credit : Reuters/Robert Galbraith <p> By Poornima Gupta and Dan Levine <p> SAN JOSE , California Wed May 2 , 2012 9:20pm EDT <p> SAN JOSE , California ( Reuters ) - An Oracle Corp attorney ruled out a settlement with Hewlett-Packard Co in a bitter lawsuit over the Itanium microprocessor , a day after the judge refused to resolve the case for either side before trial . <p> At a hearing in a San Jose court on Wednesday , Oracle attorney Dan Wall said a settlement of the lawsuit " is n't going to happen . " <p> Oracle said in a court filing last week that HP is seeking about $4 billion in lost profit damages from Oracle , which argues that HP 's claims are meritless . <p> " In this one , it is not going to work out , " Wall said . <p> Oracle decided to stop developing software for use with Itanium last year , saying Intel Corp made it clear that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Intel was shifting its focus to its x86 microprocessor . <p> But HP argues that Oracle and HP had agreed that support for Itanium would continue , without which the HP equipment using the chip would become obsolete . <p> HP said that commitment was affirmed when it settled an earlier lawsuit over Oracle 's hiring of former HP Chief Executive Mark Hurd . HP sued Oracle in California state court last year , calling Oracle 's recruitment of Hurd " anti-customer . " <p> Oracle says HP 's claims " can not support " its damages estimate , and has countersued HP for false advertising , asserting that HP failed to disclose the terms of its contract with Intel . <p> Both sides attempted to convince Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge James Kleinberg to hand them a win before trial , which is scheduled to start at the end of the month . But Kleinberg denied those motions in a tentative ruling on Tuesday . <p> In court on Wednesday , Kleinberg compared the case to a divorce , saying " this case appears to be the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " You have to give serious consideration to settlement , " Kleinberg said . <p> HP 's attorneys did not directly address the possibility of settlement at the court hearing but said they would be present for the mandatory settlement conference scheduled for later this month . <p> Also present in the courtroom were attorneys from Intel , which is not a party in the case , who argued against Oracle 's request for financial information relating to the Itanium processors . <p> The case in the Superior Court of the State of California , County of Santa Clara

@@5064541 <p> If Alabama had beaten Texas A &M; last Saturday they would have locked up the SEC West 's title game , but their loss to the Aggies has created some interesting results . <p> Now the No 8 LSU Tigers can stay in the race to reach the SEC championship game by defeating its next two opponents : Ole Miss this Saturday and Arkansas the day following Thanksgiving . LSU 's chances might appear somewhat slim because No 4 Alabama would have to lose to Auburn . <p> Monday , coach Les Miles said , " We still have a chance , an outside chance , of being the representative of the Western Division in the SEC title game , we 'll play to that . So , there is a strong need for us to finish strong . " <p> Another thing to consider is that LSU needs Texas A &M; to beat Missouri . If things end up with a 3 way tie for the SEC West , that would make LSU the representative . The Tigers and Aggies would have 5-1 divisional records , while the Tide would have a 4-2 SEC West mark . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championship game to face Georgia . <p> Miles does n't want the Tigers to become distracted by all the postseason variables that are going on now . He wants his team to build on the 37-17 victory against Mississippi State last weekend . <p> Miles also said , " We are in the right position at quarterback , we are looking for balance with the run and pass . That 's who we are . Now , defenses will pick their poison . But , the opportunity to throw against certain coverages is an advantage for us . " <p> " We understand that you have to win to make yourself attractive to the major bowls , " Miles said . " This team wants to play a very good team in a prestigious

@@5064641 <p> We all have those people in our lives who we would give anything to be with , and sometimes they do n't feel the same . But , do n't worry , this article will help you show them that you are the best they never had . <p> Figure out what you did wrong . Whether you did n't spend enough time with her or you spent to much time with him , find it then fix it . <p> 2 <p> Fix it . Now that you know where you went wrong , try correcting the problem , say that your problem was lying , then get a rubber band or pony tail and snap it every time your about to lie or every time you lie . You snap a rubber band by grabbing it and pulling it back then release . <p> 3 <p> Get busy . Okay , so you know were you went wrong and your working on it . Good , now it 's time for some fun . Go and do things your interested in , join the drama club , or volunteer at an animal shelter anything that makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use this on will wonder why you randomly became so busy and how come they are n't having as much fun as you , plus they will be interested in the new life you have recently gained and will want to be apart of it . If they 're long distance no problem post pics of you having fun on Facebook , MySpace , or Twitter . <p> 4 <p> Change . Why do we buy new things ? Like , if we have and iPod , why do we need an iPad ? The answer to that is because it 's different . As human being we all hate feeling like we are missing out on something . So become an iPad ! Get a haircut , buy some new clothes , start working out or what ever . Just make your self different ! But , make sure this is something your person would like , for instance if they like preps do n't go get a Mohawk and paint your nails black . Remember change is a good thing ! <p> 5 <p> Accept that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are over them even if you are n't . If you want to can even make them jealous . Make them see what there missing and how great it would be if they were with you . <p> 6 <p> Move on . This article is how to be the one that got away . Therefore , get away . Get over them . Go date someone else . You being unavailable will make that person regret not taking the chance when you were available . If it all works out they will gravitate toward and before you know it they will be yours , is if you still

@@5064741 <p> Time Lapse Assembler allows you to create movies from a sequence of images . Provide it with a folder containing sequentially named JPEG images and it will produce a Quicktime compatible movie file for use in iMovie or other editing software . <p> Exports MPEG , H.264 , and RAW movies <p> Select between 15 , 24 , and 30 fps <p> If you use and enjoy this software , please consider donating a small amount to fund future development . <p> Donate <p> What 's New <p> Version 1.5.3 : Fixed an issue with framerates being different than what was specified . <p> I must be over- or under-thinking this because no matter how I set Time Lapse Assembler 1.5.3 on my OS 10.6.8 iMac to convert 48 JPEG photos of my son 's 1st grade Christmas singalong into a movie ( whether at 30 , 24 or 0.5 fps , Resized and/or Rescaled or not , and at any Quality ) , I get a 3.5 -- 12 MB . mov file that zips from start to finish in no more than 2 seconds ! What am I missing ? <p> Excellent . I love how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or how you can make raw video files as large as the megapixels of the photos used . <p> A couple features I hope would be included in the next version are the ability to make a time lapse in reverse order of the photo sequence and the ability to crop a photo to the desired aspect ratio rather than crop . <p> Does almost exactly what I need . Due the layer order and export function in Photoshop my image sequence is numbered backwards , so it would be hand to choose the order in which the images were shown . Highest number first or lowest number first . I 'll find some way of re exporting the images for now . Otherwise an entirely brilliant little app . <p> Works as advertised and does so very quickly . One small problem is if I uncheck resize I get a black movies although the file is fairly large . In any event good quality and easy to use while using the default settings . It would be nice to have a 10 frames a second but no biggie . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the functionality of Quicktime Pro , a $29 application , but does it for free . The open image sequence command is not available in the free version of Quicktime Player , that is why I wrote this utility . I thought others might find it useful . <p> I am having a problem rendering a timelapse video . When the final video is assembled , the video jumps frames and inserts other frames where they are not supposed to go . The original image sequence does not seem to be out of order . This is the second video I have made with TL Assembler , the first worked perfectly . Anything that I am missing that would cause this ? <p> Download and auto-install using MacUpdate Desktop . Save time moving folders and cleaning-up . <p> Time Lapse Assembler allows you to create movies from a sequence of images . Provide it with a folder containing sequentially named JPEG images and it will produce a Quicktime compatible movie file for use in iMovie or other editing software . <p> Exports MPEG , H.264 , and RAW movies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ <p> If you use and enjoy this software ,

@@5064841 <h> Everything Balances Out in the End <p> Unit Overview <p> Lesson 1 <p> Lesson 2 <p> Lesson 3 <h> Algebra in Balance <p> Students use the Balance Pans - Expressions Tool to explore algebraic expressions . They determine if algebraic expressions are equal . They balance pans to solve a system of equations and use graphing to find the solutions to a system of equations . <h> Learning Objectives <p> Students will : <p> understand that balance pans actually balance when an equation is solved <p> recognize that the intersection of two graphs indicates the solution a system of equations <h> Materials <h> Instructional Plan <p> Rather than teaching students procedures to solve an equation with one variable , or to solve a system of equations , students may begin with an exploration of Balance Pans to discover the balance of the left and right side of an equation . <p> They can use Balance Pans - Expressions Tool to help them solve the problems on the overhead . ( At the beginning of the lesson , you may wish to demonstrate for students how equations must be entered into the pans . The required syntax can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ algebraic concepts . For your own benefit , you should attempt to use the Pan Balance on your own before trying it in the classroom , to ensure that you have enough familiarity with it to answer student questions . ) <p> Maria tossed a small , full water balloon in the air . This situation can be represented by the equation y = -x + 6 x . ( x represents time in seconds , y represents the distance from the ground in feet . ) <p> Her brother tossed a dart at the water ballon . This situation can be represented by the equation y = 2 x . Assuming Maria and her brother both started at the same exact time , from the exact same place , when would the dart reach the water balloon ? 4 seconds What is the distance from the ground when they meet ? 8 feet <p> When students put these expressions into the applet and move the slider , they should note two points of intersection , namely ( 0,0 ) and ( 4,8 ) . ( 0,0 ) represents the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elapse. ( 4,8 ) represents the solution to the above problem . <p> Show students how to use the balance pan ; they can place expressions in each side of the balance pan to solve two equations simultaneously . For example , place - ( x 2 ) + 6* x . Note : It is important to show students that the tool requires the * for multiplication , and exponents , such as the power of 2 , can be shown by 2 . Next , place 2* x in the right pan . Since both expressions equal y , by the Transitive Property of Equality , they should be equal to each other . Slowly move the slider to find out when the pans are balanced . The value for x may also be typed in the blue . Students should notice that when x = 4 , the pans are balanced . They should also notice that the value of the expression , 8 , is displayed above the pans , indicating the height . <p> Show students that each equation can also be graphed to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . Click and drag the mouse while on the coordinate plane . Point out to students how the contents of the red pan are graphed in red on the ( x , y ) coordiate plane ( y = -x + 6 x ) and the contents of the blue pan are graphed in blue ( y = 2 x ) . Have students determine where these two graphs intersect . Students should notice that the point of intersection is ( 4,8 ) , which is the same solution as previously discovered . The slider and balance pans move to help find the point of balance , which is also the intersection . <h> Questions for Students <p> What is the significance of when x = 0 , y = 0 ? <p> When time is 0 , before tossing , distance is also 0 . <p> What is the significance of the intersection of the two graphs on the coordinate plane ? <p> When the two graphs intersect , that indicates a solution to the system of equations . <p> This can also be solved with a graphing calculator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - 9.2 ) . Enter y 2 = -13.15 . Graph the equations ( be sure to set an appropriate window , such as x from 0 to 20 , y from -20 to 10 ) . When using trace , notice when x = 5 , y = -13.15 is the intersection . Notice in the table , when x = -13.15 , y = -13.15 <h> Extensions <p> Students may use a spreadsheet to solve two equations and two unknowns . Students will need to set up a chart and create the formulas to enter into the spreadsheet . <p> Students should press graph , then trace . They can use the arrows to move the cursor along each graph and find where the graphs intersect . Press 4 , then enter , as the value for x , and the calculator will display y = 8 . <p> What are some equivalent ways to express x 2 + 9 x ? Try it on the balance and see . Is x ( x + 9 ) equivalent ? Enter x * x + 9* x in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) in the blue pan . For what values are they equivalent ? all values of x . How does the graph show equivalence ? each dot on the graph is outlined in both red and blue . <h> Activities <p> The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a public voice of mathematics education , providing vision , leadership , and professional development to support teachers in ensuring mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students . The views expressed or implied , unless otherwise

@@5064941 <h> Who 's a Better Driver : Mom or Dad ? <p> Tue , Nov 13 , 2012 7:14 PM EST - 2:46 <p> Parents , if you 've ever wondered what your children thought of your driving ... here 's your answer . An Australian car website surveyed 1,000 children aged five to seven in order to find out what makes an awesome child-sized road trip . Apparently , these kids love candy , trips to Grandma 's house , and oh , 51% of them think that Dad is a better driver . But Mom has special qualities too ! Plus , in our second story , Jimmy Choo makes $15,000 purses that look like Teletubbies . Want one ? <h> 263 comments <p> Gee , my wife seems to think I do n't pay attention to my driving because I 'm always scanning my mirrors , as well as looking at both sides of the road , immediately in front of the car , and up to a couple hundred feet ahead of the car . And of course , if I 'm doing the speed limit , I , m going to get a ticket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 15 over the posted limit is too slow . <p> My wife gets mad at me if we 're driving on the highway and the car in front of me puts his brakes on and I do n't immediately put mine on . Reason I do n't have to , I do n't tailgate , there 's always enough room for me to simply let off the gas and coast to a stop . Only had to change my brakes once and I have 182,000 on my 2006 Z71 . <p> every thing is fine , until my chick starts talking , then she forgets she is driving , I have to tell her to hush herself , when we blow past our destination , she then gets mad at me , of course , chicks are too emo to drive and should be grounded ! ! ! <p> My girlfriend acknowledges that I am the better driver and makes me drive everywhere . I have a hard time not using the imaginary wheel/brakes when someone else is driving me around too ... so it 's just a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he 's old enough to have an opinion ... I hardly think 2 is a good enough time to make a judgement call ! <p> Clark : I think you 're all #$%$/ed in the head . We 're ten hours from the #$%$/in fun park and you want to bail out . Well I 'll tell you something . This is no longer a vacation . It 's a quest . It 's a quest for fun . I 'm gon na have fun and you 're gon na have fun . We 're all gon na have so much #$%$/in fun we 'll need plastic surgeory to remove our godamn smiles . You 'll be whistling ' Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah ' out of you 're azzzzhols ! I got ta be crazy ! I 'm on a pilgrimage to see a moose . Praise Marty Moose ! Holy Chit ! <p> yeah , no kidding ! i was surprised to find this article . you really call this news ? ok , yes there are plenty of #$%$ women drivers . i 'm a dude and i can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training . we get it here at work and it 's a lot of help to douches that suck at driving <p> More skillful driver ? Definitely my dad . Better ? Mom takes gold there . I never see my mother blow past stop signs and around blind corners . She sticks to her lane and drives the speed limit , and she stays well back from other cars . Whenever I ride with my dad

@@5065041 <p> Here 's an argument that I 've heard a number of times from friends and on the Internet : <p> " The ratio of what we know about the universe to what we have yet to discover is so small - it is therefore illogical to draw conclusions from the crumb of knowledge - how can we be sure about any proposition concerning our universe which is based on the limited and insignifiant observations of mankind . " <p> In this case the speaker is appealing to our modesty in order to make us willing to accept the possibility that gods , gosts , ufos , etc might actually exist in our universe . <p> Does this well-trodden argument have a name ? It seems like an appeal to lack of evidence to the contrary , but it 's slightly more since were we to accept it it seems to undermine the value all propositions based on evidence . <p> Are there any notable refutations to this argument ? <p> My attempt to refute it was to point out that it appears to be a straw-man of human discovery . We rarely make final pronouncements , we only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now . <h> 6 Answers <p> I think that we have to turn to the great philosopher Rumsfeld , who famously opined about " known knowns " , " known unknowns " , and " unknown unknowns . " <p> The size of what we do n't know about the universe is an unknown unknown ; we necessarily have no way of knowing how much ( or how little ) there is we do n't know . <p> So : all the more reason to examine rigorously and build upon that which we do know . The fact that our knowledge may be comparatively small makes it all the more precious ; the argument from ignorance is self-refuting . <p> We have a lower bound on how much there is we do n't know : The known unknowns are part of the unknowns , therefore the latter are at least as many as the former . Especially , should we find that there are far more known unknowns than known knowns , then we can conclude ( under the assumption that there are no unknown knowns ) that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of knowns. -- celtschk Oct 19 at 20:16 <p> That we can very reliably make predictions on the basis of what we do know ( or , rather that in the past we have been able to ) is the best counterargument I know of against that argument . <p> Although this appears in various guises everywhere from Popper to coherentism , the simple observation that we routinely do not walk into walls ( and manage to build fairly solid ones ) shows us that we have a keen grasp of a good number of phenomena on our temporal and spatial scale . We thus have something of a bound on the depths of our confusion : at least our universe has to be consistent , somehow , with the regularity we have managed to observe locally . ( One should still be cautious about being too confident of proclamations about the universe , but with the can't-know-anything genie back in its bottle , we can at least entertain the notion of trying to know more than nothing . ) <p> I think your " no final pronouncements " @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anti-realism about Science - not only do we not make final pronouncements , but this abstinence is based on principled grounds concerning insurmountable barriers to any such finality . We can adopt an inductive Pessimism concerning our ability to be totally correct about the consequeces of our predictions , and thereby consider that there will never be a point in which we can take ourselves to be completely right . <p> To prevent your opponent thinking of this as a victory , you can respond by noting that rather than our knowledge being in question , it is the clarity of the notion of " the universe " considered in the argument that is now in need of evaluation . The common-sense view does not come without potential difficulty , as discussed in the SEP article concerning Challenges to Metaphysical Realism . And in either case , we will have either explained how we can , in fact , talk about things as they are , or proposed a view of factiveness that does not depend on the totality of " the universe " to account for knowledge . <p> @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a name -&gt; proof of burden . <p> If they are using it in a super being / religious way , throw Russell 's teapot at them . Of course we can not know 100% if a super being exists , the same way we ca n't know if mute , transparent , ghostly miniature unicorns do n't exist - but it is the believers burden to prove it - not the disbelievers . <p> How can a frog at the bottom of a well know about the vastness of the oceans ? <p> In defending science , we rush too far ahead of reality . Science has helped us in the pursuit of knowledge , but in relation to what we yet do not know , we have discovered a tiny amount and therefore everything we think we know may well get overturned some day , or indeed we may never discover just how much we misunderstood reality . <p> This has happened time after time in history . We think we know something , then we discover we do n't . <p> The Zhuangzi reference is cool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we rush too far ahead of reality " is confusing to me . It 's not clear what you 're suggesting there , despite the fact that the remainder of the paragraph is quite clear -- about continually rewriting/rebuilding knowledge . I do n't see how such a notion relates to us " rushing too far ahead of reality " . I feel like rewriting/rebuilding knowledge is our way of getting ourselves back to reality ... Could you elaborate on what you meant there ? -- stoicfury ? Feb 23 at 20:14 <p> There 's a large body of knowledge we can be very confident to never be found wrong ; at worst it will be found approximate . Just as quantum mechanics has not invalidated classical mechanics ( for example the trajectories of the planets are as accurately described by the classical equations as ever , despite quantum mechanics telling us that strictly speaking they do n't even have trajectories ) , we can be completely confident that the laws of quantum mechanics will continue to hold in the regime where we have tested them , even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the fundamental level . -- celtschk Oct 19 at 20:24 <p> The ratio of what we know about the universe to what we have yet to discover <p> Here , a person who is arguing for the insignificance of the totality of human knowledge is presuming to know the quantity of the total gross sum of knowable knowledge , and then calculate from that ... a ratio . He does this , presumably , to point out the limitations of other people 's knowledge . But he seems to over-estimate his own knowledge right from the outset . And here is why : <p> how can we be sure about any proposition concerning our universe which is based on the limited and insignifiant observations of mankind . <p> Here , he attempts to link knowledge to some presumed total knowledge of the total universe . The argument , as I have heard it stated , is that since all things are related , how can we know the facts of one part of the universe without knowing how it is being affected by other parts . I am trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but here are a couple of examples : <p> How can we know the specific conditions of a solid object when fluctuations are eminating from supernova we do n't yet know about which may affect our measurements ? <p> Why should we believe some theorem today when it will be refined or overturned in ten or 100 years ? <p> The problem with both of these scenarios is that they presume the existence of some grand total sum of universal knowledge . Item 1 presumes that a measurement we take today will be so trusted as not to require error checking . Item 2 makes a common , but only slightly more complicated error . It makes the mistake of believing that theorems like those of Newtonian physics were meant to apply to all future ranges of experience which were to be discovered . They were not . Newton formed his theorems on the scale of physical properties of which he was aware at the time he wrote his theorems . His theorems still work and are used within that range today . They were not overturned and eliminated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Furthermore , all those theorems that are found to be false are only found to be false by discovering that which is true . Each time we invalidate some theorem we are saying we know this is false because of these other facts of which we are certain . <p> concerning our universe which is based on the limited and insignifiant observations of mankind . <p> Insignificant to whom ? There is no universal significance . It is quite presumptuous for the asker of this question to estimate the significance of the set of human knowledge on some universal scale . How has the asker positioned himself to be the evaluator of this universal significance ? He is only aware , and can only be aware , of the significance to himself and to a lesser extent , other humans , of any knowledge set . The asker looks down and sneers from his perch upon the infinite knowledge set at how small and insignificant human knowledge is . <p> But there is no infinite knowledge set . It would require a computer the size of the universe moving at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their memories in order to know their thoughts . It is a ridiculously comprehensive set of data . <p> And this is what the asker wants to use as a yard-stick to measure human knowledge against . <p> I do n't know if this question or argument has a name yet , but I think it derives from neo-Platonism . The neo-Platonists believe in infinite knowledge which can be achieved through divine insight . It derives from Plato . This is

@@5065141 <h> Featured : <h> See Baby Discriminate <p> Sep 4 , 2009 8:00 PM EDT <h> Kids as young as 6 months judge others based on skin color . What 's a parent to do ? <p> At the Children 's Research Lab at the University of Texas , a database is kept on thousands of families in the Austin area who have volunteered to be available for scholarly research . In 2006 Birgitte Vittrup recruited from the database about a hundred families , all of whom were Caucasian with a child 5 to 7 years old . <p> The goal of Vittrup 's study was to learn if typical children 's videos with multicultural storylines have any beneficial effect on children 's racial attitudes . Her first step was to give the children a Racial Attitude Measure , which asked such questions as : <p> During the test , the descriptive adjective " nice " was replaced with more than 20 other adjectives , like " dishonest , " " pretty , " " curious , " and " snobby . " <p> Vittrup sent a third of the families home with multiculturally themed videos for a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characters visit an African-American family 's home , and an episode of Little Bill , where the entire neighborhood comes together to clean the local park . <p> In truth , Vittrup did n't expect that children 's racial attitudes would change very much just from watching these videos . Prior research had shown that multicultural curricula in schools have far less impact than we intend them to -- largely because the implicit message " We 're all friends " is too vague for young children to understand that it refers to skin color . <p> Yet Vittrup figured explicit conversations with parents could change that . So a second group of families got the videos , and Vittrup told these parents to use them as the jumping-off point for a discussion about interracial friendship . She provided a checklist of points to make , echoing the shows ' themes . " I really believed it was going to work , " Vittrup recalls . <p> The last third were also given the checklist of topics , but no videos . These parents were to discuss racial equality on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point , something interesting happened . Five families in the last group abruptly quit the study . Two directly told Vittrup , " We do n't want to have these conversations with our child . We do n't want to point out skin color . " <p> Vittrup was taken aback -- these families volunteered knowing full well it was a study of children 's racial attitudes . Yet once they were aware that the study required talking openly about race , they started dropping out . <p> It was no surprise that in a liberal city like Austin , every parent was a welcoming multiculturalist , embracing diversity . But according to Vittrup 's entry surveys , hardly any of these white parents had ever talked to their children directly about race . They might have asserted vague principles -- like " Everybody 's equal " or " God made all of us " or " Under the skin , we 're all the same " -- but they 'd almost never called attention to racial differences . <p> They wanted their children to grow up colorblind . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were n't colorblind at all . Asked how many white people are mean , these children commonly answered , " Almost none . " Asked how many blacks are mean , many answered , " Some , " or " A lot . " Even kids who attended diverse schools answered the questions this way . <p> More disturbing , Vittrup also asked all the kids a very blunt question : " Do your parents like black people ? " Fourteen percent said outright , " No , my parents do n't like black people " ; 38 percent of the kids answered , " I do n't know . " In this supposed race-free vacuum being created by parents , kids were left to improvise their own conclusions -- many of which would be abhorrent to their parents . <p> Vittrup hoped the families she 'd instructed to talk about race would follow through . After watching the videos , the families returned to the Children 's Research Lab for retesting . To Vittrup 's complete surprise , the three groups of children were statistically the same -- none @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their racial attitudes . At first glance , the study was a failure . <p> Combing through the parents ' study diaries , Vittrup realized why . Diary after diary revealed that the parents barely mentioned the checklist items . Many just could n't talk about race , and they quickly reverted to the vague " Everybody 's equal " phrasing . <p> Of all those Vittrup told to talk openly about interracial friendship , only six families managed to actually do so . And , for all six , their children dramatically improved their racial attitudes in a single week . Talking about race was clearly key . Reflecting later about the study , Vittrup said , " A lot of parents came to me afterwards and admitted they just did n't know what to say to their kids , and they did n't want the wrong thing coming out of the mouth of their kids . " <p> We all want our children to be unintimidated by differences and have the social skills necessary for a diverse world . The question is , do we make it worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention to race ? <p> The election of President Barack Obama marked the beginning of a new era in race relations in the United States -- but it did n't resolve the question as to what we should tell children about race . Many parents have explicitly pointed out Obama 's brown skin to their young children , to reinforce the message that anyone can rise to become a leader , and anyone -- regardless of skin color -- can be a friend , be loved , and be admired . <p> Others think it 's better to say nothing at all about the president 's race or ethnicity -- because saying something about it unavoidably teaches a child a racial construct . They worry that even a positive statement ( " It 's wonderful that a black person can be president " ) still encourages a child to see divisions within society . For the early formative years , at least , they believe we should let children know a time when skin color does not matter . <p> What parents say depends heavily on their own race : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that out of 17,000 families with kindergartners , nonwhite parents are about three times more likely to discuss race than white parents ; 75 percent of the latter never , or almost never , talk about race . <p> In our new book , NurtureShock , we argue that many modern strategies for nurturing children are backfiring -- because key twists in the science have been overlooked . Small corrections in our thinking today could alter the character of society long term , one future citizen at a time . The way white families introduce the concept of race to their children is a prime example . <p> For decades , it was assumed that children see race only when society points it out to them . However , child-development researchers have increasingly begun to question that presumption . They argue that children see racial differences as much as they see the difference between pink and blue -- but we tell kids that " pink " means for girls and " blue " is for boys . " White " and " black " are mysteries we leave them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarkably little for children to develop in-group preferences . Vittrup 's mentor at the University of Texas , Rebecca Bigler , ran an experiment in three preschool classrooms , where 4- and 5-year-olds were lined up and given T shirts . Half the kids were randomly given blue T shirts , half red . The children wore the shirts for three weeks . During that time , the teachers never mentioned their colors and never grouped the kids by shirt color . <p> The kids did n't segregate in their behavior . They played with each other freely at recess . But when asked which color team was better to belong to , or which team might win a race , they chose their own color . They believed they were smarter than the other color . " The Reds never showed hatred for Blues , " Bigler observed . " It was more like , ' Blues are fine , but not as good as us . ' " When Reds were asked how many Reds were nice , they 'd answer , " All of us . " @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , " Some . " Some of the Blues were mean , and some were dumb -- but not the Reds . <p> Bigler 's experiment seems to show how children will use whatever you give them to create divisions -- seeming to confirm that race becomes an issue only if we make it an issue . So why does Bigler think it 's important to talk to children about race as early as the age of 3 ? <p> Her reasoning is that kids are developmentally prone to in-group favoritism ; they 're going to form these preferences on their own . Children naturally try to categorize everything , and the attribute they rely on is that which is the most clearly visible . <p> We might imagine we 're creating color-blind environments for children , but differences in skin color or hair or weight are like differences in gender -- they 're plainly visible . Even if no teacher or parent mentions race , kids will use skin color on their own , the same way they use T-shirt colors . Bigler contends that children extend their shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to them enjoy the same things they do . Anything a child does n't like thus belongs to those who look the least similar to him . The spontaneous tendency to assume your group shares characteristics -- such as niceness , or smarts -- is called essentialism . <p> Within the past decade or so , developmental psychologists have begun a handful of longitudinal studies to determine exactly when children develop bias . Phyllis Katz , then a professor at the University of Colorado , led one such study -- following 100 black children and 100 white children for their first six years . She tested these children and their parents nine times during those six years , with the first test at 6 months old . <p> How do researchers test a 6-month-old ? They show babies photographs of faces . Katz found that babies will stare significantly longer at photographs of faces that are a different race from their parents , indicating they find the face out of the ordinary . Race itself has no ethnic meaning per se -- but children 's brains are noticing skin-color differences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids turned 3 , Katz showed them photographs of other children and asked them to choose whom they 'd like to have as friends . Of the white children , 86 percent picked children of their own race . When the kids were 5 and 6 , Katz gave these children a small deck of cards , with drawings of people on them . Katz told the children to sort the cards into two piles any way they wanted . Only 16 percent of the kids used gender to split the piles . But 68 percent of the kids used race to split the cards , without any prompting . In reporting her findings , Katz concluded : " I think it is fair to say that at no point in the study did the children exhibit the Rousseau type of color-blindness that many adults expect . " <p> The point Katz emphasizes is that this period of our children 's lives , when we imagine it 's most important to not talk about race , is the very developmental period when children 's minds are forming their first conclusions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of developmental windows -- stages when children 's attitudes might be most amenable to change . In one experiment , children were put in cross-race study groups , and then were observed on the playground to see if the interracial classroom time led to interracial play at recess . The researchers found mixed study groups worked wonders with the first-grade children , but it made no difference with third graders . It 's possible that by third grade , when parents usually recognize it 's safe to start talking a little about race , the developmental window has already closed . <p> The other deeply held assumption modern parents have is what Ashley and I have come to call the Diverse Environment Theory . If you raise a child with a fair amount of exposure to people of other races and cultures , the environment becomes the message . Because both of us attended integrated schools in the 1970s -- Ashley in San Diego and , in my case , Seattle -- we had always accepted this theory 's tenets : diversity breeds tolerance , and talking about race was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism . <p> But my wife and I saw this differently in the years after our son , Luke , was born . When he was 4 months old , Luke began attending a preschool located in San Francisco 's Fillmore/Western Addition neighborhood . One of the many benefits of the school was its great racial diversity . For years our son never once mentioned the color of anyone 's skin . We never once mentioned skin color , either . We thought it was working perfectly . <p> Then came Martin Luther King Jr . Day at school , two months before his fifth birthday . Luke walked out of preschool that Friday before the weekend and started pointing at everyone , proudly announcing , " That guy comes from Africa . And she comes from Africa , too ! " It was embarrassing how loudly he did this . " People with brown skin are from Africa , " he 'd repeat . He had not been taught the names for races -- he had not heard the term " black " and he called us " people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his schoolroom with brown skin , which was about half his class . <p> My son 's eagerness was revealing . It was obvious this was something he 'd been wondering about for a while . He was relieved to have been finally given the key . Skin color was a sign of ancestral roots . <p> Over the next year , we started to overhear one of his white friends talking about the color of their skin . They still did n't know what to call their skin , so they used the phrase " skin like ours . " And this notion of ours versus theirs started to take on a meaning of its own . As these kids searched for their identities , skin color had become salient . <p> As a parent , I dealt with these moments explicitly , telling my son it was wrong to choose anyone as his friend , or his " favorite , " on the basis of skin color . We pointed out how certain friends would n't be in our lives if we picked friends for their color . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . Now he talks openly about equality and the wrongfulness of discrimination . <p> Not knowing then what I do now , I had a hard time understanding my son 's initial impulses . Katz 's work helped me to realize that Luke was never actually colorblind . He did n't talk about race in his first five years because our silence had unwittingly communicated that race was something he could not ask about . <p> The Diverse Environment Theory is the core principle behind school desegregation today . Like most people , I assumed that after 30 years of desegregation , it would have a long track record of scientific research proving that the Diverse Environment Theory works . Then Ashley and I began talking to the scholars who 've compiled that very research . <p> In the summer of 2007 , led by the Civil Rights Project , a dozen scholars wrote an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court supporting school desegregation in Louisville , Ky. , and Seattle . By the time the brief reached the court , 553 scientists had signed on in support . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desegregation , the brief is surprisingly circumspect in its advocacy : the benefits of desegregation are qualified with words like " may lead " and " can improve . " " Mere school integration is not a panacea , " the brief warns . <p> UT 's Bigler was one of the scholars heavily involved in the process of its creation . Bigler is an adamant proponent of desegregation in schools on moral grounds . " It 's an enormous step backward to increase social segregation , " she says . However , she also admitted that " in the end , I was disappointed with the amount of evidence social psychology could muster to support it . Going to integrated schools gives you just as many chances to learn stereotypes as to unlearn them . " <p> The unfortunate twist of diverse schools is that they do n't necessarily lead to more cross-race relationships . Often it 's the opposite . Duke University 's James Moody -- an expert on how adolescents form and maintain social networks -- analyzed data on more than 90,000 teenagers at 112 different schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been asked to name their five best male friends and their five best female friends . Moody matched the ethnicity of the student with the race of each named friend , then compared the number of each student 's cross-racial friendships with the school 's overall diversity . <p> Moody found that the more diverse the school , the more the kids self-segregate by race and ethnicity within the school , and thus the likelihood that any two kids of different races have a friendship goes down . <p> Moody included statistical controls for activities , sports , academic tracking , and other school-structural conditions that tend to desegregate ( or segregate ) students within the school . The rule still holds true : more diversity translates into more division among students . Those increased opportunities to interact are also , effectively , increased opportunities to reject each other . And that is what 's happening . <p> As a result , junior-high and high-school children in diverse schools experience two completely contrasting social cues on a daily basis . The first cue is inspiring -- that many students have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tragic -- that far more kids just like to hang with their own . It 's this second dynamic that becomes more and more visible as overall school diversity goes up . As a child circulates through school , she sees more groups that her race disqualifies her from , more lunchroom tables she ca n't sit at , and more implicit lines that are taboo to cross . This is unmissable even if she , personally , has friends of other races . " Even in multiracial schools , once young people leave the classroom , very little interracial discussion takes place because a desire to associate with one 's own ethnic group often discourages interaction between groups , " wrote Brendesha Tynes of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign . <p> All told , the odds of a white high-schooler in America having a best friend of another race is only 8 percent . Those odds barely improve for the second-best friend , or the third-best , or the fifth . For blacks , the odds are n't much better : 85 percent of black kids ' best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share a single activity , rather than multiple activities ; as a result , these friendships are more likely to be lost over time , as children transition from middle school to high school . <p> I ca n't help but wonder -- would the track record of desegregation be so mixed if parents reinforced it , rather than remaining silent ? It is tempting to believe that because their generation is so diverse , today 's children grow up knowing how to get along with people of every race . But numerous studies suggest that this is more of a fantasy than a fact . <p> Is it really so difficult to talk with children about race when they 're very young ? What jumped out at Phyllis Katz , in her study of 200 black and white children , was that parents are very comfortable talking to their children about gender , and they work very hard to counterprogram against boy-girl stereotypes . That ought to be our model for talking about race . The same way we remind our daughters , " Mommies can be doctors just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children that doctors can be any skin color . It 's not complicated what to say . It 's only a matter of how often we reinforce it . <p> Shushing children when they make an improper remark is an instinctive reflex , but often the wrong move . Prone to categorization , children 's brains ca n't help but attempt to generalize rules from the examples they see . It 's embarrassing when a child blurts out , " Only brown people can have breakfast at school , " or " You ca n't play basketball ; you 're white , so you have to play baseball . " But shushing them only sends the message that this topic is unspeakable , which makes race more loaded , and more intimidating . <p> To be effective , researchers have found , conversations about race have to be explicit , in unmistakable terms that children understand . A friend of mine repeatedly told her 5-year-old son , " Remember , everybody 's equal . " She thought she was getting the message across . Finally , after seven months of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's ' equal ' mean ? " <p> Bigler ran a study in which children read brief biographies of famous African-Americans . For instance , in a biography of Jackie Robinson , they read that he was the first African-American in the major leagues . But only half read about how he 'd previously been relegated to the Negro Leagues , and how he suffered taunts from white fans . Those facts -- in five brief sentences were omitted in the version given to the other children . <p> After the two-week history class , the children were surveyed on their racial attitudes . White children who got the full story about historical discrimination had significantly better attitudes toward blacks than those who got the neutered version . Explicitness works . " It also made them feel some guilt , " Bigler adds . " It knocked down their glorified view of white people . " They could n't justify in-group superiority . <p> Minority parents are more likely to help their children develop a racial identity from a young age . April Harris-Britt , a clinical psychologist and professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that all minority parents at some point tell their children that discrimination is out there , but they should n't let it stop them . Is this good for them ? Harris-Britt found that some preparation for bias was beneficial , and it was necessary -- 94 percent of African-American eighth graders reported to Harris-Britt that they 'd felt discriminated against in the prior three months . <p> But if children heard these preparation-for-bias warnings often ( rather than just occasionally ) , they were significantly less likely to connect their successes to effort , and much more likely to blame their failures on their teachers -- whom they saw as biased against them . <p> Harris-Britt warns that frequent predictions of future discrimination ironically become as destructive as experiences of actual discrimination : " If you overfocus on those types of events , you give the children the message that the world is going to be hostile -- you 're just not valued and that 's just the way the world is . " <p> Preparation for bias is not , however , the only way minorities talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of conversation , in Harris-Britt 's analysis , is ethnic pride . From a very young age , minority children are coached to be proud of their ethnic history . She found that this was exceedingly good for children 's self-confidence ; in one study , black children who 'd heard messages of ethnic pride were more engaged in school and more likely to attribute their success to their effort and ability . <p> That leads to the question that everyone wonders but rarely dares to ask . If " black pride " is good for African-American children , where does that leave white children ? It 's horrifying to imagine kids being " proud to be white . " Yet many scholars argue that 's exactly what children 's brains are already computing . Just as minority children are aware that they belong to an ethnic group with less status and wealth , most white children naturally decipher that they belong to the race that has more power , wealth , and control in society ; this provides security , if not confidence . So a pride message would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ <p> Over the course of our research , we heard many stories of how people -- from parents to teachers -- were struggling to talk about race with their children . For some , the conversations came up after a child had made an embarrassing comment in public . A number had the issue thrust on them , because of an interracial marriage or an international adoption . Still others were just introducing children into a diverse environment , wondering when and if the timing was right . <p> But the story that most affected us came from a small town in rural Ohio . Two first-grade teachers , Joy Bowman and Angela Johnson , had agreed to let a professor from Ohio State University , Jeane Copenhaver-Johnson , observe their classrooms for the year . Of the 33 children , about two thirds were white , while the others were black or of mixed-race descent . <p> It being December , the teachers had decided to read to their classes ' T was the Night B'fore Christmas , Melodye Rosales 's retelling of the Clement C. Moore classic . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the book 's depiction of a family waiting for Santa to come . A few children , however , quietly fidgeted . They seemed puzzled that this storybook was different : in this one , it was a black family all snug in their beds . <p> Then there was the famed clatter on the roof . The children leaned in to get their first view of Santa and the sleigh as Johnson turned the page -- <p> And they saw that Santa was black . <p> " He 's black ! " gasped a white little girl . <p> A white boy exclaimed , " I thought he was white ! " <p> Immediately , the children began to chatter about the stunning development . At the ripe old ages of 6 and 7 , the children had no doubt that there was a Real Santa . Of that they were absolutely sure . But suddenly there was this huge question mark . Could Santa be black ? And if so , what did that mean ? <p> While some of the black children were delighted with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . A couple of the white children rejected this idea out of hand : a black Santa could n't be real . <p> But even the little girl the most adamant that the Real Santa must be white came around to accept the possibility that a black Santa could fill in for White Santa if he was hurt . And she still gleefully yelled along with the Black Santa 's final " Merry Christmas to All ! Y'all Sleep Tight . " <p> Other children offered the idea that perhaps Santa was " mixed with black and white " -- something in the middle , like an Indian . One boy went with a two-Santa hypothesis : White Santa and Black Santa must be friends who take turns visiting children . When a teacher made the apparently huge mistake of saying that she 'd never seen Santa , the children all quickly corrected her : everyone had seen Santa at the mall . Not that that clarified the situation any . <p> The debate raged for a week , in anticipation of a school party . The kids all knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa arrived at the party -- and he was black . Just like in the picture book . <p> Some white children said that this black Santa was too thin : that meant that the Real Santa was the fat white one at Kmart . But one of the white girls retorted that she had met the man and was convinced . Santa was brown . <p> Most of the black children were exultant , since this proved that Santa was black . But one of them , Brent , still doubted -- even though he really wanted a black Santa to be true . So he bravely confronted Santa . <p> " There ai n't no black Santas ! " Brent insisted . <p> " Lookit here . " Santa pulled up a pant leg . <p> A thrilled Brent was sold . " This is a black Santa ! " he yelled . " He 's got black skin and his black boots are like the white Santa 's boots . " <p> A black-Santa storybook was n't enough to crush every stereotype . When Johnson later asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were excited about a black Santa still depicted him with skin as snowy white as his beard . <p> But the shock of the Santa storybook was the catalyst for the first graders to have a yearlong dialogue about race issues . The teachers began regularly incorporating books that dealt directly with issues of racism into their reading . <p> And when the children were reading a book on Martin Luther King Jr . and the civil-rights movement , both a black and a white child noticed that white people were nowhere to be found in the story . Troubled , they decided to find out just where in history both peoples were . <p> Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman 's New York Magazine articles on the science of children won the magazine journalism award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science , as well as the Clarion Award from the Association for Women in Communications . Their articles for Time Magazine won the award for outstanding journalism from the Council on Contemporary Families . Bronson has authored five books , including the #1 New York Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman 's New York Magazine articles on the science of children won the magazine journalism award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science , as well as the Clarion Award from the Association for Women in Communications . Their articles for Time Magazine won the award

@@5065241 <h> AMT : Biggest fiscal cliff tax headache <p> More than 60 million taxpayers might have to wait until March to file their returns or get a refund if Congress fails to patch the AMT by the end of the year . <p> NEW YORK ( CNNMoney ) -- If lawmakers fail to protect the middle class from having to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax by Dec. 31 , next year 's tax filing season will be a mess for tens of millions of taxpayers . <p> That was the gist of a letter sent Tuesday from Acting IRS Commissioner Steven Miller to top tax writers in Congress as lawmakers are poised to start negotiations about the fiscal cliff . <p> Just how much of a mess ? <p> The IRS would need to tell more than 60 million taxpayers that they may not file their 2012 tax returns or receive a refund until the IRS makes changes to its systems . That may mean taxpayers could n't file until late March , Miller said . <p> Income exemption levels under the " wealth tax " -- as the AMT is known -- were never adjusted for inflation since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed an AMT " patch " to correct for that by raising the exemption levels . <p> Only problem is they have failed to do so for this tax year . <p> As a result , roughly 28 million taxpayers will face much bigger than expected tax bills or much smaller refunds when they file their 2012 returns next year . <p> By contrast , if Congress gets its act together and passes a patch by Dec. 31 , only 5 million people would be subject to the AMT when they file next year . <p> " The major victims of the impending expanded reach of the AMT are large families living in high-tax states , " Joseph Minarik , a former White House chief economist , wrote in the blog Back in the Black . <p> That 's because such families benefit from two key tax breaks that are disallowed under the AMT : personal exemptions and itemized deductions for state and local taxes . <p> " Those families do not need enormous incomes to be caught by this monster -- $75,000 is more than enough under the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighter in New York or California , " Minarik wrote . <p> It 's not like there is n't bipartisan support for a patch . <p> Sen. Orrin Hatch , the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee , and Rep. Sander Levin , the top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee , both issued statements in response to Miller 's

@@5065341 <h> More Stuff Like This <h> Where should I sit to get the best ride on a roller coaster ? <p> If you 've read How Roller Coasters Work , then you know about the basic principles of a coaster ride . In its initial climb up the lift hill , a roller-coaster train builds up a reservoir of potential energy due to the downward pull of gravity . For the rest of the ride , the hills , valleys and loops convert this supply from potential energy to kinetic energy and back again , causing the train to accelerate and decelerate . <p> This acceleration , along with the up-and-down movement of the train , produces a strange sensation in your body -- you are constantly being pushed in different directions ( click here to find out why ) . This sensation feels just like the pull of gravity , and the two forces -- gravity and acceleration -- combine in interesting ways . When the force caused by acceleration and the force caused by gravity are in opposite directions , they cancel each other out to a certain degree , making you feel very light . When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy . Rapidly switching between these two conditions is what makes roller coasters such an exhilarating experience . <p> Then what makes one coaster car different from another ? All of the cars travel over the same tracks , so gravity accelerates and decelerates them at roughly the same points . But in addition to feeling the force of gravity , each car is also pulled or pushed by the cars connected to it . It is this additional force that makes the experience a little bit different for the riders in each car . <p> To understand how this works , imagine a coaster train reaching the top of a hill . As it ascends , it slows down because gravity is pulling on it from behind . But when the first car makes it over the apex , gravity starts pulling that car down the other side of the hill . Because of gravity 's pull , the first car starts to accelerate , which accelerates the second car , which accelerates the third car and so on . In this way , all of the rear cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they all start accelerating at different points along the track . By the time the last car moves over the hump , gravity has already accelerated the first car a good bit . Consequently , the rear car will have a higher acceleration at the top of the hill than the first car did . This increased force essentially whips the car over the top , briefly pushing up on the riders so that they almost fly out of their seats . <p> For many people , this is the best spot on a roller coaster throughout the ride because all the twists and turns are more pronounced . But in most coasters , you ca n't see the track very well from the rear car : Your line of sight is blocked by the people in front of you . The visual component of the roller-coaster ride is important because it gives you a sense of speed and peril -- coaster designers intentionally weave the track around all sorts of obstacles to make you feel like the ride is out of control . In a typical coaster design @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view of all these obstacles whipping past them . In a coaster that has seats facing backward , the rear car offers the best of both worlds -- you get a great view and the most intense ride . <p> The best seat on a coaster , then , is a matter of personal taste . If you love the feeling of weightlessness , head for the back . If you want the best view of the action , head for the front . The cars in the middle provide the weakest ride , but it 's a good bet you 'll still have a good time . There is n't really a bad place to sit on a roller coaster , as long as you 're strapped into a seat . <h> You Might Also Like <p> Airports are amazing " mini-cities , " serving thousands of people every day . This article will give you insight into the inner-workings of the

@@5065441 membership will automatically upgrade to a full year for $79 . <h> Book Description <p> Release Date : July 27 , 2010 <p> Set in the visionary future of Atwood 's acclaimed Oryx and Crake , The Year of the Flood is at once a moving tale of lasting friendship and a landmark work of speculative fiction . In this second book of the MaddAddam trilogy , the long-feared waterless flood has occurred , altering Earth as we know it and obliterating most human life . Among the survivors are Ren , a young trapeze dancer locked inside the high-end sex club Scales and Tails , and Toby , who is barricaded inside a luxurious spa . Amid shadowy , corrupt ruling powers and new , gene-spliced life forms , Ren and Toby will have to decide on their next move , but they ca n't stay locked away . <p> Set in the visionary future of Atwood 's acclaimed Oryx and Crake , The Year of the Flood is at once a moving tale of lasting friendship and a landmark work of speculative fiction . In this second book of the MaddAddam trilogy , the long-feared waterless flood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obliterating most human life . Among the survivors are Ren , a young trapeze dancer locked inside the high-end sex club Scales and Tails , and Toby , who is barricaded inside a luxurious spa . Amid shadowy , corrupt ruling powers and new , gene-spliced life forms , Ren and Toby will have to decide on their next " Pre-order both items " , " Pre-order all three items " <h> Editorial Reviews <h> Amazon.com Review <p> Book Description The long-awaited new novel from Margaret Atwood . The Year of the Flood is a dystopic masterpiece and a testament to her visionary power . <p> The times and species have been changing at a rapid rate , and the social compact is wearing as thin as environmental stability . Adam One , the kindly leader of the God 's Gardeners--a religion devoted to the melding of science and religion , as well as the preservation of all plant and animal life--has long predicted a natural disaster that will alter Earth as we know it . Now it has occurred , obliterating most human life . Two women have survived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-end sex club Scales and Tails , and Toby , a God 's Gardener barricaded inside a luxurious spa where many of the treatments are edible . <p> Meanwhile , gene-spliced life forms are proliferating : the lion/lamb blends , the Mo'hair sheep with human hair , the pigs with human brain tissue . As Adam One and his intrepid hemp-clad band make their way through this strange new world , Ren and Toby will have to decide on their next move . They ca n't stay locked away ... <p> By turns dark , tender , violent , thoughtful , and uneasily hilarious , The Year of the Flood is Atwood at her most brilliant and inventive . <p> Margaret Atwood on The Year of the Flood <p> I 've never before gone back to a novel and written another novel related to it . Why this time ? Partly because so many people asked me what happened right after the end of the 2003 novel , Oryx and Crake . I did n't actually know , but the questions made me think about it . That was one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to preoccupy me . <p> When Oryx and Crake came out , it seemed to many like science fiction--way out there , too weird to be possible--but in the three years that passed before I began writing The Year of the Flood , the perceived gap between that supposedly unreal future and the harsh one we might very well live through was narrowing fast . What is happening to our world ? What can we do to reverse the damage ? How long have we got ? And , most importantly--what kind of " we " ? In other words , what kind of people might undertake the challenge ? Dedicated ones--they 'd have to be . And unless you believe our planet is worth saving , why bother ? <p> So the question of inspirational belief entered the picture , and once you have a set of beliefs--as distinct from a body of measurable knowledge--you have a religion . The God 's Gardeners appear briefly in Oryx and Crake , but in The Year of the Flood , they 're central . Like all religions , the Gardeners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have their own honoured saints and martyrs , their special days , their theology . They may look strange and obsessive and even foolish to non-members , but they 're serious about what they profess ; as are their predecessors , who are with us today . I 've found out a great deal about rooftop gardens and urban beekeeping while writing this book ! <p> Another question frequently asked about Oryx and Crake concerned gender . Why was the story told by a man ? How would it have been different if the narrator had been a woman ? Such questions led me to Ren and Toby , and then to their respective lives , and also to their places of refuge . A high-end sex club and a luxury spa would in fact be quite good locations in which to wait out a pandemic plague : at least you 'd have bar snacks , and a lot of clean towels . <p> In his book , The Art Instinct , Denis Dutton proposes that our interest in narrative is built in--selected during the very long period the human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell stories about both past and future would have an evolutionary edge . Will there be a crocodile in the river tomorrow , as there was last year ? If so , better not go there . Speculative fictions about the future , like The Year of the Flood , are narratives of that kind . Where will the crocodiles be ? How will we avoid them ? What are our chances ? --Margaret Atwood <h> More About the Author <p> MARGARET ATWOOD , whose work has been published in over thirty-five countries , is the author of more than forty books of fiction , poetry , and critical essays . In addition to The Handmaid 's Tale , her novels include Cat 's Eye , shortlisted for the Booker Prize ; Alias Grace , which won the Giller Prize in Canada and the Premio Mondello in Italy ; The Blind Assassin , winner of the 2000 Booker Prize ; and her most recent , Oryx and Crake , shortlisted for the 2003 Booker Prize . She lives in Toronto with writer Graeme Gibson . <p> I know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disturbing , I find they influence my thinking forever after . Say what you will--her nightmares are not easy to dismiss ! <p> Readers of 2003 's Oryx and Crake will recognize the world of The Year of the Flood . Neither a prequel nor a sequel , the latter is more of a companion novel . It 's set in the same world , covering roughly the same time span . Whereas Oryx and Crake was a post-apocalyptic narrative told from Jimmy 's point of view , here the narrators are Toby and Ren . Jimmy , Oryx , and Crake make appearances in this novel , and readers of both books will discovered minor characters from the former novel are major characters in the latter . In short , the two are intertwined , but may be read in any order . It is not necessary to have read Oryx and Crake first , though ultimately reading them both is an immensely satisfying experience , shedding light on many aspects of the story being told . <p> Now to the story ... Toby and Ren have both spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group called God 's Gardeners . Ren was brought to the ascetic group as a child by her mother . Toby found her way there out of desperation in adulthood . Each has professed disbelief in the tenets of the religion , but the pacifistic and environmental teachings have become deeply ingrained in both . At the opening of the novel , it is Year Twenty-Five in the God 's Gardeners ' calendar ; the Year of the Waterless Flood . <p> From the beginning , the group 's prophet-like leader had preached that a " waterless flood " was coming to wipe out humanity . In addition to their dogmatic environmentalism , the group believed in preparing for this flood with survival skills and food caches called " Ararats . " The predicted day has come in the form of a global pandemic . Society has broken down completely . From their respective places of isolation , each woman wonders if she may be the last human left and struggles to survive in this altered world . <p> As everyone knows , there 's nothing like apocalypse to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ups and downs of her life with the Gardeners and beyond , the reader gradually gleans a fuller picture of the world these women lived in , their individual and joint histories , what led to cataclysm , and what has ultimately happened to the world . <p> As one might expect from Atwood , The Year of the Flood is a beautiful telling of an ugly story . And what a story it is ! In addition to being very much a novel of ideas , it is an utterly un-put-downable page-turner ! It 's a quick read , with short chapters and lots of white space on the pages . The novel flies by . The ending is satisfying and unsatisfying at once . It sheds some light on Oryx and Crake 's enigmatic conclusion and completes this arc of the story , but leaves this reader very much hoping for a final volume of this rumored trilogy . <p> In Margaret Atwood 's three compelling and quite different visions of an apocalyptic future , some things never change . There are always the powerful corporations intent on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of " The Handmaid 's Tale , " which turn prayer into a commodity ; the Secretburger franchises of " The Year of the Flood , " which dispense cheap burgers of dubious provenance . The environment is always degraded , resulting in a precipitous drop in the birth rate ( " The Handmaid 's Tale " ) and the terrifying daily thunderstorms of " The Year of the Flood . " In all three stories , there is an Orwellian social structure : a tiny elite intent both on holding power at all costs and on a comfortable , even luxurious , life style ; a larger group of terrified , obedient mid-level party/corporate functionaries ; and a vast underclass that lives in squalor and in violence---the " pleeblands " of her newest novel . And , most important to all three dystopias , there are cold , brutal men with the most up to date weapons " who make sure--successfully , until the global pandemics in both " Oryx and Crake " and " The Year of the Flood " nearly destroy the human race-- that everyone is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ <p> Thus , it 's quite amazing that her newest dystopia is so different , so inventive , and so convincing , even though elements of " The Year of the Flood " overlap with those in " Oryx and Crake " and the novels are set in parallel , time-wise , with a male protagonist in " Oryx " and two female protagonists , Toby and Ren , in " Flood . " Completely original and central to " Flood " is the made-up religion ( complete with made-up hymns ) of Gods Gardeners , led by its fatherly chief composter , sermonizer , and philosopher , Adam One . He 's a wonderful pastiche , equally earnest and ridiculous--straight out of the pages of " Mother Earth News . " The characterizations of the rest of the Gardeners , the numbered Adams and Eves , are equally tender , as they tend their bees and mushrooms and the rooftop garden and patiently store away supplies in hidden " Ararats " for the calamity they know is coming . Unlike Orwell 's degraded masses , these proles are full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She can put a plot together better than just about anyone , and the coalescing threads of this one kept me reading until midnight as the world came to an------well , not exactly , and not in the way you might think . Apocalypse , as constructed by Atwood , is never predictable , always astonishing , and certainly not impossible . <p> Margaret Atwood 's latest book The Year of the Flood is another of her dystopian offerings . It 's many years in the future ( Atwood never gives an exact date ) , and humans have finally managed to destroy much in the natural world . Many animal species are extinct , pollution is rampant , weather is out of control , and society is buckling down to live out the days the best they can . Into all this comes the " waterless flood " , a disaster that has wiped out nearly all the humans in the world . At least two have survived : Toby , the manager of a high-end spa who has barricaded herself inside ; and Ren , a dancer/prostitute who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sick bay ) when the disaster hit . Now , separately , the two have to try to survive in this strange new unpeopled world . Will they ever find each other ? And , the bigger question : did anyone else survive ? <p> I really liked this book ; it 's not only a great read but very thought-provoking as well . The story is told with flashbacks to Ren and Toby 's former lives , which added a lot to the book ; it made an interesting contrast to see what things were like before the waterless flood . Toby is tough , smart , and resourceful ; and it 's always wonderful to see a strong female protaganist ( one reason I love Atwood 's books ) . I also thought Atwood did an excellent job of showing how bad things could possibly get on earth in the years to come , without being preachy about it . <p> I did have two minor quibbles about the book , which is why I gave it four stars instead of five . The first was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : " Anooyoo " , " violet biolet " , " SekSmart " , " Mo'hairs " , " Sea/H/Ear candy " , " liobams " ( if names will really be this cheesy in the future than the world is indeed in trouble ; - ) ! . Yes , it 's a very minor thing , but for some reason it grated on my nerves a bit . The other quibble I ca n't say without giving away spoilers , but it has to do with some coincidences that happen towards the end of the book . I did n't find these coincidences to be very plausible . <p> Minor quibbles non-withstanding , I could barely tear myself away from the pages of this book . I highly recommend it , especially if you like your sci-fi with a mix of great literature . <p> The Year of the Flood is a follow-up to Oryx &; Crake , following God 's Gardeners before and through the catastrophes of O &C.; It looks like there will be a third as well ; new editions of O &C,; at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book of the " MaddAdam Trilogy . " <p> I did choose to do this , and I was thankful I did . Odds on you would not be missing out on TOO much -- " Year of the Flood " is being billed as a stand-alone novel , after all -- but there were a lot of tiny references and hints that I probably would n't have caught if I had n't re-read ... Read more <p> If you have the option , you should choose the audio version of this book ( available for mp3 players from amazon 's audible.com ) . The hymns ( lyrics by Margaret Atwood ) , integral to the story , are beautifully sung in the audio book version : " Hymns of the God 's Gardeners ; Lyrics from Year of ... Read more <p> Since this is book 2 of the MaddAdam trilogy , I am expecting a third book written in this world . The timeline and sequence of events is anybody 's guess , so we

@@5065541 <h> Meacham on Buying Newsweek : ' I 'm Going to Take a Look at This ' <h> Share this : <p> Newsweek is up for sale , and editor Jon Meacham is going to explore the possibility of rounding up some bidders to buy the magazine himself . <p> " I believe this is an important American institution , " he said in an interview . " I just do . Maybe that 's quixotic , maybe that 's outdated , but it 's what I believe . " <p> He said he had two voicemails from " two billionaires " after the news was announced this morning that The Washington Post Company was going to try to sell the magazine . He said he had not called them back . <p> Mr. Meacham won a Pulitzer Prize last year and he has a new TV show that will debut on May 7 on PBS . In other words , he has plenty of options he can explore . <p> But for now , he said he 's dedicated to figuring out how to save Newsweek . <p> " We have to figure out what journalism is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , " said Mr. Meacham . " And I want to be -- I want to try to be -- a part of that undertaking . Will it work ? Who the hell knows . But I 'm at least going to look at this . " <p> " I 'm not living in a fantasy 1965 world , " he continued . " This is not a Mad Men romanticism about the news magazine . I 'm entirely realistic about our prospects for economic success and the possibilities of finding a consistent audience for our journalism . These are incredibly difficult questions . That said , I believe it is a worth a good long look to see how the Newsweek -- call it what you will -- platform , big tent , whatever fits into a world that I think needs some common ground . I 'm not saying that we 're the only catcher in the rye standing between an informed public and the end of democracy . That 's self-involved . But I defy you to make a compelling argument that the country is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " <p> Mr. Meacham said he was " very " surprised when he found out from Donald Graham that the magazine was for sale . In 2009 , Newsweek lost $28 million . But last year when Newsweek was redesigned and re-conceived ( it was given a slicker look to appeal to a smaller audience ) it was originally thought that the magazine had

@@5065641 WB west of Robert Moses Cswy and to W Gilgo Bch in Babylon <h> Web links <p> BALTIMORE -- So much about the Baltimore Orioles ' run to the playoffs has been confounding . <p> For most of the season , they were handily outscored by opponents . When they entered the home stretch , injuries deprived them of key players . Still , they stormed to their first playoff berth since 1997 and a date in the ALDS with the Yankees , thanks to one of the game 's best bullpens . <p> While the Orioles plugged holes in their starting lineup and their starting rotation -- adding pieces along the way -- it was the bullpen that never wavered . The relievers have been the constant . <p> " There 's power , there 's deception , there 's lefthanders , there 's righthanders , and I think it takes all those things , ' ' Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Saturday . " You have guys that have the ability to get double-play balls , guys that have the ability to get strikeouts , so I think they work well together . ' ' <p> As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American League with a 3.00 ERA . Their performances look even more impressive considering their heavy workload . Orioles manager Buck Showalter coaxed 5451/3 innings from his bullpen , the third-highest total in the AL . <p> " We 've been able to put them in a position where they do what they do because we 've gotten deeper in the game with our starters , ' ' Showalter said . <p> The relievers have responded by giving Showalter the ability to mix and match . " We have a little bit of everything , ' ' lefty Brian Matusz said . " So far , it 's been working out . We 've been able to have certain guys for certain matchups . ' ' <p> In closer Jim Johnson and set-up man Pedro Strop , the Orioles have a pair of high-octane fireballers . In Darren O'Day , they have a sidearmer whose deception makes up for a lack of velocity . In former Yankee Luis Ayala , the Orioles have a sinkerballer capable of generating valuable ground balls . And in Matusz and Troy Patton , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late in games . <p> " We have a good time down there in the bullpen , ' ' said Matusz , a former first-round draft pick who endured ups and downs as a starter . " We keep it loose , we joke around , so when it 's time to go , we 're loose . We go out and we just play free . It 's just a great group of guys all around . ' ' <p> The final ingredient resides in the dugout , where Showalter has maximized his bullpen 's versatility . Said Strop : " You 've got a manager who knows how to use those weapons . ' ' <p> Those weapons have come from different places . Some , such as O'Day and Ayala , once were castoffs . But with the Orioles , they 're part of a unit that could shape the course of the ALDS . <p> " We are big-leaguers , ' ' Ayala said . " Every player that makes the big leagues can do something great . The only difference is we do n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imperfect pieces , the Orioles have achieved one form of perfection . They have yet to lose a game in which they held the lead after seven innings . In their wild-card victory over the Texas Rangers Friday night , the

@@5065741 <h> ' Taken 3 ' Is Likely To Happen , According To Screenwriter <p> Taken 2 screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen has hinted that another sequel is in the works . <p> In an interview with Hollywood.com , Kamen mentioned that the box office success of Taken 2 has made producer Luc Besson interested in revisiting the franchise once again . This is not surprising , as Kamen also mentioned that the only reason they made a sequel in the first place was the original success of Taken . <p> " We did n't start talking about Taken 3 until we saw the numbers , " said Kamen . " But then we said , ' Oh , okay . I think we should do a third one . ' And Fox wants us to do a third one . " Considering that Liam Neeson 's character had his daughter kidnapped in the first film and both he and his wife are victims in the sequel , Kamen has realized that the sequel will require a change of pace . " We 've taken everyone we can take -- it 's going

@@5065841 <h> Should a Figure Skater Relocate to Follow His or Her Ice Skating Dream ? <p> " My daughter is getting ready to take her Juvenile freestyle test . She is 13 1/2 years old . Our rink has no ice dance , no partners , and no synchronized skating . She wants to go on with her skating , but there is nothing here for her . Given her age and test level , would it be worth it to move to a town that offers all figure skating disiplines ? Is she too old to be a competitive figure skater ? Our highest level coaches only skated through the Juvenile level , and that was 30 years ago . Our figure skating club is currently ISI , with practically no US Figure Skating . " <p> In my opinion , sometimes serious figure skaters must leave their homes and families to train . If at all possible , I believe it is best for families to stay together . Spliting families up for the sake of figure skating does not always make sense . If a child does have to relocate for figure skating , I believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good choice . Not always is that possible . My brother left home to train with Carlo Fassi when he was only fourteen years old . Our family 's life was never the same after that , so I am a strong believer in keeping families together . <h> Comments <p> April 19 , 2009 at 4:50 pm <p> ( 1 ) Christine Ortiz says : <p> Well , I am no expert as I never was a competitive skater like that . The one thing I know , though , is that I had a great passion for skating from an early age and did not get support from my family . To them I was " just playing " and thus never took it seriously . I took it seriously and wish that they had given me the resources to have grown in my sport . As a parent , if my son had a passion for skating like I did and wanted to grow in it I would consider it . Having a child separated from a parent as a teenager , though , would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child to a location that was suitable if possible . Of course , there are so many factors such as , how would I support my family financially if we moved . Do I own a house that would have to be sold , rented etc . There are a lot of financial decisions that would have to be made to make sure we could handle that as well . I would want to keep the family together , though , if possible . I went to college in England where boarding schools are commonplace and my high school was a boarding school as well . It was hard on the kids to be away from home as well . For me , I would want to give my child all the opportunities and experiences possible if it is a realistic thing to do . Even if my child was n't going to be able to skate for a living , the life experience they would gain would be invaluable . I am an adventurous spirit , though . I have lived my adult life traveling the world and taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me , it would be a family decision , that everyone in the family would have to be happy with . If it was just me and my child I would move in an instant , but since there are other family members we would all have to come to a decision together . It makes me happy , though , that you take an interest in your child 's future and pay attention to their passions . I wish my parents had done that . <p> April 27 , 2009 at 9:51 am <p> ( 2 ) tink says : <p> Well I got my answer . She was n't properly trained in " technique " , after hours and thousands of dollars she did n't pass . I guess if we do pursue USFS of any kind we will have to move . The coach here has n't been properly trained at that level . So we got our answer , if you do n't have the

@@5065941 <p> This image provided by the Arizona Department of Corrections shows Jodon ... <h> Police ID man who killed self on TV after car chase <p> THE ASSOCIATED PRESS <p> Saturday , September 29 , 2012 <p> PHOENIX -- A man who stole a car at gunpoint , shot at Phoenix police officers and then led them on a chase that ended with his suicide broadcast on national television was identified Saturday as a wanted felon with a long criminal history . <p> Jodon F. Romero , 33 , was wanted for violating his parole for a weapons conviction and had numerous other violent crimes in his background , police spokesman Sgt. Tommy Thompson said . <p> At the end of an hour-long pursuit on an interstate west of Phoenix Friday , Romero pulled into the desert and an officer shot at him , although it appears he missed , Thompson said . Romero then walked off the dirt road , put a gun to his head and killed himself . <p> FOX News An alleged carjacking suspect led police on a high speed chase for more than an hour through Phoenix , Ariz. , before pulling off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live television . <p> Fox News was covering the chase that began about midday Friday using a live helicopter shot from Phoenix affiliate KSAZ-TV . Anchor Shepard Smith told viewers that the video was supposed to be on a delay so it could be cut off if something went awry . <p> " We really messed up , and we 're all very sorry , " Smith said minutes after the suicide aired . Fox apologized for showing the violence on air . KSAZ itself was not airing the chase . <p> On Saturday , Thompson said police did everything in their power to de-escalate the situation , but Romero seemed intent on continuing a crime spree that began with a minor incident where he apparently hit a passing car with his hand , leading to a call to police . <p> As officers were heading to the south Phoenix area , they learned that a Dodge Caliber sedan had just been stolen at gunpoint from a nearby restaurant parking lot . <p> They spotted the car and gave chase , but pulled back when Romero running red lights and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars and a police helicopter began following him at a distance . <p> FOX News An alleged carjacking suspect led police on a high speed chase for more than an hour through Phoenix , Ariz , before pulling off the road and appearing to shoot himself in the head on live television . <p> Romero drove into an industrial area and spotted two marked police units , with one officer standing beside one car talking with another officer . He veered into their lane and opened

@@5066041 <p> I am SEO and LINk builder but new comer . Now I would like to ask you that <p> Frequently , I have seen someone writing PR1 , PR2 , PR3 And PR4 . <p> But What is the main theme or definition of PR ? ? ? <p> Please give me this answer as if i can get real idea about PR . <p> Thanks <p> sousen <p> 09-23-2010 , 07:23 AM <p> PageRank is what Google uses to determine the importance of a web page . It 's one of many factors used to determine which pages appear in search results.PageRank measure 's a web page 's importance . Page and Brin 's theory is that the most important pages on the Internet are the pages with the most links leading to them . PageRank thinks of links as votes , where a page linking to another page is casting a vote . This makes sense , because people do tend to link to relevant content , and pages with more links to them are usually better resources than pages that nobody links . <p> websiteseo <p> 09-25-2010 , 10:53 AM <p> Hello Friends , <p> @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real idea about PR . <p> Thanks <p> Page rank is loosing its credibility . Page Rank can never be taken as a factor to decide which website is ranking higher or lower . <p> We have seen various instances where websites with PR 2 are ranking above websites with PR 5 . <p> Search engines including Google and Bing , both rely on hidden ranking factor which is known as Trust Rank . <p> Read about difference between page rank and trust rank at http : **35;1044;TOOLONG ... <p> jimboy <p> 09-30-2010 , 04:16 AM <p> PR is really not that important to your ranking . PR and ranking in SERP are two different things . So you must identify very well what is your campaign - to gain PR or to rank ? <p> Dheeram <p> 10-01-2010 , 04:24 AM <p> Google uses the gross no of inbound links to a page to determine how important the page is . This page rank has little to do with actual search results , but can make a difference on user behavior . <p> philipashton <p> 10-12-2010 , 11:30 AM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page 's importance . It matters because it is one of the factors that determines a page 's ranking in the search results . It is n't the only factor that Google uses to rank pages , but it is an important one . " <p> Not all links are counted by Google . For instance , they filter out links from known link farms . Some links can cause a site to be penalized by Google . <p> Page rank is truly one of many factors that determines where your web page appears in search result ranking , but if all your other factors are equal

@@5066141 <p> MINNEAPOLIS ( WCCO ) -- Unsettling statistics involving unlicensed drivers have been released by the Minnesota State Patrol . The release comes in the wake of two deadly crashes involving drivers with revoked licenses . <p> " When you look at a crash involving an unlicensed driver often times the first reaction is this person should n't have been here in the first place , " said Lt. Eric Roeske with Minnesota State Patrol . <p> The first incident happened Saturday night when a driver hit and killed an Augsburg College student near the Warehouse District in downtown Minneapolis . <p> On Tuesday , Hennepin County prosecutors charged Teisha Yovonne Randle , 27 , with two felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide in the death of Austin Conley , 20 . <p> Randle told police she heard a loud crash and that her windshield " exploded , " a criminal complaint says . She said she thought someone threw a rock at her car and so kept driving . It was later learned that Randle had her license revoked . <p> State Patrol says a car driven by Isidoro Burgos-Corona , 49 , of Minneapolis , was stalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when three cars crashed into him from behind . A cab involved in the crash was rear-ended and pushed into the middle of the interstate , where he was hit by a semi-truck , killing him . <p> Corona was arrested for driving without a license . State records show Corona was charged several times in the past for driving without a license , driving after revocation and driving without insurance . <p> " Unlicensed drivers are twice as likely to be involved in a deadly crash as a licensed driver , statistically , " Roeske said . <p> In 2011 , 3,467 drivers did not have a valid driver license and were involved in crashes , 31 of those crashes were deadly . That 's .89 percent . <p> In 2011 , 98,987 drivers involved in crashes had valid licenses and 430 of them were deadly . That 's only .43 percent . <p> State patrol says that means " not valid " drivers are 2.1 times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash than valid drivers . <p> " From my point of view , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're behind a wheel , obviously , they 're not cognizant of following the law , " Roeske said . " And that may lead them to break others laws while behind the wheel . " <p> ... Unsettling statistics involving unlicensed drivers have been released by the Minnesota State Patrol . The release comes in the wake of

@@5066241 <p> Fueling for a long run is a challenge that we all face from time to time . I am not sure there is anything worse than getting out on a long run or ride and starting to feel slower because your blood sugar is dropping . You know the feeling -- your whole body gets tired and you start slowing down and there seems like there is nothing that you can do about it . I rode 60 miles on Saturday and killed the out section , but of course I had to turn around and come home . Miles 55 to 60 were pretty tough because I had not brought enough fuel for three hours . I ate before the ride and thought that I could get by with two bottles instead of three . That small mistake made me push really hard for those last five miles and if I had to run off that ride , it would have been tough . Bonking is not fun . Ever . <p> I did write a basic overview last year of nutrition strategies and how to avoid a bonk , but I want to talk specifically about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When running , the number of calories you burn are dependent on the distance you cover and your weight . Your speed or time have nothing to do with it . Of course , the faster you run the more calories you will burn each hour . Runner 's World has a great calorie calculator on their site ( click on the link ) that asks you to input your weight and the distance run . Personally , I weigh 185 lbs . right now and according to the calculator , I burn about 140 calories per mile when I run . I use a Garmin Edge 500 and according to my months of tracking the data , I burn a little less than 800 calories per hour when I am biking . If I run my typical 7.1 mph , I am burning just under 1,000 calories per hour when I am on a long run . <p> There is no way that my body could absorb that many calories in an hour to replenish the energy expenditures required for a run or a ride . Every body is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per hour . When I am in the middle of the season , mine can get up to about 300 calories . So that leaves me with a significant deficit . Fueling up before your run or ride is the only way you can hope to get through a workout of two or more hours . There are lots of great ideas out there related to pre and post-workout fueling , and we will talk about those another day . Today I want to review the strategies of the people I know . <p> Eat Up People <p> I swear I have tried about everything during workouts of 3+ hours with varying results . I also have friends who have some interesting strategies to intake their 300 calories per hour during a long workout . <p> George Gel Eater -- This is the person who is usually responsible for the foil packets that line your favorite route . I am sure they have good intentions and want to come back and pick up their garbage after their run or ride , but time just gets away from them . Gels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The challenge that I have with them is they do require water to wash them down and decrease their osmolality ( basically its concentration ) to a level that will allow them to be absorbed . The problem I faced when I used gels during long workouts was I had a tough time getting the balance of gel to water right . I constantly felt bloated and like the gel was just stuck in my stomach . If you ca n't absorb the calories consumed , then they are doing you no good . That and for a five hour ride I had to take 10 with me . <p> Peter PowerBar -- I have a buddy who tried to fuel most of his long rides with PowerBars . While I love a PowerBar in the middle of a ride , using these as your only source of calories can be dangerous for the same reasons as gels . It is tricky to get the bar to water concentration right . And then what happens if you forget to eat your bar . I personally prefer a ProBar , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consume nutrition every 30 minutes , so opening a ProBar and eating half can be tricky . If you like solid food in your stomach , some type of bar may be the best approach for you . During a run , I do n't love solids , but during a ride I crave them after three hours . The best solution for me is a ProBar . <p> Liquid Mike -- Yeah , I had to make the list . This is my blog and this is certainly a vanity piece . Regardless , I feel using liquid nutrition is the easiest way to consume calories during a long workout . My brain does n't always work at 100% capacity during a long workout , so having my nutrition premade takes the guesswork out of calorie consumption . I mix Infinit with water so that each water bottle contains 275 calories and I target drinking one bottle per hour . I have tried using powdered Gatoraide , HEED , Perpetuem , and just about every other powdered drink out there with various results . I did n't love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jason from the fitness blog Cook , Train , Eat , Race sent me some Herbalife24 Prolong . The Infinit I use and the Prolong both use carbs and protein for their calorie sources and include electrolytes to help in absorption . I am scheduled to test the Herbalife24 Prolong this week on some shorter rides of 30 miles . I have been using Infinit for several years and absolutely trust the quality and results I get out of that product . <p> Freaky Frank -- This is that guy in your circle of friends who tries some of the weirdest things out there . Now , I admit that I have fallen into this category . When I did LOTOJA in 2011 I had cut , boiled , and salted red potatoes that I ate by the pound . That was a 12 hours in the saddle day , so I had to eat something solid . I also made a modified California style roll that had scrambled eggs and ham rolled in rice and Nori . I did n't love the taste of the Nori while riding , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am riding an organized century with my buddies , I really like to raid the sandwich trays and roll lunchmeat and cheese up together and I eat those until I ca n't eat anymore . When we stop at convenience stores to refill on water , I will usually buy a packet of lunchmeat and just eat it plain . For some reason it always sounds good . <p> Why This Discussion Matters <p> I love talking training and the strategies we all use to reach peak performance . I would really like you to leave a comment related to nutrition during your long runs and rides . I think we all have something to contribute to this discussion and I would really appreciate your comments and ideas . There are always beginner triathletes , runners , and cyclists who lurk here , so share your strategies that work and those that do not as well . <h> 14 Comments <p> The thing with bars is that they have to be simple . The ones that are made by pressing 3000 different types of nuts and berries together are just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at when I 'm running . Clif bars may be the exception , but I 'd rather a Powerbar , a gel or a Honey Stinger Waffle . <p> PS -- Really sorry about Levi . I was pulling for Wiggins ( I think you knew that ) but I was n't pulling for him that much . My wife saw that last cash into the motorcycle and she almost took away my riding privileges . <p> Patrick you are right on about bars . I do like ProBars though and they seem to fit the " 3000 different types of nuts and berries together " category . I swear I have seen Honey Stingers everywhere but I have n't ever tried one . I guess I will have to pick some up this week . <p> The first crash was Levi 's fault . The second he says someone hit his rear wheel and put him down . That third one was just ugly . When the lead out rider started to get funky on the turn , I did n't notice that there was another rider already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crash could have been much uglier too . But I was proud of Levi finishing off the time trial and sticking to it . Then Tejay kept his 5th place overall and 1st place white jersey finishes . <p> But Paris-Nice 2012 belonged to Wiggins . I read an article this morning that quoted him as saying he thinks he can throw down for Tour d'France . Cadel Evans also said this morning his current form is not where it was at this time in 2011 . I got ta think we are going to have a four or five man race with Wiggins , Schleck , Voeckler , Kloden , Evans , and perhaps a dark horse like Leipheimer or Sanchez up there in the GC . I think the 2012 Tour is going to be sweet . <p> Great comment Jason . I believe the research that states fueling for your next workout begins as soon as your last one ends . Recovery nutrition is a very important part of fueling up , and I will put up a post related to that . <p> I am pumped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The flavor smells pretty subtle , which is good . I do n't love strong flavors when I am running or riding so whatever I use can not be overpowering . I think the main qualifier there is how does it taste when it is warm . <p> I think the underlying message here that I hope others recieve is that everyone is different . I know I need to take in more calories on the run than I do but my stomach also wo n't take much more in than I take . Therefore I am choosy about what calories I take . I do n't have the time on the run to let my body digest complex carbs that might be found in some ( not naming names ) drinks . I need quick and dirty sugar . So for me , in a half or full Ironman , I seek cola and water at every aid station . HFCS is probably not the greatest thing for a teenager or elementary school age child , but for this Ironman athlete , it 's the top choice ! I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but again I look for those with the simplest of sugars . The closer the number of sugars to the total number of carbs , the better for me . <p> On the bike I just take whatever is on the course and some of my own gel , unless it 's oncourse too . I 'm not working as hard there and I can accept just about anything although I still stay away from solids . I usually do n't get in enough plain water to digest a Powerbar . I think plain water is my biggest issue on both run and bike . I just do n't get enough . <p> So keep experimeting and hopefully you can find your cocktail of choice . <p> For Ironman St. George I started on Coke at the mile 15 aid station and it was like someone used an AED on me . That HFCS was amazing and man all my body wanted was more , more , more . Then during LOTOJA 2011 , I actually planned to use Coke starting at Hoback Junction . I had a 1 liter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could , and then filled up a water bottle with it for the rest of the ride . When your blood sugar is super low , there is nothing like the thick syrupy goodness of a little Coke . <p> You will be there soon enough . I swear you take in 275 calories per hour and drink a bottle of water each hour , you will be fine . You could probably start a new fad by using Snickers as your fuel source . <p> I have to admit that I am one of those " gel " users as well as the " chomps " . On longer bike rides , I love to bring a bag full of pretzels . If it 's not to blazing hot , I 've been known to bring Tootsie Rolls for that sugar buzz ! <p> Gel is n't a problem as long as you do n't leave your packages behind , which I am sure you do n't Diana . I think I just saw an ad with Mirinda Carfrae saying that he favorite post workout beverage was none @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good company Diana ! <p> Yes everyone is different ! I have a very sensitive stomach especially to things high in sugar which makes it interesting to try and figure out my nutrition . It can be scary too I had a friend that ran out of fuel and bonked on a long ride and had to hitch a ride back to our car . <p> There are two types of endurance athletes in my book Natasha -- those who have bonked and those who will sometime in the future . It is just one of those facts of life that happens to everyone . I would say your friend was lucky that they were able to hitch a ride back to the cars . I would have had to make the " Call of Shame " . <p> My journey into triathlon started simple enough -- when I was eight I would run outside , bike to the city pool , and swim all afternoon each summer . I would spend so much time at the pool that I would go through multiple ear infections . Once I became @ @ @ @ @ @

@@5066341 <h> Women 's Conferences <h> Regional Conferences <h> About the TGC Blog <p> TGC 's blog features a community of voices who promote gospel-centered ministry for the next generation . We discuss the Bible , theology , church history , books , culture , and more , so join in the conversation as we seek to glorify God in what we do and say . <h> From the Blogosphere <h> Does the Presence of Religious Symbols Create a ' Proselytizing Environment ' ? <p> The Story : The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling that holding a public school graduation in a church violates the Establishment Clause when the church has an indeterminate number of religious icons and symbolism in the building . <p> The Background : The court ruled in Doe v. Elmbrook School District that a high school administration violated the First Amendment 's **27;6259;TOOLONG by holding a graduation ceremony in a church building because of that particular building 's " proselytizing environment . " <p> As Richard Garnett explains , there was no dispute that the reasons for holding the ceremonies in the building had nothing to do with evangelism and everything to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is " indisputably and emphatically Christian , " the court majority concluded that holding the ceremonies in this building both " endorsed " religion and " coerced " religious exercise . The court wrote : <p> Regardless of the purpose of school administrators in choosing the location , the sheer religiosity of the space created a likelihood that high school students and their younger siblings would perceive a link between church and state . That is , the activity conveyed a message of endorsement . <p> Why It Matters : The ruling appears to be a peculiar and disconcerting expansion of the Supreme Court 's already flawed Establishment Clause jurisprudence . The ruling does not explain what type or number of religious imagery constitutes a " proselytizing environment . " If this standard is allowed to become a precedent , future rulings could determine that any religious imagery creates an environment of proselytization and must be excluded . <p> But could it be that the cross and the banners and other religious paraphernalia visible to occupants of the auditorium of the Elmbrook Church would predispose attendants at the graduation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owns it a competitive advantage ? And might not the conferral of such an advantage be thought a form of establishment ? But the plaintiffs find the church offensive , and are thus in no danger of being converted . There is no suggestion that holding a high-school graduation at the Elmbrook Church has ever triggered a conversion . How often are visitors to churches converted by the visit ? Conversion generally precedes attendance . How many of the millions of non-Catholic visitors to St. Peter 's --- Protestants , Jews , Muslims , Hindus , Buddhists , atheists , and so forth - have converted to Christianity as a result of their visit to that awesome site ? I mean no disrespect to the Elmbrook Church in pointing out that no counterpart to the treasures of St. Peter 's that include Bernini 's baldacchino and Michelangelo 's Piet , the tombs of 91 Popes , a fragment of the True Cross , and the spear that pierced Christ 's side at the Crucifixion ( of course the authenticity of the last two items has been questioned ) , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The idea that mere exposure to religious imagery , with no accompanying proselytizing , is a form of religious establishment has no factual support , as well as being implausible . Religion is for good or ill a large component of human culture , including American culture . Religious words and symbols are ubiquitous . I have heard oral argument in this court on more than a thousand occasions , and every session has begun with a member of the court 's staff intoning " God save the United States and this honorable court . " Should this outcry , or the religious paintings in the National Gallery in Washington ( another federal facility ) , seen over time by millions , be considered an establishment of religion ? Does it send trial lawyers running to the baptismal font ? The court crier 's phrase , if thought anything other than a fossil trace of a more unselfconsciously Christian era in the nation 's history , ca n't be interpreted as anything other than a governmental expression of belief in one God who influences the fortunes of our nation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit . It

@@5066441 <h> You are here <h> How to create a patch <p> If you have made some changes to the code that you would like to share with the community , particularly if you want to send them to one of the core developers for possible inclusion in Moodle Core , it is very helpful if you can provide them as a patch file . Sometimes also called a diff file . <p> This page explains how you can make a patch file . Patch is a standard format , and there are many options for how to create one . Pick the one that is easiest for you . One of the most critical aspects of patch usage is identifying for your audience the location for the patch file for application relative to the -p flag ! When you create patches note your location and provide that when you share patches . <h> Creating a patch using diff <p> diff is the a linux command line program , and is where patch files originated . It requires that you have two copies of the code , one with your changes , and one without . Suppose these two copies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' which are subdirectories of the current folder . Then to create the patch , type : <p> diff -Naur standardmoodle mymoodle &gt; patch.txt <h> Creating a patch using CVS ( command line ) <p> It is easier if you are using CVS to manage your development , because you do n't need to keep the copy of ' standardmoodle ' . CVS takes care of that for you . In your workspace ( sandbox ) type : <p> cvs diff -uN &gt; patch.txt <p> If you have unversioned files to include in your patch , you will notice that the above command simply adds the file 's name to the top of your patch , prefixed with a question mark . This is because your new file is not tagged for adding to the repository . Just do <p> cvs add newfile <p> Then <p> cvs diff -uNa &gt; patch.txt <p> This should add the correct code to the patch , so that someone applying the patch to their working copy will have a new file created at the right place ( hopefully ! ) . <p> If your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white space changes in many files , you might want to add -Bbw to the diff call . Make sure these changes are really not significant ( like adding or removing a space at the end of a line - editors like Eclipse sometimes do this automatically ) . This can make a patch a lot smaller , and thus easier to review . The complete call would then be <p> cvs diff -uNawbB &gt; patch.txt <h> Creating a patch using Tortoise CVS <p> Tortoise CVS is a Windows GUI front end for CVS . To create a patch , right-click on a folder in CVS , and choose CVS -&gt; Make patch ... from the context menu . <h> Creating a patch using Eclipse <h> Creating a patch using WinMerge <p> WinMerge is a nice windows GUI for comparing folders . In this sense it is like the original command-line ' diff ' program . You need a copy of ' standardmoodle ' and ' mymoodle ' . Use File -&gt; Open ... to open the two versions for comparison . This will give you a nice view of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patch ... . In the dialogue box , make sure you select Style : Unified in the Format box . <h> Creating a patch using Git <p> Creating a patch if you 're using Git for version control is similar to CVS , and similarly you do n't need an unchanged copy of moodle to diff against . The easiest way to create a patch for the last commit is <p> git show &gt; patch.txt <p> or if you want to create a patch between 2 specific commits you can use git diff <p> git diff commitid1 commitid2 &gt; patch.txt <p> There 's also a tool , format-patch , for formatting a patch to send as an e-mail . You can create patches for the last n revisions like this : <p> git format-patch - n <p> which will create the patch in the current directory . The

@@5066541 <h> Your Mutual Fund Portfolio : Choosing the Level of Complexity <p> How simple or intricate you make your mutual fund portfolio comes down to your investor profile : the amount of time and interest you want to spend managing it , your investment knowledge , and the total amount of dollars you 'll be investing . There are , however , some investment constants -- no matter what , your portfolio of mutual funds should be : <p> Diversified , <p> Meet your financial goals , and <p> Match your risk tolerance . <p> Your asset allocation -- how much you put into the various asset categories -- addresses these financial concerns . What fund types you select and how many funds you invest in to populate the asset categories is driven by your investor profile . <p> You also need to make sure that , when you think of your mutual fund portfolio , you are considering all of your funds : those held in both your taxable and tax-sheltered accounts , including 401(k) plans , 403(b) plans , IRAs , Keoghs , Roth IRAs , etc . When you view all of your mutual fund holdings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you need not replicate your total mutual fund portfolio allocation in every individual account . <h> Share this article <p> Facebook <p> Twitter <p> E-mail <p> SeekingAlpha <p> Stumbleupon <p> Delicious <p> LinkedIn <p> Graduated Complexity <p> Even with those constants in mind , there are many different " levels " of mutual fund portfolios , ranging from a basic , bare minimum portfolio to one that is very complex . <p> Three mutual fund portfolio levels are illustrated in Table 1 . They are not meant to be discrete portfolios , but rather should be viewed as a continuum , with Level I as a realistic minimum and Level III as a practical limit . <p> We 've been helping investors for over 30 years . Our unique educational directive coupled with winning model portfolios are what every " do it yourself " investor needs to successfully grow and manage investment wealth . <p> AAII is a nonprofit organization that arms individual investors with the education and tools they need to build wealth . From stock investing to

@@5066641 <h> Lovex Die A Little More lyrics <p> Why did n't I embrace Those days you spent with me For now when I look back in time It 's too easy to see <p> While I lived my dream I was seeking a fantasy And here I lie all alone again Drown in memories <p> You 're so far away from me Lyrics from : http : **35;3472;TOOLONG ... I live to love again But it wo n't do you any good to see me When I die a little more And all the vanity <p> Has vanished from my world Just to show me How I die a little more <p> I 'm bound to stumble Everytime I try to fly Ca n't get up , ca n't take a breath I fall down , I cry <p> No light in the end Storm after the rain Only thing that I

@@5066741 <p> General Keith B. Alexander , USA , is the Commander , U.S. Cyber Command ( USCYBERCOM ) and Director , National Security Agency/Chief , Central Security Service ( NSA/CSS ) , Fort George G. Meade , MD . As Commander , USCYBERCOM , he is responsible for planning , coordinating and conducting operations and defense of DoD computer networks as directed by USSTRATCOM . As the Director of NSA and Chief of CSS , he is responsible for a Department of Defense agency with national foreign intelligence , combat support , and U.S. national security information system protection responsibilities . NSA/CSS civilian and military personnel are stationed worldwide . <p> He was born in Syracuse , NY , and entered active duty at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point . <p> Previous assignments include the Deputy Chief of Staff ( DCS , G-2 ) , Headquarters , Department of the Army , Washington , DC ; Commanding General of the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command at Fort Belvoir , VA ; Director of Intelligence , United States Central Command , MacDill Air Force Base , FL. ; and Deputy Director for Requirements , Capabilities , Assessments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Staff . GEN Alexander has served in a variety of command assignments in Germany and the United States . These include tours as Commander of Border Field Office , 511th MI Battalion , 66th MI Group ; 336th Army Security Agency Company , 525th MI Group ; 204th MI Battalion ; and 525th MI Brigade . <p> GEN Alexander holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy and a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from Boston University . He holds a Master of Science degree in Systems Technology ( Electronic Warfare ) and a Master of Science degree in Physics from the naval Post Graduate School . He also holds a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University . His military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course , the Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course , the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College , and the National War College . <p> His badges include the Senior Parachutist Badge , the Army Staff Identification Badge

@@5066841 <p> I do n't need a whole lots ' a money I do n't need a big , fine car I got everything that a man could want I got more than I could ask for Now , I do n't have to run around I do n't have to stay out all night ' Cause I got me a sweet , a sweet lovin ' woman And she knows just how to treat me right <p> Well my baby , she 's all right Well my baby , she 's clean out of sight , do n't you know that She 's <p> When I hold her in my arms You know , she sets my soul on fire Ooh , when my baby kisses me My heart becomes filled with desire When she wraps her lovin ' arms around me It ' bout tires me out of my mind Yeah , when my baby kisses me chills run up and down my spine <p> Well my baby , she 's all right Uh , my baby , she 's clean out

@@5066941 <p> Dr. Robert Ballard is one of the world 's most renowned ocean explorers , with such amazing finds as Titanic , the Battleship Bismarck and JFK 's PT1-09 to his name . But this time he 's going on a journey like no other . He 's setting out on an underwater odyssey down the world 's tallest mountain ! No , it 's not Everest at 29,000 ft . It 's Mauna Kea in Hawai'i . Standing 13,800 feet above sea level , this Pacific giant also reaches down another 19,700 ft into the Alien Deep . And there he dares to enter the active crater of a huge underwater volcano . Then he comes face-to-face with the extraordinary inhabitants of the bizarre deep sea world . The following is a production journal from Alien Deep crew-member Katy Andres . <p> It 's a simple enough question , but the surprising part is the answer : We do n't know exactly . Despite the marvels of modern technology , breakthroughs in engineering , and the interconnected sharing of scientific knowledge across the world , we 've only seen a little under 5 % of the ocean that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post production associate producer on the Alien Deep crew , I happen to have had the fascinating opportunity to sift through over 125 hours worth of Remote Operated Vehicle ( ROV ) footage from the depths of our ocean during the course of creating this single episode of Alien Deep . <p> While most people might consider traveling in the field more adventurous than sitting in an editing room , parts of my job felt not that different than being an explorer . Though my work included many long hours in the office , I was often reminded that I was getting to feast my eyes on some of the most alien landscapes that exist on our planet , visuals that only a handful of people have ever seen before . <p> Among hours and hours of gorgeous hydrothermal vents , one of my favorite moments happened to be of a giant sea turtle swimming right up into the ROV camera and pressing its face right into the lens . A curious little fellow he must have been . I also witnessed first hand just how hard it can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rope in intense atmospheric pressures . Sometimes up to 15 or 20 minutes can be spent just trying to pick up one item , only to have it fall out of the robotic arm before making it into a container . Such is the glamorous life of deep sea scientists and editors . <p> As I was watching the ROV video , I kept in mind that compared to the hundreds of hours of footage that ocean explorers are accumulating each year , the five solid days ' worth of ROV footage ( all hours combined ) I looked through was only a tiny piece of a huge , watery pie . Still , the video we accumulated for this show was no small pile . In fact , this episode with 305+ hours of footage total , this episode of Alien Deep is not far from one of the largest amounts of material that has ever gone into one hour of television at NGT . In addition to the slew of ROV video , we also had over 180 hours of footage of scientists and ship expeditions across 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . That makes a staggering total of over 300 hours of footage for one episode . If I were to watch all that footage straight through ( a feat which would probably not be physically possible ) , it would take me almost 13 days . All told , this episode covered 12.4 terabytes of raw footage and roughly 26 terabytes more to edit it all . And this was only one of five episodes for this series . <p> Luckily digital storage and video technology prices are dropping , because hours and hours of footage from the depths of the ocean are continuing to rise to the surface , waiting for adventurous eyes to feast upon them and make new discoveries . Some of these discoveries may not ever be able to make it on television as in the end we can only cram so much into one hour , but I ca n't help but wonder what amazing undiscovered creature could be hovering just inches away from the ROV camera 's view down in the deepest part of our oceans . it 's that wonder that keeps me @ @ @

@@5067041 <h> Hispanics in the Region <p> Results from the 2010 US Census have been released and show that the total US Hispanic population grew by an astounding 43% over the past ten years to just over 50 million ! Nationally , the number of Hispanics grew at over four times the rate of the total US population . Hispanics now account for 16% of the total US population , up from 13% in 2000 . <p> The Hispanic population in the GPHCC service area outpaced that phenomenal growth rate significantly , increasing by 58% , from 267,358 in 2000 to 422,232 in 2010 ( see Table 1 ) . Hispanic penetration of the GPHCC service area increased from 6% to 9% since 2000 ( see Table 2 ) . This confirms its position as the second-largest Hispanic market in the Northeast United States . <p> Hispanic population growth was particularly pronounced in the Pennsylvania counties within the GPHCC service area . In these six counties combined the number of Hispanics grew by approximately 67% over the past ten years , compared to a 5% increase in the total population . Hispanic penetration of these six counties increased from 5% @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total populations of the cities of Camden , Atlantic City and Wilmington actually declined by a combined -3% since 2000 , their Hispanic population increased by a very healthy 19% over the same time period , despite boasting the heaviest Hispanic penetration in the GPHCC service area ( see Table 2 ) . Hispanic penetration in these three cities increased from 25% to 30% . <p> We will update and enhance this section as additional data are released by the Census Bureau . <p> Demographics <p> With a Hispanic population of 382,901 , the GPHCC service area is the second largest Hispanic market in the northeastern United States . <p> It is the sixteenth largest Hispanic market in the country , larger than major Hispanic markets like Denver , Boston , Orlando , Washington , DC and Austin . <p> 72% of Hispanics in the Philadelphia area are of Puerto Rican origin ; 17% are Mexican . <p> Philadelphia-area Hispanics have a total purchasing power of approximately $4.2 billion . <p> The average age of Philadelphia area Hispanics is 24.3 years . <p> Hispanic-Owned Businesses <p> According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own approximately 8.3% of all US businesses . It is anticipated that this figure will increase when 2010 US Census statistics become available in 2011 . <p> There are approximately 6,833 Hispanic-owned businesses in the GPHCC service area . <p> In the Philadelphia area , Philadelphia County has the largest number of Hispanic-owned businesses with approximately 3,216 , followed by Montgomery County with approximately 1,005 . <p> Within the GPHCC service area , the city of Camden has , by far , the largest concentration of Hispanic-owned businesses , with 27% of all Camden businesses owned by Hispanics . <p> The 2007 Survey of Business Owners : Hispanic-Owned Firms issued by the US Census Bureau projected that , in Pennsylvania , the number of Hispanic-Owned businesses increased by approximately 107 percent between 2002 and 2007 . <p> The same survey shows that the percent increase of Hispanic-owned businesses in Pennsylvania between 2002 and 2007 was almost nine times the state average for all businesses

@@5067141 <p> Narrator : This is Science Today . Colorectal cancer strikes about 130 thousand Americans each year - making it one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States . And even though it 's preventable , about half of colon cancer patients eventually die from the disease - partly because it often is n't detected until the later stages . Dr. Charles Theuer , a professor of surgery at the University of California , Irvine says polyps , which can be precursors to cancer , can be easily removed during a colonoscopy . <p> Theuer : Getting rid of polyps during the procedure of colonoscopy for instance is very painless and easy . So we get rid of anything we see , knowing that only one in ten will eventually become a cancer . <p> Narrator : The good news , Theuer says , is if no abnormalities are detected , you can wait ten years before your next screening . <p> Theuer : Even if you have a small polyp , we do n't recommend another one for five years . So it 's not something that you have to do every year or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and

@@5067241 <h> We Have To Figure It Out Tonight lyrics <h> Beatsteaks We Have To Figure It Out Tonight lyrics <p> Break it up , break it up . Before you break down . I 'm not happy , whatever that means . I ca n't let you go I build my world around you . What do you think about me and you ? And you yell at me , yell at me . Cmon say something . Is the passion dead or is it coming back ? I ca n't let you go I build my world around you . What do you think about me and you ? We have to figure it

@@5067341 <p> New Testament /n. / C programmers The second edition of K &R's; " The C Programming Language " ( Prentice-Hall , 1988 ; ISBN 0-13-110362-8 ) , describing ANSI Standard C. See K

@@5067441 <p> Swapnil : We are witnessing a faster release cycle of LibreOffice as compare to OOo which was stagnated . However with every release we do n't see that many new features . Can you tell us where all this work is going ( please emphasis the amount of work is being done to clean up the junk code of OOo ) ? Charles : LibreOffice rests on a codebase that 's about 25 years old and that is not very modular . We have thus embarked into a work that focuses on cleaning up dead or unused code , and on developing new features . We started aggressively with the former , and are now progressively allowing more and more development of new features . <p> Charles-H . Schulz , Co-founder &; Director , The Document Foundation <p> There 's a word around the hackers ' team here that the 3.5 is in a sense our first release where we can have fun , because this release , contrary to the 3.4 one , is one where we add features and not just clean up code , break walls and " scrap the floor first to add something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that , if you compare with the development work and habits that used to exist in the old OpenOffice.org project , we have cleaned up over 2 millions lines of code , and bring a number of new features that is impressive , given the fact that the codebase has so many internal dependencies that changing even one small bit might have unintended consequences elsewhere ( i.e a nasty bug ) . We basically changed more lines of code in one year than OpenOffice.org changed in 6 years . I think that you will see an increasing inclusion of new features over time , although keep in mind that some of these features may not be readily visible in the user interface . <p> We wanted to set up a legal structure that would ensure the independence of the community and the project for a very , very long time . US based foundations , or rather , US based non profit corporations do not offer enough protection in that respect . <p> Swapnil : Why did you decide to base the Foundation in Germany and not US ? @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main legal advantage is that a foundation based in Europe ( and especially in a country such as Germany ) makes it very hard for a software vendor to capture the project and the community . We wanted to set up a legal structure that would ensure the independence of the community and the project for a very , very long time . US based foundations , or rather , US based non profit corporations do not offer enough protection in that respect . Also , keep in mind that while we are blessed with a very active US based community , our " center of gravity " tends to be in Europe or in Brazil in terms of numbers of volunteers . <p> Swapnil : Which regions are most active in contribution to the development of LibreOffice ? Charles : In terms of software development , Europe is leading . In terms of adoption , things are a bit more even , as Brazil , Asia-Pacific and Europe are our main areas of users . But we also pay attention to emerging areas , such as Africa . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about which companies are actively contributing to the development of LibreOffice ? Charles : We have some data here , in our latest blog : <p> Swapnil : LibreOffice still carries the same old interface . There are a lot of discussions going on the mailing lists abut the new UI . When can we expect a new UI for LibreOffice ? How different will it be and how much influence will there be of MS Office ? Charles : I think all these questions are difficult to answer to . The reason is very simple and comes in two parts : - we do n't have a precise plan , so anyone 's free to join and contribute code to change the UI. - it requires a lot of work , I mean really huge amounts of work . What this means is that most of the changes will be incremental , and will then morph into a bigger picture , but that 's far away from now . <p> However , things are different when it comes to tablets , as our interface will not play well with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interface for tablets will have to be completely rethought . <p> Swapnil : What is the status of LO for tablets ? When will the product be available in the market ? Charles : The project has started , and we are in the process of porting LibreOffice on Android . That is however only one part of the job , as you want to have a new interface that is truly helpful and beautiful for the users . So the question is of course how do you start , do you come up with a viewer first or do you go head on and create a new interface , and how do you decide the level of feature you 'll want to provide . <p> We will have more features than Microsoft Office 365 and we will not be sending informations to whatever special agency , <p> Swapnil : What is the goal of LibreOffice Online ? Is it going to compete with Google Docs or Microsoft Docs ? How different will it be from these two and by when will it be available ? Charles : LibreOffice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because we will offer from day one the same features that are already provided by LibreOffice on the desktop , plus collaboration features . The way people use Google Docs is in fact very different . People use Google docs for collaboration first , and they use it for simple documents . <p> Also , it 's important to note that Google , who is one of our foundational sponsors , offers a document storage service with Google Docs . With LibreOffice OnLine , you will have the choice of the document storage : The Document Foundation will not be offering LibreOffice OnLine as a service , we will only develop the software . Basically , you could be able to use documents from your Google Docs storage into LibreOffice OnLine and save them back into your Google Docs list . You could plug it to DropBox , to an Unhosted storage provider or to a peer-to-peer storage service . Alternatively , we also expect that organizations will also want to host their own documents , so syncing documents by webdav , which is already possible via a LibreOffice extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . <p> LibreOffice OnLine will however be a real competitor to Microsoft Office 365 , the web version of Microsoft Office . We will have more features than Microsoft Office 365 and we will not be sending informations to whatever special agency , even when the solution is hosted inside the user 's organization , which is unfortunately the case with Office 365 . <p> Swapnil : What are the big challenges the LibreOffice team is facing ? Charles : That 's a tough one .... I think we still have to fix the whole codebase , which means we need even more hackers , and even more non-technical community members to help us with quality assurance and software distribution . <p> Community Questions : We asked our Google+ fans if they have any questions for Charles . Here are some of the selected questions . <p> Marc Roelofs : Are there plans for a guided migration wizard to bring in former MS addicts ? It 's hard to convince them now and they stumble on every discrepancy . Charles : I think it 's an interesting idea . But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think that such a wizard will have to be very complex ( potentially shipped outside LibreOffice itself ) and will not solve all the problems , because most of the problems , once you have identified the problematic documents to be migrated , are organizational , not technical . <p> Kostas Koudaras : After leaving Open Office , how are things in development , do you see things improved ? Did you succeed in all of your goals and how was the course of LibreOffice so far ? Charles : There are areas where we even exceeded our expectations , but I also think we have to remain humble and tirelessly continuing to build and grow the LibreOffice community . The community of contributors is who we are , and the most precious asset we can work with . While most of the former OpenOffice.org community has transitioned to the LibreOffice project there 's a need to grow it and to improve our processes . Not everything is definitely sorted out and there are certain areas where things need to be reinvented . When you 're coming from OpenOffice.org you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowledge , but you also need to reinvent some of what you thought was the only way possible . It 's incredibly fascinating , but it requires time , feedback and a good communication . <p> Hanynowsky Sennin : Why is LO team resistanr to Change ? I recall when Citrus mock-up was revealed , the developers behind LO , showed a not-so-friendly behavior ? Charles : That 's a wildly inaccurate assertion . If anything , the LibreOffice team is embracing change more than every other free &; open source office suite out there . But what happened is exactly this : there was a nice mock-up that got proposed , although people had taken time to clarify there could not be a major overhaul of the interface . The reason is that it 's complex and it takes an enormous effort to come up with it . So a mock-up is nice , and it 's just that , a mock-up . It does not mean that " you only need to code it " . If that were the case , you can not imagine how many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hope they could be turned into actual airplanes . But more seriously : the same designer also came up with a very interesting mock-up , called Frivl and it 's a very nice base for a tablet interface ... <p> Abhay Trivedi : When will Calc become as Powerful and Useful as Excel ? Charles : I think the real question should be : when will Excel be as powerful and useful as Calc ? <p> E. Tasche : I do n't use it . I use Google Docs because its actually faster . If they speed it up I 'd love to drop the cloud based stuff , but until then a few milliseconds is an eternity longer than I have to wait . Charles : I ' d like to react on that with one comment : never forget that most of it ( not all , but most of it ) is a matter of server load and datacenter capacity . In other words , if you cut Google Docs from the Google datacenters , no matter how great a service and a software it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only be complaining about a few milliseconds ! <p> A free software fund-a-mental-ist and Charles Bukowski fan , Swapnil also writes fiction and tries to find cracks in a proprietary company 's ' paper armours ' . He is a big movie buff and prefers listening to music at such high volumes that he 's gone partially deaf when it comes to identifying anything positive about proprietary companies . You can follow him on Twitter , Google+ &; Facebook .

@@5067541 <p> Designed in the wake of the Haitian earthquake , LuminAID is the world 's first inflatable #solar light . Waterproof and easy to ship , it lasts longer than a battery-powered flashlight , is safer than a kerosene lamp , and does n't require expensive rechargeable batteries . #inventions <p> Warren Loomis ' 62 Th ' 65 thought that rowers should know where they 're going . He designed a rowboat that combines the motion of a rowing machine with a rear-mounted propeller . He and his sons then founded the Faceforward ! company to manufacture and sell the novel craft . #inventions <p> The Hill Breaker uses centrifugal force to regulate speed . A pair of pivoting brake shoes rotates within a brake drum fixed to the axle . At low speeds the brake shoes are held back by springs . As the centrifugal force exceeds the spring force , the brake shoes pivot outwards against the brake drum , generating smooth resistance that increases with speed . Inventors : Katherine Conway , Ethan Dreissigacker , Scott Lacy ,

@@5067641 <h> By Staff on June 26 , 2012 <p> The third annual FILTER Magazine 's Culture Collide Festival is drawing near which means we will once again be bringing bands from all over the world to Los Angeles , for a multicultural weekend-long melting pot of musical and we are looking for the next buzz band ! <p> Already confirmed acts include Junip , of Montreal , School of Seven Bells , Class Actress and The Standards , with many more to be announced . Showcases will take place on October 4 , 5 , 6 and 7 with a block party on October 7 . <p> Do you want your band to rock the CC stage ? In conjunction with Sonicbids , we 're giving you a chance to enter a contest to do just that ! <p> In addition to a performance slot , selected bands will receive : <p> 1 . Artists will be featured on the Culture Collide website. 2 . Artists will be mentioned on filtermagazine.com. 3 . MP3 included in 15 city newsletter . 4 . Opportunity to perform and interact with international artists from many participating countries . <p> To enter the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit Sonicbids or Click Here . <p> To view the growing Culture Collide lineup , get tickets for the festival , or anything else , Click Here . <p> 1 . An option for a digital recording contract with Filter US Recordings . 2 . FILTER 's 12 city newsletters ( LA , NYC , SF , DC , Boston , Chicago , Philly , Austin , Dallas , Portland , Seattle , Denver ) will feature the artist 's bio and MP3 as the pick of the week for download . 3 . The winning artist will be featured across filtermagazine.com , including : news items , video ( if available ) , digital downloads , album picks , and reviews , as well as a bio feature within the Discovering the Undiscovered blog. 4 . A special ad will be created for the winning artist and featured in FILTER Magazine and/or the Good Music Guide . 5 . Click Through banner ads will also be created and present on Filter 's online properties to heighten

@@5067741 <p> " I feel like they 've got a lot of holes in their defense , " Green told WFAN 's Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton on Thursday . <p> Green might have a point . The Giants are 25th in the league , surrendering 382.3 yards per game . They are 26th in the league against the pass , and have surrendered 45 pass plays of 20 yards or more . Only the New England Patriots ( 48 ) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 46 ) have given up more big plays . <p> Still , though , tweaking the defending Super Bowl champions might not be a smart move -- especially since Green 's Bengals are 3-5 and have lost four straight . <p> Green , however , believes that if the Bengals can get the Giants ' pass rush contained they have an opportunity to make plays . <p> " We just have to be solid up front and then we 'll see what happens , " Green said . <p> Green has 51 catches this season for 735 yards and eight touchdowns . It will be interesting to see how the Giants try to handle @ @

@@5067841 <h> October 2nd 2012 8:06 am PT <p> This Wednesday ( October 3rd ) , Xbox is providing U.S.-based Xbox 360 owners with an opportunity to interact live , for the first time ever , with a presidential debate through its new Election 2012 Hub on Xbox LIVE -- a new television experience where viewers become participants . <p> Throughout the debate , the Xbox LIVE community ( Xbox LIVE gold membership required ) will be able to weigh in with their opinions by responding to real-time poll questions about the candidate 's performances , their responses to questions and views on issues . Participants will be able to view poll results of the Xbox LIVE audience throughout the evening . All Xbox LIVE participants are also encouraged to submit poll questions via Twitter -- #XboxPoll . Submitted questions will be reviewed and some of the best will be asked to the Xbox LIVE community during each debate . <p> The debate will begin at 9:00 p.m . EDT on Oct 3 . Xbox users can access and participate in this interactive television experience directly through the Xbox LIVE dashboard . This will be the first of four debates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stream live through the Election 2012 Hub on Xbox LIVE . As a bonus , Xbox LIVE users who watch three of the four debates will be awarded with a Halo 4 Warrior Armor avatar . <p> pretty weak that it requires gold ... because , you know , even people who do n't spend $60/year playing video games online should probably have informed opinions on who they want to become PotUS <p> http : **35;2944;TOOLONG ... Dane Miller <p> because they cant watch it on every channel that is broadcasted over the air for free . <p> http : **35;2981;TOOLONG ... Dane Miller <p> Garry Johnson should have been included in the debates . The only reason he was n't is because he would make the other two look like bumbling idiots . <p> http : **25;3018;TOOLONG ? <p> He had a chance to make Romney look like an idiot in the Republican Debates ... He failed to do so . Johnson had his chance , he lost . <p> http : **35;3045;TOOLONG ... Dane Miller <p> IMHO he did make Romney look like an idiot , in fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then Romney. he just does n't have the backing of Coke , and Fannie May and Freddie Mac . It 's obvious the Republican party had chose their nominee well before the primary debates even started ... <p> http : **26;3082;TOOLONG Ezra Ramos <p> If MS cares so much about the election thier they should release Halo 4 the week after the election not on election day . <p> saxwriter1 <p> is there a way to log in more than 1 person at a time so my family does nt get cheated out of the avatar award . <p> theConstruct <p> You can if you have multiple controllers . <p> http : **35;3110;TOOLONG ... Cyclops <p> Is there a screen shot of the avatar somewhere ? <p> http : **34;3147;TOOLONG Andrew Guentert <p> Am I missing something or just not looking in the right place ? There is no Election Hub or anything about the election on my xbox dashboard . Nothing has changed on it since i got updated for the public beta a few weeks ago , well ad wise the same 3 ads . <p> i 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , it 's under the Home tab , it says " 9 PM ET : Join the Debate , We 're Polling LIVE " when you click it , it 'll re-download the player <p> Russell Gorall <p> Why did you capitalize " beta testers " ? <p> Logic Squirrel <p> So the only voters are gold members this year ? I suspect this is a Romney thing lmao <p> shinji <p> I think it is a perk for gold members ... <p> BostonSup <p> The 47% without Gold can watch it through the free network channels since they wo n't spend $60/year like the rest of us ! What freeloaders . <p> DTruth316 <p> #occupyxboxlivegold <p> Russell Gorall <p> Sounds logical . <p> theConstruct <p> How do we get to there is we have the beta dashboard ? <p> shinji <p> As someone else already mentioned it is in the TV section but I have yet to verify . I 'm getting the latest update as we speak ( it has n't been turned on for a while as I 've been busy ) . <p> http : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 out of every 48 months debating about a President and then wonders why they are in the hole . <p> BostonSup <p> Because America is the only country in the hole ? Unless you are German , I am pretty sure your country like most of the world is also in the hole ... <p> shinji <p> If you are on the beta and still looking for this it is on the main screen . Big button has Obama and Romney in the image . It will redownload the Xbox Live Event Player if needed as I 'm doing that now . <p> P.S. -- Yes I 'm in the beta . <p> shinji <p> If you are on the beta and still looking for this it is on the main screen . Big button has Obama and Romney in the image . It will redownload the Xbox Live Event Player if needed as I 'm doing that now . <p> P.S. -- Yes I 'm in the beta . <p> http : **27;3216;TOOLONG alex borror <p> So do you have to watch the entire debate to get credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ <p> What is the Election 2012 Offer ? A. Any Xbox LIVE Rewards member in the United States who watches 3 out of the 4 presidential and / or vice presidential debates on Election 2012 on Xbox LIVE for 30 minutes or more each will receive a Halo 4 Warrior Armor for their Avatar . <p> Maybe if you are n't an xbox rewards member you have to watch the full debate . <p> http : **30;3245;TOOLONG ? id=7 ... Zack Stein <p> This is wonderful . So proud and amazed that Xbox is doing this . <p> Superman64 <p> Please explain how you do n't have your liberty now . <p> Russell Gorall <p> Thought I voted for a black man and I got was a jive turkey ! <p> gremmie <p> Is this up yet for regular gold members not in Beta ? I ca n't see it on any hubs <p> http : //twitter.com/Navarin Buster Wolf <p> I 'm in the UK yet can still watch this through my previously downloaded Live Event Player . Question is , will I still be eligible for the gold Avatar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your elections happen , it is INSANE . It 's everywhere ! Is it the same for you guys when one of our electrions rolls round ? <p> shinji <p> And so it begins ... <p> http : **34;3277;TOOLONG Kevin Schaefer <p> I keep getting Sorry , Live Event server is n't available right now . I am connected to Xbox Live , so it should work . <p> http : **35;3313;TOOLONG ... Dane Miller <p> There should be a neither option on these polls . <p> b b <p> This better give me credit . I watched , do n't know for how long ( probably past the 30 minutes ) , but kept getting the Live event viewer is unavailable . I finally gave up and watched it on tv so I would n't miss anything . <p> ElektroDragon <p> Romney won . <p> http : //www.facebook.com/trekx trekx <p> According to every poll on Xbox Live tonight Obama Won .... <p> http : //twitter.com/ZildjianKX Jeff <p> This really should have been free for silver members . Having young people vote should

@@5067941 about Miskatonic and his professor and embracing an unknown beyond knew about Miskatonic and his professor and embracing an unknown beyond his wildest imagination . <h> Editorial Reviews <h> Review <p> " Four and a half suspenseful , frightening tales in one . Talley is wonderful at crafting suspense , and each sub-story pays homage to a high theme of occult horror . Plenty of suspense and chills to satisfy occult-horror fans . " - Kirkus Reviews <p> " A spooky , atmospheric story that pays loving homage to its roots . Brett J. Talley is a man with talent , and this book certainly makes him an author to watch . Fast-paced , classy , and with some terrific prose , this is an excellent read for horror fans . Very highly recommended . " - DreadCentral.com <p> " That Which Should Not Be is a fresh , intelligent , yet traditionally told story .... Well written and well edited , Talley 's That Which Should Not Be draws you into a simpler time , where monsters are god-creatures best left alone by man . " Clayton Bye , Editor-in-Chief -- The Deepening <p> " Talley 's odyssey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turner from beginning to end . Talley 's use of present , to past and foreshadowing rivals that of any successful commercial author in contemporary horror fiction . His characters are well crafted and personable . " Dave Gammon - HorrorNews.net <p> " That Which Should Not Be is a welcome addition to the ranks of the Cthulhu Mythos . It takes the originals seriously but at the same time feels free to take liberties with them as well . It is a pastiche but at the same time strives for--and attains--its own level of creativity .. . Highly recommended " -- Dr. Michael Collings , literary critic <h> From the Author <p> " That Which Should Not Be , a novel written in the style of a Lovecrafting Cthulu epic , pays tribute to the dark scribe with a tale that could easily have been a continuation of At the Mountains of Madness , and indeed , reads like something Lovecraft wrote himself . I went into the novel expecting a few references here and there , and an imitation of style and form , but ultimately , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interesting way . I would encourage fans of Lovecraft 's fiction to check out That Which Should Not Be , which ends up not as a pastiche or knock-off but rather as a loving and dedicated tribute that presents a new story in another author 's world . " - Darkeva , Hellnotes.com <p> " Recently Lovecraftian authors have been sending me their books to review . Some are good , some are .... not . But the recently published That Which Should Not Be , by Brett J. Talley , is great . In fact , it 's one of the best Lovecraftian novels I have ever read , and I do n't say that lightly . And scary ? Author Brett J. Talley gets that right , too . There are quite a few genuinely frightening scenes in That Which Should Not Be , both in the " tavern stories " and in the main plot . I feel that a lot of writers get Lovecraftian horror wrong , but Brett J. Talley has expertly captured the dread and the moon that should embody a Lovecraftian story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- you wo n't be disappointed . " - Mike Davis , Lovecraft eZine . <p> " Winner of JournalStone 's horror novel writing contest , Brett J. Talley has written a wonderful homage to occult horror . Each of the stories told to our protagonist is unique and scary by itself while adding to the overall atmosphere and theme of the novel as a whole . Each character is nicely fleshed-out and their individual stories come together beautifully . With references to Lovecraft , Stoker and even the Bible , That Which Should Not Be reads like the best 19th and early 20th century horror stories about the occult and ancient god-like monsters . I look forward to reading more by Talley in the future . Highly recommended . " - Colleen Wanglund , Monster Librarian <p> " Finally , it is easy to see why this first novel of Brett J. Talley 's has received the notice and acclaim that have followed it , and That Which Should Not Be marks a welcome and stylishly enjoyable addition to the Lovecraftian Mythos as well as a promising and talented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Brett J. Talley . I know that I , for one , will be looking forward with great anticipation to his next novel . " - Norm Rubenstein , Horror World <p> " In Brett J. Talley 's That Which Should Not Be I have to admit I think I 've found one of the best homages to Lovecraft I have read . I 'd go so far as to use the almost cheesy line that it 's " a Love letter to the work of Lovecraft " . Anybody with any interest in Lovecraft 's work will recognise the style of writing and the on-going themes that Talley has pulled into the book . " - Paul Metcalf , PisssedOffGeek.com <p> Carter Weston is a college student at Miskatonic University , where the fascination with legends and the occult run rampant . One infamous book named the Incendium Maleficarum , The Inferno of the Witch resurfaces and Weston 's professor and mentor asks him to procur the book for him and get it back to him immediately so that it can be locked away forever , Weston jumps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . His journey to find the book wo n't take him long in miles but the men he will encounter will tell him stories that will take him back in time to places in their lives that changed everything for them forever . Carter is a non believer in all of the legends but ca n't help but be intrigued by their stories and notice the similarities . During Carter 's journey , his faith and beliefs will be tested . Can a hand full of men overcome an unimaginable evil that has been lurking around since before man ? ? ? I can not even begin to describe to you how very much this book captivated me ! The very first page in this book piqued my intrest and it was very hard to put down . I would have read this story in one sitting if real life were n't always interrupting me ! Brett Talley is a wonderful storyteller ! His depictions of places and events had me so fascinated that I even had to google some of them to see if they did in fact exsist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious beliefs about the inevitable end of days and the unholy beings that will try to take over the world . What made this story so chilling to me was the fact that Talley used many real legends and scriptures . Unlike a lot of horror stories , Talley does n't use gore to scare you . He uses faith and facts , which makes the story that much more realistic and terrifying . This is one of the best horror stories that I have read in a very long time and I know that it will stay with me in the back of my mind even longer . I look forward to more work from this author as he has now gotten another huge fan in me ! <p> Brett Talley 's book , That Which Should Not Be , is a well-formed and fully-thought-out pastiche of Lovecraft 's work . As with any tribute to the Master , this work has its triumphs and its setbacks . The story , on the whole , is nicely done ; what starts as an anthology quickly grows into a close-knit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lovecraft 's voice and tone . For example , the narrative voice never changes from one story to the next ; phrases are all to frequently repeated ( " witch-haunted " stood out the most , but there were others ) and everyone in the book sounds on the edge of a nervous collapse . All , in other words , is as it should be . Talley can turn phrases well , too : I was particularly pleased when one of his narrators , moving through the wards in an asylum , noted solemnly that " the heavy silence of the criminally insane was upon me . " Talley 's side stories are also excellent riffs off of classic Gothic tales--the Unholy Monastery , the Thing in the Woods , the Cursed Treasure / Lost Knowledge , the Haunted Asylum--and at times one sees homages to Shelley , Walpole , Lewis , Stoker , Beckford , and even Melville . Sometimes these homages are a little annoying--after the introduction of Dr. Harker , I started looking for Captain Frankenstein and Dr. van Helsing--but most are excellent additions to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marred only by a few printing errors ( is he Vladimir or Valdimir ? ) and the utterly nonsensical moment when , surrounded by the noise of the insane , Dr. Hamilton remarks " I knew now why the old London Royal Asylum had spawned the term Bedlam . " <p> I am a huge fan of HPL and I am currently re-reading and writing short reviews on everything he has written , so when reading this book it was very easy to compare . <p> The book is a collection of several stories told to a man in search of a powerful book . These stories have influences that range from Algernon Blackwood 's The Wendigo to Bram Stoker 's Dracula , all of them mixed with a good deal of the Cthulhu Mythos . <p> The way in which the stories are told , specially the structure , is similar to Lovecraft 's but not so the writing style . Lovecraft 's style is not for everyone as it sometimes can be a bit dense , but it is also very evocative and rich . It is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the book Talley has tried to do so , it is a good thing that he has not tried to do it for the whole book . <p> It is not a very long book and the reader can be drawn to the different stories quite easily , they are fast-paced and entertaining . However , almost all the stories fail in the ending . The Cthulhu Mythos are dominated by the absolute certainty that whatever you do , whatever you believe in , the universe is a place without hope , so vast and cruel , so full of purely evil god-creatures that in the end nothing can save you . Not in this book . spoilersHere the christian god can save you and have the power to do so , even more , he was the one who defeted the Old Ones aeons ago ( ! ) /spoilers . This is so far from what was written by HPL that I found myself losing my interest in each story as I progressed through the book . I could have forgiven it if it had happened once but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have expanded and enriched HPL 's universe but none have dared to change its foundations , the basics have remained the same and this is something very important to me as a reader and a fan . <p> I have read a great deal of stories written by Lovecraft 's fans and admirers . Even if this book is better than many , and I really appreciate the effort , I can not fully recommend it to fans who like their stories fully compliant with the original source . For me this is a pity because I really book . <h> Book Extras from the Shelfari Community <h> More About the Author <p> A native of the South , Brett Talley received a philosophy and history degree from the University of Alabama before moving to witch-haunted Massachusetts to attend Harvard Law School . When people ask , Brett tells them he writes for fortune and glory . But the truth is the stories in his head simply refuse to stay put . Brett loves every kind of fiction--from horror to literary to historical to sci-fi--as long as there are fantastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be found in fiction , the mysterious and the unknown still beckon there , and the light can always triumph over the darkness , no matter how black the night may be . <p> Brett writes when he can , though he spends most of his time working as a lawyer so that he can put food on the table . That is , until the air grows cool and crisp and fall descends . For then it is football time in the South , and Brett lives and with the Alabama Crimson

@@5068041 <h> Investors dip a toe back in the stock market <p> Investors have mostly been pulling their money out of the stock market this year , but last week investors showed a little ounce of love for stocks . <p> According to the Investment Company Institute , investors added $99 million to U.S. stock mutual funds in the week ended July 18 . While that 's not much , it 's a welcome change from the usual flight from stocks . <p> The inflow came as investors hoped that the Federal Reserve may take steps to stimulate the economy in the wake of a slowing recovery . Investors were also encouraged by a slew of better-than-expected earnings reports . The biggest upside surprise came from JPMorgan ( JPM ) , which delivered a $5 billion profit despite a trading loss of $5.8 billion so far this year . <p> Still , investors have n't been big fans of stocks for the better part of 2012 . In fact , they have yanked money out of the stock market for 20 of the past 22 weeks . Since the beginning of the year , investors have pulled more than $55 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these funds lost $13.6 billion during the first six months of 2011 and $24.6 billion during the first six months of 2010 . <p> Meanwhile , bond mutual funds continued to attract investors , raking in $6.5 billion in assets during the latest week , compared with the prior week 's $6.4 billion inflow . <p> Hybrid funds , which invest in both stocks and bonds , gained $905 million during the third week of July , building on the prior week 's $1.8 billion inflow . Taking the middle road has been good for hybrid funds , which have enjoyed inflows for much of 2012 . <p> Hibah Yousuf is a reporter at CNNMoney , where she covers stocks , bonds , commodities and currencies trading across the globe , as well as corporate earnings and other markets-related news . Prior to joining

@@5068141 unavailable . For more information about this message , please visit this page : About CDC.gov . <h> More Related Links <h> What is Assisted Reproductive Technology ? <p> Although various definitions have been used for ART , the definition used by CDC is based on the 1992 Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act that requires CDC to publish the annual ART Success Rates Report . According to this definition , ART includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled . In general , ART procedures involve surgically removing eggs from a woman 's ovaries , combining them with sperm in the laboratory , and returning them to the woman 's body or donating them to another woman . They do NOT include treatments in which only sperm are handled ( i.e. , intrauterine -- or artificial -- insemination ) or procedures in which a woman takes medicine only to stimulate egg production without the intention of having eggs retrieved . <p> ART has been used in the United States since 1981 to help women become pregnant , most commonly through the transfer of fertilized human eggs into a woman 's uterus ( in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this expensive and time-consuming treatment can be difficult . Learn more about ART patient resources . <h> Most Recent ART Data <p> According to CDC 's 2010 ART Success Rates , 147,260* ART cycles were performed at 443 reporting clinics in the United States during 2010 , resulting in 47,090 live births ( deliveries of one or more living infants ) and 61,564 infants . Although the use of ART is still relatively rare as compared to the potential demand , its use has doubled over the past decade . Today , over 1% of all infants born in the U.S. every year are conceived using ART . <p> *Excludes cycles in which a new treatment procedure was being evaluated . <h> 15 Years of ART Surveillance <p> ART can alleviate the burden of infertility on individuals and families , but it can also present challenges to public health as evidenced by the high rates of multiple delivery , preterm delivery , and low birth-weight delivery experienced with ART . Monitoring the outcomes of technologies that affect reproduction , such as contraception and ART , has become an important public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress the first annual report , titled Assisted Reproductive Technology Success Rates : National Summary and Fertility Clinic Reports . This report gained a wide audience , including potential ART patients and their families , policy makers , researchers and health care providers . Maternal and child health professionals , as well as state and local public health departments , also began requesting data on birth outcomes among infants born using ART technologies in their localities . In 2002 , CDC prepared the first ART surveillance report on ART use and outcomes by state . The ART Surveillance Summary is now published as a supplement to CDC 's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report ( MMWR ) . Learn more about National ART Surveillance . <h> Expanding the Scope of ART Outcomes Research <p> The National ART Surveillance System ( NASS ) does not contain information on long-term outcomes of ART . This information can be obtained by linking ART surveillance data with other surveillance systems and registries , while paying close attention to confidentiality protection . Since 2001 , CDC has collaborated with health departments of three states ( Massachusetts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NASS with vital records , hospital discharge data , birth defects registries , cancer registries , and other surveillance systems of these states . This project , called States Monitoring ART ( SMART ) Collaborative , provides a unique opportunity for federal and state public health agencies to work together on establishing state-based public health surveillance of ART , infertility and related issues . Learn more about the SMART Collaborative . <h> Related Links <p> Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology ( SART ) promotes and advances the standards for the practice of assisted reproductive technology to the benefit of patients , members and society at large . <p> American Society for Reproductive Medicine The American Society for Reproductive Medicine ( ASRM ) is a multidisciplinary organization for the advancement of information , education , advocacy and standards in the field of reproductive medicine . <p> American Fertility Association The American Fertility Association ( AFA ) is a national consumer organization that offers support for men and women dealing with infertility . Their purpose is to educate the public about reproductive disease and support families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The National Infertility Association RESOLVE is a national consumer organization that offers support for men and women dealing with infertility . Their purpose is to provide timely , compassionate support and information to people who are experiencing infertility and to increase awareness of infertility issues through public education and advocacy . <p> Fertile Hope Fertile Hope is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reproductive information , support and hope to cancer

@@5068241 <h> What 's Hot <h> Greek Ethnic-Themed Progressives Are Unfairly Criticized <p> Imagine the typical Stanford progressive : Dark lighting , people laughing and having a good time . The smell of beer and body fluids <p> permanently embedded into the carpets ( who puts carpeting in fraternities ? ) . The walls , sticky from the popping of Andr bottles and the adhesive of elaborate paper decorations . Consider for a moment those decorations . This is where the typical fraternity progressive has the potential to get awkward . To a group of Stanford fratstars looking just looking to have a good time , the theme seems innocent enough , yet unfortunately one station presents an uncomfortable situation : Paper bricks line the walls , cleverly forming a miniature Great Wall of China . Fine , right ? Almost , until one notices that the station 's beverage is a sake bomb . Sake , of course , is from Japan . The Great Wall of China on the other hand , well , is in China . Not a move that many people would call delicate . <p> Recently , the Greek system has come under fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , " a night of sake bombs and a rousing session of karaoke is one of the few events with an ethnic connection left unscrutinized . However , " Indian Wedding , " a progressive put on by Sigma Nu and Pi Phi was heavily criticized , as was " Bar Mitzvah , " a progressive put on by Theta Delta Chi and Kappa Kappa Gamma . Labeled culturally-insensitive , politically incorrect , even colonialist , party themes like these are becoming a point of worry for a Greek scene already nervously looking over its shoulder for a university crackdown . ( Think hard alcohol ban or a reversion to general alcohol policies resembling the draconian measures in place at other schools ) . <p> Criticism toward events like this raise important questions about where we should draw the line . " Indian Wedding " was organized by two Indian-American students , both of whom stated that they were intending to share their cultures with their respective Greek houses , despite the fact that they were viciously accused by third parties as " white privilege " looking to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Indian Wedding is that cultural celebration should n't take the form of a party with alcohol . But do we really have the right to judge Indian-American students about the choices they make in celebrating their own culture ? Especially when the primary voice of criticism does not identify as Indian ? In this situation , who has the right to declare inauthenticity and intolerance ? <p> The same criticism was leveled against " Bar Mitzvah , " an event that was organized by Jewish-American students . <p> It is unnerving that these parties have caused such a stir while the standard bro/ho parties in all their manifestations have gone completely unspoken against , even becoming increasingly popular . Ethnic-themed parties are receiving widespread criticism for cultural intolerance , even when the organizers are part of the ethnic tradition being celebrated . Yet at the same time , their primary critics are all too happy to don tight skirts and unbuttoned blouses for progressives like " CEOs and Office Hoes " -- a theme that wholeheartedly celebrates the glass ceiling women continue to face in the workforce . <p> @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about its cultural implications . But critics of these parties should not be so quick to assume that party organizers are n't thinking about these things . Nor should critics who are not Indian-American , Jewish-American , or part of any other ethnic group assume they have more understanding of a particular cultural tradition than its own members . In fact , that is what is really culturally insensitive . <p> Regardless of how the university chooses to handle this , there will always be parties . And inevitably , new parties need new themes . Of course we can approach any situation and try to find something to be offended by , or we can take a new perspective . A party based on a cultural event , if done right , could not only be very fun but a fantastic learning experience for those involved . Parties are just ways to do something different . Participating in a different culture , even if it 's just pretend and not too serious , sounds like a great time . <p> Being Greek , maybe I have just been desensitized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unfortunately , these days wedding jokes are n't the biggest problem that Greeks face . I think that here at Stanford we have to keep the perspective that people are not trying to be derogatory , hateful , or insensitive . Throwing a mock Bar Mitzvah , where everyone is having a great time and participating in various activities is very different from holding a Neo-Nazi rally . Especially when its organizers are Jewish . Rather than insensitivity , our problem may be an oversensitivity that in itself becomes culturally problematic ; keeping actual dialogue and growth from being achieved . I for one would rather see any number of fake Greek weddings thrown and plates broken to not have to see another " CEOs and Secretary Hoes " party . Maybe people would even learn a

@@5068341 <p> Assassin 's Creed III will be on shelves next week . And if you find yourself wanting to see how the artists at Ubisoft took to constructing the world of the game one painted image at a time , Titan Books may just have you covered with The Art of Assassin 's Creed III . <p> And we 've got some pages from the book supplied by the publisher to whet your appetite from the October 30th release . <p> Here are the full details from the publisher on the 144 page hardcover , which is retailing for 24.99/US$29.95 : <p> Assassin 's Creed is one of the most highly-praised , beautiful and action-packed game franchises ever created and Assassin 's Creed III sees the franchise step into a brand new era , with a new assassin in a revolutionary world . <p> Highlights in the game , and in the book , include new interactive cityscapes , frozen winter landscapes , threats from the natural world , weather systems that affect gameplay , and a wholly new environment for any Assassin so far -- all stunningly and historically-correctly recreated by the Ubisoft studio . <p> Senior Commissioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , " Assassin 's Creed is rightly considered one of the most visually exciting games , and the concept art for Assassin 's Creed III is no exception . The new era and the new assassin are incredibly exciting and the sheer beauty of the art is extraordinary . Assassin 's Creed III promises to be the biggest and best yet and we 're delighted to be involved . " <p> Follow @MTVMultiplayer on Twitter and be sure to " like " us on Facebook for the best geek news about comics , toys , gaming and more ! And do n't forget

@@5068441 <p> Be the first to know the latest statistics about Alzheimer 's disease and dementia . Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and get alerted on the release of our annual Facts and Figures report . Subscribe now <h> Cost to nation <p> In 2012 , the direct costs of caring for those with Alzheimer 's or other dementias to American society will total an estimated $200 billion , including $140 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid . <p> Average per person Medicare payments for an older person with Alzheimer 's or other dementias are nearly 3 times higher than for an older person without these conditions . Medicaid payments are 19 times higher . These costs will only continue to soar in the coming years given the projected rapidly escalating prevalence of Alzheimer 's disease as the baby boomers age . <p> Unless something is done , the care costs of Alzheimer 's and other dementias will soar from $200 billion this year to a projected $1.1 trillion ( in today 's dollars ) by 2050 . This dramatic rise includes a 500 percent increase in combined Medicare and Medicaid spending . <h> Expanding Impact of Alzheimer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause of death in the country and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that can not be prevented , cured or even slowed . Based on final mortality data from 2000-2008 , death rates have declined for most major diseases -- heart disease ( -13 percent ) , breast cancer ( -3 percent ) , prostate cancer ( -8 percent ) , stroke ( -20 percent ) and HIV/AIDS ( -29 ) -- while deaths from Alzheimer 's disease have risen 66 percent during the same period . <h> People with Alzheimer 's living alone <p> An estimated 800,000 individuals with Alzheimer 's ( or one in seven ) live alone . People with Alzheimer 's and other dementias who live alone are exposed to higher risks -- including inadequate self-care , malnutrition , untreated medical conditions , falls , wandering from home unattended and accidental deaths -- compared to those who do not live alone . Of those who have Alzheimer 's and live alone , up to half of them do not have an identifiable caregiver . <h> Sign up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advances in Alzheimer 's treatments , care and research . Get tips for living with Alzheimer 's as well as simple ideas on

@@5068541 <h> By Joshua Kurlantzick and Elizabeth Leader <h> Share via e-mail <p> In many ways , Thailand is a beacon of high technology , with a huge computer-component industry and a vibrant online culture . But when you log onto the Web in its capital city of Bangkok , sites often load excruciatingly slowly . It 's not for any lack of broadband access . It 's because over the past five years , the Thai government has instituted firewalls and blocking policies that have strangled Internet speed . <p> The country currently bans as many as 100,000 websites for posting content allegedly offensive to the Thai king . ( The country is a constitutional monarchy , with a democratically elected parliament , but the king actually enjoys enormous political clout . ) Web masters are thrown in jail for being too slow to remove comments criticizing the government from their sites . Just to make sure its citizens do n't discuss the monarchy freely , the country maintains a 24-hour Internet monitoring war room , filled with Web spies who troll the Internet looking for anyone who violates the country 's 2007 Computer Crimes Act . <p> AFP/AFP/Getty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and blocking effort would be taking place in one of the more open and democratic nations in Asia . But Thailand is hardly unique in this regard . The world , and leaders of democratic nations , may associate Internet censorship with highly authoritarian states like China , North Korea , and some of the Middle Eastern nations where unrest has spread in the past year . But in fact a growing and little-appreciated threat to Internet freedom may actually come from democracies themselves . <p> India has increased filtering and monitoring of the Internet , and South Korea is jailing bloggers who write favorably ? -- ? even in jest ? -- ? about North Korea . Turkey is blocking many categories of sites as well . In the " Internet Enemies Report 2012 , " the monitoring and advocacy group Reporters without Borders noted that eight of the 15 most serious offenders ? -- ? countries with the most severe Internet restrictions ? -- ? were electoral democracies . " Supposedly democratic countries ? . ? . ? . ? set a bad example by yielding to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group noted . <p> Electoral democracies do not normally clamp down on the Internet simply to prevent dissent , the way autocratic regimes like China or Myanmar do ( though in Thailand 's case , that is part of the rationale ) . They more often crack down to fight terrorism , protect national security , and combat offensive and hateful content . But the result of these clampdowns can be severe , with online writers or bloggers being arrested ? -- ? and , compared to openly repressive regimes such as China or North Korea , their effects may be more insidious . <p> Where these countries have a history of supporting free speech and freedom of the press , the crackdown on the Web as it emerges as our newest and most vibrant public square represents a significant step backward . In some cases , as in Turkey , clampdowns on freedom on the Web may portend greater clampdowns on all types of freedom of the press and expression . As the Internet becomes the predominant way people publish and share news and information , censorship threatens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democracies . And , perhaps most disturbing , the crackdowns mean that even as democracies try to insist that authoritarian governments lower their firewalls and honor free expression , they are losing any moral authority on the issue by abandoning that ideal themselves . <p> *** <p> WHEN THE INTERNET first began to be widely used around the world in the early 2000s , it was largely left unmolested by most electoral democracies . Authoritarian leaders , however , quickly took note of the Web 's potential power ? -- ? for example , the way activists using the Web helped organize protests in the " color revolutions " in Central Asia and the Caucasus in the early and mid-2000s . Throughout the 2000s , the most authoritarian nations launched comprehensive efforts to monitor and filter the Internet , or simply cut off Internet access entirely , as China did two years ago in the restive province of Xinjiang , following riots between ethnic Uighurs and ethnic Chinese there . For over six months , Internet access was shut down throughout Xinjiang , a province roughly the size of Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi Arabia , North Korea , and Vietnam , copied many of China 's tactics . They passed laws harshly regulating Internet usage and mandating jail times for certain types of online political remarks , used denial of service attacks to disable opposition websites and bloggers , and employed state security agents to monitor the Web and search for online dissidents . <p> The response among Internet activists and many democratic leaders was , not surprisingly , critical . They argued that the Internet was part of the public sphere , and that activity on the Web should therefore be protected under the same rules ? -- ? freedom of the press , freedom of assembly ? -- ? that held sway in the real world . Under President Obama , the State Department has even made Internet freedom part of its agenda in advocating for global human rights . " After all , the right to express one 's views , practice one 's faith , peacefully assemble with others to pursue political or social change ? -- ? these are all rights to which all human beings are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city square or an Internet chat room , " said Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton last year during a conference in the Netherlands on Internet freedom . Other developed democracies launched similar efforts . <p> Most of these monitoring efforts and online freedom promotion projects have focused , predictably , on overtly repressive countries like China , Saudi Arabia , and Bahrain . But recently a new set of countries has begun to creep onto their radar . In Turkey , for example , the government has been banning websites related to Kurdish issues , as well as those that criticize Ataturk , the founder of modern Turkey . The Turkish government also recently launched a centralized filtering system . Meanwhile , India , the world 's biggest democracy , has increasingly requested that Google remove " offensive " user-generated content under the banner of its " IT Rules of 2011 " legislation passed last April . This legislation opened the door for both criminal and civil complaints against Internet firms that host such objectionable content ; in January , during proceedings of a civil suit against 22 firms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the defendants to develop filtering mechanisms " like China . " India has also increased Internet surveillance , supposedly to hunt for terrorists , since the 2008 Mumbai bombing . <p> Meanwhile , over the past five years , Thailand 's government has boosted its censorship of any negative comments about the palace ; royalists in government and the military fear growing public sentiment against the powerful monarchy as the country prepares for a succession in the near future . Criticism of the king has long been illegal in Thailand , but recently the censorship has grown so broad that it has become a weapon against any political opponents , according to many Thai academics and writers . The government now is pursuing a case against the editor of Prachatai.com , probably the most respected news site in the country , for not deleting comments made by readers on the site quickly enough ; she could face up to 50 years in jail . According to Reporters without Borders , Internet freedom in Thailand could soon be curtailed even more sharply than in its neighbor Myanmar , long one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea , another vibrant democracy and economic powerhouse , the government in 2011 stepped up suppression of online discussion of neighboring North Korea . According to NorthKoreaTech , a blog that tracks online filtering and other tech issues in the region , the South Korean government has dramatically increased its number of content removal requests ? -- ? from roughly 1,500 per year in 2009 to over 80,000 in 2010 . The government has shut down more than 70 websites for allegedly pro-North Korea content , while also arresting online writers and tweeters for supposedly celebrating North Korean leaders , even when the writers said their content was satirical . Last year , the United Nations ' rapporteur for free expression warned that South Korea 's Internet policies were a " subject of great concern . " <p> Even Australia and France , two of the oldest democracies , are not immune . France 's president , Nicolas Sarkozy , has called for criminal charges to be filed against anyone who frequently looks at a website that calls for hatred or violence , an idea that stands to gain momentum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jewish students by a gunman . Australia 's government is pushing to create a national content-filtering system , which would block child pornography and other content deemed " objectionable " by the government . But with " objectionable " left undefined , the content filtering " often results in over-blocking ? . ? . ? . ? dragging into its net websites or pages whose content has nothing to do with that which is covered by the law , " notes Reporters without Borders . <p> *** <p> THE EFFECTS OF THESE clampdowns already are being felt beyond the bloggers and writers being shut down or put in jail . In Thailand , many Web entrepreneurs and online news journalists privately say that it has become increasingly hard to find investment and staff for their ventures , since so many Thais are afraid of falling foul of the Computer Crimes Act ? -- ? and since many find it hard to do business at the slow speed of an Internet with so many blocks . Similarly , some South Korean academics worry that the stepped up prosecution of bloggers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and could be a deterrent to foreign investment . <p> This repression is also damaging beyond these countries ' borders , in part because they 've been seen as models for good governance in their regions . Turkey , especially , is often cited as a success story for how to build a secular democracy within an Islamic society . But Turkey 's Web blocks ? -- ? 15,596 sites and counting ? -- ? raise the question of what kind of example it sets for nations in the Arab uprising . And tough Internet surveillance laws weaken the moral standing of democracies on this issue : When Australia , France , or India criticize China for its massive firewalling , Beijing can simply point out that they might want to take a look at the direction their own policies are moving . <p> Along with Reporters without Borders , some leading sites such as Google have launched their own internal think tanks designed to promote Internet freedom , both in electoral democracies and beyond , and to help people struggling with Internet curbs find ways to get around them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists who originally had mostly ignored some of the new legislation , since it seemed focused on hate speech and other offensive speech , now are rallying to try to defeat the bills . These critics argue that such laws would allow too much censorship , and that they may also damage industries , like video gaming , that will be caught in their net . In Australia , this pushback has helped delay the implementation of the law . <p> In the broadest gambit , activists from both electoral democracies and authoritarian nations have come together , at the United Nations and other forums , to argue that open speech on the Internet should be seen as a human right . A handful of nations , including Finland and Estonia , have already enshrined Internet access itself as a human right . Now , activist groups like the Center for Democracy and Technology , a leading advocacy group , are taking this campaign farther , arguing online , at conferences , and in the media that the " internationally recognized right to freedom of expression should apply to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to political speech , it 's time for the world to acknowledge that the Internet is

@@5068641 <p> When President Obama announced on June 15 that he was temporarily halting deportations of illegal immigrants under the age of 31 who came to the U.S. as children , labor unions backed him up . AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka praised Obama at a press conference , with a group of immigrant students standing beside him . The labor movement has made it a priority to liberalize immigration laws and recruit immigrants , who often undercut union workers by taking low-wage , non-union jobs . <p> Yet the leader of one AFL-CIO affiliated union has broken with labor to challenge Obama 's directive . Chris Crane is president of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council , the 7,000-member union that represents the U.S. Homeland Security agents whose job is to find and deport illegal aliens . Along with two of the union 's vice presidents and seven ICE agents , Crane filed a federal suit in August against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and ICE Director John Morton , claiming Obama 's " deferred action " order is illegal and makes it hard for agents to do their job . Weeks later , he finds himself in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the left and befriended by the right . <p> Before Obama 's order , Crane says , ICE agents conducting immigration raids on businesses or sweeping jails for undocumented workers could begin deportation procedures against those who could n't show they were in the U.S. legally . Now the rules require agents to pass over anyone who claims to be eligible for Obama 's temporary amnesty . " We are supposed to take this person 's word and turn around and walk away , " he says . Crane 's lawsuit charges that the president overstepped his constitutional authority by changing federal immigration law without Congress 's consent . To obey the president 's orders , Crane says , agents must break the law . <p> Homeland Security spokeswoman Gillian Christensen says Crane is flat-out wrong . Agents are n't simply supposed to take the immigrant 's word for it ; they can still ask those they suspect of being in the U.S. illegally to provide passports , visas , school records , or other documents to prove their eligibility . It 's up to agents ' discretion whether to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , is precisely the problem . Agents ' duties were once perfectly clear . They 're now told to use their judgment , yet they worry about the consequences of deporting people against the wishes of the president . It may not be official policy to look the other way , but he says there is institutional pressure to do so . <p> Crane 's lawsuit has put him at odds with fellow AFL-CIO leaders , who issued a press release condemning it . " It was awkward , " says AFL-CIO spokesman Gonzalo Salvador . When Crane agreed to testify before Congress against Obama 's rule in July , AFL-CIO lobbyist Andrea DiBitetto urged him to get back in line with labor . " I told him that the AFL-CIO strongly supports deferred action , " she says . " I asked him to follow the AFL-CIO position . " <p> Instead , Crane , who works in Salt Lake City , teamed up with anti-immigration advocates and Republican politicians who 've battled against organized labor . NumbersUSA , a group that works to reduce immigration levels and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is funding the lawsuit . Crane 's lawyer is Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach , a co-author of Arizona 's punitive immigration law and an immigration adviser to Mitt Romney . <p> Crane , whose own rank-and-file members did n't have a say in the lawsuit -- he filed the case without putting it to a vote -- concedes it is n't just about the rule change . He describes it as a " last resort " attempt to get the administration 's attention . " They 've completely shut us out , " Crane says . " And they 've replaced us with immigrants ' advocacy groups . " <p> Crane 's grievances against Obama go back to 2009 , when the president named Morton to head ICE . Over union objections , the department relaxed security at detention facilities , allowing detainees more freedom to move around and to have contact with visitors . Things between union and management only got worse when Crane held a no-confidence vote against Morton . " Communication has been a big problem , " says Eric Shulman , the ICE Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Homeland spokeswoman Christensen says by e-mail : " ICE meets regularly with the representatives of the union . " <p> AFL-CIO leaders are holding out hope that Crane will eventually drop the suit , which is awaiting a court date . Next year the labor movement plans once again to push Congress to take up comprehensive immigration reform -- and they 'd much rather have a brawler like Crane as an ally than an adversary in that fight . " It 's something we can work past , " says the AFL-CIO 's DiBitetto . " I 'm sure they want to see the broken system repaired . " <p> The bottom line : The head of a union of federal immigration agents says Obama 's policies are illegal , a

@@5068741 <h> How To Do the Bunny Hop <p> Most people are familiar with the Bunny Hop , the popular group dance often performed at social events such as parties and wedding receptions . Follow the steps below and you 'll be ready to join the fun ! <p> Difficulty : Easy <p> Time Required : A few minutes <h> Here 's How : <p> As soon as you hear the Bunny Hop music , run to the dance floor .

@@5068841 <h> GRE : As technology becomes more and more advanced .. people rely on technology <p> Hi everyone , this is a practice essay from the GRE issue pool . There are some typos ( i left them in purposely so i could figure out what i spell wrong ) . Any feedbacks welcome : ) As people rely more and more on technology to solve problems , the ability of humans to . <p> Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take . In developing and supporting your position , you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position . As technology becomes more and more advance and prevalent , people become more and more reliant on technology . With more powerful computers and softwares , people do become a bit less capable of thinking of some aspects of a problem . However , this does not mean that the thinking ability of humans are detiorating nor will it any time soon . <p> The current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We use softwares for multifarious purposes , such as text editing , making financial reports , calculating strength requirements for a car . However , these softwares do not obviate people who use them . Softwares alone can not think , they can only aid . Almost all introductory programming lectures will always mention an acronym : GIGO . GIGO stands for " garbage in , garbage out " . This proves that softwares alone can not check whether the input data is reasonable , nor can it check the validity of the output . <p> Sure , we all use spell checkers , grammar checkers , calculators and other forms of technology , but we must realize that we still are the brains of what we do . Typing an essay with the aid of a spell checker and grammar checker improves performance of the writer . The writer no longer needs to worry about minutae and can now focus on bigger parts of integration . Scientists and engineers may rely on calculators or programs to expedite calculation and prediction processes . But these two examples have one common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought to the gadgets . <p> A more concrete example would be found in the financial industry . People working in the industry rely ever more on the technology that has been created . Internet and computers have helped people aggragate information so they no longer have to spend time and effort piecing out the tiny details . Now they can rely on data that is presented to them and make calls quicker than ever before . And in the field of finance , time is money . <p> Although many of us who rely on technology may forget the spelling of some words or forget the calculation procedures of differentiation , we are no longer caught up in tiny details that impede the developement of a larger scheme . Relying on technology , instead of deteriorating our ability to think , has helped us improve our ability to think more abstractly than ever before . <p> As technology becomes more and more advance d and prevalent , people become more and more reliant on technology . <p> With more powerful computers and softwares , people do become a bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a problem . <p> However , this does not mean that the thinking ability of humans is deteriorating nor will it any time soon . <p> The current form of technology which aids thinking is mainly software . We use softwares for multiple purposes , such as text editing

@@5068941 <p> New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham knew the epitome of tight end greatness was playing for the Atlanta Falcons with sure-fire Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez playing about as well as ever in what looks to be his 16th and final season in the NFL . <p> Instead of shying away from the " Graham vs . Gonzalez " billing , Graham embraced it and used it as motivation in the old clich of anything you can do , I can do better in the Saints ' 31-27 win over the Falcons on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome . <p> Gonzalez dominated the Saints ' defense for 11 catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns . Graham dominated the Falcons ' defense with seven receptions for 146 yards and two TDs . And Graham had zero trouble admitting he wanted to one-up Gonzalez every time the Falcons tight end made a play . <p> " Tony , he kind of made the way for me , " Graham said . " It seems like you go out every drive and kind of going up against the things he did in the last drive . It 's definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I look up to . I spent a lot of time with him this offseason . No tight end plays the game like he does . The fact he 's done it for so long is simply amazing . I try to learn and take away as much as I can from his game . " <p> Graham understands the history with Gonzalez , especially since Gonzalez became the eighth player in NFL history with 100 career TD receptions . But Graham said he thought Gonzalez was sending him a message that he could still dunk after one of Gonzalez 's scoring receptions on Sunday . <p> It went along the same line of a story Drew Brees recalled from last year 's Pro Bowl when Graham and Gonzalez were NFC teammates . <p> " Pretty interesting to see those two , the older version and the younger version , kind of the young basketball player following in his footsteps , " Brees said . " It was pretty funny the one comment I remember Tony making to Jimmy was , ' You know I used to be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be my deal . And then one day , I went up there and it just was n't happening . And so there 's going to be a time when you go up there and dunk it and it just is n't going to happen . ' " <p> Graham 's rebuttal : " That 'll never happen . I 'm 6-7 . Even one day when I 'm 295 pounds I 'm still going to be able to dunk . ( The day he ca n't dunk over the goal post ) That will never I happen . I wo n't let it . " <p> BREES , COLSTON MAKING HISTORY : Brees kept rewriting the record books Sunday , while Marques Colston is on the verge of doing so . <p> Brees pushed his consecutive game streak with a touchdown pass to 52 games with his 29-yard TD connection with Graham . <p> Colston tied Saints great Deuce McAllister for the most touchdowns in franchise history as Colston 's 7-yard TD reception in

@@5069041 membership will automatically upgrade to a full year for $79 . <h> Book Description <p> Publication Date : July 1 , 2009 <p> " Drawing authoritatively on the psychology of childhood and on the puppet therapy that she has created , Susan Linn has written an eloquent brief on the indispensability of unmediated , unadulterated play . " --Howard Gardner , author of Five Minds for the Future <p> " Susan Linn 's eloquent voice reminds us exactly how essential time for make believe play is for children growing up in our media-saturated , commercialized society . " --Alvin F. Poussaint , MD , Harvard Medical School <p> " Commonsense , practical guidelines and suggestions for parents who want to make room for play in their children 's lives . " --David Elkind , American Journal of Play <p> In her nationally celebrated book Consuming Kids , pioneering psychologist and children 's advocate Susan Linn--whom Howard Gardner has called " a hero for our times " --provided an unsparing look at modern childhood molded by commercialism . In The Case for Make Believe , Linn turns her attention to play . According to Linn , although play is crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity for make believe , the convergence of ubiquitous technology and unfettered commercialism actually prevents them from playing . In fact , in modern day America , nurturing creative play is not only countercultural--it threatens corporate profits . In an age when toys come from TV shows and dress-up means wearing Disney costumes , Dr. Linn connects the dots for us , laying out the inextricable links between play , creativity , and health--and shows us how and why we must reclaim childhood for our children . <p> " Drawing authoritatively on the psychology of childhood and on the puppet therapy that she has created , Susan Linn has written an eloquent brief on the indispensability of unmediated , unadulterated play . " --Howard Gardner , author of Five Minds for the Future <p> " Susan Linn 's eloquent voice reminds us exactly how essential time for make believe play is for children growing up in our media-saturated , commercialized society . " --Alvin F. Poussaint , MD , Harvard Medical School <p> " Commonsense , practical guidelines and suggestions for parents who want to make room for play in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Journal of Play <p> In her nationally celebrated book Consuming Kids , pioneering psychologist and children 's advocate Susan Linn--whom Howard Gardner has called " a hero for our times " --provided an unsparing look at modern childhood molded by commercialism . In The Case for Make Believe , Linn turns her attention to play . According to Linn , although play is crucial to human development and children are born with an innate capacity for make believe , the convergence of ubiquitous technology and unfettered commercialism actually prevents them from playing . In fact , in modern day America , nurturing creative play is not only countercultural--it threatens corporate profits . In an age when toys come from TV shows and dress-up means wearing Disney costumes , Dr. Linn connects the dots for us , laying out the inextricable links between play , creativity , and health--and shows us how " Pre-order this item " , " Pre-order both items " , " Pre-order all three items " <p> Puppeteer and therapist Linn draws on years of work at Boston Children 's Hospital to make a thoughtful case for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with concepts of imagination and make-believe versus those who know only how to play with manufactured toys linked to media campaigns or within the constructs of rule-driven environments . You can dress Barbie up , but what can she do ? And while Legos once ruled the world of imagined play , now carefully constructed kits hem children in by guiding them to replicate someone else 's design rather than creating their own . None of this will be news to most parents , but Linn seeks to discover what it means for children to no longer spend time pretending to be someone or somewhere else . Her research is comprehensive , her firsthand knowledge is impressive , and her examples are damning in their conclusions . Echoing thoughts raised by Richard Louv in Last Child in the Woods ( 2005 ) , Linn brings invaluable expertise to this well-organized and . --Colleen Mondor --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title . <p> In " The Case for Make Believe , " Susan Linn does just as she promises : makes a case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so important for childhood development and making us realize how far away from play we 've gone : <p> " Lovable media characters , cutting-edge technology , brightly colored packaging , and well-funded , psychologically savvy marketing strategies combine in coordinated campaigns to capture the hearts , minds and imaginations of children - teaching them to value that which can be bought over their own make believe creations . " <p> As a parent , I know she is right - most of us do n't have degrees in child development nor do we spend hours poring over literature and research that helps us understand what really is best for our kids . Unfortunately , much of the information we get comes from companies that have developed products to " help parents . " <p> So , for example , in our confusion over screen time for babies , most of us think that a half-hour here or there , while we 're cooking dinner or taking a shower , wo n't hurt anything . Certainly that 's what baby-video marketers will tell us . But what about a child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that babies ca n't master self-soothing if there is always some distraction there to pacify them . <p> One of the problems with childhood play today , argues Linn , is that it is scripted : children learn the scripts given to them through cartoons , videos , games , and characters and are unable to imagine stories outside those scenarios . For some children , this may take the form of repetitive , meaningless violence and fighting ; for others , it may be playing princess but only using Disney-provided princess names and scenarios . <p> Linn is a ventriloquist , among other things ( she appeared on Mr. Roger 's Neighborhood ) . " The Case for Make Believe " features her work as a play therapist . In detailed stories , she illustrates how she uses puppets to talk to hospitalized children . As the children reveal their problems through play , she is able to guide them to work through these problems while still playing . Linn uses these stories to help us understand the " intricacy and depth of children 's psychological relationship to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we provide children with opportunities for make believe . " <p> The book concludes with lots of suggestions for parents and other caregivers to help them incorporate creative play into every day . <p> " The Case for Make Believe " ( as well as Linn 's 2004 book , " Consuming Kids " ) is a well-written , well-documented , accessible , and convincing argument for changing the way we raise our children -- from what commercial culture expects us to do to what is truly best . It is a must-read for parents and caregivers who feel like we are too caught up in commericalized play and want to do something about it . <p> As a parent , it can become so exhausting to read book after book about what is destroying our kids ' lives , especially when so many of the issues seem intractable . I 've finished book after book only to feel disheartened and determined to raise my children on a deserted island or hide them in a box under the bed forever ! <p> This book is different . It is distrurbing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the impact of commercialized play on our children , but in the end Linn reminds us how easy it is to bring the good back in to the lives of our children . What 's more , the answers are free , easy , and fun . There is no list of must-have products or specific program to be followed -- instead , she reminds us how special play is and how the very best play comes from the most simple tools . Old cardboard boxes , battery free toys , wonderful outdoor spaces , peace and quiet . In fact , the book does n't ask us to do more , it asks us to do less . How refreshing . <p> The book includes inspiring and compelling stories of children the authored worked with as a play therapist , using puppets to let the children create their own realities and to express feelings often hard to express in " real life . " <p> I am a little afraid of make believe myself ( what do I say ? what should I do ? ) , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use it . My five year old needed almost no prodding - I did n't need to know what to do , because she knew what to do . And in no time , it came back to me too -- how to play . Now I ca n't seem to get enough -- we play hospital , restaurant , animal games . Whatever emerges . It 's made me feel more connected to my daughter ( this feels different from playing " go fish " ) and given me a sense of pride to know that I 'm doing well by her as I work to carve out space for her imagination . <p> I have n't been one for parenting books in a very long time . However , I interviewed Susan Linn a few years ago for an article on the dangers of consumerism and marketing to children and her commitment to the cause was and continues to be admirable . When she emailed me telling me about her new book , The Case For Make Believe , I jumped at the chance to review it . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many levels but first and foremost as a parent . Unfortunately , this book is most likely to go unnoticed by those who need to read it the most . There is an epidemic of apathy in this country and let 's face it , some of our fellow parents ca n't afford the luxury of critical thought . They are doing their best to survive in a volatile economic climate . Who has time to play much less read about the importance of play when you are constantly worried about how you 're going to keep your children fed , clothed and sheltered ? That 's where Susan 's brilliant ideas on social change come into , pardon the pun , play . There has got to be a way that we can provide at-risk children the stability and security to flourish creatively . <p> As for the rest of us ? We 'd do good to educate ourselves on the importance of play in our children 's lives . I think we grossly underestimate it and I think it 's high time we take the blinders off . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creative , unbranded childhood . I 'm as guilty as the next gal , I assure you . My kids watch TV . They wear the character t-shirts . Own the toys , DVD 's and CD 's . They play the video games ( so do I , helloooo Wii ! ) . Trust me when I say that a lot of the information in this book was a bit of an affront to me . However , I 'm glad I quickly got over myself and persevered because as I moved through the valuable research , case studies and information , I happily discerned ways in which my children have not entirely fallen prey to The Man and just as unhappily discerned ways in which they have . It all comes down to balance , right ? Or what D.W. Winnicott called " good enough " parenting . Just as the author , I immediately fell in love with this brilliant man . As many of my long time readers know , I 've been singing the praises of " good enough " for years . <p> So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spend hours on the computer and play with branded and character toys . They also spend hours immersed in imaginative play with various toys whose identities are not attached to a character , TV show or movie . These toys become , like them , just people . Parents , teachers , doctors , Mommies , Daddies and children . Through them they express themselves and in doing so , their view of the world around them . My kids also spend countless hours outside swimming , digging in the garden , swinging under trees , collecting rocks and leaves . We play together , dine together , bake together , read together , create art together , take pictures together and TALK . ( We talk a lot . ) Balance ? Perhaps . It seems more like a luxury nowadays and it 's one I 'm glad we can afford our children . We owe them at least that much . After reading this book , I think I 'd like to tip the scales a bit more into unstructured play 's favor . I , personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that much better . As parents and citizens of this crazy , sometimes upside down

@@5069141 <p> ladonnapietra said : Well , some of it is also the tendency for LDS peeps to believe that the Latter Days are imminent , as has been the case for the past 180 years

@@5069241 <p> " I saw him as a normal guy , an every day guy , doing every day things , " said Mai 's 16-year-old son , Anthony . <p> San Diego police arrived Friday morning at a Rancho Peasquitos neighborhood after the alleged shooter 's mother called at around 6 a.m. , officials said <p> " We 're only here to preserve peace , not to conduct an investigation , " Lt. Andra Brown said . " Other agencies are here to investigate . " <p> Arlene Holmes has identified herself to reporters as the mother of the suspected shooter . Her son went to high school in San Diego and then attended college in Colorado , Brown said . Authorities described him as a loner . <p> Poway Unified School District in San Diego confirmed that Holmes was a 2006 graduate of Westview High School . <p> Holmes , 24 , was taken into custody early Friday in the parking lot outside the Century 16 movie theater after the post-midnight attack in Aurora , Colo . He allegedly entered the theater through an exit door about half an hour into the local premiere of the Batman movie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were killed in the attack . <p> Witnesses described a chaotic scene , telling television reporters that they were overcome by noxious gas unleashed by the suspect just before he started shooting , and that they had to decide between staying on the ground , helping wounded victims or running away before the gunman was able to reload his weapon . Survivors said they were forced to run past bodies in the aisles . <p> The attack was smoky and surreal , witnesses reported , as moviegoers , some wearing their own costumes , slowly realized that bullets were flying from the weapon of the man in body armor whose face was hidden by a gas mask . <p> " There were bullet casings just falling on my head . They were burning my forehead , " Jennifer Seeger anyone who would try to leave would just get killed . " <p> The shooter was armed with a rifle , a shotgun and two handguns , police said . Cellphone videos from the scene show panicked moviegoers running -- some screaming -- and others with blood visible . <p> @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a disgruntled employee of the movie theater , based on the fact that he allegedly was able to enter through an exit , sources said . <p> More than 20 SWAT team members were gingerly searching Holmes ' apartment on Paris Street , a process that could take hours or even days because the apartment appeared to be booby-trapped with explosives , Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates told reporters . <p> The area around the apartment , on the third of a housing complex

@@5069341 <p> When you 've played a game 115 times in 130 years , you 've probably collected some interesting history along the way , and Georgia-Auburn -- the most frequently played rivalry game south of the Mason-Dixon Line other than Virginia-North Carolina , which leads by a single contest -- is no different . Sometimes Georgia-Auburn is a coronation , as it was for the Dawgs in 1980 and 2002 and for the Tigers in 2004 and ' 10 . Over more than a century of matchups , though , it 's clear that the complete opposite outcome is just as likely -- in other words , a stunning upset of a highly ranked team by an unranked , unheralded spoiler . <p> Clearly Auburn has to hope for the role of spoiler this year . At 2-7 , the 2012 Tigers have already been eliminated from bowl contention and have yet to taste victory in conference play -- and with their only remaining opportunities to do so a pair of rivalry games against arch-rivals ( Georgia and Auburn ) currently ranked in the top five , Auburn stands a very real chance of going winless in the SEC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second season as head coach . <p> Tempted to gloat about that , are you ? Before you start making space for another SEC East championship trophy on your mantle , Bulldog Nation , you might want to remind yourselves just how often the Dawgs and Tigers have crushed each others ' dreams over the years . This is by no means a comprehensive list of every upset in this storied rivalry , just the biggest . And it should temper the arrogance of any Dawg fan who 's taking a blowout victory for granted this weekend on the Plains . <p> 1914 : The best Auburn football team up to that point had outscored its first seven opponents 186-0 and would n't allow a single point all year long . Against a 3-5 Georgia team , though , the Tigers could manage no better than a scoreless tie in Atlanta -- the only blemish on their record that year . <p> 1942 : On its way to the Bulldogs ' first national title , Wally Butts ' best Georgia team thrashed its opponents by an average of 25 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demolition of the Florida Gators . The Dawgs ' lone loss that season : a two-TD loss in Columbus to Auburn , at which point Georgia was the No. 1 team in the nation and the Tigers were stuck at 4-4-1 . <p> 1950 : Georgia came into the Auburn game 4-1-3 and ranked No. 19 , its only loss a 14-7 defeat at the hands of Alabama ; Auburn , meanwhile , was winless and had n't come any closer to a victory that season than a 19-14 loss to Wofford on opening weekend . Nevertheless , the Dawgs had to sweat out a 12-10 victory in Columbus . <p> 1962 : Four years prior , Georgia-Auburn had moved from the neutral site of Columbus to a home-and-home , and the game was being played in Auburn for only the second time ever . The Dawgs were 2-3-3 and had n't tasted victory in more than a month , but they beat a 6-1 Auburn team 30-21 . <p> 1970 : Auburn was 7-1 and ranked No. 8 in the AP poll , coming off back-to-back victories over Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia , meanwhile , was 4-4 and unranked . But it was the Dawgs who notched a 31-17 win on the Plains , ending Auburn 's thin hopes for an SEC title . <p> 1986 : If any of your Bulldog relatives make references to the " Sprinkler Game " or the " Firehose Game , " this is the one they 're talking about . At 6-3 , Georgia was a three-touchdown underdog to the eighth-ranked Tigers , whose only loss thus far was a one-point loss to Florida in Gainesville . However , the Dawgs ' backup quarterback , Wayne Johnson , led Georgia to a 20-16 victory , which thrilled the visiting Dawg fans so much that they stormed the field at Jordan-Hare and refused to leave . At that point , Auburn 's grounds crew turned on the sprinklers and fire hoses to scour the Dawgs off the field . Legend has it that Georgia turned around and billed Auburn for water damage to the marching band 's instruments . <p> 1994 : By the time the Auburn game rolled around in ' 94 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ era in earnest . The Dawgs ' three games leading up to their visit to the Plains : a 43-30 loss to Vanderbilt on Homecoming ; a four-point escape from a Kentucky team that would finish 1-10 ; and a 52-14 beatdown in the Swamp courtesy of a gleeful Steve Spurrier . Auburn , meanwhile , was 9-0 and ranked No. 3 in the nation , and had yet to lose a game under second-year head coach Terry Bowden . The Bulldogs broke Bowden 's 20-game winning streak , however , with a tie that inspired the headline " UGA beats Auburn 23-23 " in the next day 's Columbus Ledger-Enquirer . <p> 1996 : Georgia was headed to a mediocre 5-6 finish in Jim Donnan 's first year , while Bowden 's Tigers were 7-2 and ranked . The Dawgs dug themselves into a 28-7 hole late in the first half but stormed back with two long TD passes from Mike Bobo , including a 30-yarder to Corey Allen with no time left on the clock that tied the game at 28 and forced the first overtime period in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first three overtimes , and then Torin Kirtsey took the ball in from the 1 yard line in the fourth OT period ; on Auburn 's ensuing possession , the Dawgs stopped Dameyune Craig a yard short of the first-down marker on 4th-and-3 , clinching a wild 56-49 victory for Georgia . So wild , in fact , that it inspired the NCAA to implement the rule requiring teams to attempt two-point conversions on touchdowns scored after the second overtime period . <p> 1999 : Now it was time for a first-year Auburn coach to embarrass the Dawgs . Tommy Tuberville 's 5-6 record in his inaugural year on the Plains mirrored Jim Donnan 's first campaign at Georgia , while the Dawgs were 6-2 and ranked No. 14 in the AP poll . As a full moon rose over Sanford Stadium , however , Auburn QB Ben Leard carpet-bombed the Georgia secondary with 416 yards on 24-of-32 passing , including nine receptions for 249 yards and two TDs by Ronney Daniels . A stunned crowd watched the Tigers carry a 31-0 lead into halftime and push that lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three purely cosmetic touchdowns late in the game . <p> 2006 : Auburn was 9-1 , ranked No. 5 in the nation and still had hopes of earning a berth in the national championship game . There were no such lofty hopes for the Bulldogs , who had lost four of their last five -- including embarrassing defeats at the hands of both Vanderbilt and Kentucky -- and were languishing at 6-4 . The Tigers failed to wake up on time for the 11:30 a.m . Central kickoff , though , as the Dawgs raced out to a 24-0 lead in the second quarter and cruised to a 37-15 finish . How bad was Auburn 's offense that day ? Brandon Cox finished with eight completions on only 12 passing attempts , but unfortunately for him , four of those completions were to Georgia 's defensive backs . Bulldog safety Tra Battle actually qualified as Auburn 's leading receiver on the day ,

@@5069441 <h> Obama 's ' Moneyball ' campaign and its ' dream team ' of behavioral scientists <p> In the Washington Post this week , I write on how Barack Obama won by playing a game of political " Moneyball " -- using an analytical , metrics-based approach to assemble a winning campaign , the way Billy Beane 's Oakland A 's used rigorous statistical analysis to assemble a winning baseball team . <p> The Obama campaign assembled an unprecedented , unified data base made up of information from pollsters , fundraisers , field workers , consumer databases , social-media and mobile contacts . They then fed that data into advanced predictive models that allowed them to target specific groups of voters with specialized messages , track how the electorate was moving as the campaign progressed , and guide the president to a second term . <p> Now , the New York Times reports this morning that the Obama campaign also assembled an academic " dream team " of behavioral scientists , who helped Obama officials craft their messages , respond to attacks , and motivate voters to turn out on Election Day : <p> The group -- which calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COBS -- provided ideas on how to counter false rumors , like one that President Obama is a Muslim . It suggested how to characterize the Republican opponent , Mitt Romney , in advertisements . It also delivered research-based advice on how to mobilize voters .... <p> In addition to Dr. ( Cragi ) Fox , ( a psychologist in Los Angeles ) , the consortium included Susan T. Fiske of Princeton University ; Samuel L. Popkin of the University of California , San Diego ; Robert Cialdini , a professor emeritus at Arizona State University ; Richard H. Thaler , a professor of behavioral science and economics at the University of Chicago 's business school ; and Michael Morris , a psychologist at Columbia . <p> " A kind of dream team , in my opinion , " Dr. Fox said .... <p> At least some of the consortium 's proposals seemed to have found their way into daily operations . Campaign volunteers who knocked on doors last week in swing states like Pennsylvania , Ohio and Nevada did not merely remind people to vote and arrange for rides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ script , using subtle motivational techniques that research has shown can prompt people to take action .... <p> Many volunteers also asked would-be voters if they would sign an informal commitment to vote , a card with the president 's picture on it . This small , voluntary agreement amplifies the likelihood that the person will follow through , research has found .... <p> Obama volunteers also asked people if they had a plan to vote and if not , to make one , specifying a time , according to Stephen Shaw , a retired cancer researcher who knocked on doors in Nevada and Virginia in the days before the election . " One thing we 'd say is that we know that when people have a plan , voting goes more smoothly , " he said . <p> Recent research has shown that making even a simple plan increases the likelihood that a person will follow through , Dr. Rogers , of Harvard , said . <p> Another technique some volunteers said they used was to inform supporters that others in their neighborhood were planning to vote . Again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much more likely to prompt people to vote than traditional campaign literature that emphasizes the negative -- that many neighbors did not vote and thus lost an opportunity to make a difference . <p> This kind of approach trades on a human instinct to conform to social norms , psychologists say . In another well-known experiment , Dr. Cialdini and two colleagues tested how effective different messages were in getting hotel guests to reuse towels . The message " the majority of guests reuse their towels " prompted a 29 percent increase in reuse , compared with the usual message about helping the environment . The message " the majority of guests in this room reuse their towels " resulted in a 41 percent increase , he said . <p> So the same social scientists who figured out how to get hotel guests to reuse their towels , helped the Obama campaign figure out how to get voters to reuse their president . <p> It turns out the Democrats are not only light years ahead of Republicans when it comes to harnessing the power of data to target messages -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harnessing the power of behavioral science to persuade and motivate voters . <p> Whatever : Looking back at the " election " , it just occurred to me that o'bama HAD TO WIN . Why ? Because the Elite NEED to control the country . They OWN o'bama because he 's a FRAUD , they " have the goods on him " and he knows that if he does n't cooperate they 'll let those good go public . romney did n't have enough " bad stuff " on him to be blackmailed into cooperation . But why would o'bama deal with the Elite , knowing that they think they OWN him ? He 's ARROGANT ! He thinks he 's the Messiah and has it all under control . He has folks such as Soros " behind " him . Then , why did THEY CHOOSE romney to be the " opponent " ? Well , romney is just a o'bama-light . Romney is a RINO . They hardly disagreed on much . Since they did n't disagree on much , or maybe I ought to say that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't discuss them in the " debates " so the lemmings would n't be provoked to actually THINK ! <p> Let us stop this nonsense . Getting ' better people ' to run the campaign will make no difference as long as the GOP picks amoral ( or immoral ) men without principles as their candidates . The best thing that Obama had going for him was Romney . It is as simple as that . <h> Also of Interest <p> How on earth did Barack Obama , the community organizer , harness the power of data in the 2012 election like a Bain Capital numbers-cruncher , while Mitt Romney 's data-mining effort crashed and burned like , well , Solyndra ? <p> In the midst of the GOP primaries last year , a senior adviser to Mitt Romney told me the strategy the campaign expected President Obama to use this fall : With fewer than 20 percent of Americans believing that the country was headed in the right direction , Obama would have to acknowledge his failures and say to the American people , " I ask permission to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy of this nation to regard any nuclear missile launched from Cuba against any nation in the Western Hemisphere as an attack by the Soviet Union on the

@@5069541 <p> One of the most prominent members of Auburn 's 2013 recruiting class , Carver-Montgomery quarterback Jeremy Johnson , said on Twitter that he will not remain committed to the Tigers if Gene Chizik is replaced as head coach . <p> After being asked by a user if the four-star signal caller would remain committed to Auburn if the Tigers had a new head coach , Johnson made his feelings about the matter clear : <p> @ mrsuper6a would u stick with us if we get a new head coach ? Just curious <p> Johnson , a member of the al.com A-List , has led his Carver squad to its first regional championship since 2008 and is expected to visit Auburn this weekend for the Tigers ' game against Georgia . Johnson is rated the nation most made Georgia the

@@5069641 <h> Construction Site Offers Fleeting Glimpse of the Civil War Past <p> Archaeologists in Fredericksburg , Va. , last week . On the site of a $35 million courthouse complex , they have excavated artifacts buried since an 1862 battle . <h> By THEO EMERY <h> Published : November 11 , 2012 <p> FREDERICKSBURG , Va . -- The first bullet surfaced just after lunch . As Jon Tucker sifted soil through a screen in September , a corroded lead slug jiggled into view amid the sand and ash excavated from a pit just a few feet from a fenced-off sidewalk and rushing traffic . <h> Brendan Hoffman for The New York Times <h> Brendan Hoffman for The New York Times <p> Jon Tucker , an archaeologist , sifted last week through dirt from the Civil War-era excavation site , which is in a downtown historic district . <p> Mr. Tucker waved to his supervisor , Taft Kiser , the lead archaeologist on the site , and held up the bullet for him to see . It would not be the last time . Hundreds of artifacts followed , along with the contours of a buried cellar holding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1862 battle in this Virginia city , which today lies just beyond the suburbs of Washington . <p> The discovery amid construction of a courthouse was unexpected . But the site has astonished historians and archaeologists for another reason : it represents a " time capsule , " in the words of Mr. Kiser , a rare snapshot in time , undisturbed through more than a century of urban construction around it . <p> Since then , the crew 's shovels and trowels have scraped away cinders and sand to reveal the basement 's contents : Dozens of bullets . Buttons from Union jackets . Shards from whiskey bottles . A metal plate from a cartridge box . Chinstrap buckles . Tobacco pipes . A brick fireplace and charred floorboards . <p> " This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance , " said Mr. Kiser , 53 , as Brynn Stewart , the project manager , nodded beside him . With the project paused , the team raced to document what they concluded was the basement of a building set afire shortly after the Battle of Fredericksburg . The timing was opportune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Fredericksburg has been preparing to mark the sesquicentennial . <p> " No one , of course , calculated that , but it is a pleasant happenstance that most of us in our lifetimes wo n't ever see again , " said John Hennessy , a National Park Service historian . <p> Such sites are a kind of archaeological Brigadoon , the fictional Scottish village that appeared once a century . They come unexpectedly amid construction , scientists and historians have only a brief period to document them , and then construction resumes , destroying the site . <p> Most archaeological artifacts today are unearthed because of development , said Joe B. Jones , the director of the Center for Archaeological Research at the College of William &; Mary in Williamsburg . <p> " Until people start breaking ground , only then do people realize what they 've got there , and everybody 's got to scramble to find a way to deal with it in a responsible way , " he said . <p> In Fredericksburg 's case , city planners hired Mr. Kiser 's firm to investigate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courthouse complex , as they would require a private developer to do in a historic district . <p> There was no expectation that the investigators would find anything . When the archaeologists initially checked city records , they were unable to find any indication that a building had been on the propery before 1886 . <p> " We 're ecstatic about what we found , " said Robert K. Antozzi , the city 's coordinator for the courthouse project . " Now we have a major expansion of the story of Fredericksburg , and that 's really exciting . " <p> Shortly into the dig , the crew discovered a sandstone cellar wall -- a clue that something was preserved below . When they dug at another location , it found a brick wall flush against the sidewalk on Princess Anne Street , which runs through downtown . <p> The dig revved from a sleepy investigation into a dash to extract as much information as possible . <p> The crew also discovered an 18th century well and latrines across the site , where livery stables once stood . <p> The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vivid portrait of the aftermath of the battle , when Ambrose Burnside , the general of the Union forces , tried to take the city from the Robert E. Lee , the Confederate general , as Union forces forged toward Richmond . <p> In the lead-up to the battle , Burnside showered the city with artillery to dislodge Lee 's forces . There was door-to-door street fighting -- a Civil War rarity -- and evidence that federal troops rampaged through the city , looting and vandalizing . <p> There , the soldiers would have opened tins of food and warmed themselves around the fireplace . They broke out whiskey bottles , and smoked tobacco pipes . As they entered the basement , they were probably told to empty their rifles to prevent accidental discharges , which resulted in a pile of ammunition on the floor . <p> The next day , the Union generals ordered their troops to fall back across the Rappahannock River , and Joseph Hooker , a major general , told officers to check houses for Union troops who had taken shelter . At some point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sealing in its contents . <p> The fire 's date is unknown , but the building probably burned soon after Union soldiers abandoned it , perhaps because of Confederate artillery . A photo taken the following spring suggests that the building was gone . <p> Almost 150 years later , Mr. Kiser , a burly man with a salt-and-pepper beard and a ponytail , bounded around the site , suggesting last-minute spots for the crew to investigate . As a reminder of the urgency , a backhoe hulked nearby , ready for the project to restart . <p> Mr. Tucker passed a plastic bucket containing shards of pottery and clay roof tile to Mr. Kiser for inspection , and then a pewter button a few moments later . " That is going to be 18th or early 19th century , " Mr. Kiser said , turning the button over in his calloused hands . <p> The project historian , Brian Schools , was still studying the layers of dirt for anything that might still lie below , and another crew member was sketching the brick wall . <p> But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crew had worked at a breakneck pace to find everything that it could before time ran out . " Thirty-minute lunches , " Mr. Kiser joked . " You do n't want to lose something because have a second cup of coffee . " <h> A version of this article appeared in print on November 12 , 2012 , on page A 16 of the New York edition with the headline : Construction

@@5069741 <p> " Jackie is like hella ' old . She 's like 60-something , " Govan said earlier this morning . " She 's too old to be like in the juice like that . ... She talking about she the first lady . I 'm like , in what ? Craziness . You got cooky problems . " <p> Then in perhaps her most shocking revelation , she reveals she had ANOTHER fight on the show . <p> " You know what 's crazy . I 'm gon ' tell y'all a secret . I scrapped even after that , but they did n't show it . Thank god . " <p> When asked if the fight involved Malaysia , she said , " It was somebody else . It was awful . " <p> Hmm ..... I ca n't imagine VH1 leaving fist fights on the cutting room floor since that 's what people watch for . I 'm sure that fight will appear in a segment on the reunion tonight on VH1 at 8 p.m.ET/PT . <h> Comments <p> For draya nd malaysia to be the youmgest ones the are more mature then all of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a hoe as far as imani goes I think she is a follower . Draya prob making more money on her own then they do anyway nd thats why they some hattn ass bitches . <p> For draya nd malaysia to be the youmgest ones the are more mature then all of them . Jackie crazy laura is dumb as hell nd gloria is a hoe as far as imani goes I think she is a follower . Draya prob making more money on her own then they do anyway nd thats why they some hattn ass bitches . <p> Jackie was stirring up zhit unnecessarily . Girls can say things about each other and move on - but Jackie makes a bigger deal out of it than it is . She 's just plain weird and I wonder how her husband feels about her after seeing this show . When she was only person providing the story she made it out like ALL the OTHER girls are crazy ... not me ! Now he 's going to see how she 's CRAZY . I think Laura is physically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and turn everyone against Malaysia . Until Malaysia let her know she was n't the one , then Laura becomes sweet . Do n't like Gloria AT ALL - and if she slept with Laura 's man AFTER he was Laura 's man - that would be pretty weird and it would make sense that that would be the fight they do n't air and that Laura wo n't give any names on . Gloria seems so stuck up , but in reality she is covering up her insecurities-which was showcased when Matt said he just now getting into her . She been giving him everything for years - that hurts . She probably thinks she 's in a good spot to be single and re-evaluate her life . But when he agreed , she was not ready for the break-up . She wanted him to fight for her - he was just tolerating her . I think Imani was a weak b*tch for not confronting Laura woman to woman and not just take a 3rd party 's word . Jackie was able to easily manipulae Imani because she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Draya 's immature , but mature enough not to be dogged out without saying nothing . How she stayed buddies with Jackie for so long is a mystery . But , she 's weak too - it 's not her fault . She 's been scared with the curse of beauty that make woman jealous and men too eager . She 's not really more beautiful than anyone else , but she is stereotypically beautiful - and that tires out fast for men - so , she is single ( that we know of ) . <p> 2 Words : HOT MESS ! Laura wanted to be the bully of the show at first then she tried to turn that leaf after Malaysia tapped dat ass . The 2nd fight ( ( if any ) ) was probably with Draya . If so , she gets NO cool points for that . I would like to sit all of they grown asses down and read each every one of them because they need to be told the hell off with the exception of Malaysia and Imani . They were the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was just a sucker and should have stood up for herself more . I never understood why she wanted to encircle herself with such messy ass old ass miserable ass ca n't keep a man ass drama infested ass women any damn way . Laura 's avatar looking ass needs to worry about those kids and why her man hunching her damn sister . She is the last person that needs to be pointing fingers at ANYBODY when there are rumors that she was sleeping with Shaq . That makes her NO BETTER than what she portrayed Draya to be . And as far as calling her a deadbeat mother , I saw the pic of those kids and yeah , she could have done that little girls hair and dressed them just as nice as she was . She rockin ' Armani and they rockin GRANIMALS . NOT CUTE mama ! <p> I would like for shaunie and laura to go at it . Real talk . If she is so damn hard why not tell the truth about the shaq affair and move on . Laura and Gloria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together . Both of their men cheated on them so of course they were getting it in as well . That is why gloria ass left miami before the dirt aired about her and her sister . Lord as for draya I do nt even know why she went on the damn show.It has done more harm than good <p> Can anyone tell me who Jackie is talking about Gloria Fu*** this is the second time she mentioned it but they keep bleeping it out . She mentioned it the night they all had dinner and she mentioned it at the Reunion <p> That was the wackest and most boring reunion show ever . Why is John Salley hosting ? He 's lame , boring , and displays a lot of bitchassness up their gossiping and instigating a bunch of foolish women . They need to bring Wendy Williams back to host . I was thoroughly embarrassed for all of them , especially Jackie . She has mental problems and is trying too hard to be the standout " Nene " of the show . <p> They all talked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear what she said about you ? " and then go back and tell the other one after she kept that ish going . The girl 's wig is too tight and she 's crazy as fuck . They should have whipped HER ass . <p> That fight was with DRAYA and its because Draya has been with Gilbert Arenas so laura got mad . They have a scene where Draya apologizes for it , but it is HEAVILY edited . The pics of Draya and Gilbert are all over and that is why Laura was always saying she could never kick it with Draya like that . <p> Hi guys , i am in high school and made $14,000 from felmina alliance which is an offshore investment program that really helps you , i am a living witness . My life has changed tremendously , i can get anything i want , i just want to get the word out that this is not some flemsy program trying to take your money this is LEGIT so if you are interested please click the link <p> you are so right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jackie was being messy and instigating but she was not lying . Those girls all talk mess and were guilty so they put it all on her . Malaysia is a shady b*tch too bc she said mad ish about draya but smiles in her face . <p> you are so right ! Laura is shady and so is her sister . Jackie was being messy and instigating but she was not lying . Those girls all talk mess and were guilty so they put it all on her . Malaysia is a shady b*tch too bc she said mad ish about draya but smiles in her face . <p> They all talked about each other . Gloria about all of them including her sister and Laura talked about all of them but since they want to lead the wack pack they are reeling all those girls in . Malaysia is the shadiest of them all . She never looks anyone in the eye esp in her confessionals her eyes are always shifty . Second , she talked about Draya like a dog and saying she does n't eff with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does nt know why Draya thinks they are friends . Um bc you smile in her face . Imani called Draya worthless and did nt even want to admit it until Jackie said no lets put it all out on the TABLE ! No one liked Draya bc she is a ho and is a bad mother . Laura talked about Draya saying she does n't eff with her like that and she means nothing to her to Gloria and she does n't care about her but yet is acting like she is friends with her wearing all black and ish . Gloria said she does not care if Malaysia gets hit by a bus AFTER she spoke with Malaysia , her sister and Laura . Imani has no personality and is mad that she is being used by Laura when Gloria had a big ole mansion with Matt and could not let her sister Laura crash or store her things so she called Jackie and vented . <p> I 'm with the poster who said L fought her own sister Stuffy nosed Gloria that 's why it was n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mms fight and they showed that so what would stop them from showing L manhandle Draya again it Would have been ratings gold L fought her old bag eyed sister GROSS your own Sister who slept with your fug man eeww <p> There 's a difference between telling the truth , for honesty 's sake , and manipulating or misusing the truth for the purpose of creating controversy . Not only is Jackie an instigator , she is also a very self-centered individual who appears to be out of touch with reality . I do not doubt for a second half of the things that were said amongst the women about each other , especially during moments of conflict . But the fact that Jackie created a whirlwind of unnecessary tension and animosity amongst the group so as to make herself look good/ " large and in charge " makes her exceptionally MESSY . Classic example of when " keepin ' it real " goes wrong <p> Doug has to know by now he married a psycho . I thought Jackie Christie was cool until I saw this show . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would n't look like a fool on national TV . We all know who really was tired of that relationship . And people PLEASE stop doing duplicate posts . Hit the " post comment " button once ...... WAIT for it ....... and after a few seconds or minutes depending on

@@5069841 <p> Washington Project for the Arts and the Corcoran Gallery of Art present Take it to the Bridge , a nine-week series of installations and performances to take place July 18 through September 15 , 2012 on the Performance Bridge located in the Corcoran 's 17 th St. entrance . Installations will open on Wednesday and remain on view through the following Sunday . Performances will take place on Saturdays , from 10am-5pm . The first seven weeks of the series coincide with the Corcoran 's Free Summer Saturdays , which run from May 26 -- September 1 , 2012 . <p> For Take it to the Bridge , eleven artists living and working in the DC-Baltimore region will present nine installations and performances , investigating the Bridge 's physical characteristics and pushing the boundaries of this non-traditional space to explore a variety of social , political , and aesthetic issues . <p> In conjunction with Take it to the Bridge , Esa Nickle , Managing Director/ Producer of Performa will give a public talk on Thursday , August 9 at 7pm and hold individual meetings with WPA member artists on Friday , August 10 . Founded by RoseLee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to exploring the critical role of live performance in the history of twentieth-century art and to encouraging new directions in performance for the twenty-first century . Nickle joined the Performa team in May 2005 as the Biennial Coordinator of the Performa 05 biennial and has since expanded her role as the line producer of Performa commissions , international tours and special events . Her talk will provide an overview of Performa 's work and the return of live performance in the visual art world from 2005-2011 . <p> To wrap up the series , PRESENT : A discussion on live performance and contemporary art will feature a conversation with Kathryn Cornelius , Chajana denHarder , Sarah Levitt , Carolina Mayorga , and Maida Withers , the five artists who executed performances as part of Take It to the Bridge . The artists will discuss the development and execution of their Bridge performances , in addition to the challenges and rewards of working in live performance . Featuring artists with backgrounds in visual art , performance , and dance discussing widely varied projects , PRESENT will contribute to the groundswell of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area . Sarah Newman , Curator of Contemporary Art , Corcoran Gallery of Art will moderate . <p> See the complete Take it to the Bridge schedule below : <p> July 18 -- July 22 : Ubuntu , Maya Freelon Asante Maya Freelon Asante 's site-specific tissue paper installation creates the illusion of a weightless floating sculpture . Creating a monumental , vibrant sculpture out of a typically fragile and insignificant material , the artist celebrates the importance of unity as expressed in the word Ubuntu , a classical African concept that means I Am Because We Are . <p> Saturday , July 28 : Sleep , Chajana denHarder Challenging the expectation that performance be spectacular and attention-grabbing , Chajana denHarder spends the museum 's open hours in the Bridge sleeping ( or attempting to sleep ) . Though seemingly minimal , the performance requires the artist to present herself to the museum visitors in a vulnerable , unconscious state , performing a quiet and understated yet decidedly private act in a public space . <p> August 1 -- August 5 : Canaries in McMansionland , Jennifer Coster Jennifer Coster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment , presenting canary cages transformed into McMansions and a maze of miniature , plaster parking medians . In cages four times the size of typical canary cages , the birds fly and play , suggesting both the comforts and limitations of modern luxury . <p> Friday , August 10 : WPA Member Meetings with Esa Nickle At the WPA Office . Information about sign-up for member meetings will be posted to wpadc.org in July . <p> Saturday , August 11 : Save the Date , Kathryn Cornelius Kathryn Cornelius explores the life cycle of marriage and divorce and the wedding ceremony 's complex mix of private emotion , public spectacle , social expectation , and state power . For more information , go to savethedatedc.tumblr.com and follow her preparations via her Twitter feed . In lieu of wedding gifts , please visit her Honeyfund page . <p> Saturday , August 18 : Procedures for Ground Loss Safety , Sarah Levitt / Dance Exchange Taking inspiration from cheery Cold War safety films of the 1950s , the artist will use the Performance Bridge to help visitors prepare for " sudden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underneath them gives out . <p> August 22 -- August 26 : The Airborne Leaflet Campaign , COLON:Y ( chukwuma agubokwu and Wilmer Wilson IV ) chukwuma agubokwu and Wilmer Wilson IV play with the Bridge 's proximity to DC 's most powerful institutions with The Airborne Leaflet Campaign , an investigation of text and power . <p> Saturday , September 1 : Maid in the USA , Carolina Mayorga Carolina Mayorga explores the politics of visibility and identity in the context of debates over immigration . <p> Saturday , September 5 -- September 9 : Bridging the Light , Annie Albagli Annie Albagli draws on the colors of the Bay area for Bridging the Light , an installation in dialogue with Richard Diebenkorn : The Ocean Park Series ( June 30 -- September 23 , 2012 ) , the Corcoran 's major summer exhibition . <p> Saturday , September 15 , 11am-4pm : This Space Occupied ( by Maida ) , Maida Withers with composer Steve Hilmy Maida Withers , Washington , D.C. , performer , choreographer , and filmmaker , working with composer Steve Hilmy , reveals the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stream of consciousness event inspired by notions of the Occupy movement . <p> Five artists who participated in the Take It to the Bridge series discuss the development and execution of their Bridge performances , in addition to the challenges and rewards of working in live performance . Featuring artists with backgrounds in visual art , performance , and dance discussing widely varied projects , PRESENT will contribute to the groundswell of dialogue

@@5069941 <h> I Think I See The Light Lyrics - Cat Stevens <p> I used to trust nobody , trusting even less their words , until I found somebody , there was no one I preferred , my heart was made of stone , my eyes saw only misty grey , Until you came into my life girl , I saw everyone that way . Until I found the one I needed at my side , I think I would have been a sad man all my life . <p> I used to walk alone , every step seemed the same . This world was not my home , so there was nothing much to gain . Look up and see the clouds , look down and see the cold floor . Until you came into my life girl , I saw nothing , nothing more . Until I found the one I needed at my side , I

@@5070041 <p> Only certain image types can be optimized , or reduced in file size with minimal loss in quality , and they have to be inserted in your 2007 Office release document in a way that makes them editable by Microsoft Office Excel 2007 , Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 , Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 , or Microsoft Office Word 2007 . To insert a picture or other image , on the Insert tab , in the Illustrations group , use the buttons to store the image as a picture file in the 2007 Office release document . <h> Compress a picture <p> Depending on how many colors are used in a picture , you can reduce the color format of the image ( compress ) to make its file size smaller . Compressing a picture makes the color take up fewer bits per pixel , with no loss of quality . <p> Note The Automatically perform basic compression on save option applies only to the document that is open in the current program . All of the other options in the Compression Settings dialog box apply to all documents in Office Excel 2007 , Office PowerPoint 2007 , Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Size tab , under Crop from , enter the size numbers that you want in the Left , Right , Top , and Bottom boxes . <p> To reduce the file size of your picture and delete the cropped parts of the picture from the file , under Picture Tools , on the Format tab , in the Adjust group , click Compress Pictures . If you want to keep the cropped parts , you can change the automatic setting . <p> To undo a crop before you save your document , click Reset Picture in the Adjust group or Undo on the Quick Access Toolbar . <h> Change the Compress Pictures default settings <p> The Compress Pictures feature automatically reduces the file size of pictures when you save your document . You can also delete the cropped parts of pictures from a file by using this feature . <p> The Automatically perform basic compression on save option applies only to the document that is open in the current program . All of the other options in the Compression Settings dialog box apply to all documents in Office Excel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Office Outlook 2007 . <p> Note If you do not see the Picture Tools and Format tabs , make sure that you selected a picture . You may have to double-click the picture to select it and open the Format tab . If you see the Drawing Tools tab , rather than the Picture Tools tab , see When I click a picture , the Drawing Tools tab rather than the Picture Tools tab appears . <p> Click Options , and then do one or more of the following : <p> To stop automatic reduction of picture file size when you save the document , clear the Automatically perform basic compression on save check box . <p> To automatically delete cropped areas of pictures when you save the document , select the Delete cropped areas of pictures check box , and then click OK . <p> Tip To use a shortcut to the compress pictures options in the Save As dialog box , click the Microsoft Office Button , point to Save As , and then click the file format for the Office document that you want . In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

@@5070141 <h> Pages <h> Wednesday , November 14 , 2012 <p> A female duo consisting of Lois Wilkinson and Andrea Simpson from London , England , whose peak recording period was from 1963 to 1968 . They were co-workers who entertained at office parties and amateur shows . Encouraged by co-workers to cut a record , they did a demo of " You Do n't Have to Be a Baby to Cry , " a tune they discovered on the back of Tennessee Ernie Ford 's " Sixteen Tons . " They named themselves the Caravelles after the French airliner . A local company , BPR Records , liked the demo and redid the song in a professional studio . It became a big hit in the United Kingdom and was picked up by Smash Records for North American distribution , and nearly aced Billboard before nesting at number three on December 21 , 1963 . <p> Smash released a succession of clones but found few takers . On " Lovin ' Just My Style , " the Caravelles developed a tougher sound ; it sounds like a tune from a D-rated movie , tough biker girls yelling over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the place . Then came " Do n't Blow Your Cool , " sung in their traditional breathy harmony style . The sales were still disappointing , thus another style switch to rock/folk on " Hey Mama , You 've Been on My Mind . " A nice approach but there still was no demand for the Caravelles ' product . Lois Wilkinson left to go solo , recorded as Lois Lane , married , and appeared on BBC 's programs singing pop hits . Andrea Simpson carried on with the Caravelles until the ' 80s , recording but not hitting ; with replacements , Simpson still does the occasional gig . <p> http : **34;6329;TOOLONG ... <p> *** <p> The Caravelles - You Do n't Have To Be A Baby To Cry <p> Complete Caravelis 1963-1968 <p> Everything from the nine 45s and sole LP the Caravelles issued in the U.K. from 1963-1968 is on this 31-track compilation , which also includes two tracks that only surfaced on a French EP , and even four German-language recordings . As the first official anthology of their work , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of illustrations and first-hand quotes from the group 's Lois Wilkinson . Known almost exclusively for their 1963 hit " You Do n't Have to Be a Baby to Cry , " it proves they were a little more interesting than the one-shot novelty act they 're sometimes tagged as , though their relationship to pop/rock was usually only casual . In truth , their most widely heard songs were more throwbacks to the pre-rock era in their obviously Patience &; Prudence-inspired harmonies ( that duo 's two hits were both covered on the Caravelles ' LP ) . Yet the spare , almost ghostly arrangements did have a hint of pre-Beatles U.K. rock , and their close , almost whispery harmonies both carry some charm and testify to a definite and somewhat offbeat talent . The material , often drawn from or influenced by pop standards , lets the duo down as much as it benefits them . They would have been well-advised to record more of their own songs , since some of their infrequent attempts at songwriting -- relegated to LP filler and B-sides -- were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " Some of their post-1963 singles found them moving closer , if usually not that close , to pop/rock in both content and production , with " You Are Here " and " I Depend on You " making for fair Phil Spector-girl group-influenced tunes ; the originals " How Can I Be Sure ? " and " I Like a Man " sounding quite close to Merseybeat . They were n't quite part of the girl group scene , also veering into jazz-pop with another original , " Georgia Boy , " and even rather lushly produced folk-rock on the 1967 45 " Hey Mama You 've Been on My Mind . " All this versatility did n't help get them another hit , of course . But taken together , they add up to a legacy that 's more interesting than many historians , and even British Invasion collectors , realize , though there 's some

@@5070241 <p> American Board of Cosmetic Surgery The mission of the ABCS is to serve the public by promoting the safe and ethical practice of the specialty of cosmetic surgery . Read More ... <p> Cosmetic Surgery Foundation CSF serves as the research and education arm of AACS and is committed to the advancement of the science of cosmetic

@@5070341 <p> My name is Allison , I 'm 18 , and more or less hopeless . Sherlock , Doctor Who , The Avengers , Supernatural , and Cabin Pressure are all what I 'm currently into , though I am depressingly far behind in more than one of these . My blog is 98% Sherlock . You 've been warned . <p> My name is Allison , I 'm 18 , and more or less hopeless . Sherlock , Doctor Who , The Avengers , Supernatural , and Cabin Pressure are all what I 'm currently into , though I am depressingly far behind in more than one of these

@@5070441 <p> Much of the religious dynamism in the United States happens outside the church walls -- and has for some time now . <p> <p> Join our email list : <h> Stay up to date with the latest headlines via email . <p> The following is reprinted with permission from Religion Dispatches . You can sign up for their free daily newsletter here . <p> You can call them " unaffiliated , " as in a recent Pew poll , or " nones " -- or even just " not very religious . " A new poll by the Public Religion Research Institute divides this group further ( and somewhat counterintuitively ) into " unattached , " " atheists/agnostics , " and " seculars . " But whatever you call them , this ever-growing cohort of unchurched Americans makes up , at 23 percent , the single largest segment of Barack Obama 's " religious coalition " ( compared to the 37 percent of white evangelicals who support Mitt Romney ) . <p> While we have yet to see a " Seculars for Obama " bumper sticker , the unaffliated are clearly having a moment . Media analysis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a story here that goes beyond names and numbers . <p> Recent sociological work from Courtney Bender , Christian Smith , and others does help us understand who the current crop of unaffiliated are and what they do and believe . Yet we have precious little historical understanding of this critical and growing demographic . What are their roots ? What religious , cultural , economic , demographic , and political processes shaped their sensibilities , habits , and makeup ? <p> In order to understand these still-believing " nones , " we need to understand that much of the religious dynamism in the United States happens outside the church walls , and has for some time now . The " rise of the nones " is but the latest phase in the long transformation of religion into what we now commonly call " spirituality . " In my class on " Spirituality in America " at the University of Virginia , we use Leigh Schmidt ' s pathbreaking Restless Souls to trace this phenomenon over two centuries , from Ralph Waldo Emerson 's break with New England Unitarianism in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . <p> Spirituality can mean many things , of course , and the language of spirituality is used by traditional religious adherents as well as the religiously unaffiliated . But only the " nones " have made it into a clich : " spiritual but not religious . " <p> The history of American spirituality reveals that our commonplace understanding of spirituality -- as the individual , experiential dimension of human encounter with the sacred -- arose from the clash of American Protestantism with the forces of modern life in the nineteenth century . While religious conservatives fought to stem the tide , giving rise to fundamentalism , religious liberals adapted their faith to modernity , often by discarding orthodoxies in favor of Darwinism , psychology , and comparative religions . <p> The majority of today 's religious " nones " -- those who claim no religion but still embrace spirituality -- are engaged in the same task of renovating their faith for a new historical moment . And typically , they draw from this same liberal religious toolkit . Today 's unaffiliated , like the liberals of previous generations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faith that is practical , psychologically attuned , ecumenical -- even cosmopolitan -- and ethically oriented . <p> This liberal spirituality , as it has evolved over time , has been deeply entwined with media-oriented consumerism . Of course Americans of all religious varieties have been deeply influenced by consumerism , but media and markets have particularly shaped the religious lives of those without formal institutional or community ties . The religiously unaffiliated might not attend services , but they " do " their religion in many other ways : they watch religion on TV and listen to it on the radio ; find inspiration on the web ; attend retreats , seminars , workshops , and classes ; buy candles and statues , bumper stickers and yoga pants ; take spiritually motivated trips ; and , perhaps most significantly , buy and read books . <p> Since the 1920s , when the major New York trade presses first started offering nonsectarian religious books in significant numbers , books have been the most important conduit for spreading the " spiritual but not religious " gospel . <p> This dependency on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant consequences for the religious lives of all Americans , especially the unaffiliated . First , it has enhanced the tendencies within American religion toward a therapeutic understanding of the spiritual life . The profit-oriented commercial presses that came to dominate religious publishing naturally pursued the largest market possible for their goods , and seized on the non-creedal , nonsectarian , and psychologically modern forms of faith advanced by religious liberals as a common American religious vernacular . These trends have only accelerated from the 1920s to the present , such that now the line between religion and self-help

@@5070541 <h> Veterans Day : I am Proud to be an American <p> My daughter Jill Sandoval teaches special education at Justin Elementary School , in Justin , Texas . Jill asked me to come visit the school Friday morning for their Veterans Day Assembly and to spend time with her children . You can read about Jill on her All About Mrs. Sandoval Page . <p> Each time I visit Jill ? ? s students I understand why she cares so much for them . I received many hugs . I watched one young girl draw an 8 using a a template on an erasable board that Jill had created for her . The template had numbers for each step with Spiderman characters at each number . It was not easy for her and she was so proud when she completed her 8 with the rounded top and bottom . <p> Cordell Parvin LLC www.cordellblog.com www.cordellparvin.com 17300 Preston Road , Suite 310 Dallas , Texas 75252 Phone : ( 214 ) 866-0550 Fax : ( 214 ) 866-0331 Veterans Day : I am Proud to be an American By Cordell Parvin on November 12th , 2012 My daughter Jill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justin , Texas . Jill asked me to come visit the school Friday morning for their Veterans Day Assembly and to spend time with her children . You can read about Jill on her All About Mrs. Sandoval Page . Each time I visit Jill ? ? s students I understand why she cares so much for them . I received many hugs . I watched one young girl draw an 8 using a a template on an erasable board that Jill had created for her . The template had numbers for each step with Spiderman characters at each number . It was not easy for her and she was so proud when she completed her 8 with the rounded top and bottom . For me , Justin is a really neat place . You are not likely living in a place like it . Many believe it was named for the Justin Boot Company , but it was not . Even though it is growing , in the 2010 census there were only 3246 people living there . Most people who live there have some land , and many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Starbucks there , but that is ok . The people who live there are friendly and know each other so it has a warm small town , Mayberry R.F.D. , feel to it . Jill asked me to find a photo in my USAF uniform . I am sure we have , or at least had , one . I couldn ? ? t find it . The best I could do was send her this one taken in my Virginia Tech dress uniform . I think this was my senior class photo . The Veterans Day Assembly was filled with music and students reading letters they had written thanking veterans . After the assembly the letters will be mailed to our soldiers overseas . It began with the boy scouts and cub scouts posting the colors . Then a third grade girl sang the Star Spangled Banner . She was awesome . Later each veteran was introduced with his or her connection to a student or teacher . At the end , everyone sang : ? ? I ? ? m Proud to be an Cordell Parvin LLC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas 75252 Phone : ( 214 ) 866-0550 Fax : ( 214 ) 866-0331 American. ? I got goosebumps . I am not sure why I still get emotional over Veterans Day . It could be thinking generally about the ultimate sacrifice made by so many for our country . I could be thinking about my dad ? ? s service as a B-17 pilot in WW II . It could be thinking about my own high school and college friends who were killed in Viet Nam . I had gone to Virginia Tech to become an aerospace engineer and an Air Force pilot . There were only two slight problems with the plan . First , I was not smart enough to make it through the aerospace engineering program . Second , I discovered I am color blind . So , I never flew a mission during the war . I spent my career in the Air Force as a Judge Advocate . My first assignment was at Norton , Air Force Base in San Bernardino , CA . After two years I was fortunate to be assigned as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Dayton , OH . Nancy and I made wonderful friends during my five years in the USAF and I could not have had a better experience as a lawyer . Yes , I am proud to be an American . I am proud to have served in the Air Force and I guess I will always get emotional during any recognition of veterans . Cordell M. Parvin built a national construction practice during his 35 years practicing law . At Jenkens &; Gilchrist , Mr. Parvin was the Construction Law Practice Group Leader and was also responsible for the firm ? ? s attorney development practice . While there he taught client development and created a coaching program for junior partners . In 2005 , Mr. Parvin left the firm and started Cordell Parvin LLC . He now works with lawyers and law firms on career development and planning and client development . He is the co-author of Say Ciao to Chow Mein : Conquering Career Burnout and other books for lawyers . To learn more visit his

@@5070641 <p> One of the greatest questions in the age of the interactive web 2.0 is : <p> " Given the new technology at my fingertips , how do I use these tools to improve customer experience ? " <p> Certainly , there are enough widgets , applications , social buttons , and the like to allow your customers to interact with your business in many ways . However , some businesses make the mistake of throwing everything and the kitchen sink into a site with the intent of forming one amazing community that no one will ever want to leave . <p> What could possibly go wrong ? <p> For starters , such an approach is unoriginal and represents a failure to look beneath the surface to determine what a customer actually wants from a site . What you get instead is a Web presence that offers too much while catering to too few . <p> However , it is easy for me to sit here and say you need to revamp the content on your site to perfectly match what your customers want . Obviously , that 's impossible . Interests and tastes are far too varied to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everyone . <p> The truth is that you do n't have to have those things . Businesses are in the habit of overloading their customers ( and their sites ) with fluff . Fluff can be defined as those things that are important to you , but that your customers care little about . <p> In addition to being uninteresting , fluff is also static . People are looking for dynamic experiences , and human interactions are about as dynamic as it gets . There is a reason people play on social media all day . <p> One of the best ways to facilitate interaction is to host a blog to initiate the exchange of ideas and comments . When it comes to blogs , the content is the initial draw , but the conversation is what keeps people coming back . Another woefully underused feature is forums . Sure , many sites have them , but I am amazed at the number of businesses that set them up and then never review them . <p> Obviously , the integration of these contributes to a strong social presence . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you will have a leg up on 90% of the businesses out there . <p> That 's the key , really . When everyone has a gigantic megaphone to their mouth , the business with an ear to the ground , paying attention to what their customers have to say , will come out on top . <p> Curt Finch is the CEO of Journyx . Founded in 1996 , Journyx automates payroll , billing and cost accounting while easing management of employee time and expenses , and provides confidence that all resources are utilized correctly and completely . <h> 4 Responses to " Step Away from the Megaphone and Listen to Your Customers " <p> It amazes me that some brands still treat social media like their own soapbox . It 's not just about you and your brand anymore ! The customers have the right and the means to be heard . When they talk you have to listen . <p> Great post , Curt . Social media is not meant to be your personal broadcast system to get the word out about every new discount or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a means to really engage and connect with my audience . That 's what it 's all about . Use social media to build true connections and customer loyalty and they 'll follow you and

@@5070741 <p> The Timberwolves ended the preseason ranked first defensively in the NBA in fewest points and lowest field-goal percentage allowed . <p> Yep , you read that right . <p> The same franchise that allowed 152 points in a game three seasons ago and surrendered 120 or more points a dozen times two seasons ago allowed opponents 80.9 points and a 38.3 shooting percentage in seven preseason games . <p> " I understand the preseason is a little different from the regular season and definitely different from the playoffs , " Wolves forward Andrei Kirilenko said . " But I think it 's a good start . We all know great offense makes you excited , but only defense can win you the game . " <p> The Wolves limited Detroit and Milwaukee to fewer than 20 points in four of the preseason 's final eight quarters with a defense that lacks a classic individual shutdown defender but has compensated for it so far -- and it 's way early -- with scheme and attention to detail . <p> " I always heard Coach likes to work on offense early in camp , but this year we really got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guard Brandon Roy said . " We put a lot of work into it . " <p> " I think we can be pretty good if we 're picking up what the other team is trying to do and if we have each other 's back , " Adelman said . " It 's a matter of trust , really . We 're going to try to make them go to a different option rather than go to their strengths . " <p> Adelman looks back to last season and sees a team that defended well until Ricky Rubio went down because of a knee injury and Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic each were lost for part of the season 's final six weeks . <p> " The last 20 games last year , we were n't very good , " Adelman said . " We 're trying to be better . We 're trying to be more consistent . That 's what we 've been talking about since Day 1 . " <p> And the talk has been about " team " defense , the concept that they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other out when a mistake is made and the defense is about to break down . <p> " There are five of us out there , we 're all looking to help each other , " forward Dante Cunningham said . " There 's not one guy out there that necessarily locks down someone per se , but we have a lot of guys who are going to give help and make sure our team looks great defensively . <p> " If you look at the makeup of our team , we 've got such energy guys , such athletic guys all the way around , that defense kind of is second nature to us . " <p> Adelman is eighth in NBA career victories with 971 , a number usually credited to his offensive mind rather than his attention to defense . <p> " I think sometimes he may get a little overlooked because he really is a good offensive coach and his teams do a great job of running plays , " Roy said . " But I played against his teams in Houston and they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Artest and Shane Battier . Those guys are defensive-minded . I always felt those were good defensive teams . " <p> Adelman knows that leading the league in two prominent preseason defensive categories means nothing come Friday night 's season opener against Sacramento at Target Center . <p> " Obviously when you get to the regular season , things will be harder , " he said . " But I think it 's a good learning tool for us . Hopefully players will understand that 's how we 're going to win , defending consistently night after night . I think we 've done that so far . We 've been able to stay consistent and I 'd rather start there and have some basis to build on . <p> " That 's going to be part of our identity . We have to win defensively . We have to be able to guard people . " <p> Roy bangs knee <p> Roy was limited in practice on Monday after banging knees with a teammate . Adelman said Roy was held out from most of practice as a precaution and @ @ @ @

@@5070841 <p> View Original House Speaker Dean Cannon , R-Winter Park , gestures while offering numerous compliments to the House of Representatives Staff for their hard work as he spoke at the close of the Staff Appreciation Luncheon , capping the spring Legislative season Thursday , April 5 , 2012 . <p> View Original Speaker-designate and House Redistricting Chair Will Weatherford , R-Wesley Chapel , center , gestures while answering floor questions on the Senate-approved redistricting map Tuesday , March 27 , 2012 . The map was later approved by the House and the special session of the Legislature officially drew to a close " sine die . " <p> View Original Members of the House " Cigar Causus " pose for a late photo as they waited on the Senate to finish their business and " sine die " - the close of the 2012 regular session of the Legislature Friday , March 9 , 2012 . <p> View Original Florida Gov . Rick Scott , center , receives applause from members of the Legislature , and Lt. Gov . Jennifer Carroll , left , as he congratulated the lawmakers at the close of the 2012 regular session of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ <p> View Original House Sergeant-at-Arms Ernest Sumner , left , and Senate Sergeant Donald Severance drop their traditonal handkerchiefs surrounded above and below by a crowd in the Capitol rotunda bringing to a close the 2012 regular session of the Legislature just prior to midnight Friday , March 9 , in Tallahassee . Florida . <p> View Original With staff and Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera , R-Miami , at their sides ; Speaker Dean Cannon , R-Winter Park , right , and Speaker-designate Will Weatherford , R-Wesley Chapel , center , handshake as the 60-day session drew to a close late Friday , March 9 , 2012 . <h> Member Information <h> Biographical Information <p> City of Residence : Winter Park <p> Occupation : Attorney <p> Spouse : Ellen Friedley , of Winter Park , FL <p> Child(ren) : Dean III , Katherine , Sarah <p> Education : University of Florida , College of Journalism , B.S. , 1989 ; University of Florida , College of Law , J.D. , 1992 <h> Highlights <p> Disclaimer : The information on this system is unverified . The published and printed versions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under Florida law , e-mail addresses are public records . If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request , do not send electronic mail to this entity

@@5070941 <h> ARTS PARTNERS <h> MAJOR PRESENTERS <p> NOW PLAYING ! NOVEMBER 1 - 18 From the creators of the smash hit , Death and Harry Houdini and last fall 's triumphant interpretation of the classic , The House of Bernarda Alba , the Adrienne Arsht Center and the University of Miami 's Department of Theatre Arts are partnering once again to develop a

@@5071041 <p> I think it 's great and that the writing is great . It 's very bold . I 'm very proud of Mitch Hurwitz . You know it 's not going off into some place that 's going to alienate people who love those characters , but it 's just going to further enrich their interest in these characters , and the way these characters make us all laugh . I think he 's really done something great . The cast is so excited about it . And it 's cool and fun to get back in that groove , it 's also pushing the boundaries from a story standpoint , character standpoint , and a comedic standpoint in a way that really inspires them . So it does n't feel like some

@@5071141 <h> The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and Debt Cancellation <p> If you owe a debt to someone else and they cancel or forgive that debt , the canceled amount may be taxable . <p> The Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 generally allows taxpayers to exclude income from the discharge of debt on their principal residence . Debt reduced through mortgage restructuring , as well as mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure , qualifies for the relief . <p> This provision applies to debt forgiven in calendar years 2007 through 2012 . Up to $2 million of forgiven debt is eligible for this exclusion ( $1 million if married filing separately ) . The exclusion does not apply if the discharge is due to services performed for the lender or any other reason not directly related to a decline in the home 's value or the taxpayer 's financial condition . <p> The following are the most commonly asked questions and answers about The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and debt cancellation : What is Cancellation of Debt ? If you borrow money from a commercial lender and the lender later cancels or forgives the debt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income for tax purposes , depending on the circumstances . When you borrowed the money you were not required to include the loan proceeds in income because you had an obligation to repay the lender . When that obligation is subsequently forgiven , the amount you received as loan proceeds is normally reportable as income because you no longer have an obligation to repay the lender . The lender is usually required to report the amount of the canceled debt to you and the IRS on a Form 1099-C , Cancellation of Debt . <p> Here 's a very simplified example . You borrow $10,000 and default on the loan after paying back $2,000 . If the lender is unable to collect the remaining debt from you , there is a cancellation of debt of $8,000 , which generally is taxable income to you . <p> Is Cancellation of Debt income always taxable ? Not always . There are some exceptions . The most common situations when cancellation of debt income is not taxable involve : <p> Qualified principal residence indebtedness : This is the exception created by the Mortgage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . <p> Bankruptcy : Debts discharged through bankruptcy are not considered taxable income . <p> Insolvency : If you are insolvent when the debt is cancelled , some or all of the cancelled debt may not be taxable to you . You are insolvent when your total debts are more than the fair market value of your total assets . <p> Certain farm debts : If you incurred the debt directly in operation of a farm , more than half your income from the prior three years was from farming , and the loan was owed to a person or agency regularly engaged in lending , your cancelled debt is generally not considered taxable income . <p> Non-recourse loans : A non-recourse loan is a loan for which the lender 's only remedy in case of default is to repossess the property being financed or used as collateral . That is , the lender can not pursue you personally in case of default . Forgiveness of a non-recourse loan resulting from a foreclosure does not result in cancellation of debt income . However , it may result in other tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Publication 4681 . <p> What is the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 ? The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 was enacted on December 20 , 2007 ( see News Release IR-2008-17 ) . Generally , the Act allows exclusion of income realized as a result of modification of the terms of the mortgage , or foreclosure on your principal residence . <p> What does exclusion of income mean ? Normally , debt that is forgiven or cancelled by a lender must be included as income on your tax return and is taxable . But the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act allows you to exclude certain cancelled debt on your principal residence from income . Debt reduced through mortgage restructuring , as well as mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure , qualifies for the relief . <p> Does the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act apply to all forgiven or cancelled debts ? No . The Act applies only to forgiven or cancelled debt used to buy , build or substantially improve your principal residence , or to refinance debt incurred for those purposes . In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . This is known as qualified principal residence indebtedness . The maximum amount you can treat as qualified principal residence indebtedness is $2 million or $1 million if married filing separately . <p> Does the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act apply to debt incurred to refinance a home ? Debt used to refinance your home qualifies for this exclusion , but only to the extent that the principal balance of the old mortgage , immediately before the refinancing , would have qualified . For more information , including an example , see Publication 4681 . <p> How long is this special relief in effect ? It applies to qualified principal residence indebtedness forgiven in calendar years 2007 through 2012 . <p> Is there a limit on the amount of forgiven qualified principal residence indebtedness that can be excluded from income ? The maximum amount you can treat as qualified principal residence indebtedness is $2 million ( $1 million if married filing separately for the tax year ) , at the time the loan was forgiven . If the balance was greater , see the instructions to Form 982 and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt is excluded from income , do I have to report it on my tax return ? Yes . The amount of debt forgiven must be reported on Form 982 and this form must be attached to your tax return . <p> Do I have to complete the entire Form 982 ? No . Form 982 , Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness ( and Section 1082 Adjustment ) , is used for other purposes in addition to reporting the exclusion of forgiveness of qualified principal residence indebtedness . If you are using the form only to report the exclusion of forgiveness of qualified principal residence indebtedness as the result of foreclosure on your principal residence , you only need to complete lines 1e and 2 . If you kept ownership of your home and modification of the terms of your mortgage resulted in the forgiveness of qualified principal residence indebtedness , complete lines 1e , 2 , and 10b . Attach the Form 982 to your tax return . <p> Where can I get this form ? If you use a computer to fill out your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ download the form at IRS.gov , or call 1-800-829-3676 . If you call to order , please allow 7-10 days for delivery . <p> How do I know or find out how much debt was forgiven ? Your lender should send a Form 1099-C , Cancellation of Debt , by February 2 , 2009 . The amount of debt forgiven or cancelled will be shown in box 2 . If this debt is all qualified principal residence indebtedness , the amount shown in box 2 will generally be the amount that you enter on lines 2 and 10b , if applicable , on Form 982 . <p> Can I exclude debt forgiven on my second home , credit card or car loans ? Not under this provision . Only cancelled debt used to buy , build or improve your principal residence or refinance debt incurred for those purposes qualifies for this exclusion . See Publication 4681 for further details . <p> If part of the forgiven debt does n't qualify for exclusion from income under this provision , is it possible that it may qualify for exclusion under a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the insolvency exclusion . Normally , you are not required to include forgiven debts in income to the extent that you are insolvent . You are insolvent when your total liabilities exceed your total assets . The forgiven debt may also qualify for exclusion if the debt was discharged in a Title 11 bankruptcy proceeding or if the debt is qualified farm indebtedness or qualified real property business indebtedness . If you believe you qualify for any of these exceptions , see the instructions for Form 982 . Publication 4681 discusses each of these exceptions and includes examples . <p> I lost money on the foreclosure of my home . Can I claim a loss on my tax return ? No . Losses from the sale or foreclosure of personal property are not deductible . <p> If I sold my home at a loss and the remaining loan is forgiven , does this constitute a cancellation of debt ? Yes . To the extent that a loan from a lender is not fully satisfied and a lender cancels the unsatisfied debt , you have cancellation of indebtedness income . If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lender must generally issue Form 1099-C , Cancellation of Debt , showing the amount of debt canceled . However , you may be able to exclude part or all of this income if the debt was qualified principal residence indebtedness , you were insolvent immediately before the discharge , or if the debt was canceled in a title 11 bankruptcy case . An exclusion is also available for the cancellation of certain nonbusiness debts of a qualified individual as a result of a disaster in a Midwestern disaster area . See Form 982 for details . If the remaining balance owed on my mortgage loan that I was personally liable for was canceled after my foreclosure , may I still exclude the canceled debt from income under the qualified principal residence exclusion , even though I no longer own my residence ? Yes , as long as the canceled debt was qualified principal residence indebtedness . See Example 2 on page 13 of Publication 4681 , Canceled Debts , Foreclosures , Repossessions , and Abandonments . Will I receive notification of cancellation of debt from my lender ? Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Debt , when they cancel any debt of $600 or more . The amount cancelled will be in box 2 of the form . <p> What if I disagree with the amount in box 2 ? Contact your lender to work out any discrepancies and have the lender issue a corrected Form 1099-C . <p> How do I report the forgiveness of debt that is excluded from gross income ? ( 1 ) Check the appropriate box under line 1 on Form 982 , Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness ( and Section 1082 Basis Adjustment ) to indicate the type of discharge of indebtedness and enter the amount of the discharged debt excluded from gross income on line 2 . Any remaining canceled debt must be included as income on your tax return . <p> ( 2 ) File Form 982 with your tax return . <p> My student loan was cancelled ; will this result in taxable income ? In some cases , yes . Your student loan cancellation will not result in taxable income if you agreed to a loan provision requiring you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time , and you fulfilled this obligation . <p> Are there other conditions I should know about to exclude the cancellation of student debt ? Yes , your student loan must have been made by : <p> ( a ) the federal government , or a state or local government or subdivision ; <p> ( b ) a tax-exempt public benefit corporation which has control of a state , county or municipal hospital where the employees are considered public employees ; or <p> ( c ) a school which has a program to encourage students to work in underserved occupations or areas , and has an agreement with one of the above to fund the program , under the direction of a governmental unit or a charitable or educational organization . <p> Can I exclude cancellation of credit card debt ? In some cases , yes . Nonbusiness credit card debt cancellation can be excluded from income if the cancellation occurred in a title 11 bankruptcy case , or to the extent you were insolvent just before the cancellation . See the examples in Publication 4681 . <p> How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insolvent when your total debts exceed the total fair market value of all of your assets . Assets include everything you own , e.g. , your car , house , condominium , furniture , life insurance policies , stocks , other investments , or your pension and other retirement accounts . <p> How should I report the information and items needed to prove insolvency ? Use Form 982 , Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness ( and Section 1082 Basis Adjustment ) to exclude canceled debt from income to the extent you were insolvent immediately before the cancellation . You were insolvent to the extent that your liabilities exceeded the fair market value of your assets immediately before the cancellation . <p> To claim this exclusion , you must attach Form 982 to your federal income tax return . Check box 1b on Form 982 , and , on line 2 , include the smaller of the amount of the debt canceled or the amount by which you were insolvent immediately prior to the cancellation . You must also reduce your tax attributes in Part II of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received a 1099-C ; can I exclude this amount on my tax return ? Only if the cancellation happened in a title 11 bankruptcy case , or to the extent you were insolvent just before the cancellation . See Publication 4681 for examples . <p> Are there any publications I can read for more information ? Yes . ( 1 ) Publication 4681 , Canceled Debts , Foreclosures , Repossessions , and Abandonments ( for Individuals ) is new and addresses in a

@@5071241 <p> Here is a recipe for preparing a copy of the Mathieu group M 24 . The main ingredient is a genus-3 regular polyhedron X with 56 triangular faces , 84 edges , and 24 vertices . The most delicate part of this recipe is to hold the polyhedron by the 24 vertices and immerse the rest of it in 3-dimensional space . To get a good grip on these points , it is suggested that they be blown up prior to immersion . These 24 singular vertices must then be reattached with care . The result of this operation is known as the small cubicuboctahedron . <p> The Mathieu group is famous for having a quintuply-transitive action on a set of 24 elements without being a symmetric or alternating group , and this is exactly what you will make , using this polyhedron X. You may need pencil and paper ( and maybe a hobby knife and some glue ) in order to make the polyhedron X and its immersion . As a complement to this hefty mathematical meal , you should also try the recipe for the extended binary Golay code of length 24 , included below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ f=56 triangles , e=84 edges , and v=24 vertices , with 7 edges meeting at every vertex . In order to construct X , first tile the hyperbolic plane with triangles in such a way that 7 triangles meet at every vertex . Then number the triangles as such : <p> If you do not understand how the triangles are numbered , consider the following pattern . Pick and fix a number x from 1 to 7 . Then look for two triangles both numbered x , but which are as close to each other as possible . You should notice that there are two intermediate triangles between those two numbered x . You can get from one triangle to the other by following a zig-zag path across exactly 3 edges . Now you have an assembly of four triangles comprising an irregular hexagon . This hexagon is not invariant under reflection , but it is invariant under a half-turn . Next , notice that if you do this for any number x , anywhere on the tiling then every hexagon has the same orientation as every other . Finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of four triangles which has this orientation , then the triangles on the two ends are marked with the same number . <p> Here 's another pattern . Consider : Choose two vertices which are joined by an edge , say v and w . Notice that seven triangles surround vertex v and likewise seven triangles surround vertex w . Thus , there are 49 pairs ( t , u ) , where t is a triangle with vertex v and u is a triangle with vertex w . Next , notice that there is a unique pair ( t , u ) for which the distance between triangle t and triangle u is maximized . ( The measure of distance we use here is the minimum number of edges one must cross in order to get from one triangle to another . ) In fact , one can not get from triangle t to triangle u without crossing at least six edges . Next , notice that triangles t and u are marked with the same number . This pattern also pervades the entire tiling . <p> The polyhedron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polyhedron by its automorphisms . ( If you do n't like this , you can try cutting out 56 of these triangles and gluing them together appropriately . However , topologically speaking , one may also describe this as a " quotient " . ) One will notice that there are 24 distinct types of vertices in this marked plane . They are distinguished by the permutations of the numbers appearing in a cycle around the vertex . If you have some cardstock in seven distinguishable colors , you can also make a physical model : <p> Another model of the ( universal cover of the ) polyhedron X <p> Automorphisms of X <p> The polyhedron X has a remarkably high degree of symmetry , considering how it was constructed . The group of orientation-preserving transformations which preserve the unmarked complex of triangles is isomorphic to the group <p> s , t : s 7 = t 3 = ( st ) 2 = 1 . <p> Evidently , conjugates of s fix the vertices , conjugates of t fix the triangles , and conjugates of st fix the edges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for one can add arbitrarily many triangles to this complex . The automorphism group of X is a quotient of this infinite group obtained by imposing one more relation <p> ( s 2 t 2 ) 4 = 1 . <p> At this point , it helps to mark the vertices , preferrably with numbers . ( Numbers have uncountably many uses ! ) Use a numbering consistent with the SPLAG numbering of the MOG , just because this book rocks : <p> The SPLAG Numbering of the Vertices ( Click for a larger image , if you think you need it .... ) <p> This group G(X) acts transitively on each of the sets of 24 vertices , of 84 edges , and of 56 faces , but here we are particularly interested in the action on the vertices . With the numbering as depicted above , here are two permutations which obey these relations : <p> s= ( 1,16,8,23,13,14,5 ) ( 2,7,11,19,20,24,12 ... and t= ( 1,2,23 ) ( 3,4,18 ) ( 5,21,7 ) ( 6,16,8 ) ( 9,13 , ... <p> Notice that s rotates the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 360/3=120 about the center of the triangle with the vertices numbered 6,8,16 ( or the triangle numbered 2 from above ) . Abusing notation a wee bit , we let G(X) denote the smallest group containing the permutations s and t . <p> As it turns out , the group G(X) generated by s , t is isomorphic to both PSL(2,7) and GL(3,2) , and these are isomorphic to each other . ( Recall that if K is a field and n a positive integer , then the " general linear " group GL ( n , K ) is the group of all invertible n-by-n matrices with entries from K. The " special linear " group SL ( n , K ) is then the subgroup of all matrices in GL ( n , K ) with determinant 1 . The " projective special linear " group PSL ( n , K ) is then the quotient of SL ( n , K ) by its center . If the field K has order q , then one may choose to write q in place of K. ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ G(X) on a set of 24 elements . This action is simply transitive , but it is not doubly-transitive . Highly transitive actions , after all , are scarce ! It is all but obvious that the action is transitive on the vertices . To see that it is not doubly-transitive , notice that G(X) preserves distance . Recall that the distance between vertices v and w is the length of the shortest edge path from v to w . One can quickly check that there are pairs of vertices which are separated by two edges and also pairs of vertices which are adjacent . In order to get all of M 24 , you will have to add some permutations which wreak havoc on the distance function . <p> The Small Cubicuboctahedron <p> To continue with the recipe , you now must immerse the polyhedron X into 3-dimensional Euclidean space . Moreover , you must immerse it in such a way as to yield the " small cubicuboctahedron " . <p> The Small Cubicuboctahedron <p> This ( uniform ) polyhedron has 6 squares and 8 triangles , which should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since this polyhedron represents an immersion , and not an imbedding , of the polyhedron X into 3-space , there is also a total of 12 false edges , each where two octagons intersect . This polyhedron evidently has f=6+6+8=20 faces , but also notice that it has 48 edges and 24 vertices . Thus , if one believes that the underlying surface is orientable , we see that the genus is 3 . Thus , it 's plausible that the small cubicuboctahedron represents an immersion of the polyhedron X into 3-space . This becomes patently believable if one considers the following coloring of our tiling of the hyperbolic plane : <p> A Uniformization of a Uniform Polyhedron <p> Notice that this coloring has three colors , pink , goldenrod , and bright green . The colors are intended to correspond with the coloring of the small cubicuboctahedron . Thus , the triangles are pink , the squares are goldenrod , and the octagons are bright green . Naturally , there is a lot of distortion . One should convince oneself that working with the immersion of X and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being that the hyperbolic plane has no self-intersections . Notice in particular that exactly one triangle , one square , and two octagons meet at every vertex . <p> Notice that several of the pink triangles are marked with a plus sign ( + ) and , likewise , several are marked with a minus sign ( - ) . This is a quiz question . Describe how half of the pink triangles should be distinguished from the other half , based on the coloring of the tiling . <p> The Extension <p> The permutations s and t , given above , generate the symmetry group G(X) of the polyhedron X. Also recall that G(X) is isomorphic to PSL(2,7) and to GL(3,2) , and that these are isomorphic to each other . Now you must add some more permutations in order to get the whole group M 24 . Specifically add the permuations which interchange " dissection " points of the squares and octagons . Notice that each of the goldenrod squares is comprised of 2 triangles and each of the green octagons is comprised of 6 triangles . Moreover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and each octagon has a diagonal which dissects the octagon . You add the permutation which interchanges the endpoints of all these diagonals . According to our numbering of the vertices , this is the permutation <p> In SPLAG , Conway and Sloane present M 24 as an extension of PSL(2,23) . They presented a couple natural generators and then added another permutation constructed with some aforeknowledge of mod-23 quadratic residues . Consider the permutations <p> j= ( 1,8 ) ( 2,19 ) ( 3,13 ) ( 4,18 ) ( 5,16 ) ( 6,12 ) ( 7 , ... and k=ij= ( 1,7 ) ( 2,15 ) ( 3,14 ) ( 4,11 ) ( 5,17 ) ( 6,20 ) ... <p> ( Consider how these permutations move the points around in the illustrations . ) These elements j and k also lie in our copy of M 24 , and , in fact , these can be used instead to generate the whole group . As it turns out , the group generated by t , j is isomorphic to PSL(2,23) as is the group generated by t , k @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , j , k is the whole Mathieu group . <p> Octads and Dodecads <p> The Mathieu group M 24 is famous for having an action on the extended binary Golay code of length 24 . The most uninspired way to present the Golay code , perhaps , is to give a basis for it . After all , it is merely a particular 12-dimensional subspace of F 2 24 , where F 2 denotes the two-element field . Since we are working with the two-element field , vectors ( i.e. codewords ) in the Golay code correspond with subsets of a 24-element set . Thus , you saw it coming , codewords correspond to subsets of the 24 vertices of the polyhedron X. The action of the Mathieu group on the Golay code is not transitive . It decomposes into 5 orbits , these being 2 singletons , 2 sets consisting of 759 weight-8 and weight-16 codewords respectively , and a set consisting of 2576 weight-12 codewords . One of the singletons consists of the empty word , and the other contains all the numbers from 1 to 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weight-12 codewords are called " dodecads " . The complement of a weight-16 codeword is an octad . The purpose here is to show that one may use the polyhedron X for computations inside the Golay code . One can give a spanning set for the code , but , of course , this set will be tied to the geometry of the polyhedron X. <p> Disc Octads . Notice that every vertex has 7 other neighboring vertices . The set formed by any vertex and all 7 of its neighbors is an octad . Call such an octad a " disc " . Evidently there are 24 disc octads , one for each vertex . One might hope that these would give a spanning set for the 12-dimensional Golay code . In fact , the dimension of the space spanned by the disc octads is only 9 , so if we want to get the Golay code , we must include at least three more octads in our spanning set . <p> Tetrahedral Dodecads . Recall the quiz question about why half the pink triangles are marked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( - ) . It 's about time to work through this exercise , because you need it in order to understand the tetrahedral dodecads . Form the set consisting of all the vertices on the triangles marked with a plus sign ( + ) . This is called " tetrahedral " dodecad because the symmetry of this arrangement of 4 triangles has tetrahedral symmetry . One can check that there are precisely 14 such dodecads in the orbit of the group G(X) . One might hope that these would span the 12-dimensional Golay code , but , as it turns out , their span has dimension 4 . <p> Nevertheless , the Golay code is spanned by the disc octads and the tetrahedral dodecads . Other geometrically interesting octads and dodecads abound . For example , choose any goldenrod square and consider the 4 triangles which share a vertex with that square . As it turns out , this is another dodecad . Under the action of G(X) , one may transport this to a total of 42 different dodecads , and , in fact , these 42 dodecads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Proofs <p> One may verify all of this using GAP . ( I wish I

@@5071341 <p> Deal and Coupon sites have garnered a lot of attention this year . Groupon , the most popular of them , has been in the news plenty due to rumors about Google showing an interest for them . Is there any chance for you as a developer to get access to huge dataset of deals and coupons , possibly containing Groupon deals to and offer it to users of your application ? 8coupons.com definitely thinks so and it has launched the 8coupons API for exactly that purpose . <p> 8coupons aggregates 186 daily deal sites in the US and is offering all of that to developers to integrate into their apps and offer them in return to their users . What this means is that you have access to 500,000 live deals , coupons -- including the 900 daily Groupon deals . Best of all , you can filter , redistribute and use it however you want . <p> You can sign up for the 8coupons.com API and get an API key that will allow you to access all those deals and coupons data . They API documentation page lists several methods that make it real simple to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based and currently offers only JSON responses . The current rate limit is 50 requests per hour . <p> Using the API , you can retrieve categories , deal types and then use the categoryID and dealtypeid to retrieve the deals for a particular geographical location . You can also use the API to get daily deals only if you wish to offer that kind of deals within your application . <p> Example of an API call that retrieves the " Entertainment and Shopping " deals in New York looks like this : <p> where categoryid 2 and 6 stand for Entertainment and Shopping respectively . <p> 8coupons.com requires that you follow the branding rules while displaying the information that you have retrieved from their API . With an API this simple and possibly giving you access to the largest number of coupons and deals , it is possible for developers now to create applications that could easily replicate sites like Yipit . The challenge is going to be on how you present it to the user . <p> 8coupons.com is definitely disrupting the market here by providing this database @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developers or do you feel that the bigger challenge is possibly how to mine this coupon database and present a minimal experience that resonates with buyers ? <p> Together with every thing that appears to be developing inside this subject material , many of your opinions tend to be fairly stimulating . Nonetheless , I appologize , because I do not give credence to your entire theory , all be it refreshing none the less . It appears to everybody that your comments are actually not completely validated and in simple fact you are generally your self not totally convinced of the

@@5071441 <h> This is not the post I was going to make . <p> Honestly , I had a blog planned for today , a blog about the Electoral College , and why it was a good idea at the time , but watching Twitter and looking at the news of Sandy , I just honestly do n't have the heart this evening . So many people , including some people who just lost parts of their lives barely a year ago in Irene are facing similar situations yet again . <p> The news from New York is sad ; tunnels flooded , lights out , and public transit stalled . In New Jersey , the famous Atlantic City boardwalk has been washed out . It really makes me want to go out and hug everyone who 's lost things . <p> However , everything is n't lost . It seems that no matter how much people are battered , they find ways to come together and care for each other . Some Broadway actors were going to go to Times Square and sing cheerful songs in one article I read , and in other areas , restaurants and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Image of Sandy , <p> If you do n't have power , well , you 're probably not reading this , but if you can somewhere , hang in there . To quote Annie : The sun 'll come out tomorrow . We 're all thinking about you and sending you warm thoughts . <p> If you 're nowhere near Sandy 's wrath , there are a number of things that you can do to help . <p> The Red Cross is always in need of donations or volunteers to help with relief efforts . By texting 90999 to " Redcross " , you can donate ten bucks ( through your phone bill , so be careful if you 're not paying your own bill ! ) to the relief efforts . <p> Also , if you do n't have money to donate , the Red Cross is also needing blood , as over 100 blood drives were cancelled because of the storm . You can donate no matter where you are . Just search for a donation drive or a Red Cross in your area . <p> Feeding America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their website here . <p> If you ca n't do any of those things , doing something as simple as boosting the signal can help so much . Blog about it , pass around links , make a tweet or a Facebook post . Let 's let everyone know that we 're thinking about them , and have n't forgotten them in the haze of everything that 's going on . <p> P.S. If anyone 's interested in the Electoral College , leave me a comment below . I 'll be back with it if there 's enough interest ! <h> One Comment <p> I 'm one of those people who think that in the bad times , the best in us comes out . I saw NYC friends who still have power opening their homes to people without ; And in an area not hit by the storm today , I know someone who opened their home to an elderly neighbor who had been locked out of her home by accident . It 's a shame that it takes a disaster to highlight the good in the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right thing . And then do

@@5071541 <h> How to Be an Optimist <h> PLAY INTERPERSONAL PING-PONG <p> If you serve up a smile to people , they usually bounce it back . Hit them with a snarl and watch them scowl instead . Research shows that facial expressions and the moods that accompany them are contagious , probably because they evolved as a means of nonverbal communication between people . You can use the infectious effects of a grin to jump-start an optimistic outlook in yourself by sending others what you want them to lob back at you . A kind word to the man