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BWS Germanlingua, Cologne
from £201/week
St Giles Eastbourne
English School for students 16+. Eastbourne is a popular tourist destination and one of Britain's sunniest towns. The town's main attractions are the beautiful beach and the coastline...READ MORE
from £372/week
St Giles Cambridge
English School for students 16+. Experience life in a historic university city in welcoming mid-sized school with a convenient location...READ MORE
from £216/week
St Giles Brighton
English School for students 16+. St Giles Brighton is located right in the centre of the city, directly opposite the famous Royal Pavilion. It's only minutes away from the beach....READ MORE
from £232/week
Oxford International School, London Greenwich
English School for students 16+. This refurbished school in London Greenwich offers state-of-the-art facilities in a fantastic location with high quality, affordable English coursesREAD MORE
special offer - 650€/week (12.08-18.08.2018)
Azurlingua Summer Camp, Nice
French Junior Summer Camp. Azurlingua is one of the most prestigious French schools in France. Specialized in teaching French as a Foreign Language, the school has an extensive experienceREAD MORE
from £410/2 week
Select English, Cambridge
English School for students 16+. This British Council accredited language school in Cambridge is the perfect place for you to study and learn English...READ MORE
from £218/week
Oxford International School, Oxford
English School for students 16+. This Oxford English school is located in the very centre of the city, so students are immersed in Oxford lifeREAD MORE
by request
ANGLOPHILES Academic, Funcoast World
English Summer School for kids 7-17 y.o. Funcoast World is the residential centre at Skegness, a seaside town on the northeast English coast, renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches, safe environment and warm...READ MORE
by request
ANGLOPHILES Academic, Barton Hall Multi Activities
English Summer School for kids 11-17 years old. Barton Hall in Davon is in the heart of the English Riviera with views to Torquay's blue flag beaches and is close to Dartmoor...READ MORE
The Summer Dance School in Prague, MSM
The Summer Dance School in Prague for youth. This program was created for students who want to spend an unforgettable summer in the Czech Republic...READ MORE
from 850 €/week
GLS Berlin, Summer Camp
German for kids & teens (7-18 years old). If you are younger than 18, join this summer camps & summer schools in Germany in Berlin.READ MORE
from 130 €/week
GLS Berlin
German language school for adult students. GLS is the language school in Germany with a great campus, including a historic swimming pool and the option to live on campus while learning German in BerlinREAD MORE
from 420€/2 weeks
Institut de Touraine, language courses
French language courses for students 16+. The courses of French at the Institute are designed for students of all levels. They are provided by teachers specialized in French as a foreign language (FFL)...READ MORE
$4995/3 weeks
English Summer Program, Boston
3 weeks long English Summer Program for adult students in Boston is designed to help international students improve their English language proficiency...READ MORE
LAL Boston, Young Learners
English School for students 10-18 y.o. Study English at the newest LAL school in America's premier academic location, just steps away from many of Boston's must-see attractions...READ MORE
LAL Boca Raton Summer School
English Summer School for students 12-18 years old. LAL's Boca Raton Summer School takes place at Lynn University, one of the safest American university campuses...READ MORE
LAL Fort Lauderdale, Young Learners
English Summer School for students 5-18 years old. This friendly school is very close to the famous Fort Lauderdale beach and trendy Las Olas Boulevard. It has over 25 years of experience in teaching English...READ MORE
LAL Summer School, New York
English Summer School for students 12-18 years old. LAL New York combines an innovative academic curriculum with an exciting leisure programme providing students with a real American experience...READ MORE
LAL Cape Town, Young Learner
English School for students 13-17 y.o. This school in Cape Town is ideally located close to the city centre, Table Mountain and the beach. The school has spacious classrooms,...READ MORE
LAL Malta, Young Learners
English School for students 8-17 y.o. This school and summer camp for Young Learners is situated off The Strand in the popular seaside town of Sliema...READ MORE
from $4,125/5 weeks
Fessenden's Summer Camp
This highly regarded five-week English Language Learning (ELL) immersion program is an exciting boarding experience for girls and boys ages 10-15...READ MORE
EC Summer Camp, Los Angeles
English Summer Camp in Los Angeles for students 10-17 years old. Take your junior English course in Los Angeles and visit Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica...READ MORE
EC Summer Camp, Portsmouth
English Summer Camp in Portsmouth for students 13–17 years old. Live and learn English at the beautiful, sprawling campus of the University of Portsmouth, located directly in the centre of the city...READ MORE
EC Summer Camp, London
English summer camp for students 13-17 y.o. English language programme in London is based at a college in the trendy Shoreditch area. With a spacious campus...READ MORE
EC Winter Camp, Cape Town
English Winter Camp in Cape Town for students13-17 years old. Cape Town is a unique city which is extremely popular with travellers of all ages. The natural beauty is a constant wonder for visitors...READ MORE
EC Summer Camp, Dublin
English Summer Camp in Dublin for students aged 13-17 years old. Dublin is a small capital city with cosmopolitan vibes and a big personality, brimming with true Irish charm...READ MORE
from 1405 CHF/week
Alpadia, Montreux-Riviera
French Summer Camp for students 13-17 y.o. Located in the heart of Montreux, close to the train station and just steps from the lovely promenades along Lake Geneva...READ MORE
from 1405 CHF/week
Alpadia, Engelberg
German Summer Camp for students 10-17 y.o. Located in a beautifully renovated 12th century Benedictine monastery in the centre of Engelberg...READ MORE
from 1405 CHF/week
ALPADIA, Ascona
Italian Summer Camp for students aged 13-17 years old. Ideally situated only a stone's throw away from the small streets of the old town and the quays lining the banks of Lake Maggiore...READ MORE
from 1405 CHF/week
ALPADIA, Leysin
English and Franch Summer Camp for students aged 8-17 years old. It offers comfortable facilities that are perfectly suited to summer holidays in the Alps...READ MORE
from €270/week
BWS Germanlingua, Munich
German School 16+. Thanks to the highly qualified teachers, the welcoming atmosphere and the modern teaching facilities the school have earned a very good international reputation...READ MORE
from €465/week
EC Dublin 30+
English School for students 30+. EC Dublin 30+ is for students who are more mature, and who have greater experience in life and in the professional world...READ MORE
from 295£/week
EC London 30+
English School for students 30+. Improve your English with students from all over the world, in lessons designed for mature students. There are plenty of social activities...READ MORE
LEGO Robotics Summer LAB
English Summer Camp for students aged 8-17 years old. From our regular daily life to cutting-edge technology, Robotics Summer Lab offers an astonishing quest...READ MORE
from $380/week
EC Washington
English school for students 18+. Washington, the capital of the USA, is not just a political center - it also home of the best museums in the country...READ MORE
from 100€/week
F+U Academy of Languages, Berlin
German School 16+. Since 2013, the F+U Academy Of Languages Berlin has further developed this range of programmes with the introduction of academically demanding language and...READ MORE
from 275£/week
EC School, Manchester
English School for students 16+. Famous for its contribution to twentieth century electronic music, and home to two iconic football teams, Manchester has enjoyed a revival in recent...READ MORE
from 210€/week
EC School, Malta
English School for students 16+. This sunny piece of paradise will inspire you with its megalithic temples, its crystal-blue seas, 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, a lively nightlife...READ MORE
from €255/week
EC Malta 30+
English School for students 30+. Malta is known to many as the gem of the Mediterranean. With countless beaches, blue seas and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere...READ MORE
from 390$/week
EC School, Los Angeles
English School for students 16+. Cycling along the beach between Santa Monica and Venice whilst spotting a celebrity at the local juice bar are everyday activities that our EC students enjoy when they're not in class...READ MORE
from £345/week
EC School, London
English School for students 16+. History, culture, entertainment and shopping – London has it all. With some of the greatest theatres,art galleries, and museums...READ MORE
from 290€/week
EC School, Cape Town
English School for students 16+. With the majestic Table Mountain nestled in the background and the sea all around, Cape Town is an awe-inspiring city ...READ MORE
from €1,220/week
Accademia Costume & Moda, Rome
Italian Fashion Academy. In more than 50 years, Accademia has developed many talents in all its fields of reference, Culture, Design and Craftmanship linked to a laboratorial...READ MORE
from 290£/week
EC School, Cambridge
English School for students 16+. Cambridge is a very walkable city and easy to cycle around, so its beautiful buildings and parks are only moments away...READ MORE
from £275/week
EC School, Bristol
English School for students 16+.Bristol is home to one of Britain's top universities and attracts young people from all walks of life. It's a youthful, quirky city...READ MORE
from 483$/week
EC School, Boston
English School for students from 16 y.o. Boston has all the benefits of a big city without the frantic pace of New York or Los Angeles. Located right on the harbour, the city is home to the iconic Red Sox...READ MORE
from 210€/week
EC School, Dublin
English School for students from 16 y.o. Dublin is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly people. Dublin should be your choice if you are looking to learn somewhere lively...READ MORE
Delfin School, Dublin
English School for students 16+. Delfin English School Dublin offers a English language learning experience which is both fun and educational. We want our students to feel part of something special...READ MORE
EFL Summer Camp, UK
Summer Camp for kids 7-17 y.o. Sports Academies (Football, Rugby, Tennis, Basketball, or Skateboarding) at the residential centre, Funcoast World, which...READ MORE
Trinity UK, Lampeter
Summer School for students 10-17 y.o. Lampeter is in the Ceredigion area, on the west coast of Wales, is one of Wales's most popular holiday areas...READ MORE
Trinity UK, Cirencester
Summer Camp for children 10-17 y.o. The 13 nights course at Rendcomb is extensive with Trinity UK excursions and activities arranged; four half days (Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire and two visits to...READ MORE
Trinity UK, Leicester
Summer School for Juniors 10-17 y.o. The city of Leicester offers pedestrianized areas, great shopping, several tourist attractions and it's officially the best well preserved...READ MORE
from 270€/week
ActiLingua Academy, Vienna
German School 16+. This modern language school is situated in beautiful Vienna. It offers more than 20 years of experience as one of the leading schools for German as a foreign language...READ MORE
CEL, San Diego & Los Angeles
English School for students from 16 years old. The College of English Language offers high-quality English language courses, as well as exam preparation courses to international students. We have 3 schools throughout California, located in San Diego, Pacific Beach and Santa Monica...READ MORE
Junior English + Sports, Harrow House
Summer Camp for students10-17 y.o. Harrow House Swanage is situated in one of the safest coastal locations in the UK and offers English Language Courses and unrivalled facilities for all ages with excellent links to all UK...READ MORE
Absolutely English Young Learners
Absolutely English Young Learners welcomes young people aged 9 to 17. In Wrekin College we have found a partner who shares our focus on quality, individual attention and care...READ MORE
SPECIAL OFFER - $2,250/2 weeks, $3,150/3 weeks until 31th Mаrch
TALK University tour, Boston
Speciаl progrаmme for juniors 15+ y.o.(8 - 28 July 2018). Improve your English skills and visit prestigious universities including Harvard and MIT...READ MORE
Nike Tennis Camps, England
NIKE TENNIS AND ENGLISH CAMP. For 10-17 year old boys and girls looking to improve their English language skills alongside their tennis on a 6- or 13- night camp...READ MORE
LSBF, Singapore
London School of Business & Finance in Singapore offers English courses (from 14 y.o.) to suit all needs and abilities, with a particular emphasis on the use of English in the real world...READ MORE
2550$/2 weeks
Summer Camps, BLI Canada
Junior Summer Camp (FLAP) for children 12-17 y.o. School offers two exciting locations : Montreal and Québec city! The Summer camp is excellent for youth who want to study seriously and have some serious fun...READ MORE
from $145/week
School CCLS, Miami
CCLS – Cultural Center for Language Studies is a Language School in Miami for students 17+y.o, that offers intensive English classes (visa F-1), semi intensive English, Spanish and Portuguese classes, private and in-company language programs...READ MORE
2550$/2 weeks
Summer Camps, BLI Canada
Junior Summer Camp (FLAP) for children 12-17 y.o. School offers two exciting locations : Montreal and Québec city! The Summer camp is excellent for youth who want to study seriously and have some serious fun...READ MORE
CHF 12.450/semester
Geneva Business School
Geneva Business School (GBS) has developed into a leader in Swiss business education with a purpose to educate future business leaders...READ MORE
from CHF 425/week
ALPADIA, Montreux
Year-Round French Courses in Switzerland for аdults 16+. This school in Montreux is on the main street on the edge of Lake Geneva. The beautiful promenade is surrounded by exotic plants...READ MORE
Summer Camps in Malta, NSTS
Summer Camps. NSTS offers students aged 10 to 17 years a safe, secure and cared for environment where they find international friendships, learn to be independent...READ MORE
от £415/неделя
Летняя школа LAL Winchester
Эта летняя программа в St Swithun для детей 9-17 лет находится в частной независимой школе, расположенной в Винчестере. От размещения и классных комнат до обширных спортивных площадок и недавно отремонтированных...Подробнее
from £870/week
St Giles Junior Summer Courses
St Giles Junior Summer Courses offer young learners aged 8-19 from all over the world an educational and fun programme in a secure environment...READ MORE
SUL, London
SUL Language Schools is based in Cornwall in the South West of England, and delivers English language experiences embracing British culture...READ MORE
School DILIT, Rome
DILIT, officially authorised by the Italian Ministry of Education, has been teaching Italian as a foreign language since 1974. The school's goal is to offer, in a multiethnic and multicultural contest, an environment and atmosphere...READ MORE
Summer School CID, Juan-les-Pins
Premium Program in Juan-les-Pins for students 13-17 y.o. It is a beautiful town with a rich cultural life. Lively by day and by night, it is our most popular destination for young people and teenagers...READ MORE
Summer School EC in Frensham
Summer Language School in Frensham College for students 13-17 y.o. Frensham Heights Campus is surrounded by lush green countryside and features a pool, performing arts centre and high-tech...READ MORE
Английский языковой летний лагерь, Aнтиб
Английский языковой летний лагерь в Aнтибе для детей 8-12 лет. Система "Все включено", международный кампус с 20 национальностями со всех четырех уголков Земли и многое другое...Подробнее
1680£/2 weeks
Summer camp MLA, London
English Summer Camp in London for students aged 11-17 years old. High-quality outstanding facilities, professional teachers and fantastic atmosphere of...READ MORE
Stafford House, Chicago
English school 16+. Stafford House Chicago school is located on South Michigan Ave and has quick access to public transportation...READ MORE
Stafford House, San Diego
English school 16+. Stafford House San Diego school is located in the Gas Lamp neighborhood in downtown San Diego and has modern technology throughout...READ MORE
ILAC, Vancouver & Toronto
English school 18+. ILAC has modern, boutique style facilities in Toronto and Vancouver, two of the best cities to live in the world according...READ MORE
Queen Ethelburga's College, York
English Summer School for 7-16 y.o. young leaners. The school has a variety of recreational activities and facilities, including a superb new indoor games centre...Read more
LAL Summer School, Tavistock
English Summer School for young learners 7-16 y.o. A great school for fun learning and outdoor adventure. Main building reminds of Hogwarts...READ MORE
R$ 4.118,24/semana
LaL Juniors, Brighton
Programa de Férias de verão. Inclui alojamento, 3 refeições por dia, 15 horas por semana de inglês geral e diversas atividades.LEIA MAIS
R$ 1.017,72 /semana
Academia Contacto, Barcelona
Curso de espanhol 15 horas por semana.LEIA MAIS
R$ 1.885,79/semana
Tamwood, Toronto
28 Aulas Semanais | Período IntegralLEIA MAIS
Azurlingua, Nice
French School +18. Azurlingua school is situated right in the heart of Nice, an approximate 15 minute walk from the seafront...READ MORE
David Game College, London
English School +16. Fantastic location in Central London in Tower Hill, just a short walk from the underground station...Read more
Delfin English School, Dublin
English School +16. Delfin School is located in the heart of Dublin, right beside O'Connell Street, the most famous street in Dublin. Delfin offers general...READ MORE
EC School, Miami
English School +16. EC Miami is located in an iconic landmark building, in the very centre of South Beach. The white sand and turquoise sea is just a short walk down ...Read more
EC Juniors, Malta
English Summer School for 13-17 y.o. young leaners. EC offers fantastic study programmes for young learners and, with over 20 years' experience. School provides a high standard of education...Read more


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"I wanted to go there myself to see if there were any animals inside," the officer said. "We received multiple reports from the community that there was abuse that we did not observe."
The officer added, "Now there were complaints that there were cats in there that you could hear screaming and there's nothing inside there at all. There are not even fish inside."
The officer also noted that a Department of Health official was inspecting the premises upon arrival to the scene.
While police said they saw no abuse, a few members of the community were reporting unsanitary conditions, with reports of animals inside being fed little and infrequently.
It then came to light that the store was operating without the proper permits, as cited in one of three summonses issued to shop owner Efrain Davila by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.
A civil suit has also been filed against the pet shop by Jamie Raia and John Oliveira, a couple who boarded their seven-pound mini pincher, Roo, at the Fresh Pond Pet Shop not knowing the store was not legally allowed to be providing that service.
The couple then had trouble with retrieving Roo from the shop. When they did get in touch with Davila to open the shop, their dog Roo was in a cage marked "For Sale."
"I plan to push this as far as I can," Oliveira said. "Nobody should be able to do this to somebody's pet, or to any other living creature."
Anthony Caracci, founder and former owner of the store, said he had high hopes for Davila and his girlfriend Kim Ruiz when they took control of the business in November of last year.
"When I first met them, they said they knew the basics," Caracci said. "The male said he worked in an animal shelter helping out and sold animals online. The female said she had worked at a zoo."
He noted that Ruiz, who identified herself as a co-owner of the business in an interview with NY1, was not a signer when Caracci sold the business to Davila.
He reported that several of his employees, who had stayed on as volunteers, were all quickly "weeded out" by Davila and Ruiz.
Caracci said he was saddened by the news of the pet shop's fall from grace. He is doubtful that anyone will ever run a pet shop at that location again with all the negative press now linked to the address.
"I think stress overwhelmed them and their priorities weren't straight. When you're open for four hours a day, something isn't right," Caracci said. "They took a thriving business and just destroyed it."
More than anything, though, he was upset knowing the store was keeping such short and irregular hours with animals inside who need frequent and specialized care.
"A puppy can slip away into hypoglycemic shock in six hours," Caracci said. "They have to eat (every) four to six hours. If it's not treated right, it can be fatal."
Local resident Angela Connell was critical of what she perceived to be a lack of the enforcement infrastructure required for police to truly take over for the ASPCA in dealing with animal cruelty cases.
"They can't charge them with animal cruelty because it takes a while for them to see this over and over," Connell said. "They're so new to doing the animal welfare, so they're not really sure how to handle it."
Davila was not available for comment as of press time.

subset: commoncrawl


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|simple dialog feature
Marc Laval
AT core team member
|13 September 2013 12:29
In that case, we should rename the touch:Dialog widget to touch:Overlay.
In term of functionality, it is true that the new widget is indeed an overlay.
If we do so, what do you think of the new properties I suggested ?
AT core team member
|13 September 2013 12:49
(12 September 2013 13:22)Marc Laval Wrote: - instead of creating 'fullScreenAxis', we could change 'maximized' to support 4 values: false, true, "x-axis", "y-axis"
I agree (I guess those will apply only to @touch:Dialog, right?)
(12 September 2013 13:22)Marc Laval Wrote: - for what I called 'position', I see 2 solutions:
In https://github.com/ariatemplates/ariatem...fgBeans.js there's already something like this, but I'm not sure if it works well enough, as I haven't tested:
"preferredPositions" : {
Sadly there's almost no documentation for @touch and @html on AT.com., and for @touch:Dialog there are not so many tests, only those: https://github.com/ariatemplates/ariatem...ets/dialog
It looks like lots of the options passed here https://github.com/ariatemplates/ariatem...og.js#L181 are not tested anywhere... I think it'll be good to put some more template tests in place regarding this widget.
Marc Laval
AT core team member
|16 September 2013 14:17
As agreed:
- the touch:Dialog widget will be renamed to touch:Popup. Usual deprecation policy will apply.
- the existing 'absolutePosition' in aria.popups.Popup will be enhanced to support left, right, top and bottom.


text:
Three Outlaw Samurai is cinema that exists in a world of transition. Director Hideo Gosha opines some rather cynical worldviews in this, his first filmic output, employing theoretical alterations on the personal, micro level as a way to express the flaccidity of an individual's effort in changing the macro-whole. To Gosha, at least in what can be inferred from this vision of austere civil decline, the fabric of feudal systems–or presumably, any socioeconomic asymmetry–evokes something of a universal miniature, as any and all efforts of human influence fail to disturb the collective societal organism. In less oblique terms, the characters of Three Outlaw Samurai struggle, in vain, to bring change to an inequitable system. But to change an established cultural model is too large a task for the comparably frail constitutions of the human psyche–the latter bends first under the emotional and ideological force. Concepts, as posited by Gosha, can present a greater burden than what our mortal shells can sometimes bear, and few in accordance are willing to offer themselves sacrificially for the sake of perpetuating their beliefs; no one wants to fund social transition with a mortal toll. What's more, martyrdom becomes increasingly rare in an era where longevity and survival are chief. The individual, as evinced throughout Gosha's narrative, can be more than a bit pliable in terms of conviction, a creature that bends when its own wellbeing is put in jeopardy, and threats to one's comfort, in any realm, can quickly reallocate where loyalties are placed.
This notion of the idea being bigger than the body defines the philosophy behind Three Outlaw Samurai, for characters are presupposed to be mere carriers of certain social sentiments. Take for instance the title. At the picture's opening we're introduced to a rogue triad that could easily be taken for the eponymous samurai: they not only meet the numerical criterion, they also fight for justice against a prejudiced economic hierarchy; the many peasants living in such an oppressive caste paradigm suffer at the behest of royal indulgence. But by the film's defeatist denouement, the responsibility of this fight has translated to a completely different ternion. In this, Gosha demonstrates, how theories, especially those of hope, can be inherited in the same vein material can. Gosha's picture can thusly be seen as being socialistically driven, if not for its emphasis on proletariat strife then for its coursing utilitarian spirit–the fate of players seems latently karmic, with actions of selfish origin shown in a discriminate light when contrasted with those of more altruistic intent.
Bromidic, however, is the process through which Gosha examines these otherwise worthy overarching themes in way of both narrative and form. The characters, sans the actual titular trinity, function more as pawns than people, trite symbols of humanity's moral flexibility in facing their own demise. Their breakneck changes of affiliation, trading nobility for commodity and vice versa, may support the filmmaker's stance on the fragility of the flesh, but such decisions seem to be spawned more from caprice than cognition; decisions aren't the product of any logical process, just that of narrative propulsion. Much of the picture deals with characters making choices, choices that are of a seemingly insular nature that ultimately reverberate into interpersonal relevance. And yet this dynamic is never fused to the very societal structures that are inherently up for criticism. Rather, Gosha presents devolution and civil regression as the byproducts of institutionalized tyranny, using rudimentary visual cues to reflect how his once-proud samurai are now driven by selfish carnality. Treating humans as animals may beget animalistic humans–which would help explain why characters as well as the film as a whole merely commodify members of the fairer sex–but such mistreatment is only implied through blunt exposition and innuendo. If only he had the patience to explore this relationship with aplomb, the film's myriad betrayals might have carried more potency, be it dramatic or intellectual; the tonal cadence probably would've been benefitted as well.
The difficulty in critiquing Three Outlaw Samurai, at least in my mind, stems from its awkward admixture of sociopolitical acerbity and knowing genre-centric nods–freckles of humor adorn the contrarily dour cultural veneer. Gosha tends to handle the more intimate moments of humanity with hints of flippancy, sporadically injecting levity into what some might interpret to be more discrete scenarios. This, coupled with the hyperbolized graphic and aural punctuations–a focal shift from the dying face of a warrior to a freshly sprouting flower, to name one example, just can't be intended as sincere–adds an air of satire to the proceedings, though not enough to pass as germane commentary on the samurai cinema tent-pole. Whatever it may be, there's certainly an element absent in Three Outlaw Samurai, one that stifles its evocative literacy. Gosha's first theatrical vision shows glimpses of conceptual profundity, to be sure, but he's noticeably unrefined in way of impulse control, and much like his characters, sublimational touch.
The impoverished samurai await word from a magistrate, huddled in an aphotic forest weary from famine. Lit with compositional acuity, the image displays but outlines of the warriors and their wooded environ, delineating an eerie dichromatic portrait that, by way of compression, evokes the area's spatial complexity. This is a marquee moment in Three Outlaw Samurai, with the high contrast of its vivid whites and abyssal blacks projecting remarkably stable on this Criterion Blu-ray. Moreover, this sequence is indicative of the representation's overall adroitness in handling dark shots and infinitesimal detail – edges, both of swords and other objects alike, are sharp and free of apparent manipulation; they even attribute depth to some frames. The uncompressed soundtrack is also sturdy and, given the age of the film, rather immaculate in its freedom from distortion. As a whole, this transfer marks a fine coalescence of cinematic perseveration and representational proficiency, though I find these facets to be more denotative of the Criterion label than the film itself.
Not much doing here. Outside of an adequately contextualizing if not generously defensive essay by Bilge Ebiri, the release's only other feature is a token theatrical trailer. The inclusion of at least one insightful supplement would have been nice, though I understand certain limits exist in restoring films of somewhat rare complexion.


text:
Remember the picture of the Pratt Whitney Rocketdyne engines that looked an awful lot like a band of Daleks in disguise? That picture may have done a good job of making space shuttle engines look like a bunch of malevolent cyborgs, but there wasn't really anything in the photo to give you a sense of just how impressive these things really are.
Pictured up top is a close-up shot of one of the six engines you saw in the Dalek post [here it is in hi-res, perfect for your desktop background]. It's on its side so that it can be packed up and shipped off to Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, where it will be repurposed for use on NASA's new heavy lift rocket.
Shown here is the same engine being loaded into its transportation canister in the Engine Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Look at how enormous that thing is. Each one of these engines measures 4.3 meters long and 2.4 meters across, weighs in at close to four tons, and is capable of generating upwards of 400,000 lbf of thrust at liftoff.
There will be five of these babies strapped to the underside of NASA's Space Launch System, and they'll be supplementing two, 5-segment solid rocket boosters. This right here, folks, is how we send a citizen of Earth to Mars.
[Via NASA]


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The AMSOIL/Mopar Muscle Dyno Showdown - 8 Mopars
Numbers Don't Lie - Highlights and combos for eight more kick-ass Mopars
If you made it to the Mopar Nationals this year (and who didn't?), chances are you caught at least some of the action at the AMSOIL/Mopar Muscle Dyno Showdown. Our contest drew quite a crowd, and we had a good variety of Mopars competing for prizes and bragging rights in four categories. Located at the head of the manufacturer's midway, 24 Mopars spun the rollers of our chassis dyno during a rain-shortened competition.
When we came up with the rules for this year's competition, we wanted to allow all types of Mopars into the contest. Last year our contest had categories for street cars with power adders or without, and this year we added an Outlaw class for full-blown street cars and racecars, and a Diesel class for Cummins-powered trucks. In the Diesel class, we used the highest peak torque to determine the winner, and in all other classes, peak horsepower determined who came out on top. If you were lucky enough to see the action in person this year, you got quite a show. If not, be sure to attend next year's event and check out www.moparmuscle.com for photo and video footage of the 2013 contest.
This month, we'll highlight eight of the cars that competed in our Dyno Showdown in random order. We appreciate all of the competitors, and enjoyed seeing all of the Mopars that attended our contest. Check out each of these Mopars and the power they made and maybe you'll get some ideas for your next project.
Dean Darbee '72 Swinger
Dean Darbee from Greensburg, Kentucky, brought a beautiful '72 Dart Swinger to our contest, entering the Non Power Adder class. Dean's Dart is powered by a 367-inch small-block, with Eagle H-bean connecting rods, a Mopar Performance crankshaft, and SRP forged pistons, for a compression ratio of 11.0:1. Dean chose an Ultradyne solid flat-tappet cam for this small-block, with .559 lift and 247 degrees of duration at .050-inch lift. This engine is topped with "Indybrock" aluminum cylinder heads, an Edelbrock Super Victor intake, and a Promax prepped 820-cfm carburetor.
Running through Hooker headers and 2-inch exhaust, this Dart has run a best time of 11.21 seconds in the quarter-mile at 119 mph. Power is transferred to the T/A radial tires through an automatic transmission and 3.91 geared 8 rear with Moser axles. On the dyno, this Dart made 295 lb-ft of torque and over 360 horsepower at the rear wheels. This is a clean A-Body and we're sure it's fun to drive and race.
Larry Rose '70 Challenger
The Dodge Challenger that Larry Rose brought to our contest looks like a classic Mopar, but it has the heart of a late-model SRT-8 Challenger. Several years ago Larry was on the HOT ROD Power Tour, and the 440 in his Challenger got outrun by a Corvette. Deciding he needed more power, Larry installed a 6.1 Hemi in the car, and topped it with fully ported heads from Arrington, and a Magnuson supercharger. He also installed a full interior from a '10 Challenger in his '70 model Dodge, adding a modern theme to the classic E-Body look.
Knowing he'd need a stout suspension with this powerful combination, Larry chose Reilly Motorsports suspension components, QA1 shocks for all four corners, a Dana 60 differential, and Boze wheels shod with Goodyear tires. Running through a Tremec T-56 Magnum transmission, tti headers, and Magnaflow mufflers, this car not only looks fantastic, but drives great as well. Running in our Power Adder class, Larry's late-model powered Challenger made 460 lb-ft of torque, and a peak power number of more than 503 horsepower.
Chad Lee '67 Dart
Our Outlaw class was open to any Mopar, including dedicated race cars or cars with multiple power adders. Chad Lee from Shade, Ohio, races his '67 Dart in the foot-brake class of drag racing, where it has run a best time of 11.7 seconds at 112 mph in the quarter-mile. Equipped with a .030-inch over 340 with 12.5:1 compression, this small-block features forged pistons, a cast crankshaft, and is topped with cast iron heads. A Comp camshaft is installed in this 340, with double springs and roller rockers, and a Weiand intake and Holley 750 handle induction.
With a 904 transmission and 9-inch, 3,800-rpm converter, power is transferred to the rear tires through 4.86 gears and Weld wheels. There are some disadvantages to running a race car on a chassis dyno, as a loose stall converter and big, slick tires can have a negative affect power numbers. Even so, Chad's Dart managed to make 296 lb-ft of torque and more than 317 horsepower at the rear wheels.
Charles Taylor '10 Ram Sport
We had a variety of vehicles in this year's showdown, including this Hemi-powered 2010 Ram 1500 entered by Charles Taylor of VanWert, Ohio. Competing in the Non Power Adder class, this Ram is Charles' daily driver. The 5.7 in this Ram has been modified with an Arrington camshaft and cylinder heads. Charles also added a Predator electronic tune, and Mopar Performance cold-air intake system.
The Hemi engine runs through American Racing headers that dump into the stock exhaust and mufflers. The remainder of the drivetrain is as it came from the factory. The modifications to this truck are typical of what we see on many late-model Mopars, and resulted in a best dyno pull of 342 lb-ft of torque and 360 rear wheel horsepower.
Joseph Infantino '10 Challenger R/T
Late-model Dodge Challengers are regarded as some of the best looking and performing cars on the market today, and this 2010 model entered by Joseph Infantino from Navarre, Florida, is no exception. Running in the Power Adder class, this Challenger is Joseph's daily driver. He also enjoys attending car shows with his Dodge. After purchasing the Challenger, a ProCharger was added, but the original engine expired soon after. Joseph took advantage of this misfortune, having Arrington Performance build a new engine with forged internals. Southern Hotrod performed the necessary tuning, and the supercharger now pumps 10 psi of boost through the Hemi.
The suspension of this Challenger features Eibach parts on the front and rear, and a stock differential with 3.06 gears. The transmission and converter are stock, and the Hemi breaths through its factory exhaust manifolds and Magnaflow mufflers. On the dyno at The Nats, this combination was good for 471 lb-ft of torque and over 466 horsepower at the rear wheels, making this Challenger a fun ride.
Randy Holloway '71 Demon
Randy Holloway from Salem, Virginia, took five years to build his exceptional looking '71Demon, and enjoys driving the car on nice days and showing it as much as possible. Fed by an impressive looking 6-71 blower and dual quads, this .030-inch over 440 features a forged crankshaft, Eagle H-beam connecting rods, and Keith Black 8.2:1 compression forged pistons. A Mopar Performance Purple Shaft cam actuates the valves in the stock cast-iron cylinder heads, and a Milodon oil system keeps the engine lubricated.
Breathing through tti headers and Flowmaster mufflers, power is transferred to the rear wheels through an 833 four-speed with a Pistol Grip shifter. Looking impressive with the big blower, everyone was eager to see what kind of power this combination would make as it ran in our Power Adder class. Unfortunately, Randy's car started missing on the dyno, due to apparent fuel starvation, and had to abort its only dyno pull early. Making 433 lb-ft of torque this engine showed potential, but didn't make the two pulls required by our rules.
Jan Niceswanger '65 Coronet
Jan Niceswanger of Newark, Ohio, brought this awesome looking '65 Dodge Coronet to compete in the Outlaw class. His 572-inch Hemi is filled with an Eagle crankshaft and rods, Diamond pistons, and a Comp roller cam. The engine was built by Ken Lazzeri of Indy Cylinder Head, and is topped with ported Indy heads, and a dual-quad Mod-man intake manifold.
The remainder of this Coronet is race prepped, with a Strange 60 differential, TorqueFlite transmission, and ATI 8-inch torque converter. The car is lightened with a Sled City fiberglass front bumper and hood, and it's all painted Viper red. Competing in B/NSS, Jan runs the 10.50 index with this Coronet, but it has the potential, and has, run much quicker. On the chassis dyno, Jan's Coronet posted some impressive numbers, making 469 lb-ft of torque and 564 horsepower at the back tires.
Isaac Busby '84 Ram
Isaac Busby's '84 Dodge wasn't originally equipped with a Cummins diesel engine. Isaac had to convert the truck, which is no easy task given the number of modifications necessary to shoehorn a Cummins into a W-series truck. Other than the work it took to install the Cummins in his truck, Isaac modified his Ram with aftermarket off-road suspension components, and modified the Cummins with aftermarket parts as well. With intake, exhaust, and waste-gate modifications, this truck was poised to make big torque.
On the chassis dyno, Isaac's Dodge belched a little black smoke, and spun the rollers to 258 horsepower, and a stump-pulling 603 lb-ft of torque. This is a cool truck, and we thank Isaac for entering it in the showdown.
We'd like to thank the sponsors and all of the competitors in our second annual AMSOIL/Mopar Muscle Dyno Showdown. This contest is also a work in progress, so we'd like input from our readers as to any rules changes, additional classes, or coverage that they'd like to see in next year's event. Remember, Mopar Muscle is your magazine, and the events we host and sponsor are your events, so be sure to let us know what you think.


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In peril and fading fast
Funny, how in a matter of 48 hours, everything changes. On Friday Yankee Universe was in a state of euphoria. Fast forward to now and Yankee Universe is in a state of flux.
The Yankees had no times to rest after ousting the Baltimore Orioles in the ALDS, but still celebrated with happiness and champagne in the clubhouse. The good feeling of moving on to the last round before the World Series was short-lived however, given the circumstances surrounding the first two games of the American League Championship Series.
New York dropped Game 1 of the ALCS on Saturday night, even after staging an incredible game-tying comeback in the ninth inning, and then proceeded to drop Game 2 yesterday without plating a run.
Just like that, the Yankees are down 0-2 in a best-of-seven, heading into the Motor City.
There are several reasons – well, culprits – for the Yanks' deficit. It's difficult to single out just one player, or one event in which the Yankees squandered a chance to take a lead or win an ALCS game. Therefore, it's only fitting to place the blame on all those who deserve it – basically all of the Yankee hitters that are guilty of folding in key spots.
Nick Swisher
On Saturday in the top of the 12th, the game tied 4-4, Nick Swisher misplayed a ball struck by Delmon Young in right field. Miguel Cabrera scored as a result and later in the frame Don Kelly came to the plate on a single by Andy Dirks.
The miscue proved to be the difference in the game, the Yankees losing Game 1, 6-4.
The situation may have been forgivable had it not cost the Yankees the game – and if Swisher wasn't batting .154 with eight strikeouts, no homers, and one RBI for the playoffs. What added a fair amount of fuel to the fire was the fact that later in the inning the Yankees' worst nightmare manifested itself, Derek Jeter suffering a postseason-ending ankle fracture.
Swisher didn't help his cause, not only barely acknowledging the bleacher creatures before Game 2, but also claiming the fans blamed him for Jeter's injury.
"I missed that ball in the lights and the next thing you know I'm the reason that Jeter got hurt. It's kind of frustrating. They were saying it was my fault."
Nobody can rightfully blame Swisher for Jeter's injury; it wasn't his fault, and injuries in baseball can never be predicted. However, Swisher shouldn't make excuses or in any way call out the fans. The media jumped all over it, saying he blamed the fans for his current trifles.
He's always been a fan-favorite, but there's already been plenty of chatter about whether or not Swisher will return next year. If he doesn't turn things around in Game 3 and moving forward, his leave will not be very gracious; Swisher might bow out of the Bronx in a not-so-endearing fashion.
Curtis Granderson
In the final game of the ALDS on Friday Curtis Granderson lifted a solo home run to help put the Orioles away. Many Yankee fans probably thought the round-tripper was the end of his terrible funk, considering he struck out nine times in the Division Series with a batting average of .158.
If the fans thought that, they were wrong.
Granderson hasn't yet recorded a base hit in the ALCS, and added five more strikeouts in seven at-bats. His BA has sunk to a measly .115 and his on-base percentage is a joke: .207.
While I was covering a high school football game on Friday, I happened to be standing on the sidelines next to the school's baseball coach. Before the football game began we were discussing Granderson's batting stance and mechanics. The coach mentioned that Granderson's stance and his swing look incredibly awkward, and he's always trying to uppercut the ball.
This writer can't argue. Looking at each of his strikeouts this postseason, he's whiffing on breaking balls in the dirt, swinging under them; almost as if he's trying swing a nine iron, and horribly missing the tee. His swing isn't level and it's costing him.
His offensive neurosis is inexplicable but in a lot of ways isn't surprising. Granderson homered 43 times during the regular season and knocked in 106 runs. But if you sum up his home run and RBI total, it doesn't even add up to the number of times he struck out this season: 195.
Bottom line, when he hits, he hits. When he misses, boy does he miss. And he has been missing a lot lately – the wrong time to go ice cold.
Robinson Cano
Another classic case of a hitter going from juggernaut to jugger-not.
Robinson Cano set a career-high in home runs in 2012 with 33 and finished the year with a solid .313 batting average. He closed out the regular season with a bang, homering twice while knocking in six in a 14-2 win over the Red Sox – a nice hitting show to end the year.
Too bad it was curtains for Cano's hitting show once the postseason began.
The Yankees' second baseman is batting a mind-boggling .063 this postseason with no hits thus far in the ALCS. Instead of lifting the ball he has been beating it into the ground for easy outs, mostly pulling it to the right side for the first baseman to make unassisted plays.
Unlike Granderson, Cano's offensive slump has been surprising. He has always had an easy, effortless, and otherwise sweet swing. It seems as though he's been swinging late at pitches he normally hits, fouling them off then missing them altogether.
If the Yankees want to win, he needs to straighten himself out. Cano has been the best hitter on the team throughout the year – and when your best hitter isn't hitting, winning is rare. Trailing by two games in the ALCS, Cano must come alive, because .063 just will not cut it.
Alex Rodriguez
Notorious for being a poor producer in the month of October, minus 2009, it doesn't come as a shock that Alex Rodriguez is struggling as much as he is. It seems as if every key spot which requires the Yankees to score a run comes down to A-Rod – and in each of those spots, he fails.
Unfortunately, with every failure comes boos and jeers from the Yankee faithful.
Rodriguez struck out nine times in the ALDS and tacked on three more Ks in the first two ALCS games. Not that it's saying much, but his batting average (.130) is at least better than Granderson's and Cano's. He hasn't doubled, tripled, homered, or driven in any runs this postseason.
At this point, it's a safe bet to say it's a mental issue with Rodriguez. Even at his worst times, he has never been this bad.
Is he pressing and trying to do too much in every trip to the plate? Yes.
Is he really this bad, though? I don't know.
In Game 5 of the ALDS Rodriguez was benched – which I saw mostly as a "mental health day," hoping he'd take the day off and come back with a vengeance. It proved to be ineffective as it was, because he went right back to not hitting when the ALCS started.
At this point, I don't know what the answer is for A-Rod. Hitting Coach Kevin Long can only do so much, and extra batting practice can only go so far. Rodriguez's swings are some of the weakest hacks I've seen him take.
My advice would be to get him to a psychiatrist. Or maybe just give him a hug and hope for the best.
Other Problems
- Derek Jeter is out for the remainder of the playoffs. It comes as a huge blow to the Yankees, being that the Captain was one of the only players actually hitting. Jeter left the postseason with a .333 BA, a double, a triple, and two RBIs. His ankle fracture will take three months to recover from, and he won't be with the team in Detroit. The Captain will be in Charlotte, NC seeing a specialist for his injured ankle.
- Second base umpire Jeff Nelson made a costly mistake in Game 2 yesterday, calling Omar Infante safe when he was obviously out, trying to get back to the base. The blown call proved to be a game-changer because the Tigers, clinging to a small, 1-0 lead in the inning, went on to score two runs following the blunder. Not that Nelson should be blamed for the Yankees' dead offense, but different scenarios are possible with a 1-0 lead and a 3-0 lead in the late innings – just ask Raul Ibanez.
- RoboCop…errm…Justin Verlander is starting Game 3. Verlander, the reigning Cy Young Award winner and AL MVP doesn't exactly have his work cut out for him; not that he ever really does, considering how dominant he always is. Facing a nearly extinct Yankee offense without Jeter, Verlander and the Tigers must feel invincible going into tomorrow night's game.
- The Yankees stranded 12 runners on base in just three instances in Game 1, leaving the bases loaded three times. With that, they made postseason history. And no, not in the good way.
On the Bright Side?
- CC Sabathia will start Game 4. Even if the Yankees drop Game 3 tomorrow, it's possible they salvage a game in this ALCS, what with the big ace on the hill in Game 4.
- June 3. Phil Hughes pitched a complete game, four-hit shutout in Detroit, the Yankees winning 5-1 – a victory over Verlander. He'll match up again with Verlander tomorrow night; the history on the Yankees' side.
- The starting pitching overall this postseason. All four of the Yankee starters have gone out and given the team a chance to win. In fact, every start has been a quality start. The problem lies in run support, as the root of the losing problem stems from the non-existent offense.
Nothing has really fallen the Yankees' way over the first two ALCS games. Perhaps losing Game 2 will be a wake-up call, and the bats will come alive; the offense finally breaking out and scoring some runs for the battling starting pitchers.
Maybe Joe Girardi needs to call an angry meeting. Maybe A-Rod needs therapy. Maybe Brian Cashman needs to storm the clubhouse and recreate the scene from Moneyball that portrays A's General Manager Billy Beane lighting a fire under his players, calling them out on their dead bats.
Something needs to happen. Or else this could very well be the end of the 2012 Yankees.


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Richard H. Podolsky Tuesday April 08, 2014 – North American Wind Power
In response to a precipitous decline of the lesser prairie-chicken (LPC), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced on March 27 that it is listing the species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under the ESA, a "threatened" designation means the species is likely to become in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future. Threatened-species status represents a step below "endangered" and, as such, carries fewer restrictions.
Nevertheless, the listing of any species under the ESA has immediate and long-term implications for both energy and agriculture interests. And because the LPC resides in the wind-rich lands of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, rest assured that listing will impact wind developers now and until the species recovers and is de-listed or it goes extinct.
Why the fuss?
According to FWS Director Dan Ashe, "The lesser prairie-chicken is in dire straits." Last year, the range-wide population declined to a record low of 17,616 birds, an almost 50% reduction from the 2012 population estimate. This once-abundant relative of the greater prairie-chicken, greater sage-grouse (GHG) and other "prairie grouse" species has been reduced by an estimated 84-90% from its historical levels as a result of the human-induced degradation of its preferred habitat. And with land-use pressure from energy development, and agriculture and urbanization on the increase in the West, the prognosis for LPC remains bleak.
Historically, LPC were common in sand sagebrush-bluestem and within shinnery oak-bluestem vegetation types. Currently, LPC are most common in dwarf shrub and mixed grasses on sandy soils, as well as in short-grass or mixed-grass habitats on loamy or clayey soils. In Colorado and Kansas, LPC are typically restricted to sand sagebrush communities dominated by sand dropseed, side oats grama and blue grama. Recently in the northern fringe of its range, LPC have moved into mixed-grass prairie and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields. And although all these vegetation elements are important to LPC, the thing they need more of than almost anything else is what is increasingly in short supply – large and contiguous expanses of undisturbed habitat. In order for LPC to sustain viable populations, it is estimated they need contiguous units of their preferred habitat that are a minimum of 25,000-50,000 acres in area, or coincidentally, about the size of an average wind farm in the Great Plains. A century ago, the heath hen, a New England relative of the LPC, went extinct due to similar cumulative impacts resulting from destruction of its preferred habitat.
As early as next year, this same ESA-listing scenario may play out with another increasingly rare western bird, the greater sage-grouse (GSG). However, the impact of that listing will be even more far reaching because GSG will be listed as an endangered species, as opposed to threatened species for LPC. Also, GSG and their preferred habitats are found in 11 states, as opposed to five states for LPC.
Death from above
While habitat quality and habitat size are critical, LPC live in such mortal fear of being preyed upon by hawks and eagles that they will abandon otherwise-suitable habitat simply because it contains an elevated perch that a bird of prey may someday land on and hunt from. This means that vertical structures of almost any kind, be it a wind turbine or telecommunication tower, will render otherwise-suitable habitat unusable by LPC. Studies have indicated that LPC habitat is also degraded by proximity to roadways, buildings, and oil and gas fields.
The upshot of these ecological proclivities is that, according to the FWS' LPC Conservation Plan, once a site has been designated as LPC habitat, it is recommended that "avoidance buffers" be established between such sites and the following human impacts: 300 feet to the nearest gravel road; 600 feet to the nearest distribution line or residential building; 900 feet to the nearest oil or gas pad; 1,800 feet to the nearest transmission line; 2,250 feet to the nearest paved road; and 3,000 feet to the nearest wind farm, commercial building or tall telecommunication tower.
These large buffers were derived from careful scientific study of the observed responses of LPC to these various land-use features. The proposed buffers are particularly large for wind farms and telecommunication towers because studies showed that LPC were particularly sensitive to them. These 3,000-foot buffers will invariably result in fewer turbines and tall towers in areas that also host LPC populations or their preferred habitat.
Reducing the impact to wind developers
Due to a special deal struck in 2013 (under section 4(d) of the ESA), the regulatory impact to wind power companies from formal ESA listing will be somewhat less than it would have been otherwise. Yet, by no means will it be "business as usual" for wind power in any of the states that host remaining populations of LPC. Specifically, the special 4(d) rule will allow the five states to continue to manage conservation efforts for the species under the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' (WAFWA) range-wide conservation plan.
The WAFWA conservation plan was developed by a consortium of experts from all five states and with input from a wide range of stakeholders. Regarding the special 4(d) WAFWA deal, Ashe said, "Working through the WAFWA range-wide conservation plan, the states remain in the driver's seat for managing the species – more than has ever been done before – and participating landowners and developers are not impacted with additional regulatory requirements. We expect these plans to work for business, landowners and the conservation of prairie-chickens."
Credits for the good, debits for the bad
Under the WAFWA Mitigation Framework, a metric system of debits and credits has been established whereby land-use actions that result in an impact to LPC and their habitats will generate debits, whereas land-use practices that result in impact avoidance or improvements to LPC habitat will generate WAFWA credits. In doing so, WAFWA is providing opportunities for both the exchange and conservation banking of debits and credits.
The bottom line
The listing of the LPC as a threatened species is the inevitable result of a century or more of cumulative human impacts. Therefore, wind companies considering developing or investing in any project site that may support LPC or LPC-preferred habitat are advised to conduct all requested pre-construction site assessments, perform all post-construction monitoring, report any bird fatalities to FWS as required by law, and proactively engage in the WAFWA Mitigation Framework. It is particularly vital to hire certified ecologists who know LPC ecology, have worked in the states where LPC reside, and are intimately familiar with endangered species biology, WAFWA and the ESA.
Dr. Richard H. Podolsky is a certified senior ecologist who specializes in endangered species biology and is CEO of Avian Systems, a biological consulting firm that conducts bird and bat surveys. Podolsky can be reached at podolsky©att.net or (207) 475-5555.
Photo credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Original Article Here: http://nawindpower.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.12826


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Dish Network Corp.'s agreement to buy Blockbuster Inc.'s assets out of bankruptcy could keep the movie-rental chain and its blue-and-gold logo from disappearing.
But whether the No. 3 pay TV company can use Blockbuster's brand, stores and streaming-video capabilities to create a service more relevant to today's quickly evolving viewer habits remains to be seen.
The latest news from around North Texas.
Dish, headed by billionaire Charles Ergen, won a two-day auction for Blockbuster that stretched into the early hours of Wednesday morning with a bid valued at $228 million in cash.
Dish beat out billionaire investor Carl Icahn and a group of debt holders for the Dallas movie-rental chain, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September.
Icahn had teamed with a group of liquidators. Analysts say it was likely he would have liquidated the company. Dish has more of a vested interest in keeping Blockbuster a going concern.
But analysts are split about whether Dish will keep the stores themselves open.
"Dish has zero retail capability at present, and therefore lacks the scale or synergies to benefit from the operation of Blockbuster retail stores," Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter said.
He said the company might just want Blockbuster's movie-streaming service and was likely emboldened by the $290 million initial bid from debt holders that started the auction.
"(Dish) decided that rather than buying the streaming capability and the Blockbuster brand name from another party, it could bid for the entire company and offer the store inventory to another bidder at a later date," he said.
Pachter thinks that Dish will liquidate stores by the end of the year. But others thought Dish might keep at least some stores open.
"In order to get the most from the investment, Dish Network needs to keep the Blockbuster brand top of mind with consumers, and that means in kiosks in drug stores and physical store locations," Wall Street Strategies analyst Brian Sozzi said.
Either way, Dish and Ergen, who also chairs former Dish parent EchoStar, is gambling the deal can help reinvent Dish as consumers' TV and movie-watching habits evolve.
The company, with 14.1 million subscribers, is facing a maturing pay-TV industry as more TV and movie watchers go online or subscribe to services like Hulu and Netflix.
In 2010 new Dish subscribers fell 2 percent, hurt by aggressive discounts by competitors as satellite TV players duke it out for subscribers.
Dish offers an online service at Dishonline.com with 150,000 movies, TV shows, clips and trailers. It also offers video-on-demand and pay-per-view services. It could use Dallas-based Blockbuster's streaming service to expand its online offerings.
Whatever its plans, Dish is taking on a company that is a shadow of its former self.
When Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy protection, it was down to 3,000 stores, less than a third of the peak of 9,100 in 2004. There are about 2,400 currently open with plans to close about 700 more by mid-April.
Blockbuster used to dominate the U.S. movie rental business. But it lost money for years as that business declined because customers shifted to Netflix Inc., video on demand and DVD rental kiosks.
In a statement about its Blockbuster bid, Dish Executive Vice President Tom Cullen made specific mention of Blockbuster's stores.
"With its more than 1,700 store locations, a highly recognizable brand and multiple methods of delivery, Blockbuster will complement our existing video offerings while presenting cross-marketing and service extension opportunities for Dish Network," Cullen said.
But Dish has not yet laid out specific plan for the company. Dish spokeswoman Francie Bauer said the Englewood, Colo.-based company would not comment further since the deal must receive bankruptcy court approval.
A hearing for that approval is set for Thursday, and Dish expects the deal to close in the second quarter.


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Surgeons of sauce: Docs spice up BBQ
2 comments
Gas Bag Self Ordained Expert June 6th, 2011 | 3:04pm
I hope it's not too hot. The spicy stuff gives me indigestion.
etta June 9th, 2011 | 4:05pm
They have several varieties. The Original one is my fave because, like you, I can't tolerate the hot stuff. I will tell you that those who prefer it hot rave about the Sweet and Spicy. The gift pack is perfect to take as a house gift when you travel..a little local "flavor".This stuff is sensational. (and I'm not related to either doctor).


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Trade Show Golf and Polo Shirts
Trade show polo shirts act as clear indicators that the people wearing them are associated with a particular exhibitor or participating organization. Available in unisex styles, we also offer custom fits for men and women to ensure a flattering look. Also, be sure to check out our ladies' organic cotton trade show polo shirts, available in six different colors. These products are soft and lightweight, and 100% organic on top of that. Great for any company that seeks to be environmentally conscious, these items are especially appropriate for environmental non-profits. You can upload your artwork and have a sample delivered to your office to see and touch the product and embroidery in person. If you don't have time for all that, browse our selection of RocketShip Tradeshow Favorites, available for free 24-hour rush delivery.


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Boothbay Shipyard workers: Bounty captain refused repairs
HMS Bounty sank weeks after leaving shipyard
A Maine shipyard official says the frame of a replica 18th-century sailing ship that sank during Hurricane Sandy was rotted.
Todd Kosakowski told federal investigators Wednesday he discovered the rot when the HMS Bounty underwent repairs at Boothbay Harbor Shipyard in Maine.
The ship was having several planks replaced before heading to Florida. He says he showed the ship's captain what he found, but the captain chose not to have it fixed before departing because of the expense and time it would have taken.
The ship later sank 90 miles off Cape Hatteras, N.C., during the October storm.
One member of the HMS Bounty's 16-person-crew died and the captain was never found. The ship was built for the 1962 film "Mutiny on the Bounty" and appeared in other seafaring dramas.


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Forgot a link: http://www.house.gov/hasc/openingstatement...09-26clark.html
I've embolden the important parts
Mr. Chairman, Representative Skelton, Distinguished Members of this Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. This is a Committee that has been strongly supportive of the men and women in uniform, and I want to thank you personally for the assistance and support that you gave me, and have given so many others.
In October 1994, Saddam Hussein moved several Republican Guards divisions back into the attack positions just north of the Kuwaiti border, the same attack positions that had been occupied just prior to Iraqs invasion of Kuwait in 1990. It was a foolish and to our minds unexpected and threatening move. We quickly deployed additional military forces to the region, preparing to enter a full-fledged battle against Iraq to defend Kuwait, and we also went to the United Nations. After a few tense days Saddam backed off, the divisions were removed, and we acted through the United Nations to further tighten the no-fly zone and regulate Iraqi troop movements.
But it was a signal warning about Saddam Hussein: he is not only malevolent and violent, but also unpredictable. He retains his chemical and biological warfare capabilities and is actively pursuing nuclear capabilities. Were he to acquire such capabilities, we and our friends in the region would face greatly increased risks. Saddam might use such weapons as a deterrent while launching attacks against Israel or his neighbors, he might threaten American forces in the region, he might strike directly against Israel, or Israel, weighing the possibilities of nuclear blackmail or aggression, might feel compelled to strike Iraq first.
Saddam has been pursuing nuclear weapons for over twenty years. According to all estimates made available he does not now have these weapons. The best public assessment is that if he were to acquire fissionable material he might field some type of weapon within two years. If he has to enrich the uranium ore itself, then a period of perhaps five years might be required.
But what makes the situation relatively more dangerous today is that the UN weapons inspectors, who provided some assistance in impeding his development programs, have been absent from Iraq for over four years. And the sanctions regime, designed to restrict his access to weapons materials and the resources needed to procure them, has continuously eroded.
At some point, it may become possible for Saddam to acquire the fissionable materials or uranium ore that he needs. And therefore, Iraq is not a problem that can be indefinitely postponed.
In addition, Saddam Husseins current retention of chemical and biological weapons and their respective delivery systems violates the UN resolutions themselves, which carry the weight of international law.**Our President has emphasized the urgency of eliminating these weapons and weapons programs. I strongly support his efforts to encourage the United Nations to act on this problem.
And in taking this to the United Nations, the Presidents clear determination to act if the United Nations cant provides strong leverage undergirding further diplomatic efforts.
But the problem of Iraq is only an element of the broader security challenges facing our country. We have an unfinished, world-wide war against Al Qaeda, a war that has to be won in conjunction with friends and allies, and that ultimately be won by persuasion as much as by force, when we turn off the Al Qaeda recruiting machine.
Some three thousand deaths on September 11th testify to the real danger from Al Qaeda, and as all acknowledge, Al Qaeda has not yet been defeated. Thus far, substantial evidence has not been made available to link Saddams regime to the Al Qaeda network. And while such linkages may emerge, winning the war against Al Qaeda may well require different actions than ending the weapons programs in Iraq.*The critical issue facing the Unites States now is how to force action against Saddam Hussein and his weapons programs without detracting from our focus on Al Qaeda or efforts to deal with other immediate, mid and long-term security problems. In this regard, I would offer the following considerations:
 - The United States diplomacy in the United Nations will be further strengthened if the Congress can adopt a resolution expressing US determination to act if the United Nations will not. The use of force must remain a US option under active consideration. The resolution need not at this point authorize the use of force, but simply agree on the intent to authorize the use of force, if other measures fail. The more focused the resolution on Iraq and the problem of weapons of mass destruction, the greater its utility in the United Nations. The more nearly unanimous the resolution, the greater its impact in the diplomatic efforts underway.
- The President and his national security team must deploy imagination, leverage, and patience in crafting UN engagement. In the near term, time is on our side, and we should endeavor to use the UN if at all possible. This may require a period of time for inspections or even the development of a more intrusive inspection program, if necessary backed by force. This is foremost an effort to gain world-wide legitimacy for US concerns and possible later action, but it may also impede Saddams weapons programs and further constrain his freedom of action. Yes, there is a risk that inspections would fail to provide the evidence of his weapons programs, but the difficulties of dealing with this outcome are more than offset by opportunity to gain allies and support in the campaign against Saddam. If efforts to resolve the problem by using the United Nations fail, either initially or ultimately, the US should form the broadest possible coalition, including its NATO allies and the North Atlantic Council if possible, to bring force to bear.
Force should not be used until the personnel and organizations to be involved in post-conflict Iraq are identified and readied to assume their responsibilities. This includes requirements for humanitarian assistance, police and judicial capabilities, emergency medical and reconstruction assistance, and preparations for a transitional governing body and eventual elections, perhaps including a new constitution. Ideally, international and multinational organizations will participate in the readying of such post-conflict operations, including the UN, NATO, and other regional and Islamic organizations.
Force should be used as the last resort; after all diplomatic means have been exhausted, unless information indicates that further delay would present an immediate risk to the assembled forces and organizations. This action should not be categorized as preemptive.**Once initiated, any military operation should aim for the most rapid accomplishment of its operational aims and prompt turnover to follow-on organizations and agencies.
If we proceed as outlined above, we may be able to minimize the disruption to the ongoing campaign against Al Qaeda, reduce the impact on friendly governments in the region, and even contribute to the resolution of other regional issues such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, Iranian efforts to develop nuclear capabilities, and Saudi funding for terrorism. But there are no guarantees. The war is unpredictable and could be difficult and costly. And what is at risk in the aftermath is an open-ended American ground commitment in Iraq and an even deeper sense of humiliation in the Arab world, which could intensify our problems in the region and elsewhere.
I look forward to answering questions and helping the Committee assess the costs and risks of the alternatives before us.
House Armed Services Committee
2120 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
A New American Patriotism
Today, America faces serious challenges. Our nation has endured the deadliest attack in its history. We feel our security threatened here at home for the first time since the Cuban Missile Crisis. In fact all across America we see huge problems and yet our President says everything is just fine.
Well I don't have to tell you that everything isn't fine.
In President Bush's America, 44 million of Americans have no health insurance. And that's not fine.
In President Bush's America, nearly 3 million private sector jobs have been lost in three years, more than at anytime since Herbert Hoover was President. And that's not fine.
In President Bush's America, 35 million people are in poverty - more than at any time in our history. And that's not fine.
In President Bush's America, 12 million children live below the poverty line, and in the greatest and richest country in the world, that is definitely not fine.
So we have big challenges. Some of the biggest we've ever faced. Meeting these challenges is going to take new leadership, new ideas, and a new spirit of patriotism. I'm running for President because I believe I can offer the first two: new leadership, armed with new ideas.
But the third thing-what I call a New American Patriotism-is something that comes not only from our leaders but from our citizens, from Americans like you, who work the long hours, make the tough choices, and make the sacrifices to give your children, and all our children, a better future.
As I travel across this country, I see a new spirit of patriotism in the American people. I see it in the Americans who speak their minds, demand more of their leaders, and serve their country.
This New American Patriotism recognizes that democracy demands discussion, disagreement, and dissent. There is a nothing more American-nothing more patriotic-than speaking out in defense of freedom, questioning authority, and holding your leaders accountable.
This patriotism is born of a love of country. To me, loving your country means more than wanting it to be strong. It means being respected around the world.
It means wanting every American to have an honest chance here at home-a fair shot at a great education, a rewarding job, an opportunity to provide for your family and give something back to your community.
One of the things that I loved about the Army is that everyone, from every background, had a chance to advance. Let me tell you, that sense of equality, the sense that it's not who you know but what you know that counts does a lot for morale-and a lot for performance.
The same ideal applies to our country. There are great inequalities in America-vast wealth and deep poverty. But that doesn't have to divide us-as long as everyone has an opportunity, a chance to succeed.
My love for country is what led me to join the Army. I love our troops and honor our veterans. They're doing everything we asked them to do. But I'm very concerned about the direction our country is headed at home and abroad. And I'll talk more about that - particularly the situation in Iraq and the war on terror - in the days to come.
Today, however, I want to speak about strengthening our economy-and, even more, about strengthening the values that we bring to the challenge. I've been talking in recent weeks about the jobs crisis, which is my first priority; but the jobs situation is also part of a broader crisis in Washington, which is the total collapse of fiscal responsibility and accountability that we expect from our leaders.
I want talk to you about how America got into this fix-and about the principles that will help lead us out of it.
America's Economic Engines
First, let me make one thing clear. Despite everything that's wrong today, I am as optimistic as I've ever been about our future-because I believe in the ability of the hard-working men and women of this country, the union members and entrepreneurs, the farmers and the factory workers to restore our nation's economy, to fire up its engines, and to create jobs and wealth and hope again.
There is no nation in the world with our productive power. No competitor that can match us in our creativity.
For more than a century, we've been the world's greatest industrial power. A little more than a decade ago, we led the world into the Information Age. And I am confident: the next revolution will be waged on our terms.
So I disagree with any who say our best days are behind us. I disagree with the pessimists who say that we're on a long slide we can't get off of, a long slide that ends in insolvency. That's just not true-so long as we muster the will to change leaders, change paths, and work together to turn our nation around. In short, I am bullish on America, but I am bullish on America only if we make the right decisions for our economy.
Finding the Path to Prosperity
Almost thirty years ago, I was teaching economics at West Point and then worked for a year in the federal government. I wanted to see for myself how fiscal decisions get made at the highest levels. Probably sounds like pretty dry stuff.
But I believed then, as I do even more strongly today, that the budget is more than numbers on a balance sheet-it's a declaration of priorities. Policies are really just tools to advance your values.
What does a President really care about? Where's he willing to commit America's resources? It's right there in the budget because what you're willing to spend money on defines who you are.
Unfortunately, back then, the numbers didn't look so good. It was the start of a long period of slow productivity growth and rising inequality. Since the 1970s, the economy has grown vigorously. But most of the benefit has gone to the wealthiest, not to working families. From 1973 to 1993, our economy ballooned 71 percent. But the typical family's income only rose five percent.
But then, under the Democrats and President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, we made the tough choices to put our country back on track.
For the first time in a generation, we got our fiscal house in order-turning record deficits into record surpluses, paying down the national debt, and doing it in a way that allowed us to increase our investments in other priorities, from education to worker training, and from R&D to medical research.
At the same time, Democrats put policies in place to help harness the increasingly rapid explosion in global communications, financial markets, and trade.
Over that period, the economy created more than 23 million new jobs-about 140,000 of them right here in New Hampshire. Maybe some of you hold one of those jobs. Across America, typical families were earning $7,700 more in 2000 than they had eight years before.
And for the first time in a long time, the rising tide of our economy lifted all boats: every income group - especially the hardest pressed- saw their incomes increase. Poverty fell to its lowest level in a quarter century.
Losing Our Way
It was a golden moment: the longest economic expansion in history, and for a time it seemed like it could go on forever. It appeared that incomes would keep on rising, poverty would keep on falling, the number of jobs would keep on growing, and the surplus would keep on expanding.
Fiscal responsibility paid big rewards. Lesson learned-right?
Wrong. Some people took the wrong lesson from what went right.
One of them ran for President in 2000.
George W. Bush told America we really could have it all: massive tax cuts for the wealthiest people; lots of spending on education; Social Security, saved for another generation; and big budget surpluses as far as the eye could see.
FDR ran on the New Deal. Harry Truman promised a Fair Deal.
George W. Bush ran on the Free Lunch.
The Free Lunch, it turns out, was a bunch of baloney.
That's what Mr. Bush campaigned on-the free lunch. He told Americans we could have everything he promised, and his administration would still run a surplus. In 1999, when Mr. Bush started running for President, he said, and I quote, "We can show Washington how to handle a budget surplus."
Unfortunately, that's one promise he kept. Just like he said he would, President Bush has frittered away the greatest budget surplus in American history.
But there were other promises Mr. Bush didn't keep. When he took office, it became clear he didn't have any plans for paying down the national debt; he didn't have any plans for saving Social Security; and he didn't have any plans to pay for his education program.
All he had was his massive tax cut. Three of them, actually. One after the other, each benefiting most those who didn't need it - the wealthiest Americans.
The typical family received $50 a month from the Bush tax cuts. The wealthiest Americans only got $5,000 a month. And ask any of them - they didn't need it. The cost was greatest to those who needed it most: our children and our seniors. And it was borrowed money - that our children will have to repay.
The White House said the tax cuts would restore our economy - and not to worry about the cost. But that was the first of many shifting positions.
First the White House said there would be no deficit.
Then they said there would be a small deficit-"small and short-term."
They said there would be a big deficit, but they could make it disappear.
And finally - now get this - they actually began saying that deficits don't matter.
What does it say about our values when in 2004 we can borrow $50 billion for tax cuts for the most privileged - those who don't need it - but we can't afford basic funding for emergency responders?
What does it say about our values when we can borrow to provide $100,000 tax cuts for the typical millionaire -- but we can't afford to pay for airport security ... or to stand by the veterans who've always stood by our country ... or our children's education under the Leave No Child Behind Act ... or to fund AmeriCorps. What does it say when the President asks men and women to give up their jobs to fight in Iraq.
It doesn't say anything good!
It's a tale of two numbers: in early 2001, the ten-year budget surplus was projected to be more than $5 trillion. But after tax cuts, a recession, and the cost of the war on Iraq, the ten-year projection is now for a deficit of $5 trillion-a swing of about $10 trillion. Not million, not billion. But $10 trillion.
Now, the White House tells us that they couldn't have predicted there'd be a terrorist strike on our soil, and couldn't have predicted that we'd have two wars. And of course that's true. But one of the wars was their choice - and unnecessary!
And what Mr. Bush did, by pushing his tax cuts, was to leave America unprepared for the challenges that came-and the challenges still to come. Like the cost of the retirement of the Baby Boomers-of paying for their Social Security and Medicare. We've seen that coming for a long time.
Mr. Bush turned his back on a winning strategy.
He slashed taxes for the rich, instead of reducing the national debt that we, and especially our children, all end up paying for. He tried to privatize Social Security, not to save it. He protects special interests instead of protecting the environment. He doesn't understand what America stands for.
Last month, I visited an American Airlines maintenance facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company's three major unions recently agreed to $1.8 billion in concessions to help keep the airline afloat. Some of the employees volunteered to take up to a 17 percent pay cut to just hold their jobs -- even at the cost of personal bankruptcy.
At the same time the unions were making these sacrifices, the airline was giving management huge retention bonuses. Well, when word got out, that was bad for business. But it's also bad for America - for our sense of justice and fair play, and self-respect.
The America I believe in doesn't abandon its workers. It doesn't abandon its obligations to its oldest citizens, people who have worked hard all their lives.
The America I believe in doesn't saddle our children, and their children, with a crushing burden of debt.
A group of business executives recently warned that long-term deficits could mean that for the first time in American history, a generation of children will be worse off than their parents. That's the opposite of the American dream I grew up believing in.
What I Believe
So they've shown us their principles and priorities. So now I want to tell you about mine. Over the coming weeks in this campaign, I'm going to set out more specifics of my plans to restore our economy. But today I want to give you some sense of the bottom-line principles beneath all my proposals.
First, I believe in economic opportunity for all Americans.
I believe there are few things more important to a person's dignity, to a family's security, and to our nation's prosperity than the chance to engage in honest labor and to earn a decent living doing it. That is why we need to do whatever is necessary to create jobs and restart America's economic engines.
Last month I detailed my proposals to do just that: by reducing the tax cuts Mr. Bush gave to the richest Americans, we can invest the savings in, number one, funding jobs that improve our homeland security; number two, giving fiscal relief to states so that they don't have to increase tuition and property taxes; and number three, creating a new job creation tax credit that will reduce the cost for a business to hire a new employee.
The government cannot create millions of jobs. But if the government establishes the right conditions and incentives, I have no doubt that America's businesses, large and small, can.
If our country is going to compete we have to do more to develop our human potential. We should help every citizen to "be all he or she can be."
We must promote continuing education to help everyone harness the benefits of change. And each American needs access to the health care, child care, and retirement security they need in order to live productive lives.
That's what it will take to achieve economic opportunity for all.
Let me go on.
Second, I believe in economic growth that benefits all Americans.
I believe we should pursue pro-growth policies that value what actually drives growth-not consumption by the wealthy, but meeting the needs of ordinary Americans driven by the hard work, energy, and innovation of highly skilled Americans, in a climate that rewards investment and entrepreneurship, and promotes the R&D, the innovation and risk-taking, that is the engine of economic growth.
To encourage growth, savings, and capital formation, we need a tax system that is simpler, fairer, more progressive, and more pro-growth. I am currently studying options to reform the tax code, and will put forth my ideas in the coming weeks.
And we need markets to work better. Investors need more accurate information; they need to know that companies are doing what they say they're doing.
If we want markets that inspire trust among small, everyday investors, as well as markets that foster innovation and competition, it's going to take principled leadership by business.
The choice between government and markets is a false one. We need sound governmental policy that sets the right rules of the game-common sense rules that don't impede the markets, but make them work more fairly and openly and efficiently, so that our economy will never be weakened again by the collapse of integrity we have seen in the Enron era.
But we have to be realistic, restoring integrity and trust will take -- and can only happen -- with the sustained efforts of a President who is truly committed to reform.
Today America is asking companies and financial markets to be open about their activities, when the Bush administration itself refuses to come clean on everything from the budget to weapons of mass destruction.
And growth is not only about markets here at home. For the first time in American history, as the markets in China and India mature and the European Union consolidates its economies, the United States will be facing integrated markets that are larger than its own.
Globalization presents an enormous opportunity. But we cannot harness that potential if our workers don't get the education and training they need -- and if we don't have a President who shows the leadership to insure that other nations play by the rules.
Third, I strongly believe that we need to take responsibility for our future.
We have to get our fiscal house in order.
Today, I'm releasing a plan to save more than $2 trillion over the next decade to cut the deficit in each and every year. And to invest in our most important priorities - from health care to education ... from citizen service to the environment.
My "Saving for America's Future" plan starts by bringing the basic value of responsibility back to Washington. We just can't have new spending proposals without saying how we're going to pay for it. It's not that complicated of an idea -- but somehow people have forgotten it.
When in you're in a hole, stop digging. This country is in a pretty deep hole. And I have a plan to get us out.
My plan saves money in four major areas:
First, we need to fix the failed Bush tax plan. It's not working, it's not creating jobs, and it's not turning our economy around.
We need tax reform that asks the wealthiest Americans - those making more than $200,000 -- to give up the windfall they received under the Bush tax cuts. These tax cuts are weighing down our economy and mortgaging our children's futures.
Second, we need to take a hard look at spending in Washington to see where cuts are possible and find places where we can streamline government and improve efficiency. On defense, I will support every dime we need to keep America strong. But I will never tolerate billions of dollars of waste or inefficiency just because it has a military label on it. We should have the same standards with our domestic spending.
Third, we must get rid of corporate welfare and tax loopholes. These loopholes aren't just a waste of taxpayer's money, they're also bad for business. They encourage businesses to seek handouts instead of looking for better productivity.
Just look at the President's energy bill. It's a bill written by -- and for - special interests, like America's largest energy companies. It's a bill that's more pork than policy. It's a bill that represents the worst political impulse.
Finally, we need to fix the way we do business in Iraq. Bush has taken us to an elective war and has already asked for more than $150 billion to pay for it. Even worse, Mr. Bush has failed to enlist other nations to share the financial burden. And he's spent this money by giving contracts out to his friends, without using a basic competitive bidding process.
As president, I will work overtime to line up international support in Iraq and demand that American taxpayers get the best possible value for the money we spend. It's not just smart policy or good politics. It's the right thing to do.
Achieving these savings won't be easy - and they're not enough to solve all our problems. But they're a necessary first step to putting our country back on the right path.
Because deficits do matter-they erode our ability to meet our priorities today, from homeland security to health care; and, worst of all, they saddle our children and our grandchildren with this administration's irresponsibility.
The choice they pose between immediate needs, like growth, and long-term needs, like solvency, is a false one-what we do to restore fiscal discipline for the long haul will also do a lot right now to generate investor confidence and create jobs. It's not a trade-off if we do it right.
Fiscal responsibility will get our economy moving forward again. It's the smart decision for all our people.
Taking responsibility for the future also means protecting our environment. America should never sacrifice its great natural wonders for the sake of special interests.
The irony is, what the administration is doing is actually undermining America's long-term economic strength-when, as we saw in the 1990s, by promoting clean energy technologies and alternative energy sources you can have economic growth while protecting the environment.
But to do all this, we must pull together - Democrats, Independents, people who've never voted, even some of my Republican friends. I believe that to restore our economic strength, we must all work together under the banner of New American Patriotism - putting our country first above private interests - putting our country first above personal gain - putting our country first for the sake of our children and grandchildren.
The next President will have to chart the course toward a better America. And we can't navigate without a compass, whether it's war and peace or the economy. That's what I want to do as president: to point this country back in the right direction.
But the real work, as always, will be done by the people of this country. By people like you. That's what the New American Patriotism is about. That's the spirit I will summon in this campaign-and in the White House, if I'm privileged enough to earn your vote.
The New American Patriotism is not just about matters of war and peace; it's about jobs and growth and hope right here at home. It's about taking responsibility for our shared future. It's about reclaiming what's been lost, but also about building a better future for all our children.
That's the campaign I'm waging-and I urge you to enlist. Join us. Join us in restoring the American Dream for all Americans.
Thank you.
can't put the fire out if your house has already burnt down!
Bitonti, tailgator and section let me say it for you; This is very damaging
Come back you see a smoking gun
i see a non-issue
don't be dissapointed when this recycled speech has NO negative affect on the general's surgng numbers.
one pro-war speech is a speed bump compared to the debacle which has been the Bush administration to date
"bring it on"
lies in the state of the union
most jobs lost
biggest deficit
this is NOTHING in comparison, my friend. NOTHING
You're probably right, I mean there's no way Clark gets the nod anyway.Originally posted by bitonti@Jan 15 2004, 09:17 PM
Come back you see a smoking gun
i see a non-issue
I've only delclared my support for John Kerry. He's the most qualified person to lead the United States out of our current mess. His energy policy alone distinguishes him from the rest of the field.Originally posted by Come Back to NY@Jan 15 2004, 09:11 PM
can't put the fire out if your house has already burnt down!
Bitonti, tailgator and section let me say it for you; This is very damaging
In my opinion John Kerry would be the first "Great President" of our new century.
tail im sorry to be the one to break this to you but John Kerry doesn't stand a snowballs chance in hell
He's easily caricatured as a Mass liberal
no one south of the mason dixon line is voting for a Mass democrat its just that simple.
2004: Clark or bust.
bit...You used almost the exact same words this past summer when you said Chad Pennington would miss the entire season due to his hand injury.Originally posted by bitonti@Jan 16 2004, 12:05 PM
tail im sorry to be the one to break this to you but John Kerry doesn't stand a snowballs chance in hell
2004: Clark or bust.
Anyway, if the only choice the electorate has is between two Republicans than their gonna choose the one with the ® next to his name everytime.
The dirty little secret of presidential politics is that to win the nomination and the general election you've got to be a ruthless and shrewd politician. In my view Clark lacks the political savvy neccessary to actually win.
BTW...I'm also a firm believer that to be elected President you should have experience in another elected office. To me Clark's politcal resume is too thin.
Kerry/Edwards '04!
Edwards was literally an ambulence-chaser....Lionel Hutz-style. Seriously.
5-ever somehow I doubt it. Just sounds like another one of the "politcal bombs" you famously throw.Originally posted by jets5ever@Jan 16 2004, 02:55 PM
Edwards was literally an ambulence-chaser....Lionel Hutz-style. Seriously.
Who's Lional Hutz?
Bitonti is right, it's irrelevant. Only Republicans have to remain consistant from birth to death. Only Republicans can have innocent comments twisted. I know Colin Powell and John McCain served in Vietnam, but only Wesley Clark's newly developed anti-war views are valid because both Powell and McCain are Republicans.Originally posted by bitonti@Jan 15 2004, 09:17 PM
Come back you see a smoking gun
i see a non-issue
Wesley Clark is (now) a democrit. So what if he was relived of duty for "character issues". So what if he said the opposite then of what he says now. So what that he has no experience as an elected official. So what if he dismisses the capabilities of his fellow soldiers serving in the ME ("I would have captured bin Laden by now"). So what if he violates his military principles by attacking the commander in chief during wartime. Maybe he's Jewish, maybe he isn't -- he says it, so it must be true -- if it gets him a few extra votes, what the hell!
He's a democrit now. He gets a pass. Generalísimo, I salute you!
Are you somehow suggesting that the election should be cancelled this year?Originally posted by Spirit of Weeb@Jan 16 2004, 03:07 PM
So what if he violates his military principles by attacking the commander in chief during wartime.
5-ever somehow I doubt it. Just sounds like another one of the "politcal bombs" you famously throw.Originally posted by tailgators+Jan 16 2004, 02:03 PM-->

QUOTE (tailgators @ Jan 16 2004, 02:03 PM)