text:
Suborder: Haplorrhini
Infraorder: Simiiformes
Superfamily: Cercopithecoidea
Family: Cercopithecidae
Subfamily: Colobinae
Genus: Rhinopithecus
Species: R. roxellana
Subspecies: R. r. hubeiensis, R. r. roxellana, R. r. qinlingensis
Other names: Pygathrix (Rhinopithecus) roxellana, R. roxellanae,
golden snub-nosed monkey, golden-haired snub-nosed monkey, Sichuan golden
snub-nosed monkey, snub-nosed leaf monkey, golden snub-nosed leaf monkey, snow
monkey, orange monkey, Roxellane's monkey, Moupin langur; rhinopithèque
de roxellane; rhinopithèque doré (French); langur chato (Spanish);
trubbnäsapa (Swedish); R. r. hubeiensis: Hubei golden snub-nosed monkey; R.
r. roxellana: Moupin golden snub-nosed monkey; R. r. qinlingensis: Quinling
golden snub-nosed monkey.
The snub-nosed monkeys of the genus Rhinopithecus were formerly listed as a
subgenus of Pygathrix but Groves (2001 following Wang et al. 1998) elevated
Rhinopithecus to full genus level. The species name "roxellana" refers to, and is
named after, the purportedly snub-nosed concubine and wife of Suleiman the
Magnificent, a 16th century Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (Groves 1970).
The golden monkey's (Rhinopithecus roxellana) body and limbs are
yellowish-red ranging from somewhat more brown to more brightly orange-red
(Groves 2001). The back and dorsal surfaces have some black or dark brown,
which extends down the extremities as a stripe and more solidly down the tail
(Brandon-Jones 1985; Groves 2001). The back of the thighs is white and ventral
surfaces of the body are yellowish-white or white-orange (Groves 1970;
Brandon-Jones 1985, Groves 2001). Pelage is dark on the crown and upper back
(Brandon-Jones 1985, Groves 2001). Males are brighter in color than other age
and sex classes and as their age increases, the amount of orange in the coat
increases (Brandon-Jones 1985). The muzzle is white and hairless and the area
around the eyes is pale blue (Brandon-Jones 1985; Groves 2001). The body hair
is long, usually ranging between 5 and 8 cm (2.0 and 3.1 in) and is interspersed
with longer yellow hairs ranging from 12-16 cm (4.7-6.3 in) long (Groves 1970).
Longer golden back hairs in adult males start growing after about six years old
and can be up to 55 cm (21.7 in) long (Liang et al. 2000). The nostrils on the
characteristic nose point directly forward and at the corners of the mouth,
adult males have a wart-like growth (Groves 2001). This wart-like growth is the
sole example of such a feature among the primates. Other members of the genus
Rhinopithecus do not possess such a growth, nor do females of the species.
The function of these growths has not been studied (Liang
et al. 2000). The male genitals are bright, with a black penis and a blue-white
scrotum (Davison 1982).
Head and body length averages 68.0 cm (26.8 in) in R. r. roxellana males and
51.8 cm (20.4 in) in females. R. r. qinlingensis males average 58.2 cm (22.9 in)
and females average 48.4 cm (19.1 in). R. r. hubeiensis males average 67.4 cm
(26.5 in) and females average 47.5 cm (18.7 in). The tail can range from about
the same as the head and body length in R. r. roxellana, to longer than the head
and body in R. r. hubeiensis (Wang et al. 1998). Actual body weight in males
averages 17.9 kg (39.5 lb) and females average 11.6 kg (25.6 lb), however
because of extreme variance and other factors, body weight estimates are
considered somewhat more reliable than actual specimen weights. These estimates
place average females at 12.4 kg (27.3 lb) and males at 19.8 kg (43.7 lb)
(Jablonski & Pan 1995). In addition, there may be significant weight
fluctuations with the seasons as well as between populations and habitats (Long
Yong-Cheng pers. comm. cited in Jablonski & Pan 1995; Jablonski & Pan
1995). Either way, the species is sexually dimorphic based on body weight and
size and adult males are larger than adult females (Jablonski & Pan 1995;
Liang et al. 2001; Yi 2007).
In addition to pelage and body morphology differences, the subspecies are
differentiated by differences in their nasal bones, pre-maxillae, and braincases
(Wang et al. 1998). R. r. roxellana is characterized by its dull golden-red
pelage with black-brown shoulders, and limbs (Wang et al. 1998). R. r.
hubeiensis is distinguished by a longer tail than the other subspecies of golden
snub-nosed monkey, up to 125% of the head and body length. Of the golden
snub-nosed monkeys, it is the palest in pelage (Wang et al. 1998). R.
r. qinlingensis is differentiated from the other subspecies by its brilliant
golden pelage (Wang et al. 1998).
Wild golden snub-nosed monkeys can be very arboreal, spending 97.1% of their
time in trees, mainly using the middle and upper strata of the forest (Yi 2007).
However, in captivity and in other wild studies, the species spends more time
on the ground and might be best described as semi-arboreal (Davison 1982; Su et
al. 1998). In the wild, arboreal locomotion consists of large amounts of
quadrupedal walking, climbing and leaping (Pan & Jablonski 1993; Su &
Jablonski 1998; Su et al. 1998). Locomotion is 43% quadrupedal, 33% leaping and
jumping, and 24% brachiation (Agetsuma et al. 1994). In addition, leaping with
the forearms extended is used to move between trees and rarely, arm-swinging is
used (Su et al. 1998). In captivity, types of arboreal locomotion consist of
walking along horizontal supports, modified brachiation, vertical climbing and
leaping and noisy display rushes. Travel on the ground in captivity includes
quadrupedal walking, trotting and bounding, and occasional bipedal steps
(Davison 1982).
In captivity, golden snub-nosed monkeys have lived past 23 years of age
(Weigl 2005).
The golden snub-nosed monkey is found only in temperate, montane forests in
central China (Kirkpatrick et al. 1999). Generally speaking, the species is
found in the Sichuan, Gansu, Hubei and Shaanxi provinces around the edges of the
Sichuan Basin. However, within this range, habitats are often separated and the
distribution is not contiguous. The R. r. roxellana range is restricted to the
western parts of the Sichuan province and the southern parts of the Gansu
province between the Dadu River and the Sichuan Basin. R. r. qinlingensis
ranges only in the southern Shaanxi province in the southern Qinling Mountains.
R. r. hubeiensis ranges in the western Hubei and southeastern Sichuan provinces.
It is restricted to areas within and around the Shennongjia forest region (Wang
et al. 1998). The presence of golden snub-nosed monkeys in India near the
Chinese border has long been debated and appears supported only by anecdotal
evidence (see Gee 1952; Groves 1970; Roonwal & Mohnot 1977; Das-Chaudhuri
1991; Srinivasulu & Nagulu 2001).
Almost all systematic research on the golden snub-nosed monkey has taken
place in the Shennongjia Nature Reserve and at the Baihe Nature Reserve, in the
Hubei and Sichuan Provinces respectively (Kirkpatrick et al. 1999).
Total estimated population worldwide of R. roxellana and subspecies is
estimated between 8,000 and 10,000 individuals (Ren et al. 1996/1997). Other
estimates however, extrapolating from known population numbers in particular
areas, place the total number somewhat higher, at roughly 20,000 individuals
(Zhang et al. 2002).
Golden snub-nosed monkeys inhabit mountainous temperate forests consisting of
a mix of evergreen conifer and deciduous broadleaf trees in central China
(Kirkpatrick et al. 1999). The species also uses a significant number of dead
trees within their habitats as these are better hosts for food lichens than live
trees (Li 2006). While the species will use secondary forest and shrub forest,
they prefer primary forest (Li et al. 2002b; Li 2004). The altitude of their
habitat ranges from 1200 to 3300 meters and is often topographically rugged (Gao
& Liu 1995; Kirkpatrick 1995; Li 2007). Moving from lower altitudes to
higher, the forest grades from predominantly deciduous broadleaf, to a mix of
deciduous broadleaf and coniferous, to predominantly coniferous forest (Li et
al.1994 cited in Li et al 2000; Li et al. 1995 cited in Li et al. 2000; Li et
al. 2000). In general, the higher the elevation, the more coniferous trees
predominate in the golden snub-nosed monkey habitats (Li 2007). Towards the
higher altitudes of its habitat, it is found in sub-alpine conifer forests (Gao
& Liu 1995).
Winter snow occurs often and cover can be long lasting, with the monkeys
having to forage in snow cover for up to four months (usually stable cover from
December to March) while withstanding the coldest average temperatures of any
non-human primate in the world (Kirkpatrick et al. 1999; Li 2002; Li 2006; Li
2007). Because of the climatic seasonality of their habitat, their diet varies
as well based on food availability. Lichens and bark are available year-round
while buds, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds are only seasonally available (Li
2006). Within their habitat, golden snub-nosed monkeys mainly use the middle
and upper forest strata (Li 2007).
In habitats on the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains in the Shaanxi
province, the temperature can range from lows of -4 to 1°C (24.8 to
33.8°F) in the winter during January to 20 to 24°C (68 to 75.2
°F) in the summer in July with an average of 12°C (53.6°F) (Gao
& Liu 1995). On the northern slope of the mountains, temperatures are
different, with a mean annual temperature of 6.4°C (43.5°F) reaching
as low as -8.3°C (17.1°F) in January and as high as 21.7°C
(71.1°F) in July. Annual average rainfall at this study site is 98.0 cm
(38.6 in). Winters are long and summers are short and the area is free of frost
for less than half of the year (Gao & Liu 1995; Li et al. 2000).
At the Shennongjia Nature Reserve in Hubei province, the climate is highly
seasonal with a rainy, moderate temperature spring (April to May), warm summer
(June to mid-August), autumn (mid-August to October), and snowy winter
(November-March) (Li 2002; Li 2006). July temperatures at this study site
average 17.8°C (64.0°F) and January temperatures average -2.8°C
(27.0°F). Rainfall here averages 180.0 cm (70.9 in) (Li 2006).
Golden snub-nosed monkeys are primarily diurnal herbivores, consuming mainly
lichens followed by other types of plant foods including trees, shrubs and vines
as well as insects (Su et al. 1998; Li 2001; 2006). Due to their reliance on
lichens, dead trees are often preferred as they host more lichens than live
trees. On an annual basis, lichens of the family Usneaceae account for 43.28%
of feeding, followed by young leaves (28.71%), fruits or seeds (14.57%), buds
(5.36%), mature leaves (3.51%), herbs (2.09%), bark (1.36%) and flowers (1.13%)
(Li 2006). Feeding primarily occurs in the middle and upper strata as these are
the locations of the majority of its foods, however the monkeys eat bark from
the low and middle strata and herbs and grasses on the ground (Kirkpatrick 1998;
Li 2007).
Adult males spend more time on the ground than any of the other ages or
sexes. Overall, the day is spent on the ground (15.3%), in the lower strata
(24.3%), in the middle strata (28.2%) and in the canopy (32.2%) (Ren et al.
2001). In general, the predominantly arboreal nature of the species is due to
the location of food resources and plant types as well as the risk of predation
(Li 2007). Preferred trees include Connus controversa, Cerasus discadenia,
Salix willichiana, Malus halliana, Abies fargesii, and Pinus armandii (Li et al.
2002b; Li 2006).
The availability of foods and consumption by the golden snub-nosed monkey
changes considerably between the seasons (Li 2006). Lichens are available
year-round while other foods such as leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds are only
present over various periods between April and November. Thus, not
surprisingly, lichens are eaten more in winter than in the rest of the year and
are a winter staple along with bark, insects and seeds (Su et al. 1998; Li 2001;
Li et al. 2002b; Li 2006). In some habitats, lichens are not widely available
in winter, resulting in the species relying more on bark in the winter (W.S.Pan,
pers. comm. cited in Kirkpatrick 1998). Over the course of the year, diet
consists of mostly lichens (Nov-Apr), leaves and lichens (May-July), and fruits,
seeds, and lichens (Aug-Oct) (Li 2006). Bryophytes are consumed only in the
summer and autumn (Kirkpatrick 1998). The species has been observed eating snow
in the winter (Su et al. 1998).
In general, the day is broken up into two halves, with a rest period at noon
and travel peaks in both the morning and afternoon (Li 2002). After each of the
two travel peaks, more or less sedentary feeding is observed (Ren et al.
The home range of the golden snub-nosed monkey is quite large, with estimates
and observations placing the value between 18.3 and 40 sq. km (7.1 and 15.4 sq. mi)
(Su et al. 1998; Li et al. 2000; Ren et al. 2000; Tan et al. 2007). Home ranges
of different groups can overlap (Ren et al. 2000). Within the home range, there
is a core area of use which is considerably smaller, in one study averaging
around 7.4 sq. km (2.9 sq. mi) (Tan et al. 2007). Daily path is variable with the
seasons and between study sites, ranging from 100 to 5000 m (328.1 to 16,404.2
ft), with average daily distances ranging between 710 to 2100 m (2329.4 to
6889.8 ft) (Agetsuma et al. 1994; Su et al. 1998; Ren et al. 2000; Li 2002; Tan
et al. 2007). Daily path is shorter during the winter than during other times
of the year (Li 2002; Tan et al. 2007).
Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) have been seen attacking a juvenile golden
snub-nosed monkey and are predators of the species (Zhang et al. 1999b). Other
potential and actual predators include the red dog (Cuon alpinus), wolf (Canis
lupus), Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temmincki), leopard (Panthera pardus), fox,
zibet (Viverra zibetha), tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis), weasel (Martes sp.)
and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) (Happel & Cheek 1987; Su et al.
1998; Hu 1998 cited in Li et al. 2002b; Li 2007). A wolf was observed attacking a golden monkey group and
fighting an adult male which subsequently died of its injuries (Renmei Ren pers. comm.).
Potential food competitors include the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
and the takin (Budorcas taxicolor). In addition, the golden snub-nosed monkey
may compete for food with the sympatric stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides)
(Happel & Cheek 1987).
Content last modified: November 20, 2007
Written by Kurt Gron. Reviewed by Renmei Ren.
Cite this page as:Gron KJ. 2007 November 20. Primate Factsheets: Golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) Taxonomy, Morphology, & Ecology . <http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/golden_snub-nosed_monkey>. Accessed 2020 July 6.
Quick Links: Home |
About |
Contact Us |
Site Index
Primate Info Net is maintained by the
Wisconsin Primate Research Center (WPRC) Library at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison.
WPRC programs are supported by grant numbers RR000167 and RR015311,
National Primate Centers Program,
National Center for Research Resources, the National Institutes of
Disclaimer: The Wisconsin Primate Research Center provides Primate
Info Net as an informational service.We are not responsible for the content of
linked sites, nor does inclusion of a link imply endorsement of the
views expressed in that content.
©2013 University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents
Page last modified: November 21, 2011
Feedback, questions or accessibility issues:
WPRC Library


text:
Home > Team Wear > By Colour > Contrast Colours > Navy Red
(Details shown apply to the default selection)
Model: TW-AWD-NO-LMHSW-S[1][1][1][1][1][1][2][2]
In stock, immediate despatch
These Hoodies are lightweight, distinctive and perfect for training. At 280grms, they are about 15% lighter than our Midweight hoodies. Like all our hoodies they are a Cotton Poly mix.
Double fabric hood with contrast inner
Size Chart

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Cycling to work when work is soccer
Now all of you footballers (aka soccer players) can have a role model to inspire you to join the 15mpd movement! According to ghanasoccernet.com, Chelsea FC midfielder Michael Essian has decided to make his 10 mile round trip to the training grounds via bike – instead of sporting the Lamborghini.
Shocked Premier League buddies have even nicknamed the £120,000-a-week Ghana midfielder "Lance", after Tour de France legend Lance Armstrong.
While the rest park up their Bentleys and Porsches, Michael, 27, cuts a cool figure in helmet and wraparound shades as he gets off his £1,300 two-wheeled racer.
— From "Michael Essian goes into cycling"
But watch out Essian! I just happen to know of another footballer that may just be nipping on your heels – both on the pitch and the bike!


text:
Frozen Four a jewel for hockey-crazed Pittsburgh
College hockey championships arrive at Consol Energy Center on Wednesday
The Robert Morris University logo will be unmistakable on the Consol Energy Center ice this weekend -- a red, white and blue reminder to fans at the NCAA's Frozen Four that Pittsburgh's love of the game goes far beyond Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby.
The finalists -- Quinnipiac, Yale, St. Cloud State and UMass Lowell -- will hold their first practices Wednesday morning and afternoon. Thousands of out-of-town visitors are expected to cram the arena, not just for games but also free activities like the "Frozen Fest" and red-carpet player arrivals.
"We love college hockey," said Mike Pratt, of Providence, R.I. "My son plays hockey. I played most of my adult life and childhood, and I've been coming to the Frozen Four for a long time."
Visit Pittsburgh's Jason Fulvi said about 18,000 fans are expected to flock to the city and drop about $10 million on food and hotels through Saturday.
Tournament organizers hope the fans will see a city that embraces hockey at all levels. "It just continues to grow," said former NHL defenseman Dave Hanson, executive director of the RMU Island Sports Center. "Pittsburgh is really starting to make its mark and this is a great chance to showcase that."
For all of Lemieux's magnificence, Pittsburgh hockey was dying in 2003. The bankrupt Penguins were a losing team, threatening to move unless Mellon Arena was replaced. Then, the NHL lockout followed in 2004. Still, Robert Morris pressed on with its plan to bring the Frozen Four -- the highest level of college hockey -- to Pittsburgh.
Then came Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, both drafted by the Penguins as teenagers. They made the Pens relevant again and fanned the flames of local hockey interest. "They made it cool," RMU coach Derek Schooley said. "Everybody wants to play now."
The team has done what it can to grow the game locally. Through corporate sponsorships or donations to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, they've helped make hockey more affordable so kids can focus on development and parents can stop worrying about how to pay for it. "They're concerned about the youth hockey, concerned about the high school hockey and college hockey," Schooley said.
The sport's initial bloom during Lemieux's career paved the way for Columbus Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger -- a Pittsburgh native who played at Ohio State -- and Ryan Malone of the Tampa Bay Lightning. They were followed by John Gibson, J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck and Riley Barber -- all from the Pittsburgh area -- who helped USA Hockey to the gold medal in the World Junior Championships in January.
"Robert Morris has done a great job. Penn State's going to add a lot now," Umberger said. "When you have players in the past couple of decades like Mario and (Jaromir) Jagr, Crosby and Malkin, it's hard for people there not to fall in love with hockey."


text:
ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
I started cosplaying in 2002 and my first costume was Tohma from Gravitation (And now you know the reason for my SN, TADA!).
In 2008 I was going through chemotherapy for Hodgekin's Lymphoma. It was a rough time but I made it through with a lot of help from the friends I have made in the anime and cosplay community.
Other interests/hobbies include Horse back riding. My horses were subjected to costume classes before I even know what cosplay was. I also enjoy drawing and writing and taking pictures...oh and Kpop. Lots and lots of Kpop.
You can find me on facebook as Tohma Cosplay
You can find my groups at Last Minute Cosplay
Thats enough from me! Hope to see everyone at a future con!
Celestial Shortcut URL:
Recent Updates
Costume 4 0119 Views
Costume 1 071 Views
Costume 2 094 Views
Costume 7 0375 Views
Costume 2 0262 Views
Costume 5 0586 Views
Costume 13 0524 Views
Costume 5 0120 Views
Costume 1 0131 Views
Costume 1 0137 Views
Unsorted Photos
Newest Favorites
Newest Fans
Recent Comments
- Pirogoeth says, "Great job! Looks amazing!"
- For The Doctor (6th) from Doctor Who
- Ambrosia says, "So pretty! You picked the perfect fabrics for this! :D"
- For Cinderella from Cinderella
- Tohma says, "Old costume is old and you're commenting now? XD I actually couldn't agree more on the wig honestly. But I was a newbie so I went with it. Wasn't particuarly proud of it then either LOL But thanks for commenting and adding views to the costume. That was kind of you."
- For Souichirou Nagi from Tenjou Tenge
- cherryteagirl says, "I love how colorful this outfit is! Great job on all the rainbow details! :)"
- For The Doctor (6th) from Doctor Who
- dooodewat says, "I made an account just to tell you, THIS IS A HORRIBLE COSPLAY. That wig is trash."
- For Souichirou Nagi from Tenjou Tenge


text:
PHILADELPHIA, April 18 (UPI) -- Jordan Staal had a hat trick among eight consecutive Pittsburgh goals Wednesday and the Penguins avoided elimination with a 10-3 crushing of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia still has a 3-1 advantage in the penalty-filled opening-round playoff series and will try for the second time to close it out Friday when Pittsburgh hosts Game 5.
Wednesday's game did not feature the brawls that have marked the series and brought about multiple suspensions -- but there were 26 penalties called during the contest. There were five 10-minute misconduct penalties handed out and Philadelphia's Zac Rinaldo was kicked out of the game late in the second period.
Philadelphia held a 3-2 lead with time running down in the first period, but Sidney Crosby tied it with 3:41 left and Stall put the Penguins in front for good with the first of his goals with 2:31 to play in the stanza.
Stall then scored the second and fifth of Pittsburgh's five second-period goals.
Both Ilya Bryzgalov and Sergei Bobrovsky gave up five goals on 18 shots for the Flyers, who have scored 23 goals in the series to 22 for the Flyers.
Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 22-of-25 shots for the Penguins.


text:
If life was a slow dance, then I think I might have the chance to be the person I want to be and do all the things I hope to accomplish. I would be more educated, I'd have done something heroic for someone, I'd be more fluent in French and Chinese instead of only half-heartedly studying them, I'd be thinner and more fit while still getting to bake every day (and taste what I bake), I'd have traveled to Europe, I'd have made a prototype of one of the many inventions that only exists in my imagination, I'd be making a real difference in someone's life.
But life pulls me along, faster than I like, forcing me to keep up and change and alter myself and make things work with what I have. Reinvent my plans and dreams. Altering dreams, even if just for the moment, is something I have a very hard time doing.
At the wedding in Baltimore last weekend, there was dancing, of course. Dancing has never come naturally to me. I blame this on the fact that there were no school dances in my youth, no dances at friends' homes, no dancing in my own home. The closest I came to a dance was a church youth night at the town roller-skating rink, when they'd play the Hokey Pokey, and we'd all follow along, although eventually the pastor put a stop to that, too. In my ultra-conservative upbringing, dancing was a sin, so I was never really around dancing until my 20s when I did a little club-hopping. Club dancing, though, isn't really dancing either - flashing lights, smoke and booze, deafening music, grabby hands and a sweaty, crowded, grinding dance floor just wasn't my thing.
If every dance was a slow dance, like in the wedding reception of Father of the Bride, I'd get along just fine. Anyone can sway back and forth to music while gazing into someone's eyes, even me. But the slow dances are few and far between.
Then there's my lack of music education of all the 80's and 90's hits, something that Jamie still shakes his head in disbelief at when I don't know a particular song or artist that he feels was crucial to our formative years. When everyone else was listening to Michael Jackson, and I don't even know who else, I was singing in school and church choir and listening to Faith Hill and Tim McGraw and Toby Keith in my best friend's car. My favorite song was "Lady in Red", and my friend recorded it for me about 10 times on one side of a cassette tape so I could listen to it over and over without having to rewind (there was no CD player in our house yet...)
And so, as a result of a dance-less first 22 years of my life, I seem to be missing that "groove" needed to let loose and have a little fun on the dance floor at weddings. I'm too self-conscious, and don't have any idea what to do with my hands and hips and feet. Everyone else just looks so much cooler, even though half of them probably don't know what they're doing, either. But what makes it work for them, is that unlike me, they don't care if they look ridiculous or not, and for most people, looking ridiculous is kind of the point.
I might like to learn how to dance something that has steps to follow, since at least then I would know what I'm supposed to do, but the free-style get-your-groove-on thing just makes me want to run to the sidelines.
The thing is, I'm generally fine with just watching everyone else; it's other people that seem to have a problem with it. There's usually some well-meaning person who loves to dance and wants to see everyone having a good time, who is convinced that I'm not having a good time if I'm not dancing every dance, and drags me unwillingly out to the dance floor where I try to pretend I'm enjoying myself, but really just can't wait for a chance to sneak away.
Is there a part of me that would like to join in and be able to let go of that self-consciousness? Of course. Hopefully I'll have the guts to dance at my own wedding someday.
After attending weddings two weekends in a row, one as a photographer and one as a guest, I suspect that the Cupid Shuffle is going to be making an appearance at every wedding for years to come. Even there, with instructions in the song, I feel lost - down down, do your dance, do your dance, to the right, to the right, to the left, to the left, now kick, now kick, now walk it by yourself.. down down, do your dance, do your dance...
Lately I've felt like my life has been a little bit of a dance, in which I'm just trying to figure out the right steps to make. This has been a summer of change for me, and tomorrow, I'll be starting my new job and heading down a path that's completely unfamiliar to me. I'm excited and nervous and hopeful and grateful, and I can't wait to see what happens. Life isn't a slow dance, after all, and I've got to keep up.
Another big change is that my parents are moving away, as I write this, back to South Carolina. Yesterday, we helped them finish packing up the house and said goodbye. After 20-plus years in Colorado, they're going back to where I was born and spent the first 12 years of my life. All of my family on my dad's side is on the East Coast, and it's where they want to retire.
We spent the day at their house yesterday, along with some of their friends from church, lugging boxes, carrying furniture, packing up odds and ends, sorting through dusty boxes of forgotten toys and dolls in the basement. My allergies won't forgive me for that part.
On the truck, my dad asked someone to hand him a blanket to wrap around a piece of furniture, and someone grabbed a patchwork quilt from a pile of blankets, towels and rugs.
"Hey!" I said to my dad, "Mom's been looking for this for years!" He did a double take at the quilt and realized I was right, it was the quilt she thought had been missing for such a long time. I took the quilt and went into the house to find my mom.
"Mom, I have a going away present for you," I said, holding the bundle behind my back. "Can you guess what it is?"
"Hmm, a pile of dead spiders from the basement?"she joked. I held out the quilt and she gasped. "Where did you find this?"
Her grandma, my great-grandma, stitched this patchwork quilt together so long ago, and through our childhood, it became known as "the sick quilt". Whenever one of us would stay home from school with a fever, chicken pox, a cough... my mom would use this quilt to make the couch into a bed, and somehow, it always maintained the perfect temperature, keeping us cool when we were feverish and warm when we were shaking with chills.
I don't think anything else could have made my mom happier yesterday. It was a long day, over 12 hours of hard work to pack up 38 years of marriage. A pot of chicken, corn and bean chili, chips and a cake kept everyone sustained for lunch and dinner.
To celebrate this new adventure for all of us, I baked an Orange Dreamsicle Cream Cake, to take over to their house for all the people there helping them to pack up the moving truck. I know it's a flavor that both my parents love - a while back they had a thing for these little packaged orange cupcakes - but of course this cake is so much better than those! The technique I used to pipe the citrusy orange buttercream is called "ombre", a graduation of shades of color from darker to light. Inside all those pretty swirls, which I didn't want to cut into until I took the cake over to their house, are four layers of incredibly moist, vanilla cream cake, filled with sweet orange marmalade.
Dreams are the stuff of our past, present and future. Sometimes I feel like I've spent so much of my life dreaming, some of which have come true, and many of which haven't. Maybe they will, and maybe they won't, but those dreams are what keep me going, reaching forward, and believing that good things are going to happen. Maybe they won't be exactly what I had planned, but they'll be good nonetheless. Life isn't a slow dance, and it's never going to stand still and wait for me to catch up.
...down down, do your dance, do your dance, to the right, to the right, to the left, to the left, now kick, now kick, now walk it by yourself.. down down, do your dance, do your dance...
Orange Dreamsicle Cream Cake
printable recipe
- 1 white cake mix
- 1 1/4 cups half 'n' half
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 whole eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon butter extract
- 18-ounce jar of orange marmalade
- 2 1/2 cups (5 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 4-5 teaspoons orange extract (pure, not imitation)
- orange (or red/pink and yellow) gel food coloring
Bake the Cake:
Preheat the oven to 350. Spray the bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans with non-stick spray, line with a circle of parchment paper, and then spray the paper also.
In a mixing bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, combine all the cake ingredients on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 3 minutes until well combined. Divide batter evenly between the pans.
Bake for 25-29 minutes, until golden and the cake is pulling away from the edges of the pan. Set cake pans on a wire rack, cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel, and cool completely in the pans.
Prepare the Filling and Buttercream:
Scoop the orange marmalade into a small bowl and stir with a spoon to smooth it out. Set aside.
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat butter for one minute with whisk attachment. Combine powdered sugar with meringue powder (meringue powder should not directly touch any liquid). Add to butter and mix on low to combine. Add milk, vanilla and orange extract. Increase speed to medium high and whip for 4-5 minutes until impossibly light and fluffy, scraping as needed. Set aside.
When the cakes are completely cool, turn out of the pan. Using a sharp knife or cake leveler, level the tops of the cakes (save cake scraps for another use, such as cake pops/truffles). Split each cake into two layers so you have a total of four layers.
Place a layer of cake on a cake board. Spread with 1/3 of the orange marmalade.
Cook's Note: A little trick I learned in cake decorating class, when using filling between cake layers that you don't want squeezing out into the frosting on the outside, pipe a "dam" of frosting around the edge, then add filling in the middle. This will keep the filling from leaking out. See picture below...)
Place another layer of cake on the first, pressing down gently so that it's level. Spread with another 1/3 of the orange marmalade. Repeat with the third layer of cake and the last of the marmalade. Place the fourth layer of cake on top, finishing with the bottom side up.
Spread a very thin layer of buttercream all over the top and sides of the cake - it doesn't have to look pretty - this is your "crumb coat" to catch all the crumbs. Place cake in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
If frosting a simple layer of buttercream all over, tint the buttercream to your desired shade of orange, and frost the cake.
If making the "ombre" swirls (ombre refers to graduating degrees of color from dark to light), tint all the buttercream a very pale orange, using orange food coloring, or a combination of red/pink and yellow (I used a drop each of Americolor brand Lemon Yellow #107 and Soft Pink #132).
Fit a piping bag with a medium-sized open star tip (I used Wilton #22), and fill the bag. Starting at the top center of the cake, pipe swirls of buttercream, starting at the center of each swirl and moving outwards, about 1 1/2 turns. Create swirls all over the top of the cake, keeping them close together to avoid gaps.
If you have any buttercream left in the piping bag after finishing the top of the cake, squeeze it out back into the bowl. Now, add a little more food coloring to tint the buttercream a slightly darker shade of orange. Pipe a row of swirls at the top edge of the cake. Repeat with the rest of the cake, tinting the buttercream a darker shade for each row. With the leftover buttercream, I piped three roses for the top, using the Wilton #102 rose tip.
Recipe from Curly Girl Kitchen


text:
NYU's approach to the health of our students is one of "wellness": supporting students in all aspects of their lives in order to enable them to achieve success. A comprehensive set of services and resources -- including the Wellness Exchange, LiveWellNYU, and the Student Health Center -- exist to address the full spectrum of students' health and wellness needs.
We know how devoted and concerned parents and families are about the well-being of their students, and we want to provide you with guidance and resources to proactively help your student maintain good health or to respond in cases of student mental distress.
With a focus on preventive health, LiveWellNYU is a university-wide initiative designed to engage and empower students in achieving their best possible health. LiveWellNYU provides tools and resources for individual students to maintain good health and promotes how faculty and staff; student leaders; parents; family; friends; and community partners can work together in a united and coordinated effort to improve the health and wellness of our students.
As a parent or family member, you play a crucial role in guiding and supporting your student in making healthy decisions. This website is intended to be a resource to keep you informed about how to help the student in your life be healthy.


text:
There are few people in Hollywood busier than J.J. Abrams, who constantly seems to be juggling a handful of projects in both film and television, whether as a producer, a writer or a director, or some combination of the three. Currently, he is an executive producer on the Fox drama Fringe, which moves to Friday nights on January 21st. He is also developing Alcatraz, Person of Interest, Odd Jobs and Pulp for various networks. And, he is getting ready to make the decision about whether or not to direct the sequel to the hugely successful feature film re-imagining of Star Trek.
While at the party to celebrate the Fox/FX portion of the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, J.J. Abrams talked about his thoughts on the Lost finale, how he feels about the move to Friday nights for Fringe, why he thinks Undercovers failed, and how excited he is to get started on the pilot for Alcatraz on January 19th. He also said that audiences should see a trailer for Super 8 in March, and that he hopes to have made his decision about whether to return to the director's chair for Star Trek 2 by then. Check out what he had to say after the jump:
The big news for Trek fans is Abrams has not made any decision about directing the sequel as he hasn't read the script:
"I guess the idea of not wanting to choose to direct a film, for which I've not read a script. It's a tough decision to make without seeing any pages. That's not to say that I don't have all the faith in the world in the spectacular writers. Damon Lindelof, Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman are awesome. My hope is that they'll write the script, it will be great and we can make a fun, exciting sequel to Star Trek."
With the film set to start shooting this summer, if Abrams does decide to pass on directing, I'd imagine we'll hear who would take the gig soon. Here's the full conversation.
Question: How did you feel about the end of Lost? Were you happy with it?
J.J. ABRAMS: Oh, my god, I thought those guys just did an incredible job. It was really beautifully done.
Did you have any input at all?
ABRAMS: No. I watched them do an amazing job without me, and I didn't want to upset the balance. Seriously, they didn't need my help. They did an amazing job.
How do you feel about the move to Friday nights for Fringe?
ABRAMS: Oh, I'm horrified beyond belief, but as a fan of the genre and the show, I'm hoping that fans will tune in. I certainly can promise that it will be worth their while. The episodes that are coming up are spectacular. I guess you can just be hopeful and say that, if the work is good enough, it will find the audience. I think they're doing better work now, even in the second half of Season 3, than they've ever done on the series. I'm just crossing my fingers that fans of the show, show up.
Do you see any upside to the change in nights?
ABRAMS: Just in that I'll start drinking more. No, I don't see an upside because the audience on Friday nights is harder to find. But, that's not to say that they aren't there and that we might not be able to make it there. Certainly, I would be lying to you if I said I'm thrilled about the move. But, what I am thrilled about is that the network has been incredibly supportive and, despite its move to Friday, they've been nothing but encouraging of the show. It's still on the air in its third season, and it's not easy to do that. It's not easy to get to Season 3 of anything. They've allowed the show to become truly great, I think. The question is, will audiences find a great show on Friday nights? I pray that they do.
What are your thoughts on what happened with Undercovers?
ABRAMS: I've got to say, I feel like it was unfortunate. Of course, I completely blame myself for the entire thing. The conceit of the show was to do a much more frivolous, fun show, but ultimately, I think it was just too frivolous and too simple, and we didn't go deep enough. We were really desperately trying to stay away from mythology and complexity and intensity and too much serious, dark storytelling and, ultimately, that's not necessarily what I do best. I think audiences felt that it was a little bit lacking. I see that and completely take responsibility for its failing.
Did it surprise you that the demographics for that show skewed so much older than expected?
ABRAMS: Yeah. All around, it unfortunately just didn't work the way I wanted it to. I especially feel for the actors, who are incredibly talented and wonderful. The directors we got, the editors and the crew was awesome. The idea that I would somehow squander really talented people's time and take them and us away from our families and other work we have to do, it was a real heartbreaker. Again, I feel completely responsible.
Are you worried that networks will now shy away from having two African American leads on another show because this one failed?
ABRAMS: I would desperately hope that no one, including network executives, would see the failure of Undercovers as a reflection of the race of the cast. It obviously had absolutely zero to do with that. It was completely my responsibility and not anyone else's. I don't think anyone is going to think that. Instead of that, I think they would say, "Series that have a premise that's too light and too disposable and too frivolous won't work." Audiences want more. They want something that is more emotionally true and resonates a little more. I think the true failing of the show was that it didn't go deep enough and it wasn't about enough. Everyone, including Josh Reims, with whom I created the show, followed my lead. It was all my doing.
Do you have anything else in development for network television right now?
ABRAMS: We do. We have a few projects. We have a show for Fox called Alcatraz, that starts shooting on the 19th, which I could not be more excited about. And, we have a show for CBS called Person of Interest, that Jonah Nolan wrote. We have Odd Jobs for NBC. And we have a new script called Pulp, that was written by Alison Schapker and Monica Breen. That's a spectacular script. We're about to go out with that.
What is the status of Odd Jobs, with Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emerson? Where is that, in the process?
ABRAMS: A script is being written right now. The intent would be to make the pilot for this season.
Is Alcatraz actually about Alcatraz?
ABRAMS: Alcatraz does involve Alcatraz.
Will it be shot in the actual prison?
ABRAMS: Some will be, yes. There are sets being built, but there will be some of the pilot shot in San Francisco at Alcatraz.
What is the series about?
ABRAMS: I don't want to give anything away because no one wants to hear that, but I will say that it's a beautifully written and surprisingly emotional script, although not surprising when you know that Liz Sarnoff wrote it. She's amazing. The show is about an incredibly odd and mysterious turn and secret about the prison of Alcatraz, and a modern-day mystery that involves something very odd that happened there 50 years ago.
ABRAMS: The cast is unbelievable. It's Sam Neill, Sarah Jones, Jorge Garcia from Lost – who was the first person we cast and is just the greatest with an amazing role – and Johnny Coyne, who's an amazing English actor. We have a spectacular cast. There are a number of other actors and it is wonderful. I'm really excited about the show.
When will audiences get to see a trailer for Super 8?
ABRAMS: Probably sometime in March, I think.
Do you have a date by which you have to decide whether you're going to direct Star Trek 2?
ABRAMS: That's a good question. I probably do. I don't know. There's a script that should be coming in, hopefully by the time there's a trailer for Super 8, and then we'll know.
What's the biggest proponent of that decision for you?
ABRAMS: I guess the idea of not wanting to choose to direct a film, for which I've not read a script. It's a tough decision to make without seeing any pages. That's not to say that I don't have all the faith in the world in the spectacular writers. Damon Lindelof, Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman are awesome. My hope is that they'll write the script, it will be great and we can make a fun, exciting sequel to Star Trek.


text:
John Calipari has been here before and it ended well.
The last time the Kentucky coach had a freshman class this talented, the season ended with a national championship.
The eight-man class, which includes six McDonald's All-Americans, has to make Kentucky fans forget last season which ended in a first-round NIT loss at Robert Morris, and think back to two years ago when a starting five of three freshmen - including Anthony Davis - and two sophomores won the NCAA title then all left for the NBA.
'Every team we play will be more experienced than us,' Calipari said. 'But if we become one unit, play with one heartbeat and a love for each another, we will be unbreakable.'
Kentucky's freshmen class features forward Julius Randle, considered a possible No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA draft, identical twin guards Andrew and Aaron Harrison, and swingman James Young. They earned the third preseason No. 1 ranking in school history.
There will be other freshmen who could make an impact on the chase for the NCAA title.
Andrew Wiggins has Kansas fans harking back to the days when Danny Manning led the Jayhawks to the national championship. Chicago native Jabari Parker will fit smoothly into Duke's offense which this season promises to be a lot more uptempo.
And making comparisons of the two won't involve guessing because Duke and Kansas meet in Chicago on Nov. 12. The other game at the United Center that night has Kentucky, one of the youngest teams, and Michigan State, one of the most experienced with six of its top seven back, in a 1-vs.-2 matchup, the first since No. 2 Tennessee beat Memphis on Feb. 24, 2008.
And there's a bunch of other quality early season games: Kansas-Florida and Kentucky-Baylor in the Big 12-SEC Challenge; a possible Louisville-North Carolina tilt in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off; a possible Gonzaga-Syracuse in the EA Sports Maui Invitational; and a possible Duke-Arizona in the NIT Season Tip-Off.
There will be plenty of big games before conference play gets under way. Oh yeah, about conference play. There's a lot of changes and some will take a while to get used to.
The non-football schools at the Big East broke off and became part of a 10-team league, one that no longer has Connecticut, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Louisville and Pittsburgh. UConn and Louisville are part of the fledgling American Athletic Conference while the others went to the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Then there's Conference USA - eight new members join and four, including Memphis, which dominated the league for the last decade, leave with three more going after the season - and the Western Athletic Conference - seven schools are headed for various conferences this season and there will be six newcomers to make it a nine-team league.
There will be some stability. Creighton senior forward Doug McDermott has a chance to become the 11th player to be a three-time All-America but he will do it in a new conference, the Big East. Senior guard Russ Smith will lead Louisville in its national title defense. Aaron Craft will be back for one more season of floor-diving and all-out hustling with Ohio State.
Marcus Smart was probably the highest-rated NBA draft pick to return to school and his sophomore season at Oklahoma State will see him competing with Wiggins as he defends Big 12 player of the year honors.
'If he's the best player like people say, if that's the case, in order for me to be the best, I have to beat the best, right?' Smart said at conference media day. 'If he's the best player, fans will get their money's worth when we play Kansas.'
The first game is Jan. 18, at Kansas, with the rematch at Oklahoma State March 1.
That will be one of a few conference matchups to keep an eye on: Kentucky-Florida in the Southeastern Conference, Michigan State-Michigan in the Big Ten and Duke-Syracuse in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Louisville and Memphis, one of the more underrated college basketball rivalries, will be in the same in the same league, the American Athletic Conference, for one year before Louisville heads for the ACC.
The season gets under way Nov. 8 and it ends April 7 at AT&T Stadium in suburban Dallas with a record crowd of better than 80,000 expected. The semifinals will be telecast on TBS for the first time and the championship game will again be on CBS.
The last time the Final Four was played in Dallas was 1986 when Louisville, led by freshman 'Never Nervous' Pervis Ellison, beat Duke, making its first Final Four appearance under coach Mike Krzyzewski, in the championship game.


text:
I bought my bullet guides from K-var they were cheap and come with the rivet
has anyone made a bullet guide out of a piece of steel pipe for a 5.45X39 saga.. that works.. 545 only.. I tried to make one and I can not get it to feed.. Seems like it is too low.. B2B
I bought my bullet guides from K-var they were cheap and come with the rivet
Sprat and sprat1 are one and the same.
I had a Saiga 7.62x39 that I converted.Looked at a internet picture of one and made it with a piece of SS 3/4" pipe,drilled and taped.
SOON-We already lost the war. You are the resistance.
I made one for my saiga .223 out of cast iron pipe. Drilled and tapped. LOTS of filing requiredd to get the angles good for rounds to feed tho.
I made about 4 different pieces and could not get them to feed 100% so I ordered one from Dizag inc.. I was going to order one or two from KVAR but those Cocksuckers wanted over $12 to ship two bullet guides....F that..dam rip off crooks, that is just a BS over charged shipping prices... it would cost like a dollar to send in the mail...sorry but they will not get my business.. B2B
Last edited by Bolt2Bounce2; 12-21-2012 at 08:50 PM.
It's most likely not working since you made it from a pipe, the 545 guide has a flat top.
Look at the guides on this link, they are all flat on top. The difference is the trunnion where the guide sets, either it's flat or rounded, there's pics so click on both style and you'll see what I mean.
"Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem" Ronald Reagan
My receiver has a round bottom under where the bullet guide..sits.. I ordered the round one from Dinzag well see if it works.. B2B
+1 i made one out of the same , it worked OK with the galil mags in my .223.
one of the good things about the AR-15 mag converter is it has a built in ramp.
the bad thing is to get it to fit you have to really do some cut and grind job on your mag well & locking lugs.
I got my Dinzag bullet guide.. and it works flawlessly.. I had to open the hole a hair as I taped a 10-32 hole and not the 8-32..but it feeds great... I'm very happy.. well worth the $20 just to end my frustration..and My Fail.. I hate that feeling.. now I can move on to the 74 front end..mod.. B2BCoils.. I think this is true.. not bumping the round high enough.. B2BIt's most likely not working since you made it from a pipe, the 545 guide has a flat top.


text:
Trump takes on NBA and NFL stars
Trump has a point, but he may have bitten off more than he can chew. NFL and NBA stars are ridiculously overpaid and they should show respect and gratitude for the millions many of them make, but will any fans listen to Trump? I seriously doubt it. No one is going to stop watching football or basketball over these childish protests. It's just not going to happen.


text:
COLUMBUS -- Paul Imhoff compared legislation being considered in the Ohio House to repeal Common Core standards to trying to build an aircraft while in flight.
The move, the superintendent of the Upper Arlington school district in suburban Columbus told lawmakers Tuesday, would mean three different sets of academic standards in five years -- "five years in which teachers and other dedicated professional educators must scramble to build a new educational product at the same time they are attempting to teach it," he said. "That's a lot like building a plane while flying it, and that is not what we want for any child. It doesn't make sense, and it isn't good for students."
Imhoff was among more than three dozen school officials, researchers, teachers and others who testified in opposition to House Bill 597, which would repeal Common Core standards in math and English language coursework and replace them with new standards to be developed over the next few years.
The legislation had three hearings last week, with proponents of a repeal saying the standards represent an overreach of the federal government and corporate interests into local classrooms, with resulting textbook lessons so convoluted or awkwardly phrased that students and their parents don't understand them.
Two hearings scheduled for this week and one next week are open to those who oppose the repeal. Supporters of Common Core said Tuesday that the standards were developed with input from teachers and others, that curriculum, textbook and other decisions still are made at the local level, and that the setup is providing students with a better foundation for future college courses and careers.
"We can no longer be satisfied with teaching students basic facts and formulas that can be Googled in a matter of seconds," Imhoff said. "We must also teach them how to develop the critical thinking and collaboration skills that enabled us to create things like Google. The professional world has new standards for its workers, and we need new and higher standards for our students."
"Our students are competing globally for the best jobs; they need competent instruction based upon a solid, stable foundation. The Common Core provides that," he added.
Speakers also said Tuesday that the standards are ensuring "rigorous" classroom instruction, with increased emphasis on critical thinking.
"I am not aware of a single teacher in our district who feels that the standards expect too little of students," said Kimberly Yoak, a licensed teacher and former mathematics consultant for Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools. She added, "I hear many teachers saying that they wish they had had the chance to learn mathematics like this because it would have made so much more sense to them. ... And I wonder how many fewer adults in the general population would have such a strong distaste for mathematics if they had also had this kind of learning experience."
Dawn Henry, Oregon City Schools, director of teaching and learning, said HB 597 would take away some control over curriculum decisions from local districts.
"I'm also troubled by the hypocrisy of calling for local control, then usurping that control with an over-reaching and capricious mandate that demands teachers take a specified amount of time to teach a specified type of text, written by a specified group of authors of a specified nationality and from a specified period of history," she said. "The legislation even regulates how school districts can choose their literary works, and specifically includes language that prevents books from being read for their political or cultural value. Indeed, if I was in a district comprised mostly of African-American, Hispanic or Asian-American students, I might be offended by a legislative mandate that forces my students to read mostly white authors from before the Civil Rights Movement."
Jeff Patrick, superintendent of Franklin Monroe Local Schools in Darke County, added later, "If you pass HB 597, you are doing a huge injustice to the students of Ohio. ... We will be returning to lower standards with lower expectations of our students."
Marc Kovac is the Dix capital bureau chief. Email him at firstname.lastname@example.com or on Twitter at OhioCapitalBlog.


text:
I love reading the letters to the editor in our student newspaper. Really, it's the only thing I'll make sure to read every day, because it's always chock-full of amusing letters. For example, this young man's failed attempt to defend the Boy Scouts:
Boy Scouts organization does not discriminate
I am writing in response to Mr. Miller's cheap shot at the Boy Scouts in his letter from Tuesday ("Hate to bear bad news, but humans have sex"). First off, it was unnecessary and childish, given that it was unrelated to the issue at hand (on which, coincidentally, I would tend to agree with you.) Secondly, the loss of funding to which you refer was politically motivated, rather than impartial.
However, the point is this: Boy Scouts, both as an organization and as individuals, do not discriminate. You cite atheists; one of Scouting's core values is "duty to God." (Note that no religion is specified.) Why, then would an atheist wish to join Scouts, other than to cause trouble?
You also mention homosexuals. Let's stop and think for a moment: Scouts spend a large amount of time in the backcountry, far from "civilization," for lack of a better word. The only ones around are the other boys in the troop, and the adult leaders. Do we really wish to place young boys in a position where they could be taken advantage of by an older boy or adult? Of course not.
Next time you take a shot at someone, take the time to learn the facts before you open your mouth; you'll sound smarter.
Michael Harvath, Eagle Scout
Freshman in Engineering
Hmm, did someone just slander gays and atheists in one letter? Release the hounds!
Seriously, he got obliterated today, with six different letters refuting him. Go check them out. I'm pretty sure the majority of the writers are members of the Society of Non-Theists, so props to them! Always fun to hear the rational voices of Purdue!


text:
► 带动经济发展
► 助推产业升级
► 解决就业问题
Guided by Hengli's view of era, Hengli Group persists in promoting harmonious development of economy, environment and society, plays pole role of model enterprise, and pushes forward industrial transformation and upgrading, and regional economic growth to benefit society.
► Promoting Economic Development
Hengli Group continuously deepens transformation and upgrading, actively perfects industrial chain, leads private economy development, realizes its own sustainable development, and at the same time, contributes to promoting the regional economic and social development.
In 2013, the sales volume of Hengli Group reached RMB135 billion yuan, which plays an positive role in promoting social development. The enterprise has been listed as provincial "large taxpayer" for many years.
► Boosting Industrial Upgrading
Hengli Group ranks forefront of China's top 500 enterprises and China's top 100 private enterprises, sticks to technology research and development, and self-dependent innovation, plays an impellent and leading role in enhancing advantage of industrial cluster, transformation and upgrading.
As the industry leader, Hengli Group has successively won "National Prize for Progress in Science and Technology", "Prize for the Outstanding Contribution to China Textile Industry Association Product Development", and has been identified as "National Torch Plan High-tech Enterprise".
► Solving the Employment Problem
According to the whole industry chain strategic planning, Hengli Group successively invests and constructs petrochemical and textile high-tech industrial park , provides society with more than 50,000 jobs, makes contribution to keeping stable employment situation and optimizing employment environment. This enterprise has continuously listed Jiangsu Province " Employment Advanced Unit" for years, and has won the title of "The National Employment and Social Security Advanced Private Enterprise" and "The National Employment Advanced Enterprise".


text:
Home » Youtube - All Videos » 00148
Most Recent Videos
Why Pepperl + Fuchs invested in Hume
Hume City is home to small, medium and large local and international advanced manufacturers. Find out why Pepperl+Fuchs, a German company represented in 169 countries and employing over 6000 people ac
Active for All
Active for All was proudly supported by the Victorian State Government and delivered by Hume City Council.
Hume City Council - Craigieburn Festival 2020 Promo Video
Broadmeadows Town Park before and after
Community Grants
Congratulations to the 2019 Community Grant program recipients. Every project you deliver makes Hume a better place to live.
Hume City Council presents Summer Sessions Movies and Music 2020
A short history of Town Hall Broadmeadows
From it's construction in 1964 to it's redevelopment in 2019, follow the life of Town Hall Broadmeadows so far...
HGLC - Sunbury from Knockdown to Completion
We were very proud to open the Hume Global Learning Centre - Sunbury on 16 December 2019. This is a video of the construction journey!
Why Integra Systems invested in Hume
Invest in Hume City
Hume City Council - Carols by Candlelight 2019 Event
Hume City Council presents Carols by Candlelight on Saturday the 7th of December at Craigieburn ANZAC Park. Much loved singer and actor Johnny Ruffo will host a fantastic cast, featuring pop sensatio
DRAFT 2 - Carols by Candlelight Promo Video
draft only
DRAFT ONLY - Hume City Council Carols by Candlelight Promo Video
Draft only
20 Years of the Hume Education Scholarship Program
The Hume Education Scholarship Program celebrates its 20th year in 2019. As a part of the celebration, we interviewed some of the past recipients.
Watch Mayor of Hume City, Cr Carly Moore give her Mayoral acceptance speech
Aitken Ward Councillor Carly Moore was elected Mayor of Hume City for a second consecutive term for 2019/20 at Hume City Council's Statutory Meeting on 30 October 2019.
Mayor of Hume, Cr Carly Moore's Speech - Draft Three
On 30 October 2019, Aitken Ward Councillor Carly Moore was elected Mayor of Hume City for a second consecutive term for 2019/20.
HGLC-Sunbury progress update - 29 October 2019
Watch as the HGLC - Sunbury continues to take shape.
Why GEA Australia invested in Hume City
Investment Attraction Testimonials
Recycle Right
Did you know? Placing non-recyclable items like general waste and organics in your recycling bin means you risk your recycling being sent to landfill. If trucks of recycling are made up of 10 per cent


text:
This image shows how I wish our days were being spent right now. We'd be playing around with display items, putting an inspiring little doll into a vintage light fixture then standing back to debate if the placement was right.
But of course, that's not the case (though we did do that). Here is where our focus is - in the big giant mess in our basement. It's getting to be a very exciting mess though, and it's amazing what has happened in the last 10 days. The floor is down (and protected under all that cardboard), the drywall is done, and there are light switches that actually turn lights on and off! We painted all last weekend, much to the kids' dismay, and I'm currently procrastinating about heading down there again right now. Back when we signed the contract somehow taking on the painting component ourselves seemed like a good idea (truthfully I quite enjoy painting) but it's a HUGE job and I'm not very fast. Every wall, every piece of trim, every square inch of ceiling and awkward closet needs at the very least 3 coats of paint. Our goal this weekend is to get the bathroom and laundry room done because we actually have things that need to be installed in both. I've agonized over paint colours for the past few weeks and hope the final decisions are decent (my kitchen debacle is fresh in my mind). The bathroom will be Benjamin Moore's Balboa Mist and the laundry room Collingwood - which are side by side on the paint chip, and both on the warm side of gray. I used Collingwood in our upstairs bathroom but this new bathroom has carrara floors and (soon-to-be) countertop so I hope the slightly lighter Balboa Mist works. Ceilings and trim are all Para's Cameo White, the same white everywhere else in the house. I'm nothing if not consistent.
Soon, soon we'll be moving in and starting to make things again. But for the foreseeable future, I'm glued to a paintbrush.


text:
Difference between revisions of "C++ vs. C"
(→Minuses: Stick Andre Weissflog's article for now)
(→Designated initializers: are coming in C++2a)
|Line 67:
|Line 67:
Some who take the time to truly understand C find that C is often the right language for the job.
Some who take the time to truly understand C find that C is often the right language for the job.
C compiles to much smaller WebAssembly than idiomatic C++ does.
C compiles to much smaller WebAssembly than idiomatic C++ does.
The designated initializer syntax introduced in C99 is an unfortunate omission from C++
The designated initializer syntax introduced in C99 is an unfortunate omission from C++<ref>Andre Weissflog. "[https://floooh.github.io/2018/06/02/one-year-of-c.html One year of C]". ''The Brain Dump'', 2018-06-02. Accessed 2018-06-03
== References ==
== References ==
Revision as of 02:11, 6 January 2019
This is a mini-rant, a short essay refuting a common misconception among users of an Internet forum. If you think this essay is FUD, feel free to explain why on the essay's talk page.
The C++ programming language brings improvements over its predecessor C, but fans of other languages point out that C++ is still not perfect. Over a decade after the 1998 standardization of the C++ programming language, the C++ vs. C debate continues.
Compared to C, C++ has a bunch of new language features with little or no runtime overhead because they are translated to code equally as efficient as the equivalent C code:
- namespaces
- function overloading
- type-safe
- STL, the part of the C++ standard library with containers and algorithms
- non-
- references, needed by operator overloading
A few features are as efficient as C yet still rawther deceptive and easy to misuse because the "simple" syntax hides how much code is actually being generated:
- operator overloading, when compared to ordinary function-call syntax
virtual(polymorphic) methods, when compared to C function pointer tables, especially the pure virtual method's undefined behavior that some compilers may implement as an exception
- templates instantiated several times, when compared to using the preprocessor to instantiate multiple copies
class is a
struct whose default access is
That's the only difference.
If you specify access before any members,
class and
struct mean the same thing.
C++ also has some features requiring possibly expensive runtime library support:
Templates have a couple drawbacks:
- Type names in error message become far more difficult to interpret. Common implementations may expand a template type name fully in diagnostic messages even if the source code accesses the type through a
typedef. For example, an error message involving the
std::stringtype is likely to provoke this reaction: "
basic_string? I'm using C++, not BASIC! And what the fsck is
char_traits?" (True, implementations are not the language, but a language is only as good as its best free implementation.)
- Programmers can lose track of for how many different type combinations they have instantiated a template, causing code size to balloon. There is a new feature in C++11 called
extern templateallowing for explicit instantiation, but not all compilers support it yet.
Exceptions (
throw) also have a few drawbacks:
- Some platforms require different stack frame formats for code that uses exceptions and code that does not use exceptions. Unless you completely disable exception support using compiler flags, the exception support may still eat up a few percent of CPU time, roughly 8 to 10 percent in GCC.[1]
- Even if you have determined that a particular compiler imposes little to no runtime speed penalty for exceptions, the size of the required library support might cause a problem on embedded or handheld devices with less than about a megabyte of RAM. I'll grant that this has become somewhat less important in the 2010s as the market has transitioned from handheld devices with 384 KiB of RAM, such as a Game Boy Advance, to smartphones with a thousand times that much memory.
- A practical counterpart to the
finallykeyword of Java and Python was not added until C++11. True, there isn't as much need for
finallyin C++ as in languages that rely on a garbage collector, given the idiom of allocating resources in constructors that C++'s deterministic destruction allows. But a method often still needs to restore the object's fields to a consistent state before eating or rethrowing the exception. Once compilers implement C++11, however, the programmer can build a scope-guard with
std::shared_ptrand lambda expressions.
- If a function throws exceptions, all callers have to be aware of all exception types that it may throw, and all callers have to be written in C++ using exception style so that they can catch the exceptions. And unlike Java with its checked exceptions, C++ compilers offer no built-in automated tests to ensure that a method either handles or rethrows exceptions that its callees throw. This is one reason why Google is not a fan of C++ exceptions.[1]
On platforms without virtual memory, a program must be aware of possible out-of-memory conditions.
The STL allows passing an allocator to all containers, but most implementations appear to exhibit undefined behavior when
allocate() returns 0 like new(std::nothrow) does.
I've been told one STL implementation can be built with
nothrow in mind: STLPort.[2][3]
EA Games created an out-of-memory-aware allocator.
<iostream> library is another divisive issue.
It was envisioned as a type-safe alternative to
<cstdio>, but implementations are hairy, convoluted, bloated, and inefficient.
This goes double if you have to use a statically linked implementation of the C++ standard library, either because the operating system provides no C++ standard library (e.g. handheld video game systems) or because your compiler's C++ ABI differs from that of the operating system publisher's own development tools (e.g. MinGW).
Hello World programs with
-Os and statically linked libstdc++ in one version of MinGW resulted in 5,632 bytes for
<cstdio> but 266,240 bytes for
A devkitARM project targeting Game Boy Advance had similar results: 5,156 bytes for C-style I/O and 253,652 bytes for
(This is expected; Thumb and x86 have comparable code density.)
Even removing some unreachable code with
-Wl,-gc-sections couldn't get the GBA project below 180,032 bytes.
(For comparison, the GBA's main RAM is 262,144 bytes.)
These tests are with GNU libstdc++, which initializes date, time, and money aspects of a locale for each stream even if the program never shifts a date, time, or money object into the stream.
This is because it was conceived before templates and instead uses virtual inheritance and "facets", which C++ implementations can't optimize well.[4]
Some third-party C++ standard library implementations such as uClibc++ are designed for space efficiency and leave out features such as locale support that aren't as useful in small-memory systems.
In fact, one C++ advocate claims that comparing memory usage of C++ to C by targeting a sub-megabyte platform with GNU libstdc++ sets up a huge straw man.[5]
Yet some C++ fanboys claim that anything using good old
<cstring> and
<cstdio> instead of new-fangled
<string> and
<iostream> isn't in the spirit of C++, whatever that means. They cling to item 2 in the second edition of Scott Meyers' Effective C++, which promotes
<iostream> over
<cstdio>, and ignore item 23 of his sequel ("consider alternative libraries").
Meyers did remove item 2 from the third edition, evidently recognizing that
<iostream> is far from perfect.
Someone who knows a few people on the standards committee thinks Boost.Format is idiomatic and
<iostream> is just idiotic.
"As an embedded programmer, I shun C++." -- Arlet, 2011-11-01
Designated initializers
Some who take the time to truly understand C find that C is often the right language for the job. C compiles to much smaller WebAssembly than idiomatic C++ does. The designated initializer syntax introduced in C99 is an unfortunate omission from C++[2] prior to the forthcoming C++2a standard. The eighteen different types of object initialization in C++ are "bonkers".[3]
- ↑ Andrew Binstock. "The Scourge of Error Handling". Dr. Dobb's, 2012-12-05. Accessed 2012-12-08.
- ↑ Andre Weissflog. "One year of C". The Brain Dump, 2018-06-02. Accessed 2018-06-03.
- ↑ Mike Lui. "Initialization in C++ is Seriously Bonkers". No TV and No Beer, 2019-01-03. Accessed 2019-01-05.
External links
- C++ FQA Lite by Yossi Kreinin, offering a rebuttal to the fandom's C++ FAQ Lite
- A rebuttal to the rebuttal, which admits that Yossi makes a few good points


text:
Ammonium Sulphate FCC
Canton Chem, Inc.目前只在以下作出标识的区域展示其产品资料:
Ammonium Sulphate FCC appears as a colorless to white colored crystals or granules. This product has a molecular weight of 132.14, an assay of 99.0 - 100.5%, and is denoted by the CAS number 7783-20-2. This product is freely soluble in water, and insoluble in alcohol. Ammonium Sulphate FCC is used in food and beverage products as a mineral fortifier.
Canton Chem, Inc. is a leading supplier of high-purity, high-quality fine/specialty chemicals. With decades of experience, they have acquired name recognition for fine chemicals and bulk drugs, along with a large share in the indigenous market. Their product portfolio encompasses a wide range of applications, such as pharmaceuticals, food, animal healthcare, and more.
Canton Chem, Inc.
希望在赛百库经销商/贸易商板块进行展示推广?请立即联络我们 !


text:
The University of Dundee's key aim is 'to transform lives, locally and globally, through the creation, sharing and application of knowledge'.
The university has three campuses. The City Campus, Ninewells Campus, for students in the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine and Nursing and Health Sciences, and Kirkcaldy Campus, one of the locations for the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Courses and specialisms
The university is organised into nine schools containing multiple disciplines. In addition, all of these schools have associated research units:
The university has 3,000 staff and more than 17,000 students from over 145 countries. Around 12,000 study at undergraduate level.
Dundee also has a consistently high rate of graduate employment. According to HESA, 96.6% of students from the 2016/17 academic year went into employment or further study within six months of graduating.
Facilities and services
The City Campus has excellent facilities including lecture theatres, labs, library and IT suites. There is also sporting facilities with a sports centre, swimming pool and tennis courts.
Ninewells Campus is three miles west of the City Campus. Here you'll find the Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, home to the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine and Nursing and Health Sciences.
Kirkcaldy Campus borders the town of Kirkcaldy in Fife. This campus is one of three locations for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The university also has over 159 societies, run by the Students' Union.
According to the Guardian University Guide 2020 the University of Dundee's Law course is ranked No. 4 in Scotland and No. 3 in the UK and the University of Dundee's Dental School has been ranked as 3rd in UK for Dentistry.
Dundee comes 1st in the Complete University Guide's 'Top 10 UK Universities for Forensic Science
Courtesy of University of Dundee
Dundee City


text:
Build and support our products, tools, and business applications. We're building software that's transforming the world. Over four million engineers and scientists use MATLAB® and Simulink® to design smart grids, control spacecraft, crunch big data, perform machine learning, and more.
Sell and support our products and services. Connecting with customers every day, sales and support teams reach the top accounts in engineering, science, industry, and academia worldwide. Bring your curiosity, drive, and energy to work with us.
Tell our story. Over four million engineers and scientists worldwide use MATLAB and Simulink, so we have some terrific stories to tell. Our marketing teams thrive on the newest technologies, craft compelling campaigns, and develop new market opportunities through new product and feature planning.
Run the company engine. From HR and IT to finance, legal, and facilities, these central groups keep MathWorks running smoothly. With collaboration and innovation, these teams drive the company engine.


text:
You are here: Home > Purchase A Gift Certificate
Gift Certificates
Looking for something unusual to mark an upcoming occasion? Our attractively presented gift certificates are available in any denomination and can be sent by email or, if you'd prefer, through the post. Just fill in the form below to order a gift certificate for that special somebody now! There is no expiration date, so the pleasure of buying is at your loved one's convenience.


text:
High Sierra
Sort By:
Luggage, outdoor accessories, and more are included in the High Sierra showcase. Their upstanding reputation as a leading manufacturer of products for outdoor aficionados has grown to encompass fans like athletes, students, and various professionals, not to mention a host of other loyal followers. As corporate gifts or as part of workforce motivation programs, High Sierra products serve as exclusive brand vehicles to be enjoyed by end users in all facets of their daily lives. From duffel bags to lanterns, these items cover a diverse pool of product categories to suit the varied needs of different market segments. Frequent travelers may appreciate imprinted gift ideas like wheeled travel cases or portable electronic charging devices, while hikers or lovers of open-air would prefer durable L.E.D. torches or specialized daypacks.


text:
WWE Bad Blood began with the usual excellent opening video, this one focusing on the Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H Hell In The Cell match and the Chris Benoit vs. Kane World Title match.
World Tag Team Champions La Resistance (Sylvan Grenier & Robere Conway) vs. Chris Benoit & Edge. Sylvan sang "Oh Canada" (very poorly) until Edge's music cut him off. Edge started off with Sylvan, trading hammerlocks and headlocks. Edge tripped him while in a wristlock, and tagged in Benoit, who wrenched Sylvan with a side headlock. Benoit hit a shoulderblock and chopped Sylvan to the mat, then tagged in Edge. Sylvan slugged his way to his corner, and tagged in Conway. Edge took right over on him, hitting a chop and tagging in Benoit. Benoit and Conway traded chops, and Benoit hit a back suplex for two. Edge tagged back in, but Conway hit a series of rights and tagged in Sylvan, who choked Edge on the ropes. Edge hit a flapjack after reversing a whip, but Conway broke up the cover. Edge went after Conway, and Sylvan shoved Edge through the ropes to the floor, where he got his back rammed into the security wall. La Resistance worked over Edge in their corner, with Conway applying a variation of the camel clutch. Grenier hit a legdrop across the back of Edge's head for a two count, then applied his version of the camel clutch. Jim Ross noted that La Resistance was going after Edge's recently repaired neck. Edge hit Grenier with a cross bodyblock to rally, but Grenier hit an elbowdrop and tagged in Conway, who hit a vertical suplex for two. Grenier hit a back suplex on Edge for a two count, but Edge hit a jumping leg lariat. However, Conway ran in and knocked Benoit off the apron. La Resistance went for a double suplex, but Edge turned it into a neckbreaker on both opponents. Edge went for the tag, but Benoit wasn't there. Edge hit a enzugiri on Conway and got the tag to Benoit, who cleaned house with suplexes and chops on both men. Benoit applied the Sharpshooter on Sylvan, but Conway broke it up. Edge almost accidentally speared Benoit, but put on the breaks. Benoit put Grenier in the crossface, while Edge speared Conway. Grenier appeared on the verge of tapping out, but Kane ran in, and hit a big boot on Benoit, then one on Edge. Kane gave them both chokeslams, and tossed Benoit back first into the ringsteps. Kane then walked off, smiling. The referee called for the disqualification at the ten minute mark. Winners: Chris Benoit & Edge via disqualification (even though it was never announced).
Post-match, Benoit was on the floor, clutching his back in pain.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Use our reports with online gambling where you can play casino games or bet on different kind of sports!


text:
- This training course has passed.
IOSH Working Safely
22nd November 2019 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Training Course Navigation
Our IOSH Working Safely course helps to show how everyone can make a difference to their own well-being and that of others in the workplace. Topics include identifying common hazards, protecting the environment and improving safety performance. IOSH Working Safely is a one-day course that leads to a nationally recognised and respected certification. Our course meets the government's guidelines for introductory health & safety training and is a 100 per cent match to the Health & Safety Executive's 'passport' syllabus. It will provide delegates with a good basic knowledge in the essentials of health & safety.
Cost per delegate £135.00 + VAT, which includes certificate and work booklet.
To reserve a place on this training course please click the button below and complete our contact form informing us of the course title and date.


text:
The following is an announcement regarding an update made by the Quinte Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) to its online finding aid.
It was sent in by Bob Dawes, the IT Coordinator of Quinte Branch.
The Quinte Branch of the Ontario Genealogy Society has expanded its online Names Index Database finding aid by adding a self-help document.
Even though the finding aid's primary purpose is to find a reference in the group's research library, there is a lot of information that can be extracted from the search tool by itself. For example, there are newspaper birth, marriage and death notices where the page reference identifies the publication date which would be close to the event date.
In other cases, just being able to decode the library reference code of a family genealogy to its actual title by cross-referencing the search results with the online Library Catalogue means you can look for it in other libraries or online. Using this new self-help tool will enable researchers, at a distance, to do their own initial investigative work without having to contact a branch volunteer to do it for them. The document is supplied in PDF format so it can be downloaded and printed for local use.
With over one million surname references, this database is a significant resource for genealogists researching ancestors in the Bay of Quinte region of Ontario, Canada. The new self-help guide can be found under "Using the Names Index Database Finding Aid" on the Quinte Branch homepage at www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~canqbogs.


text:
Editor's note: If you're looking for information on a newer Toyota Prius c, we've published an updated review: 2019 Toyota Prius c Review.
It didn't take long for the 2014 Toyota Prius c to become one of Toyota's rising stars. Orders for the new pint-sized Prius exceeded expectations early on, transforming this projected bit player into a marquee attraction. In retrospect, we should have seen this coming. After all, the Prius c gets the same overall fuel economy as the regular Prius — an astounding 50 miles per gallon — yet its base price is more than $5,000 lower.
Not surprisingly, the Prius c makes a few compromises relative to Prius norms. Because the structure comes from the short-wheelbase Yaris subcompact, it's not as refined as the standard Prius — and it yields a firmer, bouncier ride. Moreover, road noise is elevated, and space for passengers and cargo is diminished. We'll also give big brother the nod for both exterior styling and cabin quality.
But the Prius c is certainly better at navigating tight spaces, and its handling feels more responsive, for those who care about such things. Plus, $5,000 is a lot of money, representing a discount of roughly 20 percent compared to the cheapest traditional Prius.
Overall, while the Prius c isn't a full Prius substitute, it's undoubtedly the cheapest way to hit the 50-miles-per-gallon milestone in a new car today. That's the formula that propelled the Prius c to instant stardom, and we expect it to maintain its appeal in these consumption-conscious times. See the 2014 Toyota Prius c models for sale near you
What's New for 2014?
The Prius c is unchanged for the 2014 model year.
What We Like
Stellar fuel economy; appealing price; hatchback convenience
What We Don't
Firm ride by Prius standards; ponderous acceleration
How Much?
Fuel Economy
The front-wheel-drive Prius c is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline inline 4-cylinder and an electric motor teamed with a battery pack. Total output is 99 horsepower, which isn't much in a car that weighs 2,500 pounds. But speed has never been the point of any Prius. And given that the Environmental Protection Agency rates the Prius c at a whopping 53 mpg city/46 mpg hwy (50 mpg in combined city and highway driving), we suspect most owners won't mind setting a leisurely pace.
Standard Features & Options
The 2014 Toyota Prius c subcompact hatchback comes in four trim levels: One, Two, Three and Four.
The entry-level One ($19,900) feels basic inside, though it does come with power accessories, automatic climate control (an unusual luxury at this price point), a 3.5-inch color display with a real-time power-flow diagram and a 4-speaker audio system with iPod/USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
Step up to the Two ($20,700) and you'll get six speakers for the stereo, variable intermittent wipers, 2-tone seat fabric with a driver-seat height adjustment, SofTex dashboard trim, a 60/40 split folding rear seat back (the One's rear seat back folds down in one piece), cruise control and a center console with an armrest.
The Three ($22,500) adds voice-command recognition, a navigation system, the Entune smartphone-based mobile app interface and keyless entry/ignition with push-button start. (Lesser models have a traditional twist key.)
The Four ($24,000) tacks on fog lamps, 15-in alloy wheels (optional on Three), heated front seats and SofTex trim for the seats and steering wheel.
In terms of options, the Prius c doesn't have many. A sunroof can be added to either the Three or Four, and sunroof-equipped Fours are eligible for 16-in alloy wheels with a quicker steering ratio.
The Prius c comes with standard stability control, nine airbags and anti-lock brakes.
In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing, the Prius c received four overall stars out of five — a rating composed of four stars in the frontal test, four stars in the side-impact test and four stars in the rollover test. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Prius c its highest rating of Good in all tested impact categories.
Behind the Wheel
The Prius c doesn't have the smooth ride of the regular Prius. They're different cars underneath, and the Prius c's Yaris genes don't do it any favors. It's not as quiet at cruising speeds, either. But while we unexpectedly found the steering too heavy (heavier still with the Four's optional 16-in wheels), it's reasonably precise for a car of this nature, and body roll is kept within acceptable limits. We also love the tiny turning circle, which makes U-turns a breeze. The regenerative brakes may feel strange if you're a hybrid novice, but you'll get used to their inconsistent feedback in time.
Other Cars to Consider
Honda Insight — Conceived as a Prius-fighter, we think the Insight might be a better match for the comparably priced Prius c. The Insight's back seat is inhospitable even compared to the c's, but we enjoy driving Honda's hybrid hatchback more.
Honda CR-Z — If you don't need a back seat but could go for a more engaging drive, the 2-seat CR-Z is about the only game in town, delivering superior dynamics (and considerably worse fuel economy) for similar money.
Toyota Prius — If the Prius c doesn't seem like enough, keep in mind that the regular Prius starts under $25,000 and comes well-equipped.
AutoTrader's Advice
We'd have to have push-button start, so put us down for a Prius c Three. That pushes the price past $22,000, but it gives you a lot of technology for the money. Find a Toyota Prius c for sale


text:
New research has trebled the number of genetic regions known to be implicated in Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, to over thirty. The research, published today in the journal Nature Genetics, has identified a number of potential new targets for drug development as well as providing surprising new links between the condition and other common diseases including asthma.
Crohn's disease affects between 1 in 500 and 1 in 1000 people within the UK, causing inflammation of gastrointestinal tract and leading to pain, ulcers and diarrhoea. The disease can strike at any age, but onset is typically between 15 and 40 years old. As many as 80% of people suffering from the disease will require surgery at some point.
Previous studies have already identified 11 genes and loci (regions of the genome typically including one or more genes) that increase susceptibility to the disease. Now an international collaboration of researchers has identified a further 21 new genes and loci. The team of scientists and clinicians involved used DNA samples from almost 12,000 people. Many were from UK patient collections and analysed originally in the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium - the largest study ever undertaken into the genetics underlying common diseases - with others coming from European and North American collections.
"We now know of more than thirty genetic regions that affect susceptibility to Crohn's disease," says Dr Jeffrey Barrett from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics at the University of Oxford, lead author of the study. "These explain only about a fifth of the genetic risk, which implies that there may be hundreds of genes implicated in the disease, each increasing susceptibility by a small amount.
"Whilst this study shows the power of genome wide association studies to reveal the genetics behind common diseases, it also highlights the complexity of diseases such as Crohn's."
Genome wide association studies have led to an explosion in the number of genes known to be implicated in complex diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and Crohn's disease. The first two Crohn's disease susceptibility genes were discovered in 2001, followed by a third in 2006. The Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium and parallel studies took that number above ten the following year using genome wide association studies. This number has now almost trebled to thirty-two.
Amongst the findings are loci containing genes known to be implicated in a number of other common diseases including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. However, the genetic relationship between Crohn's and these other diseases is not always straightforward. For example, the genetic variant PTPN2 appears to increase susceptibility to both Crohn's disease and type 1 diabetes. But the similarly named PTPN22 increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, yet appears to offer protection from Crohn's.
Although some of the disease connections were unsurprising - there is already a known epidemiological correlation between Crohn's disease and psoriasis, for example - the ORMDL3 gene on chromosome 17 provided the most unexpected link. ORMDL3 was already known to be a genetic risk factor for childhood asthma, but until now, no epidemiological link had ever been seen between asthma and Crohn's disease.
"It's too early for us to say how Crohn's disease and many of these other diseases, including asthma, are linked at a biological level," says Dr Miles Parkes, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Addenbrooke's Hospital and the University of Cambridge, who also worked on the study. "However, we are building up a picture of the biology underlying Crohn's disease, and the more we understand about the underlying biology of these diseases, the better equipped we will be to treat them.
"Studies such as this are not about developing diagnostic tests, but about identifying targets for new drugs therapies. Crohn's disease can be a very serious condition, often requiring surgery, and the sooner we can understand the underlying causes, the sooner we will be able to devise new treatments to help our patients."
Some of the most likely candidates for so-called "druggable" targets include the CCR6 gene, which is thought to be part of the signalling machinery that causes white blood cells in the gut to become over-active, leading to inflammation. These particular white blood cells, known as Th17 cells, are also present in inflamed joints, implying that CCR6 may also be relevant to rheumatoid arthritis, and therefore of added interest to the pharmaceutical industry.
"Genetics, and particularly the large scale approach of genome wide association studies, offers much hope for understanding the biological causes of complex diseases," says Dr Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust. "Studies such as this also highlight the important relationships between different diseases and, as such, may offer valuable insights into the pathways that lead to common symptoms such as inflammation."
The collection of samples was supported by the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease.


text:
Jim Thomas is the founder and president of Fitness Management USA Inc., a management consulting and turnaround firm specializing in the fitness and health club industry. With more than 25 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, Thomas lectures and delivers seminars and workshops across the country on the practical skills required to successfully build teamwork and market fitness programs and products. Visit his Web site at: http://www.fmconsulting.net.
Is your health club producing far below potential?
In working with clubs all across the country, I get the opportunity to step into health clubs that are in need of a sales turnaround. The attitude of most struggling health clubs is embarrassing. We hear a lot of justification and excuses for poor performance, such as, "We're not getting any walk-ins" or, "Our membership prices are too high." But what most health club salespeople really lack is a success role model.
Over time, we have identified the following nine success strategies that have improved the sales performance of many health clubs:
1. Delay decision-making in order to observe what's happening in your health club. When you first arrive at a health club with a sales team in distress, don't do anything. Take some time to understand the health club's situation, gather information about the people involved, and….
2. Study and evaluate the problems in your health club. One of the biggest problems clubs have is salespeople who don't believe in themselves. Many salespeople haven't experienced success, and if they've never had a success role model to look up to, they may not know what to do. Many salespeople play "follow the leader," so make sure you have a leader on your staff that others can emulate.
3. Find the "bell cow" in your health club. Who is the informal leader, or bell cow, of your health club? Who does not have the title but has the influence (and attitude)? It's important you win this person over to your side so that they will help you sell the message to others. The example of work ethic and attitude that your bell cow displays for the health club is, perhaps, even more important than the example you set for the team. This does not have to be a person in membership sales. It can be anyone that has the ear of others.
4. Don't tolerate mediocre membership sales performance. You must stand firm and not tolerate mediocre sales performance in your membership sales department. Far too often, poorly performing salespeople in health clubs are allowed to continue their lackluster ways, bringing the rest of the club down. Poor sales performers in your health club must make a decision to either recommit themselves to the attitudes and fundamentals necessary for success or leave the health club immediately.
5. Install performance standards. You have to communicate your expectations. So, raise the "B.A.R." on everybody with standards that consist of Behavior, Activity and Results. A common standard performance in health clubs is a higher membership sales quota.
6. Terminate those below minimum standards. Your health club salespeople will be wondering, "Do you really mean it?" The first person you terminate will send a loud and clear message throughout the staff that performance standards will be enforced. If you don't enforce them, the standards in your health club are meaningless.
7. Don't spend all your time with the salespeople who need you the most. One of the biggest mistakes health club owners and managers make is to spend all their time with the low producers on the sales staff. But when you think about it, if you increase their productivity by 20 percent, so what? You're much better off spending your time with the salespeople most capable of learning and implementing the sales system.
8. Make it a fun environment in your health club. For example, have contests that get everybody focused on a club goal. One example is to reward achieved sales goals with a round of golf with others.
9. Know what each health club salesperson wants. Every health club salesperson has his or her own personal motivation (their super objective or hot button). Your job as owner or manager is to find out what that is and then help the health club salesperson toward achievement. Try to learn something about each of your salespeople. What are their goals with your health club and beyond?Now, go turn around those lagging sales.