What other modes of transportation could be more impressive than an airplane. Just imagine the hulks that carry huge loads of cargo across the sky! Surely it could be said they beat trucks and ships by a mile. They are also much quicker and have other advantages that make air freight shipping an interesting choice. However, it is not a choice devoid of its own downsides. That's why we wrote this article, to present both of these to you!
Do you need air freight shipping?
Before we jump into the specific advantages and disadvantages, let us first look at what situations require such an impressive type of shipping. Obviously, short-range moving is out of the question. But even in long-range moves, air freight shipping isn't always the number one option. Due to its costs, it is mostly reserved for loads being hauled over great distances. Especially if those distances cover large bodies of water and other terrains that is hard to traverse. For example, most car transport tips will mention trucks and ships. The first is the choice of car transport over land, while the latter offer is a cheaper way of transporting your car and other belongings globally. However, there are specific advantages to air freight shipping that make it a good choice. In some cases even better than ship transport. So let's talk about those first.
Land, air and sea transport options all have their own advantages.
In this category, air freight shipping trumps all competition. You just can't beat the speed of a plane when it comes to cargo transport. And with an increase in distance, the speed difference becomes more obvious. Say you need to move your belongings from China to the US. With air freight shipping it should take about one or two days. How long does the same task take using ships? About a month or two, sometimes even longer! Therefore it's clear why air freight shipping is the go-to choice for individuals that need to transport their items quickly.
Another area where air freight shipping is clearly better than its competition is its reach. Simply put, you can get anywhere by air. Seas and oceans present an impassable obstacle for trucks. On the other hand, ships can only dock in coastal areas, meaning that you will again need to use a truck to move your items inland. Aircraft however only need a landing strip to deliver their cargo. This coupled with the fact that these strips are present near most of the population centers means that it is easier to directly deliver cargo by air than by any other mode of transportation. And this plays an even greater role for people that are moving to more remote places in the globe. Like military personnel. It is obvious from this then why most trouble-free military move tips include air freight shipping.
It's global reach makes air freight shipping ideal for military personnel.
Coupled with the speed of air freight shipping are it's accurate shipping dates. This is the result of comparatively short transit times that your cargo has while being shipped by air. Also, airline companies tend to strictly stick to their schedules when it comes to departure and arrival dates. This further contributes to the accuracy of the shipping date. This comes with one caveat though, that we will discuss later.
Yet another advantage of air freight shipping is the ability to track your cargo. Apart from the websites of your airline of choice, you can track your shipment online or by using an air transport radar website. Although land and sea transport companies are slowly integrating this feature too, it's still the most prevalent in air shipping.
A concern that you might have if you're shipping valuables like artwork, antique furniture or jewelry, is the security of your package. And nothing beats air shipping in this category. First of all, airports have high levels of security, making it hard for anyone to take your package. Also with minimal holding times and fast delivery, there's little chance of your package going missing. Finally, due to its speed, air freight shipping allows you to ship even perishables.
The main disadvantage of air freight shipping is it cost. Considering how air shipping can cost several times more than land or sea shipping it is obvious why it's not as common, despite it's many advantages. However, since air freight cost is calculated by weight and sea shipping price by volume, there are cases where the former costs as much as the latter.
Remember that caveat we mentioned when talking about the accuracy of air shipping dates? Well, we were talking about the weather. Although there are many ways weather can influence your move, it goes double for air freight shipping. This is due to the fact that bad weather may cause flight delays. These can last until the conditions clear out adding a level of uncertainty to your move. Especially if you're moving during the winter, over mountains or regions known for having bad weather. Also, while the weather conditions might clear up within a few hours, there are cases where they can last for several days. This can impact air freight shipments that need precise dates.
Air freight shipping heavily depends on weather conditions.
Finally, a disadvantage of air freight shipping are the size and weight limits. Firstly, aircraft have much smaller cargo spaces than ships. Even a dedicated cargo plane doesn't come close to a container ship in terms of cargo space. Secondly, many of the planes used for air freight shipping are passenger planes, meaning that the cargo comes second to passenger luggage. Finally, there are FAA limitations in place further limiting the scope of air freight shipping.
Is air freight shipping worth it?
Reading through this article you could see many advantages and disadvantages of air freight shipping. It would be fair to ask, with all these in mind, is it worth it? Well, we would say yes. However, it is situational. In fact, in some cases air freight shipping is irreplaceable. In others, however, it can be replaced more efficiently with other forms of shipping. So it all comes down to weighing your options and needs. One thing is certain, however – air freight shipping is undeniably cool!


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Updated Wednesday 9th May 2007
Forensic engineering enables us to analyse the 1986 Challenger disaster
Copyright: NASA
Copyright: Used with permission Challenger flew nine successful Space Shuttle missions.On January 28, 1986, the Challenger and its seven-member crew were lost 73 seconds after launch.
Why did the Challenger disaster happen?
The Challenger disaster occurred because hot gases created by the burning of solid rocket fuel escaped through a field joint. This exhaust succeeded in igniting the hydrogen fuel in the external tank. This resulted in the explosion that killed all seven on board the space shuttle Challenger.
Copyright: Used with permission Although much of the publicity was concerned with the cold weather properties of the elastomer (rubber) O-ring sealants - the physicist Richard Feynmann showed how the resilience of the O-ring fell rapidly when placed into ice water - the failure was more complex in reality.
The failure was due to four separate events that followed one after the other. All had to occur for the failure to happen:
Firstly, the zinc chromate putty that was used to provide a thermal barrier for the main O-ring seals had blowholes in it. These were created during leak testing and tended to channel the hot exhaust gases on to the primary O-ring and later on to the secondary O-ring.
These high temperatures tended to erode the O-ring, the second event in the failure chain. This means that the presence of the blowholes will increase the erosion of the O-rings.
The third event in the chain is the increase in gap created by the increase in pressure from the burning fuel. This increase in gap, which occurs very quickly, must be followed by the change in shape of the O-rings. If the O-ring becomes stiff then the change in shape will not occur quickly enough and will not provide a full seal.
The little amount of the O-ring forming a seal was quickly eroded away by the hot gases. These gases were free to pass through the now ineffective joint and eventually to set off the explosion of the fuel in the external tank.
Copyright: Used with permission The elastic behaviour of the elastomer in the O-ring is very different at -1oC than it is at 24oC. It will be much stiffer (5 times less responsive in returning to its original shape i.e. much slower), indicating that the risk of a failure occurring will be higher if the launch was to take place on a cold day, rather than a hot one. The fatal launch occurred when the outside air temperature was about 2oC, about 9oC colder than any previous space shuttle launch.
Redesign of the field joint was on the principle that all four stages of failure change would be examined, rather than just the well-publicised O-rings:
Firstly, an adhesive joint replaced the putty, so that channelling through blowholes would be eliminated
Secondly, the gap created by the increase in pressure was reduced by starting with an interference fit between the two sides of the field joint
Thirdly, the O-rings would be at a fixed temperature of 24oC, rather than kept subject to the vagaries of the external air temperature. This case used very little of the advanced techniques described earlier: the study of polymer science needed to understand the temperature effects on the time-dependent elastic properties of elastomers would be the least familiar concept to an old-style forensic engineer reincarnated from the early 20th century.
For more details about the Challenger Disaster visit the NASA website.
The report of the Rogers Commission set up by President Reagan.
The topic is also discussed in T839 Forensic Engineering.
The BBC and Open University are not responsible for the content of external websites.
The Forensic Engineering team
Originally published: Wednesday, 3rd April 2002
Last updated on: Wednesday, 9th May 2007
Body text - Copyright: ou (images - NASA)
Image 'Challenger image (courtesy NASA)' - Copyright: NASA
Image 'Artist's impression of the Tay Bridge disaster' - Copyright: Dundee Central Library
Image 'Velocity vectors capture the flow separation on the upper surface of a stalled wing (courtesy of Dr A Saddington, Cranfield University)' - Copyright: Dr A Saddington, Cranfield University
Image 'Challenger exploded 73 seconds after launch (courtesy of NASA)' - Copyright: Used with permission
Image 'The control room at NASA (courtesy of NASA)' - Copyright: Used with permission
Image 'Icicles formed on the launch platform (courtesy of NASA)' - Copyright: Used with permission
Image 'Liverpool South Parkway station' - Ian Roberts under CC-BY-SA licence under Creative-Commons license
Image 'Highwaymen - Sixteen String Jack, Claude Duval, Tom King and Dick Turpin - celebrate their crimes' - Copyright free: Edward Viles / British Library
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Copyright free: Edward Viles / British Library Should the NHS have been better prepared for the cyber-highwaymen?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Паропамиз (ранее также Паропаниз, Парапанис) — система горных хребтов и возвышенностей в северо-западном Афганистане и южном Туркменистане (предгорья Бадхыз и Карабиль). Являются окраинной частью Иранского нагорья. Общая длина около 600 км, ширина до 250 км. Состоят из нескольких меридиональных хребтов. Осевой хребет системы — Сафедхох. Крупнейшие хребты — Банди-Туркестан и Сиахкох разделены глубокими долинами, днища которых заполнены осыпями и наносами рек, текущих в верхнем течении в западном и юго-западном направлениях. Поверхностный сток в основном принадлежит рекам бассейна Герируда, Мургаба и др., которые принадлежат к области внутреннего стока и разбираются на орошение.

Рельеф
Климат в предгорьях засушливый, субтропический, континентальный; в долинах лето жаркое и сухое, с температурами июля около +24…+30 °С, января +8…0 °С. Количество осадков (в основном в виде дождя и снега) постепенно возрастает со 100—200 мм в полупустынных предгорьях до 400 мм и более в горах. Максимум зимой в виде снега и весной в виде гроз. Паропамиз среднегорен, преобладающие высоты хребтов 3000—3500 м, поэтому ледники слаборазвиты. Лишь на востоке, в хребте Хисар на стыке с Гиндукушем имеется пик высотой до 4565 м. Преобладающие породы — известняки и сланцы, при движении к югу и востоку возрастает доля гранитов и гнейсов; на севере предгорная полоса лёсса. Предгорья занимают пустыни и полупустыни, выше по склонам сухие серозёмные степи с редкими зарослями арчи и фисташки, которыми славится Бадхызский заповедник. На увлажнённых северных склонах имеются редкие участки широколиственных лесов, большинство которых уже вырублено из-за быстрого роста населения в XX веке. Фауну Паропамиза представляют: горные козлы и бараны, в сухих предгорных степях — джейраны и куланы; многочисленны насекомые, тушканчики и пресмыкающиеся. Долины межгорных рек густо заселены и превращены в орошаемые оазисы, крупнейший из которых занимает округу г. Герат. Выше в горах имеются более редкие стоянки полукочевых скотоводов.

История
Паропамиз, в форме Парапанис, впервые упоминается в древнегреческом сочинении V в. до н. э. К северу от хребта существовало также древнее государство Бактрия — колыбель зороастризма.

См. также
 Паропамисады

Примечания

Горы Туркменистана
Горы Афганистана
Исторические области Центральной Азии

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Aztec Calendar – Reed Trecena
The fifth trecena (13-day "week") of the Aztec Tonalpohualli (ceremonial count of days) is called Reed for its first numbered day, which is the 13th day of the vientena (20-day "month"). In the Nahuatl language Reed is Acatl, and it's known as B'en in Yucatec Maya and Aj in Quiché Maya. For the Aztec, the reed was used to make arrows and darts, whence a military undertone in its significance. The day Reed is the symbol of personal authority and closely associated with rulers and potentates, and the patron of the day is the Black One, Tezcatlipoca, the Smoking Mirror, who is one of the most powerful deities. (See my Icon #19.) In the anatomical scheme, the day Reed is identified with the heart (as the seat of the soul and/or power). The symbol for the day Reed varies between a single arrow, a bunch of them, or an ornamented "potted" plant, which can be seen in the various tonalamatls below. One just has to get used to which symbol is being used, and there can be variation within individual codices.
PATRON DEITY RULING THE TRECENA
There is total agreement that the patron of the Reed trecena is the goddess Chalchiuhtlicue, the Jade Skirt, the deity of flowing water, rivers, streams, and lakes, as well as of youthful beauty and ardor, and her iconography is remarkably consistent. (See my Icon #2.) Every stream or lake had its own local chalchiuhtlicue. As goddess of storms and forces of nature, she's dangerous, drowning people indiscriminately. With the day-name Ce Atl (One Water), she is patron of the number 3, women in labor, childbirth, children, and motherhood, and the 5th lord of the night.
Chalchiuhtlicue is commonly considered the wife of Tlaloc but also reputed to be the wife of Xiuhtecuhtli. From one or the other of those marriages, she supposedly became the mother of Tecciztecatl and the twins Quetzalcoatl and Xolotl, but keep in mind how dicey the family trees of the Aztec deities are. During the Third Sun, Four Rain, a millennium before the Aztecs, she may have been the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan, though I'd personally vote for Xochiquetzal in that role. Meanwhile, Chalchiuhtlicue ruled the Fourth Sun—Four Water—until she ended it by drowning everybody in a flood. Certain of her purification rites struck Spanish clergy as similar to the sacrament of baptism, but that didn't stop them from considering her a demon.
The Reed trecena possibly has a second patron deity, Tlazolteotl, Goddess of Filth (last seen in the Deer trecena). In Tonalamatl Yoal, she appears like an abstract logo as a surreal head with no eyes, and in Tonalamatl Aubin, Chalchiuhtlicue holds what might be her head. With no evidence of her in the other tonalamatls, who knows how important she really was in this context?
AUGURIES OF REED TRECENA
By Marguerite Paquin, author of "Manual for the Soul: A Guide to the Energies of Life: How Sacred Mesoamerican Calendrics Reveal Patterns of Destiny"
Manual for the Soul
Associated with robust growing corn, the B'en trecena is aligned with strong self-determination and tenacious personal authority. Exhibiting great intensity, this trecena tends to generate events associated with significant social or political adjustment, often associated with "cleansing" or "purifying." Individuals born during this period often have a strong sense of purpose and can become deeply involved with the world at large, with the force of their character or personal convictions forging new directions in terms of world-shifting or world-shaping. This is a good trecena for pushing forward towards one's goals.
Further how these energies connect with world events, see the Maya Count of Days Horoscope blog at whitepuppress.ca/horoscope/. Look for the B'en (Reed) trecena.
THE 13 NUMBERED DAYS IN THE FLOWER TRECENA
The Aztec Tonalpohualli, like the ancestral Maya calendar, is counted through the sequence of 20 named days of the agricultural "month" (vientena), of which there are 18 in the solar year. Starting with the 13th day of the current vientena, 1 Reed, this trecena completes it with 2 Jaguar, 3 Eagle, 4 Vulture, 5 Earthquake, 6 Flint, 7 Rain, and 8 Flower, and then starts the next vientena with 9 Crocodile, 10 Wind, 11 House, 12 Lizard, and 13 Snake.
The Reed trecena contains only one culturally significant day that I know of:
One Reed (Ce Acatl) is the birth day-name of Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, Lord of the House of the Dawn, who's a nagual of Quetzalcoatl as the Morning Star and a god of war. Some say he's the patron of the number 12, though others say this is Ehecatl—which is just more of the nagual confusion. Some say he's the god of the East, which would make sense—but others say Xipe Totec is the god of that direction. Not that any of that really matters… His greatest quality is having perhaps the longest name of any deity! The light of the morning star was considered very dangerous, and he's depicted with "lightning eyes" attacking people and places.
As a historical footnote, One Reed was also the birth day-name of Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl, the mostly mythological ruler of Tollan (Tula) and the Toltec Empire in the 10th century. According to legends, he set sail eastward in a canoe, promising to return someday, which is what underlies the myth of Quetzalcoatl's return that caused such confusion with the appearance of Cortez. After his reign, new rulers of Tollan used Quetzalcoatl as their name/title to ensure legitimacy.
Another important day in the trecena—significant only for me personally—is Eight Flower. It's the day-name of my younger daughter. I've found out the day-names of everyone in my family so folks can enjoy more than one birthday each year. You can discover your own Aztec ceremonial day-name and a horoscopic reading by going to www.azteccalendar.com and entering your month, day, and year of birth. For instance, my own day-name is Two Reed, coincidentally the same as that of the god Tezcatlipoca, for whatever that may be worth.
THE TONALAMATL (BOOK OF DAYS)
Several of the surviving so-called Aztec codices (some originating from other cultures like the Mixtec) have Tonalamatl sections laying out the trecenas of the Tonalpohualli on separate pages. In Codex Borbonicus and Tonalamatl Aubin, the first two pages are missing; Codex Telleriano-Remensis and Codex Rios are each lacking various pages (fortunately not the same ones); and in Codex Borgia and Codex Vaticanus all 20 pages are extant. (The Tonalpohualli is also presented in a spread-sheet fashion in Codex Borgia, Codex Vaticanus, and Codex Cospi, but that format apparently serves other purposes.)
TONALAMATL BALTHAZAR
As described in my earlier blog The Aztec Calendar – My Obsession, some thirty years ago—on the basis of very limited ethnographic information and iconographic models —I presumed to create my own version of a Tonalamatl, publishing it in 1993 as Celebrate Native America!
For my tonalamatl so long ago, I drew Chalchiuhtlicue based on the only image I knew of her back then—from Codex Borbonicus—using more Nuttall regalia and clearing away the poor drowning victims in her jade skirt. As a nod to her role as a goddess of motherhood, I also gave her a suckling babe, which I lifted from a nursing figure in Codex Fejervary-Mayer, probably Xochiquetzal. Note that I adopted the "potted plant" form of the day-sign for Reed. All in all, if I do say so myself, I think my vision of the goddess is rather elegant.
Aztec Calendar – Reed trecena – Tonalamatl Balthazar
TONALAMATL BORGIA (re-created by Richard Balthazar from Codex Borgia)
Aztec Calendar – Reed Trecena – Tonalamatl Borgia
This Codex Borgia vision of Chalchiuhtlicue is by far the most elaborate and intricate of the several images of the Reed trecena. Besides her ornate clothing, she sports a double-serpent nose-piece and an earth-monster headdress frequently seen in other images of this goddess. That odd little head mounted on her forehead is an ancient symbol of divinity inherited from the Maya, a "war-butterfly," which appears in the headdresses of many Aztec deities. The two green lines on her cheek/jaw are also identifying marks of Chalchiuhtlicue.
Note the curious twin-peaked coiffure on the little guy on the left; it must have some significance because we'll see other examples below. Like the seductive One House in the Flower trecena, this little woman in the middle is topless. As the Aztecs didn't believe in brassieres, they were prime candidates for a National Geographic spread on uncivilized natives. Even great goddesses like Tlazolteotl in the Deer trecena and Chalchiuhtlicue here let their breasts swing free. For the most part men wore loincloths, but many also wore skirts over them.
Now I should explain something about this "re-creation" process. Some of the codex images only survived in rough shape, scraped, flaked, torn, and even burnt! Re-creating the images from Codex Borgia meant dealing with lacunae as in this selection of the original Chalchiuhtlicue's earplug and parts of her headdress, where whole details had to be re-created.
—————–Earplug Section —————————————- Section of Jade Skirt
Here's my theory about interpreting original colors that have deteriorated over the several centuries. The lower parts of the feather spray on the upper right of the earplug section were originally a green now faded to a brownish gold easily distinguished from the "real" gold of decorative details. Similarly, I've assumed that most of the medium-to-lighter greys started out as various shades of blue that have darkened. It's easy to recognize the "real" blacks.
Acting on this intuitive theory, I've re-imagined items seen in other contexts, and reviving the greens and blues certainly makes an impressive difference in her Jade Skirt. Meanwhile, the cochineal red (made from insects!) has only faded a bit. It would be interesting to learn the vegetable and mineral sources of the Aztec colors, especially of that splendid Borbonicus blue, but I'm content with re-visioning what they once were. Besides, someone somewhere knows.
TONALAMATL YOAL (compiled and re-created by Richard Balthazar on the basis of
Codex Telleriano-Remensis and Codex Rios)
Aztec Calendar – Reed Trecena – Tonalamatl Yoal
In Tonalamatl Yoal, we find the most explicit evidence of Tlazolteotl as the secondary patron of the Reed trecena. I've used the facial outline from Rios. In the original Telleriano-Remensis, her head is only a free-floating mouth and nosepiece with the headdress.
This image of the Jade Skirt gets more explicit about the drowning danger, and here she holds a threatening blade of sorts in her right hand. In her left is a spindle of thread for weaving like those in Tlazolteotl's headdress, which I take as corroboration of their connection for this trecena. After all, they sit side by side in the lords of the night sequence. I won't ask why Chalchiuhtlicue's face is red. But I will share my sneaking suspicion that these patron figures were made by a different artist than those in the preceding Yoal trecenas. Besides the intense abstraction of the head, the mouths are unusual with clenched teeth, and the Jade Skirt's whole figure is stylistically much different. Though orthodox in her iconography and monumental in her own way, she's not as dynamic or profusely ornate as other deities in Tonalamatl Yoal.
OTHER TONALAMATLS
Tonalamatl Aubin patron panel for Reed trecena
As might be expected, the Aubin Chalchiuhtlicue is an awkward restatement of the Jade Skirt theme with two little folks being swept away in the flood. The item between them recalls the beaded band held by the woman in the Borgia panel, but it's no more decipherable here. My guess is that the head she's holding belongs to Tlazolteotl, and I'll note that the floating items bear motifs like the head's headband that recall the abstract head in Tonalamatl Yoal. The lack of ornamentation and symbolic items in the deity's regalia is disappointing.
Codex Borbonicus patron panel for Reed trecena
This Borbonicus image of the Jade Skirt, while lacking the earth-monster headdress, does the goddess full justice with exuberant detail and that striking blue. Note her perfectly divine raiment in the Borgia panel as opposed to an entirely different style here. This Borbonicus goddess is arrayed in the kind of costume worn by a ceremonial impersonator of the deity—made largely of folded blue paper (origami!) with black spots of liquid rubber representing drops of water. The object in her lower left hand is most likely a rain-stick.
Again there are two little folks being washed away, one of whom has that twin-peaked coiffure noticed in Borgia, which must indicate a certain class. The shield probably intimates that she's also a danger for soldiers. Again, my best guess is that the object in her skirt with a handle and feather-crest, also appearing in the upper right corner, must relate to Tlazolteotl. Note that here, as in the Yoal and Aubin images and in the following one from Vaticanus, Chalchiuhtlicue's face is red. Maybe she's angry?
Codex Vaticanus patron panel for Reed trecena
This Vaticanus image has lost a lot of the paler blue in the Jade Skirt, but it ties in closely with the Borgia image with the little woman and roped box, a string of beads, and the guy standing on the end with another twin-peaked hairdo! (Maybe he's a priest?) I can't make out what the item in the flood under her throne might be, but I'm happy to see the goddess wearing the typical earth-monster headdress. The box-like item at top center seems to be another version of the inexplicable plumed item in Borgia.
In summation, Chalchiuhtlicue is the undisputed patron of the Reed trecena, vague references to Tlazolteotl notwithstanding. The many stylistically consistent items in her panels must surely have a much larger story to tell, but I'm no divinatory authority to unpack it.
UPCOMING ATTRACTION
The next trecena will be that of Death with a pair of astronomical patrons who have a lot of dramatic back-story. Stay tuned!
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Naples General Contractors Complete Port Royal Club Re-roofing Project
The general contractors at West Coast Florida Enterprises were recently hired by Port Royal Club in Naples, FL to replace all of the low slope roof areas of the community and is pleased to report the project is complete.
Scott Otey
West Coast Florida Enterprises
esotey@wcrw.net
NAPLES, FLORIDA (September 29, 2014) Established in 1959, the Port Royal Club in Naples, FL is a luxury community that has become world renowned. It consists of six hundred single family lots with deep water access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Ten Thousand Islands. In order to maintain its commitment to excellence, the club recently employed the services of Naples general contractors - West Coast FL Enterprises to replace all of the low slope roof areas of the community. This included, but was not limited to the kitchen, dining rooms, terraces, and offices.
Old roof with fence in background
Old roof fence
Several years ago, West Coast FL Enterprises was contracted to replace all of the existing Ludowichi Slate Tile roofs at Port Royal Club. This project consisted of re-roofing all of the flat (low slope) roof areas.
"The flat roofs on the Club were all segmented and separated due to years of additions and alterations," said Scott Otey of West Coast FL Enterprises. "We finally replaced all of these roofs to make one contiguous roof system. The roof is now free of ponding water and is much more aesthetically pleasing."
West Coast installed a Soprema modified bitumen roof, which utilizes a self adhered system. The scope of the project also included a significant amount of roof top electrical work, which was performed by West Coast's electrical subcontractor, Irish Electric.
The project included replacement of the equipment screen walls that surround the perimeter of the roof. Old wooden lattice screen walls were removed and replaced with custom shop fabricated aluminum louvered walls. These walls were power coated white as requested by the owner.
"We were proud to work on this project and to do our part to maintain such a prestigious community," added Otey. "West Coast has been the roofer of choice for the Port Royal Club for many years now and our relationship grows stronger with time."
In addition to the re-roofing project, West Coast also provided custom copper gutter and downspout work, as well as roof maintenance to the remainder of the building.
The roofing project at the Port Royal Club was officially completed in mid-September 2014.
ABOUT WEST COAST FLORIDA ENTERPRISES:
From restoring concrete tanks at FPL sites to re-roofing iconic buildings like the Naples Beach Club, West Coast Florida Enterprises is well respected in Southwest Florida because of their team's ability to solve problems when it comes to building restoration. Services include concrete repair, roofing systems, sheet metal, waterproofing, and general contracting. For more information about West Coast FL Enterprises, call (239) 433-9777 or visit
ABOUT PORT ROYAL CLUB
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Storied Awareness
Insights and Action for Leaders Like You.
Michele M Reiner
How Executive Directors and Board Chairs Can Foster Support
Welcome to 2021! If one thing is for sure, the upheavals of the last year have encouraged so many of us to pause and consider our jobs with a more critical lens. What elements of our jobs are working for us? What aspects are causing consistent tension? And how will this carry into the new year?
During your reflections, you may have realized that your work relationships are a major source of stress. If so, you aren't alone. The American Institute of Stress found that our team dynamics directly affect more than 90% of what is stressing us out at work.
This can be especially true if the team dynamics in question are between an executive director and board chair, as these two roles rely heavily on one another to keep an organization afloat. As one Storied Awareness survey participant stated,
"the make or break for any ED is the board chair."
A new year and a symbolic "fresh start" is the perfect opportunity to reestablish the foundation of this relationship, build a better partnership, and ultimately reduce stress in your role. So, how should you take the first step?
Bring "Support" to the Executive Director / Board Chair Relationship
If you've been following along with my blog posts over the last year, you will have noticed I've been sharing content for my leadership coaching series "The Four Postures Guiding the ED / Board Chair Relationship." I posit that there are four main principles that create a strong partnership, and that every nonprofit leader can use these postures as a guide stone in their own work life. So far, I've covered the first three postures:
To round out the series, I am introducing the final posture: support.
By definition, support refers to holding up or adding strength to something - figuratively or literally. In the context of the board chair and executive director relationship, support refers to ways in which the pair find ways to notice strengths in each other and recognize them often. Importantly, they should also showcase these strengths to others. You can think of this as each person playing the role of cheerleader to the other.
Fostering support is a critical element to ensuring the board chair and executive director relationship is functioning in a healthy and productive manner. Showing support by cheering one another on not only feels good, but it sets the stage for success when the pair must hold the necessary conversations around constructive feedback and realignment.
Having a supportive relationship has wide reaching benefits, such as:
Fostering healthier staff interactions across the workplace
Helping the executive director foster stronger relationships with the board as a whole
Helping the organization accomplish goals in a more productive and timely manner, including fundraising goals
Creating a strength based framework for leadership discussions, decisions and evaluation improving results and mitigating challenges
Greater job satisfaction for the executive director and board chair
We know that support can make or break an experience for an executive director - especially if this is their first time in that role.
When speaking with former executive directors as part of my Storied Awareness survey work, I noticed something striking. Feelings of "isolation and lack of support" were one of the top reasons that talented professionals were leaving the nonprofit industry all together.
In regards to the board chair's role in fostering a positive work experience, one of the interviewees said,
"You're going to need to provide them with a certain level of support underneath so that they don't fall flat on their face."
It's clear that many executive directors crave support that doesn't exist within their organization.
9 Ways Support Shows Up
Fostering a supportive relationship between an executive director and board chair will take work. But there are concrete steps that each individual can take to move in the right direction. For example, here are 9 ways that support shows up in the executive director / board chair relationship:
Notice and acknowledge strengths and share them out loud, both in private and public conversations and meetings
Listen and empathize with what is happening for your partner
Acknowledge growth and recognize hard work: reflect on where you each have come from
Remind each other of past progress and success
Provide and pay for an executive coach for at least the executive director and ideally the board chair and executive director together
Create annual goals together and share with the board, including organizational, professional and personal growth and remind each other of them regularly
Provide regular annual reviews, as well as quarterly check-ins to goals
Require professional development as part of executive director role (both self-selected and selected by the board chair based on annual review)
Ask (and keep asking) 'where is your greatest challenge right now and how can I help'?
One thing to remember is that these steps require consistency. I encourage all executive directors and board chairs to commit to biweekly one-on-one meetings to begin cultivating a trusting relationship. As one Storied Awareness interviewee stated,
"I do think that it's good for the board and the ED to have a way to build some relationship outside of just the sort of linear, hierarchical relationship that you naturally feel like [exists in the workplace.]"
Ideally, these meetings will either have a loose agenda or none at all. The goal is to find time to talk, share in your experiences, and catch up on any major personal or professional updates. These can be in person when protocols permit, yet they can also be conducted effectively through phone or Zoom calls.
Enhancing Support With Additional Coaching:
In some executive director / board chair relationships, fostering a culture of support may require additional assistance. These situations can include times when:
One or both individuals are unsure of where to begin
One or both individuals feel that their own efforts have not been enough to foster support
One or both individuals are resistant to changing the current dynamic
One or both individuals continue running into the same roadblocks and are uncertain of how to proceed
These situations are quite common. Bringing in an outside professional, such as a leadership coach, can help guide the pair through the process of fostering a supportive relationship.
In general, coaching can provide significant benefits. According to Forbes, "over 70% of individuals who receive coaching benefited from improved work performance, relationships and more effective communication skills."
What's more, executive directors often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of job responsibilities they have; providing some relationship building support through an external coach can help strengthen the executive director / board chair, while reducing stress for the executive director.
When looking at my entire series, "The Four Postures Guiding the ED / Board Chair Relationship," you will notice that this is the only posture that includes someone external to the organization, an executive coach. This is because Storied Awareness interviewees who were able to reflect positively on their role with energy and compassion were the ones who had executive coaches. Oftentimes, an outside coach is able to help an executive director address vulnerabilities, capitalize on strengths, and manage the many layers of their role with grace.
Providing a coach does not take away from the responsibilities of a board chair, yet allows more space for the pair to clarify goals, unlock their potential and gain more self-awareness. Those who utilized coaches felt much more supported and able to manage through the challenges of growing into a leadership position and growing an organization.
Will You Foster Support This Year?
Building a culture of support between an executive director and board chair can have long-lasting and tangible benefits, including improving job satisfaction, reducing stress, and facilitating a nonprofit's strategic goals.
If you'd like to discuss the idea of support more, or if you'd like to chat more about your own partnership, set up a quick 20-minute zoom call with me.
And for more educational content for nonprofit leaders, please subscribe to my newsletter. I share biweekly content on topics such as:
Improving workplace relationships
Navigating nonprofit responsibilities such as fundraising, board relationships, and staff management
Work / life balance
Tackling specific workplace challenges, such as equity
Don't forget to connect with me on social! You can find me at:
Personal LinkedIn: Michele Reiner
Linkedin: @storiedawareness
Facebook: @storiedawareness
Instagram: @storiedawareness
Twitter: @storiedprograms
I'm looking forward to seeing how we can all tackle the new year together!
Reasons for Job Departure & Dissatisfaction: Identifying Influenceable Vs. Non-Controllable Factors
Why "Protection" is the Leadership Tool You Need to Build Trust
How To Tackle the Perils of Inexperienced Leadership
© 2018 by Michele M Reiner.
michele@storiedawareness.com


State agencies posted the fastest disbursement rate in at least three years in 2015, generating optimism on economic growth which will be reported today.
The low interest environment and lesser borrowings are biting back the government in the form of declining revenues from securities.
Global oil prices are likely to hit $20 a barrel soon and the government said this should benefit the country's manufacturing sector.


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Mō Ōtākou
Otago Bulletin
Otago Connection
Media Expertise Database
Communications section
Otago global health researchers to tackle fevers in Asia
Monday 11 July 2016 9:08am
Professor John Crump, Co-Director of the Centre for International Health
A coalition of experts on tropical infectious diseases led by the University of Otago's Professor John Crump, Co-Director of the Centre for International Health, has secured around NZD $450,000 to study causes of fever and how patients with fever are managed in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
The New Zealand research team includes Professor David Murdoch from the Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, and Dr James Ussher from the University's Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
The Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) is funding the project through the e-ASIA Joint Research Program (e-ASIA JRP).
The e-ASIA JRP is a coalition of national research funding institutions from 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and eight East Asia Summit participating countries, including New Zealand. Projects are required to be multilateral and to promote collaboration, innovation, and support economic development in the East Asian Region.
"New Zealand's health research investment has traditionally been intensely focused on domestic health concerns," says Professor Crump.
"However, in a highly interconnected world, infectious disease problems are easily spread from one place to another. International collaboration is essential to find solutions to these threats.
"It is gratifying that the HRC has joined the e-ASIA JRP to help tackle infectious disease problems of joint interest with our neighbours. We hope that this small step leads to growing opportunities for New Zealand health experts to collaborate on research of relevance to development and global health security."
The project brings world-leading infectious diseases expertise to bear on the problem of fever, a common reason to seek healthcare in both Myanmar and the Lao PDR.
The researchers will study treatable and preventable causes of fever in Myanmar, identifying ways to improve fever management in both Myanmar and Lao PDR.
Research in Myanmar will be led by Professor Wah Win Htike, Head, Department of Microbiology at University of Medicine 1, and in Lao PDR by Professor Paul Newton and Associate Professor Mayfong Mayxay at Mahosot Hospital and the Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit.
Dr Tin Ohn Myat, a University of Otago PhD student from Myanmar, is enrolling patients with fever admitted to Yangon General Hospital. Complex diagnostic tests for causes of fever will be done in collaboration with the group in Lao PDR who has access to outstanding facilities through their collaboration with Oxford University.
The University of Otago and Myanmar's first medical school, University of Medicine 1, developed a strategic collaboration in 2012.
"From a small development grant three years ago and a large investment of time and effort by many since, the Myanmar collaboration is now attracting a growing portfolio of external research funding," says Professor Crump.
"Above all, we are able to work together across an expanding range of disciplines to help address some of Myanmar's most pressing health concerns while developing future research leaders through postgraduate education."
Professor John Crump, Co-Director
Centre for International Health
Email john.crump@otago.ac.nz
A list of Otago experts available for media comment is available elsewhere on this website.
Electronic addresses (including email accounts, instant messaging services, or telephone accounts) published on this page are for the sole purpose of contact with the individuals concerned, in their capacity as officers, employees or students of the University of Otago, or their respective organisation. Publication of any such electronic address is not to be taken as consent to receive unsolicited commercial electronic messages by the address holder.


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La línea RER D es una línea que da servicio a gran parte de la región de la Isla de Francia siguiendo un eje norte-sur. Une al norte Creil (D1) con Melun (D2) y Malesherbes (D4) al sur pasando por el corazón de París (Gare de Lyon, Châtelet-Les Halles y Gare du Nord).

El RER D es la línea de la Isla de Francia más frecuentada entre las operadas en exclusiva por la SNCF con 520000 viajeros al día. Por citar un ejemplo, el ramal D2 destino Melun, municipio a 44 km de París, está servido en horas bajas con un tren cada 15 min y en horas punta cada 7 min.

La línea D está operada entera por la SNCF pero el tramo Gare du Nord <> Châtelet-Les Halles está operado por la RATP, lo que conlleva serios problemas si la situación de la circulación se degrada afectando a las líneas B y D.

La línea está casi entera dentro de la Isla de Francia, bajo el control del Sindicato de transportes de la Isla de Francia (STIF) pero los extremos de los ramales D1 y D4 están fuera de ella. Estas estaciones por lo tanto están fuera del sistema tarifario multimodal "Carte Orange". Concretamente esto concierne al ramal D1 a partir de La Borne Blanche y ramal D4 para la estación de Malesherbes.

Historia
El 27 de septiembre de 1987 se inaugura la línea RER D. La línea, con una longitud de 19 km, une Villiers-le-Bel y Châtelet-Les Halles. Consiste básicamente en una prolongación de los servicios de Gare du Nord a Châtelet-Les Halles a través del túnel de la línea B utilizando unidades Z8800 bitensión.

En 1988, los trenes continúan su recorrido al norte hasta Goussainville, una estación más, y en septiembre de 1990 los trenes con destino Orry-la-Ville integran la línea. En este momento todos los trenes podían prescindir de jefe de tren para abrir y cerrar puertas en las estaciones.

Así, 12 trenes por hora en hora punta transitan entre Gare du Nord y Châtelet-Les Halles sobre las vías de la línea B, sumando ambas, 32 trenes por hora y sentido. Esta solución fue positivamente recibida por los usuarios porque ganaban en tiempo de recorrido, permitiendo aligerar la línea 4 de metro y la línea B, pero fue el precedente de los problemas que aparecerían tiempo después. Sobre este tramo, explotado con cantones cortos y velocidad limitada a 90 km/h, el mínimo incidente tiene importantes repercusiones en cadena sobre ambas líneas RER.

En el inicio del proyecto (años 1970), estaba previsto usar el túnel de la línea B entre Gare du Nord y Châtelet-Les Halles y luego el túnel de la línea A entre Châtelet-Les Halles y Gare de Lyon con un intervalo entre cada tren de 1 min. La segunda idea era imposible a la vista de la densidad de circulación de la línea A, que necesitaba una solución para su desaturación.

La construcción de dos túneles dedicados a la línea D se presentó en paralelo a las obras de "Méteor" dirigido por la RATP en 1992. Esta obra consistía en la perforación de dos túneles de vía única de 2500 m desde Châtelet-Les Halles a la estación subterránea de trenes suburbanos de Gare de Lyon, construida en 1980. Esta unión, equipada con señalización BAL, instalaciones permanentes de contrasentido (IPCS) y autorizada a un máximo de 80 km/h se inauguró en 1995.

Así el 24 de septiembre de 1995 es inaugurada la interconexión sur-este en la línea D.

Los nuevos terminales sur de la línea son entonces Melun (D2) y Malesherbes (D4).

Finalmente, el 25 de enero de 1998 se inaugura la estación de Stade de France - Saint-Denis entre Saint-Denis y Gare du Nord.

Trazado de la línea

 Al norte, la línea D utiliza las vías de los siguientes trazados:
 Línea clásica París - Lille entre Gare du Nord y Orry-la-Ville (D1).
 Al sur, recorre las vías de las siguientes líneas:
 Línea clásica París - Marsella para trenes del ramal D2.
 Línea Villeneuve-Saint-Georges - Montargis para trenes del ramal D4.
 Línea Grigny - Corbeil-Essonnes (línea de la meseta) para trenes del ramal D4 que usen la variante de la meseta.

Estaciones y correspondencias
De norte a sur:

Zona 100 = fuera de la Isla de Francia

A veces los trenes continúan al norte hasta Creil efectuando parada en Chantilly-Gouvieux y Creil, pero no tiene estatus de RER esta prolongación de los trenes. Igualmente una de las líneas del bloque de Transilien Paris-Lyon que discurre entre Juvisy-sur-Orge y Melun vía Corbeil-Essonnes está servida por material RER y algunos de sus servicios se amplían por parte de esta línea.

Explotación
El túnel común con la Línea RER B entre Gare du Nord y Châtelet-Les Halles hace difícil la explotación de esta línea. En dicho túnel la frecuencia es muy elevada en hora punta, con 20 trenes por sentido y hora para la línea B y 12 para la D.

Además, la gestión de la línea está asegurada por 18 puestos de control de agujas cuya puesta en servicio data entre 1962 y 1994 salvo el puesto 1 de la línea París-Lyon que data de 1932 y el puesto de control de agujas informatizado de Melun que data de 2005. Estos puestos de control de agujas dependen de dos centros regionales de control de operaciones, París-Sudeste y París-Norte. El puesto de Châtelet-Les Halles es el único de todos gestionado por la RATP.

El elevado número de puestos de control de agujas implica dificultad para coordinar ligada a zonas de acción restringida y falta de optimización del flujo de trenes en ciertas zonas donde subsisten numerosos conflictos de circulación.

Por otra parte, en 2006, 36 pasos a nivel subsisten en los tramos Melun <> Corbeil-Essonnes, Malesherbes <> Corbeil-Essonnes y Corbeil-Essonnes <> Juvisy-sur-Orge vía valle del Sena, siendo puntos frágiles de la línea.

La incorporación de las unidades de dos pisos Z20500, que consumen más energía que otras, no se ha acompañado de la instalación de equipos de tracción eléctrica adecuados. El tramo Malesherbes <> Corbeil-Essonnes sufre un defecto crónico de potencia eléctrica, así si la tensión de la línea disponible es inferior a la necesidad real, los motores eléctricos no disponen de plena potencia.

Por diversas razones, desde la interconexión en 1995, la irregularidad de la línea ha aumentado, nunca baja de 9% de media anual. En 2003 y 2004 alcanzó 16,5%, correspondiente al porcentaje de trenes que circulan en hora punta con más de 5 min de retraso o cancelados.

La mejora de la explotación y la regularidad constituye uno de los mayores retos para la línea D en los años venideros.

Códigos de los trenes
La primera letra corresponde a la estación de destino:
 A = Gare du Nord (AOLO, AOLU).
 B = Malesherbes (BIPE, BIPO, BOPO, BOSO).
 D = Gare de Lyon (DECA, DIPA, DIPE, DOCA, DOLO, DOPA, DOVA, DUCA).
 E = Saint Denis (EOPA, EOVA, EUCA)
 F = Goussainville (FOLA, FOPA, FOVA, FUCA).
 J = Juvisy-sur-Orge (JOPA, JOVA).
 L = Orry-la-Ville - Coye (LOLA, LOPA, LOVA, LUCA, LOLI).
 M = Châtelet-Les Halles (MIPA, MIPE, MOLO, MOPA).
 N = Combs-la-Ville Quincy (NOCO, NUCO, NECO).
 R = Corbeil-Essonnes (RIPE, RIPO, ROPO, ROSA, ROVO).
 S = Creil (SOLA, SOPA, SOVA, SUCA, SOLI)
 T = La Ferté-Alais (TIPE).
 U = Stade de France - Saint Denis (UOPA, UOVA, UUCA).
 V = Villiers-le-Bel (VIPE, VOLA, VOPA, VOVA, VUCA).
 Z = Melun (ZECO, ZICO, ZIPE, ZIPO, ZOPO, ZOVO, ZUCO).

Entre Viry-Châtillon y Corbeil-Essonnes, la línea D se separa en dos. Un tramo circula pegado al valle del río Sena y el otro por la meseta de Evry, así la tercera letra corresponde al tramo por el que circula: si es una V por el valle, si es una P por la meseta. Los trenes del ramal D2 que llegan a Combs-la-Ville llevan una C como tercera letra, los que únicamente van al sur de Corbeil-Essonnes tienen una S como tercera letra, y los trenes que únicamente hacen el recorrido París <> Orry-la-Ville llevan como tercera letra una L.

Tensión de alimentación
La línea está partida en dos por la alimentación eléctrica:
 El norte de la línea, como toda la red suburbana norte, está electrificada a 25 kV monofásica.
 Gare du Nord está alimentada con ambas tensiones. Las vías norte>sur de RER B y D están electrificadas a 1500 V continua y las vías sur>norte a 25 kV monofásica.
 El tramo Gare du Nord <> Châtelet-Les Halles común con la línea RER B perteneciente a la RATP, está electrificado a 1500 V continua con sección se separación y obligación de bajar los pantógrafos.
 El sur de la línea, como toda la red suburbana sur está electrificado a 1500 V continua.

Velocidad máxima
La velocidad máxima es de 140 km/h en los tramos donde es físicamente posible para las Z20500 y de 120 km/h para las Z5300 (límite técnico de las unidades). Están autorizados a 140 km/h los tramos entre Orry-la-Ville y Villiers-le-Bel y entre Combs-la-Ville y Melun. En el resto del trazado, la velocidad depende del trazado, túneles, estaciones... y va de 80 a 120 km/h en superficie y de 60 a 100 km/h en la parte central de la línea subterránea.

Proyectos

Esquema rector de 2006
A la vista de la irregularidad de la línea, SNCF y RFF han realizado un esquema rector presentando las orientaciones futuras en materia de cobertura y calidad del servicio.

A corto plazo
Para finales de 2008, los servicios podrán reconfigurarse para mejorar la regularidad. Básicamente se busca reducir el número de trayectos largos que engendran muchas irregularidades. Los estudios muestran una ganancia potencial de 4 a 5 puntos de regularidad.

La supresión del cambio de maquinista en Gare du Nord para la línea B sería igualmente beneficioso para la línea D.

A medio plazo (2012)
Se proponen importantes inversiones en infraestructuras para una regularidad permanente mejorando el servicio de RER D. El coste global se acerca a 150 millones de €.

Mejoras a largo plazo (2015)
3 posibilidades para reforzar el servicio en la meseta de Sénart, tramo más cargado con fuerte potencial de desarrollo.

Infraestructuras pesadas
El anteproyecto de SDRIF presentado por la región Île-de-France contiene 2 proyectos para el RER D:
 Construcción de un túnel exclusivo entre Châtelet-Les Halles y Gare du Nord.
 Nuevo ramal norte denominado "barreau de Gonesse" que se una al RER B dando servicio al aeropuerto Charles de Gaulle y el Parque de Exposiciones de Villepinte

Impacto socioeconómico
La creación de la línea D en 1995 ha permitido un mejor acceso al centro de París y la estación del norte para los habitantes de la zona sureste del área metropolitana y mejor acceso a la estación Gare de Lyon para los habitantes de la zona norte del área metropolitana.

La sociedad influye mucho en el funcionamiento del RER, en particular de la línea D que une zonas particularmente desfavorecidas del noreste y el sureste del área metropolitana. Los comportamientos incívicos y las degradaciones son frecuentes así como las agresiones a los viajeros y empleados que generan numerosos retrasos y un sentimiento de inseguridad a ciertas horas. Todo esto contribuye a la denominación popular de la línea D como "RER basura".

La utilización de un túnel común con la línea B entre Châtelet-Les Halles y Gare du Nord provoca muchos problemas de explotación en hora punta que deterioran el servicio en la línea D, la que más retrasos e irregularidades tiene de la red. Esta irregularidad crónica hace que la SNCF prefiera una reducción del número de trenes que circulan (ya bastante saturados) para fluidificar el tráfico, lo que tiene un impacto negativo sobre el servicio y la atractividad de la línea, que ya es poca, según las asociaciones de usuarios.

Véase también
 Anexo:Estaciones del RER

Fuentes
 Asociación de usuarios de la línea RER D (SaDur)
 Comunicados de la Federación de usuarios de transporte y servicios públicos (FUT-SP) sobre el RER D
 Página oficial de la RATP
 Plano interactivo de RER (oficial)
 Metropole, dedicado al transporte público parisino (no oficial)

D


That's you, Sarge? You look different. You look distinguish and handsome there.
This is me with Vano Kiboko, Member of Parliament of the Congo, from the Katanga Province.
Ha ha ha, same old NBN, telling the Congo rep exactly what he should do.
I like the clothing-for-the-weather disparity.
Mrs. Joe and I in front of our tree in the living room. We just got back from a party.
tha's a handsome happy couple.
Ripley told me yesterday that if I bleached my hair and beard white, I'd look EXACTLY like Santa.
Ripley, that kind of remark is not going to get you on the nice list!
Good morning! Sitting here by myself at the office. Nice to be alone sometimes.
In the office on a sunday? Arghhh.
I am already ticked that i have to work college goal sunday in february and our freaking graduation (my presence requird) is on a sunday night this year because of scheduling conflicts at the arena we borrow becuase of the state-wide conversion to semesters.
Isn't she? You are very attractive Lola, but I can no longer look at your food blog. I won't subject myself to that torment.


If you're taking the whole tribe cross-country, the Truckster Tee is the way to go.
This unisex, vintage pine T-Shirt is as comfy as they come. Printed on 50% cotton/50% poly for unbelievable softness (for reals) and featuring a bound collar with blind stitching on the sleeves and hem, this is the tee you want going down the Holiday Road.


One thing that science fiction is good at doing is making a point. Very often, the point can be made without calling it what it really is. You can criticize a war by having it take place on a distant planet. You can comment on racism by having an alien race be the recipient of someone's prejudice. You may not even realize that the author is trying to make a point until you're done with the book. Other times, they beat you over the head with it.
Episode 60 of The Next Generation was about terrorism. When "The High Ground" first aired, times were a little different. Most notably, The Twin Towers were still standing. We didn't have the TSA sticking their latex gloves everywhere. Our concept of terrorism was not what it is today. This is probably why I have only a vague memory of the episode.
The Enterprise is delivering medical aid to the planet Rutia IV. Shore leave is suspended as Rutia IV has a group of separatists called the Ansata. There is an away team on the planet when a bomb goes off, injuring people. Captain Picard wants the team to come back up, but Dr. Crusher wants to stay on the surface. She is a doctor and she can at least help until the Rutian doctors show up. The problem is that a rebel shows up and kidnaps her, taking her to a series of caves.
The Ansata are led my a guy named Finn. It's kind of odd that they'd want a Starfleet doctor until it's revealed that their special method of transport slowly warps their DNA. They need a doctor to reverse the condition. (The easy answer is to not use the technology, but these are rebels. They need every advantage they can get and this gives them a big advantage.) Dr. Crusher is resistant. She doesn't talk at first, but can't resist helping people in need.
On the surface, we see kids being arrested. Apparently, the Ansata recruit young. Anyone could be one of them. The crew of the Enterprise eventually figures out where Dr. Crusher is being held. This leads to a battle where many Ansata are detained and/or injured. Since Dr. Crusher goes on to be in several more seasons of the show, I think you can guess that she gets back to the ship.
Upon watching it recently, my biggest objection to the episode is that it seems a bit too obvious. We're shown a planet where a group has resorted to terrorism to get what they want, which is independence. Much of the episode is overacted, with Dr. Crusher or Finn giving some eloquent speech about why their position is correct. The only decent scene in all of it is Data, the emotionless android, asking Captain Picard why terrorism seems to be so effective. Data lists several instances where groups have actually gotten what they wanted. The answer is that it's only human to wonder these things.
The message ends up being that terrorism is bad, but it works. Finn points out that it's a matter of perspective. He just happens to know a few North American historical figures that are heroes where others might consider them thugs. It all comes down to who wins and gets to write history. The episode doesn't really paint a sympathetic view of Finn's group. We don't get to see any of the Ansata distraught over killing anyone. Everyone is ready to pick up a gun and use it. The episode would have worked better if we had a more sympathetic bad guy.
If you're just getting in to Star Trek: The Next Generation, I doubt this episode will sell you on the series. I'd say that it's safe to skip altogether. If you're really set on watching it, watch a few other episodes first. Part of the problem with watching them in order is that Episode 59, The Hunted, was also about war. It seems odd to me that they'd produce two fighting-related episodes back to back. I have to wonder if they were short an episode for the third season. I could see someone pulling this script off the shelf and saying, "Oh, why not?" If this is the case, I can only hope I've answered your question.


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Kim 4 SEMA
Kim Pendergast for SEMA Board
You are here: Home / About Kim Pendergast
About Kim Pendergast
Kim Pendergast – Owner & CEO of Magnuson Superchargers
Kim's early career in manufacturing and distribution was the preparation she needed for the automotive aftermarket. She is currently Owner/CEO of Magnuson Superchargers running daily operations. A warrior for the automotive aftermarket industry, Kim's wish is to protect our performance rights, keep members informed of current and future trends and to attract a new young market to SEMA. Kim has also played a significant role in her community. She co-founded a NYC school for children on the autistic spectrum. She was selected in 1997 as one of 20 of the highest potential leaders in the United Sates to become the first class of Henry Crown Fellows. The fellowship is a lifelong program of bringing integrity, philanthropy and a strong moral compass to our business and our lives. She has served on 9 boards including Magnuson Superchargers, Arrington Engines, Client Distribution Services (former division of Random House), National Art Museum of Sport, Learning Spring Elementary School (for children on the autistic spectrum), Client Distribution Services (former subsidiary of Random House), Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, Waters Global Forum, and Roton Point Sailing Association.
Specific career accomplishments include
· Kim's SEMA experience includes
SBN, 2017 Chair, Task Force for Person of the Year
Member, SEMA PAC Board (Political Action Committee)
Speaker for SEMA education program
2018, Chair Scholarship Committee
2018 SEMA's SBN Athena Woman of the Year
· Two Quality Awards from Toyota (Magnuson Superchargers).
· Led company with responsibility for Sprint Cup engine R&D for an OEM.
· Led the introduction of the best-known Dodge/Hemi aftermarket website in the world.
· Led Magnuson Superchargers to IATF (Tier 1) Quality certification for 7 years running.
· Speaker and section head for CSCMP Annual Conference (Supply Chain Trade Organization servicing $3.4 trillion industry)
· Published in Indiana University Business Journal.
· Bought distribution warehouse from Random House and built revenues to $70 million in eight months.
· Worked in Strategy for AT&T for 7 years. Worked for head of AT&T strategy to develop their consumer marketing strategy.
· 1997 inaugural class of Henry Crown Fellows (leadership).
Kim Pendergast is most often characterized as a serial entrepreneur, but she is also a warrior for our industry. She has the ability to be a strong independent thinker and a team player. Kim Pendergast received an MBA/BS from Indiana University with honors. She lives in CT with her husband.
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| Car and tech rants from Jim Bray | Publishing online exclusively since 1995 |
Gemini Man is an incredible video feast – and a decent movie, too
A funny thing happened on the way to reviewing director Ang Lee's Gemini Man: I went in looking specifically to experience and review the high frame rate video presentation, but found to my delight that it's actually a pretty good movie in its own right.
What an unexpected bonus!
Gemini Man pits Will Smith against a digitally "youthed" Will Smith in this tale of intrigue in United States' intelligence circles. He, the elder, is a professional hit man – er, hit person – who's the best in the business. But he's had enough of that life and wants to retire in peace – kind of like Bruce Willis' character begins the movie RED.
Alas, such is not to be because he's too dangerous to be allowed to live, so the powers that be send someone after him to take him out. And there we have our story.
It isn't anything you haven't seen before, really, combining RED with The Sixth Day and other such movies of sci-fi-ish intrigue, but it's surprisingly watchable and the plot holes and lapses in logic don't really spoil the ride.
And what a ride it is! Director Lee has crafted an enjoyable movie that's made even more enjoyable in its 4K disc incarnation because Paramount has released it with a high frame rate that more than doubles the 24 frames per second in which most movies are shot – especially film-based ones – to a marvellously real and involving 60 frames per second.
And that's why I wanted to see Gemini Man on 4K disc. 60 frames per second is common if you surf by the 4K stuff available on YouTube – drone footage, game previews, and the like – but it's rare in the cinematic universe. But it does promise the potential for incredible video images.
Ang Lee himself has done this before, though I never saw his Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (there's a scene on YouTube in 60fps that looks incredible, however), nor had I seen Peter Jackson's Hobbit films in their 48 fps high frame rate versions). Even before those titles, long before, in fact, special effects guru/film director Douglas Trumbull introduced his innovative Showscan technology that actually filmed at 60 frames per second with 70 millimetre film. more...
Arthur has mental issues and is on prescriptions that are meant to help keep him on an even keel. He does have aspirations – he aspires to be a stand-up comic, though he isn't particularly funny. In the meantime, he's working as a clown for hire, one of several working out of a Gotham City office; his job is to go to parties (or whatever) and entertain the folks there.
But he's very much a misfit – and not much of a clown either. And he suffers from a syndrome that causes him to laugh madly and inappropriately. And that's no joke! more...
New Rokus update the product's line with better performance and prices
If you're looking to turn your dumb TV into a "smart" one, without having to throw out a perfectly good TV that's serving you well, maybe you should take a gander at what Roku is offering this Christmas season.
Roku isn't the only such device out there, of course – Apple has offered such things for years, as has Google and others, but the Rokus are my favourites because they're so flexible, affordable, and cool.
You can get into a Roku for as little as 40 Canadian dollars! Now, for that price you're not going to get 4K performance, but you will get 1080p and that's probably all an older TV is capable of showing anyway. But if you do want 4K, you only have to spend 50 bucks for a Roku Premiere with HDR or $70 for the Streaming Stick+, which also offers 4K HDR performance.
It's a cheap way to not only open up a world of high def (or Ultra high def) free streaming, it's also a kind of "one stop shopping" place to get other premium streaming services such as Amazon Prime, CBS All Access or the recently-added Disney +. It also comes with stuff like Netflix and YouTube built in.
And get this: I received notice yesterday from the folks at Roku that they're offering an extra sweet deal this Christmas season. Here's what they said: "With Christmas and Boxing Day fast approaching, Roku is lowering the price on a couple of their best players for a limited time. …until January 4, shoppers can save $5 on the new Roku Premiere and it will be available to consumers for $44.99. In addition to that, the Roku Streaming Stick+ will have $10 discount and retail for $59.99."
Not only that, but "as a bonus, when consumers purchase a Roku player, they will receive a three-month complimentary subscription to CBS All Access where they can stream classic shows like the original and rebooted Twilight Zone along with other original shows like Star Trek Discovery, The Good Fight and coming soon Picard." more...
Vapourizers offer a real 'pot-pourri' of choices for discerning users
Looking for a Christmas season gift for the cannabis user who has everything? Vapourizers offer a supposedly healthier way to imbibe than smoking the stuff – and there's almost as wide a variety of these devices as there are stars in the sky.
That's probably why the folks at Dr. Dabber, Arizer, Vapor.com, Cloudious 9 and some others got in touch with me to see if I'd be interested in doing an update to some of the vape columns I wrote a couple of years ago, back in the dark ages when using the stuff in Canada could see you rot in jail, if not burn in Hell.
In those columns, I gathered together a kind of "pot panel" to review various vapourizers, a group of (mostly) senior citizens who admit to having used marijuana for decades, from the dark days of prohibition to the supposed nirvana that legalization was supposed to be for the Canadian people. These are people who know their weed and, to be honest, aren't particularly impressed with how it has been legalized in the country.
That's because the greedy government, combined with "marijuana-trepreneurs" who've had visions of financial sugar plums dancing in their heads, have combined to knock the wheels off of a free market system that – while illegal – supposedly worked well and left everyone except the Powers That Be happy. So, while there are plenty of legal outlets (I've never been in one, but they're all over the place), my panellists tell me that all legalization has done for them is raise prices substantially: one friend told me the $200/ounce he still buys from "the friendly stranger" can cost well over $300 now (depending on the stuff and where you get it, of course).
This could explain why, according to media reports (which are always true, right?), legal marijuana isn't turning out to be the cash cow folks may have wanted or expected (maybe they should have invested in MAGA paraphernalia instead…).
This column isn't about the legality or morality of legal cannabis, it's about some of the newer vapourizers on the market – and as mentioned there's a bunch. There are big ones, little ones, portable ones, ones designed for use with "oil" or "wax" and – the first one here – big, party-centric ones that will do both. more...
Jeep Gladiator a serious off-road fun machine
Are you a serious off-roader looking to haul stuff into the outback and have a blast of a time communing with nature while you do it?
The Gladiator is supposedly based on the Wrangler, which is a good place for a serious off-roader to start. It features a four-door cab with a box for hauling your stuff, serious off-road tires, prodigious suspension parts and, of course, it's a 4x4.
Gladiators start at $47,245 CAD (Jeep Canada's Overland sample had a base price of $51,245, however, and there's a Rubicon model that starts at just shy of 55 grand), and are powered by a 3.6 litre "Pentastar" V6 (I think that means they're built by werewolves) that puts out 285 horses and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. That power gets to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts well and seems like a good match here.
The Gladiator is longer than its Wrangler cousin, with a longer wheelbase as well, and this helps create lots of interior space. It also features skid plates for the gas tank and transfer case, and a part time 4x4 system whose settings can be changed via a big lever near the shifter. That lever works fine once you get used to it, but right off the bat I had a heckuva time getting the darn lever to move at all. Once I figured out its "nuances" I had no issues with it at all, however.
Steering is trucklike – you think? – as is the suspension feel. And as you'd expect in such a vehicle, its lousy weather performance is very good indeed. I had the Gladiator during some, shall we say, less than optimal driving conditions and it never left me feeling insecure or in danger of sliding somewhere I didn't want it to slide.
Thanks to the late-year conditions I didn't try to "flay" the vehicle by taking off its removable body panels but, if you want to, you can take off stuff like the doors and the roof, to make that Serengeti adventure into the Lions' pride lands even more exciting.
The Gladiator's interior is all Jeep/Fiat Chrysler and that means you get a reasonably straightforward cabin with controls and features that will be familiar to aficionados of the brands. There's stuff like push button start/stop, a rear back up/parking system (I love these things!), leather-wrapped steering wheel with secondary audio/etc. controls Bluetooth, etc. And of course, that's just the beginning. more...
Enhanced Mustang offers a lot of performance and a great soundtrack
How do you not have a barrel of laughs driving a Ford Mustang?
Well, you could get one that's souped up nicely, even to Recaro seats, then stick ultra wide and slickish race track tires on it that are quite impractical on chilly autumn roads in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
That's what I spent a week doing recently, and even though the road and weather conditions made it virtually impossible for me to enjoy the 'Stang as much as I'd have liked to, I still managed to come away with a big, muscle car smile on my face – as well as many stares from onlookers who heard me coming and undoubtedly were wondering at the ancient oaf and his mid-life crisis.
And I loved it!
I think this current generation of Ford Mustang is the most attractive ever. My favourite was the 1967-68 fastback (though the early 00's reboot was plenty fetching as well) and this one not only captures its stylistic feel, it also upgrades it to modern car status while retaining that Mustang magic that's been so popular for the past 55 years.
So, when Ford offered me a chance to spend a week in the 2019 Mustang GT Coupe Premium, I jumped at the chance even though I knew that its optional rubber was going to "rubber" me the wrong way at this time of year. And it did, though those 305/30 19-inch tires would certainly be a blast at other times. more...
As its name suggests: Ford EcoSport displays a split personality
Ford's entry-level SUV – or crossover, if you prefer such a designation – is an interesting beast. It's small, can be equipped very well in its upper trim level(s), and offers some of the stuff I appreciate most about Ford, such as its Sync 3 touch screen interface.
Yet it also leaves quite a bit to be desired. It doesn't "sport" a lot of power, its fuel mileage (during my week of relatively lead-footed driving, so I could review it "apples to apples" compared with other such vehicles in this class that I've driven) is unremarkable, and it had one of the worst conventional automatic transmissions I've ever sampled – and since I generally hate CVT's (and this isn't one) that says something!
It also has a tall seating position I couldn't get just right for my legs (which barely reach the ground when I'm standing), a seat narrow enough that my prodigious posterior threatened to ooze over its sides, and a wheelbase short enough to make speed bumps seem even worse than in other vehicles with more space between the front and rear axles.
That wheelbase issue isn't unique to the EcoSport, of course, and is shared by other SUV/Crossovers in this niche. It's more the nature of the beast – and it certainly isn't as jarring as taking speed bumps in something even smaller, such as the purportedly Smart car. more...
Infiniti QX60 tries gamely to keep up with the competition
Folks looking for a three-row luxury SUV have plenty of choices, so many in fact that, regardless of its many virtues, Infiniti's QX60 may be getting lost in the shuffle.
That's because Nissan's 30-year-old luxury division has kind of been dwarfed by the roaring success of Lexus and, to a lesser extent, Acura over the three decades in which the "Big Japanese Three" went head to head with the best from around the world. It's too bad, because Infiniti has made some very nice vehicles over the years - though, alas, they've also made some pretty forgettable ones.
I give the QX60 three row SUV/Crossover as evidence of both the nice and the forgettable. There's nothing really wrong with it, and it's quite comfortable and decent to drive, but there's so much else out there that's either newer or nicer (this, of course, being my never humble opinion) that I'm not sure it's keeping up – though to be fair this QX60 has been out for a few years and is due for an upgrade.
I don't wish Infiniti ill at all and, in fact, I owned an original Q45, Infiniti's first flagship, bought well-used and mostly ignored by previous owners. I liked it a lot (once I got the timing chain guides replaced so the engine wouldn't tear itself apart) and kept it for several years, during which it served my family well.
Yet that car, which came out at the same time as Lexus' far more successful LS 400 sedan, never caught on the way the Lexus did, even though it was more of a driver's car than the big Lexus. more...
Hyundai Palisade makes a big and bold statement
If you're looking for a large, three row SUV, you really owe it to yourself to check out Hyundai's new big SUV, the Palisade.
And, as it did when I reviewed its "kind of stablemate", the Kia Telluride, this advice is also aimed at people who are looking for a big (well, some call it "midsized") luxury SUV. That's because, in my never humble opinion, the South Korean siblings are at least as compelling to drive and tricked out very nearly as luxuriously as supposedly higher end machines such as Lexus' RX 350L, the Acura MDX and many more.
Methinks Hyundai may be taking a page from Mazda's playbook, with its terrific CX-9.
It's pretty difficult to argue about its pricing, too. Hyundai Canada's sample Palisade Luxury AWD version of the Palisade lists at just over $50,000 Canadian (the "ultimate" model is $53,999), but the lowest trim level starts at just shy of $39K, which is a pretty compelling number all things considered.
Compare that to a base RX 350L ($66,250), a base MDX ($56,591.25), and even the entry level Audi Q7 ($66,300). Obviously, these aren't true apples-versus-apples comparisons (and apply best to the top line version); the point I'm making is that the Palisade is a terrific value for shoppers in this market niche. more...
It's a Wonderful Life gets a new lease on life in 4K
Frank Capra's classic It's a Wonderful Life is back on disc yet again, but this time it sports a new 4K restoration and remastering that has this movie masterpiece looking and sounding better than it ever has on home video.
The film has earned a well-deserved place in the hearts of millions and has become a Christmas season staple, even though only a small part of it is actually set at Christmas, and this new package not only contains the new, 4K version, there's also a colourized Blu-ray in the package for those who just can't bear to see the movie the way it should be seen.
As you undoubtedly know by now, it's the story of George Bailey, a bright young man with lots of potential and ambition whose life keeps getting sidetracked by reality. It's a tale that takes its many characters – and the audience – on a journey that goes from the heights of joy to the depths of despair and back again.
Life is pretty good for George overall, though he doesn't appreciate that fact until one fateful Christmas eve where it seems his entire not-so-wonderful life comes crashing down around him, and it looks as if the reward for his years of selfless hard work and dedication will be disgrace and a jail sentence over $8000 that was misplaced – not by him but by his idiot uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell). more...
Mazda's new 3 offers all wheel drive for the first time
Mazda's 3 series not only has a new generation for 2019, it has also added a new, all-wheel drive option of its popular compact car. But no matter how you configure it, the new 3 is a wonderful car that offers fun, technology and refinement in a package that belies its mainstream market niche.
And it still offers plenty of Mazda's special "Zoom-Zoom."
That "Zoom-Zoom" tends to get me into trouble, though. Most of the speeding tickets I've earned over the years have come when I'm behind the wheel of a Mazda, whether it be one of their cars or one of their SUV's (even the big CX-9 hasn't left me immune from such "imperial entanglements"). Not even my most beloved nameplate, Porsche, has bitten me in the butt as badly as has Mazda. It's weird.
I love Mazdas for their wonderful driving feel and I loved the 3 even back when it was the Protégé. This fourth generation of the 3, however, is not only a terrific upgrade, it (obviously, in my never humble opinion) sits atop its market niche when compared with the other mainstream compacts I've driven. This includes other cars I love, such as the VW Jetta and the Hyundai Elantra, and cars I merely respect such as the Toyota Corolla and the egregiously styled Honda Civic.
And as with other recent Mazdas, the company has done such a great job of equipping it (in its higher trim levels, anyway), that I think it can compete head to head with more luxurious models such as the Acura ILX or Infiniti Q50. more...
Galaxy Quest returns to Blu-ray for its 20th anniversary
The best Star Trek parody is back, in a new steel box edition to mark its 20th anniversary.
Yep, Galaxy Quest has returned and if you're a sci-fi fan – especially if you're a Trekkie with a sense of humour – it's a definite "must see." Heck, it's a definite "must own" as well.
Alas, I don't believe this new, limited "Never Give Up, Never Surrender" collectors' edition is any different from the original Blu-ray release, other than its cool package, but it's a pretty good Blu-ray, so if you don't have it already, it's worth having.
Tim Allen plays an actor who performed the role of Commander Taggart, the "Captain Kirk" of an "Enterprise-like" starship on a long since cancelled weekly TV show. Sigourney Weaver is his communications chief whose chief function on the show is decorative; Alan Rickman is the ship's alien doctor – and he hates that fact; Tony Shalhoub is the ship's (non-Scottish) engineer, and Daryl Mitchell is the whiz kid helmsman – now all grown up. more...
Lexus UX: a small luxury SUV that makes a big statement
Lexus has a new entry level model, and it's a huge leap from some of the company's earlier attempts at "entry level" luxury.
It's the UX, in this case the UX 250h AWD, a "cute ute" that follows on the heels of the bland and uninteresting HS 250h sedan and the nice but boring CT 200h wagon. I didn't think much of the HS, but thought that if Lexus had released a non-hybrid version of the CT – perhaps one that uses the lovely little turbo four available on the NX. I have no idea if it would be practical to engineer such a vehicle, but if they could, I figured they'd have had a nice little wagon that could go head to head with the Audi A3, though the A3 is no longer available here as a wagon.
But Nooooooo! That boring little, but very cute, CT is now history, undoubtedly due to slow sales. Fortunately, Lexus had a few other tricks up its corporate sleeve and blended the basic underpinnings of the creasy Toyota CH-R with Lexus luxury trimmings to create a vehicle that's not only quite handsome, but which is surprisingly nice to drive.
The UX 250h, with the h denoting that it's a hybrid isn't nearly as busy-looking as some other current Japanese vehicles); even that silly "spindle grille" that looks more like a jet intake or a vacuum cleaner's input, isn't as bizarre on the UX as on some other Lexi – though it's still bizarre. more...
Hyundai Veloster: the long-dead Scoupe becomes a burning hot phoenix!
Remember the Hyundai Scoupe? It was a pretty bland little "sports coupe" Hyundai sold back in the late 1980's and 1990's. According to the sometimes-accurate Wikipedia, it was based on the old Excel (now the Accent, kind of) and oozed a mighty 81 horsepower out of its 1.5 litre Mitsubishi-sourced inline four. But it was an honest-to-goodness coupe!
Then, eventually, came the Veloster, Hyundai's strange little three-door sedan/coupe/hatchback. Calling it a sedan/coupe/hatchback may hint that the car seems to have a bit of a personality disorder, but if you can get around the weird side door configuration you might just have as much fun behind the wheel as you would in some other and better-known hot hatches.
I'm talking about cars like the VW Golf GTI, which (with its higher end brother, the Golf R) is supposed to be the gold standard of hot hatches (though there are surely some Honda aficionados who'll want a pound of my flesh for saying so).
I love the GTI – but after spending a week having the 2020 Veloster N put a broad smile on my face, I can say without equivocation that this new hot hatch is capable of competing with the more established hot hatches. more...
BMW M340i Xdrive is a fast and luxurious drive
It may not be the fully blown sports sedan known as the M3, but BMW's M340i is still a very compelling vehicle for those who value performance and the driving experience.
It's also a fine-looking sports sedan, returning the iconic vehicle to the handsome roots it kind of eschewed during the Chris Bangle design reign of terror. Alas, it's still a bit of a dog's breakfast when it comes to its interfaces, but at least it offers so much choice in its customization abilities that you could spend quite a bit of time tweaking the vehicle so it best fits your driving style.
That said, either I'm finally getting used to the BMW interfaces or they're getting better at making it understandable to mainstream humanity without forcing trips through the owner's manual to learn how to operate the stuff.
Still, I love driving BMW's. Their "the ultimate driving machine" may not be quite as true as if someone like Porsche had snagged the slogan, but it's certainly nicely descriptive of what it's like to be behind the wheel of one of the German company's offerings. I've enjoyed driving every BMW I've ever tried, because they're nimble, usually quite fast, and they have the same ability to put a smile on the driver's face as other performance-and/or-sport-oriented brands do. more...
TCL makes a big and affordable statement in the 4K TV market
Consumers looking for a 4K smart TV that won't break the budget, yet offers a big "WOW!" factor, should check out the offerings from TCL.
I've been using their 65-inch 65S425-CA for the past few weeks and, though it's definitely not up to the levels that video snobs might require – something like an OLED, QLED, etc., it offers a big and mostly very good picture, as well as the smart features so popular on TV's these days.
Even more interesting, the smart TV aspect comes from the TV's use of Roku as an operating system, which not only allows you to access your various audio and video sources but which also brings to the TV the Roku streaming apps that offer an amazing selection of streaming apps, from Netflix and YouTube to, well, just about anything.
I'd seen Roku TV's on display in local stores and always wondered how they would work. And I like how they work; the TV's interface is not only as smart as you want it to be, it's also very easy and straightforward to operate, even if you don't live and breathe home video equipment. That's the Roku factor. more...
Honda's innovating Insight is reborn as a nice hybrid sedan
The Honda Insight may not be a household name, but the original version was a ground-breaking vehicle in that it was the first "mainstream" hybrid vehicle offered for sale in North America.
That car was an underwhelming achievement, however, a little two-seater that looked like a squashed ladybug and boasted the acceleration of a bicycle (okay, I may be exaggerating a bit). It was focused clearly on saving gas, with the driving experience secondary (if the designers thought about it at all!). Heck, its performance was such that when I reviewed one back around the turn of the century, my wife and I drove it to the Columbia Icefields in the Rocky Mountains and on some of the steeper hills it almost felt as if we should get out and push.
Supposedly based on the Civic, the car actually looks and feels more like a current Accord, though it isn't as big. But if you just give it a quick look you might confuse the two – and that's a good thing considering how ugly the current generation of Civics is. more...
Toyota's all-new Corolla goes hybrid for the first time
One of the most classic Japanese sedans is back with a new set of clothes, and it's not only a darn fine car, it's also quite comely, eschewing as it does some of the recent Japanese design trends that makes many of that nation's cars as full of ugly creases and weird-looking stuff as possible.
And if you want to save some gas over what you can already expect to spend on fuel with a compact economy car, you can even get a hybrid version for 2020.
If you've read the title to this piece you know I'm talking about the new Toyota Corolla, the new hybrid version of which I got to spend a week with recently. And it's a fine car, a handsome car, a car that's undoubtedly cheap to run and that will possible outlive you. more...
Rocketman and Godzilla: flamboyant and fun fantasies in 4K
A couple of guilty pleasures premiere on 4K disc this week, and both are well worth your home theatre time if you're into the wildly different types of movie they represent.
More than a mere biopic, "The Elton John Story" is kind of a cross between a conventional biopic and something that perhaps could have been crafted by someone like the late Ken Russell. And Godzilla: King of the Monsters is a pretty cool hat tip to the old Japanese monster movies of decades past. Add to the mix Avengers Endgame, and you have a lot of compelling content for a long weekend!
Rocketman is more than just the story of the early years of Reggie "Elton" Dwight and his musical career. It's also a reasonably fully blown, old fashioned Hollywood musical that's teeming with production numbers and wild visuals. And of course, a shout out for homosexuality, if not exactly for the agenda of the "gaystapo" that we see being rammed down our throats (no pun intended) these days. more...
We welcome your comments!
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Wolfenstein: The New Order
Wolfenstein: The New Order concept art, screens released
News by Stephany Nunneley-Jackson News Editor
Wolfenstein: The New Order assets featuring concept art, screenshots, and temporary box art have been released by Bethesda.
You can look at the eye candy in the gallery below.
In development at MachineGames, Wolfenstein: The New Order is scheduled for release in Q4 2013 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, and next generation consoles.
Stephany is VG247's News Editor. With a brain that lacks adhesive ducks, the ill-tempered, chaotic neutral fembot does her best to bring you the most interesting gaming news. She is also unofficially the site's Lord of the Rings/Elder Scrolls Editor.
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← 198 "The Trouble with Trillions"
The family is made into Spin-Art.
"Girly Edition" is the twenty-first episode of season 9. It originally aired on April 19, 1998. The episode was written by Larry Doyle and directed by Mark Kirkland.
"Bart attempts to upstage his sister when the pair land anchor seats on a Children's educational news program. Meanwhile, Homer exploits his elderly father to obtain a helper monkey, which he quickly puts to work looting donut shops."
Krusty the Clown's show is coming under criticism by the FCC for not providing enough educational material for children, so Channel 6 decides to put a mini-series in to avoid further trouble. They decide to make it a children's news program and the producers look toward Springfield Elementary for staff. Meanwhile, Willie takes away Bart's skateboard for messing up the leaves he just raked and as revenge, Bart fills Willie's shack with creamed corn, destroying it, leaving Willie homeless. Lisa is chosen for head anchor and has to pick the rest of the staff. Marge forces her to make Bart part of the show. During the first show, Bart upstages Lisa with his over-the-top Sports report. Lindsey Naegle notices this and makes him co-anchor.
Meanwhile, Homer goes to the Kwik-E-Mart to see that while Apu is healing from an injury, he has a helper monkey to run the store. Homer is perplexed by the idea and goes to buy one himself, calling it Mojo. However, the monkey becomes as big of a slob as Homer is and Homer has to give him back to the store when Mojo becomes overweight from overeating and lack of exercise.
Bart overhears a conversation between Lisa and the producer where he hears her call him "dumb". To prove her wrong, he goes to Kent Brockman for advice to help him with his report. Kent shows him some of his emotional stories, inspiring Bart to create his own segment, "Bart's People", on the next show. Everyone who watches is touched, but Lisa sees through him and knows he's doesn't mean the words he says, so she tracks down Willie and tells him about a poor immigrant taking up refuge in the dump. When Bart does his live report, Willie attempts to kill him, but Lisa comes to save Bart. They see their feud will get them nowhere and the decide to retool the show to make it better, but it ends up cancelled and replaced with "Mattel and Mars Bar Quick-Energy Choc-o-bot Hour".
Wikisimpsons has a collection of images related to "Girly Edition".
Modified on November 23, 2016, at 19:56.


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Broadway Star Ruthie Ann Miles Injured, 4-Year-Old Daughter Killed In Car Crash
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Broadway star Ruthie Ann Blumenstein, who goes by the stage title Ruthie Ann Miles, was hurt in a car crash on Monday.
The girl 4-year-old daughter, Abigail, was murdered when they were both struck with a car in the Park Slope community of Brooklyn, according to NBC 4 Nyc .
A white Volvo apparently drove into a crowd of people right after running a red light around one p. m. near the intersection associated with Ninth Street and Fifth Method. A 46-year-old man and one more woman, Lauren Lew, were furthermore injured. Lew' s 1-year-old kid was pronounced dead at the picture.
The two children and their own mothers had reportedly recently left the church event in a local community center when the accident happened.
Miles, who is currently planning on her second child, was significantly injured but in stable condition, law enforcement said.
Walt McBride via Getty Images
Ruthie Ann Miles and Abigail pose alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, whom Miles starred with within "Sunday in the Park with George. "
The driver, Dorothy Bruns, 44, reportedly told law enforcement that she had medical problems. The New York Daily Information reported that relatives said the girl experienced a seizure whilst driving. She was arrested at the picture and has not already been charged. Mayor Bill DeBlasio said an investigation is underway.
The particular actress won a Tony Honor for Best Featured Actress in a Music for the 2015 revival of the music " The King & I actually. " She has starred in " Sunday in the Park with George" alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and earlier had a recurring role on the FOREX spy series " The Us citizens. "
Many in the Broadway local community, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Erstaunt and Kristin Chenoweth, expressed their own condolences for Miles on social media marketing after the news broke.
GoFundMe pages to help the actress, as well as Lew , have been set up by friends and family. Since Tuesday, Miles' page has elevated more than $150, 000, far past its initial $5, 000 objective.
This post has been up-to-date to identify Lauren Lew and include the particular GoFundMe page for her.
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