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Brazilian Sword, true aquatic? - Page 2
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Old 12-20-2008, 05:02 AM   #16
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The problem with rock wool is that fish sometimes try to eat it, and it can kill them.

Also it can get tangled in a filter intake and clog/break the impeller.
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Old 12-20-2008, 06:37 AM   #17
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I had my brazilian sword (or atleast it what it was named when i bought it) for several months and it grew quiet fast, its leaves looked my amazon sword but they were wider and had thicker stems. then all of a sudden all the leaves started growing really long stems and grew out of the water, now i have 5 stems coming directly out of the substrate that are squeezing through the lid and have thick green leaves. the plant looks great and it looks awesome having some leaves under water and some above water. i have a 29 gallon so some of the stalks are >20 inches.
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Old 11-20-2012, 03:41 AM   #18
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Spath, often sold as "Brazil Sword" is not aquatic. It does, however do very well as a water rooted plant. I have used them, very successfuly, as filter plants. If they were grown in soil you must cut off all the soil roots and put the stem in water. The stem will then grow water roots (a different type of root) and live happily with the roots sumberged indefinitely. I don't know how long they can survive with every leaf completely underwater from my own experience, thogh people say several months to half a yeear. They will definitely try to break the surface before they die.
Ver. 1.0 80 gallon dirt goldfish tank (defunct)

Ver. 2.0 bare bottom same tank another approach (defunct)

Ver. 3.0 Pool filter sand same tank now

Farming Algae

Goldfish are among the worst fish for beginners.
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September 01, 2015

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Austin McKenzie in Spring Awakening
Kevin Parry

"You're Definitely Not a Valjean," Said the Agent of World-Famous Les Miz Actor and Broadway's Next Star

After touring the world performing the signature song of Les Misérables' hero Jean Valjean, Alfie Boe returns to Broadway to star in the re-envisioned revival of the tragic tale of revolution and love.

Fall Broadway Preview: Prepare for One of Broadway's Most Diverse Seasons Yet

The fall 2015 Broadway season offers a wealth of re-envisioned productions of plays and musicals as well as new stage adaptations of famous films.

Fall Off-Broadway Preview: Vets and Rock Stars Fill the Stages in Edgy Updates to the Classics

The fall Off-Broadway season is filled with award-winning actors who have gone behind the limelights to direct innovative new works that explore gender, race and politics.

Sisterhood On Set and No Make Up: "Orange is the New Black" Stars On the Perks of Playing In Prison

The hit Netflix series "Orange is the New Black" features a number of accomplished stage actors in its story of a women's prison. caught up with a few of them as they shared stories from filming behind the bars.

Playbill Poll: What West End Show Should Make the Leap to Broadway?

London's West End features some exciting new musicals, as well as highly praised revivals. Among them are Gypsy, starring Imelda Staunton; Hamlet, starring Benedict Cumberbatch; and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

A Fine Showmance: How Terrence Mann and Charlotte d'Amboise's Love Began With Kisses in Cats Makeup

As part of our ongoing profiles of theatre couples, sits down with husband-and-wife team Terrence Mann and Charlotte d'Amboise, who recall when their romance first began backstage at Cats.

Almost 20 Years Since Rent Opened, Anthony Rapp Reflects as It Takes the Stage in Scotland

Anthony Rapp, original star of the hit rock musical Rent, weighs in on the classic New York musical playing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Broadway's Big 10: Top Colleges Currently Represented on Currently Running Shows

We tracked where major members of the cast and creative team on each Broadway show went to college, along with a bit of added research, to present the top 10 colleges currently represented on Broadway.

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ASL Secret Hidden in Poster for Broadway's Spring Awakening Revival

"Sound of Music" Star Will Help Launch New Season of "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"

Memorial Scholarship Fund Set Up for Joshua Park, Broadway's Tom Sawyer, Who Died at 38

Fun Home's Sydney Lucas Joins Starry Hollywood Arms Reading With Tyne Daly

"They Weren't Happy With It" — "Sweet Valley High" Author on Rewriting Her Brother's Musical Mack & Mabel

Matilda Reaches a Broadway Milestone

See Eddie Redmayne Transform Into Transgender Pioneer in "Girl" Trailer

British Owners of Broadway's Lyric Theatre Buy 5 More American Playhouses

Cleveland's Playhouse Square Will Dim Its Lights in Memory of Kyle Jean-Baptiste

Lin-Manuel Miranda Gets Ready to Welcome 1776 Star

Casting Announced for Broadway-Bound Waterfall Musical at 5th Avenue Theatre

Broadway Box-Office Analysis, Aug. 24-30: A New Miss Turnstiles Brings a Boost to On the Town

Les Misérables Will Be Sole Broadway Theatre to Dim Marquee Lights in Honor of Kyle Jean-Baptiste

U.K. "X Factor" Star Lands Title Role in Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Who Shot Kennedy? A New Investigative Play Names Possible Assassins

Photo Special: "I Have Found!" Celebrating Carolee Carmello on the Musical Stage

Onstage & Backstage: How Did Not Booking a Role Win Audra McDonald Her First Tony?

Broadway Community Gathers for Tearful Farewell to Kyle Jean-Baptiste in Central Park

Will Audiences Around the Country Come to the Fun Home? The Tony-Winning Musical May Be Controversial to Some

Aerosmith, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, David Bowie Sign On for Broadway-Bound SpongeBob Musical

Broadway Grosses: Aug. 24-30

Wicked Producers Asked to Preserve Evidence Following Actress Injury

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Laura Osnes and Max von Essen Perform with The New York Pops and the French Woods Symphony
As He Readies For His Latest Broadway Return, We Celebrate Over 50 Years of James Earl Jones Onstage
Elvis Impersonator Turns Drag Queen in Matthew Lopez's Legend of Georgia McBride at MCC
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September 01, 2015

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Playbill Digital

PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Two-Show Day at How to Succeed With Rob Bartlett
Broadway favorite Rob Bartlett, currently appearing as Mr. Twimble and Wally Womper in the starry revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, offers readers an exclusive look at a recent two-show day, from morning wakeup and pre-theatre radio duties to final bow.


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PHOTO CALL: Jeff Goldblum, Jerry O'Connell, Michael Urie and More Celebrate Seminar Los Angeles Opening

By Krissie Fullerton
19 Oct 2012

The Los Angeles debut of the Broadway production of Theresa Rebeck's comedy Seminar, starring Aya Cash, Lucas Near-Verbrugghe, Jennifer Ikeda and Greg Keller, and Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Jeff Goldblum, opened Oct. 17 following previews from Oct. 10 at Center Theatre Group's Ahmanson Theatre.

In Seminar, CTG notes remind us, "four aspiring young writers sign up for private writing classes with Leonard (played by Goldblum), an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this provocative new comedy."

Here's a look at opening night:

View the Entire Photo Gallery
The cast of Seminar
Photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging

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Lin-Manuel Miranda Takes Requests, Sings "Bohemian Rhapsody" at Hamilton Ticket Lottery

Creator and star Lin-Manual Miranda greeted the crowd at Hamilton's ticket lottery in an encouraging — as well as entertaining — fashion. Miranda explained that tickets are hard to come by, but worry not, Hamilton will be around for a good long time. Then he took song requests from the assembled crowd and performed, with the help of music director Alex Lacamoire, a bit of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and In the Heights' "96,000." See show details.

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The Plotkin Group: Measuring People's Full Potential Home | Contact Us | About Us | FAQ | News | Client Login
Serving Companies Nationwide Since 1968
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Federal Maintenance is a commercial cleaning company based in Hawaii. By screening every janitor, clerical employee, and manager for honesty with the Stanton Survey, the company has improved attendance, reduced turnover, lowered supply costs (through reduced theft), and improved customer service.

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Officers from the Plymouth State University Police  and neighboring communities participate in the 2015 N.H. Special Olympics Torch run with historic Rounds Hall in the background.

PSU and Local Police Participate in Special Olympics Torch Run

May 28th, 2015 by blyndes

PLYMOUTH, N.H. – A police officer’s job is often thankless and demanding; but for those who love helping people in need, law enforcement is a great career. The 2015 Special Olympics Torch Run is a great example of law enforcement professionals going the extra mile, literally, for a worthy cause. May 28 marked the running […]

Mark Fischler has been named dean of the first-year experience at Plymouth State University

Mark Fischler Named First-Year Dean at Plymouth State University

May 28th, 2015 by blyndes

  Plymouth, N.H. ––An award-winning Plymouth State University associate professor and criminal justice department chair has been named dean of the first-year experience. Mark Fischler will begin his new duties July 1; he has taught at PSU since 2003 after a successful career as an attorney. “I’m deeply honored and excited to serve in the role […]

Kelsey Donnelly, left, accepts the 2015 Sara Jayne Steen Operating Staff (OS) Service award from PSU President Sara Jayne Steen.

Kelsey Donnelly ’14 Receives 2015 Distinguished Operating Staff Award from PSU

May 26th, 2015 by blyndes

Plymouth, N.H. ––A dedicated Plymouth State University administrative assistant known for her kindness and problem-solving skills has been named the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Operating Staff (OS) Service award. Kelsey Donnelly of Holderness, N.H., has worked in PSU’s Office of Educator Preparation for nearly 10 years. The Office of Educator Preparation serves undergraduate and […]

Happy grads from PSU's Class of 2015

Nearly 1,400 Degrees Awarded at PSU’s 144th Commencement; N.H. Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner ’94 Receives Granite State Award, Delivers Commencement Address

May 16th, 2015 by blyndes

  Plymouth ––Plymouth State University awarded nearly 1,400 degrees May 16 during the institution’s 144th Commencement ceremony. The ceremony in the John C. Foley Gymnasium was the main site for the event; concurrent ceremonies were held in the Silver Center for the Arts, the Hanaway Rink and the Hartman Union Building. The crowd of almost […]

Donald Birx has been named the 15th president of Plymouth State University.

USNH Selects Donald L. Birx as Next PSU President

May 14th, 2015 by blyndes

Plymouth, NH—The University System of New Hampshire announced today that Donald L. Birx, Ph.D., will become the 15th president of Plymouth State University on July 31, 2015. The USNH Board of Trustees voted unanimously to support the selection of Birx after a nationwide search. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Donald Birx as the new […]

Roger Blake, Distinguished Teacher Award recipient.

PSU Announces 2015 Distinguished Teachers; Professors Kathleen McCabe, Roger Blake and Aparna Waghe Honored

May 12th, 2015 by blyndes

Plymouth –– Three professors with a passion for teaching and a caring attitude toward their students have been honored by Plymouth State University. Roger Blake ’05G, Kathleen McCabe ’69, ’87G, ’01CAGS and Aparna Waghe are the recipients of the 2015 Distinguished Teaching Awards. Nominations for these honors are accepted from faculty, staff, students and alumni. […]

Shaun Connors ’15 (left) presents the Outstanding Campus Ally Award to Deborah Grotheer ’15 in recognition of her active and consistent support of LGBTQ students. Nina Weinstein ’15 photo.

Lavender Graduation Celebrates LGBTQ Students, Allies

May 7th, 2015 by blyndes

PLYMOUTH, N.H.– PSU students, faculty and staff, along with members of the Plymouth community, gathered at the Savage Welcome Center on Tuesday, May 5, for Lavender Graduation, an annual celebration honoring the achievements and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) graduating seniors, graduate students and allies. Introduced at the University of Michigan […]

Rose Colby is the 2015 recipient of PSU's Dennise Maslakowski Education Award.

PSU Honors Rose Colby of Epping with 2015 Dennise Maslakowski Education Award

May 5th, 2015 by blyndes

PLYMOUTH, N.H.-A veteran educator who works to enrich children’s lives is the 2015 recipient of Plymouth State University’s Dennise Maslakowski Education Award. Rose Colby of Epping was chosen because of her commitment to quality, competency-based education. Colby is currently a teaching lecturer in the Educational Leadership Program at Plymouth State and a well-known educational consultant. […]

Pat Cantor

New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services Recognizes Early Childhood Education Advocates

May 5th, 2015 by blyndes

Plymouth, N.H.– As a mainstay of teacher education in New Hampshire for more than a century, Plymouth State University has an exceptional reputation as a provider of and advocate for quality early childhood education. New Hampshire’s Child Development Bureau of the NH Department of Health and Human Services recently recognized two PSU employees for their […]

Plymouth State University President Sara Jayne Steen presents 2015 Distinguished PAT Award to John Clark '71, '73G.

John Clark ’71, ’73G Named Plymouth State University’s 2015 Distinguished PAT Staff Member

May 4th, 2015 by blyndes

  PLYMOUTH, N.H. – One of Plymouth State University’s longest-serving and most beloved employees has been recognized by his peers with the 2015 Distinguished Professional, Administrative, Technical (PAT) Award. Colleagues, family, and friends gathered to recognize Director of Athletics John Clark ’71, ’73G at a special ceremony on May 1.    PSU President Sara Jayne […]

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PSU awards 2015 Maslakowski Education award to Rose Colby

The 2015 Plymouth State University’s Dennise Maslakowski Education Award was given to Rose Colby of Epping who was chosen because of her commitment to quality, competency-based education. The award was created in 2008 in memory of the late Dennise Maslakowski, PSU’s former Associate Vice President for the College of Graduate Studies. “To receive this honor means a […]

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Marietta woman chosen as 2015 ACE Fellow

Plymouth State University History Professor Marcia Schmidt Blaine, daughter of Suzanne Schmidt of Marietta and the late Frederick K. Schmidt, has been named an American Council on Education Fellow for the 2015-16 academic year. Blaine is one of 47 individuals selected for the prestigious leadership development program that prepares senior leaders to serve American colleges […]

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PLYMOUTH — Enfield Shaker Village has been described as one of New Hampshire’s most magnificent architectural achievements, and beginning on May 26, it will be the site of a history-making archaeology project. For the first time in its history, an archaeological dig at the Village has been planned as part of a Plymouth State University […]


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Proper Planning Yields Successful Digital Coding Installation, Operation

By Chris Riley
Business Unit Manager,
Pharmaceutical Group
and Randall Kemmerer
Global Life Sciences Strategic Account Manager
Videojet Technologies Inc.

Despite significant advancements in digital coding solutions— including increased uptime, improved code quality, ease of use and simplified maintenance—many packaging lines continue to use static, outdated coding solutions like embossers, hot stamp machines, and roll coders. Today, many digital coding solutions offer highly reliable operation and intuitive interfaces that make them easy to use. Increased demands for variable data coding are driven by the need for higher production line throughput, greater production flexibility, increased traceability, adherence to current and pending regulatory requirements, and a host of other factors. These factors are compelling packaging line engineers to revisit their coding and marking solutions and consider switching to digital coding.

A range of digital coding solutions are available to meet marking and coding needs, including continuous ink jet printers, laser coders, thermal transfer overprinters and thermal ink-jet printers. Developing a plan for making the switch to a digital coding solution s critical to the successful integration of that system into production processes.

Image shows a thermal ink-jet printer coding on a production line. Image courtesy Videojet Technologies.

There are several steps to follow to ensure a successful installation:

1. Understand objectives and set goals. It may seem obvious, but understanding the objective for digital coding and aligning that objective with overall company or project goals is key to the successful implementation of a variable data coding system. Consider what needs to be accomplished today, as well as any planned short- and long-term changes. Take into account what information needs to be coded, why and on what material it will be printed.

Products that require date and lot codes today may require unique package identifiers in the near future. These identifiers could include bar code symbology and industry standard serialization formats. Considering future requirements will help minimize future upgrades and extra capital expenditures.

2. Evaluate the application. A detailed understanding of the application helps clarify the nuances of the production process, which may impact the technology ultimately selected. The substrate on which the code will be applied is a critical factor in determining which coding technology to use. The packaging material currently in use and future materials that may be used should be considered. In addition, this evaluation should include a consideration of the conditions before, after and at the point of coding. For example, line speed, number of products per minute, first point of physical contact with the substrate, and facility temperature and humidity are all factors that may impact printer selection and implementation.

3. Gather recommendations on coding options. Contact a preferred coding technology provider to understand available options. Each type of marking and coding solution has its own advantages and is designed to perform best in specific applications. It is often more valuable to work with providers who offer a range of coding options and are knowledgeable about the benefits of each. Supplying information about objectives, goals and applications better enables a coding equipment provider to recommend solutions that will integrate well with existing processes and future changes.

4. Request samples. Samples demonstrate how well a coding system may work for the required application. Companies evaluating marking and coding solutions should share samples of the product or packaging they plan to code and request an example of how the code will appear. This helps ensure satisfaction with code appearance on the product and set expectations as the line engineer works to select an option to meet coding requirements.

5. Validate the impact on existing production lines. Confirm the fit and functionality of coding options with existing line equipment and processes. Work with the coding technology provider to check that the coders’ specifications meet requirements, and whether any modifications are required to the coding equipment or to the production lines.

6. Make a decision and perform installation. Based on the criteria established to meet goals, objectives and process requirements, select the best available option(s). Remember to consider run-time requirements and the availability of maintenance service or support when making the selection. The provider should be available to assist in installation and training requirements.

Image shows a 2-D bar code and lot code and expiration date printed by a laser marking system. Image courtesy Videojet Technologies.

7. Monitor performance. Ongoing monitoring helps verify the new coding system is providing the required solution. It also serves as a front-line check to ensure the system meets quality expectations and that any anticipated cost-savings are being realized. Many pharmaceutical packaging lines employ machine vision systems to perform functions such as optical character and bar code verification. Machine vision systems can provide excellent feedback on print quality.

8. Review other production lines for additional upgrades or explore additional value-added functionality. Once the variable data coding solution is installed and meeting expectations, line engineers can leverage knowledge about the new solution to determine if other lines may require digital coding. They also can evaluate whether existing solutions can be upgraded with additional functionality, such as networked communications or service agreements. First evaluate similar production lines within the facility or at other locations. Consider expanding to other applications, possibly ones more challenging than the initial installation. By following the process established for the initial printer selection and installation, line engineers can address new opportunities with greater confidence.

Preparation for the future
Switching to digital coding and marking can provide a number of benefits to an organization when the right solution is identified and selected. Developing a plan will lead to successful implementation and set a path for future expansion and improvements. With a little advanced planning, companies will meet their objectives, improve code quality and establish the flexibility to help address changing future requirements.

Image shows lot code and best-before date printed on foil by a laser marking system. Image courtesy of Videojet Technologies.

About the Authors
Chris Riley is the business unit manager of Videojet Technologies’ Pharmaceuticals group. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University.

Randall Kemmerer is the global life sciences strategic account manager for Videojet Technologies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Penn State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Cincinnati.

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Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited (PNTL) is owned by International Nuclear Services (68.75%), Areva (12.5%) and a consortium of Japanese nuclear companies (18.75%). It operates as a subsidiary company of International Nuclear Services and its fleet is managed by Serco Limited.

It is the world’s most experienced shipper of nuclear cargoes and has three ships that are dedicated to transporting the highest classification (INF3) of nuclear material. This is a classification of the INF Code, which is set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of the United Nations. The INF Code regulates shipments by sea of used (spent) fuel, plutonium and highly radioactive waste.

PNTL has successfully completed about 200 shipments during the last 40 years, including:

  • Used commercial nuclear fuel from Japan to ports in the UK and France
  • Vitrified high-level waste (HLW) from France to Japan
  • Mixed oxide (MOX) fuel from the UK and France to Japan
  • Research reactor (Materials Test Reactor) used fuel from Japan and Europe to the United States
  • Plutonium dioxide from the United States to Europe

In each case, the nuclear material is shipped in specially designed packages known as casks or flasks.

The ships have safely covered  millions of  miles and there has never been a single incident resulting in the release of radioactivity.

More than 2,000 casks of nuclear material have been safely transported by PNTL.


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My Turn: Pay now or pay later

By Clarence Plank: PNT staff writer

I was talking to Norm Behr, who works as a circulation assistant for Freedom New Mexico. He told me about this guy he knew who got an itch and decided to just go fishing without a license at a lake in Colorado because he heard the fish were jumping and biting at anything.

A Colorado Department of Game and Fish game warden caught him. He ended up with a citation for not having a fishing license.

Well, this guy decided that he wasn’t going to pay it because he didn’t live in Colorado. Why bother, he thought.

Two years later, this guy moved to Colorado for a job. One day while driving he came upon a roadblock. Police discovered there was a warrant for his arrest because he didn’t pay the fine. He was taken into custody.

There’s a lesson here: Next time you think about not paying that ticket you got for not having a fishing license or some other violation, better pay up. Sooner or later it will get you.


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Friday, March 02, 2007

"You're Ruining My Self-Esteem!" – Part 2

From Ash:

News stories on the problem of inflated self-esteem are hitting the wire faster than I can keep up with them, and you probably have seen at least one of these by now, so I won't specifically comment on the SDSU report (at least I get a copy of the report itself), other than to say that I love Jean Twenge's mentioning little kids being taught to sing, to the tune of Freres Jacques: "I am special, I am special, Look at me." Sent shivers up and down my spine.

But it ties in nicely with what I wanted to write about today and tomorrow. According to the University of Michigan's Dr. Jennifer Crocker, who runs the Institute for Social Research's Contingencies of Self-Esteem Lab, the problem isn't whether or not someone has high self-esteem or low self-esteem.

The real problem is the energy people devote into maintaining or boosting the level of self- esteem they have.

Crocker has described this as "the costly pursuit of self-esteem."

In her research, Crocker has come to a conclusion that tracks Dweck's very closely. That is, essentially, that when people spend their lives trying to achieve positive self-esteem, they pursue only that which builds their esteem levels. And, accordingly, they jettison anything that won't promote their self-esteem.

And that means developing a self-image of what they're good and bad at – they chase the labels they identify with, and they can't deal with any threat to those labels. (You can see how this equates almost exactly with Dweck's fifth graders. It's all about image-maintenance.)

In one of my favorite of the Crocker studies, she found that college-students who define themselves by their academic status spend more time studying than those who define themselves less by their grades – but there's no evidence that they get better grades. They just study more. There is actually evidence that those who define themselves by academic standing may even do worse: by the end of the school term, they report being more stressed, and having a greater number of conflicts with their professors and peers.

Her other research on college students has found that these students drop-out of classes they might not do well in. They also find it more difficult to pick a major or field – they're afraid to commit to something because they're afraid of not succeeding.

In other words, when their entire self-worth is defined by their academic transcript, they aggressively try to defend it – to the point that they start shooting themselves in the foot.

Tomorrow, more on how the costly pursuit of self-esteem plays out, and then Po and I are going to start on some new topics we've been working on.

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Interesting comments about dropping classes. When there is a lot of pressure to maintain your GPA, it is understandable that you would drop classes where you do not do well. For example, chemistry is not my forte although I loved science as a kid. Because I was not strong in math, my grades in chemistry brought down my GPA which hurt my chances of getting into the college of my choice.

I always was willing to try classes and stay in class to learn the material even though my grades were not always wonderful.

I wonder if I used my energy to focus on what I was good at instead of trying so hard to pass classes where I had to work on my weak areas all the time, would my writing be better?

I did get into one of my choices, but the irony is I had to take remedial English classes because it seemed all of my energy was spent trying to improve my weak areas like math and science.

12:45 PM

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Until now the Ultrabook just hasn't been that ultra. Compared to the MacBook Air not much has been able to match its day-to-day computing speeds. But where Windows triumphs is in gaming, the problem is that the size of an Ultrabook makes putting a decent GPU inside relatively hard.

This has all changed with the Timeline M3, which features one of Nvidia's new mobile GPUs - the 640m. With 1GB of Video memory inside, Nvidia is telling us that this Ultrabook can run Battlefield 3 on ultra settings at the laptop's native 1366 x 768 resolution.

On top of this, the M3 has an i5 2467m clocked at 1.6 GHz and 4GB of RAM. There is an 256 GB SSD option but the version we had featured a 450GB hard drive.  The standard Ultrabook internals make for a decent enough Windows experience with very little lag. Start up and instant on also work very well, as does the battery, which lives up to the touted 8 hours Acer is saying it's capable of. Even more impressive is that the graphics card, even when running under load, will shorten the battery life only to about five hours.

Acer has gone for a 15.6" CineCrystal LED display with this laptop. It makes the hardware slightly beefier and detracts from that portability element you expect from an Ultrabook. The inclusion of a disc drive also adds quite a bit of thickness, making the M3 closer to the size of a MacBook Pro. It seems the Ultrabook moniker is now being applied to hardware of all different shapes and sizes. At 20mm thick, this is nearly more than double the MacBook Air.

In terms of hardware, the M3 is a bit of a mixed bag. The touchpad for example, is quite frankly terrible. But then the keyboard is really nice to use, as is the screen, which is balanced and has decent viewing angles. The brushed-metal body is definitely slightly more premium feeling than many Windows laptops and helps add to the high spec feel of the M3. It is, however, a real magnet for finger marks, so expect to be wiping it clean a lot. Dolby home theatre speakers ensure that whatever game you are playing sounds decent enough through the M3, but don't expect any serious levels of bass or balance coming from its speakers.

So can the M3 deliver on the graphics front? In a word, yes. Battlefield 3 really does run on ultra at a more than playable frame rate. The Ultrabook chomps through games like Batman Arkham City or Mass Effect 3, which is amazing given the next most-powerful gaming laptop, the Alienware M17x, weighs a ton and is much thicker.

All in all a good laptop package then. Acer does need to cut down on its included software though, because there is all sorts of rubbish that will boot on startup. Once you have that cleaned out, this is one of the nippiest and lightest portable Windows experiences available.

Like the look of the Acer? Let us know in the comments below ...

Hunter Skipworth

The baby of the Lint team, Hunter has been a tech fan since he bought his first MiniDisc..and what a waste of money that was. He began writing about electronics at the age of 16 and hasn't stopped since. Nowadays he fulfils his mobile phone and gaming obsession whilst attempting to distract people from his bizarre name. Regular meetings with the Gladiators crew see Hunter often returning to work battered and bruised. Considers himself a music obsessive, was once the most highly decorated scout in the country. Fan of trousers.


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It comes with six cars, features more than 8.5m of track and costs £499.99, and we just couldn't resist having a play with the new Digital Platinum from Scalextric. So that's what we did - with a few beers and some pizza, of course.

Out of the box and the set is large, creating a figure-of-eight track, complete with raised bridge and banked corner, that is likely to have to justify its own room rather than something you can set up on the rug in your lounge. Scalextric tell us you need a space 2.8m by 2.8m.

In the box you get the track and six supercars - two Porsche 997 RS, two Audi R8 LMS and two Lamborghini Gallardo GT-RS - and the Digital Platinum set is the largest and most feature-rich product ever released by Scalextric.

Although it comes with six cars, you get only two lanes on the track. Don't panic, Scalextric hasn't duped you, the system allows multiple cars on the same lane, and even lets you switch lanes as well. Nice huh?

At the core of the system is an Advanced six-car Digital Powerbase that can be used to race up to six cars on a Scalextric Digital layout at the same time or be used on a standard Scalextric two-lane layout.

The accompanying display lets you set up a number of extra settings and isn't just a race counter - although it will do that as well.

When it comes to racing your granny, or in our case Paul Lamkin, you can set individual skill levels that allow you to adjust the maximum power levels to individual cars so that "novice versus expert" races can be run more fairly.

Hand throttles can be calibrated to equalise controller performance and each comes with a button to force lane change when you get to the right bit on the track.

Multiple gaming modes, timed endurance and total lap format racing are all included, giving you a sense you're playing a video game rather than just pressing a trigger and hoping you don't career off. There is even a ghost car function for setting one to six cars to run automatically, with switchable lane changing and lap counting on individual cars.

If that wasn't enough, the Scalextric Digital Platinum claims that the combination of more power to the track - this Powerbase delivers 15v for faster car performance and comes with two transformers - and cars that feature magnets so they stick to the track better should mean that you are unlikely to crash as often. Sadly for team Pocket-lint that wasn't he case. We crashed. We crashed a lot.

We crashed so much that by the end of our two-hour session (the beers and pizzas may have hindered performance) virtually all of the six cars had major damage. Wing mirrors had fallen off, fenders dented, and spoilers lost in the battle.

That's partly because of the crazy speed we were trying to achieve, but also the stock-car-style mentality that ensues by being able to switch to the other lane. There was nudging as well, of course.

With your rivals on the same tracks you don't just have to sit behind them and we soon discovered that there were ways of taking your opponent out. Just give your car a burst of speed heading into a corner and you'll knock the car in front off the track. It's all about timing, but it's surprising how much you can do.

Although we weren't able to test this out - we have lives don't you know - Scalextric also tell us that the system has an "open-source" output connection that enables the enthusiast to connect the C7042 power base to a computer for additional functionality - intense.

Two hours later and we were ready to move on to the pub, the Scalextric set slightly battered and bruised.

At £500 you've really got to be a die-hard Scalextric fan to justify this, and we would question whether that is going to be the case. We didn't get to try out all the features on the night, but we really like the concept of the ghost car so you've got a challenger even if you are on your own, and the ability to slow down or handicap other players if they are just too good.

Racing doesn't get tougher than this. - learn about it / talk about it / deal with it At parents can find all the advice they will need to keep their children safe online. Designed specifically for parents, the site offers a wealth of up-to-date, unbiased information and advice about how to deal with online safety. Parents can learn about the latest issues and technologies, get great tips on how to talk about online safety with their children and get the best advice on dealing with issues and taking action. Created with experts, Internet Matters provides detailed information, but also signposts to best-in-class resources from individual expert organisations. Our goal is to ensure parents can always access the information that they need, in a format that is clear and concise.


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Nvidia has announced a new graphics platform called RealityServer. Intriguingly, it's based in the cloud rather than on a big, hot, bit of silicon in your desktop case. The idea is that web apps and video games will be able to tap into a good chunk more graphics power than they normally would.

The server uses an array of graphics chips and some software developed by a company called Mental Images that Nvidia acquired in 2007. It's claimed that it can serve up quality akin to movie SFX in the browser and on mobile phones.

"This is one giant leap closer to the goal of real-time photorealistic visual computing for the masses", said Nvidia's SVP, Dan Vivoli, "mental images fully embraced the concept of GPU co-processing to enable interactive photorealism anywhere, any time – something that was science fiction just yesterday".

The platform and a development kit will be available from 30 November, but there's little in the way of applications just yet. Still - Nvidia is saying that it'll be free to deploy non-commercial applications, so we could see a boom in users when that arrives. We'll keep you posted.


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Ashley Davis

Rookie - 0 Points (10/27/91 / Dallas, tx)

Raise Your Glass. - Poem by Ashley Davis

Fine doesn't always mean your fine,
Sometimes it means you need a sign.
To keep you grounded and secure
When you feel like your waiting for a cure.

A disease that plagues your mind
That holds you close and always binds
A new demon has come to rest
You will never beat this kind of stress.

Voices of reason try and explain
But only condemn you with promising pain
Overcome by the ones you love the most
Raise you glasses it's time for a toast

To the girl who's eyes have lost the passion
Time to face the truth, time to learn your lesson.

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Poem Submitted: Saturday, October 5, 2013

Poem Edited: Saturday, October 5, 2013

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Lisa Matthews

Rookie (7 March 1993 / Rotorua)

Six Silent Tears - Poem by Lisa Matthews

Last night before I went to bed,
thoughts of you filled my head.
Though I have not cried like this in many years,
onto my pillow fell six silent tears.
The first was for your smile that I miss,
and the taste of your tender lips that I long to kiss.
The second was for your angel face,
and thoughts of your warm, loving embrace.
The third came as no surprise,
as I thought of your beautiful, bright, loving eyes.
After this, the fourth came rolling,
Instead of my pillow, it is you I should be holding.
The fifth came for one reason alaone,
I felt my love for you was not fully shown.
I really miss you, my love, my dear....
there just fell my sixth tear.

Comments about Six Silent Tears by Lisa Matthews

  • Rookie Alexander Kupseta (6/18/2013 5:32:00 PM)

    This poem was dedicated to the original poets wife and was stolen by Lisa Mathews as her own this Poem was published in 2004 by Worlds Greatest Poets (Report) Reply

    3 person liked.
    1 person did not like.
  • Rookie Alexander Kupseta (6/18/2013 5:30:00 PM)

    this poem was stolen from a published poet who published it in 2004 copyright theft is a serious offense an my attorneys will be in touch (Report) Reply

  • Rookie Poetic Roc' Teardropp Falling (6/2/2008 12:20:00 AM)

    Wow....that was awesome! I feel your pain....I have just recently lost my own love and share your sad thoughts in this time of sorrow.I wish you a better love life and may God bless your soul. (Report) Reply

  • Rookie jazmine kristen (10/11/2007 6:03:00 PM)

    WOW! ............................. (Report) Reply

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Poem Submitted: Thursday, October 11, 2007

Poem Edited: Saturday, April 16, 2011

[Hata Bildir]


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Black Diamond

Honestly J.T. Avatar  Send Soup Mail  Block poet from commenting on your poetry

Below is the poem entitled Black Diamond which was written by poet Honestly J.T.. Please feel free to comment on this poem. However, please remember, PoetrySoup is a place of encouragement and growth.

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Black Diamond

A lovely lady you are,
And lovely always be.
Your beauty bright as midnight stars,
And moonlight shining on the sea.

You're all that is fair and kind,
The sweetest dream and reality.
Many times you've crossed my mind;
My lasting hope is of you and me.

©2013 Honestly JT

Copyright © Honestly J.T.

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  1. Date: 10/13/2013 1:19:00 PM
    Hi PJ, A very sensual and romantic write my poet friend...thanks for sharing this one with me and visiting my humble verse.. Ken

  1. Date: 8/9/2013 7:27:00 AM
    Black diamond is a very beautiful image of this lady. Sweet poem!

  1. Date: 8/8/2013 8:34:00 PM
    Nice job man - simple, direct, concise, and poignant!

  1. Date: 8/8/2013 1:08:00 PM
    Very nice... Terry

  1. Date: 8/8/2013 3:38:00 AM
    Sweet sweet sweet sweet! :)


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Dead Roses

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Below is the poem entitled Dead Roses which was written by poet Ernest Badounts. Please feel free to comment on this poem. However, please remember, PoetrySoup is a place of encouragement and growth.

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Dead Roses

       Dead Roses
Dead Roses immortalized
In the garden of the living
Like the sundance of the
morning feeling
Dead roses blossom with
Withered yet blossoming
Rhythmic relativity passing with
They seem dead but alive with
Deathless Reality

Copyright © Ernest Badounts

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My Cocoon

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Below is the poem entitled My Cocoon which was written by poet Annalee Pierce. Please feel free to comment on this poem. However, please remember, PoetrySoup is a place of encouragement and growth.

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My Cocoon

Crystal clear, You are the place that cradles butterflies As they transform into beautiful, Personified But more often than not, you stab my wings Prematurely Forbidding the growth that would Lead to my escape Inevitably, you knew how much I'd love To go-- But no. You like me best when I can see the world Without being its inhabitant, When you can shield me from my hopes of Reaching healthy, touching happy You were never meant to hold anything forever But just when fingertips feel the T h r e a d s O f F r e e d o m You snap, Claw... me.... back Back into your grasp Quite like fish tank glass What their eyes can always see of me, hands Will never hold Tragic, I know What's a girl to do, stuck in a wonderland She can't push through, find Her way back to...wait, Which way home again? I don't think I've ever truly known And the worst Is all the torture inflicted by myself, at Your hearty request, wicked jest You punish me in earnest for trying to Live Stuff me back down in my bubble My hideout, my shelter You have been my home and grave for all These years What I wouldn't give now to strike the Walls, scream- GET ME OUT NOW Yet this is hopeless; I know well My captor never lets me cry At least, not out loud So I whimper and I beg Please, for the love of god, don't let me die Not here, already buried underground If I fall, No one will ever know If words could trickle to the surface, well, Would they even be received, Or thud forever silent? Help Save Fix (me)

Copyright © Annalee Pierce

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  1. Date: 12/10/2011 2:37:00 PM
    Creative verses you have built, life is all about building up, praying you in for a strong solid foundation that you may lovingly house inside a safe and healthy cocoon. Love to you Annaleexxx

  1. Date: 12/10/2011 9:16:00 AM
    Amazing poetry!! images dance so nicely... xoox Michael


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nO alOnE

abhishek singh Avatar    Block poet from commenting on your poetry

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nO alOnE

emotions searching wayout

hibernation compels the stage next for deep rooted revelations

black holes gave company
when walls around were black

laterally came tinge to smile......

escape velocity taking black humour with froth of expressO

adjacent to beaming astral mates

& ready for....

yet to twinkle & much to rain.

Copyright © abhishek singh

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She Knew No Fear

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She Knew No Fear

She took a deep breath
And walked out the door,
"This is it," She said,
"I can't take it any more."

She made a new path,
Through the snow,
She couldn't help it,
She had to go.

She knew their
Hearts would break,
she knew their
Lives would shake.

She knew their wounds
Would never mend,
But she knew this
Had to be the end.

She couldn't help but
Shed a tear,
But all this time,
She knew no fear.

Copyright © Zelda Cane

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  1. Date: 2/20/2011 5:19:00 PM
    Powerful...well done. Vb

  1. Date: 2/17/2011 8:40:00 AM
    WOW! applause.... that gave me goosebumps. i enjoyed reading this. -miranda-

  1. Date: 2/9/2011 2:47:00 PM
    Whoever you are writing about in this work, you describe her reasonably well with your words and rhyme.


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Patrick Cornwall Avatar Patrick Cornwall - LIFETIME Premium Member Patrick Cornwall - Premium MemberPremium Member Send Soup Mail Go to Poets Blog Block poet from commenting on your poetry

Below is the poem entitled Spice which was written by poet Patrick Cornwall. Please feel free to comment on this poem. However, please remember, PoetrySoup is a place of encouragement and growth.

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He woke with hope and love for the new day

And darkness met him and betrayed

The hope vanished but brought  cleansing

And like the  soldier onto  knee bending

If You are there help me like a bottle of wine

A slight burn and You grow and deny

It was only one time and her heart lies

Spelled it out and written by

He was there between each adjective

That holy love linked each conjunctive

If You came with your advice

Her love cost more and price

In front of the screen he touched the keys

Writing the note with hope  relieves

But she has deleted his record and moved over

In a seedy hotel they meet and my love choked her

You told me once You told me twice

My love was cooked with bitter spice

Dedicated to Poetry Soupers All

Copyright © Patrick Cornwall

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  1. Date: 6/11/2012 4:35:00 AM
    This is great... I really enjoyed it. Nice to get such a blessing in such a beautiful monday afternoon.

  1. Date: 2/20/2012 3:39:00 PM
    hehehe you picked a fine time to leave me Maureen? love it mate, the bitter spice...

  1. Date: 2/19/2012 6:18:00 PM
    Interesting work..Very expressive and descriptive..Thanks for stopping by..I am glad that Haiku now rings a bell for you..I hope that you will become an expert in writing them...Your comments were uplifting..Sara

  1. Date: 2/19/2012 12:41:00 PM
    great dedication to the poetry soupers ~always p.d.

  1. Date: 2/19/2012 9:16:00 AM
    You have been writing so much lately! Your heart is pouring itself out like water..gosh, that's got to be one refreshing write! Don't stop! We will continue to read more....Once a writer told me to write until the well runs dry, then write some more at the first drop of inspiration. Write about anything...a bug on the wall, the way someone holds his coffee cup,...just write. Have a wonderful Sunday!! Gwendolen

  1. Date: 2/19/2012 8:57:00 AM
    Many a relationship ends up like Bitter Spice, I recently lived it. Fine dedication to the Soupers all Patrick :)


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Read Poems by Samir Georges

Samir Georges Avatar  Send Soup Mail  Block poet from commenting on your poetry

Below are poems written by poet Samir Georges. Click the Next or Previous links below the poem to navigate between poems. Remember, Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth. Thank you.

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Bittersweet Bouquets

Poetry is bittersweet
sweet when the words
strain away the angst,
bitter as reminders
that do not wane.

I take these feelings
from a moment in time,
capturing them
in flowered words
and hold them there
like bouquets for the taking.

They do not wilt,
dry and decay.
But as I hold them there
my hand tires so
but I’ve grown this stem
in the soils of my heart
and am thus bound by every word I pen
subject to this blooming realization
that unlike me
will not wilt.

If you like this, and others, check out my book "As I Write These Words", with a full preview on Amazon (available on all online book stores, as well as ebook format) for many more.

Copyright © Samir Georges

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  1. Date: 9/24/2014 7:17:00 PM

    very beautifully penned piece


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Mark Pringle's Blog

About Mark Pringle
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Bloggers PhotoMy Biography is Coming Soon...

...her own world of RuneScape

Blog Posted:8/8/2006 7:31:00 PM
After a reasonably easy day at work, here I sit at my CPU, momentarily (Don’t want to take too much time since my kids need my attention – I think we are playing cards tonight) writing what will be the concluding thoughts for my evening (Wait, that doesn't sound right, I will be thinking later). Happily, my daughter is by my side, although, immersed in her own world of RuneScape (I wish I could explain that game to you). School is about to start - Monday - so, she won’t see much of her favorite pastime; you know, with honors classes, etc. I keep telling her about the difficulty of honor’s chemistry – but as usual, she is oblivious. I guess that is what makes her so special, happy-go-lucky and smart - it's a gift I did not give. Hmmmmm, tacos for dinner. Oh, well poets (I would say “fellow poets” but I don’t want to dilute your talent) see you another PoetrySoup day….
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  1. Date: 8/11/2006 4:08:00 AM
    Hey Mark, I really like your blog site too.... and your poetry I might add. I must read more of it. Lainie

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  1. Date: 8/8/2006 7:50:00 PM
    Perhaps a more lovely scene could not be set... - Hope you had a wonderful dinner, and an outstanding game of cards - Canasta's my favorite - could play for hours. And isn't it the truth about children - A close friend of mine's daughter just went back to school today and I had the pains in my stomach for her - I can't imagine how it will be when Ava goes next year. Yikes - Hope everything goes smoothly for your daughter! Have a great evening ~T

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10/7/2012 What do you want from me Blank versephilosophy,name,name,
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Old September 27th, 2010 (06:53 AM). Edited September 27th, 2010 by mervyn797.
mervyn797 mervyn797 is offline
What? I'm right here. >D
Join Date: Mar 2009
Gender: Male
Nature: Careful
Posts: 1,705
I just watched this special air. /slow

Quote originally posted by ManhattanTheStarr:
The first episode was pretty interesting. But seriously? How is Ash STILL 10?! I don't get how he can go through all 4 regions in less than a year. T
Sadly enough, Ash doesn't age. XD

Quote originally posted by ManhattanTheStarr:
But something that REALLY annoys me is how Ash simply throws a Pokeball at the Shikijika, expecting it to be captured without even battling it. I mean REALLY? You've been through this for 4 generations now!! I find that kinda stupid how he completely forgets the basics of Pokemon after all these years. T_T
Just as I thought. I wonder why Ash always tries to do the same with the first 'wild' Pokemon he encounters.

Best Wishes started on with an interesting note. Zekrom in the first episode itself. Legendary Pokemon are rather cool. I have started to like Team Rocket's new outfit. Hiiro was right, they look better in the anime.
And all those starter Pokemon, they were all so cute, especially Tsutaja and Mijumaru. I liked the way Mijumaru reacts when Shooti chooses Tsutaja as his Pokemon. Tsutaja voice is so deep! That actually sounds bad. And wait, Shooti loves Pokemon photography or something?
The battle between Tsutaja and Pikachu was nice and engaging even though it was short as Pikachu couldn't use his electric type moves. And I can't remember what happened next. X_X

In the second part, Ash catches a Mamepato. At first I thought that Mamepato was a weak Pokemon but when it broke free out of its Pokeball and used some rather strong moves against Pikachu, I realised that it was quite a tough Pokemon. Never underestimate bird power! XD
And then, the same old Team Rocket again. No wait, they have changed quite a lot. Where is Jessie get that Koromori from? They should have shown a short cameo of that at least. Mijumaru to the rescue!! And that Pokemon is a stalker as well. lol But still, it is strong enough to get Team Rocket blasting off. No wait, no more of blasting off. I wonder what would have happened if Mijumaru wasn't there at that moment. It seems as if Ash will catch that Pokemon. Good for Ash!

This special air was quite a nice one. I enjoyed every bit of it.
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Thread: [Discussion] Thoughts on a Community Project?
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Old January 17th, 2013 (05:03 PM).
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Lord Varion Lord Varion is offline
Guess who's back?
Join Date: Feb 2009
Age: 21
Gender: Other
Nature: Naughty
Posts: 2,648
Quote originally posted by Sunfished:
Ok, your idea of having "leaders" sounds better. So every leader will then lead a group of that particular class, and then let everyone vote for a feature that the class leader wil present to the game developers?
We'll have the Classes I mentioned; Each Class group gets a Leader?
Either when with the greatest skill or knowledge, or one we vote for, based on first option.
The leaders will produce the Weekly report, where as the Class Members can give out small updates on what they do during the week if they wish, but still it will all be written down in a Project Weekly Summary.
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Thread: Running Shoes
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Old March 18th, 2013 (05:15 PM).
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Zorogami Zorogami is offline
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Join Date: Mar 2013
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The greatest invention since sliced bread tbqh.
Couldn't have put it better myself! I even used them more than the bike at times, since it allowed for more precise movement imo

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Go Back   The PokéCommunity Forums > Pokémon Gaming > Pokémon Gaming Central
Reload this Page What do you think is the best ability in the game?

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Pokémon Gaming Central For topics that aren't necessarily restricted to one game, Pokémon Gaming Central ranges from comparing and contrasting the differences in the gaming generations to discussing the gaming franchise as a whole.
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Old August 30th, 2013 (03:23 AM).
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Orifiel Orifiel is offline
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I would say Shed Skin and Wonder guard.
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Old August 30th, 2013 (04:09 AM).
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Telinc1 Telinc1 is offline
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I can't say I've got one favourite ability, because I know 3 abilities that are pretty good. One of them is Moxie, really good for Fighting-types. Another one I like is Synchronise because it can screw the foe over. Also, a really good one in Generation V is Sturdy, because you cannot get knocked out in one hit. I don't really like Sturdy in Generations III and IV because it really only protects you from four moves (Guillotine, Horn Drill, Fissure and Sheer Cold), though.

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Old September 1st, 2013 (06:45 PM).
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Shrew Shrew is offline
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-Tinted Lens is my favorite ability in the game. It allows pokemon whose shallow movepools could muster nearly nothing to do neutral against Steel-types, and allows even their stabs to do neutral. Examples include Yanmega, Venomoth, and Noctowl.

-Compound Eyes boosts accuracy by 30%. No, it's not the best, but boosting something like Sleep Powder to 97.5% and being faster than Breloom shouldn't be taken lightly.

Magic Guard, Regenerator, Multiscale, Wonder Guard, Imposter, and auto-weather are all in the running.
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Old September 1st, 2013 (06:48 PM).
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have you seen my bear tibbers
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speed boost for sure(: gotta love taking the first turn.

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Space & Upper Atmospheric Physics

    Welcome! We are a research group within the Institute for Physical Science and Technology at the University of Maryland. The projects that our group is involved with examine natural phenomena occurring in the Earth's atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere. The broad focus of this research is directed toward improved understanding of the mechanisms which couple solar processes into the terrestrial environment. These include investigations of phenomena associated with short term environmental effects (auroras, induced electrical currents, radiowave communications interference, space weather), as well as those associated with longer term effects (changes in the ozone layer, atmospheric composition studies, stratospheric winds, weather, climate). The Upper Atmospheric Physics group operates or co-operates both imaging and broadbeam riometers at many locations worldwide. We also operate the data acquisition system at both South Pole Station and McMurdo Station, Antarctica, that collects VLF, magnetometer, search coil, photometer and riometer data.

Today's space weather news and forecast!

For further information please contact: Al Weatherwax
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University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-2431
Voice: (301) 405-4895 - Fax: (301) 314-9363


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Stella Marnik (Pifko)

Dance teacher, Polish and local community leader

Born Sept. 18, 1931, New Bedford (MA), U.S.; daughter of Alexander and Katherine (Pabis); married Edwin Marnik; children: Marcia, Thomas.

Education: Associate of Science (A.S.), Kenyon Campbell Business School, New Bedford, 1950; dance masters summer sessions, Boston (MA), New York City, Washington (DC), Atlantic City (NJ), 1951-75; Dance Teachers Club of Boston, 1964-78.

Career: president, 1960-61, 1978, 1991, director, Polish Enrichment Classes, 1991, Polish Women's Business & Professional Club, Greater New Bedford (MA); producer and director, Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Pageant, 1978-85; president, Council of Women's Club of Greater New Bedford, 1986-87; treasurer, 1981-91, sales representative, Polish National Alliance (P.N.A.); chairman, Pre-Convention Committee, 42nd Quadrennial Convention, Polish National Alliance (P.N.A.), Providence (RI), 1995.

Member of: American Association of Retired Persons (AARP); associate, Dance Teachers Club of Boston; financial secretary, Massachusetts Federation of Polish Women's Clubs (president, 1984-85); president, Polish Natonal Alliance (P.N.A.) Council 81; Polish American Congress (P.A.C.) (2nd vice president, Eastern Massachusetts Division,1983-91); vice president, New Bedford Catholic Women's Club; chairman, Fairhaven Republican Town Committee (delegate, National Convention, 1990); registrar, Town of Fairhaven, 1988-95; Fairhaven Improvement Association.

Honors: special award, Polish National Alliance (P.N.A.), 1979; Letter of Recognition (for the 31st anniversary of teaching dance to children), 1979; Woman of the Year, Polish United Organizations of Greater New Bedford, 1991.

Affiliation: Republican. Catholic.

Languages: English, Polish.

Hobbies: social work, family, tennis.

Home: 56 Green Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719.

From: "Who's Who in Polish America" 1st Edition 1996-1997, Boleslaw Wierzbianski editor; Bicentennial Publishing Corporation,
New York, NY, 1996


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Valid Solutions for Malnutrition

By Laurance Allen | April 5, 2011

CREDIT: IRIN photos (CC).

Steve Collins has worked in some of the worst famines and wars—Somalia, southern Sudan, Angola, Burundi, Rwanda, (then) Zaire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and North Korea. During the late 1990s, while in his mid-30s, Collins was running a nutrition program in Liberia. He was an expert in tackling malnutrition by establishing large therapeutic feeding centers where malnourished patients were admitted for an average of 30 days.

His years of experience treating patients led Collins to a breakthrough idea that has changed the landscape of how severe acute malnutrition is treated in the developing world. Collins found that people were drinking contaminated water en route to the feeding centers, or were falling ill to parasites and other diseases within the centers, where mortality rates of 30 percent were routinely recorded. He researched and tested a plan for "community-based therapeutic care" by taking the treatment directly to the sufferers. His new method lowered mortality rates to 4 percent.

The results were initially met with skepticism, but Collins persisted in presenting his case to others in the field until nine years later the United Nations accepted his findings and endorsed his demonstrably better way. The results of his pioneering work were published in the journal Nature.

Scale of the Problem

Every year, more than 10 million children under the age of five die globally, and malnutrition is associated, directly or indirectly, with more than half of these deaths. Chronic undernutrition is the underlying cause for many of the principal child killers including diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, measles, and AIDS. Malnutrition compromises child immunity such that episodes of illness tend to last longer or be more severe, thus interacting with infection in a vicious cycle.

The World Health Organization cites malnutrition as the single gravest threat to global public health, and nutrition is widely regarded as the most effective form of aid. Because foods such as wheat and soy do not contain a full complement of vitamins and minerals, emergency rations often provide the 40 essential nutrients that are critical for the first 1,000 days of life in sachets of fortified powders, mixed with peanut butter, or directly through supplements.

Shelf life is one advantage of the peanut sachets, and proponents tout that they don't have to be reconstituted with local water, which is often contaminated. But it is also a disadvantage that peanut butter doesn't provide any water and so must be washed down, as anyone who has ever eaten a spoonful can attest. In some cases it may be preferable for an infant to continue breastfeeding so as to receive nutrients and sanitary hydration at the same time.

The economist Amartya Sen has written that famine is almost always a problem of food distribution and poverty, not global food production. In validation of his research, the Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 80 percent of malnourished children in the developing world live in countries that produce food surpluses. The socioeconomic aspect of the problem is even starker when one considers how much edible food is discarded annually in the West as waste.

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is defined as a weight-for-height measurement of 70 percent or less below the median, or three standard deviations or more below the mean reference values posted by the CDC National Center for Health Statistics. A mid-upper-arm circumference of less than 110 mm can be used to measure this in children ages one to five years.

Nearly 20 million children under age five suffer from SAM, and the disorder is associated with 1 to 2 million preventable child deaths per year. Hundreds of millions of other children suffer from chronic malnutrition, which results in stunted development and lifelong negative impacts on earning potential.

The New Silver Bullet?

Ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) have lately been a subject of discussion in the media. For example, World Nutrition ran a February 2011 feature on "RUTF stuff: Can the children be saved with fortified peanut paste?" The article leads with this thought:

'Therapeutic food' in general is any appropriate food product or products, enhanced nutritionally, and thus made to be more energy-dense and more nutrient-dense. When needed, usually in emergency situations, it should be used in effect as medicine, in conjunction with necessary therapy, for as short a time as possible. 'Ready-to-use therapeutic food' (RUTF) … is a specific type of therapeutic food, now almost always in the form of commercial products, which in the last several years has leapt onto the nutrition scene. It has some special benefits. It is creating new opportunities, new challenges and, in our judgement, an increasing number of new problems.
The World Nutrition editorial discusses what might happen if Big Pharma or Big Snack were to take over and dominate the large, underserved RUTF market. Echoes of Nestlé promoting its infant formula over breast milk certainly haunt the conversation.

Similar concerns were addressed in depth last year in the "The Peanut Solution" in New York Times Magazine. The French company Nutriset currently produces 80 percent of the RUTF market, sold commercially to aid agencies and NGOs. Nutriset produced 14,000 tons of its trademarked Plumpy'nut line of products in 2009 for sales totaling $66 million. Plumpy'nut is mostly manufactured in France and shipped to the developing world, and the company has come under criticism for overzealous patent enforcement when children's lives are at stake.

The Valid Way

Recognizing an opportunity, Collins founded Valid Nutrition in 2005 to make and market his own line of RUTF peanut pastes. The company is set up as a charity and its business model is based on locally grown inputs, as well as local manufacture and delivery. With operating plants in Malawi and Kenya, and a new one coming online in Ethiopia in a few months, Valid is approaching sustainability. Being structured as a registered charity has limited the firm's ability to raise capital, as compared to the for-profit Nutriset, which is well capitalized the old-fashioned way.

Another challenge Valid faces is that peanuts are prone to contamination by aflatoxins and need to meet strict UN guidelines of less than 5 parts per billion, so the company's researchers in Africa are constantly conducting efficacy trials of various combinations of locally grown crops. Valid products are medical doses to treat malnutrition and so must be dispensed by health personnel from a national government, NGO, or other qualified outfit.

While Valid's social enterprise model may differ from the patent-based for-profit approach, Collins believes that major corporations have yet to grasp the full corporate social responsibility potential in preventing malnutrition at the bottom of the pyramid, a market he estimates at $10 billion.

It is worth noting that in October 2010 Nutriset announced that it would extend access to its patent through a "user agreement" in selected African countries.

Collins immediately welcomed this move:

We believe that Nutriset's decision enables increased and meaningful competition for the production of Ready to Use Foods and is an important step forward. Since the global acceptance of the community-based model for the treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition, developed by our sister organisation Valid International, supported by Concern Worldwide and Irish Aid, worldwide demand for these products has escalated dramatically, outstripping supply. Increasing competition in this vital market will help to increase the availability of these life saving foods to people who need them and reduce the price.

Collins, meanwhile, has entered into an agreement with the innovative for-profit Two Degrees. For every snack bar Two Degrees sells in the West, it purchases a Valid Nutrition sachet and donates it to a malnourished child in Africa, with the doses administered by Partners in Health.

In this manner, Valid Nutrition is bringing some balance and food security to a world facing an unprecedented spike in food prices.

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Can Pawlenty sweep the straw poll?

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    Donna Hoffman

    Donna Hoffman Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Northern Iowa :

    The challenge for candidates at the straw poll is getting supporters to turn out for the event. Don't forget that the straw poll is a fundraiser for the Iowa Republican Party, so Iowa residents have to pay $30 to participate.

    Campaigns typically will provide tickets (and sometimes transportation) for supporters. Being excited about a candidate, however, is still important in the turn out calculus; a straw poll participant is going to be giving up substantial time for the event.

    So far, the Pawlenty campaign has been short on excitement in the state. Also, for the first time, the straw poll ballot will provide space for a write-in candidate. So, given the amount of attention a potential Perry campaign has garnered this week (and he'll be appearing in the state on Sunday), it will be interesting to see if straw poll participants use the write-in capability to signal an overall unhappiness with the current field and register support for Perry, or another potential candidate.

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    Jim Manley

    Jim Manley Senior Director, QGA Public Affairs; former spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid :

    Among other things, when Romney raises the idea of a so-called apology tour, the president needs to call it what it is- a lie. Beyond that, he need to forcefully defend his record of combating terrorism around the world.

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Apr. 16, 2010
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White House forces blogger's hand

Obama's D.C. swooners: Out of touch?

What role, if any, should the private lives of potential Supreme Court nominees play in confirmation consideration?

Plus, why do insider-Washington types who think POTUS has his mojo back while folks in the heartland take a dimmer view of his performance?

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    Steve Steckler Chairman and founder, Infrastructure Management Group (IMG) :

    For a president heralded as the savior of ordinary Americans, and who is generally well-liked, he is still perceived as someone who is too confident in government and too quick to inset it into their lives. It's an accurate perception, and the reason for the insider-outsider contrast.

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Can Weiner keep his seat?

Anthony Weiner's determination not to resign -- stated repeatedly during an this afternoon's long press conference -- is a reasonable move for someone with a front seat at recent scandals in Capitol Hill and New York.

The main lesson from those sex scandals is that while they may burn hotter in the contemporary media, they also burn out faster. Eliot Spitzer resigned days after the revelation that he'd used prostitutes; his quick return suggests he could have weathered it, particularly had his political enemies not helped him out the door. David Vitter survived. Larry Craig defied a widespread assumption that he'd resign.

This has its limits: Vito Fossella, who had a secret second family, probably couldn't have survived it, though he considered a comeback last year. Chris Lee, who solicited sex with similar shirtless photos, resigned; his conservative upstate district might have been less indulgent that Weiner's city one, though Weiner's isn't the city's most liberal.

"This was a personal failing and I hope that that see it that way," Weiner said of his constituents. "I'm going to work very hard" to regain their trust.

He also carefully set up his defense.

"I don't believe I did anything that violates any law or any rule," he said. "I don't see anything i did that violated any rules of the House. i dot see anything that violated my oath of office to uphold the Constitution."


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Yarmuth talks up Ashley Judd for Senate

Yes, you read that right — from the Courier-Journal:

Actress and Kentucky native Ashley Judd is being touted as a top contender to challenge Sen. Mitch McConnell in the 2014 election, with supporters saying it could produce the ”premier race in the country.”

”If you had an Ashley Judd-McConnell race, I think it would be as high profile a race as Elizabeth Warren and Scott Brown,” said U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Ky.

Judd knows something about races. She is married to IZOD IndyCar Series driver Dario Franchitti, a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner.

The McConnell race is one of the Democrats' top priorities for 2014. A more conventional candidate, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, recently declined to rule out a run.


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Obama 'likes' draft of SOTU address

President Obama had a first draft of his State of the Union address in his hands by Monday night and liked what he saw, his new top speechwriter said.

"He likes it, which is a big relief for us," Cody Keenan, who will become Obama's director of speechwriting when Jon Favreau leaves the administration the end of the month, said in a video released by the White House on Friday.

Keenan said the process of writing the president's big speech, set for Tuesday night, began after Election Day in November. He also showed off two large white binders filled with documents from the White House's policy staffs.


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« Exit photo gallery

Hillary Clinton's world tour, 2009–2012

Hillary Clinton has logged more miles than any previous secretary of State. Friday marks her last day at the State Department, as Massachusetts' John Kerry will take over.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (left) and Afghan President Hamid Karzai hold a joint news conference in Kabul in July 2012. The Obama administration on Saturday declared Afghanistan the United States' newest "major non-NATO ally," an action designed to facilitate close defense cooperation after U.S. combat troops withdraw from the country in 2014 and as a political statement of support for Afghanistan's long-term stability.

(Photo: Reuters)

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« Exit photo gallery

Lawmakers remember Sept. 11

Members of Congress gather to commemorate the loss of lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

Activists gather at an event observing the one year anniversary of the attack on the consulate at Benghazi, calling on action to investigate the attack and hold those accountable in government on September 11, 2013. John Shinkle/POLITICO

(Photo: M.Scott Mahaskey/POLITICO Politico)

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In The Arena

George W. Bush found the solution to America's health-care crisis seven years ago. Too bad nobody listened.

The Congressional Budget Office’s warning that the Affordable Care Act will cause employment to fall by the equivalent of 2.5 million full-time workers is just the latest of Obamacare’s negative surprises. Unfortunately, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s statement that “we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it” is proving to be depressingly accurate.

The law’s defenders legitimately argue that it is not sufficient merely to criticize the Affordable Care Act; responsible action requires proposing an alternative. Fortunately, Republicans have a good one, and it’s been hiding in plain sight for the past seven years. The plan was first described in President George W. Bush’s 2007 State of the Union Address, but it remains timely. This plan would remedy most of the major problems that exist in America’s health care system and cause less destruction with fewer adverse consequences than Obamacare.

There are two main problems associated with health care in the United States today. First, it is expensive. Health economists, among them Daniel Kessler at Stanford, have shown convincingly that the United States spends a larger share of its gross domestic product on health care than other countries (for example, about one-and-a-half times what Switzerland spends per capita) because of inappropriate incentives to use care efficiently. Patients who have insurance or rely on state funds to cover their expenses bear little of the cost of any treatment received, which causes them to use health resources as if they were almost free. This means that health care is overused and the scarce resources do not always go to those who need them most. Part of this is a result of a Tax Code that subsidizes expensive plans, which have low co-payments and overly extensive coverage. The second problem is the large number of uninsured Americans who do not have reasonable access to health care and who obtain the health care that they do receive in inefficient ways, such as using emergency rooms for minor ailments.

So what would the ideal alternative to Obamacare look like? It should provide cost-effective care and the quality treatment that Americans deserve. Effective reform should discourage over-insurance that results from the subsidy of so-called Cadillac plans that pay for basic, inexpensive and predictable procedures and have patient co-payments that are too low. Reform should encourage consumers to use America’s scarce health resources efficiently by inducing them to get tests and treatments that are justified instead of those that are selected because they are almost free to the decision-makers. Finally, reform should make health insurance available to the vast majority of Americans, some of whom cannot afford insurance without help.

The Bush 2007 plan achieves these goals. The basic structure is to offer all Americans a standard tax deduction, in 2007 set at $15,000 for families and $7,500 for individuals. The deduction would apply to payroll tax — both employee and employer contribution — as well as to income tax. Importantly, the size of the deduction would be independent of the amount spent on the plan. Any taxpayer who has a plan that includes catastrophic coverage gets the full deduction, irrespective of the plan’s cost. That is important because it creates the incentives to choose efficiently. A family that wanted to spend less on the plan than the value of the deduction would pocket the difference. A family that wanted to spend more on a plan than the value of the of the deduction would bear the additional cost out of pocket. As a consequence, consumers would reap the full benefit of keeping the cost of their plan low, which prompts them to shop and choose effectively. If the extra coverage offered by a $10,000 plan over an $8,000 one is not worth at least $2,000 to the consumer, he will not purchase it.

Under the current system, part of the cost is borne by others because the tax system does not treat employer-provided health insurance as income. As a consequence, a dollar spent by the employer or worker costs less than a dollar to that worker. The Bush plan would eliminate that distortion, replacing the non-taxed status of employer-provided health insurance with the standard deduction. By eliminating the link to employers, health insurance becomes more like auto insurance, where the consumer has appropriate incentives to shop around. Other features of the Bush proposal include allowing the purchase of plans across state lines to enhance competition and reform of medical liability to reduce the amount of defensive medicine.

Edward Lazear, who served as chairman of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers from 2006-09, is a professor at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and a Hoover Institution fellow.


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Washington And The World

5 Stats That Explained the World This Week

T he right statistic is often worth a thousand words—and sometimes much more than that. These five weekly data points, put together by Ian Bremmer, president and founder of the risk consultancy Eurasia Group, provide a glimpse into global trends, political dangers and international power dynamics. Some are counterintuitive facts. Others are small stats that tell a big story. This week, Ian looks at everything from auto recalls in the United States to sports betting in China.

They just don’t make 'em like they used to

In just the first half of this year, automakers have recalled more than 28 million vehicles in the United States—that's more than ten percent of all vehicles on American roads. If recalls continue at this rate, the industry will crush its record for an entire calendar year set back in 2000. The numbers probably reflect a new caution in the industry following the firestorm of criticism hitting General Motors this year and a hefty fine imposed on Toyota, both in the wake of serious safety violations the companies were accused of covering up.

( Washington Post)

Asia's drug supplier

The opening up of Myanmar comes with side effects and it creating new problems for its neighbors. The number of methamphetamine tablets discovered by authorities in China and the other five countries of the greater Mekong sub-region jumped from 140 million in 2011 to more than 240 million in 2013, according to the United Nations, with Myanmar the dominant source. Myanmar’s share of global opium production has more than doubled since 2005, climbing from 7 percent to 18 percent in 2013.

( FT)

Even Venezuela’s oil subsidies can’t last forever

In Venezuela, the government has used subsidies to keep gasoline prices at the 1996 levels, despite a 700-percent rise in international oil prices since then. The country’s inflation rate over that same time period has clocked in at a whopping 4,435 percent, according to a recent report by Barclays. Comments this week from senior officials appear to acknowledge that the Venezuelan government can no longer afford to pick up this check. "No government dares to do it, but we are at an inflection point," a former senior executive at the state-run oil company told the FT. "Either they [remove the subsidy], or we go bankrupt."

( Financial Times)

Platinum loses its luster in South Africa

When 70,000 platinum miners went on strike five months ago, they demanded that their employers, the world’s three largest platinum firms, more than double their pay. Following the longest and most expensive strike in the country’s history, they settled for a 20 percent increase. Anglo American Platinum, Impala Platinum, and Lonmin lost more than $2.26 billion during the strike—and insist that the financial damage done makes job cuts inevitable.

18-carat patriotism

Perla Penna, an Italian company that is now Russia-owned, is offering a limited edition iPhone for sale under the brand name Caviar. The back of the phone is 18-carat gold, and it includes an engraved portrait of Vladimir Putin. The price? About $4,300. The firm describes its target customers as “”patriotic senior government officials and top executives.”

Ian Bremmer is president of Eurasia Group and a global research professor at New York University. You may follow him on Twitter @ianbremmer.