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KENNY MILLER last night admitted a furious Tartan Army had every right to vent their disgust after Scotland’s lifeless 1-1 draw with Macedonia.

The hitman bagged his 17th goal for his country in a 62-cap career in the closing stages of the first period to rescue his team from a dreadful loss – but it did nothing to dispel the gloom and misery felt by the attacker.

Miller cut a frustrated figure in the bowels of Hampden as he assessed another desperately disappointing night for the players and the supporters, which brought an angry reaction from the punters.

Fans were making unhappy noises after just 15 minutes of the clash against Macedonia and that had changed to full-scale fury on the full-time whistle in an atmosphere which the Vancouver Whitecaps star described as “the strangest” he had ever encountered at the National Stadium.

Just two matches into the campaign and the World Cup dream is hanging by a thread after a couple of draws and the spotlight has turned onto the manager and his troops.

Miller admits he could feel the tension in the stands that may have transmitted onto the pitch but didn’t hide from the fact that the Dark Blues fans had every reason to voice their disgust.

The honest striker said: “It never happened for us for whatever reason, but what I will say is that there was a different atmosphere at Hampden.

“Whether that translated on to the pitch or not, there’s no excuses. We still should have played at a better level.

“There’s been a lot of negative things from Saturday’s draw against Serbia. Rightly or wrongly, that’s not up to me to say. But it’s as strange an atmosphere as I’ve ever experienced at Hampden.

“Normally everyone is pulling in the same direction, for whatever reason, it didn’t seem like that tonight.

“As I said, a lot of negative things were written after the Serbia performance, but I thought we did okay and the goal just never came.

“However, looking at their result against Wales, you’ll see they are a decent side. I said on Monday that we’ve progressed but with performances like that, you can understand the frutration.

“It was a poor performance, a poor result and two points from two games is not what we expected.”

Miller insisted he was not having a go at the fans, but added: “I’ve never played at a game at Hampden when they haven’t been behind us.

“I’m not having a go as I understand the frustrations after two home draws. We wanted six points or at least four.

“We haven’t done that and, maybe, they can let that be known towards the end of the game, not during it.

“It can transmit down to the pitch. We’re not making excuses but everyone will agree that the fans are there to the end at any other game.

“The Tartan Army have been superb in my time with Scotland and there was a different feel tonight. Whether that’s turning against the team or the manager, there was a different feel.”

Miller is well aware that Levein is under heavy pressure after dropping four points in the opening 180 minutes of the campaign on home soil.

But the striker has made it clear that he feels the national coach is the man for the job and says the finger of blame must be pointed at the players.

When asked about his faith in Craig Levein, right, Miller says the troops are right behind their gaffer and added: “Definitely. I said it on Monday and it doesn’t change after one poor display.

“We believe in everything he is doing, whether that’s systems or personnel. He changed it up tonight and brought some other guys in. We believe in what we are doing but the manager can only do so much.

“It’s up to us to perform but we really underperformed.”

By accepting the blame, Miller would have liked to have explained to the Tartan Army what went wrong against Cedomir Janevski’s dangerous Balkans.

However, that was beyond him as he admitted honestly: “If we knew the reason we’d have put it right, either during the game or at half-time.

“It’s there for all to see. It was a poor start and it took the goal to kick us into gear. We were still nowhere near where we should have been but you expect us to kick on after the equaliser.

“We put them under pressure but didn’t get that one chance we were looking for.”

Despite the growing sense of unrest and the poor position in Group A after just two matches, Miller insists it is ridiculous to suggest Brazil 2014 is already out of reach.

And the goalscorer reckons next month’s double-header against Wales and Belgium can kickstart the campaign.

Miller said: “If we go and beat Wales next month we are right back in the mix. It’s a bad start but we need to take the positives.”


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Are you ready for some good news regarding dairy’s outlook? Here you go. Changing demographics will have an impact on the types of dairy products people consume and how they consume them, providing new growth opportunities for the dairy industry, according to the latest edition of the Tetra Pak Dairy Index.

Aging populations, urbanization and an emerging global middle class are driving demand for new types of liquid dairy products in both developed and developing countries, reports the Tetra Pak newsletter, which tracks worldwide facts, figures and trends in the global dairy industry.

Among the trends the report details are:

  • An aging population drives demand for healthy products. The 60-years-plus population is the fastest growing segment in every region of the world due to lower birth rates and higher life expectancy.
  • Urbanization changes consumer preferences and impacts distribution of liquid dairy products. The number of people living in cities is expected to reach more than 6 billion by 2050 and they are better educated, more brand conscious and have higher disposable incomes than their rural counterparts, according to the United Nations.
  • Emerging middle class enjoys new purchasing power. The global middle class is projected to grow from 430 million people in 2000 to 1.15 billion by 2030. These consumers want and can afford other liquid dairy products, such as flavored milk, to satisfy new food and drink preferences.

Meanwhile, worldwide consumption of milk and other liquid dairy products is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4 percent from 2009 to 2012, reaching 283 billion liters. This is up 0.2 percentage points compared to the previous forecast of 2.2 percent CAGR.

More information.

Source: Tetra Pak

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Spin magazine posts special report on homophobia in indie rock

Leisha Hailey cried 'homophobia' when she was booted off a Southwestern flight. Other LGBT musicians have endured many different types of attacks while moving forward with their art.

Following the Leisha Hailey/Southwest Airlines incident, Spin magazine’s Rich Juzwiak wrote this piece on homopobia toward LGBT musicians, mostly independent ones. The article wasn’t just sparked by the plane episode (by the way, have you seen this?), but also by the bashing incident against Violent Lovers band members Brontez Purnell and Adal Castellon at Club Paradiso in Oakland in August and a few other accounts of out musicians suffering literally for their art.

The piece is compelling with perspectives by the likes of Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij, Hunx and his Punx’s Seth Bogart and MEN’s JD Samson, all who have graced our pages or blog as well. While it may not answer questions or find solutions to homophobic tendencies in the industry, it does paint a picture of what smaller queer bands have to endure just to play music. From SPIN: ‘

Purnell, Hailey, and Grey are far from the first gay artists to encounter serious resistance as a result of their sexuality, of course. In fact, if you ask most out musicians about their experiences with homophobia, you’ll hear a story that will break your heart. I did, at least, when collecting anecdotes for this piece. Magnetic Fields’ Stephin Merritt was pelted with bottles, rocks, and slurs outside a club in Philadelphia in the 1990s. Xiu Xiu’s Jamie Stewart was called a “fag” and had lit cigarettes thrown at him onstage in 2003 in Austin, Texas. After Holly Miranda recently played her song “Pelican Rapids,” about Proposition 8, the 2008 California amendment restricting marriage as only between a man and a woman, she was confronted by a “big, burly door guy” who said that “if I got with him, he would make me do a 360,” says the singer-songwriter. “I was like, ‘I think you mean a 180. You’re more right than you know.'”

I would love to have heard input by the somewhat elder statesmen of LGBT music like Melissa Etheridge or Elton John. Does the homophobia go away once your big or is it just easier to shield away from with awards and gazillions of dollars.

Be sure and check it out.

—  Rich Lopez


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Thursday, March 26, 2015

Man Reunites With Nurse That Changed His Life 40 Years Later

Gary Bentley reunited with a nurse that changed his life at Vulcan Park Sunday afternoon. When he was a kid he had open heart surgery and he always remembered Nurse Kathy for being so nice to him during his hospital stay. He spent a lot of time trying to track her down and 40 years later he found a way to express his gratitude.

Pin It now!


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Magical Mania (3.5e Flaw)

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Magical Mania[edit]

You are particularly touched by the arcane to the point of it shaking your mind.
Prerequisite: Ability to cast arcane spells
Effect: You suffer a -4 penalty to concentration, and have an innate 10% chance of arcane spell failure. This is in addition to any penalties you have from casting while wearing armor.

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The Bows of Nikolai Kittel

Edited by Klaus Grünke, Josef P. Gabriel, Yung Chin and Andy Lim.
The first comprehensive Monography about the phenomenon Nikolai Ferdinandovich Kittel from St. Petersburg and his bows.- Text in English and German
– Essay by Andy Lim about the development and establishment of the musical life in Saint Petersburg in the 18th and the 19th Century during the working life of Nikolai Kittel Sr. and Jr..

– English and German.
– Size: 32 x 28 cm,
– Number of pages: 264, printed on silk-matt 200 gram Profisilk,
– Weight: 3 kilogram.
– 30 Kittel bows
– 759 images, the vast majority in colour, X-rays, with details in the scale of 100%, 110%,150% and larger.
– 47 images of stamps in 500%, 26 stick dimension charts
– Highest quality in printing and bookbinding by hand, both in Germany with the exclusive use of exquisite materials.
– Clothbound 4 mm hardcovers for both the book and the Lim slipcase with its innovative mechanical pull-out device.- Embossings in Copper and Gold Leaf.

Library Edition: € 375,- and P&P
De Luxe Edition: € 750,- and P&P

The De Luxe Edition is limited to only 99 numbered and signed copies worldwide, lavishly excecuted with special features such as 18 Carat three-side edge gilding, Moroccan goat leather in Russian Green and the acclaimed Lim-Slipcase in Copper Lace Balacron.
The leather on the „deLuxe Edition“ could look familiar to those with mothers, wifes and girlfriends with an exclusive taste. As the goat leather from the „deLuxe Edition“ is made by the same small company from the south of France which supply the exclusive leathers used for the Kelly and Birkin bags by Hermès from Paris. After presenting some Darling Publications books, Hermès allowed their exclusive purveyor to supply some hides (the permission of Hermès was the condition because of their exclusive contract, as you can imagine, Hermès is a too important client to lose). So we do feel flattered, honored but deserving that we obviously were considered at similar eye-level by the sense of quality by the world famous company Hermès from Paris.
To take the maximum advantage of such a once a life time opportunity, we issued a limited Edition of 33 copies for the Japanese market which were bound in a specially custum-dyed color of Elvis Presly´s 1957 Cadillac in pink (!) with baby blue embossings and silver sides, presented in a zebra Lim-slipcase.
An additional professional highlight of the De Luxe Editions: Two 100 cm fold-outs, hand-stitched in the book, showing six violin and five cello bows by Kittel in full length and full size Slit-Scan-Photography by Andy Lim.
Orders also at:

Ein Gedanke zu „The Bows of Nikolai Kittel

Schreibe einen Kommentar


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New, Girgaon, Mumbai IFSC Code

NICB0000003 IFSC Code
IFSC Code (used for RTGS and NEFT transactions)
MICR Code 400085003
Bank New
Branch Girgaon
Address Kartar Mansion,35,Tribhuvan Road, Girgaum,Mumbai 400 004
Contact 23820416
NEFT Contact Number 6626 4306
NEFT FAX 6626 4302
City Mumbai
District Greater Bombay
State Maharashtra
Net Banking
Operating From 10/5/2006
Type of Bank Regional Rural Bank
Working Hours Weekdays (Mon - Fri) : 10 AM - 4 PM Weekend (Sat) : 10 AM - 1 PM

Map of New, Girgaon branch in Mumbai branch for IFSC code

Check the Map location of New bank Girgaon branch in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

About New India Bank, Girgaon branch Mumbai IFSC Code

New India Bank bank Girgaon branch, is located in the city of Mumbai, which is in district in the state of . The complete address is given below:

Kartar Mansion,35,Tribhuvan Road, Girgaum,Mumbai 400 004

To know more about various facilities and services offered by New India Bank Girgaon branch, contact at 23820416, 23863266,

About New India Bank

New India Bank is one of the leading bank in India. New India Bank offers net banking and online facility to all of its customers. To avail these facilities login to New India Bank website at new india bank

IFSC Code of all nearby branches of New in Mumbai, Greater Bombay district, Maharashtra

IFSC codes of Top Bank branches in Mumbai, Greater Bombay district, Maharashtra(non New)

Related Banks in Mumbai

Similar to New, here is a list of other leading banks in Girgaon, in Greater Bombay district Maharashtra

Top Banks in India

About IFSC Codes Datapedia

IFSC Code refers to an alphanumeric code which uniquely identfies a bank for electronic funds transfer such as NEFT and RTGS. It consists of 11 charatcters which identifies a bank and a branch. Click to know more.

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About Vijaya Bank IFSC Code Tirumale, Bangalore Rural district, Karnataka

Vijaya Bank has branches in Tirumale, in Bangalore Rural District in Karnataka. Each Vijaya Bank branch in has a unique IFSC Code. Find more details about Vijaya Bank.

IFSC Code of all branches of Vijaya Bank in Tirumale, Bangalore Rural district, Karnataka

There are several Vijaya Bank branches in Tirumale, in Bangalore RuralDistrict. To know more details about each Vijaya Bank branch in Tirumale, please refer to the list below:

IFSC codes of Top Bank branches in Tirumale, Bangalore Rural District, Karnataka

Below are the top bank branches of banks in Tirumale, Vijaya Bank, listed on the basis of search volumes:

Top Banks in India

About IFSC Codes Datapedia

IFSC Code refers to an alphanumeric code which uniquely identfies a bank for electronic funds transfer such as NEFT and RTGS. It consists of 11 charatcters which identifies a bank and a branch. Click to know more.

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For Immediate Release

DBI Technologies is Awarded Top 100 Component Publisher

The Leading provider of Enterprise Resource Management, UI Design and Text Analytic Component Software has been awarded another top 100 publisher for 2014 - 2015

Winnipeg, MB & Atlanta, GA - November 20, 2015 - DBI Technologies, the leading provider of Enterprise Resource Planning, Multi-Resource Scheduling and User Interface design component software, is honoured to be recognized as the Top 100 component software Publishers by ComponentSource - the nineth year in a row for a top 100 finish. "It's great to have a partner like ComponentSource, the world's largest marketplace and community for reusable component software and development controls for all platforms. As a leading supplier of DBI's advanced component software for corporate, government and private enterprises around the world, ComponentSource and DBI have built a strong relationship over the last nineteen plus years.

"ComponentSource is delighted to announce that DBI Technologies Inc. has remained a top 100 BestSelling Component Software Publisher for the 2014-2015 sales period - Nineth year in a row for a top place finish.  This award is based on the total volume of business placed by our customers over the past year through our offices located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA and Reading, England and Tokyo, Japan.  DBI continues its top positions year over year, and their team are to be congratulated on this success," said Sam Patterson, CEO of ComponentSource.

Patterson added: "Given our sales to over 180 countries around the world, this award represents a global view of the commercial software component and development tools market.  DBI has maintained a strong position in the component software market place with ComponentSource since 1997."

"We are honored to be recognized by ComponentSource as one of their top technology publishers," said Rod Miller, Vice President at DBI.  "ComponentSource is an important partner for DBI delivering our innovative solutions to organizations and developers of all stripes around the world."

About DBI Technologies Inc

DBI Technologies Inc. is the leading Enterprise Resource Planning, Scheduling and UX design commercial software development company focused on empowering application developers with the most flexible and respected, reusable commercial component software. DBI is continually recognized for its award winning component products and its customer support for their clients working in any Microsoft or .NET, OLE compliant and Java development environments.   http://www.dbi-tech.com.

About ComponentSource

ComponentSource is the world's largest marketplace and community for reusable software components and development tools for all platforms.  The respected barometer for the component industry, ComponentSource pioneered the open market for reusable software components in 1995, and continues to drive the market through its award-winning e-business model and groundbreaking work to establish the first widely accepted reusable component standard.  A global e-business with customers in over 110 countries, ComponentSource is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, United States, and has offices in Reading, England and Tokyo, Japan.  For more information, please visitDBI Technologies Inc - Top 100 Component Software Publisher 2014 - 2015

For further information please contact:
DBI Marketing |dbimarketATdbi-tech.com
800.670.8045 | 204.985.5770 | 204.985.5771(fax)

- ### -

Copyright 1996-2013 DBI Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. DBI, the DBI logo, Studio Controls, and Solutions Schedule are registered trademarks of DBI Technologies Inc. All other products, logos, or brand names are service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks, and are the property of their respective owners.


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Call Us With Any Questions 800-278-4002
Shop All Categories

Canon DC95

Find the compatible DC95 USB cable, DC95 AV cable, DC95 HDMI cable, or DC95 cord for your Canon DC95.

If you need any assistance with Canon DC95 parts please call us toll free 800-278-4002 9am-5pm CT Mon-Fri or email support@dcables.com anytime and our knowledgeable sales team will assist you in finding the correct Canon accessory. All Canon DC95 accessories come with a Compatibility Guarantee and Same Day Shipping.

To find accessories for other Canon cameras and camcorders please see our Canon Camera Accessories page.

Products 1-1 of 1 Total Results
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Item #: R17932 - Canon DC95 Battery Charger - Wall and car charger for your Canon DC95.

    Our Excellent Customer Service Department is Here to Help. Call Our Connection Experts Now 1.800.278.4002
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Dominus Cervix International
Jewelry, Chakra Sets, Meditation CD
Crystal Glass Orbs
Stargate Astrum
[View Cart]

Stargate Astrum

Stargate Stargate Astrum

Dominus Cervix Stargate Astrum!

The Dominus Cervix Stargate Astrum harnesses the power of sacred geometry to create an experience of deep inner purification and activation of the light body. Seated centrally within the information field produced by the Stargate merkaba and 24 Dominus Cervix orbs, a Life Connection client experiences an opportunity for profoundly deep physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation.


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The SMaL Utra-Pocket Kit

Enabling world's thinnest 1.3 Mpl digital camera - Digital cameras, digital camera reviews, photography views and news newsSeptember 24, 2003
SMaL Camera announced today the availability of its new Ultra-Pocket® 3 rapid development kit for 1.3-megapixel credit card cameras with color TFT display. The Ultra-Pocket 3 kit enables OEMs to deliver the world's thinnest, most portable and most fashionable digital cameras with long battery life and high dynamic range to their customers quickly and affordably. SMaL introduced the ultra-thin category in 2001 with a VGA prototype camera at the 2001 CES. Later, Fuj released the @xia Slim Shot, an example of such a camera...More


text:
Dead Fred Genealogy Photo Archive Thousands of Genealogy Photos
Search. Preserve. Record. Remember.

19485 Surnames | 124289 Records | 2657 Reunions

Buy at FredMart to Help Support DeadFred

Dead Fred's Genealogy Photo Archive, a free, fun photo genealogy research web site devoted to helping you visualize your heritage!

Detailed Results

Photo Thumbnail
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larger view.

Post a Sticky Note
24 photos in database by this submitter.

Need help with your research?

Order The Desperate Genealogist's Idea Book: Creative Ways to Outsmart Your Elusive Ancestors (eBook).

You can also order The Desperate Genealogist's Idea Book in hardcopy format by clicking here.

Photo #82454

Last Name: Sweetser

First Name : Frances

Middle Name: Estella

Subject's City: Augusta

Subject's State: ME

Subject's County: Kennebec

Subject's Country: United States

Date: 1851-1900

Photographer: Ayer

Photographer's City: Augusta

Photographer's State: ME

Nee: Achorn

Type** : CC

Comments: Frances Estella Sweetser (Nee: Achorn) | Augusta ME United States | 1851-1900 | Comments:

Digital Image Only? NO

Everyone Listed In This Photo:

Frances Sweetser

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text:
Dead Fred Genealogy Photo Archive Thousands of Genealogy Photos
Search. Preserve. Record. Remember.

19485 Surnames | 124289 Records | 2657 Reunions

Buy at FredMart to Help Support DeadFred

Dead Fred's Genealogy Photo Archive, a free, fun photo genealogy research web site devoted to helping you visualize your heritage!

Detailed Results

Photo Thumbnail
Click image for
larger view.

This Submitter is a Friend of Fred! Post a Sticky Note
3141 photos in database by this submitter.

Need help with your research?

Order The Desperate Genealogist's Idea Book: Creative Ways to Outsmart Your Elusive Ancestors (eBook).

You can also order The Desperate Genealogist's Idea Book in hardcopy format by clicking here.

Photo #13987

Last Name: Wickland

First Name : Blanche

Middle Name:

Subject's City: Hammond

Subject's State: Or

Subject's County:

Subject's Country: United States

Date: 1921

Photographer: UO

Photographer's City: Eugene

Photographer's State: Or

Type** : PRT

Comments: Blanche Wickland (Nee: ) | Hammond Or United States | 1921 | Comments: Left to Right:TOP-Wells.G Wells.H Wickland BOTTOM-Wines White Whitfield---1921 *Oregana* University of Oregan Yearbook. Eugene Oregan ,To see all the picturesin the YearBook type UO in the photographers slot in “Detailed Search” ..for close upscans or additional information regarding of any of these images or

Digital Image Only? NO

Everyone Listed In This Photo:

Gordon Wells
Harold Wells
Eloise White
Irene Whitfield
Blanche Wickland
Howard Wines

To view all records posted by this submitter, click here:

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How (and Why) to Go Green at Your Dealership in 2015

Like most auto dealers, you’ve probably got a lot on your plate in the coming year. The economic recovery has provided a boost for car sales, and most dealerships are hoping to continue that momentum through 2015.

But with all the items on your to-do list, have you also considered making your dealership more environmentally friendly? It might seem frivolous, but in fact, making your business greener could boost sales and save you money, as well as help the planet.

The Benefits to Your Business

In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in consumers’ concern for the environment. Not only are the majority of people interested in products that are more environmentally friendly, recent research shows that nearly half of consumers are even willing to pay more for green products.

What does this mean for your dealership? More prospective car buyers are researching their choices, online and through their social networks, before they walk into a dealership. Not only are they looking for the perfect car, they want to find the dealer who can give them the best service, and who reflects their values.

If you distinguish yourself as an environmental leader among auto dealers, this can give you a competitive edge. The auto industry hasn’t always had the best reputation in regard to the environment. Your dealership can combat this stereotype with business practices and a philosophy that show your commitment.

The first step, as always, is making sure your dealership complies with all local laws and regulations, including applicable environmental regulations, and that you inspire trust in your customers by staying up-to-date with all the relevant licenses and bonds.

Some dealerships have already taken an environmentally sensitive approach. For example, Lost Pines Toyota in central Texas has earned Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council by greening its entire operation, right down to the coffee cups.

Heavy insulation cuts down the need for climate control, and timers control the lot lights at night, reducing the dealership’s nighttime light pollution by 80%. The dealership also collects runoff from its air conditioning units to water outdoor plants, and handles contracts and internal communication electronically to save paper.

Not only has LEED Certification created a valuable marketing asset for Lost Pines, but these measures have saved it energy and money, as well.

It Can Be Easy Being Green

Your dealership doesn’t need a complete remodel to start implementing green practices, however. Some dealerships start small, with office supplies and coffee cups made from recycled materials. Better yet, create incentives for your employees to go paperless, and offer branded, reusable mugs instead of paper cups in the break room. It’s relatively simple to replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient fluorescents, and you can save even more electricity by installing motion sensors and dimmers to minimize unnecessary light use.

For your next event, you can boost your green reputation and save some money by using fewer disposable decorations like balloons, confetti, or streamers. Some dealerships have permanently replaced these displays with hanging plants. This could also be a chance to market your green efforts to customers by advertising your new environmental practices on social media.

If you’re ready for a bigger change, there are plenty of possibilities that affect everything from water consumption to climate control. For example, many dealerships have drafty, floor-to-ceiling windows, which can drive up heating costs. Installing energy-efficient windows, or treating your existing windows with insulation film, is a green move that will save you some green, as well.

Tailor Your Efforts to Your Community

Consumers aren’t just looking for an auto dealer that cares about the planet. They’re looking for an auto dealer that cares about their community as well.

Of course, you should implement green practices in ways that make the most sense for your climate zone. For example, if your state is prone to drought, switch to hand-washing cars or invest in a greywater recycling system. Community-focused practices can also mean smaller actions, like making sure your dealership beautifies the surrounding area. After you reduce noise and light pollution, for example, you can then partner with other local businesses to showcase your work for the environment.

Patriot Subaru, of Saco, Maine, is a dealership that’s found creative ways to go green. It composts all its food waste, and uses it to grow an organic vegetable garden right on the car lot. The vegetables are served at Patriot’s Saturday picnics, a great way to connect with customers and promote the dealership.

Is your dealership going green to better connect with your customers? If not, you may be missing an opportunity to save money, boost sales, build customer loyalty . . . and help preserve the planet.

Vic Lance is the founder and president of Lance Surety Bond Associates. He is a surety bond expert who helps auto dealers get licensed and bonded. Vic graduated from Villanova University with a degree in business administration and holds an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Vic Lance

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In Iraq, a Militant Group Takes Mosul

June 10, 2014 | 1751 GMT

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki declared a state of high alert in Iraq on June 10 and asked parliament to approve a state of emergency as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant militant group seized most of the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. This marks a serious downturn for Baghdad’s monthslong attempt to contain the group in the Fallujah and Ar Ramadi region, where the militants seized territory at the beginning of the year.
The rapid seizure of Mosul demonstrates a new capability for the militant group in Iraq, where highly mobile light forces using technicals — pickup trucks with medium to heavy arms mounted on them — can cover territory quickly and mass to overwhelm the enemy’s weak points. This will strain Iraqi security forces, which are already struggling to control a restive western Iraq. Regaining Mosul could require the Kurdistan Regional Government’s security forces, known as the peshmerga. a situation that could aggravate the ongoing struggle centered on the Kurdish region.

The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant reportedly overran the west bank of Mosul with hundreds of fighters. Resistance seems to have ended quickly, with Iraqi army and police units abandoning their equipment and positions. The militants now control the provincial government headquarters, security bases and the airport, along with equipment that was left behind. They also were able to free as many as 1,500 prisoners, who could swell the group’s ranks rapidly or at least add to the current chaos.
Late last week, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant launched another round of violence in western and northern Iraq over several days. Militants stormed Anbar University, taking more than 100 students hostage, and mounted raids using technicals in As Samarra and Mosul. In all three instances, Iraqi security forces reacted relatively quickly and the militants withdrew. Violence in any of these places is quite common. The most notable element of these attacks was the use of technicals in rapid raids — similar to tactics used in Syria, but much less common in Iraq, where the militants have preferred ambushes, improvised explosive devices, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and small teams.
Iraqi security forces and Kurdish peshmerga have been fairly successful in protecting the core Shiite region and Kurdish territories. Attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant are on the rise in Iraq, but they largely have been limited to Sunni regions where the militants can try to garner support from residents in areas bordering the other regions. The Syrian civil war, while drawing militant manpower from Iraq, has also slowly empowered the Islamic State in Iraq in the Levant by expanding the group’s sources of supplies and other resources, including captured Syrian army equipment. The militants’ ability to mass quickly and overwhelm Iraqi security forces and seize territory in different areas of Iraq threatens to overstretch the Iraqi forces’ already tenuous military capability in the Sunni regions.
Baghdad is facing the possibility of losing control of large swathes of western and northern Iraq. As a result, the government will implore the international community for assistance and rapid arms sales. (Many deals are in the works but have been slow to materialize.) The loss of Fallujah and Ar Ramadi prompted the United States to accelerate its response, which included the sale of small arms, ammunition and Hellfire missiles. The United States is also training Iraq’s special forces in Jordan, and the first F-16s for Iraq will be delivered before the end of the year. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant’s expanding presence will hasten further cooperation.
The loss of Mosul and the potential for Iraqi security forces to be stretched too thin opens up another avenue for potential, albeit unwelcome, cooperation from the Kurdish peshmerga. Mosul sits at the heart of the oil-centered territorial struggle between Baghdad and Arbil. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s official boundaries are three provinces to the east and north of Mosul, but the regional government’s control has spread into other areas, including just outside Mosul.
Using the peshmerga to retake Mosul could curb the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant’s expansion, but a stronger peshmerga presence in Mosul further complicates the ongoing confrontation between Baghdad and Arbil. The governor of Mosul escaped the takeover by fleeing to Dohuk in the Kurdish region, and Mosul’s authorities have formally called on the peshmerga to help them.
Kurdistan Regional President Massoud Barzani has not given the official order for peshmerga forces on the outskirts of Mosul to move into the city center, where militants are entrenched. It is unclear whether Barzani is trying to coordinate with Baghdad on a security response or is more concerned with the high risks associated with engaging the militants in densely populated areas. Although the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant is a common threat for Arbil and Baghdad and leaves space for security cooperation in Mosul, the eventual outcome for Baghdad could be loss of control over the city.
Moreover, although the militant group continues to threaten the region, its actions remain relatively restricted to Iraq’s Sunni territories, and there is a difference between taking part of a city and controlling territory well enough to reap its resources. As long as Syria provides refuge and resources for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, the militant group can continue to destabilize this region, but seizing territory in Iraq will be more difficult than it was in Syria. The group’s ability to reach further into Iraq and disrupt the southern oil regions remains elusive, and the United States — along with Iran — will support Baghdad in protecting those areas. Iraq probably will reach equilibrium, and the Sunni regions will become the battleground for the militants on the one hand and Baghdad and Arbil on the other. However, while the conflict in Syria continues, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant will be hard to eliminate.


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Man’s Best Friend Is A Dog – Bond Forged Over The Ages

Man’s Best Friend Is His Dog

If you can bond with an animal, you can understand how human beings work”

Michele James

For thousands of years dogs have provided people with protection, companionship and support and today the dog has become part of the fabric of society and often a valued member of families across the globe.

Travel to any part of the world and you will come across variants of

death of a family pet,fur family, loss of a pet, sympathy quotes for loss of a pet, Poems on pet loss, quotes on pet loss, death of my pet, animal human connection, Australia pets, border collies, pet grief coach, fur babies, fur kids

There is a powerful connection between Animals and Humans. For many they are part of a “fur family.” Claim your book on Sympathy Quotes on the Loss of a Pet at

the domestic dog. Loyal to a fault these pets and working animals have become a part of human society, however it is the love that people have for their pets that has more than anything assured the canine species a special place in our hearts.

Animal/Human bond Formed Over The Ages

What we today recognize as the domestic dog became a part of human society when nomadic bands of hunter gatherers were roaming the Earth. There is evidence to suggest that these dogs, descended from the Grey Wolf were viewed as both working animals and as valued partners in surviving the tough environment that characterized the lives of these societies.

It does not take a huge leap of imagination to visualize evenings around a fire when hunters and their families would gather to exchange stories of their day – and at their feet would be their faithful hounds.

Of course these dogs would not have resembled many of the species that we today share our lives with, but the affection that our ancestors felt for their canine companions would have been little different to what we feel today.

Family Pets Enhance Lives

There are very few homes that will not be enriched by the addition of a dog. Our children learn to love these additions to the home as they would a family member. It is very common for an adult to remember with vivid clarity the name and mannerisms of the first dog that was the constant companion of their childhood years. Many people have extremely fond memories of spending time in the outdoors with what would later prove to be not only a faithful companion, but also in a very real sense, a staunch friend and ally during the challenging years of childhood.

It seems that the thousands of years that human beings spent sharing their homes with the canine species has forged a bond that is very difficult, if not impossible to break. The truth of the matter is that we need dogs as much as they need us.

It would take a special person indeed not to look down at a puppy and not feel the urge to protect and nurture that small and vulnerable life, once again we seem to be programmed to view the canine species as part and parcel of what it means to be human.

Gandhi once said that ‘The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.’

Kindness To Animals is Kindness To Humans

The fury that we, as human beings feel when faced with cruelty towards our canine partners is proof of our very real connection between our two species.

This love of our dogs is why we grieve so deeply when they are lost to us. It seems tremendously unfair that our beloved pets are taken from us so quickly – their life spans do not seem adequate to contain the amount of joy that they bring to us.

However, perhaps this is the key, perhaps the star that burns twice as bright only lasts a fraction of the time of its duller companions. What many dog owners have learned is that our treasured friends will not be with us forever and that it is our responsibility to make their time on this planet as enjoyable as possible.

In return they promise us only one thing – pure and non judgmental love.

About the author: Jonathan Leger is a small business owner and personal development enthusiast. He also runs a popular question and answer website with a section dedicated to

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 The Oneida Lake Creel Survey, 2002-2007 - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

Department of Environmental Conservation

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The Oneida Lake Creel Survey, 2002-2007

Executive Summary

Angling on Oneida Lake is a popular activity and represents a large economic stimulus to the surrounding area. Despite over 50 years of fish population and limnological monitoring by Cornell University Biological Field Station, assessments of the impact of angling on sportfish populations in the lake are limited. Angling effort and success was assessed in the late 1950s (Grosslein 1961) and in 1997-1998 (VanDeValk et al. 1999). Through funding from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, a creel survey, based on the methods used by Grosslein (1961), was conducted during the 2002-2007 walleye angling seasons.

The season was separated into 2 time periods, open water, early May until late October, and ice, late January until mid-March. Angling effort was estimated by counting boats from a 10m tower and adjusting those counts based on a relationship between tower counts and concurrent flyovers. Counts were then multiplied by the number of hours of daylight, for that day, to estimate angling effort in boat hours. Estimates of total effort are presented in angler-hours which are calculated by multiplying the number of boats counted by the mean number of anglers per boat during the sample period.

Angler success was estimated from roving (on lake) interviews of anglers while they fished. Angler success rate data was recorded by the clerk and included: how long the party had been fishing, how many anglers were in the party, how many fish were caught, by species, and how many fish were harvested, by species. Individual catch or harvest rates were calculated by dividing the number of fish caught or harvested by the individual party's effort (duration of trip times the number of anglers). Mean success rates were then averaged over the time period reported (day, month or season). Estimates of total catch and harvest are the product of angling effort (boat-hours) times angler success.

During 2 of the roving survey years, usable concurrent access point surveys were conducted by interns during summer months (mid June through early July 2002 and 2006). Methods comparisons of roving and access point (boat launch) interviews were conducted to identify if those methods were interchangeable.

Angler effort generally increased throughout the survey from 12.95 angler-hours/ha (2002) to 22.3 angler-hours/ha (2007). Most of the angling effort occurred during the open water season (mean: 84%) and ranged from 9.35 angler-hours/ha (2002) to 18.02 (2006). The majority of interviewed anglers, during the open water season, reported targeting walleye (mean: 68%). Black bass were targeted by 17% of anglers and yellow perch by 14%. Ice season effort ranged from a low during the 2005 walleye season of 0.34 angler-hours/ha, a result of incomplete and inconsistent ice cover, to 4.4 angler-hours/ha during the 2007 season. Anglers reported fishing for walleye and yellow perch (56%) more often that each species individually (walleye: 18%; yellow perch 0.19).

Annually, anglers caught a mean of 0.23 walleye/angler-h, 0.41 yellow perch/angler-h, and 0.19 black bass/angler-h. Catch rates of walleye during the open water season increased from 2002-2004 (0.23 - 0.63 fish/angler-h) and declined to a mean of 0.2 walleye/angler-h during 2005-2007. Yellow perch catch rates declined from 2002 through 2005 (range: 0.44 - 0.07 fish/angler-h) and increased in 2006 (0.58 fish/angler-h) and 2007 (0.52 fish/angler-h). Black bass catch rates were relatively consistent, ranging from 0.15 to 0.24 fish/angler-h.

Ice angling catch rates were variable for both walleye and yellow perch. Anglers caught a mean of 0.15 walleye/angler-h (range: 0.05 - 0.26 walleye/angler-h). Yellow perch catch rates ranged from 0.03 to 1.0 fish/angler-h (mean: 0.49 fish/angler-h).

Annual mean harvest rates were 0.09 walleye/angler-h, 0.29 yellow perch/angler-h, and 0.03 black bass/angler-h. Open water walleye harvest rates increased from 2002 to 2004 (0.04 to 0.14 fish/angler-h) and remained relatively consistent for the duration of the survey. In October of 2004, the minimum length limit for walleye was changed from 18 inches to 15 inches. Yellow perch open water harvest rates trended similarly to yellow perch catch rates (range: 0.05-0.39 fish/angler-h). Black bass open water harvest rates were low (range: 0.008 - 0.04 fish/angler-h), which may reflect a preference for catch and release by bass anglers.

Total harvest was 224,700 walleyes, 389,000 yellow perch, and 41,200 black bass. Mean angling mortality was estimated as 7% (range: 2 - 12%) for walleye and 5% (range: 0.9 - 10%) for yellow perch.

Comparisons of angler success rates estimated from roving and access point surveys indicated that there were no significant differences between harvest rates for either year and for catch rates in 2006. However, in 2002 there were significant differences between walleye (p = 0.0002) and yellow perch (p = 0.04).

Catch and harvest rates of walleyes and yellow perch were compared to the number of cormorant feeding days during the study period. These comparisons suggested a significant negative linear relationship with cormorant feeding days only, which is likely a result of the 2004 regulation change rather than an indication of direct negative impacts of cormorants on angler catch rates.

(The complete report is available as a PDF in the right hand column)

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Knights whip Tigers to snap 16-year boys sectional drought

    The 16-year drought is over.
    Norwell jumped out 10-0 and never let up, beating Peru 58-44 for the first Knights' boys sectional basketball crown since 1995. It was the first class sectional crown ever for Norwell.
    "I know exactly win the last Norwell (sectional) championship was. It came my junior year," stated Norwell coach and former Bellmont standout Randy Hawkins, just after he cut down the net at the west end of the gym at Bellmont.
    The Knights picked up where the left off Friday night in the comeback win over Wayne, bolting out in front of a Peru team which had the same kind of lethargic start in the semi-finals Friday against Bellmont. However, Bellmont could not sustain their play. Norwell looked like they might not be able to, letting Peru cut the lead to five to start the fourth period, but a pair of three-pointers by Josh Vanmeter and Grant Baker put the Knights back up in double figures, and on their way to a special celebration.
    Hawkins felt the quick turnaround from Friday, and not having much time to prepare for plodding Tigers' team, worked in their favor.
    "We knew they would want to keep the lid on, but we honestly didn't have much time to think about it. We had to concentrate on Wayne, so we just showed up here ready to do out thing. We jumped out to the 10-0 lead and kept the pedal down," stated Hawkins.
    Vanmeter finished with 21 points to lead all scorers, hitting 5 of 8 three-pointers and 7 of 15 shots overall. He also dished out six assists for Norwell, which will take a 16-6 record into its regional semi-final game with Harding on Saturday.
    Grant Baker, hitting 3 of 6 treys, scored 13 points, as did Jeff Shatto, who added five rebounds for Norwell. Kyle Fillman had four points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots for the winners. Garrett Bucher put in three points with four boards, while David Vogel and Aldo Sanchez both scored two points. Sanchez, the point guard, added three assists.
    Luke Primerano tallied 17 for Peru , adding five rebounds, while Taylor Smith scored 10 points with six boards. Travis Smith scored 7 and Josh Hobson five points.
    Norwell's defense may have had something to do with the win as the Tigers hit only 30 percent, 14 of 45, including only one three-pointer in 14 attempts. Norwell hit nearly 50 percent, 20 of 41, and did cash in on 8 of 16 from the three-point arc. Vanmeter and Baker made eight of those.
    Norwell won the rebounding battle 26-21, and the Knights cashed in on 14 assists while Peru had just four assists, with four different players having one.
Peru, ranked No. 1 in 3A early in the season, finished 15-7.
    It was 12-7 Norwell at the first stop, and 30-19 at half. Norwell ran the lead to 41-26 going into the fourth period, but a run of 10 straight points by Peru cut the lead to five, setting up the two treys which put Norwell back on track.
    Delta, 16-7, will meet 17-5 Columbia City in the 10 a.m. contest next Saturday at Blackford. Norwell and the 9-10 Harding Hawks will clash in the 12 noon contest. The final will be Saturday night.

3A Boys Regionals
Crown Point
Andrean (15-8) vs. Culver Academies (16-66)
Gary Wallace (1606) vs. Western (18-4)
Delta (16-7) vs. Columbia City (17-5), 10 a.m.
Harding (9-10) vs. Norwell (16-6), 12:00
New Palestine (11-11) vs. Batesville (16-6)
Roncalli (17-5) vs. Danville (19-5)
Sullivan 20-4 vs. Corydon Central (17-6)
Evansville Bosse (19-6) vs. Washington (20-4)


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The Lost Seeker:

Have anyone experienced a strange wonder after finishing a creative piece- poem/write up/artwork or even a new dish that came out perfectly well- that it doesn't belong to you, or has been done by someone else? An experience as if we got those ideas/ the creativity from a central source of knowledge.

If there is such a central knowledge source, can we connect to it often? Just like we log in to the internet? Wouldn't it be great if we could?

Sharing my thoughts on this:

To connect to this knowledge source, we should stay much focused, like in meditation.
I feel 'this knowledge source' is like an invisible wave of energy around us to which only a sincere seeker can connect. Or it will be like a pond in which we all may be living like fishes, unaware of the ocean of knowledge in which we have been immersed in---caring only about the perishable illusions such as money, beauty and suchlike!

On thinking further:

A really focused mind (as when in meditation) is needed to get this connection with the knowledge wave. This doesn't mean that only meditation can open the window to this. Strong desire to achieve something, strong mental/physical pain, accidents/shock and sincere prayers also have the same effect as the meditation on the mortals.
Isn't it amazing if all of us including those greatest scholars are getting the data/idea from the same knowledge source?? I mean nothing is created newly, everything  is shared to us by the central source.
May be that is why sometimes two people write the same idea/thought, unknowingly.

Displaying 2017-01-29 11.27.08_resized.jpg

Factors that help us connect to this source (according to me) are:

  • Real  passion for something; where there is a will, there is a way.

  • The strong, selfless affinity towards something; work/hobby/art can instill the self-consciousness & open up the windows of the knowledge.

When knowledge transcendence happens, the seeker raises to a superior intellectual level. Soul consciousness level is the final stage where the seeker and the supreme power comes close; this is really difficult to achieve.

If a human tries to liberate from this materialistic, illusive world using any of the methods (meditation or focusing on one's passion or using prayers..) may have to  penetrate the layers around him; raising above all these energy levels to a height where the peaceful state of soul consciousness is prevalent; where there is complete silence and no words required for communication.

Let us take a break from our busy life to think about ourselves & who we truly are!

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What does killer bee mean?

Definitions for killer bee

Here are all the possible meanings and translations of the word killer bee.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. killer bee(noun)

    an investment banker who devises strategies to make a target company less attractive for takeover

  2. Africanized bee, Africanized honey bee, killer bee, Apis mellifera scutellata, Apis mellifera adansonii(noun)

    a strain of bees that originated in Brazil in the 1950s as a cross between an aggressive African bee and a honeybee; retains most of the traits of the African bee; now spread as far north as Texas

  1. killer bee(Noun)

    An Africanized honey bee.

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of killer bee in Chaldean Numerology is: 1

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of killer bee in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7

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City Episode S Bleu

October 2, 2015

City Episode S Bleu

deLaCour, launches a special limited edition of 88 pieces with the City Episode S Bleu. Sporty and elegant, this exclusive model is dressed in a deep blue color.

This model is a sporty version of the deLaCour City line. The elliptical shaped case features all the trademarks of the collection: a strafed flange and bezel, as well as the folded horns.

This sporty, yet very elegant watch is available in a titanium version or titanium featuring a carbon bezel.

The counters are perfectly positioned in the center of the dial and display high-precision chronograph information: at 6 o’clock the hours counter, at 9 o’clock the hours and minutes counter, at 12 o’clock the aggregated chrono minutes, at 3 o’clock the power reserve indicator and the date is displayed in a window situated at 4 o’clock.

The red seconds-hand stands out to insure great readability of the seconds as they tick away during timing. The openwork and luminescent tips seamlessly integrate the dial.

But the exceptional feature of the City Episode S Bleu and its particular magnetism, mainly resides in the color of its dial: a stunning blue.

Made of galvanized metal, embellished with a sunray finish, it catches the eye and doesn’t let go. It reflects light elegantly when the light effortlessly dances on its surface.

The dial is delightfully round and the curves deeply highlighted give the impression that its circumference disappears into the case.

Offering great readability day and night, the dial of this automatic winding, elegant watch, is characterized by sobriety: a simple and clear minutes display punctuated by double flanged numerals pushed towards the center, the first enabling seconds, the other the hours. The various indicators of the chronograph, like the numerals situated on the flange are treated with Superluminova.

This timepiece is waterproof to 5 ATM and is presented on a hand-stitched crocodile or rubber strap, which offers comfort and elegance.

With the City Episode S Bleu, delaCour presents a sober and elegant watch perfectly adapted to urban and professional life. It is the embodiment of an elegant and sporty instrument for measuring time.


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Butchered Bible – Philippians 4:13

Butchered Bible – Philippians 4:13

Today, I’m continuing the Thursday series titled, “Butchered Bible Verses.”  You can see the other posts in this series linked at the bottom of this post.  The letter to the church at Philippi was written by Paul as he was in a lockdown house arrest situation in Rome.  Paul loved the church in Philippi and was disturbed to hear of some problems they were facing.  He had planted the church through the preaching of the gospel during his second missionary journey.  Upon arrival, Paul preached the Gospel to a woman named Lydia and the Bible tells us that God literally opened her heart that she would accept the things which were preached by Paul (Acts 16:14).  There was also a remarkable event that happened to the jailer who was saved after a great earthquake that opened the prison doors (Acts 16:25-35).  Through the preaching of the gospel – God saved people and raised up a congregation of believers that would be known as the church at Philippi.

In his letter, Paul had a few main goals:

  1. Reassure his fellow Christians in the faith.
  2. Thank them for their gift of love (financial gift).
  3. Address the women who had problems against one another that had caused conflict and division in the church.

The overarching theme of the letter is joy!  It almost doesn’t seem possible that Paul would write to a church and encourage them to find their joy in Christ as he was in prison for preaching Christ!  The perspective that Paul gives in this letter is tremendously centered in the joy of Jesus – even through suffering, pain, discouragement, betrayal, and disappointment.  Not only had Paul experienced that in his preaching ministry, but Jesus had ultimately experienced it – all the way to the Roman cross!  Paul’s point was – find joy in Jesus alone.

Butchered Text

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Explanation of how this text is misused

If you’re a sports fan, you don’t have to go too long before you hear Philippians 4:13 quoted or cited within the context of “God giving us the power to rip the heads off of our opponent.”  A few years ago, the Sherwood Baptist Church produced a film titled, “Facing the Giants” where a football coach led a group of “not so great” players to a championship.  Through that movie, Philippians 4:13 was used to state that God has promised to give them the power to defeat their opponent.  Is that what God intended by that verse?

In more recent days, we have seen Tim Tebow with the reference to Philippians 4:13 under his eyes as he took the field to play football.  I personally like Tim Tebow and think he is being used by God to point people to Jesus Christ.  So far in his career, he has proven to be the real thing rather than just a man using Jesus as a “good luck” charm.  Tim truly loves the Lord and is seeking to impact our sports culture with the message of Christ.  “Tebow Mania” has swept the nation and continues to dominate many sports talk shows during this present off season.  Tim is an outspoken Christian who desires to show people that Jesus is more valuable than football or championship rings.  In fact, in one game where Tim had John 3:16 painted under his eyes, that very night John 3:16 was the most searched phrase on Google.  You can see the top five Bible verses used by Tebow as eye black here.  Like Sherwood Baptist Church, Tim Tebow had no desire to misuse the Bible, but in the context of how he used Philippians 4:13, it seems that the true meaning of the text was missed!

Explanation of the text

When we see this verse used as eye black for football games, on shirts for wrestling matches, tattooed on arms of MMA athletes, and in every situation you can imagine, we must ask – are they using that verse for personal motives?  The majority of the time when this verse is used in the realm of sporting events they miss the meaning of the text.  We must learn to rightly divide the Word of God and refrain from perverting the Word of God for personal motives.

Most of the time – this verse is used as a reminder that some athlete can push himself beyond normal measures to achieve the victory.  However, that isn’t what Paul was speaking of here.  He was speaking of an ability to lose and be satisfied with it.  The emphasis isn’t on the winning as much as it is the losing in the context of this passage.  Paul might lose in the eyes of society.  He may not be successful and part of the inner circle of Rome’s elite society, but he was content.  In many preachers’ eyes – he was a loser.  In some eyes within the church – he was a loser.  In the eyes of the Jewish population he was a loser. However, he was satisfied being a loser – so long as that was God’s will for his life.

Paul’s point was that we as followers of Christ must be willing to lose in this life in order to be winners for Christ.  Many of the Philippians were poor and struggling.  Yet, Paul wanted them to know they were not to find their joy in their finances.  That is exactly how Adoniram Judson could go to Burma, Lottie Moon could go to China, William Carey could go to India, Jim Elliot could go to Ecuador, and Paul could go to prison!  Just as Jesus died to win, we must look at this life from a different perspective.

While it does take the strength of God to live as a faithful Christian in the spotlight of college and professional football as Tim Tebow is clearly doing, we must seek the original author’s intent of Philippians 4:13.  What if two committed Christians line up against one another in a football game on opposing teams with Philippians 4:13 plastered under their eyes?  Someone is clearly going to win and someone is clearly going to lose.  What does that say about that verse?  Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  God can give me strength to withstand persecution.  God can give me strength to leave the security of my job and enter the ministry.  God can give me strength to leave family and go to the mission field.  God can give me strength to do what is impossible in the flesh and through logic – in order to accomplish His will for His eternal glory.

The next time you see that verse on a bumpersticker or football player – remember the true meaning and press on for the cause of King Jesus!

John Piper said, “My quest for happiness is now nothing other than a quest for God. And He has been found in Jesus Christ.”1

Pastor Josh Buice

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loving God as Yourself – Part 2, May 7, 1995, www.DesiringGod.org.

Joy Blooms in Dark Places

One of the most difficult times in life is often connected to death.  The news may come through a knock at the door, a phone call, or even through a news broadcast.  The result of the news often causes the heart to swell up with pain that leaves us vulnerable, exposed, afraid, and a dozen other emotions sweeping through our minds and hearts.  Death is often unexpected, harsh, cold, and powerful.  The effects of death can often lead to desperation, despair, and lingering discouragement.The night of Sunday, September 21st, the people of Douglasville, Georgia (my hometown) went to bed in the midst of storms and constant rain.  Unfortunately, for several families, the real storm came later as they discovered that their loved ones were swept away by flash floods while driving down familiar roads and crossing familiar bridges in their community.  Although family and rescue workers scrambled to the scenes after receiving phone calls from their loved ones, they were overtaken by the powerful flood waters and died trying to escape the fury of the flash floods.The flash floods forever changed the landscape of many rivers and surrounding landscapes.  However, unfortunately, the flash floods also forever changed the lives of many families.  Funeral services were held for those who died in the floods this past weekend.  Family and friends gathered to remember those who tragically and suddenly passed away.  The funeral homes were packed with people and the funerals were filled with those who came out to remember those who had been taken away from their lives without warning.  As the funeral homes were packed with people, it was wonderful to know that even though death is no respecter of persons and it often comes with swift force – those of us who are part of the family of Christ will never be overtaken by death!  Jesus Christ has defeated death!

1 Corinthians 15:51-58:  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

It is with that truth and promise of victory in Jesus that the child of God can have the joy of Salvation blooming in the midst of death’s dark shadow.  Who or what shall separate us from the love of Christ?  For the child of God, death is merely a change of address.  Death has been defeated by the power of Christ – and therefore, those of us who find ourselves walking down the pathway of death’s dark shadow, we need to remember the words of the Apostle Paul – O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.For the child of God, there remains a strange joy and peace in the midst of discouragement.  Like a brilliant rose blooming in a dark place – the joy of Salvation and victory over death blooms bright in the midst of death’s dark shadow.  Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Pastor Josh Buice

Finding Joy in Evil Speech

In the famous sermon preached by Jesus widely known as the “Sermon on the Mount,” He warned that people would speak evil against Christians. According to Jesus, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12). When someone gossips, lies, and speaks evil against you – it is extremely difficult to rejoice in that moment. However, the Christian life will be full of opportunities to learn this behavior that Jesus teaches. In fact, those in the ministry will have a double dose of opportunities.

Recently it was made known to me that someone was speaking evil against me – even behind my back. I knew that it was untrue and that the intentions of the person were not pure, but the ability of my heart to rejoice in that moment when I received the phone call was very difficult. When evil speech comes from a critic on a website or anonymous letter – it hurts – but not near as bad as when it comes from someone that you know and once trusted. The flesh wants to strike back. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked – so it desires to get even. Just when I felt my blood pressure starting to rise, the Holy Spirit brought to my memory a verse of Scripture that I had been soaking in and meditating upon in my study as I had been preparing to preach it. It was found in the text cited above when Jesus warned that people would speak evil against the children of God. However, not only is there a warning, there is a command to find joy and rejoice in that moment. Often when the Holy Spirit brings these things to light it has a tendency to reveal how much sanctification is needed in my own life.

I found myself going out on a run that afternoon and I found myself thinking about the evil speech that had been spoken against me. It was ringing in my ears. Although it had an opportunity to bring harm to me, during my run, as I pounded the pavement around the country roads near my home, I became convinced that the birds that fly through the air and peck on the ground in the fields near me as I pass by do not worry. Therefore, my God is much larger than those who seek division, speak evil, or gossip behind my back. He is the mighty God. He is the faithful Creator. He is powerful. He is the Lord of Hosts. He is the Sovereign King. If a blue bird is not going to worry – neither will I. Furthermore, the words of Jesus also soaked into my heart and mind and as I rounded the corner on my run, I realized that I should be happy that people would speak evil against me. That means that I am actually doing what my Christ has saved me to do. I am fulfilling my purpose. If I must suffer evil speech for doing what Christ has called me to do – than so be it.

Although the daggers of evil speech do hurt (especially when your heart is pure and innocent) – they are nothing compared to the sweet satisfaction and sufficiency of God’s Word. It is amazing how God always has His Word there and ready to bandage up the open wounds that are inflicted by the world of sin. God’s Word is sufficient to every Christian – even those who preach it on a weekly basis.

To God be the Glory!

Pastor Josh Buice

Avoid Post-Resurrection Day Depression

As we all know, it is easy to experience a let down on Monday morning after a full day of worship on the day set aside for remembering the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many experience pre-resurrection day depression due to the fact that they feel forced to attend a worship service. Others experience post-resurrection day service joy as they walk into the parking lot on a bright sunny Easter Sunday afternoon. Their minds are filled with Masters Golf, backyard BBQ, family gatherings, coffee and conversation with friends, and various other things. However, for another group of people, Monday morning after a great Easter celebration can seem like a drag, a let down, and even depressing. Below are ways that I avoid such thoughts of depression on my post-resurrection day celebration and worship.

I. Remember – He Is Alive Today

Jesus Christ came up victoriously from the tomb three days after being crucified on the cross. However, what we often forget is that each Sunday is a celebration and worship service that is held on the Lord’s Day (the first day of the week). After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the disciples and the early church started gathering for worship on the day of the resurrection rather than on the Sabbath day.

II. Remember – Because He Lives – I Can Face Today

Many church assemblies sing the famous hymn, “Because He Lives” on Easter Sunday. It says, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.” That tomorrow is today. We can awake and face the new day that is before us because Jesus Christ is alive today and as a Christian we live for Him. No matter what we may face in this world, He is our hope and our salvation.

III. Remember – Jesus Is Our Joy

It is not the worship gathering, the drama presentation, the choir cantata, or the preaching of the Word that is our joy. Our joy is Jesus and Him alone. Therefore, we can live today seeking Christ above all other things and when we do that – we will be filled with true joy.

IV. Remember – Death Is Swallowed Up In Victory

Paul told the church at Corinth that death had been swallowed up in victory. What victory? The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Jesus is our victory. Therefore, even if we find ourselves walking through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil – because Jesus lives.

1 Corinthians 15:54b-58:

Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Because He Lives!

Pastor Josh Buice

Joy in Jesus – Not Health and Freedom

Yesterday I was reading some information about Adoniram Judson, and I came across the following story:

Adoniram Judson, the renowned missionary to Burma, endured untold hardships trying to reach the lost for Christ. For 7 heartbreaking years he suffered hunger and privation. During this time he was thrown into Ava Prison, and for 17 months was subjected to almost incredible mistreatment. As a result, for the rest of his life he carried the ugly marks made by the chains and iron shackles which had cruelly bound him.Undaunted, upon his release he asked for permission to enter another province where he might resume preaching the Gospel. The godless ruler indignantly denied his request, saying, “My people are not fools enough to listen to anything a missionary might say, but I fear they might be impressed by your SCARS and turn to your religion!”1

As I have read and learned about many missionaries in the history of the church, a few stand out above the others for the many hardships they endured. One of those missionaries that is forever burned into my memory is Adoniram Judson. As we consider that story regarding the conversation Judson had with one of the rulers of Burma, we are left with a profound truth related to suffering. If people are willing to listen to us when the skies are blue and the storm clouds are nowhere in sight, how much more are they willing to listen to a message when the messenger is a man of sorrows and afflicted with grief? The suffering servant is much more effective than a man driving a fine automobile and flaunting large sums of money. The health, wealth, and prosperity message is like a cloud that sweeps in over fields boasting of potential rain – but continues to blow without a single drop.

Consider the Suffering of Paul

Paul had already been sent out from Antioch on two missionary journeys. His second journey ended with a severe beating and stoning that nearly cost him his life. As he returned to Antioch at the conclusion of the missionary journey, Paul told the people at Antioch, “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Now, in Chapter 21-22 we see that Paul is nearing the end of his third missionary journey. The last journey ended in much the same way – with suffering.

In Acts 21:27-40, Paul is taken into captivity and beaten for preaching the gospel. The Scripture tells us that they intended to kill Paul (31). As Paul is rescued by the Captain of the guard, he is allowed to speak to the people as he is standing on the steps of the Castle. He turned to the crowd and told them of his joy in Jesus. He shared his testimony of conversion and commission as an apostle.

As I consider the typical Christian in our present culture, it seems that they are only happy while things are good. They are able to smile when Wall Street is up, the big three auto makers are prospering, and no terrorist attacks are being threatened against our land. However, as we look back at Paul, he was nearly beaten to death by an angry mob, but then turns and allows the joy of his salvation to be poured out of his heart onto the people. As I recently studied that passage of Scripture to preach it, I was left wondering how many people in our church would be able to do that if they were placed in Paul’s position?

Do you still have the joy of your salvation in your soul? Is the sweetness of Christ still fresh upon your heart?

For the sake of Christ!

Josh Buice

. . . . . . . . . . . .

1 Tan, P. L. (1996, c1979). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : A treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers. Garland TX: Bible Communications.

Christians and Joy

Why do people who claim to be saved look like they have no reason to rejoice? Either they have no joy in their hearts or they have supressed it by sin. It is strange when people come sit in a church congregation with a blank look of disinterest and absolutely no joy! How can people who have been saved and redeemed by Jesus Christ live without joy?Paul penned the following words under Holy Spirit inspiration in Romans chapter five (Romans 5:10-11):

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

When we consider our past life without Christ, it is important that we understand the severity of our past condition. We were not merely sinners. We were enemies of God Himself! We had trampled His commands under our feet and served our flesh rather than Him. Paul points out very eloquently that we were reconciled to God by the death of Jesus Christ. Why would a Holy and righteous God send His only Son to die for our wretched souls? God would have been right, honest, just, and fair if He had sent all of humanity to Hell for eternity. As sinners we did not deserve salvation. Yet, God planned the cross of Christ before He created the world in order to save us by His marvelous Grace (Acts 4:27-28; Hebrews 4:3; 1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8)!Paul continues by saying, “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” In other words, we as Christians should have joy in our hearts because of what Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross. By the blood He shed on the cross, we who have trusted Him as Savior have received the atonement which covers our sins and cleanses our wretched souls. That blood sacrifice redeemed us from the bondage of sin. We were once slaves to sin and Christ Jesus purchased us off of the auction block of sin by His blood. It is for that reason that we have joy in our hearts as Christians. It is sad when people in the world have more superficial joy than professing Christians.Reasons to have joy:1. Christ Jesus has snatched us from the sure judgment of eternal Hell.2. Christ Jesus paid for our sins on the cross of Calvary.3. Christ Jesus placed our sin as far as the east is from the west.4. Christ Jesus plunged our sin into the depths of the sea.5. Christ Jesus has cleansed the stain of sin upon our souls.6. Christ Jesus has covered our sin with His righteousness.7. Christ Jesus has imputed His righteousness to our account.8. Christ Jesus has taken our sins upon Him on the cross.9. Christ Jesus has accomplished our victory through His resurrection.10. Christ Jesus has reconciled us to the Father through His blood.Therefore, as we go to work, school, or to worship with our church family – we should not have a blank look of disinterest as we sing and study God’s Word. We as Christians should be the happiest and most joyful people on this planet! Not because of what we have done, but because of what God has done for us through His Son!For the glory of God!Rev. Josh Buice


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Joe O’Neill: cotton’s man in Manhattan

They didn’t grow much cotton where Joe O’Neill was raised. But there have likely been hundreds of thousands of yards of cotton fabric flow through the New York City garment district only a short distance from where he grew up and still calls home.

And as long-time senior official with the former New York Cotton Exchange, and later the New York Board of Trade, this city slicker has always woven a close relationship with those who grow his favorite commodity.

O’Neill began working at the cotton exchange in 1970 after attending Manhattan College. He knew the cotton futures contract inside and out and served as president and CEO of the exchange from 1984 through 1998.

In 1998 the exchange merged with NYBOT, where he served as senior vice president before retiring in 2007. He was responsible for all aspects of cotton and other products traded, including trade relations, marketing, research and development, making sure contracts kept pace with changing industry products and the development of new products.

Retirement didn’t get him too far from the trading floor in New York’s financial district.

When NYBOT merged with ICE in 2007, he became chairman of the ICE cotton committee which oversees the cotton futures contract. He replaced Don Conlin, a long-time friend of O’Neill and the industry who died in 2007.

“The committee discusses how the contract is performing and recommends changes that the committee thinks will help the contract perform better,” says O’Neill. “We also deal with situations as they arise, such as how to deal with the warehouses and the cotton that was damaged by Hurricane Ike.”

O’Neill has seen the futures contract switch from 100 percent cotton pit open outcry trading to nearly all electronic trading.

“About the only thing that has stayed the same since I joined the exchange and now is that the farmers produce the cotton,” he says.

“Trading is now electronic. And a major, if not the most important tool for the industry for hedging, is now options, which did not exist when I started.

“The industry itself is very different. While we still have co-ops and merchants, their look has changed. Co-ops and merchants have had to adjust their marketing. When I started, the United States sold to the U.S. mills. Now the U.S. mills share of the market has decreased dramatically.

“We were a supplier of last resort to the rest of the world. Now, they are by far our primary market.”

Low prices lead to higher prices and the reverse? That’s a theory O’Neill has always taken to heart. But has that changed in today’s highly volatile market?

“While I still think this is true, I think this refers mostly to supply,” he says. “High prices cause an increase in production and low prices cause a reduction in supply. I think cotton’s low prices will result in a reduction in supply, especially since a lot of its competing crops now look like they provide a greater return.

“With that said, you would expect higher prices next crop year, but the only adjustment to the timetable might be the demand. If the current economic downturn lasts longer than I hope, the timetable of ‘low prices cause high prices’ might take longer than usual.”

What about a marketing strategy with cotton prices at below loan? In the past, prices at that level often saw O’Neill recommend that growers sell their cotton at harvest and buy call options.

“At these price levels and the high volatility, it probably is a good time to be on the sidelines,” he suggests. But he will have new marketing strategies in mind as the planting season arrives.

Remembering 9/11, O’Neill has seen the best of times and worst of times at the exchange offices. When terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, the NYBOT lost seven exchange members as they were preparing for the day’s trading session.

“It was a terrible day for everyone here and across America,” says O’Neill, who was on a cotton trade mission in India when the Twin Towers fell.

Even though NYBOT’s main World Trade Center facilities were destroyed, it had auxiliary facilities in place and began trading the Monday following the 9/11 catastrophe.

Like the rebound seen after the attacks and the years to follow, O’Neill sees agriculture and the cotton industry getting over the recent slump that followed dynamic prices all in the same year.

“The cotton industry is a very resilient industry and will recover and successfully adapt during these trying times,” he says.

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Gall mapping root-knot nematode variation

TUNICA, Miss. -- Growers and consultants can map root-knot nematode variation in their fields for about $40 an acre by examining cotton roots for galls and recording their location with a GPS, according to Allen Wrather, a plant pathologist at the Delta Center in Portageville, Mo.

Wrather, speaking at the Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference in Tunica, said the maps can then be used to apply nematicides only in the parts of the field infected with nematodes. Nematodes can be controlled with Temik, the fumigant Telone or Avicta, a seed treatment.

Root-knot nematodes enter cotton roots at the growing point of the root and establish a homesite, notes Wrather. This causes the cells of the root to swell, which interferes with the movement of water and nutrients into the plant. In severe infestations, this results in stunted plants. Galls are easily spotted on the roots of infected plants.

Research has shown that root-knot nematodes are rarely distributed evenly across a cotton field. “We have found that often the root-knot nematodes are restricted to half-acre- to acre-size areas. In many cases, only 10 percent of a field may be infested with root-knot nematodes. So when you put out a nematicide uniformly, you’re wasting product. You’re putting it on 90 percent of the field and only needing it on 10 percent. We need to put out these products site specifically because they are expensive.”

The traditional way to map nematode variation is to walk the field, take soil samples and have them analyzed. “But in Missouri, that is going to cost about $100 an acre, including a $20 cost to analyze the soil sample. And to get an accurate picture of where the nematodes are, you have to sample no more than every 100 feet. Sampling on 2.5-acre grids doesn’t even begin to work. You’re often going to miss where the nematodes are.”

The gall-mapping method employs a scoring system based on damage to roots on a scale of 1 to 6. For example, a rating of 1 would be free of nematode damage while a 6 would have every root infested.”

The system was developed in California and adapted for the Mid-South by University of Arkansas nematologist Terry Kirkpatrick and University of Clemson plant pathologist John Mueller.

One advantage of this method is that growers would not have to send a sample to a lab, according to Wrather. “Just walk out to the field with a GPS, grid sample, dig up 10 roots where you stop and evaluate them. If there is root-knot there, there will be galls on the roots.

“It’s not going to be cheap because you need to sample every 100 feet. If you pay a consultant to do it, it’s going to cost around $40 an acre, which is still quite expensive. But we’re confident that root-knot nematodes stay in certain parts of the field. So if you’ve mapped a field, you may not have to map it again. So the $40 mapping cost could be a one-time expense.”

The grower can then use the geo-referenced map to site specifically apply nematicides.

Researchers are also investigating whether aerial imagery could indicate the presence of root-knot nematodes, according to Wrather. “In two fields, one in northeast Arkansas and another one is southeast Missouri, we took an InTime (a precision agriculture provider) image of the field and grid sampled a portion of it to see if mid-season plant growth could help us determine if plants were stressed due to root-knot nematode.”

The results were not promising, according to Wrather. “In the Arkansas field, the remote image was only able to predict about 33 percent of the variability in root-knot nematodes in the field. In the southeast Missouri field, we were able to predict 55 percent of variability in the field, still not enough to develop an accurate nematode map. Something else is needed.”

e-mail: [email protected]

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Voters seem to respond to the the ‘reported’ rather than the ‘real’ economy

The economy was one of the defining issues of the recent General Election, which research suggesting that Labour’s relative reputational weakness was a reason behind their defeat. Here, Mark Kayser and Arndt Leininger show that voters often respond to the ‘reported’ state of the economy, rather than the actual economy – with democratic implications.

Credit: Steve W, CC BY NC SA 2.0

The Bank of England (Credit: Steve W, CC BY NC SA 2.0)

What was the rate of economic growth in the UK in the first quarter of this year? You probably do not know the exact number but it should be easy to look up, right? Just check the statistics at the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The answer, however, is not that simple. The first ‘preliminary’ estimate published on 28 April 2015 put economic growth in the first quarter (January to March 2015) at 0.3%. While the second estimate remained unchanged, the most recent estimate is 0.4% and will likely change with further updates.

Such revisions in macroeconomic estimates which often feature much more dramatic differences between revised and original data vintages, sometimes more than 100 per cent, are a standard feature of economic data. Therefore, economists are conscious of frequent and substantial data revisions and their implications for economic forecasts. Clearly, forecasting economic growth, for instance, requires an understanding that numbers for growth in recent quarters are also just estimates subject to revision.

Political scientists have been less aware of the difference between real-time data, the initial data release that receives the most attention in the press, and vintage data, that is subsequent revisions. However, they may well be politically relevant. What if economic estimates available before an election differ dramatically from those available after the election.

Possibly in no race has this been clearer than the 1992 US presidential race between George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton.  Media reports and public opinion at the time reflected rather dismal initial estimates about the state of the economy that official agencies would later revise upwards — in the case of second quarter growth, by a factor of five (Fig. 1).  Bush Sr. complained bitterly that the economy was faring far better than the media, public, official statistics or the Clinton campaign depicted.  Subsequent data revisions vindicated this claim — the economy was well into recovery during the campaign — but only after he had lost the election to a rival whose campaign slogan was “It’s the economy, stupid.”  The media’s portrayal of the economy, rather than economic performance itself, seems to have cost Bush his reelection.

The economy plays a central role in explaining and predicting electoral outcomes. The so-called economic vote is one of the most researched, if not fully understood, phenomena in electoral politics. Voters reward governments during expansions and and punish them in recession with sufficient regularity that political scientists use macroeconomic data to forecast elections. For instance, in a October 2012 special issue of the journal ‘PS: Political Science & Politics’ on election forecasting, for example, 11 of 13 models employed the economy with growth rates being the most commonly used measure.

Scholars usually employ vintage data, with all its revisions, from the date when they run their analyses. If voters learn about the economy from direct experience, then using such revised economic estimates is indeed, albeit unwittingly, correct since revised economic figures more accurately reflect the true state of the economy. However, if voters learn about the economy from the media, then the initial economic reports, the real-time data, offer the most relevant economic information.

In our research, recently published in Research and Politics (ungated), we used the distinction between real-time and vintage data, not only to investigate the consequences of data revision on forecasting, but also as an opportunity to test how voters learn about the economy. To do so we replicated four forecasting models for US presidential elections with both vintage and real-time data. Our results revealed that revised data are not better data when it comes to capturing the underlying data generating process associated with voting. Despite more accurate estimation of economic conditions, on average using vintage data generated poorer of out-of-sample election predictions than using real-time data.

Moreover, later vintages introduce greater forecasting error. This suggests that error magnitude should increase under current forecasting practices as time series get longer and the average number of revisions to the data increases. For instance, as you can see in Fig. 2 when more recent elections are forecasted real-time data fares increasingly better than vintage data. Our findings suggest that voters respond more to initial economic estimates, that are heavily reported in the media, than to the economy itself.

fig2 (1)

Our results first and foremost argue for the use of real-time data when studying economic effects on politics but, short of that, they strengthen the argument for subjective economic measures (economic perceptions) in studies of the economic vote. The implications of data revisions for macroeconomic forecasting have received considerable attention in economics. We believe that this subject should also receive more attention in political science. However, while economists rely on data revision to improve their economic forecasts, political scientists are in most cases probably better off using unrevised real-time data.

This post represents the views of the author, and not those of Democratic Audit or the LSE. Please read our comments policy before posting.

Kayser_02Mark Kayser is professor of applied quantitative methods and comparative politics at the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin. His research generally centres on elections and political economy. Current major projects focus on partisan responses to economic crisis, media reporting of the economy, and the effect or electoral competitiveness on incumbent behaviour. Before coming to the Hertie School of Governance, he served as an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Rochester and as a postdoctoral Prize Research Fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford.

9c1ab254b1f34c6cdd365974ea1cf53fArndt Leininger is a doctoral student at the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin. His areas of concentration are comparative politics and applied quantitative methods. He holds an MSc in Political Science and Political Economy from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Free University Berlin. From 2012 to 2013 Arndt worked as parliamentary aide in the German Bundestag. Arndt’s research, including the article summarized here, can be found on his homepage. He tweets @a_leininger.

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