The 2005 Funding Sources Directory lists every source of lending, grants, loans and capital in the United States.

Clickbank brings together various sources for entertaining you at any time of the day. Download them now and have fun.

Last night, I received a package in the mail from the Field Studies Institute, containing a cassette tape that shouldn’t exist. Helpfully, the institute also provided a cassette player to help me listen to the tape that shouldn’t exist, along with instructions on how to use a cassette player to help me feel even older […]

The post Sifting Through Field Studies Institute Records is Surprisingly Fun first appeared on ARGNet: Alternate Reality Gaming Network.

I tried my GEDCOM fragment on several programs. This is what happened:

• Legacy 6.0: First warned there's no HEAD section. Then that there's no TRLR. Then asked if it should try to load anyway. After it tried, nothing was loaded.
• RootsMagic 3.2.4 trial version: No warning and it only loaded 1 person.
• GenViewer 1.21: was able to read the individuals. Hooray for GenViewer! The trial version does not let you see families, so I don't know if it was able to link those correctly.
• PAF 5.0: Opens a nice log file with 318 error messages, the last of which says that it can't find a HEAD record at the beginning of the file. But nothing gets loaded.
• Family Tree Maker 2005: Tells you it doesn't recognize the format of the file, and stops there.
• Family Tree Maker 2008: Tells you file is not correctly formatted, and stops there.

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[This Day] Abuja -- The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have agreed to forge a closer partnership to enhance women's participation in the oil, gas, and mining industries.

[African Arguments] With the Global South hoping COP29 can bring progress on the $215-387 bn per year needed for adaptation, we spoke to the head of the Adaptation Fund.

[UN News] UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Tuesday for countries to step up contributions to a financial mechanism to assist developing countries affected by climate change.

[Vanguard] At COP29 in Azerbaijan, African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina stressed the transformative vision behind a newly launched Climate Investment Fund, set to list on the London Stock Exchange.

[ISS] More attention should be given to how remittances can help African countries withstand and adapt to climate change.

January 11, 2006 – If you are missing an old tax refund and wondering when it will show up, the answer may be “never”. That is because the IRS now uses software to identify possible cases of “refund fraud”. Unfortunately, the software appears to be error prone and tax payers are getting caught in the middle.

Electric bikes come in all shapes and sizes, but few will turn heads quite like the Mod Easy SideCar Sahara. This limited-edition ebike has been inspired by the WWII-era BMW R75 motorcycle, and comes complete with sand-beige desert camouflage.

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Category: Bicycles, Transport

Tags: ebikes, Pedal-assisted, Retro, Sidecar

Goodies on how to save money, save the world, stay healthy and happy.

(Telecompaper) Spanish rural broadband providers Adamo and Avatel as well as MasOrange have secured the majority of the funds made available under the government's Unico Broadband 2024 call...

(Telecompaper) MultiChoice says it will update its DStv Stream platform by letting viewers rewind live television channels by up to 24 hours and improving Watch from Start functionality and Cloud PVR Recordings, which it introduced on 12 November. The Cloud PVR Recording feature lets customers record live shows for viewing or re-watching within 30 days...

(Telecompaper) Swedish satellite broadband provider Forsway has announced a development funding contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) with support from the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA). Under the Xtend 5G project, Forsway will build a next generation 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) two-way/hybrid...

The car you see in these pictures needs no introduction. An icon of the Mr Bean series and The Italian Job movies, the Mini Cooper is perhaps more famous than the characters behind its wheel. It has been the benchmark for fun, fast, small hatchbacks, and this new Cooper S is the last to be petrol-powered, as from here on, it will be an EV-only model. So, let’s see if it lives up to its legacy.

2024 Mini Cooper S: design

The new triangular tail-lamps get individual configurable LED elements.

The easiest way to tell that this is the latest Cooper S is to look at the rear end. The Mini Cooper now gets triangular tail-lamps with individual LED elements that can be configured to display three different animations, including the famed Union Jack pattern. Similarly, the iconic round headlights are bezel-less, and they, too, have custom animations. The octagonal front grille is larger and features a blanked-off trim in the centre. In keeping with its sporty theme, there are no chrome elements on the outside; instead, you get a generous dose of gloss black surrounding the grille, the mirrors, the roof and the tailgate. There’s also some cladding around the wheel arches and stylish 17-inch alloys.

A special mention must go to this Sunny Side Yellow paint on our test car, which grabs many eyeballs. Notably, this new Cooper S forgoes the air intakes in the bumpers and, more controversially, visible exhaust tips.

2024 Mini Cooper S: interior, features

In the pursuit of minimalism, Mini has forgone the instrument cluster, giving the dashboard a clean look. The 9.4-inch OLED centre touchscreen doubles up as the instrument cluster, showing relevant driving information, depending on which mode you’re in. This Android-based screen is the cabin’s highlight, and it controls most functions, too.

The screen is high in resolution, and the touch is slick. However, the multiple menus and sub-menus mean that you need time to get accustomed to it. Mini has used sustainable materials on the dashboard, door cards and seats, which look nice and rather unconventional but will be challenging to keep clean. The steering is nice to look at, with its two-spoke design, and the tensioned fabric piece that acts like the third spoke is a cool touch. However, the steering’s rim is too thick, much like those of several M Sport BMWs. The front seats are accommodating; they hold you well in place around corners and offer good adjustability, but electrical adjustment is part of an optional pack. Entry to the rear seat is tight, and it isn’t particularly spacious, but adults can fit here for shorter journeys. What does help matters is the dual-pane sunroof, which opens up the feeling of space in the cabin.

As for features, the Cooper S packs in quite a bit of standard equipment, and our test car was also fitted with an optional Classic pack worth Rs 5.85 lakh, which brought in a couple of feel-good bits. Chief among them are the superb-sounding Harman Kardon sound system and the head-up display, which shows you the necessary information, such as speed, gear and tachometer. Uniquely, it also brings in an inside camera for taking photos or videos while you’re out on a drive. Standard features include auto climate control, LED lights, a rear camera, a large wireless charging pad in the centre console, ambient lighting and cruise control. 

2024 Mini Cooper S: powertrain, performance

Underpinning the new Mini Cooper S is a heavily updated version of the outgoing Mini’s platform. The engine is also the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol but uprated for this latest version. Output stands at 204hp and 300Nm, up from the older car’s 178hp and 280Nm, and it continues to send power to the front wheels.

Twist the toggle switch in the centre console, and the four-pot burbles to life. This simple twist switch makes you feel like you’re operating an aircraft and adds to the cool factor. The exhaust, while not particularly loud, does have a nice raspy tone to it. And like most modern, sporty cars, the Cooper S also pipes an artificial exhaust sound into the cabin through the speakers. While some might say this is sacrilege, I actually think it enhances the experience. The BMW-sourced motor is a highlight of this car as power is plentiful, and its rev-happy nature just eggs you on to drive harder. It leaps off the line, and the instant power delivery never leaves you wanting more.

Cooper S leaps off the line, and the instant power delivery never leaves you wanting more.

The engine is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that is quick and responsive, and depending on which drive mode you’re in, it’ll either upshift at the earliest to conserve fuel or hold on to lower gears longer for maximum performance. One of the biggest misses with this new Cooper S, though, is that it lacks any form of manual control for the gearbox: no paddles, no Tiptronic function and not even a proper gear lever, with only a toggle switch to select drive direction. The only way to get it to downshift is by pressing the accelerator hard and then waiting for the gearbox to kick down. For a hot hatch like the Mini Cooper S, this is a big letdown. Another miss is a handbrake lever, so there’s no scope for fun manoeuvres such as handbrake turns and J-turns. 

On the move, the Cooper S feels energetic and quick despite its 1,360kg kerb weight. And that’s backed up by the performance figures. Mini claims a 0-100kph time of 6.6 seconds, but we managed to time it a shade quicker at 6.48 seconds in Go-Kart mode. And despite having no manual control, the gearbox is quick enough to kick down, which enables you to dart in between the gaps in slow-moving traffic. In-gear acceleration, then, is strong, too, taking 3.62 seconds for the 20-80kph sprint and 4.56 seconds for 40-100kph.

The new Cooper S offers seven modes, each with unique ambient lighting and screen graphics, with the Classic pack. However, only three of them – Core, Go-Kart and Efficient – actually alter the driving experience. Core is the standard mode, offering the best balance between performance and efficiency. Efficient, as the name suggests, is the eco mode, which dulls throttle response in the interest of efficiency. 

The Cooper S is sprightliest in the Go-Kart mode, where it feels quite literally like a go-kart. It’s in this mode where the engine, gearbox and throttle are the most responsive, and the car feels like it shrinks around you. The other four modes only alter the ambient lighting and graphics and play an audio track.

2024 Mini Cooper S: ride, handling

The brakes are sharp, with a strong initial bite followed by progressive stopping power. In our test, it took 25.76 metres to come to a halt from 80kph. On Mumbai’s less-than-perfect streets, the Cooper S felt stiffly sprung, and the larger bumps were jarring. There’s no scope for adjustability, as it doesn’t get adaptive dampers. The run-flat tyres don’t help either. The optional 18-inch alloys will have even slimmer side walls, which will further hamper the ride quality. But drive it on a perfectly paved road like the new coastal road in Mumbai, and it is just super.

The stiff ride means that it feels tight and agile around the bends, with absolutely no body roll. The steering is also sharp, and the Cooper S is quick to turn into corners, making it feel like it shrinks around you. There’s barely any slack at the centre position, and you’ll like the fact that it is communicative, too. You’ll also notice torque steer when driving flat-out, but it’s nothing that’s not manageable; here, it is actually fun and adds to the drama. Like Coopers of the past, this new one remains a hoot to drive. Then, there’s also the fact that Mini is saving its best for the full-blown John Cooper Works (JCW) version, which is expected to arrive at a later date, and that should dial things up further.

2024 Mini Cooper S: price, verdict

The Mini Cooper S is a car you clearly buy with your heart rather than your head, especially considering it costs Rs 44.90 lakh (ex-showroom), before options. Then, there’s the lack of manual control for the gearbox, and it’s a stiff ride to contend with. Beyond that, though, it is simply a hoot and remains as charming as ever. It’s packed with more tech than before and has a superb engine. Moreover, you won’t be able to buy this petrol-powered hot hatch after a couple of years. That might be reason enough to get the Mini now. 

Also see:

2024 Mini Cooper S video review

New Mini Convertible revealed

Electric Mini Cooper JCW gets 258hp

The 2005 U.S. federal budget includes just $5 million for the eGov fund. The amount requested for the year was $45 million. Last year the fund received just $3 million, which means over the last two years just $8 of...

Funny and somewhat scary Fund Race uses freely available data from the FEC on campaign contributions. You can search by zip code, address, or even name, to find who is donating, to which candidate, and how much. Find out if...

Read to the end to see a Halloween costume that’ll make you break down into the giggles. In today’s edition: Quoth the fake plugin malware, “Aw, Snap!” The Monster’s Award party has begun, and it’s gonna be a graveyard smash. Some practical tips for hunting zombie pages on your WordPress site. Hot Off The Presses: […]

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse better, news comes that WordPress.com has just embedded an AI feature into it’s blog editing code. The Jetpack AI Assistant is a one click solution for those who want to produce vapid, generic, boring blog posts at the touch of a button. Did we get that right? The assistant provides the full range of GPT type functionality you would expect, including creating nice looking blog structures, and can even suggest fabulous...

The post WordPress.com Embeds AI Function Into Its Post Writing Editor. oh dear appeared first on The Red Ferret Journal.

In which Nicole shares some thoughts on overfunctioning in relationships, work, and time. Connect with Nicole on Instagram or Twitter (@NicoleRoccas). Mentioned in this episode: Episode 183 (“Real Talk about Over Functioning,” 2021) of The Next Right Thing Podcast by Emily P. Freeman Kathleen Smith, “Are you an Overfunctioner?” (2019) (https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/everything-isnt-terrible/201910/are-you-overfunctioner) Verses: Psalm 46(45):10 (NASB version); Joel 2:25 The intro and outro of this podcast are the songs "Idea" and "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

Frederica interviews Fr. Evan Armatas, priest at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Loveland, Colorado, about the St. Nectarios Education Fund.

Frederica interviews Joe Canby, an auto mechanic who doubles as a funeral director, about bringing funerals back into the Church.

Avoiding the twin temptations of fear and wishful thinking.

On this Sunday of the Myrrh-bearers, Fr. Andrew speaks of the hidden secret that Christians know about death.

Fr. Joseph delivers a brief newscast (sponsored by e-Hierarchy.com®) featuring Orthodox stories from around the country including this week's Person of the Week.

Father Joseph talks about possible titles for his forthcoming book: a humorous look at Orthodoxy in America. NOTE: For those keeping score, during the course of this podcast the following words will be mentioned: sycophant, bishops, titles, convivial, cult and Antiochian.

From handling serpents rightly to singing services wrongly—not to mention girl crushes, bike crashes, and the lack of clairvoyance—the clergy of the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America have tales to tell.

The legend of Subdeacon Andrew and how to obtain an Orthodox mind.

Fr. Joseph's way of saying, "Pardon me while I slip into something a little more... serious."

In this episode, Fr. Anthony talks about why funerals require extra attention, some of the challenges (both expected and unexpected) that they bring, and shares some lessons on bringing grace to the experience. He also shares a (satirical) warning about the danger of preaching politics.

The Guru as a Dysfunctional Archetype with Anthony and Fr. Gregory Jensen, PhD, about guruism, why it is dangerous, and how to avoid it. Enjoy the show!

This week we behold the dramatic laments and final symbolic action concerning Babylon. The colorful vision of Rev 18:9-24, amplified by Amos 3:15-4:2, reveals the network of evil and oppression surrounding “Babylon,” and leads us forward towards joy in the victory of the God’s light and truth.

Great Lent Unplugged: The Funny, Terrible, Wonderful Journey to Pascha, Preface, by Jean Hoefling (Regina Orthodox Press, 2007) Available on Amazon.

Great Lent Unplugged: The Funny, Terrible, Wonderful Journey to Pascha, Chapter 1, by Jean Hoefling (Regina Orthodox Press, 2007) Available on Amazon.

Great Lent Unplugged: The Funny, Terrible, Wonderful Journey to Pascha, Chapter 2, by Jean Hoefling (Regina Orthodox Press, 2007) Available on Amazon.

Great Lent Unplugged: The Funny, Terrible, Wonderful Journey to Pascha, Chapter 3, by Jean Hoefling (Regina Orthodox Press, 2007) Available on Amazon.

Great Lent Unplugged: The Funny, Terrible, Wonderful Journey to Pascha, Chapter 4, by Jean Hoefling (Regina Orthodox Press, 2007) Available on Amazon.

Great Lent Unplugged: The Funny, Terrible, Wonderful Journey to Pascha, Chapter 5, by Jean Hoefling (Regina Orthodox Press, 2007) Available on Amazon.

Great Lent Unplugged: The Funny, Terrible, Wonderful Journey to Pascha, Chapter 6, by Jean Hoefling (Regina Orthodox Press, 2007) Available on Amazon.

Great Lent Unplugged: The Funny, Terrible, Wonderful Journey to Pascha, Chapter 7, by Jean Hoefling (Regina Orthodox Press, 2007) Available on Amazon.

Great Lent Unplugged: The Funny, Terrible, Wonderful Journey to Pascha, Chapter 8, by Jean Hoefling (Regina Orthodox Press, 2007) Available on Amazon.

Great Lent Unplugged: The Funny, Terrible, Wonderful Journey to Pascha, Chapter 9, by Jean Hoefling (Regina Orthodox Press, 2007) Available on Amazon.

Great Lent Unplugged: The Funny, Terrible, Wonderful Journey to Pascha, Chapter 10 and Conclusion, by Jean Hoefling (Regina Orthodox Press, 2007) Available on Amazon.

Fr. Ted explains that the Church provides a foretaste of the Resurrection before we celebrate it because, as Orthodox Christians, we know how this particular story ends.