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With that test, known as GenPap, Bio-Reference greatly expanded the scope of a routine screening tool used on more than 50 million American women each year. By the time that GenPap hit the market, however, gynecologists had already spent decades effectively utilizing traditional pap smears and (if warranted) cheap supplemental tests to diagnose the most prevalent disorders suffered by the patients they treat.
While those mainstream laboratory tests narrowly focus on a handful of widespread conditions, singled out as relevant by government authorities, GenPap screens for about 20 different organisms (some of them viewed as harmless) linked to both common and rare disorders alike. In fact, as detailed more extensively below, at least one of those 14 ailments -- virtually absent except for occasional cases in a limited number of states -- barely registers as a disease in this country at all.
Nevertheless, Bio-Reference promotes GenPap as a valuable test for "essentially all women" and employs an aggressive nationwide sales force to court the doctors who take care of them. Although Bio-Reference has reported explosive growth in its young women's health division since launching GenPap, however, even some fans of the test question its suitability for such a broad swath of the female population.
"I use it selectively," says Dr. John Siegle, a veteran obstetrician/gynecologist who trains third-year residents in the field. "It's very, very pricey and not really cost-effective for society.
"If used selectively and appropriately, there is a place for it," he adds. But "they're pushing us to do this on everybody. (And) that can't – that shouldn't – be done."
Indeed, as a so-called esoteric lab test, GenPap should (by definition) target only a "select few" who form a tiny subset within the population at large. But if esoteric tests serve a limited market, research indicates, they also carry outsized investor appeal. Typically designed to identify specific health conditions (such as various types of leukemia), records show, esoteric tests cost far more than the routine blood work that accounts for the bulk of the otherwise highly commoditized – and increasingly stagnant – laboratory business.
Thanks to GenPap and other specialty tests, which now account for most of the company's total revenue, Bio-Reference has kept up its breathless expansion despite sluggish demand for traditional lab services. Bio-Reference has enjoyed impressive stock gains as a result, with its share price doubling over the course of the past few years.
In recent weeks, however, TheStreetSweeper has interviewed experts across the healthcare arena who painted a dark picture of the company and raised serious questions about the lasting power of its current success. Together, they portrayed Bio-Reference as a company that relentlessly pushes excessive specialty tests – even bribing healthcare providers for their business -- and then routinely utilizes improper billing practices (such as "upcoding" and "code stacking") in order to inflate the payments that it receives.
Bio-Reference did not respond to questions for this story.
Last fall, investigators for the Medicaid office in New York – where Bio-Reference controls a sizable chunk of the traditional laboratory market – published a troubling report on the company that indicated widespread billing violations as well. That Medicaid audit, so far largely overlooked by Wall Street, reviewed hundreds of random claims submitted by Bio-Reference over a four-year period and found that almost one-quarter of them failed to comply with mandatory state guidelines. Normally, experts say, a so-called "error rate" of 10% -- less than half that seen at Bio-Reference – will set off loud alarms.
Private health insurers, estimated to supply Bio-Reference with half of its overall revenue (based on disclosed receivables), have reportedly begun conducting detailed reviews of their own. A fraud investigator at one major insurance company told TheStreetSweeper that his firm uncovered problems in a huge chunk of the Bio-Reference claims that it examined – including one bill for a male patient who supposedly underwent a test performed on female patients alone -- and stopped doing business with the lab as a result.
"We can overlook human errors," he says. "But we figure the error rate should be below 10%. If you're between 10% and 20%, we're going to have a discussion. If you're above 20%, we're not going to do business with you.
"With this particular company, it was astronomical," he adds. "We cut all of our ties with them, (but) they got away with it for quite a while."
Patrick Burns, director of communications at Taxpayers Against Fraud, suggests that such a pattern likely reflects blatant -- and rampant – deceit.
"It's not an 'error rate' when it's that high," he declares. "It's probably fraud. (And) ultimately, insurance companies just need to walk away."
Abnormal Results
At this point, records show, Bio-Reference already faces long waits for lab payments that represent a tiny – and shrinking -- fraction of the original list prices that the company assigns to its services.
Despite modest improvements touted by management, Bio-Reference ended its most recent quarter with a whopping 92 days' worth of sales outstanding (DSO) – a crucial metric used to gauge a company's financial health – that dwarfs the numbers reported by other players in its group. In the end, of course, Bio-Reference will never collect all of the unpaid receivables that sit aging on its books. Last year, for example, Bio-Reference wound up writing off the equivalent of 13.6% of its annual sales as bad-debt expense for outstanding claims that would most likely remain that way.
In contrast, industry heavyweights Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) and Laboratory Corporation of America (NYSE: LH) reported much lower numbers in both of those important categories. Last quarter, as a matter of fact, their DSOs essentially came to half the total that Bio-Reference itself disclosed. Moreover, when those giant lab companies closed the books on their most recent fiscal year, they had written off an average of just 4.4% of their annual revenue (4% and 4.8% respectively) – or roughly one-third the percentage that Bio-Reference wrote off – as bad-debt expense for uncollectible bills.
As indicated above, Bio-Reference has also encountered yet another (if somewhat related) problem that keeps growing by the year. Specifically, corporate filings reveal, Bio-Reference has watched its official collection rate – or the difference between gross revenue (the sticker price for its services) and net revenue (the actual payment for those bills) – deteriorate as well. While health-related companies rarely receive full price for their services, due to hefty discounts or so-called "contractual adjustments" promised to insurers, Bio-Reference has seen that gulf widen to ever-amazing extremes.
Back in 2006, for example, Bio-Reference collected 29% of the cash that the company would have received if its customers had paid full price for its laboratory services. By 2010, however, that modest percentage had dwindled to just 18% instead.
Until the U.S. Securities and Exchange intervened, records indicate, Bio-Reference simply kept those numbers to itself. With the SEC repeatedly pressing Bio-Reference for concrete details about the revenue estimates contained in its last 10-K filing, however, the company finally released specific figures that exposed the full scope of that striking pattern. Bio-Reference then shed additional light on the situation by revealing that steeper pricing discounts had pushed its collection rate to new lows, while nevertheless attempting to downplay that erosion as "consistent with the current state of the economy" and ongoing reimbursement trends.
By the time that the SEC finally closed its review, when Bio-Reference followed up by filing an amendment to its original 10-K, the agency had literally spent months asking the company numerous questions about its financial statements. Moreover, even then, the SEC left the door open for potential action against Bio-Reference down the road.
Still, the SEC sounded downright gentle compared to some critics of the company. Bio-Reference competitors (along with some apparent insiders) have thrown particularly hard punches at the lab, both in statements to TheStreetSweeper and on posts in a popular chat room, by accusing the company of resorting to unethical and potentially illegal marketing practices in order to increase its business. Basically, as a group, those critics claim that Bio-Reference sales representatives often rely on glorified bribes – tempting healthcare providers with padded checks for their tiny lab rooms, free phlebotomists for their onsite lab services (presented as standard practice in an old internal contract), forgiven copayments for their cash-strapped patients and gift cards/event tickets for their office employees – because they face so much pressure to land new accounts.
By law, records indicate, any health-related company that receives payments from Medicare cannot reward doctors with gifts in exchange for business referrals. Even so, critics say, Bio-Reference offers questionable incentives to physicians all the time. For example, one veteran salesman claims, Bio-Reference has provided some doctors with iPads – popular devices obviously capable of far more than retrieving lab results – in order to further expand its growing client list.
"That's a clear Stark (Act) violation," says Forest Laboratories CEO Chris Riedel, who recently scored a gigantic reward for exposing rampant industry misconduct across his home state of California. "You can't do that."
Riedel should certainly know. He filed a whistleblower lawsuit against seven different labs -- including both industry leaders -- that triggered a major government investigation. Quest wound up paying $241 million to settle that case, the largest fine ever levied by the state of California under the False Claims Act, while LabCorp fielded a massive penalty as a result of that same probe.
Although Riedel has personally witnessed no violations by Bio-Reference itself, which provides most of its regular clinical laboratory services to a few states on the opposite coast, he has long puzzled over the company's mysterious ability to keep on gaining market share. After all, when Riedel initially launched Hunter Laboratories after successfully running other labs in the past, he found himself struggling to even penetrate a market that seemed driven almost entirely by illegal bribes and kickbacks when he decided to return. Unwilling to break the law himself, Riedel finally began gathering evidence against his rivals in a desperate attempt to level that treacherous playing field.
Despite the obstacles faced by Hunter Laboratories, however, Bio-Reference itself has somehow found a way to effectively compete – and ultimately succeed – in that same cutthroat business.
"They've had the most impressive success in the lab industry," Riedel marvels. "I'd really like to know how Bio-Reference is doing this. I've been wondering about that for years."
Growth Spurt
For starters, as Bio-Reference CEO Marc Grodman proudly bragged in May, the company budgets an outsized portion of its revenue for marketing – almost one-tenth -- that's "anywhere from two to three times" the percentage spent by some of its larger peers. Based on the record quarterly sales (up 25%) Bio-Reference reported that same day, when its stock hit an all-time high as well, that strategy – productive despite stalling demand for traditional lab services – looks like a resounding success.
After all, while Bio-Reference went on to announce a brand-new record for quarterly sales in late August, powerful Quest barely mustered any revenue gains during its most recent quarter at all. Bio-Reference handily outperformed LabCorp, too, which grew quarterly sales by a full 10% -- topping profit estimates once again in the process – but still failed to even approach the 22% revenue increase that Bio-Reference achieved.
Moreover, unlike Bio-Reference, both Quest and LabCorp rely heavily on acquisitions to expand their market share. In fact, to some, Bio-Reference itself seems like an obvious candidate for one of those powerhouses to place at the top of their crowded shopping lists. Despite the buyout hopes that Bio-Reference keeps sparking (with LabCorp rumored as the likely buyer at last check), however, the company remains on its own – some 25 years after Barron's reported that it originally went public – even though, at first blush, it looks rather cheap.
With a market value of $560 million, Bio-Reference barely trades at a single time its prior-year sales in an industry that commands a multiple that's about twice that size instead. Bio-Reference generates handsome profits, too, which rose by a solid 26% over the past 12 months – beating quarterly estimates three times during that period – and keep expanding by the year.
Curiously, however, Bio-Reference throws off little cash for a successful laboratory company. While Bio-Reference generated a total of $1.12 billion in revenue and almost $64 million in profits over the course of the past three fiscal years, the company somehow ended that period with just an extra $5.88 million in the bank. Excluding the $5 million that Bio-Reference borrowed last year, in fact, the company barely increased its cash balance – dwarfed by a debt load twice its size – throughout that period at all.
To some, Bio-Reference has always looked like damaged goods. As a young public company years ago, Barron's reminded this May, Bio-Reference partnered with at least four shady investment firms whose leaders later wound up convicted of fraud. Moreover, news records show, Bio-Reference itself has been repeatedly linked to members of the criminal underworld. The company once relied on its ties to the Gambino crime family to secure a lucrative union contract in its home state of New Jersey, The Village Voice indicated years ago, and then reportedly went on to employ a suspected Gambino associate as an actual lab salesman until his indictment (and ultimate conviction) on fraud-related charges.
(TheStreetSweeper will take a much closer look at the criminals connected to Bio-Reference in an upcoming story.)
While growth-hungry investors may feel inclined to overlook that checkered past as ancient history, Bio-Reference itself still casually reminds the public that – in some important aspects – the company has never really changed its ways.
"We don't forget those days," Grodman allowed earlier this year. "They forged our corporate culture and character …
"All this time, over the last quarter of a century, we still remain Bio-Reference," he continued. "We're still the same organization, the same management … People change all the time. We don't."
In reality, much to the delight of Wall Street, Bio-Reference has actually evolved quite a bit over the years. Although Bio-Reference spent much of its history focused on the traditional lab business, primarily serving New York and other states in the northeast, the company has since branched out by doubling as a specialty laboratory that markets a variety of esoteric tests to healthcare providers all across the country.
Bio-Reference employs roughly 200 sales representatives, an enormous marketing staff for a laboratory of its size, with more than 70% of those reps assigned to sell nothing but esoteric tests. Notably, almost half of that massive Bio-Reference sales team works exclusively for the company's young women's health division.
"Their growth is in the women's health area," Riedel says automatically. "It is truly awe-inspiring what Marc Grodman has done, although some people question how the company is doing this."
Outside the competitive laboratory industry, some doctors have voiced concerns about Bio-Reference and its rapidly expanding women's health division as well. They worry about GenPap in particular, portraying the test as an overpriced – and oversold – screening tool that seems extremely redundant, typically unnecessary and occasionally dangerous to boot.
For starters, they say, GenPap screens for different variations of a disease or infection that will be treated with the same medication regardless of the specific organism identified as its cause. Moreover, they say, GenPap usually catches the same common ailments uncovered by traditional tests – which cost a fraction of the price -- except in a few rare cases. Finally, they add, GenPap also detects harmless bacteria that should not be treated at all.
Although doctors can technically order individual tests on Bio-Reference requisition forms (since Medicare cracked down on broad "panel" screens years ago), critics say, physicians usually feel too rushed to spend the extra time required to comb through those forms and do so. As a result, they say, doctors frequently choose the easiest option – with the full encouragement of Bio-Reference salesmen -- and order the full-blown panel instead.
Since Bio-Reference has long refused to quantify the amount of revenue derived from even its women's health division, despite multiple requests to do so, the number of GenPath tests conducted by the lab remains a total mystery. Hit with pointed questions about excessive testing on female patients earlier this year, however, Bio-Reference automatically rushed to downplay that possibility. The CEO indicated that Bio-Reference carefully polices its lab orders and actually intervenes, when it senses that an OB/GYN might be performing unnecessary tests, despite the business that it might sacrifice in the process.
To some veteran laboratory salesmen, however, that claim sounds downright ludicrous.
"Nobody in the industry is going to go back to a physician and say, 'You're ordering too many tests,'" one of them declares. "It's just not going to happen …
"In the lab world, it's all about incremental testing," he adds. "It costs pennies to run more tests, so you make a lot of money there."
Secret Formula
Bio-Reference certainly tests for an awful lot of organisms – some of them quite curious – with its GenPap panel screen.
Take hemophillis ducreyi, for example, the bacteria responsible for a sexually transmitted disease known as chancroid. While still prevalent in some third-world countries, primarily those located in poor regions of Africa, chancroid looks almost nonexistent here in the United States.
"Chancroid is extremely rare," Dr. Siegle confirms. "I've seen one case in 31 years, and that patient had an African connection …
"There is direct testing for a disorder like chancroid in the rare event that this disease is suspected. (But) routine screening for this would not be cost-effective or an approach that I would teach any of my residents" in the OB/GYN field.
In 2007, the year before BRLI introduced its new GenPap test and began screening for that disease, the Centers for Disease Control identified just 23 reported cases of chancroid across the entire country. In 2009, the most recent year for which such statistics are available, the CDC still found only 28 reported cases of chancroid – despite the availability of a new test that could specifically detect a disease that may have simply gone overlooked or misdiagnosed in the past – and, in 41 states (including BRLI's core territories of New York and New Jersey), no reported cases of that disease at all.
In contrast, the CDC found more than 1 million cases of chlamydia and 300,000 cases of gonorrhea reported throughout the U.S. during those same one-year periods. Notably, Bio-Reference critics insist, both of those conditions – like most common disorders seen by gynecologists in this country -- can be easily detected by standard tests, costing much less than GenPap itself, that have been used on female patients for years.
"We have all of those same technologies, but not combined into the same testing packages that Bio-Reference offers," says one veteran laboratory operator. "We don't do that. It's not required. It's not necessary. And it's probably not good medicine."
For now, at least, Bio-Reference can still depend on GenPap and other pricey esoteric tests to deliver the kind of rapid growth that Wall Street has always craved. However, critics suspect, at some point – potentially soon – those bright results are bound to fade.
"It's a gamble," says a veteran industry salesman who has marketed specialty lab tests himself. "Right now, I think these guys are still winning …
"But if they're reporting great sales numbers, I would want an audit," he concludes. "Nobody is kicking ass and taking names in this industry."
* Important Disclosure: Prior to the publication of this article, TheStreetSweeper (through its members) established a short position in BRLI with the intention of profiting on declines in the share price. Since Sept. 27, TheStreetSweeper has sold a total of 97,183 shares of BRLI stock short at an average price of $19.64 a share. It covered 15,450 shares at $17.82 a share on Nov. 1; 29,284 shares at $17.66 a share on Nov. 2; 17,310 shares at $17.02 a share on Nov. 3; 21,000 shares at $16.39 a share on Nov. 4; and the remaining 14,139 shares at $16.12 on Nov. 7. Going forward, TheStreetSweeper may choose to establish a new short position in BRLI and will fully disclose the details of any future transactions in the stock as those trades occur.
As a matter of policy, TheStreetSweeper prohibits members of its editorial team from taking financial positions in the companies they cover. To contact Melissa Davis, the editor of this website and the author of this story, please send an email to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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2.30pm: Good afternoon. Sid Lowe will be online from 3pm to take part in a live webchat.
When the Champions League last-16 fixtures were drawn, José Mourinho said the world would be waiting for Real Madrid's tie with Manchester United. Mourinho is always entertaining, but tonight's game in Milan is arguably more glamorous. Milan have won the European Cup seven times and this Barcelona team are up there with the best sides in history.
Any way you look at it, Barcelona are favourites. They are 12 points clear at the top of the La Liga; Milan are third in Serie A. They are favourites to win the competition; Milan can be backed at 100-1. Complacency could affect Barcelona, but even that seems unlikely. "When the top teams meet in the knock-out phase there are no favourites," says Barcelona assistant boss Jordi Roura, who is leading the club in Tito Vilanova's absence.
Perhaps the home team should adopt the advice of Silvio Berlusconi, who says they need to man-mark Lionel Messi. As if that hasn't been tried before. Perhaps Sid Lowe will have some ideas. He'll be along at 3pm to take your questions.
If you have any questions about the tie, drop them into the comments section below.
3.01pm: Sid is online and taking questions:
Buonjorno! Fingers crossed that this wifi works. Although fingers crossed may not be the best way to type.
Anyway: Italian cafe? Check. Gazzetta dello Sport? Check. Feel just a little AC Jimbo? Checkaroo.
3.02pm: EminEmma29 asks: "I read your last article on Barça. Like you, I think they will get past Milan, but if they don't raise their game significantly, which team can beat them in the next round?"
If they don't sort out some of their recent problems I think there are a handful of teams that can cause them difficulties. Real Madrid (or Manchester United?) are an obvious one. Bayern Munich of course. And I was hugely impressed with Dortmund in the group stage.
3.07pm: MrMondypops asks: "Do you think Malaga will turn it around against Porto?"
Isco was very interesting after the game. He talked about the intensity of Porto's play, about how they simply did not let Malaga (a team that generally play at a relatively low pace) settle, find passes, combine. The question is, I guess, whether they can do that at the Rosaleda. I think the risk for Malaga is that Porto score. And, honestly, I can see that happening.
3.09pm: Patelt79 asks: "Are Barcelona going in this game with a hint of over confidence?"
Quite the opposite: they have been desperately trying to play down their favouritism. Protest too much? Perhaps, yes. And deep down perhaps they do think they are the better side. But that is at least in part because, well, they are. And because Milan too have been going on about how they don't have much chance.
3.10pm: Snafuclarke asks: "What do you think is within the realms of the possible for Milan tonight? Ordinarily you'd have to say that any Milan side would be capable of recording the 1-0 or 2-0 win which would constitute a great result at this stage at home in Europe. However, the side they're playing doesn't really do ordinary, so is it a question of Milan looking to simply still be 'in the tie' for the return at the Nou Camp?"
If Milan can stop Barcelona scoring, they'll be very happy. I don't see this as being necessarily the cake walk for Barcelona that some are assuming, but they have now gone unbeaten in seven at San Siro against Milan – four wins, three draws.
3.14pm: Jandito22 asks: "What's the current situation with Gerard Deulofeu? He's been doing well for the B team and has quite a bit of hype behind him, yet he's only made a handful of first team appearances. Barcelona's wide men haven't exactly been in great form this year. Could we get a look at Deulofeu in place of Alexis or Pedro anytime soon?"
He's the player, as you probably know, who they are the most excited about from the youth system. Extremely talented, if a little individualistic. I think the intention is for him to get some first-team minutes, but he has had fewer than most people expected. Vicente del Bosque dropped a fascinating hint in an interview we did with him on Al Primer Toque: he said that he was going to call him up for the Spain squad and was advised against it (by Barcelona).
3.17pm: Nico1866 asks: "Will the lack of competition at the top of La Liga start to erode the quality of Real Madrid and Barcelona in the long term? Could this be the season in which they start to pull out the Old Firm excuses of 'we play crap teams every week making it harder to step in in Europe'?"
I think this is a real danger and one that, for reasons I do not full understand, Madrid and Barcelona don't seem to see or don't want to see. But – caveat time – the rest of the teams in Spain are not necessarily weak (Athletic and Atlético showed that last year and Malaga walked their Champions League group). They are getting weakened constantly, so the process has begun and I think it may well impinge on the big two at some stage. Their sights are set on a European league. The problem they have is that the big teams they think would go with them from Germany, England, etc, are not so keen to leave their domestic leagues behind as Madrid and Barcelona are. Incidentally, the other day I was reading a book on Real Madrid from 1961 and they were talking about the inevitability of a European league in 'a few years'. Nothing has changed. Speaking of which, they were also slagging off the English style compared to Spain as too rigid, not creative enough, a bit neanderthal.
3.22pm: Arglc asks: "Would Barcelona be a match for Bayern Munich on current form?"
I guess it depends what current form means. Right now, if they faced each other, I'd be tempted to have Bayern down as favourites.
3.25pm: KevinDavies14 asks: "Is Barcelona v Bayern now the purists' final? Imagine, the sexiness of Schweinsteiger against the bastard Busquets – delicious! Plus don't you think Kroos would be a better fit for Barcelona than Fabregas?"
Cesc is playing really well this year and he also ticks the emotional boxes. He's Catalan, a youth teamer, a Barcelona fan, has the style of play (that said, he is more 'vertical' than most his team mates). But, yeah, I've really liked Kroos when I've seen him.
3.28pm: ColdCoffee writes: "I agreed with your article from earlier today. Barcelona look vulnerable this season. I also find it interesting that they have had no superiority over Real Madrid whatsoever this season on a head-to-head basis.
Clearly, as you say, they have not been sufficiently challenged. But don't you think in a way that's just what they need? Isn't it true that in the post-Rijkaard era, Barcelona have been at their very best when challenged?"
Not quite true: in the first of the two Super Cup games they battered Madrid (and were then close to battered back in the second game). I think you're probably right; they need that competitive push to bring th ebest out of them. Focus improves, the speed of the passing, the finishing too.
3.30pm: CosmicTrigger asks: "Is Manuel Pellegrini crazy enough to go to Chelsea?"
Yes. And I'm not sure I'd call it crazy. He might win something big, he will be able to build a side and have money to spend and he is, at least for now, of the kind of style that (we're told) Roman Abramovich likes. And, if he gets sacked one day, well, it probably won't do much harm. He would like a stable, long-term project, sure. But he may believe that he can get that by winning and winning well and would be prepared to risk it. If it's a risk.
3.37pm: Elscollonsdelgos declares: "A lot has been said about Barça not being what they were during Guardiola's first years but I kind of like the way they stick with Vilanova and then Roure when any other club would have rushed out and brought a big name in. I also think they've played some pretty good football this season- 65 points can't be a fluke- despite the slapstick defence when they panic. Sid, can you answer these statements as if they were questions?"
Yes, of course. Tito Vilanova appeared to forfeit a little bit of control in return for more decisiveness. They allowed the other team to play a tad more so that they could open the game up more. It felt, in that sense, perhaps a little less dogmatic.
Also, the defensive problems early in the season: well, they had most their defenders out. It's forgotten that Adriano (!) played at centre-back, for example, against Madrid. Now the defence is back (ish ... Puyol/Pique do not partner each other as often as they would like) but it's the traditional time of year that they dip (January-February) and they have lacked that real need which might improve them. Valdes' form has dipped too.
3.41pm: FernandoPando asks: "What do you make of the rumors of Tito Vilanova's keen interest in David Luiz as a long-term replacement for Puyol? I seem to recall you rubbishing this notion a few months ago. Also, although Lionel Messi has been as prolific with goals this season, he seems either less inclined or less capable of going on those mazy runs that made him such a unique and special player. Is this the result of his role in Tito's system or is it wear and tear?"
I wasn't aware of the Luiz interest, so I'm not sure I rubbished it. If it is true, I don't really see it. He's be expensive. As for Messi: in recent weeks he has looked a fraction tired to me (and still breaks records every week).
3.45pm: BobbyWestside asks: "What are the best grounds to go to in Spain?"
If full and making noise etc, Sevilla or Betis perhaps – after San Mames.
3.47pm: Cooldudehenry writess: "I was sad to see Bojan Krkic leave Barça. He really burst on to the scene but now seems to have been forgotten. Where did things go wrong for him and has he had any impact in Italy? Could he come back and bite his former club on the bum tonight?"
He says he does not expect to start. I hope he gets minutes. He remains popular and played a key role at the end of that Zlatan season. But there was a slight sense of him just not quite being good enough; he didn't impose hismelf, there was not much edge. He's a very good player, but perhaps not quite a great one.
3.50pm: ThemOpinions asks: "For a team with a figurehead as iconic for his 'play on' mentality as Lionel Messi, why do Busquets, Pedro, Sanchez and Alves find it so hard to follow that example?"
I'm not sure I'd include Pedro, but I guess it's just different personalities really. And different skill sets and positions. There is interest in stopping at times for Busquets and Alves as they have left space behind them, perhaps, while Messi always assumes that he can get the ball back and score. I suppose if you're the best player you just want to play.
I don't think Busquets is quite as bad as he is made out (that iconic image of him peeking through his fingers follows him round) and is improving. He does still stop and 'draw fouls' a bit though. Great player too.
3.53pm: Sammiethet0rt0ise asks: "Is Tito Vilanova's more "direct" approach an attempt to meld the joyous qualities of counterattacking football as evidenced by Madrid and Dortmund among others, with the tried and tested pressing, patience game? Is it surprising to you that more teams don't strive towards this coalescence – is fitness the only mitigating factor?"
I think you may be right. I certainly think he was trying to bring other teams out a bit. It's hard to marry both styles but up to a point all teams try to do that (where possible). Barcelona used to have more of an outlet with Henry and Eto'o. Messi conditions them a hell of a lot in that sense.
3.56pm: MeerkatUtdFC says: "I thoroughly enjoyed your insightful and extended appearance on the United We Stand podcast last week. How much of the Premier League do you watch? We manage to watch a lot of Spanish football here thanks to Sky. Do broadcasters not show as many games in Spain or is it just a case of the Premier League not floating your boat?"
Not as much as i would like. Time really. A weekend already spent watching 10, 12 hours of football doesn't have much room for much more. The Premier League is shown here (well, Spain. I don't know about Italy) and enjoyed a lot.
4.01pm: Fotobirajesh writes: "Nobody seems to discuss the issues Barca are facing because of the absence of Tito Vilanova. Nor are Barca making it like a big issue or excuse. Any other club, I am sure, would have made it a big excuse and might have even gone for an interim coach."
Emotionally it may well be quite hard to discuss the impact of his absence because no one wants to pressure him back or make him feel like he is somehow at fault. Also, although there have been faults in their play, they are winning and, mostly, playing pretty well.
4.04pm: CavalierDisregard writes: "Both Real and Barça are said to be keen admirers of Gareth Bale and could bid for him in the summer. Are they really as keen as the British media say? What do you think the chances of one of them putting in a bid for him, considering how much he is going to cost?"
Real Madrid certainly are. And take into account the fact that they fear that losing Ronaldo is a real possibility. Barcelona doubted Bale's ability to play in tight spaces (hence signing Alba) so unless they have come to see him as a player for a different position – higher up the pitch – I don't see it. Also, he will be VERY expensive and Barcelona will be reluctant to pay that, not least because they have a deal in place for Neymar.
4.08pm: Mexile asks: "How long do you think Barça will persevere with Alexis? There is obviously a lot of willingness for him to succeed and he does do some stuff well but surely they need to spread the scoring out a bit more? And doesn't Villa deserve a longer stretch in the starting line-up (I know he's just been ill) as he scores goals."
It's baffling. He has been so bad it's hard/funny to watch (delete as appropriate). I suspect that playing with Messi may even make him feel worse. It's hard to see what the best way of backing out of this is now. He works hard, his runs open space for others, but he's dreadful at the moment, his confidence seems to have done, he's slow... Cue a goal tonight.
4.11pm: Max Tomlinson asks: "With El Shaarawy doing so well in Serie A, does he pose Barcelona any major threat in attack – or do you think his inexperience will see him drift out of the game (assuming he starts)?"
Gazzetta have him down as starting and Allegri said yesterday that he would. He is very much seen as their great hope. I'm not sure it is a case of him drifting out of the game as how much of the ball Barcelona allow Milan to have. He may be forced into a lot of running with little reward. The question will be, rather than a lack of presence, how decisive he is when he does have some presence.
4.13pm: Jonwoo writes: "I read your column on Valdes in Sports Illustrated. How are the Spanish press treating him at the moment? For such a key part of their treble team, I would have thought people would wish him well for the years of loyal service. Plus, as good as he is, there are better keepers out there."
Yes, they did. He was mostly understood, cheered at next game, etc. Media (under influence?) spectacularly misjudged the public mood on Valdes. In terms of his replacement, Reina is one to keep an eye on.
4.17pm: ForeBarca asks: "Is Barcelona's greatest weakness its defense, specifically Puyol's age? Or the inability of Mascherano to effectively deal with high balls in the goal area?"
Puyol's fitness (which is linked to age) may be a huge factor, yes. When the first choice back four is available (and fully fit) there is little wrong with the defence. But Barcelona's style implies risks. They're vulnerable in the air but, curiously, the stats show that they have not conceded a header (or is it just one?) in the league this year.
4.18pm: Docster72 asks: "If you were a coach playing Barcelona, how would you approach it tactically?"
An oversimplistic reply, but... Target the space behind Alves. Have a centre-forward curling into that space for early(ish) ball. Put pressure on Mascherano (if he's at centre-back) and, to a lesser extent, Alves and Alba. Force Messi deeper, where he feels very happy but is less damaging. Encourage them on to you but do not try to spend whole game sitting in your six yard box. Be lucky.
4.21pm: Gaitlinger10 asks: "Do you think David Villa is being wasted (when fit) in this Barcelona team and do you think he should move on after this season?"
Yes and I think he will. I hope he gets the chance to make a point before he goes.
4.22pm: Mattiwatton15to1 asks: "What do you think the coming years hold for Valencia? A return to the days when they challenged Barcelona and Real Madrid domestically, while competing at the highest level in Europe? A continuation of recent history – perennial Champions League qualifiers and 'best of the rest' in Spain? Or a sharp plummet to Deportivo-style oblivion?"
The game against PSG revealed their reality: they'll be a big(ish) club with good(ish) players but real challenging is, sadly, beyond them. And a real threat to their existence hasn't gone yet
4.27pm: MacChelsea asks: "Could Pellegrini leave Malaga for Chelsea?"
I'd say there's a reasonable chance. It's early and things are not decided but I can see: Ancelotti at Real Madrid, Mourinho at PSG and Pellegrini at Chelsea.
4.29pm: Mellman says: "Chelsea have been unfairly maligned for their performances against Barcelona in the past as (a) they have a very good record (winning two knockout ties losing one), and (b) Messi has never scored against them. Not many teams can say that. Luck is often sighted as a reason for their Champions League success. I feel this is very unfair, it is not luck when perhaps the best player ever hasn't scored against you, it is just the fact that the team defended excellently."
Chelsea did some things very well last year and those records are, as you say, impressive. In fact, their more impressive over a period of time than last year specifically. But, honestly, last year they were very fortunate indeed.
4.33pm: RealRegista asks: "When discussing the greatest centre-backs of all time, why people always overlook Puyol, who has won everything?"
Good question. I guess because people want something extra ... the glide of Franz Beckenbauer perhaps, or the rugged toughness of Franco Baresi (mind you, Puyol has that). I don't think many Barcelona fans doubt his worth. You've posed a good question there: who are the best centre-backs ever?
4.36pm: Sech asks: "Have you been surprised by the way Milan have bounced back from a bad start this season? I thought they had had it, with the mediocre squad they have and the summer exodus that preceded it. Will Dani Alves have a hard time against El-Sharaawy?"
Yes, although I say that as someone who is reluctant to draw too clear a conclusion on them because I do not get to see enough of them. El Sharaawy will probably not only be Alves's problem but Puyol's and Busquet's too. Again, it may come down to possesion: Barcelona's style is as much about protecting themsleves as attacking the opposition.
4.38pm: LSE2002 asks: "Do you think we could have more European competitions in 20 years' time? Perhaps a Champions League and an FA Cup-style knockout?"
Perhaps, who knows? Or maybe it won't just be Europe. Travelling is easier than ever before. but there are a huge number of issues and interests to overcome for that to become a reality. And, as I mentioned, it's not a new idea. Uefa and the clubs will have another battle at some stage.
4.41pm: Oliver507 writes: "The intense pressing game high up the pitch, which was a hallmark of the early Guardiola years, has been far less ubiquitous and intense. Is this due to the fact that Barcelona have been hurt on the counterattack (Chelsea CL 2012 and Real Madrid in the Super Cup in 2012 in the Bernabéu), or due to the high toll it takes on mind and body and is therefore only really used in certain matches?"
I think it's a physical and emotional question. I also think it is about the types of players. Iniesta is in that forward line now, Messi is drifting away from the front. It's not the same as it was when Eto'o was there, obviously, or even a year or so ago with, say, Villa or with Alexis at his fittest. Pedro still does it, but the pressure is not so high up the pitch now. I also think there's an element of tactical decision: they are *allowing* teams to come out a little further now and *then* pressuring.
4.46pm: Sid has signed off:
Thanks everyone. Enjoy the game. Arriverderchi!
For some more reading, here's today's just-before-Fiver.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Regions › Shenandoah Valley
McKesson to add distribution center in Frederick County
- September 24, 2012
- |
Health-care company McKesson Corp. plans to open a distribution center in Frederick County, creating 205 new jobs.
McKesson's Medical-Surgical unit, which is based in Richmond, will invest $36.9 million in the distribution center, which will distribute medical and surgical products to health-care facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic area. McKesson has more than 1,000 employes in Virginia. In addition to the headquarters in Richmond, the company also has a pharmaceutical distribution center in Caroline County.
"It's another great opportunity to match the strength of Virginia's infrastructure and labor force with our strong growth," said Stanton McComb, president, McKesson Medical-Surgical.
Gov. Bob McDonnell approved a $150,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to help Frederick with the project.
A company spokesman did not have a timeline for construction of the project, but said these typically take 12 to 18 months to complete.


text:
Video Game Use Linked To Breast Feeding 94
In order to demonstrate the ridiculousness of some recent studies which grabbed media headlines by claiming "links" between video games and all sorts of negative behavior (such as violence and the lower-quality relationships), Ars Technica's Ben Kuchera did an experiment of his own: "I started calling people I knew, and I asked if they had one or more video games in the house. Then I asked if they breast-fed their children. To my great shock, most answered 'yes' to both. One couple I contacted switched to formula after their child's birth, and told me that they didn't play video games. The data, based on my first round of calls, was conclusive: if you play video games, you are much more likely to breast-feed your children. You're probably ready to shoot five thousand holes in my argument. ... I did my job though, and you clicked on the headline." He goes on point out flaws in media reports and legislation involving such claims.


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Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of the death of Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch, who lost his battle with cancer on May 4, 2012.
For reasons I'll elaborate on shortly, the Beastie Boys were a band that ushered in a sea-change of musical interest for me, going all the way back to 1986 when they released License To Ill.
Twenty seven years later, I'm listening to them now more than ever before. And I'm appreciating the Beastie Boys today in ways I never understood in the 80's and '90's.
I didn't like the way Adam Yauch died.
I know, most people don't die in a "good way", but Yauch's passing bothered me because it happened so suddenly. Throughout his cancer fight, what little information that did trickle out seemed to be somewhat favorable. The first diagnosis came with the always promising "they're pretty sure it's localized and hasn't spread" and subsequent reports included positive snippets like "my voice hasn't been affected by any of this" and "the docs think I'm gonna beat this thing".
In December of 2012, Yauch was unable to attend a ceremony honoring the band because of "poor health", but no one seemed overly concerned about it other than to acknowledge that sometimes you can't do everything you want when you're fighting cancer.
Five months later, I was coming off the Beltway at the Perring Parkway exit when the afternoon host on WTMD said, "I think with today's news it would be fitting to play this for you…" and I heard the opening wackiness of "Intergalatic" followed by the host simply saying, "Adam Yauch, MCA, dead at the age of 47 today in New York City."
I had no idea at all Adam Yauch's condition was that serious, hence the earlier comment of "I didn't like the way he (Adam) died." I wasn't at all prepared for it.
I sat in the drive-thru at the Bank of America right there at Perring and Joppa and tears welled up in my eyes as the song played. Yauch left behind a wife and a young daughter. I'm sure they were heartbroken. As someone who lost his mom at a young age (24), I always have a strong sensitivity for anyone who passes away at an early age, because I know they're likely leaving behind a young spouse and a young child or children.
And music lost a true pioneer the day Adam Yauch left us.
The Beastie Boys – with Yauch one of its founding members – can certainly be talked about as music's version of baseball's Jackie Robinson.
No, the Beasties weren't forbidden from entering the rap music scene, so the comparison isn't an exact duplicate, but the general theme of it certainly is the same.
The Beastie Boys – three white Jewish kids from Brooklyn – went AND became successful where no other white kids had gone and claimed success. They went into the world of rap, which later merged, migrated and spawned a genre called "hip hop". As expected, they were not originally accepted by the rappers of New York, most of whom were, of course, African American and incredibly skeptical of these three nerdy Jewish dudes showing up and "passing the mic".
But the Beasties were different. They were good, for starters, and they had a stick-to-it-ness that wound up lasting a lifetime. Once Adam Horovitz joined Yauch and fellow founder Mike Diamond, the group never once had a break-up, a public spat or any kind of strife that would lead you to wonder if they were going to make it over the long haul. Mix good music with a passion for sticking together and making it work and you have a recipe that produces a generation of impact, which is what Yauch, Horovitz and Diamond accomplished.
They went into an arena where white musicians typically wouldn't – and couldn't – succeed and not only won, they won big. More than once in their early years, they were laughed at, ridiculed and told "you goofs will never make it". But, they just kept plugging away and didn't let the traditional color code of rap music stop them from breaking through and proving someone else could also make some noise on the other guy's turf.
Just like Jackie Robinson.
Chuck D. of Public Enemy was the first of the big time rappers to hear the Beastie Boys and understand they had a place in the industry. He would become perhaps their most outspoken supporter in the profession, joined in future years by hip hop icons Dr. Dre and Eminem.
Those three don't suffer fools lightly, especially when it comes to making music. If you need an endoresement and you have Chuck D., Dr. Dre and Eminem giving you a thumbs-up, it seems fair to say you got your stamp of approval.
Adam Yauch was a frontiersman.
In 1989, when the Beasties were growing, but hardly financially independent, it was Yauch who suggested and developed a plan for the group to donate $1.00 from every ticket sold to charities in the city in which they were playing that night.
One dollar a ticket might not seem like a big deal, but in 1989 when you were only selling 5,000 tickets and then giving $5,000 of your money away right when the show ended, it really was a helluva gesture.
And that Yauch understood the importance of supporting the people in the community that were supporting him – and the band – that night showed incredible vision from a fresh-faced young 20's musician.
He would later get actively involved in the Tibetan Freedom Festival and was a regular visitor to Tibet in an effort to aid their people in the on-going struggle with China.
On several occasions over the years when given a platform to speak at an awards event or music show, Yauch would discuss a subject of his choosing that he hoped would lead to more thought and positive action. He spoke freely about the United States' movement into the Middle East and asked that non-violent means be used to resolve those conflicts.
Yauch and other band members heavily criticized promoters of Woodstock '99 for the lack of security detail that resulted in numerous women being sexually assaulted throughout the three-day "live-in" concert.
At future "festival shows", the Beastie Boys made it a contract stipulation that they would be allowed to review the event's security procedures before finalizing the agreement with the promoter.
While some music groups were busy living the rock star life, the Beastie Boys spent a lot of their time trying to make communities and society better as a whole.
Every Friday, coming back from commercial break, I play snippets of Bruce Springsteen songs and call it "Fridays with the Boss". I don't play much, if any, music on the show anymore, except on Friday, when I offer my own tip of the cap to Springsteen.
Today, one day before the anniversary of his death, I'll play the Beastie Boys instead.
And later this afternoon in Brooklyn, a children's playground will be re-named "Adam Yauch Park" in honor of one of New York's favorite sons.
I'll end this by sharing a great quote from Chuck D. on the night he inducted the Beastie Boys into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame:
"These three guys made a difference. They went where others didn't. And they came out teaching us all something about staying together and working in the direction of one positive goal. These guys perfected their craft. And let me stress that. There's a lot of hustling that goes on in music these days. Here today, gone tomorrow. Not these three. There was no hustling. They had a craft, perfected it, and it gave us all a lot of joy."
And because writing about Adam Yauch and the Beastie Boys always ends up writing about their music, here's one of my favorite clips of them in a terrific show AOL formerly produced called "AOL Sessions". As the song says — click right here to Ch-ch-ch-check it out. By the way, Yauch is the guy in the gray sweatshirt who starts the song with the mic.


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I think that Kreanga has the best backhand in the world
Crazy style !!!!!!!
Kreanga's backhand is really scaring... It's a real nightmare!
I download every Kreanga videos just to see him play the backhand... Amazing!
Schlagers backhand is getting better but i still dont think hes in the same class as Wang Hao Kreanga or Ma lin
Im not taking anything away from Schlager though, He is really good
Modern game or not, Kreanga dominates on the backhand side
this happens because he has to switch grips, i do the same when i backhand loop, i switch into a completely different grip to backhand loop. Then i have problems getting the right grip when i go for forehands, i think this happens to kreanga too.


text:
the holiday season unfolds, the Henry B. Plant Museum at the University
of Tampa is bringing the past to life with the 26th annual Victorian
Christmas Stroll. Chosen as one of the Southeast Tourism
Society's top 20 events for the month of December, the Victorian
Christmas Stroll sees the Plant Museum completely transformed into a
lavish holiday display that hearkens back to Christmas during the Gilded
Age. Each of the museum's 13 rooms is elaborately decorated in
the Victorian holiday tradition. Visitors will find themselves immersed
in the atmosphere of an 18th century Christmas in the Tampa Bay Hotel,
complete with ornate Christmas trees, lush greenery and antique
children's toys scattered throughout the museum. The stroll was
first introduced as a candlelight tour of the museum, which grew in
popularity each year, according to Sally Shifke, relations coordinator
for the Plant Museum. "It has become a holiday family tradition
for many people," Shifke said. "We have about a third of our museum
admissions for the year during the stroll – about 15,000 people in three
weeks." The stroll also presents visitors the unique
opportunity to tour the Plant Museum at night, Shifke said, with the
museum's regular hours being extended from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The
Victorian Christmas Stroll lasts through Dec. 23. Admission is $10 for
adults and $4 for children ages 3 to 11. UT students are admitted free. The museum store will also offer various gifts and holiday accessories through Dec. 23. For more information, visit www.plantmuseum.com.


text: UN Security Council diplomats are working on a resolution that focuses on ridding Syria of chemical weapons. Aid groups want the UN to go further and help them open up routes to get desperately needed assistance to Syrians uprooted by the civil war. They say the paralysis on the security council has had a real costs on the ground and has added to donor fatigue.


text:
Um, this is kind of important. It's also very under-reported and under-appreciated. In fact, other than Rachel Maddow, I can't remember a single person at any cable news outlet that pays much attention to President Obama's relentless efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons.
Remember this? Anyone? Bueller?
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
President Obama, 2009:
As a nuclear power as the only nuclear power to have used a nuclear weapon, the United States has a moral responsibility to act. We cannot succeed in this endeavor alone, but we can lead it. We can start it. So today I state clearly and with conviction America's commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons. [applause] I'm not naive. This goal will not be reached quickly. Perhaps not in my lifetime. It will take patience and persistence. But now we, too, must ignore the voices who tell us that the world cannot change. We have to insist, yes we can."
Now the president is renewing that push for a nuclear treaty at the United Nations. Per The Hill, progress on a treaty has been stalled due to Pakistan's opposition:
Administration officials and arms control activists believe they now have a new window for action. They point to increased cooperation on the UN Security Council and the beginning of John Kerry's tenure as secretary of State as reasons for optimism. [...]
[Daryl Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association] said progress on Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT) would depend on cooperation from Pakistan, which harbors fears of archrival India having more access to fissile material. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council might hold side talks with India and Pakistan in April to try and move the treaty forward, he said. [...]
Kerry is seen as a potential facilitator in those talks because of his long-standing relationship with Pakistan. [...]
Kimball said that if Pakistan won't agree to let the treaty talks proceed, another option would be for other nuclear powers to jointly declare that they will collectively observe a moratorium on fissile material production. The United States, Russia, France and Great Britain have already acknowledged they've stopped producing fissile material, and China is believed to have ended it as well.
Maybe it's finally time to get this news around, whaddya think?


text:
Ex-CU star and U.S. Open winner Jones finally makes Champions Tour debut
More than two years after turning 50, former University of Colorado standout and 1996 U.S. Open champion Steve Jones is finally making his debut on the Champions Tour.
Jones is teaming with Doug Tewell at the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, Ga.
The tournament has a partners (twosomes) format. The first round is today.
Jones, hampered by injuries throughout his professional golf career, had shoulder surgery in 2008 and elbow surgery in 2009.
"It feels great to be here; great to anywhere I'm playing because I haven't played in 3 1/2 years, and I just started playing against a couple of months ago," Jones said this week during a interview session in Savannah.
"It feels like 1982 all over again, Monday qualifying and playing against the same guys. … I got on the range and watched Dale Douglass and Hubert Green and these guys that I used to watch all the time in the '80s. (They have) just phenomenal swings, just amazes me.
"That's what I love about golf – you can play (well into your later years) if you're not too injured. What a thrill to see some of these guys, J.C. Snead and Larry Ziegler, momst of them I knew back in '82, my rookie year (on the PGA Tour)."
Jones, an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour, was born in Artesia, N.M., but grew up on the Eastern Colorado plains, in Yuma, and was a two-time state sand greens champion in addition to other numerous awards.
He earned second-team All-America honors at CU in 1981, when he recorded nine top-10 tournament finishes. That's still a school record.


text:
It is hard to cook when you have kids underfoot. No doubt about that. Which is why I try to get the bulk of my prep and cooking done when the girls are napping or otherwise occupied. I also take advantage of foods that cook themselves with minimal intervention, like rice and pasta. Once you have the rice or pasta going, you have plenty of time to whip the rest of the meal into shape.
If you think about it, rice takes about 20 minutes to cook (brown rice, about 45 minutes). During that time you can easily steam some fish or stir-fry some veggies. Pasta water takes about 10 or 15 minutes to come to a boil, and then it's a further 8-10 minutes to cook (dried) pasta. You can make a luscious pasta sauce in less than that amount of time and grate your cheese, too. (I will provide recipes for all of this.)
Another time saver for me is planning my meals in advance. I usually plan out what I am going to cook on the weekend and then grocery shop for the main ingredients. I like to buy fresh veggies daily when possible, so when I do the big shopping, I am mainly buying the protein or grain components of the meal. Knowing what I am going to cook is a huge time saver.
The weekend, when you might have help around, is the time to do things like:
- wash and spin dry all your lettuce, wrap gently in paper towels, and place them in plastic bags
- make a big batch of salad dressing
- cook a sauce, stew, or hearty spaghetti sauce to eat one night, and freeze half for another
- throw a cut up chicken in a bag with some lemon zest and juice, garlic, and olive oil and toss it in the freezer to use later in the week
- roast a chicken or pork loin to use throughout the week
- boil up some hard boiled eggs and use them for breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, and salads
Typical meal preparation for me during the week day (depending on what I am cooking) looks something like this:
- prep salad and vegetable while children are napping (Trim asparagus, string the beans, or snap sugar peas, etc. Place lettuce and other ingredients in salad bowl and refrigerate until dinner.)
- prep main dish (marinate meats or cut up a chicken etc.) or make the pasta sauce
- turn on rice pot (mine—a Zojirushi—will keep rice at the perfect temperature for hours, even days.)
- fill pasta pot with water and let it hang out on stove until it's ready to be turned on
- empty dishwasher and wash up dishes so clean-up after dinner is easier
Again, I have been seriously cooking meals for my family since I was 14, and different things for myself even before that. I have had a lot of practice so I can whip out my prep in about 15 minutes and then have the rest of the naptime for other things. If you are out of practice or if your kids don't nap then I understand that this technique might not work for you. In this case I would say, practice cooking something from scratch everyday and it will get easier. Try to find times to prep your meals when your children are occupied. It might take all day to get dinner prepped and ready, but that, too, will get easier once you find your groove.


text:
The Dolphins continue to hold on to a 6-0 lead going to the fourth quarter. The way things are going today, the Dolphins own a two-score advantage.
But seriously folks, this game is ugly.
But in a beauty contest of wildebeests, the Dolphins are the one without the hideous beard.
The live blog continues in the comments section. Here we go.


text:
Nikon Launches 12 New Coolpix Cameras
Nikon Launches 12 New Coolpix Cameras
Nikon presents 12 new Coolpix cameras.
Simplicity with the L series - Coolpix L810, L310, L26, and L25
Equipped with a 26x optical zoom NIKKOR lens, the 16.1-megapixel L810 features a new lens-shift VR function and supports Eye-Fi cards, so images can be ported to a computer via a wireless network. Powered by the Nikon EXPEED C2 image Processing Engine, the 14.1-megapixel L310 offers a 21x optical zoom NIKKOR lens.
Both the L26 and L25 compacts run on AA batteries, and have 3-inch TFT LCD monitors. The 16.1-megapixel L26 and 10.1-megapixel L25 both incorporate a CCD image sensor along with a 5x optical zoom NIKKOR lens.
Style meets function with the S series - Coolpix S9300, S9200, S6300, S4300, S3300, and S30
Advancing on the Coolpix S9100 model which was released in the Spring of 2011, the S9300 and S9200 models integrate new technologies including a backside illumination CMOS image sensor and a lens-shift VR system. Both models provide 18x optical zoom NIKKOR lenses, and the S9300 is further equipped with the additional built-in GPS function.
The 16-megapixel S6300 is geared with a built-in 10x optical zoom NIKKOR lens, a lens-shift VR function, and a Full HD compatible movie function, allowing users the optimal balance between still image and video recording.
Slimmer than their predecessors, the S4300 and S3300 offer improved zoom function with the built-in VR system. They both feature a 16-megapixel sensor and a 6x optical wide angle 26mm zoom lens.
With a new user-friendly OS, the S30 was designed to increase communication between family members. Dust-resistant, waterproof to a depth of 3m, and shock-resistant, it is able to withstand drops from heights of up to 0.8m.
Advance with the P series - Coolpix P310 and P510
As the successor to the Coolpix P300, the P310 includes a 16.1-megapixel image sensor, a lens-shift VR function to combat camera shake, and the same fast maximum aperture f/1.8 lens.
With a greater zoom ratio as compared to its predecessor P500, the 16.1-megapixel P510 comes equipped with a staggering 42x optical zoom lens, lens-shift VR function, and a new GPS function.
Both the P310 and P510 offer backside illumination CMOS sensors with the noise reduction burst feature to produce less noise when shooting at high sensitivities.
Product availability and prices will be announced at a later date.


text:
October 24, 2009
Henry Ford III
Adam Carolla and Henry Ford III talk about, well, Ford Motor Company and some of the history and future. Adam and Dale Earnhardt Jr talk it up at the Hollywood Roosevelt Pepsi 500 Party. We finally catch back up with the Professor and Adam as they take Skype calls. On to this weeks Featured Car Adam's 1989 BMW M3. We wrap with the Eye of the Tiger Frank Stallone's First car. Enjoy the ride!
Download CarCast Episode Here (Click Me!)
Quick Links
Quick Link to Frank Stallone's First Car
Quick Link to 1989 E30 BMW M3″ First Car


text:
My best friend and her husband in London had to say goodbye to one their dogs yesterday. :( They have been to the vet with him so many times and done all they could for him. He was such a gorgeous and gentle boy. Heres what my friend said:
The Vet suggested to take an x ray of his lungs as he had been bleeding from his mouth and depending on the severity of his condition we shouldn't bring him out of the anesthesia. When we saw the x ray which showed an enormous tumor on his lung we were in no doubt, so the vet gave him the lethal injection, but had to give him more, enough to kill a grown man, before his heart stopped.
Masey is left to comfort them, you can see him in the next picture.
Goodbye Bonzo, rest easy. You will be missed very much. :love:
Dearest Annette and Brian, my thoughts are with you. :love:


text:
Also one would like to keep all the recordings and database (well at least the recording rules and recorded programs) one currently has.
Currenty ones PVR is running (Myth)buntu 10.10. This will updated to whatever version is the must current. One has lost track...
mythbackend --version gives
- Code: Select all
MythTV Version : v0.24.1-96-ge89d6a9
MythTV Branch : fixes/0.24
Network Protocol : 63
Library API : 0.24.20110505-1
QT Version : 4.7.0
Options compiled in:
linux profile using_alsa using_oss using_pulse using_pulseoutput using_backend using_bindings_perl using_bindings_python using_dvb using_firewire using_frontend using_hdhomerun using_hdpvr using_iptv using_ivtv using_joystick_menu using_lirc using_mheg using_opengl_video using_opengl_vsync using_qtdbus using_qtwebkit using_v4l using_x11 using_xrandr using_xv using_bindings_perl using_bindings_python using_mythtranscode using_opengl using_vdpau using_ffmpeg_threads using_live using_mheg
Also ones pvr randomly decides not to record anything (well it tries to but the recordings are 0bytes ). A reboot cures this but it means one has to wait until Saturday to watch yesterdays Sherlock and One has missed 500 days of summer. One is not a happy bunny about this situation. Will running the latest version cure this or does one need to open a topic in `Help' about this?


text:
No matter how many times your mom and dad told you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you somehow still have trouble grabbing a bite before you head out on the daily morning commute.
While cereal, toast, granola, yogurt and fruit are all great options during the work week, when time is tight and speed is of the essence, the weekend is when you can really take the time to sit down to a big family breakfast, or brunch. The recipes this week reflect the extra time you have on a Saturday or Sunday morning to whip up something yummy, when the pace is slower and a slice of buttered toast just doesn't feel like enough.
Breakfast Barley brings something different to the breakfast canon. The mix of sweet (honey, currants, figs) and savoury (lemon juice, ginger) with barley's chewy texture makes for an interesting change.
Denver Breakfast Muffins combine two breakfast favourites — muffins and the classic Denver omelette — into a single item. It's both efficient (two breakfasts in one!) and delicious.
For those who really need every extra minute of sleep on Saturday morning, our Cheese and Pepper Strata requires a bit of work the night before to prepare, but requires little effort when you wake up. Pop it in the oven, make some coffee, flip through the paper and wait for the timer to go off.
Serves 4 to 6.
2 1/2 cups (625 mL) water
1 cup (250 mL) pearl barley, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup (125 mL) diced dried golden Calimyrna figs
1/2 cup (125 mL) dried currants
7 slices peeled fresh ginger, 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick
1 tbsp. (15 mL) honey
1/4 tsp. (1 mL) fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. (1 mL) salt
1 to 1 1/2 cups (250 to 375 mL) homogenized milk
1/2 cup (125 mL) plain yogurt
1/4 cup (50 mL) fresh orange juice
Chopped toasted nuts or pumpkin seeds, optional.
Combine water and barley in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
Stir in figs, currants and ginger. Let stand, covered, for five minutes. Stir in honey, lemon juice and salt.
Return to low heat. Add milk, 1/2 cup (125 mL) at a time, stirring constantly until mixture is creamy, barley is tender, most of liquid is absorbed and desired consistency is reached, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Remove and discard ginger. Stir in yogurt and orange juice. Sprinkle with nuts. Serve immediately.
These muffins are a great thing to serve at a brunch. They are also a nice change from a sandwich in your bagged lunch.
Makes 10 to 12.
1 1/4 cups (300 mL) flour
1/4 cup (50 mL) cornmeal
2 1/2 tsp. (12 mL) baking powder
1/2 tsp. (2 mL) baking soda
1 tsp. (5 mL) dry mustard
1/8 tsp. (0.5 mL) cayenne pepper
1 cup (250 mL) milk
2 tbsp. (25 mL) butter, melted
1 egg
3/4 cup (175 mL) finely chopped ham
1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (50 mL) thinly sliced green onion
Combine the first six ingredients (flour through cayenne pepper) in a bowl. Whisk together milk, melted butter and egg until blended. Pour milk mixture into flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in ham, cheese and green onion. Spoon mixture into greased or paper-lined muffin cups, filling cups three-quarters full. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool muffins in pan for 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. May be refrigerated for up to two days.
Serves 8 to 10.
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup (250 mL) sliced green onions
2 tbsp. (25 mL) butter
8 cups (2 L) French bread cubes
2 1/2 cups (625 mL) shredded cheddar cheese
7 eggs
1 tbsp. (15 mL) Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. (2 mL) dry mustard
1 tsp. (5 mL) salt
1/2 tsp. (2 mL) freshly ground pepper
2 dashes hot pepper sauce
4 cups (1 L) homo milk
Sauté bell peppers and onions in butter just until tender, about five minutes; cool. Place half of bread cubes in a greased shallow three-quart (3 L) baking dish. Sprinkle with half of cheese and top with half of bell pepper mixture. Repeat layers with remaining bread cubes, cheese and bell pepper mixture. Whisk together eggs and next five ingredients (mustard through hot pepper sauce). Whisk in milk. Pour mixture evenly over strata. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator and let stand for 20 to 30 minutes. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F (180°C) for 1 1/4 hours or until mixture is set in centre. Let stand for five minutes before serving.


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OHIO — The Ohio Grade School Board took action on the following items at its meeting Dec. 18:
• Heard concerns from Linda Beattie regarding what year the district lets students drop out of band. Beattie and board member Rachael Fitzpatrick also expressed their concerns with the pep band playing at two games a week. They said it was too much to expect of the students and they would like it changed to one night a week. Superintendent Sharon Sweger said she would talk to teacher Patrick Anderson about changing it so the students played in Pep Band only once a week.
• Approved the final levy as presented.
• Approved new waste contract with Illinois Valley Waste (which is less costly to the district).
• Heard enrollment is 84, a decrease of three students since November.
• Heard the district hosted the BVEC Boy's Basketball tournament Dec. 1-6.
• Heard Santa's Elves went shopping Dec. 7; and Santa's Workshop was held Dec. 12-13.
• Voted to retain the executive session minutes from the Nov. 20, 2012, meeting.
• Employed Robert Kleist as part-time bus driver, pending certification.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the school library.


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News > News Archive
Fundraising with the Stars – Four Challenge Weeks. Become a Star in Action! VIEW THE WINNERS!!
As we enter the home stretch before the Unity Walk, we are excited to announce "Fundraising with the Stars – Four Challenge Weeks." Become a Star in Action!
Starting on March 31st, we will challenge our registered walkers to reach a different fundraising goal each week. Winners will be recipients of a variety of prizes, in addition to being announced and profiled on our website, where winners can share why you walk, who you walk for, and how you rise to the challenge.
Email Challenge Week #1 - Click on the Fundraise with Facebook icon on "My HQ" so you can spread the word and raise funds in support of the Walk directly through Facebook.
Congratulations to Judith Kinnard, Team Captain of Team Janeth, the raffle winner of this email challenge. As their prize, Judith and her team will have their photo taken with May May Ali at the Walk! Read more about Team Janeth.
Email Challenge Week #2 - Build a new team or grow an existing team. The team with the most new team members, who both register AND donate online, by Friday, April 13th wins an interview at the Walk with Michelle Charlesworth, WABC-TV Weekend News Anchor!
Six teams tied for the greatest number of new team members who registered AND made a donation last week. These teams will be interviewed by Michelle Charlesworth, WABC-TV Weekend News Anchor at the Walk. Congratulations to:
DominACHIN over PD
Team Espo
Team Heartland Brewery
Team Rhode Island
Walkers for Lulu
The money raised by new participants during that week represents almost 20% of all donations received during the same period.
Email Challenge Week #3 - The Walker with the greatest number of emails sent from "MyHQ" between 4/14/12 and 4/20/12 will wiin a $50 Visa gift card.
Check your email in the weeks to come for details on the upcoming challenges. Best of luck with your fundraising efforts!
Congratulations to Michael DeGeorge of Team Light of Day Foundation! He won the PUW email challenge week #3 by sending 199 emails from his PUW headquarters during that week. Those emails have paid off - he has raised $1149 as a result of those emails. We hope all of our walkers keep the momentum going through May 28th. That is the cutoff date for accepting donations to the 2012 Unity Walk. Read more about Michael's experience with the Walk.
Email Challenge Week #4 -The walker who receives the greatest number of online donations the week prior to the Unity Walk will wiin a $50 Visa gift card.
Best of luck with your fundraising efforts!
Congratulations to Serra Hirsch, the walker who received the greatest number of online donations the week prior to the Unity Walk – a total of 48 online donations! Click here to read more about Sarah.
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By Mitch Blankespoor
CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Kalamazoo College women's basketball team won its fourth straight game Tuesday, Dec. 17, with a 78-73 victory over the College of Mount Saint Joseph (Ohio).
Neither team led by more than a basket in the opening minutes. With the game tied at 14, the Lions of Mount St. Joseph (MSJ) went on a 9-0 run in just over two minutes to take a 23-14 lead with 11:42 to play in the opening half.
Kalamazoo junior guard Emily Lindsay answered with two consecutive three point baskets to cut the Lion lead to just three points.
Kalamazoo features a balanced scoring attack in the victory with four Hornets scoring at least 14 points. Lindsay finished with 17 points, junior forward Perri Nicholson scored 16 points while Antione and Overstreet netted 14 points apiece.
Tara Dennis led all scorers with 29 points on 11-16 shooting for the Lions.
In addition to her scoring, Nicholson hauled in 19 rebounds tying her for second all-time in rebounds in a game. She also had the assignment of guarding Dennis.
"Perry [Nicholson] did a fantastic job rebounding the basketball down the stretch," Miller said. "She was very strong for us on the glass tonight."
Kalamazoo outrebounded MSJ 51-44 in the game. The Lions made 25 field goals compared to 23 for K, but the Hornets made up for that difference and more from the free throw line. Kalamazoo converted 29-43 free throws while the Lions went 17-27 from the charity stripe.
Kalamazoo improves to 4-4 on the season. In addition, the last time the Hornets won four consecutive games was back in the 2004-05 season. Kalamazoo looks to win a fifth straight game for the first time since the 2001-02 season when K takes on Mich.-Dearborn Dec. 28. Tipoff is scheduled for noon.


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Wi-Fi hot spots are now available at Addison Oaks and Groveland Oaks campgrounds.
Wireless network will be available in Section C (restroom area) at Addison Oaks and at the concession/bath house/beach area at Groveland Oaks.
"We understand that, while it is great to be able to get away from it all, sometimes you have to keep in touch," Oakland County Parks and Recreation Executive Officer Dan Stencil said.
The hot spots will allow laptops, smart phones and any device that uses wireless connections access to the Internet.
Addison Oaks County Park is located at 1480 W Romeo Road, Leonard. Groveland Oaks County Park is located at 14555 Dixie Highway, Holly.
— Special writer Desiree Stanfield


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Weekly Release No. 5
• The Schedule
Game 6
Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 7 p.m.
UC Santa Barbara (2-3) vs. USC (2-2)
at The Thunderdome
All-time record vs. Trojans: 13-13
Last meeting: L, 50-39 (Jan. 31, 2012)
Radio: KZSB AM 1290
Online Audio • Live Video • Live Stats
Game 7
Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 2 p.m.
UC Santa Barbara (2-3) vs. St. Mary's (3-2)
at The Thunderdome
All-time record vs. Gaels: 7-3
Last meeting: W, 61-52 (Nov. 17, 2011)
Radio: KZSB AM 1290
Online Audio • Live Video • Live Stats
• UCSB Returns Home for Pair
After spending its Thanksgiving week competing in the Hardwood Tournament of Hope in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the UCSB women's basketball team returns to Santa Barbara this week for a pair of home contests against USC and St. Mary's on Tuesday and Saturday, respectively.
• Listen Live
The majority of UC Santa Barbara basketball games – including both of this week's – will be broadcast live in Santa Barbara on AM 1290 KZSB and all will stream live online here and NewsPress.com. Mitchell Clements will serve as the play-by-play voice for the Gauchos. Former Los Angeles Lakers and UCSB star Don Ford will handle the color commentary.
• Season Tickets Still Available
Season tickets and single game tickets for women's basketball are available at the Ticket Office in the Intercollegiate Athletics Building on campus, by calling 805-893-UCSB (8272) or online by clicking here.
• Gauchos Finish Sixth In Mexico
UCSB went 1-2 at last week's Hardwood Tournament of Hope, which was good for a sixth-place finish in the eight-team tournament field. The Gauchos opened with a narrow loss to Oregon State, which came from behind to capture the 49-46 victory. In the tournament's second game, UCSB handily defeated Mississippi State, 60-43. In the tournament's fifth-place game, the Gauchos were able to post a season-best 61 points, but it was not enough to overcome Missouri State as they fell, 68-61.
• For The Record
UCSB enters Tuesday's game at 2-3 overall and is 1-0 at home after defeating New Mexico State, 43-41, on Nov. 14.
• Two-Year Thunderdome Celebration Begins
In 2012-13, UC Santa Barbara will begin a two-year 35th anniversary celebration of the Thunderdome. The #thunderdome35 celebration includes commemorative 2012-13 season tickets that feature some of the greatest players to ever compete on the Thunderdome court. The players will also be remembered during Gaucho men's and women's basketball home broadcasts as well as on the Gauchos in Thirty television show and online at UCSBgauchos.com.
• A Formidable Defense
Last season, UCSB limited its opposition to an average of 52.5 points, which led the Big West and ranked ninth nationally. This season, the Gauchos are once again displaying their defensive prowess by limiting their opponents to an average of 51.8 points per game – which leads the conference – 35.3% shooting from the field and just 20.3% shooting from beyond the arc. Nationally, the Gauchos' scoring defense ranks 32nd among all Division I programs and its three-point defense is 20th. Additionally, UCSB's average of 34.6 defensive rebounds per game is tops in the Big West.
• Holding On
UCSB currently ranks 21st in the nation for fewest turnovers per game with an average of 13.6. The Gauchos had a season-low seven turnovers in the loss to Missouri State on Thursday.
• The Sweets Life
Senior Sweets Underwood posted consecutive double-doubles for the first time in her career against Mississippi State and Missouri State last week. After posting 13 points and a season-best 12 rebounds to help lead the Gauchos to a win over the Bulldogs, she topped herself in the tournament finale. Against the Lady Bears, she put up a career-high tying 18 points to go along with 11 boards in just 28 minutes of work. Underwood currently ranks third in the Big West with her 55% shooting from the field and leads the Gauchos with an average of 7.8 rebounds per game. She averages 11.6 points.
• The Mitchell File
Head coach Carlene Mitchell is looking to build upon a great ending to her first season at the helm of the Gauchos – which included the aforementioned Big West Tournament title and NCAA Tournament berth – in 2012-13. In addition to compiling a 17-16 record in her first campaign, she was also named one of three finalists for the Spalding Maggie Dixon Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award, which is presented by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association. Her career record with the Gauchos currently stands at 19-19.
• Mondays With Mitchell
Speaking of Coach Mitchell, she can be heard every Monday on a special KZSB 1290 AM segment with the Baron Ron Herron, appropriately titled "Mondays With Mitchell" at 8:50 a.m.
• We Are The (Defending) Champions
The 2011-12 Gauchos captured the program's 14th Big West crown after a stunning run through the league's tournament to advance to the NCAA Tournament for the 14th time. UCSB returns eight of its letterwinners from last year's championship team, including three starters. Among the returners are Big West Tournament MVP, Kirsten Tilleman, and Honorable Mention All-Big West honoree, Nicole Nesbit.
• Making Excellence A Habit
UCSB will be aiming for its 22nd winning season in the last 23 years. Dating back to the 1990-91 season, the Gauchos have finished the season with a sub-.500 record just once: in 2009-10 (15-17). UCSB has won the Big West regular season title 14 of the past 17 seasons and has captured the tournament crown 14 times.
• Gauchos vs. Women of Troy
Tuesday will mark the 27th meeting between the Gauchos and USC in a series that dates back to the 1971-72 season. The teams are currently even with a 13-13 all-time series record. The Women of Troy have dominated as of late, winning the last three pairings, including a 50-39 victory last season in Los Angeles. The Gauchos' last win over USC was a 69-63 overtime victory at the Thunderdome on Nov. 11, 2007.
• Scouting Southern California
USC enters Tuesday's contest with a 2-2 overall record. The Women of Troy, who are making their first jaunt out of the Galen Center this season, have defeated Pepperdine (65-56) and Arkansas State (72-58). Their losses have come against Gonzaga (63-52) and, most recently, Nebraska (74-65). USC is led by Cassie Harberts, who is averaging 17.5 points per game and 9.5 rebounds. Ariya Crook is a close second with a 16 points per game average.
• Gauchos vs. Gaels
Saturday will mark the 11th meeting between UCSB and St. Mary's. The Gauchos lead the all-time series, 7-3, and won the last pairing, 61-52, on Nov. 17, 2011. That victory was a special one as it marked head coach Carlene Mitchell's first at the helm of the program.
• Scouting St. Mary's
St. Mary's has opened the season 3-2 and has most recently defeated Butler, 85-74, and Chattanooga, 70-67. The Gaels will play UCSB's Blue-Green rival Cal Poly on Thursday before facing the Gauchos on Saturday afternoon. The Gaels are currently led by Jackie Nared, who is averaging 18.6 points per game and 10.2 rebounds. Danielle Mauldin, meanwhile, is averaging 12.8 points per game while shooting 47.6% from the field.
• The Dome Is Where The Heart Is
UCSB will carry a five-game winning streak into this week's home action, which dates back to the 2011-12 campaign. Last year, the Gauchos went 9-6 in the Thunderdome. All-time UCSB has gone 295-127 (.699) at home and has accumulated winning home records during 21 of the last 23 seasons.
• Talk'n Gauchos
UCSB Athletics' weekly radio show, Talk'n Gauchos, airs every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. on AM 1290 KZSB. The show is broadcast live from The Beachside Café, located on Goleta Beach and it features UCSB coaches and athletes. The show is hosted by Gerry Fall, the Voice of the Gauchos.


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Final Stretch
It is now week ten, therefore time to finish up all class work and begin preparing for finals. I am in the midst of finishing up my last homework assignment of the quarter, and once complete, all my library time usually spent on reviewing new concepts will be spent reviewing a quarter's worth of material.
Winter quarter seems to be the toughest to review for, because we have a two week break for the holidays in the middle. The first three weeks of material seemed to have happened forever ago. In most of my courses, the stuff learned is cumulative, therefore the concepts used in the beginning are applied to the new ideas I learned this week. But that shouldn't fool me, for I know there are things that I've learned in the past that I haven't studied in weeks.
Once the quarter is finally over, I will enjoy a week's vacation. I opted not to work at my local supermarket when I go home on break, thus I will have a whole week to do nothing. I am ready to just relax and have no school, work, or other mandatory events to attend. For me, this will be my first 'real' week of break in 6 years. I have always had work or school at least a few days a week. I will not only spend my time sleeping and watching movies, but I have already planned on visiting my twin sister up at Plattsburgh State University for a few days. That will give me something to look forward to over break.
But now it is time for me to gear up, and prepare for my finals, and once they are completed next Thursday afternoon, I can finally relax.


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Moien, Äddi, and Kaweechelchen are the three Luxembourgish (Lëtzebuergesch) words I know. They were committed to memory during my recent stint as a Fulbright Faculty Fellow at the University of Luxembourg where from February through June of this year I taught American Studies courses in the Faculty of Language and Literature, Humanities, Arts and Education. The first two words (Hello and Goodbye) seem obvious; they allowed me some modicum of respectability as I entered and left meetings, shops and the like in my adopted country. The final one (squirrel) is thanks to my students whose multilingualism and linguistic and cultural curiosity led us on many occasions to play with sounds and words and explore the similarities and differences between Luxembourgish, English, German and French – the languages of daily life and academe in this country–the world's last remaining Grand Duchy. Luxembourg is a proud sovereign nation of half a million people. Its 2,500 square kilometers (a bit smaller than Rhode Island) of rolling hills and rivers nestled between France, Germany and Belgium where it was ground-zero for much of what we know as the Battle of the Bulge. Upon arrival I found myself in the midst of a nation that, while extolling a national cultural identity separate from that of its neighbors, functions in many ways as a border culture on a nation-wide scale with cross-border workers, linguistic and cultural blendings and the associated questions of nation, identity, power, rights and "belonging". It is a cultural critics dream.
I have a confession to make: when I found out that I had, in fact, been invited as a Fulbrighter at the Univ. of Luxembourg about a year and a half ago, I was ignorant of so much: what was "Luxembourgish"? What exactly was a "Grand Duchy"? How unique (really?) was Luxembourg among the nations of Western Europe and how would I, as an American, be seen, received, understood….? I knew that Luxembourg was very small, an international center for banking, and home to both the permanent exhibit of Edward Steichen's Family of Man exhibit (he was a native son) and some EU activities. Other than that, I was in the dark—not unlike, I suppose, many of my fellow Americans. My learning curve was steep. As I taught courses on "American Identities" (exploring the origins and validity of commonly-held ideas about the US) and a course on "The History and Literature of US Immigration"(examining the creation and formal structure of "immigrant narratives" in the US) I found myself increasingly caught up in a comparative framework in which I and my students (and colleagues) reflected on how and why Luxembourg identity is created, defined, maintained (or not) and about such hot-button issues as immigration policy, language policy, religion and civil society and the acceptance of racial and ethnic minorities – in the US and in Luxembourg. So many humanities/policy issues emerged that I have had to rein myself in here and will offer merely two points for thought:
Language and identity: In an earlier post I wrote about the lack of bilingual education in the US and the impact of this on the US's future ability to engage fully in global goings-on. I am even more convinced of this now. In my university classes this spring (taught in English) I found myself among 18-21 year olds who, if Luxembourgish (there were also Erasmus students from across Europe) spoke Luxembourgish, German, French and English. All are an essential part of Luxembourgish society and all are part of the public education system. This pluri-lingualism is unique, functions as a cultural marker and is being closely studied by many of my colleagues at the University and from across the globe from policy and linguistic perspectives. I was drawn into and fascinated by this discussion on many levels but as a practical matter in my classroom it allowed me and my students to range far and wide, reading some items in the original, clarifying words and concepts by reverting to their linguistic roots and, most importantly allowing students from all over Europe and the world to communicate with one another and engage fully in the intellectual and social worlds of many cultures. To hear students switching back and forth from one to another language mid-sentence and to assist each other in certain areas where one was a bit weaker and another stronger was amazing. There is no other word for it.
Yet what is most thought-provoking is that that this pluri-lingualism exists in a nation that does have a national language. Passed in 1984 the Luxembourg language law established Luxembourgish (once merely a spoken German dialect) as the national language of Luxembourgers. Since 2001 naturalization is dependent upon a prospective new citizen possessing a baseline knowledge of the language. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that, as the multidisciplinary authors of a wonderful new book Inventing Luxembourg put it "the processes of inventing Luxembourg and inventing Luxembourgish are closely linked." (p. 229) The spoken, familiar language of the majority of Luxembourgers is Luxembourg and it is the language of early childhood education. So how/why the pluri-lingualism I encountered? Because the '84 law also established the following in its remaining three articles:
Article 2 – Language of legislation
Legislative acts and their regulations are written in French. When accompanied by a translation, only the French text is valid…
Article 3- Administrative and judicial languages
In administrative matters, contentious or not, and in judicial matters, French, German or Luxembourgish may be used…
Article 4 – Administrative requests
When an inquiry is written in Luxembourgish, French or German, the administration has to reply in the language chosen by the applicant if feasible.
Ironically, very few official or public documents are available in Luxembourgish meaning that as I moved from the rental office to the post office to my classroom to shops and restaurants I moved between and among all of these languages (albeit only functioning well in French). There are many debates in Luxembourg about this linguistic-citizenship link (related to immigration) and the privileging of French in the political realm, but in contrast to the US where there is no official US language but where English functions as the de facto national language, Luxembourgers live in a place where the existence of a national language has done nothing to squelch public promotion and legislation of plurilingualism. (By law public education prepares students in all of the languages mentioned in the language law). The two policy points are mutually exclusive.
Immigration and Immigrants as Workers: If there was one common belief my students had about the US (other than ideas about Hollywood stars) it was about the US as a "nation of immigrants" and as a place where "the American Dream" was possible for those who immigrated. Some of my assignments furthered this idea – such as the oral history project I coordinated with the Luxembourg American Cultural Society in which my students recorded family narratives from the descendents of Luxembourg immigrants in the US. And when the Arizona immigration debate emerged mid-semester I was ecstatic: here was a debate and a story that might introduce alternative immigration narratives. And, as I imagined, as my students read arguments on many sides and explored the linked issues of ethnicity, language and immigration in the US, they were quickly shocked that there were some in the US who did not see immigration as a good thing, that there was a history of the US employing immigrants (legal and other wise) in low-wage work when convenient, and that some US immigrants did not see the US as fulfilling their dreams.
Initially the students commented a great deal on what they thought was hypocrisy in the US ("But the US is a nation of immigrants…why do you want keep people out"?) but soon the discussions became more nuanced and at the same time more reflexive. To discuss current US immigration so openly was to offer students a way and a place to discuss Luxembourg's immigration and labor issues openly too. And over time our discussions were about Luxembourg. In a nation that has a strong social system with national health, pension and other services, maintaining a balance between population and resources is critical and immigration is somewhat limited.
At the same time, not unlike the US, Luxembourg has historically and currently welcomed those who had skills and desire to help grow certain industries. In 2010 this happens in the financial sector but in the 1950s – 1980s as the nation's steel industry grew to great prominence Luxembourg welcomed workers (both temporary and permanent) from Italy and then Portugal whose labor was critical to economic growth, but whose practices of temporary or non-permanent status, remittances to families "back home", and lack of Luxembourgish language acquisition has continued to shape many discussions about immigration and nationalism.
All spring long my students continually drew parallels between US discussions of immigrants and the issues in their own country. Ideas about ethnicity, language and economic need (both for the country and the individuals doing the migrating) were hard to untangle – in either our US or our Luxembourg contexts. For certain the parallels are limited (for example, the creation of the EU has changed the legal position of other EU citizens who wish to work or live in Luxembourg on a temporary basis) but worth examining for what we can learn about large global questions of migration, nations and globalization.
We also explored the question of cross-border workers in both discussions. In Luxembourg the economy depends on cross-border workers who make up 40% of the country's private sector workforce. Every day workers living in bordering countries (where the cost of living is less), come in on the highways and trains to work and then return home at night. These workers are recognized as essential to the Luxembourg economy but there are questions and discussions in many sectors about how such a large non-resident workforce impacts services or national pride and whether it diminishes in any way the idea of being "Luxembourgish". For my students this cross-border workforce is a fact of life and as they began to study and learn about border cultures and border areas of the US and Mexico in my class they suggested that perhaps it might work for certain sectors in the US as a third option in the immigration debate there.
As I leave the Grand Duchy I will remember the stunningly rugged rocky crag upon with Luxembourg City is perched, the banks of the Moselle river, and the welcome I received from my colleagues and neighbors. But perhaps what will be hardest to forget is the complex tapestry of language, people and geography that shape and challenge the idea of a "Luxembourg identity". I wish that I had known more about this border-nation before I arrived. If so I would have taught a bit of Gloria Anzaldua's magnificent Borderlands/LaFrontera and tackled head on the ways in which borders are inhabited places that create and erase and complicate identities again and again and again. I will be thinking for a long time about Luxembourg…this place that holds unity and borderland in tension. Äddi et auf wiedersehen mes amis. (And if you are following the Tour De France, Andy Schleck—the current leader – is a Luxembourger. )
Photos: Liz Duclos-Orsello


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You are not alone. Just reading what you wrote makes me cry as it reminds me that two of mine have it. Apart from giving them tablets every day I try not to think about it as I would cry about it all the time. But I watch them every day hoping not to see signs of them getting worse.
Hope you will see an improvement with the new medicine.