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I've always been introspective. Sometimes this translates into a healthy self-awareness; other times it looks a bit more like narcissism. But this time of year, I think it's appropriate to take stock of one's accomplishments and failures, to reflect on lessons learned, and to set new goals for the future. I'll give everyone the opportunity to weigh in on their New Year's resolutions next week. This week, I want to focus on 2008—the highlights, the low moments, the things we learned about ourselves, God, each other, and the world.
By all accounts, it has been a really good year for me. I transitioned into a full-time writing career and nabbed my first book deal. This has been a goal of mine since I was ten-years-old, and I simply cannot articulate how thankful and delighted I am to get up every morning, sit down at my desk with a cup of coffee, and write. I still can't believe someone is paying me to do this.
However, as I told Dan the other day, despite accomplishing this major goal, I'm still just as insecure and self-conscious as ever. I still hate the shape of my nose. I still get stressed out about dirty dishes in my sink. I still feel guilty for having so much stuff while others around the world suffer. I still feel depressed sometimes for no reason. I still blurt out my opinion without being asked. I still want desperately to be liked. On top of all of this, I've already started worrying about how my book will be received by friends and family, how many copies I will sell, and how soon I can start the next one.
It is a strangely freeing moment when you realize that having everything you thought you wanted doesn't make you happy. It's freeing because, in a way, it takes the pressure off. I'm more convinced than ever that happiness is a choice, and that I can be miserable with or without a book deal, joyful with or without high sales numbers. I don't have to sit around waiting for someone to approve. I don't have to fight so frantically for success. There is so much freedom in knowing I've always had this kind of power. I've always possessed the ability to be content. I just have to learn to harness it.
That might be the most important thing I learned this year. Here are some other highlights:
Best Moments:
- Picking up the phone to hear my agent say, "This is the call you've been waiting for."
- Watching Dan successfully flip a house during the worst real estate market of our lifetime.
- When Wolf Blitzer announced that "Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States."
- Finding California Pizza Kitchen frozen pizzas at Wal-Mart.
- Almost peeing in my pants as Alabama squeaked by LSU.
- Writing "11-0" on my "Bama Football" whiteboard.
- Checking my e-mail to find my inbox crowded with e-mails from people who have struggled with doubts about their faith, who understand where I am coming from, and who offer their input and ideas without judgment. (You know who you are!)
- Reconnecting with old friends in new ways. (You know who you are too!)
- Beating the boys at poker three times in a row.
- Floating in a big, yellow inner tube down the lazy river at a fancy resort in Gulf Shores where Dan and I took a long-awaited vacation.
- Getting launched into the blogosphere, where I've met all kinds of interesting people
- Reading "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott
- Discovering Stephen Colbert.
- Getting an ISBN number.
- Hanging out with my sister for a weekend in Birmingham
- Laughing until I cried with my best friend from childhood
- Playing with my nieces and nephews at the annual Evans Family reunion
- Waking up next to Dan and being as happy about being married to him as I was the day after our wedding...maybe even happier.
- Reading the Sermon on the Mount every day for a month and realizing that the gospel still means something to me.
Worst Moments:
- Crying for hours after getting rejected by one of the first publishers to seriously consider my book. (Note to other writers: You get used to it after a while!)
- The Florida game. Enough said.
- When I watched a church full of evangelical Christians at the Saddleback Forum cheer at the mention of "defeating evil" by military force. I've never felt so alienated from my own religious community.
- Not knowing where to go to church on Sunday mornings.
- Constantly being asked, "How can you call yourself a Christian and vote for Obama?"
- Hearing friends who I respect refer to Hillary Clinton as a "bitch" and Obama as a "terrorist."
- Watching the violence unfold in the Congo, in India, and in Myanmar.
- Anytime Dan was sad or didn't feel well.
- Reading the Sermon on the Mount every day for a month and coming face to face with my own hypocrisy.
Things I learned about myself, the world, and spirituality:
- When I really set my mind to something and work hard, I can accomplish it. I am much more capable than I've given myself credit for.
- I desperately long for authentic relationships and community. Whether I like to admit it or not, I need other people in my life.
- Apparently, I'm a bleeding-heart liberal.
- My opinions aren't nearly as important to other people as they are to me. The world isn't waiting with baited breath to hear what I have to say about it.
- I have a fear of silence.
- I am judgmental of people who are judgmental.
- Music and exercise are as effective as chocolate in lifting my mood.
- It is always within my power to be happy. Happiness is not dependent on changing circumstances. It is not dependent on success.
- Everyone else is just as insecure and frightened as I am.
- Salvation isn't just about the afterlife.
- Faith has little to do with intellectual ascent to a set of propositional truths.
- Most of us are guilty of making God into glorified images of ourselves.
- Following the teachings of Jesus Christ has the power to free me from my ugliest sins—my selfishness, my materialism, my greed, my jealousy, my desire for revenge, my hypocrisy, my judgments, my lack of compassion. Despite all that has changed over the past few years, I still believe this to be true.
So, what about you? It's kind of a loaded question, but what are some of the most important things you learned this year?
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Mali at the Dawn of the New Year: From Crisis to Recovery
The full speech
By Christine Lagarde
Economic, Social and Cultural CouncilIntroduction
Mr. President of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council,
Members of Government,
Presidents of National Institutions,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations,
Members of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honor for me to speak before your Council at such an important moment for your great country.
As I stand here today, I am reminded of the old Malian proverb: "The talisman of a hunter is his perseverance" [Dònsòya la basi ye timinandya ye] « Le talisman du chasseur, c'est sa persévérance ». Perseverance is indeed what best symbolizes the spirit of the Malian people.
Today Mali is showing courage and perseverance, as it emerges from a very difficult period in its recent history. The successful presidential and parliamentary elections, with the record high voter turnout, attest to Mali's determination to leave the political and security crisis of 2012 firmly behind and to restore its democratic tradition.
As you know very well, the priority now is to steer the economy from crisis to recovery. I would like to talk today about how the gains of the past decade can be built upon to lay the foundations for a strong and resilient economy—where the dividends of growth are more widely shared.
Respectable track record
The ten years preceding the crisis were indeed impressive. Mali boasted a robust growth rate of about 5.5 percent on average between 2001 and 2011—well above the average for countries in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) (of 3.9 percent).
Mali was also one of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa that made most progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. To mention but a few—between 2001 and 2011:
- Primary school enrolment increased, with 7 out of every 10 children now enrolled compared to 4 children in 2001;
- Literacy rates were doubled for both youth males and females;
- Child mortality was almost halved; and
- Finally, while admittedly still high, important strides were made in reducing poverty.
But the task is far from finished. Mali has a fast-growing population and largely untapped economic and human potential. The challenge today is to strengthen economic fundamentals to accelerate growth and job creation, and to make an even more meaningful dent in poverty by ensuring that growth is inclusive.
Unlocking Mali's potential will require significant investment not only in infrastructure but also in the country's biggest asset—its people—through education and health. Equipping young Malian people with the appropriate skills and tools will be key in boosting the growth potential of the economy.
Throughout all the challenges of recent years, the IMF has always been a close partner of Mali. We were among the first to provide emergency funding after last year's events, and last month we approved financing through our Extended Credit Facility. Our commitment is unwavering to help Mali reach its development objectives.
With this in mind, I would like to share with you my thoughts on three issues likely to shape Mali's economic prospects in the near term:
- The global economic environment;
- The outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa; and
- Finally, the policy agenda that will enable Mali to seize the opportunity to create strong, sustainable and inclusive growth.
1. Global Economic Environment
First, the global economic environment. Our revised forecasts on the global outlook will be released in a few weeks, so I will not be discussing numbers, but only trends..
Five years after the financial crisis, the world economy is gradually on the mend. But the recovery is uneven and subdued, and its underlying dynamics are shifting.
Driven by robust private sector activity, growth in the United States is gaining ground, implying an eventual normalization in financial conditions. In Japan, there have been important steps to stimulate growth. And Europe is slowly emerging from a deep recession, though important challenges remain to be addressed.
At the same time, emerging market economies are slowing, following several years in which they were the main engine of global growth. As financial conditions in advanced economies normalize, the risk of heightened volatility in financial markets may create new challenges in emerging market economies and further slowdown their growth. There is also the risk of potential spillovers to countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those that are more financially integrated with the global economy (including from higher commodity prices and foreign direct investment flows).
2. Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa
Which brings me to my second point: the outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa. Here the news is encouraging.
In fact, Sub-Saharan Africa has been the second-fastest-growing region in the world in recent years, just after Asia. In many countries, this growth has contributed to higher living standards and faster poverty reduction. Low inflation, reduced levels of public debt, and adequate foreign exchange reserve levels – have shielded much of the region from the global financial crisis.
The improvement is particularly significant in Mali's neighborhood. Thanks to the recovery in Côte d'Ivoire, which has been working hard to recover the ground lost after years of civil strife, the West African Union (WAEMU) has been one of the fastest growing regions in Africa. This is an obvious benefit for Mali—since part of your exports and imports are with your neighbors.
Overall, we expect Sub-Saharan Africa to enjoy continued robust growth—which our projections in October place at 5 percent in 2013 and close to 6 percent in 2014. But this outlook is not without risks. Policymakers should remain vigilant to threats from slower demand in emerging market economies, unfavorable changes in commodity prices, or higher financing costs.
We will have the opportunity to revisit some of these issues in depth in May when we hold a conference in partnership with the Government of Mozambique to which all Sub-Saharan Africa countries have been invited—including your Minister of Economy and Finance. Appropriately titled "Africa Rising", the conference will take stock of Africa's economic successes, as well as the challenges going forward.
3. Unlocking Mali's Potential
Let me now turn to my third topic and the main issue for today's meeting—unlocking Mali's potential.
Although the global outlook suggests a relatively benign external environment for Mali, your country is facing some difficult challenges of its own as it emerges from a turbulent period.
Consolidating peace, advancing national reconciliation, and ensuring political stability are key objectives. And rightly so—political stability is essential for good economic performance. And vice versa—a strong, healthy economy improves the prospects for political stability and social peace. Fostering inclusive growth, where individuals across the broad spectrum of the economy can benefit and thrive, is an important part of this process.
Mali's challenges are formidable; but so are its opportunities. This country has large untapped, economic potential—including a wealth of natural resources. Agriculture is one example.
If rivers can be harnessed to irrigate large swathes of uncultivated land, production can be expanded significantly. Agriculture, which today provides most employment, could thus create additional jobs for the fast-growing population. It could also increase, as well as diversify, exports to neighboring countries that are net food importers.
Unleashing these opportunities means tackling other bottlenecks. A major one is underdeveloped infrastructure, which unless addressed, is going to hold back growth.
The lack of power, for instance, is a big brake on expansion.
You all know what this means. Without reliable power, there are power outages. Companies are forced to produce the electricity that they need, which drives their costs up. Children cannot study in the evening. Cooking is done on wood stoves, or stoves using other polluting fuel sources—fuels that families spend hours collecting in fields and forests.
A thriving economy will also require a strong base of human capital. So investment in education and training are crucial. The emerging labor force must have the basic skills and the skills that match business demand.
In other words, unlocking Mali's potential will require large investments—both in the public as well as the private sector. A policy agenda that has inclusive growth as an overarching objective can, in turn, help solidify the dividends from such investment. So we need three P's: public investment, private investment, and participation for all.
Let me take up these issues in turn.
3.1 Unlocking Mali's Economic Potential—Public Sector Investment
The first "P": In terms of public sector investment, creating fiscal space to accommodate additional spending calls for action on two fronts. First, Mali needs to mobilize more tax revenue; and second, it needs to make better use of existing resources.
There is certainly room to increase tax revenue. At 15 percent, Mali's tax revenue-to-GDP ratio is lower than it should be. Efforts to raise revenue should focus on broadening the base—by strengthening tax administration and phasing out exemptions—and improving compliance.
There is also a need to make better use of existing resources.
To begin with, Mali has a large energy subsidy bill—amounting to about 100 billion CFAF. This is more than the budget of the ministry of health. Gradually removing these subsidies would free up budgetary resources that could be directed instead to priority investments for the development of Mali.
At the same time, it is crucial to embark on reforms to improve governance and public financial management.
Allow me to be frank: improving governance means addressing corruption. Malians themselves know best that corruption poses a threat to democracy, and undermines the rule of law. It discourages investment by hindering the development of fair market structures, and by distorting competition. And it frays the social fabric and undermines trust in the political system and government institutions.
That is why President Keita's call to make the fight against corruption a priority has received widespread popular support. Stronger institutions and improved governance will contribute to an environment where everyone can benefit.
In this context, persevering with reforms of public financial management is key. These reforms should help to tighten expenditure control; and reassure international donors about Mali's capacity to manage aid inflows, without jeopardizing hard-won gains in debt sustainability.
Mali has also benefited from debt relief granted under initiatives supported by the international community. Continuing to rely primarily on grants and concessional financing to support development projects will be crucial in preserving the fiscal space that has been created.
3.2 Unlocking Mali's Economic Potential—Private Sector Investment
So these are some priority issues for the public sector. What about the second "P"—the private sector? It also has a key role to play in unleashing Mali's potential.
But the right conditions need to be in place for the private sector to assume the role of the engine of growth. This will require an improvement in the business environment.
In the IMF's experience, financial sector development and increased access to financial services can be a critical factor in promoting private sector expansion and the economy's progress. By providing a larger pool of funding and more diverse products, financial development fosters private sector growth and can help meet infrastructure needs.
Let me give you one example that struck me. In Mali, only about 10 percent of the population has a bank account. If banks collected more deposits, they would have more stable resources to provide credit to the economy.
And if contract enforcement were stronger, banks would be more willing to provide credit. A more developed land titling system could also offer greater opportunity to use land as collateral for financing the development of agriculture.
These and other steps toward financial inclusion will not only improve the business environment but also the overall economic environment from which everyone will benefit.
3.3 Unlocking Mali's Economic Potential—Participation of All
This brings me to my last "P"—participation of all.
I am reminded here of a saying by Albert Einstein: "All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual."
We need to ensure that overall growth is more equitable and inclusive; that everyone gets to participate in the benefits of growth.
The IMF's global experience indicates that a more balanced distribution of income generates more sustained growth and greater economic stability. So while Mali's agricultural expansion over the past few years has helped lift the incomes of many rural households, urban incomes seem to have lagged. Going forward, the benefits of economic growth need to be more broadly shared.
This is also true in terms of gender. According to a recent IMF study, countries where women are held back by outdated obstacles and attitudes tend to have lower per capita income—by as much as 27 percent. This is not good for women, or for men, or for Mali.
Removing obstacles to female participation in economic activity must rank high on the policy agenda. Again, let me frank:women are key to unlocking Mali's potential.
This all adds up to an ambitious agenda of reforms. Malian wisdom says that "You cannot pick up a pebble with one finger." [Bolokoni kélé tè bèlè ta : on ne peut pas prendre un caillou avec un seul doigt de la main.]
The stakeholders in Mali's development are diverse, as is the composition of your Council, with representatives from all walks of life. Yet, like the fingers of one hand, they are all working together toward a common goal—that of unleashing Mali's potential.
Your development partners, including the IMF, stand ready to help Mali unlock its growth potential.
Together, let us pick up all the pebbles on the way that will lead to a better life for all in Mali.
Thank you.

subset: commoncrawl


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ave you ever bought your milk while inside a milk bottle? Paid for your gas inside a teapot or a sea shell? Slept in a wigwam? Climbed on a dinosaur? Have you compared your foot size with that of Paul Bunyan? These and many more such activities attracted hometowners and tourists alike as millions of Americans took to the road when the automobile revolutionized American life. Some set off on ambitious cross-country trips; others on jaunts to neighboring states to visit newly opened national parks; and some simply crossed town for Sunday dinner or to pick up milk from the store.
In this lesson, students will examine five examples of roadside architecture built in the 1920s and 1930s and designed to catch the eye of passing motoriststhree represented literalism in advertising, one was intended as a political joke, and one was designed to lure the traveler into spending the night in an "exotic" setting. The students also will examine two examples of colossal roadside sculptures that exemplify the concept of boosterism.
About This Lesson
Getting Started: Inquiry Question
Setting the Stage: Historical Context
Locating the Site: Maps
Determining the Facts: Readings
Visual Evidence: Images
Putting It All Together: Activities
How the National Register
This lesson is based on the Benewah Milk Bottle, Big Duck, Dinosaur Park, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, Teapot Dome Service Station, Shell Service Station, and Wigwam Village No. 2, seven of the thousands of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.


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I love to write an MOA on this, and how and why I did it:
I love to write an MOA on this, and how and why I did it:
I will love to reading it when you write it.
Go soothingly through the grease mud, as there lurks the skid demon.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________
'67 Trail 90 || '86 R80 G/SPD+ || '97 F650ST || '00 1150 GS || '07 Xchallenge || '13 CB500X || '14 Grom
Mika, I hope tyou have not tired of keeping this thread going.
Kevin Huddy
The Outpost, Silver City, Montana
Saturday, 4 October
The MotherShip PressClub
The MotherShip announced a new parts site for owner use. It will look very familiar to those who have searched online dealer fiche. A drill down process is used to identify year, type, and model.
There are two drill down menu routes you may take. Like roads, eventually they both lead to the same place. Where you start is up to you. Either route takes you through selecting year, model, driveline and trim level to identify the your bike. The final selection narrows your search down to the parts category you are looking for.
BMW Motorrad USA Launches National Parts and Accessories Website
Woodcliff Lake, NJ ? October 3, 2014. . .BMW Motorrad USA has launched a National Parts website to help BMW riders shop online to find original BMW Motorcycle repair and maintenance parts. The website presents the complete catalog of original BMW parts and acts as a hub to direct riders to their closest on-line retailers to seamlessly complete their order.
?The National Parts and Accessories website, with its 24/7 online access, is one of the many ways BMW Motorrad USA supports our rider family with tools that make it easy to keep their bikes authentic with original BMW parts,? comments Michael Hernandez, Manager, Parts and Accessories, BMW Motorrad USA. ?It also reinforces our commitment to our dealer network by helping them connect with the growing number of riders shopping online.?
The BMW Motorrad USA National Parts and Accessories website raises online exposure for original BMW parts, accessories and riders? equipment, making it easy for riders to find and buy. Dealers can directly benefit from BMW Motorrad USA marketing support by utilizing the site to meet owners online and enhance parts and equipment sales.
To learn more or shop the complete line of BMW Motorrad parts, accessories and rider?s equipment visit parts.bmwmotorcycles.com.
A simple, if somewhat tedious, process that anyone who has surfed any of a number of dealer parts fiche will be familiar with. So what is new and what is missing?
The site is new. That bit is obvious but its potential importance should not be lost on the DYI rider.
At first blush the site seems to be just another way for BMW to push OEM parts. The importance for the DYI rider over the long run will come, if at all, in the SELECT YOUR DEALER button on the site. Pressing the button takes you to a ?participating dealer? list. In theory once you make this selection you will be able to complete your parts selection and purchase with ?your local participating dealer?. In the long run this may level the online playing field for your local dealer with the shops with big online presence such as MAX BMW. In the long run. In the long run keeping local dealer parts departments healthy and profitable will benefit BMW, the dealers and riders (if maybe hurting their wallets a bit). In the long run a win ? win ? win. In the short run it does not deliver. Participating Dealers is the hitch as this service starts up.
I live in a BMW parts Nirvana. I have three BMW dealers within forty miles of my home. My contract job for this summer based me within walking distance of my primary dealer choice. Combine this with a shipping hub that sometimes turns overnight delivery into same day if I get the timing right and your in DYI parts heaven. The new site pro ports to allow me to search, select, pay and go pick up my parts (if in stock). This is where the Participating Dealer caveat comes into play.
When click the Select A Dealer button and enter my zip code I am given six options. They include all the necessary information for each such as contact information, a map link to help me find the dealer and more. The options come ordered in distance from nearest to farthest away from the center point of my zip code. An now the rub. This summer I could walk to my local dealer to pick up parts or lust over bikes on the showroom floor. BMW's service tells me my nearest ?local? dealer is 343.3 miles and two states away. The farthest is 853.4 and six states away.
As you search the site as is keep in mind this is a new service. I am making the local dealer option comments as I play with the site the day after it was announced by BMW. Hopefully dealers will see the value of the cost to them in participating and sign up. As they do the value to all users should increase.
Until that time it remains a good place to search for parts, diagrams and pricing for your DYI needs. A good place but not yet a great place. Increasing the number of participating dealers will go a long way to do that.
For me there is one personal niggle I have with the site search ? the drill down process. Often I am interested in parts interchangeability from one model to another. This may be a straight bolt on of a GS part to my Roadster, or may involve a few intermediate adaptations. I am familiar with the BMW parts fiche. I have owned a couple versions and use the big boys online fiche often. Familiarity may breed contempt or results but it does either with the ease gained with use. Right now the new BMW site seems overly clumsy for such purposes. This, like the Participating Dealer caveat my change, or gain the ease of familiarity, with time.
Improvements will only come as we use it. The assumes BMW will be monitoring the site for activity and gleaning information in the process. If we search, how we search, and in the end purchase may determine how much effort is put into maintenance and further development of this site. Let the searching begin.
I have been thinking about how and if I will fire this thread (or a new one up) once again. I am still working on that. This is all for today.
This is similar to my experience where none of the local BMW dealers appeared in my searches. I am putting together some follow up questions for the contact person in the press release about this and some other comments in Paul's thread on this topic.
BMW may be experiencing problems with dealer participation as they fire this program up. I have an acquaintance that worked on a program for online parts and bike inventory for sale new/used for H-D. This was a few years back. What was offered appeared pretty slick but dealers did not bite for one reason or another. That program was shelved before it launched. I have not checked to see what they offer.
I hope it works. It would have been a great thing for me before I moved to St. Paul. A trip to the nearest dealer was a 160 mile round trip. Riding or driving it would have been nice to know the parts were there, paid for and waiting. Time will tell.
The continental European motorcycle show season kicked of the first week of October with INTERMOT 2014. INTERMOT originated in Munich and for some time alternated between there and its current permanent home in Cologne. The biennial event is sponsored by the German Motorcycle Industry Association. The events website bills the show as the world leading show for motorised two-wheelers. It?s a trend show for electric mobility. A broad range of parts, accessories and clothing for motorised two-wheelers is presented as well. The folks at the EIMCA in Milan may dispute this a bit. This years 100th Anniversary EIMCA claims to be the biggest event in the world dedicated to two wheels.
Both shows have seen manufacturers debut spectacular concept and limited edition motorcycles. Either can be the place to unveil new production models or production lineups. Biennial years like this become strategic nightmares for marketing managers trying to maximize their marque exposure.
Let the promoters debate which is the biggest and greatest all they want. Tell the pharmacist to stock up on aspirin and Prozac for the marketing managers. Many manufacturers will split their bill with a one two punch combination delivered with the two shows. Biennial years like this are a motorcycle voyeurs dream. 2014 is shaping up to be one heck of a dream.
Kawasaki snagged headlines with its 988cc four cylinder Ninja H2R. Force fed by a supercharger the engine is claimed to be able to produce a maximum of 300hp. The engine and trellis tubular steel rolling chassis are wrapped in carbon-fiber body work complete with special winglets integrated into its design; intended to keep the mirror finished black and green monster stable at speeds over 200mph. Coming in limited quantities to a dealer someplace on earth the H2R has a price tag in the $80,000+ range. Kawasaki held back its new, non-supercharged 200hp street going H2 for Milan.
Yamaha up the wheel anti with ists 01Gen Trike This shares its chassis design with the recently released Tricity 125 scooter, and has an engine derived from the T-Max maxi-scooter?s 530cc, twin-cylinder unit. Whether it will follow the Tricity by reaching production within a year of being unveiled in prototype form will depend on public response and, possibly, on Yamaha's nerves. No hints on what may be in store for Milan but look for Superbikes to reign in Milan. Yamaha?s new generation YZF-R1, also expected to produce 200bhp.
Suzuki will grab all the headlines it wants in 2015 with its return to MotoGP. At Cologne they choose to go low key and feature their updated GSX1000 lineup.
Ducati went retro and caught the eye of this and other motorcycle forums with its Scrambler. Don't think GS competitor. Rather think of it as a cross between a street tracker with 60's scrambler flair aimed at the urban rider who may only see dirt when passing flower pots. Milan is home court for Ducati. Is there more in store for the 100th Anniversary?
If Suzuki was low key, marques like KTM, Triumph and Honda were in something of a holding pattern.
KTM unveiled a 1290 Super Adventure and a supermoto styled 22hp electric Freeride E.
Triumph *displayed a trio of special edition Bonnevilles, plus the Street Triple RX, essentially the Street Triple R with a sportier seat from the Daytona 675.
If these two were low key the press cast Honda as verging on mute. The feature bike discussed in the press is a revampled VFR800X Crossrunner. Where was the much rumored and anticipated 1000cc Super Tans Alp (or what ever it may be called in the end)? Will it be unloaded from the plane in Milan? Certainly they won't wait until the Tokyo Motorcycle Show
BMW MOTORRAD at INTERMOT 2014
Tuesday, 30 September was press day at INTERMOT 2014. Credentialed journalists would spend the day moving around the venue to take in as many scheduled press conferences their editors assigned them or independents felt their audiences would be interested in. The 9a.m. opening press conference, an hour long introductory event, was hosted by the event promoter IVM/Koelnmesse GmbH, with Gerald B?se, President and Chief Executive Officer, Koelnmesse GmbH, Heiner Faust, IVM-President and Reiner Brendicke, IVM-General Executive Manager as presenters. The organizational event gives background to help journalists report on the event itself, and in practical terms navigating the days process. With their umlaut and note taking skills warmed up; the gathered horde took off for a day of motorcycle schmoozing with company officials pitching their model lineups before the execs would fade into the background Tuesday and the unwashed masses would hopefully inundate their stands. First up for a schedule bound journalist was BMW-Motorrad 10:00 ? 10:30 a.m.
President of BMW Motorrad, Stephan Schaller opened the 10 a.m slot. For those keeping show lap charts this was the INTERMOT event and Novembers EIMCA will be the third during Schaller's tenure. If you are familiar with WorldSBK lap charts you will know the opening lap chart does not reveal all about practicing and qualifying to prepare you for Sunday racing. This holds true for motorcycle show presenter lap charts too. Let's dig a bit deeper into the lap chart to better understand the 2014 press day conference.
INTERMOT 2012 was technically Stephan Schaller's first as president of BMW Motorrad. When the show began he was entering his fifth month as president after taking that roll over from Hendrik von Kuenheim on June 1. Just prior to that Heiner Faust had taken over from Hans Blesse as head of Sales and Marketing. One month after Shaller's arrival Edgar Heinrich took over the reigns from David Robb. Clearly the new kids in the paddock were presenting others work and BMW-Motorrad's commitment to continuity. The pre-event press release[/url] touted the premiere ...the new BMW F 700 GS and the new BMW HP4...and...the successor model to the BMW R 1200 GS
If INTERMONT 2012 was a presentation of predecessor's effort EIMCA 2013 should be seen as a transition show; part work started in the past, part work portending the future. The presentation of the new boxer GS/RT lineup established a combined sense of continuity with the product lines of the past and commitment to move them into the future. The RnineT premiered as the production model of previous show concept and a portent of where things might head in the future. This on top of the presentation earlier of the serial production versions of the C class scooters.
BMW Motorrad 'MAKES LIFE A RIDE' at the Intermot 2014
If previous shows for Schaller and his group were about setting a sort of X,Y axis set to define the continuity with the past INTERMOT 2014 was an opening glimpse into how they see the future for BMW Motorrad. The thirty minute presentation was a combination introduction of brand strategy and models for the marque.
Schaller opened the press conference by introducing BMW Motorrad's new brand strategy - MAKE LIFE A RIDE.
The related press releases say it...
...focuses on the people who ride the motorcycles, their emotions, their strong attitudes to life and their stories that help create the worldwide community of BMW riders.
And it's this ever-growing community that is helping keep the brand right on track to achieve yet another record-breaking year. In the first nine months of the year, a growth rate of seven per cent means that more than 100,000 motorcycles and scooters have been supplied - the highest figure ever recorded at this point of the season.
Being an operations manager by for many years, with titles ranging from GM to COO, initially my eyes glazed over as I read this on my feedlycom account. Bloody marketing people how is BMW going to bring this off the wordsmiths page and into real rider's world? I threw my hands up in the air (not a good thing to do with an iPad in one of them) and thought BMW is doing a H-D lifestyle thing auf Deutch.
Fortunately I was in my home office and my iPad landed on my bed. I picked it up and finished the press release. As I switched my iPad from the feedly.com news feed tracker to Calm Radio ? Classical Guitar feed, I fired up my laptop and looked out the window as it came to life. Looking out at a blue sky and trees just starting to show their fall colors I thought, at least they seem to be emphasizing sport with the new models and not German bandannas and pony tails...though I could use a bandanna to cover my head that couldn't grow a ponytail anymore even if I wanted one.
I started to search my feeds to understand what Schaller and the marketing department meant by 'MAKES LIFE A RIDE'. I clicked on a link that took me to the official English MAKES LIFE A RIDE watched the video, read the text and looked around. I poked around the BMW PressClub. There I found the BMW at the Mondial de l' Automobile Paris 2014. BMW board members gave talks at the show.
Peter Schwarzenbauer Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, MINI,
BMW Motorrad, Rolls-Royce, Aftersales BMW Group was charged the presentation for his area. The Paris show took place at the same time as INTERMOT. The same motorcycle line up was revealed but the C evolution was featured instead of the special edition models featured at INTERMOT.
Next on the reading list was a revisit to BMW Motorrad China Brand Night 2014. The event was held earlier in the year. In that setting BMW featured the C line of scooters, in particular the C evolution, and the GS model line. These are the featured bikes in this market because they are the models in demand in that market.
Clicking around various MotherShip sites I started to get my arms around this 'MAKES LIFE A RIDE' thing. I'm a bit slow at times to understand in grasping this brand-strategy-marketing stuff. Instead of some stereotype auf Deutch interpretation of biker life style, BMW Motorrad is continuing a 180 degree strategy from that and continuing to expand, in its slow and methodical Teutonic manner, its product line to more market segments.
I suspect Schaller's INTERMOT presentation took him less time to give in real life than you have spent reading to this point. I definitely took less time than I have spent to arrive at this point when I move on and tell you about his turning the press conference over Vice President BMW Motorrad Sales and Marketing, Heiner Faust, to introduce the five featured models.
The new S 1000 RR is a reinterpretation of our supersports bike, which is sure to thrill motorsports aficionados with even more performance, lower weight and new technical features.
Fans of our boxer-engine models will surely grow to love the new R 1200 RS and R 1200 R. I brought the RS along for you today. The R 1200 RS combines the qualities of a touring motorcycle with the dynamic performance of a sports bike, making it the perfect choice for sporty driving on country roads or for longer trips.
The combination of a pure BMW roadster with a boxer engine has captivated fans since the first BMW motorcycle was launched more than 90 years ago. The new R 1200 R continues in this tradition. It is a dynamic all-round motorcycle with definite touring characteristics.
Finally the highly responsive C 600 Sport special edition featuring special Racing blue metallic matt / Sapphire black metallic paintwork along with a sports seat and Akrapovic silencer and the C 650 GT special edition, finishe Ebony metallic / Monolith metallic matt. These two new maxi scooters replace the previous special-edition models and will be available from spring 2015.
Lets set the C class scooters aside for another post and look at the three motorcycles presented at INTERMOT 2014.
S 1000 RR .v3
I will have to be honest. I was not certain there would be a flagship superbike in the the BMW-Motorrad product line this year. If there was one (the most likely outcome), would it just be the same bike with a new coat of paint? Or, would it be a new model that would show the first signs of bloat that athletes often show as they age in their careers?
The RR's history gave my doom and gloom side plenty to feed on from fist announcement to this release. BMW-Motorrad's announcement it would enter the superbike market and go SBK racing,some seven years ago, was day one. On that day the superbike segment volume was estimated at 120,000 units world wide per year and growing. By the time the S 1000 RR turned a wheel at Kyalami in South Africa during winter testing for the 2009 season the superbike market was beginning to hurt. By the time the RR.v1 hit the showroom floors pundits were estimating the superbike market to be in the range of 60,000 units world wide. The story from there is chronicled in earlier post in this thread and previous SBK season threads.
At the company level the S 1000 RR has been something of a yin and yang bike. The arch of its racing history has never come close to achieving the success the bike has had in the showroom. During its strongest year Melandri and Haslam had BMW in the lead for the Manufacturer Championship ship as the closing fall segment the WSBK series began only to see it slip away. The following year the factory team would disappear leaving only the BMW Italia team to carry on the charge. They in turn devolved from competing with a full SBK (many would call it a prototype class) ride to the econ-o-box EVO class. One the street the motorcycle magazines gave the RR best in class and some bike of the year awards numerous times.
Prior to the INTERMOT show I scanned a teaser press release on an Australian site I follow. It was announcing the delivery dates and pricing for the new S 1000 RR would be out soon. I looked at the fall colors out my window and remembered spring was coming Down Under and the colors brightened up a bit. The following week the new S 1000 RR was unveiled and I began to feel better about that yin and yang history and what an EVO class bike for the masses might be.
EVO Class primmer:
The 2014 WorldSBK season saw the top class split in two with full factory teams and a second EVO class of bikes on the track. The FIM 2014 rules go into great detail about the difference between the tow classes. The WSBK site glossary describes the EVO class in simpler terms. EVO: New motorcycling class competing in the World Superbike series, with dedicated standings within the overall SBK rider points table. EVO machines feature SBK chassis and STK engine and are subject to other restrictions, such as in the electronics.
From Dorna's, the WSBK parent company, perspective the EVO class would help grid spots with privateer teams. Privateers could sell the sub-class championship hopes to potential sponsors thus saving money up front with the hope of back end sponsor dollars. Full factory teams could continue to develop their semi prototype models. Life would be good for all in the end.
In preseason the 2014 season was billed as a transition season that would yield a EVO only class in 2015. The trouble for all was the 2015 rules were yet to be drafted pending some real life on track 2014 experience and the culmination of back room manufacturer brawls at the FIM rule bargaining table.
Fans grumbled. That is what we do best. Factory teams and Privateers grumbled (Fans of one team call the grumbling of another team whining.) about potential dangers of two classes on the grid at the same time. This gave way to questions about the rules for next season. In 2014 would EVO take over as is, in some modified form, or would the class move back to its semi-prototype roots?
In June the FIM and Dorna answered the question by announcing its draft 2015 rules. Everyone now would be able to grumble/whine about the rules instead about what they wanted the rules to be. I will let you read through the rules yourself and drawn your own conclusions on what to grumble, whine, or smile about.
During all the grumbling and whining I wondered how the various racing took place I wondered what the impact on the superbikes mere mortals such as myself would see on the street in 2015 and beyond. After all the SBK class bike class in any form it has taken has been intended to be an interaction of track racing development of a street based motorcycle I could buy (or more likely borrow).
INTERMOT 2014 gave us the first glimpses of what that might be. EIMCA in Milan will complete the full view. Manufacturers participating in this racing class are showing motorcycles built to the new rules benchmark. How or if the new S 1000 RR will homologate and do in WorldSBK, the various national SBK series or the new AMA ProRoadRacing series is not known. At INTERMOT BMW was introducing a street going superbike class motorcycle.
EVO BIKE FOR THE MASSES ? BMW-Motorrad's R 1000 RR
I am not up to speed with the 2015 rules and their implications for the track or street. In time we will have Australian track results, magazine road test, member test rides and finally new owner comments. For now I have press releases and photos. Frankly at this point I find myself smiling. Let me explain.
Increased power output and torque: 146 kW (199 hp) at 13,500 rpm and 113 Nm (83 lb-ft) at 10,500 rpm.
Even better rideability thanks to increased torque from approx. 5,000 rpm upwards as well as a more linear curve. A broad plateau of peak torque available in the rev range from around 9,500 up to 12,000 rpm.
Re-engineered cylinder head with new duct geometry, new intake camshaft and even lighter intake valves.
New intake system with shorter intake lengths, larger airbox and full E -gas ride-by-wire.
New exhaust system weighing around 3 kilograms lighter without a front silencer.
Lurking underneath the bodywork is the new engine
The output numbers for a full race kitted 2015 racer depend on the the thickness of the owners wallet for parts budget, the team mechanics and staff, and the race day tech steward's interpretation of the rules. The numbers of the street bike have everything to do with the manufacturer's marketing department, motorcycles submitted for importation approval by various government authorities, and insurance underwriters. The racing former varies from race to race; so your guess is as good as mine. The street latter has been, like it or not, has been set by the insurance underwriters at a maximum of 200 hp. Thus everyone in this class will be claiming something less than or equal to 199 hp. Your mechanical skills and wallet will determine what the garage hp rating is.
Don't like the torque/hp curve the factory-fitted RR delivers? Cam changes are free (unregulated) in the racing rules. The aftermarket parts manufacturers will have a host of cams allowing you to reshape those curves to your hearts desire and wallets limit.
Plan on a engine management chip along with that cam purchase. They should be available because the rules require the ECU to be race approved while allowing three upgrades during the season. The street bound rider should be able to find the right chip manage the perfect cam and rest of the engine bits.
While head porting is allowed welding, to modify the head design, is not for the racer. This is where Re-engineered cylinder head... come into play. BMW engine development for all racing classes was moved back to the MotherShip. Initially that was motorcycle racing HQ in Stephanskircke and finally the former F1 facility in Munich. For the street rider that would seem to be enough, at least for me, to tell me to leave the head alone and focus my efforts and wallet in other areas.
Exhaust is one last area that might be considered. Racers have an FIM decibel rating to comply with and manufacturer have government regulations. The street pilot has? You decide; however, keep in mind the cam and ECU choice when you make any changes here. They need to work together.
Racers are limited to one set of gear ratios for the season. Tracks range from high speed launch pads to tight twisty technical tracks. You may have to rebuild the box but with the same set of ratios. For the street rider I have trouble imagining finding value in messing with the gearbox. Play all you want with the tooth ratio for the gears that move the chain drive but leave the gearbox alone.
Changing gears, as in shifting, is another thing. Here is where the rules result in an overlap of street and track giving you: HP Gear Shift Assist Pro for fast clutchless upshifting and downshifting as an ex-works option. My guess it is an option because racers want it and the homologation production numbers required to comply are small enough that marketing held the base MSRP by optioning some items like this.
This category lumps a host of components ranging from cast and forged parts to the bits and bites world of electronics. The racing rules set some restrictions but see this as an area manufacturers have interests in developing. The race will have to plumb the rules to find what options they can explore. The street rider has no such limits and should be able to find a host of hard and electronic parts to choose from. In the dealership the buyer will want to spend some time deciding which component package provides the base point you want to start your ownership with. I'm sort of a Ron Popiel kind of guy when it comes to suspensions. I set it at one that I like, forget it and focus on developing my skills to take advantage of as much of that setting as I am capable. Here is the press kit summary.
Riding modes ?Rain?, ?Sport? and ?Race? as standard plus the option of the Pro riding mode with two additional modes, ?Slick? and ?User? (configurable), for optimum adaptation to riding conditions.
Launch Control for flawless starts as part of the optional Pro riding mode feature.
Pit-lane speed limiter for maintaining an exact speed in the pit lane as part of the optional Pro riding mode feature.
New, lighter frame structure with an optimised blend of rigidity and flexibility for more traction, greater precision and clear feedback.
Refined chassis geometry for even better handling, increased traction and unequivocal feedback at the limits of performance.
Fully adjustable spring elements with optimised negative spring travel for more banking clearance and greater agility.
Further improved version of electronic Dynamic Damping Control (DDC), familiar from the HP4, as an ex-works option.
Race ABS with optimised set-up.
DTC traction control with precision calibration in 7 +/- steps.
One chassis item that caught my eye is:
Reduction in weight of 4 kilograms to 204kg with a full tank of fuel (making allowances for equipment).
Several things went into this but the revised beam for the chassis is part of it. This and the rest of the rolling chassis development was done at the BMW Italia WSBK/ French Endurance Racing and other BMW racing team levels. They take the Munich supplied engine and transmission and make the chassis work for their racing needs. Those in turn showed up as the benchmark baselines we see in the 2015 RR. I was pleased to see they kept the motorcycle on a diet.
New electrical system with a more powerful sensor box and lighter battery.
Electronic speed control as an ex-works option.
More sophisticated instrument cluster with extended array of functions and wide variety of information.
Completely restyled bodywork for an even more dynamic design language.
Innovative colour schemes with three individual characters:
Racing Red / Light White, Black Storm metallic and BMW Motorsport.
Extended range of optional extras and special accessories available ex-works.
R 1200 R and R 1200 RS
The appearance of the new R 1200 R presented none of the apprehension that may have accompanied the S 1000 RR. Some years ago, when development rumors of a water cooled boxer to meet the increasingly strict EU emission demands, I knew that if and when the water cooled engine went into production the Roadster would have one. The only question was when.
To my mind the Roadster has the clearest boxer model roots that trace back to the original BMW R 32. It is the naked standard of the class. It may be the oldest model in the R class but it is also, in BMW's twist on sibling hand-me-downs, always the last to get the new engine. The wethead engine made its debut with the 2012 GS[/url], thus setting the pecking order. In 2013 the RT line adopted the new engine. 2014 would be the year it would finally arrive in a Roadster. The only remaining question is what styling ques would it take from its siblings. Or, might it carry forward some of the ques given in the form of the well received R nineT? All very interesting speculation for a Roadster lover but nothing to worry about. It was time to hide the wallet and sit back and wait.
There was nothing to worry about; however, the wonder factor increased in the past year. As 2014 progressed and sales figures and other issues built up; the INTERMOT rumor mill woke up. In the speculative silly season, questions and predictions began to surface around what manufacturers would be presenting at INTERMOT and the 100th edition of EIMCA. I was busy with other things that keep me away from this thread and following the rumor mill closely, if at all. However, one thing caught my eye. No, actually it grabbed me by the neck and got my full attention. It became increasingly clear BMW would be have a RS variant in the R lineup released at INTEMOT. I began to wonder what RS would look like and mean in a 2015 model. One thing I knew for certain, it was time to remember where I hid the wallet, go to the bank and rent a safety deposit box to put it in then walk over to the Ford Parkway Bridge and throw the key into the Mississippi.
BMW's introduction of these fraternal twin R models, in the first press conference of INTERMOT 2014 press day, may not have had the WOW factor Kawasaki would generate later with their Ninja H2R HyperBike. Yet I suspect, when reporters reviewed their notes from the day and reflected on what they had seen, their reaction was I like them. In the spirit of full disclosure I should tell you I REALLY LIKE EM. I am also pleased that I had my eyes closed when I threw the safety deposit box key off the bridge and have no idea where to begin a search; assuming I could scrape enough sofa change together for scuba gear rental. I digress.
The fraternal twin R models share DNA with all of their earlier mentioned siblings. Let's look at two of those shared things before looking at the new models and how they take them in their own, slightly different direction.
The wethead finally is found in the entire boxer lineup. The new R models share the same engine and drive train with their GS and RT siblings. It is not a kitted-up engine. Rather it shows up with their 92 kW (125 hp) at 7,750 rpm and 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. At this point BMW leaves it to owners and aftermarket to breathing fire into these two in a quest to meet the sporting or hooligan proclivities they will bring out.
In front of the wethead engine and paralever drive train you will find forks similar to those found on the R nineT. The press kit describes them as Classic wheel suspension concept using upside-down telescopic fork.. Around here people may think airhead when they read Classic in this turn of phrase. The INTERMOT presenters probably want you to think in a more sporting past that links the twins to their S cousin and 30's GP racers. When BMW first used them in 1935 it was preceded by Scott in 1908 and Nimbus to use telescopic forks on a serial production motorcycle. BMW's success racing in the 30's with fork shod motorcycles is often credited with their becoming the dominate suspension in racing and then the street.
The important thing for BMW may be the overwhelming silence the adoption of telescopic forks for the twin R models. Much of what has been said focuses on the sporting nature of the bike and look rather than anything else. They are no smiling. I know I am and I like the Telelever suspension on my oilhead Roadster.
If we can see sibling DNA in the drive train and front suspension, the style is another thing. There is a clear family resemblance. You need only to the last Roadster Dark White model and see that resemblance. Still there is something different. Focus on the new Roadster first. While it shares much with the R nineT it is sleeker yet not rounded as the Roland Sands Concept Nine. Sleek yes but without being as edgy and brutal as the Roadster Revolution Concept shown at Concors d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in May this year.
Just when think you might be zeroing in on the Roadster styling you notice the RS. Clearly this is a Roadster fraternal twin. It is pure Roadster underneath the fairing. Like its direct sibling its links to the past are there yet confusing. It clearly is not nouveau R 100 RS or R 1100 RS. Those motorcycles came to the sport touring mindset from touring motorcycle roots. This R 1200 RS comes to the sport touring field from the sport side of the equation. Its shares its genesis, how ever you see it and define that, with its R 1200 R twin.
There is one nit I have to pick with both models. It is one I have for the S 1000 RR and virtually every other sport/SuperBike out there: the seat. In a perfect world I would have an Acerbis type mono saddle and a 70's adjustable bump pad (Remember the ones that pushed back allowed a pillion rider, pushed forward became a bump pad to keep the sporting rider in the cockpit defined by where the pilot placed it. In either location the bump pad could do double duty as a tie down luggage rack.). I have been my current height since sixth grade, so all my ridding career. This has always been a problem for me, thus is not the whining of a grumpy old man. I live in hope that some designer will figure out what and how to deliver the perfect SPORT touring saddle for people like me. Until that day I could learn to live with either of the new BMW fraternal twins.
I don't know where you place these new models on the Motorcyclist - Hipster continuum. I will leave that up to you as you look over the following pictures. I have tried to include as many as possible to help you in your decision process. The fraternal twins share many of the accessories so they are featured in the Roadster grouping. While you do that I am going to try and figure out how to sneak a drill into my banks vault and not being arrested in the process. Or, heaven forbid, what work I will need to do to replace what I threw into the Mississippi.
Last edited by mika; 10-19-2014 at 08:36 PM.
Highlights of the new BMW R 1200R:
Dynamic-looking, compelling roadster design.
Torsionally rigid tubular steel bridge frame with engine as self-supporting element.
Classic wheel suspension concept using upside-down telescopic fork at the front and EVO Paralever at the rear.
New intake air duct and central radiator for ultra-compact front silhouette.
Upright seating position with front bias for a dynamic riding sensation combined with excellent seating comfort for longer tours.
Restyled exhaust system in pentagonal design.
Sophisticated instrument cluster offering a wide array of functions and wealth of information.
Automatic Stability Control (ASC).
?Rain? and ?Road? riding modes.
*Riding mode Pro offering two additional riding modes, ?Dynamic? and ?User?, for optimum adaptation to prevailing riding conditions as an ex-works option.
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as part of the Riding mode Pro option.
Latest-generation Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as an option for optimum riding dynamics in any situation.
Powerful braking system with radial four-piston callipers and ABS.
Lightweight 10-spoke cast wheels.
Gear Shift Assistant Pro for fast, clutchless shifting as an ex-works option.
Keyless Ride for supreme ease of use as an ex-works option.
Innovative colour scheme with three individual characters: Basic colour, ?Style*1? and ?Style*2?.
Extensive range of optional extras and special accessories available ex-works.


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Jun 7
PRESENTED BY: Big Boss Cement
The perfect long distance race to start your season.
OpenRegister ▻
This June 2020, we are proud to invite you all to become an IRONMAN on Philippine soil once again. Are you ready to be part of Philippine Sport history once more?
"I love the journey of training and I love the journey of the competition itself. Challenge yourself to become a better person."
The Founder of Sunrise Events and IRONMAN Ambassador, Fred Uytengsu shares his IRONMAN journey.
For more IRONMAN Class of Videos - Click here
The inaugural Ironman Philippines is the hardest long course triathlon race in Asia for 2018. The finish times back it up. Winner Nick Baldwin of Seychelles won in 8:50:13, a good 40-50 minutes slower compared to a finish time in a relatively fast Ironman course. Translate that to the average age grouper, and the course difficulty will result in 2-3 hours slower times.
What made this race the hardest in the long course category is the estimated 2000m of total climb in the 2-lap bike leg. Leading to the the SCTEX portion of the course, riders will have to share the road with vehicles inside SBMA and TIPO highway. The first test is the long climb in TIPO highway before approaching the freeway. Once in freeway, riders will enjoy a closed 2 lane course, no technical turns and mostly straight roads. The difficult part is the heat, wind and the long climbs.
The run course is a simple 2 loop out and back course, with only the climb at airport road providing the hardest part. What will test the mettle of the athlete is just the searing heat, around 40 degrees, and the humidity brought about by rain beforehand (heat rising from ground). The organizer did a great job in placing the hydration and comfort station at 1-1.5km apart. Those "Buhos" or dipper showers provided in every stations are a major relief.
While the full Ironman category is not listed on the website, you can still experience the exact same course with Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay.
Source: www.asiatri.com
Miss the 1-Hour special? Watch the Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines Highlights show here!
Tag your #IRONMANph friends and relive the historical first full distance race in the Philippines!
Expect a sizzling hot race on Sunday! We made sure you're properly hydrated with the hydration stations and pit stops out on the race course! Here's Sunrise Events' Founder Fred Uytengsu along with Kuya Kim Atienza letting you know what to expect during the race.
Keep cool and enjoy the race. We'll see you at the finish line!
We know that you have to be ready for every single thing come race day. So, here's all that you need to know for the Philippines' biggest race to date- the Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines on June 3.
From Swim zones, bike check-in, transition tours to cut-off times, the Athlete Information Guide has you covered. Please make sure you go through it to have penalty-free race!
"Just as the hardest metals are forged with the hottest fires, same goes with the Ironmen who are forged and strengthened by their own struggles and triumphs."
We are brimming with pride and excitement to show you all what awaits participants at the finish line- Alab ng Puso. A medal that would represent the heart of a true IRONMAN.
Watch the story and the inspiration behind the medal from its designer Daniel Dela Cruz- one of the Philippines' greatest artists.
Three Stars. Three Sports
One Sun. One Nation.
One Race
One Finish Line.
Bounded on three sides by a mountain range, and endowed with a deep natural harbor, Subic Bay was once the home base of the U.S. naval forces in the Pacific. It was America's largest naval installation outside the United States, until it was turned over to the Philippine government in 1992.
All that sand and sea have not gone to waste, as Subic Bay is now a premier holiday destination for visitors from all over the world. They come for its pristine beaches, first-rate amenities and friendly services. In fact the waters and beaches of Subic Bay feature attractions for all types of folks: miles of fine sand and calm waters for beach lovers and picnickers, spectacular corals and underwater fauna for divers and snorkelers, mysterious sunken wrecks for history aficionados, and even choice spots for a relaxing afternoon of fly fishing.
But there's more to Subic Bay than sun-drenched shores. Its blessed location at the foothills of the Zambales mountain range has given it lush tracts of preserved tropical forest, which have become favorite venues for eco-tourism activities and sports events. U.S. Marines used to hone their jungle-survival skills in these mountains, trained by local indigenous people called the Aetas who have learned to live in harmony with their natural environment.
Subic Bay is one of the best places to train and tri in the Philippines.
The inaugural Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines will aim to build upon the successes of the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay and provide athletes with a challenging, yet beautiful course to tackle. Athletes will begin their IRONMAN journey with a two loop, 1.9km ocean swim in the calm, pristine waters of Triboa Bay, starting and finishing at ACEA Resort which will also play host to the first of the split transition areas. Once onto their bikes, athletes will head out of Subic Bay and onto the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) for a fast and flat two-loop, 180km ride which will bring riders back into the T2 at Remy Field in downtown Subic Bay. The 42.2km, two-loop marathon run will take in some of the best coastal views that the area has to offer and will be a buzz of energy with local supporters lining the streets to cheer the athletes home.
IRONMAN World Championship Qualifying Race
There are 40 standard qualifying slots for the IRONMAN World Championship.
Athlete safety is our utmost priority at Sunrise Events. We want to ensure everyone who participates in IRONMAN Philippines next year is fully prepared to undertake the challenge of an IRONMAN Triathlon event. As such, and in order to participate, you will have to complete or have completed an IRONMAN 70.3 or IRONMAN event within the time period of January 2018 to March 20220.


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Starring Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper and Rufus Sewell
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov
Written by Seth Grahame-Smith
20th Century Fox
Much like the founding father himself, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is as honest a title as any movie has ever had. Indeed, if you give yourself up to its sheer ridiculousness then you'll have a great time in the theatre. If you are especially fond of the laws of physics or decide to tsk-tsk the assorted clunkers that litter Seth Grahame-Smith's script – which he adapted from his own book – then you'll likely shake your head in disbelief and wonder how many Duplass Brothers films the budget could have covered. To you I say fuck off.


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Country circles have debated it for decades: Is crossing over to the pop mainstream good or bad for country music, a genre so steeped in tradition?
Jimi Westbrook, one of the four singers in the Alabama group Little Big Town — which performs at Saturday's InfieldFEST — stands firmly on the positive side.
"It's always happened, but as time passes, people forget that," Westbrook said. "It doesn't bother me at all. It makes it better."
With collaborations between artists in different genres occurring more frequently (Preakness infield main-stagers Maroon 5 and Wiz Khalifa offer a recent example with their hit "Payphone"), Westbrook argues, why shouldn't country join the fun?
"We need to be on the world landscape," Westbrook said. "The whole music community is a global community now, and we should be in the mix."
For more than a year, Little Big Town has uploaded live covers — ranging from Bruno Mars to Jessie J — to YouTube in its "Scattered, Smothered and Covered" series. One rendition became so popular that it had to be added to group's regular set list.
"The song fans freaked out over the most was 'Born This Way,' the [Lady] Gaga song," Westbrook said. "You say you're going to do Gaga, and [the fans] look at you like, 'What?' and then the banjo cranks up and everyone goes, 'Oh, I get it.'"
The covers — along with "Pontoon," a new single that was added to local country music radio station WPOC's playlist this week — will have to hold fans over until Little Big Town releases its (currently untitled) fifth album. The "more in-your-face" record is finished, Westbrook says, and the band (which includes Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman and Philip Sweet) hopes it will hit stories in mid-September.
For the new album, the band changed its routine, working much faster than it usually does. ("We had the bulk of the record done in seven days," Westbrook said.) They also swapped out longtime producer Wayne Kirkpatrick for Jay Joyce (Eric Church's "Chief") in an effort to capture the "raw energy" of Little Big Town's live show.
"This whole process was about fresh inspiration and new perspective," Westbrook said. "We've been a band for a decade now, and you have to shake things up every now and then."
One aspect that hasn't changed is the group's tight-knit relationship. Little Big Town is the increasingly rare act that has maintained the same lineup of members since it began, which Westbrook attributes to everyone working "for the greater good of the band."
"We check our egos at the door," he said. "We each get a moment to shine, and we create other moments for each other to shine. That whole spirit makes it so much easier."
They plan to display those moments at the Jagermeister stage Saturday (scheduled to go on at 12:05 p.m.). It's the band's first time at Pimlico, and Westbrook says he and the others plan to stick around and watch the other acts.
It seems natural to ask any Preakness first-timer if he's heard of the infield's rowdy reputation. After hearing it can get "pretty wild," Westbrook responded with a laugh.
"That's fine with me," he said. "That makes a fun concert."


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Today I'm excited to announce a new series that will give us the chance to interact with some interesting people. Each Thursday, I'll introduce you to a guest—a Catholic, an atheist, an Orthodox Jew, a Mormon, a missionary, an artist, an activist….you get the idea. Then you can use the comment section to ask him or her questions. We'll pick our top five or six questions, and the guest will respond to them in an additional post the following Tuesday.
Our guest today is an atheist…and a very friendly one! Hemant Mehta graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with degrees in Mathematics and Biology. While there, he also helped establish their first secular student group, Students WithOut Religious Dogma (SWORD). He earned his Masters in Math Education at DePaul University and currently teaches high school math in the suburbs of Chicago.
He has worked with the Center for Inquiry and the Secular Coalition for America, received scholarships from American Atheists and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and now serves on the board of directors forFoundation Beyond Belief (a charity organization targeting non-theistic donors) and is the former chair of the board of the Secular Student Alliance (which creates and supports college atheist groups nationwide).
Hemant has appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and his book I Sold My Soul on eBay(WaterBrook Press) was released in 2007. His blog, the winner of the 2011 Bloggie award for Best Weblog About Religion, can be read at FriendlyAtheist.com.
I really enjoy Hemant's blog, and he and I have corresponded a bit over the past few months, so I know that he will respond to your questions with graciousness and honesty.
....So ask away!
[A note about questions: Obviously the point is not to proselytize or challenge, but to ask the sort of questions that will help us understand one another better. Please take advantage of the "like" feature so that we can get a sense of what questions are of most interest to readers. To see what Hemant has been writing about lately, check out his blog.]
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Relay TeamsYou have come to the right place to find out all there is to know about racing at IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong in a Relay Team.
Please explore the below anchors to easily navigate between what it is you wish to learn more about. It is recommended that first timer's read the FAQ's.
- Team Relay FAQ'S
- Benefits of a Relay Team
- Registration details and how to Register
- Team Matching
- Team Changes
- Team Information Guide
- Team Bib List
- Race day information
Team Relay FAQ's
Click here to view the Relay Teams FAQ's
Benefits of a Relay Team
- A great opportunity to challenge yourself and set a new goal for yourself and others.
- Great introductory into the triathlon world and IRONMAN events.
- Able to participate in an IRONMAN 70.3 without having the sometimes overwhelming challenge of racing in all three legs.
- Participate, share and enjoy your triathlon experience as a relay team.
- Use your creativity to create your own unique relay team name!
- Online Relay Team Bib Listing displaying relay team name and each member.
- Relay Team specific race bib, wave start and swim cap.
- Partake in a tour of the transition area to familiarise yourself with the flow, and the opportunity to pose questions to an official TO.
- Relay Teams Transition Area to familiarise yourself with the other teams participating in the event.
- Relay Teams Holding Pen where each team member comes together to cross the finish line as a team.
- Recognition of team participation with a medal, towel and t-shirt for each relay team member.
- Top 3 placed relay team within the Female, Male and Mixed team categories presented with trophies at the Athlete presentations.
Registrations opening 20 March 2018.
Minimum Age: All athletes must be 18 or older on race day (including all team members)
Important Information: All team members must be present and complete the onsite Check-In procedure by 4pm on Saturday 16 February, 2019. Any athlete who does not Check-In by this time will not be eligible to race.
Please refer to the event schedule for full details.
How to Register
- The Team Captain will need to create a Team Name and Password to form their team. At this point in time the Team Captain will be required to register their entry.
- Team Captain receives a confirmation email that the team have been created which will allow additional team member(s) to register.
- Each team member is required to register their own individual entry.
- For team member(s) to complete their registration they will require the Team Name and Password from their Team Captain.
- The team is then formed and any changes which may need to be made, for further information please see the FAQ's below.
Team Matching
If you are an individual looking to join a team or have registered as a team but are looking for someone to fill other disciplines of the triathlon view our team matching system.
If you are wanting to put your name on the list, SIGN UP NOW
*Please note that your email address will be displayed on the team matching attendee list as the contact point for people wanting to ask you to join their team/wanting to join your team.
Team Changes
Please read the FAQ's which follow to learn how to make team changes.
How do I change the team captain?
To change the team captain you must contact the race office either by [email protected] or phone 1300 835 441. They will then nominate the new captain upon your request.
How do I add additional team members?
Each member will need to register via the registration button found under the register tab. Upon registering each team member will be prompted to enter their teams name and password. The team captain will have these details.
How do I update or change team members?
To update or change team members you must contact the race office either by emailing: [email protected] or phone 1300 761 384. Please ensure you communicate what you would like to be changed or updated ie; leg, member, category. Team Members must be cancelled by the race office. Once a Team Member is cancelled then another person will be able to register and take their place.
If my team is already full, how do I change my team member or members?
To update or change team members you must contact the race office either by emailing: [email protected] or phone 1300 761 384. They will then be able to remove the current member from the event and free up space for the new member to register.
How do I change from a team to an individual?
This is possible but it needs to be done by the race office. Essentially, you can disassociate a participant from a Team and then transfer them into an Individual (and vice versa) if there are spots available. To change from a Team to an Individual (or vice versa) you must contact the race office either by [email protected] or phone 1300 761 384. If there are spaces available, they will be able to change you from a Team to Individual or vice versa and you will be responsible for any changes in entry fees.
Race Day Information
The teams' transition will be open from 5.45am-6.45am on Sunday morning for cyclists. At 7.00am, team cyclists will be allowed back into transition. All team members must wear their ID bands to enter transition. Access to the teams' transition area will be from the teams' access point.
All team swimmers must make their way to the swim start area 10 minutes prior to their wave start. Only team cyclists should remain in the team transition area from this time. Runners will be able to enter transition once the cyclist begins their course.
Swimmers will run out of the water to the team racks, and give the timing chip to the cyclist. Swimmers must leave the transition area once they have given their timing chip to their cyclist. Once the cyclists commence their cycle leg, the runner will be instructed to enter the transition area.
As the cyclist returns, they will rack their bike back in its original space and pass the timing chip to the runner. The cyclist must then leave the transition area once they have given the runner their timing chip.
Cyclists may remove their bikes only after the last cyclist has completed the cycle course. (Remember you must have your ID band on your wrist to remove your bike). We expect transition to open approximately 1.15pm – 4.30pm. Please note that after 4.30pm transition will be un-secure and bikes will not be held accountable by the event organisers.


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NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — Energy stocks began the week with fresh gains Monday, as Devon Energy, Consol Energy and QEP Resources led the rise in the sector.
Adding to recent gains, energy stocks in the S&P 500 rose 0.2%, on average. Consol Energy Inc. CNX, -8.75% rose 2.5%, QEP Resources QEP, -4.58% moved up by 3.6% and Devon Energy DVN, -1.66% added 2.8%. On the down side, Rowan Cos. RDC, +0.00% fell 1.3%.
Checking the major benchmarks in the energy sector, the NYSE Arca Oil Index (XOI) rose 0.5%, the NYSE Arca Natural Gas Index (XNG) moved up by 0.8% and the Philadelphia Oil Service Index OSX, -0.64% dipped 0.3%.
Vagit Alekperov, chief executive of Lukoil, told the Financial Times that Russia was moving to allow oil companies more access to the Arctic after a policy allowing only state-run Rosneft and Gazprom had yielded "no positive results."
Exxon Mobil XOM, -0.61%, which has already inked an exploration deal with Rosneft for the northern regions of Russia, saw its shares rise 0.4%.
Among stocks in the spotlight, QR Energy LP QRE, -0.78% said it'll pay $230 million for oil-producing acreage in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Michigan to an undisclosed private seller. The Houston-based energy firm said the deal is expected to close in April.
QR Energy said it expects the deal to add to its distributable cash flow. The oil fields contain an estimated 13 million barrels of oil equivalent and 150 producing wells.
Shares of QR Energy rose 4.3%.
Hess Corp. HES, +1.32% said it hired Goldman Sachs GS, -1.74% to explore the possible sale of its oil storage and shipment terminal in St. Lucia in the Caribbean. The New York-based energy firm did not disclose a potential price for the facility.
Hess shares rose 1.2%.


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tailoredevents needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 47 designs submitted by 20 freelance designers.
I am looking for a elegant, sleek logo for a start up planning company. The logo will be used on letterhead, business cards, website, and promotional items.
A Tailored Event
Seamless Elegance
Desired Color Scheme:
gold with a touch of white lettering, maroon and black background
Accepted File Formats:
psd layered, vector, jpg, high res
I am starting a event planning company which will provide a number of services towards contacts I have made through out my career. Many of the event will be high end corporate and social events.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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A federal judge signed off on a deal between government regulators and the owner of the Sparrows Point steel plant requiring the company only to look near its shoreline for toxic contaminants it might need to clean up.
U.S. District Court Judge J. Frederick Motz accepted an agreement between RG Steel and the Environmental Protection Agency and Maryland Department of the Environment on how far into surrounding waters the company needs to look for contamination that leaked or seeped from its operations on the 2,300-acre peninsula. The pact says the company will sample sediments "near-shore," generally within 50 feet of the water's edge.
The judge's order, signed last week, effectively ended a lengthy dispute between the environmental agencies and the steel company over the extent of its legal responsibility for locating and cleaning up pollution from more than a century of steel-making at the complex in Baltimore's outer harbor.
But it came over the objections of environmentalists, who pointed out that years of repeated studies have found extensive contamination on two sides of Sparrows Point, in the bottom sediments of both the Patapsco River and Bear Creek bordering Dundalk. Lawyers for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper contended that near-shore sampling didn't go out far enough or deep enough to detect pollution from the plant.
In arguing for a more extensive investigation, the groups' lawyers submitted a report from University of Maryland scientists showing that samples taken in December up to 500 yards offshore in Bear Creek are toxic enough to kill bottom-dwelling marine life.
"It's still about as toxic as it's ever been," said Beth McGee, a foundation senior scientist, recalling that she had found similar levels of contamination on the creek bottom when doing graduate work with the university in the mid-1990s.
Motz denied the foundation's bid to hold up the sampling agreement so it could be hashed out further.
Donna Heron, spokeswoman for the EPA's Mid-Atlantic office in Philadelphia, said the sampling plan was a "jumping off point" and sampling farther offshore "may be necessary."
"It's more like a starting line than a finishing line," said Barbara Brown, coordinator of the Sparrows Point cleanup project for the state environment department.
But Jon Mueller, lawyer for the Annapolis-based bay foundation, complained that the investigation of contamination in waters bordering Dundalk could take more than three years under what he called worded provisions in the agreement. He pointed out that RG Steel is also exempted from having to sample off the heavily contaminated point where the plant's coke ovens once operated and around the shipyard, which has been sold to another company.
RG Steel spokeswoman Bette Kovach issued a brief statement on the latest decision, saying that the company "intends to comply with the judge's ruling and to continue to work cooperatively with the MDE and EPA."
In a July ruling, the judge limited RG Steel's liability for past contamination, declaring that the company could not be held legally responsible for contamination that escaped Sparrows Point before it bought the sprawling complex in a 2003 bankruptcy sale. But Motz said regulators could still require some sampling offshore for more recent contamination, leading to negotiations over the past nine months that led to last week's order.
Bay Foundation spokesman Tom Zolper said the environmental group has not decided whether to appeal the judge's order. The group still has a 2-year-old lawsuit pending alleging that the plant continues to pollute neighboring waters from poorly controlled hazardous-waste disposal facilities and inadequate curbs on stormwater runoff.


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Storm falls on 10-year anniversary of blizzard in Summit
summit daily news
It was an eerily familiar storm.
On the heels of a terrible snow season, a summer of catastrophic wildfires and severe drought conditions, it was once again snowing on Saint Patrick's Day.
Exactly a decade earlier, in March of 2003, another snowstorm blew into Colorado under almost identical circumstances, dumping between 3 and 7 feet of powder across the state, wreaking havoc on businesses, schools and roads and ending the worst drought the state had seen in 300 years.
Though this week's winter weather arrived on the anniversary of that game-changing storm, it didn't pack quite the same punch as its predecessor.
"It was the same timing, but the storm overall was a little bit slower, a little bit weaker," National Weather Service meteorologist Kyle Fredin said. "You could almost call it about a third the storm, in both strength and duration."
The town of Breckenridge awoke under a half-dozen inches of fresh snow while higher elevations in Summit County got as much as a foot. Local resorts were reporting between 7 (Keystone Resort) and 16 inches (Copper Mountain) of new powder over the last few days. It was a notable dose of precipitation, particularly in the context of the last two seasons, and enough to close highways and delay after-school programs in the High Country, but far from sufficient to alleviate current drought conditions.
Experts say it will help, however, rebuilding the still below-average snowpack in Colorado as one of the snowiest months of the year winds down.
It's likely the last Summit County will see of any significant moisture for the next several days. Forecasts are calling for low chances of precipitation today, Tuesday and Wednesday with sunshine and warmer temperatures returning on Thursday, according to National Weather Service projections.
"We'll have a weak ridge over Colorado," meteorologist and weather blogger Joel Gratz stated Sunday. "Ridges are usually areas of dry weather that deflect the storms to the north, however this ridge is weak, so some storm energy and moisture will infiltrate the ridge. This could lead to times of clouds and light showers during the week."
Storm of the century
Though the weather patterns have been similar, it is increasingly unlikely that history will continue to repeat itself. Experts say the chances of Colorado getting a storm significant enough to alleviate the current drought are shrinking, although major spring storms have arrived in April.
On the Front Range, the 2003 blizzard dropped roughly 3 feet of snow in two days. It caused more than 93 million dollars in damage, shuttered schools for days and was indirectly linked to several deaths.
"This is the storm of the century," Denver Mayor Wellington Webb said at the time. "A backbreaker, a record breaker, a roof breaker."
Interstate 70 was closed for two days as avalanches threatened to slide onto the highway. Hundreds of tourists were trapped in Summit County, and many of them had to be sheltered at the Silverthorne Recreation Center when the hotels filled up.
But for locals, it was the perfect storm.
"It was epic today," Doug Vincent, then a 24-year ski instructor at Arapahoe Basin told the Summit Daily, saying he'd had the best run of his life in "chest-deep powder" on March 18, 2003. "This thing is monstrous."
A-Basin got 31 inches out of the storm and that month the snowiest March on record. It was the second-biggest storm in Colorado's recorded history, falling only behind a 1913 blizzard that brought in 45.7 inches of snow.
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Few programs have seen widespread success in tackling water quality problems in the Mississippi River Basin and Gulf of Mexico, but an emerging initiative could present a way forward. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI) in 2009. New WRI research finds that with some specific improvements, the MRBI's new approach could play a key role in improving the nation's inland and coastal water quality.
Blog Posts: hypoxia
The Gulf of Mexico has the largest dead zone in the United States and the second-largest in the world. Dead zones form when excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous wash into waterways and spur algal blooms, depleting the water of oxygen and killing fish, shrimp, and other marine life. The Gulf of Mexico dead zone can range between an astounding 3,000 and 8,000 square miles. At its largest, it's about the size of Massachusetts.
Reducing this growing dead zone problem is a huge scientific, technical, economic, and political challenge. It's a conundrum that agricultural and environmental experts from across the United States will deliberate this week at the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.
One new approach they'll discuss is voluntary nutrient trading. According to a new study conducted by WRI staff for the EPA, this strategy could be used in the Mississippi River Basin to cost-effectively reduce nitrogen and phosphorous pollution and shrink the Gulf of Mexico dead zone.
- LEARN MORE: Download the full study on the economic feasibility of nutrient trading in the Mississippi River Basin.
This post was co-authored with Bob Diaz, a WRI partner and professor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
This year's extreme weather events—a warm winter, even warmer summer, and a drought that covered nearly two-thirds of the continental United States—has certainly caused its fair share of damages. But despite the crop failures, water shortages, and heat waves, extreme weather created at least one benefit: smaller dead zones in the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf of Mexico.
On a normal year, rain washes pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorous from farms and urban areas into the two bodies of water, fueling algae growth. When this algae dies, it consumes oxygen and creates hypoxic areas, or "dead zones," which can kill fish and other marine life. Less rain this year meant fewer pollutants making their way into the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf of Mexico. The Chesapeake Bay's summer dead zone was the smallest since record-keeping began in 1985, and the Gulf of Mexico's covered one of the smallest areas on record.
This post is part of a series on World Water Week, an annual event designed to draw attention to and discuss global water issues. Read more posts in this series.
Agricultural production often comes at the expense of water quality. As my colleague, Mindy Selman, noted in a recent blog post, "Agriculture is the leading source of nutrient pollution in waterways—a situation that's expected to worsen as the global population increases and the demand for food grows."
But food security shouldn't come at the expense of water quality—and in fact, it doesn't have to. This is a topic I'm discussing at a World Water Week side event, "Securing Water Quality While Providing Food Security: The Nutrient Question." Through the use of effective tools and strategies, we have the power to uphold water quality while still feeding a population that's expected to reach 9 billion by 2050.
This post is part of a series on World Water Week, an annual event designed to draw attention to and discuss global water issues. Read more posts in this series.
Our water systems are currently being threatened by the crops we grow and food we produce. In many countries, agriculture is the leading source of nutrient pollution in waterways—a situation that's expected to worsen as the global population increases and the demand for food grows.
So it's timely that next week's World Water Week, an annual conference organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute, is focusing on water and food security.
WRI's water quality team will be in Stockholm next week to discuss this very topic at a side event entitled, "Securing Water Quality While Providing Food Security: The Nutrient Question," an event co-organized by Water Environment Federation and Environmental Defense Fund. This session, which takes place on August 29th, will build on the work WRI's water quality team has done with its partner, Dr. Bob Diaz at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, to evaluate the scale and scope of global nutrient-related water quality challenges, including how these issues are driven by agriculture.
China has become famous in recent years for its double-digit annual economic growth and rapid urbanization.
WRI identifies 13 new eutrophic areas around the world.
The federal commitment to develop and support environmental markets could have national significance.
Nutrient pollution emerges as one of the greatest threats to water quality.
A new Fact Sheet on nutrient trading in the Chesapeake Bay region covers issues such as potential costs and revenues, and how farmers and other stakeholders can benefit.
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