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Letter Box
Thursday February 21, 2013
The negative side effects of wind power
Editor of the Reformer:
Mr. Wilson's column ("Commercial-scale wind power," Feb. 12) is very disappointing and indicates a quite shallow understanding of the issues involved with industrial wind. The major flaw is what is left out. Yes, such installations can bring revenue to a town, just like Vermont Yankee; and, yes, wind power seems like an obvious way you avoid fossil fuels. But just a modicum of research would have led him to an extensive list of prohibitively negative consequences of installing such towers.
They are horrendously and permanently invasive as they are built and after they are installed. We can recover eventually from erosion caused by the sheep industry; the forest will repair itself after ruinous logging practices; but another creation must pass this way before the leveled mountain tops are with us again. Just take a look at West Virginia. The removal of the soil and bed rock will make future storm water events far worse.
The technology is such that the very construction of the machinery to harness the wind costs more in carbon creation than anything they will save. They would not exist without deep U.S. subsidies, yet the companies building these towers are all foreign -- the money is going abroad. Remember, Breen Mountain Power is a Quebec company, and the group hoping to build in Grafton/Windham is Iberdola, a huge Spanish energy conglomerate.
The animal impact studies sent to me by Iberdola (I am a neighbor to the planned site) are company generated studies done in the far west and have nothing to do with the New England eco-region.
Bats and raptors are usually not killed by being hit by the blades; they are killed by just being near the blades, which create a vacuum-induced vortex which blows the blood vessels open.
The range of noise disturbance is far greater than companies will admit -- up to three miles, 24 hours a day.
Because of quickly changing demographics, a small town like Grafton is in trouble -- 50 houses are listed for sale on a local website and most have been there for several years -- noisy and ugly wind towers will not keep Grafton in its place on the list 10 most beautiful towns in America.
It is wise to look into something carefully before jumping on the band wagon.
Richard A. Warren,
Grafton, Feb. 13
Valuing patients
over profits
Editor of the Reformer:
Insurance offered through Vermont's Health Benefit Exchange is not part of Vermont's future Single Payer. Required by the 2010 Federal ACA ("Obama-Care"), the Exchange sells private plans for those needing insurance. Also, Catamount and VHAP will cease and Medicaid will be offered there, to cover those needing insurance in 2014, three years before SP begins. The exchange will not save money. It perpetuates America's profitable private insurance model. Insurance is mandatory; and the cost could be a hardship for the neediest, with insufficient subsidies, until SP begins. Private insurers as "middlemen" are in business to make profits for themselves and stockholders. They handle the money and billing. They do not provide health care.
Cost control is built into SP's design. It will happen only if we rein in the profligacy of our wasteful mix of multiple insurers, equipment, drug companies and other profiteers. Costs are helping to bankrupt our depressed economy where many remain uninsured. However, for now the Exchange can cover most of the uninsured. It can also move means-tested low-income beneficiaries in and out of insurance plans, and may even can delay their re-insurance as their incomes fluctuate.
Single Payer will provide uninterrupted coverage 24/7 independent of employment, for all citizens who lack insurance, for lower cost. SP serves many countries and is verified by expert analyses. America's Medicare and Veterans Affairs are variations of SP, though they need improvement. The GMC Board in designing Vermont's SP recognizes the need for more primary care providers and fewer specialists. It is restructuring health care organization and delivery, payment systems, etc. SP's very nature should also support medical professionalism which has been strained in today's business model that values profits over patients. Our talented professionals value patients above profits and need the support of a system that honors their ethics as health professionals.
Margaret Newton, MD,
West Brattleboro, Feb. 12
Support for White
Editor of the Reformer:
I was fortunate to have served on the Dummerston Selectboard with Lewis White when he first took a seat at the table. Lewis was no different from any who came before, or who will come later; he, as I, was an amateur, willing to simply step up and be of service to his town. There's an awful lot of knowledge and procedure to absorb, and, clearly, it takes time.
I was impressed not only with how quickly and thoroughly he immersed himself in learning the business of our town, but also with the depth of his thought and perspective. Lewis was a breath of fresh air, and he's grown to lead the board admirably, while being a staunch advocate for all of the citizens of Dummerston.
As board members, we're keenly, nearly painfully, aware of the danger of conflicts of interest, and the first red flag is the simple perception of a conflict. In their training seminars, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns makes it clear that a relationship, whether by blood, by association, or by proximity, doesn't, by itself, present a conflict. Indeed, those relationships by themselves would render most of our small-town governments in violation.
Those relationships do, however, dictate the need for vigilance to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. Lewis White, from the start of his tenure on the Selectboard, has been beyond vigilant. I can state categorically that his interest has always been focused on the good of the town and our citizens.
We're very, very fortunate to have so many talented, good-hearted, committed people who are willing to invest huge chunks of their lives in the common good, at no small expense to themselves. Among the very best of those I'd include Lewis White, who has been quietly giving his best to us all. If we do lose Lewis, we lose a lot.
On Town Meeting Day, I'll do my small part to convince him to reconsider in a simple way. I won't check off Lewis White's name on the ballot; I'll write in his name, so that my vote is not just a vote for office, but a clear vote of confidence. Join me in writing in Lewis White's name for the two-year Selectboard seat.
Kevin Ryan,
Dummerston, Feb. 15
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


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Many of my fellow authors are 6 months away from their debut! So to celebrate, there is going to be a 20 book--yes, you read that right--TWENTY book giveaway on the Luckys blog.
We've all chosen books that influenced us in one way or another.
My giveaway choice could have been one of a dozens, but I chose A NORTHERN LIGHT by Jennifer Donnelly. It is one of my all-time favorite YA books. Yes, it would go with me to a desert island (ideally, a dessert island, but I digress.) Heck, I love this book so much I've already given it away on my blog before!
Here's the blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Mattie Gokey has big dreams but little hope of seeing them come true. Desperate for money, she takes a job at the Glenmore, where hotel guest Grace Brown entrusts her with the task of burning a secret bundle of letters. But when Grace's drowned body is fished from the lake, Mattie discovers that the letters could reveal the grim truth behind a murder.
It's based on a true event that occurred in the early 1900's but Mattie's story goes so far beyond this one event. Donnelly expertly weaves fact, fiction, history, and the complexities of family and relationships to make you completely forget that you're living in the 21st century. You end up so invested in Mattie's life, her choices and her world.
In a word, it's brilliant.
This was a book that made me aspire to be a better writer. To make a character and plot so engrossing that it was un-put-downable. To make every sentence count and try to craft some beauty out of a handful of words.
So if you want to win this and a whole lot of other books, stop by the Lucky 13s blog to enter, and read about the other books that are being offered.
The contest ends July7th and winners will be announced July 8th.
So. Is there a particular book in your life that has changed you, or your writing?

subset: commoncrawl


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Saved Searches
After you do a search you can save your search results. To do this, click on the icon "Save" above the list of search results. Indicate whether you wish to receive notification of new offers corresponding to your search. Then the search results, as well as your set features will be preserved.
In subsection Saved searches you can find history and manage your Domaza searches. They are presented in tabular form. In the first column "Search", are the criteria that you specified in the demand for property. The given criteria are hyperlinked so you can return to the page with your search results. In the second column is the date when the given search was saved.
In the third column "Email Frequency" you can choose how often you want to receive notifications, that a property corresponding to your requirements was added to our database. By default it is set to receive daily notifications. If you do not want to receive messages or want to change the frequency of receipt, click once on the word daily. From a drop-down menu, select the option that suits you.
If a search is no longer excites you, you can delete it. For this purpose, click Delete caption in the last column. If you want to delete all your searches, click 'Delete all' the words.


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Rockies' CarGo contract talk persists as ad campaign revealed
UPDATE 12:54 p.m. | Adds confirmation from Carlos Gonzalez's publicist on projected contract values.
The idea of lifetime security after one great season appears to have Carlos Gonzalez leaning toward signing a long-term deal with the Rockies.
The Rockies have had an offer out to their star outfielder for weeks, believed to be for seven years and $80 million. Gonzlez's Venezuelan publicist tweeted this afternoon that a contract is "almost a fact!"
They then tweeted: "CarGo this week will travel to Denver. After a physical exam (likely Thursday), could sign an extension contract with Rockies."
The publicist then confirmed the 7-year, $80 million figures.
A source with direct knowledge of the Rockies' situation today advised "to stay on top of this," implying it has some legs. Reports out of Venezuela last week indicated that Gonzalez would be traveling to the states to hammer out a deal this Thursday.
The specific numbers mentioned in the Venezuela media — including a signing bonus figure — seem to indicate that talks have advanced to an ending point. Rockies owner Dick Monfort has told The Denver Post repeatedly this winter that he would like to sign Gonzalez to a long-term contract, increasing the window that Troy Tulowitzki, Gonzalez and Ubaldo Jimenez can remain together.


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New 2019 Chrysler 300 SedanExterior Color: Bright White
Interior Color: Indigo/Linen
VIN Number: 2C3CCAPT2KH603528
Stock: C19258
Test drive this Chrysler 300 in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.
*MSRP is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle. It does not include any taxes, fees or other charges. With approved credit. Pricing based on residency restrictions. Please contact dealer for residency questions/qualifications. Offers, incentives, discounts, or financing are subject to expiration.
* Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness.
* In transit means that vehicles have been built, but have not yet arrived at your dealer. Images shown may not necessarily represent identical vehicles in transit to your dealership.


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Watch video of La Pine Mushing Weekend at bendbulletin.com/sleddog
It's not a race and not quite training — Karen Yeargain describes La Pine Mushing Weekend at La Pine State Park, which happened earlier this month, as a fun weekend for people to play with their pups. Yeargain, owner of the Siberian husky sled dog kennel Tumnatki Siberians in Prineville, organized this year's annual event, the 15th of its kind. She ran 12-dog teams harnessed to carts and ATVs, though others brought as few as one or two dogs and harnessed them to mountain bikes.
"Just because a dog is a husky doesn't mean that they're cut out to be a sled dog," Karen Yeargain says. "The dog has to want to do it. You can't push a rope."
The first sled dog races in Central Oregon take place in Chemult on the third weekend in January. Yeargain said she competes in the mid-distance class, which consists of teams of six to eight dogs running between 15 and 35 miles a day.


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By David Crane defrev (at) gmail (dot) com March 23, 2010 One of the reasons why it's so dangerous to mess with the United States militarily is that, while we Americans value hard work–which makes us formidable, in itself,–we've always exhibited and enjoyed a very healthy combination of inherent creativity/inventiveness and laziness, in the sense that if there's a way ... Read More »
Tag Archives: bulletflight
Remington R-25 Multi-Caliber Semi-Auto AR-10 Crossover Rifle for Tactical AND Hunting Applications
By David Crane defrev (at) gmail (dot) com Several weeks ago, DefenseReview had an interesting conversation with Ralph Lermayer, Editor of Read More »
Remington Modular Sniper Rifle (MSR) Competes for SOCOM Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) Contract
By David Crane defrev (at) gmail (dot) com Photo Credit(s): Remington Military June 23, 2009 DefenseReview has been following the SOCOM (USSOCOM) Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) program since we came across a solicitation/sources sought notice and accompanying drafts for it awhile back. The PSR requirement is for a modular, multi-caliber bolt-action rifle that's "caliber-specific to .338 Lapua Magnum (.338LM, also ... Read More »
JP LRP-07 Long Range Precision Rifle 7.62mm with Left-Side Charging System
By David Crane defrev at gmail dot com All photographic images contained in this article were taken by DefenseReview.com, and are the exclusive property of DefenseReview.com. DefenseReview.com owns the copyright on these photos. All photos were shot with an Olympus Stylus 790 SW 7.1-megapixel digital camera, which is advertised as "shock + waterproof". March 19, 2009 John Paul, owner of ... Read More »
KAC BulletFlight Sniper App for M110 SASS-Mounted iPhone or iPod Touch
By David Crane defrev at gmail dot com January 29, 2009 DefenseReview ran into Rob Silvers (a.k.a. Robert Silvers) of Advanced Armament Co. (AAC) fame at the AAC booth at the very tail end of SHOT Show 2009, whereupon Rob showed us the ballistic computing software application a.k.a. ballistics calculating software application he had designed for the Apple iPod Touch ... Read More »


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Czech Rep, Day 7 – Hallstatt to Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov State Castle Pension Wok CK Shuttle Cloak Bridge Photo Spot
After 2 nights in Hallstatt, we moved on with a heavy heart to our next destination, Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. From Gruner Baum hotel, we made our way to Hallstatt Lahn by the town shuttle van at a cost of €10 per vehicle where our inter-city shuttle van to Cesky Krumlov would pick us up.
Travel arrangements on shared shuttle for 2 persons were made on-line through CK Shuttle for CZK1,900 (€76). Since CK Shuttle was unable to enter Hallstatt town proper to pick us up from Gruner Baum door steps, they gave a discounted price of CZK1,200 (€48). A €26 discount against €10 we had to pay for the Hallstatt town shuttle. An acceptable proposition.
The VW suv that took us from Hallstatt to Cesky Krumlov. This suv seats 4 passengers.
The clean and comfortable VW suv came on time to pick us up at Hallstatt Lahn at 9.00 a.m. The journey of about 210 kms would take 3 hours. Me & my wife were the only passengers. CK Shuttle will e-mail you a pick-up reminder 2 days ahead and even if you are the only passenger, they would pick you up. That is their promise and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
Along our journey to Casky Krumlov, we passed by a few picturesque location and the driver, being a local to Cesky Krumlov drove via a short-cut route off the main road and we got to experience the country side and villages for free.
Czech immigration border point no longer in use since joining EU.
The super simple Czech Republic border signage.
By the river in Czech Republic.
The route taken from Hallstatt to Cesky Krumlov.
We arrived Cesky Krumlov just before 12.00 p.m. and was driven right to the door steps of Pension Wok where we will be staying. Check-in was effortless and quick although we arrived well before check-in time. Pension Wok is situated just by river Vltava where you can see people canoeing & rafting. Room No. 3 is a low ceiling comfortable room with double bed, tea making facilities and the usual amenities. You do need to walk up a few flight of steps to your room.
The quiet and charming Pension (Guesthouse) Wok by river Vltava.
The wooden sofa cum bed with lower pull-out bunk. Comfortably sleeps 4 in this room. The door to the balcony with a view of river Vltava and the town.
View of river Vltava, Dr Edwarda Benese bridge and St Vitus church from our balcony.
View of Pension Wok from the bridge.
I've not heard of Chesky Krumlov but have seen many pictures. It was from those pictures in the internet that arouses my interest and got me to do a little bit of research. Realising it's between Hallstatt & Prague, I decided to drop Vienna from my itinerary and opted for Chesky Krumlov. Although I knew the only main attraction there was the Castle, but it's the red tiled roofs in the pictures that lured me. Importantly to say, Cesky Krumlov like Hallstatt, are both UNESCO heritage sites.
Today is the first day it did not rain since we arrived Europe 5 days ago. After lunch, we set out to explore the town starting with the town square which is a short distance away by crossing river Vltava via Dr Edwarda Benese bridge. Then from the town square, onwards to the castle and it's garden after crossing Lazebnicky bridge, at the other side of town. 30m after this bridge, to your left are the steps leading to the castle tower, the castle, the castle grounds, and to the castle garden which has an up-hill gradient.
CK is a compact town. You can cover the attractions within the day. Credit : hoteldiscount.cz
The fountain at the town square.
From the town square walk past the red colored building onwards to Lazebnicky bridge.
Past Lazebnicky bridge, walk 30m ahead.
Take the castle steps on the left to the castle entrance.
The main attraction in CK is the state castle. Visiting it on our own deprived us of more information, therefore pardon me of posting pictures from now on.
Aeriel view of castle entrance and bear pit to the right.
The bear in it's pit and rightly so.
The castle entrance will lead you to the 2nd courtyard and then onwards to the 3rd courtyard.
As you enter the 2nd courtyard, to your left is the way leading to the castle museum and the castle tower.
Cesky Krumlov from the castle tower.
The 3rd courtyard walls, each one of them with Renaissance paintings.
4th courtyard. Similar resemblance to the 3rd but has protruding windows and balcony (not visible here). Walking onwards, will take you the the Cloak bridge.
Avid photographers take note. From this Cloak bridge, you get fantastic panoramic aerial view of the town. This is a great photo spot. However, the evening sun will be against you but there are structures to help you shade from the sunlight.
The Cloak bridge (with arches .. that's where you want to be) adjoining the castle.
View of Cesky Krumlov town from the Cloak bridge.
Exiting the Cloak bridge, there are arches built into this wall. Frame your picture of the town here. Further up the wall, there is a terrace with another excellent view point.
From the Cloak bridge it was again up hill to the castle gardens. The garden is not as spectacular as Salzburg's Mirabell garden. We strolled around before we ended our day.
Czech Rep, Day 8 – Cesky Krumlov
Seeing almost everything there were to see in Cesky Krumlov yesterday, today we spent strolling around to the other part of town and the town itself for a few souvenirs. By lunch we were back to our hotel and the rest of the day spent lazying in our room watching people rafting and canoeing by the river. Another sunny day today.
View of CK town from the Cloak bridge.
View towards Dr Edwarda Benese bridge from the hill top.
CK town square from the castle tower.
Main entrance to the castle (100m after the castle steps). View from castle tower.
Before we leave for Prague tomorrow, I made my way to the city park nearby while my wife set on the balcony watching canoes & rafts pass by.


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BodyMaxCathe Friedrich
Year Released: 2001
Categories: Circuit Training (cardio and weights) , Step Aerobics
Video Fitness reviews may not be copied, quoted, or posted elsewhere without the permission of the reviewer
Show oldest reviews first
Type of Workout: Step, then Circuit Training, then Upper Body weight lifting. You can break down this tape and do the different sections on separate days.
Workout Length: Warm up - 8 min. ; Step aerobics - 24min. ; Circuit training - approx 20 min. ; Upper Body weight work - approx 20 min.; Abs - 7min. Final stretch - 3 min. Total - 1h31min.
Fitness Level: Geared for Intermediate and Advanced exercisers, Beginners can follow due to the simplicity of the choreography in all areas of the tape... they will, however, need to acquire stamina, and endurance.
Equipment: Long step, Barbell (or Dumbells) and Dumbells.
Effectiveness: This tape is definitely as effective as they come.. It delivers!
The personality of the Instructor: For those who don't know Cathe, she is a very motivating, no-nonsense, tough, friendly and warm. and that comes accross. She even reminds you she's doing the workout with you and sweating with you. She is, one of the most professional and competent instructors. She explains, and reminds you about form. but doesn't dwell, or take too long with explanations in this tape.
Music: Techno, or upbeat dance-type music... very motivating!! Although it says at the end that it's Dynamix, this is not the usual CIA-style dynamix. (interestingly at the end it says that this tape was originally produced by CIA and Greg Twombly.) Surprised me!
Presentation: Not boring at all... instead it draws you in, and you are too busy trying to keep up to notice the time. (IMO)
Film Quality: Visually appealing as with all Cathe tapes.
Attire: Tank tops, and black lycra tight shorts. Cathe's top is white, everyone else wears black tops.
The Set: is painted with gray and white sections, and blue columns.
The Cast: Cathe and 4 students(who keep up with her at every step!!)
Height of Step: All the steps are set at 8" or 2 risers. They remove one riser at approx 47min. 2/3 thru the circuit section. Of course you don't have to do what they do, I did the whole tape with my step set at 6". She encourages you to modify.
Power: You will hear this term a lot! because almost the entire Step section as well as the entire step portions of the Circuit sections are filled with power moves. Elevating your Heartrate dramatically and reaching for maximum weight loss. Which makes this Circuit sections one of the toughest attacks on fat of any Circuit tape. the heightened cardio with tough weight gains is the most effective ways to lose fate of any other method.
Warm up: approx 8 min.
marches, basic, grapevine, walk around, side steps, sachee.
outer thigh lift around the corner, then diagonal over, repeater, basic.
repeat everything several times.
at 5 min. leg-stretches
at 8 min.Step Workout Begins: (approx. 24 min.)
basic, side up with power, horseshoe then power.
combo: click heel on step, diagonal hop turn, and jack, 2 A-steps.
at 9.30 min. add T-step
combo 2: run run, 4 side steps, 4 horseshoe, 4 powerhorse.
All these moves with power.
combo 3: at 12.20 min. add 4 accross the step , 6 jump lunge 4x entire combo.
4 step knee , 4x straddle, then combine.
7 power circle jumps with one foot on step.
at 16 min. combine all eariler combos.
combo 2, etc.
at 20 min. jump w/ knee up walk 3 on floor kick.
does this move several times.
3 knee repeater around the corner, 4x
then 3 repeaters reaching foot forward then back then forward while opposite hand reaches for foot.
repeat these combos.
at 24 min. continues cueing all these same moves, you should know them by now.
at 26 min. step knee & tap outside step, 2 step hops.
at 27 min. from the top (still cueing)
at 31 min. Heart rate check.
Power Circuit segment begins: (approx 20 min.)
Step segment: (3 min.duration)
basic, step knee around the world, push up repeater, straddle (repeat this combo several times)
power scissors (wide jumps into opposite lunge position) (you don't have to jump, I just did dips)
step knee tap with a lift.
Weight segment: at 34 min.
lunge back and hold, 8x each side
Step segment: at 35.10 min.
Power L. Abduction repeater 3x, knee straddle tap several times.
Weight segment. at 37.20 min. Place Barbell on shoulders. (or use dumbells)
32 squats
Step segment: at 38.40 min.
basics, power horse, (horseshoe with power) side up around the corner. repeat several x
T-steps, then power 7's (jump up and down with one foot on step - tough!)
Weight segment: at 41.30 min. pick up dumbells.
Lunges - 8x each leg.
Step segment:
double foot jump, outer leg around the corner, jump kicks.
at 43.50 min. Power segment of step segment: diagonal basic, 2 knees around the corner, straddle,
lunges to each side of step while moving arms as if swimming.
Weight Segment: Barbell on shoulders (or dumbells)
Pliee squats - 32x
Step Segment: at 47 min. takes out one riser, now at 6"
basic, quarter hop, long hop, quarter hop, 6 count hold, step down jump freeze - 6x this combo.
lunge hops along the length of the step. 4 sets of 14 reps.
Weight segment: at 50 min. Barbell on shoulders. (or dumbells)
Static lunges. 24x each leg.
side steps.
Stretches for legs at 52.30 min.
at 54 min. Upper Body Weight Conditioning (approx 20 min.)(you may substitute dumbells at any time.
She reminds you that you are going for endurance in this workout.
Cathe is using 15 lb dumbells and a 25 lb Barbell. She tells you to use Medium weight.
laying on step.
Bench press:w/ dumbells 5 times-> she does 4 reps normal speed and 2 reps normal up and 3-count down.
Bench press w/ Barbell 2 sets of 12.
Pushups: 2 sets of 6 then 2 sets of 4 then 8 reps.
Here Cathe uses 15, 10 and 8lb dumbells, and 25 lb Barbell. tells you to use heavy, medium, and light.
Lat Rows: 2 sets of 10 on each side.
Bent rows: w/ Barbell - 2 sets of 12reps
Rear Delt Flyes or Butterflies: 3 sets of 8 reps.
Here Cathe uses 15, 10 and 8lb dumbells, and 25 lb Barbell. tells you to use heavy, medium, and light
Military Press: 1 set of 8 then 4 3-count then 1 set of 8
Upright row: w/ Barbell 2 sets of 12 reps.
Side Lateral raise: bent arm position - 1 set or 8 reps then alternating arms for 8 reps each arm
Here Cathe uses 15, and 10lb dumbells, and 25 lb Barbell. tells you to use heavy, and medium.
Curls: w/ barbell 1 set of 12 then 8 slow
Hammercurls: 12 alternating
Crazy 8's: w/ barbell - 8reps halfway up, then 8 reps halfway down from the up position, then 8 3-count full
Hammercurls with a rotation at the top: 12 alternating.
Lie down on step - barbell - push bar up under chest 2 sets 8 reps
lower bar above head at 90 degree angle - 12 x
Triceps Dips off step: 24 quick counts
Triceps Kickbacks: 2 sets of 12 each arm.
Abwork (approx. 7 min.) This time one on one with Cathe.
lay down on mat on floor with feet on step.
then alternating heel lifts while crunches
one leg in and out while crunching
then hold one leg out repeat other leg while crunching
cross one leg over lift opposite elbow.
then hold both knees up while crunching
then alternate upper and lower.
lift lower legs slightly from up position, add upper body
then reach with arms
then tightly contract both.
Stretches for arms and legs: at 1h 28 min. (approx 3 min.)
at 1h31min. End
Total Rating: By reading this I'll bet you can guess that this workout far exceeds any! There is no doubt that it is effective, entertaining, grueling, and satisfying... I cannot give enough synonyms to describe it. I can only recommend it: I rate it 10 out of 10 possible points.
Instructor Comments:
For beginners and those new to step: During the step segment she cues you as to what you need to do and assumes that you know how to do those moves, hopefully you have already learned those moves, if not, they are not too hard to learn, you might rewind a couple of times...
For intermediate and Advanced: If you have done ANY stepping before, you will be able to follow. since she does cue the moves. As I said before, these moves are not very intricate at all.
This is the HARDEST and FUNNEST workout I've ever done. The step part is basic but pretty tough. I'm pretty tired after that part. Then comes the circuit. I'm really fatigued after this part. It's torture to the thighs! Then comes the upper body workout: all sections exhaust your muscles. After the first time I did this workout the following of my muscles were sore: quads, inner thighs, hamstrings, gluts,chest,back,shoulders,biceps,triceps, and abs****-really sore. This is a great workout. If you want a super-advanced workout packed with variety Body Max is for you.
Instructor Comments:
Cathe is great! She pushes you to go longer and harder even when you feel you're beyond exhaustion.
I purchased this tape to use on the days that I thought I'd be able to get in a good 1 1/2 hr workout and for the days I needed to do both cardio and strength. I think I made a good decision. This tape is very thorough. It gives you a great cardio workout and a great upper body and ab workout. You get, in my opinion, a decent lower body workout, but not a super intense one. The first part is all step and I think it's about 25 min.
The second part is step with lower body toning. The lower body toning consists of lunges, squats,... things of that nature. Since they are done at a fast pace, I find myself using a bit lower weight than normal; therefore, this is more a cardio/endurance workout for me than a strength/muscle building one (Cathe does state that if you are a beginner, this will be more strength and if you are advanced it will be more endurance). In a way, I feel like I am not getting as great of a lower body toning session as I think I should, but then again, I feel this tape wasn't made to stress that. I just do Standing Legs (Firm) or Cathe's new PS Legs workout the next day - and that more then makes up for it! Anyway, the second part will definitely keep your heart rate up. Added to part one, you get around 50 min of solid cardio.
If you are short on time, you could stop after sections 1 and 2 and feel good about having a great cardio workout. Or, you could continue on and do the upper body toning and ab work. The upper body is faster paced than MIS, but it was intended to be like that. Again, I found myself using a bit lower weight here. This really helps my endurance and I feel some toning as well. It's also a longer section than the lower body section, so you will feel like you are getting more of a solid strength workout here. The abs are really good as well. Nothing fancy, just tough crunches and such.
Overall, I'd have to say this is a great total body workout. It's similar to the Firm's Total Body series, but this tape gives you longer cardio. Plus, with a baby, I don't always have 1 1/2 hours to workout. So I will always keep doing the Firm Total Body tapes on those days where I can only do an hour of exercise. Since I try and work out everyday, I really like doing this tape on the days where I didn't get a workout in the day before. This way, I feel like I've "caught up". This is a must have for Firm Belivers. It has everything packed into one tape!
Instructor Comments:
The more I watch her, the more I enjoy her. She is very likable! She is in such incredible shape, too. I hope she does more tapes like this one!
I wish I liked this tape - well, maybe it's not the tape I disliked. I don't care for cardio toneing interval tapes at all. I knew this and bought the tape anyway so I guess this is my own fault. I will keep the tape for the 30 minute intense step aerobics for my days when I need to get an aerobic workout in quickly, but probably won't do the remainder of the tape. It's just personal preference really. I don't care for intense movements done quickly and that is pretty much what the second/third parts were like. I have most of Cathe's other tapes and do well with them, but this did not appeal to me at all. It's not that it is a bad or poorly done tape, just my personal least favorite workout style.
Instructor Comments:
Cathe is an amazing instructor. She is my overall favorite. She is energetic and creative and her motivational skills are superior. Her tapes are all just a little different from the last one challenging you on different levels.
I, too, love this tape. For me, this is close to a perfect tape--length, level, total body workout, production quality, everything--esp because I'm one of those who will be getting strength development as well as endurance from the weight sections. Watching Cathe and mimicking her moves, I get a tremendous, blowout session. When added into a mix of, say, running, or floor aerobics, whew! You may be brain dead by old age, but your body will be in superb shape!
I was lucky because my first Cathe was Step Heat (hooked me immediately), followed by Step Jam, Power Max (still in regular use), Step Fit (the only one I wasn't thrilled with), then MI-C, then these two new ones. I say this because, in both Body Max and Step Works, you can see how Cathe's developed--not only is she stronger, but her strides are longer, her physical articulation is clearer, etc.
Others have given excellent breakdowns of the contents, so I thought I'd add some different comments. One reason I love this tape is that I can use it in several ways. First, of course, is simply straight through--I do this once a week. Then, here are two alternation patterns that work very well. One day, I do BodyMax from the beginning through the end of what Cathe calls her circuit. That gives me just under an hour of combined aerobics + lower body w/o. Then, say the next day, I do Step Works (about 51 mins), then finish Body Max--that is, all the wt work. That gives me maybe an hour and 10-15 mins. Next day, I give my hip flexors and quads a break--run or something.
My one negative comment (which goes for Step Works too) is that on the cover, Cathe looks as though she's been at a tanning salon.
I recommend this tape very very highly!
You know you are in trouble when Cathe F. decides she wants to test your endurance. After finishing the entire workout for the first time, I barely had enough energy to walk upstairs and take a much-needed shower.
This video is perfect for advanced exercisers who want a video they can grow into. Experienced Cathe fans will find the step moves very familiar, but the relentless high intensity will definitely keep your heart rate up there. It's like she took the hardest combos from all of her videos and strung them into one long combination.
The interval section is a killer: she uses a 35 pound barbell, but by that time I'm just a wee bit tired, and I only use 25 lbs. I thank god every time I get to the last step interval, where she lowers the board down to two risers. I'm sure eventually I will do it with 3; this is what I mean about being able to grow into the tape.
The strength section is sort of a mini-MIS, which in no way means it is easier. I am so fatigued by the time I get to this section that I can't do the poundage nor the reps that I can do in MIS (more room to grow, here). Cathe keeps saying that while the workout is geared toward building endurance, you may get some "strength days" in there as well. Well, no kidding! The abs section is also superb, and I think I enjoy it all the more because it is the last segment!
When you finally finish the workout, believe me, you will be proud of yourself.
Instructor Comments:
Without question, the best instructor in the world.
This video is worth every and any penny you spend for it. It is a complete high intensity workout. First it's a short warm up followed by an intense step section (about 30 minutes all together). Next it's power circuit segments interspersed with endurance exercises for your legs. For example, 1 minute intense stepping, 1 minute power stepping (shoot ups, power scissors, etc.) and then 1 minute weights (plie squats, lunges, etc.). This section lasts about 20 minutes. After a short cool down you do a complete upper body conditioning section. You use lighter weights and do more reps with less rest. Finally, a 9 minute killer ab section followed by a brief cool down and stretch.
This is a great video to do all at once or to break up to combine with other videos. Currently, I like doing the legs from MIS and then the first two Body Max segments on my leg training days. Then I do the upper body and abs on an upper body day.
I like the fact that the step sections are intense without being too complicated in their choreography. This is a great tape to use for cross training and for breaking through those plateaus!
Instructor Comments:
Cathe is a down to earth, motivating, professional instructor. She cues very well in this video and made it easy for me to do the first time through.
I am reviewing this as an intermediate exerciser. This is the first step tape of Cathe's I've done (got it and The Wedding tape in on the same day so went with this first). I knew the choreography was considered moderate in Collage catalog which is where most of my step videos fall, so I was especially excited when I caught onto 80-90% of it the first time and the third time was a charm. I really like the ab section a lot on this tape as well, I didn't care for the ab section in MIS as much. I also love the way Cathe breaks her tapes up into sections so if you don't have time for the circuit leg work, you can skip it or whatever you want. I have had this MIC (too scared to try but will soon), MIS (I like how I feel after, but don't like doing it if that makes sense), and the Wedding tape and I have to say this is the best and most complete workout out there for a heavy day.
Instructor Comments:
Cathe is very upbeat and motivating. I think she cues better than anyone, especially since I consider myself choreographically impaired and caught onto this tape perfectly the third time!
Body Max is the most awesome exercise video on the market!!! It is very high intensity and high impact. It is full of fun complex choreography. Cathe doesn't teach the moves slowly, because she feels that just doing the video over and over will be enough for you to learn it. Then when you do get it, you don't have someone breaking down moves you already know.
The video starts out with high intensity step that has alot of high impact. You might need to lower your step height on this one. My heartrate was in it's target heartrange within minutes of the workout. So Cathe does not waste a minute! I recall some of these moves from Step Heat( heel toe jack), A step( Step Max), Step Fit( step knee and back it up and kick). This choreography is so much fun. The music is the best upbeat music I've heard in stepping. It is MusicFlex.
The next part is a circuit using the step and lower body toning with a barbell and weights. Cathe starts out with a short step section using power and then she goes into a really really high impact power section to make your heartrate soar. Then you do toning for your lower body using your step. She does dips off the step with heavy weights. Then it's back to stepping with more power moves. The music is great and upbeat and really motivating. Other toning moves are , squats with barbell, lunges, plie squats, static lunges. My oh my! These are very tough combined with high intensity stepping. I even hear Cathe kinda gasping for air as she is doing some high impact moves.
After the circuit section, you do a small cool down with some stretches for your calves, hamstring, hip flexors.
Then you aren't finished! You do upper body work. This is the order, chest( chest press with dumbells and barbell and lots of pushups with very little rest!), back, shoulders, biceps, triceps. Then you do abs. The ab section is very very tough. I love it though. Then you do a very nice short floor stretches to some really nice soothing music.
The set is bright and colorful and Cathe is so friendly and cheerful. It is a pleasure doing her video's. It is so much fun even though it is very tough work!
You WILL see results using this workout with consistancy. It works your heart to the max and your muscles to the max! Total body. No other workout gets better than Body Max!!!!!
Instructor Comments:
Cathe's cueing is wonderful. She really is breathing hard and sweating away with you. It is like a live class. My favorite part is when she says," Is that you I hear breathing at home?!!" Cathe is my favorite cardio workout!
This is just another two cents to get this video into the VF Hall of Fame. This is a real, 90 minute gym quality workout with Cathe as your personal trainer. It has it all, step, circuit training, and upper body weight training that really has your muscles screaming. This is the video for kicking your fitness level up several notches. This is the next step after FirmStrength and Firm Cardio and Energy Sprint. Not a video to do everyday but maybe two or three times a week. This is a video that can grow as more weight is added to the lifting sections.
Instructor Comments:
Cathe Friedrich is good, really good. She knows her audience> I appreciate the fact that while some are CF veterans, she's aware that some exercisers may be using her videos for the first time. She cues so well that it's easy to pick up as the choreography isn't too difficult but still creative. She definately not low key but she's not perky, more like a coach who can work you like a drill seageant while making sure everyone has fun. She's at the top of her game in advanced video training.
This is probably the most complete workout you can buy in one video. You get an intense step section...then an equally intense circuit section that alternates high intensity stepping with leg work with a barbell and dumbells. Then..as if that's not enough the last section is a complete upper body and abs section with weights.
I will not go into detail. I just wanted to add that this video should be in the hall of fame (if it's not already). It is truly a one of a kind workout that I highly recommend to any advanced excerciser that wants to go to the next level of all around fitness!! Super!!
Instructor Comments:
The best!!
I won't repeat all the things that have been said about this video because everyone that has tried it is right on the money.
Cathe is just the best instructor out there.
Her tapes are for the advanced exerciser and I'm glad I found her. Three cheers for Cathe.
Instructor Comments:
Cathe Friedrich is by far, the best, instructor I have ever worked with. She has instilled in me, which got lost for awhile, the desire to really want to push myself and train five to six days a week instead of what I lapsed into (three days a week).
She is truly an inspiration. She cares about the people who buy her tapes and it shows.
Cathe has done it again, making yet another video that rivals MIS and MIC in terms of sheer intensity.
You start off with a step segment, but it is almost all power/high-impact moves. You don't have to do the highest intensity, of course, but it's there if you want it. Unlike in her other videos, she doesn't teach any moves. The first time through, I was horribly frustrated, and I kept rewinding. I think it took me an hour just to get through the step! However, even though she doesn't break combos down, by the time you get to "putting it all together," you've got it. I like the fact that she doesn't waste time by over-teaching, but I have to say I would prefer a little bit more than what's here. Not necessarily the amount she does in her previous tapes, just a little bit!
The next section is circuit. You alternate power stepping with standing lower body work. The stepping segments include "power drills" that will really challenge you! The lower body work consists of squats, lunges, dips, and plie squats using weights or a barbell. She doesn't do as many reps as she does in MIS, and she doesn't use as much weight either. I used the same amount of weight, but there is no way in the world I would have been able to do the same number of reps as in MIS. Your legs are already tired from the stepping and drills.
Finally, there is upper body work. Although it's not nearly as long as the upper body in MIS, it is still very thorough. In fact, I consider this tape a complete body workout all in one. For upper body, she covers chest, back, shoulders, biceps, and triceps.
Oh, I almost forgot. If you haven't died yet, there is also an abs section after the upper body.
The total workout is 1-1/2 hours including the warmup and cooldown. That took me by surprise -- for some reason I thought it was going to be 75 minutes like MIS and MIC. There is no mention on the box of the length of time, and I would like to see that on future videos.
Grade A+!
Instructor Comments:
I admire Cathe so much, both for daring to make these TOUGH tapes and for being able to do them in the first place!
This is probably the hardest workout I have ever done! Since the Firm Variety series the Firm has not produced a full-length workout,and I have been "starved" for a full-length, challenging workout similar to the early Firm Classics. Cathe to the rescue! This video is the best of all worlds. Cardio lovers will be challenged and those who love strength training will be delighted. I can't speak highly enough about this tape and would recommend it to any advanced exerciser who wants to milk their workout to the max.
This video will definitely make it into the VF "Hall of Fame."
Grade for this Video: A++ Absolutely superb!
Instructor Comments:
Cathe is a new favorite instructor of mine. Her cueing is flawless, her style non-intimidating. She is truly a gifted instructor and choreographer. She listens to her customers and even takes the time to answer questions personally at her website.
In one word: extraordinary. Body Max has it all in one video. I always have to use 2-3 tapes a day to get my complete workout, but Body Max has it all in one video. Here is the breakdown: Warm-up (8 minutes); High intensity step (23 minutes); interval step with squats, lunges, power scissors (20 minutes); mini cooldown (3 minutes). Strenth: each section is 4 1/2 minutes: chest, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps. Last section: abs (8 1/2 minutes); stretch: 3 1/2 minutes. The high intensity step section is only 23 minutes but I was sweating from my head to my tippy toes. I knew all the moves, because as a Cathe fan, she just has to say "around the world" or "heel toe over the top" and I just flowed right along. I loved all the familiar and popular moves. Tons of lunges, straddles, power all the way. Your heartrate will remain high in the interval section, so you are getting enough of a cardio workout. The strength work is faster than MIS, but I consider myself a light weight person (8-10-12 lbs. is my limit) and this was great. She says this is an endurance tape and she's right, but I am sure you will see more definition if you use this tape. It's my new favorite.
Instructor Comments:
Cathe is the best instructor for step videos, and with her new strength tapes, the best for weight training. She is extremely open and answers any questions she is asked on her Forum. She takes surveys from her fans and actually incorporates their ideas into her videos. She is one of a kind in the fitness industry.
There have been some very detailed reviews of what the workout itself contains so I'll skip that and just comment on what I personally thought of the video. If you are looking for an advanced workout that will work EVERYTHING and is extremely challenging even if you are very advanced than this is it. If you liked MIS but kind of found it boring or too long, you'll love this workout. If devoting your entire workout to a strength routine leaves you feeling guilty for skipping your cardio, this is the workout for you. Also, if you're very conditioned cardio-wise and have a hard time getting your heart rate up there, this is for you. And if you're a firmie, you'll love the diversity of this workout and will definately include it in your rotation. I do a lot of running so maybe that really conditions me, I'm not sure but I have a hard time getting and keeping my heart rate up and I'm also easily bored, not so with this workout. It went by really fast too. Even though the step portion was only 23 minutes, the intervals and lower body workout kept my heart rate up there. Oh yeah, if you were disappointed in the lower body workout in MIS, you won't be with this workout. Each time we did a lower body sequence, I was praying for the step drill thing to come. Then when that came I was praying for the leg sequence to come. It was very challenging because each segment pre-exhausted your legs. Towards the end, she tells you to lower your step all the way and says don't worry you'll keep your heart rate up there as she said that my monitor was beeping that I was coming out of my training zone, however, sure enough, as soon as we started going again, it went right back up there as we did lunges long ways across the board touching toe to floor.
The upper body section although similar to MIS was kind of different and seemed to go by quicker and seemed more light hearted, (I don't know why, it just did). I don't know if it was her sequencing or the fact that we seemed to do more reps with a little less weight but boy did I feel it. I think the cardio portion really pumped me up. It was enough to really get your blood pumping, challenge you, but not totally wipe you out that you couldn't give your all for upper body. When I used to do MIS in its entirety (before I started breaking it down), it was as if the warm up and then doing the workout just never really psyched me up but this work out definately does. Since you do so many different sets for each body part, you can use lower weight, truly focus on form and really exhaust the muscle. Also, Cathe's keeps the form pointers and comments to a minimum so when you do this tape, time and time again, you won't have to hear the same stuff over and over, assuming you are an advanced exerciser and pretty much know what you're doing. Just watching her form will show you, if you're not too sure. I had no problems.
Now on to abs. I do abs all the time. Mostly FIRM 5 days abs (old & new). I've done all 5 of the new FIRM 5 day abs in one session, I'm not bragging but just as a comparison, Cathe's abs, for some reason really got me feeling them right away, I had a hard time finishing. Very effective. But all in all, after one hell of a workout, I didn't feel that wiped out feeling that doing the entire MIS workout used to give me, I felt great, energized and real good. Definately a keeper! I'm so glad I bought this tape.
Instructor Comments:
I think most people who buy this tape are already familiar with Cathe's workouts. She's a fantastic instructor. Not one negative thing ever comes to mind when I think of her. Wonderful cueing, upbeat, in great shape, etc.
This is an amazing workout. I really couldn't believe how quickly it went by, and I was absolutely drenched after the first two sections. I don't think I have ever sweat so much during a workout. The first section is high intensity power stepping. There are a lot of familiar moves like the heel-toe & jack combo, t-steps, knee-ups/back up 6, and new moves like the in-out-in repeaters.
As in Maximum Intensity Cardio (MIC) Cathe uses the pump-circle runs to keep the intensity up. The second section is the power circuit section. There are five cycles consisting of power stepping, followed by power drills, followed by leg work. The stepping moves will probably be familiar if you have Cathe's other tapes. For example, for one of the circuits she uses the first part of the second section of Power Max (quarter hop-turn, etc), followed by the power lunges the long way across the step, followed by stationary lunges. I was so glad that was the last circuit because my legs were trembling after that one! I think Cathe is using a 35-lb barbell during this section. She also uses dumbbells for some of the leg work.
The last section is upper body conditioning, and it's very similar to the upper body in Maximum Intensity strength (MIS). Cathe uses a 25-lb barbell and various size weights during this section. These are the exercises that she does during this section.
Chest: dumbbell bench press, barbell bench press, pushups (5 sets!).
Back: 1-arm lat rows, bent-over rows w/ barbell, rear delt flies.
Shoulders: dumbbell military press, upright rows, side lateral raise (both short & long lever lifts).
Biceps: barbell curls, hammer curls, crazy eights, more hammer curls, w/ a rotation this time.
Triceps: close-grip bench press, lying triceps extension, dips w/out barbell, kickbacks.
I love it when Cathe announces that we're going to do one set of crazy-eights, and then she says, "no comments now!" (Just as I'm about to make a rude one.) Finally, she does ab work and IMO, it's the toughest ab work that Cathe does. It starts out relatively easy, but it gets tough! I did this workout yesterday and my abs are sore today. I really love this workout and I think Cathe did an outstanding job designing it.
Instructor Comments:
As usual, Cathe's cueing and form pointers are impeccable. She is such a great instructor and she really makes me want to try to work my hardest.
This video is for those who loved the intensity and the simple choreography of the MIC/MIS series. It is divided roughly into thirds--the first third is a warm up plus high impact, high intensity step work, the second third (power circuit) alternates similar step segments with lower body toning followed by a cool down and stretch, and the third is a very thorough, upper body strength workout.
The warm up is very thorough--you start easy, then have a brief stretch before moving into a bit higher intensity (but low impact) work to prepare you for all the power moves ahead.
The cardio work in both sec. 1 and 2 reminds me a lot of what you see in MIC, both in terms of style and tempo. It's more linear in nature, with no long combos to learn. This section is almost entirely power moves, and you'll recognize nearly all the steps from past videos and from StepWorks ("in and out repeater," "power lunges," and "figure 8's"). You could call the choreography a collection of "Cathe's greatest hits" except that her more complex moves aren't in here. You'll see stuff from Step Max (T-steps, basketball shoots, abduction repeaters aka "explode", oodles o' alternating lunges), Step Heat (A-step/heel toe/diagonal hop turn/jack), Power Max (power L, abduction repeaters, quarter hop turn/long hop turn, run on step/jump freeze, etc.), Step Jam (that scoop thing on the step), Step Fit (power scissors, step hop/walk back and kick), and more that I can't remember at the moment.
Cathe assumes her fans know most of these moves, and since they aren't broken down, the intensity doesn't lag for a minute.
The second section, called "power circuit," has very similar step choreography. It's a traditional circuit workout except that the cardio portions are very high intensity. The toning segments are all for the lower body--lunges, static lunges, dips off the step, plie squats--and most use the barbell, which she seems to have set to 35 lbs. like in MIS. The exercises are similar to MIS, with variations in set length and the reps are a bit faster.
After a cool down and quick stretch, you proceed to the upper body section. At first glance, it looks very much like the upper body work in MIS, but there are subtle differences that make this an endurance workout rather than the super heavy muscle building workout of MIS. As with MIS, she covers chest, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps, and abs, in that order.
For the barbell, start out a fair amount lighter than you would with MIS--Cathe has dropped to a 25 pound barbell here where she used 35 lbs. in MIS. Most of the exercises are like those in MIS, but here you do faster sets and in most cases more sets. I think there were 5 sets (short sets, but still!) of pushups! What makes these sets difficult (and why you can't use quite as much weight is she'll stick in "active rests" where you'll hold the weight in an isometric contraction before doing the next set. Your muscles get really fatigued. There is not as much opportunity to rest between sets/exercises, either, as would be expected from an endurance workout.
I didn't really notice the music in this video until the end, when I noticed that the stretch music was very nice and new-agey. The stretch is longer than usual and thorough, most similar to Step Fit's.
I suspect many people will choose to break this video up, because 90 very intense minutes can be a bit much some days. The structure of the video allows for this--sec. 1 and 2 could be combined for a great, hour-long cardio and lower body workout, sec. 2 and 3 would give you some cardio plus a complete strength workout, and each section can function independently, as well, provided you supplement with your own warm up or cool down as necessary. For example, sec. 1 would make a great, intense 1/2 hour cardio workout, and sec. 3 a good upper body workout to substitute for Cory Everson's Get Hard Arms and Shoulders.
All in all, a great video for MIC/MIS fans and any advanced exerciser who wants a challenge.


text:
The Federal Election Commission gets it—Stephen Colbert is punking them. But the FEC treated the Comedy Central host's request for an advisory opinion like anyone else, and on Thursday granted him the ability to form a "super PAC."
Their ruling allows his parent company Viacom to pay for most of their "coverage" of Colbert Super PAC's activities under a press exemption without having to disclose such expenditures as in-kind donations.
Colbert, alongside his lawyer Trevor Potter, appeared at the FEC's public hearing at their headquarters in downtown Washington. After asking Colbert a series of questions about the planned activities of 'Colbert Super PAC'—such as whether the ads the group creates would run on other channels—the commission voted 5-1 on an advisory opinion to give him the go-ahead.
Campaign finance reform groups opposed Colbert's motion because they said it would allow other media companies and politicians who have their own programs to promote their political action committees under the guise of a media exemption.
After the meeting wrapped, Colbert addressed a throng of supporters and reporters just outside the FEC building.
"Sixty days ago today, on this very spot, a young man petitioned the FEC for permission to form a 'super PAC' to raise unlimited monies, and use those monies to determine the winners of the 2012 elections," Colbert said. "Can anyone tell me who that young man was? It was me."
"Now some people have cynically asked, is this some kind of joke? Well I for one don't think that participating in a democracy is a joke," Colbert told the crowd. "I don't think that wanting to know what the rules are is a joke."
"But I do have one federal election law joke if you'd like to hear it," Colbert said.
"Knock knock?" Colbert said.
"Who's there?" asked the crowd.
"Unlimited union and corporate campaign contributions," Colbert said.
"Unlimited union and corporate campaign contributions who?" the crowd replied, not quite in unison.
"That's the thing, I don't think I should have to tell you," Colbert replied.
Colbert said he didn't know what he'd be doing with his unrestricted "super PAC" money, but said people should give him cash so they could find out.
"I don't know about you, but I do not accept limits on my free speech," Colbert said. "I don't know about you, but I do not accept the status quo. But I do accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. $50 or less please, because then I don't have to keep a record of who gave it to me."
After his speech, Colbert accepted credit card donations to his "super PAC" using an iPad application. He also took questions from the crowd as FBI employees watched from the windows of their building across the street.
Colbert—who joked on his show that the first priority of his "super PAC" would be getting raises for the FEC—said that the commissioners should get "full body scrubs." He said that Karl Rove and Sarah Palin should send them "bouquets of flowers" if they stay at Fox News.
The FEC staff -- not accustomed to their typically low-profile meetings becoming media spectacles -- had to hustle to deal with the crowd that wanted to get into the hearing.
"It was a little better attended than some of our meetings, we're happy to have so many people interested in what the agency is doing," FEC Chairwoman Cynthia Bauerly told TPM after the meeting.
"I don't think that the result in the Colbert issue was all that surprising, it seems to me its a fairly straightforward application of our traditional press exception standards," Bauerly said. "Obviously providing independent political committee expenditures doesn't fall in the press function as we know it, so that's where the line was drawn for the advisory opinion."
"Obviously Mr. Colbert's show has provided a lot of coverage for the agency and has brought a lot of attention to these issues that I think are important issues, so I appreciate that there are more people talking about campaign finance issues as a result of his show than might otherwise be," Bauerly said.
So has Colbert shined a positive or negative light on the FEC?
"I guess we'll see!" Bauerly said. "He obviously has a show where he likes to poke fun at certain elements from his perspective. Whether he finds the agency to be a part of that, a part of his humor, I guess we will see. But he didn't approach this from a comedic standpoint, he approached it as a legitimate legal question for the commission to answer, and that's how the agency handled it."
"What he chooses to do from here going forward is up to him," Bauerly said.
Note: This article has been updated from its original posting


text:
I don't want to be Mr Grumpy, so I've removed my grumpy comment!
The Solo Merino Wool base layer is a slim fitting and comfortable option that comes with the usual merino benefits of being naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant.
I guess you already know whether you're a wool-wearing type of a rider or not. Nine times out of 10 I'll go for a synthetic base layer, although I'll opt for merino when I want a little extra warmth or I'm likely to stop somewhere civilised mid-ride and don't want to sit there humming. Merino is definitely a winner on that score. There are plenty of other people out there who use merino as a matter of course.
This base layer puts in a good performance. For a start, the wool is superfine. Even after quite a few washes (40° in the machine, no worries there) it doesn't feel at all scratchy to me. In fact, it's among the most comfortable merino tops I've ever used.
It's a medium weight merino – 150gsm, if you speak that language – which is the same weight as Rapha use for theirs. The seams are flat-stitched and side-panels that extend to the underside of the arms ensure a good fit. The back is a little longer than the front – not massively, but enough to keep you well covered back there. The cut is slim so most skinny riders will get a close fit, and tons of stretch means it's not a problem if you have a bit more meat on your bones.
Merino naturally wicks sweat from your skin and Solo's base layer is no different from the norm in that respect. Like any merino, it can get heavy if you sweat loads and it doesn't dry especially fast compared to a lightweight polypropylene, for example, which is one of the reasons why I wear it selectively. It'll keep you much warmer and more comfortable than a synthetic will if you do overload it, though.
In terms of price, the Solo base layer is cheaper than Rapha's (£60 for short sleeve, £55 for sleeveless, and £65 for long sleeve) which, I would say, is a similar quality. DHB's 150gsm merino short sleeve base is considerably cheaper at £30.99.
Also available in a sleeveless model for £46.
Slim-fitting merino base layer that puts in a solid performance
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Solo Merino short sleeve base layer
Size tested: XL
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Solo say, "Constructed from 150gsm super fine 100% merino wool, this baselayer is perfect for all season riding. It features a cycling specific cut and comfortable flatlock seams throughout. It's exceptionally warm and breathable and has all the natural benefits of merino wool: anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and odour repelling.
Note: There is a lot of stretch in the baselayer so each size covers a much bigger range than standard cycle jerseys."
Yep, I can't argue with that description. It doesn't have any amazing design features but it's a fine grade of merino and it's close fitting.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Merino can absorb a lot of water. Unlike cotton, though, it retains its warmth when damp.
Flatlock stitched throughout with side panels that extend to the underside of the arms.
There are no special features here but merino is a great option for certain types of riding.
Keep away from moths.
Not as expensive as Rapha, not as cheap as DHB.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It puts in a good performance
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The super-fine fibres and the skinny cut.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing comes to mind.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
About the tester
Age: 41 Height: 190cm Weight: 75kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,
Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now pushing 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.


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I think it's pretty impossible to be from Canada and have bad taste in music. The indie stuff that's been brewing north of the border has been consistently top-notch for years now. It is the land that has given us Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Metric, Feist, Stars, The Stills, New Pornographers, and of course, one Ms. Celine Dion (SHUT UP I LOVE HER WITH ZERO IRONY).
Since the boys and girls are in Canada for the week, I figured I'd hand over the wheel to Vancouver's own, and Canadian #1, Rebecca Marino. She's going to start doing her own 2ne Tuesday on Twitter so be sure to follow her at @rebecca_marino. Thanks for taking the time, dude!


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We glide rain or shine! Ponchos are provided when it rains. In the event of extreme, inclement weather, as predicted by the National Weather Forecast Service, rain checks or rescheduling options are available. We require a minimum of 36 hours advance notice, of your tour's departure time, for all cancellations and rescheduling (unless canceled by ACGT).
Any tour that is canceled less than 36 hours prior to scheduled departure time is non-refundable and non-transferable. All cancellations must be made either in person or with a customer service representative over the phone. E-mails and voice messages will not be accepted. All cancellations are subject to an 8% processing cancellation fee (unless canceled by ACGT). All contracted private and group tours please defer to your contract for your agreed terms and conditions.
Tours must depart at their scheduled departure time. Guests who do not arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time will not be able to participate and forfeit their payment.
Those persons who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are not permitted to participate and a refund will not be issued. All participants must be at least 12 years old, WEIGHT MORE THEN 100 LBS and less than 260 LBS in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. An adult must accompany anyone under the age of 18 years old. Participants must be able to stand for extended periods of time. All participants must be able to ascend a flight of stairs without assistance. Pregnant women are prohibited from participating in this activity.
Any reservation of 6 or more will be charged a gratuity of 15% upon arrival. Any group of 8 or more that desires to glide together is considered a private tour and is subject to a private tour service charge and gratuity. Please refer to all FAQ's for further stipulations and recommendations.
In the event of park festivals or races, construction, and the like, tours will be adjusted for safety and quality.
We do require all participants sign waivers and release forms absolving ACGT, LLC, all employees of ACGT from any and all litigant and responsibility for any and all injury or damages as you glide at their own risk. Those who refuse to completely fill and sign a release form will not be able to participate and will not be granted a refund. We do provide training and practice.
Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours LLC is committed to protecting the privacy and security of visitors to our website. Outlined below is our online privacy policy for information collected through our website and email lists.
Resale or disclosure of information to third parties:
We do not share or otherwise disclose any personal information, including your name, address or email addresses with other organizations. Only ACST''s staff and our authorized agents have access to personally identifiable information provided by visitors to our site.
We use industry-standard encryption technologies when transferring and receiving financial data from our site. In addition, we have appropriate security measures in place in our physical facilities to protect against the loss or misuse of information at our site that we have collected from you.
Parking is available at the Millenium Garages via the East Monroe St. entrance, located at 5 S. Columbus Drive.
From the South, enter the garage on the right side of S. Columbus. Take the immediate left upon entering the garage. Proceed through the gate, and follow the Orange Segway Tour signs. MAKE SURE TO PARK AS FAR NORTH AS POSSIBLE. Follow signs for the "Randolph Street Pedestrian Exit" to the elevators. Take the elevators to the ground level and then walk two blocks east on Randolph St. Do NOT stop at the McDonald's bike center, we are one block further east. Look for the ORANGE signs!
From the North, enter the garage on the right side of S. Columbus. Take an imediate right upon entering the garage. Proceed through the gate, and follow the Orange Segway Tour signs. MAKE SURE TO PARK AS FAR NORTH AS POSSIBLE. Follow signs for the "Randolph Street Pedestrian Exit" to the elevators. Take the elevators to the ground level and then walk two blocks east on Randolph St. Do NOT stop at the McDonald's bike center, we are one block further east. Look for the ORANGE signs!>>Google Maps
Walking Directions: We are located 3 blocks east of Michigan Avenue on the south side of East Randolph Street in the lower level of the short building which is built into the hill on the North end of Grant Park. 337 East Randolph Street. Look for our orange Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours signs.
|Schedule: Navy Pier Departures
May 1 - Oct 31,Must call for reservations
|Tours from Navy Pier
|Lincoln Park/Beach
|10:00 am
|2 hrs.
|1:00 pm
|2 hrs.
|4:00 pm
|2 hrs.
|1:45 pm
|2.5 hrs.
|One Hour
|10:30 am
|1 hr.
|12:30 pm
|1 hr.
|5:15 pm
|1 hr.
|6:30 pm
|1 hr.
|Bi-lingual tours are available. If you would like a translated or bi-lingual tour, please make your reservations by phone. Advance notification required. A surcharge may apply.


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The panoramic views from the Servcorp reception on the 27th floor are amongst the most spectacular views of Tokyo, overlooking the Imperial Palace, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Tower and the skyscrapers of Shinjuku. Located in the heart of the finance district and nearby the Bank of Japan, it is also an area where large publishing and communications firms are headquartered. The lower levels of the building are occupied by the Sankei Shimbun, a well known Japanese daily newspaper, whilst the higher floors are occupied by prestigious foreign consulting, finance and banking corporations.
Besides its convenient public transportation access, the building also offers Otemachi Sankei Plaza, a conference centre located above the entrance lobby and offering a wide variety of function rooms for audiences from the small seminar of 20 people to the very large event for up to 600 people. Besides its great reputation, the building has cutting-edge systems in its construction, such as earth-quake resistance 1.5 times higher then new standards, disaster prevention and energy saving design.
From Narita International Airport: 60 min by Narita Express to Tokyo Station, 85 min by Airport Limousine bus to Marunouchi Hotel. From Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport): 30 min by Keikyu Line to JR Tokyo Station, 40 min by Airport Limousine bus to Yaesu Minami Exit of Tokyo Station.
Direct connection from Exit E1 or A4 of Otemachi Station on Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line, Chiyoda Line and Toei Mita Line. 5 min walk from Marunouchi East Exit of JR Tokyo Station.
MARUNOUCHI SHUTTLE: Free Shuttle Bus going around Otemachi (Bus stop in front of Sankei Building) – Marunouchi – Yurakucho, every 12 to 15 min. TOEI BUS: Otemachi Bus Stop (3 min walk) : TOH43 Marunouchi 1-Chome : TOH20/TOH22/TOH22OTSU
Within 5 minutes walking distance:
Recommended lunch places:
Bistro Lyon (French)
Tel +81 3 5204 8066
Wadakura (Japanese)
Tel +81 3 3211 5322
DEAN & DELUCA (Coffee & Deli)
Tel +81 3 3284 7071
Ask if they have unique-password, rocket-fast WiFi – For your security.
Ask to be connected to the internet – How long does it take?
Ask if the provider is Tier-1.
Ask to be allowed to check download speeds.
Ask to speak to IT support: Are they in-house or a third party? Are they even in the country?
Ask to be given a phone number so you can try the service before you buy.
Ask for a phone rate card.
Ask to meet your dedicated receptionist. The receptionist is the front line of your business.
Ask about disaster transfer.
Ask if your phone extension can roam at no cost to other locations.
Ask if the wireless internet is secure.
Ask what kind of firewall can be set up for your network.
Ask to see the transparency code of the provider.
Ask if incoming callers can dial '1' for voicemail to mobile.
Ask if you can get free calls equal to your connection amount.
Ask if your phone bill is 20% lower than telco rate.


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Men who have or have had an
undescended testicle are more likely to have problems
with the reproductive system that may cause them to be unable to father a child
Early diagnosis and treatment for an
undescended testicle improves chances for fertility in adulthood. Generally,
doctors recommend surgical treatment to place the testicle in the scrotum by
age 1 and no later than age 2. The location of the undescended testicle and the
boy's age when he is treated influence the outcome. Boys who have one
undescended testicle that is just above the scrotum or low in the
inguinal canal are more likely to be fertile than boys
who have two undescended testicles that are high in the inguinal canal or in
the abdomen.
Other Works ConsultedBraga LHP, Bagli DJ (2011). Urologic abnormalities of the genitourinary tract. In CD Rudolph et al., eds., Rudolph's Pediatrics, 22nd ed., pp. 1741–1748. New York: McGraw-Hill.Elder JS (2011). Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In RM Kliegman et al., eds., Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 19th ed., pp. 1858–1864. Philadelphia: Saunders.
Next Section:
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Last Revised:
December 28, 2012
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
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The Bowery House
Our stylish and luxurious hostel is only a two-minute walk from three different subway stations!
Individually-decorated historic cabins and shared rooms are offered at The Bowery House. The shared bathrooms feature heated floors, Red Flower bath products and high-pressure showers.
Featuring a rooftop garden with Italian furniture, our stylish Soho hostel is a two-minute walk from three different subway stations, connecting you to the whole city. Free Wi-Fi and a private living room are also provided.
Guests of The Bowery House can relax in front of the 65-inch TV in the living room or read a paper from the world newsstand. The Bowery Bodega offers snacks, drinks and toiletries.
Luggage storage is available for a $10 fee at check-out. Not all rooms have windows. Window rooms are at an added cost.
The R Bar is located on the ground floor of our hostel and features room for socializing and a wide choice of beer, wine and spirits.
Get the best out of NYC from the stylish surrounds of the Bowery House!
Please note that guests must be over 20 years of age.
One night's deposit is due at time of booking.
Tax not included.
Availability & RatesTo view availability and prices please select dates and click 'Update Dates'
Hostel Facilities & Policies
- 24 Hour Reception
- Bicycle parking
- Free Breakfast
- Free Internet Access
- Free WiFi
- Hair Dryers
- Hot Showers
- Internet Access
- Linen Included
- Security Lockers
- Luggage Storage
- Outdoor Terrace
- Reading Light
- Taxes not included
- Towels Included
Cancellation PolicyThis property has a 2 day cancellation policy. Failure to cancel within this time will result in a cancellation charge equal to the first night of your stay.
Must-Read Hostel InfoThis property has specific Terms & Conditions.
No guests under the age of 20 permitted.
The hostel will charge the first night deposit in addition to deposit paid on-line to the booking site. A valid credit card must be provided for the deposit to be taken, please make sure there are sufficient funds to cover the first night deposit. Reservations will be cancelled without a valid credit card payment for first night.
The first night deposit is refundable if cancelled more than 48 hours before arrival date.The deposit paid to the booking site is not refundable in case of any cancellation.
Check-in: 15:00
Check-out: before 11:00
No smoking.
No Pets.
Reserving a bunk bed will only reserve you one of the two mattresses available. Please reserve one bunk for each individual.
If you'd like to store your luggage after check-out it's USD $10.
Not all rooms have windows. A window room has an additional cost.
Tax not included - 14.75% + USD3.50 occupancy tax per person per night.
DirectionsShow MapHide Map
We are located blocks away from the F train, J train, the N/R train, and the 6 train.
To reach us from JFK take the Airtrain to Jamaica Station and transfer to the J train to the Bowery Station. From there you walk 1 block north to 220 Bowery.
To reach us from LaGuardia take the M60 bus to Hoyt Ave. From there take the N train to the Prince Street Station and walk East to Bowery. On Bowery head South for half a block.
Located Near
The Bowery begins where Third Avenue ends at Cooper Square and traverses downtown through the neighborhoods of NoHo, SoHo, Nolita, Lower East Side and Chinatown.
It is in the charming, architecturally rich, pedestrian-friendly and European-inspired neighborhood of Nolita where you will find The Bowery House. Our unparalleled location will provide you with the New Museum of Contemporary Art, Bowery Ballroom, Old St. Patrick's Cathedral, Albanese Meat & Poultry, Cafe Habana, Torrisi, and much more.


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Situ Lembang park is a park with it (artificial lake) that adjoining oval. Situ Lembang park surrounded by luxury homes located in the elite area of Menteng, Central Jakarta. Midst - the middle of it made a fountain and planted with lotus flowers when blooming pink.
Important Information
Related Places
- Skyrink Skating
One of the largest ice skating rinks in Southeast Asia (1,248m2) and one of the most beautiful in Asia, is no doubt the right choice for you and your family for recreation in an environment that is fun and wholesomely healthy.
- Taman Impian Jaya Ancol
Ancol Dreamland or Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, is Jakarta's largest and complete multi-themes park. A vast beach resort in the North of Jakarta facing the Java Sea, Ancol Dreamland covers
a wide 80 hectares swathe of shoreline. This is an integrated park that offers everything from beach and water sports to fun rides, swimming pools to Eco-Park and spectacular shows where international stars perform.
- Ragunan Zoo
Located at Pasar Minggu in South Jakarta, the Ragunan Zoo is a favorite attraction for the entire family especially during weekends and school holidays. Covering an area of 140 hectares, the Ragunan Zoo has a collection of 295 species of animals, including Indonesia's own famous Komodo dragons.


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I was interviewed by Andrew Collins in December's Hyper Magazine about Social and Augmented Reality gaming. Hyper magazine is a great game monthly and a regular buy for me with its pretty solid reviews and impartial editorial for the game world as well as some forward looking features. The gaming industry is close to a precipice as games spill out into the real world (as I have blogged about many times before!) so I thought I would publish the article (and my interview on which much of the article is based) this week as the race for the augmented reality, locative game space trophy truly begins and the contestants line up on the starting grid…
- Sony with it's NGP virtual treasure hunts
- Nintendo's 3DS games in the real world AR launch
- a multitude of Android AR game apps in development/release and in case you missed it
- about to be released the iPad 2 with it's dual camera support for Augmented Reality locative games and all the iPhone AR apps that will flood across
- and of course
Mid to late 2011 is going to be significant – a fun, social, locative augmented reality game nirvana. Perhaps the real battle though is going to be between locked down, TV room, single player console gaming vs open, social, locative casual AR gaming? Interview after the cover…
Traditional game developers are extending the gaming experience beyond what appears on the retail disc and into the social realm, rewarding players for exploring media outside of the console and the PC.
Andrew Collins takes a look at what's on offer
Casual social networking games have exploded in popularity recently, with a bunch of casual game developers popping out of the woodwork producing low-tech but addictive games. Now traditional game developers and publishers have joined the party, seeking to adapt the trend to their own needs, and their own games.
This bleed of PC and console games out into social networking services has immense potential. There's a whole world of cool stuff going on right now, and even greater stuff just around the corner – that has the potential to change the way we game completely.
You probably already know the most basic form of this blend of traditional and social gaming: the automatic status update. Many games now will notify your Facebook or Twitter contacts when you accomplish a goal in-game.
It's unfortunate that this is the most recognisable example of this trend; at best, it's annoying, and at worst, it's annoying as hell. Do you really care that your flatmate's cousin's boyfriend just unlocked an achievement in FIFA 11? How do you feel when he unlocks 10 in the space of half an hour, flooding your social networking news feed?
Fortunately, developers have realised this and have moved on to integrating gaming and social networking in more interesting ways that suit us all.
Before we look at these developments, it's worth looking at why the games industry is embracing social networking.
As we found out in issue 204, the market for casual social networking games is booming, generating ridiculous amounts of revenue for those lucky or smart enough to have a finger in this lucrative social pie.
But the learned readers of Hyper are not the only ones who have cottoned on to this fact. Traditional games developers and publishers have seen the sheer number of people drawn into this social gaming trend, and have realised that it could work for them – not as a direct source of revenue, but rather as a form of marketing.
Put simply, every time you tell your 600 Facebook friends what game you're playing, you're giving the publisher 600 free ads for their game, and giving the game your own personal stamp of approval. Congratulations! You are advertising space.
Gary Hayes is an expert on the relationship between games and social networking. He has a terribly long bio – far too long to reproduce in full here – with experience in TV, music, virtual worlds, game production, lecturing, and many, many other things. He's most succinctly described as a `transmedia guru' – someone who dwells in the overlap of different mediums.
According to Hayes, this venture of traditional gaming into social networking isn't a short lived gimmick that just a few companies are toying with – it's now a necessity for developers.
"From an economic point of view, given the massive rise of social games over the last couple of years, and the decline in console games generally (in June of this year there was around a 10% drop in total game industry sales, down to about $6.7 billion), traditional games developers – EA and Ubisoft and so on – are looking at social gaming as really a pretty important part of the mix that they need to be involved in," Hayes says.
"It's part of their survival," he says. "There's a quote from Alex St. John [DirectX creator and social gaming producer] who says that if a game doesn't have a social element, it's going to be dead before it starts out, in the future."


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Forecasters: New, lesser storm may hit East Coast
WASHINGTON — Forecasters say another messy — and wintry — storm may cause post-Election Day problems for an already weather weary East Coast.
But meteorologists add that it's six days out, so that's rather early to get too worried. The forecast could change before it hits late next week.
The National Weather Service's forecast center that watches winter storms put out a long-range notice Thursday, saying bluntly that a nor'easter is possible for the mid-Atlantic and New England.
Forecaster Bruce Sullivan says it wouldn't be as bad as Superstorm Sandy and isn't tropical. But it could include snow in interior New England and New York, beach erosion and high winds for areas hit by Sandy, and moderate or heavier rainfall.