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This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.
January 09, 2013
The Production Tax Credit (PTC) and the investment tax credits will be extended through the end of the year under the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which was passed by Congress on January 1, 2013, and signed into law on January 2 by President Obama. The extension of the PTC, included in the bill to avert the so-called "fiscal cliff," would apply to all U.S. wind projects that start construction in 2013. In addition to the PTC, the law also covers investment tax credits for community and offshore wind projects.
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) said the incentives will allow continued growth for wind energy. Last year, the amount of wind energy installed in the United States comprised a record-setting 44% of all new U.S. electrical generating capacity, according to the Energy Information Administration and AWEA. See the White House Blog, the White House American Taxpayer Relief Act fact sheet, and the AWEA press release.
The law also includes geothermal, biomass, and hydropower tax credits as well as a range of other energy efficiency and renewable energy credits. For example, the law extends the biodiesel tax incentive for 2012 and 2013, which expired on December 31, 2011. The $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax incentive was first implemented in 2005. According to a study conducted by Cardno ENTRIX, a consulting firm, the biofuel industry would support more than 112,000 jobs nationally in 2013 with the tax credit in place versus nearly 82,000 without it.
Also, the measure provides one-year tax credits for energy-efficient additions such as exterior windows, doors, and skylights which are eligible for the non-business energy property tax credit; alternative-fuel-vehicle refueling stations; a $2,500 tax credit for two-wheeled or three-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles; and construction of energy-efficient new homes and the purchase of energy-efficient appliances. See the text of the bill.


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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Despite the fact that my E3 demo for The Witcher III: Wild Hunt did not start the demo with the team saying, "Hey guys, Witch this trailer!", I still think CD Projeckt Red's new RPG could be my game of the show.
My demo started with Geralt returning to the town of Novigrad after killing the Gryphon seen during The Witcher III's demo at Microsoft's press conference earlier in the week. Geralt is on the hunt of a mysterious girl with ashen hair and a scar on her cheek. Thankfully, now that Geralt has just killed the Gryphon for a mob boss named Dijkstra, this kingpin now owes us a favor, and we're going to cash it in for information.
Novigrad is the biggest city in The Witcher III, and it looks like one of the bigger cities I've seen in gaming period. While wandering its lively street, I got the sense that I was being transported to an actual medieval city.
Filled with several thousand inhabitants, special artisans, banks, markets, inns, and the largest seaport in the north, players could spend a massive amount of time in Novigrad without venturing out of the city. Thugs, beggars, and lords inhabit the city's four districts, so there is no shortage of quest givers. However, if players pick one quest, another might vanish, because none of the actions that a player makes leave the world unchanged.
We passed a fish market and for the right prices were able to haggle for select armor and special contraband that Geralt can use for his potions. But we can't waste anymore time; we've slain a gryphon, and it's time we talked to our contact Dijkstra.
Dijkstra gives us the info we're looking for. Our ashen haired lass has been seen in Velen, living in the woods, so we walk over to a sign post and use it to fast travel across the world to Velen – a trip that normally would have taken over 20 minutes traveling at a fast clip on horseback.
Velen was once a nice place, but, this boggy swampland has become a no man's land and our chances of running into danger here are much higher. It's not long before Geralt runs into a boy named Johny – a small godling creature with big eyes and blue skin. Johny can't talk, because someone seems to have stolen his voice, but through pantomime he ushers us over to a nearby cliff face and urges us to go up top to collect something from a band of circling harpies.
In The Witcher III: Wild Hunt there are multiple ways to get anywhere you want. We used Geralt's advanced senses – which highlight dangers – to survey the world around him and find a good path that allows us to climb to the top and attack the harpies from behind. It's always a good idea to explore the Witcher's open world and find unique hidden treasures.
Combat in The Witcher III: Wild Hunt seems pretty deep, and Geralt kicked off his battle with the harpies with a quick blast of his new crossbow. Geralt has a suite of nice magic powers that allow him to set down magic traps, create a temporary shield, set enemies on fire, charm his enemies, and fire off a powerful blast of air that knocks his foes back.
Geralt can also defect weapon bolts back at his enemies, and charge up an attacks that cleaves enemies in two, so he's no slouch with his swords either. Using all the tools at his disposal, he quickly makes work of the harpies – and Geralt work is murder. Deep inside the harpies nest is a golden bottle. We bring this back to Johny, so he can uncork it and regain his voice. Now that he can speak, Johny tells us that a woman at the orphanage will give him better info about where our ashen-haired lady might have gone.
I saw a lot more of The Witcher III, but it was still only a small fraction of everything that the game has to offer. CD Projeckt Red has crafted an incredibly rich world that could compete with the depth of titles like Skyrim. Even for a guy like me who plays games for a living, I'm not sure I'll have enough time to play everything it has to offer on my free time, which is why I might need to quit my job when the game comes out on February 24.

subset: commoncrawl


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Photo of: Freshman Andy Nguyen tallied Harvard's only point
against No. 50 Indiana at the No. 6 singles slot.
Photo courtesy of DSPics.com.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.- The Harvard men's tennis team fell to No. 50 Indiana, 6-1, to wrap up its trip to the Hoosier State. The Crimson moves to 4-4 on the year while the Hoosiers improve to 4-1.
Junior Aba Omodele-Lucien and freshman Christo Schultz partnered to even the doubles score at 1-1 with a 9-7 win at the No. 1 position. The Hoosiers responded by winning the No. 2 doubles match to claim the doubles point.
Freshman Andy Nguyen picked up Harvard's lone point with a 6-3, 7-6 victory at the No. 6 slot. Junior Alexei Chijoff-Evans fell in three sets at the top position. After dropping the first set, Chijoff-Evans bounced back to tie the score at 1-1. In the third and deciding set, the match went all the way to a tiebreaker but Indiana's Santiago Gruter prevailed. Omodele-Lucien also took his match at the No. 3 spot to three sets. The Hoosiers' Josh MacTaggart took the first set 6-3 and Omodele-Lucien rebounded to take the second set 7-5 but couldn't close out the match, falling in the third set 6-3.
The Crimson returns to the Murr Center Tennis Courts to take on Boston College, Feb. 26, and St. John's, Feb. 27.
No. 1 Santiago Gruter (IU) def. Alexei Chijoff-Evans (Harv), 6-2, 6-7, 7-6
No. 2 Jeremy Langer (IU) def. Alistair Felton (Harv), 7-6, 6-1
No. 3 Josh MacTaggart (IU) def. Aba Omodele-Lucien (Harv), 6-3, 5-7, 6-3
No. 4 Lachlan Ferguson (IU) def. Joshua Tchan (Harv), 6-4, 6-4
No. 5 Maxime Armengaud (IU) def. Christo Schultz (Harv), 7-5, 7-5
No. 6 Andy Nguyen (Harv) def. Will Kendall (IU), 6-3, 7-6
No. 1 Omodele-Lucien/Schultz (Harv) def. Vogl/Langer (IU), 9-7
No. 2 Ferguson/Armengaud (IU) def. Felton/Nguyen (Harv), 8-5
No. 3 Gruter/Juneau (IU) def. Chijoff-Evans/Tchan (Harv), 8-4


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Get Lost! Here's a tropical paradise that still really is a tropical paradise! No high rises, no "tourist Mecca", no hassles. You'll be able to truly get away from it all and live in nature's beauty. This is absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grab a piece of unspoiled Caribbean, the way it used to be.
This friendly resort can be your secret get-away. No crowds, no noise. Just your own private getaway spot. Experience fantastic diving at 39 different named sites! Experience the second largest Barrier Reef in the world. So close, you can see it from your balcony! And your neighbors? Let's just say…not many!
But you may just see a familiar face or two…like Jimmy Buffet, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ziggy Marley, Toby Keith, Madonna (who wrote the song "La Isla Bonita" about the island ( youtube.com/La Isla Bonita ) and many others.
Yes, this is the spot for folks who want to get away from it all. No Cancun-ization here. Locals take pride in saying "This ain't no Cancun" ! This is truly Paradise. So is it all just beach and nothing else? Not by a long shot! We're talking private, not primitive!
How about….sport fishing, jet skiing, wind surfing, shopping, small but fantastic restaurants, take a tour of the ancient Mayan Ruins, go sailing, Manatee sight seeing, rent a bike or golf cart and go exploring, have a massage, enjoy lunch and wine on the beach, stay in shape at the well equipped gym just across the street named the "Train Station". Experience The Blue Hole…..made famous by the French Explorer Jacques Cousteau, or just lie in a hammock on the beach and enjoy the fruits of your hard labor.
San Pedro Town, home of Seven Seas Resort, is the major settlement on the island and is home to approximately 15,000 residents. The islanders speak English and welcome you as their friends. A familiar sign in town reads, "Welcome to San Pedro where you won't be a stranger for long."
The island has the best fishing and diving facilities in the country. The town is a picture postcard setting with small colorfully painted houses set alongside sand and cobblestone streets nestled beside the clear turquoise sea. No building is higher that a coco palm, or three stories. Golf carts and bicycles are the principal mode of transportation. The streets are home to local and visiting barefoot strollers, casually making their way through the shops and restaurants or just relaxing and chatting with the locals who are mostly of Spanish and Mayan descent are friendly and tolerant.
If you are new to the island, leave about two thirds of your clothing at home. Bring swim suits, tanning lotion, sandals and a hat. Long pants are just not needed, ever. This is one very relaxed place! There are paved and cobblestone streets mostly in the downtown area and the main street going through town and up to the north and south ends of the island.
Most people wear sandals or flip flops and other just go barefoot everywhere. Just Remember….Sand Pedro is very small and everything there is small….the restaurants, bars, gift shops, resorts. Yes even Seven Seas is small and very friendly. Oops, there is one thing in San Pedro that isn't small and that is the hearts of its people…..but that's good. Ambergris Caye has much to admire.
Away from the center of town there is an abundance of birds and other animals. Much of the island is covered with forest that attracts wildlife. Many of the yards of the houses and hotels bloom with tropical flora. The sea abounds with adventure for fishermen, divers, snorkelers and sailors.
Some of the best outfitters for fishing and diving trips are found here, along with charter boats. San Pedro Town, the only town on the island and home to Seven Seas Resort, makes a fine base for excursions to nearby attractions and the more distant islands and atolls. The stores are well stocked with a variety of food and some of the country's best cooks take pride in their seafood specialties.
Relaxed, intimate, private…all the things you want in a "get away from it all" location. Water so clear and so blue you'll want to stare at it for hours. A tropical paradise that actually lives up to its name.
So just when was it that you really gave yourself time to just relax? I mean, really relax. How about curling up with a good book on your balcony, sipping a cold libation and watching the beautiful Caribbean Sea? Or you might want to try out one of the hammocks under the palm trees at the edge of the sea. I mean, isn't this what you work so hard for? Of course, being alone is entirely up to you. For you folks who want a little more action, we've not forgotten you!
How about a night out on the "town"? You have plenty of options….take a taxi downtown or drive your own golf cart ……or a 10 minute leisurely stroll down the beach brings you to the 4 block "downtown area". Once there you can continue your stroll down the beach for dinner at one of the fine restaurants, then on to a bar or disco for some entertainment.
Many bars and restaurants serve right on the beach under the stars or under a primitive thatch roof "Palapa" (no walls), or you could go to Front street, also now known as Barrier Reef drive, and check out the gift shops, talk to the friendly locals or try your luck at the Casino.
When you're finished with everything it is a short stroll back down the beach to the Seven Seas where peace and tranquility awaits you? Oh, we forgot the directions. Going to town keep your left foot in the water and keep on walking but on the way back don't forget to switch feet and put your right foot in the water…..otherwise it's a very long walk around the island! The next day some "Private Time" with lunch and wine on a secluded beach, a therapeutic massage….more hammock time. Are you pampered or what ?


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We offer two levels of Fascial Movement Taping clinics. Our FMT certifications are designed for therapists and practitioners who want to further their understanding of human movement. FMT Basic addresses theories and applications for rehab, posture, edema and sports performance. FMT Performance builds on FMT Basic concepts, with an emphasis on myofascial pathways, movement therapy and performance enhancement.
- All class supplies (tape, scissors, digital course notes) are provided.
- You will be credentialed in FMT, which is a commercially accredited certification.
- CEUs may be offered for DC, ATC, PT, OT, LMTs and personal trainers - depending on location and class type.
Date and Times
- Saturday June 8, 2019 8AM-5PM
- Sunday June 9, 2019 8AM-5PM
Sanford POWER Center
3451 N 14th Street Suite C 58503
- Aaron J. Crouch, DPT, ATC, CSCS
- FMT Basic - $250 Saturday
- FMT Performance - $300 Sunday
- Early Bird Discount - use code "EBND2019" at checkout for 10% off until May 8, 2019.
- 50% Student Discount - discount is available for current fulltime students. Email a copy of your current student ID (must show a year) or class registration to firstname.lastname@example.com
- Continuing Education Units
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- DC- FMT Basic 8 CEUS, FMT Performance 8 CEUS - Rocktape is recognized by the PACE program of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards. AK, ID, IA, IN, KS, ME, MD, MA, MN, MT, NE, NC, ND, NJ, NV, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WY
- PT/PTA - FMT Basic 8 CEUs, FMT Performance 8 CEUs - Approved in AZ, DE, GA, IL, IN,KY, MN, MO, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WY by virtue of California PTA Approval #18-412 (FMT Basic),#18-413 (FMT Performance)
- PT/PTA - FMT Basic 8 CEUs, FMT Performance 8 CEUs - Course meets continuing education requirements for CO, CT, HI, IA, MA, ME, NE, NH, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA PT Board.
- LMT - Rocktape is approved (#179) by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider
- NASM Provider #922
- AT-Rocktape (BOC Approved provider # P8570) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Certified Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for a maximum of (8 hours/CEUs Category A FMT Basic, 8 hours/CEUs FMT Performance Category A, or 16 hours/CEUs FMT Basic/Performance Category A). ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
- OT- AR, IN, NC, SC, HI, ID, ME, MA, NE, ND, TX, VA,WI- Course meets the requirements OT board
FMT Basic (formerly FMT1)
This course introduces the concept of movement therapy and enhancement via functional taping methods. It includes a review of the current literature suppporting the theory of kinesiology taping for the purposes of rehabilitation, edema/swelling management, neuropathic pain*, scar mobility and postural management. FMT Basic is an evidence informed kinesiology taping course that redefines out understand of the effects of elastic therapeutic taping on pain* mitigation, circulation and proprioception. FMT Basic lays the groundwork for a practical framework of 'taping movement, not muscles' to replace an outdated model focused on directional taping to activate or inhibit muscles.
Education Objectives FMT Basic:
- Discuss the physiological effects of kinesiology taping.
- Demonstrate functionals taping and understand its role and use for the applications of rehabilitation, edema management, neuropathic pain*, scar mobility, and posture improvement.
- Demonstrate and discuss the concept of a longitudinal muscle chain approach to the elastic therapeutic taping and a myofascial sequencing model of "Taping movements, not muscles."
FMT Performance (formerly FMT2)
This course expands on the concepts of movement therapy and performance enhancement via functional taping methods that are taught in FMT Basic. The anatomy and physiology of myofascial slings is covered. Movement assessment to determine dysfunction in specific slings and how to apply tape in a manner that improves movement and function is done in a workshop hands on environment. Corrective exercise techniques to address mobility and stability dysfunctions along these myofascial pathways are presented.
Education Objectives FMT Performance:
- Discuss the concept of the longitudinal muscle chain approach to kinesiology taping and a myofascial sequencing model of "Taping movements, not muscles."
- Demonstrate movement screening techniques to evaluate proper human movement patterns. In the presence of faulty movement patters, the plane of dysfunctional movement is identified and movement is corrected using the longitudinal muscle chain approach to kinesiology taping.
- Demonstrate functional taping applications for Performance Chains.
- Discuss and demonstrate assessment of sport-specific movement patters and the use of taping to improve sports performance.
25% fee for registration cancellations made less than 2 weeks before scheduled class date.
Training may be canceled if a minimum number of trainees is not reached two weeks prior to training. All registrants will receive a full refund or immediate transfer to a future training.
We do everything possible to ensure our events will go on as planned, but Mother Nature can choose to not cooperate. If it looks like a class will have to be cancelled, we will do our very best to contact you and give you as much notice as possible. With that said, please make your travel plans accordingly, knowing that we are not responsible for acts of God and cannot refund travel expenses related to cancelled/rescheduled seminars.


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Acupuncture is also an artificial method of inducing post-term babies, but it is enjoying increasing popularity as women with uncomplicated pregnancies seek to avoid conventional medical induction, imposition of medical timeframes, and the cascade of interventions that often follow.
Acupuncture induction is safe and effective and works harmoniously with the delicate hormonal balance of pregnancy to promote labour.
TCM practitioners will never perform internal, vaginal examination under any circumstance. The primary method of collecting TCM diagnostic information is through asking clinical questions, palpating the radial pulse and inspecting the tongue.
While acupuncture is very effective it works according to a different, less-aggressive philosophy to Western Medicine and therefore a specific timeframe for outcome can be difficult to guarantee.
In order to induce labour using acupuncture a woman's energy needs to be invigorated and moved downwards and outwards to allow her baby to be born. The baby also needs to be stirred from a relatively restful, nourishing, restorative (Yin) state to an active, moving, dynamic (Yang) state. This process can naturally take time depending on the readiness of both mother and baby. Generally, if a baby is mature, acupuncture will assist in promoting labour; if the baby is not ready, then induction will be difficult to achieve.
It is difficult to comment on what women can reasonably expect after an acupuncture induction treatment as no two pregnancies are ever the same and no two women come to treatment at the same stage of their pregnancy.
From anecdotal experience, acupuncture is very effective in inducing women who are past their due dates, especially if they are prepared to commit to daily sessions and allow adequate time before medical induction is scheduled. I find that women will often progress into labour after their first treatment, but more commonly after 2-3 treatments. If acupuncture is going to be effective, it rarely requires 4 treatments.
Current Research
In 2008 the Cochrane Collaboration reviewed three overseas trials of 212 women comparing acupuncture used for third trimester cervical ripening/labour induction with a placebo/no treatment or other methods.
The review of two of these trials suggested that women receiving acupuncture required less use of other induction methods compared with women receiving standard care alone.
The Collaboration noted that the studies were of moderate methodological quality, included small numbers of subjects and were inadequately reported; in other words, not of high quality.
The authors concluded that acupuncture had no adverse side effects and that there was a need for a well designed, randomised controlled trial to evaluate the role of acupuncture to induce labour, and for trials to assess clinically meaningful outcomes.
It is prudent, therefore, to advise women to commence daily acupuncture induction treatment from at least 4 days prior to their medically scheduled induction. This ensures reasonable opportunity for the treatment to take full effect.
If a woman is showing signs of pre-labour rumblings – such as cramping lower back pain, mild downward bearing sensation or diffuse abdominal tightening – it is highly likely that she will progress into labour post treatment.
Some women will have little sensation during the treatment while others experience downward movement, urinary urge and abdominal tightening during and up to 5 hours post treatment. In any event, a woman is best advised to go straight home after treatment, remain quiet and allow her body to take deep rest in preparation for the energy requirements of labour.
Induction treatment can also be considered to stimulate contractions in women experiencing spurious labour or those whose membranes have ruptured but labour has not spontaneously begun. If successful, the risk of infection is reduced and use of prophylactic antibiotics may be avoided.
Induction of labour using Chinese herbal medicine
Chinese herbal medicine can be utilised by women who dislike the thought and experience of needling and are comfortable ingesting herbs while pregnant, or those who are seeking to enhance the action of their acupuncture induction.
Prescribed by trained TCM professionals, Chinese herbal medicine is perfectly safe for the purpose of induction. At the time of writing, there are no known documented adverse interactions between herbs and the medical drugs used during labour.
The action of the herbal formulas used for induction treatment is to move and invigorate blood circulation to awaken and dislodge the foetus, descend energy, and nourish blood to help dilate the cervix. These types of formulas contain some herbs that are otherwise contraindicated during pregnancy because of their action to promote early labour/miscarriage, not because they pose any life threatening risk to mother or baby. The thought behind using these herbs for induction is that when a woman is past her due date she is no longer pregnant and therefore no contraindication applies.
Women are also best advised to commence herbal induction treatment up to 4 days in advance of a scheduled medical induction. It is common for women to experience lower abdominal tightening and sensations ranging from mild cramping to sharper, stabbing period-like vaginal pain shortly after consuming each dose of herbal medicine – a good sign that the formula is having an effect and labour is imminent.
While still an artificial method, the use of TCM to induce labour is a safe, natural, viable alternative to Western medical induction for post-term babies and well worth expectant mothers considering should they wish to avoid the possibility of medical induction. It might also be considered in cases of spurious labour or ruptured membranes with non-progressive labour. It is crucial, however, that women be advised to allow adequate time for treatment to take effect.
© January 2009 Karen Pohlner
1 comment(s) on this page. Add your own comment below.
To Whom it May Concern
My name is Sarah Quick and I will be 40 weeks pregnant this Friday (25th May) with my second child.
I have had acupuncture in the passed but not to assist with hopefully bringing on labour.
I am interested in your program and hoping you can assist to bring on this pregnancy.
I am interested in any possible openings you may have over the next short while.
Please let me know if there is other information you need.
Thanks Sarah


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Judgment day is upon us
Whatever the result, this will be a historic day in American history. There will never have been more full kit clowns at U.S. desks and cubicles across the nation. This is the day we have dreamed of over the past 17 months of qualifying, living and dying as 38 players swaggered through 16 games.
Beneath the confident veneer of the red, white and (occasionally stonewashed) blue polyester we are wearing, most fans are braced, experiencing giddy mood swings between "God Bless America" to Götterdämmerung. We crave so badly for the U.S. to be a coming force -- the Bitcoins of world football -- so we can give a generation of our children heroes' names such as Mix, Jurgen and Kyle.
But while Klinsmann's team have dominated CONCACAF, we cannot escape the gnawing awareness that the Yanks play in the "Star Wars" bar of soccer regions. And perhaps worse, every signature win they've celebrated comes with an asterisk.
They were the first Americans to win on the road in Estadio Azteca, but the victory came against what was essentially a Mexican B squad. The same could be said about the first win against Italy. The fantastic comeback against Bosnia-Herzegovina was won after second-half substitutions turned the game into garbage time. Last summer's edifying 12-game win streak was Gold Cup assisted.
Simply put, the U.S. are about to face the triple salchow of Ghana, Portugal and Germany, and we have no way of knowing exactly how good the Klinsmann-era United States are: Dare we dream, or is this the Dream-On Team?
I have spent the past three months embedded with this squad. That is a period in which Landon Donovan was ditched and Klinsmann pivoted from his talk of a U.S. team that could play assertive, aggressive, dominating football to a more pragmatic vision of a young, athletic, durable, hard-running, counter-attacking collective built for Brazilian climes.
Michael Bradley is the symbol and talisman. The phrenologists' dream is a dire wolf in cleats. How far Klinsmann risks pushing him upfield without exposing the back line may be the most crucial tactical dilemma for the team throughout this World Cup. Bradley will surge wherever he is positioned, channeling Inigo Montoya in "The Princess Bride": "Hello, Ghana. My name is Michael Bradley. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
In attack, much will depend on the self-confidence of Jozy Altidore, who has suffered in front of goal all season with Sunderland like Chuck Knoblauch at the end of his Yankees career. Concerns exist all across the back line, which is largely young, untested and has not had time to jell. Cristiano Ronaldo will salivate like a starving standard poodle looking at that back four.
The U.S.'s showing in 2002 gives us strength. A similarly young team played well-organized, passionate football on an exhilarating, unforeseen run, surprising both Portugal and Mexico on the way to meet Germany in the quarterfinal. President George W. Bush called the team to remind them, "A lot of people that don't know anything about soccer, like me, are all excited and pulling for you."
This backhanded compliment may have propelled the team. They dominated the game yet fell 1-0, departing with heads held high having proved that the U.S. could compete at the highest level of world football.
- Ghana: U.S. looking for payback
- Carlisle: Ready for Ghana
- McIntyre: Three key players for U.S. vs. Ghana
Yet it is hard not to be haunted by the twin memories of 1998 and 2006, both of which may have eerie parallels to 2014. In 1998, coach Steve Sampson made wholesale lineup changes on the eve of the tournament -- including veteran leader John Harkes -- bringing in a number of inexperienced players, including dual-national David Regis who had not played a minute in qualifying. The team ended up dead last with no points, scoring just once, in garbage time, during a humiliating 2-1 loss to CIA watch-list favorite, Iran.
In 2006, expectations were high as the U.S. peaked at number four in FIFA's idiosyncratic rankings two months before kickoff. Drawn in a group of death against Czech Republic, Italy and Ghana, the team's tournament hopes were eviscerated within 35 minutes as the Czechs destroyed them. They limped out in the opening round.
At 6 p.m. ET, our agonizing will become moot. Klinsmann's team will take the field and the progress -- or lack of it -- that has been made since his hiring in July 2011 will become evident to all. The coach told me the key to success or failure lies in the players' confidence that they can win when they step on the turf. May they do so in the spirit of Bill Pullman in "Independence Day": "We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive!"
Roger Bennett is a columnist for ESPN FC and, with Michael Davies, is one of Grantland's "Men In Blazers." Follow him on Twitter @rogbennett.


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As a general rule, I am not interested in pampering weekends, over-indulgent spas or fancy hotels for the sake of fancy hotels. Accommodation choices are usually fixed around cost and convenience, and so far my life has been complete without seaweed wraps or unnecessary five-star decadence, thank you very much. Give me forests, a hot shower and WiFi and I'm a happy bunny.
So, when a close friend suggested we indulge in a night at the luxurious Salish Lodge & Spa during our road trip into the Northwest, I was skeptical of whether the experience would be worth the cost (and it's not an insignificant cost – upwards of $200/night).
Even though it didn't quite match up to the stunning beauty of our cabin overlooking Lake Crescent (left) (it would have been greedy to expect anything more perfect than that), it was a truly memorable stop on our trip.
Less than an hour's drive from Sea-Tac Airport and perched atop the mighty Snoqualmie Falls, Salish Lodge is an outstanding place to stay. I returned with my husband to celebrate our anniversary the following year.
I wouldn't normally devote so many words to a hotel, but I absolutely love this place. First off, there's the view. The falls are stunning, and definitely worth shelling out the extra dollars for a room overlooking the roaring mists. Nestled among the dark pines and swirling waters, the lodge feels quintessentially Washington, and at night, tasteful lighting illuminates the cascade. At the time we visited, there was a smattering of building work at the top of the falls – a hydro-dam due for completion this year – but it hardly intruded on the vista.
The hotel itself is a quaint mix of old-lodge rustic charm and modern, upscale luxury. Log fires, tasteful décor harking back to the timber industry, and locally sourced dishes and ales keep the lodge grounded in its surroundings. It would be a crime not to try the smoked salmon chowder at The Attic, the less formal of the lodge's dining options and much more suited to old friends wanting to set the world to rights and chase away the jet lag with wine and more wine. Make sure to grab a table by the window for a raised view of the falls as the sun slips away and inky night swoops in.
The colossal grandeur of the lodge is hard to overlook. And if it looks familiar, that's because it was a setting for David Lynch's iconic Twin Peaks. On the (slightly inebriated) stumble back to our room, we were disoriented by the confusing maze of indistinguishable hallways – carrying a definite The Shining vibe – but we made it to bed unmolested by spirits or kids on tricycles. The lodge probably won't thank me for this comparison, but I love a bit of creep to my night.
After a dainty lumberjack breakfast and a gentle stroll around the falls, my friend persuaded me to try out the spa.
The soaking pools overlook the lush forests and, surprisingly, we were able to enjoy them in peace. If you want treatments and scrubs and that kind of fussy attention, you'll find it here, or you can just hang out by the pools and sauna and enjoy complimentary herbal tea whilst debating the important matters at hand: who is the cutest, sparkly vampire in the neighborhood and did they, in fact, kill Laura Palmer?
(My apologies, humble Washington, but you have spawned two very important legacies – Twin Peaks and Twilight. Deal with it).
Rejuvenated and feeling ten years younger (thanks to some harmless flirting with the charming valet boys), we explored the local area.
Snoqualmie itself is a sweet little town – there isn't much to it, but it's as cute as a button. If you're a fan of trains, then prepare yourself, as it is home to the Northwest Railway Museum. The short drive into town runs past some imposing train cabooses, evidence of the area's railroading past (and, according to one legend, the grimy train car where Laura Palmer may have breathed her last).
More interesting is nearby North Bend, the true home of Twin Peaks; you can almost hear the dreamy theme as you cruise through the shivering pines (or if you're a recovering goth, Marilyn Manson's homage to the Peaks, "Wrapped In Plastic," is just as fitting a soundtrack).
It is imperative that you stop at Twede's Café (impossible to miss) for the cherry pie and damn-fine coffee (left), to quote Kyle Maclachlan. It is a cute, old-style diner that embraces its Lynchian heritage, but seems more invested in good food and good service than riding the hype. (I should admit that I parted – willingly – with $20 for a Twin Peaks mug and I still drink my tea from it to this day.)
Our one night stop at Salish Lodge and Snoqualmie Falls was all too brief for my liking, but it's not hard to see why Agent Cooper loved this place – you could say he came for the murder and stayed for the ambience – and why many Seattlelites have retirement dreams in the area.
As a fitting introduction to the spectacular Olympic and Cascade regions, you could do much worse than treat yourself to a lavish night at the lodge before embarking on an adventure of mountain, lake and forest log cabins. I'm already planning my third visit.
More from SDReader
- More stories by Amy Beddows
- Best SoCal day trips to make up for summer — Sept. 13, 2017
- High school survivalists the Regrettes — Feb. 15, 2017
- Road-trip Washington State's national parks — Jan. 28, 2016
- Catalina's calling — April 14, 2015
- Shenandoah National Park: Mountains that Whisper — July 5, 2011


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The NETGEAR C7100V is CableLabs DOCSIS® 3.0 three-in-one high-speed cable modem + AC1900 WiFi router + XFINITY® Voice. This cable modem router gives you high-speed Internet connection with combined speeds of up to 1.9Gbps† with AC1900 WiFi. Supports two XFINITY® Voice telephone lines with battery backup. Enhanced features include 3-way conference calling, caller ID, call forwarding and more. Save up to $156 a year* by eliminating Internet service provider rental fees. Ideal for XFINITY® Internet and Voice service.
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Director Gregory Hatanaka's twisted thriller stars Sarah Lassez as Therese, a health inspector whose progressively delusional psyche leads her on a surreal — and bloody — odyssey. To cope with her marital split, Therese takes up with a slimy televangelist (Walter Koenig), indulges her appetites for sex and beef, and obsesses over a kung fu TV show. Meanwhile, her meat packer brother (James Duval) may have infected her with mad cow disease.
Wow wow wow. This is going to be a tougher film to review. Reason being is I'm not one who likes to talk bad about anyone's artwork. This film is a challenge for me.
The film starts out with footage of the news casts that are talking about the "Mad Cow" outbreak and has flashes of an evangelical preacher giving a sermon. Later in the film we find that our main character has a relationship with the preacher that is almost obsessive. She seems to be the "lonely girl lost in the world of temptation" type. The film follows her as she deals with being a scorned lover, her obsession with beef, failed relationships, ailing mother, failing health, and her unnatural relationship with her brother.
The films basis is almost confusing.
Of course you would think it would be about someone getting "Mad Cow Disease" since one of the first scenes shown is of news footage talking about the outbreak in the 90's. But the plot gets confusing as it's found that she has a tumor. If I've missed something, then I must apologize but I honestly don't see where the Mad Cow disease is mentioned except for a small part during a semi-climatic scene where she finds out that she had consumed tainted meat. This seems to be a problem with a lot of films that I've watched lately. The story isn't developed enough to flow in an easy and understand manner. And another problem I had with it was there was just too much going on.
There were so many subplots trying to be explained that it became like a melting pot of jumbled jarble. For instance, we have her love life. It is explained that she is divorced and carried an affinity for the evangelical preacher. He decides that he doesn't want her any longer and she goes through a decent into obsession and then starts to sleep around. But with flash backs, forwards, and some present scenes, you're not sure of when these relationships are taking place.
Then at one point she actually has a relationship with her brother. Nasty. I mean come on. This seems to be one of their many crutches in the film. You know, like when a filmmaker doesn't feel the script is delivering for one reason or another so they add in mass amounts of drug use or nudity. I think they realized at some point that this really was not a horror film so they pressed the panic button and had the main character start boinking her brother so you walked away disturbed. But a fatal flaw in a sense with that particular plotline was that they had their siblings in a strange kind of "in love" relationship, so you aren't as shocked and disturbed as you feel sorry for these two very misguided sick souls. But I think we've gotten into enough of the problem I had with the storyline. So let's move on.
Here we come to the performances. I must say the performances were pretty decent. Not anything that would cause me to say, "These people were horrible. The table was the best actor in the entire film". There was a little TVs. show that was sporadically shown throughout the film that was the main's favorite program that is intentionally hoakie. It was pretty annoying but I'm sure that it was also intended to be.
I can't really say this was a horror film at all. Other than the last 20 minutes of it, it doesn't fit the criteria of a horror film. I don't know if the mark was missed or if they figured it was a good way to get a film out quickly under a genre. Blood and some killing don't make a horror film. It's about time people started to understand this fact. The effects are minimal so a great thesis about them isn't at all necessary. Its mostly just people covered in blood.
I really just didn't see the point in this film. It seemed almost like a forced film (hey, I wanna be famous, so I'm gonna make a movie and get my name out there). I wouldn't even give it the credit of a thesis film. This is one film that's just better packed away and left alone.


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One company, faced with high attrition among its managers, was able to discover the root cause, address the issues and improve retention. Another successfully performed a diagnostic of its enterprise learning capabilities to determine which forms of training would have the greatest impact on performance.
Still another analyzed how to improve customer satisfaction and workforce performance in its retail channel and was able to achieve double-digit growth in sales productivity. In each case, the companies were able to avoid other remedies that would have been more costly and less productive.
How did these organizations do it? Through talent analytics—a precise, science-based analysis of employee performance and how a workforce is supported. This ability to process literally millions of data points can help executives make decisions based on objective data rather than hunches and intuition. And by giving organizations new insights into the patterns in workforce and HR performance that spur innovation and improve business performance, talent analytics can also provide them with a real talent advantage.
In addition to offering significant organizational improvements, talent analytics is giving HR executives not just a seat at the table but the basis for strategic discussions with the C-suite based on the substantive insights provided by hard numbers and the ability to more accurately predict the likely business outcomes of different kinds of talent initiatives. It is also helping companies prioritize and focus on those initiatives that are more likely to have a significant impact on productivity, customer experience and cost management. Furthermore, it is improving hiring and retention by identifying the factors and capabilities that are best matched to a particular job. And it's supporting business strategy in more substantive ways, such as increasing topline productivity.


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Putting Energy Research into Practice
GSA's Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings conducted a two-day workshop in 2011 that brought together government and industry to find ways to overcome the barriers in adopting energy reducing technologies, strategies, and practices.
Researchers from national laboratories and universities, representatives from the real estate and construction industries, and experts from government agencies met to develop strategies on communicating the latest energy research and methodologies to big energy users.
The workshop report "Putting Energy Research into Practice" highlights the following strategies and solutions:
- Develop energy reduction solutions
- Improve workforce education and training
- Influence procurement, contracting, and finance processes
- Break down organizational and cultural barriers
- Assist decision makers
- Support executive- and field-level people with outcome-based research
- Use life-cycle cost accounting
Read the Workshop Summary [PDF - 1 MB]
The shortcut to this page is www.gsa.gov/researchintopractice.


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27 Hot New Off Road Products
Wants, Needs & Gotta-Haves!
We love new 4x goodies. No matter if it's a camouflage dash mat or a state-of-the-art data logging tuner, if it looks cool, works well, and is within our budget, we want it! While in these challenging fiscal times we have to watch where we spend our dough, sometimes we simply have to cut loose and get a 4x upgrade for your wheeling machine. Though you may need to hold off on that Hemi conversion for now, an inexpensive air intake or basic Hi-Lift jack mount can be all you need to keep your needs satisfied and wants at bay.
Compiled here are some of the latest easy-to-use and -install items that are great for almost every wheeler's budget. So start cutting cost and grab a few extra cans of beanie weenies and hot dogs at the store, because you now have something new to save up for!
McGrumpy Bumper
Overkill Engineering has added the McGrumpy Bumper for the Jeep CJ to its line of Grumpy Bumpers. Overkill also has a bumper line for the Jeep YJ, TJ, and JK, the Toyota FJ Cruiser, and Dodge, Ford and Chevy trucks.
The McGrumpy base bumper comes without hoops or a stinger so it's a great platform for a builder bumper. The bumper is constructed with 1/8-inch steel and has a fairlead mount, and D-ring mounts are available. Grumpy Bumpers start at $399.
Information: Overkill Eng., 877.225.0243, www.overkilleng.com
Safer Lifting
Hi-Lift jacks are one of the most versatile tools you can have in your 4x4. But jacking your rig off road can be a little sketchy with the Hi-Lift's narrow base and lift foot. To make your Hi-Lifting experience a little safer, WabFab Off-Road has created a wide base and tube slider adapter for all models of Hi-Lift. This extrawide replacement base bolts in place of the jack's existing one and uses heavy-duty claws to dig into the terra while you jack.
The tubing adapter simply slides over and bolts to your existing lift foot and is available in tubing diameters of either 13/4 inches and under or 13/4 and over.
Information: WabFab Off-Road, 205.799.5610, www.wabfab.org; $110 for recovery kit (slider adapter and base) or $60 each
Banks Breather
Engines like to breathe to make power, and what they like the most is clean air, a lot of air, and dense cold air. Banks Power's new Ram-Air intake for diesel trucks promises all three by using an enclosed system that sucks cold air from outside the truck in through a high-flowing air filter.
Stock air intakes are good because they often have a snorkel pulling air from outside the engine compartment, but they leave room for improvement in airflow. Banks' competitors often pull large amounts of air from under the hood, where the air is warmed by the same engine it's trying to feed. That warmer air isn't as dense.
Banks designed a system similar to stock, but with fewer hurtles and turbulence for the air charge to jump over, around, and through. This type of system adds cost, as it must include a free -flowing air box and a filter that must be molded to fit in the engine bay around items like batteries, wiring, and so on, but in the end Banks claims a 60.8 percent improvement in airflow over stock, and a 3 percent improvement in air density over stock. While the competition may be able to match Banks with airflow, the fact that Banks is flowing colder, denser air means its design surpass the competition.
Information: Banks Power, 800.510.5046, www.bankspower.com
The Banks Power Ram Air Kit for Ford Super Duty 7.3L diesel engines ('99-'03) is not cheap at around $450, but it comes with more than just an intake tube and a filter. The fully molded air box replaces the factory air box and battery tray, plus the easily serviceable intake is California emissions compliant.
The Ram Air pulls fresh, dense air from behind the grille much the same way the factory air box does, but the Ram Air's high-flow filter and freer-flowing intake route can pack a big dense punch of high-octane air to the waiting turbodiesel.
Lokar Locking Flexible Dipstick
Who would have thought a dipstick could be drastically improved? The flexible locking engine dipsticks from Lokar are a really trick component and designed to keep oil in its rightful place even in a rollover. The billet aluminum handle locks similarly to that of an air chuck, and the sticks are easy to install. Their slim design also allows mounting them inside headers and makes them great for custom applications. Applications are available for GM, Ford, and Chrysler. Included is an E-Z Read flexible inner dipstick measuring cable for accurate measuring of engine oil. The dipsticks can be had for under $90.
Information: Lokar, 877.469.7440, www.lokar.com
Bubba-Rope Gits-R-Dun
Get yer tuggin' dun with the new Bubba Rope recovery rope. This synthetic rope is design specifically as a yank strap. Hook it up to your stuck buddy and slowly pull him out of his predicament. If that doesn't work, back up and put a little momentum into the tug. The momentum stretches the rope, and as it rebounds it multiplies the force of the extraction.
The Bubba rope is available in three sizes and ratings. We threw the $110 30-footer in our truck for a weekend wheeling and mud tire test trip. Then afterward we simply hosed it off and stuffed it in the mesh carrying bag in anticipation of the next trail.
Information: Bubba Rope, 877.499.8494, www.bubbarope.com
The first rule of using any recovery is make sure you have strong solid recovery points and rated hardware. Our 30-foot bubba rope was rated to 28,600 pounds, and the hardware and shackles need to be highly rated also. Do not loop the rope over a tow ball, as they can break and become a projectile hunting driver's heads.
Notice how this little flatfender can extract a four-door Wrangler twice its size from a mud hole. The momentum of the little Jeep combined with the elasticity in the rope can often overcome the grip the mud has on the stuck vehicle, even if that stuck vehicle is heavier than the pulling vehicle. However, it is helpful to have the stuck vehicle's tires driving forward should they gain traction.
Quadratec Liners
We all toss junk into the back of our 4x4 SUVs-it's just part of it. So why not protect your cargo area with an affordable drop-in liner? Quadratec has serviced the Jeep community for many years and is now offering drop-in cargo liners for '87-current Jeep Wranglers. These heavy-duty floor protectors fit nicely into your rig and work great to keep grease and oil from penetrating the carpet.
All liners are easily removable and can be hosed off. And for JK owners, Qudratec even has a small drop-in liner for the rear trunk portion of the tub.
Information: Quadratec, 800.745.2348, www.quadratec.com; $69.99.
Hoodlift for AEV hoods
HoodLift gas-operated strut systems are a great solution for lifting and holding Jeep hoods. The systems have fitments for Jeep CJ, YJ, TJ, and JK and are now available for the Wrangler JK with an aftermarket AEV heat-reduction hood. The HoodLifts make lifting hoods much easier and will hold it up without the factory prop rod.
The AEV heat-reduction hood is heavier than the factory hood, so the folks at HoodLift redesigned the struts to handle the additional weight. The system has easy-to-install struts. Installation requires measuring from the inner cowl of the engine compartment to the inside of the hood. Once this is done, two holes are drilled, one in the hood and one in the cowl, then the ball studs are bolted in and the struts installed. The HoodLift kit retails for $84.95.
Information: HoodLift Ltd., 916.0206.0309, www.hoodlift.com
Ingersoll Rand Portable Power!
Power tools on the trail are a luxury. Imagine heading to your local mud bog with a private chef to make you whatever you want for lunch-battery powered tools on the trail are that good. We've been carrying a full kit of different Ingersoll Rand IQv Series rechargeable handtools, and they get more use and abuse than just about any other tools in the shop or on the trail. Oftentimes we'll bring them along to 4x4 shops where we are working on projects and they'll quickly become the choice for impact and drill duty, as they don't require dragging a hose behind them and offer almost identical torque (with a fully charged battery).
The batteries of the IQv Series cordless tools are available as nickel cadmium or lithium ion, but we only tested the lithium ion. These batteries are lightweight and have an internal microprocessor that protects the battery, optimizes the charging, and feeds a digital display that indicates the battery charge remaining. These batteries are available in 7.2, 14.4, or 19.2 volts, though we only tested the bigger two.
We have been testing the 1/2- and 3/8-inch impacts, a 3/8-inch ratchet, a 1/2-inch drill, and an adjustable work light. Each tool varies in price, but on average each tool is $100-$200, batteries are $60-$140, and the charger is roughly $80.
Information: Ingersoll Rand, 800.866.5457, www.ingersollrandproducts.com
The 1/2-inch IR Cordless drill is only 41/2 pounds but packs a punch as strong as 660 in-lb. With a variable 0-1,300-rpm speed and multiple driver or drill settings, this tool is great for any sort of hole punching needed. We do wish it had a small Philips/flathead bit and holder integrated for screwdriver duties, but most of the time we simply carry the drill and a step bit/unibit for trail and simple repairs.
The other most useful tool of the bunch is the 1/2-inch drive cordless impact. This gun rattles off lug nuts, tightens suspension bolts, and won't lose a charge while you're changing a flat tire. The only upgrades we would like to see is a small LED light to point at the bolt or nut being tightened, and a 12V charger so the batteries could be charged in the truck.
Sitting on Easy Street
Comfortable seating on and off the road is pretty dang important, but what about those poor schmucks who sweat it out in the office? It's true: We sit far more in an office chair than behind the wheel of our favorite 4x4, so why not enjoy the comfort of the trail? Luckily for us we found the Jeep Comm ander office chair. The seat is modeled after a real Jeep seat, and although our Commanders have flown the coop the office chair takes a stately position in our new offices. Of course the chair has lumbar support, tilt, adjustable height, perforated leather, and all the upscale features we like putting our tushes on. It's available in black or cream (sorry, no olive drab canvas like we wanted) and only costs about 1/4 ton of cash.
Information: www.jeep-seat.com
Severe Gear Since almost everything the staff at Petersen's 4-Wheel and Off-Road does in one way or another relates to differentials and gearsets, we're always looking for ways to protect them and extend their lifespan. Believe us when we tell we've broken and abused more than our fair share of gears. So for a little added protection we tossed in some of Amsoil's new SAE 190 and SAE 250 Severe Gear Synthetic Gear Lube.
We feel good about using the new Severe Gear Lube given the track record of Amsoil's products. Amsoil tells us that these new gear lubricants are engineered for off-road truck racing, rock racing, rockcrawling, and high-horsepower and and high-torque conditions where centrifugal gear lube sling-off is encountered and where a heavier-viscosity gear lubricant is required. The lube is designed to cling to gears and bearings for the best possible protection during shock loading, high g-forces, and where pinion gears are installed at steep angles.
Giving the lube unscientific finger test, we could feel its clingy viscosity and can see how it might stick to a gearset better than other lubes at high rpm. There's nothing special to do to the differential other than drain and clean out the old diff fluid, and then add the Severe Gear Lube. A quart of Severe Gear retails for about $15.
Information: Amsoil Inc., 800.777.8491, www.amsoil.com
5.11 Quick Light
5.11 tactical makes all types of great stuff for the people with an action-packed lifestyle, such as belts, glasses, knives, hats, and clothing that is easy to move around in and that has lots of pockets. Now 5.11 has a really cool flashlight that is perfect for four-wheelers. The 5.11 Light for Life flashlight is different from other flashlights in that it uses a capacitor instead of batteries. This allows the flashlight to fully charge in just 90 seconds and then run for up to one hour before needing a recharge. Plus the light comes with a charger that runs off 12 volts so you can wire it into your truck, mount the charger on a flat surface, and always have light for an after-dark trail fix or walk home.
The $160 price means you won't be picking one up at your local gas station like the cheapo flashlights available these days, but having that rechargeable security may be worth the extra ducats, plus it can be recharged 50,000 times, doesn't require buying or disposing of batteries, is designed to last 100 years, and only weighs 1 pound.
Information: 5.11 Tactical, 866.451.1726, www.511tactical.com
Easiest Backup Camera Ever
The Master Lock Plug 'N Go Backup Camera is a brilliant yet simple design. You simply mount the screen stalk anywhere it fits and plug the cord into a power port for your cockpit convenience. While we always check for kids and such before we back up, mounting this unit in the engine house made it way nice to watch the trailed Jeep following us down the road. In fact, it's the only way to see anything behind the house, even with mirrors.
The camera is in a self-contained unit with a heavy-duty magnet. This easily keeps it secure for most uses, but it can also be permanently mounted for harsh trails or rough roads. The flat-four connector plugs piggyback into the trailer socket, supplying power and ground without any extra wiring. It also fits inside your vehicle's receiver hitch and can lock with a locking pin. We figure another adapter would allow us to mount the camera underneath for video on the go if we so desired. For around $199 it's a pretty handy device.
Information: www.masterlock.com
Garmin Nuvi 265WT
GPS navigation has advanced significantly in the last 10 years and is much more affordable and easy to use. There are literally hundreds of small GPs navigation units available, and we spent the better part of a week researching the best affordable ones. The problem with choosing a system is that there are only minor differences between the devices yet huge price differences. Finally we chose a Garmin Nuvi.
We found that the Garmin Nuvi 265WT (WT stands for widescreen and traffic) was the easiest to use. After turning the unit on, the user is given a choice to either enter a destination address or just use the map, which simply shows where you are at all times. The deciding factors in favor of the Garmin unit were live traffic updates, the ability to update the maps via computer, voice control, being able to download different vehicle icons (such as a big 4x4), and Bluetooth. We found our Nuvi uncomplicated to use and have become very fond of it.
The only issues we found was that dragging the map around with the touch screen didn't work as easily as it should have, small ads popped up in conjunction with the live traffic updates, and the screen would sometimes not let us zoom out. We purchased our Garmin Nuvi 265WT at Costco for $189.
Information: Garmin Ltd., 913.397.8200, www.garmin.com
Trail D-Vice Clamp Down
Trail repairs just got easier because Mac wants to lend a hand. The new Trail D-vice from Mac's Custom Tie Downs is a simple lightweight vice and anvil that can be slid in the receiver hitch of your 4x4 (or tow rig) for a sturdy place to hold parts that need to be worked on.
A vice or anvil is great for changing axle U-joints, bending metal, and clamping stuff as you cut it down or weld it together. The Trail D-vice is lightweight at only 16 pounds, and we definitely recommend securing it solidly while four-wheeling so it doesn't bounce around inside your truck. Another option is installing a receiver hitch onto your trailer somewhere so you can clamp stuff during in-camp repairs.
Information: Mac's Custom Tie Downs, 866.371.5175, www.macscustomtiedowns.com
The 4-inch vice jaws can be opened up to 81/2 inches, perfect for installing U-joint caps. The vice is also handy for holding shock's while rebuilding them during in the field testing, but we'd add some aluminum or brass soft jaws.
The 5/8-inch-thick steel pad behind the vice is a good little anvil for beating on things like tie rods, wheel hubs, and suspension parts. The Trail D-Vice retails for about $160.
While you may think a winch belongs on the front of your 4x4, having a winch in a bag can be handy. New from Superwinch, this diminutive 2,000-pound-rated winch is the hot ticket for all those small pulling projects or accidental stucks you encounter. Simply attach the 8-foot remote and longer power leads to your battery with the supplied clamps, and hook the winch between puller and pullee for a quick retrieval with the 49 feet of 5/32 cable.
While not designed for heavy-duty recoveries, this compact unit can be stowed away for that rainy day when you slide off the road and just need a little tug to safely recover your ride. It comes with attaching straps, a shackle, and a remote lead as well as power leads-and, oh yes, the bag! The whole kit and caboodle retails for about $199.
Information: Superwinch Inc., 860.928.7787, superwinch.com
Rockwell Town
If your truck sits atop 2 1/2-ton Rockwell axles and you're looking for a better way to steer the massive axleset, then Old Town Customs has a part for you. OTC's newly designed high steer arm can be used on either the driver- or passenger-side knuckle and is composed of 1-inch steel. Each arm ($125) comes bare and is fitted with a grease fitting, an antisheer bracket, and Grade 9 hardware. The arms also come in pairs ($250) or as part of an OTC fully hydraulic steering kit.
Information: Old Town Customs, 936.462.3945, www.oldtowncustoms.com
Master Lockdown
Tired of thieves, crooks, and other lowlife dirtbag scum-sucking bucketheads steeling stuff out of the bed of your truck? Master Lock has just released its Truck Bed U-Lock, which is designed to fit in stakehole pockets or be attached to the welded tie-down points. Then a hardened steel shackle can be clamped to hold a cable or chain that you have run through your tools, spare tire, dirt bike, or the collar of the fearsome pit bull who lives in the bed of your truck. For $50 it's added security against bandits.
Information: Masterlock, 800.464.2088, www.masterlock.com
Battery & Alternator kill Switch
It's helpful to shut down the battery and charging system in certain off-road situations or when storing the vehicle long-term. This Combination Battery and Alternator Kill Switch is designed to completely shut down the battery and charging system in an emergency or for storage.
The kill switch prevents battery drain (and theft if hidden properly) and reduces the risk of electrical fire in the event of a rollover. The switch, which pushes off for emergency shutdown and twists on, is color-coded to indicate on/off and operates smoothly thanks to a spring-loaded design. The switch can be wired into the ignition for added security. The cost of the switch is just under $90.
Information: Flaming River, 800.648.8022, www.flamingriver.com
Dynamat Xtreme & Dynaliner
If you are having trouble getting your significant other to ride with you due to your 4x4's engine and mechanical noise, or if the drone of mud tires on your daily driver is driving you batty, then Dynamat Xtreme and Dynaliner may be the answer. The Dynamat material is made from a lightweight elastomeric aluminum covered material that's really easy to install.
Dynamat Xtreme is slightly on the pricy side for sound-deadening material that works as a vibration damper, but it is worth it. We noticed a significant reduction in noise in our rigs after the material was installed. Dynamat Xtreme also blocks the radiant heat of engines and exhaust systems and keeps it from entering the cabs of vehicles. Dynaliner works great at cutting down vibrations and the hollow sound when used under headliners.
The price for Dynamat Extreme starts around $30 and goes up to around $300 for bulk packs.
Information: Dynamic Control of North America, 513.860.5094, www.dynamat.com
Wide-Track Spacer Solution
Back in the day, most wheel spacers were cheesy cast aluminum, slotted pieces of death that we would never recommend to use, even on the street. Nowadays, solid machined pieces of aluminum are precision-made from a variety of manufacturers that eliminate the scary part of spacers. We ordered a setup from Spidertrax for our Project Pete's Jeep, as running 33-inch tires on a stock flatfender greatly reduced our steering radius from the bigger tires hitting the frame before full steering lock. The 6061-T6 aluminum spacers come with the studs installed, and a vial of thread locker for mounting the spacer to your stock lugs with the included nuts. By spacing the wheels out an extra 11/2 inches, our turning radius improved and the wider track improved stability. Spacers are also available to convert bolt patterns if you have a special set of wheels that you need to run. Spacers are sold in pairs for $99.95.
Information: Spidertrax Off-Road, 800.286.0898, www.spidertrax.com
Portable Air
Whether you need to blow up that old air mattress or inflate your tires after a long day of wheeling, a portable air source is a worthwhile investment. For people looking for a lightweight and easy-to-transport air system, Smittybuilt has introduced a 2724 compressor kit. Each 12V assembly uses quick-disconnect battery clamps to power the compressor and comes complete with a coiled hose, multiple air fittings, and a carrying case.
Information: Smittybilt, 888.717.5797, www.smittybilt.com; $79.99
G2 Covers
The Dana 44 is one of the most common and mass-produced solid axles in the world. Found under everything from International Scouts and early Broncos to late-model Dodges and Jeeps, they've stood the test of time. And while gears, shafts, and housing upgrades are extremely popular, one of the easiest and best ways to protect your Dana 44 is to equip it with a differential cover. New from G2 Axle & Gear are beefy cast iron factory replacement covers that are designed to give your 44's differential a little added protection from off-road obstacles. Provided with each cover are a gasket, sealant, and new hardware for the install.
Information: G2 Axle & Gear, 310.900.2687, www.g2axle.com; $99.99
Tera Spacer
Modern factory rim sets are better than ever, but the OE backspacing usually doesn't work well with larger-than-stock tires. This means when you fit your 4x with bigger rubber you run the risk of rubbing the oversized claws on the frame, suspension, and brake components. To solve this issue, Tera Flex offers wheel spacers and adapters for 5-on-41/2 and 5-on-5 wheel bolt patterns. So whether you are trying to give your stock wheels a little offset or convert over to a different wheel bolt pattern, Tera Flex has a wheel spacer for you.
Information: Tera Flex, 801.288.2585, www.teraflex.biz; $141.99.
Mirror Mover
Driving your Jeep with no doors is a great pastime, but can be a little dangerous and illegal in some states when done without a driver-side mirror. American Rock Rods' mirror relocation bracket allows Jeepers to maintain their factory mirror while hitting the terra without a door. This is accomplished by relocating the mirror from the door to the windshield hinge. This heavy-duty mount ships anodized black and is built from solid machined billet and 3/16-inch plate aluminum. Currently, brackets are available for the '97-current Jeep Wrangler, and they maintain the factory detent.
Information: American Rock Rods, 303.683.8009, www.americanrockrods.com; $49.95
Hood Holders
If you wheel a Jeep Wrangler TJ or JK, you've probably noticed that your Jeep's hood likes to flutter at highway speeds. While we haven't heard of many cases where the original rubber latches let loose, we decided to err on the side of caution and strap our hood down tight, once and for all. To get rid of our hood buffet we swapped out our original rubber latch connecters for a set of Daystar's heavy-duty polyurethane replacements. These bolt-in units install in just a few minutes and come with everything you need to make your Wranglers hood more secure.
Information: Daystar, www.daystarweb.com, $24.99 (JK or TJ)
Skid Steer
Brakes and steering are two of the most important parts of any vehicle. And while brake lines and calipers are easy to protect and keep out of harm's way, your steering gearbox is often an easy target for abuse. This is especially true of the '97-'06 Jeep Wrangler TJ, as the forward-mounted box hangs low and is exposed at the front of the round-eyed wheeler. To protect your valuable steering box, Rough Country has developed a two-in-one steering box skid and brace. The skid-steer brace takes less than 30 minutes to install and uses your Wrangler's factory mounting points. This lightweight skid is a cheap way to protect expensive parts.
Information: Rough Country Suspension Systems, 800.222.7023, www.roughcountry.com; $65
Spyder Skid
If you wheel a '07-current Jeep Wrangler JK then you might want to take a peak under your Jeep and make sure that your EVAP canister is still there! Though a damaged emission's canister might not leave you stranded, replacing one will cost a pretty penny at the dealership and prevent your Jeep from passing an emissions test. A great way to protect the vulnerable canister is with an EVAP skid from Poison Spyder Customs. This beefy 3/16-inch steel skid gives the EVAP a 3/4-inch boost and protects it from end to end. Each powdercoated unit comes with all the necessary hardware and detailed instructions to make it a simple driveway install. So stay green and protect your vehicle's EVAP canister and the environment.
Information: Poison Spyder Customs, 951.849.5911, www.poisonspyder.com; $99