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This is actually a relatively tranquil time in the field of macroeconomics. Most of us now speak the same language, and communication is good. I don't see the kind of animosity in the profession that existed, for example, between James Tobin and Milton Friedman in the 1960s, or between the Minnesota school and everyone else in the 1970s and early 1980s. People disagree about issues and science, of course, and they spend their time in seminar rooms and at conferences getting pretty heated about economics. But I think the level of mutual respect is actually relatively high...
Since the 1970s, it is hard to identify a field called macroeconomics. People who call themselves macroeconomists have adopted ideas from game theory, mechanism design, general equilibrium theory, finance, information economics, etc. to study problems of interest to policymakers and the public at large. Sometimes it's hard to tell a macroeconomist from a labor economist, from someone working on industrial organization problems. What are "freshwater" and "saltwater" macro? No idea...
The truth is that we have all moved on from the macro world of the 1970s. Methods that seemed revolutionary in 1972 are the methods everyone in the profession uses now. The nerds who had trouble getting their papers published in 1972 went on to run journals and professional organizations, and to win Nobel prizes. This isn't some "cult that has taken over half the field," it's the whole ball of wax... (emphasis mine)
Economic science does an excellent job of displacing bad ideas with good ones. It's happening every day. For every person who places obstacles in the way of good science to protect his or her turf, there are five more who are willing to publish innovative papers in good journals, and to promote revolutionary ideas that might be destructive for the powers-that-be. The state of macro is sound - not that we have solved all the problems in the world, or don't need a good revolution.
(As an aside, modern macro models - at least, the DSGE variety - are basically not regarded as useful by private industry, although time-series methods developed for macro, such as vector autoregressions, have seen wide application.)
Update: Mark Thoma and Simon Wren-Lewis weigh in on the original Krugman-Williamson debate.
Update 2: Simon Wren-Lewis drops by in the comments to say that yes, macro did produce a policy consensus (basically interest rate targeting by the Fed, with a Taylor Rule type objective function balancing growth stability and price stability), and yes, that policy consensus did help the world, by giving us the Great Moderation, which wasn't perfect but was better than what came before. I guess that's a fair point. But I'd point out that:
A) the New Keynesian models to which Simon is referring were made after the 70s inflation and early-80s Volcker disinflations, and the Great Moderation policies might have been mostly inspired by the Volcker episode rather than by the models that came after it;
B) the New Keynesian "consensus" was always rather fragile, accepted by central banks but pooh-poohed by the academics that Krugman calls "freshwater" macroeconomists; and
C) Taylor-type rules were originally estimated as Fed reaction functions, describing Fed behavior rather than prescribing it (later they became prescriptive when added to Woodford's New Keynesian models), so it seems that the Fed may have been behaving in the way it did in the Great Moderation well before New Keynesian models emerged to endorse the policy.
So I am still very skeptical of the notion that modern macro models motivated the Great Moderation policies rather than just describing them after the fact...But I guess I could be convinced.
Update 3: In the comments, Costas Alexandrakis (CA) points out that the development of the ideas of adaptive expectations (Friedman) and rational expectations (Lucas) helped put an end to the mistaken idea that the Phillips Curve represented a stable, usable policy tradeoff between inflation and unemployment. This is a good point. Exposing the flaws in bad economic policy is just as important as suggesting good economic policy. So this is definitely an exception to my sweeping statement that macro hasn't given us much in the way of policy advice. Also, Costas points out that Lucas' idea of rational expectations helped motivate the Fed's practice of "forward guidance". This I'm not so sure has been effective, but it is definitely another interesting counterexample.
Update 4: Brad DeLong thinks I am using the phrase "techniques of modern macroeconomics" too loosely, and lists a number of questionable Steve Williamson quotes that he thinks should be inconsistent with the true "techniques" of macro. But I think that that doesn't negate the ubiquity of DSGE modeling in modern macro journals and conferences. Steve Williamson certainly does use DSGE in his theory papers, and he certainly does get published...
Update 5: Paul Krugman also says that just because everyone in (mainstream) academia uses DSGE doesn't mean that they're really using the same "techniques"; the content of the models makes all the difference.
Update 6: Scott Sumner comments. He disagrees with my observation that the freshwater/saltwater conflict has waned. His answer to the question of "what causes recessions" is "aggregate demand shocks", but this doesn't really answer the question of what is causing those shocks (of course, Scott Sumner thinks NGDP targeting can perfectly cancel out any aggregate demand shocks, so maybe he doesn't even care where the shocks come from). He agrees that modern macro methods (DSGE models) have given us no useful technology of any kind. And he endorses replacing the current mainstream macro profession with "Market Monetarists" like himself and David Beckworth.
Update 7: Brad DeLong weighs in. He agrees that academic macro hasn't produced useful models (actually I myself wouldn't go quite that far; I think academic macro simply hasn't produced models that we can know are useful in time to use them). He says that economists in the public sphere have been less than helpful since 2008 primarily because of political pressure from the conservative movement.


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Jon Garland (1-4, 4.75) vs. Javier Vasquez (3-4, 6.41).
Don't overlook these Fish. The Marlins, second place in the NL East by a game, came into the NL West-leading Giants' house on Tuesday and not only swept their sorry San Francisco asses (including an epic extra-inning Wednesday game that saw the Marlins give up four runs in the bottom of the ninth, but then come back to win it in the 12th), but also squarely and cleanly knocked Giant catcher Oyster Pubes onto the DL--possibly for the whole season--with an violent leg-breaking, ankle ligament-tearing collision that ended up scoring that 12th inning go-ahead run.
It's a deep and unfortunate blow for the Giants to lose Pubes this early on, and our thoughts go out to him for a complete recovery. In the meantime, though, we've got to worry about the ravenous, deadly Fish in town this weekend, starting with tonight's game. Let's hope our day off Thursday gave us time to prepare for a big haul. Or at least apply some proper sunscreen.
I know, you expected Marlins Mermaids references in this GT. Keep it in the pants. We've still got two more games to go in this series.


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Hi every body.....
I just want to ask... what will be your answer if some one who don't know about Zen at all, ask you this simple question..."What is Zen?"
Gassho, Shuidi
Hi every body.....
I just want to ask... what will be your answer if some one who don't know about Zen at all, ask you this simple question..."What is Zen?"
Gassho, Shuidi
Hi Shui Di,Originally Posted by Shui_Di
I think the "answer" you wrote in the poetry corner is pretty darn good ...
Originally Posted by Shui_Di
Only in that moment when the question is asked would I open my mouth and words would come out
and that would be my response to the question that asker asked at that moment
and I wouldn't 'know' what my answer was until I heard it for the first time myself.
But here, right now out pops: "It's not what you think!"
I dont know...
Daniel ( who really has no clue)
Depends on what answer is needed. :twisted:
Well thanks for your replies guys.... :wink:
Gassho, Shuidi
I`m not sure right at this moment, :? but the answer does come to me now and zen. :roll:
PS Just off for a hernia operation this afternoon. Back in a day or so. :cry:
eegh, several replies I've used in the past.
" life"
" you 'know... stuff"
" what isn't?"
" nothing"
and no, almost nobody who's asked me is satisfied with those answers.
Hi Tora..., me too, nobody is satisfied about my answer..... :roll:
But, I remember about one of the zen story:
one day a young monk ask his teacher, about what is the most precious thing, and the master replied,"A dead cat's head".
The young monk ask again, "why 'a dead cat's head' is the most precious thing?"
The master replied, "because no one see it as a precious thing". :wink:
Btw, thanks folks... for the replies.....
Gassho, Shuidi
Is that really what you all answer? The words glib and cavalier come to mind. While we are encouraged to not give our knowledge away cheaply there is also that pesky vow thing. Something about "no matter how numberless I vow to something or other. Your answers remind me of that Harley Davidson conceit, "It's a Harley thing. If you have to ask you wouldn't understand." I don't have the attainment of Jundo or someone like him so I try to articulate what I understand of the teachings. It's his job to transmit the essence not that he doesn't articulate also. Sorry to rant after so long an absence but it is a question I have often wondered about. I saw a lot of potential in this post. Maybe I missed something
"Don't know"s answer is good thouigh.
well i have tried answering that question many many times...
i live in Israel where Buddhism and zen in particular are pretty much non existent, there are some groups that sit but its mostly Tibetan Buddhism and maybe about 5 groups of zen for the entire country, no teacher though.
so when i say i am practice zen i usually get a weird look and a question about it. to tell you the truth i found it is impossible to explain, people just dont get it... or might i even say dont wish to get it.
mostly i hear how can you not believe in god?! or how did the universe get created in my opinion? or that what i say contradicts itself.
what i came to believe is that people dont really want to understand it and therefor i dont really try to explain, in the odd chance they actually do they usually come from a certain point of view and dont wish to think of other views and therefor its hard for them to accept.
so usually i just tell them that its just nothing and there is no real difference between zen and anything else since zen is pretty much everything, and i cant put a tag on it. or that the only way to understand it is to practice it.
or maybe many many other things i might say. but usually i just get lost in the words and cant really explain it intellectually.
one thing i must say that the more i listen to the talks Jundo gives i feel he actually talks about the same thing, and i dont mean the actual same thing but the core of it deep down comes from the same place, there is something there that makes it the same ( but it still rings true to me on every level although sometimes contradictory ). some hidden meaning or notion... yet i dont really know what it is, and for me that is zen... knowing with your heart of hearts that something is true, yet never really knowing what it is and yet trusting it entirely.
Daniel, who once again spoke to much and lost his point in the chatter.
I may be going out on a limb here but one answer is that zen is one of the main Buddhist traditions.
Really though, it does depend on who is asking and why. Where did they get the word 'zen' from?
As many of you have said, the reply would depend on the circumstances. I fear that I'd feel a pressure (coming only from within me) to say something "clever" or "zen" and would end up being incoherent as a result. I'd like to think that I would resist that pressure and just try to give a reply that was helpful.
I heard an interview with Brad Warner once where Brad was asked "What exactly is Zen?" and he replied "It's (kind of) a way of looking at reality". I thought that was probably helpful.
"It's about not getting too caught up in my thoughts and focusing on what I'm doing and doing it properly. I also sit for 30 minutes in Zazen, learning to just sit with the thoughts and emotions I have. Again, not getting caught up in them. Just trying to become better at that, I suppose is what Zen is to me. "
That's what I think. But I probably wouldn't say that. Unless someone was really interested
The answer to what is Zen?... Yes, I agree with Jundo, your first answer is really good. The answer could also be another question such as...who is asking?
PS. Did you all finish your rakusu? I wonder. What is the answer?
Hi Martin,
By the way, I kind of disagree with the great Brad...? No, because reality is always as is, looking at it in certain way makes it unreal. It could beA kind of way of looking at reality. Brad could have phrased it differently like...Reality watching itself, reality watching you.a way to look at illusion, or self-delusion.
Just a deluded thought...
I usually just get the weird look, that could be because I'm not the prettiest boy in town though.Originally Posted by Zen
Once a fellow tried to evangelize me, he was literally speechless when I told him. Honestly, I love that moment when the little thought balloon bursts and all you can think is "huh?".
I get that sometimes too, but mainly because I'm fairly open about my atheism.mostly i hear how can you not believe in god?! or how did the universe get created in my opinion? or that what i say contradicts itself.
I think you are right to a point Daniel, but there is also somewhat of a stereotype that the world of Zen is mysterious, mystical, exotic, and just unapproachable to mere mortals.what i came to believe is that people dont really want to understand it and therefor i dont really try to explain, in the odd chance they actually do they usually come from a certain point of view and dont wish to think of other views and therefor its hard for them to accept.
No answer is more correct than another. I think a good answer is one that best helps the beginner to get a general understanding of what Zen is.
If you give an opaque 'koan-like' response, you are probably showing off. Unless the beginner is a fool he or she will recognise that and probably think you are a smart-arse, become immediately alienated from you and from zen practice, thinking it is a bunch of pointless, pretentious nonsense.
Since the asker is a beginner, the most useful sort of answer would be straightforward and conventional.
Such as:
Zen is a form of Buddhism that emphasises meditation and direct contemplation of reality
Hi Sho Nin,
Thank you for your imput. If I may say ( and please, take this with great caution)
I am a beginner. So are all of us. We are not talking about what should be the correct answer, the propper form for beginners over there...
Don't you see? It is about you. You. You. Your life.My life.
Zen is not a form of Buddhism. Where did you get that from? Zen is Buddhism. Before and after, Zen is sitting. Sitting as life.
It does not emphasise anything as such. Emphasis? Duality!?...
Reality? Who is seing reality?
These are not Koan. Real questions I ask myself everyday...as a beginner.
Anyway, thank you for sitting your bum on a cushion and reading my empty prose.
be well
Yes I know it's about this life, this moment. Everything is this, this, this. This is already this, why the need to add 'Zen'? An answer like that is fine, but its also open to a great deal of misunderstanding. The listener might not know what 'this' refers to. They might think it refers to the physical world, or living for the moment and all sorts of misunderstandings I've heard over the years.
But that wouldn't help a beginner.
If you gave your answer to my wife she wouldn't be enlightened. She'd probably be tempted to punch you.
To say Zen is Buddhism not a form of Buddhism disrespects all other Buddhist sects that don't call themselves Zen. This is a sectarian attitude.
Why are you repelled by conventional understanding?
What sort of answer to give depends on what is appropriate for the asker: what sort of beginner? A total beginner or an active practitioner who is ready to move beyond the purely conventional?
Dear Sho Nin,
Thank you for taking the time to answer me. I might be a bit challenging...Do you mind? :wink:
You start your post with I know. Well, I don t. That is why I consider myself as a beginner. Because I constantly miss the point, the moment, the actual moment. May I suggest you ask yourself Who says I know?.
Helping a beginner is beyond my ability. Maybe you can do it. Afer some 32 years of practice, I cannot really. Even if I received the Dharma, I consider that I am not worthy of It. Every morning I get up and find myself back to square one.Helping others is to do the job ourselves. Not trying to find the right answer for the right person, but just get on with our crooked lives. If the listener knows what thisb refers to', it is a bad sign. Your invitation should be to take her or him to the place where there is no more I know. We are not talking about Zen in thirty lessons or Zen for dummies, we are talking about real life. everyday life, not books, not dictionnaries or conventionnal knowledge. As a ex University Professor, I have the experience of that kind of knowledge, believe me, it is more or less pointless.
Congratulation, you have a strong wife! And, thank God, I have no intention to enlighten her. If I meet your wife I would presumably get on with my crooked life because I am nothing to prove to her. It is just the way it is.
About the sectarian attitude...Well, let me tell you a story. Two years ago I visited a temple in Daitokuji, Kyoto. A Rinzai temple where a delightful abbot invited me for a tea. I could not speak a word of Japanese but we were both laughing like stupid kids and having a real great time. There was a young monk there, in his twenties, who started to challenge me in his brave and bold English saying that I should study the Japanese way, learn the ceremonies, because Zen was Japanese! I was loosing my time doing Takuhatsu and begging, I was a deluded Gaijin! And so on...My simple answer was that Zen is not Japanese. Zen is even beyond Buddhism. And Zen could be found in the West as well as in the East. He lost it at the great delight of my host, the old abbot, who was enhjoying the whole row between these two roosters.
Well Thank you, here you are again apparently. You don t have to call yourself Zen to be it. Many people would not say they are christian but they actually behave like christians. You don t need to say that you are a human being, do you? Things, people, stuff exist without the need to be named. Why would Zen be Buddhism. Because. it originated, in this form, under the Bodhi tree when Gautama sat in lotus posture watching the morning star. The core of Zen is this practice, as it is the core in all Buddhist traditions. exept some late Mahayana paths such as Jodo shin Shu but even then, in the eyes and behaviour of old the Jodo shin practionner that shares my train journey every morning from Umeda to Mino I see the esssence of Zen.
My invitation. Sit. Ten more years. And ten more years again. But you may know the quote. Do it, then.
The sectarian attitude is to see forms of Buddhism as forms of Buddhism. Once you see the deep interconnectedness, the common ground, the empty field in all of them, you can say that this is Zen. When this morning the Jodo shin guy talked to me he was looking at me a if I were Amida. This was wonderful. A complete non sectarian attitude.
Thank you and good luck with ...your life.
No one says. What it is is what it is. You can make me fall over my own words if you like. I don't claim to be free of delusions, but I understand that the meaning of Zen is *this*. I can't grab some and hold itOriginally Posted by Taigu
You consider youself 'beginner' and theat it is 'beyond your ability' and you are 'not worthy' and then you 'casually' drop the fact that you've been practicing 32 years into conversation. Is this modesty or false modesty? While you hesitate, waiting for certainty to arise, the beginner walks away or lives out their life and dies. The opportunity to be released from suffering is gone. A provisional response will suffice to help this person, no need to wait for a perfect one.Originally Posted by Taigu
I thought you felt you were unworthy even to give a lesson to a complete beginner, yet you are giving me a lesson now. Everything that depends on words and concepts is conventional understanding. Zen for Dummies may be a good at the introductory level. I have a copy of Islam for Dummies and it's really not bad.Originally Posted by Taigu
Fair enough. And yet I have to safely answer her questions about Zen!Originally Posted by Taigu
Seems like a good answer. You were both right, but in different ways. We can trace Zen's journey: India, China, Japan, the West and yet it was already here. But if it never arrived would we be able to recognise that it was already here?Originally Posted by Taigu
Thank you for the lesson. GasshoOriginally Posted by Taigu
Hi Taigu and Sho Nin, thanks for your input...
and for all folks, thanks for your replies...
Sometimes, I also answer it with a conventional way, like Zen is one of the Buddhism teaching which was brought from India to China by Bodhidharma, and has been spread to another country like Korea and Japan.
But if they ask me, what is the Zen teaching?
The answer can have a lot of variety....
Gassho, Shuidi
Hi All,
Great discussion! I've been asked this question several times. In every instance the 'answer' is awkward. However, I at least make something up with a smile on my face. Zen is silly.
take care,
I liked your take on Brad Warner's comment: reality watching iteslf, or reality watching me.
And yes, I'm (still) finishing my Rakusu. Or perhaps my Rakusu is finishing me.
Just a word.
And words are empty.
Ahhhh, Zen........
Dear Sho Nin,
Thank you for making this very nice exchange possible. I really like your voice and and feel your sincerety and will to the truth. Am I humble or not? Don't know. Ask the people around me ( i have got my fair share of stupidity and pride). Am I a mess? For sure. The point I wanted to make, and not the lesson, is that the more you sit, the more you are invited to drop square answers and the will to ease the universal suffering. The sweeping and cleaning is done at home, and questions are left for what they are: amazing ways to keep alive and not sleep awake.
As you write :
While you hesitate, waiting for certainty to arise, the beginner walks away or lives out their life and dies. The opportunity to be released from suffering is gone. A provisional response will suffice to help this person, no need to wait for a perfect one.I would like to suggest that seing a Boddhisatva as a person that tries to release people from suffering is a beautiful yet very naive perception of the Boddhisatava path. A Boddhistava has a huge broken heart, is not a Buddhist super hero, doesn't always help others with answers. A Boddhistava is often doing nothing, allowing people to be in their suffering, no preaching, no big or eloquent teaching... a Boddhistava is just breathing and living gently among others. The wish to help is a vow, as a reality it translates into many forms. Tonight I just listened to a woman talking to me about her husband's death 10 months ago, and the pain she was going through; I did not suggest anything. I was there for her, aware of my both our lifes. Years ago, I would have gone into sermon land. That' s is now my understanding. Am I a Boddhistava? Don't know and don't care. I do what I can do.
Remember the good old story of Ryokan weeping in front of that young relative who was naughty and difficult. Not a word. Just tears and a smile. After Ryokan left, the young guy changed his behaviour. And as Maezumi told the young Glassman one day as he was asking how to help a friend in pain, the master said: Don't steal people's pain!Let them go through what they go! It is what they need to wake up!
Just a suggestion really.
Thank you for your patience and understanding...
Yes, my first answer ("nothing much") was glib and pretentious, and I felt a little guilty about it later. So please let me try again. Assuming the person asking needs a sincere and informative answer I would say something like this:
Zen is a Buddhist way of life where we practice zazen, a form of meditation.
Zen is living life fully, moment to moment, being as present and aware as we can in each of those moments, which is something we practice in zazen.
Zen is living the precepts, which is practicing our Buddhist way of life out in the world.
Zen is everything and nothing, all at the same time, and recognizing the beauty in this non-discrepancy.
And then I expect there would be a longer conversation.
thank you taigu and sho nin.
i read what you write and i must say something.
i agree with taigu, life is just life and as you drop things it becomes different.
i am also a beginner i practice for about 6 years, in this time i have been practicing by myself as best i could and as best i understood.
when i first stared on this path ( yet it is not a path but a walk for the sake of walking ) i had my own ideas and preconceptions about zen
with time they changed, and i wanted to take away the pain and save all beings... i still want to do so, as a nurse i get my chance to try and help people, yet some people are beyond help. so i just try to help them as best i can.
if it means doing nothing, or listening to them, or just talking to them, or drinking with them, or anything that needs to be done... i just do it as long as it is within my ability as a human being.
i always say i am a human being first and a Buddhist after, yet the truth is there is no difference between the 2.
with time understanding changes, if people ask me how does zen affect my life, i tell them it is in everything i do and it effects all aspects of my life yet i cant tell them what it is that is effected. i cant tell when it happened or even why, maybe it is because of my practice and maybe it is because my life has taken a certain course, or than again i got older... i dont know but i change, everything changes.
it is just life i dont care much for why it happens, i just know it happens and that is enough for me.
thank you both for another point of view on everything.
a deep and humble Gassho
Daniel, the beginner.
"And as Maezumi told the young Glassman one day as he was asking how to help a friend in pain, the master said: Don't steal people's pain!Let them go through what they go! It is what they need to wake up!"
When I went on a silent retreat recently, there was a question time with the monks. One girl felt it was really annoying that we couldn't speak to each other. And I said, yeah, we can't speak, but we can smile at each other - acknowledge each other. Then one of the senior monks said, "Why would you want to rob other people of their experience of this silent retreat?" And I thought he was right.
To what extent do you reckon we should let others suffer their own mistakes or pain? There was another moment at the retreat where a lady with crutches was having trouble propping her crutches up against the wall to sit down to dinner. A senior monk just looked on without helping at all. I thought that was wrong.
It's in these moments that I find Zen quite extreme - it's the opposite of conventional thinking.
Just now, it seems to me that there's a difference between someone who has come to a retreat to practice and would benefit from being able to face difficult issues, and someome who is completely lost in the midst of suffering and is not practicing Zen or any other form of 'getting to know yourself'. Someone who is not working on understanding themselves, probably won't benefit that much from pain, will they? Most of the time when I'm in pain, I'll find a way to lessen the pain, block it out, or run away from it. That's not helping is it? I think most could benefit from advice during pain.
Hmm...Just thinking out aloud with regards to that Maezumi quote.
I haven't been to a retreat yet, so maybe I shouldn't chime in, but it would seem that the retreats serve a specific purpose and are meant to be more intense, especially of the zen flavor. It may be that for some people who are experiencing some forms of suffering shouldn't go to such retreats, yet.
I think maybe some people read too much into the retreats. As far as I know the authentic teachers of zen retreats aren't promising anything, so maybe there is some misunderstanding in the participant to expect to be fixed... or expect anything at all. I would suggest that the participant research what they are getting themselves into so they can be somewhat aware of what's coming, so that disappoint would be minimal. Too many people have a new-ager eastern mysticism type feel good expectation and so they think that going to a zen retreat will somehow give them instant enlightenment. When they go and get offended they throw the whole thing away not realizing that the fact that they went with certain expectations is what killed it for them. I'd say don't expect anything then everything is a bonus.
I think this is part of why guys like Brad Warner are so pissed off at guys like Ken Wilber and his Big Mind instant enlightenment "for only $1,999".


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Today's Names to Know: Tom Brady, Yorvit Torrealba, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, LaDainian Tomlinson, Devin Hester, Vinny Testaverde, South Florida, Greg Monroe, Kelvin Sampson and More!
NFL: Pats rout Cowboys, 48-27. There is very little to say about this game, except that it was yet another statement that the Pats are out to absolutely eviscerate the rest of the league en route to 19-0. They just took the best team in the NFC and destroyed them in their own house. (I love how some people think the Colts are right there with the Pats as the NFL's clear-cut best. Right now, I think the Pats would beat the Colts worse than they beat the Cowboys.)
Sunday's NFL Stud: Tom Brady, who threw a career-high 5 TD passes and became the first QB ever to throw at least three TD passes in each of the first six games of a season. (Take that, Peyton.)
MLB Playoffs, NLCS:
20 of their last 21. Three in a row in the NLCS. Six in a row in the playoffs. Led most recently by mostly anonymous players with mythical-sounding names like Yorvit Torrealba and Josh Fogg.
And I will be at Coors Field tonight for Game 4, rooting like crazy to witness a pennant-clincher. Franklin Morales vs. Micah Owings (known more for his bat than his arm.) More tomorrow on the game tonight.
ALCS: Indians, Red Sox tied 1-1 with series moving to
Where to start with Game 2? Eric Gagne pooped the bed (in a "didn't-he-used-to-be?" performance that will linger in the memory far longer than his record-breaking season just a few seasons ago); Trot Nixon enjoyed a moment of ironic revenge; and Papi/Manny combined to go 1/6. (Tonight: Matsuzaka vs. Westbrook.)
More NFL: A handful of notes that won't come close to doing the day justice.
(1) Adrian Peterson is amazing: It's not just that the NFL might as well engrave the Rookie of the Year trophy with Peterson's name; it's that Peterson is arguably the best running back in the NFC right now, rookie or otherwise. Yesterday, he set the record for rushing yards by a Vikings RB (again, rookie or otherwise).
(2) Maurice Jones-Drew is back: 12 carries for 125 yards and 2 TDs, and the TD celebration of the day: Karate Kid, which out-did his flip into the end-zone. And with a solid game from QB David Garrard, the Jaguars are suddenly looking like one of the top non-Pats teams in the AFC. Next week's MNF game against the Colts will be the true test (not that last season's Jags throttling of the Colts meant anything in the larger scheme of either team's long-term fortunes).
(3) Vinny Testaverde is ageless. If Tom Brady didn't steal it from him, Vinny would have been this week's stud, for being the oldest starting QB to win a game in NFL history – a week after being signed, no less. He threw a TD pass, the 21st consecutive season he has done that, which strikes me as a record damn near unbreakable. Unless you're a Cardinals fan or playing against the Panthers, how can you NOT root for Vinny T?
(4) If you don't like Brady Quinn, you can't possibly help but like Derek Anderson.
(5) Welcome back LaDainian. (You, too, Larry Johnson.) 4 TDs is exactly why you were the consensus No. 1 overall fantasy football pick.
(6) And, apologies to both LT and AP, but Devin Hester is the most exciting player in the league right now.
(7) The Rams are absolutely utterly awful. The Dolphins aren't far behind, but if you were forced to pick the worst team in the league, the Rams would be it.
(8) Is it NBC's Football Night In America or Watch For Plummeting TV Cameras Night? Either way, it was good for the Saints, who won their first game and got 141 yards out of Reggie Bush and a solid game out of Drew Brees.
NFL Milestones: Tony Gonzalez set a new record for career TDs by a tight end. Enough to get him into the Hall of Fame? I don't think so.
MNF: Giants-Falcons? Ugh. Maybe if Michael Vick was playing (or even just in attendance), this would be something to watch. Otherwise, I'm glad I'll be in
CFB: First BCS standings revealed. Ohio State and South Florida are in the driver's seat at 1-2, with USF set to leap OSU if/when the human pollsters ever lose their insane bias against them to match the computers, who rank USF at No. 1 (as I do -- see this week's BlogPoll ballot).
I think it's an embarrassment that Harris Poll and Coaches Poll voters – who are supposed to be so-called EXPERTS in college football – don't know anything about
In a season as insane as this one, it's key to see who this year's
That 1-loss team with the inside track is LSU, with a healthy margin ahead of the next-highest-ranked 1-loss team,
CFB Weekend Wrap: You know it's an insanely great season when, after three straight weeks, you can't decide which had the wildest result:
(a) Three weeks ago, when all those upsets in the Top 10 happened;
(b) Two weeks ago, when preseason and presumptive national-title favorite USC lost at home to a 41-point underdog in the biggest regular-season upset in modern CFB history;
(c) This past weekend, when the No. 1 team lost, then the team presumptively poised to take over the No. 1 spot lost (at home to an unranked team on an insanely boneheaded game-ending play).
You'll forgive me if I don't take the BCS too seriously right now: Of the remaining BCS-conference unbeaten teams:
South Florida: Will lose at
B.C.: Will lose at Virginia Tech.
Kansas: Will lose in the Big 12 CG (if not sooner)
Hawaii: Will lose to Boise State.
Meanwhile, the most highly regarded 1-loss teams have both remaining gauntlets of their own (South Carolina and Kentucky still have to play Florida) or have fatal flaws (i.e., USC and Cal lost at home to unranked teams,
If I had to make a prediction now, I would say that no team will finish the season unbeaten, and that the national-title match-up will be LSU vs.
College Hoops Recruiting:
By the way, I would like to modify my preseason pick of UCLA to win the national title to include my entire Final Four: UCLA,
More CBB:
MLB Offseason: Reds hire Dusty Baker. Meh.
More CFB:


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Best Internet Providers in Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul for 2024
This information on internet performance in Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil is updated regularly based on Speedtest® data from millions of consumer-initiated tests taken every day. After you've learned about median download and upload speeds from Santa Maria over the last year, visit the list below to see mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds from additional cities within State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Then compare your internet experience by taking a Speedtest below.
For additional up-to-date information about internet speeds in Brazil as a whole, visit the Speedtest Global Index™ or read our recent Market Reports for provider information.
Santa Maria Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
To be added to this list for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 200 monthly unique user results. To be updated for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 100 monthly unique user results.
An operator or ISP must account for 3% or more of total test samples in the market to be on this list. We display data if at least two operators or ISPs meet this threshold in a designated region or city.
Cities in State of Rio Grande do Sul
- Alegrete
- Alvorada
- Bagé
- Bento Gonçalves
- Cachoeira do Sul
- Cachoeirinha
- Camaquã
- Campo Bom
- Canela
- Canoas
- Carazinho
- Caxias do Sul
- Cidreira
- Cruz Alta
- Dois Irmãos
- Eldorado do Sul
- Erechim
- Esteio
- Estrêla
- Estância Velha
- Farroupilha
- Garibaldi
- Gramado
- Gravataí
- Guaíba
- Igrejinha
- Ijuí
- Imbé
- Ivoti
- Lajeado
- Marau
- Montenegro
- Nova Petrópolis
- Novo Hamburgo
- Osório
- Panambi
- Parobé
- Passo Fundo
- Pelotas
- Porto Alegre
- Portão
- Rio Grande
- Santa Cruz do Sul
- Santa Maria
- Santa Rosa
- Santana do Livramento
- Santiago
- Santo Ângelo
- Sapiranga
- Sapucaia do Sul
- São Borja
- São Gabriel
- São Leopoldo
- Taquara
- Teutônia
- Torres
- Tramandaí
- Três Coroas
- Uruguaiana
- Vacaria
- Venâncio Aires
- Viamão
- Xangri-Lá
The data found within has not been subjected to the rigorous Speedtest marketing claims and data methodology, and therefore cannot be used in commercial applications. Additionally, promised speeds and plans offered are always subject to change.
How to test your internet speed
Speedtest can help you test the speed and overall performance of your internet for free from any device. Click here to open a new page and take a Speedtest. You can then compare your results with what you've learned about internet performance near you. If you aren't getting the results you expect, you can either use this guide to use your Speedtest results to talk to your internet provider or you can shop for a new provider.


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Certified Green
Color Group
Frame Material
Green Certification
Price Range
Product Type
Surface Material
Composite Chalkboard (96"x48")
Reversible Double-Sided Chalkboard (4'x3')
Reversible Double-Sided Chalkboard (6'x4')
2 Inch Wide Maprail (8')
Hook with Clip for 1 Inch Wide Maprail
Every classroom needs a highly-visible chalkboard. Whether you are teaching math, science, history or any other subject, it is important to have a blackboard at the front of the room so you can present, organize and demonstrate key concepts. A visible writing space is instrumental in facilitating structured lessons and clear communication.
Should you get a double-sided chalkboard? That depends on you room space and layout. Hertz Furniture's wide selection of chalkboards includes wall-mounted models as well as portable units. Give your lessons the jumpstart they need with great choices from Hertz Furniture.
What are the benefits of a wall-mounted blackboard?
The traditional classroom layout includes a wall-mounted chalkboard at the front of the room. This arrangement enables the teacher to complement spoken information with visual aids and real-time examples. By securing the board in one position in a particular room, you ensure that it will always be there when it is needed, and no teacher will be left scrambling around at the last second when class is about to start and there is no space at the front of the room for recording notes.
Where should I put my classroom easel?
While the mounted option is ideal for many educational settings, there are also many benefits to having a chalkboard easel. Mobile chalkboards can transform any room into a seminar room or classroom instantly. Locking casters keep boards securely in place while they are in use and enable them to be moved in a flash when they are needed in another location. Portable chalkboards can also be used as dividers.
When you don't have much space for a chalk board, but you have lots to write, a teaching easel can really come in handy. This convenient setup provides double the amount of writing space without taking up any extra room. When you are in the middle of a lesson and one side of the blackboard is full, you don't have to waste any time erasing your work to make space. Simply flip over the board and you have a whole new writing surface. An added advantage of this arrangement is that you can easily refer back to previous work by flipping the board over once again. That is definitely something worth thinking about when choosing classroom furniture.
How can I get a whiteboard and chalkboard together?
Board material preference is entirely a matter of personal taste. Because companies and schools have many employees, each of whom has a partiality toward one material or the other, the ideal is to provide options so everyone can have what they prefer. We have reversible black boards which have a chalkboard on one side and a markerboard on the other, so you can ensure that each person has the material that is most comfortable for them. When a teacher or business-person has their ideal setup in a class or presentation it is easier for them to focus and stay on top of their game.
While chalk does come in a selection of hues, it is often hard to distinguish between them, especially on a black background. The full brightness of dry erase markers can be appreciated against the background of a whiteboard. More colors can make it easier to categorize information, organize notes and highlight particular elements of a lesson or steps in a process. A solid white background can also be used as a screen for viewing movies, slides or a computer screen projection.
Chalk boards have their unique benefits as well. If a teacher or professional accidentally gets some marker on their clothes, it is unlikely that it will come out without a good washing. That means they might be stuck walking around with an embarrassing stain for an entire day. Chalk is easy to wash or wipe off of clothes and hands. Chalk is also virtually odorless, unlike whiteboard markers whose smell many find unpleasant.
How can I make sure that I always have chalk?
There are a number of convenient features that can really enhance your experience with any chalkboard. A chalk tray keeps writing implements handy so they are always easy to find and can be picked up and put down as needed. In a school setting, it might be a good idea to install a map rail above the board so maps and other important charts or visual aids can be kept in a readily-accessible position whenever they are needed.
No matter what the size of your business or school is, employees, students, colleagues and clients are sure to appreciate the clear communication that is afforded by wall-mounted or double-sided chalkboard. With our great selection of models, you can find the perfect size and setup for any space, large or small. If you need help determining what is the best blackboard for your academic or professional institution, contact the Hertz Project Solutions team for free project-planning advice.


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I'm DC RAINMAKER…
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It's as simple as that. Most of the time. If you're new around these parts, here's the long version of my story.
You'll support the site, and get ad-free DCR! Plus, you'll be more awesome. Click above for all the details. Oh, and you can sign-up for the newsletter here!
Here's how to save!
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:With TPC (The Pro's Closet), you'll save $40 on purchases over $200 with coupon code DCRAIN40 for tech and non-tech purchases!
Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.Want to compare the features of each product, down to the nitty-gritty? No problem, the product comparison data is constantly updated with new products and new features added to old products!
Wanna create comparison chart graphs just like I do for GPS, heart rate, power meters and more? No problem, here's the platform I use - you can too!
Think my written reviews are deep? You should check out my videos. I take things to a whole new level of interactive depth!
Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
Get all your awesome DC Rainmaker gear here!
I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
- Do you have a privacy policy posted?
- Why haven't you yet released a review for XYZ product you mentioned months ago?
- Will you test our product before release?
- Are you willing to review or test beta products?
- Which trainer should I buy?
- Which GPS watch should I buy?
- I'm headed to Paris – what do you recommend for training or sightseeing?
- I'm headed to Washington DC – what do you recommend for training?
- I'm from out of the country and will be visiting the US, what's the best triathlon shop in city XYZ?
- What kind of camera do you use?
5 Easy Steps To The Site
In Depth Product Reviews
You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you're trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
Read My Sports Gadget Recommendations.
Here's my most recent GPS watch guide here, and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here, all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there. Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day? I also just put together my complete 'Gear I Use' equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). And to compliment that, here's The Girl's (my wife's) list. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
Have some fun in the travel section.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here's a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I've put together and posted. I've sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I've been.
My Photography Gear: The Cameras and Equipment I Use Daily
The most common question I receive outside of the "what's the best GPS watch for me" variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I've complied this "My Photography Gear" post for your curious minds! It's a nice break from the day to day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering "What does Ray use when not testing new products?". So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that's the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren't good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies "picks", check out The Girl's Gear Guide too.
Tag Archives: Sport Tracks
SportTracks adds Garmin Connect automatic sync
This past weekend SportTracks enabled support for automatic sync with Garmin Connect. This rounds out the 'big three' when it comes to endurance athlete sites and Garmin Connect Auto Sync (including Training Peaks and Strava). There are of course other … Read More Here
One week: So many cool new things
The next few weeks are going to be rather busy in the sports technology world (remember my 2011 predictions?). There's a ton of companies either announcing new products, major changes to existing products, or new services. While both these companies … Read More Here
Sport Tracks adds Zeo Support and Training Analysis
I like seeing integration between hardware and software companies. It allows all of us to access our data in ways that the hardware vendor may not have originally envisioned. One of these days I'll write up a post on the … Read More Here
Sport Tracks 3.0 Upgrade Review
Over the past few months I've gotten a ton of questions around Sport Tracks 3.0 and what I think of it. In the past I've recommended Sport Tracks in the past pretty heavily because of it's free status and because … Read More Here
Weekly Mailbag–June 5th, 2010
Here's this week's edition of the weekly mailbag. This is a weekly series where I feature a handful of the e-mailed questions I received from the previous week or so. I try and pick a wide variety of questions. Some … Read More Here
Withings WiFi Scale In Depth Review
I'm just gonna say it upfront – this is perhaps the most well put together and thought out device and set of services I've reviewed yet. I know, it sounds funny given it's 'just a scale', but – it's a … Read More Here
Understanding Sport Device GPS Elevation Issues
You've just completed your out and back bike ride out on the flatlands of Florida, yet your GPS device is telling you that you went out and climbed the rocky mountains. Why is that you ask? Well, the answer is…it … Read More Here
Weekly Mailbag – April 24th, 2010
Here's this week's edition of the weekly mailbag. This is a weekly series where I feature a handful of the e-mailed questions I received from the previous week or so. I try and pick a wide variety of questions. Some … Read More Here
A whole lotta updates
It's finally the end of the week, and I've got a bunch of little tidbits from races schedule updates to technology stuff to toss out into the wind, so without too much more babbling, let's get on with it. Schedules: … Read More Here
Sports Tracks in depth – ten little tidbits
Most of you folks know I love Sports Tracks – I think it's hands down the best and most comprehensive sports activity management application out there today. (The above uses the Power Analysis Plug-in) Of course, making it better is … Read More Here
Training Logs
I've used a lot of training logs over the past two years. I'm kinda a training records nut-case. I want to know what I did, when I did it, and I want to be able to follow trends (which as … Read More Here
Sport Tracks 2.0 Released!
Woohoo! Sport Tracks 2.0 was released earlier this week. I had been beta testing it a bit for a few months now, and it's awesome. Here's a quick overview of some of the new stuff. For those of you not … Read More Here
Review of Garmin Forerunner 305
Major Update: June 25th, 2009(I've completely revamped and updated this review (my most popular) to add in a ton of information about accessories, updated software and additional thoughts about the device itself now that I've had it nearly two years. … Read More Here
How to swim with your Garmin Forerunner GPS
After purchasing the Garmin Forerunner, I was determined to use it as much as possible to get the most out of my money. On an average day I have two training runs/rides/swims, and I use the GPS for every outdoor … Read More Here


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Eagle EG314 300 MHz Wireless Garage Door Gate Opener Keypad
This Eagle EG314 also known as a Multi Code 4200 door opener keypad is a weather-resistant wireless keyless entry station transmitter. Easy to use, just enter your 4-digit access code and the unit will send a signal to the receiver to activate the door or gate operator.
Unit is compatible with the following remote controls:
-Multi Code 3089, 4120, 4140, 3060, 3070, 3083, 308911, 412001, 414001, 306001, 307001, 308301, MCS308911, MCS412001, MCS414001, MCS306001, MCS307001, and MCS308301
-Eagle EG 140, EG 144, EG 148 AND EG 152
Product Features
-Compatible with 300 MHz Eagle, Multi-Code, and Digi-Code radio receivers that use 10 Dip Switches
-Backlit keys
-Powered by 9-volt battery (included)
-Easy access to battery
-1,024 radio codes
-4-digit access code
-RF frequency: 300 MHz
-Dimensions: 2.75" W x 6.25" H x 1" D
- Brand: Eagle
- Product Code: EG314
- Availability: In Stock
US Shipping - FREE
Canada Shipping - US $11.50
(Quantity shipping discount applied at checkout)


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Maryland Classroom is published four times each school year and distributed to all teachers in Maryland public schools. Issues deal with federal and state education policy, new programs and initiatives, and promising instructional strategies.
You need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader software on your computer in order to view the most recent issue of Maryland Classroom. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer, you may download it for free by clicking on the Adobe Acrobat link at the bottom of the page.
Vol. 17 No.2 April 2012 Vol. 17 No.1 January 2012
Vol. 16 No.2 September 2011Vol. 16 No.1 August 2011Vol. 15, No.3 May 2011Vol. 15 No.2 March 2011
Vol. 13 No.1 July 2009Vol. 14 No.1 September 2008Vol. 13 No.2 April 2008
Vol. 12 No.4 April 2007
Vol. 12 No.3 February 2007
Vol. 12 No.2 January 2007Vol. 12 No.1 October 2006Vol. 11 No.3 February 2006 Vol. 11 No.2 October 2005 Vol. 11 No.1 September 2005 Vol. 10, No.1 January 2005 Vol. 10, No. 2 May 2005
Vol. 9, No. 2 May 2004 Vol. 9, No.1 February_2004
Go to the Adobe Acrobat site


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Item # FW
The Double Sided Diafold® sharpener is one of the most versatile sharpeners. The two sides of diamond sharpening material allow you to tackle tough sharpening projects. The folding design makes this sharpener easy to keep close at hand in your tool box, backpack, or pocket. The stone measures 4-1/4" x 7/8", fully extended with handle it measures 9.5". Choose from fine/coarse, extra-coarse/coarse, and extra-fine/fine and extra extra fine/extra fine. Made in the USA.


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AMS - Networked, high-capacity automated CD-ROM solutions. Runs on Unix servers and supports heterogenous networks using hybrid 3-tiered storage configurations. Border Network Technologies - a leader in the rapidly-expanding market for Internet firewalls. Principals at Border have been developing and implementing Internet technology for more than a decade. Century Software, Inc. - TCP/IP networking, PC to UNIX connectivity, NFS, FTP, script language, file transfer, terminal emulation for SCO, Wyse, DG, VT and many more. Competitive Automation - DHCP clients and servers for UNIX and Windows. Enterprise Systems Management - Enterprise Systems Management - A leading vendor of Intranet management software and network consulting services. ESM develops UName*it - an Intranet resource and name space management solution for system and network administrators Fujitsu ICL Networking Products (UK) - Information available on networking products for UNIX systems (Solaris, UnixWare and ICL NX) and Windows, including SNA, internet, OSI and TeamVISION. Helios Software - high performance, easy-to-use client/server solutions for DOS/Windows PCs, Macintosh and Unix workstations. Install Systems, Inc - PC to Unix Connectivity products, communication, network, and consulting services. Internet Adapter (tm) - The Internet Adapter (TIA) is a new Internet access utility that lets you use popular TCP/IP software such as Mosaic, Cello, and Eudora with a standard UNIX shell account. In essence it converts a shell account into a "pseudo-SLIP" account. Nebula-NMS (Network Management System) - is a fully distributed network management system designed to manage large, geographically dispersed networks. netCS - Communication sol'ns for all major UNIX platforms worldwide. Packages for ISDN, X.25, SNA, advanced TCP/IP Routing, client/server sol'ns for Telefax. Network Application Technology - a developer and supplier of network monitoring tools including Windows- and UNIX-based network monitoring software and network probes. Network Storage Solutions Inc. - SPANStor High Performance Network Storage Software TCP/IP, NFS, CIFS/SMB, HTTP server on a floppy. Free Trialware, 1000+ NFS ops/second <5msec. response. OpenService - A leading supplier of system management products, and offers the strongest and most scalable event management system for distributed client/server UNIX environments. Pacific Netcom - specializes in LAN, WAN and Internet Gateways and Firewalls. Novell, UNIX, and Windows NT solutions. PC/TCP - Super powerful and super popular FTP Software networking package from UniPress. We will NOT be undersold. Raptor Systems - Designs, manufactures and markets the Eagle family of real-time network security products. Based on an application-level firewall architecture. Relation Systems, Inc. - TCP/IP Networking, PC to UNIX connectivity, MS Windows, AIX, Internet Services, and Relational Database Programming. Sea Change Corporation - Provides products and services for customers whose primary computer systems are based on UNIX and TCP/IP networks. Syntax, Inc. - TotalNET Advanced Server: Transparent PC to UNIX Connectivity. Provides file, printer and application access for client computers - Windows, OS/2, NetWare & Macintosh. Free Evaluation Software available. Unison Software - complete line of Networked Systems Management Software for UNIX and MPE systems. Vision Connect GmbH - specializes in implementation and support ofhigh-speed networks, high-volume RAID data storage, high-availabilty Unix file/database servers and Internet connectivity for customers in newspaper, prepress and electronic publishing industries. Xinet - Xinet produces software to allow network communication between UNIX machines and Macs. XLink - Provides PC-UNIX connectivity software. Products for PC's using Microsoft platforms ranging from MS DOS to Windows 95. XOR Network Engineering, Inc. - Provides a full range of network engineering and system support services. Integrating various UNIX platforms into heterogeneous networks is XOR's main focus.
Copyright 1994-2018 Unix Guru Universe


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DETROIT (AP) — General Motors Co. is recalling more than 40,000 cars sold in warm-weather U.S. states because a plastic part might crack and cause a fuel leak.
The company is recalling Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 sedans from the 2007 through 2009 model years and Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent SUVs and Saturn Ion sedans from the 2007 model year.
The recall affects vehicles sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada or Texas. Owners in Arkansas and Oklahoma also are included in the recall of the 2009 Cobalt and G5.
The vehicles have plastic parts connected to the fuel pump which could crack. If the crack gets large enough, fuel could leak out of the vehicle and cause a fire.
GM says there have been no reports of fires or injuries related to the defect. The company began investigating the issue in 2011 after a dealer reported fuel leaking from some vehicles.
GM says its warranty data indicates that the problem is far more common in warm-weather states. It will repair the vehicles for free in those states. Owners will be notified of the recall by mail.
But the company also plans to send letters to owners in other states offering a free repair within a limited time period if the parts are cracked. That offer is valid for 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 kilometers) from the date the vehicle was sold, spokesman Alan Adler said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall on its Web site Saturday.


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I recently came across the concept of onion marmalade and I was immediately intrigued. Images of sweet and chunky preserved caramelized onions were dancing through my head and I could not resist. I am rather taken with caramelized onions, except that because of how long they take to properly caramelize I do not make them as often as I might like but the idea of sweet balsamic caramelized onions was all the push that I needed. This recipe is pretty simple and you just need to caramelize the onions, add some balsamic vinegar along with sugar, thyme salt and pepper and you are done.
When I first started caramelizing onions it took me about 3 hours to do it properly but now I am down to about an hour. I start by cooking the onions at medium heat until they are tender and then I reduce the heat a bit, add water, cover and cook until they are golden brown stirring every once in a while. Given that in caramelizing the onions you are trying to remove their moisture, adding water may seem a bit counter intuitive but it increases the total surface area of the onions that is being expose to the heat allowing them to cook faster. Normally only the small amount of surface area that is directly in contact with the pan is exposed to the heat but if you add water, the water will heat up to the same temperature as the bottom of the pan and it will get into every nook and cranny of the onions exposing them to the heat. Once you get to the add water, cover and cook phase it is pretty hands off so you can go on and do other things as long as you remember to come back and stir every one in a while so that hour is not as bad as it may seem.
The onion marmalade, or balsamic caramelized onions, turned out to be just as good as they promised to be! The tangy and fruity balsamic vinegar went really well with the sweet caramelized onions and the touch of thyme added a great flavour and definitely planted the marmalade more in the savoury category than the sweet for me. Now that I have my onion marmalade I can't wait to use it in something.
Onion Marmalade (or Balsamic Caramelized Onions)
Sweet caramelized onions with the tangy hit of balsamic vinegar that is tempered by a touch of sugar.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the onions and saute until the onions are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to just a bit below medium, add the water, cover and cook until the onions turn a deep golden brown, about 50 minutes. You will need to stir every 10 minutes for the first 30 minutes and every 5 minutes for the remaining time. (Add a bit more water if it starts to get to dry.)
- Add the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, thyme, salt and pepper, deglaze the pan and cook until most of the moisture is gone.


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Saraswathi on white lotus 3
Dear Esteemed Customer, Thank you for your interest in CHAYA products. Please do note, during rush times, it may take upto 2 weeks to answer your query in detail & we thank you for your understanding & patience. Before filling in the details below, please take a few minutes to go through this LINK to understand the general sizes / pricing for our tanjore paintings. This will help you make a more informed choice. Thank you!
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The Meccano Society of Scotland
Menstrie Meeting 2012
In May 2012 we held our annual Menstrie Meeting and Challange.
The Challenge this year was to construct a hill climb vehicle. See the Challenge Rules page for more details.
Menstrie Challenge - Report
The challenge this year was a hill climb to be powered by an M0 motor. The model had to get the top of a plane involving a travel of about 3 feet. The slope of the plane was progressively increased for each run. Competitors were eliminated if their model did not reach the top of the hill within the allotted time or did not get to the top at all, having failed either through slippage of the wheels/tracks or having deviated and run off the side.
The hill was a length of shelving from B&Q which was four feet long and 7½" wide. It was plain unvarnished wood but sanded to a smooth finish. The start line was marked 12" from one end. The board was supported on a framework on 24½" angle girders by a Meccano rod. This allowed the slope of the board to be adjusted anywhere from horizontal to vertical.
As far as the competitors were concerned, it had been realised that the main challenge to be overcome was one of grip and a number of approaches to this were on display. Most of these involved the soft tyred wheels and rubber tracks from the modern 20 model set (the set that also contains a Bowden cable). Two people tried Meccano Circular Saw Blades as driving wheels, no doubt in the hope that they would dig into the wood and provide a positive drive. Much to the relief of the board supplier, this did not work. These models did not climb a significant slope and left the track undamaged.
Several competitors took the view that a high torque on the driving wheels would be essential (presumably taking in to consideration the total weight of their model and the limited power output of the M0 motor). They therefore installed very large reduction gear trains between motor and driving wheels.
This resulted in very slow progress and reminded the writer of a line from hymn, dimly remembered from childhood, which went "labor up the heavenly hill with weary feet and slow". Two competitors eventually failed on time.
Several competitors produced two models, mostly one tracked and one wheeled. Although a tracked vehicle eventually won, both types of drive seemed equally effective with some losing their tracked vehicle first and others the reverse. Two entries fitted with wheels survived till very late, one failed on direction, running off the side of the track very near the top of the run.
Eventually there were only two entries left – both by George Roy. The wheeled one failed on direction running off the track (by now at quite steep angle) late in the run. The other entry, running on a single track easily dealt with the steepest inclination used.
A close up of the winning entry shows that it could have been disqualified as the driving band being used is not, apparently, a Meccano one. However no objections were raised and George was acclaimed as a worthy winner.
So what slope did his model eventually conquer? The rod supporting the board was in the 58th hole up of the framework making it 29" from the floor and the track was 48" long. So the angle of the track was sin-1(29/48) or 37.2o . If you think it looks more in the photograph, remember that the angle appears distorted by the view point of the camera.
Pictures from Menstrie 2012
High resolution versions of the photos are also available for download if desired.
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© 2024 Meccano Society of Scotland


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Bid Price and Ask Price
The bid & ask refers to the price that an investor is willing to buy or sell a stock. The bid is the highest amount that a buyer is currently willing to pay, whereas the ask is the lowest amount that a seller is currently willing to sell. The numbers next to the bid/ask are the "size". The bid size displays the total amount of desired shares
to buy at that price, and the ask size is the number of shares offered for sale at that price. The data displayed in the quote bar updates every 3 seconds; allowing you to monitor prices in real-time.
The bid-ask spread can indicate a stock's liquidity, which is how easy it is to buy and sell in the marketplace. Often, a smaller spread suggests higher liquidity, meaning more buyers and sellers in the market are willing to negotiate. In contrast, a larger spread suggests lower liquidity, as there are fewer investors willing to negotiate. You can use the bid-ask spread to determine whether to place a market order or limit order when trading, helping you to optimize your price and have a successful order execution.
Real-time bid and ask information is powered by Nasdaq Basic, a premier market data solution. This data feed is available via Nasdaq Data Link APIs; to learn more about subscribing, visit Nasdaq Data Link's products page.
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Brice R. Phillips
OCEAN CITY — Brice Reginald Phillips, 90, died Friday, July 1, 2011 at his home in Ocean City.
Born in Fishing Creek, Hooper's Island in Dorchester County, he was the son of the late Augustus Ellsworth Phillips and Leone Estes Simmons Phillips.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Shirley Elizabeth Flowers Phillips, and his two sons, Stephen B. Phillips and his wife, Maxine of Annapolis, and Jeffrey P. Phillips, Sr. and his wife Janet of Ocean City; eight grandchildren, Brice S. Phillips, Joanna Phillips Malby, Aaron Phillips, Jessica Phillips, Jeffrey P. Phillips, Jr., Hugh Phillips, Carmen Phillips and Joseph Phillips; and five great-grandchildren, Lillie Phillips, Molly Phillips, Stephen Phillips, Melany Phillips and Levi Phillips. Also surviving is a sister, Jane Phillips Groff, and several nieces and nephews.
Brice was a graduate of Hooper's Island High School and Strayer's Business College in Baltimore. He worked at Bethlehem Steel Company from 1940-1943, and then enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in the 66th Infantry Division. He and his wife Shirley married in November of 1942, began their family and moved to Ocean City to start their seafood restaurant business in 1956. As they grew their business, they expanded to include multiple locations in Ocean City, then soon to follow, Baltimore, Norfolk, Va., Washington DC, Atlantic City, N.J., West Palm Beach, Fla. and Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Brice received numerous awards over the years: Doctorate of Hospitality from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, Doctor of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management from the Baltimore International College, State of Maryland Governor's Citation for his contribution on the Ocean City Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Committee, State of Maryland Resolution in recognition of his service on the Chesapeake Bay Trust, 2008 Citizen of the year from the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Induction into the Md. Business Hall of Fame by Md. Chamber of Commerce, recognition from the Restaurant Association of Md. for his contribution and service, the Henry L. Dunnick Award from Restaurant Association of Md. for enhancing national reputation of Md. Cuisine for leadership in the Food Service Industry, Restaurant Association of Md. , Restaurateur of the Year, State of Md. Governor's Salute to Excellence, named Ambassador of Goodwill for Ocean City and State of Maryland for nurturing the traditions of Maryland's cherished resources: beaches, seafood, hospitality, and Grand Ball of Ocean City, Governor's Citation in Support of Md. Summer Jobs Campaign. Ocean City Museum Society recognition for Ocean City Lifesaving Museum Contribution, Art League of Ocean City for being a Corporate patron of the Arts, Community Service Award, for making Skipjack Festival possible, and Maryland Jaycees Appreciation Award for service given to Jaycees.
He had served for many years on different Boards and organizations including Director of Calvin B. Taylor Bank, Board of Trustees for Chesapeake Bay Trust, Chesapeake Bay Seafood Industries Association, Dunes Club and was a member of the Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City.
A funeral service was held on Wednesday, July 6 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City. Rev. Norman Poultney and Rev. George Godfrey officiated. Entombment will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Atlantic General Hospital, Critical Care Unit, 9733 Healthway Dr. Berlin, Md. 21811 or Atlantic United Methodist Church, 105 4th St. Ocean City, Md. 21842 or Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733 Salisbury, Md. 21802.
Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.
Paul Francis Judge
SALISBURY — Paul Francis Judge, age 78, of Salisbury, died July 2, 2011.
He was born Sept. 5, 1932, the youngest of six children, to Mary Fanning Judge and Martin G. Judge in Quincy, Mass.
Paul was a graduate of Quincy High School in 1951, Boston College in 1960, and Harvard University in 1961. Between high school and college, he served for four years in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict as a meteorologist on the aircraft carrier USS Midway. He had planned to attend the 2011 Squadrons and Shipmates Reunion in San Diego, Calif. later this year.
Upon his graduation from Harvard, he accepted a civilian career development position with the Department of the Navy, in Newport, R.I. After advancing his career through the Department of the Navy, Paul went on to work for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Paul completed 40 years of government service, retiring in 1987 from his position as Deputy Director in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Following his Pentagon years, he and his wife moved to Ocean City, as he loved the ocean and living close to the seashore had been a lifelong dream.
He was passionate about art, history, and literature, but more than anything, he was passionate about his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Carole Hagan Judge; his last surviving sibling, Mary Judge Pecce; his three daughters, Karen Judge, Christina Judge, and Kathleen Judge Mietus; four grandchildren, Jordan Smith, Timothy Eckard, Julia Smith, and Emily Mietus; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m.on Saturday July 9 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Salisbury. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the may be made to the American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org or 6110 Executive Blvd. Suite 1010 • Rockville, Md. 20852.
Richard William Scott
PITTSVILLE — Richard William Scott, 70, of Pittsville, died Monday, July 4, 2011.
Mr. Scott was born Feb. 4, 1941 in Berlin to the late Edward Scott Sr. and Elizabeth Jones Scott.
He graduated from Stephen Decatur High School, then attended Toledo School of Butchery in Toledo, Ohio. He was a 22-year employee of Ocean Downs Raceway and a former owner of Bridge Texaco and Scotty's Discount Beer & Wine in Ocean City.
Mr. Scott was an avid horse racing fan and pool player. He also enjoyed drag racing, playing cards and socializing with his friends at the track. He was a loving, devoted Pop Pop.
He is survived by loving wife, Ellen Middleton Scott of Pittsville; son, Stephen Michael Scott and his companion, Elizabeth Roberts of Pittsville; daughter, Susan Scott Channell and her husband, Patrick of Pittsville; grandchildren, Sean, Allie, Jordan, Richard and Jay; and brothers, Edward L. Scott, Jr. and N. Fredrick Scott both of Berlin.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at Holloway Funeral Home, 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, Md. 21804, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Carol Price will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Berlin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Sons of the American Legion #123, P.O. Box 698, Berlin, Md. 21811.
Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, 501 Snow Hill Rd., Salisbury, Md. 21804.To send condolences to the family, visit www.hollowayfh.com.
Jack K. Alexander
OCEAN PINES — Jack K. Alexander, 87, husband of Jo Alexander, passed away at his home in Ocean Pines on Thursday, June 30, 2011.
Jack served in the United Sates Navy, serving on the USS Intrepid. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, Sons of Italy, Veterans of Foreign Wars, World War II Veterans, Democratic Club of Worcester County, Caring Clowns, Evergreen Masonic Lodge and previous Past Master of the Washington Masonic Chapter. Jack was a past member of the Ocean Pines Kiwanis Club and past president of the Telephone Pioneers.
He is survived by his wife, Josephine Alexander; 10 children; and 16 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Rita Elaine Alexander.
A celebration of life was held on Wednesday, July 6 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301, Attn: Gift Processing; the Worcester County Arts Council, 6 Jefferson Street, Berlin, Md. 21811; or the Friends of Ocean Pines Library, 11107 Cathell Road, Ocean Pines, Md. 21811.


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Take this one, for example, which happens to be about humor. Some Stanford University scientists wired up men and women, showed them a bunch of cartoons, and watched the way their brains lit up:
But some brain regions were activated more in women, including both the left prefrontal cortex and the mesolimbic reward centre.To test my theory about whether scientists are following my rule, try rewriting their conclusions as if they were following the opposite rule. That is, take the same basic data, and write their statements as if they were leaning exactly as much toward portraying what is true of the male as superior.
The researchers say their findings suggest women place a greater emphasis on the language of humour, possibly employing a more analytical approach.
They also believe that the women in the study were less likely to expect the cartoons to be funny - so when they were, their pleasure centre lit up with greater intensity than their male counterparts.
Professor Reiss said: "Women appeared to have less expectation of a reward, which in this case was the punch line of the cartoon.
"So when they got to the joke's punch line, they were more pleased about it."
The researchers also found that the funnier the cartoon, the more the reward centre was activated in women.
That was not the case in men who seemed to "expect" the cartoons to be funny from the start.
Professor Reiss said the finding that women's reward centres might be more sensitive to emotional stimuli, if confirmed by follow-up studies, might explain why they appear to be more vulnerable to depression....
However, he told the BBC News website: "I would agree that women are much more analytical in terms of humour, but to extrapolate from this study, and draw conclusions about clinical depression is probably a step too far."
I remember the days when people would routinely and openly characterize whatever was true of the male as superior, and I'm glad those days are over (at least in the U.S.). But leaning in the other direction isn't the answer. It's patronizing. And it's unscientific! I understand the motivation of the scientists, though. I think they have reason to be afraid not to couch their findings this way.
UPDATE: I like the title on the AP version of the story: "Women May Enjoy Humor More, if It's Funny." I can't help jumping ahead to the news: Women may enjoy sex more than men too -- if it's good. Ah, and that's the big problem -- isn't it? -- for both humor and sex: Men are perfectly happy with a lower quality experience, and as a result there is less available that works for women. It's a life of "Three Stooges" comedy and "Three Stooges" sex.


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Library Camp
Library Camps and Library Unconferences
For an extensive list of previous and upcoming library camps and library unconferences (and links to relevant wikis and blogs for those events), see the Library Camp entry in LIS Wiki.
Library Camp 2008 (Ann Arbor District Library, March 20, 2008)
UPDATE: We'll start in the Board Room on the 4th floor! Library doors open at 9 AM and bagels and coffee will be served, and we'll get started at 9:30. The agenda will go here once it's been created on thursday morning. See you all soon!
Library Camp doesn't mean burned marshmallows, mosquito bites, or popsicle stick-based art projects. Library Camp is a series of informal Unconference gatherings to share ideas, technologies, and discussions.
The next Library Camp will be held Thursday, March 20th, 2008, at the Downtown Branch of the Ann Arbor District Library, from 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM.
The goal is to get a bunch of people together, and let them talk about whatever they'd like to talk about, within the rough purview of libraries and library technology. We'll start with all getting together with a blank schedule to talk about what we'd like to talk about and fill in a few slots on the agenda. We've got time for four sessions and room for at least 3 concurrent sessions, so there could easily be 10-12 different things to talk about during the day.
We're working on providing breakfast; lunch is on your own, but there will surely be groups heading out to nearby places in downtown Ann Arbor. There is also a mid-range hotel near by (The Campus Inn, $200/night, orbitz has for $99/night), and a very cheap place a little further out that's not half bad (Lamp Post Inn, $45/night).
If you have any questions about the event, please don't hesitate to email eli at [email protected] and he'll be happy to help, and if you're planning or hoping to attend, or have an idea for something you'd like to see a session about, edit this page and list your name or your suggestion! Thanks for your interest, and we hope to see you at Library Camp!
I plan or hope to attend!
- Evette Atkin, MLC
- Brian Austin, MLC
- Amy Barnes, Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Aaron Beebe, GDL
Helene Blowers, Columbus Metropolitan LibrarySorry to not be able to attend. But am glad so many others from CML will there.- John Blyberg, Darien Library
- Stephen Bollinger, CADL
- Steven K. Bowers, Detroit Area Library Network (DALNET)
- Amy Cantu, AADL
- Suzanne Chapman, University of Michigan Library
- Dave Carter, University of Michigan Library (will probably be late)
- Celeste Choate, AADL
- Mike Creech, University of Michigan Library
- Samuel Davis, Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Ryan Eby, AADL
- Janet Elkins, UM-Dearborn Mardigian Library
Jeff Godin, Traverse Area District Librarydrat.- Kathryn Gordon, Wayne State LIS Program, Detroit
Alan Kirk Gray, Darien Library (hope)Reality trumps hope once again- Michael Haney, Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Heidi Hansen, Wayne State LIS Program, Detroit
- Rikhei Harris, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI (hope)
- John Hershey, Wayne State LIS program
- Victor Ibegbu, Detroit Public Library
- Roshayne Jaimon, AADL
- Stephanie C. John, PALnet, Flint, MI
Ranti Junus, Michigan State University Libraries, LansingSorry, I ended up couldn't make it.- Anne Karle-Zenith, University of Michigan Library
- Shana Kimball, University of Michigan Library
- Melissa Kiser, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN
- Molly Kleinman, University of Michigan Library
- Eric J. Klooster, AADL
- Jamie Lausch, AADL (afternoon)
Sarah Lowen, GVSU/Van Andel, WSU LIS Program- Andrew MacLaren, AADL
- Sara Martin, University of Detroit Mercy
Linda Masselink, GVSU- Sara Memmott, Eastern Michigan University
- Ronnie Morgan, GDL
- Xanthe Muller, Wayne State LIS Program, Detroit
Peter Murray, OhioLINKApologies, can't make it due to a higher priority commitment.- Eli Neiburger, AADL
- Macrina Porter, Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Philip Proefrock, Penchansky Whisler Architects (ex-Luckenbach|Ziegelman Architects)
- Sean Robinson, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN
- Elaine Ross, MLC
- Maryellen Sandford, CADL
- Eric Schnell, The Ohio State University Libraries
- Kathy Schoening, Jackson District Library
- Maura Seale, GVSU
- Sarah Stopera, Wayne State LIS Program, Detroit
- Carl Swanberg, Canton Public Library
- Greg Syferd, Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Steven Teeri, Detroit Public Library
Bill Tozier, Vague Innovation LLCI wish I had been there folks. Next time. Make it soon.- Susan Vedovato, Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Ed Vielmetti, Pure Visibility, Ann Arbor
- Kathryn Waggoner, GVSU
I wish I could be there/ I wish I could have been there!
- Margie Brumm, Rochester Public Library
- Pascal Calarco, University of Notre Dame
- Jessamyn West, Vermont
- Kathryn Greenhill, Fremantle, Western Australia
- Hope Nobel, Leighton Township Library
- Lee LeBlanc, iblee, Florida (a wish I could have been).
Session Ideas
- How about post-netflix circ ideas? They've shaken up our customer's expectations... I wonder what Library Campers could come up with?
- Life after the era of the ILS vendor
- Cooperative development (inter-library coding)
- Practical 2.0 magic
- Cloud computing for libraries
- Marketing your library services using the internet/2.0 technologies/etc.
- Ideas for using smartphones in Reference
- How many ways can libraries use social networking services?
- Snapshot of the status of open source ILS's: Who's focusing on academics? Publics? # of members in each?
blogs on LibCampA2
- DALNET Consortium
- The Multi-Purpose Librarian
- theunlibrarian
- heidi go seek
- Michigan Library Consortium


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The Meccano Society of Scotland
Menstrie Meeting 2010
In May 2010 we held our annual Menstrie Meeting and Challange.
The Challenge this year was to construct a magic motor powered vehicle. See the Challenge Rules page for more details.
Menstrie Challenge - Report
The challenge this year was to build a Magic Motor powered vehicle which would be the fastest over a short flat course on the floor of the scout hall. The outcome was decided on the basis of a league system with each entry racing against every other entry in an extended series of binary races. One proviso in the rules was that the vehicles had to run in as close as possible to a straight line. Veering off course and crashing into another vehicle would entail disqualification.
In the event there were twelve entries with two members submitting two entries each. One of the entries was a proxy entry from Rob Mitchell (given the somewhat unlikely name of "Accelerated Particle") who appointed George Roy as his proxy Mechanic. Veering off course did not present the problem that the organisers had feared. Quite a number of entries did not run in an exact straight line but, with one notable exception all managed to cross the finishing line without crashing into their opponent. The exception was the vehicle produced by Margaret Tattersfield. This did not crash in to any other vehicle but ran in such tight circles around the start line that it only once managed to complete the course. On the occasion that it did run in a straight line, it won easily and appeared to be fastest model in the competition. However the reason for this triumph was not diagnosed and the model reverted to its tight circles for the rest of the competition.
As can be seen in the photograph a large range of designs was entered. Basically it came down to a competition between comparatively heavy machines with large diameter driving wheels and light machines with comparatively small (1½") driving wheels. The exception being Accelerated Particle (light and large wheels).
It is worth noting that second equal were Rob Mitchell and Gordon Stewart. Rob's only two losses were against Gordon and against his proxy mechanic, George Roy.
On the basis of 3 points for a win, one for a dead heat and nothing for a loss the final scores (maximum possible 33) were:
George Roy(1) | 30 |
Gordon Stewart (2) | 27 |
Rob Mitchell | 27 |
Gordon Stewart (1) | 21 |
Bert Hutchings | 18 |
Joe Etheridge | 18 |
Desmond Smith | 15 |
George Roy (2) | 15 |
Douglas Carson | 12 |
Alistair Nicoll | 12 |
Margaret Tattersfield | 3 |
Bill Jack | 0 |


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Clinical Trials
Topic Overview
What is a clinical trial?
Clinical trials are research studies in which people help doctors find ways to improve health care. Each study tries to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat health problems.
The purpose of a clinical trial is to find out whether a medicine or treatment is safe and effective for treating a certain condition or disease. Clinical trials compare the effectiveness of this medicine or treatment against standard, accepted treatment or against a placebo if there is no standard treatment.
Taking part in a clinical trial is voluntary. No one can make you participate. If you choose not to take part, you will be offered the standard treatment for your health problem. You can talk to your doctor if you have questions about clinical trials.
Why are they important?
Clinical trials are important because they compare new treatments with accepted treatments. They allow researchers to find out if a new treatment works as well as or better than accepted treatments. The new treatment might have fewer or less serious side effects. The new treatment also might not work as well or might cause more side effects than standard treatments.
Clinical trials help drug companies make medicines that are safer and more effective with fewer side effects. Clinical trials also help these companies decide whether it is worthwhile to seek approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a certain medicine. If a medicine doesn't work as well as standard treatment, then the FDA isn't likely to approve it.
Clinical trials are also important in finding treatments if no standard treatment exists.
Taking part in a clinical trial may not benefit you directly. But in the future it may help other people who have the same disease.
How do clinical trials work?
Your doctor will help you find out if you are eligible to take part in a clinical trial. The company sponsoring the trial will have a very strict set of standards, or criteria, that all participants must meet.
If you meet the criteria, you may be "randomized" to get either the new medicine, a medicine that is considered standard therapy, or a placebo. That means that a computer is used to randomly assign you to one of the treatments. In many studies, neither you nor your doctor knows which treatment you are getting. But not all clinical trials randomize people. And if you have a serious disease, such as cancer, you will not be given only a placebo, unless no effective treatment is known.
After you are accepted by the clinical trial and you give your consent to take part:
- You will be given a structured program to follow.
- You will have a schedule of tests, doctor appointments, and treatments.
- You may be asked to keep a diary of your experience during this time.
Doctors, nurses, social workers, and other health professionals may be part of your treatment team.
Be sure to carefully follow instructions. If you don't know what you are supposed to do next, call your doctor. Or call the person responsible for your trial.
A medicine or treatment must go through three phases before it is approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What happens when the clinical trial is finished?
After a clinical trial is completed and the results are studied, the FDA decides whether to approve continued development of the medicine. If the medicine that you received remains in development, you may be able to get more doses as an extension of the study.
If the results of the clinical trial show that the new medicine or combination of medicines works much better than standard treatment, the new medicine may become available to the general public.
Your treatment team may continue to check on you after your trial is over.
What are the risks?
You should be fully informed about the possible risks of the trial before you agree to participate.
- Although the purpose of trials is to find new and better treatments, the new treatment may not work as well as standard treatments.
- You may have unpleasant, serious, or even life-threatening side effects from the treatment.
- The treatment may not work for you.
- The trial may require more of your time than standard treatment. You may have to:
- Make more trips to the study site.
- Have more treatments.
- Receive your treatment in a hospital.
- Take more medicine more often or at very specific times.
- Keep a written diary of your experience.
How is your safety protected?
Every clinical trial in the United States must be approved and monitored by an institutional review board (IRB) to make sure that the risks are as low as possible and are worth any potential benefits.
The ethical and legal rules for medical practice also apply to clinical trials. Most clinical research is regulated by the U.S. government, with specific rules to protect the participants. Clinical trials follow a carefully controlled study plan (protocol) that explains what everyone will do in the study. During the clinical trial, researchers report the results of the trial at scientific meetings, to medical journals, and to government agencies. Your name will remain secret and will not be mentioned in these reports.
Who pays for clinical trials?
Sometimes the group sponsoring your trial will be responsible for the cost of the medicine as well as the costs of medical tests that are required while you are in the trial. (Clinical trials usually require you to have more medical tests than you would have if you were not in the trial.) But in other trials, the cost of the medicine and only some of the medical tests will be covered. Some studies will reimburse you for the cost of traveling to and from your medical visits.
How can you find out about clinical trials?
The U.S. National Institutes of Health, through its National Library of Medicine, has developed ClinicalTrials.gov to provide information about clinical research studies to patients, family members, and members of the public. You can contact this service online at www.ClinicalTrials.gov. Or you can get information over the phone by calling 1-888-346-3656 or (301) 594-5983 and selecting option 1. For cancer-related clinical trials, go to www.cancer.gov, or call 1-800-422-6237 (and select option 1).
There may or may not be a clinical trial available in your area that relates to your particular disease or stage of disease.
Current as of: December 19, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine & Michael S. Rabin, MD – Medical Oncology
Topic Contents
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. Learn how we develop our content.


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