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What qualities do you need to become a good leader? Jonathan Perks has had 30 years of leadership experience at all levels, in the British Army and global business. He combines this with wide research and has identified eight qualities that are evident in all successful leaders. The message of hope in this book is that the inspiring leadership qualities that Jonathan describes can be developed by almost anyone.
Using the author's compass model, you will be able to identify your own "true north". As you listen to this book and make small changes to your behaviour, you will be more successful, happier, and will live your life on purpose. Inspiring Leadership is based on Jonathan's wide experience and includes stories from people he considers himself privileged to have worked with. This book has the potential to change the way you approach your life forever.
©2012 Jonathan Perks (P)2012 WMP Studios
"Oliver Johnston"
Many books on leadership are dry and theoretical. This one is different. It comes from the experience of a lifetime of leadership from a special man, Jonathan Perks. His understanding of leadership isn't learned from a book, although he is very well informed about theories of leadership. It comes from his earliest experiences with his father and has been honed in the crucibles of army life and business. What Jonathan has to say about leadership is from his heart as well as his head. It is about what leaders need to 'be' as well as what they need to 'do'. That's what makes it so succulent and practically useful.
"A really helpful book"
As the author says early on, 'what really matters is how people show up in life.' This audio book explicitly outlines what the reader needs to do in order to 'become more effective with other people with less effort.'
Perks introduces a very convincing leadership model and describes it authentically to the listener.
Each chapter is rich with stories, examples and advice gained from personal experience. 'Unfortunately,' says Perks 'most of us take much longer to become wise than we do to become old'. In my view, this book is the guide to becoming wise for people who cannot wait that long.
He introduces many helpful techniques for a leader to use. As a professional expedition leader I have found myself using these. For example 3 questions I now carry whilst I am working with groups: Am I inspired? Am I creating an inspiring environment for others? Am I truly enabling others to release their full potential? Simple, I know, but for a leader in the moment, also effective.
Perks reads this book with humility and authenticity and I recommend it to anyone who is interested by the subject.
I loved every bit of this book. Jonathan Perks has a fantastic way of telling stories and speak so you really listen. I would recommend this book to everyone interested in Leadership. This is a masterpiece in the leadership litterature.
Thankyou Jonathan Perks.
"Simply Brilliant!"
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the paperback version of this book, so much so that I now own the audio version. The Compass model developed by the author is a superb personal developmental navigation tool for anyone in or aspiring to be in a leadership role regardless of the company or organisation, business or military. Anyone reading or listening to Inspiring Leadership will easily see a marked improvement in their own leadership skills as well as an increase in personal and corporate success. This is a must read.
"Inspiration for all leaders!"
It is rare indeed to find a book that is so relevant and real. I have held various management positions throughout my 35 year career and have been a Boy Scout leader and adult leader trainer for over 15 years. The qualities of inspiring leaders and life experiences described by Jonathan struck me deeply. The book describes who I have striven to be throughout my life to those whom I have led. It provides a clear and simple model for evaluating one's own and others' leadership qualities and style. After reading the paperback I felt I knew my strengths and weaknesses better and what I need to do to become a better leader. I also felt I knew Jonathan because of the revealing stories he uses to illustrate the eight points of inspiring leadership. The audio book takes you to the next level. There is superb emphasis and emotion throughout the book which is read by Jonathan himself. He is truly inspiring! I plan to recommend this book to all I know and those I train in the future.
"Pragmatic and thought provoking"
This book is a great read for anyone in a Leadership role. It clearly identifies the key components of an inspiring leader and also is really pragmatic with suggestions about how to achieve that for yourself. I enjoyed how Jonathan illustrated each of the components from his experience both in the Military and in business. I also liked the way he demonstrated that Inspiring Leadership is effective with a caring approach for your people.I particularly want to recommend this book to people who believe that Inspiring Leadership is not about being authoritarian and directive and challenging them to see how this approach can lead to fantastic results for their organisation, team and themselves.
In my experience, it is rare to read a book where the author gives so much of themselves with the aim of improving others. This is a warm, heartfelt and compelling read where autobiographical experiences and real life case studies combine to create a "can't put down" read. The practicality and narrative of Inspiring Leadership combine to energise you and propel you to take action and see immediate results - Outstanding!
"Behaviour changing read"
Having read many books on Leadership, I didn't expect too much form this one. However, this book left me thinking a lot about my own behaviours, and attitude to people in and outside business. I thought it was an excellent read and an even better manual for all top executives to use throughout their career. It should not be read only once and put down. The thought provoking summary points and questions should be answered and used to keep your moral compass North. I will be asking my whole leadership team to read and use it. I look forward to volume 2!
A great read.
Fully recommended to anyone aspiring to move up the corporate ladder.
Jonathan Perks's everyday life examples really bring a personal touch to everyday truths. Additionally, the colourful examples in the audio book make the listen both entertaining and informative.
Well worth purchasing.
"At Last, I can label my leadership style!"
I am so happy that at last I am able to label my leadership style, so firstly Jonathan, Thank you!!!
I have listend to it 3 times cover to cover, and find so many areas of the book inspirational, and reinforce in me the importance of sticking to who you are as a leader rather than who you are expected to be.
I spend 10 years in the Royal Engineers, served in the Gulf War and left as an NCO at the top of my game as a minewarfare and counter IED instructor at the School of Infantry. I joined the Fire and Rescue Service as a firefighter and found that I was not reaching my potential fully so from day 1 set myself the goal of rising through the ranks.
I found that the leadership principles you speak of such as 'Serve to lead' and the age old military adage of 'Proper Planning and Preparation Prevent P**s Poor Performance' drove me onwards. It is only after listening to your book that I realised that this was the case.
I completed my probationary period of 2 years in April 2001 and found myself promoted albeit temporarily to Leading Firefighter in the July of the same year, well that was the start. Cutting a long story short I moved through a number of differing roles within the Fire Service and 13 years later I am working in the Chief Fire and Rescue Advisers Unit within the Department of Communities and Local Government as a seconded expert in fire safety enforcement as an Appointed fire inspector for Crown Premises and the Lead Officer for ensuring compliance in English Prisons.
Your Audio book has refreshed my ambition and I have started exploring the power of Coaching and feel that I am starting to find meaning, and if I had taken heed of the 'old hand' firefighters on my first fire station who said things like 'why are you bothering, things will never change' and 'you wont get promoted unless you do it the fire brigade way' I would have found myself in an unhappy place. The spark has been rekindled.
Thanks again.
Rather self indulgent, and not nearly as ground-breaking as the description and introduction would have you believe.
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Pundits will spend months discussing and dissecting the results of our most recent elections. Whether the root cause of the results is the country's economic situation, the flood of outside money or something else, one thing is clear: Americans are angry at gridlock and partisanship in Washington. They don't want political squabbles and they don't want more talking points: they want a government that works.
And a well functioning judicial branch is central to having such a government.
Sadly, despite a steady stream of highly qualified nominees, all of whom would receive the support of a strong majority of the Senate, Republican leaders have engaged in an unprecedented level of obstruction to prevent votes on individual judicial nominees. They've used procedural gimmicks to keep courtrooms empty and prevent the third branch of the United States government from working effectively for the American people.
The Broken Judiciary
Across the country, fewer judges are dealing with more cases and our courts are increasingly clogged. In many places, the situation has reached the crisis point, as people's efforts to seek justice are stymied by the absence of judges to hear their cases in a timely manner.
Appellate court vacancies in five of the country's twelve geographic circuits - nearly half of them - are official judicial emergencies. Similarly, within the 94 federal court districts, 39 vacancies have been officially declared by The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to be "judicial emergencies."
That designation is applied to circuit courts for:
- any vacancy in a court of appeals where adjusted filings per panel are in excess of 700;
- any vacancy in existence more than 18 months where adjusted filings are between 500 to 700 per panel.
It's applied to district courts for:
- any vacancy where weighted filings are in excess of 600 per judgeship;
- any vacancy in existence more than 18 months where weighted filings are between 430 to 600 per judgeship;
- any court with more than one authorized judgeship and only one active judge.
Currently, one in eight seats on the federal bench sits empty. With federal courtrooms shuttered, our nation's judicial system is less and less able to carry out is constitutional responsibilities.
Many of the vacancies could be filled easily: President Obama has nominated qualified jurists, many of whom have received no opposition from Senate Republicans. Yet Republican leaders have engaged in unprecedented obstruction of judicial nominees, regardless of merit, regardless of the emergency need, and even regardless of their own approval of the nominee.
For instance, the Senate recessed before the election without confirming a single one of the 23 pending nominees approved by committee and ready for a floor vote. Eleven of these nominees – half the total – would fill vacancies officially designated by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts as "judicial emergencies." Amazingly, 17 of these 23 nominees advanced through committee without opposition, so it's not like there is any principled reason behind the Republican obstruction.
By refusing to allow votes – even on nominations that have not been opposed – Republican leaders are depriving courts across the nation of the judges needed to enforce the laws and ensure justice for all.
Ominously, the Department of Justice projects that if we continue on the current glacial pace of confirmations, fully half of the federal judiciary will be vacant by 2020.
With federal courtrooms shuttered, the consequences to American families are devastating:
- Victims of job discrimination find it harder to take their employers to court to vindicate their rights.
- Mom and Pop operations are less able to defend themselves against large businesses' anticompetitive practices.
- Negligent manufacturers whose products harm children are more able to skip paying medical costs.
- Perpetrators of consumer fraud are allowed unacceptably long periods of time before they're even forced to appear in court.
- Companies poisoning families with toxic waste are held unaccountable for years before claims against them are heard.
Despite the obvious harm it does to Americans, the level of obstruction to keep our judiciary from functioning has reached historic levels, especially for district court nominations. For the average person seeking his day in court, the district court judges are critically important: They are the entry point to the entire federal judicial system, where those who have been wronged can find a fair forum to hear their claim.
As of November 19, 2010, fewer than half – a mere 43.5%– of President Obama's district court nominees have received a confirmation vote. That stands in stark contrast to this time in the presidency of George W. Bush, when the Senate had confirmed a full 83% of his district court nominees. The figures are little better when you add circuit court nominations: The Senate has voted on only 44% of President Obama's nominees, contrasted with 76.3% at this point in President Bush's first term. Reinforcing these bleak figures is data on the length of time nominees have spent on the Executive Calendar awaiting votes, with President Obama's Circuit Court nominees waiting, on average, more than five times longer to be confirmed than President Bush's nominees did, and his District Court nominees waiting three times longer than their counterparts in the Bush Administration.
The Broken Executive
Unfortunately, the unprecedented obstruction that is weakening America's judicial branch is also being applied to the executive branch. Through a series of byzantine parliamentary maneuvers, Republicans have regularly forced the Senate majority to delay consideration of President Obama's executive branch nominations. A comparison with where George W. Bush's executive nominations were by this time in his presidency is instructive.
As of November 12, the average age of non-Cabinet executive branch nominations ever placed on the Senate's Executive Calendar (i.e., those who are ready to be taken up on the Senate floor) was 103 days, compared with only 68 days for Bush's nominees. The average time spent by Obama's non-Cabinet nominees on the Calendar was 36 days, compared to a mere 16 days for Bush's nominees.
As of November 12, the average age of Cabinet nominations ever placed on the Executive Calendar was 34 days, compared with only 12 days for Bush. The average time spent on the Calendar was ten days, as compared with a mere three days for Bush. When you count both Cabinet and lower level together, President Obama's average age was 102 days (vs. 66 for Bush) and the average time was 36 days (vs. 16 days for Bush).
By dragging their feet on the confirmation of executive branch nominees, the Senate Republican Leadership has prevented critical vacancies from being filled at essential agencies, such as the Departments of Defense, Energy, Justice and Treasury.
Senators are expected to debate a wide range of issues, and no one expects that most, or even many, of the votes Congress takes will be unanimous. But Americans should be able to expect that pressing issues will actually get a vote. Republican attempts to throw sand into the gears of government by refusing votes on President Obama's nominees is unprecedented and destructive. When Senators refuse to do their jobs, all of us suffer.

subset: commoncrawl


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[MAKE TRADE FAIR="2 of 3"]Up to this point, I've stayed out of this.....but until I see Macca and the missus, hanging out in a field of potential lamb chops and getting his picture taken with a cute little furry grass eater, or down in Texas going after the veal industry, then I can't go along with this whole debate. Death is Death...there's no good way or better way, to kill something. It's still dead. Seal or any other animal. Going after the Seal hunt is good press I guess, but if anyone thinks there is a difference between killing these seals for profit as apposed to any other animal...then guess what...you are mistaken. Don't get me wrong, I'm totally against this practice...but I can not for the life of me fiqure out why someone would think killing seals is somehow different than killing anything else. Until Paul shows up on Larry King saying Texas should stop killing cattle, or New Zealand/Australia should stop killing lamb or....well, you get my drift.
I wonder how many people were watching the news of this story, saying how "terrible the seal hunt is" while eating a hamburger? Lot's I'll bet. :roll:[/quote]
I hate like hell to get involved in this again, I already had my bad little boy warning, but I just had to say I admire your having an open mind on this issue & seeing the full picture. I too see no difference in killing a seal for profit as opposed to any other animal. What annoys me is the way the animal rights groups have used the media in flogging this issue because they know that pulling on heart strings means people will in turn be pulling on their purse strings. If these guys wanted an end put to this, they could come up with the $$'s to buy out these sealers, all they'd have to do is put out the word. But if it ceased what would they use then to draw the $'s into their own pockets. In reality the seal is being used more by the Animal Rights Activists then it is by the sealers.


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Westfield looks good! I decided to re-visit brixton as it has a little charm to it being the first franco manca. Pizzas were perfect as always, just wish there was somewhere closer to Leeds where I could get my pizza fix!
Personally my feeling is.... if the quality is as good as a mom and pop operation, I would be more than happy to be able to buy neapolitan pizza anywhere.
wow, now we have fast food style Napoli pizza, people always have to ruin a traditional product and try and profit from it!I hope we don't see a franco manca on every corner!!!let's not exploit napoli pizza and turn it into mc donalds!no to franchises!
You do realize that NP is fast food right.
lol, sure the food comes out fast, but I wouldn't call a da michele a dominoes would you?
Why does "fast food" have to be considered unhealthy or over processed? Fast food is fast food, weather you're getting over processed food from McDonald's or you're getting NP pizza with high quality ingredients or you're getting some sushi. It's all fast food IMO. There's a reason why Di Matteo has a street window to sell fried goods and smaller pizzas to people who don't want to go in and sit down. What they are doing would be considered fast food to me.


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Holidays in lucca italy
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Holidays in Lucca Italy an exciting trip with a four star hotel in Tuscany
Wonderful holidays in Lucca, Italy are guaranteed during your stay at Tenuta San Pietro. Several points of interest, as the Guinigi Tower, one of the city landmarks, built by the namesake family in fourteenth century and hosting real-size trees on its summit.
Among the public places, there are two famous squares, the amphitheatre, built on Roman ruins dating from the second century AD, and that of San Michele, with also the church dedicated to the saint, the main venue for the citizens.
Holidays in Lucca, Italy, emotions and relax with a four star hotel in Tuscany: The Cathedral, founded by San Frediano in the sixteenth century and rebuilt over the years, has a beautiful Romanesque – Gothic style, with a splendid façade made by Guidetto of Como. The arcade with three wide arches, bell tower, the decorations and works of art make it a stunning masterpiece.
The Puccini House Museum is a tribute and celebration of the town's greatest composer, where are stored some of his belongings, his piano, sheet music, letters and photos. A variety of meetings take place in town during the year, from the marathon to "Comics & Games" fair, from September events to Murabilia, to Verde Mura, can be also of interest in this surprisingly alive city.


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Our mugshot request feature is no longer available. As a replacement, we now offer the ability to purchase them for a minimal fee. You can find the purchase link on the detail page of the arrest.
The information on this web site is provided to assist users in obtaining information about county jail arrests. Any use of this data for any other purpose may be illegal. While the information on this website is believed by the website owner to be reliable, it is provided "as is" with no warranties or guarantees regarding its accuracy. An arrest or booking does not mean that the individual has been convicted or is guilty of the crime. You are advised to contact the appropriate governmental agency to ascertain and verify the information contained on this website. By using this web site, you agree to these terms of usage without warranty.


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On the first day of his trip to Mexico and Costa Rica, President Obama was in Mexico City for meetings and a joint press conference with President Peña Nieto.
The two leaders, who first met in Washington, D.C. last November, discussed the broad range of issues that bind our nations and affect the daily lives of citizens in both countries, and renewed their commitment to a strong relationship between the United States and Mexico.
While working together to confront urgent challenges like security, "we can't lose sight of the larger relationship between our peoples, including the promise of Mexico's economic progress," President Obama said. "I believe we've got a historic opportunity to foster even more cooperation, more trade, more jobs on both sides of the border, and that's the focus of my visit.""The United States and Mexico have one of the largest economic relationships in the world. Our annual trade has now surpassed $500 billion -- more than $1 billion every day. We are your largest customer, buying the vast majority of Mexican exports. Mexico is the second largest market for U.S. exports. So every day, our companies and our workers -- with their integrated supply chains -- are building products together. And this is the strong foundation that we can build on."
President Obama also gave a speech at the National Anthropology Museum before continuing on to Costa Rica.
Editor's Note: This entry originally appeared on the White House Blog.


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'Twas the storm after Christmas
To the editor:
'Twas the Storm after Christmas
All through the town,
Not a driver was driving,
The snow had come down.
Then from my slumber
There arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed
(at 5:00 in the morning),
To see what's the matter.
And there to my startled eyes did appear,
A large yellow truck with a plow on the front,
oh so dear.
There in the cabin sat the driver cold yet brave,
I knew in an instant, my job had been saved.
As I gazed out my window,
At the snow all white and fluffy as could be,
In my heart there was a longing,
On the slopes I wish I could ski.
Now resigned at home,
the car in the drive
Pleasures in the house to enjoy,
I know I will thrive.
Of food there is plenty
I do so enjoy to cook,
When boredom overtakes me,
I can pick up a book.
The snow continues to fall,
It gets higher and higher.
If it does not let up soon,
The situation will be dire.
When the snow falls off the roof,
Oh how the house it did shake,
To the oven I go
For the brownies I did just bake.
Now night time is upon me,
In my bed I will sleep.
The nights still and quite,
There is nearly a peep.
When I wake in the morning,
To a day fresh and new
The peace and quite of this moment
Is known to barely a few.
On mornings such as this
I don't feel quite so old.
The beauty and splendor of our mountains
Is to me more precious than gold!
Fred Lichtenwalter


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>Runner's World - My Event Ratings>
In short: My first time at this race. Glorious morning and excellent support from the marshalls! See you next year!Date of review: June 2, 2014
In short: Smashed my PB so I'm well happy!In full: I didn't experience the poor organisation issues. Took a short cut and climbed over the barrier at the start in order to get into the Sub 45 minute pen so I was lucky in that there was no congestion. Looking at the other comments, it sounds like it wasn't much fun for people over 55 mins. Running out of T-Shirts is poor. I think 8,000 Runners is too many for such a small finish area. I will come back though as it is a perfect PB course.Date of review: November 18, 2012
In short: Excellent organisation and well supported race.Date of review: May 14, 2012
In short: Well organised race. My first Wombwell 5 and I will definitely be back again. A challenging hill but at least you get that out of the way early on! Nice finish on the Go-Karting Track!Date of review: February 19, 2012
In short: Fast and Flat Race with good support from the Marshalls.Date of review: November 21, 2011
In short: Well organised race with excellent support. I'll be back next year!Date of review: June 16, 2011
In short: Great race, superbly marshalled as always!Date of review: May 19, 2011
In short: Well organised as always. Good atmosphere and a great course for a PB.Date of review: February 6, 2011
In short: Well organised race - Flat as a Pancake course built for speed!Date of review: June 3, 2010
In short: Perfect weather and well organised as always!Date of review: March 7, 2010
Visit the official Runner's World page
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The signature rumpled charm of our classic cotton pant, now with a flannel lining for extra warmth. We've garment-dyed the cotton and treated it to the works: over three hours of washing and labor-intensive hand-finishing to create that perfectly aged, laid-back feel. To maintain the pant's unique vintage look and feel, we ship it to you slightly rumpled (exactly how we like to wear it).
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There are some movies that you leave the theatre after watching with a big gooey smile on your face. The Avengers is one of them. It is highly unlikely that you will remember anything of the film a week down the line, except that you enjoyed it immensely.
What is the story – Superhero team films have a standard plot. Disparate heroes who don't exactly get along. A great evil from outside that wants to take over/enslave/ destroy earth – team comes togehter. Gets its butt handed to it in the first 2/3rds of the film. Suddenly there is a moment, and it all falls into place. The good guys kick the bad guys butts, and you have the possibility of a sequel. This film follows the standard format. The story is about Loki, the brother of Thor, coming to earth to steal the Tresseract – a cube that is a portal between worlds – and use it to conquer the earth. Nick Fury of SHIELD hasto put together a team that will beat the bad guys.
But given the simple plot point, it is easy to get a superhero film wrong. The tendency to make it angsty. To make it wordy. To make it about esoteric things like liberty and justice. See the last version of Superman or Ang Lee's Hulk, or even Nolan's take on Batman. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Batman films but they are emotionally very draining. On the other hand this film is fun. Great one liners, fabulous team dynamics and fun. Kick ass fun. Good guys v/s bad guys and you know the good guys are going to win.
The director Joss Whedon – of Buffy, Angel etal fame – has pulled off a difficult task. The task of getting 6 super heroes – Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk, Hawkeye and Black Widow – screen time, balanced with Nick Fury, the villains and everything else that is going on in the film without cluttering it up would be tough. The story, also written by Whedon, is tight and easy to understand without any explanations of the back stories of each character. Each character is self contained, there is no need to know long reams of continuity or what happened in earlier films. If you did it was great , but if you did not – the enjoyment of the movie was no less.
Go watch.


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This year our work's Year-End Function's theme was "Summer of Yester Year" and so we went back to our childhood. A colleage and I decided to go as a Duo.
Mario and Luigi
The party was held at The River Cabin and the day was sunny, relaxed, casual and clearly a "budget" party, but it was a such a great atmosphere. We played all our favourite childhood games; pass the parcel, musical chairs, egg and spoon race and we even got to throw water balloons and build a homemade kite.
|Our Party Picnic Bags
|Luigi aka A Daft Scots Lass
|Mario and Luigi
|The Party Bus travelling to the venue
|The Sweeties and Snacks Table
|The Straw and Bales of Hay where we hung out for the afternoon.
|Homemade Lemonade
|Picnic Place
|Picnic Party Bags continaing a sarmy, biltong, nuts & trail mix, a music CD,
|View of the river
|Making the Kite
|Trail to the Kite Lauch Site
|Launch the kite
|The View from the Balcony Building
|Musical Chairs


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The Oatiest Oatmeal Cookies Ever
- 16 ounces old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch kosher salt
- 10 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 6 ounces dark brown sugar
- 3 1/2 ounces granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces raisins, optional
DirectionsWatch how to make this recipe.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Spread oats into a single layer on a half sheet pan. Bake until lightly toasted, about 20 minutes . Cool the oats for 2 to 3 minutes on the pan.
Grind 8 ounces of toasted oats in a food processor until the consistency of whole wheat flour, about 3 minutes. Add the baking powder, cinnamon and salt to the food processor and pulse 2 to 3 times to combine. Set aside.
Combine the butter and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on medium speed using the paddle attachment until light in color, about 3 minutes. Stop once to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Reduce the mixer speed to the lowest speed and add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix to combine. Slowly add the flour mixture until just combined. Stop once to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the remaining toasted oats and the raisins. Stir to combine.
Scoop the dough with a 1 1/2-ounce disher onto parchment-lined half sheet pans, leaving 2 inches between each mound. Bake until the cookies begin to brown around the edges, 12 to14 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through cooking. Cool on the pans for 2 minutes, and then move to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown, 2010
Cooking Tips
More Recipes and Ideas
Oatiest Oatmeal Cookie
Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
Loaded Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen


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City approves 2 residential develpoments
By TIMES WIRES
Published March 21, 2007
Two proposed residential developments officially became part of the city Tuesday night. City Council voted to approve the voluntary annexations, one for a proposed 21-unit townhome project on the north side of Trouble Creek Road, and another for a proposed 60-unit apartment complex on the east side of Congress Street near Illinois Avenue. The townhome site is being developed with an adjacent site already in the city limits; together the two sites will eventually total 82 two-story units. Construction is on hold until the market improves, officials with Port Richey developer Stylistic Design Developers have said. The apartment project will begin once all permits are in place, an official with developer Legacy Group Development LLC has said.
Property buyers sue nudist resort
Forty-one people who bought properties in Caliente Resorts sued the nudist community Friday and accused Caliente of using a "bait-and-switch" tactic to sell them mobile homes, called "Casitas." In the lawsuit, they said Caliente doubled the lot prices beyond what it had first advertised, after locking the buyers into lease and purchase agreements. The agreements were signed between 1996 and 2004. Caliente's lots went on sale in November 2006. By then, Caliente had raised the lot price from about $50,000 to $100,000. In a letter to members, Chuck Foster, Caliente's vice president, said the lot prices reflected real estate trends and noted that the buyers had never contracted to lock in lower prices. In the lawsuit, the buyers also said Caliente threatened to end their right to use the resort's amenities. In his letter, Foster said club use would be suspended or ended if the buyers "attempt to force the sale of any Casita lot at any lower price ... to deprive Caliente of the fair value of its property."
Play's opening night postponed
Because of last-minute scheduling conflicts in the auditorium at St. Petersburg College Tarpon Springs campus, opening night of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit has been postponed until Thursday. Those who had bought a ticket for tonight's performance may either get a refund or exchange the ticket for a performance at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday, March 29 or 30, or 2 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, March 31 or April 1. Call (727) 712-5762.
Steve Valdez is Hillsborough County's community relations manager. A story Tuesday listed an incorrect job title.


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His analysis of the storage industry is based on the concepts in Clayton Christensen's latest book Seeing What's Next, his latest work on the heels of his last two successes "The Innovator's Dilemma" and "The Innovator's Solution". I've only read the first book, "The Innovator's Dilemma" but need to check out these other two.
Ken explores the efforts of the incumbent players, and I agree IBM is farthest along, but not only for our "Storage Tank" architecture. For those not aware of Storage Tank, it was the code-name of a project from IBM's Almaden Research Center, productized as IBM System Storage SAN File System (SFS). Earlier this year the advanced policy-based data placement, movement and expiration features of SFS were copied over to IBM's General Parallel File System (GPFS) which has wide adoption among the High-Performance Technical Computing (HPTC) community. As I've said before, switching from one file system to another is hard, so it makes sense for HPTC clients who already use GPFS to make use of these new features by staying with GPFS, rather than trying to get them to move to SFS.
I also like Ken's analysis of "overshot" and "undershot" clients. Overshot clients are those that find what the marketplace delivers already "good enough" for their needs, and are price sensitive against paying for features they don't think they need. The undershot clients are those that the current marketplace set of offerings are not yet good enough, and are willing to pay a premium to the vendor or supplier that can get them closer to what they are looking for.
Changes are underfoot, and it is an exciting time to be involved in the storage industry.[Read More]


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I just bought a season ticket plan, Section 450, Row D (4th row upper deck, 1B side between home plate and the visitor's dugout...1 section over from waborat's seats).
I have 2 tickets for every game available currently, and like waborat, I'm probably selling them at face value or below. Prices vary depending on the game, but if you are interested, drop me a private message or email me at firstname.lastname@example.com and we can talk.
The home opener is next Friday, April 10th. I'm probably looking to sell those since I'm working and can't make it. If you're interested, drop me a line. Probably looking for $100 for the pair, but we can talk if interested. As mentioned before, all the other games I'm looking for face value or less (except the Yankees/Red Sox games, those prices I haven't thought about).
Anyways, these are good seats. Talk to waborat first (he's 2 rows closer), but if he doesn't have any available, drop me a line.


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The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics has released several new articles as it adds new content for its 2013 edition.
New Content:
- Shadow banking: a review of the literature
by Tobias Adrian and Adam B. Ashcraft, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, USA.
- Abstract: "The shadow-banking system consists of a web of specialized financial institutions that conduct credit, maturity, and liquidity transformation without direct, explicit access to public backstops. The absence of this public financial support makes shadow banks inherently fragile. Much of the shadow-banking activities are intertwined with the operations of core, regulated institutions such as bank holding companies and insurance companies, therefore creating a source of risk for the financial system at large. This article explores the reasons for the existence of the shadow-banking sector, explains how it functions, discusses why it needs to be regulated and reviews the impact of recent attempts to reform shadow banking intermediation."
- ICT, internet and worker productivity
by Irene Bertschek, Centre for European Economic Research, Germany
- Abstract:"This article provides a brief overview of the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) as a driver of productivity. In particular, it focuses on the diffusion of computers and the Internet at the workplace and discusses the relationship with wages, the task composition of occupations and labour productivity at the firm level."
- Internet and the offline world
by Avi Goldfarb, University of Toronto, Canada
- Abstract: "This article emphasises that a key to understanding the (net) benefits of the Internet is to remember that all online activity has an offline context. People live their lives offline. Therefore, the fall in communication costs and the fall in distribution costs associated with the diffusion of the Internet had a heterogeneous impact across locations."
- The economics of online recruitment
by Catherine Thomas, London School of Economics, UK
- Abstract: "Online recruitment describes hiring workers who were initially selected via the Internet. The practice is now widespread, with a majority of US jobseekers undertaking some online job search activity. The online intermediaries that allow employers and employees to connect with each other, leading to online recruitment, vary in scope. They range from websites that provide information about workers or openings, thereby facilitating search ('job boards' or 'job search engines') to websites that both provide information and enable employers and employees to interact online during the hiring process ('online labour markets'). A subset of online labour markets also provides an infrastructure that allows for online management of the work process and payment systems."
- Paul Krugman
by Steven Pressman, Monmouth University, USA
- Abstract: "This article discusses the main economic contributions of Paul Krugman. Krugman developed the new trade theory, which analyses the determinants of international trade when trade takes place among oligopolistic firms, and the new economic geography, which studies where firms locate nationally and worldwide. His also drew out the policy implications of these new theories. Finally, the article discusses Krugman's early work on exchange rate regimes and his more recent work on economic slumps."
About the New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics
In 2008, Palgrave Macmillan published The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics, 2nd edition, edited by Steven N. Durlauf and Lawrence E. Blume. While some classic articles from the earlier four-volume 1987 edition were retained, around 80% of the text was either entirely new or substantially rewritten to reflect the depth of change within the discipline between the editions. Released simultaneously online The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics is a dynamic, updated resource serving the information needs of a new generation of economists.


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Lost Creek - Law's Cabin
The Law's Cabin, a 1880's vintage log cabin. It has a queen-size bed in the loft a living room with kitchenette, and a wonderful wood burning fireplace, a claw-foot tub and delightful antiques. Choosing the Laws Cabin for your Hill Country stay will surely provide you with that romantic getaway you were seeking
- 1880's log cabin
- Located of 7 Hill Country acres
- Shared outside patio area with a BBQ grill and table and chairs
- Queen-size bed in upstairs loft
- Bathroom has an antique copper tub with shower
- Continental breakfast (Weekends Only)
- Coffee & Tea Bar
- Small refrigerator
- Microwave
- TV - No Reception - VCR Only
- Antiques
- Fireplace
- Back porch
- Climate controlled
Rates & Restrictions
- Check Rates & Availability
- 2 nights required for All Event and Holiday Weekends
- No Pets
- No Smoking
- No Children
- Maximum Occupancy – 2
- No Breakfast Provided on Weekdays Sunday - Thursday
- Rent the Law's Cabin, Tyree Cabin, and Nash Geise Farms House for up to 6 guests


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Give thanks for those willing to serve
As we pause today to remember and honor those who have given their lives to protect us and preserve our liberty, we should ponder the changing roles they have adopted over the years.
Our military has evolved from the citizen-soldiers who grabbed their muskets and left their families to fight against tyrannical oppressors. Their success helped forge this nation and preserved its unity. As we grew, and the world grew around us, our armies and fleets served farther afield, across oceans to fight not just for American freedom, but the rights of people everywhere to be free.
As this century dawned, enemies brought death and destruction to our shores, forcing us into a war different from any other we had fought, a war against a hidden enemy bent on terrorism. Our armed forces have had to adapt, to respond to different threats and tactics, to anticipate and seek intelligence to thwart attacks.
The weapons, the uniforms, the tactics and strategies have changed over the years, but one immutable constant has been the willingness of American men and women to stand up, to serve, to put themselves in danger and suffer hardships, injuries and death, all to protect their country and their way of life.
Today, as we relax and enjoy the benefits of peace and prosperity, let us also give thanks to those who have made it all possible. We salute the men and women who serve in our military forces and all who are engaged in the protection of our society against the enemies who threaten us today.


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Bridging the Gap
Suzanne Albanese, a physical education teacher at Our Lady of Sorrows School in Mercer County, N.J., has developed a passion for guiding students to active lifestyles. As a field hockey umpire since 1995 and as a University of Delaware hockey alum, Albanese entwined her favored sport into her courses.
"I've been teaching for seven years and I always incorporate two units of field hockey into the syllabus – indoor and outdoor," said Albanese.
Although unfamiliar to some of the students, the gap from questioning to craving is soon filled in.
"By the end of the units, the kids tell me that they want to play all year long."
Because Our Lady of Sorrows was selected as a host site for USA Field Hockey's FUNdamental Field Hockey program, the school was awarded with hockey equipment to grow the game. Running off of the enthusiasm of her students and vigor for the sport, Albanese took a bold move.
She began handing out flyers.
As an umpire for the 2013 National Indoor Tournament in Richmond, Va. Albanese wanted to see if any of her students would be interested in playing in the competition.
"I need to go," said 10-year-old Nick Wilke to his parents. The freckled-faced fifth grader was introduced to field hockey by Albanese three years ago and steadily began to improve his stick skills as a forward.
The flyer also fell into the hands of sixth-grader Henry Kelly who was eager to apply what he learned in gym class into a real game. A forward as well, Kelly wanted to explore the sport on another level.
And with that, Albanese, Kelly and Wilke left after school a day before the tournament - packing the car with an ump whistle, shin guards and pure excitement. Kelly and Wilke were on the roster for the U16 Boys Kung Fu squad.
"The parents were just so supportive and entrusting. It was a wonderful leap of faith - to do something that is so different from the norm than traditional sports," said Albanese.
The tournament for the newbies started out strong – with Kelly scoring his first goal in his first game and Wilke securing an assist in his second match. With each game, the boys' confidence and ball control grew. Both were eager to learn more and improve. Kelly recognized and adjusted the distance between himself and his guard. Wilke had perfected his timing for a dynamite block tackle. The boys kept progressing with each of the team's victories until they wound up on the ceremony stage with a first place medal around their necks.
"Everything about the tournament was just amazing," said Kelly. "This was a real once and a lifetime opportunity."
From that weekend on, the boys shared something in common with their newly bought hockey sticks – they were hooked.
"I don't think the boys have put down their sticks from the first game," said Albanese. "I was told Nick was practicing in the living room before bed and his mother had to wrestle stick out of his hands."
Sporting grins brighter than the medals that were displayed around their necks Kelly and Wilke came into school wearing their accomplishment with pride – even when a few whispers began to spread.
"Oh some of the kids were saying field hockey is for girls," said Albanese. "What do you call them - sour grapes? Well there were quite a few sour ones in the group. You could tell they wanted medals too but were taking it out the boys."
Albanese strategized. The next day, she brought in her 16-year-old son James to bring those whispers to a mute. With stick in hand, James weaved throughout the gym floor, showing off the arsenal he learned from his club team while enlightening the class that boys have a place in field hockey.
"This isn't just a blonde-haired girl in a ponytail type of game," said Albanese. "We need both genders to play if we want to expand the sport. We need to change the way people think."
Although change to this measure takes time, Albanese may be on to something much, much bigger than a spontaneous road trip. The proof is the question Wilke posed to his mother after only a taste of the sport.
"So where around here can I play field hockey?"


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Just weeks after an enormously successful USAT National Championships, photographer Carl Solder presents this 140-page digital photo book that captures moments from the six-day event.
It was the largest National Championships in USAT history, featuring more than 4,200 athletes from 46 states. Here, Solder captures the action and brings it to your screen in dozens of high-definition images for you to enjoy.
Thanks to Carl for providing the photographs and to all of our competing athletes for making this year's USAT National Championships a huge success!
To contact Carl, please email him at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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How the vice-presidential debate emphasized âÂ?Â?single-issueâÂ?Â? Catholicism
(RNS) Catholicism's social justice teachings have often been called the church's "best-kept secret,'' and after Thursday night's vice-presidential debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan that may still be the case. A question about abortion was the only one linked directly to the candidates' shared Catholic faith. By David Gibson.


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Staff writer Patricia Lopez on the mixed up GOP presidential race
A House Republican fundraiser last Wednesday night netted an intriguing _ some might say baffling _ cross section of support for Republican presidential candidates, with Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., winning the straw poll as a write-in candidate with 21 percent.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was a close second at 20 percent.
But, then, Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, came in a startling third, beating out Rudy Giuliani.
Paul has become the darling of some Republican activists for his anti-Iraq war and anti-immigration stands.
Arizona Sen. John McCain, the personal choice of Gov. Tim Pawlenty, came in a distant fifth, with 11 percent.
House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, said that hundreds of Republican activists, legislators and campaign supporters showed up for the event at St. Paul River Centre. The results, he said, showed that "opinions of the Republican presidential candidates in Minnesota are mixed and up for grabs."
Here's the complete list:
Fred Thompson (write-in), Former Tennessee Senator: 21%
Mitt Romney, Former Massachusetts Governor: 20%
Ron Paul, Texas Congressman: 16%
Rudy Giuliani, Former Mayor of New York: 13%
John McCain, U.S. Senator of Arizona: 11%
Mike Huckabee, Former Arkansas Governor: 8%
John Cox, Illinois businessman: 4%
Duncan Hunter, California Congressman: 2%
Tom Tancredo, Colorado Congressman: 2%
Sam Brownback, U.S. Senator from Kansas: 2%
Newt Gingrich (write-in), Former Speaker of the House from Georgia: 2%


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From holding the camera to stitching the shots, learn how to turn a series of separate shots into beautiful seamless panoramic photos.
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Learn how to use lookup tables (LUTs) and gradient maps to color correct and style images and video in programs such as Photoshop and Lightroom.
Learn how to capture, create, and use panoramic photos that can be seamlessly integrated into After Effects and other motion graphics projects.
Learn how lens profiles can fix unwanted distortion and other problems in your photos and videos—and how to create new lens profiles of your own.
Learn how to maximize what you can do with Photoshop adjustment layers and blend modes, by finding new uses for these great features.
Learn how to edit video and create slideshows with Photoshop CC.
Learn how to use Photoshop, After Effects, and two dedicated tools—Flixel and Cliplets—to explore the creative possibilities of cinemagraphs: static photos that contain areas of motion.
Learn to get the most out of your photos and videos from the GoPro HERO with these Photoshop and Lightroom enhancement techniques. Improve color and contrast, adjust exposure, remove artifacts, make time-lapse videos, and more.
Learn how to use Photoshop CC to enhance the color, contrast, and sharpness of a photo; work with raw images; and much more—all without altering your original image files.
Motion Control 3D: Bringing Your Photos to Life in Three Dimensions with Photoshop and After Effects CC
Discover how to transport your photos into a three-dimensional world by adding motion and depth with Adobe Photoshop and After Effects CC.
Learn the fundamentals of working with type: compositing type, animating type, and creating 3D text and logos.
Make the most of a room with a view by setting up a camera to shoot a time-lapse movie while you work, play, shop, or sleep.
Learn how to create an animated logo with After Effects, and get the motion graphics experience you need to succeed as a freelance video editor.
Take charge of Photoshop and make better, more targeted image adjustments with selections—including hard-to-select objects like hair, fuzzy edges, and color ranges.
Learn how to utilize actions and automation in Adobe Photoshop and Bridge to speed up your workflow.
Get on-location tips and post-production techniques to speed up time and create compelling visual effects with time-lapse photography.
Learn how to shoot and edit green screen footage and images.
Shows how to use Photoshop to perform video editing tasks, such as lens correction, color grading, and more.
Motion Control 3D: Bringing Your Photos to Life in Three Dimensions with After Effects and Photoshop CS6
Discover how to transport your photos into a three-dimensional world using Adobe Photoshop and After Effects.
Reveals how to use Adobe Photoshop to enhance the color, contrast, and sharpness of a photograph.
Guides you through the brand-new video workflow in Photoshop, from building a sequence to working with audio and exporting your video in a variety of high-quality formats.
Reveals the importance of making precise selections and how to make them with the tools in Adobe Photoshop.
Explores the world of documentary storytelling, using various techniques in Adobe Photoshop and After Effects to transform damaged photos into brand-new works of art.
"The quality of the videos and teaching is excellent and rarely a week goes by when I do not sign in and learn something new." —Brian L.
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Roberta Barbalace, instructor at Somerset Community College, recently returned from a research and educational trip to Maseno University in Maseno, Kenya. She was one of four individuals who represented KCTCS as part of Kenya Exchange Program housed at Bluegrass Community and Technical College and under the direction of Professor Iddah Otieno. Barb and Ron Saia from Richmond completed the foursome. While the main objective of Barbalace's visit was to develop a partnership in global sustainable agriculture between Maseno University and Somerset Community College, the educational experience went far beyond the original purpose of the trip. Here is her account:
BY: Roberta C. Barbalace
The Masai are nomadic, and may travel long distances to find suitable grazing for their animals. As a result, their homes tend to be portable. They are made of readily available plant materials and water proofed by clay mixed with cattle dung. The Masai need only to remove the clay, dismantle the plant materials and move them to a new location. At night it is common for herdsmen to gather together to protect their herds from predators.
It was obvious from the start that the Masai had learned to take time to enjoy simple pleasures of life. It was not uncommon to see "Olympic hopefuls" running across the savannah far from their villages and herds. They seemed to be unconcerned about the lions that lay in the tall grass or under brush. At night, visitors at the resorts could hear Masai music in the distance. KCTCS guests watched as Masai men and women came to the resort to perform traditional dances. The men also competed in jumping contests. It was as if these tall slender men, many over seven feet tall, were fitted with internal pogo sticks that enabled them to clear the ground by four feet or more. They were the dream of every NBA coach.
While women were sometimes less obvious to visitors crossing the savannah, their art and crafts could be seen at gift shops. Electricity is usually not available in Masai villages. There are no microwaves or any of the other luxuries that Americans have learned to enjoy, so women and girls spend their days doing home chores of cooking, maintaining the fire, gathering fire wood, milking cows, playing the role of veterinarian and doctor and collecting herbs and roots for young babies and also other herbs for de-worming older children.
The Masai are living sustainably without even thinking about it because it is simply their way of life. Interestingly, the Masai are not opposed to modern conveniences that help them carry out daily chores. It was not uncommon to see Masai herdsmen talking on cell phones. Also, some of the young men, particularly those living near the resorts (and possibly working for the resorts) have discovered the convenience of motorcycles.
Upon leaving the home of the Masai, we headed to Kisumu near Lake Victoria. Most of the area along the route consisted of farmland, operated by small-scale farmers known as "smallholders." The term smallholder refers to pastoralists, foresters and fishers who manage areas varying from less than one hectare to 10 hectares (approximately 2 ½ to 25 acres). Smallholders depend mostly upon family members to manage their operations, and everyone in the family plays a role in managing the smallholder business. It is estimated that 80% of the farming in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia is carried out by smallholders. While pesticides are still being used by smallholder farms, and many of the pesticides and herbicides are not applied appropriately. Efforts are underway to teach farmers alternatives to use of pesticides and herbicides, reintroduce more indigenous crops and utilize sustainable farming techniques.
While driving along the dusty, bumpy unpaved roads, the importance of these smallholder farms became immediately evident. There were small farms everywhere. From these little plots, large harvests were obvious. Large sacks of potatoes, melons, beautiful tomatoes, onions, eggplants and corn were stacked along the roads waiting for a truck to pick them up and hall them to larger towns and cities. Burros were pulling cartloads of produce to local farm markets. Men, women and children were walking to the markets with baskets of produce on their heads. These were crops that would be consumed within Kenya. They were the life's blood of a nation.
Eventually the dirt road merged with a paved road. Smallholder farms were still present, but lighter colored bright green crops began to appear. Most of the plots seemed to be smallholder farms. They were the tea farms for which Kenya is famous. The smaller farms were being harvested by hand. Suddenly large expanses of tea began to predominate. In the distance were very neat cottages for workers, and the men in the fields were not picking by hand, but rather harvesting the leaves by a machine. These plantations were producing cash crops headed for people all over the world. Kenyan teas are considered to be the best in the world, and reportedly are often mixed with teas from other countries to improve the taste.
On the seventh day, we finally arrived at Kisumu and checked in at Kisumu Hotel Maseno University. This hotel is the training ground for Maseno University Students in the Ecotourism, Hotel & Institution Management program and would be the "home" of the touring group for the next eight days. Facilities were great, and provided many amenities and great food Kenyan inspired food.
Actually, the team didn't have many opportunities to enjoy the facilities at the hotel. Every morning after breakfast, we were picked up by a driver and taken to activities at Maseno University in Maseno, or one of the other destinations that had been scheduled. The equator runs right through the university; so the guests took time to stand in the both northern and southern hemispheres at the same time.
The group was overwhelmed by the hospitality shown by the faculty and staff at Maseno University. At the first meeting, they were met by the vice–chancellor Dominic W. Makawiti, Prof. B. Owuor Director of International Relations and Interlink who is also the professor of plant breeding, Deans and DVCs who had an interest in forming a partnership with Somerset Community College. They were taken on a tour of the campus including the medical facility and Department of Communication & Media Technologies where the visitors were invited to be guests on the live radio program that was underway. After lunch on the patio, the group returned to Kisumu where they were officially welcomed at a formal dinner hosted by Prof. Makawiti, VC Maseno University. I have never been hugged as much at a family gathering as I was at the welcome dinner… I got used to it by the time I left Kenya. They are such warm people.
During the next week guests presented seminars on various topics. Barbalace presented her proposal for a partnership with Maseno University in Global Sustainable Agriculture that would involve the development of a free database website which grass roots (smallholders) and their agricultural extension specialists would be able to access to learn how agriculturalists throughout the world are dealing with climate change. The hope is that by sharing information farmers could find solutions without constantly reinventing the wheel.
Subsequent to presenting the proposal, the team from KCTCS was taken on a tour of the Maseno University research farm. The development of new, pest resistant plant strains in Kenya still involves selective breeding, not Genetically Modified Organisms. Kenya has placed a ban on GMOs that, "will remain in effect until there is sufficient information, data and knowledge demonstrating that GMO foods are not a danger to public health."
Before leaving Kenya, we attended church services at St. Steven's Cathedral in Kisumu, and participated in a wonderful three-hour service, went to see the sun set over Lake Victoria and were honored to be guests of Mama Sarah Obama, grandmother of President Obama.
Maseno University is interested in developing a sustainable agriculture model involving traditional plant breeding, reintroduction of indigenous crops, green manure cropping and simple irrigation systems. Their research could be very useful to grass roots farmers in Kentucky who are struggling to survive in a changing climate. Maseno University and Somerset Community College will work on developing a partnership that could start as early as the Fall of 2014 with a visit of a professor from Maseno University to Somerset Community College. This individual would provide seminars and teach occasional classes at Somerset Community College, other KCTCS colleges and interested organizations. The visit will hopefully be planned at a time when the visiting professor can participate in the International Festivals at SCC. Maseno University professors involved in global sustainable agriculture have agreed to work with SCC to develop the free data base website and include interdisciplinary interaction including faculty interaction and student research internships. Future endeavors could involve faculty or student exchanges, and group visits.
Individuals from KCTCS colleges or other organizations are encouraged to contact Roberta Barbalace (email@example.com) if they are interested in having a Maseno University professor visit their class or organization or would like to consider being involved in the project. Barbalace has already started a search for grants to support the project, and would be happy to provide more information including a seminar on the proposal that was presented at Maseno University.


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92nd Street Y is where inspiration lives and exploration begins—with a diverse range of classes and programs that let everyone pursue what they love. With innovative, top-notch programs, events and concerts, plus over 4,000 classes taught by today's most talented professionals, 92Y has it all—for all ages and interests.
Events range from literary readings, concerts, lectures, single mixers, events, films, and many more.
From people who inspire a world of ideas to entertainers known the world over, find the best minds, brightest stars and most compelling issues at 92Y!
Where the written word comes to life, giving New Yorkers a literary forum unlike any other.
Learn more about the Unterberg Poetry Center
Music that puts you on the edge of your seat.
Celebrate dance through electrifying performances featuring today's masters as well as emerging new talent.
Take your passion for the performing arts even further.
Learn about the
Ceramics Program
Jewelry Center
Fine Art & Design Program
Learn about the School of Music
Learn about the Harkness Dance Center
Our state-of-the-art complex is where New Yorkers find healthy inspiration. With our 25-yard lap pool, 100 weekly classes, plus expert training and services, we make fitness fun, flexible and fresh.
Learn More
Join the Health, Fitness & Sport eNews
One of the most widely acclaimed Jewish programs in the nation. You'll find a wealth of programs designed to inform and inspire a meaningful connection to Jewish beliefs, teachings, traditions and celebrations.
Learn more about the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life
A welcoming and well-rounded resource, providing Jewish education and shared family experiences that engage children of all ages.
92Y is a special place to celebrate Jewish holidays and days of remembrance.
Where parents and children come to learn, explore, discover and celebrate through programs and shared experiences that embrace every age, and every life stage.
Perfect for any level, from novice to advanced swimmer. Call 212.415.5703 for an appointment.
Six 30-minute lessons: $420/$360 May Center members
Twelve 30-minute lessons: $744/$624 May Center members
Eighteen 30-minute lessons: $1,062/$882 May Center members
Call 212.415.5703 for an appointment.
Six 30-min lessons: $330/$270 May Center members (per person)
Twelve 30-min lessons: $624/$504 May Center members (per person)
Eighteen 30-min lessons: $882/$702 May Center members (per person)
Perfect for the advanced or competitive swimmer seeking specialized skill development. Call 212.415.5703 to schedule a session with one of our professional coaches.
One 30-minute session: $95/$75 May Center members
Three 30-minute sessions: $225/$195 May Center members
Six 30-minute sessions: $435/$375 May Center members
Twelve 30-minute sessions: $840/$720 May Center members
Bring a friend and train together. Call 212.415.5703 for an appointment.
One 30-minute session: $75/$65 May Center members (per person)
Three 30-minute sessions: $195/$165 May Center members (per person)
Six 30-minute sessions: $375/$315 May Center members (per person)
Twelve 30-minute sessions: $720/$600 May Center members (per person)
Adult participants should have similar swimming ability. Children should be within two years of each other and have similar swimming ability. The maximum number of children is four to one instructor. Call 212.415.5718 for more information or to schedule a class.
Register for classes here or call 212.415.5718 for further information.


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Readers' Forum
Dear editor:
"We must be the great arsenal of Democracy"
The present situation in Syria should be frightening to even the most casual observer of international affairs. As a national debate ensues over whether Congress should authorize a limited use of air capabilities to counter Bashar Al-Assad's use of chemical weapons, America should be mindful of its place as leader of the free world.
Bashar Al-Assad's war on his own people started over two years ago. Protesters demanding the basic human right of a fair and accountable government were fired on by Assad's forces. He proceeded to crackdown on protestors and civilians and it is estimated that his forces are responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 civilians (10,000 women and children). Recently, we have reason to believe that Assad used illegal chemical weapons to slaughter over 1,400 civilians.
Mass murder conducted by brutal tyrants like Assad has happened before and America, as leader of the free world, must respond to such flagrant crimes against humanity. America sets a dangerous precedent when we do not respond to dictators like Assad who illegally use chemical weapons to murder civilians.
The United States is fully capable of launching a series of targeted airstrikes that will cripple Assad's ability to use chemical weapons in the future; the United States should not and does not need to put boots on the ground to hold Assad responsible for his use of chemical weapons.
If America is to continue to be the leader of the free world, we cannot allow autocrats like Assad to commit war crimes and then mock our ability to respond. I urge you to contact our Congressman to urge them to authorize limited military strikes on strategic Syrian targets.
Drew Greenwald


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Michel Bras Storage Block
- Summary
Constructed in Japan from a superior hard-grade maple, this innovative knife block is actually two units in one: a short block to house smaller Michel Bras knives and a tall block for the longer ones. The units can be placed together or displayed individually.
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- Nonskid rubber feet protect your countertop.
- Dimensions & More Info
- 8 3/4" x 8 3/4" x 11 1/4" overall.
- Made in Japan.
- Use & Care
- Wipe clean.
- Shipping
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For all cutlery returns (knife sets, single knives, cutting boards, knife sharpeners, and knife storage) please contact us at 888.922.4108 to initiate the return.
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Cover Story
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China's Z-10 attack helicopter debuts in Guangdong, China, showcasing its abilities
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When Sean Kingston says he died and came back to life, he isn't kidding.
The singer-rapper is best known for his 2007 smash Beautiful Girls, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, but his world turned upside down in May 2011 after a jet skiing accident forced him to undergo open heart surgery. Now fully recovered, he spoke with Hollywire's own Chelsea Briggs at the American Music Awards about his third studio album Back 2 Life, which features the new single Rum and Raybans with Cher Lloyd. "I had to do open heart surgery for my accident and nearly died. So I came back to life and was given a second chance," said Sean.
Click on the video to see the full interview!


text:
Standard generator factory
# File rdoc/generators/chm_generator.rb, line 10 def CHMGenerator.for(options) CHMGenerator.new(options) end
# File rdoc/generators/chm_generator.rb, line 21 def check_for_html_help_workshop stat = File.stat(HHC_PATH) rescue $stderr << "\n.chm output generation requires that Microsoft's Html Help\n" << "Workshop is installed. RDoc looks for it in:\n\n " << HHC_PATH << "\n\nYou can download a copy for free from:\n\n" << " http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?" << "url=/library/en-us/htmlhelp/html/hwMicrosoftHTMLHelpDownloads.asp\n\n" exit 99 end
Invoke the windows help compiler to compiler the project
# File rdoc/generators/chm_generator.rb, line 105 def compile_project system(HHC_PATH, @project_name) end
The contents is a list of all files and modules. For each we include as sub-entries the list of methods they contain. As we build the contents we also build an index file
# File rdoc/generators/chm_generator.rb, line 74 def create_contents_and_index contents = [] index = [] (@files+@classes).sort.each do |entry| content_entry = { "c_name" => entry.name, "ref" => entry.path } index << { "name" => entry.name, "aref" => entry.path } internals = [] methods = entry.build_method_summary_list(entry.path) content_entry["methods"] = methods unless methods.empty? contents << content_entry index.concat methods end values = { "contents" => contents } template = TemplatePage.new(RDoc::Page::CONTENTS) File.open("contents.hhc", "w") do |f| template.write_html_on(f, values) end values = { "index" => index } template = TemplatePage.new(RDoc::Page::CHM_INDEX) File.open("index.hhk", "w") do |f| template.write_html_on(f, values) end end
The project contains the project file, a table of contents and an index
# File rdoc/generators/chm_generator.rb, line 45 def create_help_project create_project_file create_contents_and_index compile_project end
The project file links together all the various files that go to make up the help.
# File rdoc/generators/chm_generator.rb, line 54 def create_project_file template = TemplatePage.new(RDoc::Page::HPP_FILE) values = { "title" => @options.title, "opname" => @op_name } files = [] @files.each do |f| files << { "html_file_name" => f.path } end values['all_html_files'] = files File.open(@project_name, "w") do |f| template.write_html_on(f, values) end end
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text:
U.S. Men Beat Barbados at NORCECA Olympic Qualifier
B.J. Evans
Manager, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: email@example.com
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2008) - The U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team rolled to a second-straight victory on Monday, sweeping Barbados (25-14, 25-10, 25-16) in pool play at the 2008 NORCECA Men's Continental Olympic Qualification Championship at Hector Sola Bezares Coliseum in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
The U.S. Men (2-0) will face Puerto Rico in the late match (8 p.m. in Puerto Rico) on Tuesday in the final pool-play match for both teams. Puerto Rico will play the Dominican Republic in the late match on Monday. All Puerto Rico's pool play matches are being streamed live on the Internet at www.mediasports.tv/portal.
"We had a good practice in the morning and were prepared for the match," U.S. team captain Tom Hoff (Park Ridge, Ill.) said. "We plan to do the same tomorrow against Puerto Rico, win our pool and have a day off before the semifinals."
Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) led all scorers on Monday with 22 points on 20 kills and two blocks. Ryan Millar (Palmdale, Calif.) had nine points on seven kills and two blocks. Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawai'i) had a match-high five aces with two kills and one block for eight points. Hoff scored five points with a match-high three blocks and two kills. David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) scored four points on four kills. Scott Touzinsky (St. Louis, Mo.) and Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) each scored three points on three kills.
Setter Lloy Ball (Woodburn, Ind.) scored one point and also helped Team USA to a kill average of 73 percent in the first two sets. Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) set the third game, when the team also had a 73 percent average. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tustin, Calif.) had eight digs and was 82 percent"excellent"in 17 reception attempts. As a team, the United States' receptions were 76 percent "excellent", as opposed to 36 percent for Barbados. Barbados' kill percentage was 38 with five blocks and one ace.
U.S. Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon started Rooney and Salmon at outside hitter, Hoff and Millar at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Ball at setter and Lambourne at libero. Every U.S. player saw time on the court except Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.). Barbados (0-2) was led by Shawn Simpson with nine points on seven kills and two blocks.
In the first set, the U.S. Men led 8-4 at the first technical timeout and 16-10 at the second. In that time, only one Barbados server got more than one opportunity to serve in a row. With the United States leading 16-11, Team USA scored the next five points, including a kill from Salmon and two aces by Stanley, to put the set out of reach. Team USA raced to an 8-0 lead in the second set and extended it to 16-4 at the second technical timeout. Barbados never recovered and fell 25-10. McCutcheon started the third set with Rooney and Touzinsky at outside hitter, Lee and Millar at middle blocker, Gardner at opposite and Hansen at setter. Team USA held a 16-10 lead at the second technical timeout and cruised to a 25-16 win.
Dominican organizers are expecting a sellout crowd for the match against the United States. Team USA defeated Puerto Rico twice at the 2007 NORCECA Men's Continental Championship, but Puerto Rico came back to beat the United States at the 2007 FIVB World Cup. The U.S. Men are ranked third in the world while Puerto Rico is ranked eighth. There is more information and live scoring available on the NORCECA web site at www.NORCECA.org.
2008 NORCECA Men's Continental Olympic Qualification Championship U.S. Men's National Team
(No., Name, Position, Height, Hometown, College)
1 Lloy Ball (S, 6-8, Woodburn, Ind., Indiana-Purdue, Fort Wayne)
2 Sean Rooney (OH, 6-9, Wheaton, Ill., Pepperdine)
4 David Lee (MB, 6-8, Alpine, Calif., Long Beach State)
5 Rich Lambourne (L, 6-3, Tustin, Calif., BYU)
8 Reid Priddy (OH, 6-5, Richmond, Va., Loyola Marymount)
9 Ryan Millar (MB, 6-8, Palmdale, Calif., BYU)
10 Riley Salmon (OH, 6-6, League City, Texas, Pierce College)
12 Tom Hoff (MB, 6-8, Park Ridge, Ill., Long Beach State)
13 Clay Stanley (OPP, 6-9, Honolulu, Hawai'i, Hawai'i)
14 Kevin Hansen (S, 6-5, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford)
15 Gabe Gardner (OPP, 6-9, San Clemente, Calif., Stanford)
18 Scott Touzinsky (OH, 6-7, St. Louis, Mo., Long Beach State)
Head Coach: Hugh McCutcheon
Team Manager: Robert Browning
Assistant Coach: Ron Larsen
Assistant Coach: John Speraw
Doctor: Dr. Andrew Gregory
Technical Coordinator: Jamie Morrison
Medical Support: Aaron Brock
Group A
United States 2-0
*Puerto Rico 1-0
Barbados 0-2
*Dominican Republic 0-1
Group B
*Canada 1-0
*Cuba 1-0
Mexico 1-1
Trinidad & Tobago 0-2
*Matches still to be played
Tournament Schedule (all times PST) and Results Preliminary Round
Jan. 6
Canada def. Trinidad & Tobago, 25-9, 25-14, 25-15
USA def. Dominican Republic, 25-13, 25-19, 25-19
Cuba def. Mexico, 25-19, 25-23, 25-20
Puerto Rico def. Barbados, 25-13, 25-12, 25-19
Jan. 7
Mexico def. Trinidad & Tobago, 25-20, 25-13, 25-11 USA def. Barbados, 25-14, 25-10, 25-16
2 p.m.: Cuba vs. Canada
4 p.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Republic
Jan. 8
10 a.m.: Trinidad & Tobago vs. Cuba
Noon: Barbados vs. Dominican Republic
2 p.m.: Mexico vs. Canada
4 p.m.: USA vs. Puerto Rico
Final Round
Jan. 9
2 p.m.: Quarterfinals (2A vs. 3B)
4 p.m.: Quarterfinals (3A vs. 2B)
Jan. 10
10 a.m.: Classification 5-8
Noon: Classification 5-8
2 p.m.: Semifinals
4 p.m.: Semifinals
Jan. 11
10 a.m.: Seventh-place match
Noon: Fifth-place match
2 p.m.: Third-place match
4 p.m.: Championship match


text:
Skip to comments.Lance Armstrong confesses to Oprah Winfrey: report
Posted on 01/14/2013 4:32:21 PM PST by jimbo123
A person familiar with the situation says Lance Armstrong confessed to Oprah Winfrey during an interview Monday that he used performance-enhancing drugs to win the Tour de France.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
Adds a whole new meaning to that "Livestrong" thing.
for some reason, I'm reminded of this:
Will be interested in seeing the particulars.
Will be interested in seeing the particulars.
How many years has he flipped the bird at those who supported him, his causes and, of course, his protestations of innocence?
It isn't he is admitting it now — it is he DID it and the LIED about it and LET PEOPLE BELIEVE HIM!
he can go straight to hell.
There are many worthwhile charities. Hopefully money will go to them, and not his sham.
My twitter feed:
#OtherLanceArmstrongConfessions In England they called me Sir Lance Armstrong. My aide said "Mr. Armstrong has no titles" AND I KICKED HIM
#OtherLanceArmstrongConfessions My friends bet with me, things get intense, and someone says, "You don't have the balls" It's OK GUYS really
#OtherLanceArmstrongConfessions One Sheryl said "I don't mean to needle you...but..." and I PUNCHED HER. #hodgster
#OtherLanceArmstrongConfessions I'm thinking of changing my website to Livedoped #MightWork #hodgster
#OtherLanceArmstrongConfessions After all my wins got taken away I'm changing my name to "*" to get them back #AHA! #hodgster #AWESOME
#OtherLanceArmstrongConfessions Ironically, I've never been jousting.
#OtherLanceArmstrongConfessions "Everyday is a Winding Road" unless I'm straight doped up #hodgster
#OtherLanceArmstrongConfessions I sing Sheryl Crowe's song "Arm you Strong Enough to be My Man." She gets real pissed.
#OtherLanceArmstrongConfessions Sheryl Crowe says "All I Wanna Do Is Have Some Fun" but sometimes she throws lamps at me #hodgster
#OtherLanceArmstrongConfessions I've ridden my bike without the saddle #ouch
#OtherLanceArmstrongConfessions My legs are actually the strong parts #hodgster
That Doprah hasn't showcased a decent white male on her show since she started.
What a jerk!
Cycling should be finished as a legitimate sport. It sounds like everyone is cheating and they can't prove anything.
Now if only Oprah can get her messiah Obama to admit he was born in Kenya...Oh wait, he already did.
Armstrong was the system...
Another dark day in the annals of dark days.
I can't for the life of me understand why he is doing this.
I don't know if this really makes sense, but what I read is they thought this admission would help the damage to his charity Livestrong.
He's going to be special guest referee at Wrestlemania.
Celebrity Apprentice...Living as Lance.....Being Armstrong...just think of the possibilities available with our wonderful low-information-voter-friendly-media...
He is a liberal, what do you expect.
Ah'm shocked I tell ya shocked/sarc
Did Oprah kiss and make it better?
He should be apologizing to Greg Lemond.
I had a bike when I was a kid. Then I got old enough to buy a car.
I don't know if he's guilty or innocent, but why would he confess on a talk show? Sounds more like pumping the ratings.
Lance: gets cancer, dumped wife for nurse. Dumped nurse for another. Takes up with Sheryl Crow, until she gets cancer and he dumps her.
What happens in our private life, shows what kind of a person we are in our public life. I always like Jan Ulrich. screw you Lance.
Armstrong is a sociopath and should quit fooling around with bicycles and go into politics like most successful sociopaths do.
The fact that he confessed might be a clue. Just sayin'
Now there are two people I care nothing about....
I have a strong suspicion that after laying low for a few years that is exactly what he will do.
he's Much worse than Nancy Kerigan.
Could it be his particular cancer was caused by his choice of performance enhancing steroids/drugs??
He chose the right venue. Does anyone watch Big O other than the rent-an-audience (expecting some free stuff), the camera crew, and perverts that couldn't get on Ricki Lake?
What the average person doesn't know is that Armstrong doesn't even place in the top 30 of current stage winners in the TDF......
"It isnt he is admitting it now it is he DID it and the LIED about it and LET PEOPLE BELIEVE HIM!"
And to add insult to injury,he 'fessed up to OPRAH for heaven's sake.
Oprah !
"Could it be his particular cancer was caused by his choice of performance enhancing steroids/drugs??"
Now that's question I've never heard.
This really hits me in the gut because I supported him all these years thinking he was either being set up, harassed or blackmailed. After all he passed a whole lot of tests over the last 10 years?
And Dopera too...now I wonder if he sits down to pee?
Thank you. I competed against Greg LeMond. When I knew him he was a true sportsman. Greg took a lot of heat in 2001 after he said it was troubling that Lance continued to associate with Dr.Ferrari. He was villainized and attacked by Lance and Lance's followers, but it went far further than that. He was attacked by even the head of the UCI. It should now be clear to all that Greg LeMond was trying to keep the sport from descending into this horrible mess.
Lance would have never been caught if he hadn't been such a jerk to almost everyone around him. Lance was caught because scores of people just couldn't take his antics anymore.
Sports are entertainment, you were entertained... get over it. It's not like these sporting events really matter to anyone or have life changing impact on anything. This entire conversation is a waste of time.
I wanted to believe too for a very long time.
I know a fellow who is really into cycling and knows a lot about it. A few years ago he convinced me it was impossible that Armstrong did not dope. I did not want to believe it but the way he explained it was totally convincing. Looks like he was right.
Jan Ullrich doped as well.
Too funny!
Diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 1996,
the disease soon spread to his lungs and brains.
That was a howler!
I must say that the excuses for Lancey offered on these pages in the past couple months, offered oftentimes quite violently, by the members of the Lance and Cheryl Fan Club (I know the official name is a little out of date, but we'll get around to updating it very soon) those excuses have been quite educational while being entertaining at almost the same time:
(1) Everybody does it (Klintonian.)
(2) Sports are shoe biz, therefore ethics don't apply.
(3) Lancey passed all tests in the past 10 years.
The proponents of the last excuse must be saintly citizens who all come to full stops at all street STOP signs, drive under the posted speed limit all the time, and never ever cheated in high school (that is if they ever attended one), because they don't seem to realize that the very purpose of cheating is, HOW SHOCKING, SHIRLEY! it is to, to... get away with it, imagine that!
My memory is shaky, but I think he had been moving up in status for a couple of years and aready won the Worlds and a few one day classics.
According to Dr. Donald Catlins estimate, his lab at UCLA performed more than two dozen tests of Armstrong between 1990 and 2000. In May 1999, USA Cycling sent a formal request to Catlin for past test results specifically, testosterone-epitestosterone (T:E) ratios for a cyclist identified by a source with knowledge of the request as Lance Armstrong. Three results indicated high T:E ratios, specifically: a 9.0-to-1 ratio from a sample collected on June 23, 1993; a 7.6-to-1 from July 7, 1994; and a 6.5-to-1 from June 4, 1996.
Roberts and Epstein report: Most people have a ratio of 1-to-1. Prior to 2005, any ratio above 6.0-to-1 was considered abnormally high and evidence of doping; in 2005 that ratio was lowered to 4.0-to-1. But the high ratios had not led to sanctions. In his letter Catlin did not address the 6.5-to-1 result, but he wrote that he had attempted confirmation (a required step) on the 9.0-to-1 and 7.6-to-1 samples, and in both cases the confirmation was unsuccessful and the samples were reported negative.
And don't forget the Strock v. USA Cycling/Rene Wenzel case.
I'll try to go back and read Hamilton's book. When the initial team was being put together for the TdF the group started racing in Europe, and they were getting killed. It took the group, collectively, a while to figure out why they rocked the US but were finishing last over there (they weren't doping). Since Armstrong was the star then maybe he wasn't involved with that.
Just curious, what race or TdF stage was it when that iconic rider blew past Armtsrong like he was standing still?
"Strock and Kaiter have continuously maintained that Wenzel, team soigneur Angus Fraser and another U.S. team coach had on several occasions injected riders with cortisone, treated them with other steroids (corticoids and anabolics) and provided them with amphetamines and other possible performance-enhancing drugs during the 1990 season in the U.S. and Europe. That other U.S. coach remains unnamed in the suit, but former U.S. national team coach Chris Carmichael reportedly settled out-of-court with plaintiffs in the case in late 2000 or early 2001. Carmichael has repeatedly declined to comment on questions about an out-of-court settlement."
Do you mean Tonya Harding?
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