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Mainstream Large Sedans Comparison
This discussion would compare and include cars like the Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego, Hyundai Azera, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Kia Amanti.
For the record, the 4.6-liter Northstar is a twister, not a torquer, delivering 275 horsepower at 5600 rpm, with another 1000 rpm available before the redline, but a torque output of only 290 pound-feet at 4400 rpm. Compared with, say, the 390 pound-feet at 4000 rpm of Chrysler's Hemi, the Lucerne's V-8 is only mildly energetic.
a quote from a C&D road test of the 06 CXS
Sure sounds like the Buick has the same 'problem' (by your way of thinking) as the Toyota and Nissan V6s. The point being that there is more good to be found in our 'twisters' in terms of smoothness and FE, thanks in large part to those efficiencies possible with OHC designs. 'Twisters' I'm relatively sure you'll agree need more gears, simply to keep operating at peak efficiency. Or maybe you would be just better off with that 300C or Impala SS, so you can really own a 'torquer'.0
Most mid-size family sedans, I feel, are good for a family of 4, but not enough for family of 5. SUVs and vans are not as economic as they used to be, unless you want to spend more money on hybrid SUVs like the Toyota Highlander.
I think most people who buy these cars have families. That said, I would prefer the best protection for my family with a tested car like the Five Hundred, which is also price is at the low end of the mentioned cars above.
The Avalon and the Impala also received acceptable crash scores by IIHS. Avalon is a nice car if you can afford it. The Impala, I think, you could purchase at the lowest price and uses the flex fuel (if you know where to buy it), so sounds like the most economical out of all. Great it provides seating for six but, I wouldn't want my child in the middle, front with a lap belt instead of a 3 point belt and no head rest. I doubt that seat is large enough for an adult. I personally like the styling of the Five Hundred more than the Impala. For example, I like the Five Hundred's "Command Seating." Also Ford has better warranty than Chevy now.
I know it only has 203 horsepower, but I like it because of space, comfort, great crash test scores, and value. Don't need speed when hauling children.0
quietpro Posts: 702I like the 500 for size but I demand more power. I chose the Impala SS, which, I agree is very conservatively designed (although it has grown on me quite a bit). I also think the 500's styling is conservative but it may be the best choice for family's with larger children.
As for flex-fueled vehicles, E85 is already showing how unviable it really is. Check out this forum: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f0b617b/1931 . It's a huge forum but there is a lot of information in it.
While I really enjoyed the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger, both in size AND power, they "skimped" on standard technology. A comparably priced Charger was several thousand more than the Impala. Also, many of the "nifty" little items just aren't available with the other makes.
My opinion on the leading Japanese offerings is that they are overrated and overpriced. That's an argument that will never be solved here and those who prefer them are just as adamant as I am.
That leaves the relative newcomers, Kia, Hyundai, etc. which are proving to be great values. They don't offer all the toys or power I'm looking for but at least there is a significant discount. While we were shopping, we went to a Toyota/Hyundai dealer. The salesman was on auto-pilot thinking we would jump on the Camry bandwagon. We asked and were shown a Sonata but it just wasn't large enough. We weren't aware of the Azera which may have fit our needs. That salesman's failure in objectivity may have cost him that sale. It serves him right, though.
The bottom line is that there are many factors that play a part in a decision. There are a lot of great choices out there and everyone needs to feel they made their own best choice.0
Many of the engines in those cars are wheezy and just don't deliver the oomph that I'm used to. Before I bought my 2005 300 Limited I had never owned a car that did not have a v-8 engine. I drove a lot of sedans and found I did not like the size (or lack therof) or the lack of lower they exhibited. The 3.5 L HO engine in the limited delivers almost the same HP as my old Aurora did with the NS V-8. Of course you are talking about the base 300 in this discussion because a Touring or Limited (let alone the "C") are over $30K. I have not driven a 2.7 L base 300 but I'd suspect it's worth the $$ to upgrade the engine to the 3.5 unless you like driving a wheezer.0
You could get a fully loaded Chevy Impala SS V8 that has 303 [email protected] rpms and 323 lbs.-ft. of torque @4400 rpms for under $30,000.
How about a Dodge Caliber RT(not fully loaded) that has 340 Hp @ 5000 rpms and 390 lbs.-ft of torque @ 4000 rpms.
Not included in this comparison but a Pontiac Grand Prix GXP V8 fully loaded w/out Navigation that has same Hp and torque as Impala for under $30,000.
Right now there is a $1,000 manufacturer to Dealer incentive for a 2006 Buick Lucerne CXL V8 that has 275 Hp @ 6000 rpms and 295 lbs.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpms for under $30,000 (also not fully loaded).
Your best bet with these cars would probably be the Dodge. It also has the best styling of the 4 above. My point is you could get a V8 for under $30,000, though it sounds like your more used to more upscale sedans.
One of the reasons I started this forum was to see how one could buy a near luxury car at a reasonable price. For example, you could spend equal amounts for a V6 Camry or Accord as the 4 cars mentioned above. They probably aren't as refined as the Camry or Accord but definitely more spacious and more comfortable.0
Although I don't consider a Caliber to be a "large sedan". Maybe a Magnum would be more fitting in this comparison. I think a base Magnum is under $30K as well.0
Great suggestion for a new topic! My vote is for the Avalon. Consumer Reports ranked it number 1 in the Large Sedan category. As they said, "The Avalon offers a lot of car for the money. It has a limo-like rear seat that can even recline. The quality of the cabin materials is almost as impressive as that of Toyota's luxury Lexus line. The Avalon rides very comfortably and quietly." Those are consumer reports words, not mine, but I definitely agree with them. Not to mention the engine which is a V6 with 268 HP @ 6200 RPM and 248 ft-lbs @ 4700 RPM. All this with a mileage rating of 22 City/31 Highway. In fact, I just returned from a 357 mile trip visiting the in-laws and I actually got even better than that. I got 31.9 MPG and that was driving mostly 70 MPH. Of course you can't get a fully loaded Avalon for under $30K, but you can, and I did, get one that has a lot of great features for less than $30K including the reclining rear seats (great for passengers on long trips) and dual zone automatic climate system (so the wife can set the temp to what she wants and I can set the temp to what I want). Also, as someone else pointed out already, "The Avalon and the Impala also received acceptable crash scores by IIHS." All this made the Avalon the vehicle for me!0
I like the Avalon, too. I just bought a 2006 RAV4. The engine performs the same and so does the 2007 Camry. I think they all share the same engine. Great performance with descent fuel economy. I just hope either of us don't get a recall.0
Yep, you're right about it being the same engine in the Avalon, 2006 RAV4 and 2007 Camry. I know what you mean about all this recall stuff they've been talking about. I hope either of us don't get a recall, too. Actually, we've been thinking of getting the RAV4 to replace my wife's Corolla. Since I got the 2006 Avalon, we'll probably wait another year or two before getting the RAV4 to space out the vehicles a bit. Looks like they did a great job with the redesign. How has your RAV4 been so far?0
Excellent! The drive is smooth and quiet. We bought the V6 4x4 (part time) w/following options:remote start, curtain side airbags, DTR lights, 3rd row seat (children only), roof rack, mud guards, tow prep, and carpet floor mats. It was hard to find the V6 with the third row. Had mostly 4 cyls with 3rd row in NY/NJ area. With the extra weight, you'd want more power, right?
I think the 3rd row is better than Highlander because 3rd row is 50/50 folding and the bay of where the seat folds in to gives you more room for luggage. There really isn't a whole lot but the Highlander's luggage space is nonexistent when seat is up. We payed $25,400 for it.
I recently went to msn.com and saw Consumer Reports has rated it finally. It's the top rated small SUV now beating the previous winner, the Subaru Forester scored 71, RAV4 4cyl scored 77, V6 scored 83.
I wouldn't rule out the Forester because of IIHS.org crash test perfect rating. Back seat is a little cramped but plenty of luggage space. The RAV4s rear seat adjusts forward or back which helps 3rd row leg room.0
lweiss Posts: 342Can you really get a Nissan Maxima for under $30K? If so, I think that it would be very viable for my purposes (rarely more than 4 people in the car). I thought that they went for $33K-$35K, more like an Acura TL. Plus it seems more like a 4 door sports sedan, not in the category of the Toyota Avalon or Chevy Malibu or Chrysler 300.0
If you get it fully loaded, no! If you get it say with 18" chrome wheels, sunroof, VDC w/full size spare, floor and trunk mats, and colored splash guards the invoice comes to $28,889. Edmunds TMV for these options is adds up to $30,809. If your a good negotiator, I think you could. Did you know the 2006 right now has a rebate of $1,500?0
2006 Chrysler 300 2.7L base/103 cu ft interior/24 cu ft luggage/MPG 21c, 28h/190 [email protected] rpm/Invoice $22,238-$24,858/IIHS.org G,M,A
2006 Dodge Charger 3.5L SE/103 cu ft interior/24 cu ft luggage/MPG 19c, 27h/250 [email protected] rpm/Invoice $20,983-$29,330/IIHS.org G,M,-
2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5L SE/104 cu ft interior/16 cu ft luggage/MPG 21c, 28h (premium gas)/255 [email protected] rpm/Invoice $25,648-$34,831/IIHS.org G,M,P
2006 Kia Amanti 3.8L base/105 cu ft interior/15 cu ft luggage/200 [email protected] rpm/Invoice $25,510-$27,505/IIHS.org G,-,A
2007 Chevy Impala 3.5L LS/105 cu ft interior/19 cu ft luggage/MPG 20c, 29h/211 [email protected] rpm/Invoice $19,618-$20,968/IIHS.org A,G,P
2006 Toyota Avalon 3.5L XL/107 cu ft interior/14 cu ft luggage/MPG 22c, 31h/268 [email protected] rpm/Invoice $$23,921-$27,880/IIHS.org G,G,P
2007 Hyundai Azera 3.8L SE/107 cu ft interior/17 cu ft luggage/MPG 19c, 28h/263 [email protected] rpm/Invoice $21,901-$24,424/IIHS.org G,A,A
2007 Buick Lucerne 3.8L CX/108 cu ft interior/17 cu ft luggage/MPG 19c, 28h/197 [email protected] rpm/Invoice $24,041-$28,512/IIHS.org G,A,P
2007 Ford Five Hundred 3.0L SEL/108 cu ft interior/21 cu ft luggage/MPG 21c, 29h/203 [email protected] rpm/Invoice $20,966-$26,340/IIHS.org G,G,G
Right now for 2006 Maxima has a rebate of $1,500, 2006 Amanti rebate $3,000, 2006 Impala rebate $2,000, 2006 Azera rebate $1,000, 2006 Lucerne rebate $1,500 and Incentive $1,000, 2006 Five Hundred REBATE $1,000.
Invoice prices listed above refers to the lowest trim only. Probably possible to get higher trims under $30,000 but not if it's fully loaded and how good of a negotiator you are.
Note that EPA city mileage isn't accurate but can be used as a guide.
Also The only large sedan listed with a fully loaded invoice above $30,000 is the Nissan Maxima SE.
All IIHS.org test scores are with side curtain airbags.0
Sorry it was a typing error. I ment to print CHARGER!0
wamba2000 Posts: 146I was pleased to see that CR rated the Hyundai Azera one slot below the Avalon, since it is a new model, it can't get the "recommended" designation. It's ranking was surprising, being higher than many of the cars listed here.
We purchased an Azera about 1.5 months ago and I am very pleased with the vehicle, performance, ride, handling etc. I think the Azera gives the Avalon a run for the money, and if Hyundai continues to maintain and improve quality (Bet large sedan by JD Power) just a month or so ago, it will give Hyundai a foothold in the large car market.0
Glad you like your RAV4! That is odd about the 4 cyls with the 3rd row. You're right, it makes sense that with the extra weight you would want more power. Glad you were able to find what you were looking for! Sounds like you got a great deal! I think you're right about the RAV4 being a better than the current Highlander. It'll be interesting to see what changes they make to the Highlander. That's great about the RAV4 being rated the top small SUV! Haven't decided yet if we want the 3rd row, but it's good to know the rear seat adjusts forward or back which helps 3rd row leg room. Thanks for the info! Enjoy your RAV4!0
Glad you like your Azera! I purchased my Avalon before the Azera was released, so I wasn't able to consider it in my decision. However, from everything I've read, Hyundai really has done a great job turning things around with their new vehicles, including the Azera. You definitely get a lot more features for the price with the Azera over the Avalon. I think the biggest negative I can see about the Azera is mileage. The Azera is: City 19 MPG, Highway 28 MPG and the Avalon is: City 22 MPG, Highway 31 MPG. However, it's not a huge difference and if it was around when I was buying, I definitely would have given the Azera a test drive. I've got a bad back and if the Azera was more comfortable than the Avalon, then I'd be willing to sacrifice a couple of MPG and go with the Azera. Unfortunately, since I've had bad luck with American cars, I only considered something from Toyota or Honda but next time I'll probably add Hyundai to that list. If the American companies can turn things around like Hyundai, I may even add them back to my list. It'll be interesting to see if Hyundai can keep this up. I think you're right when you said "...if Hyundai continues to maintain and improve quality (Bet large sedan by JD Power) just a month or so ago, it will give Hyundai a foothold in the large car market." I look forward to testing driving an Azera when it comes time to trade in my Avalon. Of course, that won't be for another 10 years or so, but at least by then it should be clear how Hyundai is really doing. Enjoy your Azera!0
Now I see what you meant earlier when you said "...I would prefer the best protection for my family with a tested car like the Five Hundred..." Looks like the 500 has the best IIHS test score! That's definitely a big plus for the 500. At least my Avalon came in second. Are you thinking of getting a 500?0
You bet! I love the roomy interior and huge trunk. I also love styling. Many critics say the Five Hundred lacks styling but I love the VW Passat and Jetta's look but if I'm spending that kind of money I'd prefer size. I read somewhere that a VW designer helped with the Five Hundred's making.
Also the Five Hundred shares its platform with the Volvo S80, which is why I'd expect how it got those test scores. I think if Ford wants to stay in the business of selling cars, this strategy is the way to go. Down sizing and taking the best parts from each make and create one "super sedan". Say for instance, Mazda 6 sportiness, Five Hundred's interior, trunk and price, Volvo platform, comfort interior from Mercury, a refined engine and trany from Lincoln or Jaguar. I don't know. Just an idea.
For now I'm happy with the Five Hundred. What I like about it the most is its price. I think it's a lot of car for the money and so is the Hyundai Sonata, another sedan I've been considering.
Sonata's government test scores were all 5's. Like styling.
IIHS.org gave it G,A,G, which is better than most. Can't beat price especially with current rebate of $2,500 for the GLS V6 or LX trims. You could easily get a GLS V6 for under $18,000! All safety features are standard (6 airbags, traction, and stability). As they say, "Best Warranty in America." The Sonata offers 105 cu ft interior and 16 cu ft trunk. V6 engines put out 235 [email protected] rpms. Consumer Report's doesn't rate it since it's a new design but recent previous models have had good reliability records (2003-2005). CR did give the Five Hundred its highest recommendation, though.0
you'll be pressed to find a reasonably well optioned Avalon for under $30k and they are still selling well enough that there has been no need for all the rebate/discounts available on the lesser cars. But, the base XL and perhaps even the sportier Touring can get to this kind of number - other than that (XLS/Ltd)you are looking at 33-40k, more competitive with things like TLs etc.
The Azera is interesting in that Hyundai has done a great job with its new V6s - but, it is certainly 'Buick' soft and needs to lose a little weight to improve FE. Resale value, of course, figures to be horrid. It surprises me that they are already starting 'Detroit style' discount programs on such a competent entry in this field.
The Maxima - wonderful powertrain, smaller than many here, certainly available in the higher 20s, and as is Nissan tradition a sportier, harder edged feel.
The 'American' entrants - hard to take seriously, they have yet to figure out how to build a competitive V6 engine. GM's 3.8 has been around for 50 years, and while it should durable, it is rough-as-cob and well behind in FE. The 3.6 in the Lacrosse/CTS (and Chrysler 3.5) better but still behind even what 'little ole' Hyundai has done - never mind the truly superior efforts from Toyota/Honda/Nissan. The Ford 3.0 DT a joke in what is otherwise a well designed (Swedish) car.
IMO, the best car in this range, the Avalon without a doubt - although you will pay a premium for it - the best value, probably the Azera. The 'Detroit' cars - better get them while they're hot (and cheap), some of them may not be available much longer!1
Not interested in the Upscale sedans priced over $30,000 like Acura, Lexus, or Audi. Too much money for a car just to get from point A to B.
I agree that the Avalon is the most refined sedan in this forum but like you said you'd pay a premium price for it. I also think that Toyota is being a little greedy not to give rebates or incentives for a soon to be one year old model. One reason why the Azera will give it a run for its money.
I don't believe that the 'Detroit' cars are on their way out though. There are many people who are fans of American cars. I think as long as the 'Detroit' cars will be competitive as long as they keep their prices down. The Five Hundred will be getting a better engine in 2008. I think it's the Duratech 3.5 with hp of 250.0
I know what you mean about styling. Critics say the same thing about the Avalon, but I like the styling of the Avalon and the Five Hundred much better than the Chrysler 300. It's pretty cool that a VW designer helped with the Five Hundred and that it shares its platform with the Volvo S80. I think your idea of Ford "Down sizing and taking the best parts from each make and create one super sedan..." is just what they need to turn things around. All the specs and everything about the Five Hundred look great. It's definitely a lot of car for the money. I can definitely see why you'd be considering it. If I hadn't had so many problems with American cars in the past, I probably would have given it a test drive and considered it myself. Hopefully, Ford and other American companies continue this trend so I can add them to my list again when it comes time to trade in my Avalon. That's interesting about the Sonata doing better than the Azera in the IIHS test scores. I can definitely see why you'd be considering the Sonata. Looks like it has a lot of pluses as well. Good time of year to be buying with all the rebates they have now.0
I definitely agree with you about Toyota being a bit greedy. It would have been nice to get some kind of rebate on the Avalon. I also agree that sedans over $30K are too much money for a car just to get from point A to B. I paid $26K for my Avalon XL. It doesn't have leather seats or a moonroof, but it has the same great engine and ride quality as the more expensive models not to mention Toyota reliability. To me the reliability was worth the extra premium. My previous car was a Chevy Malibu and I had to spend thousands and thousands of dollars keeping it running over the years. The last straw was when they said my transmission was shot and it would cost $2.5K to rebuild it! My wife has a Toyota Corolla that is one year older than my Malibu and she only had to do routine maintenance like replacing the brakes and tires. Since we keep our cars for 10 years or so, that difference adds up over the life of the car. To me, piece of mind is more important than extra options that I will probably never miss because I've never had them before. Of course, that's just my personal preference based on my own experience. Each person has to make a prioritized list of what's important to them and base their decision on that.0
One thing I find funny about the Malibu is JD Power named it "Highest Ranked Entry Midsize Car in Initial Quality". Consumer Reports 'New Car Prediction' was 'Worse than Average'. IQS by JD Power is for the first 3 months of ownership only. This could be misleading if you don't really look at it for what it is, especially if you own a car for 10 years.
I don't believe in buying a car fully loaded, either. I'm not one to spend most of my time in one, although I appreciate dependability and comfort as would anybody. Example, what are you buying exactly when you buy a higher trim? Unless the engine is an upgrade, I think it's a waste of money. It's the same :mad: :mad: car!
Let's take the Avalon as an example.
Avalon XL Invoice: $23,921; Avalon Limited Invoice: $29,888 (with no options added)
Fully loaded XL Invoice: $28,294; Fully loaded Limited (w/out Nav.): $33,431
I'm sure you get a lot more for nick nacks for the money but I think a person could survive with out them. It's also the same ENGINE!
Of course you'll never get any Avalon at invoice but I doubt anyone would buy at MSRP.0
interesting perspective - think that Toyota is being a little greedy not to give rebates or incentives!
The Avalon is currently being sold for a few hundred over invoice and, as you note, without rebates and incentives. Is this a function of Toyota being 'greedy' or is it really the market dictating a perceived value? The new Ford Mustang continues to sell well with very minimal rebates/incentives - is Ford being greedy or have they finally stumbled on a marketable car? The Morris just a few years back was sold at prices well over sticker, and don't go into a BMW dealership and ask about rebates on that 530 - never has there been any such thing. As Buick is prone to do - the overpriced (and poorly rated) Lucerne CXL can be stickered well above $35k intentionally, factoring the inevitable discounts in initially - I guess so that Buick might convince the public that it really is a $35k car that 'happens' to be available at prices several thousand below that. The market dictates exactly what a car is worth, rebates or not - and if any car manufacturer makes a car that is in such high demand that they don't have to float obscene discounts, they won't. 'Greed' has nothing to do with it. If the new Impala or 500 were truly superior cars and the buying public agrred with that - I assure you that they wouldn't be selling for the prices they are today and that GM/Ford (USA) wouldn't be losing nearly as much money as they do.
An unfortunate result of all these employee pricing programs/rebates/incentives/financing deals that the 'American' mfgrs. themselves trapped into - the mfgrs. continue lose their butt and furthermore do not have the money to develop or manufacture better cars. The 500 should never have been put on the market without an improved drivetrain. A primary reason why the Japanese 3 will continue to manufacture better cars. People that go into a jewelry store and buy because of 50% off sale need to understand the concept of inflated prices and crappy diamonds!
Do agree, however, that a large percentage of the American car buyer, would prefer to buy that American branded car (even if it isn't actually built here) - if only apples were apples.0
tjc78 South JerseyPosts: 8,704Can't agree more. I gave the Lucerne a drive before I bought my Avalon. There was really no comparison. The Av's V6 was quicker than the V8 in the Buick and the overall car just isn't as "polished" as the Toyota. The 500 is a really nice car, but outclassed in terms of the engine. There is most definately a reason Toyota doesn't have to discount as heavy as GM and Ford. It is a shame, I would go American again, if they could make a car that can honestly compete, not just on paper in terms of specs.
2017 Buick Enclave / 2017 Hyundai Elantra (for a little longer) / 2019 Volvo S60 T6 Inscription0
this is one of the ways the successful mfgrs. can make some money - take the same basic engine and platform and offer it in as many upscaled forms as you can:
- the 3.5 in your Avalon that also appears in multiple Lexus models for tens of thousands more
- the 3.6 or the V8 in the LaCrosse/Lucerne that appears in the Caddy CTS/DTS again for significant premiums
- Nissan/Infiniti which has pretty much based their entire lines on the VQ V6 and the $23k Altima V6 platform - also revitalizing the entire company in the process.
Is a Lincoln Zephyr, for example. 'worth' the extra 10 grand or so more than an optioned out Fusion? Well, it is for the folks that need or want the extra 'bling' or the label. If all a car is is an appliance we would all be driving around in Kia econoboxes. Most folks out there put more value in a car than simply getting from A to B, an attitude that the mfgrs. will happily cater to.
Hope you are enjoying your XL, mine an 05 Touring that I paid $30k for with some minor options - it is such a wonderful car at your $26k or even $40k some folks are paying for an optioned to the gills Limited.0
Besides me, is there anyone else besides Avalon owners reading this forum?0
Captian2 and Buzz123, say if you couldn't afford an Avalon, which would be the other car of choice in this forum and also any other sedan? Don't tell me a Camry or Accord, right?0
the Azera/Sonata, especially if you plan on keeping it a long time (warranty should take care of expensive problems and resale value becomes insignificant), possibly the Maxima/Altima if you can stretch a few grand because you would likely get that money back at trade-in time, if you normally change cars more often.0


text:
Chestnuthill Township
Chestnuthill Township
Norman J. III and Janet L. Gidley to Beechwood Inn LLC, Land, PA Route 209, Brodheadsville to Kresgeville, 3.461 acres, more or less, $209,914, consideration $1
Joseph T. Werkheiser and Jane M. Pratt Werkheiser to Raymond T. Jr. and Danielle L. Lukashewski, Two Parcels Land, Township Route 474, White Church Road, No. 1 containing 1.2078 acres, more or less, and No. 2 containing 2.931 acres, more or less, $200,000
Coolbaugh Township
Rita Kronovet to Nonna DeSaint, Lot 27, Section 5, Timber Trails, $205,500
Hamilton Township
Glenn J. Grigg (Est) and April Cordts (Adm) to Sandra K. Gurian, Land, Lake Poponoming, 0.61 acres, more or less, $240,000
Mount Pocono Borough
OM Hospitality 3 LLC to Hotel M MP LLC, 3 Tracts, No. 1, Legislative Route 168 (Traffic Route 611), containing 2.152 acres, more or less, No. 2, "Minor Subdivision Final Plan, Appruzzese Subdivision" containing 2.00 acres, more or less, and No. 3, westerly side of Route 611, containing 1.03 acres, more or less, being lot 3, $1,500,000
Pocono Township
Mark J. and Janet N. DePue to 611 Management Corp, Land, No. 1, 0.72 acres, more or less, Route 611 by Tannersville Inn, and No. 2, 0.55 acres, more or less, Route 611 by Tannersville Inn, $750,000
Polk Township
Danielle L. Kresge Lukashewski and Raymond J. Lukashewski to Kathleen Hansen, Lot 22, Final Plan, Section 4, Evergreen Lake, $239,900
Tobyhanna Township
Robert F. and Laura J. Fetterman to Kenneth M. and Jessica M. Weitzman, Lot 17, Unit 7, Section 14, Lake Naomi, $243,000

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Matador Hall of Fame Honorees | 2010 Matador Hall of Fame Photo Gallery
Feb. 21, 2010
Northridge, Calif. - More than 400 family, friends, Cal State Northridge President Dr. Jolene Koester and avid supporters of Matador Athletics honored the newest members of the CSUN Hall of Fame in an emotional luncheon Sunday afternoon at the Warner Center Marriott Hotel.
Terry Craven (the Matadors' first baseball All-American), Dorothea "Granny" Heitz (the greatest sports fan in Matador history), Garrett Noel (a two-time Cal State Northridge track & field All-American), Priscilla Rouse Becker (a CSUN softball All-American) and the 1967 Junior Rose Bowl team are the newest members of the prestigious Matador Hall of Fame.
The 2010 Hall of Fame class joins an elite group of 105 other student-athletes, former administrators, coaches and one other team representing 18 sports into the Cal State Northridge Hall of Fame. The first Hall of Fame members were inducted in 1981.
Among the large contingent of people at the luncheon were numerous members of the Matador Hall of Fame including CSUN's winningest head basketball coach Pete Cassidy, legendary softball head coach Gary Torgeson, former basketball great Mark Cooley, Joe Buttitta, CSUN's first sports information director, former athletic director and former head baseball coach Bob Hiegert, and former softball great Beth Onestinghel Woll.
The Matador Hall of Fame was established in 1981 to recognize the men, women and Matador teams who distinguished themselves in athletics, either by sport or by meritorious efforts on behalf of athletics while an undergraduate or years after leaving the University.
Dr. Koester began the day's celebration with a congratulatory message.
"I am delighted to welcome you (the 2010 Hall of Fame class) to today's celebration where we pay tribute to the talented student-athletes and coaches whose daily dedication and commitment, both on and off the field, honor and inspire us all."
Matador Athletic Director Rick Mazzuto stated - "This Hall of Fame group recognizes the wonderful men and women who played such an important role in the development of University campus life. This year's induction class represents an outstanding group of individuals who have contributed so much to the University."
Priscilla Rouse Becker earned her way into the Matador Hall of Fame by helping Cal State Northridge win two NCAA Division II national championships in softball (1985 and 1987) and three straight California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCA) league titles (1985-87).
"I never dreamed of this honor, but now that it has happened, I am so honored and thankful," said Rouse Becker. "Thank you to the many people who have helped to make this day happen. To my teammates - you are my heroes."
During the 1987 national championship season, Rouse Becker hit a team-leading .475, which is still the fourth-best single season figure in school history Her six triples in 1987 are second-best in school history. She also collected 19 stolen bases (sixth-best for a single season) and her 23 sacrifice hits rank seventh-best in the Matador record book.
For her efforts in 1987, Rouse Becker gained first team All-American, All-Region and All-CCAA honors.
Over her three-year CSUN career (1985-87), Rouse Becker batted .355, which is fourth-best in school history.
Terry Craven earned distinction as an outstanding baseball player and later as head baseball coach and administrator at San Fernando Valley State College (now Cal State Northridge).
Craven earned the distinction of being the first baseball player in Matador baseball history to earn All-American honors. Craven only played one season for the Matadors (1965), but what a special season it was. Craven helped the team win the school's first league championship (CCAA) in baseball and advanced to the NCAA Regional.
"No one is more proud than I am to be associated with Cal State Northridge," said an emotional Craven. "What a tremendous honor. Thank you to all of you - my family, teammates and friends."
Craven led the team in batting, RBI's and home runs in 1965. Craven's 12 home runs led the nation. For his efforts, Craven was named an All-American, team MVP, first team All-CCAA (California Collegiate Athletic Association), CCAA MVP, and All-Pacific Coast first team.
After his playing days concluded, Craven returned to the Matador campus to begin a career as a successful assistant baseball and football coach, then head baseball coach. Craven also has been a highly successful administrator and editor. Craven taught Physical Education in the General Education and Professional Education Departments for 18 years.
Dorothea "Granny" Heitz's school spirit and devotion to Cal State Northridge and the Matador athletics program is still talked about.
Granny is highly admired and honored as arguably the all-time greatest sports fan in Matador history. Granny symbolized the loyalty, tradition and the school spirit of Cal State Northridge.
"Granny would have been so honored to receive this tremendous accolade," said Chad Charton, who accepted the Hall of Fame award on Granny's behalf. Granny passed away at age 92 in 2007. "Granny had a great passion for life, and you could see it with that effervescent smile. It was contagious. She loved all people. And she certainly loved Cal State Northridge. She impacted so many lives."
Granny started a Matador spirit squad called the "Granny Girls" in the 1960's, the unofficial campus ambassadors. Through the years, she embraced her role as an unofficial campus spirit leader. She attended numerous community, academic and athletic events to increase the spirit of the University.
In recognition of her leadership and appreciation of her loyalty, the University's award for Outstanding Volunteer Leadership appropriately bears her name. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a CSUN volunteer leader.
In 2005, Granny and dozens of others made initial contributions to create the Granny Heitz Legacy Scholarship. Just a few weeks prior to her passing (August 12, 2007), Granny learned that contributions to the scholarship fund were sufficient to create an endowment.
Garrett Noel is regarded as one of the greatest track & field athletes in Cal State Northridge history.
Noel was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American (1992, 1993) in the javelin. Noel's career-best javelin throw (247-8, 75.48m), set in 1993, is still a Cal State Northridge school record. Noel still holds the freshman school record in the javelin (210-4, 64.10m), set in 1969.
After graduating from Cal State Northridge in 1993 with a degree in Communication, Noel continued his track & field career and eventually competed at the 2000 United States Olympic Track & Field Trials.
Noel was escorted to the podium with his two daughters, Alexis and Hannah. Noel thanked a multitude of people for the success he enjoyed while a student-athlete at Cal State Northridge, but it was his daughter Alexis who said it best.
"I am so proud of my dad," said Alexis. "He is my hero."
Numerous members of the 1967 Junior Rose Bowl team attended Sunday's Hall of Fame ceremony.
"This was a band of brothers," said their head coach Dr. Sam Winningham, who is also a member of the Matador Hall of Fame. "It is remarkable that after 42 years we have this wonderful turnout of players. The University should be proud of their efforts. Many of these players have gone on to careers in coaching, teaching, and education. They are a credit to the way they have lived their lives."
During the 1967 Matador football season, enthusiastic crowds flocked to the Matadors home stadium to witness a team deep in talent, experience and great team chemistry.
Even today, people still talk about the "old times" when the Matadors took to the gridiron to tackle the best teams in the highly respected California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).
Back then, the league was one of the best, if not the best College Division football leagues in the country. The Matadors were league members and during the 1967 campaign battled their way to a respected 6-3 regular season record. The Matadors finished second in the CCAA behind national power San Diego State.
For their outstanding regular season efforts, the team received and accepted an invitation to play powerful West Texas State in the Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on Dec. 2, 1967 before 23,802 fans.
Matador fans in 1967 witnessed a high octane Matador offense that averaged more than 32 points per game. The offensive standouts were many including record setting quarterback Bruce Lemmerman, receivers Gerry Peters and Dick Billingsley, and running back Mike Vogel.
The defense was described as "tougher than a boot," according to Matador fans. It was led by such standouts as Myron Bayless, Dick Baxley, Ed Lombardi, Bob Misko, Harry Cook, Dick Flaherty, Don West and Al Weil.
Dr. Winningham also acknowledged the seven members of the team and one assistant coach who have passed away - Myron Bayless, Harry Cook, Add Fancon, Mike Hannin, Ron Harris, Tom Jennison, Rudy Suarez, and assistant coach Bill Cullum.


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Let's Not Celebrate This Iran Deal…Yet
We have a deal.
After years of false starts, mutual recriminations and steadily escalating pressure, Iran has finally agreed to accept real limits on its nuclear program. In his statement Saturday night announcing the agreement, U.S. President Barack Obama called it an "important first step" and declared that diplomacy had "opened up a new path toward a world that is more secure."
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This is big—a potentially historic step in relations between the United States and Iran, two adversaries whose bitter rivalry has loomed over the Middle East for a generation. If this interim deal leads to a final accord that mothballs Tehran's nuclear-weapons program and keeps it that way, it will be worth the heartburn it's causing Israel, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Congress, too.
But we're still a very long way from Tipperary on this one. And we should be careful about putting on the party hats and breaking out the champagne—at least for now, anyway. And here are five reasons why.
1. A Loss of Urgency
If there's an Obama Doctrine, it's this: Get America out of costly wars, not into new ones, and make diplomacy the default setting, not military force.
Obama is a very risk-averse president, particularly when it comes to situations where he has publicly set red lines and where force is implicitly or explicitly threatened. In these situations, he seems determined to go to considerable lengths to avoid having to make good on his own warnings. This was the case with the use of Syria's chemical weapons and in Iran too.
Nobody really wants a war with Iran—not even Israel. And certainly not Obama. The president has three preferred nos when it comes to Iran: no Israeli military strike, no U.S. strike and no Iranian nuke on his watch.
This trio can only be accomplished through creating a process of negotiation that prevents Israel from striking and makes it unnecessary for Washington to do so. Iran and the United States share the first two goals, and the president is determined to ensure they remain on the same pages on No. 3, too.
And that's the rub. Presidents think in four- and eight-year increments; Iranians and Israelis for that matter think in longer terms. Iran should be happy that the threat of military force is receding; Israel is unhappy for the same reason. If Iran plays its cards smartly and doesn't stick the nuclear issue in Obama's face, Tehran hopes, the international community's urgency in pressing ahead on sanctions will fade. Congress might hold the line, but the Russians, Chinese and many others won't. And over time, the sanctions will diminish in effectiveness. But Iran, having mastered the process of how to make nukes, will always have this capacity and can move to operationalize it if chooses to do so.
2. Angry Allies (and Congress Too)
Where you stand in life has a great deal to do with where you sit. Israel is a small power in a dangerous neighborhood; the United States is a behemoth with non-predatory neighbors to its north and south and fish to its east and west. And while it might have been too much to expect complete unanimity in the U.S. and Israeli positions on Iran, what you have now is the making of a diplomatic trainwreck, with the United States pressing ahead with diplomacy while the Israelis snipe from the sidelines.
Unlike Lehman Brothers, the U.S.-Israeli relationship is too big to fail; but until it's clear where this interim agreement is headed, this relationship will be rocky. The Israelis will be challenging the accord and pushing on an already open door with a equally suspicious Congress—Republicans and Democrats alike—eager to heap additional sanctions and pressure on Iran. Hope for significant progress on the Palestinian issue will fade. And the Saudis, already stewing about U.S. policies from Egypt to Syria, will likewise wonder whether the United States, distant and detached from their concerns about Iran, really understands their neighborhood.
Allies can disagree. But when America's two longest and closest friends in the Middle East seem to have more in common with one another than with the United States, on a fundamental issue that frankly affects their security more than America's, that's a serious problem.


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Tooling Update
One of the Coolest New Products Shown at FABTECH
…was this prototype inkjet marking tool that can be used in a thick-turret CNC punch press. As demonstrated by Wilson Tool product manager John Johnson, the Smart Mark tool fits into a 2-in. tool station to enable part marking on the press. Use it for part identification, to mark instructions for downstream fabrication and assembly operations (such as the location of bend lines and welds), or for other applications your operators can dream up.
The Smart Mark self-contained unit is battery powered and includes an ink cartridge. The machine controller triggers ink flow following programs developed in the accompanying software. Apply alphanumeric text, bar codes and time stamps.Wilson Tool Intl.: 651/286-6000; www.wilsontool.com
See also: Impax Tooling Solutions, A Div. of Wilson Tool International
Related Enterprise Zones: Tool & Die
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I don't spend much time on reissues and remasters for the simple reason that most generally they are not worthy of my time, nor yours. However, Eric Clapton's Slowhand 35th Anniversary is a huge exception to this rule. This set has been done right, and represents a very worthwhile new look at mid-period Clapton and his excellent band.
I keep going back and forth between this new edition and an earlier CD version, and the difference is astounding. What was bleary, blurry and fogged is now punchy and crisp, and I have to admit that Clapton's band of the mid '70s was amongst his finest. George Terry and Clapton's guitars are a great matching - perfect Fender clean tones, and as tasteful as you could ever hope to hear. Terry never really got his due, though he played the prefect foil, firing off red hot shards of slide guitar (wait until you hear Tell The Truth from the live set, recorded at London's Hammersmith Odeon), trading leads with the boss, or supplying loads of cool rhythm playing. Carl Radle and Jamie Oldaker were a tremendous rhythm section, explosive and driving - Radle may have been the best American rock bassist of his era. He's like a combination of Motown's James Jamerson and Jerry Jemmott. Dick Sims organ and piano playing fit like gloves to every groove, Marcy Levy and Yvonne Elliman were perfect at their gig, though I've always suspected that their presence never sat well with Clapton's harder rock fans.
Glyn Johns did a fantastic job with the original production, and again Reeves work on the remastering is like giving eyesight to the blind. The instrumental Peaches and Diesel is a prime example - every note, every beat is a sublime textbook example of how musical instruments should be recorded, mixed, and mastered. I love it when cymbals actually sound like the musical instruments they are. Reeves remastered the studio album from the original Olympic Studios analog master tapes, and the live set and the unreleased studio tracks have been remixed from the original 2" analog masters, and you can almost hear the tape sliding across the damned capstans - amazingly sweet sounding.
The previously unreleased material (four songs) sounds unfinished, but with a few more hours work, any could have made it onto the album proper - they are miles ahead of most outtakes, and are all solid additions to the catalogue. One track, Stars, Strays, and Ashtrays, pre-dates the alt-country/rock movement by about two decades, and sounds like a lost classic.
As reissues go, this one is clearly a winner, and I wholeheartedly congratulate Clapton on doing it right. I now wish I had seen this band live, they were a great outfit, and I would have learned a boatload about being a total musician - even if you aren't enamored of Clapton's stylistic changes, you can't but admire the skills on display here. He may not be as on fire as he was in Cream, but then who can kick him for being true to his musical self - what would you do if you could do exactly as you pleased?
This is a great set, in either edition - I highly recommend it, and who knows, you may even find yourself enjoying those first three cuts again, or maybe even for the first time.


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GEORGETOWN, Texas—Led by freshman Erik Klein with seven goals, the Birmingham-Southern men's lacrosse team opened SCAC action on the road today, defeating Southwestern University 17-4 in Georgetown, Texas.
The Panthers move to 6-2, while the Pirates fall to 0-8.
BSC scored the first five goals of the game - three of those by Klein - and Southwestern added one before the end of the first period. The Panthers then scored all four of the second-quarter goals and led 9-1 at halftime. BSC out-scored the Pirates 2-1 in the third quarter and 6-2 in the fourth quarter.
Klein had a game-high seven goals on 13 shots, followed by sophomore Matt Ivie with four goals and senior Jacob McPherson with two. McPherson also led with four assists, and junior Nicco DeRosa had three.
Senior Chris Clarke led the defense with nine ground balls and five caused turnovers, followed by freshman John Sommerall with eight ground balls. Sommerall also won 11-of-17 face-offs.
Junior goalkeeper Andrew Huffman played almost the entire game and recorded 12 saves.
BSC out-shot Southwestern 40-24, picked up more ground balls (46-30) and committed fewer turnovers (21-29). The Panthers were also 22-of-26 on clear attempts and 3-of-4 on extra-man opportunities.
BSC stays in Texas for another conference game this Sunday against University of Dallas in Irving, Texas, at 11 a.m.


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Rakkir Watson posted 45 points, five rebounds and four steals to lead fourth-seed and host Fallsburg ...
Rakkir Watson posted 45 points, five rebounds and four steals to lead fourth-seed and host Fallsburg to a Section 9 Class C quarterfinal win.
"He was able to get to the hoop,'' said Fallsburg coach Pete Dworetsky of Watson. "He kind of took over the game. He hit some outside shots. He didn't force it. He took what the defense gave to him.''
Nick Pinder had 10 points, five rebounds and four assists for the Comets (13-6), who travel to No. 1 S.S. Seward at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Devon Jackson scored 20 points, Chris Camaj had 15 and Justin Simmons added 10 for No. 5 Millbrook.
Bray Curreri scored nine of his team-high 21 points in the fourth quarter to help fourth-seeded Eldred knocked off top-seeded Chapel Field in a Section 9 Class D semifinal at Wallkill.
Curreri made five 3-pointers. David Powers added 13 points and Pete Vorstadt added a season-high 10 points for Eldred (5-14), which plays No. 2 John A. Coleman Catholic for the section title at 7 p.m. Wednesday at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake.
Chisom Watson scored 24 points and Joe Baker added 12 points for Chapel Field (11-7).
Rodney Jester scored all 12 of his points in the fourth quarter to help third-seeded Tri-Valley outscore No. 6 Chester 29-14 in a Section 9 Class C quarterfinal win in Grahamsville.
Shatik Smith added 18 points and James Pugh and Jesus Lozada each had 11 points for Tri-Valley (12-7), which plays at No. 2 Pine Plains, the state's top-ranked Class C team, at 6 p.m. Wednesday,
Brandon Sadlier scored 22 points, Lawrence Young added 11 points and Nick Seabrook had 10 points for Chester (9-9).
Jabari Wells had 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead New York Military Academy to a victory in the Hudson Valley Athletic League championship in Cornwall.
Fabio Massa added 12 points and 25 rebounds and Rodney Brown had 16 points and five assists for NYMA (17-2), which plays Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall (Mass.) in a New England Prep Athletic Conference Class D first-round game at 4 p.m. Wednesday in Kent, Conn.


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Bingaman lets his work do talking
Sen. Jeff Bingaman is a man of few words.
In a Senate where cable TV interviews and fiery floor speeches drive the day, he shies away from the spotlight, avoiding the horde of reporters who track his every move. When he does speak, he chooses his words carefully, delivering short declaratives that never veer into political gamesmanship.
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Bingaman, 69, who will retire this month after 30 years in the Senate, seems content not to be one of the giants of the upper chamber who are memorialized in busts all over Capitol Hill. His legacy, those close to him say, will be of a quiet leader who immersed himself in complicated policy issues, neatly avoiding the partisan squabbling that has come to define the Senate in recent years.
"There's this old description in the Senate of some being show horses and some being workhorses, and it's pretty easy to tell the difference. Jeff Bingaman is clearly a workhorse," said former Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.). "He was always more interested in the substance of a hearing than the prospect of a press conference."
Over his career, Bingaman has witnessed a dramatic shift in political dynamics. Where once lawmakers from both parties collaborated on major pieces of legislation that could dramatically change the policy landscape, now every bill is a knock-down, drag-out fight. In that respect, Bingaman is the last of a dying breed.
The New Mexico Democrat, in two recent sit-down interviews with POLITICO, expressed frustration with the state of the Senate while stressing that his decision to retire, which he announced in February 2011, was a personal one that stemmed in part out of a desire to move back to Santa Fe with his wife.
"I've been here 30 years. It's time to do something else. I never considered the move to Washington to be a permanent move," he said, sitting in his spacious office in the Hart office building — a perk of being one of the Senate's most senior members.
"Now, obviously, if I thought there was going to be an opportunity to accomplish a lot of things that I hadn't been able to accomplish at the time I announced my retirement, I would have thought about that. But I didn't see that situation changing substantially," he said, calling the 112th Congress "one of the least productive Congresses in this period of our history."
Bingaman, the longtime chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has seen the cost of partisanship firsthand. In the wake of failed attempts to pass climate legislation in the Senate in 2010, many looked to Bingaman, who had been working diligently on bipartisan energy bills, to save the day.
But in the end, the ambitious bills — including a renewable-electricity standard that would require utilities to generate power from low-carbon sources — never saw the light of day on the Senate floor despite winning the backing of a handful of Republicans.


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Hitting the streets to get fit by spring? We review four new specialty sneakers for runners.
Adidas Adizero Feather 2.0 Running
Adidas' Adizero Feather 2.0 runners are so light (barely 7 ounces) and so responsive, running in them feels more like bouncing on fluffy clouds than pounding on pavement. OK, I'm exaggerating, but I was really blown away by the light weight when I took them out on long-distance runs. So effective was the feather-weight design on a 5-mile outing, I could actually notice the reduced effort in my legs.
The shoe is topped with a barely-there breathable mesh that runs from the toes all the way back to the heel. Ventilation is therefore excellent, with a constant flow of cool air delivered directly to your piggies. And, unlike most shoes that make use of fancy, lightweight materials, they're actually quite sturdy.
These sneaks are compatible with Adidas' miCoach data reporting system and its companion apps. So if you already have a miCoach Speed_Cell sensor, just lift up the shoe's insert and pop it in (You can also attach the sensor to your laces). The sensor can be synced with your iPhone to track your speed, acceleration, distance, and pace during runs.
The only problem is that the miCoach system needs some work, including the inconsistent syncing and the iPhone app's interface. If you're used to the Nike+ app, you'll be struggling to work your way through using Adidas' lesser creation. That said, it's an add-on to the shoe and not a primary feature, so miCoach's shortcomings don't detract from the sneaker's quality.
WIRED Obscenely light at only 7 ounces. Flexible mesh upper keeps your tootsies cool and dry. Durable, despite the lightweight design. miCoach-compatible for tracking your runs. Great styling. Affordable at $115. Men's and women's versions.
TIRED If you're not into light shoes, these aren't for you. The miCoach system needs a lot of work -- it's adequate, but could be so much better.
Photos by Ariel Zambelich/Wired
Under Armour UA Spine RPM
As the name would imply, the design of Under Armour's sneaker is modeled after the human spine. Flip over the UA Spine RPM ($80, men and women) so its sole is facing up, and you can definitely see the dorsal inspiration -- the sole is a stylized vertebral column with a small channel running down the middle. This "spine" does give the shoe a very supportive feel (the primary intention of the design) while also allowing a great deal of flexibility in the toebox and midfoot.
In my tests, the shoe remained somewhat rigid while also being incredibly comfortable. A foam in the chassis provides the rebound needed to cushion those pounding steps. During runs on both the treadmill and the pavement, footfalls were cushioned, but the springiness at the start of the next step wasn't too pronounced.
The fit is superb, mostly thanks to the molded foam sockliner and collar. Your foot goes in, the Spine conforms to its shape, and it stays put. A mesh upper keeps the foot cool and allows it to breath. It's flexible, but it still feels really durable -- something I'd expect from a company that got its start making technical athletic apparel. Under Armour has clearly taken the knowledge it's collected creating comfortable clothing and applied it to its footwear.
WIRED As comfy as your favorite pair of wool-lined slippers. Molded foam insert and sockliner conform exactly to your foot. Breathable and cool. Sleek design, attractive color scheme.
TIRED Slightly heavy at 9.7 ounces. The company's claim of "explosive" rebounding performance from the spine-like design is definitely exaggerated.
Photos by Ariel Zambelich/Wired
Reebok ZigTech Shark
If the UA Spine RPM and the ZigTech Shark ($100, men and women) were to battle it out using only their supreme comfort as their weapons, the Spine would probably win, but the outcome would be so close that they'd both end up bloodied and beaten.
Reebok's spongy, zig-shaped sole makes an exemplary shock absorber, while also providing the necessary rebound needed to keep your legs moving. The unique sole design also allows for additional flexibility that outdoes the normal "flat" sole you'll find on typical running shoes. The secret here is the way the sole material is cut -- a 20-degree backward angle is applied to the tread along the sole, so that when it's viewed from the side, it looks like the teeth of a shark (Get it?). This helps the shoes to bend more easily for better-than-average flex.
I took my Sharks out on the pavement and on the trail, and they held up well in both situations. I definitely felt a difference in both the cushion and responsiveness of the sole when rebounding.
Like many other current running sneakers, the Shark's upper is constructed mostly of breathable mesh. My personal favorite thing about the ZigTech Shark, however, is the so-soft-I-want-to-rub-it-on-my-face upper lining that runs along the tops of the heel, collar, and tongue. I didn't even feel the need to wear socks with these bad boys.
WIRED Ridiculously comfortable. Extra-flexy sole. Nice color choices. Inner lining is soft and supple enough to earn a nod from George Costanza. You could very well wear these without socks if you don't mind a little stinkiness.
TIRED The ZigTech design is a love-it-or-hate-it gamble. Some will find the sole too spongy, soft, and flexible. Not for fans of more rigid shoes.
Photos by Peter McCollough/Wired
Newton Gravity
These road trainers from Newton (the company also makes a trail version) incorporate a little gimmick to help you improve your running form -- each shoe has four external actuator lugs that sit under your forefoot on the bottom of the sole. They provide a lever-lift motion during each step: your foot lands, you push through the step, and your foot rebounds off the surface, infusing the beginning of each new stride with a burst of energy. You're not going to be bouncing off the pavement like you're jumping on the moon or anything, but it is designed to give you a little more pep in your step.
So, do the weird little knobs on the bottom of the shoe work? Meh. You can certainly feel them there when running, and they do, in fact, help absorb the shock of landing. But I never felt that Flash-like bolt of energy coursing through my body on the rebound. The feel and action of the lugs will take a little bit of getting used to (especially if you've been running in more typical running shoes for years), so that's something to consider.
The bigger downsides: the insane price tag ($175) and the fact that, despite being lighter than some of the shoes in this roundup (just over 9 ounces), they felt heavier and clunkier than all the others because of the added bulk.
WIRED Excellent way to improve your running form. Very breathable. Great flexibility. Once you adapt, the "Land-Lever-Lift" system is barely noticeable. Beginners can use them to develop good running form, while experienced runners already familiar with the Newton system will benefit, too.
TIRED That $175 price tag...phew! Adds a slight spring to your stride that takes some getting used to. Extra hardware in the sole makes them feel heavier than their 9 ounces. Heel is on the hard side.
Photos by Ariel Zambelich/Wired
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|Welcome / Willkommen
fair-pr.com is now hydrogenambassadors.com
Arno A. Evers, founder of the Group Exhibit Hydrogen and Fuel Cells at the annual HANNOVER FAIR in 1995 has transfered his domain www.fair-pr.com to Deutsche Messe AG, Hannover, Germany. Tobias Renz FAIR, Munich, Germany, will presume to be organizer of this renewed event promoting the hydrogen and fuel cell after 2010.
Arno will continue and develop his knowledge not only to be used by the hydrogen fuel cells community. Also other sectors can participate in his knowing, to gain important knowledge about correlations in the energy field. These include background informations with illustrative energy images and Internet reports about international H2/FC and energy conferences. Arno's EnergyIdeas reflect his point of view on current questions.
This book is providing a general overview of the current energy situation with a positive outlook to a possible "golden" future, introducing and explaining the direct solar hydrogen production as one possible way to a real sustainable and intelligent energy system.
|Arno A. Evers FAIR-PR • Starnberg • Germany • Tel: +49 172 832 6888 • Imprint / Contact


text: Meet a Doctor: Michael J. McKenna, M.D. Neurotologist Michael McKenna, M.D., started his medical career at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Today he is a Harvard Medical School Professor in the Department of Otology and Laryngology. Dr. McKenna is often hard at work in his National Institute of Health funded lab, where he seeks better ways to treat sensorineural hearing loss caused by otosclerosis, a disease where abnormal deposits of bone form in the ear. In addition to his research, "teaching is a critical and essential responsibility and essential to the future of medical care," says Dr. McKenna, who is the director of Mass. Eye and Ear's neurotology fellowship program. The fellowship provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the auditory and vestibular systems, facial nerve, temporal bone, lateral skull base and related head and neck structures. Many of Mass. Eye and Ear's neurotology fellows continue to learn as they assist with research in Dr. McKenna's lab. While he acknowledges the importance of teaching and research, Dr. McKenna says, "My primary responsibility, above all else, is patient care." Dr. McKenna's dedication to patient care and research came together in his involvement in the development of Mass. Eye and Ear's Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) Program. The Auditory Brainstem Implant is a surgically implanted electrical device that provides input to the auditory system for people without functioning auditory nerves. The device has been FDA approved for those who have hearing loss as a result of Neurofibromatosis, Type II. An ABI research facility is currently under construction at the Mass. Eye and Ear and will contain areas for clinical care and basic science research, headed by Mass. Eye and Ear neurotologist Ronald de Venecia, M.D., Ph.D., and Christian Brown, Ph.D. The facility is the first of its kind in the New England area. "It gives me great pleasure to know that Mass. Eye and Ear will have a hand in possibly improving this device and passing that knowledge on to future specialists and ultimately helping thousands of people with hearing loss," says Dr. McKenna. Dr. McKenna is seeing patients who would be potential candidates for this device. With further research, he and his colleagues hope to improve the function of the device, which currently offers hope to thousands of people with hearing loss. Dr. McKenna's Online Bio Request an Appointment Contact Us Today! 617-523-7900


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I get asked every so often to release the source code for my random art project. The original source is written in Ocaml and is not publicly available, but here is a simple example of how you can get random art going in python in 250 lines of code.
Download source: randomart.py
The idea is to generate expression trees that describe an image. For each point `(x,y)` of the image we evaluate the expression and get a color. A color is represented as a triple `(r,g,b)` where the red, green, blue components are numbers between `-1` and `1`. In computer graphics it is more usual to use the range `[0,1]`, but since many operations are symmetric with respect to the origin it is more convenient to use the interval `[-1,1]`. I kept the program as simple as possible, and independent of any non-standard Python libraries. Consequently, a number of improvements and further experiments are possible:
- The most pressing problem right now is that the image is displayed as a large number of rectangles of size 1×1 on the tkinter Canvas, which consumes a great deal of memory. You will not be able to draw large images this way. An improved version would use the Python imagining library (PIL) instead.
- The program uses a simple RGB (Red Green Blue) color model. We could also use the HSV model (Hue Saturation Value), and others. One possibility is to generate a palette of colors and use only colors that are combinations of those from the palette.
- Of course, you can experiment by introducing new operators. If you are going to play with the source, your first exercise should be a new operator. Make sure it maps the range `[-1,1]` back to `[-1,1]`.
- The program uses cartesian coordinates. You could experiment with polar coordinates.


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Google (GOOG) is having a weak quarter, Citi's Mark Mahaney says. In fact, much weaker than Wall Street ostensibly thinks: Mark's estimates call for a sequential drop of -7% in revenue versus the Street's -2%.
But Mark is actually optimistic, because in some of that fun double-secret Wall Street speak, Wall Street actually thinks that Q1 will be weaker than Wall Street says it thinks.
More importantly, Mark chatted with a few search gurus this week. They said that spending in January and February blew but that spending in March has since bounced back. (We had heard about the February weakness. The March bounceback is news).
- Q1 Search Trends Call - We hosted a call on Q1 Search Trends with 4 leading Search Engine Marketing (SEM) firms, incl: 1) David Kidder, CEO of Clickable; 2) Dema Zlotin, SVP of Strategic Services at Covario; 3) Josh Styleman, Managing Partner at Reprise Media; & 4) Roger Barnette, CEO of SearchIgnite.
- Q1 Search Is Clearly Weak - Panelists noted that Q1 Search spend is materially weaker than Q4. Covario, with high exposure to High Tech/Electronics verticals, sees Search spend tracking down 20%-30% in January & February, materially weaker than Q1:08, when spend was down 3% Q/Q. Reprise Media sees a high-single digit Q/Q decline vs. a more typical range of mid- to high- single digit decline. (For context, GOOG reported 9% Q/Q growth in Q1:08 & we are modeling Q1:09 7% Q/Q decline - vs. Street down 2%.) Extrapolating to GOOG's Q1 results is almost impossible, but our read keeps us cautious.
- ...But March Showing Significant Positive Q1 Linearity... - While business was weak in January & February, all panelists noticed a "snap back" in March Search spend. Covario stated that March spend among clients was tracking up 29% M/M, meaning that full quarter Search spend could be down more like 15%-20% vs. the 20%-30% in Jan/Feb. SearchIgnite also pointed out that March was on track to be its biggest ever in terms of client Search spend.
- ...And Q2 Is Expected To Be Up Sequentially - All panelists also agreed that they expect Q2 to be up vs. Q1. Covario expects Q2 to be up 10-15% vs. Q1. Search Ignite commented that Search client sentiment appeared to bottom in January/February. At the margin, this "relatively" positive Q2 outlook is consistent with the read from our March 17th call with international Search marketers (see 3/17 report). (For context, we and the Street are modeling 2% Q/Q revenue growth for Q2.) This expectation seems reasonable.
- CPCs & Conversions Down Y/Y; Paid Clicks Up - Panelists see Q1 CPCs (Cost Per Click) ranging from down low single digits to down 15% Y/Y. (We estimate GOOG's CPC down 9% Y/Y.) Clickable is seeing conversion rates down 5%-7% Y/Y. Q1 Paid Clicks, however, appear robust, up 20% Y/Y per Reprise Media. (We are modeling 10% Y/Y GOOG Paid Click growth.)
- Reiterate Buy - Q1 will be weak, but we believe that positive Q1 linearity & a relatively better/less worse Q2 outlook reinforce the Buy, with a close-to-trough multiple (15X) on close-to-trough EPS ($20-$21) suggesting only 10% downside.
We don't buy that 10% downside bit--no reason Google couldn't go right back to $250--but if March is looking up, that's certainly good news.
Get the latest Google stock price here.


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31B Military Police - Police Officer
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$54,590.00 -70,850.00/year*
Glasgow , MT
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31B Military Police - Police Officer
Job ID: 1056049
Job Views: 13
Location: GLASGOW, Montana, United States
ZIP Code: 59230
Job Category: Military Police
Posted: 11.15.2018
Age Requirements: Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
Job Description
Have you ever dreamed of making an impact? How about serving your community, State, and Nation? As a Military Police Officer for the Army National Guard, you'll do all of these things by protecting, defending, and upholding the law.
MPs support battlefield operations through circulation control, providing area security, conducting prisoner of war operations, supervising civilian internee operations, and carrying out law and order operations. MPs also support the peacetime Army community by protecting critical resources, implementing crime prevention programs, and preserving law and order.
Job Duties
* Law enforcement patrols
* Interview witnesses, victims, and suspects in investigations
* Crime scene security and processing
* Arrest and charge criminal suspects
Some of the Skills You'll Learn
* Basic warrior skills and use of firearms
* Military/civil laws and jurisdiction
* Investigating and collecting evidence
* Traffic and crowd control
* Arrest and restraint of suspects
Helpful Skills
* Interest in law enforcement
* Ability to make quick decisions
* Ability to remain calm under heavy duress
* Ability to interact well with people
Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience necessary to enjoy a civilian career in police forces and security firms.
Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
Job training for Military Police consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 20 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and on-the-job instruction, including practice in police methods. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field.
* Paid training
* A monthly paycheck
* Montgomery GI Bill
* Federal and State tuition assistance
* Retirement benefits for part-time service
* Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
* 401(k)-type savings plan
* Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
* Health care benefits available
* VA home loans
* Bonuses, if applicable
* Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change
* Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
* Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
* Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
* Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
* Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)
Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.
This position may qualify for a bonus, ask your National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information.
Associated topics: court marshal, access control, border security, fire, fire fighter, fire department, fire marshal, fire protection, misdemeanor, public safety
* The salary listed in the header is an estimate based on salary data for similar jobs in the same area. Salary or compensation data found in the job description is accurate.
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University of Vermont
Who We Are
The Carbon Dynamics Lab is supervised by Dr. William Keeton in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. We are interested in the social and biophysical processes that determine the stocks and fluxes of greenhouse gases between terrestrial systems and the atmosphere.
Our projects range widely, from inventory-based analysis of spatial and temporal patterns of forest carbon cycling at the national scale, to modeling analysis of forest management effects on carbon sequestration in the Northeast, to field studies of carbon cycling in local urban and suburban turfgrass systems.
Look around to learn more, and contact us if you'd like details.
Last modified January 21 2014 12:58 PM


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Posts By This Author
A Better Kind of Disaster Relief
"We can't wait any longer," Sen. Chuck Schumer declared to his colleagues on Monday. "Ninety-one days ago, Sandy struck a body blow against New York. Today, finally, we can strike back and give our people the help they need to get back on their feet."
Shortly following, the U.S. Senate passed a long-awaited $50.5-billion disaster aid package that was then sent to the White House for President Obama's signature.
Superstorm Sandy was the largest Atlantic hurricane on record, though it was only ever a Category 2 storm at its strongest and had weakened to a Category 1 storm by landfall. Nevertheless, due to its immense size, incredible amount of moisture, and record-breaking storm surge, it is estimated to be the second costliest storm in the history of the United States after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The Next Great Moral Movement
In my last column, "Three Numbers that Predict the Future of the Planet", I wrote about the state of the climate crisis and focused on three key data points that reveal a bleak, though not altogether hopeless, reality for us and for the rest of the planet.
As promised, this column is forward-looking and moves from describing the problem to prescribing the solution. To this end, I continue to draw heavily from the wisdom of Bill McKibben, Jim Ball, and other climate prophets who understand the times and are faithfully fighting to get us on the right track.
The way forward is not easy, but it will be good in the long run. Essentially, we need to set and enforce a limit on all remaining global warming pollution on the national and international scale, which will, we hope, keep warming to within 2oC. This will include some sort of pricing mechanism so that polluters have to take responsibility for paying for the costs of their own pollution. The problem is that we have not yet been able to muster the socio-political momentum necessary to reach these binding agreements. Turns out the polluters (largely the fossil fuel industry) don't want to have to clean up after themselves. They're also willing to fight with billions of dollars in campaign contributions and lobbying money to keep the status quo.
Three Numbers that Predict the Future of the Planet
The climate crisis is getting bad and we may be finally starting to notice. With increasingly crazy weather across America—scorching heat waves, massive fires, destructive derechos, devastating droughts—polls are starting to show a growing awareness of and concern for how our massive amounts of pollution are changing the weather and therefore changing our lives (mostly for the worse).
I know this is starting to sound alarmist and extreme. It should. Because reality is starting to get pretty desperate for those whose lives and livelihoods depend on a relatively stable and predictable climate. At the end of the day, that's all of us. The first to get hit, however—and they are currently getting hit hard—are those who grow and raise our food (farmers, ranchers, fishermen, etc.), those who are economically and physically vulnerable (the elderly, sickly, homeless, etc.), and those who just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time (the victims of these storms and fires). And while we're starting to feel the impact of climate change in the United States, our global neighbors in regions such as Africa have been the ones bearing the brunt of the suffering.
After decades of scientific studies and expert warnings, climate change is no longer something being debated; it is something being experienced. Let's just hope we do what's right to overcome this crisis before it is too late. Because "too late" may be coming a lot sooner than we realize, and "what's right" may be a lot harder than we want to accept.
Young Evangelicals Stepping Up on Climate Action
Good news: Evangelical Christians are stepping back up to overcome the climate crisis.
After months of careful preparation, a new national advocacy initiative called Young Evangelicals for Climate Action (Y.E.C.A.) has just gone live.
In seeking to live as Christ's disciples, Y.E.C.A. has come to see the climate crisis not only as a pressing challenge to justice and freedom, but also as a profound threat to "the least of these" with whom Jesus identifies in Matthew 25. The early effects of climate change are already impacting many of our neighbors, both in the U.S. and around the world, and our time to act is running short.


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2012 Prom Hairstyles, Updos and Makeup Ideas
2012 Prom Hairstyles, Updos and Makeup Ideas. Top hair trends for 2012 for girls going to prom. Finding the perfect hairstyle to match your prom dress is essential to pulling off your perfect prom night. From retro inspired hairstyles, to hair knots, side braids, and half up half down hairstyles, look below to find all … Continue reading


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WASHINGTON (September 10, 2013) —The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announce $3.7 million in awards as a part of the Documenting Endangered Languages (DEL) program.
With the completion of the ninth round of this ongoing collaboration to support scientists' efforts to document languages threatened by extinction, NSF and NEH partnered in the funding of institutional grants, fellowships, doctoral dissertation research improvement awards (DDRIGs), and training and workshop projects.
As the Catalogue of Endangered Languages (endangeredlanguages.com) confirms, on average, a language becomes extinct every three months. Lyle Campbell, director of the Catalogue of Endangered Languages notes, "Our findings confirm the common perception that on-going loss of language diversity in recent times has significantly accelerated."
The 2013 DEL awards support digital documentation of over 38 endangered languages spread across 19 language families spoken in South, Central, and northern Asia, Africa, Papua New Guinea, and the Americas.
"Languages are becoming obsolete at an alarming rate, taking with them valuable scientific and cultural information. Endangered language documentation allows us to investigate linguistic structures and cognitive systems prior to the loss of these languages, "noted Joanne Tornow, NSF's Acting Assistant Director for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.
The collaboration between NEH and NSF in support of endangered language documentation funds the creation of analytic dictionaries, reference grammars, and digital archives of endangered language corpora which include audio and video data. For example, an award to the University of Maine will allow Pauleena MacDougall, James Francis, and Conor Quinn to produce a digital dictionary of the Algonquian language, Penobscot, creating a resource for comparative research in the historical reconstruction of the Algonquian language family.
Several DEL grants will collect invaluable data to develop and test theories about language structure and change, and to reconstruct the linguistic histories of large and small communities. This year an award to the University of Oregon will support the research of Doris Payne and Alejandra Vidal who will compare the structures of two languages of Northern Argentina, Nivacle and Pilagá, to investigate how languages change under intense long-term contact.
"Documenting languages before they become extinct ensures that our heritage and linguistic diversity is not lost," said Acting NEH Chairman Carole Watson. "By supporting work with native speaker communities, the Documenting Endangered Language program enhances global understanding, creates valuable resources such as dictionaries, grammars and digital archives, and preserves and makes accessible to all this rich set of information.
The DEL Fellowship is an extremely flexible funding source that provides senior or junior researchers the opportunity to conduct new fieldwork or process previously collected data to complete documentary projects. Simeon Floyd will use his NEH DEL fellowship to complete a reference grammar of Cha'palaa, an indigenous language of Chachi people of Ecuador. Very little is known about languages spoken to the west of the Andes and this project will help fill that gap.
There are few avenues of support for doctoral research in endangered languages other than the DEL Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants. Randi E. Tucker, a doctoral student at the State University of New York at Buffalo, will conduct an in-depth study of landscape features of Diidxa za (also known as Isthmus Zapotec) spoken in Oaxaca, Mexico. She will explore the relationship of cognition, experience, and the abstract encoding of experience in language by comparing the lexical representation of landscape to the terrain occupied by speakers. Carolina Aragon, a doctoral student at the University of Hawaii, Manoa will document Akuntsu, a language spoken by one of the remaining isolated groups of Brazil to investigate the typological and historical relationships between Akuntsu and other languages of the vast Tupian family. This project comes at a critical time as there are fewer than 10 remaining speakers of this language.
DEL workshops are an essential mechanism for stimulating new avenues of research. These workshops create citizen scientists by training native speakers in basic linguistic analysis methodology, data collection, and digital archiving. This is the fourth time that the DEL program will support the Institute on Collaborative Language Research, a summer institute training linguists and language teachers in documentary methods. The institute will be directed by Colleen Fitzgerald at the University of Texas at Arlington.
A complete listing of this year's NEH and NSF DEL awards can be found here. Information about the Documenting Endangered Languages Program can be found on the NSF web site and on the NEH web site.


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The crockpot is our favorite winter tool to use in the kitchen, because it makes everything so easy!
Trying to lighten up in the New Year? These seafood recipes are right up your alley!
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But after having had an emergency board meeting – I have been told to explain it all to everyone else.
It all started yesterday afternoon while I was at work. Police Constable Bolter & friend knocked on our door (PMMS – please fix the downstairs security door for once & for all!!!) – and asked Nadira where I was.
Of course – for a woman alone in her flat to be confronted by 2 police men – asking to speak to her partner – is not the most pleasant of experiences – especially when they by-passed the security door. Nadira explained that I was at work – but got the impression that they didn't believe her.
They then asked her to tell me to call them about the community meeting. She then asked the most talkative one what his name was – and felt that he was reluctant to give it – but he did – and said I knew the telephone number – which I do as Neil & I sit on the local Safer Neighbourhood Team (Community Advisory Panel) meetings.
When I got a tea break at work – I gave him a call – thinking it was still going to be a nice friendly chat about the participants of the meeting – which I have a bit-part in organising as I also sit on the Hackney Wick Partnership meetings helping to organise this meeting.
What followed was a very one-sided conversation with PC Bolter stressing in his very professional manner - that he had been told by his sergeant that there were people using our blog who were organising to disrupt the meeting – and that at the first sign of any trouble – he would personally be arresting the trouble makers.
I listened in stunned silence as he proceeded to make me feel very guilty about having set up a local community blog. However he was trying to sound – he came across sounding as if he was warning me! Telling me – that if I had any influence (wink, wink) that I should dissuade these potential trouble makers from disrupting the meeting. Saying that there was talk of starting a fire – which he would again – personally – extinguish.
All in all the very one-sided conversation lasted about 5 minutes – and I felt like a little school boy being told off by Sir. I managed to get a few words in – but – to be honest – don't think he really heard me. He said he hadn't even seen our blog that he was warning me about.
So far – so text book. So far – so just doing his job. Someone complains about a neighbour. Local copper pays a visit to politely warn said neighbour about their behaviour. The more raised their voice, the more direct their language, the more they talk at you – the less you feel like being a bad neighbour.
In theory.
But let's look at the slightly bigger picture shall we?
Leabank Square is a stunning place to live. We all know just how lucky we are to have a cleverly designed square that discourages any anti-social behaviour, we have communal barbies, picnics, festivals, gardening clubs, cycling tours – and all the other things that we have written about on this blog. We are proud of Leabank Square – and so when something goes a bit skew – we want to make it better.
We lost Arena Fields – we tried to make it better – but the politicians then sold it off to the ODA.
We then started suffering with the noise & dust from the massive construction site next door – we are trying to make it better – by asking POLITELY for the ODA to be a better neighbour.
When they ignored us – we – STILL POLITELY – got a few more interested parties to ask them to be nicer neighbours.
When they started lying to us – we STILL VERY POLITELY asked our democratically elected representatives to ask questions on our behalf.
Then the fun began.
Some of our computers were co-incidentally hacked into. We started co-incidentally receiving silent phone calls on unlisted numbers. Some phone calls co-incidentally playing personal recorded phone calls made to friends were made. Some very personal messages were co-incidentally sent to me warning me off continuing campaigning for cleaner air & less noise.
And - so now - who co-incidentally suggested to the police to come over to chat to me? If Sergeant Port just happened to be surfing the local blogs & happened to come across our community blog & happened to be interested in the comments section (which I do not write) of one of hundreds of blog entries – then fair dues! He might suggest to his PC that he have a quiet word with the blog entry (which I do write) author.
But then I have met Sergeant Port & as I wrote in (http://hackneywick.blogspot.com/2008/12/safer-neighbourhood-team.html) back in December – I was very impressed with his hands-on approach to street work. I haven't heard about his web surfing prowess – yet – but I will be even more impressed if he still finds the time to surf local blogs after doing the fantastic street policing I know he does.
So the chat from PC Bolter in itself - is nothing out of the ordinary. He was just doing his job. Sure - he could have tried to listen to me a bit more – but he knows how to do his job far better than I do. But – it's just that he was co-incidentally asked to chat to me about another instance related to the ODA.
So who is behind all this?
I am not for even a second suggesting that it is the ODA at all. But then who is it? Not the LDA. Not the IOC. Not the Department of Culture, Media & Sport. Not Hackney Council. Not Morrisons. Not Boris Johnson. Not BAM Nuttal. Not David Higgins. Not Carillion. Not some over-enthusiastic Olympic Supporter. Not BOSS (anymore!).
But who?
And why?
Well…….. there are far more cleverer people than me who are very busy finding out for us. But in the meantime Leabank Square – please be very careful about what you say to anyone. You too might be branded a trouble-maker and may be visited by PC Bolter & friend.
The board of the LSRA is deciding whether or not to encourage the whole square not to go to the meeting. If there really are going to be agitators & fire-starters as PC Bolters intelligence suggests – then it might suggest that we all stay safely here in Leabank Square on the 22nd January.
In summary: The whole reason I am waffling on about all this – is that PC Bolter asked me to use my influence to dissuade any potential trouble-makers intent on disrupting the meeting. He then suggested that I not mention having a phone call with him. I tried by posting that (admittedly) rather confusing post about the meeting – and haven't stopped taking frustrated phone calls on the Leabank Square Residents Hotline (07535 054 997 as I never tire of reminding everyone!!).
The board then called an extra-ordinary meeting today to discuss this – and insisted I tell all.
We all have to keep reminding ourselves that we are a small, but tight-knit community residential square, and our only 'crime' was to engage our anti-social neighbours in some kind of dialogue to sort out the noise & dust.
So….. to all the police, protesters, Olympic people, squatters, construction people, angry Hackney Wickers, council people, bloggers, 'agencies', commentators, hackers, buggers & most of all……. firestarter agitators – BE NICE!!!


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Gitane joined art-punk band i n 1980ĀPompeii 99Āafter answering an ad placed byĀValor Kand. She joined Valor's band and the pair also become lovers, giving birth to a son, Sevan, in 1984, and later a daughter, Zara. Gitane stayed with the band when it joined withĀRozz WilliamsĀto become the new line-up of Christian Death, 1983. Gitane split from both Valor and Christian Death in 1989.
Gitane may have had an obvious background inĀpunkĀandĀdeathrock/gothic rock, but she also had a passion forĀjazzĀand a number of legendary female vocalists, most notablyĀBillie Holiday. Her visual image was no less intriguing, a rubber-cladĀS&MĀlook the order of the day, with theĀfetishĀtheme carried through into her lyrics (Demonix).
Gitane released a couple ofĀEPsĀearly in her solo career (eventually collected on the compilationĀFacets In Blue). She then renewed her friendship with former bandmate Rozz Williams, touring together and then recording an album "Dream Home Heartache" in 1995 which included both cover versions and their own material. She then paired up withĀMark IckxĀto produce a full-length album, released under the name 'Demonix', around the same time
Gitane recorded an album of her own entitledĀ"Am I Wrong?"Āin 1997. She also continued to provide guest vocals for bands on both sides of theĀAtlantic, and also released a compilation of the songs she sung in her Christian Death days. A second studio album,ĀStars of TrashĀ(again self-penned, but recorded with the assistance of the bandĀDreadful Shadows) followed in 2000.
Picking up the guitar in 2000, she wrote a series of songs, and with her daughter Zara on drums, created the band Crystelles. She released the lp Attach and Detach in 2009. A second lp was recorded; unfortunately the tapes were lost when the studio The Distillery, was shut down.
In 2008, she released a two disc DVD entitled "Life after Death" which was published by Cult Epics. The DVD contains various footage throughout her career including a live performance with Rozz Williams.
She has also performed/recorded with the experimental noise band +DOG+., hardcore punk band Ciril, Loopool, Goethe's Erben, Fucking Consumer, Bloody, Dead And Sexy, Dreadful Shadows. Her vocals/lyrics are featured on the electronica lp The Alpha Project, 1997.
In 2011, her surreal prose story The Blood was published by Poison Cabinet in Britain, in book form.
After the last European tour in 2011, Gitane put Crystelles on hiatus, in favor of focusing on vocal and solo work. Her new lp "The Reflecting Shadow" is the culmination of experiences taken from the past 14 years, which tested her survival skills as a human, artist, mother, friend, daughter, lover: the tales of this past are read into the songs on the album, which includes a booklet of lyrics. She is currently performing the album, released June 1st on French labels Manic Depression/ Alone Prod.on cd. A vinyl release is expected in the near future on Ad Nauseum Records, Hollywood, CA.
Gitane is also involved recording an lp for new project Hedone Tears, a collaboration with Jean-Paul Garnier (Loopool), and Syphillis Sauna. She plans to record a collection of dark jazz standards in the next year, while writing her next solo lp.
Official videos for "The Reflecting Shadow" are on youtube: "The Star" and "The Creep", created by Jean-Paul Garnier. Gitane's work is available digitally through CD Baby and I-tunes.Ā
01 The Star
02 Don't Look For Comfort [audio=audio/GitaneDemone.mp3]
03 Hospital Bed
04 The Creep
05 Crush
06 Undressed For Love
07 Dream Child
08 There Is A Man
09 L'Etoile
Agent Side Grinder
Ain Soph Aur
Bleib Modern
Box and the Twins
Breathing of Bones
Camp Z
Christine Plays Viola
Crimson Muddle
Crying Vessel
Date at Midnight
Dead Astropilots
Dear Deer
Dividing Lines
Drama of the Spheres
Factice Factory
Fear Incorporated
Geometric Vision
Gitane Demone
In Memoria
Jacquy Bitch
Kentin Jivek
Kill Shelter
Les Tķtines Noires
Living Temples
Logical Tears
Lotus Feed
My Great Blue Cadillac
Night Train To Nowhere
Noctule Sorix
Nova et Vetera
People of Nothing
Principe Valiente
Second Still
Secret Sight
She Pleasures Herself
Soul Stalker
The Agnes Circle
The Cemetary Girlz
The Doctors
The Insight
The Spoiled
Trouble Fait'
Twin Tribes
Veil of Light
Violet Stigmata
Visions in Clouds
Winter Severity Index
You, Vicious!
Zuruck Placenta
© 2019 Manic Depression Records


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Apple is expected to announced the iPad 3 next week, but a mystery that still remains is the launch date for it. Also, the week before a major Apple event gets crazy for the rumor mill. Now, The Houston Chronicle reports that Apple's upcoming Highland Village retail store will be opening on Friday, March 16.
According to the report, the store was originally scheduled to open in January, but due to delays caused by construction, the opening was pushed back to Saturday, March 17th. However, just weeks ago the opening was moved up by a day to March 16, which leads to speculate that the company maybe looking to have the store open for an iPad 3 launch on that day.
This date would be similar to the company's launch of the iPad 2 a year ago. Last year, Apple announced the iPad 2 on March 2nd, and the device was made available in the U.S. just over a week later, on March 11th. An international launch occurred a few weeks later, on March 25th.
Apple's new Highland Village store is among the first of the retail stores to be based on a prototype design from the company's s Upper West Side store in Manhattan.