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Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Team Canada - time for a change?
We have just finished a funding cycle where the importance of winning a gold medal overrode all other considerations, though proponents of selection dispute that there is a useful distinction between what is good for Canada's medal prospects and what is good for the sport as a whole.
As we approach a new quadrennial, there is an opportunity for participants in wheelchair curling to say whether there should be change.
Opponents of the current national squad system argue that moving away from curling's traditional "win to play" method of Team Canada selection discriminates against wheelchair users on the basis of their disability. It prevents them from having the same opportunity to represent their country, by winning a provincial and then national title, as able-bodied curlers.
The present selection system stresses the importance of a successful national team in generating funding, some of which, says the CCA's Gerry Peckham, trickles down to aid the development of the sport at the grassroots. He feels that selection is necessary if Canada is to field the strongest possible team and have the best possible chance for success on the world stage, and disputes the notion that having a separate system for Canada's wheelchair curlers is discriminatory.
He notes that all other countries select their teams and Canada needs to field a team that can successfully compete against them. Over the next couple of years he hopes national coaches will be spending more time working with wheelchair curlers across the country, and will be looking for those individuals with the skills to join the high performance pool."
Does national team selection help or hinder grass roots participation? Would proponents of "win to play" be prepared to forgo funding from organizations such as Own The Podium predicated on a selection system? How would the winner of a national championship have time and resources to prepare for a World Championship, even if the Canadian Nationals were scheduled before the Worlds? (The 2011 Nationals are scheduled a month after the 2011 Worlds.)
Add your thoughts to the comments below.
I have always been a proponent of individual team formation at the provincial level, and for wheelchair teams to be offered the same opportunities granted to able-bodied curling teams. Most countries are satisfied with just enough wheelchair curlers to qualify for World Curling Federation events. But Canada has the facilities, resources, nation-wide coaching and pool of potential curlers to allow an internationally competitive team to qualify through a national championship.
Policies for the sport are decided at the CCA's Annual General Meeting coming up in June. Every province sends representatives who vote on motions presented to that meeting. If you have an opinion on how our sport should be organised, discuss it here, but also make your opinions known to your provincial association. They represent you, and can't know what you think unless you tell them.
If you have formed a wheelchair curling association affiliated to your provincial association, make sure your association's views are reported to your province and then to the CCA's AGM.
If the principles governing the organization of Team Canada are to change, now is the time for that to happen. The present system has produced titles. It has not driven participation across Canada. Would a change of method in selecting Team Canada change that? Would the sport grow from the present 20 or 25 teams nationally, or would, as Peckham noted, it shrink as is happening in all other areas of curling as curlers realise that only elite teams can hope to succeed?
Let those making the decisions for the next four years know how the people who play and support our sport feel about its future direction.
52 comments:
I believe that the answer is a challenge of Team Canada by the National Champion. It provides the best of both worlds. The National champion, hopefully with its team that the players have picked could challenge the Select Team. I think it is plausible, should be embraced, and the playoff should be a best of five or even seven series to be named at the same time the National championship is named. For instance, the 2011 championship was announced recently, and the 2011 challenge should be announced at the same time, at a site and time where the winner has time to utilize the National coaching and work-up for the 2012 World Championships. I think this is plausible, especially it we don't expect Team Canada to hang their hat on a sudden-death play-off, where one picked rock could change the entire system. Should the National winner beat Tema Canada three out of five, or four out of seven, then they deserve to replace the Select Team.
If Team Canada are so good, they shouldn't have any problem with the challenge.
- May 26, 2010 at 3:48 PM
That is EXACTLY where it shoul go. It gives the CCA an opportunity to assess their high-peerformance program against the provincial programs. Politically, it would satisfy people like myself, since it means I do have a shot at becoming Team Canada.
- May 27, 2010 at 7:47 AM
Wheelchair curling has come a long way over the last few years. I've had the opportunity to curl against some strong teams and players across Canada.
Every Provincial team has one goal in mind; to win the Nationals and go on to represent Canada internationally. As it stands now you could win the Nationals and that's it.
All provincial teams compete in their provincial championships for the right to represent their province. We all train hard for this honour with the goal of winning the nationals and representing Canada.
It is now time for us to stand (no pun intended) together and let our provincial associations know we would like them to fight for our right to represent Canada internationally.
This would help the development of the sport if all players know that they would be treated as able-bodied teams. Winning a national event earns you the honour of representing Canada. More and more players could be drawn to the sport knowing the awards for winning are big. As it is now with a selected team, good qualified teams/players could be overlooked, never to be given the chance to represent Canada.
The Nationals should run like the Hearts. The Host team should be dropped and replaced by the present Team Canada. Team Canada would then play against all the provincial teams. The winning team would then become Team Canada and go on to representing Canada for that year.
Ken Gregory
Team Bradford
- May 27, 2010 at 10:03 AM
- Collinda Joseph said...
I agree with all comments here so far. It is time to begin thinking about making the national champion team Canada before the 2014 Paralympic Games. There is plenty of time in the cycle to make it right. I truly believe that having a selected team Canada will continue to hurt the sport at the grassroots level. I don't know how many times I've had to explain, much to people's amazement, the process of selection for wheelchair curling's Team Canada. Their response is consistently, "then what's the point of having a national champion?" I never know what to say!!
And while the CCA believes that national team coaches will be getting out there to see curlers and ensure they select the right athletes to be part of the national team pool will continue to be successful. There is no way two or three people can travel across Canada and identify people who would make up the national team pool when there are so few chances for other curlers to be seen. Not unless the CCA has a bucket of money it's willing to commit to this process. It doesn't work - and will continue to fail. Canada may have gotten results on the podium - which is great for Canada - but not great for the development of this sport. A number of us have the desire to compete internationally and it's our intention to make it to the Paralympic Games - but without the opportunity to be seen on a regular basis by national team coaches or others who would be choosing the "pool" our goal will never be attained unless there is a change to the way Team Canada is established in this sport. It's true other countries select their teams, but as you stated Eric, Canada has plenty of clubs that are accessible, we now have 9 provincial teams at nationals - and most got there with a play down at the provincial level - so there are plenty of wheelchair curlers out there who have not been given a shot at national team pool status - nor will they ever see that shot in the current system.
- May 27, 2010 at 12:29 PM
The problem is that the National Champion will be from one province, and who is going to believe that is the best team that Canada can put on the ice? For the immediate future, since our numbers per province stay relatively smll, and the CCA have to be concerned with results internationally, let them put up their Team against the National winners......it is healthy, and works for all. If the CCA is convinced their Select Team is the one to represent Canada, then if a National Winner can beat them, then let the CCA swallow their pride and have the winner represent Canada. At this point, pushing for this is so much better (and likely) than maintaining the status quo.
Remember, competitive side of the CCA HAS to do their best to insure top results internationally.
- May 27, 2010 at 2:31 PM
The above blogger is right on the money. Don't try to dictate to the CCA, who have demands to be competitive internationally (for sponsors, and as "Canada"), and toss out a program that has now been proven to be successful. Rather, push for an acceptable alternative that gives everyone a chance, including the CCA tosubstantiate their Program. Remember, though, the CCA has everything to lose politically, and nothing to gain. So, embrace that, and work with them, rather than against them.
- May 27, 2010 at 3:52 PM
All are very interesting comments and it is clear from the only people who have spoken yet on this blog that everyone wants a change.
I encourage all of you to speak with your club representative that attends your provincial meetings so that the process can be brought forward to the CCA. If many of the provinces speak up for change and 2 of them put a motion forward and second(ed), then the CCA will have to vote on it won't they?
At a mimimum it should be the National winner gets a shot best of seven ( must win four) with the Canadian picked team. The only way we will know for sure, is to try it.
Just a last thought..... What if the national teams got together and hand picked there own teams i.e. Manitoba skip, Alberta third, Ontario second etc etc etc. and then these picked teams played in a qualifier to play team Canada for the right to be Team Canada.... I find it interesting???? What about you?
- May 28, 2010 at 7:18 AM
A very interesting debate with some well thought out alternatives. I wud like to commend both Ken and Collinda for being strong enough to put their names to what they believe in. I wud like to comment on some points that were raised in the initial article....the only discrimination involved is whether you are on his "I curled with you before list"....if u are not on that list forget it.... Gerry Peckham is dead wrong again when he says some of the funding trickles down to the grass roots level.....to me grass roots wheelchair curling is the weekly curling where everyone regardless of disability comes out to curl....it costs money to run this type of program, ice rental, etc. The Capital Wheelchair Curling Club is located in Ottawa as is the CCA headquarters and not once have they offered to help or even shown interest in our program...they know we exist as they have "used" us when they sent thier commissioned photographer to build up a library of stock photos of wheelchair curling.
At the world level all teams may have been selected but if memory serves me correctly a club team from Germany did very well at world class spiels over the last couple of years....also one must remember that there are countries who have no choice but to use the selection process due solely to lack of numbers of curlers.
Why should we for go funding from "own the podium"? I must admit I am assuming here but I doubt very much that the mens/ladies teams had to for go funding because they were not a "selected" team. The wheelchair champion would find time & resources just like the mens/ladies do.
It would not necessarily have to be the "current" calendar year winner that attends the worlds...the seniors manage quite well.....
According to Peckham able bodied curling is not growing because of the perception that only elite teams can win....it is even worse with a selection method as then only elite individuals can succeed.
I like the idea of having Team Canada attend the Nationals...the only advantage they would have over the remainder of the field is that they have been exposed to high performance training ... which leads me to ask when are the rest of the wheelchair curlers in Canada going to be introduced to the "secret" new and improved delivery techniques that were shown to Team Canada prior to the Paralympics.
To work with the CCA is impossible as it is "their way" or no way. For the person who says the CCA stands to lose politically....who cares...this is curling and not politics....we can not let ourselves be bogged down in that quagmire...we must break out of that "mould"....why would we question the fact that the national winner would be all from one province and that not necessarily wud be the best team...in ladies/mens/seniors/mixed/juniors the teams are all from one province and are accepted without question as being the best team in Canada for that given year so why wouldn't wheelchair curling be the same ????
The unfortunate fact is that we are fighting an uphill battle as sadly the "minds" at the CCA are not open to any innovative ideas. If we don't work together we will never win.....
- May 28, 2010 at 8:49 AM
We have to quit whining and start doing. But let's be practical. I doubt a wholesale shift in attitude is going to happen, so let's try to move the goalposts. I truly believe that the CCA could be approached with a play-off between Team Canada and the National winner in a best of five or seven series. Remember, the present program has proven to be VERY successful internationally, and this makes it hard to argue with the present format. However, if the CCA believes in its own success, it should believe in its own team, and put them out there. not in a sudden death format, but in a series, where the best team would certainly show.
BUT let's get a consensus on this site, and quit simply whining and going nowhere. I doubt the CCA has much appetite for whiners, but may well look at viable alternatives.
- May 28, 2010 at 10:22 AM
The last comment absolutely nailed it. we get no where with mindless whining. Give the CCA a reasonable suggestion and they have to be reasonable. Continuous whining with no direction has got us no where to date, nor will it in the future. Remember, though, that we don't have much bargaining position given the success Canada has had to date. I really think that a best of five or seven series has REAL merit. How can the CCA argue it? They know that in a multiple game series, the best team will prevail. That is why Team Canada will not be playing in the Nationals.....a one game shot is simply too risky.....one bad end, one picked rock, whatever, and the game is lost. In a best of 5, if Team Canada cannot win, then they should not be going, and any team that can win that series should be going.
- May 28, 2010 at 11:51 AM
We are at the start of a new Olympic cycle. Team Canada should expect other teams to be looking to beat them. I hope that some teams get some cash together and chase the competition down. The men and women do it , There are plenty of teams that have drafted a player in from another province or team to make themselves stronger. That would show some commitment and bring some very good players together . I hope the w/c curlers do the same. Lets hope we do not see all the same teams at Nationals AGAIN. The league needs to grow !
- May 28, 2010 at 2:14 PM
Great points made regarding a play-off. As for Team Canada playing in the Nationals....I can't see it......one bad end and the present program is defeated. BUT if we can beat them best of five, the CCA has to agree to send the winner.
As for the whining about Peckham, get real. He is head of competitve development, not grass roots. He has developed a program that has provided winners. End of story.
- May 28, 2010 at 2:52 PM
If Team Canada won(which they would very easily,you would try and figure out something different for 2012 maybe best out of 10. Come on people if you truly think you are good enough then make the top 15 for a start. The 5-6 that made the last team earned it fair and square and proved it with the Gold and World Championship wins. The CCA has done a tremendous job let them decide the future process.
- May 28, 2010 at 3:28 PM
The above comment is certainly valid, and is a great argument for the CCA. It is hard to argue with success, when that is the objective of the international program preparation is all about. I still think, though, with a modicum of fairness to all, they should entertain some sort of play-off/challenge. I get the fact that they cannot hang the program on a single game, but the suggestion of a 5 or 7 game challenge has appeal, and I am sure to most. What does everyone think? How about you, Bruce, you are very vocal and negative about the CCA. Do you think this would appease?
- May 28, 2010 at 5:21 PM
CCA takes a paternalistic approach to wheelchair curling, they think they know what is best for us. That is something those of us who really live in a chair deal with on a daily basis, It's not likely to change any time soon.
They somehow choose those that they want in the pool with no real standards or requirements that are visibly attainable.
I guess the question is how does one become a member of the "pool"? Do you know? I don't and I don't know where to get that information. CCA seldom if ever responds to emails.
There seems to be a group on this site that feel they are just as good as the Team Canada members and they probably are but the problem as I see it is how do you prove it.
To me the simplest approach would be to have try out camps where people who think they are top seeds can demonstrate their abilities by performing certain technical skills. Something that is measurable. If they are successful then they can proceed to the next level to see how they perform in competition and also how they interact with other teammates. As we are aware there appeared to be some ego problems that arose with the last elite team that had to be addressed. The final group has to meld and work as a team.
My explanation is simplistic but there isn't a lot of room to get into details here but is meant to be food for thought.
- May 29, 2010 at 9:08 AM
Actually, I understand that the latest Team canada succeeded becaues the egos were not in the way. That was their big positive was it not?
- May 29, 2010 at 12:05 PM
I agree that there are a solid hndful of players that can throw well enough, and that team dynamics would be next up for priority. I don't know if present Team Canada has ego issues, but it was obvious that previously there were major issues
- May 29, 2010 at 12:15 PM
CCA did it right this past two years, carrying two women, which other than Great Britain was unheard of. CCA palns for international success, not grassroots involvement with a view that high end success will set an example for grassroots to shoot for.
- May 29, 2010 at 12:29 PM
- Eric Eales said...
From reading the comments so far it seems to me that most are prepared to cede the legitimacy of a selection process. That is all that is required for there to be no hope of significant change.
If there is a selection process it will be run by the same people, and I know they think they are doing what is in the best interests of the CCA and the sport generally. It is hard to argue that a different selection process would generate more medals.
I believe that the best chance for change comes from an argument based on principle, not pragmatism.
Is denying people who curl from wheelchairs the same opportunity to represent their country offered to non-wheelchair curlers, unacceptable discrimination?
To those who say you can't argue with success, I say of course you can. You can argue that the same level of success is obtainable in a non-discriminatory system. You can argue that the price of present success is too high in costs that impede the growth of the sport. I could go on.
Gerry Peckham, who is the person charged with implementing policy, told me that he can think of nothing worse than presenting a Team Canada that did not have a chance to win. This is an understandable and perhaps admirable attitude for a high performance coach. He is convinced that not only does the present system offer the best opportunity to field a winning team, but that there is no practical alternative.
His arguments, I believe, can only be countered by insisting they violate a principle more important than winning a medal: that present national team selection policies discriminate against wheelchair curlers. (I know Peckham categorically rejects that claim.)
How to attempt change? The CCA implements policies proposed by member associations as noted by Wayne Ficek in an earlier post. If it is the policy of your provincial association that changes should be made to the way Team Canada for wheelchair users is chosen, they can force the CCA to change.
I suspect that many able-bodied delegates will sympathise, as pressure is building for Canada to move the able-bodied game in line with wheelchair curling.
Failing that, a five or whatever game playoff seems at least a small step in the right direction.
- May 29, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Eric, I feel that a playoff is not a small step but a HUGE step in carrying on down this path. It will take a couple of years at least, since quite honestly, I cannot see our National winners taking out Team Canada in a best of five this year, but at least the opportunity has been presented, and that is the big thing. Le the results develop with time, but let's get the option underway. As someone said earlier, it would give our high end domestice teams a yardstick to measure with. It would be an opportunity for the domestic team to become Team Canada. As other have said, whining for the sake of whining will fall on deaf ears. Providing an alternative that is embraced by the grassroots goes far.
- May 29, 2010 at 2:05 PM
So how do you get a chance to try out for Team Canada?
- May 30, 2010 at 8:41 AM
The above blogger has it right. Now how do we get it going?
- May 30, 2010 at 9:02 AM
An interesting debate--all in all.
As someone who has been involved in wheelchair curling for five years now as a coach, I resent the notion that those that disagree with the CCA's policies and actions are whinners. Those that are labled as "whinners" are not having their curling activities handed to them on a silver platter. Each team puts out over $12,000 --- largely from their own pockets and fundraising throughout their communities. They don't have anyone to arrange their travel or accomodations--they do it themselves. They don't have anyone to gather up their equipment, pack it and make sure it makes the trip--they do it themselves. And they don't have the training resources avaialble to them that the current program has---they do it themselves. Yet when you look at the performance statistics at the National fianals and semi finals and compare them to the performance stats at the Worlds-- pretty similar numbers.
Why not try this. Have Team Canada entered in the 2011 Nationals (they fill the bill for being from one province anyway--Sorry Bruno). The winner of the Nationals would represent Canada at the 2012 World's. If per chance, Team Canada isn't as good as the powers that be think they are, and another team should win in 2011, then that team would have the benefit of one years worth of training and resources from the CCA to get ready for the 2012 event. If Team Canada can't win in a 9 game round robin plus page playoff system at the Nationals, then they should not be the Country Representative anyway.
- May 31, 2010 at 6:59 AM
Hi everyone, I think our first step forward needs to be at the provincial level - contact Prov Curling coaches ie BC - Melissa Soligo by email and tell her your point of view and then she can ensure our province has a a stand based on what all WC Curlers of BC want. I personally would like to see a best of seven playoff of the CCA selected team against the previous years National Championship team to occur before Nationals and worlds.
The winning team be the "team Canada" to attend in place of the "Host"prov team at the Nationals. Then the winner of the Naionals then goes to the worlds. This enables the loser to compete at the provincial level for another shot at the title through the Nationals right?. This is how we start it fresh. The Best will win. Remember curling is strategy, skill, luck and belief as a team a GREAT SKIP, a GREAT THIRD, a GREAT second and GREAT leads getting it done together. Pulling together lifting one anther up when needed.
In abled bodied curling all team members reside in their province they represent - don't they?
Corinne Jensen
- May 31, 2010 at 10:43 AM
Corrine, if I understand you, theere would be a best of seven playoff BEFORE Nationals, essentially to determine the "Host Team" and then the Team Canada plays in the Natioals with the winner representing Canada. Too unwieldy, and too costly. If that is where you are headed, simply place Team Canada into the Nationals, and the winner is Team Canada. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening.
Team Canada is challenged by the National champion soon after the National championships. The winner of a best of whatever play-off are Team Canada for the fiollowing year, wth a summer and fall season to prepare for the Worlds.
- May 31, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Sorry, Guys,
The CCA MAY consider some type of best of 5 or 7 playoff, but they are NOT going to put their program on the block in a sudden death national final.
I strongly suggest we embrace a play-off, and embrace it soon, since we are at the start of another four year cycle.
- May 31, 2010 at 11:51 AM
If we want to ensure the best team representing Canada, it cannot be in a sudden death playoff. remember, without sweeping, all could be settled on a picked rock. in able-bodied, although sudden death, any one of the last four teams would likely win at worlds. in wc curling, our numbers simply don't provide that kind of depth.
The CCA have a proven, winning program for Team Canada, and I doubt they are particularly inclined to put it all on the line for a one shot playoff. Make it a challenge between Team Canada and the national winner in a best of five, and i think the CCA may bite. Other than that forget it for a few years.
- May 31, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Carl has it right....just enter them as Team Canada in the nationals....at present that is a 9 game round robin and if a page system is used does that not give them ample games to prove their prowess. If they end up 3rd or 4th then sudden death comes into play but ending up there should already indicate that they are not the invincible team that eveyone wants to make them out to be. If the CCA has "invented" this fool proof undefeatable team, then have them prove it by entering them in the Nationals.....seems pretty simple to me....does anyone REALLY know the reason that the CCA has avoided/refused to enter Team Canada in the Nationals ?????
- May 31, 2010 at 12:43 PM
I think she meant is CCA team plays against the National winners and if they loose then they must win at the provincial playdowns which then this means they have to abide by the residential rules of the curling rules in Canada. This in turn ensures the "choices of the National teams may change. 4 out of five at the Paralympics were all BC players. If this is not done they will continue to always "cherry pick" from the country on a whole which is what we want to be changed.
- May 31, 2010 at 12:59 PM
Reality is we are trying to undermine a proven successful Team Canada Program. Since the CCA has to answer to others for funding, why would they want to jeopardize a program that ain't broken?
Let's move things along with endorsing a best of whatever playoff with the National champions, and let's get behind this sooner rather than later. I know this would be a HUGE move in the right direction.
- May 31, 2010 at 1:16 PM
- Eric Eales said...
Some have questioned why change a system that produces medals. Some people think that Team Canada exists only to win medals. Here are some reasons for change.
The present Team Canada selection is discriminatory in that it denies opportunity offered to able-bodied curlers.
Team Canada honours should be about participation in the sport nationally, and not exist independent of the domestic game.
It is a mistake to allow a high-performance coaching perspective to dictate the development of the sport at the grassroots. The goals may not be the same, and may be contradictory.
A high performance pool once established becomes exclusionary and self-perpetuating. It also fails to develop talent outside the pool.
The present selection process is opaque, leading to secrecy by those within, and resentment from those outside.
Here are my suggestions for what to do if you want change.
Get everyone you know to familiarise themselves with the issues in this discussion, Email extracts if it would help. Then working ideally as wheelchair associations, but also as teams or even as individuals, contact the representative of your club to your province's AGM. Discuss what you want, and ask for a motion to be put to that AGM. If it passes it becomes provincial policy and if enough provinces agree, it becomes CCA policy.
Here are the three main arguments as I understand the discussion thus far.
Make the national champion become Team Canada as in other parts of curling.
Have the national champion play a series against the selected Team Canada with the winner becoming the following year's Team Canada.
Keep the present system, but make it more transparent, with open trials and open competition for places.
Change can happen. The WCF was adamantly opposed to power chairs, but lobbying by lots of people brought the enough delegate votes to change policy.
Whatever you decide, the time to act is now.
- May 31, 2010 at 5:13 PM
I really think we should land on a consesus, whatever it is and put forward a unified front
- June 1, 2010 at 4:31 PM
I agree with Carl. Team Canada should make themselves available for the Canadian Nationals 2011 in Edmonton. I think there High performance training should be showcased for all of us to see. It sounds like they need to show the rest of Canada why they are the best in the World ! I think they would win and in doing so help develop all teams that competed against them.
- June 1, 2010 at 4:31 PM
I'm not that convinced that they would win. That's selling the other teams short. I think any of the teams that medal regularly at the Nationals could challenge their abilities.
- June 2, 2010 at 9:24 AM
Curling is a sport that will almost always show the best team in a series against another team, but in a sudden death format, which the Nationals are, anything can happen. Don't expect the CCA to put their program at that kind of risk, especially when ALL the pressure would be on Team Canada in a sudden death play-off.
Work on the CCA accepting a best of five play-off against the National Champions. I do not see Team Canada playing in the Nationals for some time. Remember, even in a best of five series, the only team with pressure on them is Team Canada.
- June 2, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Well, with all due respect, the last few Nationals have been won always with present or previous National players.
- June 2, 2010 at 11:31 AM
What motivation does the CCA have to change something that obviously is not broken? They have used a Selction process that has matured and provided a World Championship and a Paralympic Championship since its inception. As I understand it, they had a four year plan that culminated in Vancouver this year.
I wonder if the Nationals this year at the same time was a coincidence, or was it meant to bring fresh blood to the national program of selection? Perhaps we should be using the Nationals as the initial qualifier for fresh blood, since not many players would be missed that were not at Nationals. That is how weak the provincial WC playoffs are. Let's see, other than B.C. and Ontario, are there even provincial playoffs that are reasonable competitive? Given that, is not playing at a National event a pretty big thing for someone that has never experienced National playoffs? Do they need to be put under the scrutiny of internatial play like our present Team Canada?
We are early in our development, and the CCA keeps us at the forefront internationally while we develop prvincially.
- June 2, 2010 at 12:47 PM
Hello, Eric:
I have not been on here for a while, and read your start of thios blog.
I hear your passion for a National Champion representing Canada, but do you really think it would provide for an international winner?
Ask Gary, Rich and the boys if they think they are on the same level as Team Canada? Would they even make the last ten in today's environment? I am not being mean, just realistic.
I think international success is a part of maintaining funding and a future for our sport. Remember, where were we a mere ten years ago?
- June 2, 2010 at 12:59 PM
With all due respect---I don't think I understand this argument about the CCA not putting Team Canada into a "Sudden Death" situation. The Nationals are -- today --a nine game round robin series with a page playoff system. Where is the sudden death sitiation in that--unless you are automatically assuming that Team Canada would in fact make it to the final an loose on a "pick" (No tattered brooms or old grippers to worry about here folks). The format is the same as that used in the Brier and the Scotties--and from time to time the best team doesn't win there either--although the best team that week almost certainly wins. As Mark says, Team Canada should win anyway (wink wink--nudge nudge)---but in this format they would have EARNED the right to represent the Country on the world stage.
- June 2, 2010 at 1:40 PM
Get serious.....the top ten AB teams in Canada would/should win at Worlds any given year.....can you say that about WC curling? Therein lies the issue.
- June 2, 2010 at 7:13 PM
Point taken...we don't have the depth to insure a real positive result at Worlds....can you imagine not qualifying?
- June 2, 2010 at 7:36 PM
I have had the honor and privilege of having played in the nationals the last three years with many fine curlers. Included in this group have been elements of the present Team Canada and past team Canada's. I believe our game is soundly competitive at the national level.
If the change is to take place, the time could not be any better at the beginning of a new four year cycle.
I have read with great interest the blog comments. I really wish that persons would put their names but I do understand their wish to not be known. It will never be on the agenda of CCA if the individual groups of wheelchair curlers do not contact their curling association reps to CCA and ask it to be there. It is our loss if we post to blogs and do no diligence. I would like to know what individual provinces think and not by anonymous comment. The CCA meetings are not more than a week away so get to it if you want it considered. Maybe Eric can ask CCA if it is on their radar.
The issue as I see it is whether CCA is ready for change and can tolerate what they might perceive as a risk in change. After all it is the risk that would be their main concern. Most change decisions are plus and minus considerations. Resistance to change can only be eliminated by communication and testing or piloting. They worry about the risk of not winning medals, losing national sponsorship and the administrative changes on their end and what that would mean at CCA.
The plus side of change is always difficult to see. In this case the change would result in the grassroots players having something at a higher level to play for. It would encourage practice and commitment in provincial programs. Persons in the provinces would be motivated by the opportunity to improve their financial well being by being carded athletes. More persons might come to play the game.
For the CCA to see if the time for change is right they must test the waters and communicate. They could have the present Team Canada play mini series against a variety of the present provincial teams. They could hold expanded training camps and see players side by side with National team members. Then at Christmas they could decide if the time is right to have them go head to head at Nationals to win it all or have them enter at nationals as a further test of the competition level with no commitment to the winner in 2011 being Team Canada.
Above all CCA should be communicating to the curlers in Canada. Eric's site gives them a ready venue. Put articles telling us how selection works, their views on training and other key facets important to all the curlers. No communication will mean resistance to change. No testing or piloting will mean resistance to change. Watch for these signs.
- June 3, 2010 at 1:58 PM
I am one of the provincial representatives attending this year's CCA NCC later this month. Thank you Mr Rutt for bringing the issue to my attention and thank you for those blogging/commenting herein.
The general consensus seems to be that there is time for change. I cannot disagree.
The current national process makes sense and works when you are trying to develop a segment of our sport. The CCA has, in my opinion done a wonderful job of doing just that - developing the sport to a national/international level.
However, the time may(stress "may") be ripe for a change since there are now a number of highly successful WC teams competing at local, provincial and national levels.
I must confess that I'm not really in favour of a "different" type of competition to that currently enjoyed at the Brier or Scotties - yes Virginia there is a difference between the two with a Team Canada for the Scotties!
A sudden death game somewhere in the process makes for great TV and allows clubs/arenas to capitalize on a defined final -"come see the finals of X next Sunday at 2:00" brings money and in some cases a lot of it - to wit the Superbowl!
To get an item on the CCA NCC agenda takes lead time and a lot of work.....I'm willing to do the work but I need some assistance from you the WC curlers.
Drop me a line at firstname.lastname@example.com and I will respond as long as the note in not from Annon and let's together try and put something in place that reflects the views of you the WC.
Again thanks for bringing this issues forward.
- June 4, 2010 at 5:51 AM
The Ontario Curling Association (OCA) has started the process by reaching out to the competitive wheelchair curlers in Ontario for a consensus that they can take to the very soon upcoming CCA meeting.....PLEASE reach out to ur provincial association so we can have a common front at the CCA meeting......for the "annie mousie" who thinks that any of the top 10 AB (able bodied) teams in Canada could win at the worlds has a lot of blind faith.....check the facts and they are....in the last ten years, the world's mens has been won by a team other than Canada four times and six times at the ladies worlds and that was with the BEST Canada had to offer....not the 10th best...
And a BRAVO ZULU to all those who put their name to their thoughts/opinions....
- June 4, 2010 at 9:08 AM
Hello, AnniMouse here.
Just to chip in a bit. The number of wc curlers does not support a wholesale change in the program. How many provinces even have a play-off to go to Nationals....about half, and how many of these are really competitive? You are expecting the CCA to give up a proven and successful program, and risk it all on a single sudden death game?
I just don't see it happening any time soon, nor should you.
Let's try to get the play-off with Team Canada, and as it gets more competitive, move right into National trials with Team Canada as a participant.
- June 4, 2010 at 12:32 PM
- Eric Eales said...
I am reliably informed that the issues we have been discussing will be brought up at the Member Associations Forum in Ottawa on Thursday June 17.
Whether it is taken further, to the floor of the AGM on the 19th, will depend on whether there is sufficient interest from other delegations.
We now have at least one delegation willing to start the process that may lead to change. If you want change, let your delegates know what the issues are, so that when the subject is raised on the 17th, they will have some background.
CurlBC is holding their AGM on June 11, and the delegates, chosen by zone, are listed on the curlbc website. Check your province's website or call your provincial association to find out who is representing you.
Many delegates to the CCA AGM will be unfamiliar with wheelchair curling and will not previously have considered the issues surrounding Team Canada selection. They cannot be expected to vote for a change in CCA policy unless they have been given a chance to hear points of view in opposition to the present system.
Whether that happens depends on you.
- June 4, 2010 at 2:30 PM
point taken, Eric:
I still feel that the best we could get is some canvassed proposal for a review of change sometime in our life.
If we were more definitive on our desires, they could address that specifically, rather than geneerally.
That said, our request would have to be reasonable, as we move forward......a best of whatever series would be a GREAT start, for, say, 2011?
- June 4, 2010 at 3:38 PM
I have a lot of difficulty in thinking the provincial associations, even if on board for dramatic change, which this is, could impact the CCA.s new found darling program.
We have to get ALL provinces working for us. If we even get discussion for the future out of this year, that would be tremendous. Any quick change would have to be through the ear of Gerry Peckham, I believe. If he wants/accepts change, it will happen sooner rather than later, in my opinion.
- June 4, 2010 at 4:08 PM
Could someone draft a boiler plate letter that we could all put our names to and send to our provincial associations?
Oh and the rant on anonymous posters is getting rather old Bruce.
- June 5, 2010 at 7:40 AM
Actually, that is true, Bruce. If it wasn't for anonymous posters, this would be a VERY QUIET website.
- June 5, 2010 at 11:19 AM
It would appear that everyone is more interested in opinions, rather than who said it. Get off your bandwagon.
- June 6, 2010 at 8:22 PM
Youknow, Bruce, AnnieMouse is absolutely correct. It may be nice to know who is posting, but I would rather see a bunch of opinions than just you purists. I think many opinions make for way more interesting and diverse opinions.
- June 7, 2010 at 8:19 PM


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Motorcycle Live 2014 - The largest motorcycle show in the UK has started on 23-11-2014. Peugeot Scooter UK officially introduced new models of scooters. Speedfight 4 the successor of great and iconic Speedfight 3. Another new model from Peugeot family is beautiful, retro style Django.
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'I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.' - Earl Warren.
Although it's true that Jeff loved sports, and working as the Eagles beat writer for the Burlington County Times was his dream job, it is perhaps also reflective of his compassionate nature. He always strove to care for those around him. After his father's death, he was fast to help take care of his mother; moving himself and his wife to live with her. When it came to his nieces and nephews, his time was never too valuable to spend with them; when they vacationed in South Carolina or Long Beach Island, they were all welcome; he was always up for getting them into an Eagles game and he even introduced most of them to their first Geno's cheesteak.
Even his pets were a testament to his considerate ways. When a national scare regarding commercial dog food surfaced he took to making his own, his cats seldom went without his attention and he even took measures to make sure his pet fish was never lonely.
On the job his attitude remained the same. Those he covered often considered Jeff a friend first and journalist second. Any time he had the chance, he loved to write about his hometown of Riverside. But whether he was covering Cunningham, McNabb or Vick it was never obvious to the reader that he was a Dolphins fan and believed Dan Marino was the finest of all quarterbacks. And despite being a whole-hearted animal lover, Jeff was fast to forgive our current #7.
Sports gave Jeff more than a career and pastime, it was during a high school volleyball tournament where Jeff would meet his future wife, Mary Jane (Fenimore). The two high school sweethearts were married shortly after Jeff finished college.
He is also survived by his sister, Spinalba Collins (John) of Palmyra; and was preceded in death by his parents, John and Spinalba. He was the son-in-law of Mark and Bette Fenimore of Delanco; brother-in-law of Kathi and Mike Rossi of Riverside, and Bette Lou and Dean Grob of Riverside; and was the uncle of Krystin, Joe, Emily, Shaun, Kristy, Alexis, Mark, Heather, Jake, Kolleen, Anthony, Brendon, Michaela, Abigal, Amanda, TJ, Kaleigh, Michael, Brian, Ryan, Bridget, Shawn, Shannon, Patrick and Kasey. Jeff was always proud to share his home with his cats, Zena and Meeki, his dogs, Gizmo and Princess and his fish, Q.
Come celebrate Jeff's 47 wonderful years, March 6, 1964 to Aug. 29, 2011, Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside, and Saturday from 9 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, Riverside, where the service will be at 10 a.m. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the John Walton Scholarship Fund, c/o Wayne Richardson, Burlington County Times 4284 Rt. 130 North, Willingboro, NJ 08046.
Come share a great memory of Jeff at the Web site listed below. Sweeney Funeral Home,


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text: Brian Reed 23 Report post Posted December 17, 2012 I have a question about a Pacifica GT400 wheel. I recently found a Pacifica wheel out in someone'syard out in the rain. It has been therefor over a year, but looked like it was ok. The owner said he put it out there because it needed a new bearing (itwas making noise, but still operated smooth) and never did it. The sawdust board under the plastic top wasall rotted out and soft from water. Hesaid it all worked fine so I picked it up for next to nothing. After getting it home the top was so soft it just came apartwhen I started to take the bolts out. Itook it apart and dried it all out. The controller,foot pedal and motor are perfect and silky smooth and quiet. After some wire brushing and some paint theframe is going to be perfect and the motor and electronics will work just fine. Now the problem. Withthe wheel head stuck to the shaft and bearing housing I cannot get it to comeapart. I loosened the set screws (two onthe side of the wheel head chock). Ieven sprayed some penetrating oil in the seam of the shaft into the head, butit still does not budge. The old wooden (saw dust board) top that is under the plasticcover just came apart in chunks and I discarded all of that, but the head and theshaft/bearing and housing are still stuck in the plastic cover so it is alittle hard to work with. However it isfloating in there so I can get access to the entire shaft and housing. I need some advice on what to do? Try and get the head off? Just buy a new head, bearing housing andshaft? If I cannot get the head off theshaft would be better to sacrifice the wheel head and try and save the shaftand bearing housing? If anyone has anyadvice on this then please chime in. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Will synthetic biology become a GM-style battleground?
Will the emerging science of designing and engineering new forms of life receive the same hostile reception as genetically modified food and crops?
This is the question facing the growing community of academic and commercial researchers exploring the potential of synthetic biology.
For those pioneering this new field, the science offers a whole realm of exhilarating possibilities - dreaming up and building new organisms that will perform exactly what's ordered. It is a vision for taking control of nature.
Synthetic biology is a dimension beyond genetic modification.
While GM involves taking genes from one organism and inserting them in another, synthetic biology involves designing and creating artificial genes and implanting them instead - not just borrowing from the natural world but rewriting it or even reinventing it.
I used virtual reality to try to explain it last year.
At a major conference this week in London - the BioBricks Foundation SB6.0 - excited talk suggested that synthetic biology could become the next big thing in everything from energy to medicines to industry.
Cystic fibrosis
As Science Minister David Willetts put it to the gathering, synthetic biology could "fuel us, heal us and feed us" and the UK government is trumpeting an investment of some £60m for the field.
Organisms such as bacteria can be engineered to detect pathogens in drinking water or produce the key ingredient for anti-malarial drugs.
A synthetic stretch of DNA has been designed to react to a key molecule released by sufferers of cystic fibrosis - and the DNA is further programmed to change colour when the molecule is detected, which could shrink the time needed for tests from 48 hours to just two.
One international project is making synthetic chromosomes for yeast - the most complex organism for which this has been attempted. It would help illuminate the workings of cell biology and allow yeast to be exploited for far more than making bread or beer.
Other goals include biological computing, designing biology to act as electronic circuitry, and artificial photosynthesis, making synthetic leaves to produce fuel.
This is work on a new frontier, spawning new language - biotransformation, biological blueprints, designing a living chassis, seeing cells as factories.
Public appetite
But hovering over the debates is the issue of public acceptance, especially in Europe. For American researchers at the conference, this is less of a challenge - GM food has been eaten in the US for a decade or more.
But if the EU has not approved a new GM crop for cultivation for nearly 20 years, how will the far more radical technologies of synthetic biological organisms go down?
Lionel Clarke, of Shell - whose job title, as head of "biodomain and open innovation" would have been inconceivable a few years ago - warned the conference that industries would not pursue technologies that risked their reputations. He cited Monsanto's experience with GM.
Dr Clarke chairs an advisory panel for the government, which came up with a road map for synthetic biology development in Britain.
"You have to bring society with you," he said.
"Industries are selling to markets and markets have to be receptive."
With GM, "there may have been an overenthusiastic assumption that if the technology worked then everybody would want it," Dr Clarke added.
Dr Steve Laderman, of Agilent Laboratories, a spin-off from Hewlett Packard, said that while one risk was technical - "Will this function as hoped?", another was linked to the market - "Will people buy it?"
Reshma Shetty, who runs Gingko BioWorks, a synthetic biology company, said that Monsanto "had been portrayed as the most evil corporation" so there had to be more "forward thinking" about explaining the new science to potential consumers.
Two of the organisers of the conference, Prof Richard Kitney and Prof Paul Freemont, of Imperial College, point to the constant engagement of social scientists in all synthetic biology thinking.
Right from the start of each project, the ethical and environmental implications are considered - the aim being to head off the kind of reactions that GM produced.
'Responsible' innovation
Prof Freemont told me: "There could well be a backlash but we're desperately trying to be transparent - it's all open, this event and most of the research is published in open-access literature."
And Prof Kitney said everything was guided by what he called "responsible innovation... which means that this incredibly exciting field has to be developed in the context of what it means for society and the environment and ethics".
One priority is to try to ensure that the research, much of which is highly international and collaborative, all operates on those principles.
Next week, national academies from the UK, the US and China will meet in London to discuss the next steps in synthetic biology, including developing codes of conduct. One risk might be that a project in one country proves unnerving to others and colours the reputation of the entire field.
This effort to be proactive does distinguish these early days of synthetic biology from the equivalent stage of GM - and its pioneers hope to convince people of the likely benefits before they are put off by negative stories about the risks.
GM's terrible launch in Europe coloured impressions of it for a generation.
Synthetic biology, which is in its infancy, is not widely known about. No product of this new research has yet reached the European market. A defining test is still to come.


text:
Varsity soccer
Ashbrook 2, Forestview 0 � Scoring goals for Ashbrook were Georgia Belk and Rachael Lee. McKenzie Bess had the assist on Lee�s goal. Conner McCuen had the shutout in goal for Ashbrook (14-1-1, 9-1), which hosts Lake Norman Charter on Friday.
South Point 2, East Gaston 0 � Keslynn Pihl had both goals and Ashley Mull had both assists for the Red Raiders (11-4-2, 7-2-1). Logging the shutout in goal was Constantine Hug. South Point hosts North Gaston on Monday.
Varsity baseball
Lincoln Charter 6, Charlotte Stampede 5; Lincoln Charter 4, Charlotte Stampede 1 (Tuesday) � The Eages improved their season record to 13-1 by sweeping the Stampede. Hunter Dodson hit a walk-off solo home run to centerfield to win the opener. Dodson also had a double. David Scoggins pitched a complete game, giving up five earned runs on eight hits while striking out seven batters, to get the win, and also went 1 for 3 with two RBIs and a home run. In the second game, Christian Hilty got the victory, giving up just one earned run on three hits and striking out nine. Scoggins was 2 for 4 with a home run and RBI, while Dodson had a home run, and Adam Hutson went 2 for 2. The Eagles� next game is tonight against Highland Tech.
Varsity softball
Hunter Huss 8, East Lincoln 1 � Lead hitters for Huss were Madison Parker (3 for 4, 3 RBIs), Alexis Grimes (2 for 4) and Alexis Hoffman (2 for 4). Parker was the winning pitcher and struck out 8. Hunter Huss (4-12) hosts Crest on Friday.
Kings Mountain 10, Lincolnton 1 � Mikaela Bell got the pitching win for the Lady Mountaineers (11-5, 6-2 Big South). Bell worked five innings, allowing four hits with three strikeouts and walking three. Kings Mountain got a big night from Emily Hester, who blasted two home runs and had five RBIs. Emily Herndon had three hits for the victors and Reagan Childers added two more with a RBI. The Mounties will host North Gaston on Friday.
Middle school track
Results from Wednesday�s track meet at Belmont Middle School.
Boys: Grier 72, Southwest 32, Belmont 26.
Girls: Grier 47, Belmont 35.5, Southwest 32.5.


text: Sijun Forums :: View topic - Heinz Commercial TV Challenge Semifinalist Log in to check your private messages Sijun Forums Forum Index >> Random Musings View previous topic :: View next topic Author Topic : "Heinz Commercial TV Challenge Semifinalist" chickensoupmemberMember #Joined: 11 May 2002Posts: 70Location: New York, NY Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:01 pm Just wanted to share with you a ketchup commercial I made a few months ago that just recently became a semi-finalist in the Heinz Top this TV challenge. It was picked from 2500 other entries and was shot on a HVX200, composited in combustion, additional painting in Photoshop, and editted on an Avid. Anyways, check it out at http://topthistv.com/vote.aspx . The title is "Searching for Heinz Ketchup in NYC" by helmethair. Feel free to vote for it ... in fact, feel free to vote for it once a day from now until April 21st and tell all your friends about it. Enjoy! -soup (Drew Leung) Back to top TzanmemberMember #Joined: 18 Apr 2003Posts: 755Location: Boston MA Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:58 pm I watched them all, yours and Midnight Snack are the best. I think if you had a stronger ending it would work better. Good luck! Back to top AndromedamemberMember #Joined: 18 Jan 2000Posts: 708Location: Lower Ward, Sigil Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 10:35 pm I agree with Tzan, my favs are yours and midnight snack ... the rest are so-so ... well done, hope you win ! Back to top chickensoupmemberMember #Joined: 11 May 2002Posts: 70Location: New York, NY Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 5:51 am Hey thanks Andromeda and Tzan! I was thinking I would talk a little more about the making of the spot. It was shot on Saturday afternoon in midtown Manhattan with the NYPD constantly following us. Besides the cast, there was only one crew member (me holding the camera). As soon as we wrapped that morning, I went back to the studio and immediately worked on the music for the spot which was completed in about 6 hours. It was edited in Avid Media Composer that evening, and was sad so much had to be cut down. The next morning, the shots that needed VFX work, clean up, tracking, and CG were identified. Also went out and got additional b-roll work in the afternoon. Spent the rest of the day modeling, animating, cleaning up shots (track and painting out signage for legal reasons), and Maya batch rendering. Had additional CG modeling and animation help with the mini-ketchup bottles. Composited, rotoscoped, and tracked in Combustion. Fairly low-end color grading was done in Avid. Uploaded to youtube a short while later. All in all, the spot was completed in roughly 48 hours. Thanks again for checking it out and remember keep to voting each day for it! thanks! -drew Back to top RanathmemberMember #Joined: 02 Apr 2004Posts: 611Location: Helsinki, Finland Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 8:26 am hey, pretty cool stuff! I agree about the stronger ending though.. I liked this and the Midnight Snack the most. And guess what, Midnight Snack was apparently disqualified for some BS reason.. Back to top TzanmemberMember #Joined: 18 Apr 2003Posts: 755Location: Boston MA Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 8:42 am Where did you see that? I does look like Midnight Snack was made by a pro studio, just my opinion. Back to top AndromedamemberMember #Joined: 18 Jan 2000Posts: 708Location: Lower Ward, Sigil Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:31 am You know what i could achieve in 48 hrs ? 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and maybe, if i tried hard enough nice dinner. Im special that way. =[ Midnight Snack was disqualified ? i did a quick search on the net and went to this youtube page... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMcbKL8b-u4 scrolled down to read the comments, and one of the comments said that they were in an apparent breach of rules and regulations ? the net is a tricky place, dont know how reliable that post was... so .................................. in any case, it doesnt matter. with them gone, the flying Hertz bottle stands a higher chance of winning eh ? eh ? Back to top TzanmemberMember #Joined: 18 Apr 2003Posts: 755Location: Boston MA Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:43 am That disqual comment was made 8 months ago, but the video is still on the main list. Thats odd. There was a pile of corporate logos in the convenience store window. Also when he pulls up at the burger joint the are some illuminated menu panels. No logos on those but I doubt they were custom made. So maybe its possible to figure out who it belongs to? The bag was custom made and looked nice. -------------------- Wow, Youtube is forcing me to get the latest Flashplayer even though I was just watching a few yesterday. They just decided I cant watch them anymore... just because. It wont play anything until I update. Back to top LunatiquememberMember #Joined: 27 Jan 2001Posts: 3303Location: Lincoln, California Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 12:13 pm In addition to the two everyone liked, I actually liked "Now we can eat" as well. It's a situation we can all relate to. I do that scanning for ketchup look when I sit down at a restaurant, so it made me smile. Back to top chickensoupmemberMember #Joined: 11 May 2002Posts: 70Location: New York, NY Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:35 am Hey I just wanted to tell you all thanks and I'm glad you guys liked the video. This spot was the sort of thing where the concept for me was more important than the visuals. Given the time we had to make it, I decided that style should look more documentary but then have this eerie quality to it. I've been watching Children of Men and 28 days later a lot and that sort of inspired the idea for this. Once again, thanks you guys! and remember to vote once a day! -soup Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Sijun Forums Forum Index -> Random Musings All times are GMT - 8 Hours Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Digital Art----------------Digital Art DiscussionWork in ProgressGallery/Finished Work Miscellaneous----------------Random MusingsArchive : Sep99 - Dec00 You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum Powered by phpBB © 2005 phpBB Group


text:
For my August column on CBC Radio One's Alberta at Noon I'm going to talk about great treats for the hiking trail. This column is inspired by my recent trip to Mt. Assiniboine Lodge.
While I was at Assiniboine I had the delight of sitting down for a post breakfast coffee chat with their chef Marianne Abraham. This blog post will be a distillation of what we brewed up in that conversation including her picks for the backpacker's treats that have been most popular with guests in the lodge's 85 year history.


text:
The Obama campaign has taken abuse from just about everyone for its silly "Big Bird" ad; among others, PBS protested. So a reporter asked Obama spokesperson Jen Psaki, on board Air Force 1, whether the campaign will take down its Big Bird ad. Psaki replied:
We have received that request [from PBS]. We're reviewing it. I will say it doesn't change the fact that there's only one candidate in this race who is going to continue to fight for Big Bird and Elmo, and he is riding on this plane.
How far Obama has fallen! From the candidate of hope and change to the only candidate in the race who is fighting for Big Bird and Elmo! I suppose his spokesmen would explain that they are middle class Muppets…
UPDATE: Michael Ramirez gets the last word:


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0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
I'm confused by this thread now.So is it possible that coloured friggers with white and blue and red for example, were made at the Nailsea factory?
... the days of the week they produced glass!
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Thursday, June 12, 2008
What's Brewing?, from Veria TV, to Debut in Fall 2008
What's Brewing?, from Veria TV, to Debut in Fall 2008
(from a press release)
Veria (pronounced ver-ee-ah) -- a growing natural health and wellness company dedicated to bringing natural wellness to the mainstream through its television network, local wellness centers, and lifestyle-focused website -- today unveiled a new line-up of original television series scheduled to premiere on the company's television network, Veria TV, in the fall of 2008. Veria TV is currently available on Channel 9575 on the DISH Network(TM).
Veria's new programs include:
"What's Brewing?" - Jody Rudman, owner of Dallas-based Tempest Tea, explores the wisdom of some of the world's oldest cultures by highlighting ancient beverages, such as teas, yerba mate, xocoatl and herbal tisanes, which can have benefits for today's busy lives.
shop for tea books.
tea, green tea, food, food and drink
2 comments:
- Nick said...
This is an interesting tea blog you've got going on. Although you don't appreciate a good Earl Grey or Chai? I think those are my 2 favorite teas!
I actually stumbled here from your article Beyond Jelly: Reinventing the Peanut Butter Sandwich. Awesome article, I'm a peanut butter lover myself as you'll be able to tell from my blog. It also says that you mail order 10 lbs of peanut butter at a time? Awesome. I always have 10 jars (10 lbs) of peanut butter on hand at all times too. I make different flavors and always need backups because I go through it faster than anything. Where do you order from? My favorite is Trader Joe's Natural Creamy w/ salt, it's the best creamy pb I've ever had and it also happens to be the cheapest.
- njm said...
Novel Concept... I wonder if it will be available via Direct TV. I have no idea what channel 9575 is.
Tea Escapade


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Dave McFarland
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EKD Leather Phone Wallet
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2014: First-Team All-Conference USA ... Started all 12 games for the third-straight season ... Led ODU with 63 receptions for 1,019 yards and 12 touchdowns ... All numbers are career-highs and he led C-USA in receiving yards and touchdowns ... Tied for fourth in the country in TD catches ... He also rushed six times for 31-yards ... Finishes his career as the ODU record holder in receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, total touchdowns and all-purpose yards ... Has 230 receptions for 3,267 receiving yards and 33 receiving touchdowns ... He has 37 total touchdowns along iwth 4,469 all-purpose yards ... Had five catches for 79 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win over Hampton ... Nothced eight receptions for 71 yards and a score at NC State ... Grabbed two passes for 54 yards in the win against EMU ... Returned a punt 46-yards for a touchdown as well in the win over EMU ... Had five receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns in the win at Rice ... Caught seven passes for 105 yards and a school-record tying three touchdown passes ... Had three catches for 24 yards against Marshall ... Registered one catch for 24 yards at UTEP ... Recorded six catches for a career-high 220 yards and two touchdowns ... Set a school record with a 37.0 yard per catch average ... Caught five passes for 90 yards and a TD at Vanderbilt ... Caught six passes for 140 yards and a touchdown, a 76-yard score, in the win over FIU ... Caught nine passes for 92 yards in the overtime win over Louisiana Tech ... Had six receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown in the season-finale win at FAU.
2013: Started all 12 games, 10 at wide receiver and two at running back ... Finished the year with 60 receptions for 843 yards and a career-high nine touchdown passes ... He also ran for one score ... Vaughan's 60 receptions tied his single-season high with his 60 from a year ago and his 843 receiving yards left him just 42 yards of his 2012 total ... Had six passes for 50 yards in the opener at ECU ... Also completed a pass for 32 yards ... Caught two passes for 14 yards and had three rushes for five yards at Maryland ... Caught just one pass in the win over Howard but it went for a 76-yard touchdown in the win over the Bison ... Had a season-high 11 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown in the thrilling 59-58 win over The Citadel ... Hauled in four passes for 17 yards against Albany ... Had five catches for 108 yards in the comeback win over Liberty ... Started the first game of his career at running back against Pittsburgh and carried 15 times for 70 yards and a touchdown ... Also caught eight passes for 30 yards against the Panthers ... Made six catches for 78 yards and a score in the win at Norfolk State ... Brought in five passes for 87 yards and a pair of touchdowns against URI ... Caught three passes for 103 yards and a touchdown in the win at Idaho ... Had eight catches for 171 yards, the second most in school history and a school record tying three TD catches in the win over Campbell ... Went over 100-yards receiving four times ... Is second in school hisotry with 167 receptions and is third in school history with 2,248 receiving yards ... His 21 receiving touchdowns are the third most in school history and his 24 total touchdowns are the fifth most in school history.
2012: Second-Team All-CAA ... CAA Special Teams Player of the Week (11/10) ... Second on the team with 60 catches for 885 yards ... Tied for second on the team with seven TD's ... Caught six passes for 76 yards and a touchdown in ODU's season-opening 57-23 win over Duquesne ... Caught a career-high 12 passes for 143 yards, also a career-best, and a TD in ODU's 64-61 win over New Hampshire ... Also had an 83-yard kickoff return against NH to setup a key touchdown in that thrilling victory ... Recorded his second 100-yard receiving game of the year with 103-yards on five catches against Villanova ... Caught one pass for 11 yards against Towson but it went for a TD in ODU's 31-20 win ... Had five receptions for 42 yards in the win over UD ... Caught three passes for 29 yards and a TD in the win over W&M, also returned a punt 70 yards for a TD ... Named CAA Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against W&M ... Had 10 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown in the win at JMU ... Made three catches for 66 yards against CCU ... Recorded six catches for 146 yards and a TD ... Recorded season-long 74 yard TD catch against Georgia Southern.
2011: Named CAA Rookie of the Week (9/5) ... Was ODU's first-ever CAA weekly award winner ... Was third among the ODU receivers with 47 catches for 520 yards and five touchdowns ... Averaged 11.1 yards per catch and 40.0 yards per game ... Made at least two receptions in all 11 Monarch contests ... Made his ODU debut against Campbell in the season-opener with 191 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns ... Hauled in six catches for 97 yards, including a 34-yard second-quarter touchdown pass from Thomas DeMarco ... Later showed his ground skills by scampering 30 yards to paydirt in the third quarter, boosting the ODU lead to 38-7 ... Also had five receptions in games with Hampton, Rhode Island, Villanova, and Richmond ... Led the receiving corps with 75 yards against the Wildcats ... Posted touchdown receptions against Campbell, #7 Delaware, Villanova, Richmond, and #3 Georgia Southern in the second round of the FCS playoffs ... Was also effective in the Monarchs' return game posting a 16-yard punt return and two kickoff returns for 48 yards.
2010: Redshirted.
HIGH SCHOOL: Named to the NCPreps.Com 3A All-State Football Team ... Posted 10 career interceptions, including four returned for touchdowns.
PERSONAL: Born January 19, 1992 ... Son of Allen and April Archer ... Has one sister, Maya, and one brother, Christian ... Majoring in sport management.


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James Richard Wright (1915-1975) and his lady, Mary, ca 1935.
Uncle Dick was my grandfather's best friend and my mom's godfather. A wonderful man!
Love Uncle Dick! I don't have a ton of memories of him because I was young when he died. But I do remember him coming to our house to eat dinner once and we had fried fish. I was amazed that he ate the tail and fin of the fish fried. He even talked me into trying it and it wasn't bad 🙂
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Menu Plan Monday 05-03-10 =-.
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15th July 2013, 10:06
England too good for the Dragonhearts at Neath
(Picture - Alan Pope on the charge for Wales Dragonhearts v England Lions on Sunday)
ENGLAND Lions ran in 10 tries to ruin Mike Grady's debut as Wales Dragonhearts head coach in a one-sided opener to this season's Home Nations tournament.
Tommy Harrison, Darren Woods, Francis King, Shaun Garrod, Nathan Larvin, Stephen King, Emmerson Newburn and Daryl Kay all touched down for the reigning champions to put the game beyond Wales in sweltering conditions at the Gnoll in Neath.
John Paul Brocklebank, who had already kicked five goals, scored the final two tries as the Dragonhearts understandably tired in the heat. The loose-forward converted both to finish with 22 points in impressive England's 54-0 victory.
Wales were left to rue their poor discipline throughout the match as referee Darren Hayes repeatedly penalised them. This, combined with a plethora of handling errors, allowed England to monopolise possession from the outset.
Indeed, the Dragonhearts barely had their hands on the ball as the Lions raced into a 16-point lead in as many minutes. Harrison and Woods both grabbed tries in quick succession before a splendid passing move culminated in Francis King crossing unopposed.
The Dragonhearts' inability to keep hold of the ball for any meaningful length of time had forced them onto the defensive during the first quarter, but they briefly threatened to mount a recovery after Neil Dallimore was the victim of a high tackle.
It did not last, though, as Paul Emmanuelli's attacking kick was gathered by Kay, one of the England substitutes, midway through the half.
Shortly afterwards, the Lions added to their tally when skipper Garrod spotted a gap in the Welsh defence and ghosted his way through for an excellent solo try.
The stand-off was one of the game's outstanding performers on the day as he controlled the action, with the help of his half-back partner, Chris Stephenson, and a dominant England pack.
Another try followed for full-back Larvin before Brocklebank's third successful conversion from five attempts completed the first-half scoring.
Trailing 26-0 at the break, the Dragonhearts enjoyed their best spell straight after the restart and piled on the pressure in pursuit of their first points.
However, Martin Luckwell, Scott Britton, Alan Pope, Darryl Carter and John Sanigar were all repelled close to the line as England defended doggedly.
After surviving the Dragonhearts' onslaught, the Lions were soon back on the attack and Stephen King ended any doubt about the final outcome with their sixth try 13 minutes into the second half.
Newburn, their elusive wing, was the next to benefit from his side's superiority, and Luke Pennington's superb offload, as he scampered clear on the right.
Further tries by Kay and Brocklebank ensured that England reached their half-century of points and began the defence of the Home Nations crown in ominous style.
It had been a harsh lesson for the Dragonhearts, but a disappointed Grady refused to be too critical of his players, who were still pressing on the Lions' line when the final whistle blew.
"We've only been together two sessions, so that told in the end," the coach said. "England were a lot smarter than us. I think long-term we can do a job in forthcoming tournaments. All we can do is just keep moving forward."
Grady admitted that the penalty count had been a major factor in the Dragonhearts' heavy defeat. "Penalties were a big thing. You can't defend back-to-back sets like that. Obviously, if you do, that's what's going to happen. You're going to get score-lines like that.
"We need to start controlling things around the ruck a lot more. Just iron those two things out and I've no doubt we'll be competing in the next two games.
"I thought the effort was there from every individual. It's just the application that we lacked. They've trained well, they've put the effort in during the game; it's just the smart things we need to brush up on.
"I've just got to make sure they understand where they've gone wrong and understand the positives out of the game as well."
England coach Ian Rooney said: "I thought it was a competitive game. The score-line probably looks a bit otherwise from the Welsh boys' perspective, but I thought there was a lot of improvement from what I'd seen on the DVD of them last year and they should take great heart from that.
"They're clearly improving. Their clearly getting coaching now and they will improve because they've got some fantastic footballers down here."
Of his own team's display, Rooney added: "I thought we stuck to our task really solidly. I thought it was a good hit-out for us. We did well but there's some improvement in us, undoubtedly."
TEAMS. Wales: Ian Newbury, Dan Davies, Liam Watton, Kyle Scrivens, Lewis Stockton, Paul Emmanuelli, Jordan Sheridan, Neil Dallimore, Martin Luckwell, Scott Britton, Alan Pope, Gareth Davies, Gerwyn Price
Interchanges: (14) Michael Harrison, (19) Rhys Davies, (17) Darryl Carter, (24) John Sanigar
England: Nathan Larvin, Emmerson Newburn, Francis King, Stephen King, Darren Woods, Shaun Garrod, Chris Stephenson, Richard Huby, Tommy Harrison, Sean Emblem, Caldon Bravo, Luke Pennington, John Paul Brocklebank
Interchanges: (14) Kieron Maddox, (15) Lee Roberts, (16) Chris Siddons, (17) Daryl Kay
Tries: Harrison, Woods, Francis King, Garrod, Larwin, Stephen King, Newburn, Kay, Brocklebank (2)
Goals: Brocklebank (7)


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Zohar wrote:Yesterday I made a semi-fancy breakfast. Toasted bread (from Alex's homemade sourdough), fried spinach and onions, sliced roasted beets, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and some home fries. Turned out great, except the hollandaise split :( Still tasted good, just not very creamy.
If that's semi-fancy what the hell qualifies as full fancy?
I finally made a vegan sour cream substitute that I'm happy with. The prevalent cashew and tofu based ones didn't cut it for me. This one (found the idea online somewhere, but can't remember where) is just the solids from the top of a can of full fat coconut milk that's been sitting for a while, some lemon juice, white wine vinegar and a tiny bit of salt (I put a bit too much in with half a small pinch -it needs a really small amount).
It's not exactly the same flavour profile as sour cream, but it fulfills the same purpose and is delicious. It's creamy, fresh and tangy. The other ones I think try too hard to mimic real sour cream, and sacrifice too much to that end.


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McCutchen's continued HR streak not enough
PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates' first-month offense has been reminiscent of someone in a restful snooze. Occasionally, he awakens -- in the Bucs' case, an 11-run game here, a 12-run game there -- then goes back to resting peacefully.
Manager Clint Hurdle noted as much Wednesday afternoon, saying his boys "are still working, fighting, scratching to be more consistent."View Full Game Coverage
PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates' first-month offense has been reminiscent of someone in a restful snooze. Occasionally, he awakens -- in the Bucs' case, an 11-run game here, a 12-run game there -- then goes back to resting peacefully.
Manager Clint Hurdle noted as much Wednesday afternoon, saying his boys "are still working, fighting, scratching to be more consistent."View Full Game Coverage
One way a team can be roused from such a fix is by having a dominant pitching performance change the mood but, once again at night, that was not forthcoming.
Charlie Morton could not strong-arm the Reds, who took a 5-2 win at PNC Park behind Alfredo Simon and his relief help.
In Pasadena, Calif., Norton Simon is a world-class museum.
In Pittsburgh, Morton-Simon was not a masterpiece. Between them, the two right-handers allowed eight hits -- and issued 10 walks.
Morton got the worst of the deal, giving up only one hit in the two scoring innings that produced all four Cincinnati runs off him.
"It feels like it's one of those stretches -- if it's not one thing, it's the other," Morton said. "And that's usually the way it goes when clubs find themselves in tough stretches. Bad luck, bad timing, not executing ... all of the above."
Not even Andrew McCutchen's daily home run -- he hit his third in as many games to give the Bucs a 2-1 lead in the third -- could prevent a 10th loss in 13 games that spiraled the Bucs' record to 9-13.
It is the first time they have been four games below .500 since April 7, 2013, when they had a 1-5 record before their awakening.
So even the MVP finished the night ruing his last at-bat more than grooving on the earlier one. McCutchen represented the tying run when he ended the game by grounding to short off Jonathan Broxton, who earned his third save.
"I'm feeling pretty good right now, but hopefully I can do it next time with some guys on base," McCutchen said.
Morton remained winless, in five starts this season but also in his last 10 starts since a Sept. 2 victory in Milwaukee. The Pirates' offensive struggles do not afford letdowns in how the ball is handled either by the pitcher or his defense, and there was a little bit of both. In six innings, the righty walked five and also hit a batter, tempering what otherwise was four-hit pitching.
"He just had to battle," Hurdle said of the veteran, who had trouble with his control most of the night, most obviously in the Reds' three-run fifth. "With what he had, he went out there and gave it a real good shot. And we didn't help him out a couple of times, either."
Quite remarkably, the Pirates still have only a Major League-low three victories by their starting pitchers (two by Gerrit Cole, the other by Edinson Volquez). Last season, the Pittsburgh rotation ranked fourth in the National League with 64 victories.
Simon survived issuing more walks (five) than his previous season total. The Bucs benefited from three of the walks coming in the first inning, but otherwise could not take advantage, going 0-for-7 with men in scoring position.
Simon also survived because he had to face McCutchen only once out of every nine batters. As it was, McCutchen wore out Simon. Besides claiming half of the four hits off him -- he added a knockout single in the seventh -- McCutchen worked 23 of the total of 112 pitches made by the right-hander.
"I'm seeing [the ball] decent," said McCutchen, who raised his average to .298 -- it was at .194 on April 11. "You can always improve and things are not always going to go my way, but I'm feeling pretty good for the most part."
The sharp control (four walks in 21 innings) that had abetted Simon's eye-popping start to the season briefly deserted him in the opening frame. With Starling Marte aboard via a leadoff single and two outs, Simon issued three consecutive walks, the last to Travis Snider forcing in a run, and fell behind 1-0.
"The big thing was Simon having a tough first inning and finding his command and finding a way to keep himself in there until the seventh inning," said Cincinnati manager Bryan Price.
The Reds tied it in the second without the benefit of a hit, somewhat familiar territory to Morton, victimized by nine unearned runs last year and already by three this young season.
Roger Bernadina drew a leadoff walk, stole second and continued to third on catcher Chris Stewart's errant throw. That enabled Bernadina to score when Ramon Santiago bounced out to second.
The Reds' three-run go-ahead rally in the fifth at least featured a hit, but was not much cleaner. Morton started it by hitting Devin Mesoraco with a pitch, then walked Santiago and both moved up on Simon's sacrifice bunt. Billy Hamilton's single tied it at 2, but two other runs scored without further offense.
On Hamilton's steal of second, Stewart's throw again bounced into the outfield, the error scoring Santiago and sending Hamilton to third. Consecutive walks -- intentional to Joey Votto, unintended to Brandon Phillips -- loaded the bases before Jay Bruce's force-play grounder brought in another run and made the score 4-2.
The Pirates were ready for the Reds' aggression on the bases, led by Hamilton. That did not make it easier to deal with.
"When you know that a team is aggressive, obviously you're cognizant of the fact they're going to run," Morton said, "and you have to hold the ball well, be quick to the plate. But, really, I try not to let those things affect me too much. In the fifth, it wasn't me worrying about the runners as much as me not making my pitches."
Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer.