text: SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY COMMISSION Minutes of the regular meeting of Thursday, June 26, 2003. (As approved amended September 4, 2003) The San Francisco Public Library Commission held its regular meeting on Thursday, June 26, 2003 in the Koret Auditorium, Main Library. President Higueras called the meeting to order at 4:04 PM. The following members were noted present: Commissioners Bautista, Coulter, Higueras, Steiman, and Strobin. Commissioner Chin joined the meeting at 4:08PM Commissioner Streets was excused. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AGENDA ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 20, 2003 COMMISSION MEETING Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 20, 2003 COMMISSION MEETING An anonymous member of the public called attention to two errors in the Minutes and in particular the mis-reporting of the dates of Mr. Robert Hansen's service as Director of the Golden Gate Park Band. Mr. Peter Warfield cited a number of omissions that he felt diminished public comment in support of books, cited what he believed to be inaccurate reporting of previous minutes, and omission of some remarks by the Commission President. Commission discussion of AGENDA ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 1, 2003 COMMISSION MEETING: The Commission Secretary proposed to correct a mistake in the report of Mr. Hansen's years of service with the Golden Gate Park Band. MOTION: Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Strobin that the May 20, 2003 Minutes be approved as amended. ACTION: AYE 4-0 (Bautista, Coulter, Higueras, and Strobin) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AGENDA ITEM #2 BOND PROGRAM MANAGER'S REPORT (copy attached) Branch Improvement Program Manager Marilyn Thompson noted that there would be no informational report. The Branch Improvement Program Manager reported a total of $11,359,814 in expenditures and encumbrances to date. Ms. Thompson noted that schedules dated April 17th were available then presented her regular Budget, Schedule, Active Projects, and Community Outreach updates reports (copies attached). The Branch Library Improvement Program Manager ending calling attention to BLIP website, noted that the current newsletter was available, and that there would be no special report this month. Public Comment on AGENDA ITEM #2 BOND PROGRAM MANAGER'S REPORT An anonymous member of the public called attention to a neighborhood planning meeting hosted by the Planning Department in Glen Park and expressed concerns with the vagueness of the report of the extent of the changes resulting from the redesign of the Mission Bay Branch. J. Loren Guides expressed a desire that the Excelsior Branch be expanded. Mr. Peter Warfield expressed a desire for a centralized report that would indicate and keep track of each of the individual changes made to any of the branch project's plans. Commission discussion of AGENDA ITEM #2 BOND PROGRAM MANAGER'S REPORT In answer to questions by Vice President Steiman and President Higueras, Ms. Thompson gave an overview of the mostly back of house changes impacting the Mission Bay Branch Library resulting from the redesign of the entire building housing the new Branch. Ms. Thompson then spoke briefly concerning the Planning Department's, in conjunction with BART and the Library, Glen Park Neighborhood Planning Workshop for neighborhood transportation improvements to be held over several days with a final report due on July 23rd. Commissioner Bautista suggested that a location be found where the current plans for Branch Library Improvement program projects could be viewed. The City Librarian suggested a rotating display in space available on the Main Library's 6th Floor. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AGENDA ITEM #3 BOND PROGRAM BUDGET REVIEW City Librarian Susan Hildreth and Branch Library Improvement Program Manager Marilyn Thompson provided an extensive Branch Library Improvement Program Budget Review, background discussion and detailed overview of four Bond Program Budget scenarios, each depending on how much or how little Prop. 14 (State Library Bond) funds were obtained (copies attached). Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #3 BOND PROGRAM BUDGET REVIEW A Parkside resident recommended the Commission approve funding for real estate costs and while acknowledging the importance of Prop. 14 funds, suggested that the Parkside Branch had not received a fair share originally. An anonymous member of the public found surprising that the Library would report that no money from the state might be received and suggested that the worst case scenario was probable. This person also felt the $1.2 million site cost for the Portola Branch was a gift. Mr. Peter Warfield noted that the amount of the bond had been reduced before it was on the ballot in hope of receiving Prop. 14 funds. Mr. Warfield criticized shifts of funding among projects and rearranging of priorities. Mr. Warfield also suggested that community space at the Richmond Branch be cut to provide more space for books and criticized the project reserve for reducing the amounts available for each project. Mr. Martin Gomez, Friends & Foundation applauded the presentation and emphasized that the Friends & Foundation were committed to making the Bond Program a success. Commission comment on AGENDA ITEM #3 BOND PROGRAM BUDGET REVIEW In response to a question by President Higueras, Ms. Thompson explained how the construction reserves to address major unforeseen conditions were built in to the program reserves in addition to the funds designated for change orders. President Higueras emphasized the importance of maintaining a large enough reserve so that all of the Bond projects would be completed otherwise, early projects would get done and later ones could lose out. In response to a question by Commissioner Bautista, Ms. Thompson discussed how the budgets were developed after the voters approved the bond issue. President Higueras noted that the individual budgets should not be thought of as fixed entitlements. Commissioner Bautista pointed out in most case the bond only funded renovations not expansions. President Higueras noted that expansions could only be done if they could be accommodated within meeting the goals originally set out in the bond. In response to a question by Commissioner Chin, the Richmond Branch was identified as the only branch proposed to have an alternative location during construction and renovation. In answer to a question by President Higueras, Deputy City Attorney Catharine Barnes discussed the strictures imposed on and limitations involved in applying interest income earned from bond sales to fund later program projects. Deputy City Librarian Paul Underwood noted that it was planned to make use of the anticipated $2.5 million in such funds when they might become available for such use after 2004/05. In response to Vice President Steiman's suggestion that accelerating the program schedule could also provide additional funds, it was report that not enough additional money would be generated and that there could be problems having many branches closed and undergoing renovation at the same time. Vice President Steiman also pointed out that funds in the operating budget allocated for branch upkeep could also be used to fund the renovations. President Higueras commented that it had been a useful discussion and that more thought would be given to the project reserve as the funding picture developed. MOTION: Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Steiman for approval of the transfer of $115, 281 from the Project Reserve to fund real estate acquisition related costs. ACTION: AYE 5-0 (Bautista, Coulter, Higueras, Steiman, and Strobin) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AGENDA ITEM #4 PARKSIDE BRANCH Ms. Hildreth presented a memorandum revision of the Project Scope for the Parkside Branch Library (copy attached) and made a background presentation about how the question of first only renovation and now possible expansion was proposed for the Parkside Branch Library. Ms. Hildreth noted that as Parkside was located on Recreation & Park Department property there were limitations on potential expansion but noted Supervisor Ma's interest in and support for finding a solution. Ms. Hildreth then briefly described the architect's proposal for a 985"' sq. ft. expansion the could cost an additional $500,000 and noted there was a question as to having a program space or not. The City Librarian noted that these changes would mean that the original schedule for the branch's renovation could not be kept and suggested that West Portal could be moved up in its place. Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #4 PARKSIDE BRANCH An anonymous member of the public pointed to a comment by Commission Bautista that pointed to a risk some projects might not get funded and found the proposal for expansion problematic but noted that there was a need to expand and room to expand and the community believed a half million was easy to find. Ms. Eileen Bogan, SPEAK, urged that the Commission approve the proposed Parkside expansion without a community room, noting that Parkside needed more than a renovation and that the neighborhood of homeowners/voters expected the needs of their branch to be met. Ms. Laurie Guidas, an 11 year Parkside resident and regular user of the library, urged the Commission to reallocate bond funds to Parkside saying that it had not received a fair share as the 8th highest circulation branch and noting it was ranked 27th in bond allocations and was open only 6 days per week. Ms. Nancy Wuerful, urged approval of the Parkside expansion without a community room without delay commenting that residents felt that Parkside's 21st ranking in allocation of bond money was inappropriate and that there were funds available in the reserve and pointed out that Mission Bay received more money. Mr. Douglas Ryan urged approval of the proposed Parkside expansion without a community room noting that the space could be better used. Mr. Peter Warfield expressed dismay that the plans did not provide for expansion of the collection and claimed that Prop. E (Library Preservation Fund) mandated priority allocation of funds for books and hours. Ms. Lisa Sang, a Parkside neighbor, urged that the Commissioners approve the proposed expansion to meet the needs of neighborhood children noting that the branch was a welcoming quiet environment for study and the librarians very helpful. Ms. Sang found the current branch too crowded commenting that her neighborhood deserved the expansion. Ms. Annie Lee, Parkside resident, pointed out that there was not enough room in the existing branch to study and that an expansion would greatly benefit students using the branch. Commission discussion of AGENDA ITEM #4 PARKSIDE BRANCH There was an extensive discussion among the Commissioners noting that Parkside was a very heavily used branch, that it did indeed have a large circulation, and that if possible expansion should be considered. In response to questions by Vice President Steiman, Commissioner Bautista, and Chin, the City Librarian discussed the issues involved with the age of the building, ADA and seismic improvements that resulted in the original DPW formula used to determine the baseline cost included in the bond proposal for the renovated branches. Commissioner Chin emphasized that the Commission had a responsibility be fair to all but suggested that it would not be prudent to respond immediately. Commissioner Chin suggested that Parkside users could wait and take a chance that more money would become available to pay for their expansion. President Higueras noted that a Parkside expansion would be a good thing, but that the Commissioners had responsibility to be fair to the entire system. He declared that the Commissioners would like to be able to find a way to do the expansion but that the sober realistic assessment was that no action was possible until other alternatives had been explored. President Higueras also noted that perhaps some of the bond interest money could be use for this purpose. President Higueras emphasized that it was understood that Parkside, as well as other branch libraries, could make a good case for expansion and that this was not the end of this discussion. Commission Chin noted that it was a fact of life in San Francisco that there was a lack of space to meet all of the real needs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AGENDA ITEM #5 BRANCH FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Deputy City Librarian Paul Underwood presented a model (copy attached) for ongoing facilities maintenance developed by staff in response to the Commission's initiative. Mr. Underwood noted that the proposed plan addressed maintenance cycles out until 2020 and discussed the various types of ongoing maintenance that would protect the library's investment in its facilities. Mr. Underwood reported that staff recommended that these maintenance cycle be supported by dedicated funds included in the annual operating budget, and if necessary one time use of reserve funds. The Deputy City Librarian additionally recommended that, during the year previous to a scheduled maintenance activity, estimates be reviewed and folded into the next year's budget as a matter of policy. Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #5 BRANCH FACILITIES MANAGEMENT An anonymous member of the public found that this report discussed ongoing activities that were occurring in a less organized fashion and suggested that the plan could lead to overall reductions in costs and was long overdue. Commission discussion of AGENDA ITEM #5 BRANCH FACILITIES MANAGEMENT In answer to a question by President Higueras, Mr. Underwood commented that unfortunately such important but routine maintenance was a low priority. The Commission's commitment to maintenance would make it a priority appropriate to its importance. President Higueras noted that the Branch Library Improvement Program was an historic opportunity to focus on establishing caring for our facilities on regular ongoing basis instead of responding to immediate problems. President Higueras found this proposal a good beginning and requested that before the end of this Commission's term in office effort should be made to move this plan into the regular baseline budget process. President Higueras in particular lauded Rich Walsh and his dedicated team for doing a great job under difficult circumstance with limited resources. Commissioner Bautista saluted Rich Walsh and his team for their work in refurbishing the elevators. Vice President Steiman recommended that this model of including maintenance as a regular ongoing part of what the library did to keep a branch open should be implemented. President Higueras noted that with maintenance one paid some now or a lot more later. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AGENDA ITEM #6 COMMENDING RETIRING LIBRARY STAFF President Higueras read the names of the retiring library employees: Christine Ahrens; Vivian Chan; Selby Collins; Candid Nelly; Paul Quintanilla; Jerry Roth; Ana Rojas; Ellen Shatter; Gloria Hanson; Roberto Esteves, and Katherine Gilmartin that the Commission was honoring and presenting with certificates commending there years of service to the Library. There followed a discussion where the individual achievements of these retiree were pointed out and saluted by the Commissioners and Library staff. Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #6 COMMENDING RETIRING LIBRARY STAFF An anonymous member of the public added their congratulations to the retiring staff. Commission discussion of AGENDA ITEM #6 COMMENDING RETIRING LIBRARY STAFF Commissioner Bautista suggested that it would have been nice if gifts could have been presented to the retiring staff members. MOTION: Commissioner Chin, seconded by Commissioner Steiman that the designated retiree be honored with certificates from the Library Commission for their years of exemplary and dedicated public service. ACTION: AYE 5-0 (Bautista, Chin, Higueras, Steiman, and Strobin) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AGENDA ITEM #7 PUBLIC COMMENT An anonymous member of the public commented that public recognition was important and expressed regret that with the cancellation of the next meeting there would be no City Librarian's Report on the many recent activities. This person confessed to mixed feelings that there had been recognition of problems, a step they felt toward addressing those needs. This person noted that if someone was listening and being responsive that it was better to be more open. Mr. Peter Warfield commented that our wonderful librarians deserved to be honored before their retirement. Mr. Warfield then discussed the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force declining to rescind their decision on his complaint related to the prop. 14 application for the Richmond Branch Library and noted that the Board's Finance Committee had not approved the Library's proposed materials recovery fee. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AGENDA ITEM #8 ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Steiman that the meeting be adjourned. Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #8 ADJOURNMENT None offered Commissioner Chin left the meeting at 7PM. ACTION: AYE 4-0 (Bautista, Higueras, Steiman, and Strobin) The meeting was adjourned at 7:01PM. Michael Housh, Commission Secretary 7/9/03 Please note: These are draft Minutes subject to change by the Library Commission. Copies of Commission Minutes and handouts are available in the Office of the Commission Secretary, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 Copies of Public Comment Summary Statements as authorized by San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.16 can be found in Appendix A. These summary statements are provided by the speaker and their contents are neither generated by, nor subject to approval or verification of accuracy by, the San Francisco Public Library Commission. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minutes of the regular Commission Meeting of June 26, 2003 Appendix A The Public Comment Summary Statements included in these Minutes are authorized by San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.16. These summary statements are provided by the speaker. Their contents are neither generated by, nor subject to approval or verification of accuracy by, the San Francisco Public Library Commission. The number of members of the public who spoke anonymously at this meeting. 1 Public comment available for viewing in pdf format.


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Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Card
Public transit operators in the Bay Area are pleased to offer the Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Discount Card to qualified persons with disabilities. The card entitles you to a reduced fare on fixed-route transit, rail and ferry systems throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Your RTC Discount Card is also a Clipper card. You can load value and passes on your RTC Card and the discounted fare will be deducted when you travel. For specific fare information, please contact your local transit agency.
To get your RTC card, please visit: 511.org. For a general overview of the Clipper Card and RTC, please visit: RTC Clipper Card
How to Get the RTC Discount Card
- Call your local transit agency to get an application form. Complete Part A, as well as the medical release authorization Part D.
- Take the application to your doctor or other certifier for certification; have parts B and C completed by your doctor or certifier.
- Take the completed forms and $3.00 to the transit agency in your area.
- Bring some form of valid photo identification with you, such as a Driver's License, California Identification Card, Passport or Alien Registration Card.
Note: Medical certification is not necessary if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- You have a Medicare card;.
- You have a DMV placard computer printout ID card or valid registration for a permanent disabled license plate;
- You are a qualifying disabled veteran;
- You have been previously certified in the RTC program as a person with a permanent disability (see below for further information);
- You have a valid transit discount card issued by a California transit agency;
- You are a visitor to the region with a valid out-of-state transit discount ID card.
Who Can Certify
Any one of the professionals listed below may be able to certify you to qualify for a Regional Transit Connection discount card, depending on your disability:
- A licensed physician with an M.D. or D.O. degree;
- A licensed chiropractor;
- A licensed podiatrist;
- A licensed optometrist;
- A licensed audiologist.
Medicare and DMV placard ID card holders or holders of valid registration for permanent disabled license plate:
You may obtain a discount fare when you board a regular bus or rail (not paratransit) vehicle by presenting a valid Medicare card or DMV placard identification card (computer printout), but you may be required to provide a photo identification card to verify your identity. To avoid confusion or potential delay, riders with Medicare or California DMV placard identification cards are encouraged to take them to any transit operator who issues discount cards and apply for an RTC Discount Card.
Other California transit discount card holders:
Riders with discount cards issued by California transit operators outside the Bay Area do not need to be certified by a certifying professional. However, depending on the transit operator, such riders may need to obtain an RTC card before receiving a discounted transit fare. Call your local transit operator for further information.

subset: commoncrawl


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CARY, N.C. – The No. 4 Georgia College & State University baseball team (42-17) dropped a 3-2 decision to No. 9 University of Southern Indiana (51-14) Friday in the semifinals of the 2010 Division II College World Series, ending an outstanding season for the Bobcats.
The loss brought the season to a close for Georgia College, one of the best in recent memory, taking both the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Championship and the NCAA Southeast Region title. The Bobcats battled back with three victories in elimination games, but couldn't get the fourth to advance to the National Championship game Saturday.
"We just got outplayed today," said GCSU head coach Tom Carty. "They did a lot of things really well; they beat us in every phase of the game. Not that we played poorly, they just played a little better. I think we ran out of gas a little bit."
"I'm just really proud of our team. The fact that we're here is a tribute to my 12 seniors and my coaching staff and all the guys here. I'm real pleased with the season, not pleased with the outcome today, but I think today we got beat by a better team right now."
The Bobcats jumped out in front of the Screaming Eagles early in this one, putting up runs in the first and third for a quick 2-0 lead. Georgia College manufactured its runs, getting one by a fielder's choice groundout and the other via a sacrifice fly.
USI answered with two in the fifth, then got an RBI single from All-American catcher Dylan Mooney in the seventh to pick up the 3-2 lead and eventually the win.
Lefthanded reliever Ryan Tabor (Lawrenceville, Ga.) was tabbed with the loss, allowing one run on four hits and a walk over two. He struck out three while falling to 3-5.
Senior All-American centerfielder Sean Harrell (Martinez, Ga.) scored one of the two runs after he doubled. Leftfielder Kyle Allen (Conyers, Ga.) provided the other when he reached on a fielder's choice and later scored on third baseman Steve Muoio's (Rochester, N.Y.) sacrifice fly.
Righthander Taylor Dennis (12-1) went seven innings in the win, fanning three and allowing one earned run. Wandy Rosario tossed the last two for his 15th save.
The GCSU Department of Athletics, winners of the 2008-09 PBC Commissioner's Cup, sponsors 10 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. As a Division II program, Georgia College prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the Bobcats' multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Sign up at Twitter.com username GCSUSID for up-to-the-minute reports, and visit www.GCSUBobcats.com to nominate your favorite former Bobcats and Colonials to the GCSU Athletics Hall of Fame.


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Back in April, the Department of Energy issued a Notice of Intent of its plans to use stimulus money to fund smart grid projects. In order to get things moving quickly, the DOE had a short timeframe for public comments. Nevertheless, a variety of companies and groups provided their input before the deadline, and the DOE has already acted to implement some of their suggestions. We've gone through some of the feedback provided to the DOE and talked with Loraine Hariton, Director for Public Policy at Echelon and part of the Demand Response and Smart Grid (DRSG) Coalition, to get some feel for how the industry views the DOE's proposed funding.
According to Hariton, the focus of the feedback, both from her organization and others, is to help ensure that the DOE spends its money in a way that's more consistent with the overall goals. "We're saying 'Let's enable what the stimulus package is trying to do," she said, "let's focus on that." And, while there is some obvious self-interest and difference in focus, that seems to be a reasonably accurate statement.
There was almost uniform agreement on one aspect of the NOI: the ceiling on grants, capped at $20 million, was too small to provide the sort of major infrastructure investments that the stimulus was ostensibly designed for. As a result, Monday saw Steven Chu announce that the cap had been raised to $200 million. Demonstration projects also got a raise, going from a $40 million cap to $100 million. This should go a long way towards enabling larger deployments.
Another major issue, highlighted both by Google and the DRSG, was that the NOI had little in the way of assurances that smart grid hardware would actually wind up in the hands of consumers (both individuals and institutions). There's a degree of self-interest in this, as the DRSG contains a number of hardware makers, and Google's focus on displaying data to consumer-level users mean that its smart grid efforts need hardware in place before there's anything to display. Still, the administration has apparently promised to have 40 million smart meters in place, and the DOE's stimulus spending provides no obvious path for getting there.
Things are a bit more complex when it comes to interoperability requirements. Google simply wants them in place, since the company would be happier if it could interface with all the data it wants to obtain via a single method. The DRSG is afraid that the standards that the DOE proposed to use are currently a work-in-progress; that concern is shared by the GridWise Alliance, which is somewhat ironic, given that the DOE had initially proposed to use standards developed by GridWise. The DOE has since announced that it will be going with standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and technology. It's not clear that this step will make anyone happier, as the NIST also calls its standards a work-in-progress, and is using a Wiki to develop them.
Both the DRSG and GridWise argue that a number of problems arise from the tendency of the DOE's proposal to treat the whole thing as a way of gathering information. "This comes from the fact that the office of electricity, which wrote this, is a very small office of only four people," Hariton told Ars, "and it's staffed by people who think from a scientific standpoint, and asked for a lot of information as if they're science experiments."
Part of the issue is that we should be past this already; the DRSG notes that "pilots have been done on most aspects of smart grid, in particular customer acceptance and participation. Proven technologies are available." But there are also some complaints about specific requirements. For example, GridWise argued that some disclosures expected as conditions of funding may reveal proprietary business information or go against security best practices. The DRSG notes that an expectation that programs randomize deployments across their customers would make it much more expensive to roll out the communications networks needed for smart grid devices.
Finally, there are issues regarding some of the proposed work with demand-response management and variable pricing. These often require approval by local or state utility boards, and the DOE doesn't allow for any mechanism for navigating what might be overlapping requirements.
Still, Hariton emphasized that it would be unrealistic to expect a perfect document on the first pass. She said that she recalled that, last year, the group that formulated the NOI had a budget of $160 million, so this represents a radical change for them. Still, the document they produced is apparently a decent foundation. "I think this was a first draft," Hariton said, "they're moving in the right direction, and we hope that this will all come back as a more effective document."


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The American Hereford Association (AHA) and Hereford World (HW) have announced Levi Landers, Ord , NE, has joined the Hereford team. Landers will join the AHA/HW staff in October as the North Central region field representative.
In this position, Landers will attend Hereford sales and events as well as assist breeders with marketing and genetic selection. He will also assist in educating members and commercial producers about AHA programs and other beef industry opportunities.
He will serve as the communication link between the AHA and breeders in Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
"We are extremely pleased to be able to hire an experienced and talented individual like Levi as the North Central field representative," says Joe Rickabaugh, AHA director of field management and seedstock marketing. "Levi brings to our team four years of experience selling advertising and working sales as a field rep for Western Livestock Reporter. He will be an excellent addition to our field staff."
Landers has been involved in the beef industry since birth. His family has a farming and ranching operation near Ord. He graduated from Oklahoma Panhandle State University with a bachelor's degree in animal science.
Since graduation he has been involved in the beef industry as well as sales and marketing. He spent a short time managing a feedlot, then managed a True Value store before joining the Western Livestock Reporter staff as field editor. In that role he was responsible for advertising sales and management of a three-state region, provided advertising counsel for beef producers in all breeds and represented the publication at seedstock sales providing ring service.
Landers and his wife, Julie, have four boys — Cage, Casey, Tanner and Ty.


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Coming up next - my dear friend (and incredible naturopath), Sarah Bennett, has been fermenting her own kefir from a grain one of her clients gave her, and she's promised to share some with me once the culture multiplies a few more times.
So, it's basically a regular good vibes commune around my apartment these days. Here's a great video on how to make any nut or seed milk - and if you haven't checked out My New Roots yet, it's a really beautiful and informative site. I've also been whiling away the hours watching the videos of these two crazy yogis - I'll admit they make me laugh, but I keep coming back, because their lake is gorge, and their products look incredible (in particular: the Seabuckthorn facial oil, the Poetic Pitts deodorant, the Forest Colognes, and their raw chocolate bars). Sending white light to you guys. Leave me your own homemade tips in the comments?
*PS - if you don't have cheesecloth or nutbags or whatever on hand (nutbags? umm, anyhow..) you can also use a fine sieve to strain the milk. That's what I did and it was great. Also, you most def have to soak the seeds/nuts before blending, as it nearly doubles the volume of the product.


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When I retired 2 years ago the first thing I did was to go on a course to learn the basics of quilting and I have been quilting ever since. I am experimenting with different techniques, such as cathedral windows, English paper piecing (which I love) and enjoy hand quilting and machine quilting. I haven't mastered free motion quilting but have booked a course at the end of the month. So watch this space to see how I get on!
In my 'previous life' I was a nurse and specialised in Ophthalmology, when working I dabbled in sewing and crafts but big projects I always promised myself that I could do these things when I retired. So between keeping an eye on my elderly mother,our beautiful grandchildren having sleepovers and caravanning with my husband, I spend the rest of my time sewing.


text: Parents and children enjoy celebrating birthdays. Parents are more enamored with celebrating their children's birthdays. To help them get even more involved we have come up with our range of 3D cakes. You have a wide variety to choose from – boats, telephones, smiley, and candy crush and cartoon characters. We even have 3D cakes for adults – beer bottle, champagne bottle, beer brands and graduation. Why don't you order 3D cakes for birthday from our website now?


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INDIANAPOLIS -- Ryan Newman set a track record Saturday in winning the pole position for NASCAR's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Newman, a native of South Bend, Ind., won the pole in dramatic fashion. He was the last of 45 drivers to make their qualifying attempt and he knocked off defending Brickyard 400 winner Jimmie Johnson to grab the first starting spot.
Newman turned a lap of 187.531 mph around the 2.5-mile speedway in his No. 39 Chevrolet, edging Johnson's 187.438 mph and smashing the previous record of 186.293 mph set by Casey Mears nine years ago.
It was Newman's 50th pole in the Cup series, and his propensity to qualify first has earned him the nickname "Rocket Man."
Speeds were helped by unseasonably mild weather, with temperatures in the high-70s. It's usually much hotter for Brickyard 400 qualifying, which creates a more slippery track that puts a lid on speeds.
Johnson, a five-time Sprint Cup Series champion, also is a four-time winner of the Brickyard 400, including last year.
Carl Edwards qualified third, Denny Hamlin was fourth and Tony Stewart qualified fifth.
Stewart is co-owner of Newman's team, Stewart-Haas Racing, whose drivers are Stewart, Newman and Danica Patrick.
The team recently announced it would not be able to keep Newman next year because veteran Kevin Harvick is joining the team and Stewart-Haas doesn't have the resources to field four cars.
Among other notable drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr. qualified 15th, Kyle Busch was 19th and Patrick qualified 33rd at 182.938 mph.
NASCAR's Juan Pablo Montoya fastest in Brickyard 400 practice
Philadelphia Eagles' Jeremy Maclin suffers knee injury at training camp
Hunter Mahan, Canadian Open leader, withdraws as wife goes into labor


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At the beginning of the day, after sleep, your body is breaking a fast. During the time while you sleep, you are fasting. After waking, the first meal consumed will break the fast. Break-fast should be sensitive to the rest and cleansing that the fast provided to your body. You should not consume anything heavy at this time. Instead, the first thing that you should consume is a glass of water at room temperature with fresh squeeze lemon juice, a period of 15-30 min should be allowed so that the lemon water can do its function. This should be followed by fresh-squeezed/fresh-pressed fruit juice or fresh seasonal fruit. This is what your body needs at this time of day and what is easiest on the digestive system. The juice lubricates your system and allows it to function optimally.
Elimination cycle (4am-12pm).This is the time when your body would like to direct most of its energy to the work of cleansing toxins from your body. To not interrupt this work, light eating is the best choice now , as the best way to break your fast (BREAKFAST). This does not mean a cup of coffee (regular or decaf) and a donut . By light I mean eating the lightest, most perfect food.. Fruit and Fruit Juices (diluted with water is best for most) You see, fruits does not diget in your stomach. In fact, fruit goes through the stomach and directly to your small intestines. In this way, there is no diversion of energy from the body's work of eliminating being used fordigestion of food. You see. when a heavy traditional breakfast is eaten ( eggs, potatoes, grits, bacon, toast, biscuits, waffles, pancakes, french toast, etc), it takes energy away from eliminating toxins and uses it for digestion of foods just eaten, and proper ELIMINATION IS NEVER ACHIEVED.
The ideal elimination pattern. Three to five bowel eliminations daily — once upon rising, one after each meal, one before retiring. When this pattern is not the norm ( and for most, it i not), then over time, it can take its tool on the body. Eating fruit and drinking fruit juices in the morning (especially the ripe, juicy ones), can provide an easily absorbed food, high in vitamins and minerals. You have also employed the greatest cleanser for your body, as they help to dissolve the often old accumulation of mucus and waste that is along the intestinal walls ( this include small intestines and colon). For some, eating fruits only in the morning may take a while to get used to. Do the best you can. Eat the amount of fruit and/or juice to make you comfortably full. If you feel hungry later in the morning, you can have bananas, granola, bran muffins (made with natural sweeteners), or whole grain toast. Keep in mind your objective is to adjust to ONLY FRUIT AND/OR DILUTED FRUIT JUICES IN THE MORNING.
*Fresh squeezed or pressed fruit and vegetable juices are meals in themselves and one of the quickest and most expedient means of consuming the whole nutrient the body needs. Bottled and canned juices are not fresh. Many of them have been pasteurized (subjected to extreme heat), diluted, reconstituted and/or have additives, artificial colors, artificial flavors and preservatives added. They are completely devoid of the digestive enzymes that are vital to your body needs.


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What happens to Hamas-Fatah reconciliation after Gaza conflict?
Nabil Shaath, an adviser to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas who's considered the architect of the April agreement that reunited Hamas and Abbas' Fatah movement in a unity Palestinian government, paused as he contemplated his groundbreaking deal in the wake of Israel's crushing campaign in the Gaza Strip.
Then he acknowledged that the situation might be different had Hamas not taken the course it did.
"Why the hell spend all this money and effort just showing off?" Shaath asked during an interview with McClatchy. "Hamas did not want this war. . . . They just needed a promise that at the end of the cease-fire there would be a normal life for Gazans. But by not throwing rockets, maybe they could have avoided giving excuses to the Israelis."
Shaath's comments, made Sunday as the Palestinian death toll passed 1,000, underscore the deep differences that remain between the freshly reconciled Palestinian factions, even as Israel and Hamas fight. Fatah and Hamas split violently seven years ago when Hamas wrested control of the Gaza Strip from Fatah in fierce fighting. The movements remained bitter rivals until they signed the reconciliation pact in late April.
During the years they were split, Fatah and Hamas viewed each other with acrimony. Under Abbas, Fatah pledged "nonviolent resistance," meaning diplomatic pressure on Israel. Hamas, on the other hand, is the flag bearer of forceful resistance, including firing rockets at Israel, mostly without effect, and burrowing tunnels under the Gaza-Israel border to enable attacks.
A U.S. diplomatic cable leaked in 2010 described Israel consulting with Fatah and Egypt before Operation Cast Lead, an Israeli military incursion into Gaza in the winter of 2008 and 2009. The cable suggested that Israel and Abbas were colluding against Hamas. At the time, officials in Ramallah denied they had advance knowledge of the operation.
The current operation in Gaza is challenging the Fatah strategy, according to Alaa Rimawi, an expert on Islamic politics.
"The message of Hamas was always that Israel will never give you a state, and it seems the Hamas prediction was right," Rimawi said. "Fatah is in crisis. . . . Fatah and Hamas are now presently on the same track."
Shaath is intimately familiar with the tensions between Hamas and Fatah. During the long hostility between Hamas and Fatah, he was instrumental in shuttling from the West Bank to Gaza to hammer out an agreement. Under the unity deal signed in April, the two sides were to form an interim government within five weeks and hold parliamentary elections six months later. So far the interim government hasn't been formed because of the campaign.
Shaath said some Fatah members still harbored bad feelings toward Hamas. "Yes, there are some of us who still think of the fraternal enemy more than they think of the real enemy," he said. However, many of these Fatah members have been galvanized against Israel by the spiraling death toll in Gaza, he said.
A turning point came last week, when Abbas adopted the Hamas demands for a cease-fire with Israel, including opening border crossings with Israel and Egypt and building an airport and seaport.
Shaath didn't endorse violence against Israel. In fact, he said, Palestinian police continue to check for weapons at rallies and to keep a tight lid on what could escalate into violent protest and lead to a third "intifada," the term used to describe previous prolonged periods of anti-Israel violence.
However, he noted that "the word intifada does not mean violence. An intifada is an uprising, its people saying 'no' to the occupation. . . . If Israelis continue in Gaza, there will be an intifada, and my duty will be to steer that in a nonviolent direction."
Political scientist Sameeh Hammoudeh, who teaches at the West Bank's Birzeit University near Ramallah, said the unity government between Fatah and Hamas probably would survive the conflict. Support for Hamas is up, he said, but Palestinians also are aware that they can't beat Israel militarily. "So still, the political road Abbas is leading has its own legitimacy," he said.
For Shaath, the reconciliation with Hamas, however awkward, has provided an opportunity to address the shared concerns of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank: the Israeli military operation and what Shaath describes as American bungling on resolving the crisis.
Secretary of State John Kerry "is going back and forth, but he's not showing any real displeasure at what Israel is doing," Shaath said. "His insistence that both sides should do this or that _ there's no sense of anger or urgency in his statements."
In Ramallah, Fatah seemed rejuvenated by its clearer line against Israel. Shaath squeezed in the interview after meeting with Russian diplomats and British dignitaries. His office director was one of the planners of a large protest at Qalandiya last week in which thousands took part.
Others in Ramallah were less sure. Abu Samaha, a worker in a sandwich shop, marched in last week's demonstration that began in his neighborhood, the al Amari refugee camp.
"May God give power to Ismail Haniyeh and Gaza," he said, speaking of the Hamas leader. "Abbas is a mayor, not a president. His decision-making is not in his hands."


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Jose Cisneros
National Humanities Medal
"My aim has been to rescue the picturesque characters of our past because they belong to everybody," says pen-and-ink artist José Cisneros. "The past is the basis of our future." Inspired by a deep connection to the history of the Southwest, Cisneros has spent a lifetime turning his passions into art.Cisneros's own background encompasses many places throughout Mexico and the Southwest. "I've always been especially interested in the history all along the Southwest and down into Mexico City," he says. His family lost their home in Durango in 1910 during the Mexican Revolution. Their belongings were looted. "My father lost everything,"says Cisneros. "We wandered for a long, long time. Those were the toughest years of my life." His family settled in Juárez, Mexico.Eventually, Cisneros arrived in El Paso, Texas, when he was fifteen."Due to the conditions, I had only had four years of school," he says,"and I had to repeat those four years when I came to El Paso."He remembers being fond of books. "I collected clippings from magazines, and drawings from the books I could afford," he says,"and I went to the library. I was especially interested in Spanish American history. The horsemen became my main subjects." Cisneros took what he saw back to his own art. He had preferred to work in pen-and-ink because he is color-blind, but armed with a box of colored pencils marked so he could read their colors, he set out to recreate the excitement he'd felt from illustrations created by Norman Rockwell and Howard Pyle. Cisneros's family viewed his illustrations as amusing. The rest of the world took them more seriously.
Cisneros's illustrations now grace the walls of the White House; the Texas state capitol; the Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe,New Mexico; Spanish embassies—and a local Texas supermarket.His illustrations can be found in more than one hundred books and publications. The book he considers his greatest achievement is Riders Across the Centuries: Horsemen of the Spanish Borderlands. It contains one hundred full-page drawings,sixteen smaller ones, and the artist' sown text. Recent works include:Borderlands: The Heritage of the Lower Rio Grande through the Art of José Cisneros; Cisneros 2000: Faces of the Borderlands; and El Ratoncito Pequeño, a bilingual children's book based on a Mexican nursery rhyme.Among his many awards, Cisneros has won a certificate of honor from the King of Spain; a commendation for his art and life from the President of Mexico; a lifetime achievement award from the Western Writers ofAmerica; and the Western Heritage Wrangler Award from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. The Tigua Pueblo Council has made him an honorary Tigua Indian.
"I want to thank all of the fans that were interested in my work and collected it," the ninety-two year-old Cisneros says. For many years, those collections have provided a vision of the Southwest's past through the eyes of a remarkable artist.
By Lynn Fabian Lasner


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Body Mechanics Webinar – March 9, 2009
Title: Body Mechanics Webinar
Description: This course introduces the theory behind proper lifting techniques and provides practical tips to bring into the work environment to minimize the risk of injury.
We will cover techniques to prevent or reduce back pain, improve posture, improve lifting techniques, improve back safety, improve overall wellness, and much more!!!
Topics include:
- Posture
- Lifting technique
- Back injury prevention
- Techniques to reduce back pain
What is a Webinar?
A webinar is an online educational course. Our webinars use a combination of internet delivered content and live teleconferencing. You will need access to both a phone for a local or toll free call, and an internet ready computer.
Why Take This Webinar?
At least 8 out of every 10 adults will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Our webinar will teach you how to prevent back injury or help manage the current pain you are suffering from.
To register, purchase the webinar using the Buy Now button below. Instructions for access will be emailed to you within 2 business days.
Cost: $59
Start Time: 11 am PST
Date: 2009-03-09


text: March 25, 2003 - New Yorkers Split On War With Iraq, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Support Increases As Fighting Begins New York City residents are deeply divided over the war with Iraq, but support for the war has increased since the shooting started, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. The two-part poll, conducted by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University Tuesday and Wednesday before the war began, and Saturday and Sunday, shows New Yorkers opposed to the war 59 - 37 percent before the first strike on Baghdad Wednesday night. Opposition shrunk to a 49 - 47 percent split by the weekend. Approval of the way President George W. Bush is handling the war follows the same trend, from a 61 - 35 percent disapproval last week when it was still a war of words, to a 49 - 45 percent disapproval by the weekend. "'Rally 'round the flag,' is the resounding cry heard throughout the nation. In New York City, that cry is muted," said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "New York always marches to its own drummer, but as the images of war flash across our television screens, the city's attitudes are coming closer to the rest of the nation's. "Here at home, New Yorkers treat the threat of terrorism like the weather: Everyone talks about it, but very few people do anything about it." The war with Iraq increases the short-term risk of terror in New York City, residents said 72 - 17 percent last week, a number that had dropped to 62 - 25 percent by the weekend. Last week, 75 percent of New Yorkers were "very worried" or "somewhat worried" about another terrorist attack on the city, a number that dropped to 67 percent by the end of the survey. But only 18 percent of New Yorkers say they've changed their day-to-day routine, while 81 percent say they've continued life as usual. The poll of New York City residents also finds: 51 - 40 percent disapproved last week of the way the United Nations is handling Iraq and Saddam Hussein, with disapproval growing to 54 - 34 percent by the weekend; 59 - 29 percent felt last week that there will be a significant number of U.S. military casualties, a number that spiked to 65 - 26 percent on Sunday; 37 - 53 percent said last week that the city is not prepared to deal with another terrorist attack, shifting to a 46 - 46 percent split by the weekend; 78 - 12 percent believed last week that Iraq does possess weapons of mass destruction, a number that shifted to 70 - 17 percent by the weekend. Anti-war protests are good because they appeal to the nation's conscience, 53 percent of New Yorkers said last week, while 32 percent said they are harmful because they undercut the war effort. That number had shrunk to 45 - 40 percent by the weekend. "Most of the peace march was peaceful, but the impact was not what the marchers had hoped to achieve. Before the march, New Yorkers said resoundingly that anti-war protest was a good thing. After the march, the feelings were mixed," Carroll said. On March 18 - 19, before the bombing of Baghdad began Quinnipiac University surveyed 654 New York City residents, with a margin of error of +/- 3.9 percent. On Saturday and Sunday, 543 residents were surveyed, with a margin of error of +/- 4.2 percent. The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and the nation as a public service and for research. For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu and quicklinks 1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as President? Tue Sat Wed Sun Approve 33% 41% Disapprove 58 52 DK/NA 9 7 2. Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling the situation with Iraq and Saddam Hussein? Tue Sat Wed Sun Approve 35% 45% Disapprove 61 49 DK/NA 4 6 3. Do you approve or disapprove of the way the United Nations is handling the situation with Iraq and Saddam Hussein? Tue Sat Wed Sun Approve 40% 34% Disapprove 51 54 DK/NA 8 12 4. Do you support or oppose the United States going to war with Iraq? Tue Sat Wed Sun Support 37% 47% Oppose 59 49 DK/NA 4 4 5. How long do you think a/the war with Iraq will last - a week or less, a few weeks, several months, about a year or longer than that? Tue Sat Wed Sun Week or less 11% 4% Few weeks 28 36 Several months 28 35 About a year 7 7 Longer 13 9 DK/NA 12 9 6. Do you think there will or will not be a significant number of U.S. military casualties in a/the war with Iraq? Tue Sat Wed Sun Yes/Will be 59% 55% No/Will not 29 33 DK/NA 12 12 7. In the short term, do you think going to war with Iraq will increase or decrease the risk of further terrorism in New York City? Tue Sat Wed Sun Increase 72% 62% Decrease 17 25 DK/NA 10 13 8. In the long term, do you think going to war with Iraq will increase or decrease the risk of further terrorism in New York City? Tue Sat Wed Sun Increase 58% 52% Decrease 31 38 DK/NA 11 10 9. How worried are you about another terrorist attack in New York City -- very worried, somewhat worried, not too worried or not worried at all? Tue Sat Wed Sun Very worried 42% 33% Smwht worried 33 34 Not too worried 16 16 Not worried at all 8 15 DK/NA 1 1 10. Do you think New York City is adequately prepared to deal with another terrorist attack, or not? Tue Sat Wed Sun Yes 37% 46% No 53 46 DK/NA 10 7 11. In general, do you think New York City is about as safe as other big cities, less safe, or more safe? Tue Sat Wed Sun About as safe 38% 39% Less safe 34 25 More safe 24 33 DK/NA 5 3 12a. After President Bush's speech on Iraq Monday night, did you or members of your family go about day-to-day life as usual or did you make some changes? Tue Wed Life as usual 83% Made some changes 13 DK/NA 3 12b. As a result of what's happening in Iraq, have you or members of your family gone about day-to-day life as usual or have you made some changes? Sat Sun Life as usual 81% Made some changes 18 DK/NA 1 13. Do you think Iraq currently possesses weapons of mass destruction or not? Tue Sat Wed Sun Yes 78% 70% No 12 17 DK/NA 11 13 14. Do you think the Americans who are protesting against war with Iraq are - doing more harm by undercutting the war effort or doing more good by appealing to the nation's conscience Tue Sat Wed Sun More harm 32% 40% More good 53 45 DK/NA 15 16


text:
Attention: From 1st of May, Deal 5 will not be available for subscription to Hyderabad Users.
Attention: Internet users may face service degradation in peak time. Because we are upgrading our network, hopefully services will be back to normal soon.
We have received planned maintenance work notification from IMEWE (Under Sea Fiber Optic Cable) consortium, due to which few of our upstream will be affected as per the below schedule.
Activity Start Time: 14th Dec, 2015 at 05:00 Hrs. PST - Activity End Time: 17th Dec, 2015 at 04:00 Hrs. PST
It is to inform you that as per update received from the upstream provider, IMEWE (Under Sea Fiber Optic Cable) is under planned maintenance due to which you will face service degradation.
Activity Start Time: 28th Dec, 2015 - Activity Period: 7 to 15 Days Tentatively
It is to inform you that timepass.pk is going under planned maintenance, due to which you may face some issues downloading or playing videos.
Activity Start Time: 20th January, 2016 at 05:00 AM PST - Activity End Time: 31st January, 2016
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text:
Science Friday® is produced by the Science Friday Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Science Friday® and SciFri® are registered service marks of Science Friday, Inc. Site design by Pentagram; engineering by Mediapolis.
|Many home gardeners love a green lawn -- but how can you be grow grass that's green in the environmental sense as well? In this segment, we'll talk about moving your lawn away from conventional pesticides and fertilizers, and about whether it's possible to have an environmentally-sensitive lawn.


text:
|Jr. Dragster Overview
Class Info & Rules | Results - All Rounds | Points | Archives
This is an entry level for 8 to 17 yrs of age. This class is to let the young participate in racing just as their parents do. Also for the children to learn the sportsmanship of racing and to give all a place to race. Some children do not like any stick ball or sports but they are just as welcome to race as to play any other sport.
Edgewater had changed the rule to 8 to 15 but since several expressed they did not think it was right we will change it back to include the 16 and 17 years Jr's.
Ages 8 -17 can all participate Saturday Time Runs in Sessions (Two Time Runs) beginning at 2:30 pm with Eliminations at 4 pm. Entry $20.00 Trophies to the winners and smaller one to the runner up. Also during the eliminations 8 to 12 years of age will run each other and 13 & up will race each other as long as possible and then blended with each other. This will help the younger get a little experience and have fun also.
Anyone over 16 with their parents permission may move up to Sportsman Racing to get even more experience.
JR DRAGSTER RACE AUGUST 24 th Jr. Warrior Race with Gates opening at 1 pm


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Unnamed NFL execs: If Cooper is cut, he'll land with another team
If the Philadephia Eagles cut embattled wideout Riley Cooper, he would be picked up by another team. That's the opinion of unnamed NFL executives in a USA Today report. The executives agreed that the Eagles wouldn't be able to trade Cooper.
The Eagles excused Cooper from team activities on Friday, saying he would be sent into counseling in the aftermath of his racial slur in a video. That decision came after noticeable unrest and division at camp on Thursday, as Cooper practiced with team.
MORE: Cooper excused from activities | McCoy on Cooper | PHOTOS: Disgraced athletes
There were strong remarks on and off the record that indicated teammates weren't going to get past the incident any time soon.
"Very tough to trade him right now," one executive told USA Today. "Time passesâ€"not sure how much timeâ€"but he would be signed if cut."
Eagles coach Chip Kelly continues to insist the team has no plans to release Cooper. But if that thinking changed and Cooper were cut, the unnamed executive estimated it would take a couple of months before another team signed him.
Cooper, 25, has put up 46 receptions for 679 yards and five touchdowns in his three seasons with the Eagles. He has worked mostly as a fourth or fifth receiver so far in his career, but the loss of Jeremy Maclin to a torn ACL moved him up the depth chart and into a potential starting role.
Cooper (6-3, 222) is the Eagles' biggest receiver and has some value as a red zone threat. Coupled with good speedâ€"he ran a 4.53 40 at the 2010 Scouting Combineâ€"and the thinking is he would find a job with another team.
A second executive pointed to a similar situation with Kerry Collins in 1997, when he was with the Carolina Panthers after being selected in the first round in 1995. Collins used the same racial slur during a night out with teammates at the end of training camp in 1997. He was released during the 1998 season but went on to a 17-year career.
"Can never say never," the second executive said. "All it takes is for one team to have an interest. After all, Kerry Collins came back after his situation in Carolina.
"But (Cooper is) not a high-end player, so a lot of teams won't want to deal with the issue in or out of their building."
A third executive told USA Today that with the removal of Cooper from camp, he believes the Eagles are simply buying time for media coverage to subside. He expects them to keep Cooper on the roster.
"I would assume that's what they'd do," he said. "But a leave of absence is a weird thing. … I got the feeling they were distancing themselves."


text:
Honors: ACC Academic Honor Roll (2015, 2016)
2015-16: Took the start for seven meets during the fall season...won the Bull City Classic (9/12) in a 4K time of 15:41.2...crossed the finish at the Royals Challenge (10/10) as Duke's top finisher, placing 14th in a 5K time of 18:41.1...served as one of six Blue Devil competitors at the ACC Championships (10/30)...participated in five competitions during the indoor and outdoor season...finished third at the Carolina Cup (1/15) in the 800 with a time of 2:15.43...clocked in at 2:13.68 at the UCS Invitational (2/20) in the same event to claim fifth…outdoor, earned sixth (800) and ninth (1,500) at the Duke Invitational (4/23) with times of 2:12.22 and 4:41.78, respectively…finished 10th in the 800 at the Wolfpack Last Chance (5/6) with a time of 2:12.16…named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll for the second consecutive year.
2014-15: Participated in three contests during the fall season…ran a season-best 5K time of 18:58.35 at the Three Stripe Invitational (11/8), posting a top-20 finish after crossing the line in 17th…Indoors, focused on the mile, placing sixth in the season-opener Carolina Cup (1/16)…ran a season-best mile time of 5:09.69 at the VT Challenge (2/20)…Outdoors, participated in the 1,500 at the ACC Championships (5/14)…recorded a time of 2:15.95 for 800 meters at the Duke Twilight (5/7), a season best...named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll.
2013-14: Competed four times during the fall…in her first collegiate cross country race, she placed 23rd at the adidas XC Challenge (9/20), clocking a 5K time of 18:27.3…contributed to Duke's second-place team finish at the Royal Cross Country Challenge (10/11), placing 14th overall in a 5K time of 18:34.1…highest finish among her teammates came at the Blue Ridge Open (10/18), crossing the line as the third Blue Devil and the 67th overall competitor in a time of 19:35.07…focused primarily on the middle-distance events during the track season…Indoors, opened the season with a fifth-place finish in the 800 at the Virginia Tech Invitational (1/18), running a time of 2:20.28…competed in her first collegiate 1,000 at the Virginia Tech Challenge (2/22), running a time of 3:08.57, en route to an eighth-place finish overall…Outdoors, placed 11th in the 800 at the Carolina Relays (3/22) after running a season-best time of 2:24.70…saw a 13th-place finish at the VertKlasse Meeting (4/5) in the 800, finishing in a time of 2:25.88…anchored the second-place finishing Duke 4x400 at the Joe Hilton Invitational (4/12).
2012-13: Did not compete during the 2012-13 season.
Prior to Duke: Lettered four years in cross country and track & field at Mountain View High School while under the training of Kenrick Sealy...three-time league champion in the 1,600m and two-time league champion in the 800m...also captured a section title in the 1,600m as a sophomore... earned a sixth-place finish in the 1,600m performance at the California state meet her sophomore season and a fifth-place finish her junior year...program record holder in the 800m and 4x400m relay...league champion in cross country during junior campaign...also a two-time section champion...named Distance Runner of the Year by the San Jose Mercury News as a sophomore and junior...led her squad to four consecutive league and section championships...garnered all-country and all-section honors while also being tabbed the CCS Runner of the Year as a sophomore and junior...second team all-state as a sophomore...served as team captain in cross country her sophomore, junior and senior years while also captaining the track & field team for two years...named a scholar-athlete in cross country and track & field.
Personal: Daughter of Matthew and Jill Sturges...born July 19, 1994...has one sister, Ryan...father (1986-89) and uncle (1974-77) both played football at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Cross Country PR
5K- 18:00 (High School)
Indoor PR
Mile- 5:09.69 (2/20/2015)
Outdoor PRs
800m- 2:11.95 (High School)
1,500m- 4:36.85 (5/6/2015)
1,600m- 4:47.65 (High School)


text:
massive net censorship
The following was transmitted by the Pakistani blog Mystified Justice:
Press Kit: National URL Filtering and Blocking System
This is cross posted from Bolo Bhi. We, at Bolo Bhi, have been actively involved in campaigning against Government's attempt to blanket censor the internet. Below is a press kit designed to help journalists interested in writing about the issues. The FAQs are a resource for others who may want to understand our campaign better.
On Wednesday, the 22nd of February, the ICT R&D Fund under the Ministry of Information Technology (MoIT), announced through newspapers and their website a Request For Proposal (RFP) for national "URL filtering and blocking system".
The RFP requires that: "Each [filtering] box should be able to handle a block list of up to 50 million URLs (concurrent unidirectional filtering capacity) with processing delay of not more than 1 milliseconds." This will allow the state to subsidise a comprehensive automated censorship regime.
The ICT RnD fund that will be funding this initiative is an arm of the Pakistani Ministry of Information Technology. The fund was created in 2007 by the Ministry to take a certain percentage of revenue from telecommunications companies and allocate it for scholarships in IT education and research and development of information and communication technologies. Therefore, all grant funding for this national censorship project comes from domestic ISPs, mobile carriers, and telephone companies. However, the decision-making process by which it chooses projects and beneficiaries or grants has not been described anywhere on their website, showing a lack of transparency. Owing to the blanket nature of this ban, we issued a press release demanding transparency on the proposal.To elaborate
- The reason behind the decision
- If stakeholders were consulted before the proposal
- If implications, of the ban on various sectors, were taken into account. [http://bolobhi.org/press-release-public-statements/2222012-2/ ]
In Pakistan, only around 20 million out of 187 million people have access to the Internet. Despite limited access the Internet has brought positive benefits to Pakistan through economic growth, education, entrepreneurship and cultural sharing. The ICT R&D Fund was developed to further the use of ICTs and promote research in the field. It has been involved in doing that actively and therefore an announcement that is contrary to the progress and development of ICT's from the same organization comes as a shock.
What has happened?
The ICT R&D fund, under the ICT Ministry issued a request for proposals for a National Filtering & Blocking System on February 22, 2012. It asks applicants to submit proposals to the fund by 3pm on March 02, 2012. This was later changed to 16th March, 2012.
Who cares?
This project asks for a proposal for technology that can review 50 million website links in less than a second. Think of this as Pakistan's very own Big Brother system, it would be a similar technology to what China government uses and is commonly known as the great firewall of China. We as rights advocates care about this initiative, because it will not only affect Internet freedom but also have economic implications. [ to look at the campaign updates so far, scroll down to the Campaign Timeline]
Why does the government of Pakistan need this blocking system? What are their concerns?
The government statement suggests that the URL blocking and filtering system is required to filter out 'objectionable' content. The term hasn't been defined but past statements suggest they wish to block out pornographic, blasphemous content and content that could harm 'national security'. There's been no explanation/definition of 'national security. Due to the vagueness of the issue such a system is prone to rampant abuse.
What does National Level URL Filtering and Blocking System mean for a layman?
It means that content will be blocked on URL level. This is one of the most effective methods of blocking content, making it harder for mirror websites. It means that the government has the authority to block access to certain websites completely. In this particular instance, in the absence of legislation, it means that your website or website you use actively could be blocked without citing reasons, without providing a method to complaint, reverse wrongful block and with no time frame or contact person to approach in case of wrongful block.
This could affect business websites, research, mainstream media websites, and this will also be carried out without informing the site administrator. Violation of fundamental rights.
How can it affect an ordinary internet user?
- Speed: It would slow down your Internet speed.
- Security & Privacy: It would permit authorities to sniff into your conversations. Blanket surveillance.
- Academic: academic paralysis, with a rigorous filtering system, the web sphere will be limited hence it would mean less content accessible for carrying out research (you could cite example of UAE where in trying to censor porn, students could no longer access research papers on breast cancer).
- Social networks will not only be prone to surveillance but could be blocked just because another user has put up content that authorities consider 'objectionable'.
How does it affect various institutions:
- Academic Paralysis, limiting the scope of the Internet hence limiting research material. (In UAE while banning porn, authorities also filtered out links containing word 'breasts', making students unable to access research papers on breast cancer, etc).
- Censoring political figures, news or subjects to curtail political dissent would practically remove figures from history. Unfortunately our textbooks are no saviors either.
- If a college/university website is blocked, it would have major implications for students, who might be unable to apply for admissions e.g: Many university/college websites have student forums, while there are rules for the forum they are most likely to be different than rules set up by our government.
- Economic loses due to wrongful banning. In the absence of legislation there are no methods or rules to reverse, unspecified duration of ban and there are no legal rights given to individual businesses in case that happens (Eg: P@sha innovation fund grantee who registered a website hometownshoes.com, learnt that PTA has banned it, Jehan Ara, the President of P@sha, was able to approach the authorities and it took them ten days to reverse it. Apparently all sites containing term 'shoes' were banned.]
- Barrier to the flow of information: Businesses need to be able to communicate on demand, censorship restrictions limits such communication
- Innovation: Pakistan entrepreneurs need to have the scope to research and test wide number of ideas, restricting content or monitoring of their activity severely limits the ability of entrepreneurs.
- During the 2007 emergency imposed by Musharraf, the media crack down resulted in an outpouring of information on social networks. These were actively used to mobilize people, spread information regarding police brutality on journalists and protesters and work as a news portal in the absence of mainstream media. Authorities recognize that this could be crucial hence a complete control on it would allow them to censor political dissent.
- A huge number of Baloch websites have already been blocked, and we have no reassurances or reasons to believe that a 'flip flop' switch for the internet will not be used to silence mainstream voices. Imagine mainstream media websites being banned under the same pretext.
- In a country where public discourse is limited, public spheres shrinking this will be damaging.
Yes, because this method would enable them to access https sessions and issue their own certificates. Https means secure browsing, which is encrypted and not sniffable. An example to elaborate would be: using http your conversations are like a postcard readable to anyone, using https your message is in a sealed envelope and can only be opened by person it's addressed to.
Can local IT experts and solution providers meet their requirements?
Essentially, they will need to buy the technology from international companies and then as the RFP suggest build it indigenously.
Will these measures slow down Internet speed too?
Why is there such a strong protest against any such step? Isn't this step taken in good faith by the government? Why should we condemn and protest against this?
Our protest stems from government's past record of abusing censorship, take for example the LHC decision to ban Facebook that extended to google, YouTube, blogs & even blackberry services were suspended. This is a democracy not a dictatorship. We vote and pay our taxes why should governments have to spend millions of dollars on filtering system? In the absence of legislation we are right in believing that the system is prone to abuse. The Parliament should legislate not ban.
Do you just want pornography/blasphemy in Pakistan?
It's not a matter of pornography/blasphemy or not, it's a matter of blanket censorship in Pakistan under the pretense of banning 'objectionable content'.
Who will be responsible if people are killed on streets because of such content? Who will defend in the Court not to place a ban on such content and contest religious parties there?
The Internet by nature is a free space. It provides voluntary access to information and not imposition. It is a tool and like any other tool is prone to abuse. We don't believe all content should be freely available online and we seek to assist in limiting the criminal content that's available, the key is to have a transparent regulatory process, with clear guidelines over what's happening. Criminal content can only be governed if there is legislation or a law. In countries like Japan government, civil society and industry worked together to set up an organization to review illegal content. This was set up over a year ago and is operating successfully.
Explained below:
Technical Background:
1. The Government already has a tap on the International Fibers from the two peering points (TWA and PTCL), i.e. the two submarine cable operators in Pakistan.
2. All the traffic to/from Pakistan flows through these peering points and the two taps. The two taps go to "Government" where exactly (PTA? Military? Etc.) No one knows and no one wants to talk about it.
3. What happens with these existing taps? You can very well imagine, they can do DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) of all the traffic. What they cannot open right now are encrypted packets, such as packets by Skype, HTTPS sessions and VPN or other encrypted sessions.
4. Under the guise of blocking grey VOIP (voice over IP) traffic, etc. the various agencies (MI, ISI, IB, etc.) have already managed to get the taps and be able to look at the payload traffic (essentially peer into your traffic) be able to "assemble" your packet-stream and reconstruct your Web or Email or FTP session. This is very easy to do with the right tools, provided you have the ability to tap into the link. Currently Government uses Narus to do this. Remember the official story is that it is to curb Grey VOIP traffic that is supposedly causing loss to the national exchequer in the Million (Billions, etc.).
5. The government has been trying for a long time to tap into the VPN and encrypted
circuits. This they did with a legislation / circular by PTA to register ALL VPN circuits in the country. You can look at the current URL for more information (Virtual watchdog: Internet users banned from browsing privately for 'security reasons').
6. Now what remains to reign in the control is – blocking of URLs (porn? anti-state propaganda material, anti-Islam material?) All of these clauses are part and parcel of the various Data Communication Licenses that have been given to the various operators. So the way PTA sees it – this is something long overdue.
7. Under the guise of the URL filtering, HTTPS sessions would also be tapped. In order to do this, all HTTPS sessions would be subjected to something called Man In The Middle Attacks (MITM). This basically says, you proxy the original HTTPS certificate/session (say as given by Gmail) and provides the user a locally owned Certificate (lets call this Pakistan URL Filtering Certificate) and with this, you have essentially been able to now
Looking into HTTPS (Secure) traffic:
8. This is a huge issue. With all the dissidents, anti-state activists, persons of interests, political figures, etc. The government will be able to see the HTTPS traffic and be able to identify the sources.
9. With Gmail, it currently establishes an HTTPS session and obfuscates the Source IP of the sender of the email. This is a stone in the government's shoe, they cannot "identify" where these people are, and with this HTTPS peering ability, they will be able to do this just so easily as they can do with HTTP sessions.
11. Any blanket privacy you had with respect to HTTPS is gone. So Internet banking secures communication, email, etc. all out of the door.
12. They will be able to capture all your User IDs and Password and specific answers to secret questions that you are suppose to provide in order to recover access to your email accounts.
13. Anyone who is a whistle blower can be identified. Anyone who does not agree with the government can be identified. Anyone can be pressured. Think the McCarthyism – this is where we are heading. Big Brother is always watching and collecting information (personal dossiers) on its citizens. Now they can comfortably collect the "digital" information of its citizens.
14. The state should define and elaborate what it considers as anti-sate content. Is human rights violation in Baluchistan anti-state? Is illegal abduction and torture by intelligence agencies?
15. How does one challenge a wrong decision?
16. What are the repercussions of bypassing and viewing such content? Can it land you behind bars?
17. What / Where is the accountability factor in this?
18. How do we ensure privacy rights are not invaded when your conversations are accessible?
19. What about the MISUSE of the information collected? Pressure tactics, blackmail, etc
20. How does one challenge the government's writ in such an implementation, which is a clear and gross violation of your basic fundamental rights?
21. Who / Where are the definitions of what is anti-state, anti-religious, anti-moral etc? How do you agree on a consensus of what a decision is? How do you challenge it? How do you modify it?
Currently the constitution states that 'distribution' of blasphemous and obscene content is illegal. However, such content available on the Internet is not 'distributed'. The access is voluntary not imposing.
22. What about data-retention and data mining being done on this data collected?
23. What about Court-approved taps (such powers are supposed to be limited and only with a court-approved order are you able to insert taps). Most software vendors who provide such tapping software and reconstructions software for hand-off (technical term used in industry), have appropriate sections for implementing such Court-orders into the software for proper logging.
24. This LI (Lawful Intercept) is no longer lawful nor being monitored by any member of the legislative or court bodies. In fact it is hushed.
25. Such a system will give the government extra muscle to go after "activists" – "liberals" – "troublemakers" – You and I. Anyone who is a hindrance, becomes a target.
26. The proper way is to bring this out to the National Assembly, have it challenged and formulated with limited power, oversight committees, a quasi civilian (rotating) watchdog and with very restricted perimeters.
Campaign Timeline:
[If you are interested in learning more about the Government's history of E-regulation and censorship attempts, please check timeline here http://bolobhi.org/resources/state-of-internet-in-pakistan-e-regulations-timeline/ ]
The timeline below enlists statement and media coverage the issue has received thus far.
Day one press release:
Day two press release:
- Electronic Frontier Foundation issued a statement: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2012/02/not-a-hoax-pakistan-requests-proposals-national-filtering-and-blocking-system
- An online petition for national audience to demand an end to censorship (http://bolobhi.org/activities/petitions/pakistan-stop-the-firewall/)
- We issued letters to CEO's of international companies likely to apply ( http://bolobhi.org/pakistan-anti-censorship-campaign-get-the-ceos-to-commit/ ) started online campaign and also a petition (http://bolobhi.org/activities/petitions/censorship-is-big-business-it-should-not-be/)
- Bushra Gohar raised issue with the ministry of IT and spoke to relevant.
- Business Human Rights Centre Committed to send our letter to the CEO's and petitions to the organizations directly
- Websense issued a statement saying they will not sell the technology and asked others to do the same (http://bolobhi.org/press-release-public-statements/civil-society-thank-websense/) statement (http://community.websense.com/blogs/websense-insights/archive/2012/03/02/say-no-to-government-censorship-of-the-internet-in-pakistan.aspx?cmpid=pr)
- GNI issued a statement ( http://www.globalnetworkinitiative.org/newsandevents/GNI_Statement_on_Pakistan_s_Request_for_Proposals_for_an_Internet_Filtering_and_Blocking_System.php) They are huge and have a lot of impact.
- Electronic Frontier Foundation issued a statement, lauding our efforts and asking other companies to take websense lead ( https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2012/03/filtering-software-companies-should-follow-websenses-lead )
- Human rights first issued statement ( http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/2012/03/02/websense-applauded-for-response-to-pakistans-call-for-censorship-partner/)
- Reporters without borders issued a statement citing our petition and a letter to the Prime Minister and ICT RnD board ( http://en.rsf.org/pakistan-government-wants-to-create-02-03-2012,41977.html)
- Cisco, Sandvine and Verizon have confirmed to us that they will not be selling the technology to our Government. Business Human Rights Resource Centre, our partners in the campaign, will be putting out a complete list of companies that have not responded and other's who have tomorrow (Wednesday 7th of March)
- New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/03/technology/pakistan-builds-web-wall-out-in-the-open.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimes&seid=auto
- Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/03/02/pakistans-open-war-on-the-internet/
- TIME: http://www.time.com/time/quotes/0,26174,2108224,00.html
- Global Voices: http://globalvoicesonline.org/2012/02/28/pakistan-fighting-the-great-firewall/
- Express Tribune: http://tribune.com.pk/story/321958/the-futility-of-censorship/
- Firewall Looming: http://speakforchange.org/firewall-looming-in-pakistan/
Our company mission and history
Established in 2012,even though we have been working on Internet freedom issues individually for over five years now, Bolo Bhi means 'Speak up', we are an organization with Focus on advocacy, policy and research. We are a team of individuals with diverse backgrounds who are passionate about the same causes. We believe it is crucial to bridge the gap between rights advocates, policy makers, media and average citizens. Bridging the gap enables collective strength and concentrated focus on the areas that require attention.
Biographies and credentials of key personnel
1. Chief Executive Officer & Spokesperson – Sana Saleem
Sana Saleem is an activist working on minority rights and internet freedom. She blogs at Global Voices, Asian Correspondent, The Guardian, Dawn and her personal blog Mystified Justice. She recently won the Best Activist Blogger award by CIO & Google at the Pakistan Blogger Awards. She can be found on Facebook and Tweets at: @sanasaleem. She can be contacted via email: sanabolobhiorg
2. Chief Operating Officer – Farieha Aziz
Farieha Aziz is a Karachi-based, APNS-awardwinning journalist. She has a masters in English literature from the University of Karachi. She worked with Newsline from July 2007-January 2012 and is currently teaching literature to grades 9-12. Her articles can be viewed here. She can be found on Twitter:@FariehaAziz and contacted via email: farieha<at>bolobhi<dot>org
3. Jehan Ara, Advisory Board
Jehan Ara is the President of the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA). She is a motivator, an entrepreneur, a social activist and a strong propagator of extending the power and use of Information and communication technologies beyond pure traditional business, to empower and enable communities. Her blog can be viewed here: In the line of Wire. She can be found on Twitter: @jehan_ara and contacted via email: jehan<at>bolobhi<dot>org
Related articles
- Pakistan Builds Web Wall Out in the Open (nytimes.com)
- This Isn't a Hoax: Pakistan Requests Proposals for a National Filtering and Blocking System (eff.org)
- Say NO to Government Censorship of the Internet in Pakistan (community.websense.com)
Newz from Limbo is a news site and, the hosting mechanism notwithstanding, should not be defined as a web log or as 'little more than a community forum'... Write News from Limbo at Krypto78=at=gmail=dot=com... The philosophical orientation of Newz from Limbo is best described as libertarian... For anti-censorship links: http://veilside78.blogspot.com/2010/12/anti-censorship-spectrum_23.html (If link fails, cut and paste it into the url bar)... You may reach some of Paul Conant's other pages through the sidebar link or at http://paulpages.blogspot.com/


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on Jan 6, 2010 from Southwestern News
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Designed to be a fast paced ride, suitable for commuting and general mooching about, the Hob 3 is a three-speed version of Charge's singlespeed Hob, both built for women - although Charge reckon they sell a few to men as urban runabouts.
Some complain about the seemingly sexist name, but in fairness to Charge, ALL their bikes are named after kitchen gadgets and appliances, so unless it's sexist to name a unisex or bloke's bike after a cheese grater, or a mixer, it's just a fun and daft name.
The Hob is an undeniably attractive looking bike, based on a traditional mixte style frame in a fetching shade of metallic purple, with nice silver toned mudguards and swept back bars. It's finished off with white grips and a white women's specific Ladle saddle. The overall look is an interesting mix of sporty and laid back, and that's pretty much what the ride character of the bike is as well.
Equipped with a three-speed Sturmey Archer hub gear, and a sporty ride position it's intended to be quite quick. Out and about, it is surprisingly spry, given its fairly laid back and traditional looks. The gears are big as standard, meaning it's fundamentally best suited to flatter terrain or those who like a challenge. Even the lowest gear approaches mid point on most set-ups, making hills interesting. The bike was impressively responsive though, with nice direct power transfer and once I managed to get up to top gear, it really flew. I did find I spent the majority of my time riding in the middle gear though, even on just undulating roads.
Riding position was comfortable, and less upright than the appearance would originally suggest. The mixte frame and swept back bars made for a fairly sporty feeling position. On the flat, this gave a good chance of exploiting the power and speed of the Hob 3. Uphill, the big gears and the swept back bars made climbing tricky but not unduly so, with some weaving at the front end.
On descents, however, despite the frame and general position being fine, the bars did result in a slightly less than sure footed feel. Going downhill fast I found the front of the bike distinctly unwieldy, making signaling less than confident. Gear changes, while reasonably smooth, were sufficiently robust to affect handling as well, given the twitchy handling, making it somewhat alarming in traffic - not ideal for an urban orientated bike. Although I did find the bars awkward the root of the problem may well lie in the geometry of the front triangle
Stopping is not a problem though should you need to do so in a hurry the caliper brakes were effective and gave no trouble at all. The mudguards are a nice addition, but did start to rattle before very long. A simple nut tightening job was required.
I found the Ladle saddle comfortable, but that's always a very personal thing anyway. The grips, although aesthetically pleasing, were some of the least comfortable I've ridden with, offering very little in the way of cushioning. The bike is fully rack compatible, offering good usefulness for errands and the like. One other thing to consider, I was fortunate enough not to be visited by the puncture gods during the test period, if I had been though getting the rear wheel out might have proved a bit of a faff, in fact I'm not sure the mudguard wouldn't have had to come off too.
For the price, the Hob 3 is not at all bad value, versatile and with plenty of usefulness as well as being fast enough for sporty feeling rides when you fancy. The grips could do with an upgrade, and the bar and possibly stem are things I'd probably change to tweak the slightly jittery handling. That said, I found the Hob 3 genuinely fun and enjoyable to ride, to the point where it was my 'go to ' bike while testing, even allowing for hillier terrain than it was really best suited to.
Fun, attractive and pleasantly sporty. Let down slightly by a twitchy front end and uncomfortable grips.
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Charge Hob 3
Size tested: Smal
About the bike
State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.
Frame- Charge Steel, Cr-Mo D/T & C/S
Fork- Charge Whisk- steel
3 Speed Sturmey Archer Hub Gear
Crankset- Shield Track 40t
Bottom Bracket- FSA sealed
Pedals- Wellgo Alloy Trekking
Shifters- Sturmey Archer Thumbie
Casette- Sturmey Archer 16t
Rims- Shield 700c, double wall, 32h
Tyres- Charge Coaster
Front Hub- Charge Shield SB
Rear Hub- Sturmey Archer SRF 3
Brakes- Promax RC480, Long Reach
Bar- Charge Hob
Stem- Shield, 5 degree, 31.8mm
Grips- Charge Plunger
Headset- FSA TH-882
Saddle- Charge Ladle
Mudguards- Steel
Tell us what the bike is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?
Aimed at women looking for a 3-speed nimble bike that looks good
Frame and fork
Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?
Nicely finished, although fork looks and feels lower quality than frame.
Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?
Steel frame and fork, well suited to the more traditional mixte style frame.
Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?
Mixte style traditionally shaped frame, allowing for a step-through design whilst giving speed and performance usually only associated with a more obviously sporty looking bike.
How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?
Very accessible in terms of height and reach. No problems at all.
Riding the bike
Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.
The bike was very comfortable indeed to ride, apart from the grips.
Ride quality was responsive, with good power transfer and a surprising turn of speed, let down slightly by an overly twitchy front end.
Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?
The bike felt just right for stiffness. No problems with flex anywhere, even when climbing with an overhigh gear!
How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?
Very well, felt very efficient for a non-road bike.
Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so, was it a problem?
How would you describe the steering? Was it lively, neutral or unresponsive? Steering was over lively, allowing for road wobble and also problems signalling
Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?
Great in a straight line and at speed, but quite twitchy at slow speeds, on descents and did not respond well to gear changes.
Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?
Grips were amongst the most uncomfortable I have ridden with. Could easily be upgraded to great effect.
Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?
No changes required. Frame was pleasingly stiff.
Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?
Pedals as supplied didn't really allow the rider to exploit the power transfer or potential speed of the bike. A simple swap to clipless made a huge difference.
Very good, given the geometry and style
Surprisingly quick off the mark!
Not bad at all, considering the geometry and what it's intended for.
Some wobble in steering, especally when changing gear
Not particularly confidence inspiring at slow speeds
Kept a good line with no trouble but lively front end made any sort of indication a challenge
Not bad on a climb, but gearing very high for more than a short climb.
The drivetrain
Wheels and tyres
No problems at all
Nice balance of speed and comfort
Tell us some more about the wheels and tyres.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels or tyres? If so, what for?
Tread on tyres was good for most road conditions and even tackled flat gravel type trails and paths with no real problems
Gear shifting was fine, but required quite a push, which coupled with the twitchy steering was a bit of a problem
Grips very uncomfortable, with very little cushioning
Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?
Brakes and levers were absolutely fine.
Gear shift was easy to use but didn't pair well with the twitchy steering as it required quite a push.
Bar grips were very firm, which didn't work well with the weight applied to the hands by the riding position.
Little problem for smaller riders
Your summary
Did you enjoy riding the bike? Very much
Would you consider buying the bike? Definitely, especially if I lived somewhere a bit flatter.
Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes, particularly one in a flatter, rural or less urban location
Anything further to say about the bike in conclusion?
A very sprightly and fun bike to ride. Practical yet engaging and looks good too.
About the tester
Age: 37 Height: 1.65m Weight: 67kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, general fitness riding, mtb,
Lara has been riding bikes for longer than she'd care to admit, and writing about them nearly as long. Since 2009 she has been working as part of the road.cc review team whilst championing women's cycling on the side, most notably via two years as editor of the, sadly now defunct, UK's first and only women's cycling mag, erm, Women's Cycling.
Believing fervently that cycling will save the world, she wishes that more people would just ride a bike and be pleasant to each other.
She will ride anything with two wheels, occasionally likes to go fast, definitely likes to go far and is always up for a bit of exploring somewhere new and exciting.


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The ultimatest hair post ever was written many moons ago by The Angry Black Woman - now Kiya and Plain(s)feminist are at it. I am going to chip in now because my hair, it is a thing of infamy.
(I have read lots of great body-related posts in general lately; CassandraSays digging into femmeness, zombie z on extreme weight loss in the bodmod community; meanwhile, BlackAmazon is exploring age in amazing inspiring ways, and Bitchy
This is my hair. People like it, say nice things about it - strangers come up to me and compliment it, frequently. I am identified by it, in crowded rooms, in cartoony silliness, and so on. It's thick, dark red and it goes down to my waist.
This is not naturally occurring miracle hair - it's a product of its environment, like the rest of us. It's a product of the isolation I whined about
here and here; hairdressing, access to hair-as-fashion rather than hair-the-way-it-just-is, was something I was cut off from for a very long time. And because being without that sort of beauty play had given me the head of hair that it did, I never felt any desire to adopt it later. Why bother, when people paid to fake what I just naturally had? (The why is choice, enjoyment, play, and I guess that fashion stuff that I don't know a thing about).
I haven't had so much as a trim for at least 10 years. That's a shame, because if I did start trimming it it'd probably get a little longer.
I am backed into a corner here. I have only two appealing options; a) keep it as it is now, and b) shave it all off. All of it. Off. (Unfortunately the otherperson has said that if I shave it all off, he'll shave all his off. But, but, we like having good hair).
The reason writing this hurts is that I know my father likes it the way it is and quite deliberately made me keep it this way the entire time I lived with him.