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The United States has no vacation policy -- and neither do families, judging from surveys of workers' time off. Are we doing it wrong? Tell us how you use breaks and vacations to manage your productivity, and we'll publish your best responses later this week.
If something must exist for it to be broken, then U.S. national vacation policy cannot be broken, because there isn't one. Here's a graph of federal paid annual leave policies across advanced economies in the OECD. Look to the far right. See us? We're the one at zero.
So, America is exceptional. But not wiser, perhaps. The science of productivity is pretty clear that anything from a coffee break to a two-week vacation can make us better workers by replenishing our energy and attention and allowing our brains to make new connections that are obscured in the daily grind. Even at companies that offer vacation time (the vast majority of them), Americans often don't take advantage. We like working, or at least we're so afraid of not working that we deny ourselves breaks that might, paradoxically, make us more productive in the long term. Are we crazy?
Since it's August, and you're either on vacation yourself or barely working at your desk, I wanted to turn the question over to you. Instead of focusing on the national level, l want to hear from your personal experience. What kind of vacation and time-off policy does your company offer, and -- most importantly -- do you agree with it? Or do you think there would be a smarter way for companies and employees to work together to create a schedule and vacation policy that maximized both our happiness and even our effectiveness?
When are you at your most productive? If you're like me, you ask yourself that question all the time. And 95 years ago, Dr. A. F. S. Kent tried to answer it by studying factory workers by day of the week. He determined that people worked least effectively on Mondays and best on Saturdays (this was before two-day weekends were national). This conclusion has been duplicated again, and again -- well, at least half of it. The Monday blues are a real thing, studies have repeatedly shown. But most workers really start firing on all cylinders some time toward the middle/end of the week before they occasionally flag on Friday.
From this research, productivity gurus have gleaned at least three variables that are crucial to determining your output. The first is practice efficiency. Like computers, we need time to boot up, and it's only after a bit of practice that we "hit our groove." That's one reason Monday's feel slow. We're still trying to find our flow. The second is energy. Simply: Our bodies get tired, and it's as true for our brains as our other muscles. You don't manufacture attention so much as consume it from a finite supply. When the supply runs out -- around 9pm on a Wednesday (or, uh, 3pm on a Friday?) -- productivity falls. The third is end spurt. We don't just work better near deadlines. We also work harder near finish lines. Ever feel inspired by Thursday's proximity to the weekend that you work a little bit harder? That's the end spurt talkin'.
So the issue for me, as I think about answering the question I posed above, is what kind of schedule maximizes practice efficiency, energy, and end spurts? It would seem to be one where breaks were short enough that workflow and neural connectivity didn't atrophy too much; where I rarely worked myself to exhaustion; and where breaks were rewarding and alluring, so as to create a sense of an end line. My sense is that this would strengthen the case for flex-time to allow people to work more half-days, even on the weekends, which would give them time off to spend with their family and rest their brains without arresting their workflow. Anyway, that's my thought. I'm much more interested to hear yours.
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- edited description
Once a 0.6 release is made and we get a maintenance branch for it, we should look into the changes made on setuptools trunk and apply them again.
I reviewed all the changesets made since the original 0.6 branch was created and found the following changesets which were unique to the trunk.
It seems to be three changes:
- A new test_runner option
- Integration / cleanup work done when Python 2.5 can be required
- Lazy importing of namespace packages
I consider all of these safe to do, though the Python 2.5 changes may need another review or tweaks now.
The full revision log is:
r65966 | phillip.eby | 2008-08-21 23:54:16 +0200 (Thu, 21 Aug 2008) | 3 lines
Added 'test_runner'. (Note: this is a new feature and should not be backported to the 0.6 branch.)
r50921 | phillip.eby | 2006-07-29 01:58:14 +0200 (Sat, 29 Jul 2006) | 2 lines
Sync pkgutil from trunk
r45514 | phillip.eby | 2006-04-18 05:03:16 +0200 (Tue, 18 Apr 2006) | 9 lines
Backport pkgutil, pydoc, and doctest from the 2.5 trunk to setuptools
0.7 trunk. (Sideport?) Setuptools 0.7 will install these in place of
the 2.3/2.4 versions (at least of pydoc and doctest) to let them work
properly with eggs. pkg_resources now depends on the 2.5 pkgutil, which
is included here as _pkgutil, to work around the fact that some system
packagers will install setuptools without overriding the stdlib modules.
But users who install their own setuptools will get them, and the system packaged people probably don't need them.
r45405 | phillip.eby | 2006-04-14 21:38:38 +0200 (Fri, 14 Apr 2006) | 4 lines
First round of prepping setuptools for inclusion in Python 2.5: move site.py to setuptools/site-patch.py; reinstate 'python -m easy_install' support; use distutils' "upload" command when running under 2.5.
r45404 | phillip.eby | 2006-04-14 21:17:37 +0200 (Fri, 14 Apr 2006) | 2 lines
Namespace package doc tweaks.
r45403 | phillip.eby | 2006-04-14 21:13:24 +0200 (Fri, 14 Apr 2006) | 4 lines
Don't eagerly import namespace packages. This was the big reason for branching to 0.7 now, as I wanted this wart gone before anything went into Python 2.5. But it's gone now, yay!
Comments (4)
repo owner
- changed status to open
- marked as enhancement
assigned issue to
- changed milestone to 0.6.5
- changed milestone to 0.7.0
These are really changes not appropriate for the 0.6 branch. As long as we are keeping Python 2.3+ support these cannot go in, as they rely on a minimum requirement of Python 2.5.
repo owner
- changed status to wontfix
- Log in to comment

subset: commoncrawl


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Diane Salmon, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Educational Psychology/School Psychology
National College of Education
Programs/Classes Taught:
Classes Taught:
Cognition & Instruction
Frameworks for Data-Driven Instruction
Cognition, Instruction, & Curriculum
Human Learning & Development in Instructional Context
Areas of Expertise:
Cognitive perspectives on learning – implications for classroom practices Formative assessment practices in the classroom Children's peer relationships & social development in schools
Diane Salmon received her doctorate in Educational Psychology (with concentrations in School Psychology and Human Development) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1989. She then joined the faculty at National-Louis University in the School Psychology Program. Over her tenure at NLU, Diane has served in various roles within the college including Director of the Center for Learning, the program training clinic, Department Chair, and Associate Dean. Diane is currently acting Director of NCE Research. Prior to her position at National-Louis University, Diane worked as a school psychologist in Wisconsin public schools.
Ph.D. Educational Psychology - University of Wisconsin- Madison M.A. Educational Psychology - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee B.A. Psychology - Marquette University
Research and Interests:
Teacher adaptive expertise & professional growth through teaching, Using concept mapping and other visual tools to promote metacognitive learning, Collaborative design-based research methods
Contact Information:


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So far, no method has been found to determine when the history of Petra began. Evidence suggests that the city was founded relatively late, though a sanctuary may have existed there since very ancient times. This part of the country was traditionally assigned to the Horites, probably cave-dwellers, the predecessors of the Edomites. The habits of the original natives may have influenced the Nabataean custom of burying the dead and offering worship in half-excavated caves. However, the fact that Petra is mentioned by name in the Old Testament cannot be verified. Although Petra is usually identified with Sela which also means a rock, the Biblical references are not clear. 2 Kings xiv. 7 seems to be more specific. In the parallel passage, however, Sela is understood to mean simply "the rock" (2 Chr. xxv. 12, see LXX). As a result, many authorities doubt whether any town named Sela is mentioned in the Old Testament.
It is unclear exactly what Semitic inhabitants called their city. Apparently on the authority of Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews iv. 7, 1~ 4, 7), Eusebius and Jerome (Onom. sacr. 286, 71. 145, 9; 228, 55. 287, 94), assert that Rekem was the native name and Rekem appears in the Dead Sea scrolls as a prominent Edom site most closely describing Petra. But in the Aramaic versions Rekem is the name of Kadesh, implying that Josephus may have confused the two places. Sometimes the Aramaic versions give the form Rekem-Geya which recalls the name of the village El-ji, southeast of Petra. The capital, however, would hardly be defined by the name of a neighboring village. The Semitic name of the city, if not Sela, remains unknown. The passage in Diodorus Siculus (xix. 94–97) which describes the expeditions which Antigonus sent against the Nabataeans in 312 BC is understood to throw some light upon the history of Petra, but the "petra" referred to as a natural fortress and place of refuge cannot be a proper name and the description implies that the town was not yet in existence. Brünnow thinks that "the rock" in question was the sacred mountain en-Nejr (above). But Buhl suggests a conspicuous height about 16 miles north of Petra, Shobak, the Mont-royal of the Crusaders, aka Montreal.
More satisfactory evidence of the date of the earliest Nabataean settlement may be obtained from an examination of the tombs. Two types may be distinguished—the Nabataean and the Greco-Roman. The Nabataean type starts from the simple pylon-tomb with a door set in a tower crowned by a parapet ornament, in imitation of the front of a dwelling-house. Then, after passing through various stages, the full Nabataean type is reached, retaining all the native features and at the same time exhibiting characteristics which are partly Egyptian and partly Greek. Of this type there exist close parallels in the tomb-towers at el-Iejr in north Arabia, which bear long Nabataean inscriptions and supply a date for the corresponding monuments at Petra. Then comes a series of tombfronts which terminate in a semicircular arch, a feature derived from north Syria. Finally come the elaborate façades copied from the front of a Roman temple; however, all traces of native style have vanished. The exact dates of the stages in this development cannot be fixed. Strangely, few inscriptions of any length have been found at Petra, perhaps because they have perished with the stucco or cement which was used upon many of the buildings. The simple pylon-tombs which belong to the pre-Hellenic age serve as evidence for the earliest period. It is not known how far back in this stage the Nabataean settlement goes, but it does not go back farther than the 6th century BC.
A period follows in which the dominant civilization combines Greek, Egyptian and Syrian elements, clearly pointing to the age of the Ptolemies. Towards the close of the 2nd century BC, when the Ptolemaic and Seleucid kingdoms were equally depressed, the Nabataean kingdom came to the front. Under Aretas III Philhellene, (c.85–60 BC), the royal coins begin. The theatre was probably excavated at that time, and Petra must have assumed the aspect of a Hellenistic city. In the reign of Aretas IV Philopatris, (9 BC–AD 40), the fine tombs of the el-Iejr type may be dated, and perhaps also the great High-place.


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Usually I buy the eBay leather half cases from China that are cheap but well made and functional. The Fuji ones are super over priced but I actually splurged a bit and got the Fuji case for the XE2. I found one on clearance so I only paid $35 vs the retail of $85, it also came with the rather nice camera wrap that I have no idea how to use and a matching leather strap that I wish was a wrist strap instead! The case is really well made and you have access to the battery and SD card but it does cover the USB and HDMI ports. Now it only slides on but it is very secure and the front has a ridge that makes holding the XE2 super secure and it adds a bit of bulk all in all it is fantastic especially at $35 USD.
Another thing since the XE2 has a threaded shutter release I added a soft release that makes the shutter release feel fantastic. Overall this is as close as I will ever get to the feel of a Leica!
DSCN1467.jpg 325.98KB 0 downloads
DSCN1468.jpg 290.25KB 0 downloads


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Valentine's Advice From Around the Web
A weekly look at personal finance tips and insights others are offering.
I'll admit it: When it comes to Valentine's Day, I'm a little bit of a Scrooge (I know, wrong holiday). That is, I don't feel compelled to spend a lot on a gift for my husband or a lavish dinner at a crowded restaurant with prices that are inflated to take advantage of all the people dining out. Bah humbug! After all, there are plenty of ways to spend time with the person you love without spending a fortune. And small, thoughtful tokens can sometimes make better gifts than expensive items bought just to impress the recipient. Here's a roundup of advice from personal finance bloggers on how to keep Valentine's Day costs under control.
13 Inexpensive and Unique Valentine's Day Gift Ideas [Money Under 30] "Valentine's Day gifts don't have to cost a fortune. Some of the best gifts are under 20 bucks."
Affordable Valentine's Gifts For Him [Savvy Sugar] "Go easy on your V-Day present and pick one that's affordable. It's the thought that counts!"
99 Affordable Date Ideas [Wise Bread] "It's really the time you spend with your sweetheart that matters and not how much you're spending on the dates."
7 Tips to Save Money on Valentine's Day [Generation X Finance] "Sometimes the most romantic things you can do don't involve expensive dinners, lavish gifts, or big plans."
Valentine's Day: The Battle Between Frugality and Disappointment [SavingAdvice.com] "If you don't want to end up with a bitterly disappointed partner, you're going to have to find a way to balance your frugal nature with their need to have Valentine's Day."
How to Tell If You're Dating a Deadbeat [Len Penzo dot Com] "If you don't know, you better find out -- especially with Valentine's Day around the corner."


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Ani-Mates Tiger Animals Kids T-Shirt - Fun Children Clothes Tees Boys Girls Tops
Brand ani-mates
- These original Ani-Mates designs are ideal for those little cubs in your family and with more characters than you squeeze into the biggest of zoos. Great for young fans of animals and wildlife and a unique party bag present that they'll remember forever!
- This super-soft short-sleeve unisex tee is suitable for both girls and boys
- This 165gsm 100% ring-spun cotton t-shirt features a preshrunk jersey knit, seamless double-neck collar, double-needle sleeve and bottom hems, as well as taped neck and shoulders for a premium-quality feel and appearance
- Machine washable (cold 30 degree Fahrenheit washes are recommended). Do not tumble dry or iron directly onto logo (turning garment inside-out is advised for ironing)
- New with original tags
- Woven damask label at the hem and in the neck
- Ani-Mates is a trademarked brand while all of its characters are registered designs


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Pronounced: teah-NAH-lah-sys
by Marjorie Montemayor-Quellenberg, MA
Tenolysis is surgery to release a tendon affected by adhesions. A tendon is a type of tissue that connects muscle to bone. An adhesion happens when scar tissue forms and binds tendons to surrounding tissue. This can make it difficult for the affected body part to work correctly. For example, adhesion in the fingers can cause the tendons to become stuck. This prevents the fingers from being able to move properly.
This surgery is often done on hands and wrists.
Reasons for Procedure
You may have tendon adhesions if you had an injury to the area or if you had surgery that affected the tendon. Tenolysis is done when other therapies, like physical therapy, are unsuccessful.
In addition to tenolysis, other procedures may need to be done. The goal is to have full movement of the affected body part.
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
A physical exam will be done before the procedure.
Talk to your doctor about any medications, herbs, or supplements you are taking. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your surgery, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
Anesthesia will keep you pain-free and comfortable during the procedure. Anesthesia methods include:
Description of the Procedure
A tourniquet will be tied near the area where the surgery will occur. This will prevent blood flow to that area. An incision will be made in the skin to expose the tendon and surrounding tissue. The tissue will be cut to release the tendon. During surgery, your ability to move the affected body part will be checked. Based on the movement, the doctor can assess if the procedure is working or if additional procedures need to be done. This may include reconstructing the tendon. The incision will be closed with stitches.
How Long Will It Take?
This depends on which tendon is affected and to what extent. For example, if you injured the flexor tendon in your finger, it can take 45-60 minutes to repair.
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will block pain during the procedure. You will have pain after the procedure. Ask your doctor about medication to help manage pain.
Average Hospital Stay
This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is 1-2 days. If you have any problems, you will need to stay longer.
Post-procedure Care
At the Hospital
Right after the procedure, you will be taken to recovery and monitored closely. The staff may give you:
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:
At Home
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
Call Your Doctor
Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications such as:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand
OrthoInfo—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
The Canadian Orthopaedic Association
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
Feldscher SB, Schneider LH. Flexor tenolysis. Hand Surg. 2002;7(1):61-74.
6/6/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed... : Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Last Updated: 2/26/2014
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
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6 breakfast miseries (and hacks to fix them forever)
Even those of us who are not shaky-handed drunks often find ourselves fumbling in the morning. I speak of breakfast, a meal nearly always made badly, and always in the same way. I'm 46 years old and it is only in the past few years that it has ceased to be a disaster, a catastrophic start to what was sure to be a demoralizing day. But thanks to a few dope moves I've picked up, now each day begins with a shimmer of absolute confidence. These moves are as follows, preceded by the problem that begat them.
Uneven, splattery bacon. Like everyone else in the world, bacon is my favorite food. But cooking it has almost always been problematic. The pan is round, but the slices are long, so they don't all fit. The part in the middle gets cooked while the ends are half raw. And the fat splatters in every direction, leaving the stove a greasy mess and the cook lucky to escape with first-degree burns.
The Hack: Cook the bacon in the oven. The slices lay out easily in a roasting pan, they all cook at the same time, at the same rate, and what splattering goes on is out of sight and contained.
Dry scrambled eggs. Eggs are among the trickiest of all foods to cook, because they come together all at once, and irreversibly. Runny, slimy eggs are easy enough to fix; all they need is a little more heat. But what happens once they begin to dry up? Then they become tasteless, pasty lumps, the kind you eat in airport buffets.
The Hack: A teaspoon of softened salted butter bathes and softens even ruined eggs, tricking your mouth into thinking they are good. (Note: The same trick works for steak as well, as all steak houses are aware.)
Mushy, undercooked hash browns. Few people even have the patience to try cooking hash browns, but those that do are inevitably disappointed. Instead of the wonderfully crisp, buttery confections produced by Denny's or Waffle House, they get tan, unbrowned chunks that are hard inside or mushy, and in neither case ever really browned.
The Hack: Of all these moves, this is the one I'm proudest of. Are you sitting down? OK. Here is the secret to preparing hash browns at home. One: Take a big pan with lots of butter sizzling in it. Two: Take an unpeeled potato and grate it into the pan. That's it! Just don't get greedy. You need plenty of space in there, or the steam from the potato will have nowhere to go. A bonus feature: As the shreds cook, the release their starch and bind to each other, forming a great lacy latke.
Cupcaked pancakes. I call them "cupcaked" because they suffer from the same fatal error as most cupcakes. The top is covered with a giant mass of syrup and butter, while pancake two and pancake three are dry and tasteless.
The Hack: As each pancake comes out of the pan, spread it evenly but liberally with soft butter and syrup. The final pile will be a layer cake of buttery sweet deliciousness, instead of a top-heavy cupcake.
Gummy or watery oatmeal. The back of the oatmeal container always says the same thing. Add some water, a pinch of salt and then the oats. But who has the presence of mind to carefully measure out the water and the oats? Especially since once the measuring cup (or whatever) is wet, a good part of the oatmeal sticks to it. Anyway, the measures are nearly always wrong, just like the spaghetti box that tells you to boil eight gallons of water. So either the oatmeal sticks and seizes up, or comes out as a nasty, watery mess if you overcorrect the other way.
The Hack: Start out with the suggested amount of water and just a handful of oatmeal. Add a little bit at a time, constantly stirring, as if you were making risotto. You might also consider flavoring the added liquid, adding, say, butter. This is what they call "process control" in chemical engineering, and it will work for you too.
Runny or dry fried eggs. No matter how long you cook a fried egg, the yolk never gets quite done. And if you flip the egg, the yolk gets done too much. Also, the things are never greasy enough.
The Hack: Cook them in bacon grease, and plenty of it. As the egg cooks, constantly spoon sizzling hot grease on top, so that the thing cooks on both sides. As a bonus, it now tastes like bacon.
Print this list and hang it on your refrigerator. It won't fail you, or my name isn't Josh Ozersky.


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2009 Audi A4
Review Pages
2009 Audi A4
The 2009 Audi A4 is a new car, as closely related to the recent A5 as to the outgoing A4. At once familiar as an Audi yet obviously new, it is what you can't see that is most changed.
The 2009 A4 is wider and longer but no taller than its predecessor. It's larger inside with the most notable improvement to rear-seat legroom and it has a bigger trunk that is easier to load. A large increase in wheelbase, which is more than six inches longer than before, increases cabin space and improves ride quality and handling. For the first time, an adjustable suspension similar to that used on larger Audis is available on the A4.
While the engine sizes of 2.0 and 3.2 liters may look familiar both have been revised. Each offers more power and better fuel economy than before. EPA ratings range from 17/26 mpg to 23/30 mpg. All three transmissions have been updated, also.
A4 sedans are available with the 2.0-liter turbocharged and 3.2-liter V6 engines, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and with six-speed manual gearbox, automatic or CVT automatic. The 2009 A4 Avant (wagon) comes exclusively with the 2.0-liter turbo, six-speed automatic, and quattro all-wheel drive. Avants appear more expensive because quattro and automatic transmission are standard.
Each is offered in three trim levels with added features and amenities commensurate with price. Despite the modest size the A4 comes well-equipped with leather, moonroof and automatic climate control as standard. Features normally associated with big luxury cars are available. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and a half-kilowatt surround-sound system come standard.
The new A4 is much better balanced than previously and it is a delight to drive. It's compliant enough to soak up bumps like a larger car but firm enough to feel solid and stable to its (tire-limited) top speed. It rides like a larger car but also handles better than it did, the front-drive version perhaps not as delicately precise as a rear-drive 3-Series but quattro more than holds its own against the other all-wheel-drive cars. It more than holds its own in the rain against other sporty cars.
The Audi A4 competes primarily against the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series. Also in its class are the Acura TSX and TL, the Infiniti G37 sedan, the Lexus IS, the Lincoln MKS, and the Volvo S40. The A4 has on average more passenger room than the BMW 328, Mercedes C300, or Lexus IS250, a larger trunk, more torque, better mileage and standard leather for a lower price.
Model Lineup
The 2009 Audi A4 is available as a four-door sedan or wagon (Avant) and comes with a choice of four-cylinder and V6 engines, and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
The A4 Premium is the entry trim level, which comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, continuously variable transmission, and front-wheel drive ($31,000). A4 quattro Premium ($31,850) comes with all-wheel drive and six-speed manual. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic is optional. Premium models include leather upholstery and metallic trim, climate control, moonroof, power front seats with four-way driver lumbar, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shifter, Audi Concert stereo with color display and Sirius satellite radio, MMI Multi-Media Interface, power heated mirrors/windows/locks, front fog lights and rear fog lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
A4 Avant Premium ($34,500) comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive, the 2.0-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Avant also comes standard with an Open Sky moonroof, roof rails, rear wiper/washer, reversible load floor, and cargo cover.
Options include a Sports Package with 18-inch wheels and upgraded tires, shift paddles, sport seats, firmer suspension), wood trim, heated front seats, Bluetooth prep, HomeLink, Audi Symphony audio system, auto-dimming mirror with compass, metallic paints and rear side airbags.
A4 Premium Plus sedan ($36,700) and Avant ($38,500) use the same drivetrain choices as the Premium but add a 3.2-liter V6 sedan model with Tiptronic and quattro ($40,000) identified by a gloss-black grille. Most of the Premium interior and electronic options are standard here. Also standard are bi-Xenon headlamps and LED running lights, three-zone climate control, driver memory system, trip computer, rain and light sensors, and wider 245/45R17 tires. Options include voice-recognition navigation with backup camera, sport package, wood trim, rear side airbags and Tiptronic.
Top flight is the Prestige model in 6-speed/quattro form on 2.0 sedan ($40,000); V6 automatic quattro 3.2 sedan ($43,300) and 2.0 automatic quattro Avant ($42,300). These add to Premium Plus 18-inch alloy wheels, Advanced key, Audi parking system, Audi side assist (lane departure warning), and a 505-watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Options include Drive Select (dynamic steering, adjustable response, continuous damping control, lower ride height), adaptive cruise control, wood trim. The S Line package features a special front bumper and spoiler, side skirts, leather/Alcantara sport seats, contrast stitching, sport suspension, brushed aluminum trim, black headliner,. The Sports package adds S Line 19-inch wheels, shift paddles, sport seats, front lumbar, sports suspension, and rear side airbags.
All A4s come with two-stage driver and adaptive passenger frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, Backguard headrests; electronic stability control, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, all-wheel drive (on quattro sedan and all Avant) and tire pressure monitors. Optional, or standard on higher-line models, are rear side airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rear camera, park assist.
Walkaround and Interior
The 2009 A4 looks wider, lower and longer than before, in part because it is wider and longer without being taller and in part because the front end is shorter, crisper, leaner and more tapered. It shares the split-grille common to all front-engine Audis, points on the lower air dam that mimic crab pincers, the headlamp housings are more horizontal, and the light elements themselves draw the eye up and back at the corners.
When equipped with the bi-Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, the A4 looks a bit meaner, especially when the daytime running lights are on (on any A4 the daytime running lights can be enabled/disabled through MMI). They also provide better nighttime vision for the A4 driver (including speed-dependent adjustment) and make the A4 stand out so other drivers see it sooner.
The grille is stone gray on four-cylinder cars and gloss black on V6 units. S-Line models add a silver center lip below the grille, sleeker air intakes, side skirts, and finer wheels to give the A4 a more imposing, hunkered-down stance.
The wheelbase, the space between the front and rear axles, is 110.6 inches, long by compact sedan standards. To minimize any limousine look the lower character line along the doors sweeps progressively upward toward the rear wheel, and the shoulder character line just below the windows tapers off as it passes the rear door and curves through the taillight lens as it fades in to the fender.
Aerodynamics have been improved by 3 percent despite the wider dimensions.
The A4 Avant is as aerodynamic as the previous-generation A4 sedan, and while wagons aren't as slick as sedans, wind noise is absent. Rear visibility is good in the Avant thanks to the rear wiper/washer and the added internal volume means the rear window doesn't fog as quickly.
Horizontally themed tail light housings frame the rear end. The trunk and cargo hatch openings are slightly closer to the ground than in previous generation models for easier loading. Avants are rated to carry 198 pounds on the roof, more than many SUVs because of the A4's lower center of gravity.
Interior Features
Any recent Audi owner will find the A4 interior familiar, though some of the basic black German efficiency has given way to a warmer, more contemporary cabin a bit north of Germany into Scandinavian territory. Unlike its C-Class, 3 Series and Lexus IS competitors, leather upholstery is standard in every A4, and the fit and finish match recent Audis commonly used as benchmarks.
Front seats are electrically adjusted with four-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver and manual headrests that adjust for height but not angle (for safety reasons). With generous travel in the tilt-and-telescoping steering column everyone should be both comfortable and properly positioned for driving, and seat support will easily last a tank of fuel on the highway. The sport seats in S-Line or sport packages are even better at keeping you secure without taking away any comfort; only those of wide girth may prefer the less-bolstered standard seat. A driver memory system for seat and mirrors is available.
The rear seat is best for two adults or three kids; the center floor hump and console are similar to what you find in most compact four-doors. Seat cushions are pleasantly long and the low-profile headrests on the back seats ensure good rearward vision without passengers yet lift enough to provide passenger comfort and protection. A substantial center armrest offers cupholders and storage within, and doesn't make you fall inward or outward to relax on one arm. The split backrest folds with the narrow part behind the driver, each released by a simple latch without first removing a headrest.
Rear seat reading lights and seatback nets are standard, as are LED footwell lights for the toe room under the front seats. Almost and inch and a half has been added to rear seat knee room, though in anything but full-size cars this is typically a pinch point.
There are some exceptions (IS front legroom, 3 Series and C-Class rear width) but on average, the A4 offers better head, leg and shoulder room than its primary competitors. The standard moonroof or the big Open Sky roof on Avants let in light and offer the illusion of more spaciousness.
The light-colored cabins have complementary trim colors, with a lighter shade for seats, door insert panels and headliner, and darker shades on the dash, door edges and armrests, and carpeting. A metallic-look silver trim is the default, though genuine wood trim (a light honey-colored almond ash or darker walnut) for the glovebox, console and doors may be specified. It's unlikely you will find a more appealing interior at the price.
The A4 driver faces a dashboard modeled after other recent Audis, with the console slightly tilted left and center dash angled toward the driver and carried to the same height as the instrument pod; passengers can still reach those controls but it flows to the driver so much better. The center armrest top slides fore/aft and all the controls are within easy reach, the ergonomics faultless. We would prefer the gate for the manual mode on the automatic transmission shifter on the left side (closer to driver) than the right, however.
Large dials provide speed and engine revs, with 0 straight down; you may have to recalibrate your clock positions for the speedometer needle and the mid-range of the tachometer may be obscured if you lower the tilt wheel too far (and you'll mask the warning light pod top center). However, with everything properly positioned, all instruments are clearly visible, and with deep amber lighting to preserve eye recovery time, well lit at night. Between the two primary gauges is a message center for gear selected and engaged, radio data, range remaining, outside temperature and so forth. On higher-level cars trip computer data, cruise control distances, and navigation data are shown here as well.
At the same height and to the right is a 6.5-inch color screen. On non-navigation cars this does radio, some climate and car setup chores (beep with alarm, unlock driver door only, etc.). On non-navi cars the MMI (multimedia interface) command dial is in the center of the radio panel just below the vents, and it and the similar control for climate immediately below it are illustrated on the screen.
On navigation-equipped cars the MMI is ahead of the shifter (or behind it from the driver's point of view). It maintains the eight hard key choices as before and remains among the more intuitive-type systems; the upgrades to the voice-recognition navigation system only make it easier and quicker. With this setup the radio panel reverts to a CD control panel, the screen is larger and it includes a backup camera. Many of the audio and setup controls can be run through the thumbwheels on the steering wheel that both rotate and push-to-click.
Automatic climate control with full manual ability is standard on the Premium model, and updated for more efficient operation; it kept a black wagon's occupants comfortable in desert sunshine. On Premium Plus and Prestige models, three-zone climate control gives independent control to each front occupant and a pair of vents with temperature gradient in the back of the center console. Rear window shades are optional if you prefer to avoid aftermarket tint.
The standard audio system handles most inputs. The upgraded Symphony system brings better sound at higher listening levels. For the best audio, pop for the Bang & Olufsen system which backs up some added visual drama with 14 speakers fed 10 distinct channels and 505 watts of output.
With all that packed into a small four-door, storage spaces are at a premium. Each door has a map pocket that will hold a bottle, both center armrests have small bins, seatbacks have net pockets, and the surprising glovebox can hold more than some papers and the owner's manual. Beyond that, you're headed to the trunk.
Trunk space is almost 17 cubic feet on the sedan, giving it a significant advantage over its primary competitors. Add more cargo space by folding the back seat or seats or employing the ski sack pass-through for longer items.
Avants have roughly 16.5 cubic feet of space behind the back seat and 34 cubic feet with the seats folded. A side pocket with cargo net, good floor-mounted tie-downs at the corners and a pair of pivoting rings at cover height that can be used as tie-down points or grocery-bag hooks add to its versatility. The cargo floor can be flipped over to a plastic well for carrying messy stuff, and a roll-up net separates cargo or animals from people.
When you open the hatch, which can be powered and set to stop at any height, the cargo cover can be released up and forward for better access or rolled up behind the seat. The load lifting height is lower than before, and the hatch opening (39 inches at the base) is bigger.
Driving Impressions
New engines give the 2009 Audi A4 more power and better fuel economy over the respective 2008 versions. Both engines are direct-injection designs for added efficiency.
A4 sedan buyers intent on maximum speed can choose a four-cam 3.2-liter V6 that delivers 265 hp at 6500 rpm, 243 lb-ft of torque from 3000-5000 rpm and sweeter mechanical noises by virtue of the added cylinders and timing chains at the back of the engine. It's a fine power source with either transmission but you really need to be bent on maximum performance to choose it over the new iteration of the four-cylinder.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is designed with everyday use in mind. It's not a fire-breathing hot rod like the turbo in a Mitsubishi Evolution, Subaru STi, or Porsche 911. With direct injection and variable exhaust valve lift, the engine starts quickly and at idle has the faintest muffled ticking. Above that it's smoother because the turbocharger is spooled up and generating boost.
As a result, the 2.0T delivers 211 horsepower, 26 more than Lexus IS 2.5-liter V6 and just slightly less than the 3.0-liter six-cylinders in the Mercedes C300 and BMW 328 (by 10 hp and 19 hp respectively). Yet far more important for the American driver in a 35 mph world is torque, and the A4's 2.0T dishes up 258 lb-ft of it. This diesel-like urge is more than the A4's V6 or any of the aforementioned engines (by 15, 73, 37 and 58 lb-ft respectively). So the A4 is more than capable of keeping up or passing those other cars. The A4 2.0T can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds or less.
More impressive is the width of the powerband, that area of engine speed that delivers maximum power. The 2.0 turbo makes big torque from just off idle at 1500 rpm all the way to 4200 rpm. And from 4200-6000 rpm it delivers the 211 horsepower. It will rev to 6700 rpm, but there isn't much point when you've got that much midrange power. None of the competitors has that kind of flexibility and, just to rub their noses in it, even with quattro all-wheel drive the A4 betters the BMW, Mercedes and Lexus EPA fuel economy ratings by 4-5 mpg in the City cycle and 2-5 mpg on the Highway cycle. The A4 Avant 2.0T is rated 21/27 mpg City/Highway. In our own mixed driving, which included elevation, rain and snow, it returned better than 25 mpg.
The continuously variable transmission in the front-drive 2.0T has wider ratios than before to improve acceleration and highway economy. In Drive it operates completely automatically. A CVT feels differently from a traditional automatic: Engine speed more closely matches how hard you're pushing the gas pedal rather than how fast the car is going, sort of like how a car with a manual transmission feels when the clutch is slipping. With the lever in S for Sport mode the transmission makes eight steps automatically (to feel like gear changes even though they technically aren't). In Manual mode (+/- on the shift lever or shift paddles), you control those eight steps by moving the shift lever or paddles.
Six-speed manual cars have a precise shifter with good feel and movement. Likewise, the clutch pedal has simple, low-effort clutch operation. A feature called the drive-off assistant keeps the brakes on while you transition your foot from brake to gas pedal, so even novices can manage an uphill start. Because the A4 can get heavy and the engine is only two liters you may need a few revs on for the smoothest takeoffs, a technique you'll learn by the third stop sign.
The six-speed automatic has a new feature to disengage when the car is in Drive but a foot is on the brake, to save fuel, wear, and the creep motion idling automatics want to do. The six-speed auto offers the same modes (D, S, and manual) as the CVT. In D it is smooth yet shifts quickly and maximizes mileage and comfort by using all the torque available. In S it delivers more response for the same gas-pedal application, doesn't shift under heavy cornering loads, and downshifts sooner; as in manual mode, downshifts are rev-matched for smoothness and longevity. In Manual mode you select the gear you want, ideal for winding elevation changes where you know what's coming and want to save a lot of shifting, in traffic to better control speed, or on long descents to save the brakes for stopping.
Most A4s come with quattro, Audi's all-wheel drive system. It makes acceleration easier and has differential locks for best low-speed traction. The default split sends 60 percent of engine output to the rear wheels for better driving dynamics and balance. The system is completely transparent to the driver and requires no action. All-wheel drive is more effective for acceleration than traction control because the latter achieves grip by reducing the accelerative force of the front tires. But remember that all-wheel drive merely provides accelerative force to propel the car, and to a lesser extent steer it in low-traction conditions. It does not repeal the laws of physics and uses the same tires and brakes to slow the car.
Brakes have been upgraded on the new A4. The new brakes deliver impressive slowing even on base-model wagons with a load in them. Outright stopping performance depends a great deal on tires so we're guessing the Sports package cars might stop the best. An electronic parking brake, operated by a switch on the center console, can give close to maximum effort when needed and hold a decent grade.
Weight and its distribution play a part in virtually every aspect of a car in motion. For 2009 most of the A4's suspension pieces are forged aluminum, as is the new front crossmember, the antiroll bars are hollow and the steering rack has been moved for less weight in the moving parts. The rear suspension is sort of a small-scale A6 setup with toe-control trapezoidal links and separate spring and shock mounts that allow a lower floor but more suspension travel, a win-win situation.
For better balance Audi put the battery in the trunk and made a change in the drivetrain layout. That movement of the differential a few inches and extra wheelbase it allows pays huge dividends in ride quality, stability, steering reaction, and braking. With the wheels farther apart and carrying closer to equal weight it's easier to make each do its own share of the work, so despite the nose-heaviness caused by the engine and driven front wheels the A4 feels lighter than it is and surprisingly adept at swallowing bumps and road imperfections while still delivering decent cornering. With quattro it's even better, and the wagon's extra weight over the rear wheels makes it entertaining.
Our first exposure to the A4 was in a base model Avant: 2.0T, automatic, and generic tires. We were sent out on an active racetrack ahead of Mazda's sportiest RX-8 R3 and behind Audi's mid-engine R8 supersports car running hot laps. The next six miles were laugh-out-loud fun as the R8 never got away and the RX-8 never caught up. In short, we were chasing an R8 in a station wagon. Of course, we're excellent drivers but it was plainly obvious the new A4 is a superb road car, one developed and tuned by people that commute at 130 mph.
Over a few hundred subsequent miles we found the A4 equally capable on any road. Longer wheelbase means more time between the bumps and everything gets smoother as wheelbase lengthens. But it never becomes soft or mushy and an impromptu speed bump test that began at 20 mph and progressed to 50 mph rode better the faster we went.
We really couldn't find any behavior the A4 does wrong. Yes, stability intervenes on some roads because no stability system reads the road ahead, but it can be dialed back in increments to reward the smooth driver. On sports suspension and tires the ride goes firm but never stiff, and the fun quotient goes even higher. At the highest level, the Drive Select system with dynamic steering and variable damping that calculates shock rates 1000 times/second gives the widest spectrum, comfort-like a base car on 17-inch wheels to stick-like a Sport on 19-inch wheels, and you can program one mode to your liking.
We would advise caution considering 19-inch wheels for bad roads like you may encounter in the rust belt or Arkansas I-40. They look great and stick well but cost a lot to replace when you bend or break them.
Outward visibility is good in all directions, aided by low-profile rear headrests, sensibly sized pillars, fog lights front and rear, good wiper coverage (including the rear with dual washer jets). More expensive models also benefit from bi-Xenon headlamps that adjust aim at more than 75 mph, a backup camera with parking assist, and side assist for lane changes.
The A4 is also quiet to allow hours behind the wheel without fatigue. Despite the largish outside mirrors wind noise is hushed, road noise is kept to a minimum and the engine is heard only when you're working it.
Summary, Prices, Specs
The Audi A4 is all-new for 2009 and it's a superb road car. The least-expensive model is nicely finished, has an interior hard to beat at the price and makes a very nice commuter without breaking the fuel bank, while the top-end versions are fitted out like executive autobahn missiles. With the 2009 model the A4 has the goods to go up against its German competitors on the road, Japanese competitors on amenities and style, and arguably the best four-cylinder engine in the entry premium segment. Number-crunchers will find that more room, a larger trunk, more power, better mileage, standard leather, and a lower price make a compelling argument.
G.R. Whale filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com.
|Model Line Overview
|Model lineup:
|A4 2.0T sedan ($31,000); A4 2.0T sedan Premium quattro ($31,850); A4 2.0T Avant Premium ($34,500); A4 2.0T sedan Premium Plus ($36,700); A4 2.0T Avant Premium Plus ($38,500); A4 2.0T sedan Prestige ($40,000); A4 3.2 sedan Premium Plus ($40,000); A4 2.0T Prestige ($42,300); A4 3.2 sedan Prestige ($43,300)
|211-hp 2.0-liter I4 turbo; 265-hp 3.2-liter V6
|6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic; CVT
|Safety equipment (standard):
|two-stage driver and adaptive passenger frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, Backguard headrests; electronic stability control, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, tire pressure monitors
|Safety equipment (optional):
|rear side airbags, all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rear camera, park assist
|Basic warranty:
|4 years/50,000 miles
|Assembled in:
|Ingolstadt, Germany
|Specifications As Tested
|Model tested (MSPR):
|Audi A4 Avant quattro ($34,500)
|Standard equipment:
|leather upholstery, climate control, power steering, power disc brakes, fog lamps, all-wheel drive, Open Sky moonroof, power windows, power locks, power heated mirrors, cruise control, split-fold rear seat, tilt/telescoping steering column, MMI driver interface, alloy wheels
|Options as tested (MSPR):
|Ash wood trim, ($400); Audi Symphony sound system ($380); HomeLink ($200); Bluetooth phone prep ($500)
|Destination charge:
|Gas guzzler tax:
|Price as tested (MSPR):
|all-wheel drive
|2.0-liter dohc 16-valve I4 turbo
|Horsepower (lb.-ft @ rpm):
|211 @ 4200-6000
|Torque (lb.-ft @ rpm):
|258 @ 1500-4200
|6-speed automatic
|EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
|21/27 mpg
|110.6 in.
|185.2/71.9/56.5 in.
|Track, f/r:
|61.6/61.1 in.
|Turning circle:
|37.4 ft.
|Seating Capacity:
|Head/hip/leg room, f:
|40.4/na/41.7 in.
|Head/hip/leg room, m:
|Head/hip/leg room, r:
|38.2/na/35.2 in.
|Cargo volume:
|34 cu. ft.
|Towing capacity:
|not recommended Lbs.
|Suspension, f:
|independent, upper/lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
|Suspension, r:
|independent, trapezoidal link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
|Ground clearance:
|4.1 in.
|Curb weigth:
|3814 lbs.
|Brakes, f/r:
|vented disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
|Fuel capacity:
|16.9 gal.
|Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle. All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSPR) effective as of February 25, 2009.Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges. N/A: Information not available or not applicable. Manufacturer Info Sources: 800-367-2834 - www.audi.com


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CDJFA Football starts this weekend
Following the festive break Campbeltown and District Juvenile Football Association football sessions start this weekend with the association continuing to make use of the new All Weather Pitch to shape next generation of local players. Fun Fours for the P1-3 age group starts this Sunday (13th January) with the P3s starting at 12.15pm for 90 minutes and the P1-2s meeting at 12.30pm for 1 hour.
P4-P7 is 6pm to 7.30pm on the AWP on Monday evening (14th January 2013) with the S1-S6 age group from 7.30pm to 9pm.
On Friday 18th January the P1-2 sessions are indoor in the Victoria Hall from 5.45pm – 6.45pm. P3-P7s are on the All Weather Pitch starting at 6pm with P3 session lasting to 7.15 and P4-7s on to 7.30pm. All sessions will run until the schools break for Easter and the association are keen to encourage everyone along to all sessions.
Registrations are held at the first sessions at which forms will be available. Forms are also available at McKellars and Rolland Butter in Campbeltown's Main Street and on-line at http://www.campbeltownfootball.com
Click on poster below to see full poster


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FTC Backs Apple in Patent Battle
Google unit Motorola Mobility is not entitled to ask a court to stop the sale of Apple iPhones and iPads that it says infringe on a patent that is essential to wireless technology, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Wednesday.
In June, Judge Richard Posner in Chicago threw out cases that Motorola, now owned by Google, and Apple had filed against each other claiming patent infringement. Both companies appealed.
Continue Reading Below
In rejecting the Google case, Posner barred the company from seeking to stop iPhone sales because the patent in question was a standard essential patent.
This means that Motorola Mobility had pledged to license it on fair and reasonable terms to other companies in exchange for having the technology adopted as a wireless industry standard.
Standard essential patents, or SEPs, are treated differently because they are critical to ensuring that devices made by different companies work together.
Google appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The FTC said in its court filing that Posner had ruled correctly.
The commission, which has previously argued against courts banning products because they infringe essential patents, reiterated that position on Wednesday.
"Patent hold-up risks harming competition, innovation, and consumers because it allows a patentee to be rewarded not based on the competitive value of its technology, but based on the infringer's costs to switch to a non-infringing alternative when an injunction is issued," the commission wrote in its brief.
The case is Apple Inc. and NeXT Software Inc. V. Motorola Inc. and Motorola Mobility Inc., in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, no. 2012-1548, 2012-1549.


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We've detected that you're located in United Kingdom. You can choose to view this site in a different language by clicking here.
Just days after celebrating the sale of 600 million of its iconic wire fasteners, the Sheffield company was featured on BBC's The One Show explaining its successful employee policy.
Nick Hewer, of current Countdown fame, spent a full day touring the city's Gripple factories and interviewed the Gripple chairman, Hugh Facey and many staff. They told Nick how and why the company's 100% employee-ownership policy benefits them and the manufacturer itself.
The six minutes long Gripple footage on The One Show followed a film report and discussion about the huge number of UK companies which were still not paying staff the minimum wage.
In contrast, when introducing the Gripple report, presenter Matt Baker said: "Let's now restore your faith in British bosses. This inventor and boss had thrown away the rule box and handed over the company to his staff. He has even scrapped the retirement age. What a company!"
if you missed Gripple's appearance on The One Show, you can still watch it here: fast forward to 41 minutes to watch the feature.
For further press information please contact Margaret Laver at Proactive PR on 07723 010 752 or firstname.lastname@example.com
Posted 23/02/2017.


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Thanks to Lori Midson, the versatile and talented Westword food-writer who also happens to share a passion for great tacos (and know her way around some of Denver's finer taco spots), our first stop that night was Guadalajara Authentic Mexican Buffet. Located in a complex on East Colfax that also includes the Fruteria Guadalajara and the Panaderia el Molino (both worth a stop), the buffet, as implied in the name, is the main attraction here and indeed looked enormous and enticing. I made a mental note to return in the future to sample its plenitude, but then made my way to the back where they were slinging a taco that Lori Midson pegged as one of Denver's 100 best dishes for 2011: the pig snout taco.
I have sampled a lot of parts of the pig in taco form. When I first would visit the woman who would later become my wife in her native Mexico City, one of her favorite pastimes was to take me to markets like the Mercado de Tlacoquemecatl and feed me taco after taco of unidentifiable pig (and cow) parts.
In Mexico, like many other parts of the world not in the United States, the "head-to-tail" philosophy is not a growing trend, but rather an old tradition and way of life. In these trips we ate literally everything from head to tail, or in our case ojo (eye) to nana (uterus). Imagine if you will the iconic image of a young couple sharing their first milkshake: straws crossing and lips meeting for the first time-- replace the milkshake with a half-dozen tacos of unidentifiable offal and you get a snapshot of our courtship. Now you can see why I fell head over heals--literally-- over tacos de cabeza and tostadas de pata.
The taco counter in the back of the Guadalajara Authentic Mexican Buffet sells meat by the kilo but will also make you individual tacos from whatever they have. We ordered a variety that included carnitas, pastor, buche and of course, trompa.
The pastor did not come from a spit as far as I can tell and as was to be expected was forgettable. It wasn't bad but was more like adobada than pastor. The carnitas on the other hand were divine. I just had a bite of one, but agreed with my tablemates that they were some of the finest carnitas I have had in Denver: moist and rich with flavor.
Next I had a taco de buche. Buche is pig stomach, or more specifically esophagus. Like most tripe it can have a chewy texture, though when well-prepared as it was here it was succulent, soft and big chunks of digestive tract piled high on a corn tortilla. I ordered two, and though the first was good, I had to save room for what I came here for, so I took one home to my wife. (Note: re-heated buche is not all that good the next day.)
Finally what we had come here for: the pig's snout taco. Indeed as advertised by Lori Midson it was an amazing taco. The snout, or trompa, had a texture like that of slowly braised pork belly. The taste was salty--but not too salty-- and smoky almost like Canadian bacon but with extra bits of fat. It was a fantastic taco.
Oink. Oink.
With our tacos we had a round of Victorias. My first taste of Victoria in the US. While every other beer from Mexico's two mega-breweries has always been imported into the US, Victoria's slogan has always been "Es Nuestra", or "It's ours". I guess it is a sign of the times that Victoria is finally being sold in the US-- and as the Mexican population continues to boom, "Es Nuestra" takes on a whole new meaning stateside (Think George Lopez instead of George Clinton singing: "Gainin' on ya!" ). I have to admit, however, that although I have always said Victoria is my first choice of the many Mexican lagers, it somehow tasted not-quite-as-good knowing that it is now available in the States. It's funny how that works sometimes.
I'm not sure where I would put this taco de trompa on my list of top 100 favorite foods as I get confused counting once I run out of fingers and toes. That being said, it is one of the better tacos I have had in Denver and I will now make it a regular stop on my Aurora circuit-- a list that is growing longer and longer.


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Deaths Dominate South Dakota's Top Stories of 2012
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota lost some of its political legends in 2012, beginning with the death of former Gov. Bill Janklow in January and continuing through the fall with the passing of former Sen. and presidential nominee George McGovern.
A survey of Associated Press newspaper and broadcast members determined that these were among the state's biggest stories of the year.
The year's top 10 stories were:
- The executions of killers Donald Moeller and Eric Robert
- South Dakota's battle with drought
- The deaths of Janklow, McGovern, former U.S. Sen. Jim Abdnor and Native American activist and actor Russell Means;
- The opening of the world's most-sensitive dark matter lab in Lead;
- Several Sioux tribes' purchase of Black Hills land considered sacred
- A controversial ABC News report labeling finely textured beef as "pink slime."
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Material may not be redistributed.


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| 16.6°C Belfast
Ryan Walkinshaw has been confirmed as Gloucester's new executive chairman.
Walkinshaw, Gloucester's majority shareholder and son of the late Tom Walkinshaw, replaces David McKnight, who is stepping down as the club's non-executive chairman after 18 months in the position.
McKnight, who took up his post in January 2011 when the Gloucester board was revamped following the death of chairman and owner Tom Walkinshaw, will remain as a non-executive board member at Kingsholm.
McKnight said: "I'm delighted that Ryan is now in a position where he can take over as executive chairman.
"My role was only ever a caretaker one when Tom sadly passed to try and help Ryan acquire the knowledge base required to lead this area, Gloucester Rugby, of Tom's business empire.
"My remit was to help run the company within a defined corporate structure but the club is in great shape now, and Ryan is in a great position to take the club forward on a day-to-day basis, which is what is required."
Walkinshaw said: "The last 18 months have been an extremely steep learning curve but extremely fulfilling at the same time. It's been hard work but I'm enjoying it.
"We've had some change here at the club in the past few months but I genuinely think we've a really exciting future ahead of us."
Earlier this month Gloucester named Nigel Davies as the club's new rugby director, succeeding Bryan Redpath.
It was also announced last week that managing director Ken Nottage would be leaving later this summer after 13 years with the Aviva Premiership outfit.


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The weather is getting warmer, and when it comes to food, that means one thing: Picnics! And, let's face it, there are certain foods that a picnic is just not a picnic without. Would you do a pizza without cheese? Of course not. And no picnic is complete, at least in my world, without certain staples.
Add these items into a wicker basket, unfurl your red-and-white checkered tablecloth, pick a prime grassy spot, and gorge! Here are the 7 classic picnic ingredients and some good recipes for them.
Potato salad. No picnic is complete without potato salad, and here's a nice white potato with buttermilk recipe from The Food Network.
Succotash. Succotash, made with lima beans and corn, was one of my favorite dishes when I was a kid, and I think it goes great with a picnic. What other way are you going to eat lima beans anyway?
Pasta salad. For fussy eaters, pasta salad is always a surefire bet. Here is a classic kid-friendly one from Disney Family.
Tomato, onion, and avocado salad. Tomatoes and avocados are just two vegetables that scream "picnic" to me.
Cheese and cracker plate. You can always just add your own cheeses as per your preference, but I like Swiss, brie, and harvarti. For crackers, I like Mary's Gone, which are gluten-free.
Fried chicken. Cold fried chicken is a picnic staple, though I would sit this one out. Here is a southern fried recipe. For vegetarians (like me), you can substitute Morningside Buffalo chick'n wings.
Fruit salad. For dessert, try this melon, strawberry, and lemongrass syrup salad from Delish.
Now all you need is a frisbee, a good book, some sunblock, and your dog. Have fun!
Image via stevendepolo/Flickr


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Day 52 without playing golf
The father of an ex-girl friend once told me (a la Will Rogers) that he never met a golfer he didn't like. He noted that, as a group, they're a good bunch of people -- usually kind and respectful and appreciative of a game that is often a window to one's character.
I tend to agree.
In what other walk of life do you join up with total strangers for four or five hours and consistently enjoy the experience and fellowship?
I mention this because I was touched by the kindness of a golf stranger who replied to my recent post about Florida and California being exceptional winter playgrounds for golf.
Anonymous wrote:
"I have an uncle who lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you're anything like he is, you can come stay with me in my house anytime you want for as long as you want. I live in Southern California with a golf course not more than five minutes from my house."
Thanks, whoever you are! Very kind and very cool.
And thanks to all of you who read this blog.
It's great to hang out with golfers, even if it's only in the golf blogosphere and not on the golf course.
The Armchair Golfer


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401k Rollovers
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Heard about REIT?
Money Talk
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Cash: $ 2.10
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Heard about REIT?
Hey guys just a head up for those of you who might considering property investment. Maybe you could try this new thing called Real Estate Investment Trust. It's practically you share your risk and investment amoount with a pool of people who have similar interest with you to invest in mostly commercial properties. So you own a "share" in that property and usually it gains more on the revenue instead of increase property price.
the video might help us understand this concept better.
Let me know what you think guys
Fri Oct 10, 2014 7:51 am
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Joined: 28 Apr 2013
Location: Southern California
REITs have been around in the U.S. since 1960, hardly a "new thing". The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global Real Estate Index contains 47 countries.
Real estate can make a good addition to one's portfolio for a variety of reasons. REITs are certainly one way to invest in real estate. It is important to understand what you are getting when investing in REITs, not the least of which are the tax implications. It is not the same as direct investment in real estate.
That said, I hold 15% of my portfolio in equity REITs.
Information is more valuable sold than used – Fischer Black
Fri Oct 10, 2014 1:06 pm
New Member
Cash: $ 1.45
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Joined: 13 Oct 2014
REITs - Real Estate Investment Trusts
REIT provides an important benefits to investors and companies. With an experienced team, Real estate investment trusts buy and manage commercial real estate.
Benefits for companies
- Access to new investor
- Tax efficient
Benefits for investors
- High yield return.
- Tax transparent
Mon Oct 13, 2014 10:15 am
Cash: $ 2.10
Posts: 10
Joined: 23 Sep 2014
sorry guys. just heard about it and found that some people still not aware of REIT too like me *an investment noob*.
With that being said, and what you both had mentioned, do you think as long as I can find a trustworthy developers, REIT will be a safe bet? I heard many stuffs about other investment like stocks. Or being a landlord. But since I can't seem to find any forum that discuss about REIT I am thinking that there might be other side of it that have to be focused on before one decides on
Mon Oct 20, 2014 8:28 am
Preferred Member
Cash: $ 32.55
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Joined: 28 Apr 2013
Location: Southern California
Here is a lot of basic information and references to find out much more:
Information is more valuable sold than used – Fischer Black
Mon Oct 20, 2014 1:48 pm
Cash: $ 384.35
Posts: 1891
Joined: 09 Feb 2009
I don't put any money into REIT's. I bought a duplex worth 200k in a good suburb of Minneapolis near the river and light rail. I have two renters that are wondferul and pay their bills. The property cash flows almost $590 after all expenses paid. I enjoy being a landlord and the work that it takes to maintain the property. It has been a very successful endeavor, but believe me, it's not for everyone.
Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing. (Warren Buffet)
Mon Oct 20, 2014 3:26 pm
Cash: $ 2.10
Posts: 10
Joined: 23 Sep 2014
yeah I guess so too. My parents owned a condominium to rent out and I really believe that if you get a great tenants then it's really lucky. I used to have roommates who keep complaining about everything in their room and it's annoying even to another roommates. Therefore I was considering REIT since I don't really have to deal with the tenants and such and get the fixed income :S.
Wed Oct 29, 2014 6:06 am
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Tag: Mexico trademark tequila
Your first clue something is wrong with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is that Hillary Clinton once hailed it as a "gold standard" for global treaties. Hillary's special interest groups and corporate masters have such a tight leash on their wonky-eyed lackey she only supports things they can profit from. Hillary is so corrupt and such a sell out, that a litmus… Read More ›


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everything here is interactive: we set the defaults, you can change them. think a product has a different finish than the one shown? change it! want to track where you keep things ( location) or thoughts about the best nail polish base coat for this nail polish? write yourself a personal collection note, or tell the world in a review.
we've placed have / want / had icons everywhere you see a product, either on a picture, in a list (like on the brand or category pages), as well as at the top of individual product pages like this one for Dior Vernis - 531 Hot by Dior. add products to your makeup collection wherever you see these icons. once there, you can sort by category, have/want/have, or even build your own custom kits for further organizing.
|Easy to Apply - how easy to apply did you find this product?
|Application - how did this product apply?
|Formula Thickness - how thick is the formula for this product?
|Durability - how durable is this product?
|Colour - does this product shift, or is it true to the pan/box/tube?
|Fast Drying - how quickly does this product dry?
|Bubbles - how bubble prone is this product?
|Chip Resistant - how chip resistant is this product?
|Value - how would you rate the value of this product overall?
Prefer prose? A snappy summary of reviews for this dark peach hued nail polish so far: Looking at review rankings for the easy to apply category the current rating of four suggests reviewers replies to "how easy to apply did you find this product?" mainly suggest applies itself. Considering the application category a rating of four indicates evaluating "how did this product apply?" generally favor even. On the formula thickness category the rating of four suggests in response to the "how thick is the formula for this product?" mildly favor thick. Feedback for the durability category the current four suggests users & critics responses to "how durable is this product?" mainly indicate long-lasting. Reviewing the colour category an average of six is a sign that when asked "does this product shift, or is it true to the pan/box/tube?" heavily lean true to colour.
at blushgarden, we think differently about reading and writing beauty product reviews. we believe product reviews should provide you with detailed information, let the writer quickly and easily share their thoughts, and be a fun experience for all. to achieve this, we provide a ratings scale for distinct criteria, alongside traditional written comments. this format gives reviewers a way to provide an in-depth review of the same specific aspects of a product, allowing you zero in on the criteria that are most important to you.
without the need for long-form written text, everyone saves time. don't let us discourage you from waxing poetic if you are so inclined, some people are gifted writers and should share if they want to. we just want to encourage and provide great reviews without that particular barrier to entry.
as an example, one rating criteria for nail polish is formula thickness. formula thickness ranges from thin to thick. Thin might be a desired quality for you, while thick might be desired for someone else. there isn't a right answer, only your opinion.
an added benefit to the scales is quickly seeing how a product might perform. you can identify that a product is rated highly for formula thickness without reading a lot of text. easily compare and evaluate similar products based on identical criteria. apples to apples, if you will.
we would honestly love to hear your feedback, if you have an idea for a new rating criteria, let us know! post in the feedback forum, or send us an email to .
I love the new gel-like formula, it glides on with great staying power. read the full review
The application of this one is very smooth. It is opaque in two coats... read the full review
So Nailicious @ Maria
the formula, it's flawless as always read the full review


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|Amazing author Margarita Engle
and I re-connect at the
2014 Pura Belpré ceremony
My own journey with Millo our heroine, began in the summer of 2013 where most of my books begin in the basement of our home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. At an old wooden table stained with the colors of past books, next to the washer and dryer, with dozens of crickets offering their opinions all at the same time. During this process I found a small garden snake in the wastebasket next to my desk stuck to the used masking tape. The little guy was thirsty and my son and I nursed the creature back to health then let it go in a nearby field. Much like the snake when you start a book you sort of crawl on your belly through tall grass looking for the right path.
|Early sketch searching for Millo
|Finding Millo
As you can see in the early sketches for the book I had to search for Millo. At this point in the process I first lose myself in the text. What's so captivating about Margarita's poetic words is that they literally open doors beckoning me to try new things. Her poetic style gave me the freedom to invent as well as children the chance to do their own dreaming.
It really all begins by sketching, sketching and more sketching to develop the main character and all I can say is that you just know when it feels right. There's a great deal of research to get the facial expressions correct and craft her personality. As an artist I've always embraced the challenge of conveying the emotions of a character. When I designed the Latin music legends stamps for the U.S. Postal Service I needed to infuse the images of Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Carmen Miranda, Selena and Carlos Gardel with the energy and spirit of their music. Creating portraits that resemble photos has never interested me and I'm more intrigued to find the nuances that make each face like a unique thumbprint. I worked with Margarita and searched books and the Internet for images of Millo and her band of sisters in Cuba.
|Millo Castro Zaldarriaga and Anacaona in 1930's Cuba
I wanted to do something different with this book so I changed my palette. The more subdued colors and one of the spreads were a tribute to the work of one of my illustration heroes, the self taught Mexican caricaturist and artist Miguel Covarrubias. There are many night scenes in this book as it speaks to the dreaming of Millo. In the plant life of one jungle scene spread you can find echoes of Henri Rousseau. Many influences play into my thinking and dreaming for this book.
The proofs looked solid and I'm dreaming of our books release in 2015.


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In the assassination "Subtlety Optional" assassination given by Angel, he says to pull up to a certain gas station in a muscle car to lure out the owner/target. I have tried several different cars like the Vortex and Raycaster, but none of them seem to be what he's looking for. Admittedly, those are more sports cars than muscle cars, but I'm not sure I've come across any actual muscle cars.
What cars can I actually use to complete this mission and where can I find them?


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Share your terrible, lame, old, punny jokes here.
What do you take for a headache when you're in a jungle?
Share your terrible, lame, old, punny jokes here.
What do you take for a headache when you're in a jungle?
President of SKAS - Kat is King | Proud member of CVAAS - One of the best | LRPLTAS - Rosco rocks!
Go Tigers!
R.I.P. Fardin & Craig
This guy was walking down the street, and he was passing this building when he saw a ladder leaning up against it, with a sign saying "CLIMB TO SUCCESS"
So they guy climbed it, got to the roof, and saw a naked man sitting there.
The guy goes "who are you?"
The naked man says "I'm Cess."
What was wrong with the wooden car?
It wooden go
The Future of International Cricket - Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Ravi Bopara, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Shahriar Nafees, Raqibul Hasan, Salman Butt, JP Duminy
Proud Supporter of the Bangladeshi Tigers
Ryan ten Doeschate - A Legend in the Making
MSN: firstname.lastname@example.com
What has four legs and is green and fuzzy, and if it falls out of a tree will kill you?
A pool table.
Why did the little boy fall off his bike?
His mate threw a fridge at him.
* Atheism is a non-prophet organisation.
* A train conductor whose incompetence resulted in a number of deaths in a train crash was sentenced to death by electric chair. Remarkably enough he survived, and when asked about it afterwards he said "I guess I'm just a bad conductor."
That last one needs a lot more detail for it to be properly told, but I cbf.
My all time fav:
How do you make a dog drink?
Stick it in a blender.
Rest In Peace Craigos
What sits in the corner getting redder and redder, and smaller and smaller?
A baby with a potato peeler.
What do you do when you see a baby swinging around on a clothesline?
Stop it with a spade.
How do you gat a giraffe in a fridge?
Open the door and put it in.
Everyone wants to change the world, noone wants to change himself.
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James Holmes' defense wants more time for key Aurora shooting hearing
Updated at 3:31 p.m. ET
CENTENNIAL, Colo. A hearing to decide if the man accused of opening fire on a Colorado movie theater should stand trial might not be held until January.
One of James Holmes' lawyers, Tamara Brady, told a judge Thursday that the defense must review nearly 19,000 pages of evidence received so far and investigate what they find to prepare for the preliminary hearing.
"We have not begun to understand the nature and depth of Mr. Holmes' mental illness," public defender Daniel King said.
Prosecutors are still processing thousands of pages of medical records on the victims. They say they could be ready for a hearing next month.
But Deputy District Attorney Rich Orman said he wants to consult with victims and their families before agreeing to delay the preliminary hearing, where the evidence against Holmes will be presented.
Judge William Sylvester said he'll make a decision at an Oct. 25 hearing. The preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for Nov. 13. Sylvester set Jan. 7, 2013, as the potential new date for the hearing if he decides to delay it.
Also Thursday, mediator Ken Feinberg is beginning meeting with shooting victims and their families as he decides how to distribute $5 million in charitable donations to them.
Holmes is charged with killing 12 people and wounding 58 others in the July 20 shooting in the Denver suburb of Aurora. The 24-year-old former University of Colorado graduate student has yet to enter a plea.
A lawyer for victims argued against the media's request to unseal more information in the case. Lisa Teesch-Maguire said victims have been harassed after being mentioned in court documents, and have had their photos posted online by Holmes' supporters after they appeared at court proceedings. She didn't specify who was harassing them.
Teesch-Maguire also said the university psychiatrist Holmes was seeing, Lynne Fenton, can no longer live in her house because she doesn't feel safe. She did not elaborate.
Victims originally were identified in a court records listing the charges filed against Holmes soon after the shooting, but their names have been redacted in subsequent documents adding and amending charges. Both prosecutors and the defense want those names and other information kept sealed, including affidavits, search warrants and witness lists.
Sylvester said he would rule by Monday on what details should be redacted.
Holmes appeared in court in leg shackles and a red jail jumpsuit. He still has short brown hair, along with long sideburns and a mustache.
Holmes looked straight ahead at no one in particular and didn't appear to speak to anyone at the defense table during the hearing. He periodically widened his eyes, causing wrinkles in his forehead.


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does this product include the lower door hindge bracket for the body?
Asked by from on
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Philippines braces for floods, slides from typhoon
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A tropical storm strengthened into a typhoon Tuesday as it hurtled toward the northeastern Philippines, prompting disaster-response authorities to evacuate thousands of people from villages prone to floods and landslides.
Typhoon Rammasun, packing winds of 120 kilometers (75 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 150 kph (93 mph), was expected to smash into land later Tuesday in Albay or Sorsogon provinces, where thousands of residents have moved from their villages to emergency shelters.
Schools suspended classes in several cities, including in the capital, Manila, in the typhoon's expected path and about 50 domestic flights and four international flights have been cancelled due to bad weather.
Albay, about 340 kilometers (212 miles) southeast of Manila, is a disaster-prone province where mudslides from Mayon, the country's most active volcano, buried villages in 2006 and left about 1,600 people dead and missing.
By Tuesday morning the typhoon was 180 kilometers (112 miles) east of Albay's coastal Legazpi city, government weather forecaster Rene Paciente said, adding it may blow across or near the densely populated capital Wednesday morning.
Alexander Pama, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said rescue teams have been positioned near disaster-prone regions, along with packs of food and medicine, army trucks and ambulance vans.
More than 4,000 ferry passengers and more than 50 vessels have been stranded in ports, where coast guard officials warned them from venturing into the seas.
The first impact from Rammasun is expected to be felt in metropolitan Manila late Tuesday, then it is forecast to blow across or near the flood-prone capital of 12 million people before passing through rice-growing northern provinces before starting to move into the South China Sea late Wednesday, forecasters said.
Storms are common in the Philippines, and the central provinces have not fully recovered from the massive devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan last November. Haiyan's strong winds and tsunami-like storm surges flattened towns, leaving at least 6,300 people dead and more than 1,000 missing.


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Looking Back, and Far Ahead
I'm writing this from Borough High St. in Southwark (London), a few blocks from Southwark Cathedral, and in the vicinity of what used to be Winchester Palace, the London residence of the Bishop of Winchester. Lancelot Andrewes, translator of the King James Bible and perhaps supervisor of the First Westminster Company, was granted the bishopric in 1618. He is buried in Southwark Cathedral and is represented in effigy lying on top of his tomb.
London is full of reminders of the translation of the English Bible. Across London Bridge, which is just up the road and on the right, is the church of St. Magnus Martyr. Miles Coverdale, who translated the first complete English Bible (apart from the Wycliffites), is buried there, since he served for a time as rector.
William Tyndale, translator of translators, is buried in Vilvoorde in the Netherlands, where he was strangled and burned, but his sculpted head is included as a decorative architectural feature at St. Dunstan-in-the-West, where he lectured. John Donne later preached at St. Dunstan's. A little south of St. Paul's, where Donne was dean, stood the church of Holy Trinity the Less, destroyed in the Great Fire. John Rogers, the man responsible for Matthew's Bible (1537), was rector there a few years earlier. He was later burned alive as a heretic at Smithfield, a 10 minute walk north, near the church of St. Bartholomew the Great. Benjamin Franklin worked briefly for a printer in the Lady Chapel of St. Bart's.
Of course, Westminster itself, the location of two companies of the King James Bible translators, is down the Thames to the west. Thomas Bilson, Bishop of Winchester (before Andrewes), member of the Second Cambridge Company, and one of the revisers of the final King James Bible text, is buried in Westminster Abbey, as is, of course, King James I. Archbishop Matthew Parker, who supervised the translation of the Bishops' Bible (1568), is buried at Lambeth just across the Thames.
The celebrations of the King James Bible anniversary have died down here. There are no upcoming events listed on the website of the King James Bible Trust. And in the United States, the tour of Manifold Greatness comes to end on July 12—oddly enough, my birthday. Perhaps more appropriately, it is the date of the death of Erasmus (1536), who produced the Greek text of the New Testament that became known as the Textus Receptus, an essential resource for translators from William Tyndale to the King James Bible companies.
As I reflect on the long history of Manifold Greatness, from its inception and planning, to the years of research, to the exhibition at the Folger, to the long journey of the panel exhibitions, I wonder what lies ahead for the King James Bible in 2111. Will the 500th anniversary be celebrated as were the 400th and the 300th? Will the King James Bible still be in use in some churches? Will American presidents still be sworn in on it? Will the King James Bible have an afterlife in the 21st century? Will some lecturer refer back to the 2011 anniversary celebrations at the Folger, as I referred in my opening lecture to celebrations in New York and London in 1911? Few of us will know. As Matthew writes, "of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father."
Hannibal Hamlin, associate professor of English at The Ohio State University, was co-curator of the Manifold Greatness exhibition at the Folger Shakespeare Library.


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Had a great time subbing in at Spellbinder today!
It was really fun to see all the old crew, make drinks, talk smack... Super fun.
And the skills don't really seem to go away.
I had some Hairbender sent down from Stumptown (Portland, OR) for the occassion. Damn!!! That's one fine espresso! It was fully appreciated by a lot of the folks.
I also pulled some shots with an interesting dry processed Brazilian from Carmo Estate. Very chocolate-toned with great dried berry notes. Quite nice actually.
About half the shots were pulled using the Naked Portafilter. For what it's worth... I'm still a believer; not only as a training tool but for the quality of the shots. But... it's much easier and better to use a double basket (tip of the day).
Finally, I played around with the distribution technique used by WRBC Champ Tim Wendelboe today. It's an unusual "circular" method that is seen on video. It seems to work at least as well as the more traditional "schomer" technique and is much more efficient.
I miss being a barista....
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Do you feel that you're working longer and longer hours but not having a commensurately large impact on your business?
If you answered yes, know that at least you're not alone. That's according to a new report from McKinsey on executive time use, which is also illuminating for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The report is based on a survey of 1,500 global executives and uncovered deep unease about how folks at the top of companies use their time.
McKinsey Quarterly reports: "Only 9 percent of the respondents deemed themselves 'very satisfied' with their current [time] allocation. Less than half were 'somewhat satisfied,"' and about one-third were 'actively dissatisfied.' What's more, only 52 percent said that the way they spent their time largely matched their organizations' strategic priorities."
At least you now know you're in the same, crowded boat as a full third of top bosses. But that's cold comfort if you don't also have some sense of what you're doing wrong and how to set a course towards a better allocation of your time.
Helpfully, McKinsey goes further, outlining the four main ways that bosses become unbalanced and dissatisfied with their time use. Take a hard look in this mirror and see if you are guilty of falling into any of these time-wasting traps.
Online Junkies
This type "spends a majority of time in their office communicating by email, occasionally by phone," Aaron De Smet, a principal in the consultancy's Houston office explains in a graphic outlining the four types. You might think new technology is to blame the cheerleader's woes, but De Smet says that the online junkie, ironically, precedes the internet. Previously, this time-wasting type would spend all their time writing memos. Their key characteristic isn't fundamentally an email addiction, but overreliance on lower quality "asynchronous communication" and an unwillingness to actually get out and meet folks face to face.
"The quintessential extrovert," says De Smet. A love of networking may sound like a great quality for a business leader, but De Smet explains that though schmoozers feel plugged in, "people who are not part of the circle of stakeholders who they spend time with have a very hard time getting in touch with them because they're not very responsive to email and they're usually booked up in meetings." Being unavailable is part of the problem, but so is the schmoozer's intense focus on sociability rather than strategy. "The company can be left adrift" without a leader.
This is "the executive whose time allocation is tilted more toward face-to-face communication with their organization and with their direct reports," explains De Smet. Motivating your team is great, but "the problem is when they spend so much time working directly with their people, they don't have enough time to work with clients, with customers." Rather than look for new blood or fresh ideas, the cheerleader relies too heavily on rallying their existing team.
Firefighters want more time to work on big, strategic plans, "but they end up spending the vast majority of time dealing with the latest unexpected issue that demands their immediate attention. The immediate result is a messy calendar full of cancellations, but the underlying issue is often a failure to delegate. Firefighters have a tendency to want to deal with every issue, even if a team member could handle the problem.
McKinsey's in-depth report has much more detail on the survey findings, the day-to-day mistakes of the four time-wasting types, and how to correct these time allocation inbalances. So check it out in full (free registration is required).
Do you see yourself in any of the four boss types?


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Following Mubarak Resignation, Students to Discuss Egyptian Tour
Following today's historic announcement that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has resigned and handed control of the protest-embattled country over to the military, student members of the Augustana Band are set to share experiences from their recent Egyptian Tour. The discussion will begin at 3 p.m. today during the "Rendezvous," a weekly gathering organized by the International Programs Office.
The presentation will be held in Kresge Recital Hall and will feature Band members Laura Ayres, Thomas Alexander, Rachel Hurley, Meredith Reynolds and Maren Peterson.
Witnessing History
What started out as the trip of a lifetime turned into a real-life history lesson for more than 70 Band members who were in Cairo when thousands of Egyptian demonstrators, angry at a lack of freedoms and long-standing economic hardships, took to the streets in a series of unprecedented anti-government protests.
Egyptian protesters – young and old – were demanding an end to Mubark's three-decade-long dictatorship. They are craving democracy and are desperate to end an age-old streak of bleak economic opportunities, the result of, many say, the accumulating wealth of country's most elite groups. Following Mubarak's announcement, thousands of joyful protesters gathered in Cairo's central Tahrir Square waving Egyptian flags.
In the midst of the 18 days of protests, the Egyptian government shut down the Internet and blocked most cell phone signals in an effort to stop protesters from using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to organize additional demonstrations. As a result, Band members, and their parents and families back home, were forced to weather a tense weekend of little contact.
A group of 46 students and 20 Tour travelers returned home on Monday, Jan. 31. The remaining students returned on Tuesday, Feb. 1.
Touring Egypt
Prior to their departure, the students completed a course on Egyptian culture entitled, A Portrait of Egypt, led by Dr. John Pennington, professor of music and professor of percussion at Augustana.
The Band's concerts were, in most cases, the first by a college band from the United States. Performances included:
- The tour's opening concert was held at Cairo University, home to more than 200,000 students. At CU, the Band played in the same 3,500-seat hall where President Obama gave his "address to the Muslim world" in 2009.
- Stop No. 2 was Tanta University, located in the Nile delta and home to 150,000 students. Tanta is Egypt's fifth largest city and is known as the agricultural heart of the country.
- The Band's third stop was the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a major library and cultural center located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea.
- While on a four-day cruise of the Nile River, the students visited Egypt's ancient sites and met fellow university students during their concert at Assiut University, a school with nearly 100,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
The Rendezvous is a weekly social gathering where American and international students gather for coffee or soda, listen to a weekly presentation by a student from another country, and make plans for the weekend.
Kelly Sprecher
Director of Communications & Media Relations


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transport needed
Contacts for spares and services
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transport needed
Hi All, I need to transport a 4 ton tracked loader from Coniston water in the Lakes to Harrogate, North Yorks, a distance of 85 miles door to door. If possible 2 pallets of spares as well but I could always trailer them myself if short of space, the drott in the main thing. She is a runner but steering is difficult so a winch would be useful. Access is too tight for an artic but no problem with 4 or 6 wheeler rigid. Would also go on a skip wagon, done this before. Flexible time. Any help or suggestion very much appreciated. Heres a pic of the loader. Thanks, Jim.
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Tumblr Crush: Alexis Ren
We've decided to add on a spinoff based off of our immensely popular "5 Tumblrs…" post here with Tumblr Crush. We will be highlighting some of our favorite "Tumblr famous" girls that you can't go a day without seeing on your dashboard. First up is Alexis Ren. No doubt you have seen this blonde beauty's bikini pics all over the place and for good reason: she's gorgeous. Anyway, enjoy this first installment of Tumblr Crush and let us know what you guys think in the comment section below!