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Having completed a hike through some of the Western Arthurs in South West Tasmania, I bid my farewell to Kate, Tim and lil' Gracie, who we established in the last couple of days was making a sound that was quite probably my name. I bussed it out to Eaglehawk Neck, on the Tasman Peninsula, for four marvelous days of easy hiking, camping and novel reading along the Tasman Coastal Trail, near Port Arthur.
Of course I didn't know that the bus trip out was a tour of the soon to be devastated and somewhat grim bushfire zone. Glad I looked out the window at the quaint little towns and the glimpses of houses settled in pretty forests.
From Eaglehawk Neck, having encouraged some fellow backpackers that no-one would care if they camped freely on the beach, after all I was planning something similar, I hiked along the beach towards Doo Town. I had no appreciation for that town name yet, every bloody house was named "Doo-Little" or "Doo-Relax" or something else equally corny. Later I learned the town name came from the first shacks, named using that convention, rather than the shack names from the town name. Now that's much more original.
I hiked along a short track, checking out the creations the sea had made in the limestone cliffs - blowholes, caves and canals. From Waterfall Bay I planned to set out on the Tasman Coastal Trail, a short distance to a pleasantly named Camp Falls. Time was getting on, it was well past seven, and even with the 9pm sunset I was nervous, what if there was no water there, or, as it didn't appear on all official maps, no campsite in the forest? Staring blankly at my map while standing at the trailhead, readying myself to take that first nervous step along the trail, two people stumbled out of the bush, looking for the said campsite. Clueless in the where-am-I-map-reading-game, they had clearly walked past some picturesque waterfalls, perhaps looking for something more like a five star campsite than simply a clearing beside a waterfall. I didn't want to seem rude by telling them their map reading skills were evidently craptacular, so we wandered around looking for a suitable place to lay the tents. They were ever optimistic, "the campsite might me down here", yes surely, a name like Camp Falls wouldn't be at all derived from its proximity to said falls. I settled on a fire track junction, as good a clearing as any in the sunset, and they continued on looking for the Lost Gold of the Mayans, amongst other things.
The following morning, when I came upon Camp Falls, I was of course devastated, it was gorgeous. A fantastic secluded campsite in the forest, easily room for half a dozen tents, no mud, and not one but two sets of Norsca shampoo style waterfalls, the other aptly named Shower Falls. Which I thought, of course (as I am wont to do) was a bloody brilliant idea.
I continued on my merry way, soon realising my own map reading skills hadn't been too brilliant as I made a 500 metre ascent of a mountain in the way of my planned campsite. By lunchtime after another refreshing swim, this time in the pleasant waters of Bivouac Bay, I settled down for an afternoon of reading at the campsite. A 500-page book was just perfect. Yes yes I hear you, but on a Kindle, too heavy to carry all the books I intended to read on this hiking trip.
The following day I returned to Camp Falls, I couldn't possibly pass up camping here. Sitting quietly on a nearby headland overlooking the ocean, I contemplated how marvelously I had organised this particular trip. Great hiking, great campsites, great water and great books. Perfect. Then the ocean turned a distinct orange hue, and my circumstances changed quite dramatically.
Behind me a huge smoke cloud was growing, and approaching at some speed. The sky turned red and the colour grew eerie. No wonder the Mayans turned to sacrifice when midday sunlight was eclipsed, this was surreal.
View map in full screen format
Download GPS file of Tasman Coastal Trail
- GPX file - for use as a navigational aid in a GPS unit
- KML file - view in Google Earth
View a 2008 blog post about the southern end of the Tasman Coastal Trail, from nearby Fortescue Bay out to Cape Huay and Cape Pillar.
I now proceeded to set a new time record in packing my pack, and another in the fastest exit off a trail ever. It was hot, and the smoke had me scavenging around in my first aid kit for my ventolin puffer. An hour later I made it into the relative safety of Doo Town. Mothers were hurriedly filling their cars with possessions and children, whilst husbands cracked another beer, turned on the hose and peered grimly into the distance.
A police car pulled me up beside me, gave me a good dose "what the fuck are you doing", well please, travelers on foot get stuck in disasters too. I explained my plan was to get to the boat ramp and ocean, it seemed infinitely safer than the campsite in the forest I was at, and did they have a better plan for me. Yes they did, get to the fire refuge at Nubeena. Not being a local, I didn't know where that was, but sure it wasn't within walking distance, the boat ramp I proceeded to, keen on picking up a lift from a local to the fire refuge.
The locals thought little of the police evacuation idea, preferring to watch their houses burn from the comfort and relative safety of the boat ramp, the ocean and their waiting boats. Within minutes I had made friends and found myself a cold beer - a Cascade no less, none of that VB or XXXX canned shit down here - and a sausage fresh off the bbq, and settled down to watch the unfolding scene.
The witching hour of bushfires almost over, as the 3 to 6pm time is when bushfires go feral, as this one had, things calmed down a bit. Ash was falling from the sky, and I pondered whether I should find a young virgin to have sex with immediately, as things seemed to be shaping up much like a certain town once known as Pompei. I could see up the hill that the police were going from door-to-door evacuating people.
Dawn broke at 5am, and predictably, the townsfolk were again weary of this evacuation, and they trotted back to their homes. I was almost all alone again on the jetty, the fire didn't seem to have progressed, the wind had changed direction and the sky above was now clear and sunny.
Bored by myself on the empty jetty, I trundled down the beach to Eaglehawk Neck. The nearby mobile phone tower had obviously now succumbed to the fire, and the police weren't visiting anymore with new information. The road was blockaded at Eaglehawk Neck, and it was the official evacuation place over Doo Town.
So now I spent my day sat in the shade of a pleasant tree on green grass, watching with much bemusement as car after car drove up to the roadblock trying to get down the road off the peninsula. I met and chatted to a few locals who had lost their properties. There was no electricity, running water (what's with all the pumped water), no working fixed phones and a pretty dodgy stand on one-leg dance to do to get a somewhat sometimes bar of mobile service, if one could find the single sweet spot down beside the lake that got the magical if not damn illusive phone reception. But I was well placed, the police were on hand with lots of misinformation. Every once in a while they would tell some more which would be chinese whispered into the waiting crowd. Often when one finds oneself in an unfolding disaster reliable news information can be quite hard to get, as was the case here. What we later did read in official news didn't necessarily matched up with what we had seen first-hand. By Tuesday afternoon the Tasmanian government acknowledged that their biggest learning so far related to the single biggest frustration of people being rescued from the peninsula - a lack of information (or indeed, any information). Hard to imagine, but reliance on a working telecommunications system might be shortsighted (even if it kept working, how would you charge your phone after a 72 hour power failure?). Maybe we all need to go back to using AM radios, that is what one of the main parts of the ABC's (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) charter - to reliably broadcast information throughout Australia in emergencies.
We settled down to another smoky night, to the sound of the occasional piece of heavy machinery making a dash from one fire front to another.
The following morning it was evident that the attitude amongst the gathered people, few that they were, was turning a corner. Angry was the name. The lack of information from the police wasn't helping, and with no more phone service the rumours were doing their work. It seemed people would soon be exchanging blows as they rated other people's creative news interpretations.
It was increasingly evident that the road off the peninsula would not re-open for another couple of days, so I hitched a ride further down the peninsula with Mathew and Kate, and Mathew's two kids. They had spent an ugly night trying to sleep in their van without any blankets, whilst I'd spent the night sleeping on my blow-up hiking mattress with my sleeping bag in the ash rain. We drove over to Nubeena, the official safe place fire refuge. There were 2,000 people there, and sure to be a good supply of food, and possibly even power and phone service.
Arriving just in time for a community briefing, it was clear things had got pretty grim up there in the hills on the road above Eaglehawk Neck. News here flowed much more freely, and with much more of an official and credible tone. Crews were doing a sweep from property to property, evidently looking for what no-one wanted to find. The road back was clear, well clearish, but it was slow going. The main issue with the road now was twofold, one they were hastily re-erecting power poles so as to restore power to the peninsula. Secondly, and we had got a sense of this back at Eaglehawk Neck that morning, things had turned, it was now a crime scene up there. They didn't want people poking around unnecessarily, messing with things and risking finding that awful find.
Freshened with some fresh food, a quick charge of the mobile phone, mobile reception and a quick trip to the local powerless chemist for an emergency supply of medication, my stay in Nubeena turned out to be quite brief. It seems I really did luck it up by hitching a ride with these guys. Mathew set about contacting a friend of an uncle's friend he once worked with, or some such tenuous relationship, with a fisherman with a do-anything go-anywhere barge who worked locally. It seemed an incredible and somewhat unlikely plan.
But he wasn't the only one working on him, a close friend of this fisherman's wife was also making contact. A plan had been hatched. I suspect the close friend of the wife was the clincher in this deal. With Mathew's phone flat again (there was lots of competition at the charging station), the close friend started the exploration of the 2,000 people in search of a family she had never met: an average height guy, kinda skinny, with some awesome tatts, and a wife, of average height and brown hair, two kids and a white van kinda thing. Shouldn't be too hard hey? They entered the main compound, and there beside the gate on the street we were, having selected a spot beneath some trees that looked set to provide reliable shade all day long. "Are you Mathew and Kate?" I don't think she could believe her luck at finding them so easily. The fishing mate had left Hobart already with the fishing barge and would be arriving in two hours.
We went down the local wharf, where the local guy who had generously taken it upon himself to assume control of the jetty informed us that calm as the sea looked, the kids were at great risk of being swept off the jetty by a freak wave. Such was this quiet bay.
A larger ferry was coming in with more food supplies, and the jetty man was adamant there was no way our barge was getting to get in its way. Fair call, we couldn't dispute that. Having established we were there for a reason, unlikely as it seemed, we took to joining the parcel line helping unload a few fishing boats with valuable supplies of water and baby goods, and then loading them into waiting utes.
With fresh news of the barge's imminent arrival, the jetty man cleared a small spot beside the wharf. As the barge made its way in, one thing was clear, it was much bigger than any other boat here, and it wasn't going to fit into that little gap. Size counts on the sea, and the other skippers soon moved their boats out of harm's way. Thankfully there wasn't much being unloaded by now, so that settled our consciences a little.
The grumpy jetty man appeared to be impressed by the barge and its skipper's plan, and cheered up lending a hand getting the three cars on board, which was no mean feat in itself.
A gathering crowd, hearing rumours of an incoming goods ferry that might "take a couple of people" back to Hobart, watched with what could only have been great mirth as the fishing barge docked, and set about loading three vehicles using a crane and precarious system of straddling the cars across the jetty and barge.
We watched on as Mathew did what can only be described as the most impressive parallel parking attempt in history, as he inched his van backwards and forwards in a thirty-point shuffle between the barge superstructure and the perilous edge of the barge.
A handful of santa sacks from the hospital appeared on the wharf, and it only seemed right to grab them for the journey back to Hobart. Assured they contained "no sharps, I think, some sheets with bodily fluid but no shit and stuff", um, interesting understanding of the phrase "bodily fluid", we lightly manhandled the leaking bags onto the barge as well. And we were off, incredible as it seemed, and possibly just as incredible to the gathering crowd.
If you had told me Sunday morning that I would be off the isolated peninsula that very day, I would never have believed you. I truly thought I would be stuck to at least mid-week, long overstaying my holiday and missing work.
Two hours later we were back on the mainland. I can't think what the fuel for the barge would have cost. Somehow a slab of beer seemed somewhat inadequate as a thank you gift. Mathew and Kate had given me a pretty awesome ride hey, they even dropped me off at the caravan park near the airport. I had to pick up my bag I had held at the hostel I was going to stay at in the city, I had missed my booking of course and they were full up. Later, at the caravan park, the hostel called me enquiring as to when, and if, I would be turning up tonight. They'd mixed up my booking. Oh well, in the morning the airport was just a stroll away. With the promo code #bushfire I had a free flight home with Qantas - top work!
Conditions have worsened in the days since, with the safe areas and remaining people at Doo Town and Eaglehawk Neck told to evacuate to Nubeena, as the fires flared up in strong winds and further roads were closed.
A part of me missed the opportunity of the bus trip off the peninsula. If I had gone that way I would have seen some of the destruction first hand, but that's the macabre guilty sticky-beak side of me hey.
A big thanks for all those of you who followed the unfolding drama on Facebook. I couldn't always, or often, see what you were saying, such was the limited reception, but it was encouraging so many people were concerned about my safety. Just another hiking adventure really. Floods, bushfires, helicopter rescues, transformed deserts, it all happens.
Even after swapping some details, I couldn't find Kate on Facebook. If anyone knows a Tasmanian woman of average height with brown hair, and a partner of average height, kinda skinny and with some awesome tatts, put me in touch. Ha ha. Appalling description. If anyone knows a woman with a good sense of humour, and a friendly partner running a carpet cleaning business with the occasional tatt, both into Kung Fu, who live in Snug south of Hobart, I think we might have them. I've got more details, but it starts to sound weird to leave it here.
View photo album in Google Plus (14 photos).


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the game
to four players can play. The default keys
for playing are:
TAB for left flipper
BACKSPACE for right flipper
SPACE push pinball forward
RETURN launch ball
To start a new game, select the "PLAY" option from the main menu.
ENTERING PLAYER NAMES: For each of the players that want to play, enter their
names in the dedicated boxes. The only field that must be filled in, is the
players name.
NOTE: Some versions of Eye One Pinball prompts the user to provide extensive
information like real name and address. Enter this information ONLY if you
want to participate in a contest and win prizes.
A-B-C via the top rollovers in order to advance
the bonus multipliers. Possible values are
2X, 4X, 6X, and 8X. The A-B-C lights are switched
in conjunction with the left and right flipper.
Lock balls and activate multiball play. To
enable ball locks, light all 3 mini loops.
Lock the balls by hitting the black holes.
Start multiball by hitting the flashing gate.
A quick multiball can be achieved by hitting
the target gate twice in a row. Hit drop targets
to advance toward bonuses, extra ball, and
special. Each target has a red/green light
in front of it to indicate if it is available
(off), or collected (on). Each set of targets
is used to light Bonus, Extra ball and Special.
Hit the centre targets to advance toward Extra
Ball, and random prizes. Shooting several times
will enable you to get bonuses, extra ball,
special, and random prizes.
for the Extra Ball! It is easiest to complete
the drop target banks on the upper playfield
to light the first Extra Ball (upper playfield).
Drop targets can be completed much faster during
Multiball. During Multiball, focus your concentration
on the playfield level that has the most balls
on it. That is, if more balls (2 or more) are
in play on the upper playfield, focus your
attention on the flippers there. Or if more
balls are on the lower playfield, focus your
attention there. The playfield with more balls
on it will be the source of more scored points
during Multiball. To get bigger scores, focus
on locking balls for Multiball play, and on
personal strategies and skills for keeping
balls in play longer...
And don't forget: use the push function! Good players can play forever if they
know how. :)
VideoSlot III Classical casino gambling video game.

subset: commoncrawl


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Relationships with
Photo Credit: Alexander Fleming's picture is courtesy of Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. Photographic illustrations of Alexander Fleming are copyright © by their respective holders. The images are published with permission or as allowed by the copyright law's fair use or quotation provisions. If any copyright holder objects to an image being included, please notify us and it will be removed immediately.
Disclaimer: This information about Alexander Fleming is derived from astrological interpretation of Alexander Fleming's date, time, and place of birth.


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Originally released in 1985…Stage theatricals were part of his performance and some of the songs could be likened to David Bowie too…7 bonus tracks with informative sleeve notes by Johnny Warman
Alistair Flynn, Classic Rock Society (August 2004)
…for those who enjoy this style of music the original album length has been expanded from nine to seventeen, and there are copious and extremely interesting sleeve notes written by Johnny himself.
Feedback (September 2004)
…exists within a distinctly Gabriel-esque world of shifting percussion, uncanny synths, and bizarre vocal effects…Eight bonus tracks have been appended to the original album…All are solidly excellent…a unique and brilliantly individual artist who really, truly, should never have spent the last 20 years in such obscurity.
All Music Guide


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Tips for Educators
If you're an educator who's new to River of Words, welcome! Here are some tips for getting the most out of your association with us.
- Read our Watershed Explorer curriculum and Educator's Guide. It contains lots of background material on watershed science and how to teach poetry to children. You'll also find a bibliography and resource guide, as well as classroom and field activities designed to help children explore their communities and their imaginations.
- Visit our Regional Coordinators page to see where your state or region has a River of Words Coordinator. If so, contact him or her for ideas and information.
- If you are school-based, encourage your fellow teachers to be involved in River of Words. Collaborations between science, language arts, social studies, and art teachers have produced wonderful poems and paintings and led to community-service projects like creek clean-ups and school gardens.
- Review the River of Words Contest Rules for information about how to enter, artwork size, poem length, etc.
- Check out our resources for educators.
- Need additional resources? Call local water or park districts, museums, conservation, and arts organizations. They're often generous about sharing their naturalists, poets, artists, videos, and maps, etc.
- Build community partnerships by involving parents, service groups, local businesses, the media, and other community resources in your River of Words projects. Such partnerships are not essential, but giving students' work and concerns a wider audience can engage them more fully in the process.
- Get outdoors—even if it's only the schoolyard! Join your students in field activities that encourage observation, data recording, sketching, and listening. Repeated visits to the same site allow students to observe changes. Many teachers incorporate a "service learning" component in their ROW projects, like water quality monitoring, tree planting, gardening, or creek clean-up.


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70 Central Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515
Johnson Field opened as the new home of Yale Field Hockey in the spring of 2001. The 750-seat synthetic turf complex sits adjacent to DeWitt Family Field, the home of Yale Softball. Stadium seating for Johnson Field is along the east side of the complex. Entrance to the bleacher stadium is up a concourse walkway behind the seats with bridge access to the bleachers from the top level preventing interference with spectators in their seats viewing a contest. A press box with camera access above sits at midfield overlooking the field. On the opposite, or west, side of the field there is a berm lined with trees where spectators can sit on the grass and watch the game.
The Astroturf field, which is royal blue, is 240' x 390' and was installed in the summer of 2013.
The field is lighted for night play with a sports lighting system capable of providing a minimum of 50 foot-candles over the entire playing field. The sport lighting system provides for glare and spill control thereby only lighting the playing field and not the surrounding areas.
Johnson Field also served as the home of Yale Women's Lacrosse from 2000 through 2008.
To see a schedule of events on Johnson Field, click here
photo by John Huard, Northeast Turf


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Mitchell Bayerl of Silver Lake was named to the dean's honor list at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the fall semester. Bayerl is in the College of Engineering.
To the Editor:
Where are the signs?
Most cities have a minimum of signage posted at city entrances stating that there is a winter parking ban.
I get paid weekly; however, many people are paid bi-weekly or semi-monthly. Why are these citations due in such short time?
Hennepin County requires payment within 30 days.
You cannot get information on your citation from the city of Chaska for a period of 10 days, and then you have to pay the fine or schedule an appearance within 30 days. Yes, that is a city-issued citation.
Copyright 2012-2016 McLeod Publishing, Inc. | 716 East 10th Street | P.O. Box 188 | Glencoe, Minnesota 55336 | (320) 864-5518


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A link to the full lesson is here.
I do not usually quote long passages from the lesson material, but given the bitter nature of the presidential election that those of us in the United States just went though it seems appropriate.
In 1897, while still a young man, George Albert Smith enlisted in the Utah National Guard. At the encouragement of some of his companions, he ran for an elected office in the Guard, but during the weeks leading up to the election, a rival guardsman began spreading false rumors accusing George Albert Smith of unethical practices. As a result, Sergeant Smith lost an election that he felt he should have won. What made the situation more difficult was that the man who spread the false rumors had once been a friend. Read the rest of this entry »


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New Hybrid model added to lineup.
Sport Utility Vehicles
Editor: New Car Test Drive
$34,095 Base Price MSRP
$49,330 As Tested MSRP
Model Lineup: Chevy Tahoe LS 2WD ($34,094), LS 4WD ($37,895); LT 2WD ($36,145), LT 4WD ($38,950); LTZ 2WD ($44,780), LTZ 4WD ($47,585); Hybrid, Hybrid 4WD
Standard Engine: 5.3-liter V8
Engine Options: 295-hp 4.8-liter V8; 320-hp 5.3-liter V8; 332-hp 6.0-liter hybrid V8
Standard Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Transmission Options: 4-speed automatic; Electrically Variable Transmission with four fixed gears
Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In: Arlington, Texas
Model Tested MSRP: Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4 ($38,950)
Standard Equipment: front bucket seats; front center console; six-way power driver's seat; split-folding second-row bench seat; tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls; cruise control; intermittent windshield wipers; power locks, mirrors and windows; remote keyless entry; heated outside mirrors; side assist steps; AM/FM/CD stereo with eight speakers and rear audio controls; XM satellite radio; auto-dimming rearview mirror; automatic headlights; theft-deterrent system; roof rails; front recovery hooks; trailer hitch platform with seven-wire harness; one year of OnStar service; rear cargo shade; fog lamps; P265/70R17 tires on alloy wheels
Options As Tested: LT-3 package ($3,155) with leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control with rear controls, power-adjustable pedals, remote engine starting, six-disc CD changer, Ultrasonic rear park assist, universal garage door opener, power folding exterior mirrors with turn signals, reverse tilting, and driver's side auto-dimming, heated first- and second-row seats, 10-way power front seats, driver's seat memory, Bose Premium nine-speaker audio with subwoofer; Convenience package 2 ($600) with power liftgate and rain-sensing front wipers; navigation system ($2,250); rear DVD entertainment ($1,295); power fold-and-tumble second-row seats ($425); two-passenger third-row seating ($760); sunroof ($995)
Standard Safety Equipment: dual-stage front airbags, full-coverage head-protecting curtain side airbags with rollover sensors; tire-pressure monitor, LATCH child safety seat anchors; four-wheel antilock brakes; traction control; Stabilitrak stability control with rollover mitigation
Optional Safety Equipment: ultrasonic rear park assist, rear-view cameraDestination Charge: $900
The Chevy Tahoe has been the best-selling vehicle in its category since 2001, accounting for more than 25 percent of all full-size SUV registrations in the United States, and it's easy to understand why. It hauls loads of passengers and gear, it can pull heavy trailers, and it holds up well to abuse and rugged terrain.
Tahoe can accommodate five to nine passengers, and the first two rows offer spacious, even luxurious, seating. Fold the second and third rows of seats and the Tahoe offers nearly 109 cubic feet of cargo space. A properly equipped Tahoe is rated to tow up to 8,200 pounds; based on the same platform as the Suburban and Silverado, the Tahoe makes a stable rig for pulling trailers.
With its rigid chassis, the Tahoe feels taut, the steering is precise and responsive, and the brakes are responsive and smooth. The ride quality is generally smooth, even with the available 20-inch wheels. At highway speeds, the Tahoe is quiet and comfortable.
The 5.3-liter V8 engine features GM's Active Fuel Management technology to save gas, but you can't even feel it switching between four and eight cylinders whether on the highway or around town. The 5.3-liter V8 provides all the power most customers will need, and there's a less-expensive 4.8-liter V8 available.
The new Hybrid model works seamlessly. It offers more power and drastically improved fuel economy compared to other models, but tows about a ton less. The Hybrid model provides an answer for those who want the size and capability of a full-size SUV without the poor fuel economy.
Autotrac four-wheel drive is available, a full-time system that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. It comes in handy for rugged terrain and serious snow and ice, but it's also handy for yanking a boat up a slippery boat ramp or pulling a trailer out of a silty, sandy parking area, those momentary needs that can be so crucial.
Be they families with children, empty-nest couples with active lifestyles or individuals who simply have cargo to carry securely or trailers to tow, some people really do need the all-weather practicality of a full-size sport utility vehicle. For those who need to tow, the Tahoe is a fine choice. Those who don't tow might be better served by one of the big, new crossover SUVs, such as the GMC Acadia.
The 2008 Chevy Tahoe comes LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels, plus the new Hybrid model. All models, including the Hybrid, are available with rear-wheel drive (2WD) or Autotrac four-wheel drive (4WD). All have a four-speed automatic transmission.
All models except the base and Hybrid come with a 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 with GM's Active Fuel Management technology that shuts down four cylinders under light engine loads. The base engine in the 2WD LS model is a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8. A flexible-fuel version of this engine is available that runs on regular gasoline or E85 ethanol-blended fuel.
The LS ($34,094) and LS 4WD ($37,895) come with cloth upholstery; tri-zone manual climate control with rear controls; split front bench seat; six-way power driver's seat; split-folding second-row bench seat; tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls; cruise control; intermittent windshield wipers; power locks, mirrors and windows; remote keyless entry; heated outside mirrors; side assist steps; AM/FM/CD stereo with eight speakers; XM satellite radio; auto-dimming rearview mirror; automatic headlights; theft-deterrent system; roof rails; front recovery hooks; trailer hitch platform with seven-wire harness; one year of OnStar service; and P265/70R17 tires on alloy wheels.
The LT ($36,145) and LT 4WD ($38,950) are the most popular, accounting for the majority of sales. To simplify ordering, the LT offers three variations. The base LT-1 package comes with a cargo shade, front bucket seats, front center console, color-keyed door handles, fog lamps, rear audio controls with headphone jacks; and OnStar's Directions and Connections plan which includes audible directions. The LT-2 package ($2,095) upgrades with leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control with rear controls, power-adjustable pedals, remote engine starting, six-disc CD changer, Ultrasonic rear park assist and a universal garage door opener. The LT-3 package ($3,155) includes the LT-2 package plus power folding exterior mirrors with turn signals, reverse tilting, and driver's side auto-dimming; heated first- and second-row seats; 10-way power front seats; driver's seat memory, and a Bose Premium nine-speaker audio system with subwoofer.
The LTZ ($44,780) and LTZ 4WD ($47,585) add to the LT-1 leather upholstery; tri-zone automatic climate control with rear controls; heated first- and second-row seats; second-row seat power release; three-passenger split folding third-row seat; power-adjustable pedals; remote engine starting; memory for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors; power folding exterior mirrors with turn signals, reverse tilting, and driver's side auto-dimming; Bose Premium nine-speaker audio with subwoofer and six-disc CD changer; heated windshield washer system; power rear liftgate; rain-sensing wipers; GM's Autoride suspension with adjustable shocks and automatic rear load leveling; a limited-slip rear differential; Ultrasonic rear park assist; and P275/55R20 tires on polished aluminum wheels.
The Hybrid comes with a 6.0-liter V8 mated to GM's new Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) that has two electric motors and four fixed gears. The Hybrid system makes 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid model is equipped much like the LT-3, but also has a locking rear differential, rearview camera, a navigation system with touch screen, three-passenger split folding third-row seat; and P265/65R18 tires on alloy wheels. Compared to the LT-3, the Hybrid does not come standard with fog lamps, roof rails, six-disc CD changer, power adjustable pedals, or front recovery hooks.
Options include navigation ($2,250), DVD entertainment system ($1,295), sunroof ($995), and rearview camera ($250) when the separate navigation system is ordered. The Sun, Entertainment and Destinations package ($3,790) includes the navigation system, rearview camera, rear DVD entertainment, and sunroof. The Z71 Off-Road Suspens
Walk Around
The Chevy Tahoe features a clean design with rounded lines, fully wrapped front fascia that eliminates air-grabbing gaps, doors that wrap over the rocker panels, and a steeply raked windshield.
The result of the streamlined body is optimal fuel economy, according to GM. Automotive engineers judge wind-cheating aerodynamics by a factor known as the coefficient of drag. The lower the number, the slicker the vehicle. The Tahoe has a Cd of 0.363. And the Hybrid model is even more slippery, with a Cd of 0.34. For comparison, the smaller but extremely sporty Porsche Cayenne emerges from the wind tunnel at a less slippery 0.38.
Up front, the Tahoe features a clean interpretation of Chevrolet's two-tier front grille with a central bowtie logo. Tow hook openings flank the license plate frame and they are, in turn, flanked by fog lights. The sides of the Tahoe have little ornamentation, yielding a smooth design. Tall side glass allows for an unobstructed view of the road. And at the rear, the liftgate has separate opening glass to offer easier loading of small items.
The smooth appearance doesn't mean the Tahoe looks soft. Built on a wide frame, this is a commanding vehicle with a strong stance. A bulging hood enhances its visual strength. Further boosting the muscular look are standard 17-inch wheels, with 18s and 20s available.
The LTZ model can be distinguished by its standard 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and use of chrome accents on the door handles and grille inserts.
The Hybrid model has several distinct characteristics. To reduce weight and drag, the front end features an aluminum hood, a lowered air dam, a slightly larger grille opening, and blocked off fog light and tow hook openings. Along the sides, the running boards are tapered front and rear for improved aerodynamics and the wheel flares are slightly reshaped. At the back, the rear pillars and center high-mounted stoplight have a unique shape, the tailgate is made of aluminum and has fixed glass, and LED taillights replace the standard bulbs. The wheels are more aero efficient and the tires have a lower rolling resistance. The spare tire and jack have been replaced by a tire inflation kit.
The Chevy Tahoe instrument panel and center stack are cleanly designed and easy to use. The gauge cluster is attractive and informative, dominated by the large, easy-to-read tachometer and speedometer in black with blue numbers. Oil pressure, volt meter and water temperature gauges are also standard, providing data many other vehicles leave to warning lights.
While largely plastic, the dash materials are finished well and fit together with tight tolerances. With the available leather upholstery, the look is upscale. Small items storage space is abundant, with a large center console, map pockets in the doors, a big glovebox and a handy tray below the center stack.
New for 2008, the Hybrid gets its own gauge cluster with a special tachometer and an economy gauge. The economy gauge has a green bar that represents a zone drivers can aim for to maximize fuel economy. The tachometer has an Auto Stop reading to indicate when the gasoline engine is shut off. The Hybrid comes standard with a navigation system and a 6.5-inch screen that also shows a graphic representation of the hybrid system's power flow. Like in Toyota products, this screen shows if the power is coming from the electric motors, the gasoline engine, or both, plus when regenerative braking is charging the batteries. The system also shows whether in 2WD or 4WD. It's fun to monitor the Hybrid's additional information displays, but be aware this can distract attention from the road.
The spacious interior of the Tahoe can be enjoyed from any of the three rows of seats. The driver sits up high with a commanding view of the road. Visibility is good all around, though the right side third pillar creates a blind spot, and third row seat blocks the lower portion of the rear window. Available power-adjustable pedals help fit the Tahoe to drivers of varying statures. The front seats move far back to maximize leg room for tall front seat occupants. Even so, tall passengers have room in the second row because the front-seat backs are sculpted to allow optimal room.
We sat in the third-row seats and found that adults fit, though they might not want to ride back there for much longer than a short drive from the office to lunch. The Tahoe we tested was equipped with the two-person third-row seat setup that comprises two separate seats, each with its own cup holder and storage area.
The second-row seats can be equipped with a power fold-and-tumble feature to provide easier access to available the third-row seating area or for loading or unloading cargo. The third-row seats can be removed to take full advantage of the Tahoe's cargo carrying capabilities. Some competitors, however, have third-row seats that fold to create a flat load floor, which is much easier than removing the Tahoe's heavy seats.
Cargo space is aplenty: 108.9 cubic feet behind the first row with second row folded and no third row, 60.3 cubic feet behind second row with no third row, 16.9 cubic feet behind third row.
The Tahoe's aerodynamic body not only cuts through the wind, but it minimizes wind noise. Occupants can hear each other when speaking in normal conversational tones while cruising down the highway.
Driving Impressions
While big inside, the Tahoe doesn't feel as big on the road as full-size GM SUVs have felt in the past.
The Tahoe uses a coil-over front suspension and a five-link rear suspension that combine to offer decent handling and a supple ride. It is available with the standard (ZW7) Smooth Ride suspension, or with GM's Autoride (Z55) air suspension providing real-time dampening on the LTZ. A special off-road (Z71) suspension package is also offered. The Z71 suspension tends to make the Tahoe bound over bumps. We couldn't detect much of a difference with the Autoride suspension, but the rear load leveling is a great feature for towing.
We prefer the 17-inch wheels over the 20-inch wheels. The ride was comfortable but not at all soft or spongy with the taller tires on the 17-inch wheels. The 20-inch wheels might look nice, but they come with tires with nearly three inches less sidewall area and thus provide much less cushion for absorbing bumps along the way. We recommend you try the 20s before you buy.
The strong frame, wide track, coil-over-shock front suspension and multi-link live axle rear suspension combine to make the vehicle handle well for a large SUV. Still, the Tahoe's large size makes it prone to body lean in turns and slow reactions in quick changes of direction. While the Tahoe's steering is somewhat slow, it feels more direct and precise than it has in the past. That's thanks to the rack-and-pinion steering system, with its rack mounted on an engine cross member. The turning circle is also pleasantly tight for such a large vehicle. All Tahoes have four-wheel disc brakes. The brake pedal has a good feel, and the brakes work quickly and confidently.
We drove a Tahoe LT-3 4WD and found the 5.3-liter is a good engine that moves the Tahoe well around town. It has enough grunt to tow up to 8200 pounds, but we would have preferred more than four gears in the transmission, especially when climbing some long mountain grades northwest of Phoenix. We liked the fact that we couldn't feel the transitions when the Active Fuel Management shut off or turned back on four cylinders as needed during highway cruising. The system even works in normal city driving, though the only way we could tell was to see the indicator lights change on the driver information panel on the dashboard.
We drove on regular gasoline, but a flexible-fuel version of the Vortec 5300 is available that operates on either gasoline or on E85 ethanol fuel. Note, however, that fuel economy suffers by as much as 25 percent when E85 is used. Both versions of the Vortec 5300 meet GM's 200,000-mile durability requirements. With four-wheel drive, the 5.3-liter V8 is EPA-rated at 14 mpg in the City, 19 mpg on the Highway.
We drove the Hybrid model and found the two-mode hybrid system worked seamlessly. The system uses two electric motors in GM's new Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) that has four fixed gears. The EVT is mated to a 6.0-liter V8 that also has Active Fuel Management. Total output is 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. One of the motors aids power at low speeds and the other lends a hand at highway speeds. Under light throttle, the electric motor can propel the Tahoe up to 30 mph. With heavier throttle, the gasoline engine starts up smoothly, with only a little shudder. Like other systems, the gasoline engine turns off at stoplights and restarts as soon as it's needed.
The Hybrid's fuel economy makes the almost three-ton Tahoe as fuel efficient as a typical sedan. With 2WD, the Tahoe Hybrid is EPA-rated at 21 mpg in the City and 22 on the Highway. With 4WD, it gets 20/20 mpg City/Highway. While the Hybrid has considerably less towing capacity at 6000 pounds with 4WD and 6200 pounds with 2WD, that's still enough for many towing needs.
The 2008 Chevy Tahoe offers lots of cargo space, comfortable passenger accommodations, and a big towing capacity. It's a full-size truck and handles like one, but the Tahoe offers a smooth ride and a pleasant interior. With the addition of the Hybrid model, it can get sedan-like fuel economy. The Hybrid is a good choice for a daily driver with a lot of cargo and passenger carrying capacity, and the other models are excellent choices for those who need to tow.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Larry Edsall reported from Phoenix, Arizona; with Kirk Bell reporting on the Hybrid in Chicago.
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Who would have thought you could relive the resurrection of Christ and pay respects at the Wailing Wall in Argentina; Tierra Santa, Buenos Aires, is Latin America's first ever religious theme park. Heidi Fuller-Love went along for some spiritual fun.
"If you're a nun you get in free," says Frederico, my tango teacher turned Tierra Santa guide for the day. After a half hour ride on the number 56 bus from Buenos Aires, we pull up outside the park.
I'm expecting to see serious faces and hear muttered prayers, but the city's votive funfair has a holiday atmosphere. A replica of Golgotha – complete with three plaster statues nailed to three huge crosses – stands opposite a pier lined with food stands selling bulky chorizo-stuffed choripan sandwiches and people fishing off the edge. "Welcome to Buenos Aires," Frederico laughs at the sight of my vaguely scandalised expression.
Opened in 2001, the city's version of Jerusalem covers a seven-hectare plot of land and was built when Jorge Mario Bergoglio was Archbishop of Buenos Aires. A few days before my arrival, the white smoke had shot up the Vatican chimney signalling the election of Latin America's first pontiff – and already there are Pope Francis key rings, cuff links and furry dice on sale from the scattering of stands at the entrance.
Passing the Roman soldiers with drawn swords guarding the gate, we enter the park. Life-size plaster donkeys stand alongside stiffly swaying plastic palm trees with trunks like string-laced sausages. Attendants dressed in biblical gear hand us leaflets telling us the times of the different shows. It is mid-afternoon, but the park is almost empty. "Everyone comes for the Resurrections, but it's out of season now, so there are only performances after sunset. People will show up later," Frederico explains apologetically.
Buenos Aires © Anibal Trejo/Shutterstock
We watch the first show – a group of animatronic wise men bending on badly oiled knees to worship baby Jesus as a dramatic "Hallelujah" chorus blasts out over the sound system – and then wander up a narrow alley to the top of Golgotha hill to admire views over the ochre domes of Tierra Santa, fringed by the glittering high-rise blocks of Buenos Aires' suburbs. An aeroplane from neighbouring Jorge Newbery airport flies noisily overhead, wings grazing the air just a few metres above a statue of the Virgin Mary hugging her crucified son.
A group of veiled women dash along the street beneath us in a clashing cacophony of tinsel and sequins. "The belly dance show!" Frederico exclaims. He chivvies me though a confusing labyrinth of alleys towards a central square with a stage set up in one corner. En route we pass several churches, a synagogue and a mosque – Frederico tells me this is because the park "wants to maintain an open dialogue with all faiths".
There are only a dozen people watching, but the belly dancers give a lively performance, culminating in a rattle of midriff coins around Frederico, their teacher, who has been coerced to join in the dance.
By now it's late afternoon and we're feeling peckish. We hesitate between the vine-fringed terrace of Noah's Ark and the Salem Pizzeria. "Fishes or loaves?" Frederico jokes. Eventually we chose the cheaper Bagdad Cafe where we sate our hunger with pork and salad stuffed pitta bread and ladles of creamy hummus.
After our snack we head for Genesis, an extravagant light-and-sound show where an animatronic Adam and Eve – complete with fig leaves and surrounded by stiffly animated hippos and giraffes – act out the seven-day creation of the universe in just twenty minutes.
As we emerge, blinking, into the dimming light, long shadows are cast by plastic palm trees over a group bowed before the replica Wailing Wall; there's only half an hour to go before the Resurrection and the park is starting to fill up. In no time we are surrounded by seething, expectant crowds. There are proud parents with small children whose shiny shoes mirror their neatly combed hair and couples who fidget and take pictures of each other striking tragic poses beneath the mount where Jesus is due to rise.
When the chorus from Handel's Messiah booms out over the park and the twelve-metre-high statue of Jesus rises creakily from behind a rock, there are howls and cries among the crowd. Frederico, next to me, is on his feet and cheering as if he's at a football match. The animated statue blinks several times and swivels slowly, blessing the four cardinal points. As our saviour sinks behind the rock to a last chorus of "Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" a plump woman with a walking stick bursts into tears.
That was it – the pinnacle and highlight of this bizarre and eclectic Christianity-themed park. As we file out into the dark night lit by the scented flames of mobile choripan stands, Frederico asks: "Did you enjoy Tierra Santa?" with a grin that dares me to deny it.
"I think it's one of those things that gets lost in translation," I cautiously reply.
Explore more of Argentina with the Rough Guide to Argentina, or take a big trip across this continent with the Rough Guide to South America on a Budget. Book hostels for your trip, and don't forget to purchase travel insurance before you go.
Top image © Daniel Gustavo Bueno/Shutterstock


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OK, we don't really know what's going on over at Vegemite but here we are.
This afternoon Vegemite posted this picture to Facebook and it's gone bonkers.
It was captioned "Get on board with umami! Would you ever, have you ever?" with the hashtags #VEGEMITEsushi and #StartwithVEGEMITE.
Apparently, umami means 'savoury' – one of the five basic tastes that also include sweet, sour, bitter and salty. To be more specific, it means 'pleasant savoury taste' in Japanese.
Not gonna lie, I had to Wikipedia that.
Comments on their Facebook page have ranged from "Whaaaaa?" to "A waste of perfectly good Vegemite IMO" to "Let's do this!"
What do you reckon, tempted to add a little Vegemite to your California Roll?


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100 spectacularly scenic miles. 10,000 vertical feet, give or take few. Road, broken road and dirt road. Point to point format. Four fully stocked feed zones on the route will feature delicious snacks on the go and refreshing beverages as well. Your bag with your warm dry clothes will be waiting for you at the finish. Post ride buffet with all you care to eat. After you're full of food and happy, we'll take everyone and their bikes home via chartered coaches.
Save the dates: March 24th and April 21st.


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Satellites keep an eye on Dutch dikes
In the Netherlands, local authorities are looking to satellite observations as a promising option for dike monitoring and to protect against dike failures.
Cut off from the Wadden Sea by a causeway, the shallow IJsselmeer lake is lined by dikes that protect the surrounding land from rising water levels.
In a recently completed Terrafirma study, the IJsselmeer dikes were checked using Envisat radar data for the period 2003–10.
Results show that a large stretch of the dike near the town of Medemblik is subsiding up to 5 mm per year.
These numbers are normal for dikes with recent reconstruction works. Other areas also show some subsidence, but overall the dikes appear stable.
The study was just the first step in a project that combines satellite data, information on subsurface structure and the knowledge of dike managers for the early detection of weak spots in dikes.
Dike management authorities Wetterskip Fryslân and Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier are enthusiastic about the first results generated by the project.
"For us, the benefit of satellite monitoring is that it tracks down small anomalies that we can't see with the naked eye," said Fryslân water authority manager Harry Boon.
"This is a highly promising approach, and a valuable addition to our usual physical inspections."
To track movement, scientists use Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) – a remote sensing technique where two or more radar images over the same area are combined to detect surface changes occurring between acquisitions. This provides deformation data at centimetre precision.
In a more recent way of processing satellite radar images called Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI), movements over wide areas can be detected and monitored with even greater sensitivity.
PSI typically works best with hard structures such as buildings, roads, railways or dikes with a hard cover.
This technique is therefore particularly useful in monitoring stability and tracing weak spots in dikes with a hard cover, like stone or asphalt.
Roald van Gameren, a dike manager with Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier, says that the technology has already proven its worth during a previous study looking at the Hondsbossche en Pettemer Sea Dike.
"The results show that satellite observations are very useful for designing dike upgrades, for testing dikes and for detecting instability.
"The results also show that the data density is still too low for practical purposes when it comes to grass dikes. We see this as an avenue for improvements to the technology."
In 2013, ESA plans to launch the first satellite of the Sentinel missions. Owing to the Sentinels' high revisit rate over the Netherlands, more data will be available on the dikes.
The satellites are planned to make several passes over the dikes each week. After every series of passes, new products can be produced on the dikes' status, helping managers to decide where additional inspections are needed, or where maintenance has the highest priority.
The Sentinels are being developed for Europe's Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programme.


text: Mark C. 4,415 Report post Posted March 15, 2012 Get the most use of space from your electric kiln. This maybe a new idea for you or you already do this and its old hat. As many here use electric kilns and may not be aware of what is possible as far as stacking your work-whether its sculpture or pots. You do not have to place them with space between or even on the feet- pack it tight. One can fill every nook by placing pottery in any direction. I only bisque fire in my electrics and rarely at best these days,as the gas kilns are larger and cheaper for me to run. That said when I need a little last minute work I'll fire one up in the evening as that's the best electric rate with my (TOU) Time Of Use electric meter. If you fire your electric kiln a lot you may want to check with your utility on this meter as you are charged different rates at peak times and lesser rates off peak. The meter does have a daily charge to own. Ours paid for its self in a few months as we try to only use power on things like cloths washing-dryers (motors) and electric kiln use off-peak hours. I use kiln shelves as usual during the loading but stackpots in all directions per layer to get the most use of space. Whatever you can squeeze in-filling the insides of pots, pots on the edge or upside down or sideways-no matter The key thing is that the work is bone dry. Now this may not work on a sculpture you have worked on for 3 months and is still wet in the center. So the next bisque fire try to fill all the space withtumble stacking in mind. This kiln is a skutt 1227 . Mark 2 Maninder kaur and Mark (Marko) Madrazo reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Prepping for such a big weekend such as the 71st Annual Golden Globes can get a bit stressful. Thanks to the Colgate Optic White Beauty Bar presented by Sexy Hair, which was held at Prive Salon looking flawless and glam was effortless. This prime beauty event was held right at Prive Salon which is right in the heart of where style meets beauty. Each attendee was treated to on-site at the beauty bar will include: makeup, manicures, exclusive gifting, and refreshments. While Sexy Hair was offering various services such as: braids, blowouts, washes, as well as other styling services using various Sexy Hair products including 'Big Boost'.
Sexy Hair is an upscale hair care line that delivers ground breaking results. Sexy Hair has been known for turning up the 'volume' and transforming users into a fierce force with an even bigger and powerful attitude. Attendees were able to snack on tasty bits by Pretzel Chips, yogurt, and cocktails by Skinny Girl Vodka.
Attendees for this luxe event include: Christina Milian, Cassie Scerbo, Jessica Szohr, Catt Sadler, Lisa Rinna, Chloe Bridges, Keke Palmer, and Carley Steel were amongst some of the celebrities that took advantage of this opportunity.
Looking you best on the big night should be the least of you worries. After the event everyone was able to check a few things off their list, sit back and relax and enjoy the big night!


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January is National Mentoring Month, a time to highlight the impact caring adults can have in the lives of young people. United Way's mentoring programs vary, from improving student success in school, to promoting healthy eating and physical activity, to guiding young adults into a successful career. Here is some advice from United Way volunteers who mentor young professionals.
- Ask questions. Don't be embarrassed to ask questions about everything you need to know. If you don't understand an assignment, ask for clarification. It benefits everyone when you complete a task the right way; the only way to get it right is to ask questions.
- Be present and patient. In every new job, there is a learning curve. The first few weeks will likely be exhausting and overload you with information. Recognize it takes time to adjust and make sure you take notes, listen, observe and participate.
- Set your schedule. Time management is a valuable skill. Make use of an electronic or paper-based day planner to help organize, prioritize and schedule your day. Doing so creates a visual reminder of the assignments important to you and how much time you have to complete them.
- Build your network. Networking is a valuable strategy at every stage of your career. Get to know as many experienced professionals as you can – you never know who might be the one to help build your professional reputation and advance your career.
- Take leadership roles early on. Don't be afraid to lead initiatives. Joining a workplace committee or leading a pilot project will add variety to your work, give you an opportunity to influence decisions, expand your knowledge and build your network.
- Study how your role affects the larger picture. Getting bogged down in the daily grind can be a challenge. Create your own mission statement about your role and how it affects the work of your organization or company. Write it down and place it where you can see as a reminder of the impact of your role.
- Don't be afraid to fail. There is always something to learn from failure, and always room for improvement. Take each failure as learning opportunity and ask yourself, "What can I do better next time?"
What is your advice for young professionals to thrive in their roles? Add them in the comments below.


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Washington Talk: Briefing; C.I.A. Secrets
There is no shortage of memoirs and books by former intelligence officials. But when Graham Fuller retired from the Central Intelligence Agency, leaving his post as national intelligence officer for the Near East and South Asia, his first publication had nothing to do with cloaks, daggers or nasty deeds in back alleys.
Mr. Fuller's book, titled ''How to Learn a Foreign Language,'' suggests a practical approach to a topic that has confounded generations of American high school and college students. Mr. Fuller said he had studied 16 languages and was fluent in several, including Russian, Turkish, Arabic and Chinese. He said he was also competent in French, German and Farsi, the language spoken in Iran that is known by few Government analysts.
''It's really not that difficult,'' he insisted. ''If you know Arabic and Turkish, Farsi is a cinch.'' The book is being published by Storm King Press and distributed by Random House.
Mr. Fuller's name came to public attention last year when it was disclosed that he was the author of a ''think piece'' circulated in the intelligence community in May 1985 suggesting the possiblity of pursuing openings in Iran.
The study was instrumental in persuading some top-ranking Reagan Administration policy makers to begin considering covert contacts with Iranian leaders. It eventually led to the covert sale of United States weapons to Teheran in what became the Iran-contra affair.
Mr. Fuller is now a senior political scientist with the Rand Corporation, the research and consulting organization.
I quote The Enemy:
Out on the ragged bleeding edge of the former Soviet Union, Ruslan Tsarni had a decade-long business relationship with Halliburton, the multinational juggernaut run by Dick Cheney before he became Vice President of the United States.
Delving into the business connections of "Uncle Ruslan" Tsarni, as he became known afterhis well-received condemnation of the atrocities allegedly committed by his nephews Dzhokhar and Tamerlan at the Boston Marathon has led to the discovery of the Rosetta Stone of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Like the elaborately carved stone unearthed almost 200 years ago which led to deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, digging through Ruslan Tsarni's curiculum vitae has yielded clues to unlocking the puzzling riddles left behind after last week's attack.
Two oil fields with a side of natural gas, please
Reported first here two days ago, there has already been a big surprise in Ruslan Tsarni's background: Tsarni did a two-year stint, beginning in 1992, as a "consultant" for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in the former Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan.
At a time when vast natural resources and enormous fortunes were 'in play' during the economic free-for-all after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the 24-year old Tsarni was already a 'player.'
Its long been an open secret that USAID is often used overseas to house CIA and other US intelligence operatives.
Oddly enough, just six months ago the country competing with the US for influence in the region, Vladimir Putin's Russia, unceremoniously kicked USAID out of Russia for, Putin spokesmen alleged, encouraging his political opposition.
However Ruslan's involvement with USAID, while suggestive, might still be irrelevant, were it not for the discovery of his decade-long involvement with companies in the orbit of the Sun God, Halliburton, which stands accused in numerous and increasingly-credible accounts as "lead dog" in an invading force of "non-state actors."
All of this, mind, was in support of a noble cause. We were fighting communism. No, wait? We weren't anymore.
Still, we must have been fighting something. Wait. It'll come to me…Maybe it was a push to weaken Russia's grip over former Soviet Republics. That sounds like an admirable goal. Alas, the means chosen to achieve it involved providing covert U.S. support, in Chechnya, to Islamic terrorists.
Haven't we all already see that movie? No one with a functioning heart could be anxious to see it again. But, wait! Does Dick have a functioning heart?
Friends Dick never got around to shooting
All was in readiness for the launch of a deniable covert op (the best kind). In April 2005, Ruslan Tsarni was named an officer in an oil company in Kazakhstan, being run at the time by a man namedS.A. (Al) Sehsuvaroglu.
Sehsuvaroglu had somewhat inexplicably left behind a 25-year career as a top executive at Dick Cheney's Halliburton—his last job was as Senior Account Manager, Caspian Region; and Country Director, Kazakhstan—and had, just three months before 'Uncle Ruslan' was hired, taken over a penny stock oil play called Big Sky Energy Corp (OTCBB:BSKO.OB).
Big Al and Uncle Ruslan already knew each other. Both men did time at Nelsen Resources, yet-another Halliburton-connected oilfield company active in Kazakhstan.
Even before that, Tsarni had landed, between 1999 and 2001, at Golden Eagle Partners LLC in Kazakhstan. Golden Eagle worked so closely with Halliburton, reported London's Financial Times, that both firms were convicted of collusion to breach confidentiality agreements.
For Uncle Ruslan, who was Golden Eagle's Head of Legal Affairs, it would have been, bery much, a case of "my bad."
In a story headlined "Halliburton ethics called into question," on Jun 22, 2004, London's Financial Times reported that both companies had been convicted in Federal Court and fined a total of $70 million.
"At a time when Halliburton is being charged with immoral and even illegal business practices in countries ranging from Iraq to Nigeria," the paper reported, "a close reading of the court documents provides a disturbing backdrop."
Moreover the questionable business practices for which Halliburton was convicted took place under Dick Cheney, who court documents revealed had been very aware of what his minions like Ruslan Tsarni at Golden Eagle had been doing on his behalf.
These were not, to put it kindly, self-made men
Still, while militant Chechen groups have been blamed for terror attacks in the past, their targets have usually been Russia, their bitter foe in the aucasus wars.
So why is this line of inquiry crucially relevent to the Boston Marathon bombings?
Consider: In the last several months, Tamerlan Tsarnaev had posted videos to YouTube indicating his interest in radical Muslim ideologies.
Moreover the Tsarnaev brothers are of Chechen heritage, born into the cauldron of the Caucasus; into a war which quickly boiled over until it had engulfed Chechen separatists, Russian security forces, Islamic extremists, and organized crime.
Last Friday, U.S. authorities said they had no proof that anybody beyond the two Tsarnaev brothers was involved in the marathon attacks. But they were not done looking.
Then yesterday two law enforcement officials stated that they believe there is a "Chechen connection" to the bombings.
Ruslan Tsarni's personal and business background are in the same troubled region—Chechnya and the former Soviet Republics collectively known as the Stans—that is crucial to piecing together the narrative of his two nephews in the Boston Marathon bombing.
And as an officer with decades of experience working with companies doing business in a highly-volatile region, it is fair to question how much of Ruslan Tsarni's impassioned rant against his nephews owed to shame for his family's disgrace, and how much to rage at having his past revealed—as he had to have known it would be—in an unflattering light.
A bleeding edge that really is…a bleeding edge
You can look for clues out on the ragged bleeding edge of the Russian Federation in troubled Dagestan, and prowl the back alleys of Makhachkala on the Caspian Sea.
Or you can look in Almaty, out on the wind-swept steppes of Kazakhstan.
Or poke around tiny Bishkek, capital of the little "Stan" that could, the one no one's ever heard of, Kyrgyzstan.
Or trek to Tokmok, home to a large ethnic Chechen community, where you can seek out the former home of Anzor Tsarnaev, sitting right next door to that country's top Mob Boss, a man named Aziz Batukaev, who to the surprise of no one locally, just secured his early release from prison.
And you can marvel that it truly is a small world after all, when a train of events set in motion 6200 miles east of Boston came to shut down a major American city and transfix an entire nation for an week.
But if you're the type that prefers to get your travel fix watching Michael Palin trekking across a wall-mounted 60' TV screen, you can turn your eyes to a man standing at the top of the driveway of a smart-looking $600,000 Federalist-style home in an upper-middle class planned community outside of Washington D.C.
Wearing blue jeans, flip-flops and a blue polo shirt, "Uncle Ruslan" Tsarni's vehement denunciation of his nephews won him thumbs up from everyone from Keith Olbermann on the left, who called him the "definition of a great American," to John Podhoretz on the right, who said "Ruslan Tsarni was the only good news of the week."
It seemed too good to be true. And it was.


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Experience luxury and convenience in Subic, Zambales, with Best Western Hotel Plus Subic's broad range of facilities, plush ... Whether you are in Subic for business or leisure, a world-class stay is in store for you at Best Western Hotel Plus Subic.
Experience luxury and convenience in Subic, Zambales, with Best Western Hotel Plus Subic's broad range of facilities, plush accommodations, and a personalized form of service like no other. This hotel, which is located along Dewey Avenue in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, is part of an international brand that has been catering to the accommodation needs of all travelers in about 100 countries. It has everything you need for a no fuss stay, including WiFi in public areas and a fitness center so you can stay fit even while you're on vacation. It is within walking distance from the restaurants around the area and a handful of resorts near the beach.
Rooms at Best Western Hotel Plus Subic come fully air conditioned and feature cable TV, WiFi internet, work desk, and safety deposit box. Private toilets and baths come equipped with hot and cold shower and bidet. All rooms feature pet-friendly facilities to accommodate your special needs.
Best Western Hotel Plus Subic has got your needs covered with the array of features it offers. It has a rooftop swimming pool with a view that overlooks the bay and a function hall equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for your events and business meetings. Spencer Fusion Bar and Resto serves a selection of sumptuous dishes so you don't need to step out of the hotel for your meals. You can even order room service.
With its extensive list of features and luxurious accommodations, Best Western Hotel Plus Subic is your home away from home in Subic. (Show More) (Show Less)


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I spent several days searching for images that I liked and thought were perfect for creating this game set. (Believe it or not I did begin this project before the untimely death of the beloved Princess Leia.) I love the look of the double light saber for the board face and the mash up of the rebel and alliance symbols was perfect for the center space.
Then of course you have to have the original and iconic characters of Darth Vader vs. Luke Skywalker. Although I did give thought to other characters like Storm Troopers vs. C3PO or something but I'm not familiar enough with the story lines for that. I even gave thought to the different ships that are used by each side but I didn't think that would be as fun. Or perhaps as recognizable as these two iconic characters.
I also settled on the round playing board because it is Star Wars and because some of the symbols and ships and such are round in nature. I just thought it would work. Plus it makes it stand out more since most of the game boards are square.
To make this set a glass cutting board that's about 7.75" in diameter and three sets of dessert glasses - all from Dollar Tree. As always the vinyl design was cut from Oracle 651 vinyl.


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Bellavei Wrinkle Reduction and Prevention System Review (Updated October 2018) – Asia's #1 Pure Rejuvenating Skin Care Product!!
Buy Bellavei Anti-Wrinkle System from the Official Website to Combat Ageing, without Opting for Expensive Surgeries or BOTOX Treatments.To Read More about it or To Make Purchase in Country Outside Asia, Please Visit Review Page below…
incoming terms: bellavei and phytoceramides, bellavei phyto skin whitener, bellavei malaysia, mexico, ireland, bellavei singapore, hong kong, philippines, india, precio, fitoceramides.
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Bellavei Cream is the 21st Century Skin Care Breakthrough that Blends Science with some Popular Anti-Ageing Ingredients. It:
- Reduces Wrinkle Appearance,
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- Increases Skin Elasticity,
- helps your skin gain Moisture.
Every Bellavei Skin Care Ingredient Possess Unique Properties:
- Ascorbic Acid
- popular water-soluble vitamin,
- prevents and treats scurvy,
- vital in combating acne infection,
- skin treatment,
- helps get rid of mental stress.
- Arbutin
- a glycoside extracted from bearberry plant,
- prevents melanin formation,
- treats urinary tract infections,
- skin lightening agent,
- Evening Primrose Oil
- treats range of skin disorders like eczema,
- psoriasis and acne,
- treat nerve damage due to diabetes.
- Shea Butter
- ivory-colored fat extracted from African shea tree nut,
- popular in cosmetic industry mainly – skin and hair care.
- Grapefruit Seed Extract
- combats Eczema,
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Facial Cleanser: for gentle cleansing and skin softening,
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Is Bellavei Anti-Aging Cream available in my Country?
Definitely Yes. But, it can be Ordered only via The Official Website. The Company is currently Shipping to India, United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and Few Latin American and European Countries.


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Stanford scientists discover that by changing a mouse's neurons to respond to light, they could use fiber optic cables to influence the mouse to do certain things. The trick is to insert plant genes into the brain first.
The full story is over at Wired, and is quite interesting, but one of the effects achieved was to basically reverse Parkinson's disease in mice. You should head over to find more, including what they'll do to get around the need to thread fiber through your skull. [Wired]


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Beaufort County Parks and Leisure Services will hold an American Red Cross lifeguarding course at the Battery Creek indoor swimming pool during February.
Participants must be at least 15 years of age by Feb. 4 and take a pre-requisite swim assessment before being accepted into the class.
One must be able to swim 300 yards continuously using the front crawl and breaststroke, swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10-pound object from the bottom of the pool, swim 20 yards with the object and exit the pool without using the steps within one minute and 40 seconds, and tread water with no hands for two minutes.
The assessment is set for 3-6 p.m. Jan. 25. Due to space limitations, only the first 12 participants who pass the assessment will be eligible for the class.
Class schedule:
Friday, Feb. 1, 3-8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 3, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, Febr. 4, 3-8 p.m.
The registration fee is $160, which includes all class materials. Those who successfully complete the class will receive certification for American Red Cross Lifeguarding and First Aid, CPR PR and AED, which will remain active for two years.


text: I love to speed-doodle with ball point pen. And to be honest, its a lot of fun to draw as quickly as possible (why, I don't know - maybe I'm just impatient). When it comes to Comics 'n Caricatures, it's not something I do a lot of, but its a particular drawing skill I'd love to get better at. Some scrawling on random bits of paper, biro (or pencil) in hand - 100 days of compulsory doodling practice to see if I can extend my artistic abilities. Roll on day 1... Lets get that skill-building started! :)


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Islam / Structures /
Arabic: masjid (small) jamā¢a (large)
A mosque is symbolically very important to Muslims, being a humble way for humans to recreate pure divine presence on earth. But mosques are not built according to divine patterns (as is alleged by many other religions) they are simply divinely guided. The main religious texts provide no clear rules as to what a mosque should look like.
Mandatory elements for a mosque include that it should point the direction to Mecca (this direction is called qibla). This indication in most mosques is a mihrab, a niche in the wall. The area in front of the mihrab must be roofed. In the wall of the mihrab there can be no doors. As for the other walls, there can be as many doors as the builders want.
There are 2 types of mosques: the main mosque is called jama'a, and is the one where the Friday prayer is recited. The jama'as are often richly adorned. In English, the term jama'a is rarely used, "Friday Mosque" or "Great Mosque" being the common term.
The other type of mosque is called masjid, and is the local and smaller mosque. While these can be richly adorned, they can seldom be compared to the jama'as.
Masjid is a word meaning 'place for prostration' and they were used by the early Muslims for houses of worship, even at times for other religions. Today the Arabic 'masjid', and the English 'mosque', are used exclusively for the religious houses of Islam. With the significant increase in jama¢as (main mosques) after the 9th century, the term 'masjid' came more and more to be used for small and insignificant mosques.
Mosques form centres in cities, or in neighbourhoods of cities. This function does not always have to be structured, but it can be connected to mentality, so that the establishment of a new mosque often facilitates the emergence of a city centre. This characteristic was typical in older days, but is becoming more and more unusual.
Very few mosques lie in open areas, and very few mosques do not have shops and commercial activities in the streets around it. People's houses are often lying in a second "circle" around the mosque and the shops. Other social functions that have often been connected to mosques, include schools, law courts, hospitals and lodging for travellers. This pattern is based upon the Madina mosque, but is of less importance today, since city planning more and more uses Western models.
History and Development
Conversion from churches
The first 80 years
Introduction of the minaret
Extended functions
Rules for mosque


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month the Law Library welcomed Jason Tubinis as our new Information
Technology Librarian. Jason's exceptional educational and work
background combines computer science, library science, and law. He
earned both his J.D. and M.L.S. degrees at SUNY—Buffalo where he also
worked as a systems administrator.
Jason is a self-professed lover
of all things "geeky:" particle colliders, internet memes, the latest
and greatest video game, and all things cool-but-in-a-weird way are his
passion. The fun he derives from talking about plankton powered
televisions and slinging around polyhedral dice is only rivaled by his
love for casually strolling (and not-so-casually hiking) any park in
sight. While he has a tough time telling the difference between a
wisteria and a witch hazel, he's an amateur horticulturist looking to
develop his green thumb amongst all the beautiful gardens here on
Click a word in the puzzle to get started.
You have completed this crossword puzzle.
If you would like to be able to create interactive
like this yourself, get EclipseCrossword
from Green Eclipse—it's free!


text:
About 3 years ago Flip toyed with the idea of making a pocket camcorder that featured a built in Wi-Fi connection so you could stream video straight to the web. That camcorder sadly never made it to market before Cisco, Flip's parent company, shut the range down.
Fast forward to 2012 and Sony has just announced a new pocket camcorder, part of its Bloggie range, called the Bloggie Live, which, you guessed it, has built in Wi-Fi so you can stream your videos directly to the web. Pocket-lint was on hand at the show to have a play.
Clearly Sony thinks there is still a market for the Bloggie and, with something like instant streaming, we have to agree. Similar to the UStream app that you can get for your smartphone, the Bloggie Live camera can shoot 1080p HD video and snap 12.8-megapixel stills and then instantly share them to the web using Qik.
On the back of the Bloggie Live camera is a 3-inch capacitive touchscreen which will display comments being made on your video in real time as you are shooting it.
Two copies of whatever you make will be stored; one in HD locally on the camera and one kept on Qik's website. Direct upload of video to things like YouTube and Facebook is possible straight from the camera as well.
The Bloggie Live will arrive with 8GB of internal storage that should give you enough memory to record around 3 hours of HD footage. As with previous Bloggie devices the Live will come with a hidden flip-out USB arm for connection to a computer. It will also pack a built-in rechargeable battery and HDMI output for connecting to a TV to share your movies.
A quick play on the booth and the whole process is incredibly easy. It really is just a case of making sure you have a Wi-Fi connection and then pressing the record button. Sadly for us that means someone somewhere would have seen us messing around, checking out the different features. If that was you, sorry, it probably wasn't the best TV that you've ever seen. Unless you've been watching Big Brother on Five, that is.
Footage is automatically synced with the company's new PlayMemories Online photo sharing cloud service.
At £180 this is an expensive dedicated device, especially as your smartphone will be able to do exactly the same via the Qik app for free, but then you'll have to use your phone and that might not be handy, possible, or acceptable.
The Bloggie Live works as described and works well, the question will be whether you have a need for it.
Expect a February release date priced around £180 in the UK.


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Indiana - Sunman
Sales Tax Calculator of Sunman for 2020
Calculation of the general sales taxes of the city Sunman, Indiana for 2020
How 2020 Sales taxes are calculated in Sunman
The Sunman, Indiana, general sales tax rate is 7%. The sales tax rate is always 7%
Every 2020 combined rates mentioned above are the results of Indiana state rate (7%). There is no county sale tax for Sunman, Indiana. There is no city sale tax for Sunman. There is no special rate for Sunman.
The Sunman's tax rate may change depending of the type of purchase.
Please refer to the Indiana website for more sales taxes information.
Sunman city rate(s)
7% is the smallest possible tax rate (47041, Sunman, Indiana)
The average combined rate of every zip code in Sunman, Indiana is 7%
Last sales taxes rates update
The last rates update has been made on February 2020.


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I'm going to just admit… most of my recipes stem from desperation.
Oh my gosh – dinner needs to be ready in twenty minutes!
Oh heavens- I forgot that I had to go to the grocery store!
Oh no- I just can't eat another "house" salad!
So, I have to come up with stuff that is a) quick and easy, b) already in my pantry and fridge, c) Isn't a regular ol salad.
And this recipe fit the bill! (And it was good!)
FYI: It's even better if you can put the beans in the fridge before hand so that they aren't as easily smushed in the mixing process!
Three Bean Summer Salad
- 1 can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can white cannellini/white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/8 cup chopped green onion tips
- 1/8 cup chopped green (or red) bell pepper
- 1-2 dashes seasoned pepper
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup olive oil OR 1/2 cup Italian dressing (in lieu of the vinegar and oil)
- Combine beans, red onion, cilantro, green onions, bell pepper, and vinegar.
- Mix together apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Pour over bean mixture and gently stir to combine.
- Refrigerate for three to four hours (or if you are a last minute slacker like me, put it in the freezer for ten minutes, take out, and mix. Do this two more times so that the beans are in the freezer for thirty minutes total.)


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Thursday, April 30, 2009
International Bible
Competition Collaboration
Yesterday, Israel Independence Day, Yom Haatzmaut, marked Israel's 61rst birthday. In addition to a day of fire works (the evening before), special prayers, introspection, appreciation, and mandatory barbecue, we also watched the televised International Bible Competition from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Yes, it doesn't sound amazing or overly fascinating, but from year to year I find the competition magnetizing. The participants have an extraordinary grasp of Bible/Tanach and it never ceases to amaze me how much information the participants store and retrieve on a moment's notice.
Yesterday's competition did not disappoint. Hosted by Dr. Avshalom Kor, one of Israel's primary linguists and interesting personalities, his sharp wit helped make a potentially boring subject come alive.
The final round of the competition was between two extremely talented young men, Sapir Malka, from the settlement community of Kochav Yaakov, student from "Yashlatz" -- the Yeshiva l'Tzi'irim -- Merkaz Harav High School" (where a terrible terror attack took place a year and a few months ago) and Uri Lubish, from the settlement community of Yatir, student at the Susiya Yeshiva High School in the Southern Hevron Hills.
They were neck and neck, with Sapir leading by a single point. And then the 12 random question final round started. 5 seconds per question, and the most random of questions from end to end of the Tanach, were posed back and forth between the 2 challengers.
Neither Sapir nor Uri paused for more than the slightest of hesitations between the questions and their answers.
And then, a question was posed to Uri which caused him to hesitate. He paused, and then said he didn't know. He didn't guess, he truthfully didn't recall.
This clinched Sapir as the winner. Yet instead of smiling or grinning in the knowledge that he was now the First place champion of the International Bible Championship, he grimaced in pain.
His visible sadness said it all -- as his friend and competitor Uri missed the question, pushing him down to the runner up-spot, instead of the possibility of them sharing the title together.
Not only did Sapir win the championship based on amazing knowledge of the Tanach, but he is truly the champion by his exemplary character of seeing the competition as a collaboration.
As Prime Minister Netanyahu said in his closing remarks of the championship, "All of the participants...just by getting here, are winners..."
Avshalom Kor summed up the event, "This is the last year of the International Bible Championship, because B'Ezrat Hashem, with G-d's help, next year, all Jews will be living in Israel, and there will only be a "national" competition."
Next Year in Jerusalem - לשנה הבאה בירושלים
source. Hat-tip to DK...
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
12 comments:
Do you have a video somewhere?
I was loving watching these kids, but then we had to run out for our (12:30) BBQ...
- 1:34 PM, April 30, 2009
- Jameel @ The Muqata said...
Hi Jeremy - Here's a video of parts of it. I'll see if I can find the whole thing somewhere.
- 2:06 PM, April 30, 2009
- Jameel @ The Muqata said...
Jeremy: Here's the whole show. Enjoy! :-)
- 2:12 PM, April 30, 2009
- Rafi G. said...
very nice.
Didn't he say something to Bibi about freeing Pollard when Bibi awarded him the prize?
- 2:21 PM, April 30, 2009
- Jameel @ The Muqata said...
Rafi: Yes, he gave a letter to Bibi with the signatures of all the contestants asking that he do his utmost to free Pollard.
They did the same thing last year with Olmert. (not freeing Olmert, but freeing Pollard).
I doubt we'll see a request like that for Olmert's release ;-)
- 3:25 PM, April 30, 2009
- 9:09 PM, April 30, 2009
- Lion of Zion said...
kor is hilarious, although i don't think his comment about sapir's פאות was appropriate
also, it think some of the entertainment was cheasy and unnecessary. (although it was interesting to learn that there is a להקה for the רבנות הצבאית)
"he is truly the champion by his exemplary character of seeing the competition as a collaboration"
nothing compared to what happened 2years ago
שבת שלום
- 2:50 PM, May 01, 2009
- freideleebs said...
I don't think there is a need to compare the 2 events. Both instances showed exemplary character.
Mi K'Amcha Yisrael!
- 4:38 PM, May 03, 2009
sapir WAS one point ahead even if they both would have gotten all the questions right.
but your point about the grimace was noted.
- 4:56 PM, May 03, 2009
- Menashe said...
What do you make of the medrash which states that the whole world will be elevated to the level of eretz yisroel (and e"y to that of yerushalayim and yerushalayim to that of the bh"m.) Could phsat be that not all of us will literally move?
- 7:31 AM, May 04, 2009
is there a video, like on youtube or somewhere with english translation/subtitles etc?
thanks for posting this story!!!
- 12:04 PM, May 04, 2009
- Daniel said...
is he blind? his eyes are closed in the pictures like a blind person?
- 5:12 AM, May 06, 2009