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The genetic analysis of a male hunter-gatherer who lived in modern-day Spain around 7,000 years ago suggests that the man had dark skin and hair, but blue eyes.
Here's an artist's impression of what that man might have looked like:
The new genetic analysis was performed on DNA extracted from the tooth of a male skeleton, called La Brana 1, found in 2006 in a cave system in the Cantabrian Mountains of Spain. The findings from this analysis, published Jan. 26 in the journal Nature, are surprising because it shows that the light skin of Europeans evolved much more recently than once thought.
Researchers previously believed that early Europeans lost the dark skin pigmentation of their African ancestors some 40,000 years ago as they began moving north to regions with less sunlight.
Lighter skin absorbs more ultraviolet rays, an important adaptation for making Vitamin D in sun-poor environments. Our body naturally produces Vitamin D when ultraviolet rays in sunshine strike the skin. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, to keep our bones healthy.
J.M. Vidal Encina
The skeleton of La Braña 1.
Study co-author Carles Lalueza-Fox, a paleogenomics researcher at Pompeu Fabra University in Spain told LiveScience: "It was assumed that the lighter skin was something needed in high latitudes, to synthesize vitamin D in places where UV light is lower than in the tropics."
But La Brana's dark European skin, which was still around as late as 7,000 years ago, shows that the move to higher-latitudes may not be the reason that modern-day Europeans have fair skin. Instead, the cause could be linked to diet, researchers said.
The analysis is the first of a genome of a hunter-gather from the Mesolithic period — the time between 10,000 and 5,000 years ago — to be fully sequenced.
The Mesolithic period, or Middle Stone Age was followed by the Neolithic era, when hunter-gatherers became farmers and started eating a lot more grains.
This dietary switch could be the reason Europeans developed lighter skin.
"In the food-production theory, the cereal-rich diet of Neolithic farmers lacked vitamin D," LiveScience explains, "so Europeans rapidly lost their dark-skin pigmentation only once they switched to agriculture, because it was only at that point that they had to synthesize vitamin D from the sun more readily."
In addition, the researchers found that the La Brana hunter-gather was lactose intolerant and not able to digest starchy food as well as Neolithic farmers, "supporting the hypotheses that these abilities were selected for during the later transition to agriculture," the authors wrote in their study.
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In the first part of this two-part series, Fast, High-Quality, Parallel Random Number Generators , I described a new family of fast random number generators based on the subcycles that can be implemented using simple arithmetic. That article provides a detailed description of the concepts behind these generators as well as some examples in C. In this article, the final in this two-part series, I examine the kinds of subcycle generators that exist and describe their respective benefits.
To review, a simple C statement such as
x-=rotl(x,21); will produce a surprisingly long cycle of quasi-random numbers with a fixed, known period. rotl is a simple macro that performs a left rotation. The previous expression actually can produce several cycles of different periods, and you usually want to use the longest one. Many other simple expressions also produce such cycles. If the expression is reversible, meaning you can calculate it backward and thus undo it, you can get periods of nearly 232 on 32-bit processors. If an expression is irreversible, you get periods of around 220 or 240 on 32-bit and 64-bit processors respectively, if you select constants carefully. I've named these subcycle-based generators using the order of their operations when done on a calculator, so the example above is RS (for rotate, subtract).
A simple subcycle generator like RS is not random enough for most uses, but several (typically three) such generators can be computed and their results combined using adds or XORs. Such a combination generator, including all those shown in this article, is random enough to pass the stringent tests in the BigCrush test-suite [1]. Listing One is an example of a good 32-bit combination generator:
Listing One: A good 32-bit combination generator.
void Seed3Lsr (uint32_t seed) { uint32_t n; x = 1; y = 1; z = 1; for (n=((seed>>22)&0x3ff)+20; n>0; n--) { x -= (x<<3); x = rotl(x,17); } for (n=((seed>>11)&0x7ff)+20; n>0; n--) { y -= (y<<7); y = rotl(y,21); } for (n=((seed )&0x7ff)+20; n>0; n--) { z -= (z<<5); z = rotl(z, 9); } } uint32_t Rand3Lsr() { // Combined period = 2^94.68 x -= (x<<3); x = rotl(x,17); // LSR: Period=4077769180=2*2*5*203888459 y -= (y<<7); y = rotl(y,21); // LSR: Period=3996418898=2*1998209449 z -= (z<<5); z = rotl(z, 9); // LSR: Period=3905814513=3*67*97*200329 return x + y + z; }
All three subcycle generators in Listing One are of type LSR (Left-shift, Subtract, Rotate-left), which is reversible, and the constants chosen above for the shifts and rotations yield periods near 232. When you multiply these individual periods together (and divide out a common factor of 2), you get the combined period of 294.68, which is close to 296, the maximum possible. Based on my tests, periods of at least 248 are adequate.
Subcycle generators cannot be seeded directly because they might not end up in the desired (longest) cycle. So the seeding function above,
Seed3Lsr, sets each generator to a value known to be in the correct cycle (which is 1 for all of them), and steps it forward (within the cycle) based on bit-fields in the seed.
Scaling a Random Number to N Choices
Before diving into the subcycle generators, it's worth explaining ways to solve the common problem of creating a uniform random variable in the range of 0 to
N-1, which is
N choices. Define
B = ceiling(log2(N)), which is simply the number of bits needed to hold the number
N-1. If
N is a power of two, it's easy: Simply use the
B least significant bits (LSBs) of the random number generator. In C, this would be
n=r&0x1fu; where
r is the output of the random number generator,
n is the number you want, and the mask
0x1fu isolates
B=5 bits in this example. This method works well for subcycle generators, but do not use the LSBs of other types of generators, as they often have poor randomness.
In general,
N is not a power of two, so some math is needed. If
B is less than half the processor's word-width of 32 (i.e.,
B < 16), you can do this:
n = ((r>>B) * N) >> (32-B);
The right shift by
B prevents the multiplication from overflowing. For a 64-bit processor, change the 32 above to 64, and that calculation will work for
B up to 32. On a 32-bit processor, if
B is 16 or more, the calculation above would lose precision, which can be solved by using the upper half of a 64-bit product as shown in Listing Two:
Listing Two: Improving precision on 32-bit processors.
uint32_t r, n; uint64_t product; r = RandomNumberFunction(); product = (uint64_t)r * (uint64_t)N; n = product >> 32;
The gcc compiler is smart enough to do a 32x32 multiply here instead of a 64x64, but it's prudent to check the output of other compilers.
Returning to the topic of generators, Part I of this article only gave us a glance at a few of the subcycle generators available, so we'll cover them thoroughly here. Until theory has been developed that can calculate the periods of reversible generators for 64 bits, they'll be restricted to 32 bits because their cycles can be traversed using exhaustive search. We'll cover the 32-bit reversible generators first, followed by the 32-bit and 64-bit irreversible generators.
Reversible 32-bit Subcycle Generators
Reversible generators have periods of nearly 232, but are in many cases a little less random than the irreversibles (CMR and CMFR are exceptions). In Table 1,
Const is (you guessed it) a constant.
L is a left shift count, and
R is a rotate-left count. In this article, rotations are always to the left. All of these subcycle generators have a period of nearly 232.
CMR: x = Multiplier*x; x = rotl(x,RL);
Based on tests, CMR is the most random of all the reversible subcycle generators, so I recommend that you use it if your processor has a fast multiply, as most modern processors do nowadays. To have reversibility, Const must be odd. For best bit-mixing, it's best if RL is in the neighborhood of 16, perhaps 13 to 19. Table 2 lists CMR generators that have large seed-ranges and periods near 232:
CMR is important, so I supplied a long table. A table with over 1000 entries is available for download here. Each row is a generator using a multiplier of
Multiplier, a left-rotation count of
RL, and having a period of
Period, which has the given prime factors. The generator can be directly seeded with up to
SB bits of seed, and the seed-value must be in the range
SeedStart to SeedStart+SeedCnt-1, which merely means that you must add
SeedStart to your
SB-bit-wide seed. Note that
2SB <= SeedCnt.
Several computers ran searches for several weeks to find these multipliers. I'm especially proud of the second one 1422968075 as it accepts 24 bits of seed, and its cycle covers all but 1377 of the 232 possible values. That means its cycle covers 99.999968% of the 32-bit number-range. Finally, its prime factors are large numbers, making it easy to avoid duplicating factors in other generators. Table 3 provides the list of cycles produced by this multiplier:
All subcycle generators have several cycles, as does this one. Clearly, it's crucial that a generator be seeded correctly so that the desired cycle will be used. A bad seed of 210935030, for example, would enter cycle 8, which has a period of only one value, which would make this generator worthless. Listing Three shows a combination generator that uses three CMR generators.
Listing Three: A combination generator that uses three CMR generators.
void Seed3Cmr (uint32_t seed) { x = 735593496u + (seed & 0x00ffffffu); // 24 bits of seed y = 1640766258u + (seed & 0x000fffffu); // 20 bits of seed z = 481793190u + (seed>>13); // 19 bits of seed } uint32_t Rand3Cmr() { // Combined period = 2^95.999955 x = 2648253259u*x; x = rotl(x,18); // period=4294965140=2^2*5*214748257 y = 773663125u*y; y = rotl(y,16); // period=4294937531=379*1187*9547 z = 1834882833u*z; z = rotl(z,15); // period=4294865569 (prime) return x + y + z; }
The combined period of 295.999955 is infinitesimally less than the maximum possible period of 296, so the loss of period is negligible. But the improved randomness compared to an LCG (linear congruential generator) makes this subcycle generator worthwhile. If a period of 264 will suffice, you can drop the third subcycle generator (
z), and the resulting combination of just
x+y will still pass BigCrush. It is directly seeded and bits in the seed were overlapped to improve dispersion of sequences. Modern processors pipeline (overlap) the multiplies and rotations, so this generator will be fast.
The multipliers with the largest periods have the fewest omitted numbers out of the 232 possible numbers. For example, the multiplier of 3563976171 has a period of 4294966876, which omits only 420 numbers. Seeding for such multipliers can be done directly with all 32 seed-bits if you check an auxiliary table of omitted numbers, and change an omitted number to something else (such as adding one to it). Such omission-tables would only consume a few kilobytes for these multipliers.
CMFR is a variation of CMR that does a bitwise complement to the product. The "F" in the name stands for "flip bits," which allows this generator to include zero in its cycle. Otherwise, it behaves like CMR. It is useful in combination with CMR, which you've seen already in
RandCmfrCmrCers. Its multiply will be overlapped with the CMR, yielding maximum performance, and the complement improves mixing of bits in the combination. A table of good multipliers is available for download.
Skipping ahead to 64 bits, a 64-bit CMR will have periods in the ballpark of 263. This is too large to traverse, so I did a partial traversal for the following multipliers. With a rotation of 32 bits, these multipliers are guaranteed to have a period of at least 245: 3141592653589793239, 3279502884197169399, 3751058209749445923, 7816406286208998629, 3482534211706798215, 2718281828459045235. These constants are digits from pi and e, and they will probably make fine 64-bit CMR generators with periods around 263. But you won't know their exact periods. Also, CMRES is a variation of CMR which is irreversible and suitable for 64-bit processors, and will be described shortly with the other irreversibles. In fact, CMRES is the most random of all the subcycle generators I've developed and can even be used alone.
RCA: x = Const + rotl(x,RL);
CERS: x = Const – rotl(x,RL);
CERS may provide more randomness than RCA because the subtraction inverts the bits, so most of my effort has been on CERS. But a special case of RCA occurs when
RL is zero (no rotation): The constant (which must be odd) is merely added to
x. Marsaglia refers to this generator as a "Weyl sequence" [2]. It's a full-cycle generator with a period of 2
w, and is not a subcycle generator. I mention it because it's a fast way of boosting the period in a combination generator. To maximize the period, no other generator should have a factor of 2 in its period. I prefer CERS because it adds more randomness, has choices of periods and their factors, and is almost as fast.
Because CERS uses only one position of its value (the parameter
x in
rotl), it is less random than the other subcycle generators. Like RCA, its main use is as a fast (two clock cycle) method of boosting the period of the combination generator that's using it. Table 4 some CERS generators with large seed-ranges and periods. The meanings of the columns are the same as in CMR:
LAR: x = x + (x<<SL); x = rotl(x,RL);
LSR: x = x - (x<<SL); x = rotl(x,RL);
LESR: x = (x<<SL) - x; x = rotl(x,RL);
If you must avoid the multiplication required by CMR, then this group of fast generators should work well. All of them add or subtract a left-shift and the value, which is similar to CMR's multiply, so these generators behave like CMR. In fact, LAR is a special case of CMR. Table 5 is a short list of what I consider the best choices of shift- and rotate-counts, based primarily on maximizing the period, and secondarily on avoiding small numbers in the prime factors in order to make it easier to assemble a combination generator without duplicate factors.
Listing Four shows a combination generator that uses one each of these three kinds of subcycle generators, each of which is directly seeded:
Listing Four: A generator with three subcycle generators with low multiplication.
void SeedLarLsrLesr (uint32_t seed) { x = 2191221356u + ((seed>>20)&0x0fffu); // 12 bits of seed y = 2569780889u + ((seed>>8 )&0x0fffu); // 12 bits of seed z = 186447614u + ((seed )&0x00ffu); // 8 bits of seed } uint32_t RandLarLsrLesr () { // Combined period = 2^95.87 x = x + (x<<6); x = rotl(x, 6); // LAR: period=4282054541=11941*358601 y = y - (y<<2); y = rotl(y,23); // LSR: period=4277166515=5*37*53*179*2437 z = (z<<5) - z; z = rotl(z,17); // LESR:period=3949227389=353*1181*9473 return x + y + z; }
One problem with these subcycle generators is their few good shift-rotate combinations limit your choices of periods and period-factors, and you're restricted to small seed-ranges of 7 to 12 bits, making it difficult to use all 32 bits of seed. If none of the available choices suit you, or if you need a larger seed-range, there's nothing you can do about it. The generators below solve this problem.
LARCA: x = x + (x<<SL); x = Const + rotl(x,RL);
LSRCA: x = x - (x<<SL); x = Const + rotl(x,RL);
LESRCA: x = (x<<SL) - x; x = Const + rotl(x,RL);
These generators are the same as LAR/LSR/LESR, except that a constant is added to the rotation, which allows a search for constants to be done to find larger periods and seed-ranges. The constant also improves randomness slightly. I ran a multi-day search, and the resulting cycle table is available for download here. Listing Five shows a combination generator that uses one each of these three kinds of subcycle generators:
Listing Five: A combination generator using multiple reversible subcycle generators that use constants.
void SeedLarcaLsrcaLesrca (uint32_t seed) { x = 1411095840u + (seed >> 16); // 16 bits of seed y = 3295935573u + (seed & 0x1ffffu); // 17 bits of seed z = 1927078987u + (seed & 0x1ffffu); // 17 bits of seed } uint32_t RandLarcaLsrcaLesrca () { // Combined period = 2^95.99960 x = x + (x<<10); x = 3483234673u + rotl(x,14); //LARCA: period=4294437379 y = y - (y<< 9); y = 2456424491u + rotl(y,13); //LSRCA: period=4294703122 z = (z<<5) - z; z = 36615259u + rotl(z,18); //LESRCA:period=4294565593 return x + y + z; }
At 295.99960, the combined period is only a hair below 296. Each subcycle generator uses 4 clock cycles of arithmetic operations, so the combination generator uses 14 clock cycles, which is faster than needed for most applications, but is slower than most other combinations in this article.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Microsoft has announced the availability of Visual Studio LightSwitch Beta 2, a tool intended to allow developers to build polished, user-friendly, custom business applications for the desktop, the web, and the cloud. The new product was unveiled this week by Jason Zander general manager for Visual Studio at the Microsoft Developer Tools Partner Summit in Redmond.
Building on the tool's beta 1 release, the beta 2 product now introduces a new Publish Wizard, which provides the ability to publish a LightSwitch desktop or browser application to Windows Azure — and this includes the application's database to SQL Azure as well. Zander has said that his team is planning a detailed tutorial of this process that will be published on his department's team blog.
There are also runtime UI improvements and improved runtime and design-time performance. "Build times are 50% faster in Beta 2 and we have made the build management smarter to improve iterative F5 scenarios by up to 70%. LightSwitch Beta 2 applications will startup up to 30% faster than Beta 1. New features like static spans will include related data in a single query execution and improve the time to load data on a screen by reducing the total number of server round-trips. The middle tier data load/save pipeline has been optimized to improve throughput by up to 60%," said Microsoft's Zander.
As well as added extensibility for pro developers using Visual Studio Professional or higher to create LightSwitch application extensions, there is also expanded availability and supported languages now include English and German. Also new within the project properties UI is the ability to now allow developers to authenticate any Windows user in a LightSwitch application while still using the LightSwitch authorization subsystem for determining user permissions for specific users.


text:
Taylor Swift: Short hair, don't care
CNN/Stylemagazine.com Newswire | 2/12/2014, 4:50 p.m.
By Breeanna Hare
(CNN) -- On Tuesday, Taylor Swift became a card-carrying member of the short hair club.
The 24-year-old "Red" singer shared a photo of her new shoulder-length 'do on Instagram, along with a video of all the people who were watching the big chop in action.
Since Swift's had her trademark long curls since she debuted, we're not surprised that as many witnesses as possible wanted to see the cut in action.
"We don't do anything without an audience, do we?" Swift can be heard joking in the clip. (Fans have watched and rewatched the brief segment to see if they can spot any famous faces in the crowd. We'll let you decide which of Swift's rumored former flames appears to be present.)
Swift was in London performing on Tuesday as part of her "Red" tour, and the set included an appearance from Ellie Goulding.
"London, I could never thank you enough," Swift captioned a photo with the British singer. "See you next time! PS: short hair, don't care. (!!!)"


text: Tawny says she is a typical California woman, not afraid to go to a bar and knock back some beers with the guys, not having to get gussied up all the time. She likes to be herself, and she likes to bear it all. She was in a panties contest once for fun and the panties fell off. When it comes to the bedroom, Tawny is looking for a guy who knows what to do "downtown".


text: SUBWAY is the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise. We offer a variety of delicious foot-long and 6-inch sandwiches, salads, and wraps that are made with a wide assortment of meats, cheeses, vegetables and toppings. All Subway sandwiches are made on freshly baked bread and are prepared right before your eyes just the way you like it. We also offer soups, fresh-baked cookies, and breakfast items.


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Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Insurance
Given the recent story about the United Airlines passenger being involuntary de boarded and dragged off the plane by police. It may be a good time to review the travel insurance benefits of various credit cards.
Creditshout has a few articles on this space
Take a look at this article about Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Insurance at creditshout.com
One of our team members actually used this benefit personally a few months ago when snow in Toronto canceled flights. It covered hotel and meals when the airline wouldn't pay anything for a weather related delay.Current Fico Scores: 710 TU, 732 EQ
My Goal for 2016: 750+


text:
Counting calories is common for many, especially when trying to lose weight. But can there be emotional consequences from being put on a diet too early in life?
"My mom was obsessed with my food intake for as long as I can remember," said Karen Kataline, author of "Fatlash: Food Police & the Fear of Thin." "She put me on the stage at the age of three and wanted to live out her dreams and disappointments through me ... She had unresolved issues about weight and appearance and she wasn't happy with her own body."
Kataline was restricted to a 500-calorie-a-day diet and won the title of Little Miss Denver County at the age of nine, but the early dieting took a toll.
"I wasn't built like my mother and she was pretty much obsessed with my weight and appearance almost from infancy," she said. "I still struggle with food to this day but it's much better now."
As a social worker and public speaker, Kataline is raising awareness on the damaging effects of pushing unresolved food issues onto children.
"Not until I was in my 30s did I fully realize that my mother was probably anorexic, but she was playing it out on my body," she said. "Parents who aren't quite grown up and emotionally developed themselves tend to use their child to complete and resolve these issues."
Here are Kataline's tips to helping your child develop a healthy body image:
Don't become the food police.
"People think that if you have a child with a weight problem, the thing to do is to bug them even more and restrict them even more. That's counterintuitive. When you are raised by someone policing your eating habits, you either feel incompetent to feed yourself properly so you pay other people to do it for you, or you become a rebel and eat everything in sight. I spent much of my childhood stealing food to get back at my mother, so I was trying to find my own way and set a boundary. When I was 16 I weighed 285 pounds. I made sure there would be no more beauty pageants."
One size doesn't fit all.
"We all have different body types and not every child will be shaped like their parents. Weight and body image issues are extremely complex and very individual to each person. Everyone's metabolism is unique. Some people have too much salt. Some don't have enough. To think that you could make blanket rules is so ludicrous to me."
Put your children in the driver's seat.
"We need to put the personal responsibility in children so they can feel like they are in charge of their own bodies. Few things are as personal and primitive as what we choose to feed ourselves. It's a very personal issue and my theory is that people have lost touch with what they're craving. We need to encourage children to get in touch with what they're craving and listen to their own bodies. Help them understand that healthy food feels good. Make healthy food abundant, inform them, and respect their choices to eat as they see fit."
What you resist, persists.
"When I was really young, I stuttered very briefly. I overheard my mother saying she thought I would outgrow it if she didn't make a big deal out of it. That way I wouldn't feel self-conscious about it. And it did go away on its own. Well, if she had brought that kind of sense to weight and body image I believe strongly that I wouldn't have weighed 285 pounds at the age of 16."
Latest Lifestyles
Don't feed the hype.
"This obesity hysteria is creating weight problems and eating disorders in kids (who) never would have had them because we're doing the exact opposite of what kids need. Some people have a genetic predisposition, so each case is different, but if you nurture boundaries and say 'no' to all that hysteria, you will find your child has a much better chance of having a healthy relationship with food. "
Twitter: @jenweigel


text:
There I was just mucking about when Zwingli sends me a tweet.
A tweet that became this post with the assistance of Cynwise & Snack_Road.
I once saw Twitter referred to as a river. If you get to the river bank at the right time, you get to see the swans floating by. Get there at the wrong time and it's nothing but debris floating by.
So, I have captured that moment in time, pasted it here for you to enjoy...
Zwing has recently been inspired by Cyn and I to dig deep in PvP, starting with a baby hunter.
So where do we stand on heirlooms?
Is their effect detrimental to learning the skills required for PvP?
What other options are available apart from Heirlooms?
What are the right levels to lock XP, or cease wearing heirlooms?
Is all fair in love and war (of the WoW variety)?
Should you enter BGs with the biggest stick you can get your hands on, twink your way through the levels, or just accept you will be as squishy or strong as you are at that point in time?
If heirlooms are allowed, should Rogues be allowed… should Rogues be allowed at all?
@zwinglisblog: @wowcynwise @Gnomeaggedon what is your view on heirlooms in pvp?
@wowcynwise: How do you mean?
@zwinglisblog: started my pvp toon on a server w/out my mains. So, he's poor and squishy. (cc)
@zwinglisblog: (c) So, I'm tempted to have him on my main server, and use heirlooms to beef him up.
@Gnomeaggedon: use them! It's hard to have level relevant PvP gear when leveling in BGs.
@zwinglisblog: kinda feels like an unfair advantage. But, maybe nothing in pvp is fair
@Gnomeaggedon: depends on your intention, if you are leveling, the time taken to get twink gear at each level is prob mispent
@Gnomeaggedon: so if you are leveling through having a few pieces that grow with you makes sense
@zwinglisblog: I'm not "just" leveling. I'm doing it to learn how to pvp on a hunter w/out being thrown in at lvl 85.
@wowcynwise: You *can* level via PvP without heirlooms. The early levels can be tough but it will even out if you gear up.
@wowcynwise: Nothing in PvP is fair. Use them. They last through the 60s. At 70 evaluate resil gear for your spec.
@wowcynwise: Periodically lock your XP and go run dungeons to get better gear.
@zwinglisblog: so, consensus is that heirlooms are a good thing – at least in beginning. Yes? At what lvls do you lock xp?
@wowcynwise: … heirlooms are good, but the best enchants are better.
@wowcynwise: Lock when you feel your gear is slipping behind. Don't do it to PvP, try bottoms of brackets x0, x5.
@wowcynwise: Related: Disposable Heroes: How To Make Reusable Level 10 PvP Toons
Sabotaging the Enemy: the Ethics of Gear
On the Heirloom Conundrum
@wowcynwise: Re: locking – The PvP Pause
@zwinglisblog: on a different character, I locked at 15…then ran a BG. Was scarred for 5 mos from the new hole I was ripped. 🙂
@wowcynwise: Don't lock for PvP <; 20 unless you're ready to play with the hardcore twinks. 1k health minimum. 😦
@Gnomeaggedon: what Cyn says. He has more experience leveling through, certainly recently. Basically use what works – they will.
@wowcynwise: PvP *is* war. If gear helps you kill your opponent faster, get it.
@snack_road: "They send one of yours to the hospital, you send two of theirs to the morgue."
@Gnomeaggedon: if BGs were honorable… Rogues would not be allowed to queue! 😉 Find a big stick, use a big stick.
@zwinglisblog: I'm working on a kickbutt lvl 10 toon tonight!
What do you think?
Gnomer and Out!
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.


text:
Potomack Company via AP
This undated image provided by the Potomack Company shows French Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir's "Paysage Bords de Seine," which was purchased for $7 at a flea market in West Virginia.
The Renoir painting that caused a sensation when it was bought at a flea market for $7 may have been stolen from a museum six decades ago, and an auction house has put its sale on hold.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir's painting "Paysage Bords de Seine" was due to go to auction through the Potomack Company on Saturday, but its sale was put on hold after a Washington Post reporter discovered documents in the Baltimore Museum of Art's library showing it was on loan there from 1937 until 1951, when it was stolen.
The Impressionist work, whose title translates as "Landscape on the Banks of the Seine," was purchased two years ago at a West Virginia flea market.
The buyer, a Virginia woman who has not revealed her name, took it to auction house The Potomack Co. in July, and experts there confirmed it was by the French master Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The frame of the painting includes a "Renoir" plaque.
"I originally bought it for the frame," the buyer admitted to NBCWashington.com earlier this month. "I was trying to rip it apart... I was like, well, maybe I should wait." The buyer's mother encouraged her to get it appraised.
It was expected to fetch $75,000 to $100,000 at auction.
"The rest of the auction will go on, but the Renoir has been withdrawn," said Lucie Holland, a spokeswoman for The Potomack Co.
Read the story on NBCWashington.com
Potomack said that the London-based Art Loss Registry had said that the painting had never been reported stolen or missing and the FBI's art theft website did not list it as stolen either. There was also no police report from the theft.
The FBI is now investigating.
'Caught by surprise'
The Renoir came to the Baltimore museum through one of its leading benefactors, collector Saidie May. Her family bought it from the Bernheim-Jeune gallery in Paris in 1926.
The Washington Post found records in the museum's library on Tuesday that showed May had lent the paintings and other works to the museum in 1937, Potomack said.
After the newspaper told it of the findings, the Baltimore museum checked its files and found a loan record showing the Renoir had been stolen on November 17, 1951. What happened to it after the theft is unknown.
Doreen Bolger, the museum director, said the museum's probe into what happened to the painting was in early stages.
May died in May 1951 and the art collection was willed to the museum. As its ownership was going through legal transfer, the painting was stolen while still listed as on loan.
The Mona Lisa Foundation, based in Switzerland, is claiming Leonardo da Vinci painted an earlier version of the Mona Lisa. Is she or isn't she? NBC's Jim Maceda reports.
"We were caught by surprise," Bolger said on Thursday.
"At this point we just want to make sure that the painting winds up where it belongs and that we provide all the information we can to law enforcement about this issue," Bolger said.
She said that she would be happy to show the painting again if it is ultimately returned to the museum.
NBC News staff, Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
More content from NBCNews.com:
- Summer's over, but drought persists; two-thirds of contiguous US affected
- Lucky 13 brings $202 million for Powerball ticket sold in Iowa
- Authorities hunting for 73-year-old accused of killing his daughter-in-law
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The Central African Republic (CAR) is experiencing a situation of chronic conflict, with militant activity by armed groups spreading over a large swath of the country, including violent attacks against civilian populations. The situation is volatile and made further complex by institutional and political fragility. A quarter of Central Africans have been subject to forced displacement. Despite a return to constitutional order in 2016 and new peace agreements signed in February 2019, armed groups continue to operate and are trying—with their sponsors— to turn community tensions to their advantage.
Supporting peacebuilding efforts at this juncture is thus crucial. The CAR government has identified bringing about an end to the crisis, peacebuilding, and economic recovery for the country as the key pillars of its Plan for Recovery and Peacebuilding (RCPCA, 2017-21).
Strong support from development partners is thus required to reach these goals. For its part, AFD launched the Minka CAR Initiative. Minka CAR provides substantive and stable funding over a five-year period, targeting as a priority the key factors behind peacebuilding and applying forms of action that are more flexible, partnership-based, and tailored to local contexts.
on the same regionInstitutional documentpublished in June 2020Vidéopublished in April 2020Research documentpublished in March 2020Institutional documentpublished in February 2020Vidéopublished in February 2020Vidéopublished in February 2020


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Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Annually, DHCD makes available to project developers and sponsors the current US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued income and rent limits. As of the effective dates noted, and until further notice, project sponsors currently receiving CDBG, HOME, NSP, LIHTC or HPTF funds should use the following limits as they set their fiscal year 2012 occupancy and rent guidelines. The Washington, DC area median income as determined by HUD for fiscal year 2012 is to equal $107,500.


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Dalai Lama Quotes
The Spiritual Destiny of the 14th Dalai Lama
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Dalai Lama Quotes On Compassion
"One of the basic points is kindness. With kindness, with love and compassion, with his feeling that is the essence of brotherhood, sisterhood, one will have inner peace. This compassionate feeling is the basis of inner peace."
– Dalai Lama XIV
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"The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred."
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
"A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals the secret of some hidden treasure."
"Hard times build determination and inner strength. Through them we can also come to appreciate the uselessness of anger. Instead of getting angry nurture a deep caring and respect for troublemakers because by creating such trying circumstances they provide us with invaluable opportunities to practice tolerance and patience."
"Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace."


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The Atlantic – The Odd Story of the Law That Dictates How Government Shutdowns Work, by Andrew Cohen
"If rogue Republicans do not relent over the budget impasse by October 1, whatever pandemonium happens next will largely be governed by a federal statute you likely have never heard of: the Antideficiency Act. You can call it the "anti-deadbeat" law — a collection of statutory and administrative provisions, really — that forbid federal officials from entering into financial obligations for which they do not have funding, like paying the salaries of their employees or buying the things they need to run the government. It's also the law that wisely permits certain "essential" government functions — like the military and the courts, for example — to keep operating even in the absence of authorized legislative funding. Predictably, there aren't many legal experts who have built careers around the Antideficiency Act, but I managed to corral a few. The most important messages they offer are these: 1) It's not just present federal work that's affected by the shutdown, it's future work, too; and 2) shutting down the federal government is terribly wasteful and expensive because of the re-start costs involved. That's the point made by the acclaimed dean of Antideficiency Act scholars, University of Baltimore Law Professor Charles Tiefer ("For obscure details," he told me, "you've come to the right guy."). It's not just that many federal operations will shut down next week, Tiefer said, it's that "all kinds of planning and preparation for federal activity in the months and weeks to come" will become "increasingly neglected and disjointed if the showdown lasts more than a couple of days." Here's a key passage from the statute…"


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Copyright © 2020 Cedar Rapids Area Association of REALTORS®. All rights reserved. All information provided by the listing agent/broker is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
Listing information last updated on July 5th, 2020 at 2:29pm CDT.


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Carl's Jr.®
Carl's Jr. Brings Back Award-Winning Portobello Mushroom Burger
Oct 31, 2007
Customer Demand Spurs Return of Premium Quality Burger
CARPINTERIA, Calif. — October 31, 2007 — The Portobello Mushroom Six Dollar Burger™ returns to the Carl's Jr.® menu today. First introduced in 2005, the award-winning Portobello Mushroom Six Dollar Burger became a customer favorite and set the standard for fine-dining taste at a quick-serve price.
"The Portobello Mushroom Six Dollar Burger was the most popular limited-time addition to the Six Dollar Burger™ line at Carl's Jr. when it was introduced two years ago," said Brad Haley, executive vice president of marketing for Carl's Jr. restaurants. "It was, and still is, the only fast-food burger topped with premium-quality Portobello mushrooms. So, when we heard over and over from our guests that they wanted the Portobello Mushroom Six Dollar Burger back at Carl's Jr., we listened."
During its initial appearance on the Carl's Jr. menu, The Portobello Mushroom Six Dollar Burger won the product award for excellence from Produce Business Magazine, and was among a handful of menu items profiled by USA Today for a trend story on fast-food going gourmet.
"Our original Six Dollar Burger was so named because it had the quality and taste of burgers that could only be found at sit-down restaurants, which cost six dollars or more, but it sold for about four dollars," added Haley. "The initial success of that single burger led to the line of six, Six Dollar Burgers we have today, plus several limited-time additions like the unique Portobello Six Dollar Burger."
Today's addition to the popular Six Dollar Burger line features high-quality Portobello mushrooms sliced and sautéed with garlic and parsley. The "five-star" mushroom sauce tops a charbroiled, 100 percent Angus beef patty complemented by melted Swiss cheese, sliced red onions, juicy tomato, and crisp lettuce on a seeded bun.
The Portobello Mushroom Six Dollar Burger will sell for $4.89 at participating restaurants – or $6.89 as part of a combo meal. In addition, customers can add Portobello mushroom sauce to any burger for 99 cents.
Carl's Jr. is celebrating more than 65 years in the quick-service industry. What began as a lone hot dog cart in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1941 is today an international organization that employs nearly 30,000 people worldwide. Carl's Jr. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR) of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the second fiscal quarter ended March 26, 2007, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,020 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 43 states and in 13 countries, including 1,111 Carl's Jr. restaurants, 1,909 Hardee's restaurants. For more information, or to find a Carl's Jr. near you, go to www.ckr.com or www.carlsjr.com.


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Some consumers report being tired of Apple's advertising style, yet its brand continues to be one of the strongest in the world.
Brand strategy firm CoreBrand has released its rankings of the 100 most powerful global brands. While Apple was the only tech company to crack the top 10, several others made an appearance further down the rankings.
To compile the rankings, CoreBrand surveyed 10,000 executives at 1,000 companies over a five-year span, asking them how familiar they were with a particular brand and how favorably they viewed them.
Here's a ranking of the top tech brands, according to where they fell on CoreBrand's list.
10. eBay
The e-commerce giant has shot up CoreBrand's list in recent years, gaining 58 spots over the past five years. This year, it ranked 59th out of 100 overall. (59th/100)
9. Samsung
Samsung continues to be perceived strongly by business executives, moving up 5 spaces over last year to land in 52nd place out of 100. (52nd/100)
IBM's reputation among businesses is steadily improving. It's 49th-place ranking is a 15-spot increase over last year. (49th/100)
7. Dell
Dell moved down one spot from last year's ranking, coming in at the 48th spot out of 100. (48th/100)
AT&T lost four places from 2013, moving down from 29th to 33rd. (33rd/100)
5. Sony
Sony continues to perform relatively well on CoreBrand's rankings, despite moving down 12 spots in the last 5 years. (31st/100)
4. Yahoo
The Marissa Mayer-led company is growing in popularity, gaining 44 spots in the last five years. (28th/100)
3. Google
Google has seen incredible improvement since 2008, moving up 90 positions over the past five years. (26th/100)
2. Microsoft
Microsoft had the largest gain of the top 25 brands, moving up 9 spaces to rank 11th. It has moved up 34 spaces since 2008. (11th/100)
1. Apple
Apple is known for being a highly creative company with an incredibly powerful brand, and it was the only tech company to rank in the top 10 of CoreBrand's rankings this year. (10th/100)


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EarthBrowser 2.5.1
EarthBrowser depicts the latest weather, earthquake, volcanoes and clouds on a very intuitive and enjoyable, three-dimensional model of the Earth.
This isn't just a static image; you can grab the Earth and rotate it in any direction you wish.
You can also zoom in and out to get a detailed image or a far off view from space. The clouds are updated from satellite images on an hourly basis, and the shadow travels across the globe all day long (taking the seasons into account).
Earthbrowser default setting is to automatically download a fresh image. If you are on a fixed tariff Internet usage you might set the default to manual download.
For more detailed information, including on updates, please read the documentation or visit the home page.
Requirements: PowerPC; System 7.5 or above; Quicktime 4; Internet connection; 13 MB RAM; 5 MB Disk Space.


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East Hartford
Coach: Anthony Menard
2001-02: 16-7
Top players: Vincent Nelson, 6-3 sr. F; Mike Porter, 6-2 sr. F; Mike Ritchens, 5-10 jr. G; Jeff Young, 6-2 jr. G; Shon Lowe, 5-9 so. G; Aaron Johnson, 6-4 so. F; Fernando Poesi, 5-10 jr. G.
Outlook: Youth is everywhere with the departure of 12 seniors. Will have to make up for lack of experience with speed and hustle. Menard, who previously coached at Weaver, Plainville and Rockville, takes over after the departure of long-time coach Ray Page.
E.O. Smith (Storrs)
Coach: Ron Pires
2001-02: 9-12
Top players: Mike Evanovich, 6-7 jr. F; Steve Guyette, 5-10 sr. G; Justin Cheney, 6-1 sr. F; Bryce Cheney, 6-5 sr. C; Alex Stuart, 5-11 sr. G; Ben Spencer, 6-0 jr. G; Barrett Ames, 5-11 sr. G; Brad Durr, 6-7 jr. C.
Outlook: Plenty of experience returns in Guyette, the Cheney twins and All-CCC East pick Evanovich (15 ppg, 8 rpg). A more cohesive unit than last season. Need to improve defense and rebounding to avoid a repeat of last year's 1-7 start.
Fermi (Enfield)
Coach: Cory O'Connell
2001-02: 2-18
Top players: Ryan Aiken, 6-4 sr. F; Dan Barrett, 6-1 sr. G; Visna Ngov, 5-9 sr. G; Tyrell Bowen, 6-2 sr. F; Bryan Jambard, 6-0 sr. G.
Outlook: First-year coach has to replace starting lineup and is working to change program's perspective. Team will improve but lack of experience could be hard to overcome.
Hartford Public
Coach: Ed Quick
2001-02: 7-13
Top players: Jamie Bryant, 5-8 sr. G; Eligio Colon, 5-9 sr. G; Fitz Gallimore, 5-11 sr. G; Angel Pinero, 5-10 sr. G; Phil Johnson, 6-4 sr. C; John Shannon, sr. 6-3 F; Tajida Harris, 5-10 jr. G; Jamal Franklin, 6-1 so. G.
Outlook: A senior-laden team that returns four starters, looking to turn experience into a return to the state tournament. Quick is bent of restoring winning tradition. Internal problems, which plagued team in previous seasons, are not expected to return.
Coach: Bob Healy
2001-02: 17-7 (CCC East champion)
Top players: C.J. Curry, 6-2 sr. F; Eddie Agosto, 5-10 sr. G; Nana Osei, 6-1 sr. G; Demetris Madden, 6-2 jr. G; Ricardo Closs, 6-4 jr. C; Harrison Segall, 6-0 jr. G; Eric Montez, 6-0 jr. F; Anthony Madden, 6-0 so. G/F; Mike Treadow, 6-1 sr. F.
Outlook: Curry (8.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and Agosto (7 ppg) return. Team will have to strike an offensive balance between the frontcourt and backcourt to be successful. Depth is a concern.
Coach: Bari Winner
2001-02: 3-17
Top players: Martin Gagne, 6-0 sr. G; Archie Butler, 6-0 sr. G; Dan Trudeau, 6-4 sr. F; Jeff Looke, 5-11 sr. G; Kyle Jones, 5-9 sr. G; Jeremy Franklin, 6-8 jr. F; Robert Browning, 6-6 jr. F; Greg Champion, 6-2 sr. F; Ray Kouassi, 5-10 so. G.
Outlook: Gagne (11 ppg) is only returning starter and will be counted on heavily by team that struggled offensively last season. Needs to limit turnovers and hold opposition to one shot as often as possible.
South Windsor
Coach: Pete Anthony
2001-02: 11-10
Top players: Kevin Kapisak, 6-0 sr. G; Kevin Williamson, 6-3 sr. F; Ryan Hood, 6-5 sr. C; Jamille Hayes, 6-5 jr. F/C; Brandon Baker, 5-9 jr. G; Ross Wilson, 5-11 sr. G; Garrie Gordon, 6-4 sr. C.
Outlook: Replacing starting lineup. Kapisak is the only returning guard with experience and will be counted on heavily. Hayes is a player to watch. Good size in the paint.
CCC West
Coach: Gary Barcher
2001-02: 21-6 (CCC champion, Class L champion)
Top players: Andre Smith, 6-4 sr. F/C; Gary Shick, 6-0 sr. G; J.J. Wilson, 6-0 sr. G; Damian Upson, 5-10 sr. G; Matt Lawrence, 6-1 sr. F; Tyrell Walker, 6-4 sr. F/C; Jason Davis, 6-4 jr. F; Rajwayne Palmer, 6-4 jr. F; Romayne Benjamin, 6-4 jr. F.
Outlook: Lost four starters from state championship team but all is not lost. An athletic and strong team overall with good size. Could be dangerous in latter part of season.
Conard (West Hartford)
Coach: John Benyei
2001-02: 3-17
Top players: Matt D'Annolfo, 5-11 sr. G; Kevin Hussey, 6-4 sr. F; John Benyei, 6-3 jr. F; Matt Backel, 6-4 jr. F; Justin Olivera, 5-10 so. G; Jason Giliberto, 5-10 jr. G; Ryan Larkum, 6-2 sr. F; Jeff Roman, 6-1 sr. F; Kevin Hall, 6-1 sr. F.
Outlook: A solid core in D'Annolfo, Hussey and Benyei. Will have to outwork opponents due to lack of experience and size.
Coach: Jim Vaughan
2001-02: 14-9
Top players: Joe Saunders, 6-3 sr. C; Jesus Orbea, 6-2 sr. F; Mike Greene, 5-10 sr. G; Mark Phillips, 6-3 sr. F; Anthony Licitra, 5-10 jr. G; Tom Gillespie, 5-10 jr. G; Jake Otto, 6-3 jr. F.
Outlook: Saunders is only returning starter but others have experience. A quick team with a decent bench. Should shoot well but will have to outwork opposition on the boards.
Hall (West Hartford)
Coach: Eric Frank
2001-02: 4-16
Top players: Matt Alfin, 5-8 sr. G; Scott Mogel, 6-0 sr. F; Brenden McCabe, 5-7 jr. G; Dave Pulito, 6-0 jr. F; Felix Rodriguez, 6-1 jr. F; Anthony Scaildone, 5-10 jr. G; Aaron Smith, 6-2 so. C.
Outlook: Will have to rebuild starting lineup. An inexperienced team that will have to rely on hard work.
Coach: Steve Patrina
2001-02: 13-9
Top players: Mike Pitcher, 5-11 sr. G; John Higham, 6-4 sr. C; Kevin Campbell, 5-10 jr. G; Tyler Papadinis, 5-11 sr. G; Alex Mosteanu, 6-2 sr. F; Taylor Meehan, 5-10 jr. G; Jim Roy, 6-2 jr. F.
Outlook: All starters departed. Pitcher and Campbell combined for 12 ppg last season. Will have to bank on outside shooting.
Weaver (Hartford)
Coach: Lou LaPenna
2001-02: 22-4 (CCC West champion, Class LL champion)
Top players: Tetrick Stonar, 5-9 jr. G; Sherrod Wright, 6-6 sr. C; Josh Blake, 6-1 sr. G; Aaron Roderick, 6-3 jr. F; Kevaughn Johnson-Henry, 6-2 jr. F.
Outlook: In similar situation to Bloomfield with the loss of four starters. Will be without the services of 6-4 so. F Ben Grate for the season and 6-6 sr. C Bryant Smith until at least January for disciplinary reasons. Will be better in second half of season and likely strong enough to make a run at a repeat of last year.
Coach: Jason Qua
2001-02: 11-10
Top players: Ryan Fote, 5-10 sr. G; Kyle McDonald, 6-2 jr. F; Kyle Sturgess, 6-4 sr. C/F; Jeff Gerarde, 6-3 sr. F; Jay Romano, 5-10 jr. G.
Outlook: Four starters graduated. Will need to rely on chemistry and leadership to make up for lack of size.
Coach: Ken Smith
2001-02: 12-9
Top players: Francisco Cordova, 6-4 sr. F; Lawrence Beckett, 5-9 sr. G; Lamar McKnight, 6-1 sr. F; Gerald Garron, 6-4 sr. C; Devon Clarke, 6-5 jr. F; Mollique Johnson, 6-3 sr. F; Terrance Knighton, 6-4 jr. C; Chris Baker, 6-4 so. C.
Outlook: Team has some size but not a lot of experience. Clarke, an All-CCC West selection, averaged 11 points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots.
CCC South
Bristol Central
Coach: Pete Wininger
2001-02: 18-5
Top players: Mike Cifone, 6-4 sr. F; Brandon Dudzinski, 6-4 sr. F; Jeff Salovski, 6-10 jr. C; D.J. Hernandez, 6-3 jr. G; Chris Klepps, 5-11 jr. G.
Outlook: Looking to find three starters but all is not lost with the return of Salovski (16 ppg, 9 rpg), Dudzinski and Cifone.
Bristol Eastern
Coach: Mike Giovinazzo
2001-02: 7-13
Top players: Mike Philipp, 5-10 sr. G; Dom Spinelli, 5-10 sr. G; Scott Curtin, 6-2 jr. F; Dan Michaud, 6-1 jr. F; Matt Arburr, 6-4 jr. C; Mike Wentland, 5-10 jr. G; Tony Testa, 6-0 sr. F; Chris Kurban, 6-3 sr. C/F.
Outlook: Only four lettermen return and none were starters last season. Will have to mature quickly in hopes of getting enough victories for state tournament.
Bulkeley (Hartford)
Coach: Ed Griffin
2001-02: 2-18
Top players: Ishmael Marrero, 6-0 sr. F; Rashad Williams, 5-10 so. G; Melvin Perry, 5-9 so. G; Chester Hynes, 6-2 sr. F.
Outlook: Last year was a tough for Bulldogs, who watched former star Charles Easterling lead Weaver to Class LL title. Williams is only returning starter for team that also lacks size.
Maloney (Meriden)
Coach: Howard Hewitt
2001-02: 14-8
Top players: Trey Bongiovanni, 5-10 sr. G; Martin Anderson, 6-2 sr. F; Mike Terrenzi, 5-9 sr. G; Malachi Bunch, 6-2 jr. C; Kevin Beegan, 6-2 jr. F; Mark Bland, 6-0 jr. F; Anthony Delgado, 5-9 so. G; Andre Winston, 5-9 so. G; Brandon Coneita, 6-0 jr. G.
Outlook: Four starters graduated but always a hard-working team. Little overall experience but team has some depth and quickness.
New Britain
Coach: Stan Glowiak
2001-02: 22-4 (CCC South champion, Class LL runner-up)
Top players: Alexis Hernandez, 5-8 sr. G; Brian Fuller, 6-3 sr. F; George Burke, 6-3 sr. F; Tony Jurczyk, 6-7 sr. C; Brian Glowiak, 6-3 jr. G; Terrance Lee, 6-1 jr. G; Jonathan Ramirez, 6-0 jr. G; Josh Jennings, 6-0 jr. G; Daryl Velez, 6-3 so. F.
Outlook: Coming off a successful but emotional season. Star forward Roosevelt Lee has departed for Milford Academy, leaving a big hole. Hernandez is one of the area's top point guards but team lost 70 percent of its scoring and 80 percent of its rebounding.
Coach: John Fote
2001-02: 12-9
Top players: Greg Lasota, 6-2 sr. G; C.J. Kelly, 6-1 sr. F; Will Jackson, 6-0 sr. F; Perry Salonia, 6-1 sr. G.
Outlook: Only lost one starter and letterman. Lasota is a returning All-CCC South pick and one of division's best guards. Guards will have to make up for the loss of some injured forwards.
Platt (Meriden)
Coach: Gervais Barger
2001-02: 9-12
Top players: Chris Culver, 6-5 sr. C; Jamaal Robinson, 5-10 sr. G; Gervais Barger, 6-2 jr. G/F; Adamis Gonzalez, 5-5 sr. G; Kevin Frederick, 5-7 sr. G; Ben Schmitt, 5-11 sr. F.
Outlook: Culver, Robinson and Barger combined for 35 points and just under 20 rebounds a game. Will be in the mix for division honors.
Coach: Bob Lasbury
2001-02: 15-8
Top players: Brad Schoonmaker, 5-11 sr. G; Ryan Glasper, 6-0 sr. G/F; Nick Wright, 5-11 sr. G.
Outlook: Lost four starters from team that defeated Wilbur Cross-New Haven in the state tournament. Backcourt will have to carry a team with little experience or size.
Coach: David Bosso
2001-02: 16-11 (Class L runner-up)
Top players: Jim Bosco, 6-0 sr. F; Brian Bonewitz, 6-0 sr. G; Tyler Greco, 6-1 sr. F; Joel Hartunian, 6-2 jr. G; Eric Hansen, 5-10 jr. F; Chris Baumann, 6-0 so. G; Mindaugas Kruvelis, 5-11 jr. F.
Outlook: All five starters graduated from No. 22 seed that went all the way to the final. Not much height, experience or depth in what looks to be a rebuilding year.
East Catholic (Manchester)
Coach: Luke Reilly
2001-02: 14-9
Top players: Kevin Zalucki, 6-8 sr. C; Eric Johnston, 6-1 jr. G; Matt Cerins, 6-5 jr. F; Matt DaCosta, 5-11 sr. G; Pat Kenny, 5-11 sr. G; E.J. Osswalt, 6-2 sr. F; Joe Conti, 6-3 sr. F.
Outlook: Solid inside-outside performers return in Zalucki (14 ppg, 10 rpg), who is drawing interest from mainly Division II colleges, and one of the state's best juniors in Johnston (21 ppg), a CHSCA all-state selection. Good size and experience. Could be a serious challenger for conference honors.
Coach: Duane Witter
2001-02: 13-10
Top players: Jason Abromaitis, 6-7 sr. F; David Brochu, 6-3 sr. G; Jermaine Baskerville, 6-1 jr. G; Chad Williams-Bey, 6-6 sr. F/C; Peter Jenkelunas, 6-4 sr. F; Drew Debari, 5-10 sr. G; Gregg Daly, 6-5 jr. F/C.
Outlook: Abromaitis (19.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg) came on strong last season and will be expected to put up similar or better numbers. A big and experienced team that hopes to make run at conference title.
Coach: Avery Askew
2001-02: 5-15
Top players: Adrian Clemons, 5-9 jr. G; Corey Blount, 5-7 sr. G; Jashone Cunningham, 5-11 so. G; C.J. Collins, 6-0 sr. F.
Outlook: An undersized team with some experience. Will get contributions from freshmen Matt Hill, Mike Bradley and Shamar Carr.
Northwest Catholic (West Hartford)
Coach: John Mirabello
2001-02: 25-2 (NWC champion, Class M champion)
Top players: Chris Bruff, 6-4 sr. G/F; Luke Granato, 6-6 sr. F; Geoffrey Richardson, 6-3 sr. G; Aaron Jackson, 6-2 jr. G; Fernando Morales, 6-3 sr. F; Steve Hansen, 5-11 sr. G.
Outlook: Led by Division I-bound Bruff (Maine) and Granato (Sacred Heart), this team will be one of state's best. With reasonably consistent play in the backcourt, a return trip to the M final is not out of the question.
Coach: Bob Mayer
2001-02: 8-14
Top players: Anthony Pierlioni, 6-9 sr. C; Josh Bachman, 6-0 sr. G; Michael-Todd Doyle, 6-4 sr. G/F; Clayton DiManno, 5-9 jr. G; Corey Zdunczyk, 6-0 jr. G.
Outlook: All five starters graduated for Mayer, who takes over after assisting Berlin to state final. Some size but an overall lack of experience will make .500 the primary goal.
RHAM (Hebron)
Coach: Steve Emt
2001-02: 20-5 (COC West, COC champion)
Top players: Santo Ciarcia, 6-2 sr. F; Dave Robbins, 6-4 sr. G; Bryce Gaulin, 6-2 jr. F; Bobby Hopkins, 6-0 jr. G; Andy Schultz, 5-10 so. G.
Outlook: Will build around Ciarcia (10 ppg, 6 rpg) and Robbins (15 ppg, 8 rpg). A quick team that can play defense. Overall lack of experience is main concern in a step up in competition from the COC.
Rocky Hill
Coach: Pete Asadourian
2001-02: 19-9 (Class S champion)
Top players: Jeff Courneen, 6-2 jr. G; Josh Reaves, 6-1 sr. G; Kevin Barry, 6-2 sr. F; Eric Hutchinson, 5-10 sr. G; Mike Streckfus, 6-3 jr. F; Craig Phoenix, 5-10 sr. G; Kendal Johnson, 6-3 jr. F.
Outlook: With the departure of The Courant's Best of the Best Pat Egan (Quinnipiac), the real work begins for second-year coach. Courneen is one of conference's top guards and is counted on to lead a team with three returning starters. A quick team with experience but not much size.
St. Paul (Bristol)
Coach: Steve Phelps
2001-02: 10-12
Top players: Scott McIntyre, 6-1 sr. G/F; Mike Nadeau, 6-0 sr. F; Pat Veronneau, 6-5 sr. C; Tony Mossa, 6-0 jr. G; Dustin Nigro, 5-9 jr. G; Steve Conlogue, 5-11 jr. F; Jon Grenier, 6-1 jr. F; Mike Aresco, 6-1 so. G/F; Taylor Massie, 6-4 so. F/C.
Outlook: A strong, aggressive unit with some speed. Scoring punch is primary concern. Finishing in the middle of the pack is a reasonable goal.
Coach: Jim Richard
2001-02: 2-18
Top players: Kyle Richard, 6-0 sr. G/F; Louis Cherrone, 6-1 sr. G/F; Matthew Schleicher, 6-2 sr. F; Nathan Hoar, 6-3 jr. C/F; Jeffrey Bonneau, 5-10 jr. G; Daniel Caless, 5-11 jr. G/F; Justin Wollenberg, 5-8 jr. G; Liam Sullivan, 5-10 jr. F; Michael Nicolazzo, 5-8 jr. G.
Outlook: First-year coach has experience to work with in the return of four starters including Richard, the top scorer and rebounder.
Cheney Tech (Manchester)
Coach: Paul Swartz
2001-02: 13-10
Top players: A.J. Gouch, 6-2 sr. G; Brian Carpenter, 5-11 sr. G; Danny Moitoza, 6-0 sr. F; Brian Williston, 6-3 jr. F; Akwan Shabazz, 6-4 jr. C.
Outlook: Offense revolved around All-COC pick Gouch (23 ppg), who should reach 1,000 points by midseason. Lost three starters, but lineup has varsity experience at all five positions.
Coach: Matt Hurlock
2001-02: 20-6 (COC East champion)
Top players: Tony Connors, 5-9 sr. G; Tim Fine, 6-2 sr. F; Jay Kuczinski, 5-8 jr. G/F; John Mills, 5-9 jr. G; Ian Montalvo, 6-2 sr. C; Joe Trottier, 5-9 so. G.
Outlook: Connors is a three-year starter and Fine was the top rebounder a year ago. Will have to rely on quickness, unselfishness and strong defense.
Coach: John Pinone
2001-02: 6-14
Top players: Jason Piexotto, 6-2 sr. G; Kyle Berggren, 6-1 so. G; Tyler Boswell, 6-3 jr. C.
Outlook: Piexotto, Berggren and Boswell averaged a combined 24 ppg last season. Good size up front but not experienced.
East Hampton
Coach: Tim Shuler
2001-02: 9-13
Top players: Ryan Testa, 5-8 sr. G; Don Briere, 6-0 sr. F; Ely Lanier, 5-11 jr. G/F; Josh Slack, 6-0 sr. G/F; Phil Gadomski, 6-3 jr. C; Jeff Pugatch, 6-1 jr. F/C; Scott Evans, 5-9 sr. G; Matt Katuby, 5-9 sr. G; Matt Shavinsky, 5-9 sr. G.
Outlook: A quick, but undersized team. Rebounding and vulnerability against big men inside are the main concerns.
Lyman Memorial (Lebanon)
Coach: Chad Fleming
2001-02: 11-12
Top players: Pat Cipollone, 5-7 sr. G; Chris Ponte, 5-11 sr. G; Joe Carroll, 5-11 sr. G; Dylan Tanger, 6-0 sr. F; Jason Durr, 6-9 sr. C; Kyle Murphy, 6-1 so. F; Chris Hall, 5-10 jr. G.
Outlook: Cipollone (10.9 ppg, 2.8 apg) leads the returning players. Some experience to work with. Must play disciplined defense. Durr has the potential to be a dominant player.
Parish Hill (Chaplin)
Coach: Eric LaFontaine
2001-02: 5-15
Top players: Jeremy Perkins, 5-7 sr. G; Brandon Stone, 6-1 sr. F; Billy Rodriguez, 5-11 sr. G; Scott DaRos, 6-0 sr. F; Jake Wakely, 6-3 sr. C.
Outlook: Expect record to improve with the return of four starters. Perkins (13.2 ppg) and Stone (10 ppg) are proven scorers. Goal is to qualify for state tournament.
Coach: Gene Reilly
2001-02: 15-9
Top players: Donyea Powell, 6-0 sr. G; Eric Leghorn, 5-10 jr. G; Denton Powell, 6-0 sr. F; Matt Barger, 6-2 sr. C; Julian Freeman, 5-11 sr. F; Nick Orsazalek, 5-10 jr. F; Tom Caffery, 6-0 sr. F; Will Mayfield-Sarborough, 5-11 jr. F.
Outlook: Leghorn and the Powells averaged a combined 34 points a game. Team has good chemistry but question is rebounding.
Vinal Tech (Middletown)
Coach: Nick Pepe
2001-02: 3-17
Top players: Jerame Henderson, 6-0 sr. F; Marquis Privott, 5-9 sr. G; Montrel Holley, 6-1 jr. C; Will Blant, 5-10 sr. G; Ned Parker, 6-1 fr. F; Antonio Inglis, 5-8 fr. G; John Hextall, 5-11 sr. F; Blake Knockwood, 6-3 so. C; Jason Santiago, 5-9 so. G.
Outlook: Not much size or experience to build with. Team will have to rely on speed in hopes of improving.
Coach: Jim Taft
2001-02: 18-6
Top players: Mike Taft, 6-3 sr. G; Jon Durdan, 6-1 jr. F; Hank Plona, 6-3 sr. G/F; Greg Lollar, 6-4 sr. C/F; Chris Pedra, 6-0 so. G; Brian Bedin, 6-6 so. C/F; Ken Cizek, 6-3 so. F; Brad Seaman, 6-2 so. G/F.
Outlook: Outside of Taft (21.8 ppg) and Durdan (5 rpg), will be relying heavily on many players up from 17-3 JV team. Solid in the backcourt.
Coach: Eric Deegan
2001-02: 6-14
Top players: Matt Podesla, 5-11 sr. G; Randall Rice, 6-1 sr. C; Jake Ohanesian, 5-8 sr. G; Mark Peterson, 6-0 sr. F; Ben Lentz, 5-8 sr. G.
Outlook: Three starters graduated. Team has good quickness but not much height. Goal is to qualify for the state tournament.
East Granby
Coach: John Kuckel
2001-02: 8-14
Top players: Justin Johnson, 5-11 sr. G; Jock Ashmore, 6-1 sr. G/F; Joe Ahlstrin, 6-1 sr. F.
Outlook: Will build around All-NCCC pick Johnson (15 ppg). Need to be able to defend and find players to step up and fill in scoring void left by graduation of four lettermen.
East Windsor
Coach: Ladd Gowen
2001-02: 6-14
Top players: Alton Haynes, 5-10 sr. G; David LeBlanc, 5-9 sr. G; Matt Loos, 6-3 jr. F; Josh Fornwalt, 5-11 jr. F; Jason Brown, 5-9 sr. G/F; Tim Clynch, 5-8 sr. G; Larry Albert, 6-1 so. F.
Outlook: Haynes, a two-year starter at the point, returns along with LeBlanc (10 ppg) and Loos (8 ppg). Will have to make up for lack of size and depth with team speed.
Coach: Scott Curtis
2001-02: 15-11 (Class S runner-up)
Top players: Mark Cleverdon, 6-1 sr. F; Ryan Cleverdon, 6-1 sr. F; Brian Gelsomino, 5-10 sr. G; Jason Gelsomino, 5-10 sr. G; Jason Vince, 6-1 sr. F; Mike Palombizio, 5-11 sr. G.
Outlook: Three starters return from team that lost to Rocky Hill in the S final. Returning players accounted for 36 points a game. Will have to rely on quickness, strong work ethic and team chemistry to overcome lack of size.
Coach: Michael Thomas
2001-02: 15-9
Top players: Pat Hasiuk, 6-1 sr. G; Matt Song, 5-9 sr. G; Jack Griffin, 6-7 jr. C; Jiquan Williams, 6-2 jr. F; John Janarelli, 6-0 sr. G; Chris Chase, 6-4 jr. F; Josh Spence, 6-0 sr. F; Brandon Rosenburg, 5-9 sr. G; Mark Paradise, 5-11 sr. F.
Outlook: Will be led by one of conference's best in Hasiuk (20.4 ppg, 8 apg). Will take advantage of ability to run the floor. Biggest concern is overall lack of varsity experience.
Coach: Coleman Smith
2001-02: 2-18
Top players: Bryce Setta, 6-2 sr. F; Tony Cennamo, 6-0 sr. F; Adam Bourret, 5-11 sr. G; Maurice Ward, 6-1 jr. F; Mike Morawski, 5-11 jr. G.
Outlook: Setta, the top scorer and rebounder last year, returns to lineup with Cennamo and Bourret. Team has some depth and good speed. Not much offensive firepower or size.
Coach: Scott Czerwinski
2001-02: 6-14
Top players: Greg Sanderson, 6-5 sr. C; Martin Piscottano, 5-8 jr. G; Brett Cooley, 6-1 sr. G; Dan Campagna, 6-0 sr. G; Anthony Campagna, 6-1 jr. F; Jared Flower, 6-0 sr. F.
Outlook: Team will be quicker and more athletic. Biggest concern is inexperience at key positions.
Coach: John Mayo
2001-02: 8-14
Top players: Matt Friedrich, 5-10 sr. G; Mike Duquette, 6-1 sr. F; Jason Banks, 5-11 jr. F; Dan Weiskopf, 5-7 jr. G; Justin Monahan, 6-0 jr. G; Burke Thomas, 6-1 sr. F; John Kelly, 6-1 so. F; Eian Bain, 6-0 jr. F; Rich Greaves, 6-0 jr. F.
Outlook: Three starters return in Friedrich, Banks and Weiskopf. Need to find scoring punch and ability to overcome a lack of size.
Coach: Fran Aniello
2001-02: 23-3 (NCCC champion)
Top players: Trevor Timm, 5-10 sr. G; Paul Padegimas, 6-2 sr. F; Kyle Mitchell, 6-0 sr. F; Will Hill, 5-9 so. G; Jay Adamczyk, 6-0 jr. F; Jason Abrams, 5-11 sr. G; Aren Mitchell, 6-0 jr. F ; Edwin Edward, 6-0 so. F; Jeff Sandora, 5-11 jr. F.
Outlook: A whole new look with the departure of starting lineup, including Jeff Viggiano (UMass). Some quickness but team lacks height and experience.
Coach: Larry Anderson
2001-02: 17-8
Top players: Brian Pivonka, 6-3 sr. C; Wes Wolk, 6-2 jr. F; Kevin Candito, 6-1 jr. G; Nick Talacchi, 6-1 so. G/F; Phil Dwire, 6-1 so. G; John Costello, 6-2 so. F; Brendan Bourque, 6-2 so. F; Jason White, 6-3 jr. F/C; Ben Hansen, 6-3 jr. C.
Outlook: Pivonka, the team's top rebounder, and Wolk (8.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg) will be counted on along with Candito. A young team that could start two sophomores.
Windsor Locks
Coach: Drew DiPippo
2001-02: 14-8
Top players: Scott LaTorra, 5-10 jr. G; Dan Senofonte, 5-6 sr. G; Jason Gilbert, 5-9 sr. G; Shawn Booth, 6-2 jr. F; Andrew Plante, 6-1 sr. F; Steve Bednarz, 5-11 sr. F; Angelo D'Aleo, 5-9 sr. G; Mike Barile, 5-4 so. G; Mike Quagliaroli, 6-0 so. F.
Outlook: A versatile group with some depth and speed. Not much height or experience.
Coginchaug (Durham)
Coach: Todd Salva
2001-02: 6-14
Top players: Geoff Martin, 6-0 sr. C; Scott Rogers, 5-7 sr. G; Dave Francis, 6-1 jr. F; Dave Desanti, 6-0 so. F; Drew Basilicato, 5-8 sr. G; Dan Donecker, 6-1 jr. F; Erick Sutterlin, 5-7 jr. G; Matt Calcagni, 6-0 jr. F; Jim Veronick, 6-5 so. F.
Outlook: Martin and Rogers are two-year starters. Seven players with varsity experience return. Team must play big to contend. Goals are to reach conference and state tournaments.
Coach: Paul McCormick
2001-02: 14-9 (SLC West champion)
Top players: Cory Riordan, 6-1 jr. G; Sean Walton, 6-0 sr. G/F; Chris Anderson, 5-10 sr. G; Scott McGowan, 6-0 sr. F; Chris Isleib, 6-0 sr. F; Gabe Hornung, 6-1 sr. F; Mark Lehane, 6-2 jr. F; Matt Finlayson, 5-10 jr. G; Ryan Murray, 6-1 so. F.
Outlook: Will have to rely heavily on tenacity and work ethic.
Hale-Ray (East Haddam)
Coach: John Shea
2001-02: 5-15
Top players: Joe Curtin, 5-7 sr. G; Austin Vaillancourt, 5-9 jr. F; Keith Ziobron, 5-8 jr. G; Chris Anderson, 6-3 jr. C; Brian Chappell, 5-10 jr. F.
Outlook: First-year coach has some experience to work with. Anderson, Ziobron, Vaillancourt and Curtin all averaged between 5-10 points a game. Team is small and not very quick.
Hyde (New Haven)
Coach: Stephen Jefferson
2001-02: 14-8 (SLC East champion)
Top players: Davon Yarbrough, 6-2 jr. G; Travis King, 6-0 jr. G; Courtney Gorham, 6-1 sr. G; Samuel Evans, 6-7 sr. F/C; Percel Boyd, 5-10 sr. G; Jason Ellis, 6-2 sr. F; Manu Delerme, 6-3 sr. F.
Outlook: Yarbrough (13.5 ppg), All-SLC pick King (12.5 ppg), Gorham (10 ppg) and Evans (9 ppg, 6 rpg) give team plenty of scoring punch. Will be solid on defense. Should contend for conference title.
Morgan (Clinton)
Coach: George Braun
2001-02: 12-12
Top players: Ben Farmer, 6-5 sr. F; Travis Budkus, 6-1 so. G; Mike Dunham, 5-10 sr. G; Rob Berzinskas, 6-0 sr. G; Ryan Welch, 6-1 jr. F; Dan Haseltine, 5-10 sr. F; Matt Graham, 6-0 so. F; Ryan Sullivan, 6-4 so. F; Chris Doran, 6-4 so. C.
Outlook: Farmer (20.5 ppg) and Dunham (9.5 ppg) anchor a team with four returning starters. A hard-working and competitive group needs to improve on defense.
North Branford
Coach: Mike Jordan
2001-02: 9-12
Top players: Matt Piscitelli, 6-3 sr. F; Andrew Doebrick, 5-9 sr. G; Jay Laudano, 6-3 sr. C; Lou Boncek, 6-0 sr. F; Rick Hudson, 5-10 jr. G; Kyle Tracz, 6-0 sr. C; Robbie Lasko, 6-1 so. F; Jim Willard, 6-4 jr. C; Karl Derbacher, 5-9 so. G.
Outlook: Piscitelli (8 ppg) is a three-year starter. Boncek also averaged eight points last season. Team will have to shoot well and will use a rotation of nine players. Not much size, so rebounding is a concern.
Old Lyme
Coach: Kirk Kaczor
2001-02: 14-10 (SLC champion)
Top players: Scott Misiaszek, 6-7 sr. C; Pat Spellman, 6-2 sr. F; Jon Goss, 5-8 sr. G; Sean Collins, 6-3 jr. F; Adam Flemming, 6-0 jr. G/F; Toby Clarkson, 6-0 jr. G; Matt Stark, 5-9 jr. G.
Outlook: Misiaszek (18 ppg, 10 rpg, 3 bpg) will be expected to dominate inside for a team with decent size. Not much experience.
Old Saybrook
Coach: Denis Freeman
2001-02: 14-9
Top players: Drew Marshall, 6-0 sr. F/G; Dan Briotti, 5-9 jr. G; Mike Hunnewell, 6-3 jr. C/F; Greg MacDonald, 6-0 jr. F; Nick Damore, 6-0 jr. F; Cassius Chaney, 6-3 so. F; Taylor McNeil, 5-9 so. G; Ryan Mercado, 6-0 so. F.
Outlook: Not much offense returning outside of Marshall (8.2 ppg). An inexperienced team that hopes to get bulk of its offense on the inside.
Valley Regional (Deep River)
Coach: Michael Cohen
2001-02: 7-13
Top players: Brian Doherty, 6-0 sr. F; Jeff Marois, 5-11 sr. G; Nick Greene, 6-6 sr. C; Brian May, 6-1 sr. G/F; Ryan Hall, 6-3 sr. F; Dan Needleman, 6-1 jr. G; Kyle Kipfer, 6-4 jr. C; Shane Linder, 6-0 jr. G.
Outlook: First-year coach has some size and quickness to work with.
Coach: Chris Burnham
2001-02: 15-8
Top players: Zach Shepard, 6-2 sr. F; Tyler Deren, 5-9 sr. G; Brian Perrell, 5-10 jr. G; Ryan Killion, 6-3 jr. G/F; Dave Porrell, 5-10 sr. G/F; Chris Daly, 6-2 jr. F.
Outlook: Deren (17 ppg) and Killion (14 ppg) lead the returning players. Small team must improve its half-court game.
Coach: Jake Palluzzi
Top players: Mike Monack, 6-0 sr. G; Mike Jasmin, 6-1 jr. F; Craig Kenney, 6-0 so. F; Jarrad Ceccolini, 6-0 jr. G; Dustin Ceccolini, 6-1 sr. G; Nick Czekaj, 6-1 sr. F; Chris Seaman, 6-3 sr. C; Brad Olt, 6-0 sr. F.
Outlook: Solid in the backcourt and will be able to shoot three-pointers. Biggest concern is inside scoring.
Career (New Haven)
Coach: Peter Evans
2001-02: 18-6 (SCC Housatonic champion, SCC champion)
Top players: Donald Thomas, 6-4 sr. C; Sean Connelly, 6-3 sr. F; Geary Claxton, 6-4 jr. F; Martrell Byrd, 6-1 jr. G/F; Mark Ferguson, 6-0 sr. F; Andre Dupree, 5-11 jr. G; Brandon Roberts, 5-11 sr. G; Mike Graham, 5-7 jr. G; Eric Bonner, 6-0 sr. G.
Outlook: Lost top three guards and two solid inside players from conference tournament champions. Claxton (11.3 ppg, 9 rpg) and Byrd (8-3 ppg) will be expected to carry a heavy load.
East Lyme
Coach: Dan Spellman
Top players: Jonah Feldman, 6-2 sr. G/F; Tristan Korb, 6-3 sr. F; Nick Brothers, 5-8 sr. G; Whitney Coleman, 6-1 jr. G; Chris Winters, 6-5 jr. F.
Outlook: A solid top five who have state tournament experience. Three starters graduated from Large Division championship team that advanced to Class L semifinals.
Gilbert (Winsted)
Coach: Jim Welcome
2001-02: 19-4 (Berkshire)
Top players: Joe Pennell, 5-11 sr. G/F; Dana Perodeau, 5-10 sr. G; Gregorio Rodriguez, 5-11 sr. F; Mike Dallis, 6-1 jr. C; Dan Hester, 5-10 jr. G; Tom Dileo, 5-9 so. G; Garrett Fancher, 6-0 jr. F.
Outlook: Will build around all-BL pick Pennell. Three starters graduated but a perennial contender for league title.
Coach: Gary Kinel
Top players: Bill Asal, 6-1 sr. G; Davin Sirpenski, 6-1 sr. F; Tony Santos, 6-2 sr. F/C; John Wood, 6-2 sr. F; Al Robilliard, 5-10 jr. G.
Outlook: Team has speed, experience and depth. Asal (14 ppg) and Sirpenski (8 ppg, 6 rpg) will be expected to score. Team lacks a proven post player.
Coach: Ricky Narracci
Top players: Jeff Bernardi, 5-10 sr. G; Jeff Mainetti, 6-0 sr. F/C; Anthony Fiondella, 5-10 sr. G; Nick Fradiani, 5-10 jr. G; Seth Nere, 5-10 sr. G.
Outlook: Bernetti (10 ppg) is only returning starter from Hammonasset Division tri-champions. Not much size or experience.
Hand (Madison)
Coach: Jeff Beeman
Top players: D.J. Brinn, 6-0 jr. G; Eric Choma, 6-0 sr. F; Mike Clifford, 5-9 sr. G; Jon Eckenrode, 5-11 sr. G/F; Scott Harrington, 6-1 sr. F; Mike Swofford, 6-1 sr. F; Rich Toni, 6-1 jr. G/F.
Outlook: A small team that will go 12 deep. Will play an uptempo game in hopes of qualifying for state tournament.
Hillhouse (New Haven)
Coach: Tom Fleming
Top players: Antoine Smalls, 6-1 jr. G; Jabaree Greene, 6-4 sr. F; Kaseem Johnson, 6-6 jr. F; Louis Ortiz, 6-0 jr. G; Brandon Fleming, 5-7 jr. G; Donald McCaulay, 6-0 jr. G; Jeff Taylor, 5-9 sr. G; Robert McKiver, 6-3 jr. G; Charles Coleman, 6-7 sr. C; Mike Williams, 6-3 sr. F; Haylen Frasier, 6-5 sr. F.
Outlook: Smalls averaged 18.3 ppg last season in uncharacteristic season for Academics. Hammonasset tri-champions will be helped by ND-West Haven transfer Williams (13 ppg).
Coach: Scott Derosier
Top players: Jarrel Gibson, 6-2 sr. G; Noah Janetatos, 6-3 so. G; Matt Fournier, 5-8 jr. G; Peter Hall, 5-10 sr. F; Chris Labelle, 6-2 sr. C; Aaron Henry, 6-0 jr. F; Dan Krot, 5-10 jr. F; Jef Bowden, 6-0 jr. F; Jared Hardel, 6-3 jr. C.
Outlook: Gibson (14 ppg, 5 apg) is only returning starter. Janetatos is a returning lettmerman and transfer Fournier averaged 10 ppg for Stoneham (Mass.). Will be solid in the backcourt but a young and small team.
Lewis Mills (Burlington)
Coach: Mike Tracy
2001-02: 10-12 (Berkshire)
Top players: Matt Keepin, 6-0 sr. G; Tony Distasio, 5-10 jr. G; Damian Coggshall, 6-1 sr. F; Brian Dumond, 6-4 jr. F; Doug Pickard, 6-5 sr. C; Brett Martin, 6-3 sr. F/G; Jeremy Ford, 5-10 sr. G.
Outlook: Dumond (12 ppg) and Dumond (13.5 ppg, 8 rpg) lead a team with four returning starters. An athletic team with good size. Have to be able to dictate tempo. Should be a contender for league title.
Coach: Don Jacobs
2001-02: 18-7 (Berkshire)
Top players: Cory Giordano, 5-11 sr. G; Ben Murphy, 6-1 sr. F; Jon Murelli, 6-0 sr. F; Max Kinkade, 6-2 sr. F; Steve Laser, 6-4 jr. C; Cullen Burnell, 6-4 so. F; Jim Simoncelli, 5-10 so. G.
Outlook: An experienced team with three returning starters led by Giordano (20 ppg, 52 percent shooting). Not much speed but should be able to contend for league title.
Coach: Gary Ballestrini
Top players: J.J. Biro, 5-10 sr. G; Joe Oakes, 6-2 sr. C; Mike Quinn, 5-10 so. G; Tony Homsey, 6-3 so. F; Lemek Alston, 5-10 sr. G; Kevin Kearney, 6-3 so. F; Chris Rogers, 6-0 jr. F.
Outlook: Four starters return including Biro (12 ppg, 59 3-ptrs), Oakes and Quinn. A quick, good shooting team. Inside play and rebounding are areas to improve.
New London
Coach: Craig Parker
Top players: Dave Viera, 5-8 jr. G; GoWayne Parke, 6-5 sr. C; Mike Morgan, 5-9 so. G; Gio Tunucci, 5-11 sr. G; Aaron Bryant, 6-3 so. F; Greg Hall, 5-11 jr. F; Kareem Brown, 6-0 fr. G; Sam Jones, 6-4 fr. F/C; John Kanyamibeto, 6-3 sr. F.
Outlook: A quick team with decent size. Viera is a three-year starter. Brown and Jones are players to keep an eye on.
Northwestern (Winsted)
Coach: Leon Veretto
2001-02: 9-13 (Berkshire)
Top players: Brenden Fritch, 6-1 jr. G; Ben Read, 6-0 jr. C; Dean Nadeau, 6-2 jr. F; Tim DiMichael, 5-9 jr. G; Jamie Davidson, 5-10 jr. F; Chris Rood, 5-10 fr. G; Kyle McLaughlin, 6-1 so. C; Pat Smith, 5-10 jr. G.
Outlook: Bad news is starting lineup graduated. The good news is the bulk of the team has played together for two years.
North Haven
Coach: Ed Crisafi
Top players: Mike Piscitelli, 5-9 sr. G; Tim Binkoski, 5-11 sr. G/F; Rob Dauster, 6-1 sr. F; Steven Eddy, 5-9 sr. G; Adam Parise, 6-3 jr. C; Ian Golden, 6-1 jr. F; Mike Cassell, 6-6 so. C; Dom Gambardella, 6-0 sr. G/F.
Outlook: Piscitelli (11 ppg) and Binkoski (10 ppg) are returning starters for Hammonasset tri-champions. Dauster was the first player off the bench last year. Team will rely on quickness and outside shooting.
Notre Dame (West Haven)
Coach: Gary Palladino
Top players: Joe Pepe, 6-0 sr. G; Evan Dzienkiewicz, 6-1 sr. G; Tom Wroszek, 6-3 sr. F; Brad Listorti, 6-3 sr. F; Justin Morse, 6-4 so. G; Rob Jermine, 5-10 jr. G; Lee Inglis, 6-2 so. G; Brendan Sponheimer, 6-4 sr. C.
Outlook: Only starter that departed was Mike Williams (Hillhouse). Pepe, Dzienkiewicz, Wroszek and Listorti averaged a combined 41 ppg last season. Will contend in Quinnipiac Division.
Prince Tech (Hartford)
Coach: Kendall May
Top players: Jornelle Hawkins, 6-3 jr. F; Anthony Maye, 6-6 jr. C; Chris Hough, 6-0 sr. G; Antoine Holder, 6-3 so. F; Kendall Milner, 5-10 so. G; Randy Hite, 5-11 jr. G; Ronald Taylor, 5-10 fr. G.
Outlook: Lost four starters from team that finished third in conference. A quick team that's good on defense but needs to improve its outside shooting.
Coach: Tony Falzarano
Top players: Eric Bates, 6-1 sr. F; Tim Carlson, 6-1 sr. F; Jim Capdelaine, 6-3 sr. C; Eric Gates, 5-9 sr. G; Dave Blais, 6-3 jr. F; Bryan Smith, 6-0 jr. G.
Outlook: A small team with little experience returns for 30-year coach Falzarano (489-211). Hoping to reach state tournament.
Sheehan (Wallingford)
Coach: Joe Gaetano
Top players: Evan Searcy, 6-4 sr. C; Dave Parillo, 5-9 sr. G; Chris Frula, 6-3 jr. F; Ryne Townsend, 6-4 sr. F; Chris Newell, 6-1 so. G; Tom Eckert, 5-10 jr. G; Dan Kavanaugh, 6-2 jr. F.
Outlook: Lost 90 percent of the scoring to graduation but returning players have experience.
Sport Sciences Academy (Hartford)
Coach: Rudi Alvarez
2001-02: 8-13 (ind.)
Top players: Kenneth Grant, 6-1 sr. F; Jerrod Collins, 5-10 so. G; Duran Perry, 6-2 so. C; Oliver Dawkins, 5-10 so. G; Rashad Cooper, 6-0 so. F; Demetrious Chamblee, 5-10 so. G; Ernel Wint, 6-2 so. C; Andre Jackson, 6-0 so. F; Scott Patterson, 6-1 jr. F.
Outlook: Grant (14.7 ppg) is the only returning starter. An undersized team.
Coach: Jason Harlow
2001-02: 4-16 (Berkshire)
Top players: Dan Goscinski, 5-11 jr. G; Greg Wilson, 6-1 sr. F; Justin Eykelhoff, 6-2 sr. F.
Outlook: Not much returning offense.
Wheeler (North Stonington)
Coach: Charlie Miller
2001-02: 6-14 (Shoreline)
Top players: Matt Appleton, 5-11 jr. G/F; Chris Appleton, 6-5 so. F/C; Paul Fonneman, 6-5 sr. C; Matt Rapoport, 5-10 so. G; David Lewis, 5-10 jr. G; Evan Berg, 6-0 jr. F; Kevin Gleason, 5-9 so. G; John Mars-Garrick, 6-1 so. F; Josh Banker, 5-7 so. G.
Outlook: A team that can run and shoot from the outside. Should be a good rebounding team.
Wilbur Cross (New Haven)
Coach: Jim Reynolds
Top players: Stanley Myers, 6-3 sr. F/C; Derek Davis, 5-8 sr. G; Anthony Brown, 6-1 jr. F; David Pringle, 6-2 jr. F/G.
Outlook: Lost four starters, but Myers (10 rpg), Davis, Brown and Pringle combined for 38 points a game for Quinnipiac co-champions. Big men possess speed and power, but team is relatively inexperienced. Expect another run at division title.
Coach: Bill Strand
2001-02: 14-9 (CCC East)
Top players: Jared Nelson, 5-9 sr. G; Evan Canfield, 6-5 jr. C; Luke Gildea, 6-1 jr. G/F; Kyle Ramm, 5-9 jr. G; Robert Mangual, 6-2 so. F; Shemel Schand, 5-11 sr. G; Marvin Gilchrist, 6-1 sr. F.
Outlook: Nelson (7 ppg) is only returning starter. Canfield will counted on inside and Ramm will take over at the point. A small team looking for offense in first year out of the CCC East.
Xavier (Middletown)
Coach: Michael Kohs
Top players: Greg Bereski, 5-11 sr. G; Jay Palloti, 6-3 sr. F; Matt Munson, 6-4 sr. C; Todd Ruder, 6-0 sr. G; Elijah Heckstall, 6-0 jr. G; Chris Finn, 6-1 jr. G; Chris Moore, 6-2 jr. G.
Outlook: Backcourt play will determine amount of success. Four starters graduated, leaving an inexperienced group without much size. Will have to deal with Wilbur Cross, Notre Dame-West Haven and Hamden in rugged Quinnipiac.
Avon Old Farms
Coach: Tim Roller
2001-02: 15-10
Top players: Raphael Madera, 6-10 sr. C; Sam Cole, 6-1 jr. G; Mark Harrison, 6-1 sr. G; Dan Hawkins, 6-5 sr. F; Anthony Drayton, 6-0 sr. G.
Outlook: Madera (10 ppg, 10 rpg, 2 bpg) and Cole (9 ppg) top the returning players. Team has size, speed and a solid bench.
Hyde (Woodstock)
Coach: Bob Felt
2001-02: 15-10
Top players: Jesse Grant, 5-9 sr. F; Steve Robinson, 5-8 so. G; Geoffery Fenelus, 5-7 so. G; Nicholas Bloom, 6-2 so. F; Ondinis Almanzar, 6-0 jr. G.
Outlook: First-year coach has three returning starters. Smart play will have to make up for lack of experience.
Kingswood-Oxford (West Hartford)
Coach: Garth Adams
2001-02: 24-5
Top players: Jared Jordan, 6-1 sr. G; Jason Lambert, 5-10 sr. G; Mike Kocay, 5-8 sr. G; Jon Blitzer, 6-4 sr. F; Cecil Gresham, 6-5 so. F; Kyle Wright, 6-2 so. G; Ben Nulsen, 6-6 sr. F.
Outlook: One of state's best backcourts in Jordan (20 ppg, 9.7 apg) and Lambert (22 ppg). Gresham is a potential star. Hoping to compete for New England Class C title.
Loomis Chaffee (Windsor)
Coach: Jim Dargati
2001-02: 21-3
Top players: Derek Raymond, 6-3 sr. G; Paul Mounds, 6-2 sr. F; Dwayne Blackman, 6-2 sr. G/F; Noah Craigwell, 6-3 sr. G; Jeff Barbosa, 6-6 sr. F/C; John Labelle, 5-9 sr. G; Will Mulligan, 6-4 jr. F.
Outlook: Raymond and Mounds return and must provide leadership to a hard-working group.
Master's (Simsbury)
Coach: Tim Goodwin
2001-02: 13-13
Top players: Brian Roberts, 6-2 sr. G; Andrew Patterson, 6-4 so. G; Damien Davis, 6-0 so. G; Josh Tate, 6-3 so. G; Marcus Mann, 6-5 so. F; Mike Baskerville, 6-2 sr. G.
Outlook: Guards are team's strength, led by 1,500-point scorer Roberts (19.9 ppg). Young up front but with some size.
Coach: Ron Lawrence
2001-02: 8-19
Top players: Saleem Ahmed, 6-4 sr. F; Trevor Rodman, 6-1 jr. G.
Outlook: Ahmed and Rodman combined for 17 points and 12 rebounds last season. Solid on defense but need to improve balance on offense.
Suffield Academy
Coach: Dave Godin
2001-02: 12-8
Top players: Blake Kinchla, 6-5 sr. G/F; Marcus Thompson, 6-4 sr. G; Kamari Williams, 5-11 sr. G; Casey Hill, 6-5 sr. F; Eli Richardson, 6-3 so. G/F.
Outlook: Graduated all five starters from last season.
Westminster (Simsbury)
Coach: Mark Hall
2001-02: 3-18
Top players: Steve Maraine, 6-3 sr. G; Sheldon Hudson, 5-9 jr. G; Ryan Kohan, 6-3 jr. F. Outlook: A quick team that can play defense. Strength is in the backcourt.


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Spring 2011 New York Fashion Week: Edun
Sharon Wauchob Debuts First Edun Collection for Spring 2011
>> When planning Edun's Spring 2011 fashion show, the label's co-founder Bono originally suggested an elaborate outdoor production with models that appeared to be emerging from the water. But he was reminded by Edun's new chief executive, Janice Sullivan, that they were supposed to be "having a fashion show. Show is the second word. Fashion is the first word." So they ended up staging Sharon Wauchob's first show for the brand in a semi-outdoor space, under the High Line, with gray sand and gravel beneath the models' feet.
Edun's mission statement was originally to manufacture in Africa, but logistics caused deliveries to be late — a no-no — and now most of the clothing is manufactured in China, with Africa currently alotted 15 percent of the total production; label co-founder Ali Hewson says she wants to see that number increase each season. Wauchob was brought in to make the clothes more fashionable, Hewson explained: "We focused too much on the mission in the beginning. It's the clothes, it's the product. It's a fashion company. That needs to be first and foremost."
As a front row populated by Dasha Zhukova, Gavin Rossdale and son Kingston, and Jeff Koons looked on, Wauchob sent out white cotton shirts (the fabric fair-trade and produced in Uganda), ecologically sound "by product" leather skirts, belts handmade in Kibera, Kenya, and long dresses trimmed with recycled metal.


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GCH CH Acadia Stage Presence
While we were at the Hatboro Dog Club's Friday show two weeks ago we saw the Shetland Sheepdog, GCH CH Acadia Stage Presence, take the breed over the nation's Number One Sheltie, her BIS winning father, GCH CH Grandgables Frat Boy, and then go on to win the Herding Group. Yesterday Liza picked up her first all breed Best In Show at the Laurel Highlands Kennel Association show in Cumberland MD.
GCH CH Chesterhope Miss D'Arcy
Joining Liza and breeder/owner/handler Catherine (Cadie) Pruss in judge Tom Ward's final were the RBIS, the Pointer, GCH CH Chesterhope Miss D'Arcy, the Treeing Walker Coonhound, GCH CH Alexanders Gold Rush Xcetera, the St Bernard, GCH CH Jamelle's Aristocrat v Elba CGC RN, the Russell Terrier, GCH CH Rivedell's Tinker Toy, the Pug, CH Warpug Black and Blue Reme, and the Chinese Shar-Pei, GCH CH Shine's Deck the Hall.
The win came on Liza's tenth trip to the final ring. That's the kind of perseverance that will make you a Dog2Watch. Our congratulations and thanks to Cadie and all the other dedicated breeders/owners/handlers struggling out there to keep a breeding program going while holding down a full time job.


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Denny Laine - Hometown Girls - 1985 - President
For a guy who was a member of The Moody Blues, it is amazing that the British guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter never received more credit for his work, and that includes his stint with Wings. He released many solo albums, most of which are now deleted. His solo works sold very poorly, and most are now out of print, even though many of them contain quality music. Denny has never been associated with hard or progressive rock, even though many of his albums contain some of these elements. "Hometown Girls" is by no means a great album, but it has it's moments. It has a definite 80's flavour. However during the 80's, it was hard for many "serious" musicians not to be influenced by the musical zeitgeist. Duran Duran, and Prince were making the headlines. New Wave and Synthpop bands were also popular. Denny Laine was caught up in the middle of all this, and naturally he absorbed some of these musical influences. However, "Hometown Girls" manages to retain enough of Denny's earlier musical influences, to make the album worthwhile. This album is forgotten now. Try and find a comprehensive review of this album anywhere ! But it is an above average album from one of the great "British invaders" who took up guitar, because he loved the great jazz guitarist, Django Reinhardt !. There is more to Denny Laine than Wings, or "Go Now". Denny's "Japanese Tears" is a very underrated album, but like most of Denny's albums, is out of print, and hard to obtain. If you are interested in any Denny Laine solo albums, please contact this blog
2."Foggy Morning"
3."Mistral" (Laine, David Smyth, Mark Eagleton)
4."Stay Away"
5."Home Town Girls"
1."Red Sky"
2."I Wish You Could Love"
3."Twist of Fate" (Laine, Eddie Hardin)
4."Street" (Laine, David Smyth, Mark Eagleton)
5."Blue Nights"
All songs composed by Denny Laine, except where stated
Denny Laine - Guitar & Vocals
Mike Piggot - Guitar, Violin
Eddie Hardin - Keyboards
Earl Lewis, Joe Hubbard - Bass
Lynn Sheppard - Bass, Vocals
Lindsay Bridgwater - Keyboards
Zak Starkey, Steve Holly, Peter Boita, Neil Wilkinson - Drums
Mel Collins - Saxophone
Jo Jo Laine - Vocals
Maggie Bell - Vocals on "Street"
Denny Laine (born Brian Frederick Arthur Hines, 29 October 1944, Holcombe Road, Tyseley, Birmingham) is an English songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his roles as former guitarist and lead singer of The Moody Blues and, later, co-founder (with Paul McCartney) of Wings. Laine was the only musician in Wings, along with Paul and Linda McCartney, who did not quit. Laine joined Wings in 1971 for their album Wild Life and stayed until 1980, when Wings broke up. Denny Laine is of Romani descent, was educated at Yardley Grammar School in Birmingham, and took up the guitar as a boy under the influence of Gypsy jazz (Jazz manouche) legend Django Reinhardt; he had his first solo performance as a musician at the age of twelve and began his career as a professional musician fronting Denny & The Diplomats, which also included future The Move and Electric Light Orchestra drummer Bev Bevan. In 1964, Laine left The Diplomats to join Mike Pinder in The Moody Blues and sang their first big hit, "Go Now"; other early highlights included "From The Bottom Of My Heart", "Can't Nobody Love You" and the harmonica-ripping "Bye Bye Bird". However, Denny's tenure with the MB's was short-lived and, after a number of comparative failures, Laine quit the band in August 1966 (the last record issued by The Moody Blues that featured Laine was "Life's Not Life"/"He Can Win" in January 1967, but the October 1966 "Boulevard De La Madeleine" single looked ahead to the fancier sounds for which The Moody Blues would later become famous). After leaving The Moody Blues, he formed The Electric String Band, which featured Denny (guitar, vocals), Trevor Burton (guitar, another former member of The Move) and Viv Prince (drums), also featuring electrified strings in a format not dissimilar to what Electric Light Orchestra would later attempt. They made two singles, "Say You Don't Mind / Ask The People" (Apr 1967, Deram) and "Too Much In Love / Catherine's Wheel" (Jan 1968, Deram); and, in June 1967, they shared a bill with The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Procol Harum at the Saville Theatre in London. However, national attention was not to be, and the pioneering Electric String Band broke up. (There was apparently a third single recorded called "Why Did You Come?". Why it never released is unknown, but there have been rumours that the finished track - and probably the B side as well - was sent by post to Decca and was lost.) Laine and Burton then went on to the band Balls from 1969 until the band's breakup in 1971, with both also taking time to play in Ginger Baker's Air Force in 1970. (Only one single was issued by Balls; "Fight For My Country" / "Janie, Slow Down" on UK Wizard Records. Strangely, the top side was re-edited and reissued on UK Wizard and issued in the US on Epic under the name of Trevor Burton, which was odd since Laine and Burton shared lead vocals on the B side. The single was reissued again as B.L.W. as "Live In The Mountains" for a small Pye distributed label. There was supposed to have been a Balls album recorded, but it has never seen the light of day). Laine's 1967 song "Say You Don't Mind" was a hit when recorded in 1972 by ex-Zombie, Colin Blunstone. In 1971, Denny joined Paul McCartney to found the group known as Wings, and would stay with them for a full ten years until they officially disbanded in 1981; Denny provided lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals, keyboards, bass, writing and co-writing skills, as well as being a solid solo performer. Together with Paul and his wife, Linda, they formed the nucleus of the band, being called that "strange, 3-winged beast". It was with Wings that Denny enjoyed the biggest commercial and critical successes of his career, including co-writing the smash hit "Mull of Kintyre". In January 1980, McCartney was arrested for possession of marijuana upon arrival at an airport for a tour in Japan. The tour was cancelled. Wings recorded through the year on new tracks as well as tracks still in the vaults, but a press release by Paul in early 1981 officially announced that Wings had broken up. The new tracks ended up on Paul's next two solo albums, and Laine's relationship with McCartney soured (speculation also has it that financial matters were close to the heart of this dissolution, similar to the McCartney/Jackson partnership). The title track of Denny's first solo album after Wings, called "Japanese Tears", appeared to be a visible attack on McCartney much like John Lennon's "How Do You Sleep?" in 1971; however, closer inspection to the lyrics shows that it more likely tells the tongue-in-cheek story of a Japanese fan's disappointment after Wings' tour got cancelled (or possibly even tears of excitement at Wings' arrival in Japan in the first place). In 1986 Denny played at the Birmingham Heart Beat Charity Concert 1986 which was a very special day,raising money for the Birmingham Children`s Hospital. Denny filed for bankruptcy in the mid-80s after selling his lucrative co-publishing rights to "Mull of Kintyre" to co-author McCartney. However, he has continued to record music at a prolific rate and has appeared at Beatles conventions and on tributes to both The Beatles and Wings. He is currently working on an autobiography. He was briefly married to Jo Jo Laine (13 July 1953 — 29 October 2006), with whom he had a son, Laine Hines, and a daughter, Heidi Hines. He has three other children from other relationships: Lucianne Grant, Damian James, and Ainsley Laine-Adams. His current wife is Rosha.
For a few months at the height of the British invasion, Denny Laine was one of the most recognizable voices on the entire British music scene. As the lead singer on the Moody Blues' recording of "Go Now" -- a worldwide multi-million seller -- he stood out in a large pack, and did so splendidly. His soulful, agonized lead vocal performance, coupled with Mike Pinder's chiming piano, proved irresistable on the radio. Within a year, however, the band fell by the wayside. Denny Laine was born Brian Hines and grew up in Birmingham, England. As a boy he took up the guitar, not under the influence of Chuck Berry or Buddy Holly, or even Scotty Moore, but rather jazz legend Django Reinhardt. His first band of any significance was Denny and the Diplomats, formed in Birmingham in the early '60s. The group's line-up also included future Move and Electric Light Orchestra drummer Bev Bevan and guitarist-singer Roy Wood. By 1964, Laine had abandoned Denny & the Diplomats and -- with four members of the city's other top bands -- formed the group that became the Moody Blues. Laine's tenure with the band was highlighted by one monster hit ("Go Now"), a brace of superb R&B-styled sides ("From The Bottom of My Heart," "Lose Your Money," etc.), and a string of commercial failures that left the band languishing by the end of 1965. Laine exited the group, to be replaced by Justin Hayward, whereupon the reconstituted Moody Blues adopted an increasingly adventurous sound that ended up making them the premiere progressive rock band of the late '60s. Ironically, Laine himself went in a similar direction with his next major project, the Denny Laine String Band, an electric psychedelic outfit that featured an amplified violin and cello, remarkably similar in many ways to the configuration that the Electric Light Orchestra would adopt more successfully three years later. The Electric String Band failed to attract serious public attention, despite a lot of good press and enthusiastic concert reviews. Laine's next major gig was as a member of Ginger Baker's Air Force, a big-band rock outfit that was a partial offshoot of Blind Faith. The group attracted enormous amounts of press attention on both sides of the Atlantic, played some good shows in England, and then embarked on an American tour that collapsed almost immediately through lack of ticket sales. Laine was the band's lead guitarist and principal vocalist and even had a featured blues spot in their sets. Laine was next heard from in 1971, when Paul McCartney announced that he was forming his first permanent band since exiting the Beatles. The group, christened Wings, was McCartney (joined by his wife Linda McCartney) on bass, guitar, piano, and vocals, with Laine at the core on guitar, bass, and vocals. In a 1980s interview, Laine indicated that he and McCartney got along well, not only because they came out of similar music backgrounds but also because each of them had lost control of bands they'd helped to found. Wings got off to a rocky start with an album called Wild Life, which wasn't really that bad but was mercilessly criticized by reviewers, who pounced on anything that didn't meet their expectations of Beatles-like perfection and importance. Beginning with Red Rose Speedway, however, they began winning the hearts of listeners and the minds of critics. By 1976, with Wings At The Speed of Sound, they'd become one of the top-selling acts of the decade, and the tour that followed was a success of monumental proportions, at least as far as ticket sales were concerned. Wings was, along with ABBA and Led Zeppelin, one of those money acts that seemed to generate tens of millions of ticket sales around the world and reams of press copy with every note they played and utterance that they pronounced. Laine wasn't quite an ex-Beatle, but as the member closest to McCartney (other than his wife), he was the most recognizable member of the band who wasn't a former Beatle. He even got a solo spot during concerts on their "Wings Over America" tour on which he sang and played several of the songs with which he was associated (most notably "Go Now") and a few covers that showcased his talents. Laine had a falling out with the McCartneys at the close of the 1970s, as Wings itself collapsed, amid myriad personal and personnel problems. He recorded several solo albums and was a featured guest at some Beatles conventions, but retained only a fraction of his visibility. He re-emerged in the late '90s with a tribute album to McCartney, and has been the subject of many CD reissues spotlighting odd solo cuts from his post-Wings and pre-Ginger Baker's Air Force period. Laine will likely never achieve the stardom that his career seemed to point toward when he cut "Go Now" in the mid-'60s. On the other hand though, he has played enough interesting and inspired music to make him a recognizable name to two generations of rock & roll fans, and one of the more deservedly enduring alumni from the original British invasion. © Bruce Eder, All Music Guide