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By Jason Pribila: There isn't a sport that asks more of their fan base than boxing. Whether it be a "Cold War" between promotional giants that prevent coveted fights from happening, rising costs of pay per views, bad decisions, or ticket distribution practices that either leave fans in the cold or overpaying; the boxing fan remains loyal to a fault. However, the six furious rounds fought between Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao at least momentarily justified all of the birthday parties, weddings, and anniversaries that fans have skipped in order to watch a fight live.
While the majority of the boxing world was focused on Las Vegas, there were other fights and fighters that earned a mention in my breakdown of Winners and Losers, so let's get to it.
5. Michael Farenas: The super featherweight of the Philippines found himself as the designated opponent for the returning Yuriorkis Gamboa. Although Farenas was not well known to the American public he was far from a soft touch. Although Farenas had been down twice and suffered cuts above each eye but he was still in the fight. Gamboa found that out the hard way in the ninth round. Gamboa hurt Farenas and went for the stoppage, but Farenas launched a counter left that dropped Gamboa to his knees and into the ropes. Although Farenas was unable to capitalize on the knockdown, he did succeed in being the only fighter on the undercard (other than Gamboa) that I want to see anywhere near a PPV again.
4. Mikkel Kessler: The consensus number three super middleweight in the world sent a message to Carl Froch and Andre Ward that he is very much interested in a rematch against either former foe. While Ward handled Kessler in the opening round of the Super Six Tournament, the Dane rebounded by winning a decision in a hard fought battle against Froch. Since Ward is having a hard time staying healthy, we could eventually see Kessler back in the ring against Froch. Either way, the "Viking Warrior" is poised to make another run at the top.
3. Bryant "By By" Jennings: NBC's "Fight Night" returned to Philadelphia, right up the road from where they introduced Bryant Jennings to the boxing public in January. Jennings won a decision in the main event of the inaugural show and on Saturday night he was facing Bowie Tupou with the hopes of finishing 2012 a perfect 5-0. Things were going as planned until Jennings got dropped in the third frame. He was able to hold on and eventually stop Tupou with a perfect uppercut in the fifth. Three weeks ago we saw another football player turned boxer turned American Heavyweight prospect get dropped and knocked out in Atlantic City. Jennings seemed to learn from Seth Mitchell's misfortune and held on until his legs were again under him and able to provide support. Jennings is another busy year or two away before challenging the divisions elite, but he has a good team behind him and the luxury of having his development unfold on television.
2. Main Events / Peltz Boxing: The first season of NBC SportsNet's "Fight Night" series has already exceeded expectations. They have given us entertaining bouts, discovered a few prospects, and in two weeks they will bring boxing back to network television when Tomas Adamek faces Steve Cunningham in a heavyweight rematch. On Saturday, their show in Philadelphia was no doubt overshadowed nationally by the Pacquiao – Marquez fight, but it was the only show in town for boxing fans in Philadelphia. Hall of Fame promoter Russell Peltz has been matching up Philly's best for over forty years. His shows are as entertaining from the opening bout thru the walk-out bout. Saturday was no exception as the card was filled with local rivalries. And while Top Rank's undercard was boring fans and writers to tears, their attention soon turned to the competitive bouts that were being televised for free. Fans turned the channel from a stylistic nightmare that was being contested in an empty arena, and tuned into an evenly matched fight in front of a raucous crowd. This is what happens when an event is run by promoters who put the paying customer's entertainment at the forefront of their mission statement.
1. Juan Manuel Marquez: Unfortunately much of the pre-post fight talk is about the fact that Marquez looked like a physically gifted younger brother compared to the featherweight who first touched gloves with Pacquiao over eight years ago. The suspicion of PED use that surrounds the sport as a whole will get a lot worse before it gets better. That being said, I want to focus on the eighteen minutes of combat that took place on Sunday morning.
Without Manny Pacquiao, Marquez has authored a Hall of Fame career, and his name will forever be on the short list of the best Mexican's to ever lace up the gloves. He has spent the past several years being listed as the third best fighter behind only Pacquiao and Mayweather. The previous 36 rounds contested against Pacquiao illustrated exactly how elite Marquez has been for a long time. On Sunday morning he was again being beaten to the punch. Despite scoring his first knockdown of the series, he found himself bleeding through his nose and behind on the scorecards, and then he landed a punch that will make him immortal. A Hollywood script couldn't write a better scenario for a fighter to leave a sport on top. However, this is boxing, and we'll be sure to see Marquez again. I would love to see an All-Mexican battle against Brandon Rios before a fifth fight with Pacquiao, but whomever Marquez signs to fight against he should now be considered a boxing treasure, and fans should make it a point to tune in for whatever Marquez has yet to show us.
Winner and/or Loser:
Brandon "Bam Bam" Rios: Rios was ringside, as it was no secret he was on the short list as Pacquiao's next opponent. He told ESPN.com's Dan Rafael that he would have taken Gamboa out within seven rounds had they met in April, and the Twitter universe echoed those sentiments. Rios was also a near lock to being honored for participating in the Fight of the Year against Mike Alvarado. By the end of the night the Pacquiao lottery ticket was voided, and he'll probably have to settle for being in the second best fight of the year. We will know in the early part of 2013 just how this result will impact Rios' bank account.
5. SMS Promotions: Rapper 50 Cent aka Curtis Jackson made his promotional debut as he was lowered to the ring while rapping as his fighter Yuriorkis Gamboa made his first appearance in the ring in over a year. Jackson succeeded in giving the paying customer something different, and after a very scary moment Gamboa had his hand raised; but overall this was a red-letter day for his company. Originally he was going to partner up with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and promote under "The Money Team" banner, but when it came time for Floyd to write a check or at least hand over his stack of cash, Mayweather balked. That forced Jackson to scramble. He changed his company's name, and fighters honored their agreement with him. The crown jewel was Gamboa, who was bought from Top Rank for a reported million dollars. The irony is that his first exposure came on a Top Rank card that only paid Gamboa $50,000.00 for his services. Gamboa got dropped during an uneven performance, and then suffered a cut that will likely keep him on the shelf for at least the early part of 2013. The inaugural effort may best be labeled, "No Money – More Problems".
4. Boxing fans of the EST: Three undercard bouts that went the distance followed by three national anthems meant that the opening bell for main event rang at 12:25 AM on Sunday morning for fight fans who watched in the Eastern Standard Time Zone. Is there another sport that asks its fans to stay up after midnight for the main attraction? Forget about newspaper writers meeting a deadline, as this sport is covered primarily on-line, but how about giving a boxing fan the chance to watch a fight with his son or daughter? Ever consider what someone would have to pay for a sitter if he chose to go out on a Saturday Night to watch a fight with friends? The sport of boxing is followed by an older demographic, but if promoters ever want to seriously cultivate the sport for those fans born post 1973 they will have to figure out a way to get their marquee fighters in the ring on Saturday Night and not Sunday morning.
3. Top Rank match-makers: I understand that there are only so many slots for fighters to get exposure, and pay per view undercards are the only way to ensure fighters actively make money, but the opening two bouts of the Pay Per View were inexcusable. Forget about the $69.99 price tag three weeks before Christmas, how about some consideration for the two hours of my life I won't get back….on a Saturday night, no less. Javier Fortuna and Patrick Hyland were bad, but it was nothing compared to Miguel Vazquez vs Mercito Gesta waltz. Vazquez is a fine fighter with an awkward style; therefore he needs to be matched against someone that has a clue of how to cut off a ring. Mitt Romney was at ringside and he must have felt like he was sitting thru a filibuster. At least fans at home could turn on the Main Events show or more likely the UFC on Fox, but there is usually a no re-entry rule once one enters a fight venue. Bob Arum once flipped off those in press row who made it through a Yuri Foreman fight, however, in this case he may as well have pressed his ass up against my TV screen.
2. Manny Pacquiao: 2012 proved to be a year to forget for Manny Pacquiao – boxer. He was first robbed against Timothy Bradley, and now he suffered a chilling one punch knockout that few fighters recover from. Manny's meteoric rise took place over a five year span that saw him rise from fan-friendly fighter to one of the two best and richest fighters in the sport. A fighter from the Philippians who made his boxing debut at 106 lbs. was now a regularly butchering 70's love ballads on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. He was the rare superstar that you not only had to watch, but found it hard to hate. Perhaps it proved to be impossible to be an elected official and boxing superstar. Perhaps it is the fact that unless you are a fighter 24/7 for 365 the sport will eventually catch up with you. I originally picked Pacquiao to again out-point his nemesis, but I also had a feeling that a loss may come as a relief to Pacquiao. Maybe it would be the best way for him to walk away from a sport while he's still able to fulfill his dreams outside of the ring. No one, however, could have prediced a scenario that left Pacquiao lying face down and knocked out for several minutes. Following the fight he said he wants to continue his career, but he will never be the same. In recent history we have seen top fighters like Roy Jones Jr., Paul Williams, and Ricky Hatton absorb shots like that. None of them were ever the same, and they all had less miles on the odometer than Pacquiao. I, for one, don't want to see him test just how much that punch took out of him.
1. Freddie Roach: Anyone else get the feeling that scheduling time at the Wild Card Gym will be a little easier in 2013. When a fighter loses it is natural for him to find someone to blame. Amir Khan fought a terrible fight against Danny Garcia, but chose to part ways with Roach as a way to rebuild his own ego. When you train enough fighters at the top level you are going to collect your share of losses. That being said, it has been a brutal stretch for the Hall of Famer. I don't think Roach suddenly forgot how to be an elite trainer. The man forgot more about boxing than I'll ever know. I will, however, blame him for his misguidance during this fight promotion. One moment he was jokingly questioning the methods that Marquez used to put on so much muscle in between bouts. He then said that the muscle will make Marquez slower. If that is the case, why are you instructing Pacquiao to be more aggressive? If you have a decisive speed advantage then why give that up by getting into a slugfest? I think that there were a number factors that have recently taken shots at Roach's ego. I believe his fighting spirit got the better of him and he gambled with greatness that he had seen so many times in Pacquiao. I think Coach Freddie should allow guys like Khan and Chavez Jr. to walk and again work with hungry fighters that will follow his lead and not dictate how/when/where he runs his camp. 2013 is only a few weeks away.
And Finally:
The Death of Mayweather – Pacquiao: The fight that would save the sport is officially DOA. This fight should have been made two years ago, and the fact that being the richest fight ever was still short of satisfying the egos involved should be a stain on the legacies of everyone involved. We may now turn the page, because even if this fight happens it will never compare to what could've been. Now, instead of being teased twice a year we could enter 2013 talking about the fights we'll likely see. Mayweather – Pacquiao talks should now be replaced with the reality of PPVs: Mayweather-Guerrero and Marquez-Rios, with an appearance by Pacquiao on HBO against Stevie Forbes. The brightside is that we'll never again have to answer, "When are they gonna fight?"
Jason Pribila is a full voting member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He could be followed on twitter.com @PribsBoxing and reached for questions or comments at email@example.com
December 10, 2012
© 2000 - 2011 Knockout Entertainment Ltd & SecondsOut.com


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Mega-Watts: Fun & Functional Super-sized Floor Lamps
Floor lamps are like long necklaces or draped scarves: their lines and curves elongate vertical space and provide extra character and style. Especially bold and dramatic are oversized lamps, which play with our established sense of space, scale and proportion. Whatever the style — anglepoise, arc or tripod — the leggy lights are theatrical but not entirely superfluous.
1. Because I'm Addicted
2. Anglepoise lamp from Brabourne Farm
3. Domino via Apartment Therapy
4. Home Edit
5. Room in designer Abigail Ahern's home, featured in Design Sponge
6. Shoot Factory
7. Mamamekko
8. From the Right Bank
Images: As credited above.

subset: commoncrawl


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Dwight Howard returned to Los Angeles with the same reception the last time he stepped foot in Staples Center.
The fans here greeted him with loud boos. Howard sparked outcry Monday when his Houston Rockets visited the Clippers in what marked his first game here since ignoring the Lakers' billboards pleading him to stay. Howard heard the same disapproval six months earlier when he was ejected in Game 4 of the Lakers' first-round loss to San Antonio, which marked the last time he wore purple and gold.
Yep, plenty seemed unhappy for Howard passing up the chance to add to the Lakers' 16 championships and litany of great centers named Mikan, Kareem, Wilt and Shaq.
In the Clippers' 137-116 victory Monday over Houston, Howard heard the shouts every time he scored one of his 15 points, went 5 of 10 from the free-throw line or committed one of his four fouls.
"Fans are very passionate about their team, and unfortunately the Lakers have the most fans in the world," Howard said. "It's kind of a tough thing to let go and the way the season was last year, a lot of people don't know what really happened on the court or in the locker room. They just know what was being fed to them, and they made their decision based off that."
Some of those listed reasons included Howard clashing with Kobe Bryant's demanding leadership style and Howard irking Steve Nash for his reluctance to play pick-and-roll. Various former Lakers, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal, suggested Howard left to leave the brights lights of scrutiny that playing for the Lakers entails.
"It's over with. There's no need to talk about it," Howard said. "Things happen. It wasn't the best situation for anybody. But it is what it is. I made a decision to move on with my life and I'm in a much better place than I was last season mentally and physically. I think I made the best decision for Dwight."
Perhaps that's why Nash offered a sly smile when asked about the possible negative reaction. But one former teammate came to Howard's defense.
"I wouldn't waste my money [booing]," Lakers forward Pau Gasol said. "You have to respect Dwight for choosing his own path and making his own decision, whether you like it or not,"
The Rockets sure liked Howard's decision.
"Dwight has been great. He's fantastic," Houston coach Kevin McHale said. "Dwight is a very, very easy guy to coach, is fun to be around and has an unbelievable presence on and off the court. The defense is better when Dwight is out there. Guys turn the corner, you look out there and guys are like I'm not driving in there. He's been wonderful."
McHale spent plenty of time following Monday's morning shootaround going over post-drills with Howard. That stands in stark contrast to Mike D'Antoni's fast-paced system that featured Howard more in pick-and-rolls.
There marked a time, though, that Houston had concerns with Howard.
"Last July, when we got him, he was not healthy," McHale said. "We signed him, and our biggest fear was his health."
Concerns appeared wide-ranging, including his surgically repaired back, the labrum in his right shoulder, the strength in his legs and glutes, his flexibility. You name it.
But with Howard entering Monday's game against the Clippers averaging 15 points and 17 rebounds in the Rockets' 3-0 start, McHale described his health as "100 percent different."
"I'm moving a lot better," Howard said. "I'm going up to get balls I couldn't get last season with rebounds, blocked shots, all that stuff is a lot different. I'm doing a lot of work in the offseason to get my body back right. I feel a lot better."
And even if he left in hopes of bolstering a young and promising team featuring James Harden, Howard offered some purple and gold diplomacy.
"I will always be gracious and happy to have the opportunity to play with the Lakers," Howard said. "It was a learning experience and I think it helped me with this team. So, I'm glad that I had the chance to play in L.A. even though it ended soon; it was a learning lesson for myself and for everybody else. I think this year you'll see a different Dwight."


text: To get a sense for all that takes place at the University of Hartford there's is nothing better than visiting the campus. But, if you don't want to wait, our photo galleries may be the next best thing. Click through the photos to see highlights of some of our more popular events.


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Amirgadh RTO seizes 2 buses with same number, Banaskantha – Tv9 Gujarati
Amirgadh RTO seizes 2 buses with same number, Banaskantha
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Asus Blitz Extreme Review
Blitz Extreme? Just what the heck does that mean? Well if you break it down you get lightning quick (Blitz: a shortened version of Blitzkreig) and with Extreme there are any number of definitions, but usually the definition is to the utmost degree or furthest point. So by combining those two words the point is made clear what the performance expectations are. The Blitz Extreme is part of the Asus Republic of Gamers series of boards. It uses the Intel P35 northbridge chipset and Intel ICH9R southbridge, much like many of the Asus P5K series of boards. So what makes this one different? Dual phase power for the DDR3 memory would be a start. Crosslinx technology for 8x X 8x PCI-E bandwidth instead of the usual 16x X 4x setup normally seen on P35 chipset boards. The Fusion Block cooling system would be another of the items in the long list of differences that separates this model from its non-ROG brethren.
Will the Asus Blitz Extreme live up to the performance expectations that its name implies or will it fall by the wayside, never to be seen again? Let's find out!
Closer Look:
The Asus Blitz Extreme comes in a cold gunmetal gray and black box. The front panel shows some of the highlighted specifications such as Crosslinx technology as well as the P35 chipset and RoHS compliance. The game Stalker is highlighted as an added bonus to the package. The rear panel hits on the basic specifications of the Blitz. Highlighted again are the game Stalker and the Crosslinx technology, Supreme FX sound and the inclusion of a D-tek fusion block for the northbridge cooling.
The left side panel gives a glimpse at the I/O panel. The Republic of Gamers logo is everywhere on the Blitz Extreme Packaging. The right hand side shows the ROG logo and has the bar coding for serial number and model number should you need these items.
The packaging features a flip up panel that allows more of the features of the Blitz Extreme to be highlighted and examined through the windows into the box. The Supreme FX add-on sound card is visible through one window while the Crosslinx technology is visible through the bottom opening. The ROG status of the Blitz Extreme is highlighted many times on the pagakging.


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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – No. 1 Florida State donned shoulder pads for the first time in its third practice of fall camp on Wednesday at the Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility.
The Seminoles are still getting acclimated to practice, but head coach Jimbo Fisher continues to be impressed with the competitiveness of his team coming off an undefeated national championship season in 2013.
"It was more real football (today)," Fisher said. "It was their first day out here in pads and it will get better. I saw a lot of good things. A lot of banging and clanging and guys just being physical."
Florida State returns 15 starters this season, but must replace a pair of all-conference receivers in Kenny Shaw and first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin. Fifth-year seniors Jarred Haggins and Christian Green have the most experience and are expected to compete with a group of sophomore and freshmen receivers for the spots opposite senior Rashad Greene, the Noles' leading receiver the past three years.
Fisher said consistency is what will separate the receivers battling for playing time.
"Guys knowing what to do and where to be and making plays," Fisher said. "Also being at the right spot at the right time with the quarterback and knowing what they want. I have been pleased with both the younger and older receivers."
Greene, Haggins and Green have also taken time to mentor the younger receivers, while Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston has taken it upon himself to show the ropes to freshman quarterback J.J. Cosentino.
The group that has stood out the most early in camp without a doubt has been the defensive backs. The unit returns three starters from the nation's top-rated pass defense (156.6 yards allowed per game) a year ago. Junior cornerbacks P.J. Williams and Ronald Darby are both All-America candidates, while sophomore Jalen Ramsey already has experience starting at safety and cornerback. It's a unit that can do it all.
"There is a lot of versatility and a lot of guys playing different positions," Fisher said. "They can cover. They can play the deep ball, play the underneath stuff. Play the little guys and the big guys. Which is rare. These guys have been doing a very nice job and I've been very pleased with the secondary."
The Seminoles return to the practice field in shoulder pads again on Thursday before donning full pads for the first time on Friday.
Florida State opens the the season on Aug. 30 at 8 p.m. (ABC) against Oklahoma State at the AdvoCare Cowboys Classic in Arlington, Texas.
Florida State Post-Practice Quotes
Head Coach Jimbo Fisher
Opening Statement:
"A good hot day. I liked the tempo of practice. I think the practices are being very, very competitive. And I tell you what, I see a lot of these young guys learning as well as any group we've had as far as all positions. Defensive linemen, receivers, backs – all those kids are doing a really nice job of learning what to do. I am really pleased because we are throwing a lot at them early. The veterans are stepping up, too, and doing a good job. I liked the competition. We ran it and they stopped it, the offense and defense went back and forth and was very competitive. I liked what I saw."
On if the incoming players are told to do anything specific to prepare for camp:
"You get them the information as quick as you are legally allowed to get it to them with the playbooks and videos and those things. Then we got them here and the upperclassmen are taking them under their wing and really showing them. Also their willingness and maturity level. That's what I've been very pleased with."
On what he wants to see to separate the receivers:
"Consistency. Guys knowing what to do and where to be and making plays. Also being at the right spot at the right time with the quarterback and knowing what they want. I have been pleased with both the younger and older receivers."
On having TE Nick O'Leary out there:
"Nick is doing a really nice job. (Jeremy) Kerr and those two freshmen tight ends are really catching my eye. I really like them."
On QB JJ Cosentino sticking close to Jameis Winston and who initiated that:
"I hope that is common sense. I think that is just him knowing that he's the best in the business and I want to do what he does and study like he studies. I tell you what, JJ has really good arm talent. I have been very pleased with his ability."
On the defensive backs:
"There is a lot of versatility and a lot of guys playing different positions. They can cover. They can play the deep ball, play the underneath stuff. Play the little guys and the big guys. Which is rare. Some guys have a harder time with the little quick guys and can only play big guys. These guys have been doing a very nice job and I've been very pleased with the secondary."


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Putting out the welcome mat for Chinese tourists has set up Rotorua's Agrodome for what it hopes will be a record year of growth.
Chinese hold the number one spot for visitors to the 40-year-old agricultural attraction, says sales and marketing manager Dale McCourt, easily eclipsing tourists from North America, Britain and Australia.
As the global financial crisis and high dollar shrink visitor numbers from the tourist attraction's traditional markets, Asian visitors are taking up the slack, thanks to a strategy put in place nearly two decades ago.
"Something that has made us really, really unique is that we haven't noticed a huge difference in our business because, nearly 20 years ago now, we employed Asian sales and marketing managers who are basically from their own countries and they can go out and promote the Agrodome in China, Southeast Asia, in Japan, etcetera.
"So that business that we've lost within the American and European markets we've gained tenfold from the Asian market."
McCourt says the business is just tapping the Chinese market, which it could conceivably grow by 15 to 20 per cent.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment predicts the number of Chinese tourist to New Zealand will double by 2015, and go on to overtake the British and North American markets combined by the end of the decade.
It was former sales and marketing manager Warren Harford, son of Agrodome co-founder George Harford, who saw the Asian market's potential.
Agrodome was the first tourist attraction to employ people locally to target Asian tourists, says McCourt, and was promoting itself in China before even Tourism New Zealand had reps on the ground there.
The half-a-dozen Chinese sales and marketing staff based in Rotorua travel to China several times a year to visit wholesalers and maintain close relationships with in-bound tour operators here in New Zealand.
They're also used as interpreters for overseas visitors.
"It's all about relationships in the Asian market," says McCourt.
"If you're giving them a good product and good service, they will keep coming back to you.
"They can be very loyal, so our sales relationships are very important in that respect."
The Agrodome's live shows and farm tour particularly appeal to tourists from Asia's big and bustling cities, says McCourt.
"To come and experience feeding and touching animals on a farm in wide open spaces is just amazing for them."
What began as a simple demonstration of sheep breeds and shearing has evolved into an attraction showcasing all aspects of farming life, with a supporting cast of animals that includes alpacas, pigs, ducks, turkeys and ostriches, alongside sheep and cattle.
The Agrodome was created in the early 1970s by champion shearer Godfrey Bowen after a visit to Japan to demonstrate shearing at the World Trade Fair in Osaka.
Returning from Japan, he partnered up with local farmer George Harford to recreate the Osaka display on a piece of land just outside of Rotorua.
"We were the first tourist attraction in Rotorua that wasn't associated with Maori culture or geothermal activity but, at the time, wool and farming was the number one export over tourism," says McCourt.
While the target audience was originally domestic tourists, they quickly developed relationships with in-bound tour operators to bring overseas tourists to the show.
Four decades on, the Agrodome is a multi-million-dollar business employing 52 full-time staff, including third generation members of the Bowen and Harford families, and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world.
In 2011 the family-owned business sold a 75 per cent stake to Ngai Tahu, which has a portfolio of tourism investments including Shotover Jet, Dart River Jet Safaris, Huka Falls Jet, Hollyford Guided Walk, Franz Josef Glacier Guides and the neighbouring Rainbow Springs.
The investment provides some of the financial clout to continue developing the attraction, all the while keeping its offering unique and original, says McCourt.
As the Agrodome evolves, anything new has to be consistent with the farming theme.
"What we've got is working for us and we've just got to keep developing those relationships and keep building on that revenue."
McCourt's focus for the coming year is on developing Agrodome as a farm-themed conference venue catering to groups of up to 500.
Using the attraction's highly-trained huntaway dogs to herd conference-goers or sipping cocktails in a corrugated iron barn are among the options on offer.
"It's always keeping ahead of the game and looking for sources of income so that if the tourism industry does go through a quiet patch, we've got other sources of income that we can rely upon."


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As you might have guessed from my nerdy street cred, I watch a lot of sci-fi movies. I'm not as bad as the characters on my favorite TV show, "The Big Bang Theory," but I do tend to overdose on those types of movies from time to time, and yes, I have the complete five-season box set of "Babylon 5."
I bring this all up because sci-fi movies tend to have recurring themes, which often revolve around the use of technology, for good or ill. Many of these movies, from "Jurassic Park" to "The Fly," ask the question of whether we should use a technology just because we can.
This brings me to Titanic — the real thing, not the movie — a great ship that sunk because we dared to think that we were more advanced technologically than we actually were. Obviously we weren't capable of building an unsinkable ship, and probably still aren't. But we are capable of visiting the ship's final resting place 2 1/2 miles below the surface of the ocean, which would have been impossible not that long ago. "Titanic" director James Cameron has been down there 33 times himself.
The controversy gripping people this week is based on a photograph taken in 2004 that appears to show human remains inside some old shoes and a fancy overcoat. The photos were taken as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expedition with ship-finder Robert Ballard, a professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island, and published in a book by Ballard shortly thereafter.
James Delgado, the director of maritime heritage at NOAA, told the Associated Press that the way the clothes and shoes are laid out makes a "compelling case" that someone had died inside those clothes, as opposed to their being clothes that had fallen out of a bag or closet.
However, in the book, the photo in question was cropped to only show part of the boot. People are questioning whether this was done to disguise the fact that bodies are still buried with the ship. The full photos were only recently released to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the sinking.
There is now a debate going on about whether they are actual human remains, and what that means if they are. Cameron claims to have never spotted any human remains in all his trips, and he's probably been down there enough to apply for a tourist's visa.
But that doesn't mean the bodies don't exist. And even if they have long since faded away, it's still a gravesite. Does a final resting place stop being sacred once the bodies decompose? If that were the case, then the USS Arizona (BB-39), which sank in shallow oxygenated waters at Pearl Harbor, would have long since lost its special protection.
So we've proven we can go down there. And yes, it is quite a technological feat to journey more than 2 miles into the deep, dark ocean. But does that mean we should? Or are some places sacred enough that they get to keep their secrets?
To its credit, NOAA, along with the State Department, has been leading the U.S. effort to protect the site as part of an international agreement signed in 1986, a year after the wreck was discovered. NOAA published guidelines for research, exploration and salvage in 2001, and NOAA, State and other agencies have been working on proposed legislation to protect the Titanic from looting and nonscientific salvage operations.
The possibility of human remains within the wreckage should add some urgency to those efforts.
About the Author
John Breeden II is a freelance technology writer for GCN.
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What about repatriating remains? They did that with the CSS Hunley -- buried them with military honors. When it comes to burying victims, is there a difference between those floating in cork life jackets and those stuck in the ship?
Archeologist have been exploring gravesites for hundreds of years. Why would this site be any different from the Aztec or Mayan sites or any of those where skeletal remains of cave dwellers were exhumed?
Evidently the sancitiy of an underwater grave site has a time limit. The CSS Hunley sank with eight men aboard in 1864, and was raised in 2000. Historical importance aside (first sucessful submarine attack in history) I think these sites should be protected and the natural decay of the ship should be allow to happen.
For bodies that were exposed to the water and pressure, decomposition and sea life would certainly affect the bodies. Look at the iron of the ship itself - it is slowly being consumed by bacteria. It is possible that a air-filled voids exist or existed that could have trapped a body or person and provide a better environment for preservation.....but it is intuitively obvious to even the most casual observer that the photo indicated that a human being, who died wearing that clothing, ended up there for eternity. It should be respected as such.
That's a body or I'll eat my hat. Rich idiots with nothing better to do like James Cameron should stay the hell away.
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Hi everyone – first time poster here, 8 week lurker.
Currently I am combo feeding my 10 week old LO due to feeding issues since birth. I tried desperately to make things work so that I could exclusively breastfeed, but it has not yet worked out. I exclusively BF for the first four weeks, but she started to become lethargic and was not gaining weight so along with the help of a lactation consultant I made the choice to supplement with formula. I was not able to pump enough to satisfy baby's hunger and am still not able to do so, so we continue to use formula after nursing if she is still hungry. I think we're about 60/40 breastmilk to formula. However, I have been trying very hard to increase my supply (it was never fully established) and fix our feeding issues so that I can cut out the formula completely. I have contacted my local LLL volunteers, doctors, multiple lactation consultants and everyone says something different.
I've tried to troubleshoot multiple possibilities, but now that I'm more familiar with various breastfeeding issues, I'm wondering if my LO has a clampdown bite reflex. Here are some of the things that made me wonder if this is it:
- White line on nipple after nursing – since birth
- Squirmy baby (even when my breasts are full) i.e. pulling away from breast, arching back during feedings even when I hear her swallowing the milk.
- From outward appearance, baby looks properly latched (and was checked by multiple LCs at the hospital). And, I've done everything to try and stop baby from creasing the nipple during latch on. This has been true since birth.
- Sporadic swallowing (very rarely getting more than five minutes of swallowing rhythm.
- Constantly have to compress breasts during nursing to get a flow that baby will accept.
- Recurring plugged ducts (every other day if I don't carefully compress during pumping and nursing), mastitis twice.
- Low supply even when nursing full time, pumping after feedings, extra pumping, taking fenugreek, taking lecithin, etc. Immediately after a feeding I can pump up to an ounce from each breast, whereas pumping without a feeding I can produce 2 -3 ounces. I believe that baby is just not emptying breasts.
If it is the bite reflex, how do we solve this issue? I have to go back to work October 1st. My fear is that when I go back I will have to give daycare formula since I can't nurse her - and I don't pump enough milk to give them my milk to feed her. I really think my supply would be fine if we could figure out how to get baby to stop clamping. Has anyone else experienced this and how did you make it work?


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Welcome to the new look of Steeler Addicts !!
** The Forums **
We're pleased and excited to give you all the brand new face of SA ! Countless hours were spent in creation of the new look and we hope you all really enjoy it. We originally wanted to have this launched for the 1st anniversary of SA but it was just too hectic of a time to try and get it launched in the middle of summer so we delayed the launch.....until now !
A few of the highlights that you'll notice first off on the forums:
- The banners at the top, you'll notice they change everytime your screen refreshes. There basic banner stays the same with the logo but the players change. You'll also notice how the banners appear to be ripping out of the background; a really great touch that helps keep everything uniform looking.
- New Buttons, you'll notice on the main page and all over the forums; a completely redesigned set of buttons that really highlight and accent the new look. Everything from the "new posts" to "edit", "quote" , etc. have all been redone and they really turned out great !
-SA Watermark, you'll notice that in the text box when you post you'll see an SA watermark in the background. This gives that previously plain white area alittle sprucing up without being tacky and overbearing.
- Zoints has been removed at the overwhelming request of the members who really don't use it anymore.
- Default Avatars, you'll notice we have a whole new array of forum avatars for you to choose. Just click on UserCP and then on Edit Avatar and you can see all the new avatars to choose from; along with the ones we already have loaded up. Of course you can always load up your own avatar if you like still too.
- The VBplaza has a minor change too, the option for "user name glow" is no longer available. You can still purchase other username options with your SA gold just like before; with the exception of the glow feature.
- Postbit options, you'll also notice that you know have the option to see the Postbit on the top of each post like we had it before, or if you prefer you can now change it show on the side of each post. Just go into UserCP and click on Edit Options and scroll down. The postbit is the box that includes your username, avatar, online status, all your gifts and ribbons, etc. In regards to the gifts, they are only visible if you have the postbit set to TOP instead of LEFT. You can change this by going into your User CP option in the Navbar and then into Edit Options.
Just explore the forum and see what all there is to see, and have fun ! If you notice anything not working or any problems that you think need to be addressed just let us know.
Special thanks to BR7 for the countless hours he put into the graphix. We're extremely grafteful to him and his outstanding talent has shined through once again. The whole layout flows and the new sleek gfx just really tie everything together. All the avatars, buttons, and banners are top notch. When you're working on something as critical as the look of a forum you have to be particular and we we're definitely that. I can't tell you how many times we went back n forth trying to decide on what looked right and what didn't, what flowed and what looked out of place, which buttons to use and where. At some points it was a nightmare but the finished product is stellar and well worth all the efforts.
Thanks also to BR7's family for allowing him the time to work on the new look as we were up at all hours of the night on many occasions going back n forth with ideas.
** SA Homepage **
You'll also notice that our Homepage has been revamped as well. We used the same style there as we have here on the new forums look. Take some time to explore the new look of the homepage and check out all the features. AZ_Steeler did an absolutely outstanding job on it and put in countless hours of work to make this exceptional finished product. We're all proud of it and extremely grateful for all the efforts he made. He took a lot of the ideas that you the members gave us to help incorporate into the new look and it's also improved to help us be even more search engine friendly.
Take notice on the homepage that we have also added a section where you can download official SA wallpaper, free ! BR7 has whipped up some great walls for use and I put some up as well. This will always be a work in progress as we continue to add content as time allows.
Thanks also to Mrs AZ for allowing Chris the time he needed to work on the page and get it just right. Between all the "hey change this" or "I don't like that" or "hey lets try it this way" , Im surprised he even has any hair left
We hope you enjoy the new look of SA !!


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In looking at the past of �dueling,� it was the ultimate way to settle disputes. From Goliath and David to the parks in Washington and New Orleans, both sword blades clashed and pistols flashed sending a hot ball toward an adversary. Instead of tavern brawls and stabbings, the more genteel males would find offense, according to historical records, at mostly points of legislative or political honor. There were, of course, the satisfaction requirements of ungentlemanly attentions of the female. But it was really rare.
It seems that legislators and attorneys were pointing pistols at each other in most accounts. Sounds good to me.
Actual the mortality odds were in the 20 percent range, with most contenders aiming at legs, but accidently hitting a vital spot like the famous Alexander Hamilton/Aaron Burr duel. Unknown to many, even Abraham Lincoln answered the call �to come out� by a James Shields, but the political contenders� �seconds� settled the matter before gun powder exploded. A dueler always had a �second� and that person was in charge of making sure pistols were both equally charged, plus their main purpose was to try and persuade the adversaries to apologize to one another thus avoiding bloodshed.
Normally it was polite to wait 7 days after the challenge to let tempers cool and reason prevail. While Florida had its share of gun blasts, our neighbor New Orleans was both a sword slicing and penetrating lead bloodbath. When a .40, .50, or .60 caliber ball entered the body, it was almost certainly �curtains,� as the gangsters would say. The firing range was from 20 to 40 feet. Historically most duels only allowed two shots each.
As for Florida, the most famous duels were in the 1800s. On Dec. 12, 1839, General Leigh Read and Col. Augustus Alston, of the Whig Party, walked off 15 paces with rifles. Read, who was not familiar with weapons, was bullied by Alston with two challenges. Read popped him in the chest and his tormentor dropped dead. Read was eventually hunted down by Alston�s brothers and murdered.
The year 1836 saw Abraham Bellamy and Sen. William White blasted away at each other over delegates to the Florida House of Representatives. Both survived.
In 1870, Masteo Crozoco, a Cuban patriot, put a death bullet into Don Gonzalo Castanon. Seems Castanon was a newspaper editor and published an article derogatory of Cuban women.
Today there are various dueling societies on the Internet � of course all in fun and amusement.
However, there is one chap that is well known in literary circles that has come to the reasonable approach that perhaps it�s time to revive the honorable art of dueling. Most states actually outlaw dueling while others file second-degree charges against the squabbling parties. But no one has challenged those statutes in a court of law. If assisted suicide can be legal, why not dueling? After all, both parties acknowledge that the loser could lose his very life.
Mr. Ryan Ruby, who writes for �Philosophy Now,� states that dueling could be the perfect solution to our current rancor since the practice tends to draw the legal and political minded. He reasons that the courts are beset by docket backlogs that benefit attorneys to the detriment of their clients. If the lawsuit claimants or legislators cannot agree and instead rely on never-ending court proceedings, why not let the fates choose the winner?
He has a marvelous point. If an attorney is on your side as he claims, how far will he go? For a charge will he be your second? Time limits can solve the problem and if not settled in a designated period, why burden the courts and drain the client�s purse? Make a settlement on the field of honor that goes back to the Bible.
Most dueling societies today are more of the recreation medieval sword and shield type, but the ball and powder (paint ball) is slowly evolving. I recall many eras ago in Memphis there was a BB-gun dueling club. Participants would wear heavy sweaters, teeth protectors and diving masks to protect the eyes or they would don football helmets with plastic facemasks. They would meet once a month. I went to one event and loved it. The shaking hands, the seconds counting steps out loud and the exchange � then came the, OUCH!
Fair winds to ye matey.
Chick Huettel is a long-time Walton County resident, writer and artist. He is a member of a number of local organizations including the Emerald Coast Archeological Society.


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$10.00 $17.50
sold out again, but more are on the way. Grab one and it'll ship to you in a few weeks. We'll keep you posted and you'll be the first to get one from our upcoming batch.
Find your perfect blend by trying all three! Order a Sample Pack and we will send you a 1 oz bag of each blend to try (3oz total) along with one of each of our stickers - the 3 animals and the mountain beaker logo!
10% of proceeds will be donated back to the Access Fund!
Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Customer Reviews
This has been the best chalk to use. I always have an extra bag on hand to give to a friend who needs some and truly believe out of all the different climbing chalks I have tried this is the best stuff. Keeps my hands dry but doesn't crack the skin like so many others. Thank you Friction Labs for making this great product!
So stoked to finally have consistency in my chalk and the driest hands I have ever had. I am a total believer!
very good purchase experience
This chalk is such high quality, typically when im bouldering I last half a route and then i have to apply more. With Unicorn Dust I can last 2 routes at least with a full coverage.
I have quite sweaty hands and the chunky chalk lasts so much longer and I grease off things much less often. Would definitely recommend
Friction labs! Armed with the power of your mighty unicorn chalk, I (top-rope) sent my second 5.12a in my history as a climber. Feeling unstoppable! #climbyourimpossible
Thanks for the great chalk!
I literally use this chalk everyday, and I melt every time I do, cuz I love it so much. It stays on my hands for ages. As matter of fact, the last time I applied it was 2 weeks ago, and it's still on! 10/10 would recommend
Best chalk I've ever used by far. Don't hesitate, just hit the buy button and get ya some coming!
Love this chalk, totally worth the extra cost.
The CHUNK. I couldn't go back if I tried. It's so good once it hits your lips.
it's chalk, it sticks
Title says it all. It's nice, and I like it, but it takes up more space than I expected in my chalk bag. Not a bad thing...just something to be aware of.
I had never used loose chalk before, and so when I first bought this after my friend told me about it, I was skeptical. But now, it's the only chalk I use, and I would definitely recommend it to others looking to buy reliable loose chalk.
I've had good chalk, bad chalk, smelly chalk, liquid chalk, block chalk and plenty in between. My search ended once I tried FrictionLabs. There could be comparable chalk out there for less, but I don't care to find it.
I am new to climbing so I ordered the Chunky Gorilla Grip chalk and have been nothing short of thoroughly impressed! The chalk stays put on your hands instead of transferring to the rock, is easy to manage in a chalk bag, and easily washes off in a sink! Much impressed!
My order got shipped the same day I ordered, and arrived incredible quickly. I have used chalks from other brands and the high performance chalk is by far the best one I have used
High Performance Chalk
Best check I have ever used
I've been climbing for over ten years and in that span of time, I haven't found chalk that works nearly as well as what Friction Labs has got. Take my unsolicited beta and give this chalk a try — you owe it to yourself.
Is it really worth the money? I don't know but I do know that performance matters to me, so I'm willing to pay for the best. It seems to work as well or better than any chalk I've ever used.
Worth the loot.
Dank ass chalk for your sweaty parts! Doesn't clump up on your hands, if you use it there... nice. Any word on demos in Chattanooga anytime soon? Slopers steal your chalk fast down here.
Worth the extra money compared to other chalk brands.
Great stuff
Stays on longer. Better friction.
This chalk is amazing. the highest quality chalk I have used. Friction labs is high quality.
I really didn't. I thought it was just a ploy - an annoyingly successful marketing campaign from some Colo-rad-bros that backed a generic product that everyone else was making. I didn't think it couldn't be that much better. How could chalk get any better? I was amongst the numerous disbelievers. I was coaxed into trying a friend's for a day in Maple last summer. Quartzite cobbles are hard to hold in the summer heat, especially the small, slopey cobbles in Box Canyon. I then returned to my then tried-and-true: Metolius Super Chalk. I now regard that as one of the biggest mistakes of my life. Every time my hand dipped into my chalk bag without Friction Labs, it was as if a dark, sweaty veil was being pulled over my hands. A veil that perhaps had been there my entire 17 years as a climber. They had seen the light; felt the power of impeccable friction - there was no going back. They say you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone. Luckily, buying Friction Labs is easier than getting an ex-girlfriend back, or whatever 'they' are referring to. I've seen Friction Labs chalk as an invaluable tool in my climbing ever since that fateful day. Do yourself a favor and buy some.
Don't overthink it, just buy it! Your hands will thank you later.
By far the nr.1 chalk. Everything else feels like cheap shit compared to this. Sticks to your hands much longer than the rest. Only problem is once you tried it, you'll never use anything else.
Great chalk
Hands down the best chalk out there! The secret stuff liquid chalk is also amazing for drying out the hands real good on those hot greasy days!
I always thought that chalk was chalk until I tried Friction Labs. Bam Bam is basically my soulmate, and I can't imagine using anything else now!
Love this chalk.
Dipping your hands into a pool of frictionlabs chalk is a very satisfying experience. Where you expect the feeling or chalk, what you actually get is the feeling of silk. It coats the hands in a thin, uniform coat that reliably does its job and lasts long. Incredible stuff, plain and simple.
If the Sticky Bandits ever get out of prison, they'd be happy to know there's a chalk that'll live up to their standards. All three flavors work great at drying your hands and sticking you to holds, but it really is just personal preference how smooth or chunky you like. Sampling all three, I'd say I like the Dust for refilling chalk balls, and Bam Bam or Gotilla Grip for the gym pot. They are all the same though, just a little more OCDing to get the chunky ones crumbled. A+ rating on the formula. Mainly, the Gold product that's available from BD just leaves my skin in sub-optimal healing conditions. My skin feels normal after use with Friction Labs. They got me.
Love the super chunk, this chalk is next level [email protected]!
High Performance Chalk
Definitely recommend the Gorilla Grip chalk feels unlike anything I've used before. Sticks on to your hands like magic. And the monthly subscription is definitely worth it.
One less thing to remember. Chalk bags in every crag pack, gym bag, car door.
Love the secret stuff
Love not having to go grab the chalk and just getting that sweet sweet friction delivered to our door
I love your chalk. I use gorilla and unicorn and they both soothe my hands and help me send hard. Thanks!!
We went to Red Rocks last month and realized right before we left that we were out of chalk. No worries our Friction Labs delivery came just in time. Thanks for the helping me ascend Mr. Moran. Check @teslascender .
Hey Guys - the chalk itself is always awesome. Only complaint (very minor) is that the packs I have received in the past (ordering direct) come with next to no air in it and HUGE chunks. Almost a solid block. This was more on the unicorn dust side with a ton of air. So was the one ordered from Backcountry. Maybe a bad batch? Packing issue? Still a good product. Just wish I got the usual standard with the premium we pay for a premium product (as described). Other than that thanks guys!
I was a little skeptical about the cost of this chalk, but it is definitely worth every penny. I love it!! New favorite chalk, probably will never buy anything else
It's my new favorite chalk I've ever used!
I will never use any other chalk ever again. My hands have always sweat so much and it has made a huge difference in my climbing!
I am relatively new to the game. I get an amazing discount on a certain chalk brand because of where I work. But I tried the unicorn dust and paired it with the secret stuff and it makes for an amazing combo. I get far less peeling and my hands are way better off because of the combo. Strongly recommend
Love this chalk. Also doesn't dry out my skin as much.
This is the best chalk I have used yet! I have used the unicorn chalk which is nice but I feel like I blow through a bag everyday. Where the gorilla lasts a lot longer at least a month climbing three days a week.
Friction Labs is simply the best chalk brand out there… Alongside the great design and packaging, the unicorn dust is perfect.
Unicorn dust is soo good! 5 star full on full!
Much crush, so gnar
I would never go back to using any other chalk but this. Works best with my hands and keeps them chalked as I send crazy stuff. Keep up the great work!!
This is the only chalk I will ever use! It is not only the best chalk money can buy, but also, it keeps your hands so dry that sometimes, I find myself washing my hands 4 times before I don't feel it on my skin anymore. Combine with secret stuff to make your hands like suction cups on the holds.
Once you go FrictionLabs, you never go back. By far the best chalk I've ever used - keeps your hands dry, doesn't get slimy.
Best chalk ever.
I'm very happy with my unicorn dust chalk and I'll definitely be buying it again!
Best chalk ever
Use the unicorn dust chalk just after putting on Secret Stuff - an unbeatable combination!
it tastes great and is much smoother in my morning shakes than other brands. /s. Great chalk, lasts longer on your HANDS than other brands.
wanted to try out some new chalk, love it so far. The super chunky hasn't seemed to kick up as much dust out of my bag as other loose chalk and sticks to my fingers very well.
I have tried several brands of chalks over the years and in my opinion nothing compares to bam bam super chunky high performance chalk. The chalk stays on your hands longer and you don't have to reapply every time you want to work on a new problem. I have recommended this chalk to all my friends, who are now all loyal supporters of friction lab.
The pure chalk has good performance on kettlebell handles...
it was great! I have been using this for a year
I didn't want to believe it but this stuff really does work better, especially for warm weather climbing. I still use basic chalk for board sessions but for outdoor routes this is the new standard. Worth the cost? Depends how bad you want to send your project...
High Performance Chalk
Best chalk on the market!
I got my first Friction Labs Unicorn Dust for my birthday over the summer, and I am officially hooked. It's really soft, and coats my hands with a quick dip. I find that I end up using less chalk overall with Friction Labs products, which is ultimately better for me and better for the routes I climb. I have also tried Secret Stuff, which I really love in the summer when my hands get super sweaty. A little bit goes a long way!
I won't use anything else.
Bam Bam is super pure and covers my hands very well. I have been especially impressed with how long it lasts on my fingers. It gives me the confidence to push harder especially on the last couple of moves of each climb!
Stays drier and lasts longer than other chalk brands. Had to get past the habit of dipping my hands into the chalk bucket all the time!
It was great chalk that can quickly. Highly recommended
Sending all my rig's and checking boxes since! - F.L. Lifer
Eversince I started using FrictionLabs Unicorn Dust my climbing life had forever changed. Thanks FrictionLabs you're the best!
Hands down, the best chalk on the market!
I don't buy anything else. This stuff is the shizz. :-)
unicorn dust, made up of the ashes of unicorns. left my hands dry and the desert sun. sending the climbs of my nightmares with ease putting my rest at ease. highly recommend.
Awesome chalk for hanging onto the barbell, pull-up bar, kettlebell, dumbbell, battle rope, etc.!!!!! Fantastic products, won't go back to the other stuff!
I like unicorn dust it's the best chalk
Unicorn Dust chalk performs far better for me than anything else I've ever tried. It's very soft on my skin, but lasts longer than any other that I've used. Highly recommended!


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Joined: 11 Aug 2006
Posts: 1065
Location: Florida
Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 7:25 pm
Post subject:
Re: the K4 fins, I also have a pair of 12 cm Ezzy Assymetric fins that I am using on my Quattro Thruster that replaced the stock 12 cm MFC fins. I also really like them, the board carves a really nice top turn. If anything I think the board is marginally easier to get planing with them, but more likely my imagination than fact. I haven't had much experience slogging with them, but when powered up they go upwind a lot better than the stock fins.
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Joined: 10 Jul 2000
Posts: 230
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 8:14 am
Post subject:
anyone have the PW 75 liter ? I just got one second hand. Haven't taken it out yet. I plan on sailing this with my 4.6 down to 3.8. Was wondering about the fin setup. Stock in 16 center, 10 sides. Was thinking that i may be changing this down the road. But would like to get some "real" world experience of different setups that people have used. I weigh 175.
(I have a 85L fanatic freewave which came stock 19 center 11 sides. I switched to 20 center and 11 sides and it made the board ride much better for me, at least with my 4.6 and 4.2)
GOt to try out the pocketwave 75. Ended up just doing a few runs as the wind went nuclear. Fully powered on a 3.8. I found the fins to be good...but not great. Needed to get the board up to full speed. Otherwise it seemed the fins would just spinout on me. Could of been the mast track too far back (i since moved it forward anout 1cm). When i was moving...the fins seemed to hold pretty good. Need ot tinker with it a few more times. But fun board !!
btw.... i measured my side fins. Mine seem to have toe in....albeit a degree or so. But i can visually see it...and measure.
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Joined: 17 Nov 2009
Posts: 151
Posted: Wed May 28, 2014 6:15 pm
Post subject:
Nice reading through this thread to get some tips from people sailing the tabou boards. I have a tabou dc 79 2011, i have mainly been sailing it in side off conditions and love it. The past week i took it out to some side on and onshore conditions, waist to head high. I know that is not the best board for those conditions and i had some trouble getting it up and planing quick enough to be able to get through the watewater fast enough.
So i was wondering do you guys have any tips to get that board a little quicker up and going? i have ordered k4 rockets and looking forward to see what that does to the board but how about mast track and fin positioning do you have any tips on what is the best onshore setup?
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Joined: 06 Jul 2001
Posts: 4838
Location: Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Colorado
Posted: Wed May 28, 2014 7:28 pm
Post subject:
both Rockets and Stubbys work well for me.
Shark teeth in 8 or 10cm
On other than Tabou
K4 fins
4Boards....May the fours be with you
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Joined: 17 Nov 2009
Posts: 151
Posted: Thu May 29, 2014 1:15 pm
Post subject:
so rockets, stubbys and sharktooth work well for you on other boards then tabou?
what about mast track positioning, any particular setting that you guys recommend?
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Joined: 06 Jul 2001
Posts: 4838
Location: Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Colorado
Posted: Thu May 29, 2014 2:18 pm
Post subject:
Hi Rexi
I have some time on a Tabou quad, and do not see the bottom shape or any other aspect to be unique that , the K4s will not work and work well, which ones and size will be the ?? for you.
generally speaking , mast base in the middle, establish a base line, then for early planing move FORWARD , about 1cm at a time, be aware that the board is a WAVE board, and while early planing will exist among wave boards, but no so early as a FSW
I think Boards UK forum may have more input for your Tabou..
K4 fins
4Boards....May the fours be with you
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Joined: 22 Apr 2005
Posts: 83
Posted: Thu May 29, 2014 2:34 pm
Post subject: Tabou Wave Board Owners Forum
skyking1231 Posted: 08 Nov 2013 13:14 wrote:
"anyone have the PW 75 liter ? I just got one second hand. Haven't taken it out yet. I plan on sailing this with my 4.6 down to 3.8. Was wondering about the fin setup"
Skyking, I own a 2013 Tabou Pocket Wave 93 liter and have sailed it extensively over the last year in both ocean/waves and sound side B&J sailing conditions from 4.5 to 6.2 conditions. I weigh 200 pounds so the 93 is a good fit for me. I love this board for its versatility and strong performance across such a wide range and variety of sailing conditions. I am sure you will find the same experience with your 75 the more you ride it.
As for fins I find that the Pocket Wave peforms much better in non-wavesailing venues with a single fin. I use a 25cm MFC San Carlos Weed Wave with mine and it works great. For wavesailing I switch to the tri-fin mode for more surfing performance out of the board. At my weight I use a 20cm rear fin with the two stock Zinger 11cm fins and am now experimenting with K4 12 and 10cm 2 degree toe-in fins. I may try a 21 cm single fin with the 10's too. However, in more side-on waves the single fin still works very well and offers better upwind capability.
Based on my experiences with the PW93 I would think the PW 75 would also do very well with a single fin in the 21-22cm range for B&J type conditions and then use your tri-fin mode for maximizing its surfing potential when wave riding.
Good winds and waves,
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Joined: 23 Apr 2009
Posts: 217
Posted: Thu May 29, 2014 2:51 pm
Post subject:
I've been using various fins on a 2012 da curve 74 and a 2012 pocket 80. Here are what I have tried....
Da Curve 74:
Stock tabou fronts 14cm flexi rears (quad)
Ezzy 2 degree 12cm fronts 14cm flexi rear (tri)
Ezzy 2 degree 8cm fronts 14cm stubby rear (quad)
Pocket 80:
20cm black project epic wave (single)
Ezzy 2 degree 12cm fronts 15cm stubby rear (tri)
For the da curve I went through a tri fin phase to try and make the board a little quicker to plane and faster overall to see if I could get a little more range out of the board. That was the case, but when I tried the board again in quad mode I just realized how much more loose and playful it is on the wave. Once on the wave, the quad is also faster. I think Andy mentioned this as well in an earlier reply. The quad is also better at getting upwind which is important in wave sailing. I was however using a relatively small 14cm flexi which didn't help in that category. Overall, I prefer the stubbies over the flexies. They just have a little sharper feel. For me the 8/14 quad setup is perfect for the da curve 74.
For the Pocket, the 12/15 cm tri fin is perfect. I also really like this board with the black project epic wave. This is an incredible fin. I don't sail the pocket all that much since I love the da curve soooo much and am willing to stay on it even when it gets pretty marginal. I have also realized that what I want from my big board is an amazing surf and slogger which is more important to me than full time planning power. At 165lbs this translates to a bigger volume, but narrower outline than the pocket. To be honest, the pocket is just a little too wide for me. As a lightweight, I just don't need all that width. So she's got to go. I do know I'll miss her though, cuz she's perfect for summer at Waddell when its small and light - also incredible for b&j which I'll moss for my odd bay session.
I'm running the track on both the da curve and pocket about 2cm back from center. Straps on the pocket are all the way back. Straps on the da curve are second from back with the jumping side using the outboard angle and the riding side the inboard angle.
Last edited by xander.arch on Thu May 29, 2014 3:01 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Joined: 17 Nov 2009
Posts: 151
Posted: Thu May 29, 2014 2:55 pm
Post subject:
ahh.. now get where you are going u2u2u2, sorry didn´t quite understand at first. Thanks for all the input in here.
I have just tried the standard fins so far and they are pretty much in the middle. but now i have a pair of 14s stubbies and then on the way 16.5 rocket rears and 8s in the front. Looking forward to try it out some more.
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Joined: 17 Nov 2009
Posts: 151
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 4:32 am
Post subject:
Got my rockets in the mail yesterday along with 5.0 onshore wind and waves. Opening the package i noticed that the front fins were missing!! %$&#/&$%#!
Well anyway, i ordered big back fins 16.5 and tried the board like that, set up as a twin. I must say i was really impressed, i sailed it a bit with that setup and then tried it as well with the original fins. With the rockets it was quicker to get going, was really loose and no problems with too little grip, suited the conditions really well.
So first impressions of the dacurve in twin mode were pretty fantastic
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The purpose of the horror novel is to frighten. From aliens to zombies, clowns to snakes, and the subtle to the grotesque, there is something for everyone to be scared of.
Get the shivers with these titles.
|The Accursed
|Joyce Carol Oates
|Asbury Park
|Rob Scott
|Bad Glass
|Richard E. Gropp
|By the Light of the Moon
|Dean Koontz
|Darkness Rising
|Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson
|Full Dark, No Stars
|Stephen King
|Little Star
|John Ajvide Lindqvist
|Joe Hill
|Scott Sigler
|Red Moon
|Benjamin Percy
|Red Rain
|R. L. Stine
|The Return Man
|V. M. Zito
|The Ritual
|Adam Nevill
|The Unwelcomed Child
|V. C. Andres
|The Vanishing
|Wendy Webb
|The Waking that Kills
|Stephen Gregory
|Zone One
|Colson Whitehead


text:
Car Review
2013 Volkswagen Jetta: New Car Review
Pros: Roomy back seat; ample cargo space; refined ride; great optional turbodiesel engine; handy SportWagen is based on the upscale old Jetta.
Cons: Bargain-bin interior look (sedan); iPod/Bluetooth not offered below $20,000; subpar fuel economy in 2.0L and 2.5L models.
What's New: Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on every 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The GLI gets standard launch control with the automatic transmission and can be equipped with bi-Xenon headlights and a rearview camera. The SEL gets the GLI-spec soft-touch dashboard, and the TDI lineup will follow suit during the year.
Stay tuned for coverage of the Jetta Hybrid, which is slated for a late fall/early winter debut.
When it comes to selling cars, a low price usually trumps whatever critics have to say. That's certainly true of the latest Volkswagen Jetta, which has been panned in the press for its obvious cost-cutting measures but sells like hotcakes anyway thanks to its rock-bottom starting price. In other words, Volkswagen could simply ignore folks like us and keep raking in the profits. But instead the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta features improvements that seem designed to get critics and car buyers on the same page.
Most notably, the sporty GLI sedan and the SportWagen are no longer the only Jettas with a soft-touch dashboard. For 2013, the SEL sedan with the 2.5-liter engine gets one, too, and every Jetta TDI sedan will have gone soft by the end of the year. It might seem like a small gesture, but the uptick in perceived quality is dramatic. Moreover, the rear drum brakes that we complained about last year have been replaced by superior discs on every 2013 Jetta.
That said, we remain unimpressed by the budget-priced base sedan, the one starting under $17,000. Not only does this model have a low-budget looking interior, it's also saddled with a 2.0-liter engine that first appeared in the 1993 Jetta.
Accordingly, we're still not as bullish as the buying public on what this VW has to offer. But with the 2013 lineup's laudable tweaks, we're ready to reinstate the Jetta's membership in the must-drive club. Kudos to Volkswagen for looking beyond the sales numbers and refusing to rest on their laurels.
Comfort & Utility
The Jetta comes as either a sedan or a wagon (SportWagen) in four basic trim levels defined by engine: sedan-only 2.0L, 2.5L, TDI and sedan-only GLI. Each trim comes with different optional packages.
The entry-level 2.0L S features 15-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, heated exterior mirrors, air conditioning, height-adjustable front seats, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, cloth upholstery and a 4-speaker audio system with an auxiliary input. The 2.0L S with Sunroof adds a sunroof, a front center console with an armrest and cruise control.
The 2.5L SE gets all of the above plus 16-in steel wheels, partial power front seats, leatherette upholstery, leather trim (for the steering wheel, shift knob and handbrake lever) and a rear center armrest. The 2.5L SE with Convenience adds 16-in alloy wheels, heated front seats, steering-wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth connectivity and a 6-speaker sound system with iPod integration.
If that's not enough luxury for you, there are two additional 2.5-liter Jettas. The 2.5L SE with Convenience and Sunroof adds a sunroof and a touchscreen stereo interface with an SD-card reader, while the 2.5 SEL tacks on 17-in alloy wheels, fog lights, grippier front seats with driver lumbar adjustment, keyless entry with push-button ignition, a soft-touch dashboard, an SD-based navigation system and a multifunction trip computer. The SEL can also be outfitted with a navigation system and a 400-watt Fender-branded audio system with a subwoofer.
The base TDI model gets mostly the same equipment as the 2.5L SE with Convenience, but note that the entire TDI lineup will feature the soft-touch dashboard by the end of the year. The TDI with Premium contributes a sunroof and the Fender audio system with a touchscreen interface. The TDI with Premium and Navigation brings 17-in alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, fog lights, keyless entry with push-button start, driver lumbar adjustment and the SD-based navigation system.
The base GLI comes with different 17-in alloy wheels, a subtle exterior body kit, red-painted brake calipers, fog lights, darkened taillights, sport pedals, red interior stitching, front sport seats with driver lumbar adjustment, cloth upholstery, a soft-touch dashboard, iPod/Bluetooth connectivity and the 6-speaker touchscreen stereo.
The GLI Autobahn adds 18-in alloy wheels, a sunroof, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, heated washer nozzles, a cooling glovebox, dual-zone automatic climate control and the Fender audio system. The GLI Autobahn with navigation throws in bi-Xenon headlights with LED accents, keyless entry with push-button start and the SD-based navigation system with a rearview camera.
The SportWagen has a slightly different options structure, starting with a unique 2.5L S model that's basically a hybrid of the sedan's 2.0L S and 2.5L SE trims in terms of equipment. Also available as a TDI, the SportWagen has the same general feature set as the sedan, but it's a little fancier and pricier.
In our interior evaluation, we noted that the Jetta's standard front seats offer VW's familiar firm support, especially when the available lumbar adjustment is present. Lateral support is lacking, however, unless you get the sporty GLI, which has special sport seats that feature prominent side bolsters. The standard tilt-telescopic steering wheel and height-adjustable driver's seat help short and tall drivers alike find a comfort zone at the Jetta's helm.
Although the Jetta ostensibly competes against compact cars like the Civic and Corolla, its back seat is closer to midsize. Even 6-footers will have no problem fitting in the Jetta's rear quarters, and there's considerably more real-world legroom than in the diminutive Golf. We don't think it would have killed VW to make a rear center armrest standard on the base 2.0L sedan, but now we're picking nits. Overall, the Jetta's back seat is a major plus.
At 15.5 cu-ft, the sedan's trunk is huge relative to what the competition offers; the typical compact sedan's trunk checks in around 13 cu-ft. As for the SportWagen, it's got 32.8 cu-ft behind the rear seatbacks and 66.9 cu-ft with those seatbacks folded down. That's crossover SUV territory.
It's not surprising that the stripped-down 2.0L doesn't offer iPod or Bluetooth connectivity, but we're disappointed that the cheapest Jetta to offer these features is the 2.5L SE with Convenience, which lists at over $20,000. Moreover, if you want to use storage media in your Jetta, you'll have to step up to the pricier 2.5L SE with Convenience and Sunroof (or just the 2.5L SE if it's a SportWagen), and even then you only get an SD-card reader, not a USB port.
The Jetta does offer some appealing technology though, including an intuitive touchscreen audio system and an SD-based navigation system, not to mention a crisp-sounding Fender stereo (sedan-only). Just be prepared to pay a little more than you might expect.
Performance & Fuel Economy
The Jetta 2.0L is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 rated at 115 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed manual is the standard transmission (it's what keeps the price under $17,000), with a 6-speed automatic available as an option. We're having a hard time thinking of a less appealing engine in any car on the market. It's dramatically underpowered by current standards, and while fuel economy is passable with the manual at 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway, it's a dreadful 23/29 mpg with the automatic.
Fortunately, the Jetta 2.5L is much more pleasant thanks to its 2.5-liter inline-5, which makes 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque with the same transmission choices. Haters love to hate on this engine, but honestly we can't get enough of its distinctive 5-cylinder growl. It's got strong midrange torque, too. Fuel economy is again lackluster, however, at 23/33 mpg with the manual and 24/31 mpg with the automatic.
The Jetta TDI swaps out the inline-5 for a 2.0-liter turbodiesel inline-4 rated at 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual. Although the Jetta TDI is hardly a fast car, the turbodiesel's strong low-end torque makes quick bursts a breeze. It's ideal for passing and merging in urban areas. Fuel economy is outstanding at 30/42 mpg with either transmission in the sedan, though the SportWagen drops to 29/39 mpg with the dual-clutch automatic.
Finally, the Jetta GLI features the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 as the GTI hot hatch. Rated at 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, the GLI's engine is notable for its assertive torque across the rev range, as well as pretty respectable speed when you're pushing it. Fuel economy is a plus as well, checking in at 22/33 mpg with the 6-speed manual and 24/32 with the 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual.
The Jetta comes with standard stability control and six airbags (front, front side and full-length side curtain). Every Jetta now features 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. Previously, lower sedan trims were stuck with inferior rear drum brakes.
In government crash testing, the Jetta sedan received four stars out five overall, including four starts for frontal impacts and five stars for side impacts. The government hasn't crash tested the SportWagen using its latest methodology, but the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave both the Jetta sedan and the SportWagen its highest rating of Good in every crash test category.
Driving Impressions
Much initial attention was given to the current Jetta's rear suspension, which was demoted to a less sophisticated torsion-beam setup except in the GLI and SportWagen. But to our surprise, the Jetta still delivers that classic German blend of suppleness and athleticism. In normal driving, the Jetta's ride may strike some as a bit firm, but impact harshness is rarely an issue. It's a pretty refined car overall.
Speaking of the GLI, we expected it to feel like a GTI sedan on secondary roads, but in truth the GLI is closer to a Jetta 2.5 SEL with a better engine. Handling is competent but not especially sporty. No shame in that, though; the GLI still offers a compelling medley of virtues, and the price is right.
Other Cars to Consider
Ford Focus - Raised on European roads, the Focus actually out-Euros the Jetta with its slick athleticism.
Hyundai Elantra - The lightweight Elantra naturally lacks the Jetta's Germanic solidity, but we like its compact, nimble feel, not to mention its excellent fuel economy and value for the dollar.
Mazda3 - Provided you find the model's grinning face endearing, try one out with the SkyActiv 4-cylinder engine. It gets great fuel economy while retaining Mazda's fun-to-drive edge.
AutoTrader Recommends
We think the SportWagen TDI is the pick of the litter, delivering the cargo capacity of an SUV and the fuel economy of a subcompact.