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Monday, December 14, 2015
Trader Joe's Chocolate Marbles
Trader Joe's often has the most wonderful seasonal confections. They're often reasonably priced and unique items that are hard to find anywhere else. Many of the items at Trader Joe's for 2015 are returning from previous years, including their cordials, passport chocolate stacks and Belgian chocolates. The newest item that caught my eye are the Trader Joe's Chocolate Marbles.
There's nothing particularly wintery or holiday about them. They're just chocolate spheres filled with different pralines. There are six varieties, each sphere is then given a mottled color coating to distinguish it from the others. There are ten marbles in the package. It's just shy of 5 ounces, so each piece is about 4/10 of an ounce. The flavors are: caramel, coconut, praline & almond, and chocolate mousse. The description on the Trader Joe's website goes like this:
Almond Praline (Green), Hazelnut Praline (Orange), Chocolate Mousse (Blue), Coconut (White), Caramel (Brown), Crispy Cookie (Yellow)
They're about the same size as a Lindt Lindor Truffle, but really the similarities end there.
The tray is wonderful for protecting the candies, but makes it devilishly hard to get them out, they're tucked in there and I couldn't quite grab a single. All I would end up doing is spinning it around in its little cup. However, once out, the slightly bumpy outside means that they're not as rolly as some spherical chocolates. (Sixlets probably max out the scale at a 10 and these are probably about a 4 - they can sit on a flat surface but anything raked and they will go with gravity.)
The lovely medium blue marble is filled with Chocolate Mousse. The shell is dark chocolate with a milk chocolate filling. The filling is soft and creamy and definitely sweet. It's light but I wouldn't call it a mousse. The dark shell was different enough from the filling, but if I wasn't told what this flavor was, I'm not sure I'd guess it. However, it's quite different from the Lindor, it's much more dense in flavor with less of that thin oily feel on the tongue.
The white marble is filled with a chocolate cream with Coconut. This was rather mainstream tasting, very pleasing for my American palette. This was the only one I was able to pick out by scent. The chocolate was sweet and the little crispy coconut bits did make it all pop a lot more than the more delicate praline pieces.
The brown marble is filled with two half domes of Caramel. It tastes like a lot more chocolate on this one, but the caramel holds its own. The caramel is a bit more of the saucy side than chew. The flavor is quite deep, with scorched and burnt sugar notes particularly strong. There were also a lot of milk flavors, more than the other pieces, so that may have been part of the caramel.
I think this was my favorite of the assortment, because it was so different from most American and British caramels. The only drawback I noticed after the third or fourth piece was that the colorful coating was a little waxy and though it seals in the flavors and keeps them from melting if you hold them in your hand for a few minutes ... it's a shellac and rather tastes like it.
The yellow marble is filled with a Crispy Cookie praline. I was expecting this to be like a Speculoos, but it's not a spiced cookie.
It's a milk shell with a milk chocolate paste in the center and little cereal or cookie bits. It was a little malty and a little corny… when I say corny, I actually mean it tasted like corn nuts or polenta or something. It was not as sweet as some of the other milk chocolate pieces and definitely different.
Green - Almond Praline has a darker chocolate shell, though I'm not sure if it's full dark chocolate. It balanced the almond praline pretty well. It's not marzipan, it's more of an almond butter mixed with a touch of cocoa and sugar. It's sticky and satisfying, but doesn't have a strong jolt of almond flavor.
The orange marble is filled with Hazelnut Praline. This is quite sweet but has a very good roasted hazelnut flavor. The filling is more paste with a definite crystallized sugar grain to it. It doesn't have the smooth melt of the mousse, so it's a bit sticky. I thought the milk chocolate shell made it all too sweet, but the lingering toasted nut flavors really kept it from being cloying afterwards.
I think these are a great hostess gift, excellent for using as an accent to a dessert plate of holiday cookies, or tossing in a little dish with some snacks. The price, for the quality and unique appearance, is quite good.
These are made in France, is suspect by the same confectioner that made the Magic Beans. The ingredients look good, all natural things, even natural colorings They contain milk, wheat, hazelnut, almond, soy, coconut. May also contain traces of chestnut, pistachio, walnut and/or eggs.
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Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Snickers Crisper
Next month Mars is introducing a new Snickers variant, the Snickers Crisper. The new bar boasts multiple textures and "delivers on [Snickers] satisfaction pledge with the chew of caramel and the crunchy crispiness of rice and peanuts."
Like the recent Snickers Peanut Butter Squared that came out five years ago, these are actually two squares in one package instead of a single bar.
The new bar is supposed to be in response to consumers wanting healthier options. I'm not sure what would make this bar healthier than a regular Snickers, though this one has crisped rice in it, instead of nougat and is actually 12 grams lighter, which means fewer calories per serving.
Each square is about 1.25 inches on each side. They're about two or three bites.
The bar smells well roasted and a bit like toffee. The bite is very soft, the caramel on top has a lot of give to it, but not much pull. The chew has a nice texture, with the peanut butter coated crisped rice as a highlight. It's quite sweet though there's also a hint of salt. I don't get much more peanut butter or sort of thick satisfaction that I find in a regular Snickers. I do enjoy the malty notes of the rice though as well as the few peanut scattered about. I think I just wanted more peanut butter and less sweetness.
About ten years ago there was another bar called the Snickers Cruncher, which was similar: it was a peanut butter coated crisped rice bar with caramel coated in chocolate. It was all one bar and actually really good. When they disappeared in the United States, I was still able to find them in Europe (and a few sellers on eBay would import them).
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Thursday, October 8, 2015
Tastykake Fall Kandy Kakes: Salted Caramel and Karrot Kake
The Tasty Baking Company has been based in Philadelphia since 1914. Back in 1930 they introduced a new snack cake called the Tandy Take which was eventually renamed in 1974 to Kandy Kakes (to avoid confusion with the Tandy Company). These were the snack cakes of my childhood. I'm not sure if I had a Twinkie until I was in college,but Kandy Kakes, I'd had plenty of those.
Their most popular item is the Peanut Butter Kandy Kake (they bake a half a million a day as of 2014), which was also my favorite of their products. The Peanut Butter Kandy Kake is a disk of sponge cake (or maybe angel food cake) with a stripe of peanut butter covered in mockolate. Their second most popular item, the Butterscotch Krimpet is also a curious creation made of a sponge cake (sort of like a Twinkie) but with crinkle cut edges and a butterscotch frosting. (Pennsylvania is kind of known for butterscotch confections, see also the Boyer Smoothie cups.)
When I was growing up there was still regionalism for baked goods, Tastykake was really a local company, though recently they expanded south and also took over production of the Hostess brands including Twinkies. This year Tastykake announced West Coast distribution for their more popular items. (Though it says on their website they're available at some of my local stores, I still haven't found them on shelves.)
For those of you just discovering this nostalgic brand, you should catch up with this add for Tastykake, I'd say it's from around 1975, starring Betty White:
First off, are Kandy Kakes even candy and do they belong on the blog? Well, I've debated about this for a while. For the past few years when I travel to Pennsylvania, I've usually come back with a box (or two) of the Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes. They fit most of my rules for candy in that they're sweet, portable, shelf stable and require no preparation to eat. However, they're also baked (but then again so are Twix). I also have the same problem with chocolate covered pretzels. What pushed me over the edge with this review is the fact that Tastykake offered these new Fall flavors: Salted Caramel Kandy Kakes and Karrot Kake Kandy Kakes.
First off, Kandy Kakes is a strange name. Substituting letters in a standard word is usually an indication of lesser quality, just like chocolatey denotes something not-quite-chocolate. Not only that, Tastykake and their product line has a lot of Ks in it. A lot. It's like they're going for something wacky (this all predates the Kardashian ownership of the letter).
So, the name might be a bit juvenile, but maybe it's also supposed to be delightful. Betty White said some nice things about the ingredients in her commercial in Tastykakes, but for reference here's what's in the Salted Caramel Kandy Kakes (yes, I transcribed all this, so forgive any spelling errors as many of these ingredients don't come up in spellcheck):
The Salted Caramel are described as cakes with chocolate flavored coating and salted caramel filling (naturally and artificially flavored).
The large box (a half a pound) holds 6 of these packages of twin cakes. They're actually a little weird out of the box because there's no indication of which flavor it is. (So if I had the Peanut Butter version out of the box, I wouldn't know ... that little BN initial on the package, what does that mean?)
There's 90 calories per cake, so the pair is only 180 ... for 1.3 ounces, so not really a low calorie product, just its size helps with portion control.
They smell sweet, but not like anything in particular. The chocolatey coating is noticeably thin and fake. The bite is nice, the cake is soft and a little dry but that's balanced pretty well by the caramel stripe on top. The caramel is quite salty, though there are only 95 mg per pair. The mockolate is terrible, far more noticeably terrible on the salted caramel version than the peanut butter. There's no cocoa flavor and certainly no creamy cocoa butter experience. There's not even any milk in that fake milk chocolate.
It's pretty dreadful. Maybe I'm not a good judge of pastries, or petit fours or whatever category these should be in, but they're not actually good candy.
The Karrot Kake Kandy Kakes sound good in theory. But in reality the white coating is suspiciously white. It's not milky white, though at least this white konfectionery koating has nonfat milk in it. The coating has more titanium dioxide in it than soy lecithin.
However, they do smell good. They smell like a nice spice cake ... a little nutmeg, a little cinnamon, maybe a touch of clove and sweet milk. The bite is soft and a little more substantial than the Salted Caramel as this cake is actually carrot cake ... there's actually carrot in there and even some raisin paste, orange puree and coconut. The white coating is filmy and there's another creamy layer in there that's kind of like cream cheese or perhaps unscented foot balm.
It's a great idea but the coating completely ruins it for me. (Now, a salted caramel stripe in there and maybe an actual white chocolate coating ... but then we're into actual petit four world, not cheap snack cakes.
The cakes are made on shared equipment with peanuts and tree nuts and contain milk, soy and coconut.
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POSTED BY Cybele AT 2:56 pm Candy • Review • Caramel • Cookie • Kosher • Limited Edition • Mockolate • 3-Unappealing • United States •
Monday, August 24, 2015
Hershey's Dark Chocolate Caramels
The new Hershey's Dark Chocolate Caramels were introduced this summer with a large advertising push. I've seen commercials and large displays at convenience stores.
The Hershey's Dark Chocolate Caramels (and their Milk Chocolate siblings) are a rather pedestrian extension of the Hershey's brand. They're sold in either a pair of caramels in a single package or a stand up bag of something less than a half a pound. The price point makes you think that this is a premium product, I paid $4.29 for 7.2 ounces.
The packaging looks nice and does a good job of protecting the freshness and attractiveness of the product, but it's maddeningly hard to open. Each caramel is individually wrapped and of the 13 or so pieces in the bag, I was able to open two without the aid of scissors. I can only assume that this is to either help with portion control or help the consumer work off some extra calories wandering around the house trying to figure out where the good scissors went.
My frustrations with the wrappers were ameliorated by the fact that every single caramel was gorgeous. They're lovely rounded squares with a lightly domed top of thick dark chocolate. (Well, I don't know how dark it actually is, the ingredients only call it semi-sweet and it contains milk fat.)
They smell nice, a mixture of brownies and hot chocolate. The bite is easy and soft, but not a runny caramel like the Cadbury Caramello bar. The caramel has an excellent smooth texture and good stringy pull, but it's not quite stiff enough to satisfy me. The chocolate is passable, smooth and not chalky, and not too sweet.
The whole experience is lacking something, perhaps I'm spoiled by my comparably priced Trader Joe's Butterscotch which strike me as a far better deal both because the price is better, the ingredients are a bit clearer and of course they taste fantastic or the far easier to find Storck Chocolate Riesen. I don't see Hershey's new product line surviving in the long run, they're just not distinctive enough.
These caramels are made in Mexico and are made on equipment that also processes macadamia nuts, almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts. Contains soy and milk. There's no mention of gluten.
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POSTED BY Cybele AT 3:41 pm Candy • Review • Hershey's • Caramel • Chocolate • Kosher • 7-Worth It • Mexico • Walgreen's •
Monday, July 6, 2015
Brach's Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites
Brach's has reintroduced their whole line of chocolate panned candies over the past two years. They've redone their classic Bridge Mix and now have several varieties of chocolate covered nuts. One of the surprising new items is Brach's Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites.
The gussetted, resealable bag holds a half of a pound. Like most other Brach's products, the description on the package is only contained in the product name ... nothing else to go on except the very long ingredients list.
The image on the bag shows some chocolate pieces, and then a cross section of the actual candies ... sitting next to that is a rustic pretzel nugget and a little square of caramel. That is really not what the product is.
The little spheres are a great size, about the same size as a garbanzo bean or hazelnut. The milk chocolate coating is shiny and the bag had a nice sweet scent, a little on the milky side. The pieces have a good crunch, the pretzel center isn't too hard or crumbly. The pretzel flavor was good, not too much of the washed crust that can get kind of bitter, and no big bits of salt. But upon eating the pieces, this is where the caramel part comes in. The caramel is actually little shards mixed into the milk chocolate. So at first it's just a pretzel with some milk chocolate, but after chewing, the chocolate melts away and the starchy pretzel dissolves ... and what was left was some sort of tacky residue of hard caramel. It was weird and kind of waxy and unpleasant.
So, after a while I took to letting the milk chocolate melt away instead of crunching them up, but that was unsatisfying because then my pretzel would get mushy before the caramel bits were all gone. I've had other confections like almonds, that had a little toffee coating before the milk chocolate, I'm not sure why that wasn't the process here.
I'll pass on these in the future, which is too bad because it's a unique selling proposition in the rather crowded field of morselized products.
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POSTED BY Cybele AT 3:28 pm Candy • Morselization • Review • Brach's • Ferrara Pan • Caramel • Chocolate • Cookie • 5-Pleasant • United States • Walgreen's •
Monday, June 15, 2015
Russell Stover Pecan Delight Minis
Russell Stover is probably best known for the inexpensive boxed chocolates sold at drug stores. I happen to like them for their holiday novelty candies, but more recently they've tried to get into everyday snacking with their Big Bite pieces. At first these were just larger versions of the seasonal favorites, but more recent items are completely original to the format. The opposite spectrum of this trend is morselization ... and Russell Stover has introduced some teensy versions of their more popular items. I picked up their Russell Stover Pecan Delight Minis, which are nugget-sized pecan turtles.
These candies that have the word pecan as the first word in their name and they need more pecans. A lot more pecans. Currently they're little pecan bits, where are nice, they're a good textural element, but they're not dense enough ... I need some crunch in my chewy caramel and creamy milk chocolate.
The size is good, they're poppable. The vague sprinkling of pecans does give a woodsy maple note to the whole thing, the tough of salty is just about right. The caramel is a little too flavored and not authentically caramelized sugar and cream.
As a candy, they about as good as other morsel things at the same price. They're certainly better than Brach's. I can't say that I liked these better than the Demet's Minis, which also suffer from too few pecans, but I do think the chocolate is of better quality here. (And less expensive.)
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POSTED BY Cybele AT 4:44 pm Candy • Morselization • Review • Russell Stover • Caramel • Chocolate • Nuts • 6-Tempting • United States • Walgreen's •
Monday, June 8, 2015
Mars Milky Way Marshmallow with Caramel
Mars has been teasing quite a few new candy items lately, the first one to hit store shelves will be their Milky Way Marshmallow with Caramel Bar. The press release says it delivers a magnificent combination of fluffy marshmallow nougat covered with a layer of smooth caramel, enrobed in creamy milk chocolate.
Limited Edition bar should hit shelves in July or August ... when they're gone, they're gone. (Though sometimes Mars will bring back a limited edition item.) The Impulsive Buy readers have already spotted them in the wild.
The bar looks good. The fluffy white nougat is definitely different from the normal Milky Way nougat. The scent is also a change from the traditional Milky Way, it's less malty, less milky smelling. There's a slight vanilla note to it, even before biting.
It's a very sweet but clean tasting bar. There's no lingering malty notes, not as much of a salty hint either. It tastes fresh. So if the concept of the Milky Way bar appealed to you, but the fact that the nougat was malty was holding you back, this might be the bar for you. Is it marshmallowy? No, the texture of the nougat is not smooth, not as fluffy as actual marshmallow. However, if you're a vegetarian, the fact that it's a nougat (made with egg whites) and not a marshmallow (made with gelatin) might be a selling point.
The bar contains soy, egg and milk and also may contain traces of peanuts. There's no statement on gluten.
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POSTED BY Cybele AT 3:49 pm Candy • Review • Mars • Caramel • Chocolate • Kosher • Limited Edition • Nougat • 7-Worth It • United States •
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Snickers Mixed Nuts
It's been a while since Mars has done something new with the Snickers bar. Sure, they miniaturized it, and brought back the Snickers Rockin' Nut Road Bar, but nothing innovative has come along in a few years.
Mars announced last month that they're releasing a new limited edition bar in November nationwide. It's called SNICKERS Mixed Nuts Bar. They bill it as a satisfying mix of peanuts, almonds and hazelnuts combined with SNICKERS® Brand caramel and nougat, all coated with creamy milk chocolate.
Mars sent me some samples of their new candy bars, so I thought I'd give a preview. I think it's an exciting concept to include so many different kinds of nuts in one bar.
This is a strange bar, because of its mixed status there's not quite enough of any of its elements. It smells a bit like peanuts, but not as peanutty as a regular Snickers. The nougat is salty and the caramel chewy, all the nuts are crunchy ... the almonds are especially bold and I do recall at least two hazelnuts. If I sound disjointed, that's the bar right there. It's a stop and a start, I kind of got going with a nice almond and then there were some peanuts. I'm more mellow than Snickers, more bold than Snickers Almond.
In addition to the milk, eggs, soy, hazelnuts, almonds, and peanuts, the bars may also contain traces of other tree nuts. There's no statement about gluten.
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POSTED BY Cybele AT 12:59 pm Candy • Review • Snickers • Mars • Caramel • Chocolate • Kosher • Limited Edition • Nougat • Nuts • Peanuts • 6-Tempting • United States •
Meticulously photographed and documented reviews of candy from around the world. And the occasional other sweet adventures. Open your mouth, expand your mind.


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Apostles (unknown):
- Apostle Aquila, bishop and husband of Apostle Priscilla, martyred July 14.
- Apostle Aristobulus brother of Barnabas, March 16.
- Apostle Artemas
- Apostle Asyncritus
- Apostle Barnabas
- Cornelius the Centurion, first Gentile convert (Acts 10:10-16) and first bishop of Caesarea &/or bishop of Scepsis in Mysia, February 2.

subset: commoncrawl


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NPR API - Libraries
The NPR API provides an open and extensive way for users to share and mash-up the radio station's content. NPR will showcase widgets and applications built with its API in a special widgets section of its web site. The Station Finder API can be used to identify local NPR member stations based on zip code, city/state, unique ID, call letters or longitude/latitude. This is the same data that powers the Station Finder. This tool only returns NPR member stations or stations that carry NPR programming.


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Bell Capital Cup bills itself as the world's premier youth ice hockey tournament for the Atom (Squirt) and Peewee level, and with 380 teams representing five counties it is easy to see why. A division championship is only awarded to teams that have beaten some of the best squads in Canada and the United States.
This week the Wissahickon Warriors Squirt As played games on five different sheets of ice in snowbound Ottawa and advanced to the "Atom Major A" division championship game at Scotia Bank Place, the 20,000 seat home of the Ottawa Senators. The on-ice action blared from the jumbotron while the Warriors, dressed in white as the "home team", sat on and switched lines from a Senators bench normally reserved for Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson, and Erik Karlson. One Warrior was even sent to the penalty box to contemplate his penance like his NHL heroes. The game was live-streamed on the web and relatives and friends from Philadelphia as well as proud grandparents in Florida tuned in to watch the exciting game.
Their opponent was another American team: the Skyland Kings Wales of northern rural New Jersey, a squad that like Wissahickon, also got there by defeating several Canadian rivals.
Monday's championship game was a seesaw match that featured excellent goaltending and skating, and with 2:10 left to go in the third period the Warriors knotted the game at 2-2. It looked like it was going to be another match going into overtime when shortly afterward the Kings rushed up-ice to put in the game-winner and it was their gloves, sticks and helmets which spattered the ice.
Despite the tough loss, the fun and excitement of the tournament, the camaraderie of the players, and the knowledge of how much they achieved left the players joyous as they accepted the Finalists trophy and individual awards at the end of the game. And they brought home one more item as well – a blue banner to hang on the wall at Wissahickon Skating Club commemorating their team and their accomplishment.
This Warriors squad, coached by Mike Hamilton and Johnathan Gingras, and managed by Brendan Kilfeather, featured the following players: Nicky Angelucci, Jake Armstrong, Cameron Dennis, Nathan Dennis, Rex Flinn, Eric Ford, Frankie Ford, Ryan Gingras, Liam Gross, Jack Hamilton, Luke Jaspan, Conor Kilfeather, Adam Smith andWill Vander.
The link to the Bell Capital Cup Tournament is below. The tournament featured teams from Canada, Finland, Germany and China, as well as the Commonwealths of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia and the States of California, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey and New York.
Other DVHL teams that advanced in the tournament were the Hatfield Ice Dogs Squirt A team, which played in the Atom Minor A championship game and lost in double-overtime 2-1 to the Burlington Bulldogs, and the Delco Phantoms Peewee Major A, which won their championship game 3-0 over the Mississauga Ice Warriors.
For more information about Wissahickon Skating Club's membership, hockey, figure, or synchro programs, please call the club at 215-247-1759 x.13, or visit the WSC website at www.wissskating.com.


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16 Reviews
One pack that functions like three.
Each section of your ascent brings different challenges. You could bring a different pack to handle each one, or you can just bring the lightweight Mountain Hardwear South Col 70 Outdry Backpack, which is basically three packs in one. It's got plenty of space for a two-day winter mountaineering trip, and strips down to the basics to help on the summit push—you can pop off the top pocket, slide out the padded Hardwave suspension framesheet and aluminum stay, reduce the padded waist belt to a simple nylon webbing belt, and go fast 'n' light all the way to the top.
When you're carrying a heavier load, leave the suspension in and walk cross-country in comfort. Along with rugged nylon fabrics, the South Col is kitted out with an OutDry waterproof membrane, which will keep all the gear in the main pocket dry as a bone, and features a front zip pocket that's easily accessible and maintains its volume, even if the bag is stuffed full. There are tons of lash points and straps for carrying skis, ice axes, and poles, an easy-access crampon stash pocket, and a top skirt that extends to give you an extra 300 cubic inches of space. Never bring two packs again.
- Removable Alpine HardWave suspension, aluminum stay, padded waistbelt, and top pocket
- Small/Medium fits torsos from 16-19 inches
- Carries up to 60lbs
- Top access
- Durablie nylon fabrics with OutDry waterproof membrane
- Front gear pocket and easy-access crampon pocket
- Ski, ice axe, and pole carry
- Compression straps
- Item #MHW004K
Tech Specs
Gearhead Help
Tech Specs
- Reviews
What do you think about this product?
Have questions about this product?
Carries everything you need and more
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
Got this for multi day ski mountaineering trips. Carries crampons, ice tools, and skis - all on the outside. Still have 70 L worth of space for the rest of the gear.
Versatile, tough as nails
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Love this pack. Wanted to wait until I had given it plenty of use before I wrote a review. In the 2 and a half years I have owned this pack it has served me very well. Bombproof- the outdry material used on this thing feels like it could stop a knife (or crampon points). The loops and gear pockets are very well thought out, especially for alpine use. Honestly there are so many different features on the exterior of this pack I feel like I figure out a better way to load it every time I use it.
I will say this: the one drawback as others have mentioned is the hip belt lacks padding. This is not an Osprey Aether summer pack. I have a Gregory Baltoro that is more comfortable to wear for long trips. However, I find this tool excels in winter/cold weather climbs where I am layered up with clothing so the hip belt does not bother me a bit. The fact that I can strip this down for a summit push makes it worth its weight in gold.
Again, this is a specific tool and fulfills its purpose beautifully. Take a baseball bat to the golf course and you'll be disappointed. If you are after an alpine pack that will give you peace of mind to keep your gear dry and secure, look no further.
Truly waterproof & lightweight
I love this backpack for longer excursions where I need to bring more gear. The support in the back takes so much of the pressure off and ultimately makes it feel lighter even when packed full. It also has enough room to fit my tent, sleeping pad/bag, camp stove, food, and clothes perfectly. The bag is also truly waterproof. Itâs kept my gear dry in complete downpours while hiking through the mountains. The waist belt was a little stiff for my hips because Iâm thin and they are bony. So with a lot of weight I had to adjust the bag even higher on my back to avoid pinching my hips too much. Other than that, perfect bag with a huge capacity.
Its dirty as hell and Ill keep using it.
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I have waited to review this after a couple of trips to give my proper opinion. The Outdry tech is fantastic. I leave this on the glacier and pools of water develop underneath. Nothing is wet on the inside. The bag is spacious and could pack down pretty small. The crampon bag on the outside is clutch and will never buy another backpack without it. The outer most layer on the back is tough as hell. I was bushwhacking through some tough terrain and not a single tear. I do have a couple of gripes so I couldnt give it the full 5. The hip belt loops are helpful. I did some technical alpine rock in this and it carried well. Not ideal and definitely not its function but, carried well.
It is a bit on the heavy side but, it can take a ton of weight.
There is no water bladder functionality (probably because it would ruin the outdry system of "waterproof").
The front pocket does not extend. So if you pack up the bag pretty hard, the front pocket is almost useless. I found this extremely frustrating.
Great function, Very light
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I thought this pack hit its mark pretty well- going with the removable suspension for a lighter load, but still giving you enough structure to maintain a comfortable trip. I love the bomber OutDry waterproof membrane that MHW uses on their packs. It leaves zero feelings of insecurity when it comes to durability and waterproofing. I did think that the waist belt left something to be desired, as it was pretty skimpy for a 70L pack. However, overall I was able to carry a pretty large amount of gear for a trip in big cottonwood canyon. It was getting a little colder so it was nice to be able to pack and carry all of my layers and other luxuries comfortably for this excursion. I've only gotten to use it a bit, but I've really enjoyed it!
Love/ Hate
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I have a love hate relationship with this pack. There are so many great features, but one big miss on this pack. I absolutely love the idea of being able to strip down the pack for the summit bid, the dedicated crampons pocket, the OutDry technology, and the hip belt gear loops. I think one big miss on the pack is the suspension system. It can be quite uncomfortable, as many have noted. I believe this is due to the strip down feature to go fast and light. I think for mountaineering this is a key area in a pack though and I am sure will be addressed in their next go around with these packs. I did give it 4 stars because of the versatility with the built in summit pack and if you're going for a quick/ light trip, it can be a great pack. If you are packing in on a bigger expedition, with a heavier pack, then there might be a better suspension system to accommodate.
Feel free to reach directly out to me with any questions about this pack or anything at all for your next big expedition!
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Had it just over a month and used on the very notable The Enchantments, Mt Baker, and Mt Rainier climbs (among other WA overnights). Love the pack layout,features and suspension. However, literally every buckle has broken and 1 of the 2 strings for sealing the pack have ripped. Totally unacceptable. Backcountry won't allow me to return it despite these defects. Last time I buy a pack from Backcountry.com when REI will allow me to return it.
Hey Richard,
I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. I'm not sure who you spoke with here but that definitely sounds like a warranty issue that either we can handle in house (all dependent on the vendor) or MHW would gladly help you out with. Feel free to email me at email@example.com with your order number and I can look more into it for you!
Disappointing Suspension
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I used this pack for two seasons, logging hundreds miles of backpacking, and many long approaches and mountaineering trips. I was at first in love with this pack, but quickly realized that it's limited by the build quality and design of the suspension system.
->When it was brand new:
This pack is quite light, waterproof, and has great attachment points. For the first few trips I took it on I could carry 40-45lb loads with no problem.
-> As it aged:
Over time, the padding on the hip belts and the shoulder straps began to deteriorate. The foam padding, which is meant to make the hip belt and shoulder pads bearable, eventually slid out from under the nylon hip belt. After more and more trips with this backpack, the padding became so worn down and misaligned that my hips and shoulders would become scabbed with higher amounts of weight.
-> Design issues:
One thing to note is that this pack has almost no lumber padding. At first I didn't mind this but I soon realized that it puts more weight on your hips, further complicating the problem mentioned above. I've also had two of the lightweight plastic clips break under tension, and one of the zippers has failed.
All this to say, If you're looking for a pack to use occasionally for lightweight loads, this pack may be a great fit. If you're looking for a pack to last a long time and to use for longer trips or weights over 40lbs, I'd stay away from this.
Outdry Teaser Video
My Favorite Pack from Mountain Hardwear. What started their Outdry Franchise and one of if not the best mountain packs out there....
favorite pack
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I love the many unique features of this pack. The tough material on the outside of the pack is awesome. I'm hard on my gear and this has extended the life of my pack tremendously. I use it to go to and from the crag, I use for weekend backpacking trips with the extension from the 45L to the 70L to fit my stove, food, layers, tent, etc.
Not sure, pretty cool, I guess
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
So, I've used this for some training hikes and a couple of overnight trips for about a year and now planning on using it for Mt. Rainier. Not sure what the deal is with this pack but the hip belt rides really low with any appreciable amount of weight in it. It's barely tolerable with approx 40lbs but anything over that is uncomfortable. I originally got the M/L and had to exchange for the S/M. It may be the design of this pack but it seems odd that it wouldn't carry more weight comfortably and that it would sag so low, right over where a climbing harness would be. Every time I have used this pack with 30+lbs, it has been to warm to wear any type of insulation layer, which might help, but I just don't see why it feels like a 10 year old hanging off my back when it is built for mountaineering. Removing the frame sheet and top lid and swapping out the hip belts for a lighter summit pack is a pretty cool design which makes me give it 4 stars, but I'm not sure why it doesn't carry a heavier load better. After all, mountaineering packs get heavy! Maybe I'll have to rethink my packing configuration (which makes no sense). Anyone else have this issue? Solutions and/or suggestions welcome. Oh, and B-T-Dub's, I got this direct from Mountain Hardwear and is in no way Backcountry's fault.
Backpacking and climbing!
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I have had this pack for about a year and have put it to the test. I have used this pack for more of a climbing pack to carry all of my ropes, cams, harness, shoes, water, etc, and still had quite a bit of room for more. The durability of this pack is incredible. I have accidentally rolled it off the base of Castleton Tower and the back had no tears or frays in the material. I have even had this pack in a complete downpour and the not a thing inside was wet; even in the brain. The hip strap with single buckle is a neat feature as well. Easy to tighten and loosen and the hip cushions are extremely comfortable. The only complaint I have about this pack is that it sags on to my belt and causes them to sag.
Have you found any solution to the hip belt sag issue? Surely is it not related to the back being loaded beyond its carrying capacity.
Tom, Currently I have not. It is not because of the carried weight because It has done this with the pack not being fully loaded. It doesnt happen all the time though. Just on occasion like on longer technical approaches, which could have something to do with it.
Good to summit Baker and Rainier!
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I used this backpack to submit Mt Baker and Mt Rainier and it worked pretty well. I like the option to go full size for the approach to base camp, then reduced size for summit day. I was a bit concerned by the lack of hydration pocket, but I used the back pocket and it worked well (as long as your hydration bladder as the appropriate tube length). The durable nylon fabric looks good and you don't worry to put your bag in dirt mud, rock or ice.
I left the bag outside the tent each night and no worry to get stuff wet inside. So far I like very much this bag and do recommend it.
Well-designed, purpose-built pack
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I looked long and hard before buying this pack- my needs were pretty specific, but surprisingly hard to satisfy. I was looking for a pack that had capacity of 65-80 L to be filled up with winter camping/ski mountaineering gear and get me to a destination, then be stripped down to be used as a summit/day pack. It had to have a good ski carry system, ice axe carry, and crampons holder. Finally, it had to be reasonably lightweight (4 labs MAX!!) and in general be able to withstand the abuses of ski mountaineering (trees, rocks, snow, etc.)
After spending several weeks looking unsuccessfully, I was preparing myself to go the way of expensive small bag makers like CiloGear, etc... then I came across this bag, which seemed to have been almost tailor-made for my purposes. I've now used it on two, two-day ski mountaineering hut and/or camping trips and it works exactly as advertised! The OutDry system really does work as advertised, as my most recent trip involved lots of rain and a small tent with no vestibule. And the dyneema on the crampons holder is bomber (and can also fit in a pair of ski crampons, nice!) and a nice touch.
Two minor gripes (but not worthy of removing a star):
A) crampon holder doesn't close on top. This is basically just an academic gripe, since I've never had an issue where my crampons would fall out (would require the pack to be fully upside down and shaking, in which case you have bigger problems).
B) There are no other tie loops for attaching a pad, etch to the outside of the pack if you're carrying skis. This has not yet been a problem for me as I've fit everything inside the pack (my preferred way to carry), but if you're up against the limit of what 70L can carry, then it could be a problem for you. Overall, right now, I prefer the clean look without gratuitous features.
So in summary, great pack for multi-day ski mountaineering trips, one of the only ones I could find built for this purpose, and at a great price too!
Mountain Hardwear OutDry Technology
Rookie at the Mountain Hardwear factory!
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
We were about to return this pack after my wife kept complaining about the discomfort when she wore it, fortunately I came here to see that it was just the metal wire had been installed the wrong way! Ha! Easiest problem solving ever. And it looks like there's a few other people with this problem...
Anyhow we haven't put this baby through the wringer yet but from what other people have said this is pretty much the next best thing to one of those Cilo custom packs... For half the price!
Now that it's been several years, I'm wondering if you have a lasting impression about this pack?
Mountain Hardwear OutDry Packs
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
One way to answer this question is to do an "OOPS, I FELL IN THE CREEK" TEST. To simulate this dunking, I filled a laundry tub with six inches of water and placed a 25 pound lead brick in the pack and lowered it into the water. Parts of the pack were submerged to about 8 to 12 inches well above the bottom seams. Each pack was left partially submerged in water for 10 minutes and then removed.
a. Results of dunking my older, and well-used Mountain Hardwear South Col backpack (my favorite backpack, but not OutDry): After 10 minutes of partial submersion, this older South Col backpack had a pool of water inside. It took up 700 gm of water, enough to fill a 1 liter Nalgene water bottle 2/3 full.
b. Results of dunking the new OutDry backpacks: There was no visible pool of water inside the South Col OutDry backpack but it felt damp. To measure how much moisture seeped in, several sheets of dry paper towels were weighed and then used to swab the inside of the pack. The paper towels gained about 4 gm, so they had absorbed 4 ml of water. The BMG 105 OutDry backpack is much larger and thus had much more fabric and seams exposed to the dunking. Again no pool of water accumulated in the new BMG 105 OutDry pack. The paper towels used to wipe the inside of this big pack gained 20 g. Conclusion: The OutDry construction is a big improvement, reducing the water uptake by over a factor of 100 in this test (700 ml/4 ml= 175). This is not a perfect test because I do not have an older South Col in new condition to compare with the new OutDry version, although I have treated my old South Col with waterproofing sprays in the past. No backpack is completely waterproof under all weather and exposure conditions. I plan to continue packing my sleeping bag and spare clothing in dry bags.
I give the OutDry fabric/treatment 5 stars. I am impressed with the new features on both backpacks but reserve a rating of the packs until I have had more experience with them.
Thanks Hayes!
Since my original post, I have run three additional tests of waterproofness on two OutDry backpacks. Calling the above OOPS, I FELL IN THE CREEK the TEST #1, here are the additional three tests and results:
Test #2. I GOT CAUGHT IN A THUNDER STORM TEST. The set up: The backpack was then placed upright on a plastic box in a home shower and four rain gauges were placed around the corners of the pack. The RAIN was simulated by turning the cold water (18 C). This shower delivered three inches of water in each rain gauge in 5 to 10 minutes after which time the water was shut off. This simulates a severe thunderstorm which is moving rapidly (e.g. high winds), drenching a hiker and moving on. RESULTS: Upon opening the two new OutDry South Col 70 or BMG 105 backpacks, no pools or droplets of water were observed inside and they did not feel damp. To test for moisture inside, sheets of dry paper towels were weighed using a hanging spring scale. The sheets were then used to swab the inside of the backpack and the plastic wastepaper basket inside the pack, and then weighed again. No weight gain was registered. Conclusion: OutDry kept out all the moisture from the main backpack . The inside of the lid (map compartment, which is not OutDry) did feel damp and swabbing with paper towels indicated some moisture (5 to 10 gm) had seeped into the lids of both backpacks. In contrast, my old South Col had small pools of water inside all compartments of the pack (main, front inside pocket, and two inside the lid compartments, est. total water 100 gm).
Test No. 3 THE DRYSUIT TEST. The set up: taken from a YouTube video "DOGTV Drysuit Leak Test/do-it-yourself By Bob Stinton. The backpack was inverted and placed on a slanted table and 3 gallons of water were poured into the top. RESULTS: Most areas of the OutDry membrane was tight (no leaks) but there were some spots near the bottom of the backpack where water got through to the outside of the inverted pack.
Test No. 4 THE SOAP BUBBLE TEST. The set up: Similar to leak testing bicycle inner tubes. The inverted pack was placed on a slanted table; an air hose from a Shop-Vac was inserted into the top of the backpack loosely. A soap solution (1 part dishwashing detergent and 4 parts water) was applied to sections of the smooth surface with a paintbrush, and any bubbles were noted. Result: there were a few isolated spots where bubbles formed, probably representing pin holes, but most (99%) of the surface was clear of any leaks.
CONCLUSION: The results of the RAIN TEST show that the new OutDry material protects the contents of a backpack in a rainstorm. The remaining three tests set a higher standard because it is well known that water penetration increases with pressure. These three tests show that although the OutDry backpacks are a huge improvement, they are not quite perfect. There are some small leaks (pin holes?) present in the two packs tested. The folks at Mountain Hardwear have been very receptive to new information and they are working on eliminating these small defects. My conclusion: The OutDry deserves 5 stars.
Yes, the material breathes, as advertised. Which brings up a point, why bother with breathable material at all?
Awesome pack!
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
This is an awesome multi-purpose pack. It's designed for multi-day alpine climbing trips. It would make an awesome pack for Mt. Rainier or Aconcogua. It would also be a good all around backpacking pack. The OutDry membrane keeps everything in the pack nice and dry. Great for the Pac NW and the AT. Really comfortable with around 45-50 lbs. Super durable too. Just a really good pack.
Any tips on fitting the pack to smaller framed individuals? I'm 5'6" male, 18" torso, got the S/M size. It seems that the hip belt always loosens with heavier loads, and I'm constantly re-tightening it. Don't know if this just the nature of the straps or if it is possible to adjust the pack in some way that does not cause the belt to loosen.
Hey there James!
Darn that is an annoying problem! Ideally I think an Osprey pack would be awesome for you since we could actually swap to a smaller hip belt for you! You can always try using a rubber band or a hair tie to double over the hip cinch to keep it and the webbing in place! If you want to talk about Osprey more, this mountain hardwear pack or something different you can call me at 801.204.4660 or send me an email to firstname.lastname@example.com!
Available Monday-Friday 8am to 4pm Mountain Standard Time!
How in god's name do you remove the padded hip belt? I've tried just forcing it off the metal frame inside and felt like I was about to tear the bag in half. Any ideas? Or am I just dumb?
I had to remove the aluminum frame by undoing the velcro fasteners around the aluminum rods. Then it was easy to move it, and slip off the hip belt.
I've been looking at this pack as well as the women's ozonic 58 outdry pack and have seen great reviews on this one but am wondering about the fit for a woman vs a man on this pack. I have a small frame and am concerned this pack may not fit well compared to the other I was looking at. Advice?
I just purchased the south col 70L and there's this standalone extra strap with buckle that was in the top removable pocket. Been tryingto figure out the use of it. Is it for the top pocket to transform into a daypack? If yes, how would u strap it and what's the purpose of this part here?
Hey Donovan,
So thats a replacement waist belt. Lots of alpine packs have this feature so you can strip the pack of extra weight and features for summit pushes. Also a bulky waist belt often will not fit over a climbing harness.
The weight of a piece of foam padding is negligible in my opinion (but I'm old and tough:) Considering the lower comfort and that you have to carry it to begin with, I consider it a gimmick unless you start with it , or re: the harness issue Pitman notes.
That strap you touch in the photo is another matter, the larger belt seems to have two, but those are cinches.
Can this bag carry "Snowboard"?
I know it can carry "ski".
This pack can't carry a solid board vertically or horizontally. But if you have a splitboard and have it in split mode, you can carry it A-frame style like a pair of skis.
Shoot me an email anytime you have questions!
Jared D.
Expert Gearhead
Of course it can. It looks like it has more than sufficient points where you could attach a couple solid straps, bingo you're in.
You don't need, "... they say that's what this is for," if you can, "do it yourself." I'd bet anyone I can make a snowboard hang on this.
I read that the pack does not have any hydration options built in. Is there anywhere I can keep a bottle or bladder in the pack easily accessible without taking the pack off?
I used the outside pocket in the back and it worked pretty well, you just need to check the length of your tube
Is there an older version of this pack which is NOT made with OutDry technology? Do all South Col 70 packs made with OutDry have an OutDry label on them?
Answering my own question here after doing more research. Yes, there is an older version of the South Col 70 which does not have the OutDry technology.
Question on fitting the South Col or BMG...
Question on fitting the South Col or BMG 105 OutDry backpacks: One important aspect of fitting a new backpack is to make sure the stays conform with the lumbar region of the hiker so that the load will be transferred to his/her hips, not the shoulders. The photo below shows a side view of the stays (actually one continuous metal stay bent into a U) of my new South Col OutDry backpack right out of the box. The plastic sheet (visible near the top) goes between the metal rod and the hikers back. The hiker would be on the right. Also in this photo is my template stay that has been bent to shape my lumbar region. Note that the curvatures are opposite. My initial thought is: Has someone at Mountain Hardwear assembled these stays backwards? The BMG 105 OutDry backpack stay came with the same orientation as the South Col. This is easy to correct by unzipping the Velcro strips holding it in place and flipping the stay around before adjusting (bending) it to fit. However, if I attempted to use either of these packs as they were delivered from Backcountry.com, the bottom of the U-shaped stay would dig into the top of my lower lumbar, sacrum and coccyx and make for a very painful hike or climb. Am I overlooking something here? Thank you.
I got the bag and was wondering about the same thing actually.
Hayes and Ven,
You are definitely not overlooking anything and your assessments are spot on. From the picture that Hayes included in the question, it is evident that the pack shipped with the aluminum stay reversed. The lower section of the aluminum stay needs to follow the lumbar curvature of the wearer, as with the template stay that Hayes also pictures.
It is an easy correction to make, but our sincere apologies for this shipping oversight from our Mountain Hardwear factory. The rectification is to un-hook the lumbar section, slide the stay out of the hipbelt, slide the stay out of the backpanel (easiest to also remove the plastic framesheet) flip the stay around and re-assemble.
Also remember that part of beauty of this pack is its flexible design, which allows removing pack components (i.e. swap the padded hipbelt for the included webbing belt and/or remove the top pocket, frame stay and/or framesheet when climbing with lighter loads). The minimum weight for this pack is approximately two and a half pounds with these components removed and the hipbelt swapped.
Alex @ Mountain Hardwear
Mine was backwards too. I have been in an alot of pain my last few trips with it and it just thought it was something I had to deal with. Thank you for the feedback on switching the stays around.
I have a question for Mountain Hardware >the photo above showing the U-stay,is it in the correct, or incorrect position.
My Pack arrived with the U-stay pointing inwards toward my back
I measured my spine/back and I come in at 21 inches, however the pack seems to ride low on my back ,rubbing the top of my Butt.
MY U-stay came pointing inwards unlike the photo which seems to be pointing outward, as you can discern from my comment I'm quite confused by the photo and the pack.
I have not trail tested the pack yet, perhaps it just a situation of me getting used to the new pack.[ Yes,I have adjusted the straps]
So ...should the U-stay be pointing inward's toward my back ,or outwards .......
Thank you for your response.
Hi Stan,
The "copper"-looking stay that comes with the backpack (it actually anodized aluminum) in the above photo is installed backwards. Mountain Hardwear only shipped a few batches of the incorrectly assembled SouthCol and BMG backpacks and, once they became aware of the problem, quickly corrected it in all future shipments.
First, check to make sure your backpack is assembled correctly (the reverse of what is showed in this photo). If it isn't correct, you can easily take it out and reverse it. The next step is to adjust the stay if necessary. This is much easier in this new version of the SouthCol because you can take the U-shaped stay completely out of the frame. Before bending it, I suggest viewing some of the youtube videos on how to adjust a backpack stay (e.g. the HPG Ute Internal Frame Backpack Adjustment video]. Then bend the U-shaped stay to fit the lumbar region of your back. What I did was to first purchase from a hardware store a 1/8" x 1/2" flat aluminum piece 3 feet long and shortened the length to 26 inches. I practiced bending it to fit my back before adjusting the actual stay. This inexpensive aluminum rod is now a template for the stays of my backpacks. That is the piece of aluminum you see to the right in the photo above. If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to ask. Good luck and good climbing! Hayes
I like the weight, size and the fact that...
I like the weight, size and the fact that it is waterproof but no place for a water bladder? What are the options for hauling and accessing water on this bag? From the pictures, it doesn't look like there are easily accessible side pockets but it is hard to tell. Thanks.
A reservoir/bladder may be carried in the floating top pocket or in the front zippered pocket (though the latter is not ideal for weight distribution). Water bottles may also be carried in the top pocket, front zippered pocket and/or front crampon stash pocket (presuming you're not carrying crampons).
This is a mountaineering pack so Nalgene water bottles are usually carried inside the pack since they tend to freeze at higher elevations if they are outside the pack. Even though it's a mountaineering pack, the reasons you noted (weight, size and the fact that it's waterproof) make it a great backpacking pack as well!
Alex @ Mountain Hardwear


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mophie Juice Pack gives your iPhone 3G more game power
- Filed under: Accessories, iPhone
- Date: Aug 6,2008
When you use your iPhone 3G for gaming, the battery of your precious gaming device is losing its power extremely fast. For iPhone gamers who want to game with more power there is the mophie Juice Pack for the iPhone 3G. There was already a Juice Pack for the iPhone and the iPod Touch, and now there's one for the new iPhone 3G. This battery pack extends the battery life of the iPhone with 350 hours of standby time, six hours of 3G talk, six hours of 3G internet, 12 hours of 2D talk, eight hours of video playback and 28 hours of audio playback.
It also protects your iPhone from short circuits, over-charge, over-heating and connecting to your iPhone to your computer via USB passthrough so that you can sync and charge at the same time. The iPhone 3G Juice Pack from mophie will come out this September and it will cost $99.95.


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Voyijer needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 103 designs submitted by 30 freelance designers.
We're building a travel site focused on helping consumers find travel sales, special offers and deals from all over the web.
We need a logo for this soon to be launched website that is focused on being the one-stop destination for all the travel sales, special offers, discounts and last minute deals. Think TravelZoo.com done right.
The logo should be easily recognizable and will be transferred onto lots of different media, i.e. print signs.
Aspects of web 2.0, cool, exciting, polished and clean. It would be good to attach the tag line to it "Travel deals revealed".
- our tagline is "travel deals revealed", it would be good to attach to logo if possible.
- our technology is backed by our own "deals discovery engine", so concept of discovery is important.
- aspects of web 2.0: cool, exciting, polished, professional, simple, clean
- audience is the leisure traveler who is flexible with their travel plans
- I would like the logo in vector format.
- definitely not into rainbows
- not corporate looking
- not alot of colors or cluttered look and feel
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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From Social Renting to Housing Independence:
is available here
This report by the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit is one of three substantive new research reports on the benefits of transitioning people into affordable home ownership. The other two reports were written by Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL), and Nexus Research. Copies of all reports are available from the New Zealand Housing Foundation
Measuring Elder Abuse in New Zealand: Findings from the New Zealand Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NZLSA)
Old and Poor or Old and Cared for?
Some policy reflections on data from the first two waves of NZLSA
A publication by Charles Waldegrave of the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit
for the Policy Quarterly, Special Issue:
Ageing Population
Click here to view the Policy Quarterly Publication.
$19.25 an hour is the 'living wage' needed to provide an income level which will allow people to live modestly while still contributing to society. It is based on a family unit of two working adults (one full-time and one part-time) with two dependant children.
Full Report by Peter King and Charles Waldegrave on an Investigation into Defining a Living Wage for New Zealand
The 2015/16 Living Wage is $19.25 and comes in to effect on 1 July 2015. This is a 45 cent increase based on a 2.5% movement in wages (average ordinary time hourly rate as measured by the Quarterly Employment survey)
The 2015 update on the Living Wage is available here.
Family Centre research on trauma, livelihoods, and resilience in post-tsunami Samoa
The Family Centre recently completed research on the impact of the 2009 tsunami in Samoa. Research in affected areas in Samoa was undertaken in 2011 and 2014.
Read the full report Trauma, livelihoods and resilience in post-tsunami Samoa: A review for the New Zealand Aid Programme.
Read more about the disaster relief work done by the Family Centre here .
Afeafe O Vaetoefaga and The Family Centre
A project by Afeafe O Vaetoefaga with their partners the Family Centre, has won a global development funding prize from the World Bank in Washington, DC.
The project is 'Indigenous Housing as a Solution to Climate Risks'.
The Family Centre is a leading community agency based in New Zealand. It is made up of a three tikanga (cultural) organisational structure of Māori, Pacific Island and Pākehā (European) sections. The key areas of our work are social policy research, family therapy services, community development, education and teaching based upon all three areas.
We undertake independent social policy consultancy and research in all areas of social policy at local, national and international levels. Expertise includes equity analysis; poverty research communication; social and economic policy interface; ageing research, cultural audit, social impact; social scoping and evaluation
We have developed an internationally recognised therapeutic approach called 'Just Therapy' that addresses the cultural, gender and socio-economic contexts of therapy.
We specialise in the issues that affect the well-being and social environment of local communities. Particular emphasis is given to the processes of community participation, access to resources, cultural equity and healthy communities.
We run workshops locally, nationally and internationally on all areas of our work in 'Just Therapy' and applied social policy. In addition, a broad range of educational and teaching programmes are carried out with social organisations, community groups, government departments, business organisations and specially contracted public gatherings.
Author(s): FC Staff; Creation Date: 31st March 2003; Last Changed: March 27 2019;
All material is copyright ©Family Centre
The Centre publishes on all areas of its work, contributing to research and
policy journals, therapeutic journals, and popular media and publications throughout
the world:
Latest Publications
Staff biographies and staff directory:


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The Certified Professional Trainers Network (CPTN) Inc.
Welcome to Certified Professional Trainers Network (CPTN) Inc. The CPTN integrates current research and practical applications for education, communication, professional development and marketing opportunities for Personal Trainers to maintain a leading edge on professional training developments.
Get prepared to become a CPTN Certified Personal Trainer (CPTN-CPT) through the well developed Art & Science of Personal Training workshop. This course is intended for the new fitness professional, and enthusiast interested in becoming a Personal Trainer.


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The new Psychofreak boots are made with high-end XDS-AIR FIREWALL neoprene to give you the lightest, warmest and - let's be honest - the coolest looking boots we've seen in a long time! Revolutionary arch support helps improve recovery and provide impact compression comfort. The forefoot strap locks the boot down tight, and the shin strap helps prevent flushing. Seams are sealed and liquid taped. The split toe has a leash stop toe guard to prevent getting hung up on the leash.Important Sizing Note: These boots run very small. Please order 1 size up for a perfect fit. If you normally wear a 9, buy size 10. If you normally wear 9.5, order 11.
On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the best:


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Is the Samsung Galaxy More Popular than the iPhone
Samsung's Galaxy S3 outsold the iPhone 4S in 3Q, becoming the world's most popular smartphone. But will they be able to retain the title? Jessica Lessin joins digits to discuss. Photo: Samsung Inc.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... the ... the Samsung Galaxy three smartphone ... just to stay with us we were to be talking of doubt inroads at the gap see three has made in the smartphone market according to new research today from Strategy Analytics ... the smartphone the Galaxy S three from Samsung ... outsold the I phone four s in the third quarter ... now there doesn't have the outset we shade that we should put with debt and out right write to Scott ... this yet mean in the car daily results for individually device is ... ten to depend on what devices were new in a corner with devices why are you now ... Apple released its ... ad may this iconic The and that that period and so basically you would have ... aam ... you know anime people were holding out to buy it but ... I think in the latest report doesn't tell us ... a lot knew we knew that Samsung was making huge inroads any what's most surprising is how quickly their share in the smartphone space has increased ... aam they've been the Number wine and if you look at all their models you know for a long time now or for several corners ... aam but again this is a piece of data that ... just certain confess pouncing confirms the fears about the competition and I think ... something that time ... is the cause of concern for for Apple investors Sunday the Galaxy three isn't dead found that Samsung is been ... very impressive that marketing and they've been taking on the ICE sons to him directly in advertisements said ... the fact that he could do so well even if ... Apple did have something brand new on the market for most of that time ... I think says a lot and again shifts the focus today and the next period where we see how these devices Concerta go head to head when now we have the I phone five now ... DeVry Goto pointed to meet the for ... the industry came out right before the third quarter started so it was the beneficiary of the the whole of being the hot phone ... for the whole quarter as oppose the I phone where the new version came out at the end and people may have helped sales ... in the early part of the quarter because of the new phone ... aam ... and what she said Samsung's got more aggressive with the Reds BBB ... got a lot of play even an is ... Apple was on bail in the new I phone ... five ... with those at the sort of mocking people waited outside in the lines ... aam ... and I think anecdotally speaking just be nonpublic DC more Samsung phones in use ... so ... going forward ... is it is is just a shoe company race between Samsung or Apple or could a Micra soft with Windows Phone or Kettle Brand ... up reestablish itself to this market you can just get ... sick very fast and I mean it's not it's on history etc third player in the smartphone space having at ten a share ... aam but we'll see anything it's too early to tell and when as in they probably in the back shot just given ... their trajectory ... on seems to be a little more Oppenheimer and is still really really struggling I did the two horse race for now I mean Samsung Apple ... man deadline share the profits in the industry any more light ... pretty much flat out ... on that they're both racing on features ... aam they they have great brands of consumer and in keeping globally Samsung ... has a very very strong brands and ... adding competition finance can add pressure Apple for years to come and continued at ... center raises questions of that Apple has to address different segments of the market with different phones making them into lower price point finds ... something that has been willing to do so far but I'm ... in and that those questions become more urgent has given Samsung's stunning growth of real trick quickly just the you would expect there in the fourth quarter the I phone five when re-established itself as the top smartphone models will ... I mean look like they cannot today from Strategy Analytics present that have flat out and sell ... and you know Apple Lightning Samsung the scene in the third quarter Apple is if you pursue eighteen percent and ... segments Apple is a few percentage points below that just with the old model so ... aam yet OBC sign quarter by quarter depending on ... what new products come out but you know that hasn't been that way first for a while said that that's a new trend ...


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Moderators: Kommander Ken, Elmagnifico, Duerer, BrickSyd
Hoboman wrote:I forgot for a moment what forum I was on.
Warhead wrote:They are weak stats wise due to being in the living realms where they find it hard to maintain their form. The Daemon Minions being living hosts have better stats and weapons. The OLD ONE can ignore all that as he was anchored to this plane of existence by his living minion followers.
Leonidus was always going to die, it is his fate. His name has been entered in the Book of Legend. Indeed right now in the VOL capital another Hero is being chosen to carry the title "Leonidus" and bring death to the enemies of the VOL peoples.
Also, for all those predicting Nuclear Armageddon... Gotcha!
RJ wrote:Wait? Do I get some sort of Anti-bonus to my luck because I'm peaches?
It seems I was always meant to die...
Varsaavius wrote:As the size of the explosion increases, the amount of social situations it can't resolve approaches zero.
The management reserve the right not to give a fuck if any of these stats prove to be inaccurate or just plane wrong. He doesn't care and offence will lead to cranky verbal abuse.
The Britannian League: TERMINATED - LRDOFBRIKS
KIA: 17 + 1 Maniac + 1 Hero
KILLS: 36 + 2 Heroes (The Daemon Prince Dragosani) and (The Undead Magi), 1 Creeper and 1 Stalker.
and 1x Lesser Blood Daemon.
The Post Apoc Survivors MASSAM
KIA: 8 +1 Assault vehicle +1 Hero: mAd MaX sAm (Not dead but too wounded to fight)
You have Blitzen/Witchblade and 4 Survivors on Trikes
KILLS: 21 + 1 Champion (ZMJ), + 1 Rudolf Reindeer.
and 1x Lesser Blood Daemon.
The Bitches KIEMASTER TERMINATED -
KIA: 17+ Hell'O'Kittah, +1 Hero and Crocodile
KILLS: 34 + 1 Creeper
Daemons IVHORSMAN
KIA: 19 (+5 Lesser Blood Daemons) He has Cthulhu on his side for a while.
You have one Daemon Minion left
KILLS: 27 + 1 Champion, +1 Major Hero, + 1 Immortal Elite, +1 Recon Walker
OBJECTIVE: Computer Core
The Manly Men MASTERECABOB (Formerly 501st Cadians)
KIA: 15 + 1 Rudolf Reindeer killed.
(Only Manly Santa and three Hoe, Hoe, Hoe's are Left). You didn't get to go this turn due to exploding.
The VOL: TUEFISH TERMINATED
KIA: 17 +1 Major Hero
KILLS: 59 + 1 Creeper, +1 Champion.
The Assyrians NATALYA
KIA: 22 (Lost Major Smith and his Jetbike)
Still Alive are: Mjr Natalya, 1 Minor Hero, 1 Assassin Droid, 1 Star Commando, 1 Personal Guard in a Heavy Walker, 1 Destroyer.
KILLS: 65 +1 Britannian Spearhead Class Battlecruiser, +1 Greater Daemon Champion, + 2 Creepers, +1 Recon Walker, + 1 Immortal Maniac, + 1 Hero, +1 Minor Hero
The Peach Pirates TERMINATED -SLOOPOFWAR, (formerly Birdman)
KIA: 21 + 1 Dropship, +1 Champion
Kills: 9 + 2 Immortal Elites (sort of dead), +1 Hero, +1 Battlewagon/Tank.
The Immortal Family TERMINATED - MAGIC SOAP
Kills: 37 + 1 Dropship.
Time Travelling Super Jews TERMINATED - CAPT ZIPPS (Formerly Elmagnifico)
KIA: 24 + 1 Champion
Kills: 18 + 1 Stalker and 1 Assyrian Major and Jetbike
The Deadly Spacemen Freddie
KIA: 6 + 2 Robots
Still Alive: BoB - Champion, SilvaDream - Minor Hero, 2 DSM, 1 DSM jnr, 2 Robots.
Kills: 7, +1 nifty spiff mobile
The Undead Deadly Spacemen ELMAGNIFICO
Still Alive: 1 Hero, 3 UDSM
Kills: 15 + I Hero +1 Immortal Maniac.
Peach Liberation Army RJ TERMINATED
KIA: 31 + 1 Champion, 2 Heros, 1 Minor Hero, 2 Recon Walkers
Kills: 11
ArkBrik HIMSELF
Kills: 1 + built a nifty spiff mobile.
KIA: nifty spiff mobile
Almighty Benny HIMSELF
Kills: A Legion of Blood Daemons, +1 Blood Daemon, Got High
Kills: 2 but he'll be the death of us all. + did a spot of tidying up.
Warhead HIMSELF TERMINATED
Kills: A few.
KIA: Fated never ever in over a year to EVER win a game. FFFffuuuu
Proto-Figs NPC TERMINATED
KIA: All of them
KILLS: Give Peace A Chance Bro... *stab* urgh!
BFenix wrote:Silent-sigfig wrote:
Coolest 1000th post ever
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Manchester University has a long reputation for its many service projects and volunteer opportunities for students, faculty and staff. These programs include volunteer projects at Camp Mack, American Red Cross blood drives, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and the Indiana Reading Corps, just to name a few. Students are highly involved – last year they logged more than 60,000 hours of service!
To facilitate all of the many volunteer activities on campus, a centralized set of offices is located in Calvin Ulrey, first floor. The Center for Service Opportunities encompasses the Office of Volunteer Services, the Indiana Reading Corps Office and Library, and a student service office for Habitat for Humanity, service cubs, Circle K, Relay for Life, and Pathways. By locating these offices together, a wonderful collaboration of service has been formed.
Students can easily see what volunteer opportunities are available and can be referred to other offices and projects quite easily. Faculty and staff can use these offices for service learning options and projects in the community.
We now have an avenue for everyone to explore service projects and volunteerism easily and efficiently. No longer does anyone have to search for offices on campus (or ideas), as they all can be readily found at the Center for Service Opportunities.
The Center for Service Opportunities provides:
Phone: 260-982-5721Fax: 260-901-8222Email: Ali Goetcheus
Click here for conference services.
Review the Title IX policy


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Thomas van Manen needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 91 designs submitted by 37 freelance designers.
Talk2Share is a Dutch startup. Our main goal is to change the backchannel market in Holland. Talk2Share intergrates all social networks like Twitter, Facebook etc. into a backchannel, but we also intergrate SMS, Instant Messaging en e-mails upto 140 characters. The purpose of including services like email and SMS is that we want everyone or every business to be able to make use of our backchannel, not only the marketeers en PR-people that use Twitter.
We also offer a few moderation options, so every person, business or event can have a smooth and clean backchannel that lives up to their demands.
Our businessmodel is basicly a freemium model, the basic features like a backchannel which intergrates social media is free, if a customer wants to intergrate other services or a moderation feature, there is a fee.
Basicly everyone who wants to make use of a backchannel. Mainly it will be used during events, workshops or presentations.
Our primary target group consists of event agencies that set up events in the marketing, media and publishing industry. But we would like to see our backchannel being used nationwide, for example in workshops, meetings or for educational purposes. We think BIG.
We believe in the creativity of designers. We just want a clean logo without too much fancy graphics. No cartoon style or whatever. Colors we like are cyaan, silver and white. Qubic is a shape we like.
We trust the designers to mix their creativity with our likes & dislikes.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Hope this helps!
In the RnR 4.3 manual it says "The key point here is that, unlike Windows Vista, Windows 7 is responsible for managing various moving parts (for example, .wim, BCD, and so on) that allow Windows RE to work correctly."
I would read the directions for RnR and the Sysprepbackup Accessory Package for Windows 7 very carefully before attempting this. The steps are very unclear and convoluted. I followed everything step by step and was able to create a sysprep backup on a flash drive, however it didn't go very smoothly.
MAKE SURE you make a backup of your entire system on the local hard drive before proceeding if you have the space!
Again, hope this helps you out.... let me know if you find out anything else or if this works for you.
Just wanted to throw out another "alternative" suggestion.
Get Acronis True Image 2010... it is the only software with the capability of making a ghost image on USB (or whatever you want) with Windows 7. that i know of...
You can also download Windows AIK, and True Image will make a bootable Windows PE ISO (PE=Preload Environment).
Pretty sure with Acronis though that if your using bitlocker you have to boot from boot media to backup. Can't do it from windows. That's a PITA for me since I'm using bitlocker.
Symantec Ghost 15 claims to be BitLocker compatible. I think I am going to try it.
My R&R is not working properly also.... Similar to this thread
The backup runs for hours and the preboot seems to get loaded but the backup says it fails.
Free trial of ghost here
@tron121 wrote:
Pretty sure with Acronis though that if your using bitlocker you have to boot from boot media to backup. Can't do it from windows. That's a PITA for me since I'm using bitlocker.
Symantec Ghost 15 claims to be BitLocker compatible. I think I am going to try it.
My R&R is not working properly also.... Similar to this thread
The backup runs for hours and the preboot seems to get loaded but the backup says it fails.
Free trial of ghost here
Thanks, I'll check that out... I have read a lot of posts about the PITA problems with bitlocker and recovery. I didn't know that Ghost was compatible with Win 7? I mean, I know you can run just about everything in compatibility mode, but when it came to creating a recovery environment Win 7 is different from the legacy OS's. It could be just a x86, x64 issue that had me confused
After you try this method will you follow up with a post and let me know how it went? I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that could benefit from it if it works!
BTW, after reading your post I did a quick Google search and found this, i'm sure there's better information out there and probabaly refers to Windows 7 (although I believe bitlocker didn't change much since Vista). Here's the link:
Lame..... The Trial version does not let you convert the backup to a virtual machine....so I don't have a way to test the restore. Nor to do they supply you with the boot cd necessary to restore the PC. So there is no way to test effectively. The backup did succeed but that does not tell us enough as the acronis backup succeeds too then fails to restore.
I tried to convert it using VMWare Converter Standalone Client, but its only says it supports upto ghost 14.... when I tried to boot up the converted VM it just blue screened.
Wish the Lenovo software worked...... Even windows backup seems to not work unless you have free space equal to used space free.... i can see how that would not be a problem with drive sizes being to huge these days but I've got a 128gig SSD in my T500 and am using 80 gigs of it.
I've used the server versions of Symantec Backup and have had good luck, so I am keen to try this. Perhaps I will try and troll the symantec forums and check for people having trouble. Still wish the lenovo softare woeked better....although I am not sure if the feature set is as good as Ghost.
That's strange, just fyi I read up on VMwares Converter Standalone Client 4.0.1 and it supports...
Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery (formerly LiveState Recovery) 6.5, 7.0, 8.0 and 8.5, LiveState Recovery 3.0 and 6.0 2
I'm not sure if this is the same as the Symantec Backup you are referring to, but I just wanted to throw it out there.
i have the same problem on my R500 Thinkpad with Windows 7 and R'nR 4.3 backing up on an external USB hard drive. It freezes by 0% and i can only stop it by using the task manager. Did find a solution for this problem in the meantime.
thanks for help and best regards,
Perhaps it has to do with the security settings on the RRBackups folder and subfolders?
I noticed that on my USB drive, the security was set to "no access", therefore the backup failed even after indicating 100% complete. Apparently the actual backup temporary files are stored elsewhere and when R&R attempted to copy the final files, it failed.
Be sure to go into the Advanced Permissions and set full access on security for all the main and all child folders for the SYSTEM user.
Hi there,
same here on my T410, win7, 64 bit. RnR starts and then.... nothing. Any "official" help in sight here?
I do not want to install acronis or other software. I bought a new machine for quite some money - and the thinkvantage tools are always mentioned as a good reason to buy lenovo machines when tested by computer magazines. so i expect it to work the way it's supposed to. and here, it seems not to - on a very critical issue: system backup and recovery. when can we expect a running version 4.4???


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Kevin Mawae was the catalyst for change at a time when the Jets needed to bury the tortured past and develop a successful, hard-nosed identity for the future. He was nasty, reliable and, because the Seattle Seahawks declined to retain his services, he was available.
The Jets signed Mawae to a five-year, $16.8M contract in February 1998—the highest salary ever awarded to a center at the time. There was no denying then, as there's no denying now, that every dime was money well spent.
In a game enamored with skill positions, Mawae's grace, agility, and startling quickness was a challenge to anyone who ever doubted a lineman's athleticism. His versatility took him from left tackle to right guard before finally settling down at center during his final season with the Seahawks.
He then re-established the center position once he put on his No. 68 jersey for the Jets.
Mawae was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, six with the Jets for every season from 1999 to 2004. He's also an eight-time All-Pro and was selected to the NFL 2000's All-Decade Team.
In 1998, Rich Cimini wrote about then-coach Bill Parcells' recruitment strategy for the mauler who'd become the centerpiece of an effective Jets offense:
After last season, coach Bill Parcells made a shopping list of his biggest off-season needs. The No. 1 priority was to replace Roger Duffy at center. When Parcells recruited Mawae, he pulled the actual list out of a large binder and showed it to Mawae.All eyes are on the quarterback after the snap, but it's the center and his offensive line that set the tone. Parcells knew that better than anyone, and placed his faith in the 6'4", 305-pound military brat.
Parcells couldn't stomach the thought of another season without an impact center.
"You're held hostage if you don't have a center," Parcells said. "It's the worst feeling. It's like going to the dentist. Not good news."
Ironically enough, all the moving around in Mawae's childhood translated to his style of play on the field. Talented linemen are often called anchors—an analogy that never truly fit with Mawae's active and aggressive approach to blocking.
Hindsight allows us to see Parcells' plan for the Jets more than 13 years ago with vivid clarity today.
Parcells and the Jets masterfully orchestrated a plan to snatch Curtis Martin away from the rival Patriots. It was Mawae's job to make the coach look brilliant for the transaction.
Martin's legendary career and consistent output is well known and appreciated among fans, but a lot of what Martin did for Gang Green is a credit to the powerhouse center who made it possible in the trenches.
Without triggering a chicken-egg debate, the center and running back simply complemented one another perfectly. They were the ideal partners, tremendous athletes entering their respective primes, on a team that needed them.
Martin and Mawae powered the Jets offense from 1998 to 2005 as the most reliable players in green. Neither missed games until 2005, when injuries staggered their careers and ended streaks for consecutive starts. (Martin started in 119-straight games; Mawae's streak ended at 177.)
Nonetheless, while injuries claimed quarterbacks, free agency lured away receivers, and ineptitude removed coaches, Martin and Mawae were the Jets' cornerstones, working tirelessly to keep the team competitive.
Martin rushed for 1,287 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season with the Jets, behind the brawny and brainy offensive line Mawae led. That continued through 2004 when Martin won the NFL rushing title with 1,697 yards behind Mawae and friends.
One of the most significant and impressive abilities in Mawae's repertoire was quickness when pulling from the center position down the line of scrimmage. From his snap to the quarterback's handoff, Mawae sealed off edges and smashed linebackers in the mouth before the running back gained yards.
When Mawae was drafted, the concept of a pulling center was considered more of a unique skill, exclusively attributed to Steelers great Dermontti Dawson.
After Mawae left Seattle for the Jets, former teammate and Seahawks standout linebacker Chad Brown doubted Mawae's potential to be in Dawson's class.
"I don't want to take anything away from Kevin, but Dermontti is in a class by himself," Brown said before showering Mawae with praise. "Most teams don't have the athletic ability of a Kevin Mawae, who gets downfield and makes blocks against defensive backs in the secondary. Those guys turns 8-yard runs into 18- or 28-yarders. He is one of the most athletic centers in the league."
No one ever accused Brown of being clairvoyant. Perhaps his assessment of Mawae's ability felt true in 1998; it definitely didn't hold as the end of the story on Mawae's career.
In 2003, Mike Martz told T.J. Quinn of the Daily News that Mawae "does things that no other center in this league can do."
"He can pull on a linebacker that's shaded further to the side than he is and block him, which he shouldn't be able to do," Martz continued.
"He's a freak."
Quinn masterfully explained the genius behind the Jets blocking assignments during Mawae's tenure, and how they managed to confuse defenses at will:
When Mawae pulls, it is generally because the former guard has designated himself as the lead blocker when calling out the blocking scheme to his offensive line. The result is a shift in the balance of the running game, former San Francisco All-Pro center Randy Cross says.The center established the offensive rhythm.
"Instead of having a fullback blocking a linebacker, now you've got a center on a linebacker and your fullback on a corner or safety," Cross says.
Teams react to it, and several defenses the Jets have seen this season - notably the Green Bay Packers - began reacting to Mawae's movement, rather than the guards. Once the linebackers started following Mawae, the Jets were able to counter the other way for big gains.
As president of the NFL Player's Association, cameras often captured Mawae in the center of this offseason's nasty labor dispute. He wasn't caught very often when he was a player doing things that earned him an intense reputation.
That's a step below calling him dirty, but a distinction that must be made for a player who "knows how much he can get away with within the rules," according to an anonymous coach speaking with Cimini in 2004.
"Sometimes he goes a little too far," the coach continued.
Early into the 2004 season, Mawae fractured his right hand in a victory against the San Diego Chargers. Then-coach Herm Edwards was mum on the details, but left room for people to speculate on Mawae's status and wonder if his streak of 157-consecutive starts was in jeopardy.
It wasn't.
Mawae returned to the field with his right hand wrapped in a cast and switched to southpaw for his ball-snapping duties. What began as a testament to his ironman toughness evolved into a running joke as analysts and fans questioned the severity of the injury weeks later.
Truthfully, it looked like Mawae was enjoying the club and using it to his advantage at every opportunity.
"The ref came up to me three or four times and said, 'I'm getting complaints,' " Mawae said after a 2004 win against Miami. "I said, 'What do you want me to do?' Don't play against me. Or I'll hide one hand behind my back."
The layers of bandages eventually came off, but Mawae's style never softened. His brand of football has a philosophy; and while he's a friendly, devout Christian off the field, Mawae's pride in his work is what made his career special to football fans.
He's the throwback player to generations ago who'd buckle his chin pad, play through pain, and do everything within his power to walk away knowing he did what was necessary.
"You either play football or you don't," Mawae told the Daily News. "Guys say I cross the line, but I've never seen my name on a list of the dirtiest players. If people take exception to the way I play, I don't care. They don't have to like it, but they'd better be ready for the way I play."
To put it gently, the Jets' overall success varied widely during Mawae's tenure.
The 1998 season produced the team's best results with a 12-4 regular-season finish and a heart-breaking end in Denver for the AFC Championship Game.
Injuries devastated the team at various positions for years until Martin and Mawae suffered season-ending injuries in 2005. Martin's knees disallowed him from returning to football; Mawae's torn triceps tendon spelled the end of his career with the Jets. The future Parcells envisioned in 1998 ended.
Even without a championship, the mission was accomplished. Through Mawae, the Jets elevated from the 3-13 and 1-14 disasters of the Rich Kotite era (or error). There were bumps in the road in Mawae's seven seasons with the Jets, but hope always existed behind him. He embodied the team's competitive spirit and helped establish an identity for the Jets that still exists today.
In 2009, Mawae's successor Nick Mangold told The Jets Blog, "He really set up the center position in New York. People really know about it because of Kevin and what he was able to do."
Mangold made a seamless transition into a role Mawae defined and placed his own stamp on it, but that doesn't negate what Mawae meant for the Jets, or how people evaluate an offensive lineman.
"It was difficult coming in and having that kind of a player here before you. You have that hanging over your head," Mangold said. "But I do appreciate Kevin."
We all do.


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Injured Kids, Injured Parents and Tort Law
When a child suffers a long-term or permanent disability because of someone's negligent or even intentional act, the child is not the only one whose life changes. The child's special health care needs become part of the daily caregiving routines of the parents. Those needs might include, for example, taking the child to medical appointments, interacting with health care providers, delivering medical and other therapies, working with a school to develop an educational plan, advocating with social service agencies, etc. On average, a family caregiver for a special needs child spends nearly 30 hours a week caring for the child in ways that other parents don't confront. Most of the caregiving parents are mothers, and most of them either leave work altogether or reduce their hours of work significantly. Other consequences that caregiving parents face include mental and physical health problems, social isolation, and the deterioration of family relationships.
Let's say the child's injuries result from a car accident or from medical malpractice. Does the law require the driver or the doctor to pay damages to the parents for the changes in their lives? Damages for direct costs, such as medical bills, are always allowed. When caregiving reduces the parent's earning capacity, some states recognize claims for the parent's lost wages. In others states, responsibility is limited to the cost of employing an unskilled medical aide. In the last group, the tortfeasor owes nothing to the parents.
I call the three approaches "20/20," astigmatism, and blindness. "20/20" applies to situations where the child is viewed realistically, that is, as a person who, by reason of age and experience, is dependent on parents for direct care and for interacting with the outside world. Law and policy suffer from astigmatism when the child's connection and dependency are acknowledged, but the consequences that parents face are blurred. (I've got astigmatism and can testify to the blurriness!) Blindness is what happens when, as one court argues, parents are responsible for their kids, no matter what – no sharing of costs is appropriate, regardless of the fact that the child would not need unusual caregiving but for the tortious injury.
In my current work, I'm trying to explain why many courts suffer from blindness or astigmatism. One reason is gender. Caregiving is considered women's work, and women should do it with happiness and generosity, so their losses should not be monetized. If any loss is acknowledged, it should only be those losses that a man might also experience, that is, paying someone else to do the caregiving. Since, for reasons of both gender and race, we pay very little for caregiving jobs, it makes sense to compensate the caregiving parent (i.e., the mother) at the same small rate. Another reason is a lack of foreseeability – perhaps tortfeasors shouldn't be expected to anticipate that injuring a child would affect a parent's life, so it isn't fair to make them pay damages for that harm. This perspective is consistent with a general lack of awareness about the lives of people with disabilities and the lives of their families. That degree of ignorance may have grown over the last half century in light of radical changes in social, legal, and cultural practices around health care generally and disabled kids in particular. Family caregivers now deliver much more medical care at home, for example, and the medical regimes of their special needs children are often more complex. Also, happily, more disabled children are living at home rather than in institutions, and many more are surviving into adulthood and beyond. At the same time, more mothers are now working outside the home. Many parents raising special needs children are doing it alone, so, if a mother has to meet the unusual demands of caring for a child with special needs, her chances of losing her job and falling into poverty increase. A third reason may be horizontal equity. The unusual caregiving demands of special needs children depend on the child's characteristics, not on whether the source of the child's special needs is a tort. Covering the lost wages of parents of tortiously-injured children puts those families at an economic advantage compared to families of other special needs children.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on which of the three rules seems to make the most sense, and why.


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Textile mills are expected to increase their use of cotton by about 3 percent to 126 million bales in the 2007-08 marketing year, the International Cotton Advisory Committee, an association of 44 governments of cotton producing and consuming countries, says.
That rate of growth would be smaller than in the previous three seasons but still higher than the long-term average of 2 percent per year, according to the ICAC's Secretariat, which is based in Washington.
The primary reasons for the slower growth: (1) A forecast decline in the rate of global economic growth; (2) an increase in international cotton prices; and (3) the fact that cotton has lost some of its price competitiveness compared to polyester in major markets since August of this year.
"World cotton production is estimated down by 3 percent to 120 million bales in 2007-08 (Aug. 1-July 31) due to a decline in area," the ICAC said in its monthly outlook report. "Production is forecast down in China, in the United States, in Pakistan, in Turkey and in the CFA zone." (The ICAC estimated 2006-07 production at 122.8 million bales.)
"India is the only major producing country where production is expected to increase this season, to a record of 24.34 million bales — nearly double the production of three years ago."
With global cotton mill use expected to exceed global production in 2007-08 (126 million vs. 120 million bales), stocks are expected to decline by 10 percent to 54 million bales by July 2008. World cotton imports are forecast up by 9 percent in 2007-08 to 41 million bales, due to a projected rebound in Chinese imports.
The Secretariat, using the ICAC Price Model 2007, forecasts a season-average Cotlook A Index of 67 cents per pound in 2007-08 — 8 cents higher than in 2006-07. "This projected price increase is the result of an expected significant decline in the stocks-to-mill use ratio in the world — less China — in 2007-08," it said.
In the 2008-09 marketing year, the ICAC is expecting world cotton production to rebound to 122 million bales, world consumption to rise to 127 million bales and world ending stocks to decline to 49 million bales. The organization has not issued a price forecast for 2008-09.
The ICAC's price projection for 2007-08 is based on the ending stocks/mill use ratio in the world — less China — in 2005-06, 2006-07 (estimates) and 2007-08 (projection) and on the ending stocks/mill use ratio in China in 2005-06 and 2006-07.
e-mail: email@example.com