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Transformers: The Movie – Ultimate Edition (UK - DVD R2)
Reviewer Chris Gould has love for the film because it was born in the '80s...
It is the year 2005. The villainous Decepticons, lead by the maniacal Megatron, have conquered the Transformers' home-world of Cyberton and banished the valiant Autobots to the planet Earth. However, the Autobots and their noble leader, Optimus Prime, are secretly planning to retake the planet from hidden staging grounds on two of Cybertron's moons. Unfortunately the Decepticons learn of this plan and, using a stolen Autobot shuttle, strike at the very heart of their enemy—Autobot City, Earth.
Sony BMG 20th Anniversary Edition
Metrodome Ultimate Edition
Caught unaware, the Autobots mount a courageous counter-offensive, but after many hours under siege their chances of survival look slim at best. When all hope seems lost, Optimus Prime arrives with reinforcements and helps to turn the tide of the battle, but at great personal cost. Mortally wounded during a titanic struggle with Megatron, Prime's last act is to pass the Autobot Matrix of Leadership to his old friend, Ultra Magnus. Elsewhere, Megatron's traitorous lieutenant, Starscream, seizes his opportunity for advancement and jettisons the battered remains of his former commander and a number of injured Decepticons into the vast reaches of space, thus paving the way for his ascension to the Decepticon throne.
It is while drifting through space that the injured Decepticons encounter a monstrous, planet-sized entity known as Unicron. For reasons unknown, Unicron seeks the destruction of the Autobot Matrix, and to this end he makes Megatron an offer he is unable to refuse: serve him, or die. Unicron heals Megatron's ravaged body, recreating him as the all-powerful Galvatron—a being even less prone to compassion and decency than Megatron—before ordering him to exterminate the Autobots and crush the Matrix. The fate of all Transformers—and indeed the universe itself—rests upon the shoulders of a single Autobot; one who must rise from the ranks to adopt the mantle of leadership and put an end to Unicron's destructive reign once and for all.
Sony BMG 20th Anniversary Edition
Metrodome Ultimate Edition
As with previous releases, this 'Ultimate Edition' includes a 4:3 (open-matte) aspect ratio transfer of the film. However, unlike most of the previous releases Metrodome has also included a remastered widescreen (1.78:1) version of the film! Now before you get too excited, you're not getting to see more picture than before. In fact, quite the opposite is true, because the widescreen image has been created by simply cropping the existing 4:3 version of the film. I'm sure there are some people out there who will cry foul when they hear this, but rest assured, this is exactly how the original theatrical release was exhibited (indeed, it's how many, many widescreen films are created to this very day).
Firstly, let me just say that I am 99% certain that this transfer was created from the same print as the Sony BMG effort. There are just too many similarities between the two for it to be coincidental. For example, things like minor fluctuations in colour stability and the appearance of film artefacts occurring at identical times on both releases. Although touted as a progressive film-to-PAL transfer on their message boards, Metrodome's image is in fact flagged as interlaced. However, that's not as bad as it sounds because PAL's 2/2 sequence doesn't introduce the same sort of interlacing artefacts as NTSC's 2/3 sequence. This is the first major advantage that Metrodome's release has over the recent Sony BMG disc, but it is not the last.
Sony BMG 20th Anniversary Edition
Metrodome Ultimate Edition
For the most part the colour rendition on Metrodome's release is markedly superior to the Sony BMG disc, although there a number of scenes where the quality drops noticeably (check out the first set of screen caps for an example). The image presented here is also sharper than any previous release I've seen (which is a real blessing), and contrast and brightness have been evened out somewhat. The widescreen framing is also slightly different to the Sony BMG transfer, containing more information at the bottom of the screen with a sliver less at the top (again noticeable on the screen caps) and slightly less to the sides. Film artefacts are improved over the older releases, but as already stated there's nothing between this and Sony BMG's disc in that respect. All-in-all this is definitely the best the film has ever looked, but the transfer is not without its faults.
Metrodome listened to all of the negative comments directed at the Dolby Digital 5.1 track on their 'Reconstructed' release and enlisted the help of Transformers expert Chris McFeely when creating the new mix for the 'Ultimate Edition'. The end result is definitely an improvement. While I generally accept that 5.1 remixes of older films aren't going to be entirely faithful to the source material, I do believe that you at least have to remain loyal to the spirit of the original. In many circumstances these remixes can add a great deal to aging films, such as the fantastic track that accompanies the DVD release of Superman: The Movie. Unfortunately 'Reconstructed' went too far by adding to and altering the iconic sound effects from the film—the most infamous of which was Optimus Prime's rifle—pulling the viewer out of the movie experience.
Sony BMG 20th Anniversary Edition
Metrodome Ultimate Edition
While this new 5.1 track retains some of the additions from the 'Reconstructed' effort, many of the audio gaffes have been rectified. Well, more or less. While the sound of Prime's rifle has been restored to its former glory, the actual level of the audio is much quieter than it should be. It's really is quite jarring, as the rifle sounds perfectly normal in one shot, but is barely audible in the next. There are also problems with the dynamic range of the track, with a number of scenes sounding much quieter than those that bookend them. However, this eases off as the film progresses and this particular issue also affected Sony BMG's release. Sill, at least we're not forced to listen to the dreaded 'whip crack' noises found on the 'Reconstructed' disc.
Surround utilisation is generally limited to the rocky soundtrack and Vince DiCola's score, but the effects occasionally find their way into the rears. These mostly consist of ships whooshing overhead, but the booming, omnipresent voice of Unicron himself also finds a home in the surround channels. However, a lot of these effects sound out of place. Dialogue is generally crisp and clear—although there are occasional moments where things are lost in the mix—but bass is lacking when compared to newer releases (and curiously the Sony BMG disc is slightly better in this respect). I've always had a soft spot for DiCola's score—especially the piece 'Autobot-Decepticon Battle'—but I was never a fan of the aforementioned hair metal soundtrack when I was a kid. However, over the years I've grown to appreciate its cheesy goodness. If it's good enough for Dirk Diggler...
Sony BMG 20th Anniversary Edition
Metrodome Ultimate Edition
I'm not as familiar with the original audio as someone like Chris McFeely, but from what I sampled the Dolby 2.0 Stereo track didn't appear to contain any extraneous effects. Certainly, listening to the second attack on Autobot City (right before the 'No, you'd better stay close to me!' line) there are a few blasts and metallic clunks on the 5.1 track that aren't present on the 2.0 track (or are buried deep enough in the mix to go undetected). I was unable to directly compare the 2.0 track with the original audio because my Video Gems cassette has seen better days, but on the whole I'd say that it's a fairly faithful representation. It's just a pity that, once again, silly quality control issues prevent this release from wresting the Transformers: The Movie audio crown away from Sony BMG.
The main attraction on disc one is an audio commentary by Transformers super-fan Chris McFeely (who sounds a little bit like Ed Byrne). I was a tad worried when I discovered that this release was to have a commentary track featuring only one participant, but thankfully Chris does a good job of filling the running time. He clearly knows his stuff when it comes to Transformers, and goes into great detail about many of the lesser-known elements of the production and the Transformers universe as a whole. Unfortunately this occasionally leads to digression, which in turn leads to on-screen events going unmentioned (such as the entire prologue featuring Unicron's destruction of Lithone). Even so, this is a still an interesting and informative track.
Sony BMG 20th Anniversary Edition
Metrodome Ultimate Edition
The rest of the bonus material on disc one continues with 'Alternate UK and US Scenes', which compares three scenes from the movie in both their UK and US forms. The scenes in question are 'Opening Credits', 'Spike's Expletive' and 'End Credits'. The main difference between the two versions is the addition of a voiceover on the UK release, along with the absence of any swearing in the UK version.Fourteen trailers and TV spots come next, the most interesting of which is the Japanese trailer with its numerous deleted shots. These are swiftly followed by 'Title, Colour & Exposure Tests', but I can't say I was terribly enthused by those.
Slightly more interesting are the 'Character Profiles', which provide information on many of the major Autobot and Decepticon players. They're presented in a style reminiscent of the old 'tech specs' that came with the toys, which is a nice touch. Finally we have a new Transformers: The Movie trailer, but it adds very little to the content provided by the other trailers. Unfortunately there are a number of silly errors that should have been avoided (entire sections of one character's biography appearing in another character's biography, for example).
Sony BMG 20th Anniversary Edition
Metrodome Ultimate Edition
Disc two contains the bulk of the supplemental material, or at least the more lengthy featurettes. First up we have a twenty-four minute 'Interview with Flint Dille, Story Consultant'. Flint talks in-depth about his move from the G.I. Joe TV series to the Transformers series, recounting many of the events of the time. In fact the whole interview is pretty anecdotal, with stories about everything from discarded movie scripts that never were to bailing Chris Latta (the voice of Starscream) out of jail. On the whole this is a more informative and enjoyable interview than the one found on the Sony release.
The second major featurette, entitled 'Peter Cullen, The Voice of Optimus Prime, Q & A', runs for around twenty minutes and includes a 2005 Comic-Con appearance by the voice artist. Cullen arrives to thunderous applause and proceeds to field questions from the audience, beginning with his showbiz break in 1970s Los Angeles on The Sonny and Cher Show. He goes on to answer numerous questions before pleasing the audience with a number of impromptu renditions of his most recognisable characters (Ironhide and Optimus Prime, the latter of which was modelled on his brother). Perhaps the most touching part of the documentary comes when Cullen recounts the story of a terminally ill boy whose biggest wish was to communicate with the voice Optimus Prime, and how he developed a relationship with the boy before his passing.
Sony BMG 20th Anniversary Edition
Metrodome Ultimate Edition
The Japanese episode 'Scramble City' comes next. It takes place before the movie in continuity and features many of the characters introduced in the second season of the series, along with a few new ones (such as Ultra Magnus). From what I can gather, most people are curious as to whether this episode includes the 'original' audio. Well, it's certainly in Japanese with questionable subtitles, but seeing as around a third of the episode is comprised of clips from the American series the term 'original' is open to interpretation. Personally I don't think 'Scramble City' is a patch on the G1 Transformers stuff I grew up with up with, as everything was needlessly complicated. Thankfully Chris McFeely is once again on hand to guide us through the episode (and boy is he needed).
Next up we have 'Test Deleted/Alternate Footage with Commentary', which runs for around five minutes. There's nothing worth getting particularly worked up about here, as the footage mostly consists of incomplete animation or errors. However, the sequence does include the only known deleted scene from Transformers: The Movie, but even that is a 'blink and you'll miss it' affair. As always, Chris McFeely is on hand to talk us through the proceedings.
The last of the bonus material is comprised of a non-anamorphic trailer for the forthcoming live-action Transformers movie, eleven minutes of animated storyboards and some DVD-Rom content. Actually, the DVD-Rom content is probably the most interesting of these few bonus pieces, mostly because it contains not only the entire script for the film, but also a complete list of sound effects that were added and removed for the new 5.1 track.
Sony BMG 20th Anniversary Edition
Metrodome Ultimate Edition
So there you have it, not a bad selection of extras, but not quite as good as the Sony BMG effort and many of them have been ported from the old Reconstructed DVD. Sony's release features superior presentation (Metrodome's menus are functional at best), two commentary tracks (one fan-based group effort and another featuring the director, writer and one of the voice actors), more in-depth interviews and a great little feature called the 'Autobot Matrix of Knowledge', which displays pop-up trivia as you watch the film.
So, is it worth buying yet another Transformers: The Movie DVD? On the whole I'd have to say yes. However, while this is certainly the best region two release to date, there are a number of things that prevent it from attaining true 'Ultimate Edition' status. The most important of these is the relative lack of bonus material (compared to the Sony BMG release), which means you're going to need to buy both titles to enjoy the complete Transformers: The Movie experience. Other niggles concern periodic variances in the audio-visual quality and some sloppy presentation (the aforementioned errors in the character bios for example).
Sony BMG 20th Anniversary Edition
Metrodome Ultimate Edition
I also have some reservations about the asking price for this two-disc set. In 2007 we should not be paying more for our DVDs than we were a decade ago, and one has to wonder if the title would be more conservatively priced if a live-action Transformers movie were not just around the corner. Anyway, these minor quibbles aside, it's almost third time lucky for Metrodome. The visual elements are clearly superior to anything that's come before, and Chris McFeely's solo commentaries pack a lot of information into a short amount of time. This alone is reason enough for all self-respecting 'Trans-Fans' to check it out.
Review by Chris Gould
General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children
Disc Details
Release Date: 4th June 2007
Discs: 2
Disc Type: Single side, dual layer
RCE: No
Video: PAL
Aspect: 1.78:1
Anamorphic: Yes
Colour: Yes
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo English
Subtitles: None
Extras: Audio Commentary, Original Theatrical Trailer and TV Spots, Cinex and Credit Test, Photo Gallery, Scamble City Episode with Optional Commentary, Transformers 2007 Live Action Movie Trailer, Test, Deleted/Alternate Footage with Commentary, Animated Storyboards, US and Japanese Toy Commercials, Scamble City Commercials, DVD-ROM Content
Easter Egg: No
Feature Details
Director: Nelson Shin
Cast: Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, Chris Latta, Judd Nelson, Leonard Nimoy, Robert Stack, Lionel Stander, Orson Welles, Susan Blu
Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Fantasy and Sci-Fi
Length: 81 minutes
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David Bianculli
David Bianculli is a guest host and TV critic on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross. A contributor to the show since its inception, he has been a TV critic since 1975.
From 1993 to 2007, Bianculli was a TV critic for the New York Daily News.
Bianculli has written three books: Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (Simon & Schuster/Touchstone, 2009), Teleliteracy: Taking Television Seriously (1992), and Dictionary of Teleliteracy (1996).
An associate professor of TV and film at Rowan University in New Jersey, Bianculli is also the founder and editor of the online magazine, TVWorthWatching.com.


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Sasha Harris-CroninAlumni, Class of 2002
Sasha Harris-Cronin works for BBI Engineering in San Francisco creating interactive exhibits for museums around the country. She has worked in the role of media producer, programmer, technology lead, project manager, and designer. She graduated ITP in 2002 and before that worked in Off-Broadway theatre as a designer and technician. Her most recent project was the Giant Heart at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. She is currently working with the Oakland Museum of California on their major renovation


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Study Abroad in Australia
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Spend 3.5 weeks in Western Australia including 13 nights in Perth and a 10-day field trip based around the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and Marine Park, Australia's longest fringing coral reef, considered to be one of the last great ocean paradises on Earth. Murdoch University has...more
La Trobe University was founded in 1967 and is known for its excellence and innovation in relation to the big issues of our time, and for its enthusiasm to make a difference. API students will take courses at the Bundorra Campus (main campus, Melbourne) of La Trobe University with Australian and...more
Live in Sydney, Australia's largest and oldest city with a multicultural population of nearly 4.5 million. As a student, you'll enjoy a bustling life with easy access to beaches, mountains, and national parks via a well-established public transit system. The University of Sydney is con...more
Spend 3 weeks in the state of Western Australia beginning and ending in Perth with a 10-day field trip in between. The program combines traditional classroom learning with an extended field trip exploring the landscapes, history, people and culture of Western Australia. Journey deep into the...more
Griffith University was founded in 1971 with the goal of offering new degrees in progressive fields such as Asian studies and environmental science. It has since grown in to a large, comprehensive, and research-intensive university, ranking in the top 5% of universities worldwide. API students at...more
On our Semester in Melbourne – University of Melbourne program, you'll study at one of the mostly highly ranked universities in the world. Situated steps away from the heart of the city, the University of Melbourne provides the perfect backdrop for a once-in-a-lifetime overseas study exp...more
Earn up to 16 credits per semester when you study with AIFS in Perth, Australia. Choose the Full Curriculum Program, the Specialized Certificate Program or an Exercise Science Internship at Murdoch University. The optional Pacific Studies Program in Fiji adds an additional credit for a week...more
Macquarie University was established in 1964, and ranks among the top universities in Australia and the world in a number of subjects. It was awarded 5 stars in the prestigious QS Stars rating system for their high performance in areas such as teaching, research, graduate employability, and...more
Summer in Sydney has it all: world-class academics at a prestigious university; life in a vibrant, historical city; and endless opportunities to immerse yourself in Australian culture. During this six-week program, you'll get a taste of the true Australia. Make lasting friendships through the M...more
Earn up to 16 credits per semester when you study with AIFS in Wollongong, Australia. The Optional Pacific Studies Program in Fiji adds an additional credit per semester, and a business internship is available. Live in a shared room in a university residence with 19 meals per week included. Enjoy...more
Study among church spires, bustling cafes, hip nightclubs, and stunning scenery. Adelaide is Australia at its best, and you can spend your summer soaking in the beaches, the wildlife, and the Aussie charm. When it comes to your studies, the classes at the University of Adelaide will challenge and...more
Study at the University of Adelaide, a prestigious university and member of the Group of Eight, Australia's "Ivy League." Adelaide is known for its easy access to Australia's "grapest" wine regions, four of which are located only an hour from the heart of Adelaide. As a CISabroad student, yo...more
Dive into your future career in one of the best spots on the planet—Sydney, Australia. On Intern in Australia, we'll tailor your internship placement to match your career goals, interests, and skills. Not sure how long to live "down under?" You can choose an 8 or 12-week internship. Live the "wo...more
Study in Sydney at Macquarie University with CISabrod! Although Sydney is not Australia's capital, it is the country's largest and most cosmopolitan city, boasting an international and diverse culture and endless entertainment. The Harbor Bridge, botanical gardens, and Sydney Opera House are just...more
Live life in the Australian tropics! Study abroad at James Cook University (JCU) for a semester - a world-class university located near the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands, rainforests, and parks. Dive into your academics during the week and choose from more than 170 undergraduate subjects...more
spend next summer in Australia with CISabroad! Study and live in beautiful Gold Coast on a modern, medium-sized campus. This unique summer program offers a full range of courses during a 14 week stay. Enjoy a full range of social and adventure activities on a buzzing campus. Exceptional fitness...more
CISabroad and Bond University welcome you to embark on the journey of a lifetime as you soak up the sun on the Gold Coast! Known for its breathtaking landscapes and pleasant climate, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities. With close proximity to the...more
Relax into a natural paradise while studying abroad in Australia! The University of Newcastle is renowned for its lush campus, full of low-growth forests and exotic gardens. The university prides itself on its ecological sustainability program, as well as its adherence to a "true Aussie...more
Study at La Trobe University with CISabroad! WIth campuses in Bendigo and Melbourne, you have the choice of studying at either locaation. The university is recognized as a top 150 university in the world! Unique adventure education programs in addition to program excusions will introduce you to...more
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Study Abroad Australia Programs near Caldwell
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Caldwell Australia Study Abroad ProgramsFinding a Caldwell Australia study abroad program has never been easier — seriously! With Uloop, you can browse for Caldwell Australia study abroad programs, other study abroad trips, affordable study abroad trips, accredited study abroad trips, and more all in one easy place. Refine your Australia study abroad search using filters and your Caldwell Australia study abroad search will be greatly enhanced! Be sure to share relevant Australia study abroad programs with Caldwell classmates to make the Australia study abroad search process even quicker for them. Use Uloop.com to find and compare Caldwell Australia study abroad programs today!
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I'm having a great time studying abroad! What are the best ways to remember my time abroad? Is it worth it to buy a fancy...There are so many places I want to visit and experience -- how do I choose where to study abroad?If you could study abroad next semester, where would you like to study?Is it worth it to spend more money to study abroad where I really want to go to or save money by going somewhere further down...When deciding to study abroad, did you attend a satellite campus of your current university or study at a new university...Is there a time that's best to study abroad? Does anyone have any recommendations on which year or semester worked (or didn't...I met someone while studying abroad and now I'm moving back to America. Is it worth it to pursue a long distance relationship?I'm studying abroad in a country where I don't speak the language, but I'm trying to learn some of the basics before I go. W...When studying abroad, did you ever feel homesick? How did you handle it and make yourself feel better?I have many reasons for deciding not to study abroad. What are other people's reasons for making the same decision as I did?...


text: A whole bunch of skating went down today at the Kimberley Diamond Cup. In street qualifiers, Alec Majerus came in first with Louie Lopez and Nyjah Huston hot on his heels. Andy Macdonald won Big Air and Vert. Full results here. Check the photos below and we've embedded today's live webcast to replay if you missed it. Get ready for an amazing Street Finals tomorrow! Live webcast here.


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It technically doesn't count as a JV loss, but the Orioles' sophomores tasted defeat for the first time this season.
Andale had two interceptions, a kickoff-return touchdown and several big running plays on way to a 52-27 victory at Hillier Stadium Monday night.
Augusta had its only lead of the game during the first quarter when Raef Hilt capped a long drive with a one-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 Oriole lead.
Andale returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, then converted a 2-point conversion for an 8-7 lead.
The Indians added to that lead after picking off a pass and scoring on a short drive. They converted another 2-point conversion for a 16-7 lead. Andale was 5-for-6 on 2-point tries.
Jaden Shryock capped a scoring drive with a six-yard quarterback rollout for the Orioles. Hilt scored the 2-pointer to pull them within one point.
Andale later scored on a 52-yard run to go back up by two scores. It then recovered a squib kick that led to another touchdown run and a 32-15 lead.
Hilt returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to close the gap to 32-21 at halftime.
The Orioles hurt themselves several times in the second half with penalties, including one that wiped out a 48-yard TD run. Andale scored two more touchdowns before the Orioles cracked the scoreboard again to put the game out of reach.
Hilt scored his third touchdown of the day during the fourth quarter. Andale closed the scoring with a pick-six on the game's final play.


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Pellet stoves heating up as oil prices riseBy NANCY BEAN FOSTER
Union Leader Correspondent
February 06. 2013 11:37PM
BROOKLINE -- The spike in home heating fuel prices, the bitterly cold weather and a tax credit that went into effect at the start of the year are all incentives pushing many Granite Staters to turn to wood pellets to heat their homes.
Chris Smith, manager of Abundant Life Stoves in Chichester, said that wood pellet stoves are extremely popular because they're easy to operate, produce a steady heat, and unlike traditional wood stoves, only need to be filled once a day.
"They're still extremely popular, especially with the cost of oil going up," said Smith.
John Fortunato, of Stove Keepers in Brookline, said that when the prices of fossil fuels drop, sales in pellet stoves drop, but in years where home heating oil costs skyrocket, pellets once again find their way into people's homes.
Charles Niebling, manager of New England Wood Pellet in Jaffrey, said that people are also motivated to buy pellet stoves this winter because the economy is improving.
"Coming out of the recession, consumers are feeling more comfortable about making investments in their homes that can save them money," said Niebling. "When the economy was bad, people couldn't afford to make capital changes that would save them money."
Niebling also said weather is a factor.
"We're actually having a real winter this year, unlike 2012, which was the warmest year in recorded history," said Niebling.
Advanced designs
There have been a lot of improvements to the technology behind pellet stoves, Fortunato said, though it's the simple process of an auger feeding fuel to the flame that makes pellet stoves efficient.
"The changes we've seen over the years tend to be geared toward safety," he said. "The guts of the pellet stoves have remained the same, but there are enhanced safety features and less maintenance in the newer stoves."
And while it's common to have a pellet stove in a living room or a kitchen, people are now buying pellet-fed water heaters and furnaces that can warm the entire home. The only drawback of pellets versus oil or gas is that homeowners have to manually feed pellets into the stoves and furnaces.
"The industry is working on developing technology to deliver the pellets into the stove without as much involvement from the homeowner, but right now, you have to be an active part of the process to heat your home with pellets," said Fortunato. "Unlike oil or gas, you have to touch this fuel."
Tax credits
At Fireplace Village in Bedford, President Ken Naylor said that interest in pellets and wood stoves has increased since the start of the year, when a biomass tax credit went into effect that gives homeowners tax breaks for buying the stoves.
"We are still seeing a lot of interest in pellet products, but we have also seen a big increase in wood sales as well," said Naylor. "With the biomass tax credit being reinstated, we hope there will be even more interest in 2013."
According to Smith, the folks who purchase wood and pellet stoves will receive up to a $300 federal tax credit.
"The tax credit is a bonus, but it's still cheaper to heat with pellets than it is with oil, even without the credit," Smith said.
Cost savings
Pellets currently cost about half of what oil costs to produce the same heat, and 40 percent of what it costs to heat with propane, Fortunato said.
According to the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning, the average price for heating oil is $3.873 per gallon; propane is $3.261 per gallon. Pellets are currently running around $245.80 for a delivered ton, or $4.91 per bag. And one bag of pellets equals 3.75 gallons of propane or 2.5 gallons of oil.
"No matter how you look at it, pellets are cheaper," Fortunato said.
Energy Environment Weather New Hampshire Top Section Stories


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The Demuth Museum also hosts private parties! For more information about Facilities Rental, click here.
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A version of this article appears in the July/August 2006 issue of Home Energy Magazine.
July 01, 2006
Refrigerator Habits
Refrigerator Habits I read your Jan/Feb '06 editorial ("Milk, Melons, and Smaller Refrigerators," p. 2) about refrigerators and agree with your sentiments that most people could probably get by with smaller refrigerators. Although people could buy smaller portions of things, in America it always seems that bigger is better, as well as cheaper. I have visited Europe many times and always like to visit the local grocery stores. I see the major difference between the American and European stores is the size of the portions. Pricing in America is always biased toward selling larger quantities of items.Take a stroll through any Costco, BJ's,Wal- Mart, and other superstore and you will see frozen and refrigerated food sold in quantities unheard of in Europe. From a consumer standpoint, it is more cost-effective to purchase a large refrigerator (or multiple refrigerators) to take advantage of these quantity savings; they will vastly outweigh the incremental electricity bills. The key to successful energy-saving products is to give consumers what they want (that is, larger refrigerators), and use technology to deliver it....
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I used to watch the Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday night and The Mickey Mouse Club every weekday. The shows were really frustrating because they were mostly vile live action. It was like they would just put enough cartoons in the shows to lure the kids in so that they could trick you into watching the amateur live action stuff.
My favorite part about the Mickey Mouse Club was the new animation-it looked different than the classic shorts-it was stylish and modern. The characters weren't just pears and sausages, they were pears and sausages with corners on them. This is different from what we have today. Now we have just the corners, but the nutritional parts have been thrown out.
Anyway look how Goddamn cute Mickey is in these great openings. When they talk about the importance of "appeal" in the Disney books, this is it in its highest form.
Mickey not only looks great in his design-he has all the fundamental principles of good animation drawing to back up the slick and stylish finish.
Clean silhouettes
Squash and Stretch.
Organic forms.
You should see this stuff animate-look at the nice perspective on Mickey's cane-it really is effective in motion.
It's also cool that each animator-even though he followed the basic 1955 model of Mickey, still ddrew him slightly different.
This is my favorite of all the openings-the cowboy sequence. The way Mickey twirls his lasso while jumping through the hoops is amazing. What skill these animators had!
Get the Preston Blair book too and he explains how the principles work!
But start copying now and maybe someday you will be able to work for me (or any other real cartoonist).
In fact go buy the DVD collection of the color Mickeys and copy from all the cartoons on there!
WANNA LEARN TO INK? Ask Katie: http://funnycute.blogspot.com/2006/05/inking_01.html


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Millions of prairie dogs once lived across the Great Plains, providing abundant food and shelter for many other species of wildlife. But over the last 150 years prairie dogs have been reduced by more than 95 percent, and they continue to be poisoned, shot, bulldozed, and killed by plague.
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It's a boy for the royal family, and NH Anglophiles are celebratingBy JASON SCHREIBER
Union Leader Correspondent
July 22. 2013 6:35PM
Donna Cloutier got goose bumps when she watched television coverage Monday as the world awaited the arrival of Britain's littlest member of the royal family and future heir to the throne — an 8 pound, 6 ounce baby boy.
"It's just a wonderful part of life and it doesn't matter what walk of life," Cloutier said with excitement as she played with her 10-month-old twin grandchildren, Daniel and Clare, while pushing them in a stroller in downtown Exeter.
The worldwide royal baby watch that began as soon as Prince William's wife, Kate, went into labor early Monday captivated many Granite Staters for the same reason other Americans are intrigued by Britain's royal family.
Nicoletta Gullace, associate professor of history at the University of New Hampshire who studies 20th century and modern British history, said Americans are fascinated by an institution that goes back thousands of years and seems to be timeless.
"While this isn't quite true, the fact that the British have chosen to hang onto the institution of the monarchy, even in modern times, is a testament to their deep connection to the past and their sense of tradition as a stabilizing force in modern society.
"In order for the monarchy to remain compelling, however, it has had to modernize too, and the health of the British monarchy depends, to some extent, on the star power of the monarchs and their ability to garner media attention and public affection," she said.
America's interest in the monarchy didn't end when Princess Diana was killed in a car crash in 1997, Gullace said.
"Kate and Will have become the heirs to that glamour and affection, and we are all watching and wishing for them to live happier lives than our beloved Diana did," she said.
Jodi Saviski of Greenland followed some of the news Monday, but wasn't glued to the television the way her family was on William and Kate's wedding day.
"We watched the wedding because my daughters wanted to see all the fanfare," she said.
As exciting as the birth may be for royal family followers, Saviski knows this little prince's life won't be easy.
"I feel bad. It's not going to be a normal childhood," she said.
Not everyone spent the day following all the breaking baby news out of Britain.
Chris Jennerjohn, 23, of Manchester, said he didn't care — "not even a little."
"I didn't even know there was a birth," he joked.
Dorothy Rainey of Rye saw some of the coverage on the morning news, but she didn't stay home by the TV to keep up on the latest developments.
"It's a little much," she said of the intense media coverage. "It's a private thing."


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text: Soma Brady Slope Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa is a kind of a sleeper sofa that serves to complement the room. When you hear the word "sleeper sofa" then you would imagine a box shape for a sofa. But it's not like that. Sleeper sofa has many types that still serves as a sofa. Such as sofa bed, single sofa, couch, and many more types of a sleeper sofa. Moreover, not only soma brady slope arm slipcovered sleeper sofa, many other types of ideas that can be found here. Do not worry, you can also save on your computer or gadget for easy reminder when you want to replace or rearrange the room in your house. We provide the best ideas for you to know more types sectional sofa just at bookofstefanie.com.


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NH college students riot after Red Sox World Series winBy GRETYL MACALASTER
Union Leader Correspondent
October 31. 2013 7:24AM
Police dealt with rioting students on three New Hampshire college campuses after the Red Sox won the World Series Wednesday night.
In Durham, police used pepper ball guns to disperse an unruly crowd of about 3,000 students after they set off fireworks, threw bottles at officers and jumped onto cars parked along Main Street, police said.
Several officers sustained minor cuts and several parked vehicles were damaged.
Police estimated an initial crowd of 1,000 people gathered downtown on Main Street to celebrate immediately following the win, but that the numbers quickly rose to about 3,000 people.
After about 20 minutes of celebrating, police asked the crowd to leave so the street could reopen.
As officers started to approach, police said the crowd began throwing bottles and cans at them. Officers, in turn, used pepper spray and pepper ball guns on the crowd.
Police said students were warned before the celebration that those arrested would be suspended on an interim basis and be subject to court action and university discipline.
Durham Administrator Todd Selig said police told the students three times to disperse, but they didn't.
Durham, University of New Hampshire, state and Strafford County law enforcement officials then began to use the pepper ball guns to disperse the crowd, but bottle throwing and fireworks continued.
It took over an hour for the crowd to clear.
Five people were arrested: Michael J. McGillicuddy, 20, of Rockport, Mass; Marisa A. Hardy, 21, of Nashua; Evan R. Orlando, 22, of Mansfield, Mass.; Justin Pimetel, 18, of Pelham, and Robert Lougee, 18, of Bow. Each is charged with a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct and are to appear on Dec. 5 in 7th Circuit Court, Dover District Division.
Following the gathering, shattered glass littered Main Street, Selig said, largely from broken bottles. As of about 2 a.m., public works crews were clearing the streets of debris to make Main Street passable.
Selig said the town had planned to have significantly more personnel on hand for Thursday evening in anticipation of the World Series going to seven games with the final game falling on Halloween.
Selig said although both UNH and Durham police had all hands on deck on Wednesday, the town could have used additional support.
Despite the use of the pepper ball guns, Selig said police showed "real restraint" and said he was proud of the local police department's professional and practiced efforts in managing the situation.
In Keene, a crowd of about 1,000 students gathered near the campus Student Center for the celebration, which police said quickly turned riotous with a car, belonging to a student, heavily damaged when it was flipped onto its side.
Police said students threw rocks, glass bottles and ice at officers and at each other. One woman was hit in the arm by a rock (the initial report that she was hit in the head was wrong, police said) and police then used pepper spray to try and get control of the crowd.
Officers kept the crowd from reaching Main Street, turning them back onto campus.
No one was arrested, but police said the investigation is continuing.
Students at Plymouth State University (PSU) also reportedly rioted although campus police declined to comment, referrring a reporter to the university's public relations department.
According to The Clock Online, the university newspaper, students set off fireworks, tore down two light posts and set couches on fire. The riot lasted about two to three hours until it was broken up by university and state police with police dogs.
Tim Kershner, chief of public relations for PSU, confirmed that lamp posts were knocked down and that couches were set on fire. He said police were out last night in anticipation of students celebrating a victory.
He said no one was arrested, although the police investigation is continuing.
firstname.lastname@example.com. New Hamsphire Union Leader staff reporter Pat Grossmith contributed to this report.
Crime Public Safety University Red Sox/MLB Plymouth Keene Durham


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Lansing's new mayor told an audience of business and civic leaders during the ninth annual "Salads and Solutions" lunch that the city has a lot on its plate.
Lansing's new mayor told an audience of business and civic leaders during the ninth annual "Salads and Solutions" lunch that the city has a lot on its plate.
Friday's update, a sort of "state of the city" for Lansing was the first for Billy Blackwell, who was sworn into office in January. He started by recognizing not what he or the city council was going to do, but rather what those in the audience had already done.
"I want to thank you for being a part of the Lansing family," he said. "We could not do the things in Lansing that we are able to do without you as a business, you as an organization partnering with us."
With that said, Blackwell told the business and civic leaders, peppered amongst city department managers and council members in the tables in the community center, not to hesitate if they need help.
"If there's something that we can do to keep you healthy and prosperous, thriving as a business as an organization, we want to partner right up there with you," he said.
Blackwell said on the city side, there are a number of ongoing projects that he hopes officials can make inroads on this year — including the proposed realignment of Kansas Highway 5 to Interstate 435. That particular proposal, Blackwell said, has been gaining steam among stakeholders in southern Leavenworth County and Wyandotte County.
"All of those folks have a lot to gain from a K-5 realignment," he said. "The ability to get people over to 435 quickly is going to be a plus."
Blackwell said more recently the city had met with state legislators and with Kansas Department of Transportation officials, but cautioned that it will likely be years before the idea comes to fruition.
Other big projects included improvements to DeSoto Road, another expensive, long-term project that Blackwell said city officials continue to work on.
"We see the need to do something on DeSoto Road, we're just trying to get our hands around where we're going to get the money," he said.
The prospect of a new high school in the southwestern portion of the city also means that the city needs to be looking at potential improvements to water and road infrastructure there.
"We're working real hard, with Randy and his group, making sure that we're identifying all the infrastructure needs that we need to support the new high school on DeSoto Road," he said.
Looking at the present, Blackwell said the city saw two large developments open in 2012 — both the Convington Woods apartment complex, which opened in December, and an expansion of the Twin Oaks assisted living facility, which opened about five weeks ago.
But there are also challenges in the present — Blackwell said city officials recently met with legislators to express concern with a state tax plan that would cut income taxes further and could reduce the Legislature-approved one-cent sales tax for transportation funding.
"We're concerned about the burden of taxes being pushed down to the individual cities," he said.
Bringing the address back to the beginning, Blackwell said there were a number of areas where Lansing's residents have a chance to have their say — as the city drafts a new comprehensive plan beginning this year, with new citizens advisory committees in each ward that would act as liaisons for the council and in planning and brainstorming new ways to bring visitors into the city, like the first-ever citywide garage sale scheduled for April this year.
"If you got some thoughts on that, throw them our way," he said.


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Why did Missouri teen Maura Pozek make her prom dress out of cardboard and paper bags?
Because after fashioning the previous two years' outfits out of Doritos bags and soda can tabs, "I had to top myself somehow."
Seventeen-year-old Pozek, a high school senior from Reeds Spring (just northwest of Branson), told NPR's Melissa Block this afternoon that it took "lots of hot glue" and some late-night last-minute alterations to make the dress work. Her original idea to construct it all of corrugated cardboard wasn't going well. With just hours to go, she made the skirt from paper bags. The top remained cardboard. All of it was painted.
"The only casualty" from prom night was when the left shoulder curled up — she just ripped it off and that was that. "The skirt got crumpled a lot from sitting in the limo," Maura added.
If things hadn't gone well, she had a backup plan: "Duct tape and an extra dress." Her date went traditional, except for the cardboard boutonniere she made for him.
Last year's dress — made from about 4,000 "pop tabs," as Maura said — was probably the most comfortable of her outfits.
So now what? Well, she's graduating and heading to University of Missouri, Kansas City. And though she once imagined going into fashion design, she's now thinking about elementary education.
We predict some fun art projects for her future students.
To see and hear more from Maura, check out this video report from KY3-TV in Springfield, Mo.
Much more from her conversation with Melissa is due on today's All Things Considered. Click here to find an NPR station that broadcasts or streams the show. Later, we'll add the as-broadcast version of the interview to the top of this post.
A 17-year-old girl's prom dress caught our eye today. Maura Pozek's gown features a corset top. It's a layered collage of blues and purples. The skirt cascades down in three tiers of pleats. But Maura's dress is not quite like any other prom dress we've seen. Maura has ducked briefly out of class in Reed Spring, Missouri, to tell us about it. And Maura, what is your dress made of?
MAURA POZEK: My dress is made out of cardboard.
BLOCK: Cardboard. Any particular kind of cardboard?
POZEK: The top is made out of corrugated cardboard, and then the bottom is paper bags.
BLOCK: Okay. And somehow, you stitched that together. How'd you do that?
POZEK: Lots of hot glue and wood glue.
BLOCK: Oh, it's glue, not stitching.
POZEK: No, it's hard to stitch cardboard. It likes to rip then.
BLOCK: Yeah, I would think. Well, what inspired you to make a prom dress out of cardboard in the first place?
POZEK: Well, the previous two years I had made a dress out of Doritos bags and pop tabs, and I had to top myself somehow.
BLOCK: Those were two different dresses, we should say.
POZEK: Yes.
BLOCK: The Doritos dress bag was the first, right?
POZEK: Yes.
BLOCK: And then how many pop tabs went into the pop tab dress?
POZEK: It took about 4,000 pop tabs.
BLOCK: And they both look amazing...
POZEK: Thank you.
BLOCK: ...but may be not so comfortable. I'm not sure about those pop tabs.
POZEK: They were actually really comfortable.
BLOCK: Yeah?
POZEK: Yeah. It was surprising.
BLOCK: OK, so this year it was cardboard. And how did it stand up to a night of dancing, first of all?
POZEK: Well, the dress itself, the only casualty is that the left shoulder came up like the second I walked into prom. And after I ripped that off, that was fine.
POZEK: And the skirt got crumpled a lot from sitting in the limo.
BLOCK: Yeah. You just ripped the shoulder off your dress. You figured, well, it's gone - I'll just rip it off.
POZEK: Yep, I kind of left it at prom. I don't really know where it is.
BLOCK: Huh, but you could sit in it.
POZEK: Yes.
BLOCK: 'Cause it does look like it would be a little stiff.
POZEK: At first it was. But it took a lot of - I'm going to sit now and you're going to do what I told you to.
BLOCK: The dress?
POZEK: Yes.
BLOCK: And it behaved?
POZEK: Surprisingly.
BLOCK: I would think that to avoid a wardrobe malfunction with a dress like this, you would want to test it out pretty carefully at home.
POZEK: I would've if I didn't finish the dress the day of prom.
BLOCK: Oh, wow.
POZEK: Yeah.
BLOCK: So you couldn't give it a trial run.
POZEK: Not really. It was - I'll bring duct tape and an extra dress and hope it all works out.
BLOCK: You had a dress on standby?
POZEK: Yes, I've had to do that all three years - just in case.
BLOCK: Well, what do you do with the dresses when you're done?
POZEK: Currently they're just hanging up in my closet. And the cardboard one is on my kitchen table.
BLOCK: Just as a display?
POZEK: Exactly.
BLOCK: Are you clever in all kinds of ways, Maura?
POZEK: That's what they tell me.
BLOCK: They do? You like art.
POZEK: Yes. My mom has been an artist my entire life, so I've kind of jumped into that.
BLOCK: And do you sew?
POZEK: I sew a lot, actually. For a while, I was going to major in fashion design, hoping I could sew that well.
BLOCK: When it came time to think about what your date would be wearing to the prom, did you try to coordinate in any way or was he on his own?
POZEK: Not really, he was kind of just on his own. We were like, just wear whatever - anything matches purples and blues and cardboard.
POZEK: But we did make him a boutonniere.
BLOCK: Out of?
POZEK: Out of cardboard.
BLOCK: Out of cardboard, of course. This was your senior prom, Maura. Where are you headed next year?
POZEK: Next year I'm going to go to UMKC and hopefully major in elementary education.
BLOCK: That's the University of Missouri, Kansas City?
POZEK: Yes.
BLOCK: So no design in your future, you don't think?
POZEK: No. College ended up being too expensive.
BLOCK: Uh-huh. But you can keep coming up with ideas all the time. Why not?
POZEK: Yeah, of course.
BLOCK: Well, Maura Pozek, thanks so much for talking to us about your cardboard prom dress.
POZEK: Thank you.
BLOCK: Maura Pozek in Reed Spring, Missouri and her cardboard prom dress is now on display at NPR.org.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "AND THEN HE KISSED ME") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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Family, police want answers in dog's shooting in PlaistowBy Jason Schreiber
Union Leader Correspondent
November 20. 2013 9:56PM
PLAISTOW — Joe Curto is heartbroken after someone shot and killed his dog while she was outside his family's business Tuesday afternoon.
"She was a great dog. She did everything with me. This dog went everywhere," said the 21-year-old, who was 12 when his parents gave him a 9-week-old German shepherd mix puppy.
Jaycee was killed just before 1 p.m. Tuesday near USA 1 Motors at 39 Westville Road, where the dog spent her days hanging out while Curto and his family worked.
"Everyone knew she was a good dog, and they're all sad about it," said Curto.
Jaycee never wandered far from the business when she was let outside, Curto said. She was afraid of the trains on the tracks directly behind the business. Curto and his mother, Maureen Mahoney, were at work Tuesday and became concerned when they noticed that Jaycee hadn't returned about 15 minutes after being let outside. They quickly went outside to check on her.
"I called her and she didn't come. He called her and she didn't come. That was not like her," Mahoney said,
Curto and Mahoney approached the railroad tracks, and moments later found the dog on the ground, less than 20 feet from their shop.
They quickly realized she had suffered a single gunshot wound to her hind quarter.
Curto and his mother tried to resuscitate her, but were unsuccessful.
"My mom picked her up and her stomach just felt like there was nothing there," Curto said.
Deputy Police Chief Kathleen Jones said police believe the shooting was intentional.
Jones said police have had no reports of problems with Jaycee before and learned from other nearby business owners that she was a friendly dog.
"We're going to aggressively investigate this," she said.
The family isn't sure why someone would shoot Jaycee, but they've launched a Facebook page called "Justice for Jaycee" to help find the person responsible.
"This person had to be waiting for this dog," said Curto's father, Joseph Curto.
He praised Plaistow police for their response to the shooting.
"They came out here with four cruisers," he said. "They were walking up and down the tracks. They showed nothing but compassion and consideration."
Anyone with information is asked to call the Plaistow Police Department at 382-1200.


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State a leader in Affordable Health Care Act signup
Wisconsin has scored high in the early sign-up for the Affordable Health Care Act.
Federal statistics through the end of February put Wisconsin in 10th place among the states. The goal set for March 1 was to have every state enroll 75 percent of those expected to seek health insurance under the act. Wisconsin had met 113 percent of its March 1 target.
The enrollment deadline for Obamacare is March 31, and it will be weeks before there is a clear state-by-state picture available from the federal government.
Why is Wisconsin doing better than 40 other states? It's important to remember Wisconsin already had 90 to 92 percent of its population with either private or public-financed health insurance. Wisconsin was among the top three or four states for percentage of residents already with a form of health insurance going into the launch of Obamacare.
Then there are demographic factors. Wisconsin's Latino population is smaller than states in other parts of the nation, and the feds say insurance signup has lagged nationally among Latinos.
Wisconsin also has an older population than the national average. Stories appear regularly in newspapers with experts voicing concern about young people leaving Wisconsin to move to other states.
Obamacare has been popular among those in the 55-to-64 age bracket, according to the federal report. These are often the people who are the caregivers for older adults. There are no easy answers for those torn between working full-time to keep their own health insurance or cutting back on work hours to help keep their relatives out of nursing homes or assistedcare facilities.
Sending your mother to a nursing home is a very tough call under the best of circumstances. Dropping out of the work force to delay the nursing home admission may be an alternative for some. They may not get their old jobs back but the health insurance cloud hanging over the decisionmaking has been eased by the new law.
Retirement planning also should be easier under the Affordable Care Act, especially for those who have younger spouses. Few of them were thinking about old age, Social Security, and Medicare when they fell in love and got married.
Some major employers plan to help bridge the early-retirement coverage gap between the employee's job, with its health insurance, and Medicare eligibility at age 65. State government and many local governments currently allow retirees to convert their unused sick leave into premium payments for post-retirement health insurance. Government has found the policy encourages employees not to abuse sick-leave provisions as they approach retirement.
But those who are selfemployed and many who work for small firms are on their own. Their jobs often aren't as secure as those in government. Obamacare provisions guaranteeing the ability to buy health insurance without regard to pre-existing conditions is important to them as they ponder when to retire.
Wisconsin is also different than larger-population states in that it has fewer of the very rich who are paying additional income taxes on their investment gains to help finance the Obamacare provisions. The law also requires all Americans to get health insurance. Republican critics have denounced the requirement.
Could it be the tax provisions on the wealthy are the real problem?
Repealing Obamacare and its financing wouldn't be easy. At a recent national governors' meeting there seemed wide-spread acceptance that the law is likely to continue.
A final note: repeal would seem to suggest a return to providing health care to the uninsured through hospital emergency rooms. And those costs are largely borne by paying customers or facilities that have to assume the expenses and look for other ways to recoup them.


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The fiscal cliff deal that was approved by Congress sent the markets soaring Wednesday, but lawmakers, political pundits and industry officials were quick to weigh in with their opinions—positive and negative—on the deal.
The legislation, H.R. 8—the Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012—was sent to President Barack Obama for his signature and contains approximately $620 billion over 10 years in higher taxes, mostly falling on high-income earners. The bill was approved by the Senate at 2 a.m. on Jan. 1 by a 89-8 vote, with the House passing the measure at 11 p.m. the same day by a vote of 257 to 167.
While a number of GOP lawmakers voted to pass the bill and boost taxes on the wealthy, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., ranking minority member on the Senate Banking Committee, told Fox Business that passing the legislation was "a mistake." The lawmakers who voted for the legislation, he said, would "rue the day."
Noting that he would have preferred a "grand bargain," Shelby said that Obama rushed a bill through so the country wouldn't fall into recession. He said the legislation ultimately does little to cut spending. While the nation needs comprehensive tax reform, "We also need to look at entitlement reform and we need to look at the spending ledger; we're always wanting to spend and promise and spend and borrow, but not cut," Shelby said. "We're headed down the road that Europe's already on."
Important Advisor-Related Changes
Of particular interest to advisors is that the legislation extends the majority of tax cuts that were scheduled to expire at the end of 2012, as well as retroactively reinstates some rules that had expired in 2011, notes Michael Kitces in his latest Nerd's Eye View blog. Kitces notes that the bill also introduces a number of new changes: a new top tax bracket increasing to 39.6%, and an increase in the top long-term capital gains and qualified dividend rate to 20%. Some old rules that had lapsed and were scheduled to come back have in fact returned, Kitces points out, such as the Pease limitation (phaseout of itemized deductions) and the Personal Exemption Phaseout (PEP).
In addition, the legislation sets out a new rule allowing 401(k) participants to complete intra-plan Roth conversions if the employer offers designated Roth accounts under the plan, regardless of whether the individual is allowed to take a distribution out of the plan, Kitces says. The transaction, he says, will be taxed in a similar manner to any other Roth conversion.
While those families with incomes above $450,000 and individuals above $400,000 will now face a new top tax bracket of 39.6%, up from 35%, the tax on capital gains and dividends will be permanently set at 20% for those with incomes above the $450,000/$400,000 threshold, while remaining at 15% for those below that level.
Ron Rhoades (left), assistant professor and chairman of the financial planning program at Alfred State College, says in his Jan. 1 blog post that while the 20% rate on long-term capital gains was anticipated, the compromise to permit qualified dividends to be taxed at 20% is the "larger surprise" and a "real benefit to those Americans who own stock (within taxable accounts) in publicly traded corporations, and to those who own stock mutual funds in taxable accounts."
As to the estate tax, it will be set at 40% up from the current level of 35% for those with estates over $5 million ($10 million for couples), and it will be indexed to inflation. Rhoades says that preserving the current estate tax exemptions is another big "win" for the "asset rich."
The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) was also permanently patched, with the new AMT exemption amounts set at $78,750 for married couples and $50,600 for singles in 2012, amounts Kitces says are essentially the 2011 amounts adjusted for inflation. The AMT exemption amounts will be indexed for inflation in the future. Kitces also notes that in a separate but related provision, "the rules that allow nonrefundable tax credits to be used for both regular and AMT purposes (subject to some restrictions) is also retroactively patched for 2012 and made permanent going forward."
Rhoades notes that "greater certainty in planning for gains (and other tax preference items) will result due to the 'permanent' patch" to the AMT.
Lapsing of Payroll Tax Cut Is Biggest 'Pain'
David Kelly, chief investment strategist for J.P. Morgan Funds, noted in his Wednesday commentary that because the fiscal cliff fight was concentrated on how the "rich" should be taxed, "many investors may have the impression that this was a relatively small and narrowly focused tax increase."
However, the fiscal cliff deal that was struck, "represents a very significant increase in taxation on almost all Americans," Kelly (right) says, with the "most pain" likely being inflicted by the expiration of the payroll tax cut, which rises from the temporary 4.2% rate back to 6.2%. From a macro-economic perspective, he says, "this is also where the impact is likely to be greatest–consumer spending on basic goods and services like groceries, clothing, restaurant meals and gasoline should all take a hit over the next few months due to lower take-home pay."
While a new debt ceiling debate looms in two months, Kelly goes on to say that the tax increases in the fiscal cliff deal "will make a big dent" in the deficit.
"Assuming that some other spending cuts more or less replace the much-hated sequester, it could cause the deficit to fall from 7.0% of GDP in fiscal 2012 to 5.8% of GDP in fiscal 2013 and 4.2% in 2014," Kelly says. "In fiscal 2009, the deficit was over 10% of GDP. Once it falls below 4.0% of GDP the debt/GDP ratio should begin to fall, bringing some stability to federal finances. Overall, we are not that far from that goal and last night's vote was an important, if somewhat too large, step in that direction."
Indeed, Andy Friedman, a Washington lawyer and principal at the firm The Washington Update, issued a statement on Wednesday on the fiscal cliff deal in which he said that the compromise deal leaves Congress with "three forcing events" in the first quarter. "First, the United States has hit its debt limit, and that ceiling must be raised to permit the country to continue to borrow. Second, the implementation of the sequestration spending cuts is delayed only until March 1. And finally, on March 31 the federal government will shut down unless Congress appropriates additional funds," he says.
To raise the debt ceiling and address the other upcoming "forcing events," Friedman says that Republicans "will demand more spending cuts, and it is no longer possible to meet those demands simply by cutting discretionary spending." The Democrats, on the other hand, "will demand that the spending cuts be balanced with more tax increases, and it is no longer possible to meet those demands simply by raising tax rates. That means we are heading for a debate over entitlement reform and tax reform."
According to Friedman, the areas at "most risk" as lawmakers attempt to address the three upcoming forcing events include "some or all" of the following changes:
- a limitation on tax exemptions and itemized deductions for affluent families;
- an additional limitation on the deduction of mortgage interest;
- taxing gain from sales of carried interests in investment partnerships as ordinary income;
- curtailing sophisticated wealth transfer techniques; and
- an increase in the retirement age for Social Security and Medicare benefits, and a change to the manner in which the annual increase in benefits is calculated.


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Michael "Buzz" Purdy was named the outstanding St. James Rotarian for 2012. Here is the nomination that was submitted in order for him to receive the award:
Michael "Buzz" Purdy was named the outstanding St. James Rotarian for 2012. Here is the nomination that was submitted in order for him to receive the award:
I am pleased to nominate Michael "Buzz" Purdy as the outstanding St. James Rotarian. Buzz is committed to the Rotary cause and exhibits his commitment in many and fun ways. He is seen as our club personality that drives our fund raising events, support for the Rotary Foundation and creates a fun atmosphere for all of our meetings.
Buzz is the driving force behind the Rotary Rose Sale, Ball Drop and Golf Tournament. These events are the significant fund raising efforts for our club which allow us to financially support community projects. We sell over 600 dozen Roses which requires a significant amount of prodding and paper work to keep track of the sales. Buzz is the organizer for this yearly event and the cheer leader that helps us meet our selling goals. The Ball drop is a joint project with the Chamber of Commerce and School District 840 Foundation. Buzz leads the charge in getting the tickets to all of the members to sell and works with the Rotarians to make sure that we do our fair share of the work. He also assists with the golf tournament. Over $ 15,000.00 is raised between the ball drop and the golf tournament due in part to his organizational and cheer leading skills.
The Rotary Foundation is one of Buzz's mantra's… he strongly encourages every member to donate at least $100 a year to the Foundation. He keeps the foundation at the forefront of our meetings and challenges members to become a Paul Harris fellow.
At every meeting Buzz makes sure that the Rotarians that have been recognized in the community are also recognized by the club (fining members for anything and everything). His fines are one of the standard parts of our meeting – recognizing the important parts of our community and personal life with a dollar fine/donation to the club.
Buzz assists and works at all of the Rotary events from the delivery of meals on wheels – when Rotary is scheduled and when they need additional help to the ditch walk. He is a committed Rotarian and takes seriously his job of keeping members active and involved. He will even fine himself if he has missed an activity or event.
He is also a unique Rotarian in that he received Father's Day Cards from every state in the union and even European countries this past father's day. This was organized by other Rotary members and done to both honor and poke fun at the man that creates the fun for our club.
Buzz is a Rotarian with a great sense of humor that he shares and brightens the day for all Rotarians in St. James at our weekly meetings. But most of all he is committed to the ideals of Rotary and helps to keep our club membership active and engaged. His presence and participation give added value to our club.


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Abused toddler's mom returned to NHBy TIM BUCKLAND
New Hampshire Union Leader
December 01. 2012 10:59PM
PLAISTOW - Jessica Linscott arrived in New Hampshire Saturday to face child endangerment charges relating to injuries suffered by her 3-year-old son.
Linscott, 23, and her boyfriend, Roland Dow, 27, fled New Hampshire after taking Linscott's son, James Nicholson, to Exeter Hospital on Nov. 14 after the boy suffered several seizures that authorities say were related to abuse. The couple eluded capture until being arrested last week at Universal Studios Theme Park in Orlando, Fla.
Rockingham County Attorney James Reams said Linscott will likely appear via video testimony in Plaistow District Court on Monday morning. He said Dow was still in Florida on Saturday.
Dow is charged with first- and second-degree assault for allegedly striking Linscott's son, James Nicholson, in the head on Nov. 1, causing a traumatic brain injury that led to seizures and other symptoms that police say went untreated two weeks later. Dow is also accused of burning the boy's wrist and fingers.
Dow faces five additional counts of endangering the welfare of a child while Linscott is charged with six counts of the same charge after they allegedly failed to seek medical treatment for the seizures on several occasions.


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Give your Lennox iComfort Smart Thermostat a fresh new look! Our Lennox skins (AKA GelaSkins) offer ultra-thin scratch protection and turn your thermostat into a work of art that stands out in the crowd. We've been collaborating with artists to design beautiful tech accessories since 2005 and nobody does it better.
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text: Although digital technology and access is changing the use of our written world, we were proud to start our communication through the Journal. This wonderful "printed" blog approach came mostly from the editorial direction and pen of Scott Skinner, Ali Fujino, and our man in the field, Ben Ruhe. From years of Journal publications, we changed the format to be not a few individuals' view but to have individuals of the kite community use their own words to bring forth something innovative and exciting about the world of kites. Enter the current edited version of Discourse by Katie Davis, Scott Skinner, and Ali Fujino. Below are archived articles from both the Journal and Discourse.


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SLIPPERY ROCK TWP, Lawrence County — State police continue to search today for two men who robbed two Butler County men at gunpoint Saturday evening while the victims were fishing at Kennedy Mills off Frew Mill Road.
The suspects are described as white, early to mid-20s, 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet tall and having a medium build.
One of the robbers has short brown hair, slight scruffy facial hair and a slight tan. He had the black, small-caliber semi-automatic handgun with chrome on the barrel.
The second suspect has short blond hair, is clean shaven, has a light complexion and was using a walking stick with green twine at the top and bottom.
Police report Liam Hess, 18, of Zelienople and Luc Eppinger, 18, of Harmony were fishing about 7 p.m. when the suspects asked to use a cell phone.
After the victims gave the other man a cell phone, the first suspect pulled out the pistol and demanded everything they had.
The robbers made off with a wallet, money, a backpack and other possessions. Before fleeing, they told the victims to not call police or they would be shot.
New Castle and Butler state police collected evidence at the scene.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call New Castle state police at 724-598-2211.


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The Zumba program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. The goal is simple: We want you to want to work out, to love working out, and to get hooked. Achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!


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Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer is treated in our division of Gynecologic Oncology within the Upstate Cancer Center.
For more information or answers to your questions about our Cancer Care, please call 315 464-HOPE (4673) to speak with an Upstate Cancer Center representative.
Uterine cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the uterus. The walls of the uterus are made of 2 types of lining. The endometrium is the inner lining and the myometrium is the muscular, outer lining. The most common type of uterine cancer (adenocarcinoma) begins in the endometrium. Less common cancers, called sarcomas, begin in the myometrium.
This fact sheet will focus on endometrial cancer.
|Uterine Cancer
|Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant growths. These growths can invade nearby tissues. Cancer that has invaded nearby tissues can then spread to other parts of the body.
Exposure to estrogen seems to be strongly related to the development of endometrial cancer. It is not clear exactly what causes changes in the cells, but is probably a combination of genetics and environment.
Risk Factors
Endometrial cancer is more common in women aged 50-60 years old. Other factors that increase your chance of endometrial cancer include:
- Obesity —especially in women experiencing menopause before age 45
- High blood pressure
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Endometrial polyps
- Infertility
- No history of pregnancy
- Early start of menstrual periods
- Late menopause , which lengthens exposure to estrogen
- Diabetes
Endometrial cancer may cause:
- Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting in postmenopausal women
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Pain during urination
- Pain during intercourse
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A pelvic exam of the vagina, uterus, ovaries, bladder, and rectum will be done.
Your bodily fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Pap test
- Biopsy
- Dilation and curettage (D&C)
The physical exam combined with all of your test results, will help to determine the stage of cancer you have. Staging is used to guide your treatment plan. Like other cancers, endometrial cancer is staged from I-IV. Stage I is a very localized cancer, while stage IV indicates a spread to other parts of the body.
Treatments for endometrial cancer depend on the stage of the cancer. Options may include:
A hysterectomy may be done to remove the uterus. Other nearby structures, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and lymph nodes may also need to be removed.
Radiation Therapy
This is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be:
- External radiation therapy—radiation directed at the tumor from a source outside the body
- Internal radiation therapy, called brachytherapy—radioactive materials placed into the body near the cancer cells
Hormone Therapy
Drugs may be used to control cancer cells outside the uterus. This treatment is for women unable to have surgery, or who have recurrent cancer, or cancer that has spread.
This is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given in many forms including: pill, injection, and through a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells. Chemotherapy may have limited benefit for treating endometrial cancer.
All women should have regular pelvic exams to monitor any changes that may signal cancer. Using birth control pills may protect against endometrial cancer.
Library resources related to uterine cancer.
For more information:
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The trade deficit in the U.S. narrowed more than forecast in December, led by record exports of petroleum that gave the world's largest economy a boost at the end of 2012.
The gap shrank 20.7% to $38.5 billion, lower than any estimate in a Bloomberg survey of 73 economists and the least since January 2010, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. The jump in fuel sales to overseas buyers, combined with purchases of the fewest barrels of imported crude in almost 16 years, led to the smallest petroleum deficit since August 2009.
The figures probably mean the economy managed to eke out a gain in the fourth quarter of last year, revised data may show later this month, even as military spending dropped by the most since the Vietnam War era. Record exports to South and Central America and to Newly Industrialized Countries including South Korea and Singapore indicate American companies such as Caterpillar Inc. will benefit from improving global growth.
"The improvement in exports is encouraging," said Brian Jones, a senior U.S. economist at Societe Generale in New York, who projected the gap would drop to $43.3 billion, the third- lowest in the Bloomberg survey. "With Europe looking less weak and Asia getting better, the outlook for U.S. exports has got to be pretty positive."
Stock-index futures remained little changed after the figures as investors watched corporate earnings. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index maturing in March rose less than 0.1% to 1,506.3 at 8:44 a.m. in New York.
Survey Results
The median forecast in the Bloomberg survey of economists called for the deficit to shrink to $46 billion. Estimates ranged from gaps of $42.3 billion to $48 billion. The Commerce Department revised the November shortfall to $48.6 from an initially reported $48.7 billion.
For all of 2012, exports climbed 4.4% to a record $2.2 trillion. Imports advanced 2.7% to $2.74 trillion. That pushed the trade gap last year down to $540.4 billion from $559.9 billion in 2011.
In December, exports increased 2.1% to $186.4 billion, the second-highest on record after September's $187.1 billion.
Imports dropped 2.7% to $224.9 billion in December. The decrease reflected a plunge in purchases of barrels of crude oil, which dropped to the lowest level since February 1997.
Copyright 2014 Bloomberg. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Copyright 2014 Bloomberg. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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Please Note: By clicking a link to any resource listed on this page, you will be leaving this site.
National SAFE KIDS Campaignhttp://www.safekids.org The National SAFE KIDS Campaign offers information about car seats, crib safety, fact sheets, and links to other health- and safety-oriented sites.
TOYSAFETY.nethttp://www.toysafety.net This site, which is a project of the National Association of State Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) provides toy safety information for consumers.
National Safety Councilhttp://www.nsc.org The National Safety Council offers information on first aid, CPR, environmental health, and safety.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)http://www.aap.org The AAP is committed to the health and well-being of infants, adolescents, and young adults. The website offers news articles and tips on health for families.
Poison Control Centershttp://www.aapcc.org Use this toll-free number to reach any of the United States' 65 local poison control centers - (800) 222-1222 - or visit the website to find the poison control center nearest you.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)http://www.cpsc.gov This federal agency collects information about consumer goods and issues recalls on unsafe or dangerous products.
American Red Crosshttp://www.redcross.org The American Red Cross helps prepare communities for emergencies and works to keep people safe every day. The website has information on first aid, safety, and more.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-
Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.


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Chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer. It grows in cartilage cells in the body. Cartilage is connective tissue.
This cancer is typically found in the cartilage cells of the femur, arm, pelvis, knee, and spine. Rarely, the ribs and other areas may also be affected.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms. This is called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors. They can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
The cause for these changes in the cells is unknown. It is likely to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Risk Factors
Certain factors seem to be common among individuals who develop chondrosarcoma. These include:
- Enchondroma—a non-cancerous bone tumor often found in the hands
- Osteochondroma—excess cartilage or bone found at the end of a growth plate
- Multiple osteochondromas—bone tumors
- Olliers disease, which causes a group of enchondromas
- Maffuccis syndrome, which causes a combination of multiple endochondromas and various tumors
The most common symptoms of chondrosarcoma include:
- Large lump or mass on a bone
- Pressure surrounding the mass
- Pain that worsens at night
- Pain that does not improve with rest
- Pain that gradually worsens over time and may last for years
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
You may need tests of your bodily fluids and tissue. This can be done with:
- Biopsy
- Blood tests
You may need to have pictures taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:
Treatment can vary based on your age, overall health, and stage of the disease. Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:
Surgery is the most effective way to remove the tumor. It is more effective than chemo- and radiation therapy. Physical therapy may be used to help the area heal after surgery.
Radiation Therapy
With radiation therapy, high-energy x-rays may be used to target and kill cancer cells.
Other Therapies
Drugs that kill tumor cells may be used. The use of chemotherapy may depend on the type of chondrosarcoma that you have.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Mohei Abouzied, MD
- Review Date: 05/2016 -
- Update Date: 05/28/2014 -


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Kewanee's Freya Block is the Star Courier's Athlete of the Week
Some athletes find an intense, driven approach is required for success.
For Kewanee's Freya Block, the opposite is working just fine. The KHS shot put and discus standout has replaced stress with relaxation and it's helping her thrive in a record-setting senior season.
"Her stress level seems to be much lower than it was at the same time last year," said Kewanee girls track and field coach Chad Palm. "She's staying out of her head, trusting herself and executing her throws."
"This year before the season, I decided I was just going to do this for fun because it's what I love to do," said Block. "I've been so much more relaxed this year and it's really helped."
That new approach paid dividends Friday at the Riverdale Invitational. On a cold and blustery day, Block set meet and school records in winning the shot put (38-7) and discus (136-1 1/2).
"The conditions weren't great, but her attitude was really good," said Palm. "To stay warm she constantly kept moving, so she was nice and loose and ready to go. Our team tends to thrive on tougher conditions, and Freya's performance demonstrated that. Her performance was something to see."
"It did go extremely well for how windy and cold it was. I was just trying to keep warm. I probably ran a mile before I threw just to keep warm," said Block.
The Riverdale sweep just adds to the impressive list of victories in her senior season. Topping the list for Block are indoor shot put wins at the Illinois Top Times Meet and Galesburg's Silver Streaks Invitational at Monmouth College. She also won Athlete of the Meet honors Monday for sweeping the shot and discus at Princeton's Ferris Invitational.
"Since the season began, she's had a quiet confidence this year that good things are going to happen," said Palm.
That confidence has helped erase a disappointing end to her junior season, where she didn't advance to the finals in the shot put or discus at the Class 1A state meet in Charleston.
"I think it would be fair to say that her last trip to Charleston left a bad taste in her mouth," said Palm.
"After last year at state when I didn't make finals, I did a lot of thinking. Last year I was just really stressed about everything," said Block.
"That really isn't my key motivator," she added of the state meet. "If I get too motivated, that's when I'm not relaxing and can't do it. I try not to look back and just look forward."
That forward thinking has served her well as she approaches crunch time in the track and field schedule. Block and Palm echoed the same numbers when asked what's left to accomplish this season — 40 feet in the shot put and 140 feet in the discus.
"If she can hit those personal bests, that puts her right in the hunt for any spot on that podium," said Palm.
Block has qualified for state all three years — shot put her freshman year, and both events her sophomore and junior seasons. She's made one trip to the medal stand, finishing sixth in the discus her sophomore season.
"My big goal at state is to make it to finals again," said Block.
One or two more trips to that medal stand would be a fitting end to her throwing career at KHS.
"That would definitely be the icing on the cake," said Block.
More about Freya Block
Favorite Meal — Steak dinner
Favorite School Subject — "I love science and biology."
School Activities — Heavily involved in FFA, and also LEAD.
Spare Time — "I ride horses."
Future Plans — Attend Illinois State or Southern Illinois and study ag business. Also plans to compete in track and field.
Parents — Clinton and Melanie Block
Star Courier Athlete of the Week Honor Roll
Karissa Roman, Annawan-Wethersfield — Cleared 5-9 to win the high jump in a quadrangular at WHS and 5-6 to win the high jump at the Riverdale Invitational.
Reece Hoxworth of Galva and Aly Eastman of Wethersfield — Earned MVP honors and led their teams to wins in the second annual LTC senior all-star basketball games. Dusty Werner, Ridgewood — The senior homered, knocked in three runs and scored three times in a 5-inning win over West Prairie. Also had three hits and three runs in a 6-2 win over Abingdon.
Michael Cook, Annawan-Wethersfield — Set the meet record in the 1600 at the Riverdale Invitational in a time of 4:41.6. Also won the 800 at Riverdale and swept three races at Princeton's Howard-Monier Invite.
Dana Kepner, Bureau Valley — Drilled a 2-run homer in the eighth inning to lift the Storm to a 9-7 extra-innings win over Amboy.
Tyler Litton, Annawan-Wethersfield — Threw five strong innings as the baseball Titans defeated defending Class 2A champions Normal U-High 6-2.