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Sovereign credit ratings assigned by the major rating agencies (such as Fitch, Moody's and Standard and Poor's) play a major role in determining the government's access to international capital markets. Although sovereign ratings relate to debt and creditworthiness of the central government, in effect they serve as a barometer of confidence and a ceiling for creditworthiness for the private sector as well. They influence the borrowing costs of private entities and in a wider sense overall investment flows. The sovereign rating is often a benchmark and sub-sovereign entities, such as companies and banks, rarely get a rating higher than the sovereign's.


text:
Here's a bit of unsolicited advice to Congress and the president about the newest free trade agreement in the works for America, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which because of its location would affect California more than any other part of this country:
Go slow, and open up the negotiations to press and public.
Whenever this country negotiates a new free trade deal with other countries, government officials try desperately to keep their horsetrading as secret as possible and it always leads to trouble.
The latest dickering over the Trans-Pacific agreement follows the same pattern, with Ron Kirk, the U.S. trade respresentative, insisting he must have "some measure of discretion and confidentiality" so he can "preserve negotiating strength and encourage our partners to be willing to put issues on the table they may not otherwise."
The Trans-Pacific Partnership, which many call "the newest NAFTA," would see this country enter a free-trade area already begun by Brunei, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. Others that would be involved now include Canada, Japan, Mexico, Peru and Vietnam.
This agreement, like the North American Free Trade Agreement, would have more effects in California than other states because most American trade with the those nations flows through California. Since Barack Obama became president, his administration has held 19 negotiating sessions on this pact, reaching tentative agreements on copyright infringement and the environment, on human rights and on an independent judicial tribunal, among others.
Yes, a tribunal. These have been dicey from the time NAFTA's took effect more than 10 years ago; they tend to interfere with American sovereignty, sometimes allowing international judicial panels to overrule U.S. law.
The most famous of these cases came while California in the late 1990s sought to rid gasoline sold here of the additive MTBE and its noxious odors and taste, along with the alleged cancer risks, it gave some drinking water as it leached from rusty storage tanks and the engines of small boats into aquifers and reservoirs.
The MTBE ban threatened profits of the Canadian Methanex Corp., which filed a $970 million claim for lost sales in a NAFTA tribunal, circumventing the American court system. Methanex eventually lost, but the point was made — in some cases, the U.S. Supreme Court may no longer be supreme, especially when corporations want to bypass the court systems of countries where they do business, including ours.
That's a loss of sovereignty, one that would be widened under suspected provisions of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The text of the agreement has not yet been released, but consumer advocate Ralph Nader's Public Citizen group claims it would incentivize the offshoring of jobs, roll back banking reforms, expose Americans to unsafe food and other products, further threats to Internet freedom and attack environmental safeguards.
Even members of Congress have not yet seen the full text of the pact as it now stands, one reason Democrats there rejected the Obama Administration's early January effort to get authority for fast-track negotiations.
One good thing about the refusal to fast track this slippery concoction is that it could eventually lead to wide publication of the full planned treaty.
For going fast could lead not just to reduced American authority over our own affairs but to corporate lobbyists sneaking in self-serving elements. That's why complete openness should feature any consideration of this agreement before it's adopted. That way, anyone who cares will know just what America gets if the treaty takes effect, and just what it loses.
Thomas D. Elias is a writer in Southern California. firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Wireless service provider Clearwire Corp said on Monday its proposed buyout by majority owner Sprint Nextel Corp was the best option for Clearwire's minority stockholders.
Clearwire shares, which fell about 6 percent in an initial reaction to the statement, recovered to trade just above the closing price of $3.38 on Friday.
Continue Reading Below
"The Clearwire board has unanimously concluded that the proposed transaction with Sprint is the best strategic alternative for stockholders ... especially in light of the company's limited alternatives and the well-known constraints of its liquidity position," Clearwire said.
Four shareholders holding about 17 percent of Clearwire's shares said on Friday they would work together to seek a better deal for the wireless service provider.
Sprint offered to buy Clearwire in December for $2.2 billion but satellite TV provider Dish Network Corp announced a counterbid of $2.3 billion in January. Dish followed up in April by making a bid for Sprint.
Clearwire said in February it would evaluate Dish's bid but continued to recommend Sprint's offer.
(Reporting by Sayantani Ghosh in Bangalore)


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Zuma announces new Sars Commissioner
Thomas Swabihi Moyane has been appointed commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (Sars), the presidency said on Tuesday.
"President Jacob Zuma, has in terms of section 6 of the South African Revenue Services Act, 1997 appointed ... Moyane as Commissioner of Sars," spokesperson Mac Maharaj said in a statement.
"Mr Moyane's appointment is effective from September 27 2014."
Moyane replaces Ivan Pillay, who acted in the position after the resignation of former commissioner, Oupa Magashula, who resigned in July last year following an investigation into allegations that he offered a chartered accountant a job at Sars.
Magashula allegedly offered the accountant a job in a recorded telephone conversation facilitated by a Timothy Marimuthu, believed to have had influence over Magashula. The investigation was initiated by former finance minister, Pravin Gordhan.
Maharaj said Moyane, a development economist, would bring more than 30 years' experience to the position, having worked as a senior executive in various government and private sector entities.
"Moyane has served as national commissioner at the department of correctional services, as chief executive officer for the Government Printing Works, as managing director for Engen Mozambique as well as regional co-ordinator for the regional spatial development initiatives and as chief director for industry and enterprise development at the department of trade and industry," he said.
His qualifications included a bachelor of science in Economics from the Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique, and a diploma in small business consulting from the University of the Witwatersrand. Moyane also holds certificates in strategic management, managing markets from Henley, micro-economics from London School of Economics and Mastering Finance from the Gordon Institute of Business Science. "During his period in exile, he worked for government departments in Mozambique and Guinea Bissau," Maharaj said.
Appointment welcomed
The tax industry welcomed the president's appointment of Moyane as SA Revenue Service commissioner, the SA Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT) said.
"Mr Moyane's vast experience at the highest levels of government and public administration stand him in good stead in ensuring Sars continues to serve the best interests of the South African economy," SAIT's chief executive Stiaan Klue said in a statement. "Mr Moyane's appointment lends certainty to the effective line of communication SAIT has established with Sars in their goal to develop world class, professional practices and people." – Sapa.


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Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered remarks at the UN Security Council Stakeout on Somalia, Syria, Eritrea, and Sudan at the United Nations in New York on August 10, 2011. In addition to U.S. assistance to the Horn of Africa emergency, Ambassador Rice highlighted President Obama's statement condemning the violence being perpetrated by the Assad regime.
Ambassador Rice said, "...This morning we had a very important briefing from SRSG Mahiga on Somalia. Also, a very disturbing humanitarian update from Catherine Bragg, of OCHA, and we are in the process of continuing that discussion behind closed doors in the Council consultations room. The United States underscored our strong support for the work of SRSG Mahiga, for the good work of AMISOM. And we're also very much committed to the Kampala Accord and its successful implementation. And we're looking to the TFIs to ensure that they meet their commitments by August of 2012.
"On the humanitarian side, the United States is deeply, deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating situation. We heard today from Catherine Bragg that things are even more dire than when she last briefed last month. The United States remains the largest donor of bilateral assistance to the Horn of Africa emergency. We provided over 560 million dollars -- 565 million dollars -- this fiscal year alone, including an additional 105 million announced by the President earlier this week. And we will continue to be as active as we possibly can in support of the people of Somalia and the region. And we will also continue to encourage maximal international support for what is the worst famine and humanitarian crisis to strike Africa in 60 years, with some over 12 million people in Somalia and the region at immediate risk. So, this is one, as you have heard my President, Secretary of State, Dr. Jill Biden, and so many others say, that requires the full and immediate support and attention of the entire international community.
"This afternoon, as you know, we will talk about Syria again. This is a follow on to the Presidential statement that we adopted last week, which was a clear and strong condemnation of the violence being perpetrated by the Assad regime. We think that violence has to stop. We are mindful of the fact and encouraged by the fact that there's now a growing chorus of international condemnation -- the Security Council spoke last week, we have seen important statements from the GCC, from the Arab League, from King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. We've seen steps by Kuwait and Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to withdraw their Ambassadors, and we also have seen a very strong message that Turkey has delivered in the person of the Foreign Minister, most recently yesterday. And we hope very much that the delegation that's being sent by the IBSA countries will echo that very strong message that the violence has to stop -- they need to pull back into barracks and be credible about this reform process, which, to date, they have absolutely failed to do. From the United States' point of view, we're going to continue and intensify our pressure both through our national actions and additional sanctions, as well as coordinated efforts with other partners here in New York and around the world."
You can find Ambassador Rice's complete remarks here.
W.W. writes:
An Official Ultimatum to the Syrian king has been delivered from islamic community in the area leaded by Erdogan, Turkey.
Two weeks to solve the Violent situation ...
Eric in New Mexico writes:
I wonder what it will take to get Russia to reposess the tanks it sold Syria, rather than upgrade them...
"Syria is the other major customer for Russia's military industry. Recent contracts that have yet to be completed include:
-modernization of 24 MiG-29s to SMT level
-purchase of 2 MiG-31M interceptors, second-hand from Russian air force
-purchase of 8 battalions of Buk-M2E missile systems ($1 billion)
-modernization of S-125 Pechora-2 SAMs to the Pechora-2M level
-modernization of 200 T-72 tanks to T-72M1M level (part of $500 million contract to modernize 1000 tanks, 800 already completed)
-purchase of 9M123 Chrystanthemum self-propelled anti-tank missile systems (status uncertain)
-purchase of 36 Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile systems (part of 2006 contract, 30 delivered in 2008-10)
-purchase of 2 K-300 Bastian coastal defense systems"
source; "http://russiamil.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/643/"
...being that Assad is using them to kill his own citizens.
If FM Lavrov truly does not want to see "outside interference" being a factor in this rebellion, then he and President Medvedev might just consider the role Russia has played in providing Assad with the tools he uses for his crimes against humanity.
I'm pretty sure the Russian Federation didn't sell them to Syria intending for Addad's regime to use them in such manner; and as such, the regime is now in "breach of contract" in their offensive usage.
As a signitory to the convention on the protection of populations and the notion of "Responsibility to protect", the Russian Federation would do well to act without delay.
For our part, I hope Susan Rice will sit down with her Russian counterpart in the UN and discuss this with him, if she hasn't already.
W.W. writes:
we got BIS without RC that makes BRICS in Syria.Assad admitted some mistakes with the mandela lula apu countries you know...
what it is real scary is what the russian hiddenly sold to Syria and Iran...
Holy moly nuclear scaring weirdly cowly Big C.
W.W. writes:
Palestine - Israeli - international community
Housing means evolution jobs commerce shelter future
The request of Palestine to be recognized from international community is rejected.
Palestine to be recognized from international community must evolve toward a peaceful future with his neighbor
Palestine to be recognized from International community must recognize all the member of international community including ISRAEL
Palestine must provide a future plan to be self sufficient and not being a cost for international community.
W.W. writes:
I am two days ahead :
Readout of the President's Call with Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey
President Obama spoke to Prime Minister Erdogan today about the situation in Syria, and other regional issues. The two leaders underscored the urgency of the situation, reiterated their deep concern about the Syrian Government's use of violence against civilians and their belief that the Syrian people's legitimate demands for a transition to democracy should be met. They agreed on the need for an immediate halt of all bloodshed and violence against the Syrian people. They further agreed to closely monitor the actions that the Syrian government is taking, and to consult closely in the days ahead. Finally, the two leaders agreed to coordinate closely in responding to the tragic famine in the horn of Africa, and to redouble our efforts to provide assistance and save lives.
W.W. writes:
One thing is certain : Syrian Terrorist (assad view) / civilian protester (world view) has not nuclear power
Strong chance that along with his ally Iran Syria has nuclear power
must enter in Syria to stop violence both ways even with giving Assad credit .Investigation is now demanded
Suspicious electromagnetic activity in Iran today at turkey border...
magnitude 5.0 earthquake has struck Northern Iran at a depth of 10.3 km ( 6.4 miles), the quake hit at 22:32:18 UTC Thursday 11th August 2011.
The epicenter was 30 km (18 miles) Northwest of Shahrud, Iran
No Reports of Damage or Injuries
Are they testing?
Eric in New Mexico writes:
"Are they testing?"
Not at that depth they're not.
"Suspicious electromagnetic activity in Iran today at turkey border..."
Post a link to this? Otherwise I bet you SOHO would erase the mystery,...solar CME most likely reason?
I'd be more worried at North Korea's continuing assistance to both, what went to them after the break-up of the Soviet Union was the scientific help and bio samples as well as other things via black mmarket sales that the Russian Federation still won't admit to publicly.
But when Russia sells arms to both Eritrea and Ethiopia while they are at the brink of war and FM Lavrov says (2005) that they support a peaceful diplomatic solution...the level of ongoing hypocracy and irresponsibility isn't exactly a suprise.
DoS spokesperson yesterday calling for Russia to stop selling arms to Syria...
Not sufficiant. Victoria Nuland should have been directed to call for them (in briefing) to be repossessed...immediately.
Would have been a much stronger message to the Russian Federation that they bear responsibility for what happens next.
Sanctions won't deter Assad's intent, that's for sure. Assad's lip service to reform continues...his mistake is in not walking away from power while he's got the chance.
Regardless of what he admits to.
As far as the Iranian people...I think they are watching and waiting to see what the people of Syria do, and what the international community does next.
Knowing that the Iranian regime will not hesitate to make war upon them when they rise up to demand their freedom.
In some respects I believe my government is being overly cautious, unwilling to accept the fact that "engagement" has not produced "behavior change" and while trying to form consensus among nations, hasn't yet publicly laid out a comprehensive vision for peace in the region which to do so would require about a four hour long speech by the President to cover all the bases in detail as to exactly what must happen to get there from here.
I don't know that that will happen, given that our thoughts on this arn't likely to merit consideration in any practical application or policy incentive.
Every once in awhile I see a glimmer of hope, but I have my doubts anyone is really paying attention when Dipnote is not willing to post questions asked of them as has happened twice to me this week.
They've yet to email me an explanation why they feel those posts to be "innapropriate" for publishing, as no insult was intended in the asking why for instance "The Question of the Week" is no longer being asked of us, the public.
Some of the greatest public debates on this blog can be found under that heading in the archives, along with official's feedback to comments from the public.
My concern is simply whether such debate is being marginalized or this blog is becoming so as an instrument of an interactive government?
It's a fair question to ask at this point in my opinion.
W.W. writes:
@ Eric
I really don't know if they are testing ...
The only thing I know is that noone is financing ...
we got criminals as warren buffet or rupert murdoch still out calling each other to meet in Switzerland deciding what country send to bankrupt next day.
I know that there are chinese comunist governament complaining with the bellagio hotel in Vegas cos they are not longer winning at black jack table
I know the Russian, British are complaining and concerned with Israel cos the Jews are Building houses, creating jobs shelter that can be usefull even for palestinan in a future when the Syrian are killing people.
I know that the palestinian are complaining not to be part of an international community when they are just only a cost for international community, when they do not recognize all the member of international community
I know that A multibillionaire country as china can't really help Nkorea but UN sec gen is asking to Skorea to do that.
therefore I know that I know nothing
Eric in New Mexico writes:
"therefore I know that I know nothing."
Mmm, In the knowing you know absolutely everything about nothing, I'm very tempted to ask if you have found happiness in the knowing.
I unfortunately know more than I want to know, and it tends to make me a bit ornery on the best of days, for in the knowing one cannot find complacency with the status quo by any measure of contentment with it.
That said, it would be untrue to say I wasn't happy, but I'd be a lot happier if Dipnote brought back "The Question of the Week" because the lack of asking JQ Public all the questions the State dept is unwilling to ask of us, denies them public answers to achieving change we can live with.
And frankly I'm not willing to see this blog go downhill or be downgraded without putting up resistance to either internal or external efforts to marginalize the public's imput from whatever source that may come from.
This blog has gone from a 7 day - 365 cycle of imput to a 9-5 M-F blog, and whether that's due to bugetary constraints or not, that's no way to run a blog when the world runs on a 24/7/365 news cycle.
What are interns for anyway? (chuckle)
They can't find enough volunteers to man the posts?
This is the place where officials who post threads open for comment should be on their best behavior as public servants in "permanent stakeout mode" ready, willing and able to provide feedback to the public; to answer our questions on the nature of all things diplomatic and expiditing public interaction thereby.
I'll tell you what the ethical infants of the world are testing...
Not just my patience, but that of my government, and this is a dead for sure certainty.
Logic would be self evident in the fact that had the Dept of State the knowing we know more than nothing about these things, that they should be well advised to consider our imput and their interactions with the public critical to knowing how to proceed in accordance with the very people they seek to serve, both in this country and globally through various means and incentives.
It is completely illogical to assume otherwise, or to assume I for one am going to let anyone off the hook until folks do a million times better at this than they are right now.
Otherwise this blog will just become a footnote in the history of interactive government and eventually cease to have any practical purpose other than talking at people rather than with them.
You and I are having this conversation, but if officials want to be more than voyers to our thoughts, they shouldn't be constained in their ability to interact with us on a intellectual basis.
I've told folks "you get out of this blog what you put into it" and that not only goes for the public, but for the whole of government.
If Deomocracy is "the great experiment", then this blog cannot afford to be timid in that process, as neither can any government claiming to be "by, for, and of the people".
Such is the marginalization I see taking place in the not living up to the potential.
Whether that be in the UN or in this microcosm of diplomatic perspective.
Attitude is everything.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
(p.S.) WW,
Forgot to mention how "the question of the week" would be structured in the 3.0 version...( assuming Dipnote's staff is open to suggestion ) ...;
Goes like this here, we decide as individuals what The Question Of the Week is, so long as it pertains to/or affecting foreign affairs of any country, being an international blog.
Staff does some investigative interagency polling...and we get a multi agency official's spectrum in the public domain of what they wonder about...up to and including the Red Sox's chances that "this year" is also the year.
Contributors must naturally explain their focus of a singularity with so much worthy subject matter to choose from.
One person's question of the week may be another government's question of the year, and that's how it goes.
Now if all the current contributors of posted dipnotations in their respective fields oustanding were to join together and post question at the end of comment....
Then this would be one rockin' blog...and might solve some issues for the common good.
As far as a global think tank is concerned, you gotta build it before folks take to it.
So I don't hold it against folks meeting in the Buiderburg hotel to have a frank dicussion off the record and simply to share perspectives, for that is simply freedom of speach being excercised.
Granted what I envision is in the public realm of good debate, and must therefore be deemed as "off the cuff" rather than "on the record"...unless an official specifies as "official current policy" a statement...aside from his/her opinion.
Send out invitations to those in the Whitehouse, Congress (foreign affairs committees) and DoD and have them do cameo blog postings to grant the readership a larger picture of the jigsaw puzzle that fits together to implement and assess the President's foreign policy goals and be ready to take questions from the public and respond to comment as able to without breaking the rules doing it. If folks can't or won't answer a question then it should be clear why.
Anyway I'm done expousing on principal....till the next time I see the need.
To remind folks that they work for us.
W.W. writes:
@ Eric
...the NEW WORLD ORDER has lost me today...
Gennet T. in the U.S.A. writes:
To the United state Ambassador to UN
Mrs. Susan Rice
To honorable ambassador of the free world with all due respect I wish you good health most of all to make a good sound decision so the world do not go inferno. To hold the highest position of the free world should have responsibilities for unbiased vision for peace on earth. All nations belong to one earth, like standing domino one side touch all in split of second demolish. Standing together looked pretty but falling in split of second looks never the same.
Proximate cause is a flexible concept. It permits fact-finders to sort through various factual causes and determine who should be found to be legally responsible for result. In addition, an accused is only responsible for the reasonably foreseeable consequences that follow from his or her acts. The law provides, for example, that an accused is not responsible for consequences that follow the intervention of new, and independent, casual force.
I am proud American/Eritrean I am pleading for you to see right to the fact not the surrounding ethnic, clown and emotional defect human tragedy. Eritrea as a whole could not be responsible for the ill of east Africa. A tiny country 5.5million in population, per capital 0.05, the poorest country will be responsible for committing suicide for its own existence is a thinkable.
As, Eritrean American closely you must establish causation beyond a reasonable doubt for your decision. The world body stops the survival of a nation from self sufficient producing, mining and feeding its own population to be depending a hand out, a picture of starvation. If that is your wish for Eritrea only the almighty GOD, Saint Mary of Asmara will pay you in judgments day. Today ride high mighty, but Eritrea has one GOD the almighty.
Eritrea's violation is that not playing the game of united nation corruptions by negligent operation of blame others are that the causation, these facts would support a conviction.


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text:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Stroke (CVA)
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Foot Drop or Dropped Foot is a condition caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the front part of the foot, which causes a person to drag the toe of the shoe on the ground or slap the foot on the floor.
Foot drop (also known as drop foot) may result from damage to the central nervous system such as stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. The WalkAide is designed to assist with the ability to lift the foot for those individuals who have suffered an injury to their central nervous system. The WalkAide is not designed to work with people who have damage to the lower motor neurons/peripheral nerves.
Traditionally, foot drop is treated with bracing using an ankle foot orthosis (AFO). The passive treatement offered by AFOs do not promote active use of neuromuscular systems and also limits ankle range of motion. In addition, AFOs can be uncomfortable, bulky, and, if poorly fitted, produce areas of pressure and tissue breakdown. The WalkAide may replace the traditional AFO to re-engage a person's existing nerve pathways and muscles. Using the WalkAide, in most cases, frees the patient from AFO restrictions.
The recruitment of existing muscles results in reduction of atrophy and walking fatigue – a common side effect of foot bracing. WalkAide users have the freedom to walk with or without footwear, up and down the stairs, and even sidestep.
Invented by a team of researchers at the University of Alberta, WalkAide uses functional electrical stimulation (FES) to restore typical nerve-to-muscle signals in the leg and foot, effectively lifting the foot at the appropriate time. The resulting movement is a smoother, more natural and safer stepping motion. It may allow faster walking for longer distances with less fatigue. In fact, many people who try WalkAide experience immediate and substantial improvement in their walking ability, which increases their mobility, functionality, and overall independence.
A sophisticated medical device, WalkAide uses advanced tilt sensor technology to analyze the movement of your leg. This tilt sensor adjust the timing of stimulation for every step. The system sends electrical signals or stimulation to the peroneal nerve, which controls movement in your ankle and foot. These gentle electrical impulses activate the muscles to raise your foot at the appropriate time during the step cycle.
Although highly-advanced, WalkAide is surprisingly small and easy to use. It consists of a AA battery-operated, single-channel electrical stimulator, two electrodes, and electrode leads. WalkAide is applied directly to the leg — not implanted underneath the skin — which means no surgery is involved. A cuff holds the system comfortably in place, and it can be worn discreetly under most clothing. With the WalkAide's patented Tilt Sensor technology, most users do not require additional external wiring or remote heel sensors.
WalkAide Provides the Advantages not Found in Typical Foot Drop Treamtents :
WalkAide is not a one size fits all device. Rather, a specially trained medical professional customizes and fits the WalkAide. Using WalkAnalyst, a multifaceted computer software program, the clinician can tailor WalkAide to an individual's walking pattern for optimal effectiveness.
In addition fo walking assistance, the WalkAide system includes a pre-programmable exercise mode that allows a user to exercise his/her muscles while resting for a set period of time as prescribed.


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It was 1968 in Eastern Europe, and Soviet tanks were crushing the Prague Spring reform movement. Individual freedom was virtually unknown. Repression against students and dissidents everywhere was commonplace, and advocates of democratization landed in jail, if they lived at all.
Josip Nikolai Peruzovic, an elite teenage weightlifter and wrestler of Russian and Croatian blood, had seen enough. So the young man made a fateful and solitary decision. When his Yugoslavian weightlifting team prepared to return home after an international competition in Austria, Peruzovic balked.
And then he was gone for good.
Thirty-five years later, Peruzovic is telling this story softly, in heavily accented English -- how he left Yugoslavia and his family to defect to the West without benefit of the English language or money. He speaks matter-of-factly as he describes the conditions that caused him to flee, and only at one point does a trace of anger creep into his voice.
"Those communist bastards," he said. "I hated them."
* * *
Even in the bizarre world of professional wrestling, it sounds curious to hear a bitter denunciation of communism from Peruzovic, better known to the wrestling community as Nikolai Volkoff.
As a monstrous villain from Russia, Volkoff was a headliner against the likes of Bruno Sammartino, Gorilla Monsoon, and Hulk Hogan in the WWWF and elsewhere for most of the 1970s and 1980s.
To his legions of friends and family, though, Volkoff is neither monstrous nor a villain. Nor is he from Russia, though he speaks the language and his mother is Russian.
In fact, he was just an emigre hoping to turn his amateur wrestling background into work when he landed in Calgary after his defection to train with the legendary Stu Hart.
At 300-plus pounds of rock-hard muscle, Volkoff had size, athletic ability, and great bloodlines -- he was trained by his grandfather, a one-time bodyguard for Austrian monarch Franz Josef.
But he had no real expectations, and his cover story, to protect his parents from possible harassment at home, was that he was merely traveling and would return to defend his country's honor in event of a war.
"I was just so happy to get out from there," said Volkoff, who chose Canada as his destination because it processed immigrants quickly. "Here, with freedom, you can say what you think. There, they go behind your back, and the next thing you know, you're going to Siberia to cool off for the rest of your life."
Working with Hart, Volkoff quickly caught the attention of Newton Tattrie, aka Geeto Mongol, who wanted a partner for a tag team idea that occurred to him while he was browsing through books at a Calgary library.
With their partially shaved heads and fearsome visage, the Mongols -- Volkoff was called "Bepo," a term of endearment from his mother -- were an instant in-ring success.
The food and the language -- that was another matter.
"Man, I could not eat any food," he recalled. "Chicken, meat, oh, it tasted terrible. From where I came from, it's all natural food, you kill a cow and eat the same day because there was no refrigeration. It's all nice and fresh. When I came here, I could not eat."
And what he could take in was severely limited by the communications barrier.
During their time in Montreal, Geeto, his restaurant interpreter, had to leave his young charge alone for a few days. Before he left, he taught him "When you're hungry, 'apple pie and coffee,'" and that's what Bepo ordered for several meals.
After a few days, he grew weary of the same bland diet and spotted a woman nearby eating a tasty hamburger steak. Bepo looked at the waitress and pointed to the woman and her meal.
"What is it you want, then?" the waitress asked.
He kept pointing, grunting, and gesticulating toward the steak to no avail. Finally, he abandoned hope. "Apple pie and coffee," he told the waitress.
After prepping in Montreal, the Mongols invaded the WWWF in 1970 after a carefully planned, three-month program of television exposure. "He caught on pretty quick. He was a good athlete and he was in good shape. He was very easy to train," Geeto said.
The Mongols captured the International tag championship, the highest WWWF tag belts at the time, from Victor Rivera and Tony Marino in June 1970. They held them for a solid year, an eternity by today's standards, and enjoyed another four-month reign in the late summer of 1971.
With that success as a Mongol, Bepo understandably recoiled at being packaged as a ruthless, methodical Soviet destruction machine when the Volkoff persona arose in 1974.
But the legendary Freddie Blassie, who was retiring to become a manager, persuaded him that aggrandizing the Soviet system could actually serve Volkoff's anti-Soviet ends.
"He told me, 'The more you say about that, people are going to hate you more.' I said, 'But I hate Communism.' "
Responded Blassie: "Then if you hate Communism, that's how you destroy it. Tell people how good it is over there, so they know you're lying."
Volkoff followed his manager's advice and became the wrestling caricature of a Soviet tool for more than 15 years.
"If you say something truthful, there is no heat. Nobody cares," he said.
"But if you say, 'In Russia, people buy cars only until the style wears out, then they drive it right to the junkyard to be melted down for military purposes,' then people know you are lying. Then you get the heat and the people say, 'That is ridiculous!'"
Volkoff established himself as a major player for years to come in March 1974 when he battled to a one-hour draw with WWWF champion Bruno Sammartino at Madison Square Garden.
The match set a gate record for the famous arena and the duo continued their feud up and down the East Coast for years. Blessed with long fingers and a vise-like grip, Volkoff could crush an apple with one hand -- on televised interviews, he said the apple represented what he planned to do to Sammartino.
In reality, his admiration for Sammartino knows no bounds. "He was the greatest," Volkoff said. "He was the greatest wrestler who ever lived."
Volkoff also had successful runs in the Southern U.S. and Japan, holding the NWA Mid-Atlantic tag title with Chris Markoff and the NWA Georgia Heavyweight title.
In 1983-84, he started using an ingenious gimmick developed by promoter Bill Watts. Before his matches, Volkoff insisted fans stand and respectfully observe the singing of the Soviet national anthem.
When he re-entered the WWF in 1984, frequently teaming with the Iron Sheik, a former WWF champion, Volkoff continued to belt out the Soviet anthem before each match.
With Blassie earnestly standing by, hand on heart, and the hated Iron Sheik in the ring, Volkoff's vocals attracted enough debris from irate fans that Monsoon once commented, "There's no need for a food drive when this guy starts to sing."
"Oh, the heat that drew," Volkoff remembered. "It was unbelievable. People hated me and they hated Russia. So that worked."
At WrestleMania I in 1985, Volkoff teamed with the Iron Sheik to beat Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo for the tag team championship he had first held with Geeto 15 years before.
He later paired with Boris Zhukov as The Bolsheviks, a thoroughly despicable pair of Soviet sympathizers that was a fixture on television, pay-per-views, and house shows from 1987 to 1990.
On a televised Superstars of Wrestling show in the spring of 1990, Zhukov entered the ring first and delivered an indifferent version of the Soviet anthem. As Volkoff grabbed the microphone, he pledged to show Zhukov how to sing properly.
To stunned fans, Volkoff launched into a stirring rendition of The Star Spangled Banner to wild applause, setting up a feud with Zhukov and cementing one of the most memorable turns in years.
Ironically, political developments in Eastern Europe, which once sent Volkoff fleeing for the West, facilitated his transition to wrestling hero.
The Berlin Wall fell in 1989. Reformers in Poland and Czechoslovakia drove communist leaders from power. The Balkan republics started to declare their independence from Russia, and, in 1991, Soviet communism collapsed.
And Volkoff joyously ended his days as a staunch Russian heel.
"When Russia fell down, I said, 'That is enough for me. There's no more reason for me to be a bad guy. I don't have a reason to be a bad guy.' Communism was gone and I was so happy," he said.
Volkoff did a final stint with the WWF in 1994-95 as part of "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase's stable, and still occasionally wrestles on weekends. He also has started his own one-man show on stage called 'An Evening With Nikolai Volkoff', sharing the story of his escape from Communism. He also performs magic tricks and sings.
As his career wound down, he became one civil servant that no one wanted to anger, as a code enforcement inspector in Baltimore County. He lives on a sprawling, 50-acre farm near Baltimore with Lynn, his wife of 33 years, and looks back fondly on his long and amazing journey.
"When Russia was in power, I did everything I could to make them look bad. Then one day, Russia was gone, and I said, 'My job is done.'"
Steven Johnson is a writer from Virginia who grew up watching the stars of the Buffalo promotion. He conducted this interview at a legends event in Bena, Virginia.


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Food and festivals: Ireland combines them with passion, style and a certain quirky charm. Oh, and generosity. Did we mention that a lot of the island's food festivals are free?
Valentia Island is famous for its dramatic cliffs, balmy climate (courtesy of the Gulf Stream) and king scallops that are so good they get their own festival. On the waterfront in Knightstown, the island's capital, you can enjoy the party atmosphere around the craft and food stalls, and watch demonstrations of just how many ways you can cook a scallop. However, the highlight has to be a cook-off among the island's men to see who will win the hotly contested Mr King Scallop title.
Must try: Valentia scallops, of course!
An island surrounded by pristine waters on the Wild Atlantic Way. What better place to have a seafood festival? Féile na Mara (Festival of the Sea) celebrates Achill Island's rich maritime heritage with everything from seaweed safaris to demonstrations of how to cook some of the 34 species of fish that have been caught in Achill's waters. You can even experience the thrill of a real Achill Yawl race, the island's traditional fishing boat.
Must try: Keem Bay smoked salmon and fresh brown bread
Savour Kilkenny Food Festival
Capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mourne and home of Northern Ireland's largest fishing fleet, Kilkeel also hosts one of its best food festivals, Kilkeel Seafood Festival. Enjoy food and craft stalls, live music and cookery demos, as well as the famous oyster eating competition, where you can sample the fruits of nearby Carlingford Lough. Make sure to look out for Salt and Pepper, Kilkeel Harbour's resident seals!
Must try: Oysters, preferably with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pint of stout!
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Waterford knows good food. After all this is the city that's given us the 'rasher' of bacon (thank you Henry Denny) and the cream cracker (much obliged WR Jacob). And that's what the Waterford Harvest Festival is all about – taking pride in Waterford's vibrant food culture and showcasing its innovative artisan food producers with a range of tours, tastings and trails in the narrow city streets.
Must try: a real Waterford blaa (floury white bread roll) filled with rashers
Voted one of the friendliest cities in Europe by Condé Nast travel magazine and home to two Michelin star restaurants, Kilkenny has a growing reputation as a foodie destination. And at Savour Kilkenny, you can meet everyone from farmers and artisan producers to restaurateurs, as you learn about activities as diverse as apple-pressing, bee-keeping, butter-making and foraging. All within sight of the spectacular Kilkenny Castle, a jewel in the crown of Ireland's Ancient East.
Must try: Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese with wheaten crackers
So there you have it - fantastic food, a carnival atmosphere and a chance to get to know the locals, all in some of the most beautiful locations on the island. And it's free. Now what festival delicacy do you fancy sampling first?
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Food festivals are serious business in Ireland; we almost have one for every local ingredient, from cider to seafood.
"Glenarm Shorthorn fillet. Make a note of those three words. They'll change your life"
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IUCN Oceania is reviewing existing policies and legislations relevant to the protection and management of mangroves in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Tonga as part of its efforts to help improve local mangrove management in these countries.
Mangroves are vital natural defence systems to climate change and are especially important for Pacific Island Countries (PICs) who face threats from sea level rise. However, for most PICs the laws and policies are inadequate and do not fully address the issues affecting this key ecosystem.
This time consuming but important review exercise began in 2011 and a year after the review is nearing completion.
"At the early stages of this review, we learnt that none of the five countries have national mangrove policies," says Ms Ruci Lumelume, Coastal Ecosystem Management Officer at IUCN Oceania. "Instead mangrove management and conservation are addressed partly in other existing environmental policies, legislation and documents for example in Fiji, the Environment Management Act and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan."
The review of relevant legislation is timely for the countries, as most of them are presently engaged in the revision of legislation for the management of natural resources and are likely to welcome suggestions.
"While governments are aware of the important role played by mangrove ecosystems, in general they have not reflected that in policy or regulation that is binding across the whole of government," adds Ms Christine Trenorden, Environmental Law Coordinator at IUCN Oceania.
The desktop review for all five countries was completed in October 2012 and followed by in-country stakeholder consultations throughout November 2012. The final review document for each country is planned to be completed by June 2013 and submitted for approval from the respective governments.
"In the final review documents we will also present recommendations on how best to move forward in order to strengthen mangrove management in each country," says Ms Lumelume. "Already we have received positive feedback from governments of these countries on this exercise and we are optimistic that our recommendations will prompt further action on the ground."
The Fiji Government for instance, acting upon preliminary findings of the review, have urged that IUCN Oceania fully identify options that will enable them to tighten up on persistent mangrove-related issues for instance clearance of mangrove areas for development. Two options already on the table are the development of a mangrove policy framework and the review of the Crown Lands Act; highlighted by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, Mr. Tevita Boseiwaqa, at the Fiji National Mangrove Management Committee meeting on December 13, 2012 in Suva, Fiji.
The policy and legislation review is an activity under the Mangrove Ecosystems for Climate Change Adaptation and Livelihoods Project.
For more information please contact [email protected]


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Help room By minichess
i will try to solved.
Computer and chesscube problems
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d3athnot3 wrote:hey! remember me? the one that cant connect in chesscube! yeah my problem was solved! ( big thanks to that!) yet after the problem was solved but I got lag connections like 4000 ms or 2000 ms. this never happened before. Maybe you can help me for this
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text: Hi folks, there are many mpi implementations out there, but which one ist "the best"? As far as I know, there are commercial prodcuts which support different hardware in one library (eg myrinet + ethernet). Which is a nice feature. Is there a working mpich which unites the common channels? Score did that once, but it's a year ago, since I've worked with it. In addition to that I've ran into trouble with the different standarts (1.2, 2.0). It seems to me that Openmpi gets more influence. Is that right? I dont feel like put 20 different preprocessor variables on my applications, like #if MPI_VERSION > 1 for each of that implementation. So my question is: In which direction goes mpi tomorrow? Cu -- Rene Storm @Cluster


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Co - founded by four spiritual entrepreneurs, Soul Route is one of its kind life empowerment & transformation center offering full range of psychotherapy & alternative life enhancing services aimed at cultivating healthy & successful lifestyles.
Mukta Rastogi is a Life coach, Counsellor, Certified Hypnotherapist, Access Bars Practioner, Certified with Dr Brain Weiss in Past Life Regression, trained in Metaphor Therapy and Angel Card Reader. She is Proactive and dynamic spiritual healer.
Life coach trainer helped thousands of people to consciously work with chakra energy to improve their health, their finance, and even relationship. she trains people across the world to use their chakras, inner sense to improve their lives in all aspects.
All skin diseases fall under the category of Dermatosis. These diseases can be further divided according to their root cause, such as fungal, atopic or allergic. The important factors when determining the cause of a skin disease is the location of the outbreak, the color, size and arrangement of the lesions and any other accompanying symptoms.
Acne is the most common skin infection and acne treatment along with a proper diet can keep the acne outbreaks under control. However Acne is just one of the many skin infections caused by microbial presence. Common fungal skin infections include Ringworm, Thrush and Tinea Pedis. Viral skin infections include Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster and Plantar Warts. Several research programs have found that the majority of skin diseases are either caused or triggered by nutrient imbalances in the body. On the other hand there are also non-contagious autoimmune diseases like Psoriasis and Diseases like Eczema for which the exact causes have not yet been determined.
Many skin infections like Scabies and ringworm spread through a lack of personal hygiene. Clothes and other personal items belonging to an infected person house the fungus or virus that causes the skin infection. When these objects are shared, it can lead to the spread of the infection. Poor personal hygiene too can provide bacteria or fungus with the ideal environment to flourish. Reusing the same pair of socks repeatedly can cause a person to contract athlete's foot. It is therefore, important to follow proper hygiene practices on a regular basis. However, it is important to note that there are also several skin diseases like Melanoma and Hyperpigmentation that are unsightly but are not caused by poor hygiene.
A poor diet is often the cause of many skin diseases. A poor diet results in several nutritional deficiencies and weakens the immune system. The immune system is responsible for defending your body from invading microbes so a deficient immune system does not offer adequate protection. High quality proteins such as those found in eggs and soy products are essential for the optimum functioning of the immune system. People with unhealthy eating habits are at a higher risk for several skin diseases.
While several severe skin diseases require medication, there are others that can be treated effectively with a few home remedies. Some of these home remedies can also be used along with allopathic medication for quicker results. Lemon juice is acidic and inhibits the growth of fungus while turmeric, ginger and tea-tree oil have extremely beneficial anti-microbial properties. However, it is important to visit a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options


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Metal Gear Solid 5's Fox Engine is Shown in Action
Metal Gear Solid 5's Fox Engine is set to make Snake look even better as he crawls around and grumbles in his non-David Hayter voice.
The Fox Engine was shown off this week at GDC, and thanks to GamesHQMedia, we get to see it in all of its glory. The new physics engine was created by Kojima Productions and makes objects and environments look pretty damn realistic.
The demos used to show off the engine featured a meeting room, as well as a handful of different soldiers, objects, and weapons. There are also examples of lighting changes shown by using a previously-shown trailer for Ground Zeroes.
We're also given a peek at a character that will appear in Metal Gear Solid 5 who is modeled after an actor's face and uses a mix of clay modeling and special effects. We can't wait to see who this character is and how he'll look using the Fox Engine!
Watch the video below and let us know what you think of Kojima Productions' new engine. Does it make everything look better? Or are you unable to tell the difference between these graphics and those in other games? Let us know!


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Sponsor News
Yes, they pay us to post their news. But we only accept advertising from companies we like, so make sure you check out what our Advertisers have to offer!
Top 20 upcoming anime of 2018
2018 has definitely been one of the most waited years of all time for upcoming anime titles. From sequels of your favorites to new ones you could add to your anime watchlist. There are also other anime titles included in this list that are confirmed so you can rest easy as you know there's going to be sequels for your favorite and awaited anime that will be worth the wait.
|2018-01-14 09:56
Welcome our new sponsor - BIG IN JAPAN
CollectionDX is happy to introduce our newest sponsor - BIG IN JAPAN
"BIG IN JAPAN is a Tokyo-based store carrying a wide selection of items ranging from PVC figures to mecha, as well as garage kits, dolls, vinyl toys and even a selection of video games at some of the best prices on the market. What makes us special is that we offer proxy service for an extremely large variety of limited and hard-to-get items from Japanese manufacturers. Of course, feel free to contact us about any limited (yet unreleased) item if you cannot find it in our store. We will do our best to bring it to you. We are proud to be a CollectionDX sponsor and are looking forward to serving you in the future!"
Visit BIG IN JAPAN at http://www.biginjap.com/
|2015-09-11 21:10
Muteki Sales offers 10% off to CDX readers
We would like to welcome one of our newest sponsors, Muteki Sales to CollectionDX. From now until 12/31/07 CDX readers can get an additional 10% off their purchase at Muteki Sales by using the coupon code KABUTO5.
|2010-10-11 10:45
Welcome our new sponsor: Kid Nemo!
Kid Nemo company is a unique fusion of cute and cool!
|2010-10-11 10:43


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CAE has been providing technical training courses for aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians, as well as pilots, for a quarter century. Our technical training solutions and operational troubleshooting tools are designed to help flight operations maximize resources and generate more revenue while enhancing safety and efficiency. We're here to help you achieve your primary goal – to ensure safety and service excellence for your customers and crew members.
Duration: 3 days
Available Locations: As requested by customer


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Support Desk Pro is a service desk software solution enabling efficient communication with your mobile workforce. The only end to end, quote to invoice, solution for any company that has engineers in the field. It's unique feature is the link to mobile PDAs and TomTom PRO devices enabling effective engineer scheduling, accurate data retrieval, timely job completion and client signature capture among the many features that can be tailored to an industry specific requirement.
Clockwork IT Ltd are a forward thinking software development company operating in the field of mobile technology. Established for 10 years, headquartered in Coventry, Clockwork has steadily increased its portfolio of clients and services using a personal style that builds a lasting relationship. With a 'can do' attitude to development, Clockwork's clients have benefited from Clockwork developing and delivering the niche product that has enabled them to do business better.


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We recently scoured the country for five of the most unique fitness facilities we could find, and we think we found a good selection. What makes them stand out from the rest? Well, these days it takes more than high-tech cardio equipment and 100,000 square feet. We selected the following facilities for their distinctive design, inventive use of materials or unusual elements. Flip through the next five pages and prepare to embark on a tour showcasing everything from a former Turkish bath to one of the most secure fitness facilities in the country.
Facility: Crunch Fitness Lincoln Park
Location: Chicago
Web site: www.crunch.com
Owner: Crunch (Bally Total Fitness)
Square footage: 46,000
Visits a day: 200
Architect: Cannon Design
Date of club opening: February 2004
Cost of construction: $4.7 million
Although the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) jurors dubbed the Crunch Fitness in Lincoln Park, IL, "part gym, part nightclub" when the facility won a 2004 Citation of Merit award in AIA Interior Architecture, the club's assistant manager, Pete Gussert, insists the facility is anything but flashy.
"To me it's a much more comfortable, much more relaxing environment," Gussert says. "[The design] is less in your face. I think the atmosphere isn't forced on you, but it works with you."
Whether or not the facility reminds you more of home or your favorite nightspot, one thing is certain — this fitness facility is anything but ordinary. The 46,000-square-foot club is located in a new mixed-use development in an upscale, urban Chicago neighborhood and houses a juice bar, children's studio, massage room, sun deck, rehabilitation area and a spin and aerobic studio. The club also boasts a swimming pool, a unique feature for a Crunch facility.
"Crunch's whole image has a very hip look to it, and their whole strategy is to create a unique appeal," Mark Banholzer, design principal on the project, says. "The merger of fitness and entertainment is really where [the design] came from when they came to us and told us about their corporate identity and branding."
Besides using bright colors, dramatic lighting and even the occasional theatre curtain to set the club apart, the facility's front entrance displays a fiber-optic, edge-lit glass shower wall silhouetting willing club patrons through a double layer of frosted glass. While this so-called peek-a-boo shower is usually just a stall or two tucked into a remote corner of most Crunch locations, in Lincoln Park, the peek-a-boo show is on full display with several shower stalls illuminated.
"It's the whole idea of burlesque, but in a tasteful and fun way. [The shower] really made it something very special and spectacular," Banholzer says. "It's all part of [Crunch's] tagline, which is 'no judgments.' People are free to do what they want to do and no one is going to judge them."
Facility: Pentagon Athletic Center
Location: Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
Web site: www.hqda.army.mil/OAASupportServices/pac/
Owner: Department of the Army
Square footage: 127,000
Visits a day: 2,000
Architect: HNTB Architecture
Date of club opening: March 2004
Cost of construction: $25 million
An underground location. Guarded security checkpoints. An ozone filtration system. These aren't typical at most fitness facilities, but they are at one of the safest fitness facilities in the country — the Pentagon Athletic Center (PAC).
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified PAC was redesigned a little more than a year ago, and while the facility's decor may not be flashy, it serves its purpose. The largely subterranean, 127,000-square-foot center houses a six-lane pool, a full-size basketball court, a steam room, racquetball and squash courts, a sauna, hot tubs, locker rooms, a rotating tread wall, and a running track along with increased space for free weights, weight machines and cardio from the previous facility. The center also offers 30 group fitness classes a week, and fitness specialists are on hand to help patrons for free. Due to the facility's location within the Pentagon, most of the 2,000 daily patrons at the PAC are active duty military, but some are family members of the military personnel and others are contractors.
"That's our mission — to support the war fighter," says Irmtraud Washburn, general manager of the PAC.
And that they do — along with supporting a sustainable design that was built to last for 50 years. The facility has secure physical and electronic access to and from the Pentagon proper. Other considerations, such as installing an ozone-filtration system in the pool, reduced chlorine use over time, which means fewer hazardous materials at the site and a healthier swimming environment.
The facility's subterranean location proved to be challenging, but HNTB Architecture reduced the number of walls to better facilitate circulation and make a more flexible and open environment. Careful attention was also given to outdoor light distribution and brightness ratios to direct natural air and light into the interior spaces through ventilation and clerestory windows.
"The facility is wholly different from our old facility. It's bigger, and the high ceilings are different," Washburn says. "It also feels great to see light. The old facility never had light, and now we have light shining."
Efficiency and the environment were also important considerations in the design and helped earn the facility a LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2004. Building materials were chosen for the environmental qualities of their low volatile organic compounds emission and recycled content. They were also selected from regionally manufactured and rapidly renewable materials. For example, cork tile was used for the flooring, composite wheat board for millwork panels, and 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic was used for the bathroom partitions and toilets. When it comes to light, heating and cooling, sensors were installed to turn down unnecessary lights; recycled rubber covers the gym floor and cork covers the hallways; low-flow fixtures conserve water; and Green Roof technology provides outdoor garden space and better insulation, and acts as a natural water filtration system. A radio signal even adjusts the watering system when rain is on the way.
Facility: The Lodge, City of Des Peres Community Center
Location: Des Peres, MO
Web site: www.desperesmo.org
Owner: City of Des Peres
Square footage: 76,365
Number of members: 9,000
Architect: Hastings & Chivetta Architects Inc.
Date of club opening: November 2003
Cost of construction: $19.42 million
Employees of what has affectionately been named "The Lodge" are almost celebrities in the 8,500-person town of Des Peres, MO.
"If we go out in public, they recognize [our employees]," says Susan Trautman, director of Parks and Recreation in Des Peres. "We're starting to make a name for ourselves; it's kind of cool."
Based in an affluent suburb of St. Louis, The Lodge has done tremendously well since its opening in the fall of 2003 by creating a community center that looks, acts and feels like a private club and a lodge. Built from scratch, the 76,356-square-foot facility was built to impress. Amenities include more than your average health club. Besides the typical fitness center, group exercise studio, locker rooms and child-care room, this facility offers 1,500 square feet of meeting rooms, two basketball courts, a multi-purpose gym, a three-lane track, a classroom, a concession stand and an expansive aquatics area. The aquatics area includes a wave pool with zero-depth entry, a 25-yard six-lane lap pool and a toddler pool not to mention a lazy river, spray fountains and a 220-foot slide that drops 25 feet to a splashdown pool.
What's more unique than the center's amenities are its details. The fitness center has two-story ceilings with soaring windows. Different types of wood accentuate multiple areas of the facility giving it a rustic feel. The lounge sports a big screen television, comfortable chairs and a fireplace.
"We wanted a facility that was more like a country club — not institutional looking," Trautman says. "We wanted it to be residential in its appearance."
Fifty percent of Des Peres residents belong to the club — the highest market penetration of any other facility in town, Trautman says. Currently, the facility boasts 3,000 members (mostly families) resulting in 9,000 memberships. Both residents and non-residents of Des Peres may join, but because of high demand, non-residents have been wait-listed to avoid overcrowding.
Most of the staff have been on board since the center's opening, and Trautman is proud of the staff's customer service skills, which have been helped by an in-house training program called Lodge Life. Most employees know the members by name and face, says Julie Adams, fitness supervisor.
The Lodge experience is also heightened by an impressive list of programming including children's camps, aquatic classes and specialty training programs including those for youth, brides-to-be (Buff Brides) and mothers (Hot Mamas).
"People really enjoy having this facility," Adams says. "People come here because they like to run into someone they know. It provides a great feeling for them."
Ocean Liner
Facility: 12th Street Gym
Location: Philadelphia
Web site: www.12streetgym.com
President of the company: Rick Piper
Square footage: 60,000
Number of members: Just under 5,000
Date of club opening: 1986
Cost of renovation: Capital investment since 1986 was just under $5 million
The owners of 12th Street Gym not only have a stubborn commitment to their members, but they also have a commitment to their facility's history and design.
Just under 100 years ago, the site on which the 60,000-square-foot club sits was a traditional Turkish bath facility catering to about 7,000 members with swimming pools, ice saunas, hot saunas and salt saunas.
"It was very much a fat-guys-in-towels-in-steam-rooms-with-cigars type of place," says Rick Piper, president of the company.
In the late 1970s, however, the Turkish bath closed as the neighborhood's residents began moving out of the shadow of Philadelphia's City Hall and into the suburbs. In the 1980s, a new owner planned to demolish the building. Protests from the historical community and residents stopped the demolition, and in 1986, as America became more interested in fitness and nutrition, the 12th Street Gym was born.
"We kept much of the spirit of the facility — a certain décor with an ocean liner feel," Piper says. "We boomed and the business boomed because we were first. There was a demand. Younger people were interested, and the [fitness] movement was beginning."
The club kept the design of the "wet" areas similar to the design in the original facility by using small tiles and designing the areas to be intimate with a steam room, sauna and pool. The design was restored even after a small fire in 1998 damaged the area.
Another distinctive feature of the facility is its floor plan. The club is spread over not one, not two, but eight floors, and each floor has its own purpose. Four floors are set aside for cardio, and one of the floors includes a series of seven well-defined rooms that focus on working out different parts of the body.
"We are in an urban setting and in a vertical urban setting," Piper says. "Our members like that the various facets of their fitness experience are well defined."
The club also boasts five differently designed group exercise studios — one studio features an eastern arts style and holds classes in Tai Chi and kickboxing, two studios are traditional, and another two studios are used for lower key activities such as ab work and mind/body practices. Together, the studios offer 67 diverse classes a week including ballroom dancing and African dance.
The gym also has racquetball and squash courts, a strength circuit, personal training, massage and chiropractic services, a full-sized basketball court, and what many Philadelphia "city mice" are drawn to — a landscaped sun deck that provides members with a chance to get outside for some sun and air.
"Our philosophy has been to boutique ourselves a bit," Piper says. "We're a single club, and we have the expertise and the money to focus on the member's experience, not to make it luxurious, but to make it clearly thoughtful."
Facility: Georgia Institute of Technology Campus Recreation Center
Location: Atlanta
Web site: www.crc.gatech.edu
Owner: Georgia Institute of Technology
Square footage: 300,649
Number of visits: 500,000 a year
Architect: Hastings & Chivetta Architects Inc.
Date of club opening: August 2004
Cost of construction: $43 million
When Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) asked Hastings & Chivetta Architects Inc. to give its new Campus Recreation Center (CRC) a design that was "outside of the box," the architects delivered.
"The term outside of the box is overused a lot, but there is no question that the term can be used when you see this facility," says Michael Edwards, director of the CRC. "Had the architects not thought outside the box, we probably would have gotten a box."
The major feat at the CRC was to add a floor above the Olympic pool. Originally built for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, the aquatics venue seated 15,000 spectators, but that was much too big for the school's post-Olympic needs. To further complicate matters, as part of a 25-year research project being conducted by Georgia Tech, Georgia Power and the U.S. Department of Energy, the photovoltaic panels on the roof could not be moved. The solution? A 175-foot prestressed concrete floor span (said to be the longest in the world) that created a fourth floor above the pool. The extra floor provided about 60,000 square feet of vibration-free gymnasium and multipurpose space. The space houses six basketball courts, three dance studios, an inline hockey rink with rounded boards and an elevated four-lane running track (see top right photo).
"[The 175-foot prestressed concrete floor] is quite an engineering feat," Edwards says. "It was suggested by some that it couldn't be done. We believed that it could be."
Besides the Olympic-sized pool with a moveable floor that can expand the pool's depth from zero feet to nine feet, the center also features a 15,000-square-foot fitness center with a combination of 204 cardio pieces, select weight machines, weight plate machines and free weights; an individual television with 116 cable stations on all cardio pieces; racquetball courts; a climbing wall; offices; locker room; a café; a 500-car, three-level parking deck; and a separate leisure pool that includes an 184-foot water slide, a 20-person hot tub, a current channel, six competition lanes and a patio for sunning.
If that wasn't enough to dazzle the socks off of the students, faculty and staff who use the facility, the view is. When a member first comes through the door, only walls of glass separate the fitness center from the Olympic pool allowing a full view of the entire facility.
"Probably the best comments we've had from our student population is, 'this is like a mall,' which I took as a compliment," Edward says.


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Duke's nationally ranked leukemia program uses the latest medical advances to detect and treat leukemia at the earliest possible stage. Our board-certified specialists have the training and expertise needed to treat all cancers of the blood or bone marrow including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (lymphoma), chronic myelogenous leukemia, and hairy cell leukemia (lymphoma). Our goal is to give you the personalized care you need to bring you back to good health and maximize your quality of life.
Leaders in Leukemia Treatment
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with leukemia, we are here to offer the latest treatment options. As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we offer a level of expertise that can only be found in the top four percent of cancer centers in the country. Our team of specialists work only with leukemia and blood cancer patients, focusing their careers on diagnosing and treating leukemia and other blood cancers. We work as a team to plan a comprehensive treatment strategy for you that uses the most effective therapies, including many that were developed right here at Duke. Our pediatric leukemia program uses latest innovations and treatments for children.
Choose Duke for your leukemia treatment because we offer:
- The largest treatment center in North Carolina. We see thousands of patients each year, and treat nearly 1,000 patients a year with some form of a blood cancer, more than any other facility in North Carolina.
- Pioneering leukemia treatment options. Our team of researchers brings new discoveries to the clinic every day, developing and providing more treatment options than most cancer centers. We are constantly researching new treatment options for leukemia and looking for ways to improve the patient care experience.
- Novel therapies developed by our researchers. Novel techniques such as non-ablative (skin-protecting) stem cell transplants, pioneered in part at Duke, are now offering new hope for patients with leukemia. We were a part of a national study that determined chronic myeloid leukemia patients taking imatinib (Gleevec) can expect to have long-term survival compared to those with traditional interferon-alpha therapy, which is now used at many medical centers across the country.
- Leukemia expertise. Our team of experts at Duke Cancer Center work exclusively with leukemia patients, providing you with personalized care specific to your diagnosis. Diagnosing and treating leukemia is all we do.
- Access to our clinical trials. When traditional approaches aren't successful, we offer a wide range of clinical trials. Our ongoing clinical trials test new anti-cancer targeted therapies and ways to minimize common cancer-related symptoms, as well as patient concerns before they become widely available at other hospitals.
- A team of specialists. Our leukemia specialists — medical, radiation and surgical oncologists, dermatologists, palliative care, psychologists, infectious disease doctors, radiologists, specially trained nurses, nutritionists and social workers — meet regularly to discuss your care, collect opinions, and offer coordinated and advanced medical and follow-up care.
- Personalized care and support for you and your loved ones. We take a holistic approach to addressing not just your medical and physical needs, but also your psychological, emotional and social needs. Our comprehensive support services care for you throughout your leukemia treatment journey — from lodging and on-site food services to nutritional and financial counseling.
- Comforting environment. Our new Duke Cancer Center features spacious waiting areas, a Quiet Room, large infusion rooms, and a rooftop garden area where patients — based on their treatment regimen — can receive chemotherapy outdoors.
- Support for your whole being. Our comprehensive cancer support services range from helping patients minimize the side effects of treatment to coping with the emotional and psychological effects of diagnosis and treatment. These services include nutrition counseling, palliative care, guided imagery, anxiety control, and meditation. Our cancer survivorship clinic pulls together a range of resources specially designed to help survivors after treatment ends. View all of our cancer support groups in our event calendar.
Our team of oncologists, nurses, pharmacists and researchers work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. We use the most effective treatments and therapies, including many that were developed right here at Duke. We have many novel therapies available through clinical trials that are not yet available at most other treatment centers.
An option for people with chronic leukemia and pregnant women. This approach involves closely monitoring the patient and regularly performing tests and exams to look for changes. If changes occur, a more extensive treatment plan is implemented.
Also called immunotherapy, this drug boost the immune system's own ability to fight the cancer. Biologic therapy is an area of research and an option for some patients who don't respond to other treatments.
Chemotherapy kills or slows the growth of cancer cells. Systemic chemotherapy is administered to the whole body via oral medication or an injection. It can be given in the hospital or at home.
Blocks the growth of cancer cells or interferes with processes that help cancer cells survive. Our leadership in research allows us to offer targeted therapies that treat the cancer while keeping you healthy. Monoclonal antibody therapy is a targeted therapy for leukemia that is administered orally. The monoclonal antibodies attach to substances that make cancer cells grow, then kill the cancer cells or halt their growth. Imatinib is another targeted therapy used to treat leukemia.
Leukemia damages the cells in the bone marrow where healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets are made. Blood and bone marrow transplant restores your healthy cell function by killing the leukemia cells and replacing them with healthy cells. This is called a blood or bone marrow transplant. The most common transplant for leukemia is a donor transplant (allogeneic).This is a very intensive and complex treatment. Determining if transplant is right for you is part of the expert care you will receive at Duke.
This highly specialized genetic testing allows our experts to examine your genetic make-up, pinpoint your specific diagnosis, and determine your treatment needs. We perform genetic testing on a molecular level, a capability that is not available at most other cancer centers.
Removes a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Biopsy is the only definitive diagnosis of cancer, and may also be used to determine if cancer has spread to surrounding tissue, including your lymph nodes.
Our diagnostic imaging capabilities give you the full spectrum of of imaging technology, including MRI, PET and CT scans, to help further diagnose and recommend the best treatment plan.


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A smart and fearless warrior, Astrid is often at Hiccup's side. Astrid's Dragon, Stormfly, is beautiful and strong, just like her.
With his vast knowledge of dragons, Fishlegs is like a walking dragon encyclopedia. His ability to identify dragon weaknesses is a real lifesaver!
Hiccup is the original dragon trainer and the leader of Berk's Dragon Training Academy. Above all, he tries to maintain the delicate alliance between humans and dragons.
Ruffnut and Tuffnut are fiercely competitive fraternal twins. They share the same wild energy and a taste for adreneline pumping adventure.
Snotlout is a rude and aggressive young Viking. He's not shy about his feelings for Astrid. Unfortunately for him, she's not interested.