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The Ultimate Factory 4x4 Shootout
In Search Of The Best Off-Road package
With every Four Wheeler of the Year competition comes the inevitable deluge of mail from our readers asking how we selected the vehicles we did and why we don't test every 4x4 on the market. Because OTY is setup to only evaluate those vehicles that are all new or significantly revised, we decided a new shootout was in order.
To answer our OTY critics, we partnered with our friends at PickupTrucks.com and invited every current 4x4 offered with a factory off-road package to Michigan to battle head-to-head for off-road package supremacy. This test would focus primarily on wheeling, with none of the scoring taking in to account how smooth of a highway ride these rigs offer, whether they have heated seats, or which truck has the best stereo. No sir, this shootout is solely about function on the trail.
For this test, we developed simple testing criteria that included four major scoring categories, each worth 25 percent of the total score. In the Empirical category, we scored areas such as performance, specifications, capability, and base price. Off-Road Package Content took in to account the upgrades and features of each off-road package. Vehicle Operation judged the vehicles off-highway performance and the functionality of its 4x4 systems, and finally, Trail Testing is how well the vehicle responded in real-world wheeling.
Answering our invite was Ford with the '12 F-150 SVT Raptor, Jeep with a '13 Wrangler Rubicon, Nissan with a pair of entries in the Frontier PRO-4X and Xterra PRO-4X, Ram with a '12 Power Wagon, and Toyota sending the company's 4Runner Trail and Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series. General Motors was also invited, but declined to participate in our test.
Once our field of seven was assembled, we took over Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Michigan, for performance and trail testing. On the skidpad we collected our acceleration and braking data, before moving to our individual events, such as a loose, sandy hillclimb and a rocky stairstep obstacle. Each event provided valuable information and was set up in a way that we could directly compare the vehicles back-to-back.
To expand our testing outside of the controlled environment of a proving ground, we also took our fleet of four wheelers to the popular Mounds Off-Road Vehicle Area in Mt. Morris, Michigan. With our tests occurring on a rainy day, we had a chance to sample these vehicles in the mud, wet sand, and in a rock garden where the lack of grip really allowed us to see how the traction control and four-wheel-drive systems responded in less-than-ideal conditions.
After a week of evaluations, we tallied up the scores and ended up with the following results…
7th Place
2012 Nissan Xterra PRO-4X
Total Points: 54.37/100
Base Price: $30,720
Off-Road Package Contents: Electronic part-time four-wheel drive, Bilstein shocks, P265/75R16 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires w/fullsize spare, electronic locking rear differential, 4-Wheel Limited Slip, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, front tow hooks, full skidplating, auxiliary roof-mounted lighting
The Xterra offers a lot of bang for the buck. With the third-lowest starting price in the field of just $30,720, you get upgraded tires, Bilstein shocks, an electronic rear locker, and class-exclusive auxiliary lighting. We were impressed that nothing important hangs down past the bottom of the framerails and full skidplating, although thin-gauge, protects the undercarriage. The chassis, Nissan's stout F-Alpha architecture, is shared with the Frontier pickup.
The Xterra was praised for its simple, intuitive controls, good visibility, and overall package. However, it does sit low to the ground, meaning you'll be using those skidplates, and the interior, especially, is showing its age. Ride quality in the dirt is acceptable, but not as good as others, which is probably a result of Nissan sticking with durable leaf springs in the rear when the competition has gone to coils.
On the sandy hillclimb, the Xterra made it up after a few attempts, requiring increased momentum, helped by an engaged rear locker and a functional brake traction control system. Like the majority of the vehicles in this test, the locker can only be activated in low range. With a 33.9:1 crawl ratio, we appreciated the Hill Descent Control system when coming down. The system itself was rated mid-pack in terms of noise level and effectiveness.
While tackling the stairsteps, the Xterra walked up with minimal effort, only slowed down in a few spots by wheelbase. We found that steady throttle and a sawing action of the steering wheel worked well with the BTC system to get the SUV up and over the ledges. Unfortunately, our trail testing of the Xterra ended there.
At the top of the stair climb, one of our judges took the Xterra through some alternating moguls at a crawl and was startled when the side-curtain air bags blew, taking with them the Xterra's chances of continuing in this shootout. All of the other vehicles in the test went through the same offset holes without any issues. As our '09 Four Wheeler of the Year winner, there is no doubt that the Xterra would have finished higher if not for the airbag deployment.
Hot: Affordable, capable, intuitive operation
Not: Dated interior, sits low, overreactive airbags
Our Take: A good performer for the money, but we don't like having to be wary of the airbags
6th Place
2012 Toyota 4Runner Trail
Total Points: 62.57/100
Base Price: $36,755
Off-Road Package Contents: Lever-actuated part-time four-wheel drive, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System ($1,750 option), P265/70R17 Bridgestone Dueler HT tires w/fullsize spare, electronic locking differential, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control, Hill Start Assist, Brake Traction Control, front tow points, skidplates
Another alumni of our FWOTY award (2010) in this test was Toyota's 4Runner Trail. This is a real 4x4, not some crossover based on a car. Underpinning the body is a full frame, a solid rear axle, and coil springs at each corner. Aimed at wheeling enthusiasts, the Trail has distinctive front and rear fascias and unique eight-hole aluminum wheels. Our tester included the optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which uses hydraulic pressure to disengage the front and rear sway bars during certain conditions, allowing for greater articulation on the trail.
Climbing in to the 4Runner's modern interior was the most like climbing aboard an airplane cockpit, with a bevy of buttons and switches, all displaying different hieroglyphics and acronyms denoting different functions. These controls are not only distributed throughout the dashboard, but also in an overhead console, where you least expect to find them.
One of those functions housed in the overhead console is the Crawl Control system, which is duo of knobs that allows the driver to select the severity of the terrain, and the speed at which you want the 4Runner to crawl. Essentially, it is autopilot for the rocks, working the throttle, while the driver picks the line with the steering wheel. Our testers were split as to whether it was helpful or gimmicky, as some found it effective in certain conditions, while others preferred making their own choices concerning the throttle.
Not in debate, however, was how well the Trail handled our hillclimb, where all the electronic traction aides, along with the rear locker worked together, allowing the Toyota to walk right up where other vehicles were challenged. The 4Runner similarly made quick work of the stair climb, until one of the street-oriented Bridgestone Dueler HT tires suffered a sidewall failure and had to be replaced. Fortunately the 4Runner comes with a fullsize spare.
Judges noted that the 4Runner's Downhill Assist Control, while more than adequate, made its best impression of a machine gun on full-auto when engaged, disrupting the perception of the 4Runner having a refined personality. In the rock garden, the low-hanging undercarriage produced a symphony of crashes, scrapes, and bangs as the 4Runner slithered over each and every rock.
As much as the traction nannies shined in the climbs, they met their match in quick, loose soil where it sometimes felt like they were fighting the driver for control. On the backroads, the 4Runner's soft suspension, which was fine for most situations, showed its weakness when the trail started to deteriorate and the 4Runner had to be slowed down to keep it off the bumpstops. Other drawbacks to the Trail were unsupportive front seats and minimalist front tow points.
Overall, the technology that is designed to make wheeling easier for the average person might be the very thing that makes the 4Runner too overwhelming for the same buyer. Likewise, experienced wheelers won't find much need for techno add-ons, such as Crawl Control. At the end of the day most of us just want to hit the trail without having to reference a manual.
Hot: Technology, family-friendly, manual T-case lever
Not: Technology, uncomfortable front seats, weak tires
Our Take: A capable SUV, but not the best one for the trail
5th Place
2012 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
Total Points: 63.54/100
Base Price: $30,060
Off-Road Package Contents: Electronic part-time four-wheel drive, Bilstein shocks, P265/75R16 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires w/fullsize spare, electronic locking rear differential, 4-Wheel Limited Slip, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, front tow hooks, full skidplating
We have always liked the Frontier. With a strong V-6 and willing chassis, it is a fun truck to drive. Despite having upgraded tires, Bilstein shocks, and a rear locker, the Frontier came in with lowest base price in our group. But, like the Xterra it shares a platform with it is a bit long-in-the-tooth.
On the plus side, the interior, despite being dated, offers simple controls that anyone can easily master. The plasticky dash and door panels can be effortlessly wiped clean, and the small truck comes from the factory with a bedliner and the Utili-Track tie-down system.
In the dirt, the Frontier benefits over the Xterra from a longer wheelbase. It also comes with a rear hitch that can be used as a recovery point, unlike the Xterra, which was completely devoid of any rear tow point. We never found the electronic supervisors to be overly intrusive; although there were times when we knew they were watching.
Using a touch more speed, the Frontier climbed our loose hill a little bit easier than did the Xterra. On the stairs, the Frontier was surprisingly adept thanks to a good throttle calibration in low range, along with a well-sorted traction control system. Even in the rocks, where the Frontier should have been hampered by low ground clearance, it picked its way through, while a relatively smooth underbody helped it to slide over rocks without getting hung up.
It's true the Frontier didn't excite us in any large way, but we couldn't really find fault with it either. Overall, it is a great choice as a daily driver that sees weekend-duty to the favorite camping spot. While not in the same league as some of the other vehicles in this test, this robust little pickup is a can't-go-wrong proposition for anyone requiring a basic, rugged little 4x4.
Hot: Simple, fun, affordable
Not: Dated, not a lot of features, low clearance
Our Take: A great choice for someone looking for a nice, solid truck to get him or her up a dirt road
4th Place
2012 Toyota Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series
Total Points: 68.33/100
Base Price: $35,255
Off-Road Package Contents: Electronic part-time four-wheel drive, Bilstein shocks, three-leaf spring pack, P265/70R16 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires w/fullsize spare, TRD aluminum wheels, electronic locking rear differential, 4-Wheel Limited Slip, Downhill Assist Control, Hill Start Assist, front tow hooks, full skidplating, TRD exhaust
You have to love the approach Toyota took to upgrade its Tacoma pickup. Seeing the success of Ford's Raptor, but not wanting to play at that price point, Toyota cherry-picked the aftermarket to come up with an off-road package that transforms the popular Tacoma without the need to raid the couch cushions.
The Baja takes a standard Tacoma TRD and trims it out with TRD leveling springs in the front, paired with 60mm Bilstein monotube shocks. Out back, a new three-leaf pack and 50mm Bilstein reservoir shocks round out the suspension changes. The Baja also benefits from upgraded BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires mounted on distinctive TRD wheels and a TRD exhaust.
Like the TRD model on which it is based, the Baja includes an electronic rear locker, along with Toyota's typical host of traction-watching acronyms, such as VSC, A-TRAC, HAC, and DAC. Just as with the 4Runner, the Baja is equipped with a 4.0L DOHC V-6. Curiously, it is only rated at 235hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, falling short of the 4Runner's 4.0L V-6 (270hp/278tq), as well as Nissan's 4.0L V-6 in the Frontier (261hp/281tq).
Our first test of the Baja in the desert (August '12) left us with a favorable impression of the truck, but we were curious how it would perform in a more traditional off-road setting. At the Chelsea hillclimb, we found the Tacoma to be a little light on low-end torque, but were able to conquer the ascent as long as we kept the revs up. The stiffened suspension exhibited compliance, without exhibiting any wheelhop and traction was not a problem. On the downward slope, HDC operation was similar to the 4Runner, effective, but noisy.
On the stairstep challenge, the stiff frontend of the Baja made the driver work a bit harder than in the Frontier, but with the right technique, the Toyota got the job done without much drama. Despite electronics that could be invasive at higher speeds, we found they did an admirable job of aiding traction at low speeds.
The Tacoma also took surprisingly well to the rock garden. Like the 4Runner, its low frame height made choosing a proper line critical, although the Baja's smoother undercarriage didn't get caught up as often as the 4Runner. Just a little more ground clearance would do wonders for this mid-travel midsize.
We walked away from the test with the impression that this is a truck we could live with everyday, and while the suspension is geared toward going fast, it doesn't detract from the Toyota's all-around competence in the dirt. It still isn't quite in the same league as the Raptor, but at a nearly $10,000 discount, it is about 85-percent of the way there. The Baja is a well-sorted truck in search of bigger tires.
Hot: Suspension begs to go fast, an all-around better Tacoma
Not: Tires on the small size, front suspension a bit stiff for low speeds
Our Take: Raptor fun without a Raptor price
3rd Place
2012 Ram Power Wagon
Total Points: 79.48/100
Base Price: $41,855
Off-Road Package Contents: Lever-actuated part-time four-wheel drive, Bilstein shocks, LT285/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires w/fullsize spare, forged-aluminum wheels, 4.56:1 gearing, electronic locking front and rear differentials, electronic-disconnecting sway bar, full skidplating, 12,000-pound Warn winch
The Ram Power Wagon, winner of our Four Wheeler Pickup Truck of the Year competition in '05, '10, and '12, is no question, our favorite heavy-duty truck. Starting with the '12 model year, the Power Wagon became available in the base SL trim level, lowering the point of entry to less than $42,000.
The Power Wagon is as comprehensive a package as you'll find from an OE manufacturer. The shocks are upgraded, the tires are bigger and better than anything else offered in the Ram line, the front and rear axles are stuffed with lockers (the rear is a helical limited slip when unlocked), and the front sway bar can be disconnected via switch on the dash. Add to that a 12,000-pound Warn winch hidden behind the front bumper and you have a truck that is ready to go out of the box.
Disconnecting the sway bar exposes so much flexibility in the suspension that the tires will literally tuck up inside the wheelwells at maximum articulation. The Ram also has big doses of ground clearance and meaty towhooks that would make an excavator proud.
We had high hopes for the Power Wagon in this test and with a Top 3 finish, it didn't disappoint. However, the Power Wagon did show a chink in its armor on the hillclimb where it clawed for traction, shuddering and axlehopping all the way to the top. There is no finessing the big Ram; it often required lots of throttle and brute force.
The same held true for the Power Wagon on the stairsteps, where, as one of our testers put it, "Like a bulldozer on a shale face, the Power Wagon gets the job done, but there is nothing fast or subtle in the way it goes about its business." Here again, the Ram didn't respond too well to finesse, but gladly tackled the obstacle with our foot in the throttle. While it was helped by a long wheelbase in most climbing activities, you can never escape the mass of the Power Wagon. In whatever you do off-road, it feels substantial and heavy.
Clearly, the rock garden was where the Power Wagon was most agreeable. With plenty of ground clearance, the Power Wagon might as well have been traveling on a dirt road. This was the one pickup that never stressed the driver in the rocks. Despite crawling during a downpour, we completed the rock garden without ever turning on the lockers. The Power Wagon always has the traction it needs, and if you want more, at the push of a button you can lock it up.
The biggest drawback to the Power Wagon is its sheer size, making it an uncomfortable partner on tight trails. Although it has good visibility to the sides, the truck's massive hood makes seeing the trail nearly impossible. In technical terrain, driving by Braille soon becomes your greatest skillset as a driver.
Those things aside, the Power Wagon is an exceptional do-all truck. Its operation is instinctive and simple. If you need a trail-worthy pickup with ¾-ton capability, the Power Wagon is impossible to beat.
Hot: Hemi grunt, well-tuned suspension, keeps up with Jeep in the rocks
Not: Big, heavy, axlehop in sand
Our Take: No one makes a better ¾-ton for 'wheeling
2nd Place
2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
Total Points: 79.59/100
Base Price: $42,570
Off-Road Package Contents: Electronic part-time four-wheel drive, wide bodywork, Fox Racing Shox internal bypass shocks, LT315/70R17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires w/fullsize spare, cast-aluminum wheels, 4.10:1 gearing, Torsen front differential, electronic locking rear differential, full skidplating, traction control, Hill Descent Control, Off-Road Mode, forward-facing camera ($525 option), front and rear recovery points
When it comes to dirt, the Raptor is one serious truck. Wide bodywork, 35-inch tires, long-travel suspension, internal-bypass shocks, and an electronic rear locker are what come standard on the Raptor. While it may have been bred in Baja, improvements for 2012 make it even more potent everywhere else.
New to the Raptor, and possibly the most significant upgrade since the 411hp 6.2L made its debut, is a Torsen limited slip that now takes up residence in the front axle. Designed to work in conjunction with the traction control system, the limited-slip differential gives the Raptor a much-needed locker-like capability to the front axle, without any of the binding or bad habits associated with a front locker. Also available is a forward-facing camera, which answers the criticism of limited front visibility over the hood.
With these new upgrades, the Raptor proved it deserved the crown as the best factory-equipped four-wheel-drive pickup. Nowhere was this clearer than in our testing, where the Raptor aced the hillclimb with a level of smoothness and effort not seen in any other vehicle. The wide track meant that the Raptor never fell into the ruts formed by the vehicles that went before it. The Torsen and traction control are also nearly imperceptible in their operation. On the downslope, the Raptor HDC was the most refined of the group, quiet in operation, and did a remarkable job to slow the big truck down.
On the stairsteps, it took a little more technique to complete the climb. Once we figured out the right amount of throttle application that would get us up and over without allowing the suspension to fully extend and hop, the Raptor scaled the stairs with ease. Here again, the front Torsen and traction control worked well together with the rear locker.
The Raptor's only weakness was revealed in the rock garden, where its relatively low clearance and wide track had it occasionally kissing boulders. Like the Power Wagon, though, traction was not an issue and the Raptor strolled through without its locker engaged. This was also the perfect opportunity to use the front camera, which allowed us to pick lines we normally wouldn't be able to see.
While it may be a bit wide and low for really technical trails, the fact is that as long as it fits, the Raptor will take you anywhere you want to go. The any-speed rear locker also works in any transfer case position, and the electronic nannies can be completely defeated in Off-Road Mode.
Ford has done a remarkable job with the latest iteration of the Raptor, and has truly created the best off-road truck on the market. This solid all-around piece is what every factory ½-ton 4x4 should be aspiring to be.
Hot: Potent engine, long-travel suspension, supportive seats
Not: Thirsty V-8, it's really wide, most expensive vehicle in the test
Our Take: The best off-road package on a pickup
1st Place
2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Total Points: 81.46/100
Base Price: $30,495
Off-Road Package Contents: Lever-actuated part-time four-wheel drive, monotube shocks, LT255/70R17 BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires w/fullsize spare, cast-aluminum wheels, 4.10:1 gearing, electronic locking front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting front sway bar, full skidplating, traction control, front and rear recovery points, 4:1 low range Rock-Trac T-Case.
It took a week of grueling off-pavement testing, but once again it was Jeep's Wrangler that proved which company is king when it comes to making the best factory 4x4. Reading like an enthusiast's wish list, the Rubicon is equipped with solid axles, coil springs, monotube shocks, front and rear electric lockers, and an electronic disconnecting front sway bar, which allows the flexy Wrangler to make quick work of any trail and at a price that was the second lowest in the test.
The 285hp 3.6L V-6 had no issue motivating the Wrangler up our hillclimb, but like the solid-axle Power Wagon, it did suffer from some axlehop, just nothing as violent as we saw in the big Ram. As a side note, the 3.6L absolutely screams, however all that high-rpm power comes at the expense of low-end torque, which is one of the few areas that could be improved on the Wrangler. Thankfully the manual transmission's gears are spaced nicely, so finding the proper gear was never an issue. It also helped having a manual on the hill descent where an incredible 73.1:1 crawl ratio negated the need for an HDC system.
Using a zigzag line, the uber-maneuverable Wrangler easily conquered the stairsteps, picking off one ledge at a time. The short 95.4-inch wheelbase could sometime feel a little wonky for those who just got out of the 149-inch Power Wagon, but the adjustment was easy and the stability of the Wrangler was impressive for its short length.
When it came time to tame the rock garden, there wasn't a vehicle more at home. The compliant suspension conformed to the boulder path and the low gearing allowed the Wrangler to just mosey along. Thanks to ground clearance, good skidplating, and rock rails, you never had to worry about placing the Wrangler perfectly. It has a margin of error built in that no other factory 4x4 can match.
During our testing, we rarely felt any electronic nannies try to take control away from the driver. The Wrangler is a driver's machine and it is impossible to get behind the wheel and not have fun. If you've ever driven a Wrangler on the trail, you understand and if you haven't, you'll never know what you are missing.
With an unmatched mix of standard features, affordable price, and overall capability, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon comes out the winner of our first-ever off-road package shootout, making it the Ultimate Factory 4x4.
Hot: Price, maneuverable, go-anywhere capability
Not: Limited cargo room, light on low-end torque
Our Take: The best factory 4x4 available
|Off-Road Package Content
|Vehicle Operation
|Trail Testing
|Jeep Wrangler
|Ford Raptor
|Ram Power Wagon
|Toyota Tacoma
|Nissan Frontier
|Toyota 4Runner
|Nissan Xterra


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Still Learning: Despite spectacle, U2 doesn't jolt
"Spectacle" may have been the buzzword of the night, but somehow the production that was U2, the famed four-piece pop-rock act that took the stage at UVA's Scott Stadium Thursday, never quite became spectacular.
"I was kind of in awe– it was so produced," said local musician Mike Parisi. "It was a spectacle, and I came because I was simultaneously repelled and attracted to it."
While critics raved over the audacity of Charlottesville landing the tenth spot on U2's North American leg of the 360º Tour, the local scene itself has struggled to maintain enough energy and stamina just to keep smaller venues open. While heavy-hitters like John Paul Jones Arena and the soon-to-reopen Jefferson will always attract more mainstream artists– thanks in large part to the efforts of moguls Coran Capshaw and Tres Thomas– smaller spaces, which prominently feature niche or under-the-radar bands, have time and time again struggled to keep afloat. Snagging the attention of the most popular band in the world should indicate that Charlottesville is doing something right for its music– but did Charlottesville show up for the greatest pop tour of all time?
In large part– no. As openers Muse took the stage around 7:30pm, the crowd was thin, and large chunks of the stadium were bare. Audience members chatted or walked up and down the stadium steps as Muse played a flawless, yet less than inspiring set. Their music was a perfect imprint of their albums– the sound was crisp, the instrumentation on point, even frontman Matthew Bellamy's vocals were as clear as on records.
But as the band stayed glued to the center of the stage– which, in the middle of The Spider (or The Claw, as its creators prefer), was an oddly static decision, and their painstakingly British haircuts, shiny shirts, and jerky head thrashing were almost too mechanical. The video screen hanging from the stage and composed of 1 million pieces captured every movement with undeniable clarity– then flashed green lines, swirls, texts in foreign languages across the front of the live images, which, instead of being inspiring, merely left one overwhelmed. While some youthful fans surrounding the stage jumped and cheered, most just head-bobbed or stood still, staring. From up in the stands, the energy was flat-lining.
"There was even less energy than in DC," said David Berlin, who has seen U2 52 times in his life, been to five stops on the 360º tour already (including the FedEx Field show), spent $1,150 on Charlottesville's performance, and plans to attend the Rose Bowl and Las Vegas shows. "I guess this is a wine and cheese college."
Then came the moment of truth: how would U2 make its first impression upon Charlottesville?
The answer– by sneaking on through steps practically hidden in the center circle of the stage– did little to rouse the audience from its slump. Bono threw out references to Thomas Jefferson immediately in the first song (although he kept referring to the "campus"– no one must have prepped him that it is "Grounds"), drawing some cheers. But when he attempted to have an audience sing-a-long during "No Line on the Horizon," he was met with near silence.
Of course, the concert was good. Actually, the music was great. For the most part, The Edge rocked on the guitar; the under-appreciated drummer, Larry Mullen, Jr, was fabulous. The sound was exhilarating, and it seemed like a privilege to see Bono, both in his rock star persona and as an activist, pointing out at Charlottesville and bringing nearly 60,000 people to little Scott Stadium (because goodness knows the football team won't do that anytime soon). The entire concert experience– from parking to crowd control to seating– was nearly flawless. Audience members before and after raved about how quickly they were able to get into the stadium and navigate through traffic, while JPJ general manager Larry Wilson had nothing but praise for the evening.
"It all went off without a hitch," he said. "The traffic went extremely well, and there were no standstills, as we were monitoring from the helicopter and VDOT cameras. The band was happy, the promoter was happy, and the fans had a great night."
The performance lived up to all expectations of spectacle. But somehow, U2 just couldn't quite live up to the expectation of being the greatest band of modern time.
Some of the songs fell flat. "Beautiful Day"– one of the band's better-known hits, especially to the generation currently attending UVA– was completely under-whelming. Bono sat for part of it, then walked around slowly, singing in a lackluster tone. For a song that resonates with the setting's dominant generation, it could have used more energy to fire up the crowd. When Bono emphasized the line, "I love this town," there were a few people who realized he was alluding to Charlottesville and cheered faintly. Then it was over.
"I was hoping it would be more intense," said UVA student Jack Bird. "Some people were really into it, but some were really laid back, nonplussed."
A few more songs went by, and Bono urged the crowd to wave their hands, clap, make some sign of life. For a few minutes, a spark went through the audience, only to have attendees slump back into head-bopping as soon as the singer turned his back.
It wasn't all disappointing. There were several songs that really rocked, especially towards the end. While the concert on September 29 at FedEx field was overtly political, according to fan Berlin, Bono seemed to clean it up for Charlottesville– which was a mistake, as the political shout-outs and subsequent heart-wrenching or balls-to-the-wall performances fired up the Washington audience and created a wave of sustainable energy. A video message from Archbishop Desmond Tutu during the first encore, a dedication of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" to the "nonviolent revolution" in Iran, a performance of "Walk On" for jailed Burmese politician Aung San Suu Kyi all kindled the crowd and transformed the head-bobbing voyeurs into a fiery, active audience.
"They're such a feel-good band– seeing Desmond Tutu on the screen was awesome," audience member Amy Scherer said. "They really know what's going on in the world, and it pulls people in to the greater issues."
But that begs the question: how can U2, four men nearly in their fifties who have been in the spotlight for nearly 30 years, remain relevant? Has their music passed its prime? Have they consigned themselves to being salesmen– for Blackberry, for bipartisanship, for human rights?
"People have a love/hate relationship with this band," said Berlin. "But they have to sell out to corporate sponsors– this last album hasn't sold well, so U2 must recognize that to make money and be viable, they have to have lots of sponsors."
After two encores, two hours, eleven minutes, and seventeen seconds, and "close to a full house," according to Wilson, the spectacle was over. Immediately after the lights lifted and fans began pouring out, crew members started tearing down the stage.
During the middle of the show, Bono paused to introduce the band he has played with for years– but for Charlottesville, he tailored the intros to fit the college-town atmosphere: the Edge was the nerd, Larry Mullen, Jr was the athlete and team captain, Adam was the lady's man, all while Bono still had "a lot to learn." But if the greatest pop-rock tour of all time still has to find time to study, Charlottesville's music aficionados might have quite a bit of cramming to do.
63 comments
I admit I am one of those who chose not to attend. My reasons were, well, pretty simple. U2 is a band that started off just trying to be something fairly simple, without any real 'fanfare.' I guess theya re a big part of my generation, and I remember seeing them in all these open and raw venues when I was still living in the UK, so many years ago.
Now, it's all just a big 'show.' The fact that they had all those screens and needed 120 rigs to bring it all in totally turned me off. As one listener said, it killed the spontaneity. I agree. I knew what i was getting was not what I liked about them so many years ago.
So, I was able to hear it all on my front porch, and not be distracted by people trying to say "I was there."
A lot of whinning happening here. Learn from history. Stones had traffic issues - get you butt to the show early- period. Raleigh had worse traffic issues than CVille and they are a much larger market.
As far as the show, this is my first time since '87 in Hampton to see U2. Took my son this time. The show started shaky and trailed off towards the end, but the middle was FUN. We are on the floor center field of the outer ring. We jumped and sang and had a good-ol-time :).
It was a great night, but Stones still put on the best show of the 3 @ Scott Stadium.
Ms. Garcia obviously wasn't at the same concert I was.U2 is still the greatest band in the world and puts on an amazing live show!Ms. Garcia wouldn't know a real rock concert if it bit her in the butt!!
Part of the excitement of going to a concert is generated by the band. Part of it is generated by the audience. The band will feed off that energy. Case in point: My Morning Jacket.
My experiences in Scott Stadium are that the crowd there, whether for a concert or a football game, is docile. The people commenting here who claim that the crowd was energetic most likely haven't attended concerts (or football games) elsewhere.
When the Stones concert was delayed for 40 minutes, you could have heard a cricket chirp. The Stones are great enough that the docility of the local population is irrelevant. But U2 is one of those bands that may feed off the energy of the crowd more. Therefore, they might not be a great fit for Charlottesville, where football and rock "fans" LITERALLY sit on their hands during times of peak excitement.
Ms. Garcia's criticism seems to be provoking a defensive reaction, which is appropriate when much of the criticism SHOULD BE leveled against the crowd.
Guess you weren't in my section way up high. We screamed and danced and sang almost the entire show and the 80 yrs olds in front of us were into it !
Greene Ghost said, "Hawes, I want to read your review"Š"
Why is that? Do you want Hawes to reassure you of what you are already convinced of? Judging from the comments, this seems to be what people would like journalism to be nowadays: a reinforcement of what they already believe. Which makes dissenting reviews like this article so much harder to swallow, I guess.
The Stones are still Scotts top act IMO. It was great to see U2 and they did a top job but I do agree the energy was lacking at times...maybe the crowd was too clean and there wasn't enough 420 in the air. :) Having a Thursday night show didn't allow more to let their hair down perhaps due to work/classes the next day.
Good grief, people!
Give the girl a break!
Was there - a great night - show was super and we had no parking or traffic problems at all. Perhaps the reviewer should stick to "smaller spaces, which prominently feature niche or under-the-radar bands, have time and time again struggled to keep afloat" which may be a better fit for her strange review commentary.
I couldn't believe the number of people sitting in their seats. Who sits for a rock concert?
This is for Mr Oblivious:
"Rock journalism is people who can't write interviewing people who can't talk for people who can't read." - Frank Zappa
I have to echo the sentiment that too many people didn't participate in the show - the energy is a two way street. I've been at concerts where the audience was singing so loud that the band just let us sing! that's crowd energy. I think the guys really put it all out there and left everything on the stage, but not the audience. I was asked several times to sit down and was baffled by that, standing and singing are part of the concert experience - and really if Sunday Bloody Sunday doesn't make you want to stand up at a U2 concert, why'd you buy the tickets??
Having written music reviews for the past 40 years, many under drop-dead deadlines, and having been the recipient of a VPA award, as well as having been a judge for VPA awards, qualifies me to make an honest assessment of Stephanie's piece. And with the Hook having won several awards from the VPA year in and year out since its inception, this "review" clearly fails to pass any objective standard of a tight, well-focused article. Indeed, she was all over the map and it was patently muddled as to what she was attempting to convey.
Obviously you have an interest in defending Stephanie that has nothing to do with journalism or U2's concert. And, you should be well aware that no one has to check this site as it automatically notifies you when a response has been posted. And, why on earth would you assume I am a guy, and, if so, that I even date women?
What pray tell, speaking as a Brit who now calls Cville his home, is a "painstakingly British haircut"?
(P.S. Gig was great - wish we'd had more than 45 mins of Muse though - crowd was what you'd expect in a college town at a stadium venue - a mixed bag - but not quite as flat and devoid of energy as this article would have you believe).
I was at the show and everyone was going nuts! I loved it. I think the crowd response varies depending on what section you're in. ( Not that it matters... sometimes a band is awesome and the crowd is just reserved )
some people just need to be different; their desire to always demonstrate their "differentness" causes them to miss the obvious; great band, great show, great event. sometime pretentiousness can get in the way of the truth, which is clearly has here.
but the good news is its a bit chilly today, Im sure the reviewer has a unique new scarf they are dying to bust out.
Ducky, you would not know good journalism if it bit you in the ass. Stephanie's piece was simply poorly written, extremely rambling, and not very well focused on the event itself. If I had wanted to read a political piece, I would have sought out The Nation. She cannot write and there is nothing to rebut. I want to read Hawes's review because he knows how to write, is a music aficionado, and he can write in a balanced, temperate fashion, even if he hated the show.
"Can we all just agree that U2 is at heart a corporate rock band, a more successful version of Foreigner?"
You meant Styx didn't you?
Eno can make any most anyone sound good, but I've never understood why he bothered with U2. Not much to work with, but maybe he was worried about house payments or something. Damn, if only Devo or my god, the Residents were doing arena shows with that sort of budget, but I guess then they would have had to sell their souls too.
What is wrong with being a corporate rock band? If I had the talent I would squeeze every single red cent from corporations and the idiots who buy music in every format available.
What in the world does that last line mean? Why, why, why can't The Hook hire a worthy music writer?
Why? It was a sophomoric effort, if one could even call it that.
Music lover: You can play dumb hypothetical math games if you wish, but did you look up at the upper deck and see all the empty seats in the part of the stadium near that was not enclosed closest to the aquatic center (sections 501 to 508ish)? It was pretty sparse. And the last time I checked there is no upper deck over the hill. While they spun the drum set around a couple times, wasn't most of the show was directed toward the hill area and those on the floor in front of the hill? There were also a number of spots on the middle part of the hill that didn't provide good viewing because of a massive soundboard kiosk thing. Did the moving foot bridges make a full 360 turn? I could be nitpicking, but I thought a stage pointing toward the enclosed sections of Scott Stadium would have made more sense, a la the Stones.
I think Stephanie got it right with her analysis of the claw experience and the overall show. The band played well and the music sounded good, but it was not the best U2 show I've ever seen. Stuck in the moment was a highlight. I am curious if others that have seen U2 before feel this way.
deleted by moderator
Were we at the same show?
U2 ROCKED, the concert & fans were fantastic. This article is waayyy off. I walked so can't comment on the traffic, but people were buzzing after the show, everyone I saw loved it.
The screen that opened down into a honey comb was fantastic! What a creative way to use film and make a dramatic presentation. The music was crisp and tight. A very enjoyable show and a nostalgic evening for those of us who were the original MTV generation.
Call me innocent, naive, or a fool, but I loved the concert. Being able to count the number of rock concerts attended on one hand and having little knowledge of U2, sitting high in the Scott Stadium bleachers, I was transported to a place I'd never been.
too wonderful for words
woke up this morning -- my entire body tingling
total mind/body altering experience
feel I've been in the presence of an enormous heart and an unbelievable talent
will never be quite the same again
this will be a night of beauty and emotion I will always treasure
This is such a typical response for someone in Albemarle County (i.e. the "snob" capital of Virginia).
The concert was fine. The venue was fine. The stage and music was fine. Everything about it was to be expected and people worked hard to try to make it an enjoyable time for everyone.
I think journalists (seriously, can we really call local vocational school graduates "journalists"?) can't simply say something was nice or do anything other than complain. Being a whiner isn't edgy nor does it sell stories. It merely devalues society and contributes to the decline of general happiness in the lives of humanity. It's pathetic really. Music is an amazing gift from God and we all should be privilidged to hear it in any form.
JW - I think we're agreeing. I'm saying that IF the open end were closed it would have made sense to point the stage/band in that direction. But since it isn't it would have made more sense to point the stage/band toward the closed end/locker room end/sections 116/117/118.
I don't know any dumb hypothetical math games. I hate math.
Dude, it appears you've checked back in all day just to bash the writer. Did she refuse you a date back in high school?
Maybe the piece seems a little rushed (the show did end after 11), but the quality of the writing is basically on par with everything else I read from the Hook. Lighten up.
You, the fans you spoke with, and Larry Wilson must have been at another venue to think the traffic went without a hitch! We have season tickets to football games, so we know our way in and out of the stadium. Yes, traffic TO the event was good. However, afterwards was a NIGHTMARE. It took us an hour to make our way from red zone parking to Rt. 29 North (and I mean just the section right by Bodos Bagels). We got to our car fairly quickly and out of the lot in not bad time. But the traffic direction was horrendous. We could not go out the way we came and were directed to a part of Charlottesville that not only we were unfamiliar with, but didn't lead to 29 North. Everywhere was bumper to bumper. JPA was a parking lot in both directions. It took 3 U-turns to finally get going the right direction. And we were not the only ones. I must have seen at least 20 cars doing the same thing. So how could traffic have gone smoothly?!
There were absolutely no signs saying "Rt. 29 North ", which would have made things so much easier. Or even in the packet of parking and driving directions, include the paths out. Instead it left us with a very sour taste for both the night and seeing any shows in Charlottesville. Speaking with an Events person after the show, it was said they didn't clear out the area for 2 hours. Football games take 30 mins. Yes, there may have been 6-7 thousand more people, but that's not but about a 15% increase in number of people over football games (during good seasons).
I agree with the thought that some parts of the show dragged due to non-participation from the audience. Its my first U2 show since the second tour in support of Joshua Tree and I still think it was wonderful.
I also stop giving little credence to a review when I read that the members of the band are "U2, four men in their fifties..." Since none of them are 50 I wonder how that happened? If you can't fact check, it means that you tossed this one off rather quickly without consideration. Thats not writing about someone or an event, thats meeting a deadline.
Just, if it was your intention to ask me to be bit more courteous (to whom?), why didn't you say that, rather than attack me, as you did again? Those who seek a byline must do so with an ability to write well AND have a very thick skin. And, journalists, as well as pretenders, must adhere to certain standards if they wish to be taken seriously. If that makes me a self-righteous prick, I am more the happy to oblige. Maybe it would be helpful if you had some standards for yourself that do not include fuzzy-headed, feel-good tripe.
@ ohgeez re: "What is wrong with being a corporate rock band?"
For one things, they often have throngs of dlckehead fans that can't begin to keep time not to mention a carry a tune that feel that they and the rest of the audience ought to sing along. There really isn't much worse than paying to hear professional musicians and then having to listen to idiots like Rick and agree that think their feeble efforts are what I ought to be hearing instead. Save that crap for your football games.
So,What show was Stephanie at? The all access press pass jaded media I gotta write something provacative or I won't seem relevant backstage? Traffic went SMOOTHLY?!? U2 couldn't excite the crowd? What color is the sky in your world Steph? I may not have been to 52 shows like the fan you talked to , but, I have been seeing them in California and New Jersey for the last 30 years and let me tell you Charlottesville has volumes to learn about welcoming a band of the stature and quality of U2. I wanted to scream "What's Wrong With Charlottesville?" When I saw that teaser headline on the cover. But then, I realized not even U2 can open ALL minds.
Are you kidding? I was there last night and thought it was incredible. The way the crowd sang along to Still haven't found what I'm looking for was awesome. Everyone sang almost completely in unison. It was an amazing show.
When I found out that U2 was going to come to Charlottesville I was shocked! Being from Richmond this was so convenient for me, everything was smooth, if you had trouble with parking then you did not plan ahead. Did you not study up on how U2 packs out venues?
The sound was full and incredible, the visuals were stunning and the energy was high in the stadium.
This reviewer is completely out of touch with the rest of the world. How many bands could fill up football stadiums across the world for their concerts? This night was so memorable, I had a great time!
Filling a venue and sounding good is not all there is to a putting on a rock concert. A connection between the artist and their fans needs to be made, not one that emerges from references to the town they are playing in or global political commentaries. No, there needs to be a connection made at the moment in the music between fan and musician, and apparently that didn't really happen.
It makes one wonder, doesn't it? What could possibly prevent U2 from establishing such a connection--one that they seem pretty experienced at making? I suggest that it may be a problem with fans. Perhaps all you who are content with buying a ticket and then sitting around are the reason the review came out the way it did. After all, concerts should setup a dialectic between artist and fan, and if the energy was low, it's no wonder Bono walked slowly around and sat down at times. Why should he bother getting really excited when he looks out upon a motionless crowd?
I believe this is the crux of Stephanie's argument that so many of you are simply ignoring in favor of berating her.
I heard the music on Pantops Mountain.
Generally, I have found big stadium rock shows to be a little like playing King Lear. By the time you're old enough to understand it, you're no longer able to do it physically. Similarly, with rock stars, by the time they can command a big stadium they are past their prime. U2 was a definite exception. They're a band still at he height of their power, probably because they started so young.
For all of the bravado of the production, my favorite moment might have been Bono, The Edge and an acoustic guitar doing "Stuck in a Moment".
My one criticism is probably not the fault of the band, rather the nature of the beast. While the production was an amazing spectacle, it squelched any possibility of spontaneity. The whole thing was very slick and well-rehearsed. While we may never return to the days of The Beatles on a small stage in the middle of Shea Stadium, I would have liked for them and us to have had some moments of the unexpected. All-in-all, however, a kick ass show.
trafiic ran smoothe? What a joke. After driving around for 1 1/2 hours I was forced by police to drive 3 miles out from the venue, no parking, utter gridlock, so I just turned around and went home. C-ville cannot handle these types of events.
Yes, ML, I think we are agreeing and I dislike math too. Mr. Obvious, you are right it was enjoyable. We are fortunate to have a band like U2 make Charlottesville a tour stop. Peace.
I attended the show and thought the reviewer really just mailed this one in. There's no insightful analysis about the band or the songs--no scene set or mention of the Space Oddity intro.
You want to talk about a terrible show--Springsteen in April of 2008 at JPJ was abysmal with a deadened crowd. I encourage the reviewer to watch the YouTube videos from the show -- especially those that pan the crowd on "Where the Streets Have No Name."
The sound was incredible. I listened to this music 25 years ago as an undergrad at UVA and to hear it come alive on the grounds was extremely moving. I will never attend a concert at Fedex Field -- on general principle -- you are not in the same zip code.
Bono was graceful and electrifying but Edge stole the show--what about their duet on "Stuck in a Moment" - just the two of them on stage - Edge playing an acoustic guitar.
You need to give the people who weren't there something more substantial than, "there were several songs that really rocked. That's a mail in. Show me--don't tell me.
Bono doesn't go for Jagger's machinations and is not aloof like Sting, he has more gravitas and power than most if not all of the world's leaders, but he doesn't flaunt it. He is using his gifts. There's a humility there -- the 'we're just four lads from Dublin' - that carries a powerful message.
And no, the new album does not rate with "How to Build an Atomic Bomb" - which sold seven million copies or "All That You Can't Leave Behind" -- but "Magnificent" was performed flawlessly and "Stand Up" which was not played is an excellent song. There are some weak lyrics but there are some solid lines as well ("Stop helping God across the road like a little old lady.")
I have a lot of gratitude that I was able to see them -- especially at my alma mater -- a once in a lifetime thing and couldn't believe the freshness of "New Year's Day" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and the incredible irony of the slight fatigue or frustration in his voice as he sang, "How long must I sing this song?"
If you are going to pursue a serious writing career you are going to need to give the reader more than a perception and a couple of quotes.
on a scale of 1-10 i'd give this a 7. there appeared to be too much unused stage. perhaps 'u2 180' would have been more fitting and a better show.
Were we at the same concert? The traffic was well under control. . . parked on Shamrock and walked to Durty Nelly's for a few beers, then on to Scott Stadium. If the crowd's rendition of I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For didn't get to you emotionally, then you should not have been there. . . . great show!
The people that complained about the traffic were the ones that left for the show at 5pm, thinking that would give them enough time to get there and park. WRONG! Get a clue people, you can't show up for a concert, football game, etc. 1-hour before the show time and expect to have no traffic issues. U2 played Raleigh two nights later and some people there also complained about the traffic. As many of those reviewers said, "you can't leave for a NC St. football game 90 minutes before kick-off and expect to be there on time."
Don't blame the traffic issues on Cville.
The show was great!
Just the thought of thousands of people singing I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For off-key makes me feel ill. It's wretched enough on the radio. Thanks Lynne for confirming that I was wise to stay home that night.
I'm sad to say that I, 2, would have to leave the man hanging on a singalong for "No Line on the Horizon." Actually, no, I'm not really all that sad about it.
Was this a music review or political commentary? Either way, it was a tortured piece of drivel. Hawes, I want to read your review...
Can we all just agree that U2 is at heart a corporate rock band, a more successful version of Foreigner?
Opening acts on grand, elaborate stages are usually directed in no uncertain terms not to use the accoutrements created for the headliner's show. The ramps and walkways were built for Bono and the Edge, not Muse. That's probably why Muse remained in the center of the stage.
The reviewer comes across as bitter for some reason. Was she forced to attend a concert she had no interest in? The Washington Post used to have a rock critic named Richard Harrington and you could tell when he just didn't really like the band he was sent to cover. This reminds me of that.
JW wrote: "They played mainly to the part of the stadium with the fewest fans."
Really? That's pretty stupid - it would have made sense if the open end were closed - then the band would be facing the highest % of attendees.
Great show and a great set list. I have wanted to see U2 for a long time and they did not disappoint.
The music was tight and the overall sound for a stadium show was very good, if not the best I've ever heard. There was little 360 to this show besides the impressive screen. The biggest miscalculation was orienting the stage front toward the hill. They played mainly to the part of the stadium with the fewest fans. Maybe there was a valid reason for this decision.
Mary, apparently you DON'T know your way in and out of the stadium if you need signs directing to you to 29 North from the Red Zone parking. Sounds like a little impatience took over, because either way on JPA would have gotten you out of there and on your way home.
Attacking the reporter's personal qualities just because you don't agree with her opinions? Just because she gives an assessment different from your own, your kneejerk reaction is to antagonize by imagining her into a certain type of person, someone who's "bitter," "out of touch," part of "snob" country, "being a whiner," feels the need to be "different," a "vocational school graduate"?
People. What happened to civil discourse?
If you want to rebut her arguments, then focus on the arguments. Imagining and then attacking her character simply makes you look desperate.
Still on a U2 high. Meeting people I've never known before all over town who loved the concert. Realize that besides the wonderful set, band, music, probably a large part of the experience was sharing it with someone I was close to, and who enjoyed rockin and rollin as much as I did --we danced and sang for most of the concert, even made masks at U2's request, to honor the Burmese leader who Bono wrote "Walk on" for. Went to the concert with a close friend in the mood to have a great time and we did !
Whatever you are, I'm guessing you haven't had a date in a while. Wouldn't be any room for anybody else, what with your ego and all. Cheers!
Totally agree. There are few concerts that I've attended that are still as fresh and vivid weeks later. I appreciate your thoughtful and well written analysis, and suggest you apply for a job at the Hook.
Just, why is it when you cannot address the issue of a poor and unbalanced review you can only resort to childish, ad hominem attacks on the messenger. All who can read can see for themselves how rambling this piece is, as it jumps from a completely irrelevant observation of the ostensibly struggling local music scene to contrive a storyline that really went no-where. Then there were those "man in the street" interviews that have no relevance to a music reviewers mission, which is to evaluate a given performance dependent upon the REVIEWER'S hopefully deep experience as a reviewer and her credibility as an observer. How did David Berlin become an expert anyway? Further, why in the world could she not make a reasonable conclusion as to weather the house was full or not, or close to it, rather than get it from the promoter's representative. I mean, she was there and should have been able to tell us herself. The line about the screen containing "1 million pieces" was taken right out of the press kit and meant zip with regards to its clarity, as that was delivered by 500,000 pixels. As apparent Friends of Stephanie, unless you all are a Stephanie trolls, you all would do well to assist her understanding of why her writing fell short as a reviewer.
That should be "...unless you all are Stephaine trolls..."
And, for those who need to know, I am happily married.
apparently one must have a hidden agenda to wish someone to be courteous rather than a self righteous prick. my mistake.
as with most Charlottesville 'events' too many folks were just happy to be there and talk about it the next day because it was the cool thing to do - not actually participate by standing, clapping and singing along.
I think she was tired . Maybe better to hold the review for the morning coffee.

subset: commoncrawl


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Phoenix Sunday, and frontier justice (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)
By Mike Mulhern
HOMESTEAD, Fla.
That's about the only way to describe NASCAR officials in their handling of the Jeff Gordon flap.
It is another slap in the face for this sport's fans.
And it comes as NASCAR racing continues a downward spiral, which the rest of the country -- if it's even watching any more -- can easily see.
Maybe nobody in Daytona reads The Wall Street Journal....but this is its latest story on the state of this sport:HERE
Maybe it's just a long, long season and everyone is tired.
But if NASCAR execs don't see that this latest decision may be seen by some fans as a clear example of a double standard of justice, then they are indeed clueless.
One rulebook and one judgment for Jeff Gordon; another rulebook and another judgment for Kyle Busch.
It is appears just that plain and simple.
When NASCAR announced it was letting Gordon off with just a slap on the wrist for his dangerous actions in the final miles of Sunday's Phoenix 500K, it was first surprising.
Then upsetting.
Then disappointing.
After all Kyle Busch had been suspended from last fall's Texas 500 for a similar, and much less dangerous, incident in a Friday night Truck race.
Either NASCAR officials were wrong in how they handled the Busch situation at Texas, or they were wrong in how they handled the Gordon situation at Phoenix.
Can't have it both ways.
And fans can see through it.
Busch crashed Ron Hornaday, then a Truck title challenger with the championship on the line.
And Gordon crashed Clint Bowyer, this fall a Sprint Cup title challenger with the championship on the line.
Busch made his move under caution, and it only involved Hornaday.
Gordon made his move under green, and it took out others. And it set in motion a very dangerous green-white-checked shootout that wound with a crash-filled frontstretch, cars on fire, cars in the air landing on other cars.
NASCAR obviously blew the call on not throwing a yellow for Danica Patrick's oil-down. And it's still not clear why officials froze at the switch.
That was an inglorious moment for the sport in itself.
As if that all weren't enough, NASCAR, in its post-race analysis, decided to fine Brad Keselowski $25,000.
Ostensibly the NASCAR penalty on Keselowski was for carrying a cellphone in his race car. NASCAR and the rest of the racing world of course has known, even celebrated, that ever since February at Daytona. NASCAR okayed Keselowski and cell phone at that time.
Now however it's a $25,000 fine.
Or were NASCAR executives actually penalizing Keselowski instead for his post-Phoenix tirade about bad driving by some of his fellow drivers, presumably like Gordon himself.
NASCAR remember fined Keselowski $50,000 last fall for some rather innocuous comments about the new engine fuel injection system.
Perhaps that's being too kind. Let's go back and reread The Wall Street Journal.
NASCAR's official announcement:
"Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 car, was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) – altercation with another competitor on the race track during the race – and has been fined $100,000, docked 25 championship driver points and put on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Rick Hendrick, owner of the No. 24 car, has also been penalized with the loss of 25 championship owner points. Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the No. 24 car, also was found to be in violation of Section 9-4A (at all events, crew chief assumes responsibility of his driver, car owner and team members) and has been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.
"Brian Pattie, crew chief of the No. 15 car, violated Sections 12-1 and 9-4A and has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.
"Brad Keselowski, driver of the No. 2 car, has been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 for violating Sections 12-1 and 20-6.7A (cars and drivers will not be permitted to carry onboard computers, automated electronic recording devices, electronically actuated devices, power distribution modules, power conditioners, micro-processors, recording devices, electronic digital memory chips, traction control devices, digital readout gauges and the like, even if inoperable or incomplete) – driver had a cell phone in his possession onboard the race car."
I have been following the sport and going to races since 1967, I was 4, so I think I have a valid point and agree with Mike\'s article. I used to go to 6-8 races a year, yes..I said USED to. These bonehead decisions by NASCAR are absurd. Tracks no longer sell out, TV ratings are down, what does NASCAR not see or grasp? Keselowski\'s fine for a cell in his car is beyond ridiculous. Have they ever heard of their TITLE sponsor SPRINT. Social media is not going away NASCAR. Either embrace it and get on the train because the train is leaving the station without you!
I do not agree with the article! Bowyer has been built up so high, every time I checked a web page his picture was on it. I think Bowyer is just a "clean up" man, his good finishes were when others failed. And why in the world was he so far out of the groove?? The groove was right on the wall, why didn't he go there and take his whuppin'??? He has needed it since his great move at Matinsville!! Bowyer gets half the blame for crashing 27 and 43 in my book. Championship contender, give me a break!! I didn't watch Homestead last year and I'm not gonna to this year.
I have one thing to add to the above: Danica Patrick wrecked Sam Hornish when the race was finished and got nothing. Go figure.
Mulhern, once in a while you get it wrong. Gordon was justified. This thing between Boyer and Gordon has been going for so long I can't believe Gordon has taken it as long as he has from Boyer. I remember being at the Richmond race a few years ago. With a few laps to go, on what I recall may have been the final restart, Gordon was battling for the lead. Suddenly, Gordon gets slammed in the left-rear quarter panel, becomes all squirrelly and loses a bunch of position. Who was the culprit? Yep. You guessed it. It was Boyer. Boyer was running one or two positions behind Gordon when he dive bombed turn one, just like Martinsville, and ended Gordon's chance at winning the race. Don't believe me? Dig up the tape of the 2009 Sept Richmond race. Sister Teresa would've never waited so long to retaliate.
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9/22/2020Immunization Resources for Nursing Education Expert Meeting
9/24/2020Immunization Resources for Nursing Education Expert Meeting
APTR is pleased to welcome its newest members to the APTR Board of Directors. These individuals will serve a 3 year term from 2013-2016.
Jas Ahluwalia, MD, MPH [2nd term]University of Minnesota Medical School
Jas Ahluwalia has devoted the past 20 years to improving the health of
high risk populations, such as the underserved and ethnic minorities. He
began at Emory University where he was a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Generalist Scholar, and in 1997, joined the University of Kansas as the
Sosland Family Professor and Chair of the Department of Preventive
Medicine. In 2005, Dr. Ahluwalia was recruited as the founding Director
for the Office of Clinical Research at the University of Minnesota. In
summer 2009, he received the NIH Comprehensive Centers of Excellence in
Health Disparities and Minority Health award - this Center grant
established the Center for Health Equity for which he serves as the
founding Executive Director. He is also an Associate Director for the
Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) and directs
Research Education, Training and Career Development for the CTSI and the
newly funded NIH CTSA award.
Ahluwalia has published over 220 papers and in 2009 he received the
Herbert W Nickens award for national leadership and research in
improving minority health and mentoring of ethnic minority
investigators; in 2010, the Joe Cullen award for tobacco research from
the American Society for Preventive Oncology; in 2011 Lifetime
Leadership Award from the APHA for his work on tobacco; and, in 2012,
the 2012 Prevent Cancer Foundation "Prevention Laurel for National
Leadership" award for his work on cancer prevention through smoking
cessation in high risk populations. He
served as the inaugural chair of a charted NIH study section titled,
Health Disparities and Equity Promotion, and in 2011 began service for a
3-year term on a DHHS/NIH National Advisory Council for Minority Health
and Health Disparities.
Ahluwalia serves on the Board of Directors of the Association for
Clinical and Translational Sciences and the Association for Prevention
Teaching and Research. Besides his roles with the Center for Health
Equity and CTSI, he serves as senior mentor/scientist Co-PI and Co-I on
four NIH R01s grants and is mentoring eight faculty and a postdoctoral
fellow. He has received $20 million in funding as a Principal
Investigator and over $80 million as a co-investigator, largely from the
NIH. His research work has focused on nicotine addiction and smoking
cessation in African American smokers by way of conducting clinical
trials, secondary analysis, qualitative research, and clinical
epidemiology research. Dr. Ahluwalia has carried out five large trials
in African American smokers and extended the work to the role of menthol
in quitting, pharmacokinetics of nicotine and the pharmacogenetics. He
is nationally known for his work in mentoring, and his passion for
career development, especially for underrepresented populations.
Rosemary M. Caron, PhD, MPHUniversity of New Hampshire, MPH Program
M. Caron, PhD, MPH is an Associate Professor and the former Director of
the Master's in Public Health Program in the Department of Health
Management and Policy, College of Health and Human Services, University
of New Hampshire (UNH). Dr. Caron is also core faculty in the UNH
Master's Program in Development, Policy and Practice and the New
Hampshire Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
Program. In addition, she is an adjunct Associate Professor of
Pediatrics at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.
Dr. Caron earned her PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from
Dartmouth Medical School and her MPH from Boston University School of
Public Health. She also completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the
Harvard School of Public Health.
Dr. Caron teaches public health courses at both the undergraduate and
graduate student levels. Her research interests and publications
reflect the multi-disciplinary nature of public health and are based on
her professional and academic experiences. Her research efforts are
focused on two centrally associated themes: 1.) community health
research, and 2.) research on public health education at the
undergraduate and graduate levels. Specifically, Dr. Caron utilizes
community-based participatory research methods to examine how
academic-community partnerships can reduce public health problems, such
as childhood lead poisoning, through health literacy, outreach efforts
and clinical practice quality improvement methods. In addition, Dr.
Caron utilizes a theory to practice paradigm to examine how to improve
the pedagogy of undergraduate and graduate public health education so
public health professionals will be better prepared in the field.
Prior to entering academia, Dr. Caron practiced public health for
several years in a variety of settings as a practitioner. Specifically,
Dr. Caron worked as the Assistant State Epidemiologist in the Bureau of
Health Risk Assessment and served as the Chief of the Bureau of Health
Statistics and Data Management for the New Hampshire Department of
Health and Human Services. At the state's largest local health
department, Dr. Caron worked as a Chronic Disease Epidemiologist and
Environmental Toxicologist. Dr. Caron also worked as a Senior
Toxicologist conducting public health assessments for a private
consulting firm.
Dr. Caron is a member of several professional organizations, such as
the American Public Health Association and the National Environmental
Health Association. She also holds several leadership positions in the
American College of Epidemiology and the Association of University
Programs in Health Administration. She has a distinguished publication
record with numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and she has
served as an editor of several books.
Edward F. Ellerbeck, MD, MPH [2nd term]Kansas University Medical Center
Ellerbeck is professor and chair of the Deparment of Preventive
Medicine and Public Health, at the Kansas University Medical Center. An
established clinician scientist with NIH-funded projects in Type 2
translational research, Dr. Ellerbeck is an expert in transferring
clinical innovations to the medical community. Through his educational
efforts and research programs,
Dr. Ellerbeck has established extensive liaisons with investigators
at the University of Kansas and other regional training institutions. He
serves as the PI of the KUMC K30 Clinical Research Curriculum Program
and co-director of the Training Program of the AHA-PRT Outcomes Research
Center at the Mid-America Heart Institute. A highly popular mentor, his
current and recent trainees have received five NIH K awards, two
American Heart Association training grants, two American Cancer Society
career development grants, three R01s, two local foundation grants, and
three institutional research awards. Dr. Ellerbeck also directs the
Cancer Control and Population Health Program in the Kansas University
Cancer Center.
In addition to his research, Dr. Ellerbeck is highly engaged in medical education. He is the director of a novel 4th
year required clerkship entitled Health of the Public – a clerkship
that provides medical students with both theoretical and applied
experiences in preventive medicine, evidence-based medicine, systems of
health care, and practice-based learning and improvement.
Rob Simmons, DrPH, MPH, MCHES, CPHThomas Jefferson University
Dr. Simmons has been a public health educator for 40
years working with local and state government, community based health
organizations, private health foundations, healthcare organizations and more
recently in academic public health programs.
He currently serves as the Program Director for the Master of Public
Health (MPH) program and a Clinical Associate Professor for Thomas Jefferson
University's School of Population Health in Philadelphia.
Remember Me
8/26/2020APTR Announces Acceleration of Prevention and Population Health Education Grants
7/29/2020APTR Urges Administration to Protect COVID-19 Patient Data
7/16/2020APTR Joins 350 Organizations to Implore HHS Secretary to Support CDC's Critical Role in the Pandemic
6/17/2020Latest Blog Post on the Effects of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths
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text:
Bury me in Monticello
by Gary Torres
"Bury me in Monticello or you might as well spread my ashes in a land fill."
That was my answer. The question that I was really trying to answer is where I want to live when we retire.
We had kicked around whether we should sell our house in Monticello and move closer to our kids. But, anyplace else we contemplated just didn't feel right.
Sort of like a pair of shoes that just don't fit or underwear that is just too tight and crawls around; oh sure it gets the job done, but it don't feel comfortable.
If I am going to retire and work in my flower garden, you would think that I would like to go to a place that is sunny, warmer, actually has water, and does not have plagues of deer roaming through town.
You would think that I would want to be in a place where there are more things to do; movies to see, restaurants to dine at, ballets to see, museums to visit, and airports.
Okay. I threw in the ballet just to pretend like I am more sophisticated than I really am. But, a good cage fight would be entertaining.
So my too kind and loving wife wants the house in Monticello no matter what the cost.
She says, "Yes, we can roam around anywhere you want to drag me and I will follow you to places all over the earth, climb any mountain, float any ocean, but we are NOT selling the house in Monticello."
I had delivered quite the convincing and elegant speech on how much more disposable money we would have, how I wouldn't have to come to town and fix all the things the wind broke since our last visit, how much snow I would never have to shovel again, how the deer wouldn't eat our shrubs, flowers, and trees.
I proved with my engineering brain, how the facts just don't weigh in her favor when it comes it comes to rational, provable, logical, formula driven, statistically relevant, facts that keeping the house in Monticello was the sane thing to do.
Honestly, I have had more dialogue with granite. Long after the granite mountain is sand on a beach she will still be emphatic, "I have to have roots. This is home. This is where the kids always can come home to. This is the place" (or as Brigham said, this is the right place).
She would word it slightly different and say, "I am right!! This is the Place."
But like always, and it chagrins me beyond measure, she is right, and she does it by acting as if she is all agreeable.
She stopped the entire argument with one little question. "Well, where do you want to be buried at?"
At first I used diversion tactics and said that I wouldn't care because I was dead. Or that I would leave that up to the living to decide where to put my bones to rest. Or that I was expecting to be translated and not die at all or that the end of the world was going to hit first and it probably wouldn't matter.
But, it did matter. If my posterity buries me somewhere outside the gaze of the mighty Horsehead, I will haunt them. I will rattle chains. I will make more noise than I have when I was alive.
"All that wander are not lost," has been my mantra for the last several years. But, I am not lost because I am anchored to the earth and my love for Monticello.
Oh to be sure, it is a love/ hate relationship where I despise the wind but love the clear skies. I treasure watching the deer from my deck and hate that they eat my tulips.
It drives me crazy that everyone in town knows my business but love that even though they all know where my house key is, I still feel safe leaving town.
So bury me in Monticello, or you may as well spread my ashes in a landfill!
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An image of original factory product key code will be delivered via email to your provided email address for your convenience. Upon request the keycode and / or the original packaging with Certificate of Authenticity can be mailed to you. SoftwareMedia stores your keycode which can be accessed anytime under My Account in case you ever need to authenticate the purchase of a genuine license. For more info check out our FAQ PageMicrosoft Project License with Software Assurance (SA) through the Microsoft Open Business Program.
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Microsoft Open Business licensing is for small to mid-sized organizations that have less than 250 desktop PCs and who order as few as five licenses. Benefits of Open License include discounts off the retail price of software the ability to track and manage licenses by using online tools and the rights to create a standard image and deploy it on multiple machines and rights to transfer licenses from one machine to another.
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text:
English: Each Pedia is entitled to their own Embassy, a page that represents their wiki on Intercyclopedia. Wikis that do not strictly come under the Uncyclomedia umbrella but have strong diplomatic links are entitled to a Consulate page. Ambassadors are sorted by language. Is your wiki not represented? Then, we recommend setting up a vote on your wiki (if there is a community). Ambassadors are representatives or spokesmen for their wiki. They speak in front of their community, so they have a certain responsability.
Embassies & ambassadors


text:
Karren Brady eBooks
eBooks found: 1
Playing to Win: 10 Steps to Achieving Your Goals
Karren Brady
Capstone Publishing, June 2004
Format: PDF
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text:
This is one of a collection of films made by the Selby Cine Club. This film provides a wonderful overview of the town of Selby as it was in 1965 and is accompanied by an interesting historical commentary. It shows pedestrians and traffic in the town centre, many of the shops, and includes the Toll Bridge, the Monday market, the Reverend John Kent giving a tour of the Abbey, the shipyard, the BOCM Mill, and a Council meeting.
A promotional film by Turners Film Unit for the North East Development Council, which records the North East's recent industrial, commercial, social and cultural successes to encourage businesses and families to move to the region. Includes footage of education, art and entertainment, shopping, and industry from Northumberland down to Tees Valley.


text:
All over the world, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of all ages face harassment and discrimination — at work, at home, at school and in many other everyday situations.
In many countries, national laws are skewed against them. In some 76 States, having a partner of the same sex is a criminal offense. People are being arrested, singled out for physical attack, being tortured, even killed – just for being in a loving relationship.
When I raise these issues, some complain that I'm pushing for "new rights" or "special rights" for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. But there is nothing new or special about the right to life and security of person, the right to freedom from discrimination. These and other rights are universal … enshrined in international law but denied to many of our fellow human beings simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
We cannot let these abuses stand. We know what needs to be done. States must repeal discriminatory laws and ban discriminatory practices: punish violence and hatred … not love.
And we should all challenge homophobic attitudes. The best antidote is education – for children and adults alike. Reach out. Talk. Learn. And help make our world safer and better for everyone.
This is an historic moment: more and more States recognize the need for action and are speaking up – including here at the United Nations. With your help and the support of millions of people who believe in universal human rights, we will secure equal rights for every last one of us.
Useful links:
The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.
United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC Brussels)
Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 155, Block C2,7th and 8th floor, Brussels 1040, Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 788 8484 / Fax: 32 2 788 8485


text:
Andy Sumner was kind enough to invite me to provide a blog entry/chapter for his forthcoming e-book The Donors' Dilemma: Emergence, Convergence and the Future of Aid. I decided to use the platform as an opportunity to expand on some of my thoughts on the future of food aid and food security in the context of a changing climate.
My central point:
By failing to understand existing agricultural practices as time-tested parts of complex structures of risk management that include concerns for climate variability, we overestimate the current vulnerability of many agricultural systems to the impacts of climate change, and underestimate the risks we create when we wipe these systems away in favor of "more efficient", more productive systems meant to address this looming global food crisis.
Why does this matter?
In ignoring existing systems and their logic in the name of addressing a crisis that has not yet arrived, development aid runs a significant risk of undermining the nascent turn toward addressing vulnerability, and building resilience, in the policy and implementation world by unnecessarily increasing the vulnerability of the poorest populations.
The whole post is here, along with a number of other really interesting posts on the future of aid here. Head over and offer your thoughts…


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Mild Steel Channel
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1 product
What is mild steel channel and what is it used for?
Mild steel channel, also commonly known as U channel or C channel is measured by width x depth x weight per metre.
These sections are manufactured from S275JR grade steel and have excellent machinability and weldability. Our stocks are available in mill finish, red oxide, or Zintec finish to offer a range of corrosion resistance properties to suit your project. To increase corrosion resistance mild steel is normally painted or galvanised after fabrication.
Mild steel channel is widely used in civil engineering and construction to support floor joists and to weight bear above window and door gaps where the structural load does not require a I beam.
If you are uncertain whether your project requires mild steel C channel or an I beam, we recommend you consult a structural engineer or other qualified professional.
Mild steel channel is supplied in lengths up to 6 metres long and can be easily cut, drilled, and machined. It is particularly suited to all methods of welding. Mild Steel Channel is produced to grade EN 10025-2 S275JR one of the most widely use steel specifications for general construction.
Order your mild steel channel from metals4U.
We offer next day delivery options with no minimum order quantity.


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SHOP UPDATE - As of 9am Saturday 6th June We will now be able to allow ONE customer in the shop at a time in order to view and purchase dry goods and Koi!! For viewing of koi appointments are to be made prior to visiting to avoid potential wait. Dry goods can be brought out to you should there already be a customer in the shop. Time spent in the shop premises needs to be limited to allow other customers access and to avoid delays to them. Social distancing rules will apply, please keep 2 metres apart from staff. Please avoid handling goods and use hand sanitiser upon entering and leaving premises.
Park Farm Fisheries Koi Sales
Regular price
Ki kikokuryu
Breeder: Aoki
Age: Nissai
Sex: Female


text: Make a recurring donation and receive Freedom Journeys as our token of appreciation. Click here for more info about the book. Freedom Journeys is a deep meditation on the timeless—and timely—relevance of the Exodus narrative. In the grand tradition of mystical exegesis, Waskow and Berman reflect upon Exodus not only as an event that happened "then" and "there", but a paradigm of movement that is happening here and in the now, for all of us, Jew and Muslim, Black and White, male and female. —Omid Safi, professor of Islamic studies, University of North Carolina.


text:
The announcement Wednesday by the current leaseholders of the Waldorf Hotel that they would cease operations as of Jan. 20 has rocked Vancouver's arts community.
Since 2010, the hotel has been operating as a multi-use venue, hosting live music, readings, art installations, magazine launches and more.
But the group running the East Hastings venue say they will leave now that the hotel has been sold to a condo developer.
Social media users were swift to react. Comments on Twitter expressed dismay at the city losing another arts venue. The Facebook page of the reported developer, Solterra Group of Companies, swiftly filled with negative comments, many expletive-filled.
Vancouver artist Paul Wong, who has designed art installations at the hotel, echoed the sentiment of many when he said that the loss of the people behind the revitalization of the Waldorf "is a shock."
"There are very few places left where people can rip and roar in this city anymore," Wong said. "Everything has been condo-ized, where everything has to shut down by eleven. Everyone has to belong to complexes or developments. That doesn't leave room for artistic, creative, explosive, interesting, underground, off-the-grid activity."
According to a statement issued by the group running the hotel's operations, the Waldorf's owner Marko Puharich has sold the 65-year-old building.
The sale comes just over two years after Thomas Anselmi and partners Daniel Fazio and Ernesto Gomez, along with Scott Cohen, took over the hotel's two nightclub spaces, tiki bar, restaurant and rooms. The hotel also has a cold beer and wine store, which was not overseen by Anselmi and his partners.
Anselmi, the hotel's entertainment director, said that they first learned about the sale last Thursday. They were hoping to have a meeting with the new owner.
"We were rejected out of hand," Anselmi said. "They don't know who we are. They have no interest in meeting with us."
According to the statement, when Anselmi and his partners took over in the summer of 2010 they signed a 15-year offer to lease the building.
Last year, they asked landlord Marko Puharich for some help in forgiving rent.
"He gracefully agreed to give it to us," Anselmi said.
In August, Anselmi and his partners "were offered a four-month lease at a very reasonable price. They said we'd revisit this agreement in January if we signed this lease," he said.
This was done to break the long-term offer to lease, Anselmi alleged.
Gavin Crickmore, lawyer for the Waldorf Hotel, said he is "unable to confirm or discuss any possible sale of the hotel."
He said that the Waldorf operators "have been operating under a lease for the last four months that expired at the beginning of January. They are current on all their rent."
Crickmore also said that "the only formal lease they ever entered into was the lease that began in September."
Crickmore said the hotel will continue to operate on and after Jan 20. He would not say how long he has been representing the Waldorf except to say, "I've represented the hotel for an extended period of time."
Anselmi said that he feels as though he and his partners have been used.
"We changed the area. There was no one talking about building condominiums before we moved here. There was nothing."
In a statement issued by the mayor's office, Mayor Gregor Robertson said, "The Waldorf closing is a big loss to Vancouver's growing creative community. They built a great culture hub, and it's my hope that they'll be able to re-launch and return in some form in the near future. Supporting Vancouver's dynamic arts and culture sector is a top priority of our City Council, and the City is exploring ways to support the Waldorf continuing as one of Vancouver's most unique and vibrant cultural spaces."
The statement also said, "The site at 1489 East Hastings is currently zoned for mixed-use commercial purposes, not residential development. Any change in zoning would require extensive neighbourhood consultation and approval by City Council."
"It was a place to eat and meet and greet, to put on things and go to things," Wong said. "It really has been my cultural hub for the last two point five years. I'd just written some proposals recently to try to develop some more engaging things there. It's a loss of a venue for me."


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Warren Buffett has been showered with encomiums during his storied investment career.
Now, a new study by researchers at AQR Capital Management and the Copenhagen Business School calls his investment performance the best among all stock and mutual funds that have existed for at least three decades.
Looking at all U.S. stocks from 1926 to 2011 that have been traded for more than 30 years, the study found that between 1976 and 2011, Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway generated a Sharpe ratio of 0.76, compared with the stock market's 0.39.
The Sharpe ratio measures risk-adjusted returns.
In a similar vein, Buffett's Sharpe ratio was higher than the median ratio of 0.37 for the 196 U.S. mutual funds in existence for more than 30 years.
The study's authors noted that Buffett's Sharpe ratio was lower than many investors might have imagined. Moreover, adjusting for the market exposure, his information ratio was 0.66.
"This Sharpe ratio reflects high average returns, but also significant risk and periods of losses and significant drawdowns," they wrote.
Given Buffett's "very good but not superhuman" Sharpe ratio, they explain that his success over the years has come from boosting his returns through use of leverage and adhering to a good strategy through good times and lean.
They estimate his leverage at about 1.6 to 1, enhancing both risk and excess return in that proportion.
"Thus, his many accomplishments include having the conviction, wherewithal and skill to operate with leverage and significant risk over a number of decades," they write.
The authors identified several general features of Buffett's portfolio to reveal how he picks stocks to achieve a strong return stream that can be leveraged.
He buys stocks that are "safe," "cheap" and of high quality. The stocks he buys have low beta and low volatility. They are value stocks with low price-to-book ratios. And they are profitable, stable and growing, and have high payout ratios.
Check out Buffett's Bank Bets Are on the Money: Report on ThinkAdvisor.