text:
TAMPA, FL–(Marketwire – October 28, 2010) – The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT®) today announced that Visionary HealthWare's Alteer Office 8.0 is a pre-market CCHIT Certified® 2011 Ambulatory EHR. Ambulatory EHRs are designed for physician offices and clinics where most Americans get their healthcare. Alteer Office is part of Visionary HealthWare's offerings of practice management and electronic healthcare record solutions. Visionary HealthWare is a subsidiary of CompuGroup Medical U.S.
As a CCHIT Certified 2011 product, Visionary HealthWare's Alteer Office demonstrated compliance with the advanced ePrescribing module requirements and has passed all required criteria in the CCHIT 2011 Ambulatory and Security test scripts for:
- Functionality (ability to create and manage electronic records for all patients, as well as automating workflow in a physician's office),
- Interoperability (ability to receive and send electronic data to other entities such as laboratories), and
- Security (ability to keep patients' information safe).
The CCHIT Certified program is an independently developed certification that includes a rigorous inspection of an EHR's integrated functionality, interoperability, and security using criteria developed by CCHIT's broadly representative, expert work groups. By looking to products with the CCHIT Certified seal, physicians and other providers can be assured they are making a reliable investment and insurers and other payers know the products meet expected industry standards. This program is intended to serve health care providers looking for greater assurance that a product will meet their complex needs.
"We believe that achieving CCHIT Certification confirms the quality and comprehensiveness of Visionary HealthWare's Alteer Office as well as validates VHW's commitment to providing our customers with the most up-to-date advancements in healthcare IT," said Chris Grady, CIO of Visionary HealthWare. "Alteer Office provides the features, functionality, and ease of use necessary for physicians to adopt the EHR quickly while minimizing disruption to their current workflow."
"Visionary HealthWare's solution improves clinical outcomes by providing more comprehensive and timely information for clinical decision-making, and decreases time spent on administrative activities that can better be spent on direct patient care," adds Jason Patchen, CEO of Visionary HealthWare. "All of these improvements contribute to a safer care environment for patients."
About Visionary HealthWare
Visionary HealthWare (VHW) is a provider-based healthcare information technology company with operations in Florida, California and Maryland. VHW delivers innovative, effective, easy-to-use, services and software solutions designed to manage patient, clinical and financial information at all levels while helping practices prove "meaningful use". Solutions include fully integrated Electronic Health Records, Practice Management, Laboratory Information Systems, Revenue Cycle Management, Document Management, e-Prescribing, and services for any size practice. VHW reaches over 60,000 providers nationwide and was ranked by Healthcare Informatics Magazine in the top 100 Healthcare Information Technology companies in America. VHW brands include Visionary Medical Systems, Antek HealthWare, Soft-Aid, USMD, and Alteer Corporation. Visionary HealthWare (www.visionaryhealthware.com). Visionary HealthWare is a subsidiary of CompuGroup Medical U.S.
About CompuGroup Medical
CompuGroup Medical is one of the leading e-health companies worldwide. Its software products, designed to support all medical and organizational activities in doctors' offices and hospitals, its information services for all parties involved in the healthcare system and its web-based personal health records, contribute towards safer and more efficient healthcare.
The services of CompuGroup Medical are based on its unique customer base of around 370,000 doctors, dentists, hospitals and networks as well as other service providers. CompuGroup Medical is the e-Health company with one of the biggest coverage among e-health service providers worldwide. The company operates in 14 European countries as well as in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and in the USA and currently employs around 3,000 people.
The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT®) is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the public mission of accelerating the adoption of robust, interoperable health information technology. The Commission has been certifying electronic health record technology since 2006 and is recognized by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as an Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB). More information on CCHIT, CCHIT Certified® products and HHS certified electronic health record technology is available at http://cchit.org and http://ehrdecisions.com.
"CCHIT®" and "CCHIT Certified®" are registered trademarks of the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology.


text:
Critics Decry Designers for Offering Discounted Juice Cleanses to Models
(NEW YORK) -- A trade group of fashion designers has partnered with a prominent juice cleanse company to provide "nutritious" and "convenient" food for models at a discount during Fashion Week, but critics say the move just puts more pressure on models to be dangerously thin.
"Sending a model to a juice cleanse place is like sending an alcoholic to a bar," said Whitney Thompson, the first plus size winner of America's Next Top Model, who became an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association in 2010. "It's baiting them."
The Council of Fashion Designers of America, an invitation-only trade organization of about 400 designers, announced this week that it partnered with Organic Avenue, an organic weight loss company in Manhattan, to provide a 50 percent discount on juices and food to the models during the annual weeklong fashion event in New York City that starts on Feb 7.
A juice cleanse, or juice fast, is an extreme diet that involves drinking juice -- and little or nothing else -- for a number of days in a row. Another popular diet called the Master Cleanse calls for drinking a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper whenever the dieter is hungry. Taking a laxative before bed is also recommended. Organic Avenue cleanses involve a variety of juices but cost $75 a day.
Thompson, a model in New York City, said it is "extremely common" for models to do juice cleanses, adding that many of them struggle with anorexia and bulimia as they struggle to fit into their size 0 dresses for the Fashion Week shows. She said Organic Avenue is known primarily for its juice cleanses because celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow do them.
Organic Avenue offers solid food as well, but many options appear to be between 100 and 300 calories a dish. The "Dandelion-Kale Salad" has 194 calories, and the "Cauliflower Salad" has 146 calories. The "Big Arugula Salad," on the other hand, has 533 calories.
Dr. Donald Hensrud, Mayo Clinic's chair of preventative medicine, said the food could be good as part of a healthy diet, but there is no evidence to suggest juice cleanses or colonics (which Organic Avenue recommends in its FAQ section) have any health benefits. In fact, Hensrud said, they could be dangerous.
"In this group where there is some baseline concern already to not take in a lot of calories, I'm concerned this may not be part of an overall healthy diet plan," said Hensrud, who edited The Mayo Clinic Diet blog.
Hensrud said "cleanse" and "detoxification" are buzzwords with no scientific evidence behind them.
"What 'toxins' are people getting rid of? The colon is full of bacteria," he said. (This flora of bacteria and other microorganisms plays a key role in gastrointestinal health.) "Nobody's been able to tell me specifically what 'toxins' they are talking about."
Juice cleanses can result in diarrhea, which can result in dehydration and electrolyte deficiency, Hensrud said. He acknowledged that people often say they feel better on juice cleanses, but the mental state does not correlate with their physical well being.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Welcome to the Advent Calendar for Dog Lovers hosted by Kol's Notes, PupLove, Rescued Insanity, Woof Woof Mama & I Still Want More Puppies!
Every day between now and December 24th, we'll be giving away great prizes – plus every time you enter to win a daily prize, you'll be entered to win our fabulous Grand Prize Package worth more than $1000 featuring gifts from each of our 24 fantastic sponsors!
Without further delay, we're proud to introduce today's sponsor, Jones Natural Chews!


text:
Hillary on the speaking circuit
Hillary Clinton's next chapter — the paid speaking circuit — begins today.
The former first lady, senator and secretary of state has overnight become one of the most in-demand speakers in the world — as a a reported $200,000-a-pop fee attests — even before she takes the stage at the National Multi-Housing Council in Dallas. A few hours earlier, also in Dallas, former Florida governor and fellow potential 2016 contender Jeb Bush will give his own address to the World Affairs Council.
Story Continued Below
Both speeches — Bush's is open to the press, Clinton's is not — are on the eve of Thursday's opening of the George W. Bush presidential library.
( PHOTOS: Life and career of Hillary Clinton)
Clinton has worn a number of hats, but paid speaker is a first.
But unlike her husband, who started giving paid speeches soon after he left office 13 years ago, Clinton is potentially facing another election in less than four years. With speculation already rampant about a possible 2016 Clinton campaign, every word, every inflection, every laugh line will be parsed and picked over like tea leaves at the bottom of a cup.
That doesn't mean she will deliver much beyond what nonpaying listeners have heard at women's issues forums the past few weeks.
"I think the expectation can be pretty low, because her value is both as a celebrity and as someone … quite familiar and conversant on world affairs," said Jeff Gerth, co-author of "Her Way: The Hopes and Ambitions of Hillary Clinton."
"And I think she'll be cautious in whatever she says, which has been her trademark for at least the last couple of decades, ever since she said, 'I'm not gonna stay home and bake cookies,'" he added.
( PHOTOS: Who's talking about Hillary 2016?)
With experience giving speeches as an elected official, administration member and presidential candidate, Clinton heads into her new gig as one of the best-prepared public speakers in the country. That's part of the reason she is able to command such a lucrative fee, as arranged through the Harry Walker Agency that represents her.
"I think for awhile, the celebrity value is so great that she can sort of cash in on that and people won't feel disappointed," Gerth said. "I would doubt that there are many people who are going to come to this affair who are expecting her to disclose really interesting things."
The decision not to allow media was made at the request of Harry Walker Agency staff, according to a Council spokesman. It's in keeping with agency practices, but also comports with Clinton's own leeriness of reporters.
Her office has said little ahead of the inaugural speech and how it will be vetted. But when Clinton moved from the State Department to a new small office in Washington, she brought a speechwriter from her staff along with her.
( WATCH: Is Hillary Clinton running in 2016?)


text:
Customized TV Listings are available here: www.latimes.com/tvtimes
Click here to download TV listings for the week of Dec. 22 - 28, 2013 in PDF format
The Sing-Off The three remaining groups compete and one group is declared the winner. 8 p.m. NBC
WWE Monday Night RAW This new episode features the battle of the Santa Clauses. 8 p.m. USA
The Great Christmas Light Fight The series winds down with a final round of competition. Michael Moloney and Sabrina Soto are the judges.9 p.m. ABC
Major Crimes Jon Tenney reprises the role of FBI agent Fritz Howard "The Closer" in this new episode. With Mary McDonnell. 9 p.m. TNT
Hollywood Game Night The series returns for a new season with a holiday-themed episode. Ray Romano, Cheryl Hines, Gavin DeGraw, Rachel Bilson, Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker join host Jane Lynch. 10 p.m. NBC
Independent Lens The new episode "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" visits Japanese sushi chef Jiro Ono's 10-seat restaurant located in a Tokyo subway station that attracts visitors from around the globe. 10 p.m. KOCE
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives In this new episode Guy Fieri visits family-owned eateries that get it right, including a married couple's grilled-cheese truck, an Italian place that serves up Grandma's recipes; and a sibling-owned Chinese restaurant. 10 p.m. FOOD
Christmas in Norway With the St. Olaf Choir The choir from Minnesota's St. Olaf College marks the 100th anniversary of its first Norway tour with a return trip featuring a performance of Christmas carols, and gospel spirituals with the Norwegian girl choir Nidaros Jentekor at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. 9 p.m. KOCE
CBS This Morning Arabella Bowen, Fodor's; Matthew Hart. (N) 7 a.m. KCBS
Today (N) 7 a.m. KNBC
KTLA Morning News (N) 7 a.m. KTLA
Good Morning America (N) 7 a.m. KABC
Good Day L.A. Adam Scott ("The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"); Reid Scott ("Turbo FAST"); Sadie Calvano ("Mom"). (N) 7 a.m. KTTV
Rachael Ray Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson; professional organizer Peter Walsh. (N) 8 a.m. KCAL
Live With Kelly and Michael Steve Carell; American Authors perform. (N) 9 a.m. KABC
The View Guest co-host Jennie Garth; author Rick Warren; actor Cameron Mathison. 10 a.m. KABC
The Talk Simon Baker; June Shannon and Sugar Bear; Cat Cora. 1 p.m. KCBS
The Queen Latifah Show Performances of favorite classic holiday songs. (N) 2 p.m. KCBS; 7 p.m. KCAL
The Dr. Oz Show The chakras; weight loss; foods for fighting cancer; Greek yogurt. 2 p.m. KABC
The Wendy Williams Show Meagan Good; stylish holiday looks; holiday gift grab. 2 p.m. KTTV
Dr. Phil A woman's fiance says her anger and drinking are out of control. 3 p.m. KCBS
Katie Will Ferrell and David Koechner; Sam Donaldson and Connie Chung; a weight-loss reveal. (N) 3 p.m. KABC
The Ellen DeGeneres Show Eddie Murphy; 16-year-old singer David Thibault. (N) 4 p.m. KNBC
The Doctors Vicki Lawrence. 5 p.m. KCAL
The Arsenio Hall Show Taye Diggs, Terrence Howard, Morris Chestnut and Harold Perrineau; Melanie Comarcho. 11 p.m. KTLA
Charlie Rose (N) 11 p.m. KVCR; 11:30 p.m. KOCE
Chelsea Lately Ben Stiller. (N) 11 p.m. E!
Conan The cast of "Breaking Bad."; Los Cuates De Sinaloa. 11 p.m. TBS
The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Kevin Hart; Brooklyn Decker; Chris Young performs. 11:34 p.m. KNBC
Late Show With David Letterman Jonah Hill; Chiwetel Ejiofor. 11:35 p.m. KCBS
Jimmy Kimmel Live Orlando Bloom; Ronda Rousey; The Wild Feathers perform. 11:35 p.m. KABC
Tavis Smiley Kenny Loggins. (N) 12:30 a.m. KOCE
Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Amy Adams; Oscar Isaac; Jack Johnson performs. 12:36 a.m. KNBC
The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson Zoe Saldana; author Mitch Albom. 12:37 a.m. KCBS
Last Call With Carson Daly Director Francis Lawrence; The Blank Tapes perform; Letlive. 1:36 a.m. KNBC


text:
HIV/AIDS Glossary
Structured Treatment Interruption
Synonym(s): Drug Holiday
A planned break from treatment, during which a person stops taking medications. Structured treatment interruptions may be used to reduce toxic effects of medications, to enhance a medication's effectiveness when restarted, or as a step towards stopping treatment altogether. Testing of an investigational HIV drug may include a structured treatment interruption to evaluate how long the drug continues to control a participant's viral load during the treatment break. Structured interruption of HIV treatment is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.
- printPrint this term
AIDSinfo Glossary App
Download Glossary
- English Version PDF (2.90MB)
- Spanish Version PDF (3.46 MB)


text:
New Country Music Releases – May 2012
Looking for a list of the new country music releases on the shelf in May 2012? We've got you covered. The month begins with a bang as Carrie Underwood releases her highly anticipated fourth studio album. While 'Blown Away' isn't the only country album being released on May 1, not many people want to compete with the blonde bombshell.
Look for new projects from Pat Green, Willie Nelson and Chris Cagle in May as well. Green is releasing his second project of covers, the follow-up to 'Songs We Wish We'd Written' from 2001. Nelson is also releasing a project of mostly covers. The first single from 'Heroes' is a cover of Pearl Jam's 'Just Breathe' with his son Lukas.
'Back in the Saddle' is the first studio album for Cagle in over four years, and it features the Top 20 hit 'Got My Country On.' Cagle will be busy this summer with a full calendar of tour dates listed on his official website.
Keep checking back to Taste of Country for more new country music releases coming in May 2012 — and beyond.
New Country Music Releases May 2012:
May 1
Carrie Underwood, 'Blown Away'
Colt Ford, 'Declaration of Independence'
May 8
Pat Green, 'Songs We Wish We'd Written II'
May 15
Willie Nelson, 'Heroes'
May 29
Chris Cagle, 'Back in the Saddle'


text:
It's nearly spring — the traditional season of taxes, renewal and cleaning up your living space. If you really want to make a dent this year, author and inspirational speaker Barry Dennis suggests getting rid of the "chotchky" — a term from his book "The Chotchky Challenge," referring to all the things you acquire, yet don't really need. Dennis — who uses a phonetic spelling of the Yiddish word "tchotchke" — said we need to change our way of thinking in order to let go of our excess.
"Our society tells us we need more to be happy," Dennis said. "We're so blessed it's become a burden. Excess literally is a drug. We get high on it. We buy something, we are excited for about a day or two, and then we need another fix."
It was after Dennis lost his temper with his kids that he realized it was time to remove the excess in his family's lives, which included everything from toiletries to video games.
"It started in the shower—I wanted to wash my hair, and there were so many shampoos to choose from that I got stressed. I wanted to brush my teeth and there were four toothbrushes, and this went on and on. I went to eat a bowl of cereal. We had eight different boxes. Are you kidding me? Who needs eight cereals? My son was playing video games and I couldn't get him to put the games down so we could leave.
"So when I dropped my son off to school and I was late for an appointment, I yelled and I felt awful," he said. "But I did all this. I bought all this stuff. I projected my stress onto the people I love and it was hurting my relationships."
Once Dennis removed the excess, he saw a decrease in stress and an improvement in his family connectivity.
"We just don't realize how we are held hostage — either by things or by certain people," Dennis said. "It's time to take a hard look at what and who we have in our lives and get rid of the things that weigh us down."
Here are some of Dennis' tips to removing your excess:
Bag it up.
"Grab three bags — one to donate, one for recycling, and one to throw away. A lot of our stuff is simply worthless. You don't need seven shampoos or 10 facial lotions. Start with the bathroom and work your way through every room. How many socks do you really need?."
"How much unwanted stuff have you received as gifts? We get a gift that we hate, but we keep it out of guilt, so every time we see it, we are reminded of this and we are exhausted. Instead of acquiring more, tell them that you're trying to let go of things, and you'd prefer a gift that doesn't take up space ... . Then when you give a gift, try to make it a gift that gives back."
Hold a storage unit sale.
"This is one of the easiest ways to lighten your load. If you're actually paying someone to store your unused junk, you don't need it. Throw a sale and use the money for something that will add to the quality of your life, like a nice dinner out with your family."
Avoid toxic people.
"They support our self-destructive behavior and they're moving through life unaware. It might be hard to distance yourself from these people if they've been a part of your life for a long time but if you make the choice to do so, you will notice a difference."
Pause before you consume.
"Whether it's dessert, a relationship, a pair of jeans on sale, or a mindless TV show, ask yourself: 'Does my heart truly desire this? Will it make my life better? More fulfilled?' Do a gut check. Pausing before you acquire or consume can prevent every type of clutter from overtaking your life ...."
Twitter: @jenweigel


text:
Women start to lose bone mass as early as age 35, so it's imperative to start following preventive measures as soon as possible. After all, our bones carry us around our whole lives; they need a little love in return.
Keep your skeleton strong by eating the right foods, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, and performing the following exercises 2 to 3 times a week.
What they do: Improve bone density of the lower body and hips; strengthen hip muscles and glutes.
How to do them: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Keeping the right leg straight, step your left foot 3 feet to the left into a lunge (don't go lower than a 90-degree angle); simultaneously lift both arms straight out in front to shoulder height. As you push off your left foot to return to the start, sweep your arms out to the sides and back down next to your hips; repeat on the right. Repeat 8 to 12 times per side, alternating legs with each lunge.
What they do: Improve hip-bone density; strengthen the quads and glutes.
How to do them: Sit on the edge of a hard chair with ankles directly below your knees. Cross your arms over your chest, engage your abs, and lift the top of your head up toward the ceiling. Press into your feet and come all the way up to standing until both legs are straight, then return to the starting position. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
What they do: Improve bone density of the spine; strengthen deltoids, trapezius, and triceps.
How to do them: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Fold a resistance band in half, holding the middle with your right hand and one end in your left. Extend your right arm straight to your side, palm down, at shoulder height; simultaneously raise your left forearm so that it's parallel to the floor and your elbow is directly in front of your shoulder (palm down). Keeping your right hand where it is, draw your left elbow across your chest. Slowly return to the start and repeat 8 to 12 times. Switch and perform on the left, 8 to 12 reps.
What they do: Improve bone density of hips and lower back; strengthen quads.
How to do them: Start with feet shoulder-width apart, core tight, knees soft, and head and chest lifted. Bend your knees, then swing your arms forward and jump straight up in the air, landing with knees slightly bent and the entire sole of each foot on the ground. Return to the starting position and repeat. Jump 10 times.
What they do: Improve bone density of the spine; increase core stability; strengthen lats, deltoids, trapezius, rhomboids, and biceps.
How to do them: Sit on the floor with your legs extended, knees slightly bent, feet together, and core tight. Your spine is lifted and perpendicular to the floor. Wrap the middle of a resistance band around your feet, and hold the ends in your hands. Keeping your spine tall and upright, bend your elbows and pull back until your hands are just above your hip bones. Return to the starting position. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
What they do: Improve bone density of the upper spine; strengthen trapezius and rhomboids.
How to do them: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Grasp a resistance band with both hands in the middle, then separate your hands to about shoulder-width apart. Now extend your arms in front of you, palms down, to shoulder height. This is the starting position. Simultaneously open arms to the sides, keeping them at shoulder height and elbows slightly bent. Bring arms back to start. Repeat 8 to 12 times.


text:
The City of Monticello has received the results of a report from the Utah State Auditor related to city financial records.
The report includes eight separate findings and recommendations related to financial matters in the city. City manager Myron Lee told the City Council at a April 23 meeting, "We are in the process, as a City, of implementing every recommendation from the auditors department and will continue to do so, in order to make the City's financial practices sound."
Lee presented five graphs showing the status of Public Treasures Investment Funds (PTIF) for the city. He said there is reason for concern, specifically in the Road C Trust Fund. Lee said that the fund had a $800,000 balance in 2001 and currently has a balance of $5,000.
Lee said that the City is facing a financial challenge and added that it would take a concerted effort by the city staff and residents to alleviate the situation.
Lee said, "It has become very evident that over the next several months and years, we will need to recover some of those investment funds."
Based upon the invitation of the City of Monticello, State Auditor Auston Johnson sent an audit team to Monticello in January to check on the financial health and practices of the city for the years of 2002 through 2007.
At the time of the audit, City Manager Trent Schafer had been placed on paid administrative leave. He has subsequentally been replaced by Lee.
Investigators found no indication of criminal activity, but they added that there were "numerous indications of mismanagement and/or misappropriation."
The team classified the eight findings as a "significant weakness" and encouraged the city to aggressively follow the recommendations. Johnson writes, "If these weaknesses are left uncorrected, an unacceptable amount of errors or misappropriations could occur without detection."
The report found that the city was experiencing severe cash flow problems and had not adequately tracked expenditures on several federal projects that were reimburseable by the Federal Government.
The findings and recommendations suggested that the city develop written fiscal policies and procedures, implement a system to separate financial duties, account for all checks listed, clear oustanding checks that have been voided, independently reconcile bank accounts, and properly use investment accounts.
Lee told the council that the city is already working on several of the recommendations they have received. Mayor Doug Allen told the council that he has requested that the council receive the PTIF report at every council meeting, in order to track the progress of the City.
Click here to view full audit report


text:
Former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle Killed at Gun Range; Former Marine Charged
(GLEN ROSE, Texas) -- A former Marine has been charged with three counts of murder in the killing of former Navy SEAL and "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle, the most deadly sniper in U.S. history, and another man at an Erath County, Texas, gun range, police said.
"We have lost more than we can replace. Chris was a patriot, a great father, and a true supporter of this country and its ideals. This is a tragedy for all of us. I send my deepest prayers and thoughts to his wife and two children," Scott McEwen, co-author of "American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History," said in a statement to ABC News.
Remembering Kyle for the number of Iraqi insurgents he killed misstates his legacy, McEwen said.
"His legacy is not one of being the most lethal sniper in United States history," McEwen said. "In my opinion, his legacy is one of saving lives in a very difficult situation where Americans were going to be killed if he was not able to do his job."
Kyle and a neighbor of his were shot at a gun range in Glen Rose while helping a former Marine who was recovering from post traumatic stress syndrome, ABC affiliate WFAA-TV in Dallas reported.
The suspect, identified as Eddie Ray Routh, 25, was arrested in Lancaster, Texas, after a brief police chase, a Lancaster Police Department dispatcher told ABC News. Routh was driving Kyle's truck at the time of his arrest, police said.
Routh was arraigned Saturday evening on one count of capital murder and two counts of murder. He was brought to the Erath County Jail Sunday morning and was being held there Sunday on a combined $3 million bond, Officer Kyle Roberts said.
Investigators told WFAA that Routh is a former Marine said to suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Kyle helped found a nonprofit that provides at-home fitness equipment for emotionally and physically wounded veterans, but the director of the foundation said Kyle and Routh had not met through the organization.
Authorities identified the other man who was killed with Kyle as 35-year-old Chad Littlefield, who Cox said was Kyle's neighbor and friend.
Kyle, 38, served four tours in Iraq and was awarded two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation.
From 1999 to 2009, Kyle recorded more than 150 sniper kills, the most in U.S. military history.
After leaving combat duty, Kyle became chief instructor training Naval Special Warfare Sniper and Counter-Sniper teams, and he authored the Naval Special Warfare Sniper Doctrine, the first Navy SEAL sniper manual. He left the Navy in 2009.
"American Sniper," which was published last year by William Morrow, became a New York Times best seller.
"We are devastated by the news of Chris Kyle's death," William Morrow executive editor Peter Hubbard said in a statement. "It was an incomparable honor to help share Chris's story of service and faith with the world. Chris was a hero as much on the home front as on the battlefield -- a man who dedicated his life in recent years to supporting veterans and donated the proceeds of American Sniper to the families of his fallen friends. He deserves our deepest respect. Our prayers are with his family and the entire military community. He will never be forgotten."
Kyle was also an advocate for his fellow service members suffering from PTSD, creating a foundation to help with their treatment.
In an interview on Guns.com, he discussed the difficulty troops face coming home from combat zones.
"All of a sudden you don't have no identity," he said "And you have to learn a whole new way to act."
Brandon Webb, a fellow SEAL who knew Kyle from SEAL Team Three and then later when Webb was an instructor at the SEAL sniper course, called him a "larger than life Texan" and said he "will go down in history as one of the world's most accomplished military snipers, right next to Carlos Hathcock, and Lyudmila Pavlichenko."
"Chris was very adamant about supporting veterans' issues," Webb said. "This was a subject close to his heart, and not many in our community realize how much of his time was spent on veterans' causes. ... Chris will be remembered as a great American Hero, and another friend lost but not forgotten."
Cox said Kyle's wife Taya and their children "lost a dedicated father and husband" and the country has lost a "lifelong patriot and an American hero."
"Chris Kyle was a hero for his courageous efforts protecting our country as a U.S. Navy SEAL during four tours of combat. Moreover, he was a hero for his efforts stateside when he helped develop the FITCO Cares Foundation. What began as a plea for help from Chris looking for in-home fitness equipment for his brothers- and sisters-in-arms struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) became an organization that will carry that torch proudly in his honor," Cox said in a statement.
The fatal shooting comes after a week filled with gun-related incidents, as the national debate heats up on what to do about gun violence.
In the past week, a teen who participated in President Obama's inaugural festivities was shot to death in Chicago, a bus driver was fatally shot and a 5-year-old was taken hostage in Alabama, and a Texas prosecutor was gunned down outside a courthouse.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio


text:
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith's inspiring Week 3 performance is the 2012 GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year, the NFL announced tonight at "2nd Annual NFL Honors' -- a star-studded football and entertainment event saluting the best players, performances and plays from the 2012 season. "2nd Annual NFL Honors" airs nationally on Saturday, February 2, 9-11 pm (ET) on CBS. The GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year is the best moment or play of the year that represents determination and perseverance.
In what would become a preview of the AFC Championship game, the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots squared off in an emotional Week 3 showdown which would touch the hearts of many. Less than 24 hours after his brother died in a motorcycle accident, Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, despite permission by his coach to sit out Sunday night's game, wanted to play. In one of the NFL's most inspirational individual performances, Smith produced the Never Say Never Moment of the Year, catching six passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns in the Ravens' come-from-behind victory over New England on Sunday Night Football.
Smith's performance was selected from among five moments by voters on NFL.com/gmc. The five finalists were selected among 17 of the most memorable GMC Never Say Never Moments during the 2012 NFL season. Each week the NFL selected three nominees for the moments of the week on which the fans voted for the winner on NFL.com/GMC.
Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Smith leads Ravens to emotional win: Less than 24 hours after his brother had died in a motorcycle accident, wide receiver Torrey Smith was given permission by his coach to sit out the Baltimore Ravens' Sunday night showdown with New England. But Smith wanted to play in his brother's memory. In one of the NFL's most inspirational individual performances, Smith caught six passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns in the Ravens' 31-30 come-from-behind victory in Week 3.
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Brees sets record in Saints' first win: Johnny Unitas' record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass stood unchallenged for more than a half century. But the amazing mark of 47 games with a scoring strike was finally usurped by New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees in Week 5 against the San Diego Chargers, the quarterback's former team. Brees set the new record of 48 consecutive games with a 40-yard touchdown pass to Devery Henderson in the first quarter of the Saints' 31-24 win, the team's first after an 0-4 start.
Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Manning directs monumental comeback: Peyton Manning added another dramatic chapter to his storied NFL career in the Denver Broncos' 35-24 win over the San Diego Chargers in Week 6. The Broncos faced a 24-0 deficit at halftime, then scored 35 unanswered points in the second half to win. It was the largest deficit a Manning-led team had faced in a victory. It also showed NFL fans, perhaps for the first time, that Manning was completely back to his old self after sitting out all of the 2011 season with a neck injury.
Victor Cruz, New York Giants
Cruz's late TD lifts Giants past Redskins: As Robert Griffin III continues to evolve into one of the game's most exciting players, the New York Giants' dynamic duo of Eli Manning and Victor Cruz continue to rise to the occasion at the most crucial times. In a Week 7 back-and-forth game, RG3 gave the Washington Redskins a 23-20 lead with a minute and a half left. But Cruz and Manning answered with a 77-yard scoring strike with 1:13 to go, giving the Giants a 27-23 NFC East win over the eventual division champs.
Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins
Cousins completes Redskins' comeback: As he was marching the Washington Redskins down the field in an attempt to tie the game in the final minute against the Baltimore Ravens, QB Robert Griffin III was injured on a scramble and had to leave the game. Rookie backup Kirk Cousins picked up where RG3 left off, hitting WR Pierre Garcon for a touchdown and then forcing overtime on a two-point conversion run play. In overtime, Kai Forbath booted a 34-yard field goal to provide the Redskins with a 31-28 Week 14 victory, the team's fourth straight.


text:
The Urban's Big Brake
Going fast promotes more status and peer approval than stopping quickly. Car enthusiasts love to toss about performance numbers like gross horsepower, 0-60 times, quarter-mile speeds/e.t.'s, and top-speed potential, but when is the last time you heard someone brag about stopping distances? Yet, when you're driving your street rod and a situation arises that might harm you or the car, are you more likely to need horsepower or braking capability?
High-performance brakes are like seatbelts–you hope you never need to use them, but when you do, they're priceless. There are so many excellent brake upgrade systems available that there isn't any reason not to have an effective braking system on a street rod. Front disc brakes are virtually a default item, and rear disc brakes are becoming much more prevalent.
One of the first items secured for the Urban Suburban project was a stump-pulling big-block Chevy engine from Beck Racing Engines. The 496-cube Max Velocity Plus engine produced 564 hp and 563 lb-ft of torque on 91-octane gasoline. That's a wonderfully balanced output, which should propel even the relatively heavy Chevy with ease.
RB's Obsolete's Ray Doe understands the value of first-class brakes on street rods. He wanted brakes equal to the substantial power (and weight) of the Urban Suburban, so he turned to the experts at Stainless Steel Brakes Corporation (SSBC). The brakes chosen were the SSBC Force 10 four-piston Extreme Duty front disc brakes and the Force 10 four-piston Extreme Duty rear disc brakes.
The Force 10 brake systems are available with a variety of rotor sizes. On the Urban Suburban 13-inch front rotors were selected, while the rear rotors are 14 inches in diameter. Such large rotors necessitate large-diameter wheels for clearance. That isn't a problem on the Urban 'Burban since big wheels and tires were always part of the plan. Billet Specialties SLX 01 wheels were the ingots of choice in sizes 18×8.5 in front and 20×10 in back.
Speaking of big wheels, there is a cosmetic plus to the Force 10 brakes in addition to their outstanding functional value. All that empty space behind the spokes of 20-inch wheels can look kind of vacant. With high-performance disc brakes there's something interesting to see behind the spokes.
All the rotors on the Urban 'Burban are the SSBC Turbo Slotted Rotors. The curved slots are CNC-machined so they look trick, but their main function is to help cool the brakes. The design allows airflow to both cool and clean the rotors. That improves performance, adds life to the rotors, and looks neat in the process.
SSBC also has optional "Xtra-Life" plating that can be added to their rotors. This proprietary anti-corrosion material helps resist rust and keeps all non-wear surfaces looking their best. When you've got a substantial investment in brakes and wheels, the last thing you want to look at is corroded rotors. The SSBC products used on the Suburban all received the full-dress options.
Another SSBC product that is both functional and cosmetic is their set of high-performance carbon Kevlar brake pads. These pads provide superior stopping power, maximum durability, and minimal brake dust. Better stopping response is the best reason to use these premium brake pads, but not having as much brake dust to clean is a nice bonus.
The standard finish on the Force 10 calipers is clear anodizing. Optionally, polished aluminum or powdercoating in red, black, blue, or yellow are available for greater visual appeal. For builders with existing disc brakes, SSBC offers Quick Change caliper upgrade kits. These Force 10 aluminum calipers provide increased stopping power over stock OEM calipers. The Quick Change upgrade kits are available in all the previously mentioned finishes.
There is an additional set of disc brakes on the Urban Suburban. The mechanical parking brake is a Force 10 billet aluminum unit. It is self-adjusting with no disassembly required. The slick little parking brake mounts on the rear rotors next to the actual rear brake calipers. They adapt to most factory and aftermarket parking brake cables.
During the time that the SSBC Force 10 brakes were installed, the brake lines were fitted (they're already plumbed on the rolling chassis) and hooked up to the power master cylinder and inline-proportioning valve.
To handle the massive power of the BRE big-block, a full-tilt B&M automatic transmission was bolted on. From there, the power is transmitted through an Inland Empire Drivelines 3.5-inch aluminum driveshaft to the 9-inch Ford rearend. A strong driveshaft is one of those seemingly mundane items that you wish you had when a stock shaft breaks in the middle of nowhere. A well-built, precisely balanced driveshaft also adds the quality of a car's ride.
During this portion of the buildup, the Rock Valley stainless steel gas tank was installed. The RB's rolling chassis was designed specifically for a Rock Valley tank. On Suburban and Panel trucks, the filler neck in located on the right side. A gas filler door in the right rear fender is necessary. For pickup applications, you can stick with the fender filler or opt for a central filler. With the center filler a small hatch can be positioned in the bed. The Urban Suburban is carbureted, but the Rock Valley tanks can be set up for use with fuel-injected engines, as well.
All the running gear is in place, and the chassis is up on wheels. Fuel and brake lines are all installed. A steering wheel, milk crate, and battery would make the chassis a driver, but as anxious as everyone is to experience the BRE engine, the only current mode of travel is pushing. During the time the chassis and running gear were being assembled, metal magician Alan Swedberg was doing the radical bodywork. Turning the Panel into a Suburban with a Nomad slant will be covered in the next installment.


text:
Basic Troubleshooting: Manuals and Maintenance
Often best way to identify and correct the cause of engine trouble is to think like a mechanic and use a systematic approach to problem solving. We've listed some common problems and potential causes below. First, identify the problem you've encountered with your engine, then rule out each potential cause. Remember to follow all safety precautions before starting any work on your engine.
If troubles persist after checking the possible causes listed or you are unable to identify the problem, call KOHLER Engines Customer Service at 1-800-544-2444 or contact your local KOHLER dealer.
Charges and Gradually Discharges
Will Not Charge
Blowing Fuses
Electric Clutch Will Not Engage
Engine Runs on When Switched Off
Smoke rises out of top of horizontal-shaft engine or flywheel screen on vertical-shaft engine.
Dual Control Cable Instructions
Single Control Cable Instructions
If troubles persist after checking all possible causes listed in the foregoing categories or you are unable to detect the cause, call the Kohler Co. (920-457-4441) and ask for Engine Customer Service.


text:
Empowering Students
The Open Learning Initiative's goal is to improve learning—whether you are a student at a college or university or learning on your own. Our courses provide you with targeted feedback and self-assessment tools so you'll know where you're excelling and where you need more work.
Key Benefits of OLI Courses
Put new concepts into practice.
Our courses are designed with learning activities dispersed throughout the content. After a new idea or concept is introduced, you will have opportunities to apply what you have read, receive immediate feedback, and test your understanding.
Recognize your strengths and weaknesses.
The activities and self-assessments, in combination with clear learning objectives, can increase your awareness of your learning progress. Once you are aware of which concepts or skills you have mastered and which you have not, you can adjust your study plan. You may want to do additional exercises or ask someone (such as an instructor or tutor) for more explanation.
Search and review topics with ease.
When reviewing a topic or preparing for an exam, you can use our search feature (which covers the entire course) to find a specific topic or you can browse the course syllabus to get an overview of the course and to see what practice activities are available for each topic.
Academic Students & Independent Learners
Academic students are those who are taking a class with an instructor (typically for credit at a college or university) and independent learners are those who are using an OLI course on their own. Both academic students and independent learners have access to OLI course materials, including activities and self-assessments.
Many of our courses are free to everyone, but some charge a small fee to academic students, which contributes to on-going improvement of the course. Course fees are generally much lower than a traditional textbook.
Our courses do not offer any credit or certificate. There is also no instructor to speak with, but if you run into a technical problem you can always email OLI Support.


text:
This website requires cookies to provide all of its features. For more information on what data is contained in the cookies, please see our Privacy Policy page. Continuing to use this website implies that you accept the use of cookies.
Recently added item(s) ×
You have no items in your shopping cart.
Aluminium rivets to fit Arrow riveters RL100, RH200, RHT300 and most other makes of riveters.
Availability: In stock
© 2019 Wonkee Donkee Tools
Developed by GloverSure Ltd.


text:
An anthropologist studying the effects of Christianity on an Amazonian tribe may ask, "Does Christianity kill culture?" Demetrius, the Ephesian craftsman in silver, his colleagues and the Ephesian populace would say "Yes!" But just what effects does Christianity have when introduced into a culture? Luke wants Theophilus, his contemporaries and us to find answers in the account of the riot at Ephesus.
With an indefinite time marker (compare 12:1) and by way of general statement, Luke introduces the last recorded episode of the Christian Gentile mission in the book of Acts. The incident is probably near the end of Paul's ministry at Ephesus (see 20:1). A great disturbance arises concerning the Way (12:18; 17:6-8, 13). The gospel's continued spread throughout Asia, not just Paul's witness, is at issue here (19:10, 20). Christianity is a way of life, a new belief system with a new Lord at the center, and a new set of mores and behavior patterns--in short, a new culture. Because every culture survives through the dynamic of coercive conformity, the presence of a new way, which claims to be "the Way," will by definition create a disturbance.
The catalyst for the disturbance is Demetrius, a manufacturer of silver shrines of Artemis. These were plaques, silver reliefs of the goddess within her temple. The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art has a second/first-century B.C. bronze matrix of Artemis in her temple (Reeder 1987). It is the form into which a sheet of silver or bronze was pressed to make such a plaque. Once dedicated in the Great Temple of Artemis, these would serve local worshipers and pilgrims as votive offerings, family worship centers, amulets or just souvenirs.
The Anatolian "Great Mother" was identified by Greek settlers with the Greek Artemis--virgin huntress, goddess of wild animals, wild nature, chastity and childbirth. It is difficult to discern which of her three roles--mother goddess, fertility goddess or nature goddess--was primary in the minds of first-century devotees (LaSor 1979b:306; Arnold 1989:26). Details of her statue, however, do reveal the powers attributed to her. The multiple bulbous objects on her chest have been variously interpreted: are they "breasts, bee eggs, ostrich eggs, steer testicles, grapes, nuts, acorns"? They point to her role as a goddess of fertility (Arnold 1989:25). The dreadful animals on her skirt show she has the power over them and is able to deliver from fear, since she is the supreme "ghost goddess." The signs of the zodiac around her neck show she can mediate between her followers and the cruel fate that dogs them. Indeed, she possesses authority and power superior to astrological fate (Arnold 1989:25, 21). In sum, Artemis had unsurpassed cosmic power. She was called Savior, Lord, Queen of the Cosmos and heavenly goddess. Each year in March or April, Ephesus hosted the monthlong festival Artemisa, a time of carnival and religious celebration. Pilgrims flocked from all over the Empire to participate in the impressive ceremonies to Artemis, including offerings at her sacred grove, to enjoy athletics, plays and concerts, and to partake of great banquets and revelry.
Demetrius's product, an important item in the Artemis cult, brought in no little business (better, "profit") for the craftsmen. Possibly as president of the guild of silversmiths, Demetrius assembles his fellow craftsmen along with workmen in related trades, workers in lead, marble, and semiprecious stones (religious objects of the Artemis cult have been discovered made of those materials [Crocker 1987:77]).
Demetrius reviews two facts from their current situation: their good income from the "silver shrine" trade and the effect of Paul's polemic against polytheistic idolatry. As with the Jews (17:4; 18:4; 19:8), with the Gentiles Paul has engaged in a rhetoric of persuasion. The result has been that the apostle has led astray large numbers of people . . . in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia (19:26; compare 19:10). The basic meaning of led astray (methistemi) is "mentally and spiritually to bring to a different point of view, cause someone to change his position" (Bauer, Gingrich and Danker 1979:499). Since the Christian message is about repentance and conversion, could there be a play on words here as Demetrius speaks disparagingly of the transformation called for by Paul's Christian witness (Col 1:13; compare Acts 26:18)? The message that has caused such defection is that man-made (literally, "those coming into being through hands") gods are no gods at all (17:29; Is 44:9-20; 46:1-7; compare 1 Cor 8:4-6; 10:20).
At the very center of each culture is a religion, whether sacred or secular, expressed in a set of myths of origin, power and destiny. These in turn spawn the culture's worldview, which generates social structures and behavior patterns. Paul's message here shakes Ephesian, indeed Greco-Roman, culture to its very core by showing one of its religious power centers, the Artemis cult, for what it is: nothing. In that sense it does mean the death of the culture, as it does for any culture today with its gods, whether they be a traditional pantheon of tribal deities or the media and educational icons of secular humanism.
Demetrius sees the gospel as a threat to economic prosperity, national pride and religious fervor. Our trade (literally, "this branch of the business") will come into disrepute among those who have shunned idolatry, so that orders and sales will dry up. The temple of the great goddess Artemis, the pride of Ephesus and Asia, will be reckoned as nothing. It may be hard for Demetrius's hearers to imagine that this structure could totally lose its value in the eyes of the world. After all, Antipater deemed it one of the seven wonders of the world. Its precincts covered an area 425 225 feet, four times the size of the Parthenon, with 127 sixty-foot columns. It was the foremost worship center of Asia and a world-renowned bank (Pausanias Description of Greece 7.5.4; Dio Chrysostom Orations 31.54). But if the image for which it was built were judged no goddess by all, it would indeed be discredited.
If the Christian witness succeeds, the divine majesty of Artemis literally "will be torn down" (Lk 12:18). Demetrius's claims for the extent of the worship of Artemis are quite accurate. Thirty-three worship sites have been located across the Roman Empire from Spain to Syria (Strabo Geography 4.1.5). According to Pausanias this cult received the most extensive and highest worship in the ancient world (Description of Greece 4.31.8). In Rome the Aventine temple of Diana (Roman equivalent of Artemis) had a statue modeled on the Ephesian type, and on the occasion of the marriage of Emperor Claudius to Agrippina, commemorative coins were struck at Ephesus with the profiles of the newlyweds on one side and a figure of the statue with the legend "Diana Ephesia" on the other (Kreitzer 1987:61). To have such divine majesty torn down would be quite a feat. Yet from what Demetrius has seen of the mighty advance of a gospel of repentance from vain idols, it is "a clear and present danger."
Demetrius's appeal to economic, patriotic and religious motives for a defense of paganism against the gospel shows how interrelated are these cultural aspects. Any Christianity worth its salt will be a challenge to the pocketbook, the flag and the shrine.
Demetrius's audience reacts in angry defiance, with a cultic chant of adoration: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! (compare Bel and the Dragon 18, 41). This throws the whole city into confusion. The craftsmen and workers become the core of a mob that rushes violently into the theater, having laid hold of two of Paul's traveling companions, Gaius and Aristarchus (Gaius is otherwise unknown; Aristarchus is mentioned at Acts 20:4; 27:2; Col 4:10; Philem 24).
The theater (capacity twenty-four thousand) was the largest and most impressive of all structures in ancient Ephesus. Built into the steep western slope of Mount Pion with a view of the city and the broad street to the sea, it was used for large gatherings of inhabitants, as well as the citizens' assembly (Finegan 1981:162). This gathering is probably an unofficial meeting of the city assembly in which Demetrius hopes to put pressure on civic authorities to take action against the apostolic group (Sherwin-White 1963:83). The declaration of the truth has wounded religious and ethnic pride, which reacts with a destructive mixture of mindless zeal and fury (compare Lk 4:28; 8:33; Acts 5:17; 7:57; 13:45). Today the same reaction to the gospel from zealots of the world's great religions or of antireligious ideologies should be no surprise.
Whether to witness or to show solidarity with his arrested fellow workers, Paul wanted to appear before the crowd (literally, "purposed to go into the demos" [popular assembly]), probably emboldened by the way his Roman citizenship and the Empire's authorities have protected him (Acts 16:37-40; 18:12-16). But his fellow disciples shield him this time by not permitting him to go to the theater (9:24-25, 30; 14:5; 17:10, 14). Further, some of the officials of the province, "Asiarchs" by title, beg him not to go. An Asiarch was an aristocrat, a member of the provincial council. Made up of representatives from the major cities, this council had particular responsibility for the work of the temples devoted to the imperial cult. For such men to be Paul's friends and take such an interest in him shows not only the high levels of society to which the gospel had penetrated but also that Christianity evidently was not yet viewed as a threat to the imperial cult. In fact, the educated classes seemed to treat it with greater tolerance than did the masses.
Paul again balances prudence and bravery, and so should all witnesses for Christ. When the church body functions with Spirit-endowed wisdom, there is a good source of guidance. There may be times when Spirit-directed personal conviction will override the church's counsel (Acts 21:13-14), but the church's word must always be received gratefully.
The assembly was confused, divided (some were shouting one thing, some another) and ignorant of its purpose (most of the people did not even know why they were there). Here is an apt picture of the disorienting nature of misguided religious fervor. We find it today not only in the frenzied rituals of traditional religions but also in the verbal pounding that combatants in the postmodern "culture wars" inflict on each other.
In the end, the Artemis cult's opposition to the gospel proves futile. The Jews in the crowd push forward Alexander to determine the cause of the tumult. When some from the crowd tell him it is the Christian "Way," he seeks to speak to the assembly to make a defense for the Jewish community, presumably to distance it from "the Way," if not also to provide ammunition to the Gentiles in their persecution of this "self-excommunicated" group. But the crowd will have none of it. They draw no distinction between Jews and Christians, for both groups are monotheistic and oppose idolatry. Recognizing that Alexander is a Jew, they drown out his attempted defense with a two-hour chant: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! (compare 19:28). And today we know that a culture's religious lies are asserting themselves against the truth when in response to the calm and clear proclamation of the gospel, all the culture's proponents can do is shout louder. Does Christianity kill culture? It exposes what is not true in order to cleanse and transform culture.
The city clerk quieted the crowd. He is the head of the city executive, the annually elected chief administrative assistant to the magistrates. He also serves as liaison to the Roman authorities. Three assertions by the clerk show that the assembly is unnecessary, a fourth that it is positively dangerous to this free city's well-being: (1) The Ephesians' reputation as guardians of the temple and image of Artemis is safe (vv. 35-36). (2) These Christians' reputations are unsullied (v. 37). (3) The crowd can have recourse before regular courts and legislature (vv. 38-39). (4) The crowd is in danger of coming under the charge of rioting without cause (vv. 40-41).
The clerk declares as "undeniable facts" the universal reputation of Ephesus as guardian (neokoros, a title later used of cities responsible for a temple devoted to the imperial cult [Sherwin-White 1963:88]) of the temple and the image, which fell from heaven (diopetes). While a meteorite at Taurus was worshiped as an image of Artemis (Euripides Iphigenia in Taurica 87-88; 1384), no extrabiblical source reports such at Ephesus. The clerk may be speaking of the ancient age of the image, which was so old that it was viewed as fashioned in heaven (Longenecker [1981:502] takes the reference literally). Such an affirmation speaks to both Demetrius's anxiety and Paul's polemic about gods made with human hands (vv. 26-27). The clerk announces that Artemis's reputation is safe and she does not fall into the category of idols that Paul is critiquing.
A temple's roles as a bank and a worship center were interdependent. Fear of the god deterred robbers. The wealth of the bank enhanced the prestige of the god. Thus "to commit sacrilege" literally was "to rob temples" (noun hierosylos). This the Christians have not done. Further, their challenges to polytheism and idolatry have not involved the crime of public blasphemy. Either the clerk views the "heaven-fashioned" image as beyond Paul's charges. Or, if Paul's approach has been the same as at Athens, Paul's polemic involves reasoning on a generic level: the nature of deity and the worship appropriate to it from human beings, who are its offspring. No direct attack on Artemis, a concrete case, is necessary. Paul's tactics have much to teach us about effective "speaking the truth in love" to devotees of non-Christian religions.
The clerk suggests two legitimate means of redress: the court system and the legislature--the citizens' assembly meeting at its duly constituted times (one regular and two extra sessions per month, per Sherwin-White [1963:87], using the inscription of Salutaris and Chrysostom Homilies 42). The courts could handle private financial disputes, while the citizens' assembly could deal with any alleged attack on the city's prestige.
The real danger (contrast v. 27) is to be charged with rioting without cause; the city could lose status as a free city if it failed to maintain law and order through its own local authorities. With this caution the clerk exercises his authority by dismissing the assembly.
Luke teaches us through this clerk that so long as Christians do not strain the social fabric of a culture through "public blasphemy of the gods," fair-minded government officials should protect Christians from rash, illegal acts of persecutors. This is one of the means by which law-abiding witness to the gospel, which transforms culture, may advance unhindered.
About this commentary:
IVP New Testament Commentaries are made available by the generosity of InterVarsity Press.
Starting your free trial of Bible Gateway Plus is easy. You're already logged in with your Bible Gateway account. The next step is to choose a monthly or yearly subscription, and then enter your payment information. Your credit card won't be charged until the trial period is over. You can cancel anytime during the trial period.
Click the button below to continue.
You've already claimed your free trial of Bible Gateway Plus. To subscribe at our regular subscription rate, click the button below.
It looks like you're already subscribed to Bible Gateway Plus! To manage your subscription, visit your Bible Gateway account settings.
Upgrade, and get the most out of your new account. An integrated digital Bible study library - including complete notes from the Believer's Bible Commentary and the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (NIV and NRSV) - is just a step away! Try it free for 30 days.
Three easy steps to start your free trial subscription to Bible Gateway Plus.


text:
The worldwide implementation of Long Term Evolution (LTE) continues as market requirements for greater data-communications capability grow. In the midst of the excitement over increased available bandwidth, it is easy to overlook one crucial problem: LTE does not support voice communication. In other words, current LTE networks can only handle data. Understandably, the consumers who view voice services as the core function of mobile phones see this issue as a deal breaker.
As a result, states Paul Beaver, Products Director at Anite (see photo; www.anite.com), operators risk being superseded by OTT providers, such as Skype, in the mobile voice market. Beaver notes that the industry is increasingly determined to develop a solution that will allow voice calls to be made over LTE networks. Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) technology also will enable operators to pioneer new business models, reinstating them as the primary purveyors of premium voice services.
Paul Beaver, Products Director at Anite.
VoLTE trials are now being performed. Device manufacturers, chipset vendors, and operators are all testing VoLTE solutions in the laboratory. With VoLTE still in a state of technological infancy, however, mobile communications network operators have a diverse range of approaches for integrating VoLTE with networks and devices. With such varied interpretations, there can be no "one-size-fits-all" VoLTE solution. Instead, operators will have to rigorously test a diverse range of variable conditions—all of which could potentially impact their ability to deploy and uphold VoLTE.
Beaver believes that mobile subscribers will continue to expect top-quality voice services on their mobile devices. As a result, a "best effort" Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) -type service, such as Skype, will not be sufficient. VoLTE must provide a top-quality service or risk gaining a negative perception among consumers. Upon VoLTE's introduction, network signaling levels will naturally escalate, putting networks under increased strain. Operators will need to prepare for this signaling issue and build this scenario into their testing program.
Of course, VoLTE's ultimate success will be determined by its ability to deliver top-quality voice services across an all-IP network and on the latest LTE devices. Cooperation within the mobile industry is a necessity if VoLTE is to emerge as a viable commercial possibility.
According to Beaver, a rigorous testing program will be a decisive factor in determining the success of VoLTE's introduction—especially considering the variety of implementations taking place. This could be a costly and labor-intensive process. By leveraging lab-based testing, however, Beaver asserts that handset manufacturers, chipset vendors, and mobile-communications network operators could utilize a simulated network environment to test both component interoperability and audio quality. Operators could then avoid relying upon live network testing and expensive, time-consuming device field trials.
LTE's Choices For Voice Support
Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) is based on the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network. It has specific profiles for control and media planes of voice service on LTE, which are defined by GSMA in PRD IR.92. This approach results in the voice service being delivered as data flows within the LTE data bearer. As a result, there is no reliance on the legacy circuit-switch voice network, eliminating the need to maintain that network.
LTE supporters preferred and promoted VoLTE from the beginning. Yet the lack of software support in initial LTE and core network devices prompted a number of carriers to promote Voice-over-LTE-Generic-Access (VoLGA) technology as an interim solution. The idea was to use the same principles as the Generic Access Network [GAN, which also is known Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA)].
GAN defines the protocols through which a mobile handset can perform voice calls over a consumer's private Internet connection. This approach never gained much support, however, because VoLTE (IMS) promises much more flexible services. Yet it also calls for the entire voice-call infrastructure to be upgraded. In addition, VoLTE will require Single Radio Voice Call Continuity to smoothly perform a handover to a third-generation (3G) network in case of poor LTE signal quality.


text:
Looks like you are using an old version of Internet Explorer - Please update your browser
We're very excited to announce that another episode in the Buddy Davis' Amazing Adventures DVD series won an award. This time, it's Alaska!
Secular geologists attribute cluster of dinosaur tracks to a "dinosaur disco" and that sauropods spent time in the water. But what does the evidence say?
We know death and suffering aren't God's fault—they are the result of living in a sin-cursed world. And Bible believing Christians have hope in midst of pain.
Morality in the secular worldview changes with each generation, but Christians have an unchanging standard and can consistently call actions right or wrong.
Geologists claim their work with the fossil Dicynodon shows that the supposed terrestrial mass extinction happened before the marine extinction.
Evolutionists are correct in one thing: understanding where people came from is essential to understanding morality and answering the problems in our society.
Instead of fairly presenting what creationists teach, the senior editor of BioLogos chose to ignore actual creationist arguments.
Many scientists today have accepted the idea that some dinosaurs were covered in feathers. Is Jurassic World wrong for opting for scaly bodies?
No results found in .
Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.


text:
The influence of botrytis is more immediately evident on the nose of Rieussec than others and while there is plenty of mid-palate fruit here by way of melon scented grapefruit salad, dried apricot and honey, the botrytis character is allied to a fine freshnes on finish. A satisfying effort comprised of 83% Semillon 5% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle.
Contains Sulphites.
Once belonging to the Carmelite monks in Langon, Château Rieussec is now owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), since they purchased the estate in 1984. The vineyard of Rieussec borders Fargues and Sauternes, and adjoins Château d'Yquem. Rieussec is one of the largest properties in Sauternes and Barsac, covering 93 hectares of gravelly soil layered with alluvial deposits.The iconic grape variety of Sauternes, Sémillon, dominates (90%), followed by Sauvignon (7%) and Muscadelle (3%). Traditional Sauternes techniques are used and the harvests are carried out with selective pickings depending on the ripeness of the grapes and evolution of botrytis. Harvest lasts for 6 to 8 weeks from September to November. Each vintage ages in oak barrels. The length of ageing in barrels varies from 16 to 26 months, during which the wines are periodically racked. The wines are bottled at the Château.A new cellar was built in 1989 to extend the ageing period in barrels. The quantities of the Grand Vin that were produced were much reduced in the 1990's due to more meticulous selection, to the point that none at all was produced in 1993 (this was also the case in 1977 and again in 2012).The vineyard is managed by Eric Kohler, Technical Director of the Bordeaux Châteaux, with the help of Jean de Roquefeuil, Vineyard Manager, and Serge Lagardère, Cellar Master.
Three grape varieties are planted: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. Sémillon is the principal grape, because it is especially susceptible to noble rot, Sauvignon is used for its naturally high acidity, whilst tiny proportions of the capricious Muscadelle are used for aromatic qualities. Sweet wine has been made here at least since the late 18th century. Its position is unique, close to two rivers, the broad Garonne and its small tributary, the Ciron. In autumn, the cool Ciron waters flow into the warmer tidal Garonne, evening mists develop that envelop the vineyards until late morning the following day, after the sun has burnt the mist away all that is left is moisture on trhe grapes that encourages noble rot or Botrytis cinerea. This fungus attacks grapes, causing them to shrivel, concentrating flavour sugars and acids. The wines were classified in 1855, the most prominent of which is Château Yquem, whose yields even in a vintage where noble rot is prominent, reach no more than 10 hl/ha.
Semillon is blended with Sauvignon Blanc to produce the great sweet botrytis-affected wines of Bordeaux in Sauternes and Barsac, the Sauvignon adds aroma, fruit and freshness to the rich fleshy Semillon. Semillon is at its most illustrious in the humid atmosphere of Sauternes and Barsac, where it is susceptible to Botrytis rot, which helps concentrate the fruit sugars, acids and flavours, producing some of the most luscious, sweet long-lived wines in the world. The most renowned example is Château d'Yquem, though there are a plethora of estates throughout the region whose wines come close in quality.
Proceed to Checkout
Continue Shopping
IB stands for In Bond. Wines that are stored In Bond have not had UK Duty and VAT paid on them.
Most of our wines are available for purchase under bond, as fine wines often need to be laid down in order to allow them to mature. Many clients choose therefore to store them in our bonded warehouse and pay the tax as and when they wish to get the wines delivered. Please note that Wines purchased In Bond can be exported to non-EU countries without the need for Duty and VAT to be paid.
DP stands for duty paid. If you wish to get wines delivered for drinking, the duty and VAT will need to be paid as it leaves its bonded state in the warehouse. The wine is then said to be duty paid.
All taxes must be paid in order for us to be authorised to ship or deliver wine (unless the wine is bonded and being moved to another bonded warehouse or being shipped directly outside of the EU.)
EP stands for En Primeur. These wines are currently held with the Estate and Domaine's we work with and will be shipped in due course.
Please sign up and be the first to receive our latest offers, news and invitations.
How would you rate your experience?


text:
Click Here
Email sign up
Register to receive holiday offers, cheap flights deals, hotel offers and more.
North Island & Auckland Self Drive Holidays
Enjoy the freedom of a Self-Drive Tour across New Zealand to see this vast, diverse and simply breathtaking country at the pace to suit you. Imagine driving across iconic routes to see some of the world's most beautiful scenery and recognisable landmarks, including New Zealand's lively city of Auckland on the North Island, the picturesque South Alps or the southern hemisphere's adventure capital of Queenstown.
Please Call For Exclusive PricesAs the flight date you have chosen is within the next 3 days, it has limited availability and may only be booked by calling our specialist reservation centre. Please call 020 3944 2201.
Please be aware that availability will constantly change and therefore we recommend that you call us to book this special fare as soon as possible.
Alternatively you may wish to alter your search dates.


text:
Portable Barrier SystemStarting From: $150.85Was $189.85
Flexible Marker StakesStarting From: $87.85Was $110.85
Plastic A-Frame BarricadesStarting From: $94.85
Econocade Type I BarricadeStarting From: $68.85
Econocade Type II BarricadeStarting From: $78.85
Plastic Type I BarricadeStarting From: $78.85
Stacking Vertical Panel BarricadeStarting From: $54.85Was $69.85
Linking Pedestrian Barricade Walkway - ADA CompliantStarting From: $168.85Was $211.85
Econocade A-Frame BarricadesStarting From: $89.85
Plastic Type III Barricade$296.85
Plastic Type II BarricadeStarting From: $86.85
Interlocking Portable BarricadesStarting From: $259.85Was $325.85
Prevent access to construction zones and other hazardous locations with barriers from Speed Bumps and Humps. Traffic and safety barriers have one purpose in life - to keep the curious public away from potentially dangerous locations.
Road construction, construction sites, accident scenes and police activity are all reasons to deploy portable barriers. Look at the product selection Speed Bumps and Humps has to help you accomplish these tasks with ease.
Benefits of barriers from Speed Bumps and Humps
- Molded, hollow plastic barriers are UV-resistant and designed for extended outdoor use.
- Barriers are available in alternating colors to maximize visibility.
- Up to 400-pounds of water or 600-pounds of sand can be added to the base of each barrier section - offering the utmost in stability and protection.
- Interlocking sections nest together when not in use, and can be handled and carried by one individual.
All of our barriers come with a standard warranty and a low price guarantee. With so many possible scenarios that may call for a portable barrier system, it pays to purchase a complete set today!
Our customer service representatives are standing by at 1-866-734-0605 to help you complete your order today. We guarantee that our prices can't be beat. Shop with confidence at Speed Bumps and Humps.


text:
Flood Relief Update from Cedar Rapids
This letter came in e-mail today from Kernels Foundation president Gary Keoppel:
On behalf of The Kernels Foundation, I would like to thank you for your support of Cedar Rapids as we recover from the record floods of 2008. The Kernels Foundation received $1,595 from you and FutureAngels.com followers and that money was donated to the Taylor Elementary School Tiger Cub Club. Taylor Elementary, a partner school of the Kernels, was severely damaged and will not reopen until the 2009-2010 school year. The Tiger Cub Club will use the money to build a walking track around the school campus and the Cedar Rapids Kernels ground crew will help rebuild their baseball field. The children from this neighborhood school are attending other schools around the city this year and the track and field will allow them to use the school property while they are waiting for the school to be reopened next year.
In addition, The Kernels Foundation received a $25,000 donation from Minor League Baseball and the entire amount was donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids (BGCCR). The BGCCR was housed in a former YMCA building and water reached the second floor ruining not only the facility but also everything in it. The Angels donated nine laptop computers to the BGCCR to replace those destroyed in the flood. BGCCR is continuing their programs in a separate facility as they determine what they can do to replace their main facility.
The Kernels Foundation also held a raffle this summer and gave away a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Proceeds of the raffle went to the YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Area resulting in a $3,000 donation. The Angels donated six laptop computers to the YMCA to replace the ones they lost in the flood. The YMCA was recently reopened to serve the community.
Jack Roeder of the Kernels can give you more details, but the Kernels helped raise over $67,000 for flood relief this summer and used the ball park for distributing school supplies to students, preparing food for the Meals on Wheels program and many other activities. Veterans Memorial Stadium was indeed a multi-purpose facility this summer.
Thanks again to you and your FutureAngels.com readers for your help. Cedar Rapids is working hard to recover and make CR an even better place to live, work, play and cheer on the Kernels. I enjoy checking your website and look forward to meeting you during your next visit to CR.
Gary Keoppel
The Kernels Foundation
I just wanted to say I'm very proud of all of you, including BeesGal, the Quakes and Owlz Booster Club for stepping up to the plate to help the people of Cedar Rapids when it mattered most. You did good.


text:
by Dan Connelly
Without a hint yet of the coming dawn, the lead police car led the main pack out of the Vallecito Elementary School parking lot, and we were off. The pack was considerably smaller than the 300 rider limit, but given the 10:30 pm finish deadline and the desire to minimize time spent on Marshal-Petaluma road after sunset, a large number of riders had already left. This is a sanctioned option, with riders allowed to check out at any time from 4 am to 6 am, but those starting at 5 am have the advantage police control through the traffic signals early on, not to mention the draft advantage of the pack.
Soon enough we were on Lucas Valley Road, the first climb of the day. In 2005 I'd done this ride without a light, figuring I'd simply utilize the illumination of proximate riders. But that had been an uncomfortable experiment, one which led me to go out too hard on the opening climb as I put too much value staying with the lead group and the lights of the follow vehicle. This year I'd borrowed a friend's NiteRider Newt dual-light system. The difference was amazing: I was able to ride my own pace on that climb. This still put me in sight of the leaders at the top, but only 5 miles into a nominal 200 mile ride, my goal was only to avoid a debt which would require high interest payments in the second half.
My Garmin 500 display wasn't visible (in retrospect I should have hit the "light" button; I wasn't thinking so well), so probably still rode a bit harder than I should have. But not too bad: I could still talk easily enough, a good indicator of being no worse than the low end of Z4.
I found some riders with which to share the pace over the southbound bumps of Nicasio Valley Road, the easy backside of Whites Grade, and then down into Fairfax. By now the day had reluctantly arrived through the low clouds: the first phase of the ride was done.
Usually Bolinas Road: the first climb to Pine Mountain, the rolling descent to the dam, and the climb to Ridgecrest seems like an endless grind. Today, it passed quickly, as I knew there was so much more yet to follow. Along the way, I stopped at the Pine Mountain rest stop, the first of the day, to pack my light into a paper bag for delivery back to the start. Then I hopped on to some passing riders and continued on.
Overcast clouds turned to fog as we hit Ridgecrest, the tree cover condensing the mist into a surprisingly steady rain. But by the second sister, the trees were behind me, and the rain stopped. The morning sun was shining brightly through the thin clouds, and by the intersection with Pan Toll road, I was riding in sunshine.
Here I was tempted to remove my vest, as I was warming quickly, but I was using the pockets, and it wasn't pressing enough for the hassle of transferring everthing to the pockets in my jersey underneath. This would be the last time I'd be tempted to remove the vest in 100 miles. On my legs I had full-length compression tights and high-calf compression socks over my bib shorts and regular socks, while on my upper body I had a long-sleeve undershirt, jersey, and arm warmers (turned inside out to hide the "Alto Velo": still waiting for that Voler order to come in!) in addition to the vest. Crazy amounts of clothing for August, but that's how it goes in San Francisco-Marin.
Soon after the climb to the golf ball (west peak) began, I began to see descending riders, some looking fairly fit. I was worried some of these had been with my start group at 5 am: that was a considerable time gap. But then as I approached the golf ball I saw Bo, the winner of the Terrible Two this year, and I knew everyone ahead of him was likely an early starter. I was riding fairly well, hopefully within myself. In preparation for Terrible Two, Bo did a training ride which included climbing Mount Hamilton Road, descending and reclimbing San Antonio Valley Road (the steep "backside" of Hamilton) four times. That's the sort of suffer-fest which allows a rider to hammer a double. Lacking that sort of disciplined preparation I had to be more careful, so I had no regrets about not matching Bo's pace.
After passing the golf ball, I descended a bit then climbed to the east peak parking lot, where there was a checkpoint. I quickly topped off my bottles with water (one contained Accelerade, the other Spiz, which is a "liquid food"), then back down. It was 7:30 am: a wonderful time to be on the mountain.
Back down upper Ridgecrest, the turn onto Pan Toll was a remarkable transformation. Within a second, I went from uncomfortably warm to cold: the fog-chilled wind blowing up from the coast. I slowed a bit to take inventory, decided I'd be okay, then continued on carefully on the wet roads, the sun now hidden behind the mist.
I feared things would be even worse in Muir Woods, but actually it was slightly warmer there, the roads a bit drier, as I'd passed through the clouds. The second rest stop was here: I ate some fruit, filled my bottles again, and added orange Perpeteum to my remaining chocolate Spiz. This seemed a good idea at the time… but I realized I'd have been better off adding the unflavoured Sustained Energy instead.
I was 50 miles in. The first quarter of the ride was in the bag.
A brief hesitation as I wasn't sure which way to go out of the rest stop (I am almost neurotically paranoid about wrong turns), but then I was soon to the Highway 1 intersection. I rode this north, mostly alone over the two significant climbs to Stinson Beach. After passing through that beach town I was overtaken by a group of three. We worked surprisingly well, picking up a few more along the way, and rolled into the rest stop at the Pt. Reyes Station public toilets together. I was much quicker here than the others, however, and (again after some seconds of confusion about which way to go) rolled out alone.
Back on Point Reyes – Petaluma Road (reverse Roasters), past Nicasio Valley Road I rejoined the Marin Century route. Marshall Wall was stacked with riders, mostly 50 k'ers, some walking their bikes. I have to admit this perked me up; what had felt like a slow pace now seemed not so slow.
That is, until I was passed by one guy from that group of three I'd left at the rest stop. Riding a relatively low-cost Performance bike, he motored up the wall. I simply had to let him go: I was keeping my power meter in the 200-230 watt range, a level of effort I thought I could hold on climbs through the day, and couldn't be digging myself deeper than I already had so early in the ride. If he could hold that pace he was fitter than me, and there was nothing to be done about that.
I probably should have reviewed the route sheet ahead of time: I was surprised when we passed Hicks Road without turning. Other riders were returning from the same road. I later learned they had reversed the direction of this portion of the course. In 2005 we'd turned onto Hicks, headed out to Highway 1 on Marshal-Petaluma Road, and returned via Petaluma. This year was the opposite: probably an improvement as it allows a southern leg on Highway 1 along the coast.
Lunch this year was in Petaluma, at mile 93. I got through quickly, only stopping to fill my bottles, down three Endurolytes, and stuff my pockets with some fig bars, dates, and a half-bagel. As I left I found myself again next to Performance guy, but once again, his relentless pace left me behind. A good sign at lunch: the volunteers in the "double century section" (with its powders, potions, and pills) was surprised to see me. There obviously weren't too many doublers ahead. I knew the Webcor pair of Bo H and Brian Buck were well ahead, but they make even quicker use of stops than I do, so were easily missed. But obviously I wasn't too far down.
Mile 100, somewhere in Chileno Valley Road: I was halfway. Of course, I was tired already: I rarely ride 100 miles in a day. But mid-way through a double I just forget about the route and focus on turning the pedals. Turn them enough times, eat and drink, and the finish will arrive.
Performance, Rivendell, and Roubaix
Somewhere near here I was caught by a Davis Rider on a Specialized Roubaix and another guy on a Rivendell. They were clicking along at a nice pace, so I joined in. I'd say we worked well together, but I did less pulling than the other two, who were content to zip along. We joined up with first one, later another century rider, making a nice group. As we rode I asked Rivendell why he rode that bike: he seemed stronger than most riders of the brand. He said his wife got it for him and he liked it because with its condiderable mass it was a bit of an equalizer between the two. I told him I appreciated the equalization myself.
We arrived together at Valley Ford rest stop. I stopped here for a can of Coca Cola (part of which I drank, the rest of which I added to my bottles), as well as a few more Endurolytes, then left alone. The Coke worked so well for me at mile 184 of Terrible Two, I wanted to tap into it a bit earlier here.
I never did see the century riders again: the century split off again. But I would rejoin the other two soon enough.
It was after a busy stretch on Highway 1, soon after we turned onto Joy Road. Honestly I don't remember Joy Road from 2005; it wasn't on the route in 2004 (see Felix Wong's route sheets). It gains 1047 feet climbing from Highway 1, much of it steep. The descent is also steep, with potholes overlapping other potholes, not the sort of thing you want to deal with 120 miles in. Actually, I was glad I'd installed latex tubes, which lose around 2 psi per hour: the lower pressure relative to the 105 psi I'd started with took off a bit of edge.
They descended ahead of me, but not too far, and I caught and passed them at the lowest slopes of Coleman Valley Road. Coleman Valley is nasty: sustained 12%+ (feeling steeper from 135 miles in the bank already) followed by a false summit and then two short climbs before the true descent. I just focused on spinning my 36/26, my lowest gear, which took me close to threshold in the 270 watt range. Truth be told I wanted to put up a good number for Strava on this section, a move which would end in tears. But that's for later.
The climb took a bit out of my limited reserves, however, and I was passed by the Rivendell guy on the rolling summit. As he passed, we could see Performance up ahead. Rivendell caught and passed Performance, but I followed at my sustainable pace.
The descent was much nicer than that of Joy, and other than my usual nagging worry about missing a turn, I enjoyed the ride. I caught sight of Performance at a key moment which convinced me I was still on track.
At mile 142, the day had finally began to warm and so as I rode I transferred the odd bits of food I had in my vest pockets into my jersey pockets underneath. Then I removed my vest and stuffed it into my center jersey pocket. From there it was just eight miles or so back at Valley Ford.
I could have skipped this stop, but I wanted more Coke and to try some of the Tums they had at all the rest stops. I was getting some stitches in my chest, and wanted a blast of calcium to see if that would helped. I'm not sure if the Tums helped, but while the stitches continued to be an issue, they never got really bad. On the Coke end I went a bit overboard, putting it in both bottles. Coke should be diluted at least 1:1 with water, more if combined with food, and I was over that concentration. But despite eating a fig bar and dates on the road following Valley Ford, I handled the Coke okay.
150 miles done, 50 to go. We were in the final quarter, but 50 miles is 50 miles is still a long way, longer with tired legs than with fresh legs, no matter how small the fraction of the total.
End Game
I didn't see any of my usual company as I left Valley Ford for this second time. Next was the long southern run down Highway 1, which in 2005 had been to the north. There's usually a northern wind on the coast, but today held up to what I'd seen from weather data for the day prior: wind from the south. A block headwind isn't what I really wanted to see at this point, but I just hunkered down and dealt the hand that was there. It was the same for everyone.
The route finally turned left off Highway 1 onto Marshal-Petaluma Road: a rather rude introduction as the grade went from zero to large within just a few pedal strokes. I had just overtaken two century riders at this point, so it was nice to have company for this. But I slogged along at my death-march pace and was on my own again.
At the Walker Creek rest stop I got some water to dilute my remaining Coke, and grabbed more dates. I asked when the next turn was and was told 18 miles. For some reason I found this discouraging; I prefer changing roads to mark progress than staying on the same road mile after mile. I was out quickly, though, putting it out of my head.
It turns out my question was misunderstood and the next turn, onto Hicks Road, wasn't far at all. Hicks soon T'ed into Pt Reyes-Petaluma and I knew I was in the end game. The eastern side of Marshall was easy compared to the eastern "Wall", then the descent and left turn onto Nicasio Valley Road. In 2005 I almost got taken out by an RV in this turn, but today no issue. I was getting really close.
One last rest stop on Nicasio Valley Road. I wanted to blow past but decided to check to see if this was a mandatory checkpoint. Of course, had I checked the route sheet in my pocket I would have known this, but my brain really wasn't working well at all by this point. I had trouble getting anyone's attention, so spent more seconds here than I would have liked.
One more climb to go: Lucas Valley Road. I really wanted to blast this sucker: blitz it at or over threshold, but there simply wasn't anything left. I couldn't even hold 200 watts on the climb, a strong contrast to when I was strong on the final climb of Terrible Two, to Occidental. Instead I just focused on keeping the pedals going, knowing I was almost there.
Fire trucks were moving back and forth on the road near the summit, almost absurdly. One was approaching from behind, siren off, soon after another had descended the opposite direction (also siren off) and I disparately did not want it to pass me, as I knew I'd be much faster on the descent. At the summit, a volunteer pointing a flag at a "dangerous left turns! ride slowly!" sign, I thanked him and began my descent just ahead of the following truck.
The road was in excellent condition, making for solid cornering. I vividly remember getting passed on this descent in 2005 and I vowed to not let that happen again. Despite this, I showed more caution than required in the corners. It turns out there were approximately five crashes on this descent, several requiring medical treatment, despite warning signs at each of the tricky corners. But I didn't have the slightest issue other than that I should have taken it a bit faster.
The last few miles went easily. I was tired, unable to sustain power above Z3, but I could at least get into Z3. I was calculating as I went my chances for a sub-12:30 and it looked good.
I entered the school, crossed under the finishing banner, and with some bystanders cheering I gave a little fist-pump. I was glad to be done. But I wasn't really done until I'd checked in, so after asking directions to check-in, I went up onto the sidewalk, through the expo, and to the check-in table. My watch said "5:26", so 12:26 if we started on time.
"You're #8" the volunteer said. "Eighth?" I responded. I couldn't believe it: that was better than I'd thought. I was 17th finisher in 2005, so that's a nice improvement.
Davis and Rivendell finished soon after. Each of them had clearly been stronger than me but chose to enjoy the day a bit more. Still, my goal going in had been top 10, for whatever that is or is not worth, and I'd hit that goal. So success.
After hanging out at the finish for a few hours, in part waiting for my carpool partner to finish his double (on his 'cross bike!), it was time for the drive back to San Francisco.
I'd managed to do the entire ride without any wrong turns, always a major victory by my standards, but in an RTFM moment I shut down my Edge 500 without first hitting "stop" and "reset". This apparently caused my ride data to get purged. Now I've gone through periods of data aversion where all I want to do is ride, echewing metrology. But this isn't one of those periods: I'm riding well, I'd made a solid effort up Coleman I wanted to Strava-log, and I wanted to see how my power up the opening climbs compared to the power on the final climbs. Losing the data was such a disappointment I devoted an entire blog post to the subject.
Despite my dreadful lack of sleep the night before, I had trouble getting to sleep that night. Too much Coca-Cola, I suspect: a considerable caffeine dose in 20 ounces of the stuff. But part of it may have been the fitful mix of trauma and adrenalin from an extremely full day.


text: Onward, etc. is a musical project put together by Rosco Wuestewald. Leaving the midwest at an early age, he started a journey traveling around the world which has developed into a project known as Onward, etc. The project connects musicians located throughout the country, enabling each tour and show be completely unique based on the different band members and the location of the stage. As with anything alive with electricity, permanent members have been picked up along the way. Wuestewald met violin player, KC Olsen, on an excursion in Hawaii in 2009. KC joined Rosco for a gig that evolved Onward, etc. into an unfaltering duo. Their live performances proved to be captivating as Wuestewald's voice carried out his heart wrenching lyrics accompanied by his punk rock roots and Olsen's stage jumping antics. The pair found themselves in the state of Washington and in the company of percussionist, Tom Pearson in 2011. Toms throne was later handed down to Jake Stringer (David Allan Coe, Wasted Ways) Jakes ability to match the style of Onward earned him a permanent seat on the rowdy train. The Onward, etc. project has been successful as the trio has acquired components and companions in Alaska, the Dakotas, Montana, Minnesota, New York City, Los Angeles, Oregon, and Hawaii. They have played with a dream-come-true list of bands featuring: Larry and His Flask, Skinny Lister, Lucero, Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, The Goddamn Gallows, Reverend Horton Heat, and many more. They have been a part of Coachella and played Vans Warped Tour, SE Alaskan State Fair, and venues both intimate and rowdy throughout the U.S. This caught the eye of DC Jam Records who signed them in 2013. Onward, etc. lives by their name as they forge onward making a new album with DC Jam Records and Derek Obrien. The new album "Sonder On" is set to be released on march 11th. Onward is currently in the midst of a two month US Tour with acts such as Muder By Death, Ha Ha Tonka and Larry & His Flask. Catch them in a city near you! For tour dates go to


text:
This post has been updated here.
Political situations like the one unfolding in Egypt remind me that if you want to explore and experience the world, you need to be prepared for the unexpected. Note that I didn't say expect the unexpected. In almost every case, the risk is minimal when traveling. However, be prepared for any eventuality because it can happen anywhere. We just saw it unfold in our own country in Arizona.
Tens of thousands of protesters are filling the streets of Cairo demonstrating that they want current President Hosni Mubarak to step down from power. When Friendly Planet Travel got wind of this, we immediately contacted our two tour groups that are in Egypt right now.
One group is in Aswan, where no protests are taking place. That tour will continue as scheduled. The second group arrived in Cairo yesterday. They are currently in the Ramses Hilton hotel, which is on the east bank of the Nile River, where they have a clear view of the unfolding protests.
Every Friendly Planet Traveler in Egypt is safe. We have contacted every traveler's emergency contact to make them aware of this. In fact, our group in Cairo was able to tour the Pyramids and Sphinx this morning as scheduled. Egypt's tourist police safely escorted our travelers to and from the hotel before the protests heated up.
Right now the situation for our travelers is under control, with some enjoying the sites along the Nile River on a week long cruise and others about to fly to Luxor to begin a cruise on the Nile on Saturday morning. We hope that in the next hours and few days, the situation will improve and the demonstrations will stop. Friendly Planet Travel has experience when these things happen. They're rare, but they do happen, and when they do, we know what needs to be done to take care of our travelers.
We're monitoring the situation closely and have a Friendly Planet Travel representative with our travelers at all times. Every two hours we receive an update on the situation from our representatives in Cairo. All hands are on deck at Friendly Planet to make sure our travelers stay safe and continue to see the beauty of Egypt.
I will continue to keep you updated on the political situation in Egypt on the blog. And if you have any questions or concerns you can write to me or call our offices at 1-800-555-5765.