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I want to make a couple brief follow up observations to last night's press conference, piggybacking on some of your comments. Let me issue a warning, however – what follows is closer to punditry than political science, so take it with the requisite container of sodium chloride. Let's call what follows a "pundication" rather than an application of political science.
As Tarsi correctly points out, it's difficult to engage in an in-depth discussion of policy issues in the televised press conference, and I apologize if my criticisms last night suggested otherwise. Nonetheless, there is an art to asking questions in a way that forces presidents to address inconsistencies or tensions in their policy agenda and related pronouncements. I didn't see very much of this last night – the initial questions were too vague, and the follow up didn't really press Obama. He was largely allowed to dictate the agenda – no one asked about the most difficult issues on his plate, particularly in foreign policy (why he is essentially adopting Bush's legal policy on detaining enemy combatants, or what is the strategy in Afghanistan, for instance.) But even on economic issues, with the conspicuous exception of Chip Reid, no one really pressed him on the assumptions underlying his budget policies, and no one, to my knowledge, asked about the bank bailout bill just announced by Geithner, which is really the issue du jour (although banks were touched on peripherally in some of the questions.)
In thinking about why this might be the case, I came up with one idea which I throw out for your consideration: Obama selected a slightly more diverse and less experienced pool of interviewers than has been the case under previous administrations.
Consider the following: not one of the correspondents asking questions came from a major newspaper – the NY Times, Washington Post, Wall St. Journal, etc. – although the Washington Times did get a question in. And among the major network television correspondents, Chuck Todd is still a work in progress (as indicated by his inexplicable question regarding why Obama didn't ask Americans to "sacrifice" in a time of economic downturn!) But while Obama did call on some of the usual suspects (Loven at AP, Tapper at ABC, Reid at NBC, Henry from CNN, Major Garrett at Fox) he also took questions from reporters representing Stars and Stripes, Univision, Politico (although Mike Allen is experienced), Ebony and the French News Service. I am not claiming that these journalists are less qualified. But they represent more specialized audiences, and their questions largely reflected the primary interests of those audiences. There is nothing wrong with this – indeed, one wouldn't expect otherwise. But it meant that Obama was less likely to be grilled on the more central issues facing his administration. At the same time, it increased the likelihood that news stories would lead with his opening statement as the dominant theme to take from press conference, rather than seeing that message get stepped on by an enterprising reporter's question.
For comparison purposes, I went back to look at who asked questions, and what they asked, during George W. Bush's second press conference (Bush held his on March 29, 2001 – almost 8 years ago to the day – you can review the transcript here ). The questioners are not always easily identified in the transcript from that conference, but Bush took questions from the AP, Hearst Papers (the inestimable Helen Thomas), Washington Post (Mike Allen), CNN, ABC (Terry Moran), CBS (John Roberts) and NBC (David Gregory). There is a huge amount of Washington, DC, experience in these people. Now, to be fair, I really need to do a more detailed comparison of the backgrounds of these reporters – what I'm arguing here is more impressionistic than I'd like. But I throw it out for you consideration….
Bush's press conference differed in other ways as well. It took place in the morning rather than in prime time and, as you might expect, he dealt primarily (although not entirely) with a different set of topics than what was discussed last night. His opening statement was brief, and focused on recent violence in the Mideast (some topics never change!) Three of the subsequent questions dealt with the economy, which was showing clear signs of slowing, and whether Bush's proposed tax cuts were too small to stimulate the economy, or too big and thus likely to produce budget deficits (this was at a time when the government was running a budget surplus, believe it or not!). In addition to the economy, the reporters also asked about the following topics: how to handle the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East – would he meet with PLO leader Arafat? (Bush reiterated his belief that the U.S. could not force a peace settlement in the Mideast, and that peace would take both sides coming to the table – eventually the U.S. pursued a policy of marginalizing Arafat); whether he would sign campaign finance reform bill outlawing soft money contributions (he was noncommittal, but he eventually did); whether he supported drilling in the ANWR (he did, but never got it passed Congress); his decision to rescind the Clinton administration's ruling lowering acceptable arsenic levels in water (he said he wanted to make the decision based on science, not politics); whether he got along with John McCain (he respected him, even if they disagreed on some issues); whether we needed a missile defense (Bush said yes, given the very real threat of a terrorist attack on the nation); how he would change international opinion which seemed very much against the U.S. (note that this was BEFORE 9/11 and the Iraq war!); and whether he supported a free trade agreement in the western hemisphere (he looked forward to speaking with South American leaders about this issue.)
Generally, the questions were a bit more pointed and the follow ups more direct than what we heard last night. On the other hand, the tone of Bush's press conference was much more relaxed, with Bush and the reporters engaging in gentle banter (Bush and David Gregory in particular going at it). That sure changed, didn't it? And Bush called only on major, mainstream print and television journalists – there were no internet correspondents.
I should add that I think there are sound reasons why Obama might prefer a more diverse set of questioners, and why we, as a viewing audience, also benefit from hearing a slightly different set of issues addressed. But I also wonder if it affected the substance, and even the quality, of the questions he received… thoughts?
By the way, Jack Goodman (via Chuck Todd) provides an explanation for the clear discomfort I noted last night with Obama as he read his opening statement from the teleprompter – see Jack's comments from the previous post.


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The Chainsmokers may be turning heads by showing up at proms around the country, but Drake may have one-upped them Saturday night (May 13) by dropping in unannounced to a prom at Fairley High School in Toronto, Ontario.
Drizzy was there to chaperone his second cousin Jalaah Moore and her prom date and although he didn't take the stage and perform, he ordered the couple a white Rolls Royce for the night and threw a party for Moore and 400 of her classmates at the local Hard Rock.
"Best Day Everrrr," Drake posted on social media in a pic that depicted the star posing with the snazzily dressed couple.

subset: commoncrawl


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Many astronomers regard Jupiter as Earth's bodyguard, diligently attracting and smashing foreign bodies that could collide with Earth. But new simulations suggest that Jupiter's role in the solar system may not be so beneficial. In fact, the gas giant may just have it in for the inner planets, including our own.The traditional theory has been that comets and other debris get caught in Jupiter's gravity well and neutralized by the immense planet. But that theory has come under fire in the past year, and new simulations indicate that Jupiter's gravitational field could be doing more harm than good:
Using a model of some 40,000 planetesimals, Kevin Grazier of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., and his colleagues found that debris in the outer solar system initially had circular orbits and posed no threat to Earth or the other inner planets early in the history of the solar system. But the researchers showed that, through a series of close gravitational encounters with the outer planets, especially Jupiter, the objects assumed more elongated orbits and were handed down to the inner solar system.
In the simulation, Jupiter was responsible for most of the debris that entered in the inner solar system. And, dinosaur-killing comets aside, such debris may have had an impact on the development of our planet:
Not all of the bullets were destructive, Grazier emphasizes. Some of the material that had been delivered to Earth from the outer solar system contained water and other compounds that could have helped life to gain a foothold.


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5 drones and 4 stops, play different banks of reeds. Mechanical coupler (plays 2 octaves with one stroke). Fixed keyboard, integral bellows, and dozens of sound combinations. Finish color and decoration style may vary from photo. The Harmoniums are not meant to be played in concert like a mini organ. This is instrument was introduced to India by the British. It has been embraced and is now a truly Indian instrument used as accompaniment in devotional songs. The reeds in the harmonium are tuned to sound well together, not necessarily with other instruments. As such they are not in concert pitch and are not meat to be. As with many Indian instruments the key for the music is selected to best suite the vocals, or to set a mood. Traditionally, Harmoniums are usually higher pitched if compared to the Western Scale. Harmonium tuning does not reflect the Western Scale and is not meant to. DISCLAIMER: Shellac is very impressionable, no pun intended. During the long transportation from India the shellac finish becomes marred by the packing materials. These impressions are superficial and cosmetic. Impressions on the finish do not affect the playability or sound. Therefore we do not consider such impressions as blemishes or defects.
Product Features
- India


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A Key Myth That Drives Bad Policy: Stronger IP Laws Mean More Creativity
from the debunk-it deptArs Technica has an article highlighting Rep. Marsha Blackburn's "conservative tech policy goals," which has a heavy focus on ramping up intellectual property laws and enforcement. Of course, I don't see how that's any different than the "liberal tech policy" these days. Of course, this reinforces the general point that intellectual property issues are not partisan, as both major parties seem to be beholden to the interests of those who abuse IP laws.
However, as Ars demonstrates, Blackburn makes a fundamental economic fallacy in her reasoning -- and it's this fallacy that seems to be made over and over again in debates about intellectual property:
Proposition 1: The ascendant economic sector is the Creative EconomyThe mistake is thinking that "intellectual property laws" are the same as creative output. It's a nefarious fallacy that we see all the time. It leads to the false claim that "more IP = more creative economy." And yet, the final point in the list kind of highlights the fallacy. In fact, studies that looked into the reasons why creativity has thrived online found that it was often the absence of strict IP enforcement that resulted in such a free and open marketplace.
Proposition 2: The primary commodity in this economy is intellectual property.
Proposition 3: The Creative Economy thrives online, in what is a unique, prosperous, and until recently free marketplace.
Furthermore, the whole basis of this line of thinking is to ignore that much of what has made the internet valuable is not that it's a broadcast medium for professional content, but that it's a communications medium, built around sharing content and speech. As Ars properly notes:
It results in a view of tech policy that is all about increasing the protection for intellectual property with little concern for the important connectivity, civic participation, and access to knowledge the Internet also provides--think e-mail, the robust political debate at online blogs, and Wikipedia, none of which need "stronger" IP protections.It's really quite unfortunate that so many of our elected officials, no matter what their political party, seem to have fallen for the same fallacy, that seeks to turn the internet into the next version of television, rather than focusing on what the internet actually does well.
Filed Under: economics, economy, intellectual property, marsha blackburn


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As all Star Wars fan should know by now, there is an upcoming Clone Wars animated movie coming to theaters August 15. Along with the TV show which will be released afterwards, a new line of figures has come out today, July 26. Among the animated Clone Wars figures are a line of 'Legacy Collection' figures that are from the entire Star Wars saga and Expanded Universe. Thankfully, Boba Fett was not forgotten.
First up is a Battle at the Sarlacc playset. This playset is centered around the scene at the Sarlacc pit in Return of the Jedi and comes with a Boba Fett figure to, unfortunately, re-enact his 'death' (We all know he escapes, no one deny it or suffer the wrath of the almighty Fett Fan).
Next is a Boba Fett 'Galactic Heroes' figure that comes with another Sarlacc set.
They have also re-released the Fett Legacy pack which now has the Boba figure with the correct decals painted on with Jango and Mandalore the Indomidable in new packaging that matches the white and blue packaging of the new Clone Wars figures.
There are also a number of Mandalorian figures as well as a certain Boba Fett impersonator.


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A-B Split(redirected from A-B Testing)
A-B Split
A way to test the effectiveness of direct contact marketing. In an A-B split, the marketer will send, for example, different types of direct mail pieces to potential customers. For instance, it may send two sets of direct mail with different images, wording, or even colors. The marketer will determine which direct mail grouping receives the highest response rate and begin to concentrate its direct mail efforts on that grouping. An A-B split is used in a variety of different media, including banner ads, e-mails, and landing pages. It is also called A-B testing.


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Your Iowa guide to premier bed and breakfasts, guest cabins, farm houses, farm stays, hunting lodges, elegant private suites, getaway cottages, and other unique types of lodging accommodations across the state of IA.
The premier Bed and Breakfast Association of Iowa invites
The bed and breakfast Inns pictured on our Web site radiate the unique style of the innkeeper, the Top Quality* standards of IBBIA membership, and inviting hospitality. Stays that are comfortable, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Iowa offers wonderful tourism experiences and travelers can choose lodging at nearby bed and breakfasts offering a variety of settings, interesting architectural styles, and nearby activities.
We offer romantic getaways, farm stays, rustic retreats, historic homes and hotels. We know you will fall in love with Iowa at a member Bed and Breakfast. We even have a restored grist mill member where you can watch the old mill creek tumble down the limestone ledges as it makes its way to Potter's Mill and the Mississippi River. All of our members are inspected and approved. We trust that your visit will bring you back again and again to the never-ending beauty of Iowa.
|Return to Home Page
Copyright 2014 - 2018 Iowa Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers Association ~ All Rights Reserved
Website design by AmeliaPainter.com Copywriting by Amelia Painter


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The world depends on mariners. Mariners depend on SCI. And we depend on you.
Photos of chaplains, staff, visitors at the International Maritime Center in the Port of Oakland and vessels and port scenes, taken December 2011.
Photos by the Rev. David Rider, President and Executive Director.
SCI maintains a staff of professional chaplains with interfaith and cross-cultural backgrounds. Chaplains and volunteers assist thousands each year, extending a hand of friendship and hospitality.


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There is no reason to get easily flustered in the Polo Sedan. Because it has more assistants on board than ever before. But no matter how relaxed you are on the road: it will impress you again and again.
Every Volkswagen is characterised by high-quality equipment and clear design vocabulary. Numerous individualisation options also allow you to create your very own personal Polo. You will be amazed how much choice you have.
Whether you need to make a call while driving, require current traffic information, want to reach your destination using the navigation system or simply want to listen to your own music – your Polo offers various possibilities for using modern technology easily and in an uncomplicated way.
The intelligent driver assistance systems in your Polo ensure more driving comfort and can help you deal with critical situations very well or even avoid them. Even if you only notice this technology on rare occasions, it feels good to know that it is there.
The modern engine technology in your Polo is characterised by economy, high torque and power. It is exactly right for you if you like driving and drive a lot, but still want to keep your consumption down.
Make yourself comfortable in your Polo. Its extensive basic equipment, the uncomplicated handling and many convenient extras ensure that you can enjoy every day with it in a very relaxed way.


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Trying out the new blog…
As many of you know, we've crossed over to WordPress for the MLBlogs group, so this is a test to make sure I'm posting correctly.
Hopefully the new format will make things better for all of you…please bear with me as I learn the new tools.
339 Comments
Josh – We love it!!! Thanks!!!
Well, we can put this one in the "you can't win them all category." Just think, the worst we can do is tie this series.
Andre seems to be getting settled in now, which is a good sign for him.
Jhall – if we can get the win tomorrow with Kuroda, it will be a very good thing.
I guess I got the last couple of post from the other thread but I was saying. Oh come on I was happy he made the team and work his butt off in ST but maybe he need more time. Dejesus should had drop that on purpose to get the dp.
Cain vs us 0-8 now 3-8 and winning the last 3 games. I guess Lopez isn't with the club today because of the death.
Wow I love when the coach and homeplate ump discuss the bark.
WTG 1st career hit for Gimenez.
I know its good to be optimistic at the beginning of the season but I just can't see this team scoring many runs. I mean there's no power in the lineup
Well enjoy all your runs today but this might felt bad for Zito since he doesn't get any runs support.
Josh, we are all getting used to this new blog format. When you learn all the new tools let me know!
No need to burn the bullpen out take one for the team Cormier.
Oh god don't show that on fox and Karros mention the Cubs.
lol AJ Ellis is warming up to pitch hahaha.
Just got home and WHAT IS UP WITH THIS GAME! WELL I'm glad my daugthers Softball's team WON! The Huskies beat the Bulldogs!
It will better tomorrow Dodger fans. We have Zito tomorrow, and we generally do well against him.
Glad to see Andre go 3 for 4.
He will come around, MR. WALK-OFF will be back soon!
Let's hope the boys can muster some offense tomorrow. Have a great rest of the day.
They can do this….LET'S GO DODGERS!
lol in KC they had 17,328 (45.4% full) – % is based on regular season capacity
After a blowout lost or win they go back to scoring 2 to 3 runs the next game.
40,809 (72.9% full) – % is based on regular season capacity
Zito Career vs. LAD 19 19 6 8 0 0 0 0 0 120.0 104 52 51 11 39 91 3.83 1.19 .239
Of course I had this game as a lost and the Cain games as a win because we always do well against him despite those 2 wins he had last year. Zito numbers aren't that bad vs us because he has been pitching well vs us.
There is no way that there was 40,000 people there today. Maybe last night but not today.
Very true Jhall!!
Hey, I created this image from a notepad so I could show how to use the HTML tags, as they should be typed.
To preview your html BEFORE you post, there are two ways:
1.) Type your post in notepad, save it as a ".html" file, and open the file in your browser
2.) NOTE: can be unsafe type "preview HTML" in a Google search, and find a site where you can preview HTML. The caveat is that you don't know who runs these sites, or if/what they're putting on your computer, so tread carefully if you do this.
Hope this helps.
NOTE: That link will take you to a page where the image is shrunk. CLICK THIS LINK to see the image full size.
Wow I can't believe we almost had 2 no hitter Kyle Drabek was part of that Halladay trade for the Blue Jays had a no hitter through 6th I think before that was broken up and Tillman had one through 6 but of course pitch count ruining that
Baltimore Orioles
Pitchers IP H R ER BB SO HR PC-ST ERA
C Tillman 6.0 0 0 0 3 5 0 101-58 0.00
J Accardo 1.0 2 0 0 1 0 0 18-10 0.00
M Gonzalez 0.1 0 1 1 2 0 0 15-5 27.00
K Uehara 0.2 1 0 0 0 1 0 8-7 0.00
Totals 8.0 3 1 1 6 6 0 142-80
Game Notes ORIOLES STARTING PITCHER CHRIS TILLMAN DID NOT ALLOW A HIT THROUGH HIS SIX INNINGS. HE WAS REPLACED BY JEREMY ACCARDO TO START THE SEVENTH.
Wow Beltre GS against his former team lol.
That probably help with them coming late and like I said I wasn't shocked at all.
Maybe we can't tell just by looking at the TV and have to be there in person.
lol you leave the game because of PC with a no hitter intact through 6th and your team can't scored that would make anyone SP mad.
TB Attendance 22,164 (61.5% full) – % is based on regular season capacity
Today's lesson: Becareful what you wish for. 😐
That we give the visiting team a chance to have batting practice on the Dodgers behalf 🙂
There are way too many days that it wouldn't matter if it was Don Drysdale out there or Don Knotts, this team still couldn't put any runs on the board.
Wow ! a new flexible blog or what? Hi ITD the season has started! and taking 2 from the the WS champs is 2X what I thought the boys in blue would do. So lets make it 3 and forget today.
Hello ITDers! I'm glad to see a better blogging tool.
Tough outing for Lilly today but he will be fine.
I am saddened to hear about how low life Dodger fans think they can go berserk at the stadium. It is beyond my comprehension to think how it would be to attend a game with my family and end up in critical condition in the hospital. Those animals responsible for the attack should be severely dealt with.
Josh, if it's not too much trouble, could you please post how to work with the new tools. I've been trying to post a gravatar and I'm SO lost! Many thanks!!
Sparkle, go to Gravatar's site. You'll have to register your e-mail with them, it'd have to be the same one you use to log in here. Then you can upload a photo (or photos) to use as your avatar.
Hope that helps
Why are all the comments bold?
More bugs, but at least this season the changes are worth it.
Looking for a way to delete a post…
Northstateblues – Is it possible for the parts that are bold right now is due to the fact that someone did not close with a hashtag?
It could be, Nelly… I'll try something, but it probably won't work.
Morning all. Better luck today.
Good Morning Everybody…It looks like we are all makeing bold statements now.
Were gonna have days like yesterday, let's bounce back tonight!
Have a Wonderful Sunday, enjoy the game this evening and GO DODGERS!!
Just think – all the experts said over and over again all off season how Boston was going to dominate. Well, they are 0-2 because Texas has handed their assses to them so far this season. Thank goodness we actual have to play the games or the Yankees and the Red Sox would have perfect records and one of them would be winning the World Series every year.
Hi Everybody
It's good to see the Dodgers are still over .500.
Ah just joking HaHa
I just notice Kemp was at Staple Center last night I guess to watch Blake Griffin.
2010 attendance for 3 games – 140,318
2011 attendance for 3 games – 141,643
First 3 games at Dodger Stadium in 2010: vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks.
First 3 games at Dodger Stadium in 2011: vs. the World Champ Hated Giants.
Just wait, ESPECIALLY as McCourt's brush-off of the events of March 31st generate more rage.
That's the only way to get rid of the owner, tru. The only way. Unfortunately, they report the tickets sold number, not the turnstiles. In fact, they don't even have turnstiles any more, do they? A season-ticket holder can miss every game, but the count won't care.
This bold thing kinda sucks.
Wow, 'tis a bold world, isn't it?
I was just thinking what other manager gives some of his regulars off after 2 games? They're off tomorrow, so you mean they couldn't play in 4 straight games after a whole 6 months of rest? Why doesn't Donnie send them all on a 2 week vacation to the Bahamas after they play 2 games? The other thing I've been thinking is if McCourt is serious and feels bad about what happened in the parking lot the other night, why doesn't he offer a reward for info leading to the arrest and conviction of those thugs? After all it's true he might have to skip paying his hair stylist for a week, but I think it might be a classy thing to do.
Judging from his brush-off statements, McCourt won't do it because it IS the classy thing to do.
If he continues sitting on his hands, what else could be the summation?
I hired Donnie because he works cheap, and could care less about actually winning.
I surely hope no one get stab at that tough Lakers lose.
The way I'm seeing Donnie operate both in ST and the first 3 games, its like a little league manager making sure everybody gets to play.
Good Evening Everyone…………..
'Bout time for Ned to call out Kemp again.
Good evening all!
Let's hope they make it 3 out of 4 against the Giants tonight!
What's up with the bold print? Seems to make it like I'm screaming my posts……..
I know I'm late but….. WAY TO GO MATTHEW RYAN KEMP!!!!!
Kuroda better start getting his pitches down or he's going to get hit hard pretty soon.
Glad to have Uribe back!!!
Hey vl/jj – welcome back!!!!
Good to see VL back! I noticed "good" swood was back the other day as well. Nice to see some old names come around.
Thanks tru & nells. Great to be back with a more positive & hopefull outlook for this season versus the mess from last year. I notice the Dodger website home page had changed with no direct link to ITD. I had to look harder to find it.
Hey enchanted! You still in Cruces? I'm still here in the left armpit of west Texas(Odessa) trying to enjoy the drought & wild fires today..
No. I'm actually in Mariposa CA now.
Wow! Pretty rare hearing of anyone moving to Cali these days with so many leaving. That's a nice area to live in, but far from the ravine to see home games.
Why is it this team (and last year's) has one good inning, then goes in the tank? They've got Zito looking all world now.
Okay – who heard the public service announcement on the radio about keeping the rivalry on the field? Good try Frank, but that won't fix the problem.
But you can't try to fix it any cheaper.
Well done Frank. Now go and get that haircut.
Freakin' pathetic.
Both Frank and this offense.
If Blake was healthy & playing, I think he makes that play.
Kuroda sure doesn't look like he's given the same strike zone as Zito.
As far as the violence goes between the fans, I sure hope it doesn't get like it was at the Colliseum the last couple of years the Raiders were there. Some of those escapades there got downright scary.
I have to agree with you on that!
Great at-bat Andre!!!
RUH ROH! Not good!
I know I'm late but I still hate infield single with 2 outs to the other team and they got 3 hits to produce that 1 run as I type this than Burrell hit another one of those later inning HR.
I hate when there starting pitcher get off the hook.
What's unacceptible it that three of the first four batters get hits, and not one since against Barry Zito. BARRY ZITO!!!
Nice start Loney.
Anyone else glad that we don't have to listen to Joe Morgan? LMAO!
lol should we adopt the touture liek the Giants did last year hahahaha
WOO HOO!! I'm thinking Huff is missing playing first right now!
Wow Thames nice going don't waste that runner on 3rd with 1 out.
lol suicide squeeze would be nice with Gwynn on 3rd.
Way to go Marcus, James and Aaron!!!!
Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Miles
Way to go Raffy!!!!
Hey Nelly who's that on your avatar?
Andre Everett Ethier 🙂
Glad to have Lopes back in Dodger Blue! Could play a HUGE factor this season with ALOT less base running blunders. Condolences to his family.
Alright Andre!!!! THAT's my Andre!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Let's see a shutdown inning.
Wow the Indians is the 1st team to turned a TP this season? That's too early and I bet that would be the last one this season lol.
They are no Vin Scully, but this group of commentators is a huge improvement over Joe Morgan. Other than being a gnat announcer, I didn't mind Jon Miller so much, but Joe Morgan needed to go. This group doesn't talk to us like we are idiots, and I appreciate that.
I guess I was asking for too much.
I hate when Kuo come out of game.
Geez you could've had let Kuo do that lol
Why the hell didn't you let Kuo my gosh?
WHEW!! Got nervous there for a bit walking in a run…..
I heard that!! It was very nice to hear opposed to Charlie who doesn't appear to like him at all.
I see Guerrier is another fine Ned pick-up. Glad we have his expertise out of the bully for the next three years.
I am not so sure they didn't pitch around Belt, with the thinking it's better off to walk in a run versus a grand slam over the center field wall. Just wondering…..
Possible, but I really wasn't impressed by Guerrier all through ST. Certainly don't see why they gave a middle reliever $12mil for three years. He's not even close to being a substitute closer either.
I don't remember him much from spring training, but you are right. That is too much money to spend on him.
Thanks gosh Tejada bail us out but that suck for Kuo that he's going to be charged an 1 ER's.
Can we just clone Kuo and if one get hurt we have more then 1 of him.
At least Donny is fast to pulled Kuo when he get to 20+ pitches dang you Sanchez.
Shut em down Brox!
Wow terrible I just seen the play by play on that TP.
Justin Masterson pitching for Cleveland CHW CLE
C Quentin walked. 1 0
A Pierzynski singled to center, C Quentin to second. 1 0
A Ramirez bunt popped into triple play, first to second to shortstop, A Pierzynski out at first, C Quentin out at second.
Thing like that should never happen. I bet Gullen was mad.
Let's Go Brox!!!!
CRAP!!! Deja Vu all over again!
Geez here we go again.
I'm of the opinion that Broxton's done.
What the heck yahoo have Broxton at 300 pounds blah and where did yahoo get there information from?
I don't want to see any more Sanchez after tonight.
Wow!!! Once again, Back to your regularly scheduled breathing – sigh 🙂
Seems to always be nail biting time anymore when Brox comes in to close. I'm not liking what I'm seeing so far this season. 3 of 4 from the Giants is a good start though. 🙂
Way To Go Boy's!!
3 Down! Pass the flask!!
It's Soulshine Time!!
97 to go until Fall!!
That ought to take a little luster off their opening day ceremonies up in Frisco.
Whatever happened to that Beat L.A. banner thing their fans were going to do here on opening day?
3 of 4 from the WS Champs is great. Brox scares me, but if its nerves we both had it tonight! Furcal! Kemp! Pass it around. Go Dodgers! Loved the interview with Lasorda!
MLB – Broxton vs Giants
Jonathan Broxton has allowed 25 home runs in his career, 7 of them to Giants hitters. That's 28 percent of his home runs allowed to a team against who he's thrown just over 9 percent of his innings.
Don't let's him pitch vs the Giants.
🙂 🙂 🙂
🙂 🙂 🙂 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54
55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71
72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88
89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 Soulshine Time!!!
I've got to say, I like it D4 !!
Thanks E 😀
If I remember correctly "our" banner said, "LA – 5, SF – 1″ or something to that effect.
2010 attendance, 4 games = 189,637
2011 attendance, 4 games = 192,539
Yes, I know it's against the <abbr title"">losers this year and not AZ, but it still sucks. Let's all hope people start staying home soon.
ok, that didn't work at all……
Interesting that running the cursor over "gnats" from my home computer shows the "loser" I intended, but when I do it from work – nothing happens. Maybe it's my boss telling me to get back to work. 🙂
Much better.
Mine shows loser at work too – LOL!! 🙂
We shall see how this team fares under Mattingley and Lopes. McCourt doesn't exist for me. It's Dodger season!
Hi all! I hope everybody is well. I was busy today so I only saw a few of the later innings. Nice to get a win. Funny to hear my Giant friends complain about the broadcasters tonight — they were missing Miller & Morgan. They finally got to hear some announcers not gush about everyone of their players.
Tru — I like your new Avatar photo! You look like you've been hittin the gym! 😉 Keep up the hard work!
I missed most of the postgame stuff here as I had our 1st game tonight. Buoy these bones are getting old. Not used to running the bases. I'm going to be hurtin tomorrow but we got the W so all is great!
Take care & go Blue!!
D4 — I love your countdown thingy — Cool!!
I missed the conversation about the Dodger win total this year — I'm going with 83.
Thanks Collie! I am glad your team, got the "W"! Way to Go!!
Good Morning ITD, Dodger Faithful and Our Boy's in Blue…
I must say, Winning is Fun!!
Enjoy your Monday….Keep Thinking Blue!!!
Is easier to post comment from my phone now with this new blog application. Just caught up with all the comments on my train commute. Glad the team is off. Need a break after attending all 5 games at home. Will be in san Diego sat & sun. Anyone here going?
Looks like my avatar isn't working.
I'm glad that the Dodgers finally thought it appropriate to put up a reward for any info leading to the arrest and conviction of those things that beat up the Giant fan. But don't you think 10 grand is a bit low? Just like McCourt to cheap out on something, I guess he needs his money to buy new shoes or something important.
I don't like to kid about something this serious, but this shows the depth of my dislike for the owner.
I wouldn't doubt that he tries to spread out the money over 5 years……
I heard someone on the radio yesterday give out a great idea. We all know that the organization is in great denial over the skunk problem in Dodger Stadium. I challenge Dodger Management to stick their staffers in the crowd the next time the gnats come to town. And make 'em wear gnat gear. Then maybe they'll see what it's like.
With so many people around, I imagine, how someone did not snap of picture of those two criminals?
Yesterday my friend was snapping picures of a Giant fan who was taunting Dodger fans with his Giant World Series flag, she was zooming on the guy when he was being escorted from his seat when she spotted another Giant fan with a flask on his lap pouring liquor into his cup. She snapped the pic and was showing it to us. A friend that was standing in back of us (we sit in the last row), told a security lady about the pic. She came over to look at the pic and she and another security guy went over to the guy and escorted him out. She is good with her pictures.
Speaking from personal experience on this issue, I have been to both ballparks with my family, who if you are reading this blog for the first time, are half gnat fans and half Dodgers fans. There is a lot of healthy rivalry and some over the top taunting at both ballparks, but living up here I don't think I have ever heard of a fan of another team being hospitalized over wearing the visiting colors. I will definitely be paying more attention to this issue because it is very disturbing indeed, especially knowing this Giants fan seemed like a pretty normal guy. I am hoping whoever did this is found.
……..and punished to the fullest extent of the law. And let's hope that there aren't any criminals up there as big as the criminals we have down here that will be looking for retribution come Monday.
I am a little concerned about retaliation as well. Let's hope that doesn't happen, or it could be a very bad thing for both teams and the fans that are from the visiting team.
So today that my kids have no games and no practices there is no Dodger Game….this just sucks!
Ah, CRAP!
DANCING WITH THE STARS is on Tonight!….Sorry but this season is interesting…LOVE IT!🙂
Why are we all BOLD!
I think pretty much everybody knows my feelings about the security issue at Dodger Stadium.
I still feel years later that nothing has changed. This isn't an isolated incident. For McCourt to say so is BS. Maybe to the degree that this person was injured but not the fighting and people who are there to cause problems. These people could be taken care of if Frank was serious about it. I won't go into my ideas again as it doesn't really matter. I think i have some great ideas on how to get it so these people realize they aren't allowed in Dodger stadium — at least until they learn how to properly respect others. Deaf ears is where it lies.
Frank can choose — is he going to continue to let these people in because they buy lots of beer – or is he going to get serious & honest with himself & the fans and get them out? The latter would to me be the wise choice — many honest ethical people stay away because of these punks – they would probably come back with their famalies if the punks were gone. Then their kids would grow up loving baseball & the Dodgers and the next generation would be built.
As i have before, I challenge Frank to do something. This isn't just embarrasing it's plain & simple wrong…
Good afternoon ITD boys and girls!
Well, that was nice to see last night. 2011 Dodger record when I go to the game: 2 wins, 0 losses!!! We saw that PSA at the stadium last night. A nice piece, but it's gonna take A LOT MORE than that to solve the problem. My husband even came up with a good idea: How about have undercover officers at the game? And in the visitor's jersey and in Dodger jerseys. I mean these idiots just see one jersey or another and react according to their feeble little minds. I'd like to see them do that to an undercover officer and get arrested on the spot! I think that'll help curtail these incidents. I mean, I've been to the stadium enough times to know that it's just not those in Giant uniforms that's the problem. I see and hear the same idiotic behavior towards Cubs and Angels fans. A couple of years ago we went to a Cubs game at Dodger stadium with a good family friend who is a lifelong Cubs fan, and wore the Cubs' jersey proudly. Now Judy is a sweet, 70 year old woman who wouldn't hurt a fly. The Cubs lost that game and when we were leaving, some jerk Dodger fans came up and were screaming in Judy's face. This is more than unacceptable (sorry for treading on the trademark).
Oh, and one more thing. You think Thursday night was bad, I shutter to think what's going to happen on those ½ price food and drink games. Oh, and if you don't know, ½ price ALSO APPLIES TO BEER SALES
CP – you are right!! It doesn't just apply to Giants fans. I was at Dodgers Stadium during a Padres game, and it wasn't much better how they were treating their fans either.
About the only one who doesn't see the problem is the owner: the rest of us can see just fine.
What happened to the supposed ex-Secret Service agent they hired 2-3 years back? Wasn't that supposed to solve the problem?
And $10000 reward (I assume offered by the city, not Frank) is like you or me taking a dollar out of our wallets and offering as a reward. Its just another embarrassment to this franchise.
But I'm SO happy that other than that little incident it didn't spoil Frank's perfect opening day.
It didn't spoil his opening day, but think about what it did to that poor Giants fan and his family, friends and co-workers 😦
Let them eat cake: that's the owner's motto.
Dodgereric – I am not sure what provoked this, but the person who is lying in the hospital in an induced coma could have just as easily been my son or husband. Michael has never been known to be a quiet Giants fan, and so even if this guy said a few things about his team or ours, it certainly isn't any reason to send a fan to the hospital.
Very true Junie. And it could be me when I wear Buckner's 22 in Anaheim or San Diego or my King's jersey when I go to whatever they call The Pond these days.
At the worst, these felons are depriving us of our health and happiness. And at the least, of enjoying our God-given rights as Americans. But they don't care about any of that. They're just urinating around what they perceive to be their territory. I'd call them "dogs", but I love dogs too much.
I agree completely, and yes, Lucy and Shadow would be offended if you called these people dogs. We love them too much to make that comparison 🙂
Frank's attitude just reminds me of that old poor joke "Other than that how did you enjoy the play, Mrs. Lincoln". And the $10,000 reward was not established by Frank or on behalf of the Dodgers – it was established by one of LA City's councilmen. Frank's attorneys no doubt don't want to infer any liability in case of a lawsuit, which I hope tries to take him for many millions that he hasn't got.
SELL THE TEAM, Frank while the public image is right.
Once again situational hitting has left the group. When was the last time we had a base hit when we needed it? AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!!! Quit swinging for the fences and hit a pitching wedge in right center and score some runs!!!!!


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Aqib Talib always seemed to show up in the wrong place during his four-plus seasons in Tampa Bay. But he has been right where he's supposed to be this week — at work. "Just trying to catch him up," coach Bill Belichick said yesterday of the troubled/talented cornerback, whom the Patriots acquired in a trade with the Buccaneers on Nov. 1.
Aqib Talib always seemed to show up in the wrong place during his four-plus seasons in Tampa Bay. But he has been right where he's supposed to be this week — at work.
"Just trying to catch him up," coach Bill Belichick said yesterday of the troubled/talented cornerback, whom the Patriots acquired in a trade with the Buccaneers on Nov. 1. "He's been here every day. This is three days in a row he's been in here early, working hard and trying to get caught up."
Talib has a lengthy rap sheet, the latest entry being a four-game suspension by the league for violating its substance-abuse policy. That ended Sunday.
The Patriots firmly believe Talib will blend into the way of doing things around here, meaning he'll stay out of trouble both on and off the field.
"Well, any player that we bring here, we feel confident in bringing here or we wouldn't bring him," Belichick said while declining to reveal what he and Talib might have talked about with regard to the player's checkered past.
"Any conversations I have with a player are between myself and the player. They're private."
Talib's new teammates had nothing but good things to say following their first practice with him.
"I'm happy he's part of this team, happy he's a Patriot," special teams captain Matthew Slater said. "He's a very talented young man, and I hope he puts those talents to use. I think he's working hard and trying to do the right thing."
Added safety Steve Gregory: "He's doing great, just trying to learn everything. We're bringing him along, helping him learn this defense, and we'll see where it goes."
Talib, who has been issued uniform No. 31, is expected to meet with the media today.
The Patriots received a one-week roster exemption for Talib that expires Monday. They used the bonus 54th spot to sign third-year guard Mitch Petrus on Tuesday.
"We played against him when he was with the Giants and did some work on him when he was coming out," Belichick said. "We felt we could use a little more depth at that position."
Starting guards Logan Mankins (ankle/calf) and Dan Connolly (back) left last week's game against the Bills and didn't return. Neither practiced yesterday.
"I'm fortunate to be going from one great team to another, that's for sure," Petrus said. "So I'm definitely happy with the situation I'm in."
Petrus, who'll wear No. 67, was active for all four playoff games last season as the Giants defeated the Patriots in the Super Bowl. He said he left his championship ring at home — wise decision — "but I'm trying to get another one."
The Indianapolis Colts aren't bothering with the head games in advance of Sunday's game here, already ruling out two starters in rookie tight end Coby Fleener (shoulder) and veteran cornerback Vontae Davis (knee) due to injury.
Fleener, a teammate of Colts quarterback Andrew Luck at Stanford, has 21 receptions in seven games. He'll be replaced by second-year pro Weslye Saunders, who has one catch.
Darius Butler again will step in for Davis, who played his first two seasons in Miami before being acquired in a trade during the offseason.
Butler, drafted in the second round by the Patriots in 2009, is in his first season with the Colts. He'll be making his second straight start and looking to build off the finest performance of his professional career.
Butler had two interceptions, returning one 51 yards for a touchdown, and recovered a fumble in the Colts' 27-10 win over Jacksonville last week. They were his first picks since his rookie season.
"I'm really pleased that we have him," interim coach Bruce Arians said. "He's a playmaker and had a great game. He's the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, and it builds great confidence for him going up against the challenge he has this week in coming up there."
Shawn Loiseau was excited to be back in the NFL. He was signed to the Colts' eight-man practice squad Tuesday. The team was just as eager to get their first look at the former Shrewsbury High and Merrimack College standout at practice yesterday.
"I know he's a high-energy guy who loves football, and those are the types of guys we like to have," Arians said of the 6-foot, 239-pound Loiseau. "He looks the part, and I'm anxious to see him in pads — we still have a few days left we can actually put pads on in the NFL — and see how it goes. But we're very happy to have him with us."
Receiver Wes Welker (ankle) joined Mankins and Connolly on the sideline for practice. Thirteen players were limited participants. Other than Fleener and Davis, every player practiced for the Colts. … The Patriots rank first in the league with a plus-16 turnover differential. The Colts are tied for 28th at minus-9.


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|Biosequences .. Software .. Molbio soft .. Network News .. FTP
yup. i suspect your MOI is poor (multiplicity of infection). although reserved for viral or phage work, what this means is that your glycerol stock is not 100% recombinant. try growing your bug in 2x antibiotics in LB, then streak out with antibiotics, then repeat the liquid and plate procedure 5 times! make a bunch of gycerol stocks. put some in -20. put some in -80. use only the -20 for a month or so. this is the only way to get reproducible results. i assume you have paid attention to OD, temp, salts, pH, amount of O2, amoutn of CO2, ete etc Jim Bassuk U Washington Seattle On 11 Mar 1998, Henri M.H. Spronk wrote: > We are trying to express a eukaryotic cDNA in a prokaryotic expression > system. The E. coli strain is M15 [pREP4] from QIAgen. The pQE40 expression > vector consist of 6His-mouseDHFR and our cDNA (220 bp). Between the > mouseDHFR and the cDNA we placed a factor Xa-digestion site. In the > beginning we had poor expression. At one moment, however, we obtained very > good expression. We always used the same glycerolstock which is defreezed > before used. So repeated freezing and defreezing of the bacteria seems to > result in better expression. Does anybody understand this? > > After changing the Xa-site (4 aa) into AspPro (2 aa) expression is again > very low. We tried already lower expression temperature and different > incubation times. Repeated freezing and defreezing didn't result in a > better expression. Can someone help us? > > Thanks in advance, > > Henri M.H. Spronk > Department of Biochemistry > University Maastricht > henri.spronk at bioch.unimaas.nl > >


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Thursday, April 19, 2012
DARK SHADOWS' Jonathan Frid (1924-2012)
It was such a full day. A group of our contributors and I spent the day e-mailing one another about DARK SHADOWS, preparing a Round Table Discussion of the classic Dan Curtis series (1966-71) which we intend to accompany VIDEO WATCHDOG 169's coverage of MPI's lavish new box set of the Original Complete Series. Today was the second day of our RTD and the day it caught fire, generating no less than 79 e-mails from a team of seven.
As our furious flurry wound down, I went downstairs to watch another six episodes of DARK SHADOWS, continuing a viewing schedule I've been keeping since late January/early February, during which time I've watched close to 300 episodes. I recently completed the original Barnabas story arc, the one that begins with Willie Loomis releasing him from his coffin in 1966 and ends with Ben Stokes placing the chains and locks on the coffin in 1795, because Barnabas' father couldn't bear to fire a silver bullet into his broken heart to end his deathless torment. There is no other tragedy in the history of horror entertainment that begins to approach it; it is less than 25% of the entire series, but to approach it requires the resolve and fortitude of a mountain climber. It is a journey worth the taking.
But I digress... after I could not bring myself to watch another episode, I came back upstairs, got online, processed a few more late-arriving emails about DARK SHADOWS, then got on Facebook, where I updated my cover photo with a picture of Jonathan Frid sitting next to a graffiti image of his best-loved character, taken from the pages of an old issue of 16 SPECTACULAR... and then the news came, posted by his co-star, his Josette, Kathryn Leigh Scott.
Jonathan Frid died last week, on Friday, April 13, at the age of 87. The news was just released this evening, most likely to protect the privacy of his loved ones.
I need to eulogize him, as I say, but though I have seen hundreds of DARK SHADOWS episodes, I am all too aware that I have seen only a fraction of the Barnabas Collins he portrayed in totality. This fraction, those 250+ episodes, comprise the most three-dimensional vampire in the history of filmed entertainment. We know him both after and before he was cursed. No matter what evil he commits, we fully understand what motivates him; if we cannot sympathize, we cannot help but empathize. We walk beside him as we do with no other monster, because there is real depth and duration in the relationship.
Barnabas was also the first romantic vampire. A lot was written by Hollywood publicity mills in the 1930s about Bela Lugosi's sex appeal, about his brand of vampirism being "the strangest love ever known," but his Count Dracula was portrayed without emotion. To borrow one of Lugosi's great lines from THE RAVEN (1935), Frid's portrayal of Barnabas -- with his serrated bat-wing bangs, oval onyx ring and wolf's head cane -- was that of a monster "with the taint of human emotions." As the series' storyline veered from its REBECCA origins to one closer to VERTIGO, Barnabas recovered from the primal trauma of seeing his beloved Josette fall to her death from Widow's Hill by trying in vain to recast other women in her irretrievable image. When series creator Dan Curtis made DRACULA with Jack Palance, he imposed a similarly romantic storyline on Bram Stoker's novel, and this subsequently inspired Francis Ford Coppola's take on BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA and, more recently, the TWILIGHT series.
Frid created this character in a medium he could scarcely have expected to last: live on videotape, a medium networks were known to erase and reuse. Fortunately, nearly all 1225 episodes of DARK SHADOWS survive in some form or other. In them, given the nature of the medium (which was in essence live theater), you will see Jonathan Frid forget his lines, look for the teleprompter, and fumble his dialogue into amusing Yodaisms, but you will also see hundreds of episodes in which he thrills you, breaks your heart, or chills your blood.
A Canadian stage actor prior to his hiring, specializing in Shakespeare plays and English drawing room comedies, Jonathan Frid brought to DARK SHADOWS a gentlemanly, Old World sensibility that made his portrayal elementally convincing. When Barnabas first arrived in Collinsport, he carried the ancient past with him in a doting attention to language, an appreciation, shall we say, of the niceties. Introduced to governess "Vicky" Winters, who then gave her fuller name of Victoria, he expressed courteous shock that anyone should address such an attractive young woman with any lesser name.
Frid was 42 when he won the role -- about the same age as Boris Karloff when he came down the west coast from Canada, where he had been driving trucks, to win the role of the Monster in James Whale's FRANKENSTEIN (1931). As with Karloff, it was late enough in Frid's life and career for him to appreciate the good fortune it represented, not only to him but to his hard-working fellow cast members. But during his daytime tenure, he also tasted enough of fame to know that it wasn't what made him happiest. After the show's run, a period which also encompassed the feature film HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS (1970), he returned to the stage for the most part, and made the occasional film, like Oliver Stone's Canada-made directorial debut SEIZURE (1974).
Frid and several other cast alumni travelled to London last year, where they filmed cameos for Tim Burton's forthcoming DARK SHADOWS feature. Kathryn Leigh Scott documents the experience in illustrated detail in her new book (co-authored with Jim Pierson) DARK SHADOWS: RETURN TO COLLINWOOD, which includes a Foreword by Jonathan Frid. Last year, he also participated in an audiobook project, DARK SHADOWS: THE NIGHT WHISPERS, which recently won the Rondo Award for Best Horror CD.
In what now amounts to his final public gesture, Frid personally signed 2500 cards that were included in MPI Home Video's coffin-shaped box set DARK SHADOWS THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SERIES, a 133-disc limited edition set that sold out well in advance of its street date. It is the most handsome DVD box set I've ever seen, but -- the next time I reach for a new set of discs -- it's going to be bittersweet to have to open Jonathan's coffin to fetch it! (For those of you who missed obtaining one of your own, an unnumbered, unsigned second edition is being released later this summer.)
There will be much more to say in the pages of VIDEO WATCHDOG 169. For now, join me in extending our fondest farewell to a genuine horror icon.
Posted by Tim Lucas at Thursday, April 19, 2012
Labels: Dark Shadows, Jonathan Frid
Friday, April 13, 2012
The Olympic Swimmer from Planet Ummo
Michael Rennie (right) goes to work on Paul Naschy in ASSIGNMENT TERROR.
Saw an episode of THE PATTY DUKE SHOW this evening called "The Girl From N.E.P.H.E.W." in which Patty's family play host to a debonair guest who works for INTERPOL, whom Patty assumes to be a secret agent. This fellow was played by an actor named Murray Rose, whose distinctive voice sounded weirdly familiar to me. About halfway through the show, I realized where I'd heard him before....
He dubbed Michael Rennie in the Paul Naschy monster rally ASSIGNMENT TERROR (Los monstruos del terror, 1969)!
Rose's IMDb page doesn't show too many screen credits, but his Wikipedia page offers some interesting revelations about the man whose voice issued commands to the Werewolf, the Mummy and, of course, the Faranksellen Monster. However, it won't tell you anything about his dubbing career.
Posted by Tim Lucas at Friday, April 13, 2012
Labels: Assignment Terror, Michael Rennie, Murray Rose, Paul Naschy
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Hell Nah: Nasty Garbage Feces Hoarders House!
Unbelievable video of a hoarders house after the renter moved out. Warning this is a SUPER NASTY gag- reflex inducing video. So if you throw up on your keyboard, don't say I didn't warn you. -chris
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Next Episode of Comedy Lab is
not planed. TV Show was canceled.
Comedy Lab, Channel 4's unique comedy showcase that unearths the stars of the future. Talent previously uncovered by Comedy Lab includes Peter Kay, Jimmy Carr, Dom Joly and Russell Brand. Karl Pilkington is best known for the world-record-breaking podcasts that he does with friends Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.
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Yelawolf recently announced that he's working on his sophomore album Love Story, tentatively set for release this summer. During an interview with InkedMag.com, the Shady Records rapper said that the project will heavily feature production from WillPower and Malay, but remained tight-lipped about the guest artists who contribute to the LP.
"The album is called Love Story and I'll be working with WillPower and Malay, lay money," he revealed. "I'm definitely not going to give up any features that I plan to have on this project. I'm going to keep everything super low key. As far as my crew just the same crew, same as I always do. The focus of the album is the experience since Radioactive and just putting all that into a project."
Catfish Billy also addressed the possibility of his Shady Records boss Eminem participating in the project, but said that nothing has been set in stone.
"Well you know it's Shady Records, and of course that's the homie, so the door is always open. I'm not sure when or if he's going to be available during that time, but I'm positive that we're going to be working together on a project. [I] always keep him in the circle because you know it's important to keep it in the family."
Read the full interview at InkedMag.com.


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For some time I've been thinking that a Keats wiki would be a great addition to the john-keats.com site and its forum. In particular, I see a FAQ for the forum as a crucial component that is currently missing. A Wiki allows any user to edit the page through any browser, and would thus distribute the work load of contributing and editing information in the FAQ.
I guess what I'm asking is: is there insterest and support from the members of this forum to contribute information to a Keats FAQ wiki page? This is the poll question.
And secondly, does anybody here feel comfortable enough with wikis to take on the job of setting one up?
If the answer to the latter turns out to be "no", I could potentially do it myself, although I don't have a lot of expertise in the field, which is why I'm hoping someone with the know-how will feel compelled to volunteer


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21 Nov 2013
I don't know if this is known, but when you create a squad with a / in the name and you try to go to the squad page you get an error, removing the / will fix this and adding the / to the name of an existing squad will also give you the error when going to the squad page
5 Nov 2013
Something that might be interesting and may increase activity are weekly (and monthly) rankings which at the end of the week/month give high ranked players certain prices. Now I know that something like this may encourage noobslaying and because of that I think there should be something(s) that discourage doing so.
I haven't put much thought into this yet, but I think a ranking like this should probably be rated by user rating instead of amount of wins or win rate so that noobslaying won't have as big of an influence on the rankings.
29 Oct 2013
What I'd like to see is an improved forge that can forge multiple items at once (selecting multiple weapons that you all want to become reliable, slim or something else) and/or maybe even combine it with the shop or give it a shop function so you don't have to go shopping first and forging later.
10 Oct 2013
Because OmegaSerra is unable to use skype a lot of the (more text heavy) mentoring will be done over here. For quick and easy communication the shoutbox from this battle will be used.
All mentors may add to this (but please stay on topic).
We will begin by making a team/squad for the purpose of training. Do you want a 6 or 8 unit squad? I think beginning with unpromo builds would be the easiest.
2 Oct 2013
So here's an idea that I'm not to sure about, but I think it should be discussed at least.
What if we could add players to a banlist, every player would have his own banlist and when you go to an other player's profile there would be an option to add them to that banlist. Players on your banlist won't be able to join battles that were started by you.
This could however work against all the decent players if al the newbies just ban us, so if this does get implemented it should probably be after we have more players or there should be something that prevents this from happening. For example a player needs ban points first. Ban points are given to a player by other players, but needs to be approved by a GM.
Tell me your opinion, I'm running out of time to type.
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October 30, 2011 | 11:30AM to 3:00PM
Tickets: $75 a person - www.celebratethecraft.cm
Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery will be participating in Celebrate The Craft for their 9th year in a row. We hope you can join us for this amazing event of food, wine and entertainment.
California is a state rich in extraordinary beauty and agricultural abundance, with a tradition of craft and culinary innovation. That's why gourmets converge each year in beautiful La Jolla, California for a unique celebration of California's beauty, bounty, and craftsmanship.
The ninth annual gathering to "Celebrate the Craft" will take place on Sunday, October 30th at The Lodge at Torrey Pines®. For the past eight years, "Celebrate the Craft" has been one of Southern California's premier showcases for regionally grown ingredients and innovative cooking and winemaking.
As in years past, the celebration featured the finest food artisans from across California's broad culinary spectrum, which demonstrated, discussed, showcased, and tasted their way through the vast array of premium food products available throughout the state. "Celebrate the Craft" delights anyone eager for food prepared with natural ingredients and careful craftsmanship. "The growing season runs year-round in our neck of Southern California, and the local agricultural community takes full advantage, affording us a unique variety of the freshest produce," said Jeff Jackson, Executive Chef at A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines and an innovator of fresh, regional cuisine. "With a daily abundance of fresh food to work with, it's little wonder our local chefs are so creative." The food and wine portion of the festival reaches its peak on Sunday, with a full day of cooking demonstrations by participating chefs from San Diego's premier restaurants.
Growers, vintners, and culinary artisans from some of California's most renowned farms, bakeries, wineries, and confectioners were on hand to share their skill and enthusiasm. The Lodge at Torrey Pines, San Diego's premier Five-Diamond resort, embodies the very best of Pacific Coastal living. Designed in the Arts & Crafts tradition of architects Charles and Henry Greene, The Lodge is a loving homage of California Craftsman architecture, emphasizing authentic materials and craftsmanship, respect for the natural landscape, and integration of indoor and outdoor living.
Copyright 2020 © Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery


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MARIETTA, Ga. - It was an all-Evoshield affair in the 2013 16u WWBA National Championship game at Lassiter High School, as the Evoshield Canes 16u defeated the Evoshield Canes North 16u, 9-7.
The Evoshield Canes jumped out to a 6-0 lead early, scoring two in the top of the first inning and four in the second. But the North capitalized on some Canes miscues and walks to score seven runs in the bottom of the third and take a 7-6 lead. The Canes tied the game up after scoring a run on a wild pitch in the fourth inning. Logan Tolbert started what would be the game-winning rally with a leadoff double in the sixth. He would come around to score and the Canes would plate two in the inning and become 16u WWBA National Champions.
"Every single guy we brought contributed during this week," said Greg Conner, the coach of the Evoshield Canes 16u. "Pitchers pounded the strike zone all week and did a good job. We had timely hitting and different people stepped up all the way along. Today we just found a way to get it done."
The Evoshield Canes 16u finished the tournament with an impressive 12-0 record. They outscored their opponents 92-22 and recorded three shutouts. The team hit for an incredible .327 AVG (99-for-303) with 32 extra-base hits and a .416 on-base percentage.
Pacing the offense was tournament MVP Danny Blair. Blair went 14-for-34 (.412 AVG) with five extra-base hits, five RBI, and a .545 on-base percentage. He collected five multi-hit game, including a 2-for-5 performance with a triple in the championship.
"I came into this tournament prepared," Blair said. I wanted to be ready. It's a long grind -- seven days -- so I just wanted to be prepared."
"We put pressure on the other teams on the bases by hitting the ball in the gaps," Blair said about the team's offensive output in the tournament.
Pitching might have been even more impressive. The pitching staff allowed only eight earned runs in 75 innings pitched, giving them a 0.75 earned run average and a 0.96 WHIP. They were dominant on the mound, collecting 117 strikeouts while surrendering just 38 hits.
"Our pitching staff threw really well this tournament," Blair said. "They really kept us in the ball games and then we came in and hit the ball."
Southpaw Logan Allen was named one of two tournament MVPitchers. The North Carolina kid threw an astonishing ten no-hit innings in the tournament, collecting 21 strikeouts and walking just two batters.
The 6-foot-2 lefty threw a complete game no-hitter in a 6-0 win against Team Citius Washington. He tallied 13 punchouts, throwing 60 of his 84 pitches for strikes. Six of his 13 strikeouts were looking. Allen had six three-up-three-down innings and struck out the side in the third and the seventh inning.
"I didn't quite know it was (a no-hitter) until the last inning when someone mentioned it," said Allen. "It was an exciting feeling and it was good to know that I was a big reason to help my team win."
It may not have been Allen's first no-hitter, but he said it was definitely the biggest stage he's thrown one on.
"I spent a lot of time before the game thinking about what I was coming out to do," Allen said. "Everything kinda went in its place. I didn't wanna let my teammates down."
"I came on the mound knowing I had the best defense behind me. I just came out there, threw strikes, hit my spots, and it all turned out well," Allen said. "I had some amazing plays from our right fielder, Darius (Hill). Yesterday he made a diving catch to help save the game."
Allen, a newer member of the Evoshield Canes organization, said him and his team accomplished exactly what they knew they could accomplish this week.
"We came into this tournament knowing what we had to do and we had the talent to do it. We have the best players around. We have the best coaches around," said Allen. "Some of these guys have been here previous years and the guys that came in, we wanted to win it for 'em."
The Evoshield Canes 16u defeated Elite Baseball Training, 12-4, to advance to the championship game. Hunter Taylor went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored in the game. Hill collected two doubles and two RBI batting in the seventh spot.
"All we wanted to do was come out here and win and, lucky enough, we did that," Allen said.
Their counterpart, the Evoshield Canes North, had an almost equally impressive run at the championship, going 11-0 before falling in the championship game.
They outscored their opponents, 57-25, in their tournament run. The pitching staff threw 84 innings, surrendering just 17 earned runs (1.42 ERA) while posting a 1.10 WHIP.
Connor Eason stood out amongst the star-studded staff, earning two wins on the mound. The southpaw hurled 13 innings without giving up an earned run. He struck out 12 hitters while giving up just four hits and three walks. He was named co-MVPitcher.
Eason threw six shutout innings against the Carolina Cubs 16u Blue on Thursday. He gave up just three hits and struck out seven.
"It was hot. I was sweatin' bullets," Eason said. "I felt like all my stuff was working and I just got through it."
"I have my teammates to thank for everything," Eason said. "(They're the) best defensive team I've been around."
When asked what his approach is on the mound, the young 6-foot-3 lefty gave a big league answer.
"It's different with every different hitter. I'll mix it up as best I can, not throw too many fastballs, and pick at the corners."
Evoshield was well represented in the 2013 16u WWBA National Championship game. The players are appreciative of the program they play for.
"The coaches are amazing – best coaches, I think, in the country," said Blair. "They do a really good job with us. They get us prepared and it showed."
"They brought me in just like the family thing they said it is," Allen said. "It's a fantastic team to play on – some really good guys and amazing ballplayers."
"The best part for me is not only are they really good players, but they're really good kids," Conner said. "I enjoy being around them. They do what you ask. They give you everything they've got and they enjoy playing the game."


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Hi, welcome to Sailor Moon Wiki. Thanks for your edit to the Malachite page.
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Please leave a message on my talk page if I can help with anything! -- GlitterDisaster (Talk) 04:09, 2 October 2011


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Fun Things to Do in Sun Valley Idaho
Sun Valley, also known as the Wood River Valley, consists of the towns of Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley. Founded in the late 1800's as a mining and agricultural center, the area began to achieve national publicity due to the founding of the Sun Valley Resort in 1936.
For more information, visit these websites:
Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce
Hailey Chamber of Commerce
The Sun Valley area averages 330 days of sunshine per year. The average temperature in the summer is 75F, while the average winter temperature is 23F. Average rain is 12 inches per year, average snowfall 150 inches per year.
Click for current local weather information.


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Online course, intended as "a three week mini-course" including 22 videos (about 1.5 hours total), with self-test questions and discussion facilities for asking questions. It is structured into sections on background, further analysis, and underlying theory, with an additional section on banking in Iceland.
Assessment Materials in European Economics
The student handout for a Level 2 Business Studies module in the economics of the European Business Environment includes many past exam and coursework questions.
These interactive multiple choice tests accompany the author's textbook, Macroeconomics: European Approach. A quiz of 10 questions is available for each of the 16 chapters of the book. The tests are marked by JavaScript and use pop up windows to display results.
Course handbook for a level 2 module on the economics of the European Union, as taught by Julian Wells of Goldsmiths College in 2009/10. This course introduces the main economic theories that inform a range of policy debates in the European Union. It includes aims and objectives, an outline of course lectures, reading lists and assessment materials - seminar worksheets, past exams and essay questions.


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When Toyohiko Kagawa was asked to come and speak to the seminarians at Princeton–one of his alma maters–he went willingly and eagerly. Toyohiko had been displeased with much of his own seminary experience because he found that the students there were far more interested in arguments, rhetoric, persuasion, and the fine points of doctrine and textual study. He repeatedly begged them simply to live out what Jesus had taught in the parable of the Good Samaritan. He knew he was asking for much of the seminarians but he hoped that they would–as far as people go–be the most likely to answer a call to genuinely and sincerely practiced allegiance to Jesus as Lord and Savior. When he finished speaking to the assembled Princetonians he accepted some questions and then dismissed them quietly and gathered his things from the podium. As he was doing so, two of the seminarians turned to each other in their seats and discussed his lecture.
One insisted that it had not been quite what they had expected from a man who was so well respected around the seminary. Turning to his friend, he quipped, "He didn't have much to say, did he?"They shared their own little laugh knowing that they were better educated than Toyohiko but not knowing that they were still fools. Both of them had heard of his background and how he had been the illegitimate child of a powerful Japanese man and a geisha. He was hated by his mother and liked by his father but soon both his mother and father had died and he was orphaned. He was given over as the ward of the widowed wife of his father. She and her mother struggled not to resent little Toyohiko because it had not been his decision to be a child of infidelity but they failed in their struggle and Toyohiko knew he was hated by them. They sent him away to a boarding school. He began attending a bible study given by a Christian minister so that he could learn and practice his English. Yet while he was learning the language, he was hearing and considering the truths and teachings of the Faith of the minister. When he was a teenager, he converted to the Christian Faith that had gripped him by the heart over a long time of reflection and meditation. Soon after this conversion he knew clearly that he would be a minister of the Gospel that had spoken to him when he had walked in darkness, desperation, and death.
Though they didn't seem to prize it, those two young seminarians knew that after receiving more education in preparation for the calling he was already living into, Toyohiko had stepped out in faith and moved into the Shinkawa district of Kobe. These slums were some of the worst–if not the absolute worst–in all of Japan. He lived in a three-walled dwelling so filthy and small (only six feet wide by six feet long) that it would be an overstatement to call it a shack. For nearly fifteen years he tended to the sick, suffering, hungry, poor, and dying in Shinkawa. Toyohiko was able to make a little money (not nearly as much as he would have been able to if he had moved out of Shinkawa, though) but he spent it all on medicine, food, and clothing for those who came to him asking for it. He was regularly abused and beaten for his love and compassion. At one point, a band of thugs accosted him knowing him as an "easy mark" who would give over anything to them not out of fear but out of love. They demanded his clothing and mentioned that they knew he was a Christian. He took off his clothing and handed it over to the criminals and they walked away with filthy rags and an increasing awareness of the goodness of Toyohiko's God and their own inherent sinfulness shown by their willingness to beat and strip a poor and loving man in the slums.
Those two young seminarians probably had no idea that Toyohiko had spent nearly every night for nearly fifteen years tending for the sick and homeless in his own meager dwelling. He gave over his bed to the sick and filthy people he loved and slept in the cold with little to protect himself from the elements. He gave over his food and drink with such regularity that he was regularly ill from hunger. He did not have intense theological debates but he regularly lived out the teachings of Jesus in a way that granted him an inherent understanding of the Gospel that Jesus brought into this world. Every night for four years he held the hand of a murderer as that murderer drifted off into a fitful sleep in Toyohiko's own bed. The murderer could not bear what he had done any longer but Toyohiko still spoke of forgiveness to and refused to abandon the poor man who feared isolation and judgment. He organized workers in the slums and shipyards all while fighting for increased voting rights in Japan. Eventually, he was arrested and held in prison for two particular crimes: 1) he organized the voiceless so that they might speak in unison to those with power and be heard, and 2) he apologized to the Chinese for the Japanese occupation of portions of China. Toyohiko's commitment to peace–one he felt compulsory for all who hoped to follow Jesus even if it cost them their lives–made him a dangerous criminal in the eyes of Japan.
Perhaps the two young seminarians knew that a terrible earthquake hit Tokyo and Yokohama in 1923. The ruins of those cities were flooded with the sick, suffering, hungry, poor, and dying. The government was overwhelmed by the need and was uninitiated into taking care of its citizens since it had been so long practicing power and control and forsaking compassion and mercy. So they came to Toyohiko in prison and released him. They knew he had made a difference in the lives of those needing help and they also knew that it was Toyohiko who would be able to do it again. They made him Chief of Social Welfare and offered him a home and a sizable salary. He rejected them and insisted that he could neither help the poor from a position of comfort nor allow his Christian duty to be purchased. He slowly helped rebuild cities devastated by earthquake, neglect, and need. For this he was lauded and honored even as he insisted that he was only doing the bare minimum of what God had called him to do.
As the two seminarians continued to share their own criticism of Toyohiko they ignored that Toyohiko was struggling to see the steps he was trying to descend. He had acquired a serious eye disease because of his practices of offering hospitality even in the slums. Those he lived with were sick and soon so was Toyohiko. As the two men missed the point of all they had heard and continued to pass the drug of intelligent pride back and forth an elderly lady overheard them and interrupted them. She leaned forward to interject one simple sentence into their conversation while pointing at Toyohiko as he carefully descended the stairs: "You don't need to say much when you're hanging on a cross."
from Blogger http://ift.tt/1IeotZ9


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RAMSTEIN AIR FORCE BASE, Germany — The 88-foot-long cargo hold of the massive airlifter has been converted into a makeshift intensive care unit. Metal stanchions hold collapsible stretchers fitted with heart monitors. Defibrillators, pumps, intubation kits, oxygen bottles and other equipment lie ready in their hardened cases.
For the scheduled seven-and-a-half hour flight between Afghanistan and this U.S. air base near the Pentagon's Landstuhl hospital, the seven men and women of the Air Force's 10th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight and their attached critical-care team will try to keep their patients alive. But for now they wait, shuffling foot-to-foot under the cargo hold's glaring lights.
The 11 patients arrive at 3 a.m. on an overcast Afghan night, delivered by airmen driving white buses emblazoned with big red crosses. The first patients are able to walk on board: four minor injuries, plus one psychiatric case.
'Don't be afraid to hold their hands,' the nurse says.
Next, the airmen throw open the buses' rear doors and gently unload six men who truly represent the rising cost of the nearly decade-old Afghanistan war: 1,524 American troops dead and 10,944 wounded, as of April 15, in a conflict that by the most conservative measure has cost the U.S. taxpayer more than $395 billion.
These last patients are on litters. Two have mangled legs wrapped in gauze — bombing victims, apparently. Both are unconscious, or nearly so. One of them lies on padding stained with blood. Another is intubated: The plastic tube running from his throat connects to pumps and monitors lying on the litter by his feet.
This man is the most serious case, classified "urgent." All night, a doctor will sit by the patient's side in a plastic lawn chair, carefully monitoring his vitals. For the duration of the flight across Central Asia to Western Europe, the man will not make a sound or move on his own.
All the same, Maj. Deeforast Schloesser, the aeromedical team leader, encourages one Army officer hitching a ride on the C-17 to stand with and talk to the patients — even the unconscious ones. "Don't be afraid to hold their hands," Schloesser says.
That's the point at which I almost lose it.
A Turn on the Stretcher
I'm sitting next to the officer, my eyes glued to the patients on their stanchions directly opposite me as I meditate on the six weeks that I've just spent in two of eastern Afghanistan's most violent provinces.
In a whirlwind media embed with the U.S. Army (see photo slideshow at top), I first ran the gauntlet of the Taliban's escalating assault with improvised explosive devices on Logar, a key agricultural province just south of Kabul. Having narrowly survived a massive bomb explosion that sent several injured soldiers to Ramstein on their own C-17s (see video below), I then continued south to Paktika province on the Pakistani border.
There, I visited a company of the 101st Airborne Division that had endured a 12-hour assault by hundreds of Taliban in October.
I don't want to take my turn on that stretcher. But If I'm a good war reporter, what choice do I have?
Today, the war-weary soldiers of Fox Company, 2-506 Parachute Infantry Regiment, are on the bleeding edge of the U.S.-led alliance's last-ditch effort to seal off the Afghan border against thousands of insurgent fighters who use Pakistan's lawless tribal region as a home base.
Fox Company's paratroopers are some of the bravest, most fearsome young men I've ever met, but they are not winning — and each lives every day with the knowledge that he could easily be the next one intubated on a stretcher in a C-17 cargo plane like this one.
I struggle not to weep, sitting there in that cargo plane in the silent company of soldiers who very nearly gave everything in the course of a war I believe we are losing. My tears are for the hurt soldiers and their families, and for the friends and families of the dead.
My tears are also for myself. As long as Americans are fighting in Afghanistan, I will periodically travel to the war zone to tell their stories. My confidence shattered into a million pieces in the noise and pressure of that massive IED blast. I now believe it's only a matter of time before I'm counted among the dead or wounded.
I don't want to take my turn on that stretcher. But if I'm a good war reporter, what choice do I have?
The Logar Bombing Gallery
I began my journey with the 541st Engineer Company, assigned to clear Logar's roads of increasingly deadly IEDs using a variety of tactics and equipment.
With a rising tide of 1,300 bombs a month, the Taliban and other extremists have turned huge swaths of Logar and other contested provinces into veritable "bombing galleries," all but denying these areas to routine NATO patrols. It's the 541st's job to fight back against the bombers and clear a path for other NATO forces.
The alliance strategy for Logar and other on-the-fence provinces hinges on development and governance — essentially, winning hearts and minds. But the bomb threat is making the development work harder to pull off, and more expensive.
No one has identified the inflection point where military-led development ceases being worth its rising cost and danger. If the alliance has not yet reached that point, it's no doubt imminent.
Route clearance surely counts as some of the hardest work in Afghanistan, and the most dangerous. To keep ahead of NATO countermeasures, the Taliban employ a bewildering arsenal of bomb types. Most are made of metal, but there are wooden and plastic variants, too. The explosive filler could be military-grade or something cooked up using nitrate fertilizer. Every bomb type requires a different method of detection. Each type poses a unique risk to the men whose job it is to detect it.
The back-to-basics bomb detection represented brilliance — or desperation.
This spring the 541st had reverted to the most basic bomb-detection methods imaginable: walking while scanning with metal detectors and probing the ground with bayonets.
"Slow and methodical," was how Capt. Brandon Drobenak, the 541st commander, described the approach. These back-to-basics techniques were either evidence of brilliant reductive thinking on the Americans' parts — or desperation.
In any event, the brute-simple tactics weren't perfect. A route-clearance patrol the third week of March missed the bomb that would later destroy the armored vehicle I was riding in. And the 541st itself would come under attack just four days after I accompanied them on patrol. There was an IED blast followed by rockets and gunfire and, in the aftermath, Staff Sgt. Joshua Gire and Pvt. 1st Class Michael Mahr lay dead.
Fortress Districts
With mounting casualties and financial costs colliding with war weariness in the armed forces and at home, NATO has reached the peak of its anticipated strength in Afghanistan. The 30,000 troop reinforcements U.S. President Barack Obama deployed last year should begin coming home in July.
With violence unabated and fewer and fewer troops for operations, NATO has begun to prioritize. The alliance has identified around 80 "key-terrain" districts that will receive a growing proportion of the troops, cash and development effort in coming years.
"You have to pick your priorities," said Army Capt. Paul Rothlisberger, former commander of U.S. troops in Baraki Barak, Logar's sole key district.
The effect is a deepening division between NATO-occupied "fortress" districts benefiting from improved security, better governance and more jobs — and the remaining 300 districts that could be essentially abandoned to lawlessness or, worse, the Taliban shadow government.
But even in key districts such as Baraki Barak, Afghan forces must be prepared to fully take over from NATO troops as the alliance's withdrawal accelerates. The handover is complicated by the wide technological gap between superbly equipped foreign troops and their Afghan counterparts with more basic gear.
'I have no idea what's going to happen after we leave,' the soldier said.
The week after being in the midst of the bombing, I went on a night patrol in Baraki Barak (see video above). Soldiers from the U.S. 10th Mountain Division and Afghan cops squabbled after the night-vision-equipped Americans left the Afghans behind while pursuing a suspect.
In his eagerness to appease the temperamental Afghans, Staff Sgt. Andrew Odland gave up on actually looking for the Taliban and focused all his attention on the cops' bruised egos.
"This did not go as planned," Odland admitted.
The Fox Company troopers in Paktika, my next stop after Baraki Barak, were more blunt. "I have no idea what's going to happen after we leave," said Pvt. 1st Class Bryan Schlund after one poorly trained Afghan soldier came close to blowing up most of Fox Company's officers while fumbling with a malfunctioning rocket launcher.
That uncertainty is palpable in Paktika, one of Afghanistan's poorest and most remote provinces. Paktika's mountainous border crossings, both legal and illicit, are the insurgents' main routes into Afghanistan from their winter bases in Pakistan.
"My biggest concern is … every night, what comes back and forth [across the border]?" said Col. Sean Jenkins, Fox Company's brigade commander.
Historically, no counter-insurgency succeeds as long as the resistance possesses safe havens in neighboring countries. Until last year, just half a brigade of U.S. troops, around 2,500 men, patrolled all of Paktika — too few to even see, much less stop, even a tiny fraction of the border traffic.
The Obama surge more than doubled the U.S. presence in Paktika — and just in time. A few weeks after Fox Company replaced a single platoon at a tiny outpost in the border town of Margah, several hundred Taliban attacked the base under the cover of darkness.
What followed was one of the biggest sustained firefights of the whole war, and a decisive battlefield victory for the Americans. The sun rose over 92 dead Taliban strewn around the outpost; no Americans died.
But in a counter-insurgency, "you can't shoot your way to victory," as Maj. Steve Battle, Jenkins' development officer, noted. Six months after the Margah battle, the extremists have reinforced and re-equipped and are now as strong as ever in Paktika.
As winter turned to spring, Fox Company and its sister units pushed out into parts of Paktika that haven't seen NATO troops in years, in a last-ditch effort to tamp down on border traffic before the alliance's withdrawal once again gives the Taliban and other groups total freedom of movement in Afghanistan's mountains.
In early April, I accompanied Fox Company's 2nd Platoon, commanded by a stocky lieutenant named Sean McCune, on a patrol to the town of Baqer Kheyl (see video above). The Taliban ambushed us just a couple miles from the outpost, peppering us with gunfire and rockets then scurrying down a mostly dry riverbed, surviving to wage war another day.
In a quiet moment the day before the ambush, McCune had confessed to me that he was tired of the fighting. "I'll be happy if not another round gets fired," he said.
'I'll be happy if not another round gets fired,' the lieutenant confessed.
I share the sentiment. After seven years of war correspondence, I'm tired, too — and not just on a personal level.
I dread the effect on my country if our ambitions in Afghanistan continue to exceed the resources we're willing to devote to the conflict. Equally, I dread grand visions of nation-building that seem to have little to do with finding and disrupting Al Qaeda and other international terror groups.
Our strategic aims seem pointless. And we lack the will to properly execute the strategy, anyway. It's in that murky expanse between what we think we should do and our stomach for actually doing it that U.S. troops needlessly suffer. As I sit in the C-17-turned-flying-hospital, watching men and machines labor to keep our wounded soldiers alive, I find myself craving the wisdom of someone much older than me.
I ask Schloesser, the 55-year-old aeromedical leader, how he copes with seeing so many hundreds of injured troops, day after day. "You learn to live with it," he says.
But that's exactly what I hope doesn't happen.
Videos and photos: David Axe
See Also:
- Video: 'I Got Blown to Hell in Afghanistan'
- Is a Key Afghan Region Getting an 'Extreme Makeover'?
- Night Vision Tech Tangles Troops in Afghanistan
- New Afghanistan Plan: Hole Up in Fortress Districts
- Epic Border Battle a Bad Sign for Afghanistan
- 6th Time's the Charm? NATO Tries, Again, to Train Afghan Militias …
- Ambushed on Afghanistan's 'Red Mountain'


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And now, the photos from the shooting i have told you about some days ago are finally in my hands. I was completely in love with the make up and also with the hair and Simona ( the make-up artist and also hair stylist) must receive all the greetings ♥.
Sadly, i could`t keep them more as a lady in one of Simona`s stories did. I mean she kept the make up for 7 days, yeah this is a good way to prove that the make up will resist ... a lot, but don`t ask me how was this possible because i can`t even imagine( or i just don`t want to :)) )
So if you want, just visit her Facebook Page and also her Website and you`ll find there how many gorgeous things she is able to do :D
Also special thanks to the photographer Claudiu Galmeanu