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By Warren St. John
A few years ago I was near Lake Como in Italy preparing to ride several of the epic climbs of the Giro di Lombardia. I was especially looking forward to grinding my way up the legendary climb to the chapel of the Madonna del Ghisallo – a small church full of bikes that a pope blessed as a shrine to cyclists. I envisioned my arrival at the top of the Ghisallo in religious terms. I was ready to be touched by the spirits of Coppi and Bartali, to light a candle in honor of riders past, and to be cosmically realized as a cyclist.
Before setting out from across the lake that morning, I met a local cyclist I knew to confer about my route.
"Don't do that stupid Ghisallo," he snarled, mumbling something about motorcycle traffic. "It's shit."
I thought about that moment, and my crestfallen reaction, as I sat with roughly 4999 other riders on the George Washington Bridge just after dawn on Sunday, at the start of the Gran Fondo New York. The sun was rising over the shining spires of Manhattan, and below us, a south-bound tug was unzipping the calm waters of the mighty Hudson. Judging from the cacophony of accents around me, folks had come a very long way to ride the roads we've all grown tired of. They were excited, and I wasn't about to reprise my experience from Como by letting on that a spin up 9W was a New Yorker's equivalent of a Computrainer ride in a windowless basement. After all, one cyclist's Bear Mountain is another's La Montagna Dell'Orso, which, you have to admit, sounds a lot more romantic.
I was a somewhat reluctant Gran Fondee. I'd committed to ride as part of the Transportation Alternatives team (yes, there is a team competition in GFNY), which a) got me up front in the "racers corral," and b) meant I didn't have to pay the $250 entry fee. (More on the value proposition of GFNY in a moment.) As the day approached, a number of factors weighed on my enthusiasm. A 110-mile ride didn't exactly fit into my super-scientific training plan. I was afraid of getting crashed out in the mayhem of ten thousand bicycle wheels (rightly so – more on that in a moment also). I had to wake up at 4:30am, the day after waking up at 4:30am for a park race. And yes, I'll admit it: as a (little b, little s) bike snob, I felt that a gran fondo might be beneath me, so much so that I'd kept silent about my GFNY plans to most of my teammates.
It didn't take long though for things to turn around. Maybe it was the music blaring from speakers set on the lower deck of the GWB. Maybe it was seeing so many bleary-eyed friends ready to roll, all of them decked out in matching GFNY jerseys. Perhaps it was the inspiring and slightly terrifying sight of a GWB's-worth of cyclists clipping in, or the absolutely perfect weather, seventy degrees and cloudless. But pretty soon I was as chipper as the guy next to me, who, by the way, turned out to be former cyclocross national champ Tim Johnson (thank you commenter)– a very amiable Bostonian who was as excited about the route as any European, though a tad anxious about New York's world-famous potholes. (I assured him most of those were within the actual city limits.) As the sun rose, the national anthem was sung by an actual human being who could actually sing, giving the whole scene an air of officialdom. And then we were off. By this point I'd totally bought in. After all, when you're sitting at the front of 5000 anxious bike riders, there is only one thing to do: pedal like hell.
A gran fondo has an impossible task: it wants to be all things to all kinds of riders. There are folks at the front who want to race, and folks at the back who just hope to finish. In between, and not necessarily in any particular order, you'll find pretty much every kind of cyclist there is – including a guy whose rear fender was affixed with a live, begoggled Chihuahua. There were riders with hairy legs, and riders (mostly Italian) with pornographically lubed hairless legs. There were road bikes, and yes, for drama's sake, there were TT bikes. In a gran fondo, it takes all types.
GFNY's solution to making everyone happy is a format that is part race, part ride, part multi-stage time trial, part party. The main event is the gran fondo itself, a 110-mile course (the less masochistic can opt for a 60-mile medio fondo) which is punctuated by four timed climbs, tracked by bike-mounted timing chips. If you care about seeing your name up on 8 ½ x 11 at the end of the race, you're welcome to destroy yourself on the climbs. Overall placement is determined by your total for the four timed sections. If you're focused on finishing or just riding with your friends, you can ignore the menacing beeps that indicate the start of a timed section and pedal at your own pace.
Racers face a choice. Do you go easy on the untimed sections, saving your energy for the climbs -- a strategy that will put in you in the wind by yourself for much of the day, since most racers will roll on? Or do you try to hang with the lead group, benefitting from the draft of the faster riders while risking that your legs will be shredded by the time you get to the timed sections? I chose the latter strategy, not necessarily by design. After a harrowing trip in the pack down River Road and up Alpine, I looked back and saw empty road. A few hundred riders had vanished, Bermuda Triangle-style. A strange sort of panic set in. I felt like a character in a Left Behind novel facing a choice with eternal implications. Did I want to ascend in glory, or languish in the nether regions? For the sake of the plot, I hit it and fought my way onto the tete de la course, where I remained for the next thirty or so miles.
And that's where things really got weird. As the peloton passed – very quickly -- through the riverside hamlets of Piermont, Nyack and Haverstraw, police officers, including one who had recently stopped me for running a red light in Piermont, were stopping cars at intersections and waving cyclists through. They were looking out for us. They were even smiling and saying things like, "Have a good ride folks." It was eerie. Maybe we were in a Left Behind novel after all – for a New York City cyclist, blowing through Piermont and Nyack without slowing was a kind of rapture. The first time I had to stop at an intersection on the GFNY was at roughly mile 75, and that was only a toe-touch because the smiling policeman had just waved through another bunch of enraptured riders. GFNY promoter Uli Fluhme has said he would spend around $500,000 for local permits and road closures. I don't know about the business wisdom of that expenditure, but from a purely cycling point of view, it was money gloriously spent. It's one thing to ride to La Montagna dell'Orso and back; it's quite another to do it uninterrupted. We may have been riding in the New York metropolitan area, but we were rolling like Nebraskans.
Alas, on the climb of the Mountain of Bear, I encountered the bogeyman of gran fondi and bike races alike: crashiness. Two riders in front of me touched wheels on a flat section where the speed had kicked up. Through some puzzle of physics that still confounds me, the second rider flew sideways as if shot from a cannon – right into my escape route. I went down, landing inartfully on my butt. I untangled myself from the other rider's bike, checked my own -- and more importantly, my new Castelli team bibs – for damage. Good news on all fronts, and rears. I was back in the saddle in less than a minute. And here I experienced another difference between races and gran fondos. As I was pedaling away, the rider who crashed into me called out in what I believe was a German accent: "Ahm sorry!"
By now, I'd fully drunk the Powerade of fondo-ing, because I reflexively responded, "No worries."
I lost contact with the leaders, but the cool thing about a fondo is: it didn't matter. All I had to do was crush it on the timed sections, and I stood a decent chance of hanging in for glory on the leader board back in Weehawken. Realizing this, I stopped at the bottom of the (untimed) Perkins descent to top off my water, eat fourteen bananas and to wait for riders I knew, to have some company for the remaining 50 or so miles.
Somewhere along the way, I began to appreciate all the work that had gone into Gran Fondo New York. The route was well conceived, and I even found myself on several unfamiliar roads and on two climbs I'd never ridden before. There were lots of banners, flags and distance markers to reassure you that you hadn't actually taken a wrong turn somewhere back in Haverstraw. There was on-the-road support from the yellow Mavic motorcycle with the cool wheel rack on the back. Rest stops were ready with bike mechanics, race racks, oceans of sports drinks, a plantation's worth of bananas, palettes of Power Bars, and mountains of bagels, ready-smeared with peanut butter and jelly. Water tanks the size of Volkswagens had been trucked in on flat-beds to each stop. Apparently 5000 bike riders drink a lot of water, which the GFNY team anticipated. Then there were all those municipal governments and police departments cheering us on. There were even random citizens cheering us on too – with GFNY thundersticks, no less. Did GFNY rent strangers just to add to the experience? Who knows? I never saw Deiter Senft, the famed 'devil guy' from the Tour de France, but maybe he was hiding out in one of the seemingly hundreds of port-o-lets GFNY had rented when I passed.
There's been some grumbling from the New York racing scene about the cost ($250), which is certainly a lot of money to ride on roads you might be riding anyway for free. To many – if not most – of the riders, though, that $250 is a drop in the bucket against the airfares, hotels bills and the costs of a weekend in New York City. Many probably paid more than that just to ship their bikes. But whatever your economic frame of reference, you get a lot for your money. GFNY plies participants with all sorts of goodies: a race weekend-quality tote bag, a bottle of red wine, surprisingly stylish Giordana jerseys (which act like wrist-bands at Club Med – they entitle you to all sorts of stuff along the way without requiring you to reach for your wallet). Winners of the overall KOM and QOM got new Pinarello Dogmas. GFNY ended with a kind of party on the Hudson River, with a post-ride meal of penne pomodoro, yogurt and drinks, along with a bike shop's worth of free helmets, shoes and gear, handed out in a raffle-by-race-number. To get back to the city, you just hopped on a chartered ferry with your bike and your magical jersey and you were good to go.
It all amounts to a pretty impressive logistical heave – pulled off with élan by GFNY founders and spouses Uli and Lidia Fluhme. In year two, GFNY was better run than many, if not most, long-established local bike races. (Because the last timed climb was at mile 67, GFNY managed to post results before riders even reached the finish line.) The event also managed to get together the full array of New York cyclists, from the hardcores to casual riders – folks who may not be able to hold a line, but who prop up the bottom lines of local bike shops and who are racers' allies in the push for better cycling infrastructure and police policies toward cyclists.
So is GFNY worth $250? That's an individual decision. For one thing, early registration for 2013 is $190. Either way, for what you get, it's literally a bargain: the total take for GFNY fees doesn't cover the huge logistical costs of the event. Sponsors are needed to make up the difference and to get GFNY into the black. Fortunately, there seem to be a lot of them.
In the end I finished 40th out of the 2361 riders who completed the 110-mile format – not bad considering I lost a minute or so to my crash. (Just as with conventional races, gran fondoing is an excuse-friendly format.) Team Transportation Alternatives finished 2nd overall, so take that, other teams – whoever you were. Next year, I plan to re-fondo, with an eye toward cracking the top ten, or winning my age group, or maybe just riding and stopping for PB&J bagels every 25 miles – depending on my fitness. I'll happily pay retail. In the meantime, I'll be out training on the hallowed shoulders of 9W with a bit of renewed appreciation. GFNY was a useful reminder that, as with an ascent up the Ghisallo or any other ride for that matter, a spin up 9W is what you make of it.
You *could* do that, but then again, you'd a) have to get yourself to the Catskills, where you'd b) have to endure condescending looks from of all the actual racers who are laughing at you behind your back for paying Deiter to do a "citizens race," which loosely translates into Italian as "medio fondo" and into vernacular English as "a ride with slow people."
Suckerzs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I give this 1 more year before they up the price to $300.
BTW you could do Tour of Catskills (citizens race for non racers) for a fraction of the price and actually have nice scenic and challenging rides. This Fondo is wrong on so many levels...
I just read the article on the Fondo from CI. Although I didn't participate in the event I did ride 9wS that day in the early afternoon. I must say that I have a new appreciation for USAC permitted races. We can complain about sketchy race courses, inadequate marshaling or unswept corners, but after reading the article I feel like races are much safer than the gran fondo. I almost want to say that everyone doing the Fondo should complete 10 Cat 5 races or somehow gain pack riding and decending experience before they embark on the most expensive hill climbing TT in the northeast.
Nobody wants to hear your aggro Nyack ride tales. Take it to the Morgan Stanley Facebook page.
Thanks goes to the few guys who attacked repeatedly by blowing the lights on the Nyack ride while others stopped. Way to make us look like a-holes. Kudos to the 4 guys who got away on a long stretch of road without stop lights.
Kind of fun, a decent workout, and pretty sketchy. Between blowing lights and guys swerving suddenly lest they damage their 404s on some of the rough road surface patches and manhole covers.
Begins 8am in Nyack and passes Englewood at 9am if you want to sleep in..
Where does it start and what time in the summer?
Rocket Ride for free or this? What a joke. No soul to this event.
GFNY from the eyes of the lead moto:
Warren comes out after dark.
Shouldn't that post read "by Warren St. John"?
It's called Turking.
Why did Andy write that story in cyclists international? Does Andy write every story that appears on the internet every day?
Why is Andy Shen publishing articles under my name?
Out of curiosity, where's the results of this independent survey cited? Is the whole survey published?
Now you are not only the NYVelocity photographer but also the feature writer? Nice article Andy!
The $500K figure GFNY has been giving in the past, including in an interview for this site, was for permits, road closures and police officers, not p.o.'s alone, which would include things like the GWB closure, the Bear Mtn closure (which they put at $50K). I have no way of verifying the total, but I've never heard them claim it was just for police.
"After many attempts to contact the organizers to get their side of the story, the editors received an email from the organizers on Wednesday after we had published condemning our article for being "negative," "sensationalist," and for doing a disservice to "Gran Fondo." In addition, they stated that they spent over $500,000 on police officers.
We conducted our own independent survey of police officers and did not come up with the same number."
thanks for laughing out loud in parentheses, I don't need to hear that. Also, learn how to spell, especially helpful when insulting people.
I witness the 60 mile GF guys walking their Pinarello bikes up the state-line hill!! (LOL)
Also are compression socks and the big fat number on the front of the bikes the knew geeky group?!
That wood be hard
I mistakenly used my nom de porn. Hard to keep the identities straight.
great write up andy. when did you start using the pseudonym warren st. john?
For shame
Once again, I merely uploaded this article, which was written by Warren St. John, a real writer who writes real good. That be him in the pictures.
Way to raise your game Andy, looking forward to more first person account like this in the future!
Accuracy, LOL
"Also, check out this much more upbeat, personal, (and subjective) take on the Gran Fondo by Andy Chen."
Great write up, Warren. Pullitzer coming your way.
Hey JB I didn't write this LOL. If you look carefully up there you can see the author's name LOL.
that fee number is being thrown around, but if you add up the costs, I don't think you will reach $500K.
Conservatively, the organizers brought in $1 million. So even if the costs WERE $500K, the net is $500K. The fees are high. If the organizers were not making money, they wouldn't have done it this year. But there is nothing wrong with making money, as long as you get what you paid for.
Hard to believe about the trademark.
BTW there is an attack on the use of "I love BICYCLE (artwork)"--the city is reclaiming
I would also like to question the purported $500K paid for police work. can they itemize?
HI nice write up Andy. I guess you didn't experience the delays at the rest stops that others reported, and since you knew the way, didn't go the wrong way. Check here for a whole other story. http://cyclistsinternational.com
Other than that, could it be you were so happy because (a) you came in 40th out of 5000 people (though counting the medio fondos,) and (b) because you didn't have to pay the $250?
He really got me revved up for the start
Who is Warren St. John?
Sounds like a character name straight outta Boogie Nights.
Once again, this was written by Warren St. John, though I got a Pinarello Dogma with Lightweights and an SRM for uploading it to the site.
Nice story Andy - surprised you had the energy after crushing all comers in the Prestigious Spring Couples Relay. Your row boating must have improved.
20 more races 'til I'm a 5 1/2.
Is he Hors Categorie?
Or just a Category Whore?
No, he hasn't upgraded
is Shen a Cat 6?
However there was a competition within the event that you would not have won.
Call it for what it is. A ride, not a race. Gran Fondo is a Cat 1-6 race. You have 1,2,3,4 and 5s plus about 4500 cat 6s.
Shup, Schelck, Not, 32, Toto.
And congratulations on a job well-done, Uli and Lidia.
the logisitics must have been overwhelming to sort out.
I am more than "maybe" for next year.
Thank you Ponce de la Yama, for correctin' the virgin-alpaca-wool bib contingent.
i'm not sure you understand trademark law...
High entry fees, ephemeral measures of success, mediocre marshaling...and it all linked into a meaning world championship.
This is the very stuff that will destroy cycling as a competitive endeavor.
That you can close a public road in a town that I actually pay taxes in and forbid me to ride on it is absurd.
Thank the Pat and Hein at the UCI. USAC is just the local chapter of the UCI. Cycling is the new golf and absurd Gran Fondo fees are the greens fees.
In true cycling-is-the-new-golf fashion, Uli has paid for and received a trademark for the words "New York Gran Fondo" Why don't you just Trademark "New York" while you are at it. It's just as defensible.
LOL! Man I got a good laugh out of all those new Fondo's I never knew about.
Hedge Fundo.
Looks like a lot of guys would test positive for private equity
Don't forget the Foundation Fondo, or Fondation: Hide in the bushes for an hour or so before the start, then jump in the field right at the gun. Free for Foundation riders; $10 for all the suckers. And don't worry - no doping control!
Hahahaha funny!!
"Obviously not entirely. The park receives $50,000 from GFNY for the closure. You as a local profit from that year round. It's a half day a year. It was open from 1pm."
Well, if that's the case, I feel better about it. I just hope that money gets put to good use.
I prefer the Flatbush Fondo to and from Floyd.
The only true insane NYC condo.
Camden Fondo - Food stamps accepted as entry fee - no more than one tire slashed.
Dubuque Fondo - Bring a gallon of Tide detergent and ride for 12 hours in the basement of Schmalz's boyhood home
Transylvania Fondo - Free minute by minute coaching from your favorite Romanian cycling coach
V2MaxOutFondo - One person ride - 20 laps around Central Park
Fondo Shen Macgyver - Ride to Bear and back with every gadget and bike accessory you've ever owned strapped to your bike or self for the entire ride.
FBF Fondo - 50 laps of FBF. Charlie I stands with a hose connected to a tanker truck and sprays every rider with water each lap and threatens to cancel the ride if the course floods AKA - waterboard fondo
Grumpy Fondo - free ride up and down 9W going against traffic
Gonzo Fondo - see V2MaxOutFondo
It was
Yes, whatever happened to that claim of riders being tested after the Fondo? was it actually done?
To many people with fancy new bikes. Come to Rockleigh for tonight's warm up race and get hammered on by guys with older bikes.
Btw, the Gran Fondo NJ is a $125 fee for the $103 mile ride. HA. I love how eevrything's more expensive in NY.
Is there fondoping?
I think the Fondo entry fees are way too low - $500 would be a better price. I would pay $500 anytime, hey if I can pay $2000 for wheels and $5000 for a bike, and anther $2500 for Di2 shifting, then I can surely pay $500 to enter a well organized ride.-
If you are considering the fondo for next year, but are hesitant to pay the high fees for riding the most overly ridden routes around you might be interested in one of the may Gran Fondos in other parts of the country.
Namely, the New Jersey Gran Fondo. It probobly costs a bit less and you will learn a lot of great routes within 100mi from the GWB. This way when you're sick as hell of 9w and those NY climbs you can come to NJ where the roads are more rural and just as much fun. The ride is in Morris County (starting in Morristown). I haven't done it, but I know many of the roads and can attest that they are much better than the nes on the way to 9w. Cops tend to be nicer, as they are not sick of seeing cyclists all the time.
what was the difference between the light green jerseys and the mostly black jerseys?
Fee are too damn high!
yes the fee is high. Compare it to the fee charged to do the Bear Mountain race. It's a tiny fraction of the cost and is just about as long.
I too had the same attitude that why would I pay a ridiculous amount of money to ride the same roads I ride for free all the other times of the year. But after reading other folks write ups of their rides, I think I MIGHT do it next year.
The funny part is that I would pay a high fee to do a gran fondo in Europe, but not here. Go figure
Enough of the Rapha bullshit. William Buckley is dead and nobody gets their collars turned over at Brooks Brothers anymore. Go hump that shit up in the village of Boston.
Fast Fondonneurs go here:
Tour de Parc shut down is sad. Kudos to those who have revived Orchard Beach this year. I'm sure Tour de Parc will be back eventually. Even major stage races come and go. In this economy it's impressive to have any races at all.
I wish all my entry fees provided wine. I'm in next year, just don't have it on Mother's Day.
I'm curious how you defend some of your assertions. How is a gran fondo "bad for racers"? If anything, it serves as a way for non-racers to get a taste of racing, and probably results in more participation in local racing clubs and races themselves. It can't be bad for people who currently race because if they don't do it, they're not impacted by it, unless they're horribly put out by taking the occasional detour, which any NY cyclist is used to doing. And if it builds good will in communities where racers train, how is that bad for racers?
Also, you call the registration fees "absurdly high." If the article is to be believed, the fees don't even cover the cost of the event, so how can they be high? Sounds like they're low and that the event is subsidized in part by sponsors. Is your argument that the mere charging of $250 -- no matter what is offered in return -- for a cycling event will result in random price hikes at all cycling events around the area. That's not logical. The existence of $10K carbon bikes doesn't cause the cost of beach cruisers to go up. Unless other races in the area start offering bottles of wine, tote bags, ferry rides and lots of free food and drinks, they certainly can't get away with charging what an event that offers those things charges. And anyway 5000 people were happy to pay it, including a lot of New Yorkers. Based on my elementary understanding of economics, that would suggest the price was not "absurdly high."
And as for road closures: you're one person. The GF had 5000 riders, and spread $500K worth of cash to communities on whose roads you ride. Sounds like a good deal for everyone, even you.
What's 'bad for racers' is taking a reactionary view towards a clearly successful cycling event with broad appeal and shitting on it on the Internet. That kind of thing makes people think we're all assholes, and makes them far less likely to help us out when we need a break. And by the way, did you see Charlie's post recently about the Tour de Parc on Long Island getting shut down after 27 years because the community wouldn't grant a permit. That's bad for racers. I wonder what a little good will might have accomplished there.
If you haven't figured out why you should ride this Fondo, re-read Warren's article. I'm a convert. Some of the best race/training miles I've ridden all season. It really is what you make of it.
I am not a fondo'er but I am a racer. What's the appeal of a fondo?
I don't have any issue with fondo's, just puzzled as to why people who race would bother?
Prizes seem ok but odds are you aren't gonna win
The Freds like to Fondo, Fondo, Fondo,
The Freds like to Fondo, Fondo, Fondo...
Nice write up Warren. It was a lot of fun, and as you described.
Hats off to Uli & Lidia. You made a lot of people really happy - and also brought a lot of positive (for a change) attention to cycling in NYC. You can't imagine how many people respect and admire what you've pulled off in a few short years.
It is funny that some people feel the need to come on here and voice their negative opinions. That is fine, this is a forum for all voices, but it probably doesn't matter much to the organizers. They are likely taking a much deserved rest and are already busy with plans for 2013.
Personally I am not interested in riding a Fondo any time soon, but I do understand people who are. Anyway, I wonder why people can not be happy for all who do enjoy riding a Grand Fondo and the couple organizing it. We have 5000 cycling enthusiast visiting NYC (and some locals) to ride their bike. 5000 people waiting on the GW Bridge to start, making cycling more important then motorized traffic. Smiling police officers along the way (yes, unfortunately it is a rare sight for many cyclists), local politicians supporting the organizers and many sponsors willing to contribute to the event to make it happen. These 5000 people go back to wherever they came from and tell their families and friends about their race and how great cycling is in NYC. In my opinion that is not just good for cycling at all levels, but definitely for cycling in NYC. On top the organizers can make a living of it as well.
I heard him do the Fondo wearing his own kit. Did he really?
And heard he was the cause of a lot of crashes.
"I just want to ride my bike in a state park that is paid for by NY state tax $."
Obviously not entirely. The park receives $50,000 from GFNY for the closure. You as a local profit from that year round. It's a half day a year. It was open from 1pm.
Gran Fodo, I don't think I've heard that one yet. Fodo!!
Wow, you must be a lot of fun to hang around.
Good idea Mr. Di2, lemme see if I can score a Dogma for uploading this write up.
Grumpy about this? Yeah, a little bit. I don't like people screwing with my weekends. I don't race anymore, for a couple reasons, among them the travel issue. Getting out on the bike is my time, and it was a beautiful day to ride. For those drawing the parade analogy, it's NA. That's a safety issue.
As for Uli, I'm not denigrating what you are doing, I'm happy it exists. But I don't want to a) eat your food b) use your timing equipment c) ride 100 miles d) wear your jersey e) drive to NYC to ride where I ride anyway. I just want to ride my bike in a state park that is paid for by NY state tax $. I would not call that freeloading. BTW, while my wife was racing in Harriman (at that same time), they weren't keeping people off that loop.
Did you miss the line under the title stating "By Warren St. John"?
Btw, nice write-up Warren.
for $240 I can get some original UGG boots
I am so smitten by the concept of fondo'ing!!!
As Warren suggests
what other event has so many varied accented athletes that the non-international racer can ride with, against or behind!!
Bravo to husband-wife team Uli and Lidia for bringing true fun and creativity to our ever-evolving sport!!
See many of you in 2013.
Grumpy? Bitter sad soul? No, not really. In fact I promise you know me and like me. I just think $240 is ridiculous and I listed more than a road closure as to the reasons why I wouldn't do it and think it's ultimately bad for racers. Did it ruin my weekend? No, but it was a pain in the ass navigating around road closures as I had to get to piermont and wanted to ride bear mountain. Certainly not the end of the world, nor does not liking something indicate one thinks it's the worst think ever. Absurdly high registration fees do have the potential to impact registration fees across the board though, and that's something that should concern everyone. And of course the country and the internet is free for all sorts of opinions. We don't have to agree.
hehehe Mr Di2 Shen, did your electronic shifters help you, did you get any free schwag for the write up.....ooops I forgot your entry fee was free....heheeh
I think the Fondo race aspect should be dropped or turned into a real race. There should be two separate groups, the race and the non-race. It's too screwy right now. The fact that riders can soft pedal in between climbs is pathetic. There's a world championship for this? Granted the top 3 guys are all on cycling teams and good ones at that and have done many races, but the world championship thing is strange. Let's make these guys really ride. A decent P/1/2 road race is around the same distance as this. There's no soft pedaling in the GMSR between the Middlebury Gap, Lincoln and App Gap.
Btw, was there actually testing done for the winners?
Remember a few years back when a taxi drove on the course at the Harlem classic?
That was marshaling at its finest!
(I was standing there as the cab drove right past and through the barricades as the field was barreling down the back stretch.)
There were cops at all the major intersections I went through. It's a 110 mile course so there will be gaps of course; but cars drive onto race courses all the time, usually without incident, although the were car-rider collisions at both Catskills and Housatonic last year. Unless you're riding on a truly closed course -- which we almost never are -- we will encounter cars. Hell - there was an event truck on the loop during Saturday's CRCA race.
I didn't have a marshal in place and lost $2 billion the other week.
Holdja hedge!
Marshaling? I have heard several racers complain about the marshaling which was not present when it mattered and resulted into a dangerous situation in which a racer got hit by a car (cut of by a driver making a right turn) and had to be taken to the hospital.
New York City regularly closes roads for street fairs -- do you feel similarly slighted? Or like the rest of us, do you just go one street over and continue on? And FYI, from reading your post you seem like a very bitter sad soul. Relax, take a deep breath. If you don't want to do a Gran Fondo fine, but if you ignore it it won't hurt you. Now double up on your meds.
And by the way -- bad marshaling, high fees and phony titles for winners? That sounds like every bike race I've ever done!
Hey grumpy guy, do you complain to the city about your inability to ride your bike on closed off roads when the town has a memorial day parade? Jeez, get over yourself.
Besides, there was several months of notice that the roads would be closed. We know you were really counting on that 1 day training block to help make the move to the Pro ranks, but it looks like it just might take another week or two for you. Good luck, we look forward to seeing you in July's Toor Dee France.
Pass. At $240 to ride roads that have been available to me for my entire life I'm offended by nearly every aspect of what you're doing. It may be succeeding but I'm rooting against you as it's a horrible precedent for racers. High entry fees, ephemeral measures of success, mediocre marshaling...and it all linked into a meaning world championship.
This is the very stuff that will destroy cycling as a competitive endeavor.
That you can close a public road in a town that I actually pay taxes in and forbid me to ride on it is absurd.
Our participants pay an entry fee to cover road closures. Piggy backing on their cost is simply rude. We do what we can to provide our riders the course they pay for. Join us!
Was Danilo Fondo there?
I'm surprised you weren't able to sneak on. Who cares though, it's one Sunday out of a lifetime and there are plenty of other routes or hills nearby to ride. That said,I agree that they should have let you on as it is not the TDF or even an NRC or local USAC race. The guys who finished in the top 10 know how to race and ride and can avoid a slower rider ahead. I don't think you would have been in their way.
On normal Sundays the Nyack ride owns Piermont rd, but occasionally we allow cars :-)
I had my eyes on the NYGF website all fall and winter, but in the end didn't plop down the $200+ to do it. As long as next years doesn't fall on Mothers day like last years did, I'll sign up.
Great write-up btw!
I did the ride last year, and the traffic marshaling was terrific. The ride down River road at the end, and the finish line (no drinks in sight), not so much.
This year I decided not to do it as I have not been getting much mileage. But I live in Northern Westchester, and ride to Bear frequently, as I did on Sunday. But this time I was told I could not ride in a state park as the fondo "owned" the road. Am I being unreasonable for thinking that's total bullshit?
Tim Johnson is a great guy, but JPow! is the current cyclocross nat'l champ.
This week we are faced with a "whodunnit". We do know that there were races of all sorts out there, but we haven't the slightest clue who won.
If you won at the Pete Senia Memorial, the Westwood Velo Cross race, the Hillbilly Hustle, the Campmor Chain Stretcher Mountain Bike, or the Kissena Women's Track Clinic, please let us know.
In the CRCA team finale at Central Park, David Taylor of Blue Ribbon-Translations.com won the A race in a break, it would also seem that Foundation wrapped up the team title, but that's an educated guess.


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Pope Francis : 10 FactsJorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, is the first pontiff from outside Europe in more than a millennium. 10 facts...
By IndiaTimes | March 14, 2013, 10:01 am IST
2 A humble man
The 76-year-old is known as a humble man who denied himself the luxuries that previous Buenos Aires cardinals enjoyed. He came close to becoming pope last time, reportedly gaining the second-highest vote total in several rounds of voting before he bowed out of the running in the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Francis

subset: commoncrawl


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An EMPTY KINGDOM interview with the incredible surrealist artist and awesome lady,Heidi Taillerfer!
The shrink wrap works of photographer Hal on EMPTY KINGDOM
Elisabeth Higgins O'Connor gives Maurice Sendak a run for his money with her amazing hand crafted creations.
(Source: emptykingdom)
EK author Konahrtist revisits the work of artist Alberto Mielgo and his incredible blend of digital and oil paintings.
Brilliant melancholic pieces by sculptor Bernardi Roig on EMPTY KINGDOM
Brilliant and thought provoking yet simple street art by Peter Fuss
From the endearing to the downright disturbing, check out the adorable creations of Russian artist Santani on EMPTY KINGDOM
Subject matter makes or breaks a good artist. EK revisits Reey Whaar and he continues to make brilliant pieces with subjects and themes that matter.
The beautiful photographic work of one of EK's favorites Ryan McGinley, revisited.
An EMPTY KINGDOM interview with Vincent Karelsz of the creative art company Popjugend
An interview with surrealist artist Tessar Lo by our very own Blind Architect. Check it out on EMPTY KINGDOM!!!
Joetsu, Niigata, Japan based artist Sean Edward Whelan on EMPTY KINGDOM


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Our hostel has a friendly homely atmosphere which will feel like a home from home. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful and many of our guests return time and time again due to the friendly and personal atmosphere in the hostel.
We have the following room types available:
Double/Twin Rooms, Four Bed Dormitories (family room), Six & Twelve Bed Dormitories
The hostel has a curfew of 3 AM which allows lots of time to get home from the nightclubs and pubs.
Salmon Weir includes a lot of facilities that will enhance your stay here:
Linen provided
Laundry service
Cheap Internet access
Fully furnished kitchen
Excellent security
Free luggage and bike storage
Free tea, sugar, coffee, salt
Free Barbeque
Fun guaranteed
The bus and train station is a 5 minute walk from the Salmon Weir Hostel. When leaving the station walk through eyre square park which is in front on you. At the top of the park turn left and and follow the road down to the top of shopstreet where the road continues around to the right. Follow the road around until you reach the traffic lights at the Town Hall Theatre. Take a right at the traffic lights and you will see our friendly hostel on the left hand side of the road.
Directions from airport
Galway has an international airport located just 5 miles form the city center. There is currently no bus service available form the airport to the city center but there is a taxi rank just outside the arrivals terminal to take passengers to the city center. You can ask the taxi driver to bring you directly to the hostel 'Salmon Weir Hostel' , 3 St Vincents Avenue, Woodquay, Galway
Directions by road
From the main dual carriage way coming in from the Dublin road follow the signs for clifden until you reach the round about which is controlled by traffic lights. Take the 2nd Exit which brings you towards the city center. Drive ahead passing straight through the next set of traffic lights and about 200 meters ahead on your right hand side you will see the salmon weir hostel.
If you have any difficulty finding us, call us on 091-561133 and we will be happy to guide you all the way to the Salmon Weir Hostel.
Kinlay Eyre Square Hostel
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Kilbree House B&B is a beautiful 4 star accommodation choice located in Galway City. This superb property is on an elevated site on Circular Road, and is just a few minutes from city centre....
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Copper Beech B&B is an excellent guest accommodation, reasonably priced, in the thriving city of Galway...
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Ideally located in the seafront town of Salthill and only 5 minutes walk from Galway City, Ross House offers superior accommodation at affordable prices....
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Highly recommended by Le Guide du Routard and National Geographic, our B&B offers comfortable rooms with all amenities....
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Eyre Square Townhouse, We are pleased to announce that The Eyre Square...
Wild Honey Inn: Walking & Cycling holiday
Clare, Ireland Bike Tours
Wild Honey Inn is situated on the edge of Lisdoonvarna the gateway town to the Burren region of north Clare. The Burren is an ideal location for walking and cycling with many interesting routes to explore. ...
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Ireland: Connemara Bike - Freewheeling Adventures
Connemara, Ireland Bike Tours
Eight days, cycling on gently rolling paved roads, with a half-day hike. Evenings include small inns, a charming castle, and pub options....
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Scuba Diving in Ireland
Dublin, Ireland Scuba & Snorkeling
Welcome to Triton Diving - A friendly enthusiastic scuba diving training company Delivering PADI scuba diving courses in Ireland , offering a wide range of Scuba Diving Equipment for sale and running dive trips both in Ireland and abroad. Triton ...
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Romantic Spa Retreats with Radisson Blu
Limerick, Ireland Health Spas & Retreats
The Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa offers luxury accommodation, complimentary car parking, international restaurant, two bars, leisure facilities, Hair Salon & Rain Spa & Wellness Clinic....
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Summer Camp in Ireland
Abbey, Ireland Summer Camps & Programs
Adventure Ireland offer programs in Ireland for high school and college students. We have a July high school summer camp for teens ages 11-17, which is a full immersion program in Ireland, including Irish Studies, travel, field trips, fun and sports....
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Galway Tour Company: Fun Day Tours
Galway, Ireland Sight-Seeing Tours
The Galway Tour Company is Galway's leading Day Tour Company offering Day & Night tours of popular destinations and lesser taken routes including the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, Connemara & Clonmacnoise Monastic City....
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DH036 - Three Day Tour
Dublin, Ireland Train Tours
A three day tour to the South and South West of Ireland taking in Cork, Blarney Castle, The Queenstown Story and then from Killarney, touring the Ring of Kerry the Cliffs of Moher and Galway Bay, returning to Dublin by train from Galway....
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Newpark House
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Historic house built circa 1750 set in its own private parklands within the boundaries of Ennis Urban area. Furnished with antiques along with modern facilities. Large guest library. Genealogy assistance privided....
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|Link Code


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Loved this! It's wonderful, easy to do, fresh and tasty! by mistake I added basil instead of cilantro... woops! but it was great anyways... the combination with the mint was just perfect. Definitely a repeat!
Mediterranean Tuna Cakes with Citrus Mayonnaise
Puyiii Posted: 07/01/09
indiegirl Posted: 02/18/09
This was just OK to me, but the friend I made it for loved it and asked for the recipe. However, I thought the tuna cakes needed a little more flavor. Also, as many have mentioned here, they were impossible to keep together and kept falling apart.
ProgammingChef Posted: 07/17/10
I've been wanting to make some crab/tuna/something cakes for a while and I'm glad I started with this recipe! So good and so easy. I used panko bread crumbs in the mixture for better binding and then coated with a lot of regular bread crumbs and didn't have any troubles with them falling apart. And yes the mayo makes it super yummy!
No Longer Registered Posted: 04/17/10
This is one of my favorite recipes to serve in the summer. 3/4 cup chopped red pepper is overpowering so I cut back to 1/4 cup, but otherwise this recipe is spot on.
esladky Posted: 02/01/09
This was my first time making tuna cakes, and my roommate and I absolutely fell in love with it! It is full of flavor and pretty easy to make. Definitely recommend it!
CAcook Posted: 09/27/09
Yummy! I've made this many times and they are yummy served on top of salad or rice. They are crumbly when you assemble but then stick together when fried. The mint is a must! Can be made in advance and cooked later.
angieriggs Posted: 03/14/14
These were awesome!! I did make several changes, though. 1st I omitted the mint and the red pepper and I substituted green onion for yellow onion as I think that the more delicate taste of green onion compliments the tuna a little better. Then I added some lemon zest, about 1 tsp., about 1/2 tsp McCormick Perfect Pinch Lemon Herb seasoning and a dash of cayenne pepper. I added more dry bread crumbs than was call for in the recipe so that they would hold together well. I also used more breadcrumbs than called for to roll them in. We decided to grilled them on a grill pan on the grill, something that I highly recommend, as the grill added flavor that you just can't get from a skillet. Finally, my husband sprayed the tops with a little cooking spray so that the bread crumbs on top were just slightly crispy, this is another step that I highly recommend.


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Ok, this is isn't search related, but it's too much fun not to cover. Gmail has released another Labs feature. This one is called Mail Goggles and it's intended to help you avoid sending those late night or weekend emails that you'll regret later.
When the feature is enabled, you have to answer simple math problems before an email will send during those most vulnerable emails-I-will-later-regret times.
Of course, if you're having a perfectly sane moment but math isn't your strong suit, you'll need to break out your trusty calculator (or enter that math problem into Google search).
But at least now there's technology that has your back in those weak moments.
Related Reading:
Google Responds to Gmail Privacy Concerns
Gmail and Search/E-Mail Integration
The Original Search Marketing Event is Back!
SES Denver (Oct 16) offers an intense day of learning all the critical aspects of search engine optimization (SEO) and paid search advertising (PPC). The mission of SES remains the same as it did from the start - to help you master being found on search engines. Register today!


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Fred Durst Signs with Cash Money
Friday, February 24th, 2012
Lil Wayne announced on NYC's Kiss FM that Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit) will be joining the the label that brothers, Bryan 'Birdman' Williams, and Ronald 'Slim' Williams started. Wayne phoned into the radio station, stating that his budding empire was signing "everyone." Then Fred Durst made it legit on Twitter, as tweets with inspirational messages followed with the inevitable "Cash Money Limp Bizkit" announcement.
Durst then decided to pull a Chris Brown. Tweeting: "Cash Money Limp Bizkit. Rock sh*t doesn't rock anymore! They say the whole game done went pop so I'm back in this ho!" Classy.
I understand collaborations and doing different things with music, but really Durst?
What do you think of this new collabo?


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October 2, 2014
Just a quick update on this Wednesday morning.
A very active weather pattern yesterday settles down a bit, but we're going to be tracking a few more storms today too. Unfortunately, some of them are going to be right over areas that already received plenty of rain yesterday. We'll have to watch this in case there's some local street flooding and such. Here's a look at the NAM models:
|NAM - Wednesday AM
|NAM - Wednesday PM
You can cross-reference these with the Doppler estimated totals on the maps below. It's not going to be an issue for all of us, primarily for folks along and just to the west of the Big Sandy and Tug Fork rivers.
It won't take long for the heat to figure prominently in the forecast either. Particularly on Thursday, we'll be talking about mid-90s with high humidity-- good enough for a heat advisory no less.
Following that, we'll have another front approaching with its own brand of thunderstorms and evil intent. Say it ain't so, but we'll have to watch that one too!
|Regional Radar/Satellite with Warnings Tracking
Accuweather Radar
From the Storm Prediction Center (below): Click For a Larger Image
|Activity Overview
|Storm Outlook
|Potential Watches
|Storm Reports
|HD Doppler Radar
|Estimated Rainfall
|Active Warnings
|Click For Larger
|Click For Interactive Radar
|Click For Larger
|Click For Larger
Have a great day everyone!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrandonButcherWeather
Twitter: www.twitter.com/WSAZBrandon
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or email@example.com.


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Administrative Hearings
This information is provided as a guide through the hearing process. It is not intended to restrict or expand the application of the Colorado Revised Statutes. The Colorado Revised Statutes and regulations thereunder control the hearing process at the Department of Revenue.
A. Scope. A taxpayer may request an administrative hearing by written protest to the Executive Director within thirty days of mailing of a notice of deficiency or rejection of a claim for refund regarding income, estate, passenger-mile, gasoline, special fuel, cigarette, tobacco products, sales, use, severance, value of oil and gas tax, motor vehicle registration tax and fees, and foreign capital depository fees. C.R.S. 39-21-103(2) and 104.
In lieu of a request for hearing, the taxpayer may file a written brief and request that the Executive Director of the Dept. of Revenue reconsider the deficiency without a hearing. C.R.S. 39-21-103(7).
B. Protest. The request for hearing shall set forth the taxpayer's reasons for and the amount of the requested changes in the deficiency or refund rejection. C.R.S. 39-21-103(3).
C. Informal conferences. Upon receipt of a request for hearing, the Conferee's office of the department schedules an informal conference with the taxpayer or his authorized representative. The purpose of this conference is to discuss the procedure to be followed in the administrative hearing, to clarify the relevant issues, facts and law, and, if possible to settle the matters in dispute. The informal conference does not waive the taxpayer's right to an administrative hearing.
D. Scheduling. If one or more issues remain in dispute after the informal conference an administrative (formal) hearing will be scheduled.
E. Administrative pre-hearing data certificate. Prior to the hearing, the taxpayer and the Attorney General's office (which represents the Department of Revenue at the hearing and in any subsequent court proceedings) will be asked to submit administrative pre-hearing data certificates.
F. Prior to the hearing.
G. What happens at the hearing? "At the hearing, the taxpayer may assert any facts, make any arguments, and file any briefs and affidavits he believes pertinent to the case." C.R.S. 39-21-103(6).
H. Decision -- the final determination. Based upon the evidence and arguments or the brief and written materials submitted in lieu of a hearing (C.R.S. 39-21-103(7)), the Executive Director/Deputy Director makes a final determination within sixty days (plus extensions) if necessary 39-21-103(8). The Executive Director sends the taxpayer a notice of final determination by certified mail. The Executive Director can modify the tax, penalties, and interest disputed at the hearing and can even approve a refund. See C.R.S. 39-21-103(8). If the taxpayer fails to request a hearing or submit a brief in lieu of a hearing within the requisite thirty-day period, the Executive Director must send the notice of final determination by first-class mail accompanied by notice and demand for payment shortly after the expiration of that period.
I. Statute of limitations. Once the Department of Revenue issues a "written proposed adjustment of the tax liability" prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations (including any extensions), the period is extended until one year after a final determination or assessment is made. C.R.S. 39-21-107(1) and (2) (as amended in 1983 by S.B. 324). Therefore, the period for assessment and collection will not expire while the taxpayer is awaiting a final determination.
J. Appeals.


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Celebrating the moments that matter.
With impeccable taste & unbounded creativity, Jason and his team of experts will work with you to create one-of-a-kind, flawless celebrations. From weddings and mitzvahs to corporate retreats and fund-raisers, we will ensure that no detail is overlooked while you enjoy the best experience of your life in one of the finest destinations on earth.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen has a perfect venue for every celebration. Jason and his team are intimately familiar with the most special spots in the Valley, giving you a wealth of insider information when planning your event.
Kaua'i, Hawai'i
Whether you're imagining an intimate beach wedding with your closest friends or a ceremony in front of a tropical waterfall, Jason and the DL Event Planning team will guide you on your dream Hawaiian wedding.


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I really like this cake. Simple with very clean lines. But mostly I like that it looks like food! I'm working my way up to posting a picture of a cake that will make you lick the screen of your computer.
Photo via Martha.
read the comment policy before you post


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Sign up for Yardbarker's daily Top 10 newsletter, the Morning Bark! Customize to get news on your favorite sports and teams.
Found November 17, 2012 on Celtics Green ...a boston celtics blog.:
PLAYERS: Chris Wilcox, Jason Collins, Royce White, Courtney Lee, Jason Terry, Darko Milicic, Josh Smith, Keith Bogans, Bill Walton, Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jeff Green
TEAMS: Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers
TEAMS: Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers
Herald Fans take to Chris Wilcox Jason Collins focused on staying sharpUplifting words Royce White says health more important than NBA Grizzlies hand Knicks first loss, 105-95 Globe Rondo misses Celtics' game at Brooklyn Courtney Lee gets a handle on role with Celtics Celtics Green Not a Flagrant?Comments from the Other Side - Nets 11/16Celtics Rookie Impressing with the Red ClawsJason Terry is a Celtic - Behind the Scenes 5 things Celtics must do to win Flop of the Night Preview and Official Report - Raptors(2-6) at Celtics (5-4) 11/17 CelticsBlog Doc's latest thoughts on Darko Milicic and Jason CollinsHawks have no interest in trading Josh Smith (we'll see) The Long and Short of Courtney Lee Celtic Thunder Just Perk Being Perk - And I Love It!Comments from the Other Side - OKC/Hornets 11/16KMart Gets a Warning for FloppingCLNS Radio Keith Bogans Did not Deserve a Flagrant Foul for his Hit on Leandro Barbosa Boston Celtics vs. Season Ticket Holders: Everybody Wins Celtics Post Game Show vs Raptors, immediately following the gameCLNS Radio Game Preview: Toronto Raptors at Boston CelticsRed's Army Photo Gallery: Celtics-Nets Your Morning Dump… Where Doc is sticking to his plan to manage minutesHow we see it goin' down: Celtics – Raptors ESPN Shots start falling for LeeOop is right up their alley Bass and the 'muscle' celebration Why don't you take a seat over there W2W4: Celtics vs. Raptors (Game 10 of 82) Lex Nihil Novi Dave Twardzik: A Closer Look (Bill Walton & the 76-77 Blazers)Greatest Home Team Ever Wins Another Close One at Da Gahden (85-86)Grampa Celtic Talks NellieBill Walton and the 1976-77 Portland Trailblazers: Game 4Jabbar v. Chamberlain: Game 12 (November 21, 1971)CSNNE Mental lapse proves costly for Pierce at free throw lineCollins makes Celtics debut in hopes to help reboundingCeltics' Bass gets his yoga onCeltics-Raptors preview: Getting Pierce to the lineNESN Rajon Rondo's Injury Not to Blame for Celtics' Breakdowns in Loss to Brooklyn Nets Celtics Live Blog: Paul Pierce, C's Shoot for Stronger Finish Against RaptorsCelticsHub Celtics-Nets Grades Game 10: Raptors (2-6) @ Celtics (5-4) Open ThreadCeltics Town Kevin Garnett can predict your plays before they happenGreen Street Al Jefferson: 'I would've traded me for Kevin Garnett, too' and other memories of Rajon Rondo and the 2006-07 CelticsOpinion: Celtics have to find out what they have with Jeff GreenCeltics Title Town Celtics Morning Joe: Okay the Celtics played well without Rondo, but?Celtics by the Numbers: offensive rebounding disasterHangtime Blogs The Lakers Want to Race? Seriously?Enterprise News Celtics still have rebounding problems Press Herald Video: Welcoming the Red Claws Southcoast Today Tim Weisberg: Jeff Green falling short of expectationsSheridan Hoops Bynum has problems with both kneesSB Nation How do you explain Rajon Rondo?The Score Kevin Garnett knows almost all of the Nets' playsNewsday Avery Johnson: Celtics 'are the standard'NY Times Nets See 'Celtics Way' as Something to Emulate Yahoo Avery Johnson is pretty sick of Kevin Garnett knowing all of the NBA's play callsRoyce White's battle with Rockets over anxiety disorder could cost him NBA careerSI.co Lakers among teams with worst benches in NBAPro Basketball Talk Inconsistent Celtics miss Rondo, also miss win in Brooklyn NY Post Brooklyn Nets pick up statement win, defeat Boston Celtics, 102-97Nets Daily Final: Brooklyn Nets edge Boston Celtics 102-97 Ridiculous Upside A Decade Later, Stern's NBA In Europe Agenda Is Growing Old Very Fast Dimemag The Superstar Lakers Hired A New Coach Who Can't Handle NBA Stars [Discuss on CG Forums!]
Original Story: http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2012...
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Under the radar: the case for Wilcox
Rajon Rondo WILL play today against Toronto
Celtics Lead Raptors at the Half 47-42 As Rondo Extends Streak
Grande: Rondo Will Play today
Celtics Have Gino Time with 107-89 Win Over Raptors
Game #10 Recap: Boston Celtics Ease to Victory Against Toronto Raptors, 107-89
Pistons 103, Celtics 83 - Celts crushed in Motown as Rondo's streak continues
Rajon Rondo hits the 20 assist mark for the second time this season; extends streak to 33!
Boston Celtics News From Around the Web: Daily Links for Sunday, November 18
Fiddlin and Diddlin' Boston Celtics Links 11/18
Your Morning Dump… Where the "'Rondo for MVP' Campaign has Begun"
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« Quote Request Product List »
Update Quantity
WDBBEP0010BBK Western Digital 1TB My Passport Usb 3.0/2.0 Interface External Hard Drive. New Factory Sealed With Full Manufacturer Warranty.
To add more products, click "Request A Quote" button from product pages.
To remove any product from the list, set quantity to '0'.


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Join or Sign In
I love patchwork and have a patchwork fabric store on the south coast of NSW. I also love making bags and clothes - well lets face it if it involves a sewing machine, Im there!
Need Help? Visit our Help Center.
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Getty Images
John Doe and Exene Cervenka
We're winding down toward Christmas, so there aren't a ton of choices on Sunday night, but if you had the foresight, you snagged your tickets early for the show at the Casbah with X. John Doe and Exene Cervenka have had plenty of time together onstage over the past 30-plus years, but in recent times they've been performing apart, so this is a rare night to catch the band in all its glory. I'm particularly excited about this show because they'll be joined by My Jerusalem, a band I've pushed in this column the two other times they've performed in San Diego in the past couple years. If you weren't able to get your tickets, Mini Death is a viable alternative over at Soda Bar, as is a Cash'd Out Christmas at the Belly Up.
Sunday, Dec. 23:
Rosemary Bystrak writes about the San Diego music scene, events and general musings about life in San Diego on San Diego: Dialed In. Follow her updates on Twitter or contact her directly.


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Join the Windows Insider Program and get the Windows 10 Technical Preview
Yesterday, we began an exciting new chapter in the Windows story with the announcement of Windows 10 and what it means for our enterprise customers. As part of our new approach to building and delivering Windows 10 to customers, we want to make sure we get feedback in real-time as the development process is ongoing…. Read more


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The Hoax Museum Blog
Hoaxes, mischief, and misinformation throughout history
Hoaxes, mischief, and misinformation throughout history
First they saw the image of the Virgin Mary in a window of Milton Hospital (see below). Now they're seeing the image of the Virgin Mary in Milton Hospital's brick chimney.
SendSteveAGift.com is the latest website in which a guy brazenly asks people to send him money, just for the hell of it (his argument: give a buck to change Steve's luck). An anonymous visitor asked me if the site is for real. My response: Of course it is! I'm 100% certain that if you choose to surrender your cash to Steve, he'll take it. But if you're in a mood to part with some money, why not give it to me?
|Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2003
|Comments (2)
Check out the website of Ben Field. Ben is a student at Miami University in Ohio. Every year the students there celebrate Green Beer Day (a celebration not sanctioned by the university) by drinking green beer in bars all day. This year Ben got the clever idea of sending out an email to all 31,000 students, disguised to make it appear that it was coming from the university president, declaring that classes were cancelled for Green Beer Day. Needless to say, the university was not amused. Now Ben has to reimburse his parents $9000 in legal fees that they covered for him. So Ben created a website to tell his story and solicit donations from the public to help…
|Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2003
|Comments (1)
This day in hoax history. June 25, 1899: The Great Wall of China Hoax.
Sea serpent spotted by Cape Breton fisherman.
Public Service Announcement: if you get an email telling you that if you forward this message to five people you'll get a free flight from London to Asia courtesy of British Airways, DON'T BELIEVE IT. Versions of this hoax have been going around for years, involving Microsoft and Nike, among others. The premise of the hoax is always that these companies have some way of tracking email in order to determine who is forwarding their email. This, of course, is absolute nonsense.
The following email has been making the rounds. Someone asked me if it's real: The Veil By now you've heard of Sultaana Freeman. Sultaana is the Muslim convert in Florida who is refusing to remove her veil for a driver's license photo. So do you want to see what she looks like? Well here you go. Sultaana with and without her veil! Wait a minute! Doesn't that look like a mug shot on the left? Why, yes! I think it is! I guess she was arrested! Well, as a matter of fact she was. It happened in 1997 in Decatur,…
|Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2003
|Comments (2)
I just read about this British plan to fly a hot-air balloon right up to the very edge of space. The balloon pilots will have to wear spacesuits to protect them from the low air pressure and cosmic rays at that elevation. Of course, they've already been beaten out by Hans Pfaall who rode a hot air balloon all the way to the moon back in 1835.
|Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2003
|Comments (0)
A reader of my book wrote to me pointing out that in the book I claim that examples of Paul Jordan Smith's hoax 'Disumbrationist' paintings could be found on my website. But in fact, the paintings weren't there. My fault entirely. At some point, during some reorganization of the website, the page of Disumbrationist Art was deleted and never put back up. So here it is again, restored to its original glory. For those not familiar with the Disumbrationist story, Paul Jordan Smith was a novelist living in LA during the 1920s. As a joke he adopted the persona of a scruffy Russian artist, Pavel Jerdanowitch, and submitted some paintings 'in the modern style' to art contests. Jerdanowitch…
|Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2003
|Comments (1)
Over the past two weeks a lot of attention has been paid to a website whose name could be read in two ways: http://www.powergenitalia.com. Think about it. Powergen Italia, or... Anyway, I didn't link to it here at first, believing it was a legitimate company that didn't realize how its name could be misread. Turns out I was wrong. According to an article in The Register, the site is a spoof. The real company named Powergen denies having an Italian division named Powergen Italia. Someone must have created the site for a laugh. Perhaps a disgruntled Powergen employee. Some other website names that can be read in two ways are WhoRepresents.com (Whore Presents) and IPanywhere.com. (via…
|Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2003
|Comments (2)
A visitor named Heinz Klostermann sent me quite a bit of info about Joseph Papp, a Hungarian-born inventor who first claimed that he had built a submarine capable of traveling at 300 mph, and later claimed to have built a car engine that could run for six months without refueling. Heinz sent an article about Papp that appeared in the San Jose Mercury News in 1989, as well as an article apparently written by the physicist Richard Feynman describing a demonstration of Papp's engine. It turns out that Heinz has been working for the past three years to reinvent Papp's engine (the secret of how to build it died with Papp). If you have any info about Papp…
|Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2003
|Comments (1)
Another visitor contribution: ...I guess this Website can't be Dis-Proved, but it might make an interesting addition to your Museum: Dolphin Sex (Warning: some of the content isn't safe for work) My response: I assume the site is just a joke. But given all the things that people have supposedly tried to mate with throughout history (see my Birth Hoaxes Gallery for some examples) one can never be too sure.
|Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2003
|Comments (4)
A visitor asks: http://crossspot.net/objective/kidz.html is this site for real,or just mocking christian web sites? My answer: My vote is that it's satire, though it's pretty hard to tell. To my jaded sensibility the site definitely has a tongue-in-cheek feel to it. For instance the proposed redesign of the American flag to include the word 'GOD' stamped in huge letters across the top of it seems a little much. But there are people who go for that kind of stuff. What confuses me are the banner ads on the site which appear to lead to genuine Christian businesses. But maybe the ads are put there just to give the site a façade of authenticity.
|Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2003
|Comments (14)
Here's another case of the underlying reality of what an ad is showing being out of sync with the message the ad is trying to deliver. A Canadian campaign commercial shows a shot of a smiling family accompanied by a voice over that says, "I want a premier who believes what I believe." But the family shown is an American family from Oregon. Oops.
|Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2003
|Comments (0)
More info about the image of the Virgin Mary that's appearing in the window of Milton Hospital. Plus a picture. I guess I can sort of see how it looks like the Virgin Mary, but it also looks a little like the state of New Hampshire if you squint your eyes just right.
|Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2003
|Comments (0)
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Bam discovers that Raab is still in love with his mail-order bride and flies him to Russia to find her and win her heart all over again. watch
It's a hot summer's day, so Bam decides to take the CKY crew rafting down the Brandywine River in a race against Vito to the Lagoon Bar. watch
It's more vehicular woes for Bam after he smashes Don Vito's bay window. watch
What parents need to know before their kids see Jackass Number 2.
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Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O and the entire crew from the popular MTV franchise return in the most insane movie of the year, Jackass Number Two. Available in both rated and "too hot for theaters" unrated versions, jackass number two pushes the limits with all-new stunts, pants-wetting practical jokes, fun with bears, bees, snakes, bulls, sharks…and other REALLY bad ideas.
Johnny Knoxville and his crew continue to shun dignity and embrace danger in this no-holds-barred sequel that keeps the gross-out factor high.
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Music Video of Iggy Pop performing "My Idea of Fun" from Bam's Unholy Union.
There's no looking back as Bam and Missy countdown the hours until they tie the knot. But it's not smooth sailing as drama follows them everywhere, including down the aisle in a wheelchair. But with guests like Iggy Pop and Tony Hawk, Bam and Missy are sure to throw the wedding of the year.
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The clock is definitely ticking as Bam and Missy gear up for their wedding…one week away. There is no shortage of things to do and topping the list is getting everything done in time to welcome friends and family to Philly for their rehearsal dinner. It's all up in the air, as our anxious couple will have to get their act together or have a lot of explaining to do.
The clock is definitely ticking as Bam and Missy gear up for their wedding - one week away.
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The historic Harbor Bar and Grill, located at Stockbridge Harbor on Lake Winnebago, combines remarkable sunsets and lake views with a casual atmosphere. The dining area, 2 bars and deck offer ample space for an enjoyable visit. Easily accessible whether you dock at the harbor or park in our lot.
We are members of the Stockbridge Area Business Association (SABA)
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a simple board that works. i ride it all over and its just fun for rails, trails, jumps and, even deep snow. it obviously not a pow machine but i just set my stance back a bit and it was fine. good pop, its soft enough without being a useless noodle and i just have a lot of fun on it. plus it has cool graphics. and no topsheet problems(knock on wood haha. if you just want a fun all around board and dont want to spend a ridiculous amount then definitely consider this board.
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i love this beanie. i got it in black and its perfect for wearing around everyday. i also wore it up to killington this past weekend and it stayed put on my noggin like a condom on my other one. overall a nice beanie if you like the style of a folded over beanie but still want a little sag off the top of your head.
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56,unless its all jibs and jumps. trails you should be okay either way. im about 5'9" and ride a 52w and its pretty good all over
you can go with anything that has a ww of 250mm or more. 260 and above is a little extreme depending on your stance. the wider and more ducked out the slimmer board you can ride. i have a size 12 and rode at around 24 inches +18/-18 on a board with 250m waist and it was fine unless i really laid one down. i got a stairmaster 152w at the end of this season and thats at 257mm and there is no catching at all and its way more stable but harder to turn. id say if the ww is between 250mm and 260mm then you will be just fine.
this board is fun for like the first 30 days. it had great pop and fun on rails but then it went downhill. my topsheet peeled back, sidewall is disappearing and i can see core. also it lost all its pop and literally i can only ollie as high as i can lift my knees. for $370,even now at $300, you can get a better board. but if you can wait til it goes down to around $200 then it would be a good deal. espesh since you have another board so you wont ride it everyday. its an amazing board up to the point when it wears out. i loved it until now. hope that helps a little. the everything sucks will be a bit stiffer but more durable
its considered an all terrian killer but is nice and felxible for park tricks, its still going to be stable enough to launch of jumps but you will be abe to get your press on. either look up scott vine in sunday in the park, he is often scene ripping on it or go to stepchildes page and watch simon chamberlin press the snot out of it in his part
you will be fine with the 54, its weight limit is like 230lbs
well for what size? ill tell you that a 157 is about 5 feet tall
it will if you have a wide enough stance with decent angles.. its a pretty wide board for a standard board as well. as for which is better idk havent ridden either
this board will jib for sure, it wont be a super noodle or anything. similar flex to the k2 darkstar, it will be stable on jumps and still press and jib
you prolly could have gotten away with it at your weight.. but since your 6" 2" you shouldnt have any issue whippin around a 156, if it was a heavier board maybe but there so light that it shouldnt make a difference
graphics im pretty sure.. last years had more dramatic differences but this years are closer to the non core models
uhhh if your asking if youll catch an edge prolly not, is got reverse camber and bronze edges you should be fin there. its just going to be unstable at speeds and you will have to land centered. i hope thats what you asked cause i had a hard time figuring your "question" out
i was thinking about getting this board in a 52w and i was wondering if i would really be to heavy for it. i mainly jib and hit a few small to arguable mid-sized jumps (my hill dosent build much =/ ) i weigh around 160- 165lbs or 73kg
1 Answers
the sub zero is very soft, depending on the size of the jump and your skill it should handle them decent but but the k2 or gnu will handle them better, and the k2 should be a bit softer than the gnu
prolly be fine
stiffer than the weapon, softer than the jibpan, similar to the machete
Any board will work for goofy riders or regular riders. Just know what you nose is and what your tail is and set your bindings accordingly. Obviously for you if your goofy right foot binding goes on the nose and left binding on the tail. Directional twin just means that the board has a twin(symmetrical shape) and a directional flex (tail is stiffer than the nose for control, pop, ect.). They also often have setback insets, that just means you will have a longer nose than tail. These boards offer the best of a twin board and directional. They will do good in the park and all over the mountain. And because of the twin shape you will be able to ride switch easier.
the ww on the 59 is 25.1cm. and its based of the darkstar which is a mid flexing board. it will feel slightly softer than that due to the jib rocker. it will definitely be soft enough for jibbing but will have enough rigidness for everything else.
at 135 lbs i would say go with the 152.. if you have an 11 or 12 foot check out the 154 wide
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Bailout Strategies
(Yes, the titular wordplay was intentional.)
Bailout Strategies
(Yes, the titular wordplay was intentional.)
Posted by Elisabeth Dellinger on March 25, 2013 at 12:00 AM in Economy, Investor Sentiment | Permalink
For those not familiar, supply-side economics assumes supply creates demand. People don't know they want a certain good unless it exists, so innovation and creation—not existing demand—must drive production. For an example, consider automobile inventor Henry Ford's famous quote: "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses."
Bowie hasn't released a new album since 2002's Heathen, he hasn't toured since suffering a heart attack after a gig in 2004, and his last major film role was in 2006's The Prestige. London Olympic organizers offered him a spot in the closing ceremony, but he politely refused. Though not exactly a recluse—he's made a handful of public appearances and is photographed strolling in New York now and again—by all accounts he'd settled into retirement and quiet family life. His performing and recording days, it seemed, were through—and though we fans never lost hope for a new album, we weren't exactly signing petitions or pleading our case in record company focus groups.
But on January 8, something miraculous happened: A new Bowie single, "Where Are We Now?" appeared on iTunes out of the blue. With no marketing campaign other than a press release, a tweet on Bowie's Twitter feed and a banner on iTunes, news spread across the Internet like wildfire, and within a day the song topped the UK iTunes chart. The simple existence of a new song drove a massive wave of demand—demand that really didn't exist the day before.
And that, in a nutshell, is why the best economic policies are those that make it easiest and cheapest for people to innovate, create and sell their goods—all the fiscal and monetary stimulus in the world won't do much to stimulate consumption without exciting new products for us to buy.
(And speaking of exciting new products, a new Bowie album, The Next Day, lands in early March.)
Posted by Elisabeth Dellinger on January 16, 2013 at 12:00 AM in Capitalism, Economy, Finance Theory, Investor Sentiment | Permalink
Technorati Tags: David Bowie, economics
You may not think press regulation has much bearing on markets, but the deepening fractures within the coalition very well could.
Posted by Elisabeth Dellinger on December 12, 2012 at 12:00 AM in Capitalism, Investor Sentiment, Politics | Permalink
Technorati Tags: media regulation, United Kingdom
UK Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander caused a bit of a stir earlier this week when he said keeping the UK's top credit rating should not be the "be-all and end-all" of the government's priorities—apparently contradicting Chancellor George Osborne's declaration that Britain's AAA rating means the "world has confidence" in the coalition's deficit reduction efforts.
Alexander's reasoning was that the coalition's efforts would be better spent on supporting economic growth—likely through higher infrastructure and other public spending—than reducing the deficit. How much the UK needs fiscal stimulus right now is debatable—certainly it has its time and place, though I believe private sector-oriented programs like UK Guarantees and Funding for Lending seem a more sensible means of boosting growth at the moment. But Alexander's assessment of the credit rating's importance hits the mark.
One year ago, the US was downgraded by ratings agency Standard and Poor's, and at the time most observers were sure financial chaos would ensue. The US's interest rates would rise, according to the popular narrative, the Treasury would have an increasingly difficult time issuing new debt, and eventually the US would default on its obligations. Well, none of this has happened. In fact, US Treasury yields have fallen since the downgrade and are at multigenerational lows. This is largely because investors the world over understand the US has very deep, liquid capital markets and debt backed by the full faith and credit of the US government is relatively low risk.
I suspect the same would ultimately prove true in the UK if it were ever downgraded. Britain, too, has deep and liquid capital markets, and the Treasury's ability to reduce bank lending rates simply by putting its strong balance sheet behind over £120 billion in new loans speaks to the market's faith in its ability to repay its debts. Markets tend to see this much more accurately than ratings agencies, which tend to base their assessments on factors that are already widely known or shouldn't really enter into consideration at all (for example, S&P's reason for downgrading the US's rating was that Congress took too long to increase the Treasury's borrowing limit, which is a mere formality).
In short, provided the Treasury continues its sensible approach to managing the country's finances, markets likely shouldn't much care what the UK's credit rating is.
Posted by Elisabeth Dellinger on August 09, 2012 at 12:00 AM in Currencies, Deficits, Developed Markets, Economy, Inflation, Investor Sentiment | Permalink
Technorati Tags: economy, UK economy, US economy
Briefly switching gears with a public service announcement: Fisher Investments UK is online!
Fisher Investments UK Broadens its Social Media Reach
FIUK's Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages are a great way to stay plugged into all the articles my editorial staff colleagues and I produce. You'll find links to these blog postings, our articles on Fisher Investments MarketMinder and other financial websites, and quick takes on the latest news.
Posted by Elisabeth Dellinger on July 02, 2012 at 02:13 PM in Investor Sentiment | Permalink
Technorati Tags: facebook, linkedin, social media, twitter
Perhaps this isn't a perfect analogy, but the latest spat between France and Britain brings to mind this classic scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail:
Frenchman: You don't frighten us, English pig-dogs! Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person! I blow my nose at you, so-called Ah-thoor Keeng, you and all your silly English Knnnnnniggits!
Sir Galahad: What a strange person.
King Arthur: Now, look here, my good man—
Frenchman: I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty-headed animal food trough wiper! I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!
Sir Galahad: Is there someone else up there we can talk to?
Frenchman: No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
In case you haven't been following too closely, here's what's happening. The US-based credit ratings agencies (Fitch, Moody's, and Standard & Poor's) have put France 's credit rating on a negative watch, suggesting a downgrade may be forthcoming. France 's government introduced a fresh €65 billion austerity package in early November, but thus far it doesn't seem to have quieted rumors of a pending downgrade. Now, France seems to be trying to distract the ratings agencies a bit.
It started last Thursday, when Bank of France governor Christian Noyer told a French newspaper (see The Independent for a partial translation) a downgrade "doesn't strike me as justified based on economic fundamentals. Otherwise, they should start by downgrading the UK , which has a bigger deficit, as much debt, more inflation, weaker growth and where bank lending is collapsing." French Prime Minister François Fillon chimed in, "Our British friends have a higher deficit and debt, but it seems the ratings agencies have not yet noticed."
David Cameron responded diplomatically, reminding folks his cabinet has spent 18 months tackling deficit reduction. He also pointed out that low yields on British sovereign debt demonstrate the market's faith in Britain 's ability to service its debt. (If risk of default were higher, one would expect yields to rise accordingly. British 10-year gilts yielded a very low 2.04% as of market close on 16 December.*)
Undeterred, France's new finance minister, François Baroin, shot back: "The economic situation in the United Kingdom is very worrying. One would rather be French than British at the moment." A private conversation between Monsieur Fillon and UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg followed, moving the debate behind the scenes.
Heated politics aside, the real story here is the strange methodology of ratings agencies. As Mr. Noyer pointed out, ratings agencies seldom base their assessments on economic fundamentals. Fisher Investments' editorial staff has written at length about the rather odd methodologies behind ratings agencies' assessments, and in short, we don't see why anyone lends them much credence.
So, with that in mind, what might the ratings agencies be looking at in this case?
Cameron's statement perhaps offers a hint. The UK's deficit reduction plans seem largely on track thus far, and the deficit narrowed more than forecast (thanks to higher revenues) in November. France has announced credible deficit reduction measures, but they're not quite as far in the process. The UK also has the benefit of not using the euro—France, by contrast, is saddled with the perceived risk associated with being in the eurozone. France's banks also have more exposure to peripheral Europe's sovereign debt, raising the specter of state-funded bank recapitalizations (which could hinder France's austerity efforts).
And then, there's future growth prospects. Both countries have witnessed slow GDP growth this year. But looking longer term, Britain's economy has some competitive advantages. The Heritage Foundation ranks Britain 16th in the world in its 2011 Index of Economic Freedom. Business regulations are largely transparent, efficient and streamlined, according to the Heritage Foundation's report, and labor markets are flexible. Britain also plays a major role in the global economy—London is one of the top-three global financial centers (with New York and Hong Kong), and the UK's international trade totaled £906.5 billion in 2010.**
France's economy, on the other hand, is somewhat less liberalized, though Sarkozy has introduced some measures to change this during his presidency. Several utilities remain state-owned, its agriculture is quite subsidized (largely by EU neighbors) and its labor market is heavily regulated. The Heritage Foundation ranks it 64th in the world in its 2011 Index of Economic Freedom, citing the knock-on effects of a "rigid labor code." Certainly, as the eurozone's second-largest economy, France is a major player and has plenty of economic prowess—its international trade in 2010 totaled £700 billion.*** But there are opportunities for further structural improvements.
So why might this factor into the ratings agencies' assessments? Higher economic growth can make it easier for nations to service their debt over the years—higher GDP can lead to increased state revenues, which can make interest payments less expensive relative to revenues. Lower growth can make that a bit more difficult. Hence why Moody's warned this week that slower economic growth in 2012 could impede Britain's deficit reduction progress, though it affirmed its top credit rating is stable for now.
Again though, the takeaway here isn't that one nation's any stronger than the other or one side any more right, but that ratings agencies' assessments should be taken with a healthy dose of cynicism. Both nations seem plenty capable of servicing their debt.
*Source: Bloomberg
**Source: Office for National Statistics
***Source: National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
Posted by Elisabeth Dellinger on December 23, 2011 at 12:11 AM in Currencies, Economy, Finance Theory, Inflation, Investor Sentiment, Media Myths, Monetary Policy | Permalink
Technorati Tags: france, holy grail, monty python, united kingdom
Hamish McRae at the Independent has a sound take on the recent slew of seemingly negative news about Britain 's economy: "The best way to make sense of this constant barrage of information, most of it negative, is to keep asking what is actually new and what is a rehash of stuff we already know."
This is always a sensible approach. By the time information is widely known, markets have typically already reacted to it. Even when old information is spun in different ways, it usually doesn't have much power to move equities meaningfully, in either direction. Markets have already moved past it and are pricing in new information and the probabilities of different events happening. It's a lot like driving a car: Looking only in the rear view mirror doesn't tell you what's on the road ahead of you.
To borrow one of Mr. McRae's examples, consider last week's news that Moody's downgraded the credit ratings of 12 British banks. The downgrade, of course, was a new event. However, it was long expected and—importantly—based on things we already knew about these institutions. If smaller banks come under stress, the government will probably let them fail, while larger banks, with deeper ties to the British and global financial systems, will more likely receive some government support in order to lower the risk of their troubles spilling over. The government has been heading in this direction for a while, as demonstrated by the Independent Commission on Banking's recent proposals for financial sector reforms. Moody's simply took this old news and gave it new clothes, in the form of a rating downgrade. And to perhaps confirm the downgrades don't really change anything, Moody's vouched for the UK banking system's overall health: "The downgrades do not reflect a deterioration in the financial strength of the banking system or that of the government."
Another recently repackaged item is the UK 's second quarter 2011 economic growth. Last week, the Office for National Statistics announced the economy grew only 0.1% from April through June, less than originally estimated. Though flattish growth isn't great news, it's important to put it in context: the number is now more than three months old. As highlighted in our last post, some key economic indicators suggest growth picked up in the third quarter. Mr. McRae adds, "our service industries are still expecting growth and, what is more, are still profitable." Looking at only the second quarter's reading doesn't really tell us what's happened in the three-plus months since—and, much less, what will happen from here.
It wouldn't be surprising for negative economic news to continue. But taking a minute to distinguish well-known stories from those with new information can give us all a healthier perspective, and a better sense of how the economy is truly progressing.
*The Smiths, 1987
Posted by Elisabeth Dellinger on October 14, 2011 at 12:22 AM in Finance Theory, Investor Sentiment, Market Cycles, Market Risks, Media Myths | Permalink
Technorati Tags: economy, England, finance
Last Thursday, Bank of England (BOE) Governor Mervyn King received widespread attention for suggesting Britain's present economic situation "is the most serious financial crisis we've seen at least since the 1930s, if not ever." This was his rationale for implementing a new round of quantitative easing: The BOE will purchase £75 billion worth of gilts over the next four months, which should in theory then be lent from banks to individuals and corporations, providing a tailwind to economic growth.
Setting aside questions of the plan's advisability, is Britain 's economy truly in as bad of shape as Mr. King suggested? Is today as bad as, if not worse than, the Great Depression?
There's no doubt the British economy faces challenges, and growth has slowed lately. However, true depression requires a massively shrinking economy, as occurred during the 1930s—but which hasn't occurred so far in 2011. In fact, the UK 's nominal GDP is at an all-time high, having recovered from the 2008-2009 recession. Much has been made of recent news the economy grew only 0.1% in the second quarter, but it's rather normal for economic growth rates to fluctuate in the short-term. Growth often slows temporarily a couple years into an expansion without turning negative.
Following are some other positive highlights from the Office for National Statistics' Second Quarter 2011 Statistical Bulletin:
Other recent reports also suggest the economy is healthier than given credit for:
Based on these facts, it seems premature to say the UK is in either a depression or recession. More likely, it's experiencing the volatility typical during a growth cycle.
Posted by Elisabeth Dellinger on October 12, 2011 at 12:55 AM in Capitalism, Forecasting, Geopolitics, Investor Sentiment, Media Myths | Permalink
Technorati Tags: England, finance, united kingdom
This commentary on this website reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the Fisher Investments employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Fisher Investments or performance returns of any Fisher Investments client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing on this website constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Fisher Investments manages its clients' accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.


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About Me
Age: 21
Home: Deep South Texas
anything else you can ask or scroll :)
from cheek to cheek
Went to a wedding super unexpectedly today and i didn't have time to do my hair naturally like I would have normally done, and I HATE wearing full buns so I decided to have most of it up and do random pieces out and curled. I feel kinda bad cause I curled small pieces of my hair and I haven't put heat to my hair in almost two months, but my hair looks really nice right now.
soo, almost two months without putting heat to my hair (except today) and 5 months without cutting or coloring it and my roots are now two inches out, I hate seeing the difference in color but I can't wait to have my long natural hair<3


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Lowrance Announces Outboard Pilot
Lowrance Introduces Value-Priced Color Fishfinder
Lowrance Launches Elite-7 And Elite-5 Chirp Series Displays
2014 Gold Coast Flathead Classic
Mandurah Boat Show, Australia
Berkley Evinrude Teams Series - Grand Final
*NOTE: HDS units designed for sale in the Americas region will not have Autorouting or Easy Routing capabilities. These features are disabled on all non-Americas units when used in US territorial waters.
Downloading and installing the new demo/simulator is optional, when downloading the 3.0 HDS feature software.