text:
Marvel Assembles an Official Title for Third "Avengers" Movie
Comic Books, Film
Every day in April we will reveal the greatest stories ever told starring a particular character or written/drawn by a particular creator (and throughout the month, you'll get daily chances to vote for NEXT week's lists). These lists are voted on by YOU, the reader!
Here is the list of characters/creators featured so far (along with the rules on how to vote).
Today's list is the Greatest What If…? Stories Ever Told!
10. "What If Conan the Barbarian Walked the Earth Today?" What If…? #13
There was definitely some vote-splitting between this one and its sequel. I didn't combine the two, though, since they were so dramatically different from each other. This issue, written by Roy Thomas and drawn by John Buscema and Ernie Chan, was basically like an issue of Conan where Conan did, indeed, end up on Earth in modern times. The later story took the idea to a WHOLE other level.
9. "Matt Murdock, Agent of…S.H.I.E.L.D." What If…? #28
Written by Frank Miller and Mike Barr, with art by Miller and Klaus Janson, this was a fun action adventure story with great artwork from Miller and Janson.
8. "Legacy" What If…" #105
Written by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz with art by Frenz and Bill Sienkiewicz, this was the only What If…? issue to be so popular that it got its own spin-off series! This is the series that introduced Spider-Girl, daughter of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson-Parker, who went on to have her own awesome series for over 100 issues!
7. "What If…the Avengers Had Become the Pawns of Korvac?" What If…? #32
Written by Mark Gruenwald (with an assist from Peter Sanderson) and drawn by Gruenwald (layouts), Greg LaRocque (finishes) and likely more than a literal TON of inkers, this was a dark follow-up of the famed Korvac Saga. This took the idea of "Everyone dies" (a recurring What If…? trope) and took it a whole other level.
6. "What If Gwen Stacy Had Lived?" What If…? #24
This issue was lucky enough to have the original artist from the death of Gwen Stacy, Gil Kane, do the layouts for the issue! Frank Giacoia finished Kane's layouts and a bunch of inkers inked it. Tony Isabella wrote the issue, which was a strong melancholic approach to Gwen surviving. Yes, she lives, but this is Spider-Man, if one thing goes right something ELSE must go wrong, and the issue does not end happily. At least everyone makes it out of the issue alive!
The top five is on the next page!
First one isn't a surprise at all, but I'm really surprised that the second volume didn't get more love. I actually preferred that run quite a bit over the other, but perhaps that was just because I read them at a younger age the first time.
My only guess from looking at the votes cast is that everyone generally agreed on certain volume 1 stories while everyone had their own particular favorite from volume 2.
Terrific list. I always loved the What If? series because there were literally no limitations to what could happen. For instance, in the real Spider-Man series, you know Spidey isn't REALLY going to die, but in What If?, you might turn the page and discover that he has. (It's not always about death — someone might quit, or turn evil, or whatever. Anything goes.)
My favourite was #45 of the original series … What if the Hulk went Berserk? But almost all the issues were great.
My impressions on the list:
#10 — Not surprised. Great story. The sequel was also excellent, as was the Thor vs. Conan issue also from the original volume.
#9 — Somewhat surprised, but also somewhat expected this. I knew it'd get votes for being Miller on DD (as well as for being really well written), but I also sort of expected his other issue to overshadow it in the votes. Nice to see it on the list either way, because it's a fun alternate take on the character.
#8 — Totally saw this coming. Kind of surprised it didn't rank higher actually.
#7 — Biggest surprise on the list. There are a lot of issues that are more famous than this. I really did not expect to see this one. I'll have to check this out.
#6 — Kind of surprised this ranked so high.
Top 5 — I could have predicted all of these except #2. I really thought the remake of this from volume 2 would have made it onto the list instead.
Count me in as being surprised at the under-representation of Volume 2–particularly the early stories. I think we can universally agree that the series went dramatically downhill over time, with exceptions. Some of my favorites:
– What if the Alien Costume Possessed Spider-Man? Mostly because it killed Spider-Man, so it depressed the heck out of me as a kid.
– What if Professor X of the X-Men had become the Juggernaut? Another freaky one where an empowered Xavier results in a horrible world.
– What if Wolverine was lord of the vampires? Vampire X-Men…score!
– What if the Avengers had fought Galactus? Not a particularly "great" story, but it was written/drawn in a really Silver Age way that was a lot of fun.
– What if Doom became Sorcerer Supreme? Kind of poor art, but another fun, hokey Silver-Age styled story. It's surprising no one thought of this in Volume 1.
– What if Ben Grimm stayed in Liddle-ville? Fun because it was really done in a John Byrne style and even billed itself as a tribute to Byrne. Plus, it had one of those classically-depressing What If endings.
– 114.What if… starring Secret Wars: 25 years later. Another fun one dealing with the kids of the Battleworld heroes. This one screamed for a sequel, and we never got it.
I also have to credit "What if General Ross had become The Hulk?" from the 2000s annual releases. Again, this was one of those comics that was hokey as all heck (a 3-star General would never run out onto a test site to arrest a teenager), but it worked and was fun.
Biggest omissions:
What If The Avengers Had Never Been? — REALLY? This is a classic. I thought this story was a shoe-in. Even Mark Waid has called it one of his "five favorite comics of all time".
Any of the other Conan stories — I'd imagine these missed out because they split the votes with each other.
What If Spider-Man Had Never Become a Crime Fighter? — Spidey stops the burglar that (would have) killed Uncle Ben. Result: He never leaves show business. Both funny writing and a genuinely interesting premise makes for one of the original series' classics.
The OTHER humor issue (#34 from the second volume) — Galactus getting amnesia and thinking he's Elvis is worth the price of admission alone. Punisher telling Dr. Doom to sit in a corner and think about what he's done is just icing on the cake. Honestly expected this to make the list, but I'd imagine it probably lost a lot of potential votes due to people voting for the (superior) first humor issue instead.
What If Iron Man Sold Out? — Maybe the most underrated tale out of the entire second volume. The blog "4thletter!" named it as the best What If? of all time in their Top 100 What If? Issues countdown a few years back.
What If Hulk Was a Barbarian? — This issue has become somewhat of a classic retroactively due to Planet Hulk. One of the coolest out of all of the What If?s that actually predicted future events (and there were surprisingly quite a few of them that did).
What If Spider-Man Joined the Fantastic Four? — The very first issue of What If? ever and one of the most famous.
What If the Original Marvel Bullpen Had Been the Fantastic Four? — Jack Kirby writes and draws this genuinely funny issue that shows us what would have happened if Stan, Jack, and Co. (e.g. Sol Brodsky and Flo Steinberg) had been exposed to gamma radiation and become the world's most ludicrous superhero team. SHOCKED that this didn't make the cut.
The second "What If Phoenix Had Lived?" story from the volume 2 — As mentioned already, this probably lost votes to the first version of the same story.
Anything with The Punisher from the second series — These aren't quite "classics" per se, but they do tend to be surprisingly well written in large part due to Kurt Busiek, Chuck Dixon, and Simon Furman handling writing duties on most of the stories.
I love the "everybody dies" trope. It's like in Choose Your Own Adventure books where, no matter what you do, everything is terrible. I remember the What If surrounding Cyclops and Jean Grey's wedding. I think the universe was destroyed in two of the three stories and Cyclops went on to lead the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants in the other.
Harsh lessons for kids!
Why does the date say April 3rd when this was only released today? In fact, all of the comments are from today.
Yeah, there were certain concepts that reappeared over and over and over again throughout What If? across both ongoings (and maybe some of the one-shots). Aside from "everybody dies" there were also…
"[insert character here] is an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D."
"X kills Y"
"[insert story arc here] ends differently (usually with only one minor difference effecting the outcome)"
"[insert superhero here] never becomes a superhero"
"[insert superhero's ally here] becomes that superhero instead"
"Dr. Doom can do anything" (Doom was used in a bizarrely broad array of circumstances throughout the series, even including several of the one-shots from later years)
"EVERYONE fights/is a herald of/is associated with Galactus" (even DAZZLER got in on the action)
"Written by Nostradamus" (there are literally dozens of stories that unintentionally predicted future events in the Marvel Universe)
"Spider-Man dies" (Spidey had pretty hard luck in What If?. I'd bet he bit the dust 20+ times across the first two ongoing easily.)
"Something is wrong with the Fantastic Four" (Marvel's First Family were given different powers/members almost too many times to count. They were also satirized more than once and even went to The Land of Oz [!!!] on one occasion.)
On top of those frequently used concepts, there was also massive whoring out of Punisher during volume 2, albeit in a wide variety of stories.
Only five of my choices made this list, but four of these were in my 11-15 choices. And like TB, I'm utterly shocked that the Avengers story from issue #3 (v1) didn't even make this list – it was my no. 1 pick and I thought it would make the top 5 for sure.
Otherwise, the absolutely best bit in that humor issue was Spidey Intellectual Stories – wherein Spidey foils the Thinker's plans to rule the world by besting him in a philosophical debate. I think Roger Stern wrote that little gem.
I actually like the "What if Wolverine was director of Shield" one because it did have a 'better than 616′ ending.
Lots of classic stuff here. But I'm sure everyone's noted some omissions they wish were included. What If? has so much variety, I'm sure everyone's got personal favourites that aren't commonly known.
For me, one was in volume 1 #37, What If the Thing had Kept Mutating? which I voted for and remember fondly as the one What If? where EVERYBODY LIVES HAPPILY EVER AFTER. Thing is cured, Alicia is cured, Bill Foster gets to be the superhero he wanted to be…in a series famous for everybody getting killed (or not getting killed but somehow leaving the world worse off…) that was a big deal for me.
I also was kind of excited that What if the Avengers defeated everybody made it, 'cause you used the graphic up top, but oh well.
I didn't vote for the comedy issue, but I remember it fondly as a 10-year-old. Right up there with Fantastic Four Roast and the No-Prize Book and Assistant Editor's Month as fun little diversions (again, for a 10-year-old)…
I don't know if What If…? was ever prophetic. I do think that the fact that so many of its themes were repeated in main books years later shows that the well is only so deep. "What If Spider-Man's Clone Had Lived?" is a great example.
Two other constant recurring concepts in the book were:
– "What if [Major Event] turned out differently?" A lot of the issues revolved specifically around a major Marvel crossover: Inferno, Atlantis Attacks, Secret Wars, etc. In fact, it seems like that's the only place they go for the annual What If…? specials. We even have a whole AvX miniseries coming up.
– "What if [Character X] became [Character Y]?" A previous commenter mentioned this happening with sidekicks (Rick becoming the Hulk), but a number relied on a hero or villain becoming a different character: Peter Parker becomes Nova; Dr. Doom becomes Dr. Strange; the Punisher becomes Venom. There was even one issue where the FF all developed one power instead of four, which for whatever reason, had Sue Storm become the Man-Thing. Freaky!
Assistant Editors Month. ~sigh~
Remember when Marvel Comics could be fun?
What If? is almost redundant nowadays, as comic book stories seem able to try anything, then (once we've seen that reality) simply have it return to the status quo.
What if Spider-Man never married MJ? (Remember that volume 2 story?) We can see that now! What if the world knew the Peter Parker was Spider-Man? We've seen that! (And we can now have a happy ending for What If #24: Dr Strange and co magically make everyone forget.) What if Captain America, the Human Torch, Hawkeye or Aunt May died? We've seen it all! And if only we'd known at the time that Jean Grey was stil alive, we could have been spared the true awfulness of What If #27. (I know, it came second on this list, but… I don't get it.)
Recently, many What If? issues seem to have two stories: one dystopian, one utopian, nothing in between. I liked the Civil War issue. In one story, the heroes band together to bring world peace. In the other, all the heroes are killed and (even worse) Agent Gyrich becomes president. In 616, of course, they'd find a way to resurrect everyone and force him out of office in the next issue (possibly making everyone forget the whole thing).
I agree that What If #3 What if the Avengers had never been ranks as the biggest omission. I'd have to go back and read some these again, but that story always did it for me. Great Gil Kane art, and a story that really grabs you, especially the end. I highly recommend this one.
Considering the revelations about Gwen (love them or hate them) in the Clone Saga, just imagine how warped the "What If Gwen Stacy had lived?" story could have been if redid with the retcons of her involvement with Norman?
Yay! None of mine won! Wait, I meant, "Boo!" How could you guys have resisted that beatnik-talking Rick Jones as the Hulk? Thanks for crushing my faith in humanity, guys.
I was surprised that more of the ones from my list didn't make it. The only one that did (sorta) was the last one!
1. Captain America were elected president?(26)
2. …Doctor Doom had become a hero? (#22)
3. …The Invaders had stayed together after World War II? (#4)
4. …Captain America and Bucky Had Both Survived World War II? (#5)
5. …Jane Foster had found the hammer of Thor? (10)
6. What If Jessica Jones Had Joined The Avengers? (Special)
7. What If Dr. Doom Had Become The Thing? (Special)
8. The Punisher became an Agent of SHIELD (v2 57)
9. …Conan the Barbarian were stranded in the 20th century? (43)
10. What if Wonder Man were a Woman and Power Man Were a Girl? (34)
The most shocking omission for me is "What If Spider-Man Had Never Become a Crime Fighter?"
That story has been a long-time personal favorite and I thought for sure that it would show up.
I'll accept that my personal favorite, "What If The Punisher Became Venom", didn't make the list, but seriously, the 1950s Avengers didn't make it? It was the basis for "Agents of Atlas"!
A lot of people here are shocked that their choices didn't make the cut. And yet, if they included even half on the choices given in the comments, this list would be well over ten. Sorry, but this is the kind of stuff that annoys me sometimes.
Yeah, sort of like when the All-Star Game omissions are listed every year in the NBA or the MLB. "How can Player X not make it?" But for Player X to make it, Player Y has to be taken OFF the team. All of the stories being mentioned as omissions GOT support, it is just that these other popular stories got MORE support. I dunno how many of the stories on the list I'd omit if I were coming up with this list myself, and for the record, not that it necessarily matters, but of the stories collected in the "Best of What If…?" trade for Marvel, all but ONE of them made this list (the only one that missed was Spidey joining the FF).
I think the only one that people are consistently expressing surprise over the omission of is "What If The Avengers Had Never Been?" I can't think of how that could have possibly missed the list. It's probably one of the five or so most popular issues of the series. The rest of the issues that have been discussed are just "cool issues that didn't make it" moreso than issues anyone actually thought were assured to make the list, for the most part.
My #1 vote was vol 2 #87, where Sabretooth goes on a deadly rampage in the X-Mansion while chasing Jubilee, killing Bishop and Beast.
Unlike most What If stories, it's not about one of Marvel's major storylines being retold.
It's just a different take on a minor issue of Uncanny X-Men, but with a gruesome tone.
And it's probably the only time I've ever liked a story about Jubilee.
Brian's comment makes sense, especially the bit about "Best of What If". That's probably the exposure most people have to the older stories, while the stories I voted for were mostly ones that made a big impression on me at the time, buying them off the spinner racks (I say as I shake my cane in impotent rage at the young ruffians with their "comic shops" and their comicsologies and their series of i-Tubes….)
As others have noted, surprised the Agents of Atlas lead-in didn't get more votes, but arguably it (and "The Invaders had stayed together after World War II? (#4)" and "Captain America and Bucky Had Both Survived World War II? (#5)") weren't "true" What If stories, but instead "Untold Tales" that wound up being actual canon.
Hmm, I should probably get the "Best of What If" TPB, come to think of it….
Best of What If…? trade? Ah ha! I knew there had to be a reason two of the greatest pieces of literature known to man did not make the cut! "What if Conan was Stranded in the 20th Century?" and "What if Rick Jones had Become the Hulk?" should be taught at universities. Conan starring in the Warriors, dressing like a pimp, and fighting Captain America… Beatnik Hulk… the entirety of the human condition is captured in those pages.
Marvel needs to publish an Essential What If volume soon. Great stuff and a nice mix of stories and creators.I have always liked te 1st volume of What if but found the second run more X-men, Wolverine, Punisher oriented. Made sense from a publishing perspective at the time but not a eclectic and surprising as the 1st run of stories.
Knew this one would be unpredictable with no regular characters or creators and I don't know of any recognised "classics"…I've only read 4 of the winning 10 and I didn't vote for "pawns of Korvac" which (from my memory) was too one-note nihilistic for me
Not surprised that Deaths Head I living not making it (My British bias led me to pick it)
I also voted for Wolverine killing the Hulk, Dr Strange disciple of Dormammu, Spiderman marrying Black cat instead of MJ, Shang Chi serving Fu Manchu, Jane Foster as Thor
I have fave issues of WHAT IF?, but perhaps the greatest STORY for me was a BACK-UP tale that was a afterlude to an earlier issue…
Issue # 43 (of Volume 1 – the OTHER "What If Conan were trapped in the 20th Century?") had the BACK-UP story where Doc, Silver Surfer & Phoenix are the ONLY survivors of a destroyed UNIVERSE!
It was a sequel (or sorts) to the KORVAC issue.
If EVER there was a story that told of the mission which Doctor Strange accepted as mystic protector of the universe… this was it.
(And no, I didn't vote for it, because it was a "mere" back-up story – and it was depressing as all hell.)
I found pretty much all the first series. "What If" , from 10 – 44, in a comics bin as a kid. I noticed how many of the ones on the list were between issues 20 & 40. I really enjoyed reading those double sized issues and the backstories about the Celestials. Still surprised at some of the non entries like No Avengers or Phoenix living.
Besides the two classics I mentioned above, I voted for "What if the X-Men Stayed in Asgard?" (maybe the most fun of vol. 2 as well as relatively upbeat; my favorite Jim Valentino comic) "What if Prof X became the Juggernaut?" ( gripping, great world-building and character work) "What if the Invisible Girl Died in Childbirth?" ( heartbreaking) "What if the Punisher Killed Daredevil?" (Kurt Busiek & Luke McDonnel go dark to good effect) "What if Iron Man Sold Out?" (as noted above, an underrated gem "What if Phoenix Had Not Died?" (vol 2 version; the art's not as good but the story worked better for me than in vol 1) "What if Elektra Had Lived?" (no brainier, and I knew it would take the top spot) and "What if the Avengers Had Never Been?" ( my favorite Jim Shooter script and Kane & Janson on art).
Not only can I not believe it didn't make the top 10 but that no one has even mentioned What if? #9. What if… the Avengers had formed in the 1950's. It had Marvel Boy, Namora, The Human Robot, Gorilla-Man, Jimmy Woo, 3-D Man and Venus and almost 30 years later, got its own title, Agents of Atlas. The ongoing was great world building and had a great viral marketing weblog by Jeff Parker. The editor of the ongoing was inspired by the original What If? cover.
I enjoyed this list and just wanted to tell you good job.
Now I am off to my comic shop to look for "What If the Fantastic Four Had Not Gained Their Powers?" What If…? #36
Thanks for making this list and keep up the good work.
"Anything with The Punisher from the second series — These aren't quite "classics" per se, but they do tend to be surprisingly well written in large part due to Kurt Busiek, Chuck Dixon, and Simon Furman handling writing duties on most of the stories."
The one where The Punisher killed Daredevil by shooting him with a tranq too close to the edge of a roof is great. Spider-Man goes after The Punisher, but gets injured, so his identity is revealed, so somebody blows up May Parker with a bazooka. Peter breaks out of a hospital, drugged out not just because of the pain but because the nurses were scared to tell him about his aunt, and the final confrontation they have has always stuck with me.
Two others I don't see as I scan people's choices that I voted for:
What If #46 – What If Spider-Man's Uncle Ben Had Lived (Instead of Aunt May) ? It was drawn by Ron Frenz, who gave it a very Ditko-esque feel.
What If V2 #5 – What If The Vision Had Destroyed The Avengers? I like how the ending was similar in a lot of ways to the Earth-616 continuity.
interesting picks. though suprised to see the first phoenix had lived story made the cut instead of the second one. plus also no love for the what if the fantastic fours second child had lived .
plus also no love for the what if the fantastic fours second child had lived .
Because that issue sucked, that's why.
The observation above about how the regular 616 world can do all the What Ifs? and then just reboot stuff is depressingly true.
Joining in the fondness for the Rick Jones Hulk issue ("Soldiers won't to rumble with Hulk?") which is another one where everyone ends up happier.
I can't abide by any list that doesn't include "What If Iron Man Sold Out?" Plus, I think, despite all the inconsistency that plagued Volume 2, The Punisher issues were all gems.
My Top 10?
10. What If Tony Stark Became Sorcerer Supreme? (Volume II, Issue 113)
9. A What If? X-Men Wedding Album (Volume II, Issue 60, in which Busiek shows us exactly why Wolverine and Jean shouldn't be together! Heh heh…)
8. What If the All-New, All-Different Fantastic Four Had Remained a Team? (Volume II, Issue 78)
7. What If the Impossible Man Possessed the Infinity Gauntlet? (Volume II, Issue 104)
6. What If the Punisher Killed Spider-Man? (Volume II, Issue 58…wow.)
5. What If Thor Ruled Asgard? (Volume II, Issue 107)
4. What If Juggernaut Killed the X-Men? (Volume II, Issue 94…probably the ultimate "downer issue")
3. What If Captain America Were Revived Today? (Volume I, Issue 44; remakes were OK but didn't come close to this baby!)
2. What If? Secret Wars: 25 Years Later! (Volume II, Issue 114)
1. What If Iron Man Sold Out? (Volume II, Issue 64, by an uncredited Simon Furman and Geoff Senior!)
I used to like the What If stories a lot until they got into a long rut where it seemed like any minor change in continuity inevitably led to the end of the universe.
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The Cost-Control Illusion
Breaking down the ObamaCare claims.
Above all other reasons, voters who oppose ObamaCare cite their fear over costs: They think it will cause their insurance premiums to soar and result in far higher taxes to fund a vast new entitlement. The public is right on both counts, which is why White House smokejumpers have been dispatched to put out this fire as the final votes approach.
Let's take their claims one by one, as a public service while everyone else focuses on the whip count.
• A new entitlement can "save" money. That was the main thrust of a recent Washington Post op-ed by White House aides Peter Orszag and Nancy-Ann DeParle. The plan "more than meets the president's commitments that health-insurance reform not add a dime to the deficit," they write.
It's true that the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Senate version of ObamaCare would reduce the deficit by $118 billion over 10 years. But even that number was concocted by budget gimmicks, such as using 10 years of new taxes to fund six years of benefits, as Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan showed at the White House health summit. Mr. Orszag says this doesn't matter because CBO says the bill will save some $1 trillion in the second decade too.
In fact, CBO is careful to stress that it doesn't really know "because the uncertainties involved are simply too great" over such a long time period. CBO also says that the new entitlement will grow by 8% a year, even as Medicare and Medicaid grow by similar magnitudes and overall federal spending is already at 25% of GDP. If this new entitlement actually "saves" money, it will be the first in history.
• Insurance premiums will fall. Dan Pfeiffer, Mr. Obama's communications director, took to the White House blog to claim that the plan "will make insurance more affordable by providing the largest middle class tax cut for health care." So subsidies are really tax cuts?
Insurance subsidies are transfer payments in which government takes money out of the private economy and gives it to someone else. Subsidies thus put an even larger share of health-care spending in government hands. When you subsidize something, you get more of it, which means higher demand for insurance and health-care services. Combine this with new mandates that have raised costs in every state where they have been tried, and you will get higher premiums.
In Massachusetts—where Mitt Romney imposed the beta version of ObamaCare in 2006 in the name of controlling costs—insurance carriers asked regulators this week to approve premium increases ranging from 8% to 32% for small businesses and individuals. That isn't far from the top 39% increase by Anthem Blue Cross in California that Mr. Obama claims his plan would prevent.
• The Cadillac tax. This is the 40% excise tax on high-cost insurance plans that the White House proposed because it lacked the political will to directly reduce the $250 billion annual tax subsidy for employer-based insurance. But then the White House scaled back even this effort, delaying its start until 2018 because of union opposition.
Not to worry, says Mr. Orszag, the tax would still create a "gradually increasing incentive to seek higher-quality and lower-cost health plans." In other words, some future Congress will impose the pain Democrats refuse to impose today.
Mr. Orszag also says these future politicians won't block the tax because this "would violate the statutory pay-go law just enacted." He's referring to the same "pay-go" rule that Congress has violated to the tune of $800 billion or so just in the last year.
• Pilot programs. Mr. Orszag and Ms. DeParle also boast about the bill's micro-initiatives and Medicare demonstration projects. They write that "even if we thought we had the answer for containing costs and improving quality today, that would quickly change as health care evolved."
It sounds reasonable. Yet they're forced into this vague hope because their other ideas have either been killed by Congress or because CBO says they won't save money.
About the "Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program," CBO says it will cut spending by $0 over 10 years.
The "National Pilot Program on Payment Bundling"? Also $0.
• The Medicare commission. This is the real secret of Mr. Orszag's cost-control confidence, and Harvard economist David Cutler wrote in our pages this week that this "independent board" of sages will have the power to recommend spending cuts and create "a process for fast-tracking such recommendations through Congress." We'll believe that when we see it, given how Congress has long overruled specific Medicare spending cuts.
But let's say Congress does cede power to this unelected group of wise men. The commission will then function much like similar bodies do in Europe—controlling costs by denying coverage for new technologies or patients at the end of life, or by limiting spending on certain treatments and thus creating longer waits. Governor Deval Patrick has already announced the early stages of such a price-control regime in Massachusetts.
ObamaCare's real cost-control plan boils down to this: First subsidize coverage so much that costs explode, raise taxes as much as possible to pay for it, and when that isn't enough hand power to an unelected committee to limit treatment and control prices by government order. This is what Democrats are voting for.

subset: commoncrawl


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Microwaved Oysters Rockefeller
|Oysters in shells
|1 Tablespoon
|Snipped parsley
|2 Tablespoon
|Chopped onion
|1 Tablespoon
|To Taste
|To Taste
|To Taste
|Chopped cooked spinach
|1⁄2 Cup (8 tbs)
|4 Tablespoon
|Rock salt
|To Taste
|Fine dry bread crumbs
|2 Tablespoon
Open oysters.
With knife, remove oysters from shells; drain oysters.
Wash shells.
Place each oyster in deep half of shell.
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in custard cup at HIGH for 30 seconds.
Stir in parsley and onion; spoon over oysters.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Top each with 2 teaspoons spinach.
Dot each with 1 teaspoon of remaining butter.
Arrange shells, on bed of rock salt, around edge of 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
Cook, covered, at MEDIUM HIGH (7) for 5 to 6 minutes or till done, giving dish a half turn once.
Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
Recipe Summary
Rate It
Nutrition Rank
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: Complete recipe
Calories 1099 Calories from Fat 660
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 75 g115%
Saturated Fat 41.6 g207.9%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 418.1 mg139.4%
Sodium 1515.3 mg63.1%
Total Carbohydrates 52 g17.3%
Dietary Fiber 3.6 g14.4%
Sugars 3 g
Protein 55 g110.4%
Vitamin A 177.9% Vitamin C 150.9%
Calcium 18.8% Iron 169.9%
*Based on a 2000 Calorie diet


text: 5. WNS (Holdings) ( WNS), a provider of offshore business process outsourcing services, offers data, voice and analytical services. It transfers the business processes of its clients, mostly companies located in Europe North America and the Asia-Pacific regions, to its delivery centers in India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Romania, U.K. and Costa Rica The stock accumulated 0.9% last week. Of the 13 analysts covering the stock, 8% rate a buy and 69% a hold. A Bloomberg consensus expects the stock to gain an average 26.4% to $11.5 over the next 12 months. Last week, the company reported its unaudited fiscal 2011 results. For the year ended March 31, 2011, the company posted revenue of $616.2 million and net profit of $17.9 million, or 40 cents per share. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $27.1 million. Prev 1 of 6 Next


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Dr. Adrienne Breaux specializes in pediatric medicine, internal medicine in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Dr. Adrienne Breaux has been compared 122 times. Details of Dr. Breaux's experience as an MD are available on your free doctor report.
Primary Location for Dr. Breaux
711 S Ryan St
Suite 600
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Patient Ratings and Reviews
Dr. Adrienne Breaux has an average rating of 4 stars (out of 5) with a rating of Very Good based on 3 reviews.
Have you visited Dr. Adrienne Breaux? Rate you experience below.
Board Certification, Specialty and Expertise
Dr. Adrienne Breaux has been identified as specializing in Pediatric Medicine and Internal Medicine.
Patients may also know Dr. Adrienne Breaux MD as:
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2903 1st Ave, Lake Charles, LA 70601
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Lake Charles Memorial Hospital
Lake Charles, Louisiana
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Hi my lovelies, life is going great in London, still looking for a job here , but i just arrive three weeks ago, we are moving in two weeks to our place so its just about be patient and trust myself. But i dont want to bored you so here is my new set shoot by my friend @talena
Click here to see the complete set...
Read More
Im finally living legally in Londom an Im really happy , it was hard to left such an amazing friends and my family, best family ever, but Im positive and my parents are coming ti visit me in three month.
So here you have some random pictures about my last two weeks in buenos, two complete weeks of farewell parties and just 4 days in London...
Read More
My UK spouse visa was succesful on the 1st of June Ill be arriving to London to live there ☺
Moreover I have a new set shoot by @paloma wating for being on MR area
So it's time for a new blog, I finally applied for my UK visa, and was crazy, I prepare everything in Folders, boxes and they make me put every single thing out, i was there for about 40 minutes taking out everything, and course after near an year appart from my husband i got emotional and I was crying there for everything we done...
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Happy easter bunnies 😘and keep giving me some love i would love to be back, its being more than an year I didnt being on front page 😔Magick defends itself
Read More
Give me some love On magick defends itself 😘👯
We shouldn't celebrate the gender even when something horrible happen in the past, we should celebrate human being, not genders or limits, or diferences. I'm A spirit , energy and a human being in this woman case, but i feel like a man thousand of times, most part of my friends are gay guys, and i feel probably like them, I celebrate human being...
Read More
Hi everyone, first at all I want to say Thanks a lot for each of your comments and support, i read all of them such a lovely words, really thank you ! year by year I think if I should still make it after 10 years on the site and with so many young beauties, sometime I feel like Im too old and not pretty enough...
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In this July 14, 2013 photo, masked fighter Eber Sabina, center, is helped by friends with his outfit before entering a Takanakuy ritual fight in Lima, Peru. The fighters dress up in costumes of Andean folklore figures, with the ski masks an integral part of the costume. Among the characters: "El Negro," representative of black slaves; "El Majeno," reminiscent of liquor salesmen from a region called Majes; and "El Gallo," the rooster. (AP Photo/Karel Navarro)


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Carhartt® Flame-resistant Oakman Thermal-lined Sweatshirt, Dark Navy
Item # WX2-427610SOLD OUT
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- Details & Specs
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Carhartt® Flame-resistant Thermal-lined Sweatshirt. A safe bet that's ready for anything!
Inherently Flame-resistant Sweatshirt holds up and keeps you safe in a hazardous zone, plus offers supreme coziness and warmth. Functional flame-resistant knit is incredibly durable, providing you with coverage when you need it the most, with a thermal lining that's heaven-sent when it's bitter cold. Equipped with pockets, a hood and other bells and whistles.Ready for the job:
- Heavyweight 14.25-oz. 58/35/7 cotton / modacrylic / polyester flame-resistant knit construction, with durable water-repellent finish
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- Carhartt® FR and HRC 3 labels sewn on left front pocket
- Meets performance requirements of NFPA 70E standards
- Machine wash / dry. Imported.
State Size, as available in the Shopping Cart.


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Results 1-18 of 18
Every drummer knows how important it is to have strong and sturdy hardware. Of course, there isn't a drummer on the planet who enjoys lugging around hefty bags of stands, but that's where combination stands come in handy. By combining your cymbals and toms onto one stand, combination stands are an ideal way of cutting back on the amount of hardware you bring to practices and live shows. Throughout this extensive catalog, you'll find everything from combination tom and cymbal stands to drum risers, rubber feet, mounting brackets and so much more. Plus, you can have peace of mind knowing that everything here comes to you from the world's top drum hardware manufacturers.
So what are you looking for? You certainly have plenty of options, but any drummer would benefit owning the DW 9934 Tom/Cymbal Stand with 934 Cymbal Arm. With its heavy-duty steel tubing, double-braced legs and easy-to-operate memory locks, this innovative combination stand is flexible, built to last, and makes travelling to and from gigs a breeze. Or maybe you're an electronic drummer who wants to make an upgrade to their multi-clamp. If so, then check out the Simmons Pad Support stand. Double-braced and fully adjustable, this incredible multi-clamp is perfect for almost any manufacturer's e-drum sound module or multi-pad. Whether you're sitting or standing up, keeping your electronic drum gear within reach is easy when you're equipped with the Simmons Pad Support stand. Stands are just as essential to your performance as the drums and cymbals, which is why you need to be sure that the ones you go with are durable enough to hold up through countless whacks and smacks. With that in mind, you don't need to look any further than this section for a wide range of combination stands for your drums and cymbals.
Our product catalog varies by country due to manufacturer restrictions. If you change the Ship-To country, some or all of the items in your cart may not ship to the new destination.


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In This Section
Journal Forum
A Meta-Analysis of High Resolution Audio Perceptual Evaluation - June 2016
2 comments
Synthetic Reverberator - January 1960
3 comments
Sound Board: High-Resolution Audio - October 2015
4 comments
AES E-Library
Hearing with Ears Instead of Instruments
The ear is a physiological transducer for physiologically produced sound, making capital not only of envelope variations but of temporal and spectral jitter operating in milliseconds and smaller periods. By stimulating large neural populations responsive to onset and to change, and by resulting additional increase in the participation of memory in perception, this elaborate microstructure adds richness and body to tone.
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iHerb Customer Reviews
Savings of: $0.04 (1% off)
Sorry, this product is no longer in stock.
Great way to travel smelling fresh!
Posted by Reviewer2662073 on May 29, 2009
Safest Rock and simple deodorant and as a Stick even more practical.
Great protection!!!
Posted by Reviewer1830355 on Jun 02, 2009
My husband and I both use - all summer long!
Great Product
Posted by Reviewer3251240 on Jun 20, 2009
Works good, makes me feel good about my health. The only thing is that it feels like nothing is going on.
great product
Posted by Reviewer1284311 on Jul 20, 2009
this is a great product and easy to travel with. I like to think I am doing my part to prevent breast cancer, being it has all natural ingredients. thank you
Great natural deodorant!
Posted by Reviewer3100306 on Sep 01, 2009
This crystal deordorant works great for me! I'd been looking for an alternative to chemicals/non-natural items out there. This is all natural. The only problem is that if you drop it, it will break off and will have sharp edges which hurt when used. But as long as you are careful, its great! This will be my third time purchasing these.
Perfect for travel
Posted by Reviewer2759358 on Sep 04, 2009
Been using the Crystal for years and love it. The travel size is so much better than bringing the regular stick.
Nice size of a good product!
Posted by Reviewer2259781 on Sep 17, 2009
Good stuff.
I love it!!
Posted by Reviewer1338998 on Dec 03, 2009
I am so excited to have found this product. Since the first use I was hooked. I like the fact it has no scent because my perfumes now take precedence over a deodrant. My previous deodrant claimed to be herbal and non-irrating, yet it still made my skin peel but now I have 'peel-free', none irritated, fresh smelling underarms!!! And by purchasing this product I'm being kind to the planet and my wallet... Bonus!
Very convenient
Posted by Reviewer1022706 on Dec 15, 2009
Convenient and works well!
Crystal Travel Stick
Posted by Reviewer2378174 on Jan 30, 2010
Perfect for air travel, your carry on luggage/you do not need to pack it in the quart size clear bag/pack it in suitcase It works!


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- Details
Dee Zee Bull Bar Guard. 3" steel tubing, creates strong but subtle appearance. Black powder coated steel provides strength and durability. Comes with removable skid plate. Factory drilled holes if you would like to add auxiliary lights. Quick, no-drill installation.
- UltraBlack Steel Bull Bar
- 3" Diameter Mandrel-Bent Steel
- Protective Gloss Black Powder Coat Finish
- Skid Plate Offers Additional Protection
- Pre-Drilled For Auxiliary Light Accessories
- Auxiliary Lights Not Included
- Custom Fit Application Ensures Quick And Easy Installation
- Three-Year Warranty
- Specs
SKU 156342278 Model DZ 500519 Weight 45.0000 Color No Size No Width No In Store Only No Price $179.97
- Warranty
Rural King provides a defect or damage warranty within 30 days of receipt. All Manufacturing Return Policies Supersede Rural King's Return Policy.
- Reviews
Customer Reviews
- Good value and price. The bolts were very slightly out of alignment. Review by Steve
Price Value Quality
The factory bolt holes were slightly offset from the bull bar holes. I was able to drill it out slightly so it was not a problem. The problem may have been with the truck from the factory.
(Posted on 4/28/2013)
Write Your Own Review
Product QuestionsNo questions yet. Be the first to ask the question!


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Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
what do yall think about them bringing the 636 back?
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
what do yall think about them bringing the 636 back?
They sold well before, but man they came with a price this time..
"The Insane Foundation"- We Want Nothing But A Lane Beside You, We Done Lost Our Damn Mind....A BOLO Has Been Issued: "Lunatic" Broke His Lift Chains To Get Down with "Mayhem" And "Asylum" Got Caught Up In The Hype And Went Off..A "Smack Down" With A "Lethal Injection" To Calm Their Nerves, Has Been Given...They Were In This MF Running Around Hollering These B%$#ches Can't Hold Me Back.."Manic Depression" Has Set in, And All Is Back Calm.Oh Boy The West Coast Getting Ready To Have Some Problems.
Not so sure about their weight. 4,234lbs according to the kawi site :)
every new bike out comes with a price now days. and their site says 427lbs. which is a lil heavy for a 600. but how do yall think its gonna perform? i cant wait to see one on the dyno.
Dam.. i have a gsxr 1000 and its 415lbs... thats heavy for a 636... but i wouldnt buy it... thats a bike for a first timer, all others need something with some horse power.. like a 14 or busa
"Dont let the BIG BODY fool you" cause a big man will DEW ya... Its All about the "W"
the new design is nice
over priced, heavy and SLOW. chic bike
2005 Limited RCC Turbo Busa Ultra Street Bike.
1987 Buick Grand National.
The dyno numbers better be in the GSXR750 range or it's DOA. I hope they don't let us down.
The first 636 was killing a lot of bikes out , mine had 126hp after build , but since then a lot of bikes have come a long ways .


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This paper proposes a novel frequency-shift keying (FSK) demodulation method using short-time discrete Fourier transform (ST-DFT) analysis for low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems. The ST-DFT-based FSK demodulation method is simple and robust to a large and time-variant frequency offset because it expands the received signal in a time-frequency plane and demodulates it only by searching the instantaneous spectral peaks with no complicated carrier-recovery circuit. Two kinds of demodulation strategies are proposed: a bit-by-bit demodulation algorithm and an efficient demodulation-algorithm frequency-sequence estimation (FSE) based on the Viterbi algorithm. In addition, in order to carry out an accurate ST-DFT window synchronization, a simple DFT-based ST-DFT window-synchronization method is proposed


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Forecast Lighting F4642-36 Satin Nickel Contemporary / Modern Five Light Reversible 36.1" Wide Bathroom Fixture from the Evan Collection
Offer Ends
We still have product details, accessories, replacement parts and reviews below, scroll down to see them!
Technical Specs
|Bulb Base
|Candelabra (E12)
|Bulb Type
|Compact Fluorescent, Incandescent
|Finish Application
|Full Backplate
|Light Direction
|Up Lighting
|Number of Bulbs
|Suggested Room Fit
|Watts Per Bulb
- Contemporary / Modern Five Light Reversible 36.1" Wide Bathroom Fixture from the Evan Collection
- Requires 5 60w Candelabra Bulbs (Not Included)
- Fixture may be mounted either up or down
Additional Forecast Lighting Links
Our SKU: F4642
This product is listed under the following manufacturer number(s):
- Satin Nickel*
*Denotes a finish or option that has been discontinued
2 Questions from the Community
The Forecast Lighting F4642 takes, at the most, five 60 watt light bulbs.
What is the max wattage per bulb?
A. The Forecast Lighting F4642 takes, at the most, five 60 watt light bulbs.
The Forecast Lighting F4642 you can choose and softer wattage bulb than the 50W and achieve just the right amount of light.
Really worried about lighting for my new bathroom, looking for a soft but bright enough light to do make up in, is this fixture frosted to make a softer glow?
A. The Forecast Lighting F4642 you can choose and softer wattage bulb than the 50W and achieve just the right amount of light.
Forecast Lighting Evan Collection
Warranty Info
A. Forecast warrants that its products (other than ballasts) are free from defects in workmanship and materials. SUCH WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Forecast, at its sole option, will repair or replace, F.O.B. our factory, freight prepaid, a Forecast product (other than ballasts) defective in workmanship or materials. Such repair or replacement is the sole and exclusive remedy against Forecast and is limited to one year from the date of shipment. Forecast reserves the right to determine whether to repair or replace. No charge back, or charge for labor or material, that does not have Forecasts' prior written approval from its office in Elgin, Illinois, will be honored, accepted, or paid by Forecast. Forecast will not be responsible for any consequential or incidental damages in connect with any breach of its aforementioned warranty.
B. Ballasts and emergency battery packs are covered by separate ballast manufacturer's warranties. Forecast does not make any warranties whatsoever as to ballasts and will accept no responsibility or liability whatsoever therefore.
C. Forecast will not be responsible for any products subjected to inappropriate application or installed or modified in any way that is not in accordance with Forecast's instructions.
D. No agent, employee or representative of Forecast has any authority to bind Forecast to any affirmation, representation or warranty concerning goods sold by Forecast and unless an affirmation, representation or warranty made by an agent, employee or representative is specifically included herein, or in Forecast's acknowledgment or Buyer's purchase order in standard printed materials provided by Forecast, it does not form a part of the basis of any bargain between Forecast and Buyer and shall not in any way be enforceable by Buyer.


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I created a WordPress site in a subfolder (website.com/wordpress/) and then carefully moved it to the root (website.com). I used a script to change any reference to the subfolder location in the database to the root location. Everything is working exactly as it should and it was a huge success...
except for just one odd detail: when I go to website.com/wp-admin/, instead of just pulling up website.com/wp-login.php it pulls up website.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwebsite.com%2Fwp-admin%2F&reauth=1
Why is it redirecting to itself and how can I have it just go to /wp-login.php ?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.


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A locomotive accelerates a 25 car train along a level track. Everycar has a mass of 7.1 104 kgand is subject to a friction force f = 250v wherethe speed v is in meters per second and the forcef is in newtons. At the instant when the speed of thetrain is 27 km/h, the magnitude of theacceleration is 0.20 m/s2.
(a) What is the tension in the coupling between thefirst car and the locomotive?
(b) If the tension is equal to the maximum force the locomotive canexert on the train, what is the steepest grade up which thelocomotive can pull the train at 27km/h?


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Married, Poly, but choosing to Practice Monogamy?
View Single Post
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 71
All of your responses are really appreciated and wonderful. Thank you.
@Nycindie: Thank you for the warm welcome! I lurk here often because I really enjoy reading all of the stories, posts, advice, and anecdotes that you folk offer up to each other. I'm often silent because I'm not practicing so i don't really feel like I have a lot to contribute. I really appreciate what you're saying. For many practical reasons monogamy works really well for me, despite the yearnings of my heart to expand and explore and experience more. We've agreed that this works right now but that could change and we could find ourselves opening up again. I just want to make sure that we're doing it for the right reasons and in the right season, you know? But, again, a heartfelt thank you for your kind words and encouragement!
@GalaGirl: Yes, I just wanted to hear from other people who were making the same choice. Sometimes it feels like my "dark passenger", as Dexter Morgan would say. I'm always aware of the fact that, for whatever reason, the oxytocin and vasopressin in my brain work a little differently than most folks; I can start forming bonds with women really quickly, without any sexual connection, and so I tend to be really careful about how close I get to them. I have a lot of great female friends who understand and appreciate who I am; PLove is great and has repeatedly encouraged me to explore my polyamorous nature. Right now, though, I think the fantasy is enough. Thank you for your kindness and warmth.
Author of
"The Lovers War & Other Stories"
View Public Profile
Find all posts by Hades36


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I have been learning Java and have had no problem with projects in which multiple .java files were in the same Default Package. I am now trying to separate code and create folders for images, but everything I have tried has failed.
How do I properly add folders for images and other classes, and properly set the path to it? All paths should be relative to the project, I know that much ;_;
Here's a link to a picture of my IDE and error message from program output:


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Recent Posts
- Yakuza 0 to bust heads, play some Hang-On this January for PS4
- Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 1, 2 out for PC, PS4, Thursday for Xbox One*
- Visual novel RPG A.W.: Phoenix Festa launches on PSN for PS Vita
- Shiren The Wanderer: Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate out now
- Fallout 4 – Vault-Tec Workshop out now for console, PC
Fancy A Date?
Developer- and Publisher-specific Articles: Zen Studios
CastleStorm to storm the walls of Live Arcade on May 29
Zen Studios has announced that their upcoming physics-based tower-defense title CastleStorm will launch on May 29 on Live Arcade. The Pinball FX2 developer stated that the inspiration behind the design, which also includes offensive ground-based attacks, was their childhood memories of building and destroying Lego castles. To that end, a built-in castle editor will allow players to test their strongholds off and online. In addition to a 12-level, story-drive campaign, the game will also feature online multiplayer and co-op play.
Zen Pinball 2 launches on eShop for Wii U
Zen Pinball 2 is now available to download from the eShop for Wii U. The free download includes trials for each of the launch tables, as well as the ability unlock the full versions of current and future tables. Pinballers will be able to play on the GamePad with direct play, challenge others locally via splitscreen or hotseat modes, and compete in various challenges for placement in a national ranking system as well as in global tournaments. Several tables are currently available, incuding three Marvel table packs, the three-table Classic pack, and a handful of singles, including Epic Quest and Plants vs. Zombies.
Zen Pinball 2 to launch next week on eShop for Wii U
Zen Studios's pinball platform Zen Pinball 2 will be available next week on eShop for Wii U. The free download includes trials for each of the launch tables, as well as the ability unlock the full versions of current and future tables. The Wii U version of Zen Pinball 2 will hit the shop with three Marvel table packs (Avengers Chronicles, Marvel Pinball, and Vengeance and Virtue), the three-table Classic pack, and a handful of single tables, including Epic Quest and Plants vs. Zombies.
(Xbox 360 Reviews) Pinball FX2 – Star Wars Pinball
"This is no mere cash-in, but a terrific tribute to the movies, while also somehow managing to be a great set of pinball games along the way."
Star Wars Pinball announced for consoles, mobile, and PC
The Rebels and the Empire will be taking their never-ending war to the ultimate battlefield: the pinball table. Zen Studios, the current go-to developers for all things pinball, will be bringing a new dimension to the most famous of intergalactic wars with Star Wars Pinball. The new collection will be available later this month and launch with an initial three-table pack consisting of themed tables based on The Empire Strikes Back, Boba Fett, and The Clone Wars. The tables will include interactive 3D characters, including Luke Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano, in-game friend challenges, and online as well as local hotseat multiplayer.
(Xbox 360 Review) Marvel Pinball: Civil War
"This isn't an experts-only table, but it's pretty close, and chances are that newer players or those with anything below a middling talent in the genre will find themselves putting it aside before they get a good feel for it."
Zen Pinball 2 to launch on eShop for Wii U later this month
Zen Studios has announced that Zen Pinball 2 will launch later this month on the Nintendo eShop for Wii U. Zen Pinball 2 is a free download that serves as a platform for players to test out and purchase the myriad tables already available. For those unfamiliar with the table library, Zen has released themed tables for various Marvel comic franchises, including The Avengers and Spider-Man, as well as for other games, such as Plants vs. Zombies.
Marvel Pinball: Civil War launches for 360, Mac, mobiles, and PS3
Zen Studios has launched Marvel Pinball: Civil War across several platforms. The Live Arcade version is available as an addition to Pinball FX2 for 240 MS Points. It's available as a Zen Pinball 2 table on PSN as a CrossBuy title for the PS3 and PS Vita for $2.99, as well as on the Mac App Store for OSX for $2.99. For mobiles, it's available for $1.99 on both iTunes for Zen Pinball and on Google Play for Zen Pinball THD.
Pinball FX2 now available as free download for Windows 8
Zen Studios has launched Pinball FX2 for Windows 8. The pinball platform is a free download and comes bundled with the Mars table at no cost, with paid-for DLC also available, including tables from the Marvel Pinball series, for $2.99 each. Zen plans on adding additional features in the near future, such as greater social connectivity. If the Windows 8 version follows along the same line as the 360 release, pinball fans have a lot to look forward to.
CastleStorm unleashes karaoke fury in new trailer, contest
Zen Studios has tapped into their musical side for a new karaoke-style trailer for CastleStorm. The upcoming 2D physics-based title pits Knights against Vikings, and the trailer brings their battlefield hymns to awaiting commanders as the two sides prepare for combat.


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I'm looking for a tool where I can list the servers to check, the location of the file and it would return a list of the most common errors across those servers (say like 2 or 3 servers for report brevity) and get a report something like this
Server.A Server.B Server.C
-------- -------- --------
42 error.X 39 error.X 61 error.X
21 error.Y 7 error.Y 5 error.A
17 error.B 6 error.A 4 error.Y
4 error.A 2 error.R 3 error.S
3 error.R 1 error.S 1 error.R
Of course, excluding timestamps and other error details and just grepping out the common sub-strings and listing them like so. I'd be able to look at the table and see that error.B is unique to Server.A and conclude that there is something up with Server.A. Does something like this already exist? Is this something I'll have to code myself?
I'm not necessarily looking for this specific report, just the functionality to find unique errors across a set of error logs.


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by Josh Israel Nov 13, 2013
A petition to the Securities and Exchange Commission, requesting a rule mandating that public companies disclose use of corporate resources for political activities to shareholders, received 643,599 public comments
by Alan Pyke Oct 17, 2013
"London Whale" fines now top a billion dollars after the latest agreement.
by Alan Pyke Sep 19, 2013
Three years after Dodd-Frank, a rule on CEO pay reporting finally emerges.
by Alan Pyke Sep 17, 2013
The scope of any admission of guilt remains to be seen.
by Alan Pyke Sep 12, 2013
The Securities and Exchange Commission netted $2.7 billion in penalties from a $14 trillion crisis.
by Alan Pyke Aug 26, 2013
The whole industry has been treated with kid gloves, but guess who fared best?
by Alan Pyke Aug 23, 2013
$66 billion sounds like a lot, but the harm they caused registers in the trillions.
by Alan Pyke Aug 22, 2013
Chief executives make an estimated 273 times more than the typical worker.
by Alan Pyke Aug 20, 2013
A hedge fund manager is the first example of tougher approach.
by Bryce Covert Aug 16, 2013
Meanwhile, actual diversity has remained stagnant in America's corporate boardrooms.


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World Rugby International Referees Panel
|This article is outdated. (November 2014)
The World Rugby International Referees Panel is a panel of elite rugby union referees appointed by the sports governing body, World Rugby (formerly the International Rugby Board) to officiate in international matches, usually those involving the national teams of high-performance unions from across the globe, as named by World Rugby.
The panel was established to ensure that matches between the best international teams are handled by the best referees. World Rugby appoints a neutral 4-person team (referee, 2 assistant referees, TMO) to each match in the international windows, as well as to the Six Nations and The Rugby Championship.
All the referees on the International panel, have progressed through refereeing ranks in their domestic leagues, before developing skills further on the Sevens World Series panel, and in World Rugby Under 20 competitions, as well as gaining experience in multinational club competitions such as the European Rugby Champions Cup and Super Rugby,.[1]
Regarded as the best in the world, referees on the panel are employed by their home unions and World Rugby, and have strict standards that they must adhere to.
- 1 Appointments
- 2 Sponsorship and Kit Supply
- 3 Current members
- 4 Referee Selectors and assessors
- 5 Controversy
- 6 Former Members of the Elite Panel
- 7 2007 Rugby World Cup
- 8 2011 Rugby World Cup
- 9 References
- 10 External links
Appointments are made four times a year, prior to the June and November international test windows, the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship.
Appointments are made by a panel of the elite referee managers from Six Nations and SANZAR sponsored competitions, and are based on a referees performance in both recent international and club matches. Referees can be called up to and dropped from the panel in between series', meaning that the best referees are appointed to the panel for each period.
The World Rugby Match Official Selection Committee, chaired by John Jeffrey, comprises former elite referees Lyndon Bray (SANZAR), Andrew Cole (SANZAR), Donal Courtney (European Professional Club Rugby), Clayton Thomas (Six Nations) and World Rugby High Performance Match Officials Manager Joël Jutge.
Sponsorship and Kit Supply[edit]
The panel is sponsored by Emirates Airlines, and their Fly Emirates branding appears on the referees shirts for all test matches. Starting in 2015, this sponsorship will also extend to the Rugby World Cup, marking the first time a sponsor has appeared on a players or officials shirt while on the field of play.
The panels kit is supplied by Canterbury, the kit consists of blue socks, blue shorts and a choice of four shirts - blue, orange, white and black. The choice of shirts is in place to avoid a colour clash with any of the teams during a game. Some officials also have their own sponsorships, for other equipment such as boots.
Current members[edit]
The current members of the elite panel[2] are referees highly regarded by World Rugby and their referee selectors. Four of the referees come from South Africa, the most from any country. England, France, Ireland and New Zealand each have three. Australia has two and Wales has one.[3]
The current panel are in alphabetical order, not ranking wise.[3]
- Wayne Barnes (England)
- George Clancy (Ireland)
- Jérôme Garcès (France)
- Pascal Gaüzère (France)[4]
- Craig Joubert (South Africa)
- Nigel Owens (Wales)
- JP Doyle (England)
- Jaco Peyper (South Africa)[5]
- Romain Poite (France)
- Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
- Mathieu Raynal (France)[6]
South Africa's Craig Joubert refereed the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final in New Zealand.
Referee Selectors and assessors[edit]
The referee selectors and coaches are each appointed by World Rugby.
Referee Selectors[edit]
Steve Hilditch of Ireland is the head of the selectors.
- Steve Hilditch
- Tappe Henning
- Michael Lamoullie
- Bob Francis
A lot of the referee assessors are former referees. These assessors simply judge the referees performance, they do not select them. All reports are forwarded to the selectors.
- Scott Young
- Andrew Cole
- Patrick Robin
- Paul Bridgman
- Brian Stirling
- Tony Spreadbury
- Ed Morrisson
During 2009 and other seasons the referees and the IRB (as World Rugby was then known) alike have been criticized heavily for their under performing of referees in test matches and even their behaviour off the field.
Wayne Barnes[edit]
In April 2007, it was announced that Barnes would be one of three English referees at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the others being Chris White and Tony Spreadbury. After New Zealand was knocked out of the quarter-final Bebo profiles were created by some New Zealand fans dedicated to criticising Wayne Barnes' refereeing performance.[7] Comments there and at other internet sites that included personal abuse were condemned by the International Rugby Board and then New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Steve Walsh[edit]
Steve Walsh had his contract torn up by the NZRU for disciplinary reasons.[8][9] He was furthermore taken off the IRB referees panel. Later on in the year Walsh announced he was to continue refereeing in Australia, where he took part in the 2010 Super 14 as a referee as an Australian. Walsh refereed the Tooheys New NSW First Grade Semi Final, and was narrowly beaten to the final by IRB member Stuart Dickinson, where Walsh was the reserve referee.
Bryce Lawrence[edit]
Bryce Lawrence was selected to referee in the first British and Irish Lions test match against South Africa in 2009. In the 2nd British and Irish Lions test match he was acting as an assistant referee. 30 seconds into the match Schalk Burger recklessly eye gouged Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald. Lawrence saw the incident and reported it to referee Christophe Berdos, who gave a "Yellow Card". Burger received an 8-week ban for the incident,[10] but cleared of eye gouging; he was cited for making dangerous but "non intentional" contact with the eye of Fitzgerald.[11]
Stuart Dickinson and Paddy O'Brien[edit]
On November 14, Stuart Dickinson refereed the Italy versus New Zealand match at the San Siro Stadium. The game had continuous scrum resets which ended in Dickinson yellow carding the All Blacks Neemia Tialata. The Italian management were saying what a poor job he did not giving the Italian team a penalty try. The All Blacks coaching staff, despite the win, were also heavily critical saying that Italy were at fault and were using illegal tactics. Paddy O'Brien the IRB referees manager set the precedent and flew to New Zealand team hotel which had never been done before and apologised to NZ management saying Dickinson got it completely wrong.[12]
This led to outrage by the Australian Rugby Union, who issued a formal complaint to the IRB against Paddy O'Brien.[13] O'Brien ended up apologising to Stuart Dickinson and the Australian Rugby Union.[14]
"I have unreservedly apologised to Stuart Dickinson for the action of publicly discussing elements of his performance review and would like to extend that apology to the Australian Rugby Union," said O'Brien.
"A clear and confidential best practice protocol exists for match official appraisal and feedback involving all stakeholders and I regret breaching this protocol. "The IRB has in place a dedicated High Performance structure for the development of international referees and works hard with its Member Unions to identify up and coming talent and promote consistency at all levels of the Game. "Team management are also offered the opportunity to meet with the referee prior to a match or arrange a meeting with a performance reviewer or myself – this is normal practice. "Again I would like to apologise to Stuart and the ARU for the public nature of the comments that I made."
Dickinson was not appointed to any Six Nations matches in 2010, missing selection for that tournament for the first time since 2000. The ARU have sought a meeting with Paddy O'Brien to discuss this latest turn of events after O'Brien chose not to publicly appraise referees after they have a bad game. It is understood that the meeting took place behind closed doors. Dickinson has never been subsequently appointed to a Six Nations or Tri-Nations match, and missed selection entirely for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He retired from international refereeing in 2011.
The integration of more stringent game management procedures and referee coaching practices are now considered of greater importance within international rugby unions.
Craig Joubert[edit]
South African top referee Craig Joubert, who took charge in the final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup received a lot of criticism for a vitally important decision during the knockout stages at 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Joubert was in charge of the Quarter-final between Australia and Scotland at the 2015 competition. In the last few minutes, Scotland were leading 34 - 32. A scrappy Scottish lineout was eventually knocked back, and a ball coming off Australian scrumhalf Nick Phipps went forward only to be caught by another Scottish player. Joubert awarded a penalty to Australia for offside, and it was up to Australian flyhalf Bernard Foley to slot the kick, and so he did.
Former Members of the Elite Panel[edit]
- Alan Lewis (retired 2011)[15]
- Matt Goddard (retired 2009) retired because of ongoing injury problems[16]
- Joel Jutge (retired 2009) retired because of ongoing injury problems[17]
- Tony Spreadbury (retired 2007)
- Paul Honiss (retired 2008)
- Nigel Whitehouse (retired 2007)[18]
- Chris White[19]
2007 Rugby World Cup[edit]
The 2007 referees for the Rugby World Cup were based on merit. The IRB consisting of the selectors and Paddy O'Brien selected 12 referees to referee at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They also picked a panel of assistant referees and TMO's. Many of the referees who have refereed at this world cup have now retired.
Mark Lawrence was a notable exception. It was judged that Marius Jonker was the better referee at the time. Mark Lawrence has in recent times been selected to referee more high profile international games and is rated by many as one of the leading international referees.
The 2007 Rugby World Cup Referees
- Wayne Barnes (England)
- Joel Jutge (France)
- Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
- Marius Jonker (South Africa)
- Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
- Alan Lewis (Ireland)
- Nigel Owens (Wales)
- Alain Rolland (Ireland)
- Chris White (England)
- Tony Spreadbury (England)
- Steve Walsh (New Zealand)
- Paul Honiss (New Zealand)
2011 Rugby World Cup[edit]
The 2011 referees for the Rugby World Cup were also based on merit, judged on the previous 4 years. The IRB consisting of the selectors and Paddy O'Brien selected 10 referees to referee at the 2011 Rugby World Cup: fewer than ever. This was to give match officials more game time during the tournament, and help the selectors to pick the best officials for the knockout stage.
Mark Lawrence and Alan Lewis were both overlooked for this tournament, Lawrence unlucky to be overlooked for successive tournaments.[20]
The 2011 Rugby World Cup Referees
- Wayne Barnes (England)
- Romain Poite (France)
- Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
- Craig Joubert (South Africa)
- Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
- George Clancy (Ireland)
- Nigel Owens (Wales)
- Alain Rolland (Ireland)
- Dave Pearson (England)
- Steve Walsh (Australia)
The 2011 Rugby World Cup Assistant Referees
- Chris Pollock (New Zealand) - reserve referee
- Jérôme Garcès (France) - reserve referee
- Simon McDowell (Ireland)
- Tim Hayes (Wales)
- Stuart Terheege (England)
- Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
- Carlo Damasco (Italy)
The 2011 Rugby World Cup TMO Panel
- Graham Hughes (England)
- Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
- Matt Goddard (Australia)
- Giulio De Santis (Italy)
- ^ http://www.sanzarrugby.com/superrugby/
- ^ IRB referees panel
- ^ a b Sareferees.co.za
- ^ http://officiating.worldrugby.org/?page=panels&id=6&language=en
- ^ http://officiating.worldrugby.org/?page=panels&id=6&language=en
- ^ http://officiating.worldrugby.org/?page=panels&id=6&language=en
- ^ "Ref faces backlash as 'pampered' ABs, not Henry, take the blame". The New Zealand Herald. 8 October 2007. Retrieved 2 December 2011.
- ^ Bills, Peter (18 March 2009). "Referee sacked ahead of Grand Slam clash". The Independent (London).
- ^ NZ Herald: Walsh retires under employment cloud
- ^ Mairs, Gavin (29 June 2009). "Lions 2009: Schalk Burger banned for eight weeks for gouging, Bakkies Botha receives two-week ban". London: The Telegraph. Retrieved 8 September 2012.
- ^ "Burger: I'm not a thug". Sport24. Retrieved 2013-06-06.
- ^ Hinton, Marc (18 November 2009). "All Blacks get Paddy O'Brien referee apology". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
- ^ Rugby.com.au ARU concerned by Criticism of Dickinson
- ^ Rugby.co.au O'Brien apology to Dickinson
- ^ Alan Lewis Announces Retirement From Refereeing
- ^ Sareferees.co.za Matt Goddard retires
- ^ IRB.com Joel Jutge retires
- ^ Nigel Whitehouse retires
- ^ "IRB announces match official appointments". IRB.com. 1 April 2010. Retrieved 4 April 2010.
- ^ RWC 2011 Match Officials


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I've always been happy to believe that my students need a dog trainer (otherwise, why am I there?), but it came as a surprise to learn that Pat Miller took her newly adopted puppy to class. Miller has decades of training experience; she's the training editor of Whole Dog Journal, and people pay her to teach them how to train. So why … ?
Because, Miller admits, "I tend to get lazy about training my own dogs beyond the basics." And because she lives on a farm, and it's helpful to teach her dogs to be comfortable and mannerly in all kinds of environments. And because it's good for her to "realize how it feels to be a student again." One advantage Miller has is that she knows exactly what she's looking for in a dog trainer, and she knows why. She isn't reduced to making her choice on the basis of who has the cutest ad in the yellow pages, or an address nearby.
A good trainer is golden, like a good psychotherapist or car mechanic, and finding one can be equally hard—maybe harder. As Barbara Davis, of BADDogsInc. in Corona, Calif., points out, all you need to call yourself a trainer is a pulse and a business card. For example, recently I've seen fliers around my Brooklyn neighborhood advertising the services (names and details changed to protect the guilty) of one "Joe Smith," who says he's "certified by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene." Evidently, one assumes, a government body evaluated Mr. Smith's skills; one imagines him taking a test of some sort, maybe undergoing a background check. One would be wrong: New York City has no certification program for dog trainers. Neither does any of the 50 states. Let's improve your chances of avoiding Mr. Smith and his ilk.
Begin at the Beginning
The first and most basic question to consider is whether to take a class or sign up for private lessons. Fortunately, for most dogs and their people, there's no wrong decision here (phew!). Private lessons are more expensive, of course, but your schedule might make group classes impossible, or you might learn so much more easily from a personal tutor that you wind up spending less than a class would have cost you. But a well-run group class offers advantages that private lessons can't. From the outset, your dog will be practicing the skill of focusing on you, not other dogs, when she's on-leash; some classes also provide an opportunity to study doggy social behavior in a safe context.
On the other hand, if your dog or puppy is shy or reactive, the presence of other people and dogs may frighten or overstimulate her and make the problem worse. One-on-one coaching could be the answer here, as it can be tailored to address any behavioral issues your canine friend may have. (There are also specialized classes for reactive and aggressive dogs.)
A third option is "board and train" (B&T): Your dog stays with the trainer and is returned to you with manners installed. The trainer should then practice with you so that your handling styles are consistent. B&T is the most expensive route to take; usually, lessons or classes are not only cheaper, but better, because they teach you skills that you can apply throughout the dog's lifetime (think of that old saw about giving a man a fish). However, B&T may be the right choice if you just plain know that you don't have time to train, even though you take good care of your dog otherwise. Keep this in mind, however: Your dog is going to be out of your sight and out of your protection. Be sure you know who you're turning her over to.
References Required
Referrals, in my experience, come mostly from "my veterinarian" and "a guy at the dog park." Both can be useful, and both have their pitfalls. Veterinarians have studied long and hard to learn how to diagnose and treat animal illnesses. Most vets have solid, practical animal-handling skills, but few are experts in dog training and behavior. Get names from your vet, by all means, but screen the list. Anne Martindale of Fultonham, N.Y., had a disastrous experience with a trainer to whom her vet referred her. The vet was unfamiliar with the trainer's work, though Martindale didn't know that at the time. "If a vet recommends someone," she now says, "it would be good to ask how he or she knows this person is a good trainer."
As for that guy at the dog park: The very first trainer I hired to work with me and my dog Muggsy was referred by several dog-park pals. His method involved eliciting the problem behavior—in Muggsy's case, aggression toward strange men—and then punishing the dog by throwing a penny-shaker can at him. But you can't punish anyone (human or canine) into liking people. A different trainer—also recommended by a dog park friend—showed us how to pair the appearance of strange men with delicious treats. Muggsy learned to like men PDQ, but for the rest of his life, reacted to that first trainer by barking and lunging at him whenever their paths crossed. Be aware that the stakes are high; someone ignorant and harsh can easily damage your dog.
Who Trains the Trainers?
Though a few highly regarded trainer-training programs exist, such as the six-week intensive course offered by the San Francisco SPCA, no educational institution includes a degree in dog training on its roster. Most people learn from hands-on experience, formal and informal apprenticeships, reading, and attending seminars.
A single program obviously can't make a seasoned dog trainer. But, assuming a trainer also has lots of experience, should you limit yourself to those who have attended one of these programs? I'd say no. Space in the good programs is limited, and tuition is high. Many people are able to acquire skills through independent study, and there are other routes, such as apprenticeships and volunteer shelter work, to practical experience. Many skilled older trainers entered the field before formal programs existed. And not everyone who graduates from them is necessarily competent and kind.
Still, education is a Very Big Clue, however the trainer goes about getting it. Dog training isn't a mystical art; it's a combination of particular mechanical skills; a good, solid knowledge of the processes by which animals learn; and an understanding of canine evolution and behavior.
Whatever method of dog training you feel comfortable with, skip the trainer who talks about dogs being "spiteful" or "defiant" (complicated states of mind more likely to be held by humans), or who isn't familiar with learning theory, or who talks about your household as though it were a wolf pack (dogs aren't wolves). The important thing to remember is that dogs are a whole other species, and someone who's taking your money to help you train yours really ought to have taken the trouble to learn some of the relevant science.
There is only one national independent certification program. It's administered by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers, and people who earn this credential get to put "CPDT" after their names (see "Source Code and Resources" sidebar). Elaine Allison, of Canine's Best Behavior in Los Angeles, who has the CPDT and is endorsed by the National Association of Dog Obedience Trainers, stresses, "It's important that the bells and whistles after [the trainer's] name are not the sole factor.… Ultimately, it's best to see them with dogs, particularly how well they relate to their own dogs.… [People] should be looking for someone who has skill and rapport with their dog." Anne Martindale rejected a trainer whose "remote-control dogs … had no spontaneity left in them."
As for experience, the more the better—just keep an eye out for the trainer who's been working with dogs for 30 years but hasn't learned anything new in the last 29. Animal training, like every other field with any claim to being scientific, grows and changes over the years. Real professionals work to keep up.
Personality Matters
Your dog trainer doesn't have to be your new best friend, but it's hard to learn from someone who leaves you utterly cold—so, just as you'd study the trainer's rapport with her dogs, consider her relationships with people. A good teacher looks the same whether her field is algebra or loose-leash walking. Observe a class or two; any ethical trainer will be happy to let you do this.
The ideal trainer is not only knowledgeable, she's cordial and respectful. She doesn't roll her eyes at the students or make fun of them (well, maybe gently, in the context of a well-established relationship). She looks for what students do right and builds on that, rather than relentlessly pointing out what they do wrong. Her explanations are clear and patient, and she really, truly believes that there's no such thing as a stupid question. Most of the people in the class should look as though they're enjoying themselves, and so should their dogs.
Watch out if the dogs in class don't like the trainer. Special classes for reactive or shy dogs are an exception, of course, and a dog with a specific fear (of men with beards, say) may react negatively to someone who hasn't done her any harm. Some puppies pee whenever a person so much as looks at them. But nothing should be happening in an ordinary good-manners class to make the average dog or human unhappy or afraid.
What Do You Want to Learn?
Besides being smart, educated, skillful and kind, your instructor should have expertise relevant to your needs. I would be wasting your money if you hired me to teach French Ring Sport. On the other hand, someone who specializes in training for formal competitive obedience may or may not suit you if you're looking for help with polite pet manners rather than a perfectly straight "sit at heel."
The same goes for behavior problems; by happenstance or because of their personal interests, people acquire varying degrees of expertise in helping dogs overcome particular kinds of difficulties. The behavior counselor who refers you to someone else for help with separation anxiety may be the go-to person for food-bowl guarding or dog–dog aggression. An ethical trainer is honest about her expertise and its limits.
Have a puppy? There are classes just for them. Also known as puppy kindergarten, these classes often include playtime. (Adult-dog classes usually don't, but there are exceptions.) Well-run play breaks help puppies learn doggy social rules—sometimes an older "nanny dog" assists with this—and get their ya-yas out, and are also a blast to watch. Puppy play should be carefully supervised and the puppies should be segregated by size, age, outgoingness and play style—badly run play breaks can be canine versions of Lord of the Flies, with shy puppies overrun by larger, older, more exuberant comrades, and incipient bullies getting really good at scaring the daylights out of their peers.
Categories needn't be rigid; a small, super-confident Terrier type may do just fine with a Lab mix twice his size. But steer clear of a trainer who allows a 15-pound body-slammer to chase a panicked 3-pound Maltese around the room, or who doesn't take steps to increase the confidence of a shy puppy crouched under his handler's chair.
Look for puppies eagerly engaging with each other, whether they're low-key or rowdy; if not actively playing, they should be happily exploring the play space. The trainer should be carefully supervising, interrupting inappropriate play, and perhaps narrating and interpreting the action. If there's a shy puppy, progress may take place over more than one session, but in any case, the trainer should be keeping an eye on him and his owner. No puppy, however inappropriate his behavior, should be handled roughly or berated.
How About Methods?
Dog training has a long and sad history involving rubber hoses, collar jerks hard enough to take dogs off their feet and shock collars set to "stun." Unfortunately, these practices are still around. Hanging the dog or swinging him through the air constitutes abuse, period. And choke collars can damage the tracheas of small dogs and young puppies. The American Humane Association's Guide to Humane Dog Training (americanhumane.org, $10) discusses these issues thoroughly, but a good rule of thumb is never to allow anyone to do anything to your dog that makes you uneasy.
My own view is that the best dog training is solidly grounded in science and requires no force to develop desirable habits in place of undesirable ones, and of course, I'd like to steer you to trainers who share that view. Gail Fisher, the owner of All Dogs Gym in Manchester, N.H., has more than 30 years of professional training experience. An expert traditional-style trainer now wholeheartedly committed to clicker training, she says that "over the past 15 years, there has been a sea change in dog training philosophies. Trainers using positively oriented, dog-friendly techniques can be found virtually everywhere … And we are all the better for it."
In conclusion, if someone who makes her living as a professional dog trainer avails herself of others' expertise, the rest of us mortals should probably consider it, too. Many people don't know where to start, or have a hard time translating the words they read into physical movements. Some just need encouragement. As for the dogs, even minimal training greatly increases their chances of staying in their home for life. Good training takes work, but it isn't drudgery—it's a joy. And out of joy grows love.
The Name Game
Generally, a trainer is someone who works on mannerly behavior (polite leash-walking, waiting at the door instead of barging out, ignoring that pork chop on the sidewalk), while behavioral counselors (or behavioral advisors, or behavior modification specialists or any of a number of variations) are the people you call when your dog barks and lunges at other dogs on-leash, or growls over her food bowl. Just as anyone can call himself a trainer, anyone can legally call himself a behaviorist. To be certified by the Animal Behavior Society, an individual must have a PhD, or a DVM with at least a two-year, university-approved residency in behavior, as well as three years of practice in applied animal behavior. Visit certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com for more on how to find a certified behaviorist in your area.
Your initial contact with a potential trainer will most likely be over the telephone. The answers to a few quick questions can help you decide if the person to whom you're speaking is a likely candidate. And remember, you have to be willing to fully participate in the process—your dog isn't the only one being trained!—so check your own reactions to the candidate's tone and attitudes.
1. Training philosophy and background?
2. Training specialties?
3. Size of classes? Are classes divided into ages/sizes of dogs?
4. Is it possible to observe a class or two before signing up?
5. Are references available?
Source Code & Resources
Many trainers have a string of letters after their names, certifying their membership in professional organizations. To help you decode the alphabet soup, here's a quick introduction to the meaning behind the letters. The Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers requires candidates to attest that they have several hundred training hours under their belt and provide recommendations from a veterinarian, a trainer holding the CPDT and a client, and then pass a written test. IAABC has a private certification program, probably more academically oriented than others', and NADOI endorsement also requires substantial training experience and the passing of a written exam.
The IAABC subscribes to what it calls LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive) first, and TDF trainers eschew shock collars; many TDF trainers also avoid choke and prong collars. NADOI and IACP expressly do not. The APDT officially favors "dog-friendly training," but any trainer, using any method, can join and be listed on the website.
No matter what database you get a name from, screen, screen, screen. Many "dog training academies" label their graduates "certified master dog trainers" and the like, but buyer beware. Dana C. Crevling, CPDT, is the director of Dogs of Course, which offers dog training and behavior seminars and also an instructors' course. "We don't 'certify' our graduates," she says. "The public thinks a 'certified' trainer … is a qualified trainer, and for many students who go through instructor programs, that is often not true at the time of graduation."
So, with this information under your belt, Google "dog trainer" and the name of your city or region to come up with at least a few names. You can also search the directories of professional organizations; following are places to start.
Professional Organizations Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI)Truly Dog Friendly (TDF)
Training ProgramsDogs of Course (instructor training and educational seminars)Peaceable Paws Intern & Apprentice Program San Francisco SPCA Dog Training Academy
And if you're interested in learning more about dog-training and behavior yourself, visit these websites:Karen Pryor Clicker Training Marin HumanePuppy Works
Your local training center or animal shelter may also sponsor educational events.
Really got the bug? Consider attending the APDT or IAABC annual conference (info available on the web) or Clicker Expo, held twice yearly, generally once in the East and once in the West.
Training Book List Before & After Getting Your Puppy By Ian Dunbar, DVM, PhD Culture Clash By Jean Donaldson Dog-Friendly Dog Training By Andrea ArdenDon't Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training By Karen Pryor
Good Owners, Great Dogs By Brian Kilcommons & Sarah WilsonFor the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend By Patricia B. McConnell, PhDParenting Your Dog By Trish KingPositive Perspectives: Love Your Dog, Train Your Dog By Pat MillerThink Dog: An Owner's Guide to Canine Psychology By John Fisher
All books available from dogwise.com.
Illustration by Donna Grethen
View the discussion thread.
Copyright © 1997-2016 The Bark, Inc. Dog Is My Co-Pilot® is a registered trademark of The Bark, Inc


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