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Spc. Nicholas Ketchum, a mechanic with Company B, 15th Forward Support Battalion, helps Spc. Carl Ford, a tanker with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, repair a .50 caliber machine gun mounted atop an M1114 up-armored Humvee outside Camp Dogwood in the Latifiyah area along the Euphrates River in North Babil Jan. 3. Mechanics, fuel handlers and other support personnel were staged outside the camp during Operation River Walk Jan. 2 and 3. The 36-hour cordon and search operation involved the entire Task Force 2-12 Cav. in conjunction with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment to deny anti-Iraqi forces sanctuary and to provide security for the upcoming Iraqi free elections later this month. Operation River Walk ended with the discovery of nine significant weapons caches, the detainment of 43 suspected anti-Iraqi insurgents and the discovery and destruction of several improvised explosive devices. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andy Miller, 122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Date Taken: | 01.03.2005 |
Date Posted: | 01.18.2005 18:33 |
Photo ID: | 2940 |
Resolution: | 1500x977 |
Size: | 156.12 KB |
Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
Web Views: | 337 |
Downloads: | 76 |
Podcast Hits: | 0 |
This work, Spc. Nicholas Ketchum helps Spc. Carl Ford [Image 1 of 307], is free of known copyright restrictions under U.S. copyright law.


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Reporting abuse
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There have been incidents of Wiki spam and other abuse.
If you wish to draw the admins' attention to abuse on the Wiki, you should tag pages for deletion by editing the page and adding the "delete" tag:{{delete}}Abusive users can be tagged on their user pages using the "ban" tag:
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subset: commoncrawl


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In this sprawling novel, set during France's Second Empire, an American orphan transforms herself from circus performer to courtesan to opera sensation. Along the way, Alexander Chee's lush prose transports the reader into the midst of Napoleon III's court, revealing the hard work—and heartbreak—behind the opulence. Readers with an interest in French history or opera will delight in Chee's thoroughly-researched characters and settings, and in cameos by real historical figures such as George Sand and Cora Pearl. Those with a taste for intrigue will devour the twists and turns of the plot as princes, empresses, courtesans, and musicians scheme for power, love, and revenge.
Adult Recommendations
The Drunken Botanist
In The Drunken Botanist author Amy Stewart points out our alcoholic cocktails over ice with a dash of, splash of, and a sprig of, are time honored drinks. Supplying a little history, horticulture, and agricultural advice, Stewart guides us through various plants and how we create alcohol. Every great drink starts with a plant so sit down, read a chapter or two, and have fun experimenting with the elixir of life, the aqua vitae!
City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong
What would you be willing to do to walk away from your current life—just disappear? Casey Duncan, a homicide detective, killed a man when she was in college and was never caught. Her best friend, Diana, is entangled in an abusive relationship with her ex-husband. Both need to disappear. Fortunately, there's a secret town just for people like them but they have to apply and be accepted to live there first; and, there are strings attached. Residents of Rockton must give up their cell phones, internet, and computers, and can't send or receive mail. Plus, there's no way to get in or out without the town council's approval. Casey's application normally would be rejected but the town needs a homicide detective—badly—to solve its first homicide. Casey and Diana are accepted and brought to Rockton, where they discover things are not always as they seem. Strap yourself in for a crime novel thrill ride!


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YOU CAN EDIT THIS PAGE! Just click any blue "Edit" link and start writing!
From Wikitravel
Çeşme (pronounced chesh-meh) is a sea-side resort town on the Aegean, west of Izmir, favoured by international travellers. It lies on the extreme western tip of Turkey, opposite the Greek island of Chios. Get inThere are several ways to get to Çeşme, it's half an hour drive from Izmir by car, and there are several bus companies that will drive you to Çeşme from Izmir on any time of the day. Buses from Çeşme to Izmir at the time of writing are around TL 10. There are two daily ferry(ies) to and from Çeşme from the Greek island of Chios, the boat ride takes just over an hour and costs €25 one-way or €40 return. Bus services are also available from Istanbul, the route lasts approximately 8 hours. See
ContactTown's telephone code is (+90) 232. Get out


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Chicken Ghiveci (Romanian Braised Chicken)
This is a Romanian chicken dish that we love having with either bread or rice. DH would whip up a lot to last us for days so we don't need to cook much...
potato, sugar, +carrot, +chicken, +rosemary, +thyme, +white wine, +garlic, +olive oil, +onions, +black pepper, +red pepper, +salt, +tomato paste
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Chicken Pot Pie (Chicken
potato, sugar, +water, +butter, +eggs, +milk, +carrot, +peas, +celery, +flour, +gravy, +shortening, +baking powder, +black pepper, +salt
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Chicken Pot Pie (Chicken
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Home Fried Chicken Recipe
My folks referred to deep-fried chicken as "restaurant" chicken. My Appalachian grandparents called it "city" chicken. KFC is "restaurant" chicken. Any...
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I had some store bought breaded chicken nuggets in my freezer and, didn't want to do the usual thing with them, you know fry and dip them in sauce.If you...
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Indian Chicken : Green Curry Chicken Prep:20m
sugar, +chicken, +cilantro, +coconut milk, +vegetable oil, +soy sauce, +fish sauce, +flour, +garlic, +ginger, +curry paste, +green onion
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Brined Roasted Chicken - 500 Degrees
Crispy and tender. I count soak time as passive cooking time, and do most of the prep while chicken is soaking.
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Chicken Vegetable Soup
Have you ever tried vegetable soup with chicken instead of beef?
potato, sugar, +chicken, +tomato, +frozen mixed vegetables, +peas, +black pepper, +salt, +onions, +water
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Red Chicken with Vegetables
"Chicken thighs prepared with onions and tomato paste, seasoned with turmeric and stirred together with carrots and potatoes. Serve hot over cooked white...
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Slovenia Bond Sale at Risk as Jansa Takes Over Finance Ministry
Boris CerniSlovenia's Prime Minister Janez Jansa rejected a Finance Ministry bond-sale plan overruling Janez Sustersic, who stepped down as Finance Minister with Jansa taking over his duties.
"A bond sale must be decided by the Cabinet, not just the Finance Ministry as stated by Mr. Sustersic," Jansa told reporters in Ljubljana today as he took over his office at the Finance Ministry. "The ministry proposed borrowing for this year of as much as 4.5 billion euros ($6.15 billion), which we rejected and the matter will be reconsidered."
Jansa, who's leading a minority government after a partner abandoned the coalition due to corruption allegations against him, has vowed to push on with the overhaul of the economy and the bank recapitalization plan. His efforts may be thwarted by eventual early elections. Coalition partners have called upon Jansa to step down after the anti-graft commission found he failed to properly declare his private assets.
Slovenia risks an early election which could undermine efforts to create a "bad bank" that is intended to clean up lenders' balance sheets and force the euro-region nation to become the sixth country in the 17-member bloc to seek financial assistance.
The yield on the benchmark dollar-denominated debt maturing in 2022 rose 6 basis points to the highest level this year, reaching 5.16 percent at 2:16 p.m. from 5.103 percent yesterday, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Sustersic said Jan. 25, when he officially tendered his resignation, that the ministry doesn't need prior government approval for a possible debt sale. He said a planned bond auction was scrapped as the political turmoil erupted.


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SkyGeek knows aircrafts have a multitude of parts and that these parts must be assembled. We also know aircraft contain various gases. During assembly, when parts are joined, there are often irregularities, i.e. the parts may not fit perfectly. When this happens gases may leak, thus compromising the corresponding system where they are contained. That's where gaskets come into play.
Gaskets are seals. By joining corresponding parts together—or rather, by filling in the space between the parts—gas cannot escape. Although called a "gas"ket, they also prevent the leakage of fluids as well. It's important to note that "gasket" is a broad term that encompasses a variety of seals including back-up rings, O-rings, retaining rings, as well as the various forms of packing—all of which SkyGeek has in stock.
A certain degree of flexibility is required in a gasket, especially in aeronautics. Compression is a gasket's defining feature as it must do so in order to adjust to the variable pressures inherent in aviation. This compression is often achieved by its composition. While gaskets come in metal or even paper, rubber is often the material of choice. In particular, fluoroelastomers is a family of polymers well suited for high performance sealing applications used in the aviation industry. Their widespread use can be attributed to maintaining their physical functionality at high temperatures while simultaneously resisting various chemicals often found in gases and fluids. Additionally, these polymers offer other benefits including: low permeability to a wide range of substances; excellent resistance to atmospheric conditions (sun, oxidation); great resistance to fungus and mold; low burning characteristics.
Gaskets come in many shapes and sizes and often their names define their function. With all this variety, standardization is key. That's why the U.S. military has devised standards to meet the demands of the aviation industry. SkyGeek has a growing inventory of gaskets that conform to these standards. To learn more, click on the gasket sub-categories on this page.
If the item that you are trying to ship is deemed Hazmat you may have an additional fee added to your order when you check out. Items are deemed Hazmat as per the Section 14 Transport Information located in the item's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Sorry, but things that can go "boom" are hard to ship and we have to pass on our fees.
Flammable or explosive items such as Fire Extinguishers, MEK, Toluene, Paint Thinner, etc. are subject to a $25.00 Hazmat fee via ground shipping methods. However, the majority of Hazmat items have no fee when shipping with a ground method.
Most Hazardous Goods are subject to air and international transport fees. This fee is $40 for domestic air shipping methods and $80 for international shipping methods.
Purchase a SPOT 2 Satellite GPS Messenger from SkyGeek.com between now and 12/31/2011.Download, Read, and fill out the SPOT-2 Mail-In Rebate Form completely. Incomplete forms will not be accepted by SPOT.Mail the completed form with the original UPC code from the product package and a copy of your sales receipt with the eligible product circled postmarked no later than 1/1/2012. Service activation is required; mail in one of the following options as proof of service activation:Copy of your activation confirmation email (provided after you activate service).Copy of the sale receipt for a SPOT service certificate (available at www.findmeSPOT.com).MAIL TO:Promotion #37761, SPOT 2 NATIONAL REBATEPO Box 22092, Tempe, AZ 85285-2092.


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2169 Field House Drive USAFA, CO 80840:
2169 Field House Drive USAFA, CO 80840, USAFA (Colorado Springs), CO view map
Registration closed:
Online registration is closed, please register at the event.
Same day registration and check in will begin at the Field House at 9:00am with the run/walk starting at 10:00am. This event is on a military installation please do NOT bring backpacks, hydration packs are allowed. The Brain Booster 5K/Annual Running for Rachael is not part of the Department of Defense or any of its components and it has no governmental affiliation. This year the run/walk is being held at the Cadet Field House 2169 Field House Drive U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840-9500. Be sure to have your ID, car registration and insurance to get on to the base. Due to security measures we have had to move the location of this run. Please use the North Gate entrance, there will be signs directing you to the Field House. All proceeds from this event go to pediatric brain tumor research at Children's National Medical Center. Host hotel: Fairfield Inns & Suites by Marriott go tohttp://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi?resLinkData=Rachael%27s%20Ribbons%20of%20Hope%205k%20Brain%20Booster%5Ecossm%60rrhrrha%7Crrhrrhb%6079%60USD%60false%603/26/14%603/31/14%602/28/14&app=resvlink&stop_mobi=yes to reserve your room.
T Shirt
Goody Bag
Event Timed
Food and Drinks
The money raised through Rachael's Ribbons of Hope Foundation goes to raise awareness and research of pediatric brain tumors. The statistics are staggering: -Tumors in the brain and spinal cord are the 2nd most common cancer in children. -There are over 130 different types of brain tumors, making effective treatment very complicated. -Only 2 new treatments for brain tumors have been approved in the past 25 years. -Today, 3 families across America will mourn the loss of their child to a brain or spinal cord tumor. Your contributions will help with treatments, awareness and quality of life issues for children with brain tumors and their families.
Course Description:
This is not your ordinary run; the Brain Booster 5K is so much more! Set at the USAF Academy Field House with beautiful views of the Air Force Academy and overlooking Colorado Springs. This is a challenging but fun course professionally timed by Colorado Running Company. If you're not a runner or walker you can come out to cheer on the runners and enjoy the festivities that include prizes (for paid registrants), vendors, food, music and more. The Brain Booster 5k is a family event and friendly dogs are welcome too!
There will be plenty of parking in the Field House parking area.
Awards info:
1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for men and women in each age category 18 years of age and younger 19 to 28 years of age 29 to 49 years of age 50 years of age and beyond
Additional info
Plan to stay after the run when we give out the awards, have a drawing for prizes, food and visit our vendors. We will have a DJ and BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs.
Registration info:
Register early and save! Only $25.00 for the early registration fee from now until March 13, 2014! Late registration is $30.00 from March 14, 2014 through day of registration. Online registration will close on March 28th but you can always register on race day! With your entry you will receive a bag that has a long sleeve tee shirt and goodies. Again this year we are offering the "Remote Runner" category. With this category you sign up as a runner but don't have to be here to participate. If you preregister you will receive your bag and t-shirt in time for the run. Then you run or walk in support of the Brain Booster 5K and Rachael's Ribbons of Hope from where you are. We will have a board at the event showing our Remote Runner's names, city and state where they are at. If you register after the preregistration cut off we will get your bag and shirt out to you as soon as possible but you will still be listed as a Remote Runner on the day of the event.
Online registration is closed, please register at the event.


text: Matthew Perry Calls Topless Maid Service 10.24.12 :: Filed Under: Celebs :: Comments "Go On" star Matthew Perry couldn't get over the topless maid service Ellen talked about in her monologue, so he and Ellen called them during the commercial break! Related Posts Table Tennis with a Twist Does Matthew Perry Twitter? Matthew Perry's Connection to Justin Bieber Comments


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Single units to family units with refrigerators, hair dryers and some microwaves. Close to all attractions, mountains, shopping and golf.
Tennessee Vacation eGuide
The 2016 eGuide gives you instant access to Tennessee's irresistible attractions and destinations. Peruse venues online, then put in your order to get a free guide delivered to your doorstep.


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Tuesday – March 28, 2017
Renal Dialysis Technician
Downtown Milwaukee Campus
Dialysis is a procedure that is needed by people with kidney failure. This two-semester program will prepare you for employment as a renal dialysis technician (RDT). Under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, RDTs are responsible for setting up equipment, preparing dialysate solutions, performing venipuncture, and monitoring patient responses during the procedure. In addition, RDTs are responsible for quality control and maintenance of dialysis equipment.
Career Outlook: In the health field, RDTs are in demand and find employment in hospitals and in freestanding dialysis centers.
Career Pathway: This program features exploratory courses that count toward a credential. Work continues to develop the program into a fully embedded Career Pathway.
Program Code: 31-517-1
Start Date: August
This program does not have a waitlist.
Students are admitted through a petition process.
Learn more about the petition process
Learn more about when the petition process windows are open
A criterion considered in the petition process is verification of student residency. Students selected via the petition process are chosen based on MATC district residency, then Wisconsin nondistrict residency, followed by nonresidents, unless otherwise stated.
Detailed Program Information
Fall 2016 – Spring 2017 Course Requirements (link)
View/Print Program Card (pdf)
Available Certifications and Licensures for School of Health Sciences Programs (pdf)
Learn about scholarship opportunities here: http://www.matc.edu/foundation/scholarships.cfm
Learn about Scholarships available for this program here: https://matc.academicworks.com
(use Search function to search for your program(s)
For more information, email email@example.com
<< Admissions Mainpage >>
Call the Admissions Information Office at 414-297-MATC if you have questions about MATC programs.
Register for Classes (Requires Login)


text:
Josette Herdell
Recent Stories
Music Therapy Enriches Lives of Local Youth
Music therapy is an alternative approach for helping people of all ages with emotional, physical and mental disorders. We speak with a music therapist and a health rhythms facilitator about their experience healing others through music.
Perceptions of the Tree of Life Before and After Darwin
The Tree of Life is commonly associated with Charles Darwin, though its iconography predates the theory of evolution. We speak with a local professor of biology about the perceptions of the Tree of Life before and after Darwin.
Local Resident Discusses 20th Anniversary Of Velvet Revolution
November marks the 20th anniversary of the "Velvet Revolution" in Czechoslovakia, which led to the downfall of Communism. We speak with a local resident about her life during this time.
San Diego Landfill Makes Room For Food Waste Recycling
San Diego just expanded its landfill in order to keep up with the growing demand of recycling food waste. We speak with a city official about the process of recycling food as well as two universities that are working to recycle their leftover food scraps.
Biologist Jeff Corwin Draws Attention To The Earth's Most Endangered Species
Scientists estimate that more than half of all existing species on earth will be extinct well before the end of the 21st century. We speak to conservationist and TV host, Jeff Corwin, about his new book, 100 Heartbeats: The Race to Save Earth's Most Endangered Species.
Jazz Guitarist Earl Klugh Returns To San Diego After 10 Years
Grammy-award winning jazz guitarist Earl Klugh has been performing for over 30 years. His distinct musical style blends classical guitar, Latin music, soul and jazz. He has recorded more than 30 albums and worked alongside Chet Atkins, Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder. Earl Klugh joins us to discuss his musical inspiration and his upcoming show at Anthology.
Local Author Robert Frimtzis traveled across Europe with his family to escape Nazi devastation. His new memoir, 'From Tajikistan to the Moon,' details his brave account of World War II.


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We provide you with reviews of all the various Face Wash products. Use Review Centre to compare face washes for different skin types, and also to compare products to reduce wrinkles, cleanse, tone and moisturise the skin. Use your own experience to review your favourite and least-favourite face wash to help others make an informed decision about what to buy for their own use.
You can also ask and answer questions in our Beauty Forums about maintaining healthy-looking skin.
From 1 reviews
As rated by our community of reviewers


text:
Simple Avatar Chat
- Status Closed
- Budget $30 - $250 AUD
- Total Bids 9
Project Description
I'm looking for a simple avatar chat system. I want to be able to have several different 'rooms' easily accessible. The person wouldn't have to login just choose a name to chat and it would be good if they could upload their own avatar? Or have a selection they can choose from. It would be hosted on a page on my site so I would need the person to install it as well. It can be flash or whichever I have no idea about these things. I can provide you with the background and avatars if needed.
Something like this would be great.
[url removed, login to view]
(use username: niranbd)
or even similar to this [url removed, login to view] could work too.
This is a small project and functions would only have to be basic?
Thanks for bidding! Please post the word eyes into your bid if you have read all this!
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The F5D7630-4A is Belkin's latest all singing and dancing router. As well as an ADSL modem, the package includes a wireless router running the 802.11g (54Mbps) standard, and a four port Ethernet switch. This router is suitable for use with single IP address ADSL accounts, with an identical set-up for static and dynamic IP addresses.
The router has a fairly standard NAT router embedded in it, with support for virtual servers (port forwarding) and IP filters to provide additional firewall functionality. The router supports WEP (64 and 128bit), WPA-SPK and WPA wireless security modes.
The package follows the usual pattern and is fairly heavy due to the amount of metal in the construction of the router itself. The list of supplied components is:
The reason for the heavy industrial feel to the router is the metal chassis used, as shown below. The picture also shows the antenna, which are permanently attached. There does not appear to be an easy method for wall mounting of the router.
The front of the router features no less than eight LEDs, the purpose of each is as follows:
The business end of the router is well labelled, and features, the two antennae, the four port Ethernet switch, a recessed reset button, power socket, and an RJ11 socket for the ADSL line. The reset button appears to just restart the router, rather than a full reset to factory defaults. The factory defaults can be restored via the web interface.
In use, the router does seem to run pretty hot compared to many other units. We would not recommend placing the router on a heat sensitive surface, as the metal underside can get uncomfortably hot, although it never seemed to bother the router itself.
Many people see a CD-ROM in a routers contents and immediately think that you will be tied to using a software based set up. Fortunately, like most routers, the configuration of the Belkin is all carried out via a built-in web server and should be possible on any operating system that will run a reasonably standard web browser. The other useful thing to note, is that the wireless network is enabled by default, with no security turned on. This means the initial configuration can be carried out using a wireless link if you so wish.
This Belkin router is the first we have seen that offers an engineer assisted set up. For a fee of £89.95, someone will visit and carry out the basic configuration for the unit and a small network. Given the popularity of the Belkin hardware in shops the option for an assisted set up is very useful, though obviously it does come at a price. That said the set-up of the router is very easy to do, and the majority of people should get online with no problems.
The first job when setting up the router is to plug all the leads in and switch it on. The set-up for this review was have carried out totally over a wireless link, but you can of course use Ethernet if you want. For the wireless set-up to work, you must have your wireless network card set to Infrastructure mode, and it should be connected to the routers default SSID network name of belkin54g. The IP address range that the router uses is 192.168.2.2 to 192.168.2.254, with the router taking 192.168.2.1.
On pointing your web browser at http://192.168.2.1, you should see the router login page below. As no password is set by default, you simply need to click the submit button.
At this point, if you have an ADSL line plugged into the router you should find the ADSL SYN led is permanently on. If it is flashing, the router is trying to lock onto the ADSL signal, i.e. sync to the exchange. If the LED is not on, this suggests you do not have a working ADSL line, the leads are plugged in wrong, or possibly some other fault exists. To set up the router, click the Wizard link on the top menu bar.
For a UK ADSL connection, you will need to select PPPoA (Routing mode, for multiple PCs) even if you are only going to connect a single computer, then click the next button.
The next step is to enter your username and password that your service provider has provided you with. To try and ensure the password is entered correctly it must be entered twice. The VPI/VCI values of 0/38 are the correct ones for a BT Wholesale ADSL line. If you are using another telephone provider check the settings required. Click next again to continue to the next phase in the wizard.
The next step does not actually require the user to enter any information, it is simply a summary screen of what you have entered so far, and allows you to verify that you have the details correct. Click the Apply button to store these settings in the router. The process of storing the settings in the router is fairly slow, and takes around one minute, but a progress bar is displayed so that you can tell the process has not halted. If the settings are correct, and the router is able to log you onto your provider, you should see a screen like that below.
This screen tells you what your Internet IP address is (the WAN IP), and you will note that the menu bar at the top of the page now shows the Internet Status as connected. For the review, there is really one bit of configuration left to do. During the course of reviewing hardware we tend to swap kit in and out several times, we generally prefer to run the routers on the same IP address (192.168.0.1). This is easily accomplished by clicking the LAN Settings link on the left hand menu of the Belkins web setup and altering the routers IP address.
The router is clever enough to alter the DHCP server IP ranges to match the new LAN IP address of the router. Once the changes were applied it took around a minute for the router to restart, during which time the wireless signal dropped, but once this reconnected the PC was assigned an IP address in the new range of 192.168.0.x.
The vast majority of users will not need to worry about using the Virtual Server menu of the Belkin. Virtual Server refers to the routers ability to forward unsolicited packets from the Internet to a specific machine on the local network. With no virtual server rules, all the computers on the local LAN are protected from incoming attacks and probes, which provides a basic level of security. Opening up holes in this protection can carry risks, and should only be done if you have a specific application that needs a port forwarded to operate. Some examples of applications that need port forwarding are: running your own mail server, a games server, peer to peer applications.
The Belkin supports just 20 virtual server rules. This may prove limiting for people who run lots of applications that need forwarding. The web interface does not make it obvious, but by specifying a range of ports in the LAN port and Public port fields it is possible to use port ranges, e.g. 9100-9200 would forward all the ports between 9100 and 9200. The syntax for this becomes more obvious if you look at how ports are specified in the Application Gateways section, which also shows that a comma seperated list of individual ports is also possible. This makes the 20 rule limit less of a problem.
To set up a rule, you must define what the local network IP address the computer running the service is using. It is best to manually assign the IP address to the computers network card when setting up a service, otherwise if you use a dynamic IP address the IP address may alter and at some point in the future the service stop working. The protocol type depends on the service, two options are available TCP and UDP. The LAN port and Public Port will usually be the same value, e.g. TCP port 80 is the standard port for a web server to run on. Once you have filled in the fields press the Set button and the router will start to forward the appropriate packets. You can disable a rule but leave it in the list by clearing the Enable checkbox, or to delete a rule press the Clean button.
For times when the 20 rules is not enough, there is the option of making a single computer into the DMZ machine. When you set the DMZ the computer at the specified IP address on the local network will receive all unsolicited incoming traffic, and therefore be fully visible to the Internet. This can help with getting some video conferencing or games that require hundreds of ports forwarded to work. Though the downside is that the computer is then fully open to attack across the Internet, so a software firewall becomes a neccesity for that machine.
The router includes more than basic port forwarding, it also has support for Application Gateways (ALG). An ALG is a clever way of controlling port forwarding, since it allows a set of port forwarding rules to be pre-defined, but only to become active when traffic on a specific outgoing port is seen. An example can be seen below, this uses one of the pre-defined rules, which shows that as soon as an application talks to the Internet using UDP port 28800 that the ports 6667, 2300 to 2400, 47624 and 28800 to 29000 will then be opened up in the incoming direction to the computer that originated the request.
The list of popular applications holds a set of pre-defined rules to make using the Application Gateways simpler. Also hidden away under the System Settings menu is the option to turn UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) on and off. UPnP is a way for software applications to talk to a router and inform it of what ports it will need and open them accordingly, Generally it is only Microsoft software like MS Messenger and some Direct Play games that use it.
The Belkin does include a degree of firewalling. The firewall is appears to be aimed at the parental control market, but with its degree of customisation, people should be able to configure it to do much more. The firewall comprises of three areas and these all control outbound access to the Internet:
With some careful thought and testing it should be possible to lock down a PC fairly tightly. Obviously for this to be any use for controlling peoples access you would be advised to set a strong password in the System Settings page of the router, otherwise people will be able to log into the router and turn the blocks off. The ability to block sites by keyword is useful, but with just 30 URLs allowed, and no ability to create a list of approved sites it is somewhat limited.
A final trick up the routers sleeve security wise, is the ability to control who has access to the Internet at all. The MAC Address Filtering on most hardware just applies to computers using the wireless side of the router. With the Belkin it also operates on computers connected via the Ethernet ports.
The screenshot shows that just one computer is allowed network access, every other machine is blocked. To make building the list a bit simpler, the DHCP Client List drop down will hold the details of all the computers getting an IP address via DHCP. To add it to the allowed list, simply select a row number to copy the MAC address to, and the interface will fill in the MAC address automatically. The MAC address is a unique identifier every network card has.
Little has been said about the routers wireless capabilities so far. It supports 802.11b (11Mbps) and 802.11g (54Mbps) and a mode called 'g nitro'. The 'g nitro' mode is intended to help 802.11g networks to run at closer to their maximum speed when used in a mixed mode, i.e. when 802.11b clients are also present.
The Belkin allows the usual parameters to be changed, i.e. to switch to a pure 802.11g network, change wireless channel, and hide the wireless network name (SSID). An unusual parameter you can change is to set the maximum transmission rate. The security of the wireless connection is covered under a different screen.
A number of security modes are supported, you can turn it off, use WPA-SPK, 128bit WEP, 64bit WEP or WPA (with radius server). Generally, any of the methods other than disabled, will keep a casual passer by out of the network, but the preferred methods are WPA-SPK and 128bit WEP encryption. WPA-PSK is relatively new, and to use it with Windows XP you need to download the patches from Microsoft, and have a wireless network card that supports WPA. A useful webpage on the Microsoft site that covers WPA can be found here.
To show how easy WPA-SPK is to set-up, we will run through what you need to do, assumming you have a compatible wireless card. One caution as always when setting up wireless security, it is best to have one computer that can access the router via an Ethernet connection, as it is very easy to forget what the keys were or mistype them and lock yourself out of the router. The first step is to select WPA-PSK (no server) on the router, and enter a key. Unlike WEP, this can be a nice and easy to type phrase for example 'Today is Hot'. To make configuring a little easier, the Belkin offers the option to obscure the key or not when typing it in.
Notice how for the Windows XP wireless configuration you have to select TKIP for the data encryption. If you do get the keys correct then you should find the computer is given an IP address from the router, and that Internet access will work. There is no indication in Windows that you have got the key wrong, which can mislead people at times. At least with WPA there is not the confusion caused by hexadecimal and ASCII input methods.
To provide some idea of how fast the various 802.11g and 802.11b based routers are we have done comparisons of the maximum wireless speed by copying a 229 MegaByte file across the wireless network from a PC connected via Ethernet. For the sake of simplicity we have listed the fastest speed recorded for the various routers. In all the tests the wireless network card was a Netgear WAG511 Wireless PC card used in a 1GHz Sony Vaio laptop.
Wireless Performance Measurements
Wireless device |
Time for 229MB file copy (seconds) |
Average transfer rate (Mega bits per second) |
Belkin F5D7630UK4A |
134 |
13.67Mbps |
BT Voyager 2000 |
387 |
4.73Mbps |
Buffalo WLI-CD-G54 |
98 |
18.63Mbps |
Linksys WAG-54G |
100 |
18.32Mbps |
Linksys WRT54G |
107 |
17.1Mbps |
Netgear DG834G |
194 |
9.44Mbps |
U.S.Robotics 9106 |
128 |
14.31Mbps |
BT Home Network 1250 |
389 |
4.72Mbps |
Wireless router percentage of detectable signal
Router |
1st Wall |
2nd Wall |
4th Wall |
Belkin F5D7630UK4A |
80% |
13% |
0% |
BT 1250 (2Wire) |
100% |
54% |
26% |
Linksys WAG-54G |
93% |
53% |
6% |
Linksys WRT54G |
93% |
26% |
0% |
Netgear DG834G |
100% |
60% |
26% |
U.S Robotics 9106 |
75% |
20% |
0% |
Wall 1 comprises double brick construction with bathroom tiles
Wall 2 comprises of double brick construction with kitchen tiles
Wall 4 is the next measurable point, due to an old coal bunker between walls 3 and 4.
Unfortunately, after what is otherwise flawless performance, the Belkin router is let done by under par 802.11g wireless performance. It is likely that it is faster with Belkins own brand of wireless cards. Though 13.67Mbps across a wireless connection is plenty enough to run decent quality streaming audio and video material from a central server in a house. The range of the unit appears to be somewhat lower than some of its competitors, making it really only good for use through one or maybe two solid walls.
The Belkin F5D7630-4A is actually a bit of a dark horse in the router market place. It manages to offer a great deal of functionality for a low price, and the interface would appear to be fairly user friendly in that a degree in IT is not needed to work it. After the slightly flaky offerings from other providers in the 802.11g router market, the Belkin is showing some maturity and should be a reliable recommendation. The 802.11g performance may worry some people, but should only concern those moving large amounts of data across the local network.
The firewall may not be up to the standard that hard-core users need, but that is not really the target market for this device. The assisted set-up makes the router ideal for first time wireless networking users, since there is the option of help in your house, though at a price.
Prices: |
£62 – Belkin F5D7630-4A (£73 including VAT) |
Links: |
http://www.belkin.com/uk/ |
Where to Buy: | See our DSL Hardware FAQ |
Andrew Ferguson
The contents of this review should not be relied upon in making a purchasing decision - You should always discuss your requirements with your service provider and hardware supplier.


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The drought was still on when I wrote this piece. Hopefully, it will have rained some by now and our parched earth will be on its way to recovery. Still, you might like this story and get something out of it. I did when I read it some 30 years ago. I'm unsure of the author.
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Opinions, Context & Ideas from the TPM Editors TPM Editor's Blog
Reasonable Expectations
Enough of that. The conversation begins with parity between cuts and revenues.
Also, the idea that Democrats should exchange any long term 'entitlement' reforms(i.e., cuts) for inherently short-term up-tweaks on the sequester is equally ridiculous. Republicans are guffawing amongs themselves that they can get the motherlode in the outyears in exchange for crumbs in the short run. And if you're for slashing middle class benefits and intensifying economic stratification, it's a great deal. But why?
None of these deals are good. They're crazy, frankly. At best, they're based on the political situation two years ago. Not the different situation coming out of the shutdown debacle. Just no. The country needs to get back on regular order, real budgeting and real tending to the country's long term fiscal position. But it needs to be done on the basis of good policy. Not crazy or hostage taking demands from congressional Republicans.


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Bump, photo-sharing app for Android has been revamped.
Are you ready to kick some MASS with with next generation of mobile gaming? Check out Mass Effect: Infiltrator -- a new, mobile-exclusive storyline from the makers of Dead Space on Android. Now available on Google Play.
We all adore our Android phones. They are high tech, popular, easy to use and relatively safe for you to surf the web. However there is a new security risk to your phone in the form of security updates, that should not be trusted.
Here's the Machinarium Level 1 walkthrough for Android.
According to the latest findings from Nielsen survey, Android is the clear-cut winner with 61% market share, a quick jump from 41% in the final quarter of 2011. On the other hand, iOS fell with a 29 percent market share, down from 41 percent during the last quarter.US market accounts for a 90% of total smartphone market sales comprising of Android and iPhone.
Samsung Galaxy S 3 review - Hands On Walk through 720p HD ( First look : Hardware, Software, Camera, Features and more)


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Mid-Back Mesh Swivel Task Chair with Navy Blue Fabric Padded Seat and Height Adjustable Arms
(0)- Contemporary Task Chair
- Mid-Back Design
- Curved Ventilated Black Mesh Back Material
- Built-In Lumbar Support
- Padded Navy Blue Fabric Upholstered Seat
- Waterfall Seat promotes healthy blood flow
- Swivel Seat
- Pneumatic Seat Height Adjustment
- Height Adjustable Nylon Arms
- Heavy Duty Nylon Base
- Dual Wheel Casters
- Made In Taiwan
- TAA Compliant
Mesh office chairs can keep you more productive throughout your work day with its comfort and ventilated design. The breathable mesh material allows air to circulate to keep you cool while sitting. Finding a comfortable chair is essential when sitting for long periods at a time. The mid-back design offers support to the mid-to-upper back region. The contoured backrest provides firm back support allowing your back to rest comfortably. The waterfall front seat edge removes pressure from the lower legs and improves circulation. Chair easily swivels 360 degrees to get the maximum use of your workspace without strain. The pneumatic adjustment lever will allow you to easily adjust the seat to your desired height. The adjustable armrests take the pressure off the shoulders and the neck, which minimizes the risk of pain. From behind the desk to the meeting room this chair can provide a seamless addition to your work space.
Assembled product length | 22 |
Assembled Product Width | 22 |
Assembled Product Height | 38 |
Seat-Size | 18"W x 17.25"D |
Seat-Height | 17.50 - 21.50"H |
Back Size | 17.25"W x 17.50"H |
Arm-Height From Seat | 7" - 9.75"H |
Color | Black, Blue |
Finish | Black Nylon |
Upholstery | Black / Blue Mesh |
Material | Fabric, Foam, Mesh, Metal, Plastic |
Weight Capacity | 250 |
Warranty Comments | 2 Years Parts Only |
Assembly Required | Yes |


text:
The former Upton Park favourite says jeers from the Hammers fans during Spurs' 3-2 Monday night win were unexpected after winning a number of accolades during his time there
Gareth Bale scored twice to push Spurs up to third in the table and just five points off fifth-placed Manchester City, but the England midfielder - who gave away a penalty during the game - was taunted by the home fans.
The 32-year-old says he is unsure why he was subjected to the abuse after playing for the Hammers for four years, but despite being disappointed at the unexpected reaction, the club still has a "massive place" in his heart.
5/2 | Tottenham are 5/2 with Coral to draw with Arsenal on Sunday at White Hart Lane |
"I didn't expect the West Ham fans to boo me and obviously it was a little bit upsetting," he told reporters.
"I don't know why [they did it]. I don't know if it's because I went to their local rivals; I'm not sure, but I just would have liked to think that maybe I would have got a better reception after what I did in my time here.
"I loved [Upton Park], the fans, and I loved the club. I had four fantastic years here and it will always be a club with a massive place in my heart. I was looking forward to coming back and I couldn't wait to go out there and play so I was disappointed [to be booed]."
Parker received a number of awards during his time at Upton Park - he was named 'Hammer of the Year' on three occasions and even won the Player of the Year award from the Football Writers' Association in his final season at the club.


text: PC Gaming Is Having a Great Year, Are You Enjoying It?Brian Crecente8/04/10 1:00pmFiled to: PCKotaku talk radioPodcastTopLive5941EditPromoteShare to KinjaToggle Conversation toolsGo to permalink StarCraft II, Napoleon: Total War, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Mass Effect 2: Love it or hate it, PC gaming seems to be having a great year. And that's just what has already hit, if you're a PC gamer you've got quite a glut of games to look forward to for the rest of the year. Here's the short list: Civilization V, R.U.S.E, Dead Rising 2, Medal of Honor, Fallout: New Vegas, Fable III, LEGO Universe and Call of Duty: Black Ops. Advertisement Advertisement This week on Kotaku Talk Radio, our weekly audio call-in show, Stephen Totilo and I are going to be discussing what we love and hate about PC gaming. One of us even broke a hand over his torrid love affair with PC gaming. Listen live or call in.But don't let us take up all the air time. Give Kotaku a ring. Tell us what you hate or love about gaming on a computer, explain why tuning a computer is like tinkering with a car.The weekly Kotaku Talk Radio podcast kicks off at 11:00 AM mountain time (1:00 PM ET) on Wednesday. Call us on the air LIVE at (877) CHAT-212 or use Skype to dial in! You can also pick up a nifty, and free, iPhone App to listen to the show live here. This image was lost some time after publication. Non-U.S. listeners, use the feed below... Sponsored Click to viewLive TV : UstreamAnd don't forget to subscribe to "Kotaku Talk Radio" in iTunes to check out past interviews with the likes of Sid Meier, David Jaffe, Amy Hennig, Ken Levine, Tim Schafer, Greg Zeschuk, Todd Howard, Cliff Bleszinski, Jeremiah Slaczka, Jeff Gerstmann, Jordan Thomas, Stig Asmussen, Major Nelson and Randy Pitchford. Advertisement We'll also continue to provide direct downloads of the show a couple of hours after showtime each Wednesday.UPDATE: Check out the full show here. Reply594 repliesLeave a reply


text:
Sometimes a fighter must face an opponent outside a ring or cage. Adverse and unexpected situations can have harder impact than a blow to the face, coming without warning and throwing plans into disarray.
This is what happened to UFC featherweight contender Ricardo "The Bully" Lamas. He was headed for a meeting with ŌĆśKorean ZombieŌĆÖ Chan Sung Jung at UFC 162 in July when suddenly the fight was cancelled and Jung was promoter to a title shot against Jose Aldo at UFC 163.
Lamas, a Cuban-Mexican, subsequently had to be pulled from the UFC 162 card because there was no opponent for him to face and no replacement could be found on such short notice. He was frustrated.
"I felt very strange," Lamas said in an interview. "I was angry, sad and envious of the fighters who would fight that night and I still wanted to compete myself. When I was watching the fights I felt like a caged animal."
It is an understandable reaction. Fighters must fight. Not only is it their way of life, it is their passion, a way to express themselves. In short, it is a lifestyle. Latino warriors have the fight code engraved on their heart from birth, it is not something which can be acquired in the gym. Lamas has followed that code to the present day.
Since joining the UFC in June 2011, Ricardo has fought four times, scoring four victories, three of which have come inside the distance (two knockouts and one submission). These are credentials of a title contender in the worldŌĆÖs leading MMA organization. However, he is still waiting for what will be the fight of his life.
"I want to fight the winner of [this weekendŌĆÖs] Aldo/Zombie match. And I want to fight the winner in Mexico or very close to Mexico for my people to see it live when I win the title," he says.
That is some optimism from Lamas but the pieces are possibly coming together for him. Mexico is a target for the UFC to stage a major event. This year we also saw a major upset as Chris Weidman took the middleweight belt from Anderson Silva, ranked as the best fighter on the planet.
Other examples include GSP having Johny Hendricks as a powerful challenger against him in September and many are expecting a surprise in the welterweight division when they meet. This year, Jon Jones will be threatened for his crown by the Swedish giant Alexander Gustafsson, who could present the biggest challenge of his career thus far.
Ricardo likes the idea of having new rulers in each division and says that 2013 ŌĆ£will be the year of bad luck for the UFC champions. And if the UFC gives me the opportunity to fight for the title, I will prove that this theory is in fact the truth.
"It's a long wait to fight for the title, its been a year! Since I won my fight with Hatsu Hioki showed that I was the number one contender and when I beat Erik Koch proved once again that I am the number one contender.ŌĆØ
His fans have supported him through social networks, creating a campaign on Twitter called #LamasNext, which requests that the Latino fighter is the next to challenge for the UFC featherweight title.
Regardless of the outcome this Saturday, Lamas feels┬Ā a whole crowd behind him and has a message for Aldo and Jung: ŌĆ£I have great respect for you both... but get ready, because ŌĆśThe BullyŌĆÖ and the strength of the whole Latin world is on its way. I will not stop until I win my belt.ŌĆØ
Lamas: "I want winner of Aldo/Jung, in Mexico"
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Training The Students of Fall River
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For all government related programming, please navigate over to our sister station,
Fall River Government Television.


text:
lambic update
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lambic update
I just took the lambic off the raspberries and racked it into another carboy for its final 4 weeks before bottling. It tastes pretty !@#$ good. Not very sour yet, but plenty of flavor.
Again, thanks Eric for the recipe.
Again, thanks Eric for the recipe.
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text: They had a decent run: After six years together, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr have called it quits. Here's a look back at their happier times. The couple attends the after party for the Broadway opening night of "Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet" on Sept. 19 in New York City. Bruce Glikas, FilmMagicThey hit the red carpet at an afterparty for the 2013 Golden Globe Awards. Jason Merritt, Getty ImagesHere they are at "The Good Doctor" screening during the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival. Peter Kramer APThey attend the 2009 Mamounia hotel inauguration in Marrakech, Morocco. Pascal Le Segretain Getty ImagesThey head out from the Balenciaga Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2011 show during Paris Fashion Week. Pascal Le Segretain, Getty ImagesBloom received an honorary degree from the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. Gareth Fuller, APLike this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:Replay1 of 62 of 63 of 64 of 65 of 66 of 6Last SlideNext Slide


text:
I've always has a soft spot for Buca Giovanni in North Beach—it was the site of one of my earlier childhood dining memories, and I tasted rabbit for the very first time there. (No Thumper trauma here.) Anyway, I was very excited to find out that by mid-July, it will be opening as ~LA TRAPPE~, named after a Dutch Trappist brewery, and the only Trappist beer produced outside of Belgium. That hopefully gave you a hint about what is going to be going on here. Let's just say that beer will be served, Belgian and Trappist beers to be exact, with pub-style food sporting some continental flair and designed to pair with the brews, like coq au vin cooked with wine and Belgian ale; braise of short ribs with cherry Belgian beer reduction, served with potato cakes and vegetable du jour; mussels and fries with a variety of sauces, like butter, wine, and garlic, or curried with lemongrass, or with a tomato-based bouillabaisse sauce, plus hand-cut fries with dipping sauces. The chef is Darrell Simon, who has cooked in NYC, Baltimore, and Louisiana—look for some touches of old-style Creole on a few dishes. Partners in the venture are Mike Azzalini, whose family has owned the building since his great-grandfather bought it in 1928, and John Lawton. (Three generations of Azzalinis have also worked at Liguria Bakery—how's that for some SF provenance?) For those who can recall the Buca Giovanni space, the upstairs will now have windows on the Mason Street side, and will feel really open, with lots of seating and an Art Nouveau look. Downstairs will have a fountain, and the curved ceiling will be dramatically lit. Groups will be able to plunk themselves into a pew (which will be the seating at the larger tables) and there will be a loungier vibe, with hopes for acoustic music and DJs down the road. La Trappe will be open for evenings to start, but eventually the plan is to be open continuously from 7am-10pm, and until midnight on the weekends. Breakfast, brunch, and lunch will be coming, with smoked meats, fish, crepes, and Belgian waffles on the brunch tip, and all-day pub grub like fish 'n' chips, curries, BIG burgers, sandwiches, and artisanal pizzas for lunch. 800 Greenwich at Mason, San Francisco.
A few blocks away, the now-shuttered ~AVENUE G~ space is now on the sales block, with $350k as the asking price. 1570 Stockton St. at Union.
And now for a round up of changes to existing places around town:
The classic "neighborhoodie" ~REX CAFÉ~ just reopened last Friday after a ten-day remodel, and has a new chef on board: executive chef John Pauley, who hails from the fancy La Folie across the street—he was there for more than eight years, starting as a sous and then worked his way up to chef de cuisine. Pauley is taking a break from four-style style, and is having fun with the menu he has crafted for Rex Café, whose style he is currently calling San Francisco contemporary cuisine. The menu is designed to be easy to pick and choose from, with many smaller plates, and is arranged from lighter to heavier dishes, starting with beet carpaccio ($7) and an Asian-inspired tuna tartare ($10), and then in the fun camp (or should I say fat camp?), you'll find a catfish corndog ($8) and a twist on chicken and waffles: Southern-fried poussin with a Belgian waffle ($12). There are dishes like rock shrimp linguine ($11) with a fresh pea tarragon sauce and Parmesan, while the most expensive dish is baked scallop ($18) in puff pastry. The winning brunch, however, is staying exactly the same. The remodel included refinishing the floor and fresh paint on the ceiling and walls. Banquettes were added throughout, the bar was gutted and enlarged, and the top of the bar was refinished—overall the restaurant now feels more open and welcoming. 2323 Polk St., at Green, 415-441-2244.
There have been some major changes to the menu at ~JACK FALSTAFF~—executive chef Jonnatan Leiva has constructed an appealing new menu that is sure to make a number of people happy (and hungry). Overall, the style is a lot more laid-back and graze-friendly, with Leiva adding some raw and charcuterie selections, like Pacific halibut with ruby red grapefruit, mint, horseradish, chives, and local Delta asparagus; and house-cured duck breast with pickled wild ramps and baby arugula. There are also some pasta options in half or full portions, and some wicked-sounding sides, like duck fat fries, and braised kale with guanciale. Mains include cassoulet with duck leg confit, butter beans, pork belly, and a poached egg (meowza!), and there's even an ahi dish I'd consider ordering: pan-roasted with Catalan-style spinach, sweet peas, and saffron soubise. Leiva's focus on seasonality is still front and center, but the menu has broken out of the standard "choose one appetizer and your main course" format. Definitely one to check out. 598 Second St. at Brannan, 415-836-9239.
Over in lower Potrero/China Basin, ~THEE PARKSIDE~ recently got a new owner, Malia Spanyol of Pops Bar in the Mission, and now has a new chef: Cynthia Morrison, who was at Universal Café for two-plus years. Morrison is totally revamping the menu, adding a local/fresh/organic approach with some American and Southern flair. The new menu just started last week, with offerings like hand-dredged buttermilk fried chicken with house-made pickles, and smoky pulled pork quesadilla. There is a curry cauliflower fritter that is part samosa and part pakora, with a cilantro verde sauce, and it's both vegetarian and vegan-friendly—Morrison says there will always be a few vegetarian and vegan options. There are also nightly bar menu specials, with grilled items like chicken and burgers. Charcuterie is in the works, and they even use local meats, and butcher in-house. The "It's a Free Country Sunday" all-you-can-eat BBQ (it ranges from $6-$10, depending on what's being served) is going strong, with quality meats to go along the free music. Come July, Thee Parkside will be open for lunch, with a to-go window for local businesses. (They are hiring for all kinds of positions if you're interested.) 1600 17th St. at Wisconsin, 415-252-1330.
For those wondering what Nick Fasanella (previously of Nick's Crispy Tacos and Nicky's Pizzeria Rustica) has been up to, he's been a consulting GM at ~TORTILLA HEIGHTS~. He's made some good changes, too: the kitchen is now using Niman Ranch meats (makes for some killer carne asada) and Fulton Valley Ranch chicken, the margaritas are now made with fresh-squeezed lime (no mix here), and there's almost an entirely new (and well-trained) staff. I had a chance to swing by last week, and was happy to see crispy tacos "Nick's Way," plus his awesome Baja-style tacos are on the menu (three for $12.50). There's also the "street treat" with mango, orange, and jicama with chile and lime. Perfect spot if you're looking for a place for groups of 12 or more—they have some generous fiesta menus ($15-$21 per person). I'll be back for "heads or tails Tuesday," when you flip for your meal. The buckets of beers are also pretty spiffy. 1750 Divisadero St. at Bush, 415-346-4531.
Some unexpected changes are happening at ~MECCA~, which had a kitchen fire towards the end of service on Sunday night. The fire department responded extremely quickly, but let's just say the dining room's velvets and leathers are not quite going to be the same. So the restaurant is taking this opportunity to close, renovate and redesign, and plans on a grand reopening in hopefully a couple weeks. I'll have more details in next week's installment. 2029 Market St. at Dolores, 415-621-7000
Some news in Maktub land: chef ~DAVID BAZIRGAN~, who has been at Baraka for a bit, will be the opening chef for Jocelyn Bulow's new Chez Papa Downtown, which is gunning for a Labor Day opening. It made me wonder how this is affecting the gastropub project, Baz, that he was slated to be doing with Sean and Isabel Manchester (of WISH Bar and Mighty). Ends up the western SoMa location the Manchesters were hoping would be the site of the restaurant unfortunately fell through. So while they keep scouting for a location, Bazirgan will continue working with the Maktub Group. Will let you know what develops, naturally!
As for ~BARAKA~, it seems it's no longer for sale. In fact, Maktub just hired a new chef, Chad Newton—he is formerly from Boston, where he was at Spire with the Kimpton Group, and at Postrio while in SF. He just started a couple weeks ago—I will keep you posted on any menu changes. 288 Connecticut St. at 18th St., 415-255-0387.
One Maktub spot that does seem to be up for sale is ~SUTRA RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE~, unless I am totally reading this listing wrong, which is possible.
Another ever-growing empire is Charles Phan's—he will be opening another ~OUT THE DOOR~ concept in the Fillmore neighborhood by early fall, right across from the Unitarian church for those of you who pay attention to details like that. The space was formerly a silk flower store, and was originally a firehouse—it's supposed to be quite stunning. The current status of the space is "in the middle of permit hell," but it may end up having 50 seats, or perhaps a little more. The Vietnamese menu is still in development, but an interesting component of this specific project will be what to pair with the dishes—it looks like the Slanted Door's precedent of having no Californian wines on the list may now expand to include some local wines, as long as they make the flavor-profile cut. Another potential offering is the range of take-home cooking kits may be expanded (Have you ever tried them? The daikon rice cakes rock. Hard.) and takeout will also be readily available. 2232 Bush St. at Fillmore.
Opening this Wednesday for lunch and dinner is the long awaited ~FARINA~ on 18th Street. This Genovese/Ligurian restaurant under executive chef Paolo Laboa is downright snazzy, with room for 90 guests and a private dining room on the second floor, and outdoor seating to boot. However, they won't be accepting reservations until the 18th—they are trying to start things off slowly. Release the focaccia. 3562 18th Street at Dearborn, between Valencia and Guerrero.
I just noticed Bar Crudo and Globe are now on ~OPENTABLE.COM~.
Hey, some of you have expressed curiosity about the ~TASTE3~ conference I attended last month up at COPIA. Ends up some of the amazing 20-minute talks have been posted on the site. Take a peek and see what interests you—the ones from Ben Roche of Moto in Chicago, the honeybee expert, and the wine fraud expert, David Molyneux-Berry, were three of my faves.
And folks, the ~WHITE BOOT BRIGADE~, an awesome group of New Orleans-area sustainable shrimpers, is coming to the Bay Area this week and doing demos all over town—you can try the brown shrimp at various Kimpton restaurants, and the brigade will be at Williams Sonoma AND the Golden Glass on Saturday. Definitely try to catch one of their demos.
June 5, 2007
June 5, 2007


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Brazilian Surfer Wipes Out as Rio Customs Seizes Boards
Peter Millard and Tariq PanjaBrazil's most famous surfer lost his first heat at Rio de Janeiro's biggest contest after his boards were seized at the airport in the latest example of an athlete running afoul of the country's customs rules.
Adriano de Souza, who is ranked sixth in the world and has Oakley, Red Bull GmbH and Skullcandy Inc. among his sponsors, left Rio's airport empty-handed yesterday after refusing to pay taxes on the seven boards he uses in competition. De Souza, surfing on backup boards, lost to Portugal's Tiago Pires and needs to win in the second round or be eliminated from the contest.
Brazil limits imports to $500 as part of an effort to prevent people from selling items on the black market and protect domestic retailers in a country with steep tariffs and the most expensive iPhones on Earth. The nation has regulations that allow foreign athletes to bring equipment into the country for 30 days, and special rules are in place for this year's soccer World Cup.
"I've lost my boards," de Souza said in a text message yesterday. He didn't reply to a request for comment today.
The tax office said de Souza's boards were brought into the country by an associate and were withheld to establish a value for the goods. It claimed an unspecified amount of fees that de Souza refused to pay, it said in a statement.
"He would have to pay taxes, but he didn't pay taxes and left," Roberto Limeira, a customs official at the airport, said yesterday in a phone interview.
De Souza also had a battle with Brazilian tax authorities in 2012, when it took four months to reclaim a trophy seized after he returned home from winning a contest in South Africa.
Italy's soccer squad tripped over Brazilian import regulations last year before soccer's Confederations Cup. The team required the intervention of the agriculture ministry to release 807 pounds (366 kilograms) of food products, including cheese, salami and Parma ham, that were seized by authorities in Rio because details were not provided in advance.
Business Climate
Brazil ranks 124th out of 189 nations in ease of trading across borders, the 2014 version of the Washington-based World Bank's "Doing Business" survey shows.
Importing a container to Brazil costs $2,275, 36 percent more than the average for Latin America, according to the study. Limeira said it's common for travelers to invoke the names of celebrities, including soccer players and singers, to dodge taxes.
"Every day people come here saying they are bringing merchandise for Pele, that they're bringing merchandise for Roberto Carlos, we can't believe everyone, we have to see proof," he said.
One of de Souza's sponsors expressed frustration at the difficulties that the longest-tenured Brazilian on the pro surf tour faced ahead of a contest sponsored by Rio's municipal government. Fans lined the beach last year when he finished second to South African Jordy Smith.
"I have a very hard time figuring out why the Brazilian customs would hold one of their local heroes' boards hostage right before an event," Brandon Lillard, surf marketing manager at Skullcandy, said in an e-mail yesterday. "I'm sure Adriano will be able to get boards, but it's really sad if the bureaucracy of the government is not going to allow him to compete on the best equipment possible."


text: Get Missing Aero Glass and Other Personalization Features in Windows 7 Home Basic and Starter EditionMelanie Pinola8/12/11 9:30amFiled to: Windows downloadspersonalizationDesktopCustomizationFeatured Windows Downloadwindows 7WindowsWindows 7 starterwindows 7 home basicPatchDownloads31EditPromoteShare to KinjaToggle Conversation toolsGo to permalinkWindows 7: The Starter and Home Basic editions of Windows 7 are crippled when it comes to customization. If you want Aero Glass, Aero Peek, or just wallpaper switching from the desktop context menu, here's a handy patch. AdvertisementThe small EXE file, created by a "Mr. Dusha" and posted by Microsoft MVP Vishal Gupta (known as VG here on Lifehacker), patches system files to enable all the personalization features of Windows Ultimate.(Note: lacking a Home Basic or Starter machine, we haven't personally tested this out, but from the comments the patch works simply and as promised. To uninstall, Vishal writes you can re-run the patch or type in sfc /scannow at the command prompt.)AdvertisementDownload Simple Patch to Enable Aero Glass and All Other Personalization Features in Windows 7 Home Basic and Starter Edition | Tweaking with Vishal You can follow or contact Melanie Pinola, the author of this post, on Twitter.Reply31 repliesLeave a reply


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True Blue Pistons - April 2013
Award-winning journalist Keith Langlois, most recently lead sports columnist at The Oakland Press, joined Pistons.com as the web site editor on October 2, 2006. Langlois, who brings over 27 years of professional sports journalism experience to Palace Sports & Entertainment, serves as Pistons.com's official beat writer and covers the team on a daily basis.
Questions and comments on Keith's posts can be submitted via the Pistons Mailbag. Or follow Keith on Twitter.
Mike Abdenour is good at barking orders and establishing timelines for athletes in their recovery from physical setbacks, but he's got some work to do at following instructions and adhering to timelines others set for his recovery.
He's back at work this week after 32 days off – he could give you the minutes and seconds breakdown if you give him a chance to update the standings – and doesn't plan on going away again anytime soon. He'd have been back a lot sooner, if he'd had his way. Like five days after the March 24 heart attack that sidelined him – doctor's orders, with an assist to Joe Dumars – for the remainder of the season.
And he's already making up for lost time, which explains why he recounted his month away while walking briskly on a treadmill inside the Pistons practice facility, attacking his job with a zeal that would bring knowing smiles to the hundreds of paths he's crossed during his nearly four decades with the Pistons.
Continue reading Back on the Job>>
Posted Monday, April 29, 2013
The NBA deadline for college underclassmen to declare for the June draft passed at midnight Sunday with fewer than a handful of players who mattered still waffling. Adreian Payne and Isaiah Austin decided to stay in school at Michigan State and Baylor, while Andre Roberson chose to leave Colorado for the NBA.
None of those decisions will affect the Pistons with respect to their lottery pick. The only player considered a probable top-five pick who chose not to enter the draft is Marcus Smart, the Big 12 Player of the Year who announced his intention to return to Oklahoma State for his sophomore season.
What does it mean for the Pistons?
Continue reading Options Aplenty>>
Posted Friday, April 26, 2013
For as long as Greg Monroe had to envision the product of his pairing with Andre Drummond, for as much as he prepared for the switch to power forward to accommodate Drummond's ascension to the starting lineup, nothing was more instructive – or more encouraging – than experiencing the reality for the season's final 10 games.
"It's an unofficial attachment when it comes to big men playing together," he told me this week. "You have to know where each other is on the court – spacing, movement. Learning where he's going to be and his habits was the key this year as far as us moving forward. Summertime, we'll work out. Once the season starts back up, we'll get more acclimated. But I think we played very well and I think we'll only get better with time.
"The plan is for us to move forward playing together, so I have to be as comfortable playing with him as anybody could be."
Continue reading Power Couple>>
Posted Thursday, April 25, 2013
George David's first draft as Pistons assistant general manager isn't much different for him than the past several as personnel director. He's added some duties outside of draft prep in his new role, but he remains the central figure in the run-up to draft night for the Pistons – the guy who directs the scouting staff, puts the draft board together and makes sure Joe Dumars sees every viable candidate for their No. 1 pick in person.
The decisions on draft night are Joe D's. Making sure he is as well-prepared to make those decisions is perhaps the best way to describe David's draft role.
As such, he goes by the Boy Scout creed: always be prepared. So when the Pistons were awarded the second-round clip of the Los Angeles Clippers that once seemed unlikely, it was a nice bonus but not something that caught David unprepared.
The Pistons will be picking from one extreme to the other in the June 27 draft – a top-10 pick, a bottom-10 pick and one very near the middle.
Continue Reading Working the Draft>>
Posted Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Greg Monroe doesn't know who'll be filling out the lineup card next season, but he's fairly certain whoever it is will pencil him in next to Andre Drummond at center.
Back in the gym to get in some weight-lifting under Arnie Kander's supervision on Tuesday, less than a week after his third season wrapped up, Monroe will prepare this off-season to come back with a game more suited to power forward than center.
He'll split his summer similarly to a year ago – back home in Louisiana for a month, then off to Georgetown for a summer session in the classroom with plenty of ex-Hoyas available to partner up in the gym, then set up shop in Auburn Hills alongside a core of teammates in the weeks leading up to the start of training camp.
Continue Reading A New Frontier>>
Posted Monday, April 22, 2013
It barely registered a blip on the Richter scale of Pistons fandom, but there were a few high fives around the executive offices late Friday afternoon when the Pistons won both of the NBA draft tiebreakers that involved them.
One puts them ahead of Washington in the lottery pecking order, the other gives them a bonus late second-round pick. Assistant general manager George David wasn't in position to exchange any of those high fives – he was in Portland along with scouting director Doug Ash at the Nike Hoop Summit – but it's safe to say he cracked a smile.
The tiebreaker win with Washington gives the Pistons a slightly better chance to draw a top-three pick, but the bigger benefit is being slotted one spot ahead of the Wizards.
Continue Reading Welcome News>>
Posted Friday, April 19, 2013
For a franchise that hasn't gotten many breaks lately, the Pistons got two Friday afternoon – perhaps an omen that better fortune lies ahead. They won both tiebreakers that involved them for determining lottery position and draft order.
As a result, the Pistons will go into the May 21 lottery in the No. 7 spot. They'll pick ahead of Washington, with which they shared a 29-52 record, if neither team moves into the top three for the June 27 draft. Washington will thus pick ahead of the Pistons in the second round, which means the Pistons will have the 38th pick. They will also choose 56th as a result of the Los Angeles Clippers winning their tiebreaker with Memphis.
The Pistons were in a similar spot going into the 2010 draft, when they tied with Philadelphia for the sixth spot but lost the tiebreaker. Philadelphia wound up drawing the No. 2 pick and the Pistons picked seventh, selecting Greg Monroe.
Continue Reading A Little Luck">>
Posted Friday, April 19, 2013
In an increasingly polarized world where there is no patience for nuanced positions, we sort coaches into two bins: dictators or pushovers, often coded as "a player's coach."
Except the best coaches rise above those labels. Chuck Daly, the best coach in Pistons history, certainly did.
If he were available, Joe Dumars would hire him. Alas, he's not. So the search goes on.
As it will for roughly a quarter of the league, perhaps a third, in the days and weeks ahead. Philadelphia will be looking for its fifth coach since 2006 with Doug Collins' departure. Milwaukee might be looking for its fifth, depending on what happens with Jim Boylan. Minnesota could be on the hunt for its sixth coach in that time if Rick Adelman walks away, as he's said he's considered. Phoenix will be looking for its fifth coach if Lindsey Hunter isn't retained.
Continue Reading An Easy Sell>>
Posted Thursday, April 18, 2013
Tom Gores made good on his word to thoroughly but "very, very quickly" make the tough decisions necessary for the future of the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons on Thursday fired coach Lawrence Frank, less than 24 hours after what Frank described as a "very tough, very turbulent" season came to an end with a loss at Brooklyn.
"We thank Lawrence for his hard work and dedication, but we feel it is in the best interest of the franchise to make a change at this time," Joe Dumars, president of basketball operations, said in a prepared statement released by the team. "Decisions like this are never easy and we wish Lawrence well in the future."
Continue Reading Pistons Fire Frank>>
Posted Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Their four-game winning streak came to an end in the season finale. Now the Pistons wait on word whether the Lawrence Frank era ended in Brooklyn, as well.
The Pistons fell 103-99 to the Nets, finishing a season Frank described after the game as "a very tough season, both personally and professionally." He now awaits a decision on his future with the franchise after owner Tom Gores, while attending Monday's home finale, promised a swift review of team leadership.
Asked whether he was optimistic about his chances to return, Frank said, "I think very realistic. Tom and I have very honest dialog. We'll just kind of see how it plays out. You go into it eyes wide open. We both have mutual respect for each other, so we'll figure it out."
Frank thanked the players for staying the course, his coaching and support staffs in the locker room after the game, which left the Pistons with a 29-53 record. The Pistons went 25-41 in his lockout-shortened first season.
Continue Reading That's a Wrap>>
Posted Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The cap space Joe Dumars carved out for the looming off-season creates a gaping opportunity to upgrade the Pistons' talent base. Given the success rate the Pistons have had in the previous three lotteries, adding another top-10 pick likely means a fourth building block will be secured in June. But the greatest source of optimism for a great leap forward in 2013-14 lies in the potency, individually but particularly in the collective, of the Greg Monroe-Andre Drummond tandem.
The Pistons have now had roughly 10 percent of an NBA season – nine games with only Wednesday's season finale at Brooklyn remaining – to gauge the effectiveness of Monroe and Drummond together.
Ten percent is an amply sufficient sample size to paint an accurate portrayal of the situation as it exists – precise polling can be done with far less of a slice – but it's still not a lot to go on when projecting the future.
Continue Reading So Far, So Good>>
Posted Monday, April 15, 2013
When Tom Gores spoke before the Pistons' home finale about his excitement for the future, he wasn't solely referencing the cache of cap space the franchise will take into the July free agency period. He also had in mind the young nucleus built in the first two years of his stewardship.
A few hours later, he might have been feeling even more optimistic about that young nucleus.
Even with Andre Drummond playing on a testy right ankle, the one he sprained three nights earlier and made him a game-time decision for Monday's home finale, the Pistons gave their owner a glimpse of what might be with a 109-101 win over Philadelphia.
Greg Monroe racked up his 36th double-double by the first minute of the second half and finished with 27 points and 16 rebounds. Brandon Knight's bounce fueled a 33-21 third-quarter advantage that put the Pistons squarely in control. Rookie small forwards Kyle Singler (16 points) and Khris Middleton combined for a high-efficiency job sharing role, contributing 26 points and seven rebounds on 10 of 18 shooting.
Drummond didn't dent the stat sheet with quite the same authority as he's done frequently since returning from injury nine games ago, accumulating two quick fouls that likely further inhibited his aggressiveness on top of the ankle injury. But he flashed his athleticism and havoc-inducing defensive presence often enough in the second half, when he grabbed five rebounds and added two steals in addition to altering or dissuading several shots.
Continue Reading Closing Strong>>
Posted Monday, April 15, 2013
Tom Gores understands the coming off-season presents the Pistons with an opportunity for a magnitude of change that might not come around again for several years. To ensure those personnel decisions are made with all due consideration, Gores will make the decisions he needs to make soon, he said before Monday's home finale.
"We're assessing everything fast," Gores said when asked if he had a timeline in mind for decisions on the futures of team leadership. "It's a very important time, a critical time for the franchise. We're fortunate enough to have a good young group of people, so we'll do it fast, like we did when we came in and bought the team. We're going to do this very, very quickly, but thoroughly."
Gores said he met with president of basketball operations Joe Dumars and head coach Lawrence Frank on Sunday.
"I expected better results," he said. "I met with Joe and Lawrence yesterday and let them know that. They're great guys that know their business, but I'm here assessing everything. My job is to move this franchise forward."
Continue Reading Whatever It Takes>>
Posted Sunday, April 14, 2013
The front office that scouted Khris Middleton for three college seasons and saw him hold his own against NBA players in summer camp pickup games wasn't fazed by his performances in Orlando's Summer League. But the coaching staff that didn't have that history with him? Well …
"In Summer League, look, there were a lot of questions," Lawrence Frank said as the season headed to its final week with Middleton now in the rotation as Kyle Singler's backup. "Part of it is him getting healthy with his knee. I think he has a lot more confidence in his legs. A lot of work he's put into his game. He's very studious. He knows that he has to continue to work and get stronger. He's in the weight room. He watches film every day. At the end of practice, he's working on his individual skills, one on one."
When Joe Dumars huddles his inner circle at season's end and plots a future that includes the opening that an estimated $25 million or more in cap space this summer provides, he'll write the names of his last three No. 1 draft choices in ink: Greg Monroe, Brandon Knight and Andre Drummond. He'll have Kyle Singler on that list, too, and now Rodney Stuckey and Jonas Jerebko have grown into the class of young veterans, both putting strong finishing kicks onto disappointing seasons.
Continue Reading Closing Rush>>
Posted Friday, April 12, 2013
Charlotte stumbled to the league's worst season ever a year ago by winning percentage, going 7-59 and praying with every loss for the payoff that never came. They wanted Kentucky's Anthony Davis, as did all teams that landed in the lottery. But the Bobcats came up with the No. 2 pick instead. They could have taken Andre Drummond.
And that possibility could well haunt the franchise for years. Drummond gave the Bobcats a glimpse into what might have been on Friday, scoring 15 points and grabbing nine rebounds, just as he likely turned Cleveland wistful two nights earlier with a 29-point, 11-rebound outing for passing on him with the No. 4 pick.
"He puts a presence on the offensive boards," Charlotte coach Mike Dunlap said before Friday's 113-93 Pistons win, their third straight. "It's like there's a piece of meat on the tip of the rim and he's going after that sucker like a hound dog that hasn't been fed for seven days. Defensively, he's just a good athlete who covers a lot of mistakes at the rim and he's willing to leave his man to block shots, take charges. I think he's gritty."
Drummond's numbers might have been better, but he left the game just 2:40 after returning in the fourth quarter when he stepped on Bismack Biyombo's foot and rolled his right ankle. He said X-rays revealed nothing more serious than a sprain and felt he'd be ready for the season's final two games, Monday vs. Philadelphia at The Palace and Wednesday's finale at Brooklyn. The team called him day to day.
Posted Thursday, April 11, 2013
About 20 minutes before tipoff of Wednesday's game at Cleveland, Cavs TV analyst Austin Carr, doing a live in-arena interview to preview the Pistons-Cavs game, proclaimed Cleveland shooting guard Dion Waiters "the best rookie in the Eastern Conference."
Perked my ears up a little bit. Fans in Washington (Bradley Beal) and Charlotte (Michael Kidd-Gilchrist) would probably object, but fans in Detroit – perhaps the only place where Andre Drummond's impact is fully appreciated – surely would.
But, OK. Waiters has been pretty good, scoring almost 15 points a game despite low shooting percentages, and Carr, a Notre Dame legend who averaged 38 points a game as a junior and senior 40-plus years ago, is likely inclined to value scoring above all else.
Continue Reading The Right Stuff>>
Posted Wednesday, April 10, 2013
CLEVELAND – Andre Drummond diligently practices his free throws every day, despite what his 34 percent success rate in an otherwise revelatory rookie season might suggest. He just usually doesn't get to practice them with 14,000 onlookers. But when Cleveland coach Byron Scott dragged out the Hack-a-Dre strategy with a little more than five minutes left in Wednesday's fourth quarter, Drummond took a philosophical approach.
"I got a chance to work on my free throws today. That's how I look at it," the rookie said after scoring nine points in 17 attempts at the line as part of a career-best 29-point outburst in a 111-104 Pistons win that swept the four-game season series from Cleveland. "I just got a chance to work at it. Now I know I can do it, so there's no excuse not to do it again next game. The more and more they foul me, the more and more I got confidence. I just said to myself, 'You get the next one.' If I missed one, 'You get the next one.' I was focused. That's what I call it. I was focused."
Seven times in a span of nine possessions over 3:15, Cleveland players mugged Drummond. He split the pair on the first six trips and made both on the final one.
Continue Reading Drummond Dominates>>
Posted Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Lawrence Frank admits he comes at this from the perspective of a man who dreamed of being a coach the way other kids hope to become an astronaut or movie star. Outsiders making sweeping assumptions and proclamations armed with a fraction of the proprietary knowledge the coach possesses drive him a little crazy.
And when he hears the rumblings directed at Michigan coach John Beilein after Monday's championship game loss to Louisville in one of the most competitive and entertaining title games of its era, he bristles.
When Michigan's national player of the year, Trey Burke, picked up his second foul before the mid-point of the first half, Beilein put him on the bench. He left him there for the rest of the half as freshman backup Spike Albrecht's shooting allowed Michigan to build a double-digit lead with 17 first-half points. Louisville wound up cutting Michigan's halftime lead to one when Luke Hancock drilled four 3-pointers in the final two minutes.
As a rookie, Jonas Jerebko left little doubt that no one could possibly have more fun than he derived from playing basketball. When his stints on the court ended, he'd come to the bench with red cheeks that more often than not matched red floor burns on his knees and elbows.
The Pistons weren't abundantly talented that season, 2009-10, but with Jerebko starting in place of an injured Tayshaun Prince, they put together a five-game November winning streak with a starting five that consisted of two players making the veteran minimum – Chucky Atkins and Ben Wallace – plus Jason Maxiell, Rodney Stuckey and the second-round rookie from Sweden. Together, they were earning less than $10 million, a sum dwarfed by more than 70 individual NBA players that season.
That Jonas Jerebko wasn't much in evidence this season. Of course, any Jonas Jerebko wasn't much in evidence over a 28-game span from late November to late January in which he played in just six minutes of one game.
Continue Reading A Jonas Bonus>>
Posted Sunday, April 7, 2013
In a season filled with too many near-misses and nights lamented for the lack of the one or two plays that weren't made, the Pistons might not look back more fondly at any game than the 99-85 win over Chicago in Game 78.
It was made doubly satisfying for the way it obliterated the burden of the 18-game losing streak the Pistons dragged into the game at Chicago's hands, symbolically washed away in the chest bump Andre Drummond and Jonas Jerebko shared when Drummond charged off the bench to meet Jerebko near mid-court after the Swede's dunk put the Pistons up 14 with seven minutes to play and forced a Chicago timeout.
"We hadn't beaten them since Andre was born," Lawrence Frank grinned. "That's a long time – 18 straight times. Not that we know the date – Dec. 23, 2008."
Continue Reading By the Horns>>
Posted Saturday, April 6, 2013
When the Pistons look back at a season that will vex them, one of the most perplexing elements of it will be their road performance against Western Conference teams. Saturday was their last shot to get a win against the West and they gave themselves a chance they haven't often had in their previous 14 such games. But their inability to hang on to the basketball – on their offensive end for the first 59 minutes and at Minnesota's end in the final 60 seconds – cost them in a 107-101 loss.
The Pistons were within a point after Brandon Knight's 3-pointer made it 102-101, but couldn't corral an offensive rebound with 20 seconds left that went off Andre Drummond's fingers. Forced to foul, they failed to grab Luke Ridnour's miss on the second attempt, allowing him to make it a four-point game when they were again forced to foul with 15 seconds to go.
They lost a key jump ball also in the last few minutes with Andre Drummond up against point guard Ricky Rubio, and Brandon Knight – who played a gutty game, scoring 25 points after tossing away the protective mask for his broken nose five minutes into the game – fouled Rubio on a desperation 3-pointer at a time Rubio was 0 of 11.
Continue Reading Turnover Trouble>>
Posted Friday, April 5, 2013
The four horsemen of Brandon Knight's apocalyptic season: plantar fasciitis, hyperextended knee, sprained ankle, broken nose. For all of that, he's missed seven games: three with the knee, four with the ankle.
"It's always something," he said, palming the hard plastic face mask he abhors but has been ordered to wear for the remainder of the season, "but normally it's one thing. My entire college season, it was tendinitis. I don't think I've ever had this many minor things added together at one time."
They've all converged down the stretch of the season, too, with the plantar fasciitis that first flared last summer causing him stabbing pain again now. On Thursday, when the Pistons returned from their three-game road trip and before they headed back out to Minnesota on Friday, Knight and teammate Corey Maggette had their broken noses reset.
Continue Reading Playing Over Pain>>
Posted Thursday, April 4, 2013
The pairing of Andre Drummond with Greg Monroe, an experiment less than a week in the making, opens the door to a world of possibilities for the Pistons. It also poses a number of questions, the answers to which are only in the infancy of being formed.
The Pistons are getting a taste of how teams are going to defend them, though Lawrence Frank says the young pair hasn't yet risen to the level that they become the focus of opposition defensive schemes. But in the minutiae that makes up a game plan, teams are deciding who guards Monroe and who guards Drummond, and how they can force Frank into having to choose one or the other late in games – or take his chances that a mismatch on one end of the floor will play to his advantage more than a mismatch on the opposite end will inflict damage.
"It's all about combinations," Frank said. "If they're more worried about Andre's rolls, they'll probably use their best pick-and-roll defender on Andre. If they're worried about Greg's postups, they'll put their better postup defender on Greg."
So Monroe isn't going to automatically be able to go against power forwards over whom he might have a significant size and strength advantage. Teams might still guard Monroe with their center and let their power forward take his chances against Drummond, whose strengths are offensive rebounding and finishing lob dunks off pick-and-roll plays – not posting up.
Continue Reading Making it Work>>
Posted Wednesday, April 3, 2013
BOSTON – Lawrence Frank struck gold with an unlikely lineup to win Monday at Toronto and nearly did it again with a new mix Wednesday at Boston. Down 18 midway through the third quarter, the Pistons came within three minutes by the midway mark in the fourth.
But for miserable 3-point shooting numbers and a half-dozen turnovers in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter, the Pistons would have left Boston with a five-game winning streak over the Celtics and a comeback for the ages. Instead, they sat in a locker room with dumbfounded looks as the reality of some staggering shooting numbers sunk in.
"Two for 17?" Jonas Jerebko repeated when he heard Charlie Villanueva's shooting numbers. Nobody takes more 3-pointers as a percentage of his shots than Villanueva and there's nobody the Pistons would rather have taking them, either, but he missed all eight of his shots from distance against the Celtics, including two in the final minute – one for the lead, one for a last-possession tie.
"Charlie's a shooter. He's going to keep shooting it. Two for 17 – we could have won by 10. But the ball didn't bounce our way. We got great looks. We shared the ball. I'm happy with the way we played. We had some unfortunate missed ones."
Continue Reading Comeback Comes Up Short>>
Posted Tuesday, April 2, 2013
There could not have been a more intimidating NBA roster on which Jason Maxiell would attempt to make an impression than the 2005-06 Pistons. They were coming off back-to-back NBA Finals appearances, beating the vaunted Lakers in the 2004 "five-game sweep" and pushing the equally star-laden San Antonio Spurs to seven grinding games into late June the next season.
A few days later, the Pistons used the 26th pick of the 2005 draft to select Maxiell, a conventionally undersized post player even by the standards of college basketball. But the Pistons saw in him a certain fearlessness and toughness they instinctively viewed as a fit for grooming behind Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace and the player Joe Dumars would sign days later as a free agent, Antonio McDyess.
All three of those veterans could spot a phony a mile away. No rookie, no matter how decorated or hyped upon arrival, would win an ounce of their respect until it was earned.
It speaks volumes that all three quickly took Maxiell under their collective wing because they saw in him a kindred spirit, a player who believed the only NBA currency that mattered was tied to work ethic, selflessness and team success.
Posted Monday, April 1, 2013
TORONTO – When the halftime buzzer sounded at Air Canada Centre, Jose Calderon headed to the locker room. The wrong locker room. The one he called home for the first seven-plus seasons of his NBA career.
"I went to the wrong tunnel," Calderon grinned sheepishly after the game. "But they called me out really quick. It was just like three or four steps. That's all."
Those were the only three or four missteps of Calderon's homecoming, which the Pistons made a triumphant one by putting up 33 fourth-quarter points with a group that probably hadn't logged two meaningful minutes together all season.
Continue Reading Turnabout in Toronto>>
Posted Monday, April 1, 2013
Save for an ankle injury that cost him a mid-March game at Utah, Jason Maxiell started all of the Pistons' first 72 games this season – until the last one he played, last Friday, when Andre Drummond returned from a back injury.
That will stand as Maxiell's last game of the season, the Pistons announced on Monday – and it could be the last game of his eight-year run with the franchise that made him its 2005 first-round pick. Maxiell, a pending free agent whose return is questionable with Drummond and Greg Monroe established as the starting frontcourt of the future, will miss the season's final eight games after undergoing surgery to repair a detached retina.
"You feel horrible for Jason," Lawrence Frank said before Monday's game at Toronto. "He's a very, very professional guy. You know exactly what you're going to get every day. You hate to see any of your guys get injured and especially like that, where your season is over."
Continue Reading Maxiell's Season Ends>>