text:
Just as long
"...or choking on vomit"
as it's their *OWN* vomit.
British parents can stop worrying about their offspring being out-of-control boozepups. The education system is stepping in and teaching them how to get bladdered the socially-responsible way. Snakebite-addled teens can now try out for an "alcohol awareness certificate", The Times reports. The drinky diploma has been developed …
"...or choking on vomit"
as it's their *OWN* vomit.
Happy days. I actually moved from lager to mild (i.e. the reverse of the El Reg recommended progression), but that was only because it was the only pint still less than £1 in our local. And that was a lot of pocket money is those days.
My Dad told me mild was made from collecting the dregs from the drip trays and pouring it into a barrel. Which would have explained the taste and the flatness...
"Obviously 15-year-olds shouldn't be having sex, but then again, they shouldn't be drinking either."
It isn't illegal to drink when you're 15 (or younger), it's just illegal to purchase the alcohol yourself.
You probably didn't want to know this, but:
"Spit meth" is prescription methadone which has been vomited up by smackheads and resold to other smackheads.
You've really got to have a perverse admiration for anyone who would choose to drink someone else's puke, rather than go out stealing VCRs and car stereos .....
It's called college.
/possibly misquoted South Park.
It isn't illegal to drink at 15 or younger, but it is illegal for somebody 18+ to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol in a public house, on behalf (or for, whether money changes hands) a 15 year old.
in 35 minutes within the Frog & Tampon than I did in all my years of schooling!
No problem. I get loads of email from people who can fix that.
Wrong. It isn't illegal to purchase alcohol at any age. It is an offence to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 (unless with a meal, or a few other exceptions).
It's only an offence to give alcohol to a child, if that child is 5 or younger (unless for medical reasons).
If only I'd known before I was 18 ...
"You've really got to have a perverse admiration for anyone who would choose to drink someone else's puke, rather than go out stealing VCRs and car stereos ....."
Buy that man a drink!
If only you could have learned to spell learned. :)
It shows, mate, it shows. No apostrophe in learnt ;¬)
Your dad is incorrect in his humourous explanation of how mild is produced. Mild is the drink of kings; a proper drinkers drink, sitting proudly alongside Mr Bitter and Mr Stout. Mr Lager is the late to the table ne'er do well who talks too loudly and interrupts. He is only tolerated by the others as he is related in some way, though he's clearly not from around these parts.
Elsewhere in the pub, Mr and Mrs Wine are rolling around on the floor grappling with their teenage daughter, Alcopop, who is screaming and laughing while simultaneously trying to defecate into the spitoon. In the corner, the Spirits family look on, disgusted, before rolling out into the street and going home.
That's sick.
Spit methadone isn't vomited up by anyone - who told you that, hah hah.It is where someone has to drink their script "on the premises" , so they HOLD it in their MOUTH, and then spit (see) it into a cup or other receptacle. Still pretty unsavoury, I agree, but no-one would drink someone elses vomit to get a hit or miss dose of an unsatisfactory synthetic opiate, no matter how much they're clucking (i.e. suffering cold turkey), and believe me, I know....
Mr Cancer can still be found lurking in the doorway of the pub, or in a specially constructed lean-to around the back.
Of course, I also forgot Mr Nuts, Mr Crisps and Mr Pork-Scratchings, the jovial trio at the bar, sometiimes also found warming themselves around the fire, laughing at the world through greasy spittle-flecked lips, shortly before collapsing in the toilets of a massive heart attack.
The pub is a harsh mistress.
Once upon a time, things were as you describe. The pharmacies got wise to the practice you describe, and wouldn't let anyone out who hadn't swallowed. Hence the more extreme version practised today.
Sort of makes you wonder whether the ban is worth it, really .....
Will be back as soon as he wins his discrimination case in the Euro Court of Human Rights mwahahahaha - I'll get you yet Mr Clean Lungs..
Rather awesomely a mate of mine in Anchorage recently declared he wouldn't give up smoking because it would be giving in to the anti-smoker Nazis, and it was his duty to fight discrimination. Personally I figured it had more to do with the reason I wasn't giving up, that is being mentally and physically addicted to who-knows-what they put in the blasted things these days.
And in the US we don't need crummy substitutes like methadone (although we have that in both liquid and pill form).. we have the wonderful series of opiate painkillers vicodin, hydrocodone, oxycontin, percocet, oxycodone, tramadol.. the list is endless and the government is our dealer.
Although here in North America Mr. Cancer is considerably more toxic than his European counterpart.
I once was given a carton of State Express (the best brand in the world in my opinion, and I've tried quite a few) and compared the poisons chart on the side. The highest levels on them were lower than the lowest level on the cigarettes here...
"Obviously 15-year-olds shouldn't be having sex, but then again, they shouldn't be drinking either."
It isn't illegal to drink when you're 15 (or younger), it's just illegal to purchase the alcohol yourself.
The article didn't say it was illegal for a 15-year-old to drink. They said that 15-year-olds shouldn't drink.
Can != Should
Legal != Should do it
Illegal != Shouldn't do it
Thus ends today's lesson on why you shouldn't imply things that aren't said.
After, we are british!
And if some aren't then they can come and have a few beers and then they will be...
"Wrong. It isn't illegal to purchase alcohol at any age. It is an offence to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 (unless with a meal, or a few other exceptions)."
You have to be 14 to sell a child a drink with a meal (like in a fancy food serving place.)
"It's only an offence to give alcohol to a child, if that child is 5 or younger (unless for medical reasons)."
Minimum legal age to drink is actually 5. Which is also the age you can go see a U-Rated movie as well.
Academics , take the cake always trying to make a living off other peoples insecurities what if little Shazelda can't hold her liquor, she'll be socially ostrichized! Since I have never met an adult who couldn't if pressed get thoroughly (place your intoxication word here) I don't think this is of any concern.
and what's wrong with being an ostrich, social or otherwise. My large flightless bird friends await clarification.
Don't know about the rest of you but I think this smoking ban within public houses etc is a really fantastic idea. Now it's possible to sneak off for a joint every 30 minutes and nobody raises so much as an eyebrow ;-P


text:
Zorbrist Key to Ray's Victory
There is a swirling Internet rumor that someon ein the AL East put in a claim for Seattle leftfielder Raul Ibanez. Now we all know that the claiming party has 47 1/2 hours to complete the trade, or the Mariners' can take him off the board. It would be a blessing if the Rays did get into that scenario, but I believe someone below us in the standing has gotten the outfielder before we could claim him.
The way the Waiver wire claim list goes is from least winning/playoff bound team from the same league, to the top dogs in the league. The Rays are currently the second top dog and everyone else in baseball would get a shot at Ibanez in the AL before the Rays even get to sniff daylight.
My personal opinion is that the Toronto Blue Jays, who were kicking the tires on Ibanez in the wee hours of the Trade Deadline might have finally gotten their guy. But the Jays have to submit a trade request which will probably have to contain at least two top prospects, to counter the two picks they will recieve as compensation if Ibanez walks away after this season.
Seattle's new GM might be young, but he was not born yesterday, so the Jays will have to make it almost a "no-brainer" type of offer, or the Mariners' might just take Ibanez off waivers and take their chances with their two Compensation picks in next years' draft.
This is the time of year that a GM can make or break his name in the upcoming Winter discussions for players or for trades. A great move or shrewd business deal right now can set the parameters for future discussions. It will show either a willingness to deal, or a subborn syreak to hold onto prospects and MLB ready guys who are stuck at the Triple-A level.
Hopefully the Rays did get a surprise and Ibanez fell into their laps, but Theo Epstein and Brian Cashman would not be that kind to Andrew Friedman. Now, if we were below those two teams, we could have snapped him up wihout incident. Oh, how the winning ways can be a crime sometimes…………..or we might have stolen a prize without a fight.
This season, the Rays are finally seeing what Ben Zorbrist can do at this level. As Rays analyst, Brian Anderson quoted during the game last night, " Zorbrist is hitting like he has had enough of Durham."
I actually love that quote. It shows the changes and the maturity of Zorbrist as a player and as a hitter for the Rays. Zorbrist is fast becoming a hitting factor for the Rays. And with Jason Bartlett about to come back to his position at shortstop, Zorbrist has to give the Rays reasons to keep him up here, and not deposit him back to Durham until the Sept 1st expanded roster call-ups.
Zorbrist did all he could to cement his image in Rays Manager Joe Maddon mind by going 1-4, with a RBI producing double down the rightfield line to put the Rays up 3-2 last night. Zorbrist hit a blistering shot past A's rookie third baseman, Cliff Pennington to score pince-runner Justin Ruggiano and complete the scoring for the Rays.
In the 4th inning, Zorbrist hit another hard shot towards rightfield, but A's second basebman Marc Ellis jumped high to snare the ball and prevent a Rays rally. His 5 homers this season have all come in the last 24 games for the Rays. With a roster decision coming concerning Bartlett, you have to hope the Rays will give Zorbrist more time to hit and play the infield and even the outfield in the coming weeks for the Rays.
Andy Sonnanstrine became the fastest Rays pitcher in history to reach his 12 win last night. Sonnanstine pitched 6 innings of 6-hit, 2-run ball last night and struck out 6 A's batters in the contest.
Andy started the game by getting in a little trouble, but was bailed out by a great 3-6-3 double play to end the 1st inning. In the 3rd inning, Sonnanstine gave up a single to A's catcher Kurt Suzuki that was barely missed by Zorbrist up the middle.
Suzuki moved into scoring position after Sonnanstine threw a Wild Pitch. Marc Ellis hit a single into leftfield that Eric Hinske fielded and quickly threw to Willy Aybar. Suzuki was heading for home and Aybar threw a strike to Dioner Navarro that got Suzuki in time and stopped the A's rally.
In the 5th inning, the A's scored their only runs of the ballgame . Bobby Crosby lead off the inning withdouble that 1-hopped off the leftfield wall that came down within a foot of the foul line. Jack Hannahan then hit a looper into center that fell in front of a charging B J Upton, and Crosby moved to third on the play.
Sonnanstine then walked Suzuki on 5 pitches to load the bases for the A's. Eric Patterson then came up and put a ball down the first baseline, just out of the reach of a diving Carlos Pena. Hannahan scored and the A's tied the game 2-2. A 5-4-3 double play got the Rays out of the inning.
Carlos Pena is beginning to warm up at the plate, and that could mean some trouble for starting pitcher the rest of this season. Pena took a rolling backdoor cutter from A's starter Justin Duchsherer and deposited it in section 146 up about 20 rows for an early 1-0 Rays lead.
The shot was Pena's 22nd homer of the season, which teid him with Evan Longoria for the team lead. In his last 7 games, Carlos is 10-29, with a .345 average, * RBI'd and 3 homers. He now has a season high average of .243 for the Rays. Pena also has 7 homers in the last 18 games, and has hit 11 since July 4th.
Eric Hinske also added a shot of his own in the 2nd inning on a fastball over the plate. The homer was Hinske's 17th of the season and upped his RBI total for the season to 50 RBI's. Hinske also has a pair of 3-hit games in his last 2 starts.
Last night Hinske went 3-3, with 1 RBI and 1 run scored for the squad. His last start on Sunday, Hinske went 3-5 with 3 runs scored. His 17 homers are the most in his career since he hit 24 as a rookie for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Even with their troubles on the left side of the infield with injuries, the Rays again came up big and got two double plays that helped out Sonnanstines pitching performance. Aybar completed a nice around the horn (5-4-3) double play to end the 5th inning threat.
On a somber note, Dave Price, the Rays 2007 first round pick is no longer undefeated as a professional. Price started Wed night's game for the Durham Bulls and went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs on 7 hits in a losing effort. Price did get 6 strikeouts of the Tide's batters.
The Bulls nearly came back after scoring three runs in the bottom of the eighth, but they could not push across the tying run in the ninth and took a 7-6 loss.
Price went 7-0 with a 1.89 ERA in nine starts at Double-A Montgomery. The left-hander pitched 57 innings for the Biscuits and walked just 16 while striking out 55. Prior to joining Montgomery, Price went 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA in six starts at Class A Vero Beach.
This will be a big test for Price to see how he rebounds after this outing and loss. Just like in the movie "Bull Durham", can Price pull off a "Nuke" LaLoosh and impress the Rays' upper management with his next start. Speculation is that Price will be in a Rays uniform by Sept. 1st, and could be used in a variety of situations.
I want to take a few moments to thank a few people. This is my 75th blog entry on MLBlogs.com. I began to write on this site due to the support of people with the Rays organization. Darcy Raymond, Director of Fan Experience told me it might be a great expereience to write on this site, not just for future considerations by a larger publication, but to let Ray fan;s know we have a voice in the MLB.
I also want to thank Brian Killingsworth, Marketing guru with the Rays and Rays radio voice Rich Hererra for their comments and support in trying to help Rays-nation in any way possible.
Rich, you are truly right to comment that this will be a "Magical Summer". It is almost over, but I could not have thought this possible without the positive comments and critique voiced by you on the Rays Radio Network. We are very lucky to have you with us during this adventure.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Thanks to Twitarded, I found Twilight Widowers Anonymous, a support site for husbands, boyfriends, and life partners of Twilight Addicts.
As I read Twilight Widower's hilarious blog post about a Typical Day in the Life of a Twilight Widower , I found my face turning beet red, because I realize that I too have turned my husband into a Twilight Widower.
10:30- I receive yet another e-mail from the wife with more links to the "hilarious" adventures of the Edward Cullen action figures, which other over-30 married women apparently seem to be occupying themselves with instead of taking care of their loved ones. I am happy that the wife has not yet demanded I buy one for her. (Although, I suspect, it is only a matter of time.) (TCA: Oops, Mr. TCA bought me a Plastic Edward already)I think that my husband could've written a similar story, and now I feel kind of bad! While the rest of Twilight Widower's post was super-funny, here is the part that made me cringe:
12 Noon- I begin to wonder if I am starting to resent Robert Pattinson, but I decide no. I return to vandalizing "R-Pattz" pictures on Photoshop. (TCA: My husband mentioned Jackson Rathbone's name the other day and knows what Forks is; I'm semi-embarrassed that I've tainted him with Twilight vocab)
1:30 p.m.- I get another e-mail from my wife, asking whether I can get a copy of the The Twilight Saga: The Official Guide on my way home.
5:30 p.m. Arrive home. As usual, no dinner. Wife is re-reading entire Twilight saga, and has isolated herself in our bedroom, saying she has "work to do." (TCA: Guilty^100)
9 p.m.- Am lonely. Consider asking wife to watch Twilight DVD for 7th time. But then, what will we do on date night? Hmmm...maybe I will play Xbox with the teen.The other night, I was shocked when Mr. TCA actually suggested watching Twilight together, though I know he'd rather be watching hockey playoffs. Was he lonely enough for me that he was willing to endure sitting through Twilight??
Read the rest of Twilight Widower's post here.
Thanks to Twilight Widower, maybe tonight I'll lay off the blog tonight and snuggle with my neglected husband. I think Mr. TCA will thank you.


text:
Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in 'Ride Reports - Epic Rides' started by booger1, Nov 9, 2012.
Thanks for your ride report fun read.
I used to own a magazine that kept me in Baja most of 4 years. Now living in upstate NY, your report gives me a much needed Baja fix. Hasta Luego amigo!
Glad to hear you got your fix from reading this.
What magazine was it?
Thanks for reading
Top notch , thanks for taking us along.
Knowing that my parts will be here in a couple of days I can relax. I take off on foot to explore the city.
I head south to one of SR's recommended sights.
The GPS shows it only being about 12 miles, but it doesn't have routing abilities with these maps, so that's as the bird flies. Several side streets later the blisters start to make their appearance on my feet. My only spare pair of shoes are my sandals, this may have been a mistake, but I can see the sign coming up.
I go in the direction indicated for a mile and find a farmer who tells me "no, it's back the other way".
So I head back, go through town.
I exit the other end of town when one of the blisters pops, my sandal fills up with the water from the blister and mixes with the dust that the road is covered in, to make a not so comfortable mud in my sandal. I reach what I thought was the destination.
I don't get the feeling that this is the tourist attraction, so maybe I didn't go far enough. I've come this far, what's a little more.
I reach the next small housing community and walk around a bit before retracing my steps back.
I spot a cab and flag him down. I'm informed that this is an old cab and is not in service, he bought it from the cab company, but still offers me a ride. I decline when he asks if I'm Americano. I just got uneasy feeling about this. He's persistent, I start to walk away and he follows me, trying to get me in the car. I put on my big boy face, puff out my chest and try not to show that I'm not hurting, but he can see through me. I'm still not going to accept this ride. Eventually he does turn around and leaves. I'm sure he was trying to be a nice guy, but I just didn't get a good feeling about this.
A mile down the road I flagged down a cab that was in service tried to tell him where I needed to go but then got a great idea. I showed him on the GPS where the hotel was, that was easy. 30 minutes later, I get dropped off just before sun down.
I should have done this in the first place, the cab fare was cheap.
Live and learn.
Back in the room I do my laundry in the sink with a bar of soap and hang out to dry.
The next morning I get an e-mail to head over to SR's house to install my parts.
I look at him and say, "You don't look Hispanic".
He laughs and says, "That's because I'm from Colorado".
So I get the story of how he came to live in Durango and installed the parts with the help of his tools and locktite.
He offers to take me around town, meet some friends of his, and get some real Mexican food.
He takes me to a large outdoor community place where Sunday brunch is put together.
It's a large awning over groups of tables. They boil the carnitas in cut down 55 gallon drums.
The fat gets boiled down and the meat gets it's flavor, mmm very good.
Chili's on a large hot plate.
I try paying with with some expired Mexican pesos. I didn't know that money expires, but nonetheless I pay with a more current bill.
We then go to see what I missed yesterday.
I walked right by it.
La Ferreria. An old iron ore smelting plant.
The place is well kept and beautiful.
A crematory, because in Mexico, I'm told, that's what they do. Put things in places that have no reason of being there.
Soon enough I'm tired and my new friend is beat from his overnight flight and we bid are farewells. He drops me off at the hotel. My plan is to go out tonight and see that Cathedral lit up.
I check to see if I have anymore of that expired money, sure enough, my bank in the US set me up.
The bills date back to 1985, this is roughly around $150 that I can't use. I'll be seeing my bank when I get back.
I fall asleep and my feet are still killing me. I don't make it out tonight.
Hi booger, your journey is medicine to my soul. Baja Life was the magazine, I owned prior to a hostile takeover. My memories of the wonderful people and their frontier are still fresh. cheers!
Great Ride Report, Baja is my dream ride and I hope to do it in the next five years!
Excellent RR and love the GoPro videos. A fellow 990 rider sucked in and subscribed
The day starts out like any other day. Packed up and head over to the Cathedral that I didn't get to last night.
It would have been nice to see this place lit up at night.
Head to the edge of town to get my morning fixings.
I share these with a guy staring at the bike. There's still way too much for both of us, so I pack the rest up.
The morning is cold but warms up quickly.
Something catches my eye and I pull over to see what exploded in front of me.
This bird testing it's fate with the Woody's Wheel blender.
The road is starting to wear on me and it's been awhile since I've been on dirt.
Interesting field.
It's starting to warm up real good by now, I'm getting a little hungry so I pull over under a shade tree to finish off my morning breakfast that is now a melted blob. Still good.
I reach Parral and make the directional change, It's well past 2:00, but I push on.
I start to think that maybe I'll just go to Creel for the night and then head down into Copper Canyon in the morning so that I'll have all day in the canyon to make my way to Batopilas. That would make sense.
But I catch a glimpse of the canyon and can't fight the urge to enter.
The road winds it's way down in a series of switchbacks. It's steep so I shut the motor off to coast for awhile, just listening to the wind go by, but it's not long before I lose the rear brake. Close inspection, I've overheated the rear brake, the road is much steeper than I thought.
There's alot of construction going on to make the lives of the people at the bottom easier, they're widening the road.
An hour and half after making the turn off on to the road, I reach my first road block.
One of the men working tells me it won't be long before the road is clear, so I sit patiently.
45 minutes later the dozer has cut a path for me.
It's impressive to watch the large rocks go tumbling down the mountain.
I get the wave from the guy running the dozer to go ahead. A few more miles and I reach another landslide.
One of the workers walks down the hill and over to me to let me know it will be about 10 minutes. 15 minutes later a truck pulls up with lunch for everyone and they walk back over the hill, the dozer's shut off and I'm left to sit there and wait.
30 minutes go by and I'm starting to get irritated. I know there's nothing I can do but wait. I watch the dozer's pile up the debris in the road and still no effort to get the road opened, it's getting dark and I get more irritated.
Nothing left to do, I watch the dozer work.
About an hour goes by and I can't sit still, I've got to get through or make camp somewhere on the road, but I don't have any food and I'm almost out of water. My Spanish is really bad but I make my way up to the operator and he tells me 1 more hour. I'm relieved and go back to the bike and wait. About an hour goes by and I can see there moving to the road to clear it. They've got 2 dozer's working on it and I start to feel better.
Dozer comes back to where I'm sitting and shuts it down. I ask if it's clear and he says no, not yet.
He asks where I'm going and I tell him.
He then says says something else and my eyes open up.
"Es muy peligro"
Me "Como".
He then repeats himself and says "Dru-gos, Mafia".
This gets my attention real good.
I ask if I should go back and he says the road is unpassable.
I ask if I should just stay here. He shrugs and says "Tu beuno".
I take that as I'll be alright and then he tells me I'm good to go.
So now I'm riding in this unfamiliar canyon in the dark with 'muy peligro' in my head. (I shouldn't have watched "The tourist" last night).
As I leave a rock comes sliding down the hill and I catch it with the side of the bike. The operator helps me dig the bike out.
I cross the bridge at the beginning of town and follow the concrete road.
My worsted fears are confirmed when I spot a stake bed truck stuffed with white plastic bags. I can't see what it is, but my intuition tells me this is no good.
2 men are standing at the back of it, I can see a rifle on one and I want to believe this could be military, but then I start to look at the other guy. My headlight shows to me real clear, a chrome pistol. Not everyone has one of these.
I take a deep breath, turn my headlight down to low, and maintain a steady throttle.
As I get closer I'm holding my breath trying to think of what I can do if something goes wrong.
I wave and yell "Buenos Tarde", and ride by.
I didn't want to say good night because I feared the bad joke that could happen.
I hear them say something but choose to ignore it and continue. My heart's racing and I'm watching my mirrors, but nothing is happening. I'm relieved.
I'm starving and it's late when I see a taco stand open. I circle back and park the bike and walk over.
As I approach there's 2 guys standing on the street talking to the 2 girls cooking.
One guy is watching me closely as I walk up and I take notice of this.
I get the feeling that this is the guy that has a hold on alot here. I act joyful and hungry and stare at the menu.
He says "Donde Va". I look at him and tell him "Aqui". I make my order.
He starts asking me a bunch more questions, questions I don't understand, so I just reply, "Grande Moto adventura" and tell him where I've been and where I'm going.
I don't know if this answers his questions but he seems satisfied, and tells me where to sit.
He points to the short wall in front of the stand. I let him know that my Spanish is bad and I see that they were talking and I'll sit over here. He again tells me to sit, but I take my burritos as the flatbed truck pulls up and move to where I said I would be sitting. The man moves over to the truck. They start talking, I'm watching them while looking down at my plate bringing the burrito to my mouth. I see them looking at me, but I continue to eat.
The truck leaves and they go back to talking.
I compliment the ladies and tell them all good night.
I get on my bike. I can't believe I'm riding out of here.
I circle the town centro and ask about a hotel, the guy I'm asking yells at someone else and he comes over, he speaks English and I'm relieved. He helps me find a room across the street. The lady tells me to push the bike through the house, into the courtyard, and leads me to my room.
I discover it's just after 10:00, it's been a long day.
I checked the GoPro camera to see if it had captured any of what had happened, but maybe it's luck that the battery had died looking back at the situation.
I head back out to the centro to talk to the guy who helped me and to get a soda. I don't say anything about what I saw, but asked alot of questions about the town.
It's a beautiful night, but I'm still hungry, I'm not sure what I ordered, but I know I ate.
I head back to my room after talking with the guy and lock the door.
I'm rattled pretty good and have visions of cartel crashing down the door, but the day's long ride and stressful encounters today have left me wiped out.
I shouldn't have watched that movie last night.

Thanks for the compliments. This was the first time I ever tried doing video. The KTM's are great bikes.
Been following along on this and I must say you sure are pushing the envelope of safety there Amigo. don't get me wrong I am really enjoying your RR but I guess I just have a little different philosophy about cruising south of the Border, in like, I like to be done riding around 3 or so in the afternoon.
That said I must say they have done some serious damage on the road down since last October. So, did you make it all the way down or stop in La Bufa?
Awesome ride man
I agree with you. My plan wasn't to be out riding after dark, but the road construction got me there.
Yes, I rolled into Batopilas that night.
Love Batopilas!!! Can't wait to hear more!!
Booger, you know I love this report, but dude be careful!
Everything is good, working on some video.
Hey Booger1,
Great RR; currently in Todo Santos enjoying a bit more of the Baja hospitality before we ride back up to Canada. 1 up on a KTM you can take the roads we couldn't 2 up on the GSA. At least with my skill set, the road from Alphonsina to Coco's and onwards to Mex 1 was enough, until I get better in the soft stuff loaded for 2up camping.
I have seen this before on other ride reports and I'm not sure as to why so many riders are compelled to secure their bikes in the rooms. I have travel all over the world, some on motorbike, and I have never done that, not even considered it. Especially not in places like Baja. The only time I have ever had our GSA locked overnight was in Downtown San Francisco upon suggestion from the hotel bellboy, and I felt I was taken for a ride.
I do not wish to start a debate on security; carelessness vs media-imbued-paranoïa, but just sayin'.... I don't get it.
Now back to the program, great vids and pics. Thanks for sharing and enjoy the mainland
Thanks for taking the time to read my report while your out on the road.
As far as securing the bike in the room. I live in Phoenix and have had freinds bikes stolen so I've always done that. And now I'm use to doing it that way and feeling safe about it. I'm sure nothing would have happened, but that is your horse and if somthing would happen, then what. I do have full caverage insurance, even down in Mexico, but would rather not deal with loosing it.
Good luck on your trip.
If not for security then I do it for convenience. It's nice to have everything in the room without having to carry it in.
I'm up early still thinking about what I encountered last night, but I walk out to explore Batopilas and hopefully find breakfast.
I enjoy people watching, but it's still too early for this town and don't find many up yet.
Nothing is open yet, but feel that I need to get moving.
The handyman at the hotel helps me get my bike out onto the street so that I can pack it up.
Today's destination is Urique, so I stop to get fuel and find more old buildings before leaving town.
It's a great day to be riding.
With all the road construction, I'm having a hard time finding the road to be on. Soon I cross the river and feel I'm heading in the right direction. But it's not long before I'm on roads that don't line up with the GPS maps and I start to get uncomfortable.
The roads turn into rough trails and I start to worry about ending up on a pot farm due to last nights endeavors.
I try several other roads but they all don't seem to line up either and finally I decided that I had enough and turned around to go back out the way I came.
20 miles outside of town, the road is blocked off.
I dig out the Spanish English translation book and these guys start to laugh. I see the humor in this as well.
Who goes deep into Mexico with very little Spanish?
I worked with the Rosetta Stone program 6 months before leaving, but have found that with the stress of all that has happened, I'm forgetting everything.
I finally put together the phrase "What time will it open?"
I'm informed not until 7 or 8 at night.
I can't ride this road again at night, I know what that looks like.
They see the stress level rise in me and offer a "mary-jew-wanna" cigarette.
Again I decline, and they start laughing again.
After building another phrase "Is there another way out?"
They team up on the GPS and start to point out towns to head for. They're speaking too fast for me to take this all in and I decide to get out my note pad and they write the names of the towns down for me.
Again the road is not on the GPS but I feel confident in their directions and turn the bike around.
The road is scenic and good for my soul, but feel that a two wheeled drive vehicle would have a hard time on it due to it's steep inclines and switchback way of meandering around obstacles.
I don't stop much knowing that today could be a long day, but when I do stop, I get uncomfortable when I hear a vehicle coming. Last nights adventure is plaguing my head, and feel as long as I keep moving I won't have to answer any questions.
The views are incredible and I start to feel more comfortable with being on a road that's not on a map when I see a military truck coming my way.
I finally reach a town I believe is Carbonetas and pull up to a store to get something to eat.
"Buenos Dias".
And the response I get is "Buenos tarde".
I'm shocked to see that it's 12:30 already. I find something to eat in the unlit and understocked store, but am surprised to find Pepsi. I haven't seen this since entering Mexico.
I share the cookies with the lady running the store and what I believe to be her mother.
I look at the GPS and discover that I'm barely half way. This is going to be a really long day.
The road gets smoother and I'm starting to get more comfortable with stopping and taking pictures.
I'm not sure why, but when I reach blacktop road I'm relieved. I love dirt roads and traveling off-road, but today has been a long day and it feels good to have reached it.
I finally reach the blacktop road I rode on yesterday and start to take my time taking in the sites.
I stop to relieve myself and disturb this couple.
These grasshoppers are almost 2 inches long, they're huge by Arizona standards.
I pull into Creel, 10 hours after I left Batopilas.
These young boys come up to see the lonely Gringo and the monster of a bike he pulled in on.
KTM magnetismo.
Future adventure riders.
It's time to unwind and I think about what I encountered last night. All the stories of decapitations, thefts, and hostage takings that you hear about in the US.
Nothing happened. I gave respect and they gave respect. They weren't interested in harming me, they just want to make sure I wasn't there to interrupt there business.
Nothing happened, sure it was a scary ordeal, but it was the stories I hear from the news and people that hurt me the most in this situation and of course the movie "Turistas" that I watched in Durango.

Great RR. The last couple of vids with all those turns and twists - is my kind of riding. The scenery looks amazing.
Looking forward to the rest of the trip.


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Well I did something stupid and ended up tripping my surge protector.
It is a Belkin SurgeMaster with 9 plugs. I'm looking all over this thing and I don't see anything that would reset it.
The Belkin website has nada that I could find on the subject.
Anyone have any ideas?


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Crossfire Exhibition28 Images
Photographer Shahidul Alam chronicles extrajudicial killings in Bangladesh in his exhibition Crossfire, which will be showcased at the Brisbane Powerhouse from Wednesday 7 November to Monday 3 December. The exhibition was initially banned Bangladesh government but the ruling was overtuned on appeal by the Bangladesh High Court. More than a thousand victims have reportedly been 'cross-fired' or executed by police without trial in Bangladesh.


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Since 1991, only twice have Massachusetts Republicans not had a de facto leader as either their governor or senator. In other states, when this occurs, the minority party either sinks or swims. It either rebrands its image with new leaders and a renewed focus or it dwells on itslosses and sulks into irrelevancy.
Since 1991, only twice have Massachusetts Republicans not had a de facto leader as either their governor or senator. In other states, when this occurs, the minority party either sinks or swims. It either rebrands its image with new leaders and a renewed focus or it dwells on its losses and sulks into irrelevancy.
When New Hampshire went from red to blue, Republicans bounced back and won a U.S. Senate seat. Deep blue New Jersey, which is a lot like Massachusetts in many ways, won the corner office with Gov. Chris Christie.
When U.S. Sen. Scott Brown lost his reelection, I was amazed to read and listen to some of the interviews from prominent Massachusetts Republicans who publicly aired their misery. These surrogates for the party couldn't get past the fact that Brown lost. Very rarely did I witness experts talk about the numbers or even the opportunity for the future of the Republican Party.
Don't get me wrong, I understand the significance of Brown's 2010 special election victory. His loss was a setback for the party, but Brown's electoral success showed the party how to step forward. He gave the party a blueprint.
The Republican Party has been around for 159 years and it will continue to exist long after the 2012 election. Many of their top surrogates in Massachusetts failed to deliver this message and for months they seemed demoralized.
Gabriel Gomez, Michael Sullivan and Dan Winslow have spent the last three months showing the party how to win again.
Each of them have made their biggest financial, emotional and time consuming commitments of their lives and are running for a U.S. Senate special election. They are all Republicans and one of them will win their party's primary on April 30. Their party will need them united after the primary and their shared goal of winning needs to unite the party.
Success breeds success and the Republican Party recently picked up a House seat in Peabody with the upset victory of Leah Cole. Republicans can win in Massachusetts if they are unified in their desire to win.
Michael Sullivan is a former state representative turned county district attorney, turned U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts. His resume includes a stint as the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in Washington, D.C. Before he was a candidate, a grassroots movement led by unpaid volunteers collected approximately 30,000 signatures to get him on the ballot during the cold winter months. His campaign theme is "tested and trusted" but Sullivan is more than that, he is very likable and an impressive candidate. The party is lucky to have a candidate of his caliber willing to run.
Gabriel Gomez has an exceptional personal story. I may be a bit biased but like me, Gomez is a product of Hispanic immigrants. Gomez is the son of Colombian immigrants, and a success story in working his way up towards a respectful career in the U.S. military and business world.
Gomez graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, served our country as a Navy Seal and then earned a business degree from Harvard and became a successful businessman. Gomez faced several fatal political setbacks for a Republican trying to win a Republican Primary, including his letter to Gov. Deval Patrick seeking the position of interim senator. Regardless of what happens on April 30, Gomez should remain active with the party. He could have a promising political future even if it doesn't include elected office. His personal story needs to be shared past April 30 and June 25.
Dan Winslow is a state representative. Winslow served all three branches of government — as a former judge, counsel to former Gov. Mitt Romney and now in the Legislature. Winslow was the counsel to Ray Shamie many years ago and he understands party politics like few elected officials do; he respects it.
While some conservatives may not agree with him on some of his stances, Winslow does not bend to political pressure; he is what you see. He's made a brand for himself in the Legislature, often times breaking away from the typical press release and instead doing something to make a point.
During some of the debates I've watched, Winslow seems to be the hungriest. He's direct, aggressive and has the appetite that shows he wants to win. He would without question be the best candidate against either U.S. Reps. Ed Markey or Stephen Lynch in a debate. Winslow's public schedule demonstrates he's more than willing to crisscross the state to earn votes. Winning a special election requires an articulate candidate, one that's been tested and one that has the fire in the belly to win it.
Gomez, Sullivan and Winslow have all demonstrated great attributes as candidates. Their party should be appreciative of their willingness to run for public office and reteach the party how to win again.
Paul D. Craney has worked in politics and public policy in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. If you want to hear more from him, follow him on Twitter @PaulDiegoCraney.


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SANTA FE, January 22, 2003 -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced his appointments of regents to each of the governing boards of the state's universities, including three new regents for New Mexico Tech. The appointments are subject to approval by the legislature.
The newly appointed regents at New Mexico Tech are:
- Jerry Armijo, a Socorro lawyer who has served on the Commission on Higher Education for more than five years, including a stint as chairman of the commission for the past one-and-a-half years;
- Richard Carpenter, a retired Santa Fe lawyer who has practiced law in New Mexico for 40 years; and
- Isaiah Storey, a New Mexico Tech senior majoring in chemical engineering who hails from Albuquerque and is a graduate of St. Pius X High School.
In addition to the regent appointments, Governor Richardson announced a proposed state budget which includes a three percent pay increase for university faculty throughout New Mexico.


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OCEAN CITY – Open container violations will no longer be an arrestable offense in the resort town, after the City Council voted six to one this week to move forward with the proposal to change the offense to a non-arrestable, municipal infraction.
For years, local government officials have gone back and forth over the open container issue, weighing the pros and cons of changing open container violations from a criminal misdemeanor to a municipal infraction. A decision was finally made this week however, with the City Council voting six to one to change the offense to a municipal infraction with a $200 fine, $100 if paid within 48 hours. More importantly, open container violations will no longer be deemed an arrestable offense.
In 2003, open container arrests peaked at 1,004, with 410 of those arrests made on individuals over the age of 21 and 594 arrests of the under 21 crowd. Officials dealt with the increasing arrests by addressing the issue at the police level and emphasizing officer discretion. Measures were taken to decrease those numbers, specifically at the training level, with new police officers being told to use discretion when dealing with open container violations.
In 2007, 444 arrests were made for open container violations, 113 of those arrests were made on those over 21. Despite a decrease in numbers, many officials felt the numbers were not enough, questioning whether the offense should be changed to a municipal infraction.
"I think it's overdue, it needs to be done, and it will benefit the community," said Councilman Jay Hancock, making a motion to move forward with the change.
"I'm not in favor of changing this. I haven't heard any proof that this is a good idea," said Council member Margaret Pillas.
Pillas referred to letters from both the states attorney and Police Chief DiPino that voiced opposition to the change.
Pillas also argued that open container arrests don't keep officers off of the streets for more than an hour and that the arrests keep the streets safe.
Hancock questioned how police officers have the clairvoyance to know that an open container arrest will prevent a crime later in the night.
Pillas argued that the officers' discretion over arrests has had an affect over the past few years. "In the last two years, there's been some decline in arrests," she said,
The council voted six in favor, with Council member Pillas in opposition, to move forward with the proposal and to change the law to a municipal infraction, carrying a fine of $200 with a $100 discount if paid within 48 hours.
For the full story and all the week's news, see The Dispatch on Friday.


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Just so I am absolutely on the same page, I believe I have read that this new ZASS 8.0 upgrade being offered REQUIRES my XP systems (one is Home, the main one is Pro) to be on SP3. Am I correct in that assessment?
That is a problem as I have no intention of moving to SP3 until the bleeding has stopped on the MS end...will the current 8.02 version be supported in the short-term?
Also, one last "newbie" question: I see that I should uncheck the load ZA at startup, boot down and then boot up to run the install. Obviously, I am now running without any protection and I want to know if the installation will be done to completion if I remove my Net wire?
Thanks in advance for the clarification and help on this very serious matter...I swear, I have spent more time "protecting" my PC than actually using it for enjoyment. Since I don't get paid for my two PCs worth of fun, I am starting to think an Apple is the way to go just to have my life back! Okay, rant over...LOL! Enjoy the day or evening...depending on where you are!
Operating System:
Windows XP Pro
Software Version:
Product Name:
ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite
Message Edited by steelsox on 10-30-2008 07:50 PM


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Contract altered, Hernandez eager to rejoin Tribe
By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com
"He's anxious to come up here and be part of it," Indians manager Manny Acta said on Tuesday. "He wins and loses with us, even if he's far away. And we are expecting him to come up here sooner rather than later."
Hernandez -- arrested on Jan. 19 in the Dominican Republic for using the false name Fausto Carmona -- remains in his home country, awaiting a visa from the U.S. State Department. Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said the organization has cooperated fully with the government during the process.
Antonetti said he spoke on Tuesday with Stephen Payne, a visa expert and lobbyist hired by Hernandez's representatives, about the ongoing process. The GM also noted that Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman have reached out to the State Department.
"We've done everything we can," Antonetti said. "We've petitioned to the State Department and have given them all the information that they wanted on Roberto and his history with us, and some of the things he's done since the information came out."
Antonetti also expressed confidence that Hernandez might not face a suspension from Major League Baseball upon returning to the United States. Last month, Marlins pitcher Juan Carlos Oviedo -- mired for eight months in a similar false-identity situation -- received an eight-week suspension from MLB.
The difference between the cases is Hernandez (53-66 with a 4.59 ERA over six seasons with the Tribe) drastically reworked his contract with Cleveland.
"Our understanding at this point," Antonetti said, "is that, because he's restructured his contract, there won't be an additional suspension required. That could change, but that's the guidance we've been given at this point. There just aren't any absolutes."
For now, Hernandez continues to work out and throw simulated games at the Indians' academy in the D.R. Cleveland has monitored the right-hander's progress via video and has organized a throwing program that should have him ready to contribute shortly after he earns a visa. Hernandez would likely need to log a few Minor League starts before rejoining the Indians' rotation.
"It's certainly a possibility that he could be back in the United States by the All-Star break," Antonetti said. "But I can't sit here and say with certainty that that's going to happen. Until he's actually granted his visa and permitted access to the United State, no one really knows for sure."
Carrasco sees light at end of elbow rehab
NEW YORK -- The last time Carlos Carrasco was inside Yankee Stadium, the Indians pitcher was in the midst of one of the strongest stretches of his career. A little more than a year ago, Carrasco spun seven shutout innings in an impressive display against the Yankees.
On Tuesday, Carrasco was back at the Stadium, testing his surgically repaired right arm during a 60-pitch bullpen session. For Carrasco, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow, that June 13 taming of the Bombers last year feels like ancient history.
"I'll be excited to play again," Carrasco said. "It's a big difference right now. I just do rehab and I think about how one year ago I played with the team. It's a big difference, but that's part of my life. I just do my rehab, and hopefully I'll come back this year."
If everything goes according to plan, the 25-year-old Carrasco will indeed return to Minor League games before the end of this season. Indians manager Manny Acta said, however, that Carrasco is not in Cleveland's plans until 2013.
"It's encouraging to see him throw in the bullpen," Acta said. "Man, I guess doctors do wonders nowadays. He was very upbeat himself. He feels good. We feel good. I just talked to him and told him to be patient and just continue to follow the rehab program. We're looking forward to seeing him next year competing up here."
Last season, Carrasco went 8-9 with a 4.62 ERA in 21 starts for the Indians, but he posted a 7.92 ERA in the six starts leading up to the elbow injury on Aug. 3. Prior to that brutal six-outing stretch, the right-hander had fashioned a 0.98 ERA over five June starts, including the strong effort in the Bronx.
Carrasco's mound session on Tuesday marked the 14th such workout in his throwing progression. He is currently limited to throwing only fastballs but noted that he should be able to resume mixing in changeups within the next few weeks. Carrasco said he hopes to begin a Minor League rehab in two months.
On Monday, Carrasco had a meeting in New York with Dr. David Altchek, who performed the surgery on the pitcher last Sept. 21. The exam went well and left Carrasco optimistic about his chances of making a successful comeback.
"I want to," Carrasco said. "It depends on my rehab. You never know. We'll see. Right now, everything is OK. We'll see what happens in two months."
Tribe GM: Perez 'believes in the team'
NEW YORK -- Indians closer Chris Perez did not pick up a copy of the New York Times on Tuesday morning, but it did not take long for him to realize that quotes attributed to him had drawn a reaction from fans back in Cleveland.
"I didn't know about it until I checked Twitter," Perez said. "I was surprised at the reaction."
In the article, Perez expanded on his comments earlier this season, taking on Cleveland fans for rooting against NBA superstar LeBron James and not being overly critical of the NFL's Browns during their current playoff drought.
"Their whole thing is, 'We want a winner,'" Perez said. "Well, why do you support the Browns? They don't win. They've never won. They left. You guys blindly support them. I don't understand it. It's a double standard, and I don't know why."
Asked about Perez's outspoken nature, Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said the closer means well.
"Chris' comments were coming from the right place," Antonetti said. "He believes in the team. He believes that we have a competitive team that's out there and plays the game the right way in a beautiful ballpark where people come to enjoy baseball. He just wants as many people to come out and enjoy it as possible.
"He probably interacts with our fans as much as anyone. I wouldn't look to limit what Chris says. Sometimes I'd prefer he'd choose his words a little more carefully at times, but other than that, I think it's coming from the right place."
Perez applauded Cleveland fans for their recent support of the Indians.
"The last three or four homestands have been great," Perez said. "We've had a really good response. It just got ... out of proportion. It wasn't me trying to do it again. That's definitely not what I wanted, especially because it's been great. It has been better."
Quote to note
"Cleveland fans just took it the wrong way, because it was in the New York Times. It makes it looks like it's a brand new [topic], but it's not. It's the same stuff I was talking about earlier [this season]. When I get asked a question, I'm not going to just give the politically correct response unless it's something I really can't talk about."
-- Perez
Smoke signals
Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner, who is currently on the 15-day disabled list due to a right knee injury, is scheduled to begin a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday. Hafner will serve as the DH against Norfolk, then have a day off from game action on Thursday.
On Tuesday, the Indians named Columbus infielder/outfielder Russ Canzler the organization's Minor League Player of the Week for the period of June 17-24. During that stretch, Canzler hit .348 (8-for-23) with two homers, one double and seven RBIs. On the year, Canzler is hitting .274 with nine homers, 16 doubles, 33 runs scored and 38 RBIs at Triple-A.
The Indians released Columbus utility player Andy LaRoche on Tuesday. LaRoche, who signed a Minor League contract with Cleveland over the offseason, hit .234 with five home runs, five doubles and 16 RBIs in 46 games for Columbus.
Jordan Bastian is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, and follow him on Twitter @MLBastian. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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GAINESVILLE — The scapula contusion heard round the world has not changed the search for Florida's next starting quarterback.
Florida offensive coordinator Brent Pease said Friday that despite getting extra repetitions in practice one day this week, quarterback Jacoby Brissett hasn't pulled away from Jeff Driskel in the competition. The two true sophomores are still competing for the job with two weeks remaining until the opener against visiting Bowling Green on Sept. 1.
Driskel suffered what UF called a contusion on the scapula of his non-throwing shoulder during Sunday's practice when quarterbacks were allowed to be hit. While he isn't cleared for contact, coach Will Muschamp said Thursday that Driskel would be able to practice fully after missing Monday.
"I think Jacoby got more reps while Jeff was one day out," Pease said. "I think when you get more reps, it's going to make you better naturally because you're seeing more things. I don't know if he gained any or went ahead, but he got more reps with it."
Pease added that neither quarterback has managed to gain any separation from the other.
"It's been up and down," Pease said. "I think the thing I've seen from both of them is this, they've both gotten better in all aspects of their game. That's the main thing. If they can both get better where they can manage and make plays. That's really what we're striving for."
Both Brissett and Driskel are back to practicing with red, non-contact jerseys. Despite the injury to Driskel, the decision to practice with contact for two days was beneficial, according to Pease.
"You've got to get there where there is a little more pressure around them," Pease said. "You kind of see how they react to some things. I think it's good that you do that."
Fans will likely get their chance to see Brissett and Driskel perform Saturday. UF is conducting an open practice from 9-11 a.m. at Florida Field. The team was scheduled to scrimmage Friday night, so Saturday's session will be a light workout.
While fans form their opinions of Brissett and Driskel, Pease and Muschamp will continue to mold theirs.
Surprisingly, Pease said the decision will not be a hard one to make.
"I don't think it's going to be that tough," Pease said. "I say that because I think they're both capable."
And whose call will it be? Muschamp's or Pease's?
"I think it's a 50-50 deal," Pease said. "It's a probably a little bit more of a 51-49 his decision because he's the head coach."


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Optimus Popularis Keyboard by Artemy Lebedev
Every key on this keyboard is a 72 x 72 pixel screen that displays any image or icon for personalizing shortcuts and keyboard commands, allowing it to be customized for a preferred layout, language, software program, or set of symbols. An essential tool for work in a creative field and can be an outlet for people with a language barrier. The uniqueness of the keyboard will be appreciated by photographers, designers, typesetters, musicians, and many others. The included software allows you to assign an image of your favorite golfer to the key that controls a golf swing in a video game or an image of Einstein for a key that launches an oft-used custom Excel macro. A key can also be set to connect to an email account and display how many unread emails you have. A 7"-long screen between the function and number keys can be set to display a customized banner created in any graphics editing program. An LCD inside the keyboard converts all 77 keys into 1/2" x 1/2" displays that render up to 262,144 colors. Compatible with Windows XP or higher; Mac OS X 10.8 or higher. Plugs into USB. 11 1/2" L x 7 1/3" W x 3/4" H. (6 2/3 lbs.)
Lifetime Guarantee
The Transcendent Keyboard comes with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee. If this product ever disappoints you, for any reason, you may return your Hammacher Schlemmer purchase for exchange, credit, or refund.
Should you have any questions, we are available seven days a week (8:00 am – midnight EST). Please call 1-800-321-1484 to speak with a specialist or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com to receive a response within three business hours or less.
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Why I run...
Maybe running's not your thing. So marathons wouldn't really be your thing. Five kilometers or 42.195 kilometers -- definitely not your thing.
Maybe your thing is music, or sporting events, or enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Now that sounds a lot more like the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.
That's because this marathon isn't really your average running venture. Local bands play live music, and cheer squads line the roads every mile. Lake Washington neighbors come out of their homes to join the "crowd" en route from Tukwila, Washington, to downtown Seattle. It's a "running [and I would add, outdoor entertainment] nirvana," as the marathon Facebook page says.
The Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon has been described as a party, a concert, and a marathon race of perfect conditions. And this year, more than 200 Team World Vision runners will add their own description as they gear up to run and walk the 26.2- and 13.1-mile foot races through Seattle's urban and green landscape -- all for the worthy cause of bringing clean water to children in need.
So maybe running isn't your thing -- or, maybe it is -- but getting fit and helping children certainly can be. For this reason, or another, Team World Vision participants are running the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon tomorrow.
For a few more reasons from World Vision staff members, who are taking their passion for children in need beyond the doors of World Vision's offices, see below. And add your "why I run" to our roster.
Christy Lacy, Donor Contact Services account manager
I run...purposing to listen to the voice of God, trusting to hear His course over my own for direction in my life.
John Huddle, Team World Vision Los Angeles coordinator
I run...because learning about global poverty isn't enough. In college, I minored in African Studies and chose Swahili as my foreign language, and while that raised my "awareness," learning about East Africa will never save a single life if it doesn't pay off in action. I have never been in want for water a single day in my life. Kids in Kenya are dying of diarrhea -- one child every 15 seconds dies from a water-related illness. What good is the Gospel if, having received it, I never act? Team World Vision is my opportunity to help save lives in Africa. That's why I run.
Samantha King, Human Resources business partner
I run...because "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will RUN and not grow weary, they will WALK and not be faint." --Isaiah 40:31
David Pitts, 30 Hour Famine team
I run...because God has blessed me with two strong legs that will carry me all the way. I run for my sponsored kid, Chireque, in Mozambique, so that he and his family will have access to clean, safe water and a better life.
Melissa Krzyzanowski, Middle Donor account manager
I run...because its a goal I've had for a long time, and what better cause to run for?
Betty Kazumura, Vendor and Contract Services representative
I run...to look forward to proving to myself that I can complete the 13.1 miles. This is a milestone for me, just more step in my journey ahead to show that anything is possible.
Back in November 1992, I was in a car accident that left me with a broken right arm, right pelvis, and right lower leg. I was told by the medical staff that I would be fortunate to walk without a limp/hitch, but don't expect to jog/run. I beat the odds, worked through the pain and rehabilitation, and walk hitch-free. I can also jog and run. Both my physician and chiropractor gave me their blessings to train and participate in this worthy endeavor.
Sheila Schmauch, Donor Contact Services instructor
I run...to release anxiety, tension, and the stress of my day; to teach my kids that anything is possible, and to spend some quality time with God. I feel free when I run.


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Kent's heroics not quite enough for LA
Veteran sets Dodgers NLDS hits record in a losing cause
By Greg Wagner / MLB.com
Kent, whose 68 RBIs this year were his lowest total of any season since 1996, kept clubbing throughout the National League Division Series when seemingly every other Dodger could not. He pounded out eight hits in three games against the victorious Mets, breaking Steve Garvey's team NLDS record of seven, set in 1981.
The eight base knocks tied the most Kent has posted in any playoff series of his career. His other eight-hit series came with the Giants in the 2002 World Series, which went seven games. This came in just three, a testament to how locked in Kent was at the plate.
"Jeff played unbelievable," Nomar Garciaparra said. "We had a lot of veteran leadership, and that's just the way it has been all year."
Aside from taking one turn around third base a bit too slow in New York, Kent had a great series in what was otherwise a rough time for an offense that led the National League in the regular season with a .276 batting average.
Behind Kent, J.D. Drew sent fly balls to the outfield and grounders to the infield on his way to stranding 11 men on base during the series. In front of Kent, table-setters Kenny Lofton and Rafael Furcal amassed just three combined hits.
The veteran second baseman began the series with a pair of singles and cranked out two more in Game 2. He followed that up with four hits in a must-win game for his club on Saturday, becoming only the second Dodger in Division Series history to have a four-hit game. Kent hit .615 over the three games, a team Division Series record for a player with at least 10 at-bats.
Kent tied Game 3 in the fourth inning with a two-run home run to left field, which was part of a three-run frame that gave the Dodgers their first -- and only -- lead of the evening. The drive sent a sellout crowd at Dodger Stadium into delirium, which might have helped induce the Mets bullpen into allowing a pair of walks in the inning, including a bases-loaded pass to James Loney that brought home the go-ahead run.
Kent came through again in the sixth inning, but his smash into the left-field corner with Lofton on first base bounced over the wall. Kent was left with a ground-rule double, and the Dodgers missed out on a run that easily would have scored, as Lofton was forced to stop at third.
Still, Kent declined to discuss his standout performance in the wake of the Dodgers' elimination.
"The game has nothing to do with me," he said.
Even so, when the Dodgers' fate was all but determined in the bottom of the eighth on Saturday, Kent picked up his fourth hit of the contest.
The hit was just another sign he was willing to keep on playing ball, even though the Dodgers were unable to keep it going.
Greg Wagner is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
CoolTube24.com NON strimma né uppa assolutamente niente, semplicemente riporta link di film, canali e siti disponibili liberamente su Internet !!!
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What does microfinance look like in a country that's considered one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations? (BBC)
That was my immediate thought when told I would be working in Santiago, Chile as a Kiva Fellow. Understanding how small loans and accessible financial resources factor into Chile's economic environment will be my task for the next four months.
Chile may have one of Latin America's fastest growing economies, but just 40 years ago, it was home to one of Latin America's bloodiest coups that left more than 3,000 people either dead or missing. Thereafter, dictator Pinochet ruled the country for the next 17 years before he was arrested in 1998, on principals of universal jurisdiction for heinous crimes against humanity.
Today, Chile has a fully functioning democracy and 17.37 million citizens who, as it is so often related, are faring far better than their neighbors. With a wealth of natural resources like copper, in Chile the population living in poverty (though the government is suspected of falsification) is estimated at just 15%--compare that to 28.6 % in Peru and 51.3% in Bolivia, and you see why the country is seen as the stabilized outlier of the region. [2]
Before arriving, many travelers assured me that Chile was "the California of Latin America." While I havn't found that to be entirely true, Santiago is certainly a flourishing metropolitan, with as many newly constructed skyscrapers as there are Wal-Marts and Starbucks. But the city does more than just look progressive. Innovative programs like Start-up Chile have cultivated an entrepreneurial industry, while a strong bohemian culture grants the city its unique sense of charm.
Both the travel-guilds and the Chileans are quick to explain the county as "almost nearly developed"--especially free-market enthusiast President Sebastián Piñera, who's vowed to make Chile into a first world nation before the end of the decade. [3].
Considering Chile's GDP was $248.6 billion in 2011, or "upper middle class" as ranked by the World Bank [4], and its GDP per capita (PPP) was $17,400 for that same year, it seems such an ambitious goal could very well be reached. [5].
However, nor the politicians or the media are as eager to mention Chile's persistent economic disparity.
Regarding Chile's 8.4 percent growth in the first half of 2011, Gonzalo Durán, an economist and researcher at Fundación Sol, explains, "75% of that went to the richest 10%. The growth is much lower for the average Chilean." As Duran states "[in Chile] está mal repartida la torta" (the pie is poorly distributed). . [7]
Chile may have a healthy GDP, but what that fails to tell us is where exactly economic gain is taking place. According to the World Bank, the average income of the richest 20% was 13 times that of the poorest 20% in 2009. [6] Because a GDP is reached by collecting national averages it easily conceals economic inequalities.
Furthermore, while observing the results from a 2009-2010 'National Survey on Work Conditions, Equality, Jobs, Health and Quality of Life of Chileans Workers', Durán analyzed that 76% of Chileans make less than 350,000 pesos per month, or USD 700; 90 percent of working Chileans make less than 650,000 pesos per month, totaling USD 1,300. In other words, in a country where the cost of living is higher than any other in Latin America, nine out of ten workers in Chile make less than the average minimum salary in developed countries. . [7]
Chile's economic conditions are as complicated as the country is long—all 2,700 miles. However, it's apparent that economic inequality is prevalent and with that comes the need for microfinance.
There are seven major Microfinance Institutes in Chile, but only one that has received a five-diamond rating by MixMarket.org—Fondo Esperanza. Here loans averaging around $500 and are focused toward female entrepreneurs, usually in the form of groups lending. Additional services, such as financial literacy and business training, community building and domestic violence prevention, are of top priority.
Fondo Esperanza is also where I will be stationed for the next four months, learning about Chilean microfinance first hand, it's potential, it's drawbacks and it's successes…..
Entry filed under:
Hi Esther,
Hi Esther, I'll be studying abroad in Chile this coming semester. I'll actually be in Santiago too! I came across this page in my search of microfinance institutions in Chile. During my time in study abroad I also have an independent research project with a professor. We want to the project to be related to microfinance. I have field experience from working with a microfinance organization (I've actually submitted Kiva journals for groups!) as well as academic work and research through university classes. My study abroad program this semester is on the political systems and economic development of Chile and we also have a month long research project towards the end of the semester. I am trying to find a research topic related to microfinance in Chile, specifically if there are institutions that service indigenous groups/or people living in rural communities. I was wondering if we could get in contact through email because I would really like to hear from someone working in microfinance in Chile and hopefully find a focus for my projects. Thank you for your attention to this message. Hope to hear from you soon!
Permalink Submitted by Mel Shuaipi on Sun, 08/18/2013 - 11:22
Add Your Comments
Esther Honig was born in San Francisco, but raised in Denver Colorado. In 2009 after graduating from high school, Esther lived in Mexico City where she studied Spanish, Latin American Literature and History at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. In 2010 Esther enrolled at Mills College where she was reintroduced to the vibrant culture of the San Francisco Bay Area. Esther considers herself a lifelong student of the arts and culture. Since the age of eight she has pursued dance, classical ballet and modern-contemporary, as both a passion and a creative outlet granting her insight and experience into the creative process. Esther has found her latest passion in radio journalism. In 2011-2012 she studied under KALW director Holly Kernan to produce two radio documentary pieces, both of which have aired on KALW. In May 2012 she graduated with honors from Mills College with a degree in Spanish, Spanish-American Studies. Honig applies he knack for language in the area of literary translations where she works with poetry and novels that have never before been translated. In the future Esther hopes to pursue opportunities in journalism and translations.


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For all Bay Area transit agencies, and traveler information including weather, traffic conditions, and parking, call TravInfo at (415) 817-1717 or visit 511: The Bay Area Travel Guide.
San Francisco International Airport
San Francsico International Airport is the Bay Area's largest airport and California's second busiest. Flying into SFO is the best option for internatioanl visitors. BART is connected to the airport providing easy access to the event and many surrounding hotels. Taxi and rental car service is also available.
Click here to learn about transportation to and from SFO.
Oakland Airport
Out-of-state event attendees may find better flight fares flying into the smaller Oakland Airport. BART also connects to OAK providing easy transport to the event and hotels. Taxi and rental car services are also available.
Click here to learn about transportation from OAK.
For general parking information in and around the Moscone Convention Center, consult the parking map.
The Moscone Center
747 Howard Street, between 3rd and 4th streets
San Francisco, CA 94103
Convention Center Administrative Offices:
(415) 974-4000


text:
As anyone
who's been following Nokia's descent knows, the Finnish mobile manufacturer is
in trouble. Finally, executives at Nokia are admitting it and are making
efforts -- a little late in the game, true -- to do something about it.
we reported Nokia CEO Stephen Elop's message to his employees in a memo: The
company is "standing on a burning platform" and must change course.
"Android came on the scene just over 2 years ago, and this week they took
our leadership position in smartphone volumes. Unbelievable." he wrote.
Nokia news suggests that the company might be acting on those strong statements.
According to a Bloomberg Businessnews report, Nokia
might be close to a software partnership with Microsoft. Elop, a former Microsoft executive himself, has met with
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to discuss the possibility of powering Nokia
smartphones with Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 mobile software, an unidentified
source said. Elop has also held talks with Google CEO Eric Schmidt, but those
discussions are not likely to lead to a partnership with Android.
possible deal -- rumors of which we reported on all the way back in December
-- could be likened to a late-game Hail Mary pass, but it could benefit both
companies. Nokia, the longtime leader in the worldwide mobile market, has been
back and forth with its plans to unleash its new mobile OS, MeeGo. The new OS
was supposed to replace Symbian -- until recently, the most widely used mobile OS in
the world -- on all of its smartphone devices. But Elop pushed its launch back
to 2011. And while Nokia is still the world's largest mobile phone vendor, it's market share dropped from 36.4 percent
in 2009 to 28.9 percent last year.
too, could benefit from a deal. Despite launching a revamped mobile OS with
WP7, its stock has remained relatively flat. It moved 2 million licenses for WP7 in the last
quarter of 2010 -- not enough to trigger a turnaround. But Nokia still claims
37.6 percent of smartphone sales, according to Gartner, potentially opening up
the playing field for Microsoft.
One thing
Nokia doesn't want to do is adopt the strategy of HTC, Samsung, and Motorola.
That is, Nokia refuses to simply license Android from Google for its own
devices -- a move a former Nokia exec once likened to "peeing your pants to stay warm". Rather,
Nokia is aiming to forge a "strategic alliance" with a software
need an attitudinal shift," Elop said last month, according to BusinessWeek.
"We must improve the quality of our execution, accelerate the speed at which
we execute, and enhance the effectiveness of our partnerships."
changes Elop wants to implement could also mean additional changes to its
executive leadership. The company's top executive losses have been well
documented here on DailyTech and elsewhere, but a necessary
"attitudinal shift" at Nokia may require additional shakeups.
Elop does realize what the problems are, but the question is whether there is a
credible strategy and whether they can execute it without compromising their
existing sales," Stuart O'Gorman, an investor at Henderson Global
Investing Ltd., told BusinessWeek. "They've done the easy
step that previous management didn't take, which is realizing the problem. The
harder steps are still to come."


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9:05a-11:00 TR 4 cr. hrs.
Fulfills AHLA Requirements
This course is concerned with the art of entertainment called theatre. This includes drama, dance, musical theatre, and the technical skills used in film, television, and the living stage. The basic objectives of the course are to examine foundations of contemporary theatre, and the elements of theatrical production and the contributions of the western theatre heritage. As the foundation course in the Theatre and Drama curriculum, Introduction to the Theatre aims to equip the student with a common vocabulary and concepts utilized in the study and collaborative work of the theatre.


text: I've been very conservative with my daughter in terms of her racquet and strings. She is 12 yrs. old (sectional/nat'l level) and she has never been injured and my thought has been to keep her with a light racquet and soft strings. She uses the Babolat Pure Drive lite (10.3 oz. strung weight) and Wilson NXT Control 16 strings (60 lbs.). She is a skinny, light, athletic player, who hits with a lot of topspin for a girl (not a traditional flat girl hitter and she handles pace pretty well). However, not that she is getting stronger, is it time to look at a heavier racquet for more plow through and a hybrid type string pattern to take advantage of her topspin? Or, is it still too early to focus on the technology side of tennis? Any thoughts, suggestions . . . weights on her existing racquet? move up to the Babolat Pure Drive? I hear about the new Wilson Stream 99 which could be perfect for a spin hitter like her . . . any thoughts would be appreciated.


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Happy Birthday, Coach Woodson!!
Happy Birthday, Coach Woodson!!
"Winner of the coveted "Chink in the Armor" award!"
If we were playing chi or Mia we'd be getting smacked.
Real Talk
It always comes back to penetration with you men!
(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
"Winner of the coveted "Chink in the Armor" award!"
^^^^ I like the new guy..............no homo
Why does Breen always say JR isn't a good ball handler? Wtf is he talking about? His handle is better than Lin's
Breen = douche
Real Talk
I hate Baron Davis's attitude.
C'mon BD. That's 2 quick to's
Did I see Jorts with porn stache? Harry Reems II
lol every time someone misses a shot Breen says "way off"
they need to put amare back in with baron. let him slash all day.


text:
Article Post
Experts and Staff, Energy Central
Data analytics: start in the middle
LLOYD TOKERUD, SENIOR MANAGER OF ANALYTICS FOR First Choice Power, a competitive retailer in Texas, was hired from PepsiCo to lead the utility's analytics group. I spoke with him recently about issues in data analytics.
First Choice Power has been in business since January 2002, when deregulation in Texas took effect. The retailer was acquired by Direct Energy last November.
Perhaps Tokerud's most intriguing role is to work with "business clients" across the organization to understand their challenges and to develop data reporting and analytics to swiftly address those challenges.
Data challenges
"The unofficial goal of our team," Tokerud told me, "is to allow the organization to make decisions faster than our competition."
I asked for examples of the data challenges for a competitive energy retailer in Texas.
"The biggest question we asked first was around customer profitability," Tokerud said, "and trying to understand which of our customers, among our different enrollment processes, were more profitable than others. We bring customers into the organization in different ways, some are more costly, some less costly. Some have higher, ongoing operational costs. So we wanted to understand who in our customer base is really returning the best profit to us so we could better understand and market to those people."
An article, "Big Data, Analytics and the Path from Insights to Value," by Steve LaValle et al., published in the MIT Sloan Management Review (Winter 2011), suggests focusing first on a single major question to apply analytics for early results and, thus, organizational acceptance and change.
"One of the functions of a good analytics team is the ability to work with the executive team to understand and clarify what exactly is `at task,'" Tokerud told me. "More importantly, you need to eliminate a lot of `noise' in order to get insights quickly.
Steps to quick insights
"The first step is to define what you're after and what you're not after," Tokerud said. "Which groups of customers are most relevant? Which ones do we not want to worry about for now? What's the correct equation for profitability? Answer those questions first.
"The second step is to assess the current data `landscape' or sources so that I understand what I'm being asked to measure and deliver insights on," Tokerud continued. "What components of that are readily available now? And what are the tangled messes of information that we may never be able to get an answer on? Then draft a framework that will get you where you need to be quickly, with an acceptable level of error.
"One of the points in that MIT article is to get to a workable solution as fast as possible, instead of getting hung up on defining absolute perfection before you can start reporting anything," Tokerud said. "You may be missing key pieces of data. You have to make assumptions, fill that information in and keep rolling. The concept is that you `start in the middle.' There's an 80/20 rule. You can get most of the way there. Don't get hung up on getting 99 percent accuracy for that data set."
The third step, Tokerud continued, is that once you have preliminary insights, socialize that information back to your audience. Share your findings with your in-house client to determine whether you're headed in the right direction. This helps you, but also more importantly gets directional results back to the leadership team which may influence decisions or change behavior.
The final step is sharpening your findings and putting insights into action so they become a new metric or key performance indicator to manage against. That completes the cycle and enables real-time management of information.
Centralizing analytics
Tokerud said that data analytics are likely to become a centralized function. A centralized team enables uniformity, puts everyone on the same page and produces the proverbial "single version of the truth."
"The challenge with a centralized model is that you're `it,'" Tokerud said. "Suddenly, everyone is coming to you to answer some basic questions about their bailiwick. It's time consuming. That makes how you approach your task more critical. You need to prioritize, tackle the most valuable questions first."
Thus, Tokerud has established two prioritization streams: one is a queue of requests from each business unit, which is dealt with on certain days of the week; the second is a separate queue from the executive leadership, addressed on other days of the week.
Analytics, in Tokerud's view, are heading toward real-time "decisioning."
"That's the stuff that companies need," he said, "because if you can answer stuff on the fly, then you can move in the marketplace faster than your competition."
Are analytics likely to be handled in-house or outsourced?
"In a lot of ways, First Choice Power follows an outsourcing model," Tokerud said. "One company runs our call center, another runs our billing system. We've contracted with an outside company to develop analytical tools for us.
"But the core competency of analytics should not be outsourced," he emphasized. "When it's done right it's more of a partnership and organizational ability. You want analysts who can talk to the business users, understand their problems and meet them halfway on how data can help answer those questions."
Defining the limits
Finally, as data analytics become the newly revered tool, what are its limits?
"It's more a question of pitfalls," he said. "There is a startling number of ways in which analytics can be less effective than it could be.
"Your approach, how you set up things organizationally, is really foundational to the success of your analytics efforts," he continued. "A common pitfall is to approach it as a reporting exercise, instead of an analytical exercise. If you have it roll up to a functional department that's misaligned with the objectives of the leadership, that's another potential problem. If you don't have the right sponsors or participants, that can be a problem."
The ideal data analyst would combine roughly equal competencies in business and IT.
"We need people who understand both sides and can communicate with leadership," Tokerud concluded. "How it's set up and who's brought in to run it are important decisions."
No discussions yet. Start a discussion below.
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text:
ok, maybe someone already asked this before but here it goes again.
My friend told me learn about socket programming over the summer and i have NO background in socket stuff. So i was wondering if anyone can guide me in the right direction.
I know a fair bit in C++ (pointers, new/delete, AVL-trees, etc). I also have some knowledge in Assembly (motorolla 68HC11), so i know some stuff about ports and stuff (not sure if it's relavant to socket programming)
but yeah, umm.. what books or steps should i take to be successful in learning socket programming? Do i need to learn C first? what are some good "beginner" to socket programming tutorials? is it better to learn about sockets or multithreading first?


text:
"I want as little as possible to get between the idea and capturing the idea, and Logic seemed perfect for that."
Franz Ferdinand Better at Night
After the great success of its first two albums, Franz Ferdinand (2004) and You Could Have It So Much Better (2005), Glaswegian rock band Franz Ferdinand could have made its fans very happy by delivering in their much-anticipated third album simply more, well, Franz Ferdinand.
There was no obvious reason to move away from the tight, driving post-punk sound that had carried the band from their start in small, crowded clubs in 2002 to the top of the charts, the stage of many major awards shows, and the large concert venues where they typically tour today.
But Franz Ferdinand lead singer/guitarist Alex Kapranos, a musician every bit as energetic and restless as he appears on stage, says that as the band re-convened after a touring break to make the album, it became clear that the only way forward was to forge a sound that would be "different from everything we've ever done before."
That new sound can be heard on Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, a concept album that evokes in its lyrics and music the feel of a late night club crawl. Which explains the unusually prescriptive listening advice on the band's MySpace page: "You can listen to it during the day, but it's better at night."
Kapranos credits the album's hard-earned new sound to years of exploratory songwriting and live-performance testing; to the band's first-time collaboration with "mad mixer" producer Dan Carey; and to liberating new on-the-road and in-studio writing, recording, and editing workflows anchored by Logic Pro and GarageBand.
It is written: GarageBand to Logic
For much of his musical career, Kapranos had written songs the old-fashioned way, playing and singing into a tape recorder. He was teased but ultimately turned off by most of the digital tools he'd experienced in various studios.
"When it comes to recording, I don't want to be a technical person," says Kapranos. "The studio should be a creative place. So I like a system that is really straightforward, visually appealing, and simple. GarageBand reminded me of the old four-track tape recorders I always used to use to write songs, so I started using it for jotting down musical ideas."
Some of his GarageBand demos actually made their way onto Tonight, including vocals used in several tracks and a bass line for "Ulysses." "We ended up using parts of the demo for the song 'Twilight Omens' in the album itself," says Kapranos. "I recorded that in GarageBand through the little condenser microphone on my MacBook Pro. The sound of the keyboard reflecting off the bare floorboards in my flat gave it a really ethereal spooky sound."
Although Kapranos continues to use GarageBand for immediate idea capture, he decided to broaden his tool set for writing and mixing by moving up to Logic Pro, encouraged by conversations with fellow musician Kevin Barnes from the band "of Montreal."
"Kevin described how in Logic he could hit the caps lock key and use the computer keyboard as a piano keyboard," says Kapranos. "I thought, Wow, without even plugging in a USB cable I could just sit in a plane, a tour bus, a dressing room, or backstage during sound check and, if I've got an idea for a tune, stick it down right there. I want as little as possible to get between the idea and capturing the idea, and Logic seemed perfect for that."
On the Road
Kapranos uses Logic chiefly for writing and arranging on the road, and for creating remixes. For mobile writing and recording, he uses Logic running on a MacBook Pro with a radically minimal kit. "When I'm actually putting things down I'll use the Apogee Duet," he says. "It sounds great, but it's also small enough to fit into my hand luggage with a little travel guitar. With just the tiny guitar, the Duet, and my MacBook Pro, there's so much less to carry around."
After he has his basic song idea, Logic becomes even more helpful. "When I want to get an arrangement together, Logic is brilliant for that, and very, very straightforward," he says. "It lets you get to a rough demo really quickly."
Recently, Kapranos has used his minimal system to create a series of remixes for other bands. "I've never been able to properly work on the road, but I've done all of these in dressing rooms and hotel rooms entirely on the MacBook Pro, using the really excellent Logic plug-ins, like Compressor and Channel EQ."
Kapranos, who likes to leverage old analog gear such as the Polyvox Russian synthesizers used on the new album, is nevertheless a major fan of Logic's software instruments. "I love the sounds I've been getting out of Sculpture. I much prefer a soft synthesizer that isn't trying to recreate a synthesizer from the past. I want something that's going to be fresh to me, something that I've never seen before so I can use it to create sounds for people that they've never heard before."
In the Studio
Kapranos and the band found a perfect partner in trying to create that unprecedented sound in longtime Logic producer Dan Carey. They recorded in the band's studio, a converted Victorian-era town hall in Glasgow and also in Carey's studio in London.
"Alex and I felt that a lot of records are made in quite a safe way at the moment, where options are always left open," says Carey. "For example, by always recording your sounds in as dry a way as possible so that effects can be applied later if somebody changes their mind. In the old days, musicians used to have to produce the sound they wanted in the studio and record that. And if they didn't like it, they'd do it again. We kind of agreed with that, and that's what we did."
Again reaching backwards to move their sound forward, the band and Carey decided to record the songs for Tonight using the old-school technique of exhaustive repeated complete takes in studio. "We wanted to keep it kind of extreme, with that intense, locked-in feel a band has when it's playing in a rehearsal studio," says Carey. "So we'd play each section of a song for hours until that intensity set in."


text:
Let's Have a Reality Check
There's one thing that really gets my horned goat in this grand scheme of things. REALITY TV! Please, don't get your head turned in an Exorcist style and think it's the way to fame and fortune, kiddies! Believe me. I might be a rock star, all glitter, fake blood, make-up and theatrics (with awesome rock anthems of course) but you've no idea the hard graft and craft that's gone into my career. The problem is with wanting to be a reality TV star, you're only famous for a little while. You can't live on that fame forever.


text: "Robert Kurson's Shadow Divers, a tale of a deadly search for a German U-boat off the coast of New Jersey, became an instant classic among adventure readers who enjoy well-told, high-octane nonfiction. In Crashing Through, the author finds an equally compelling subject. Kurson's journalistic instincts are strong, and tight writing and thorough research reflect his journalist background.... [The book also focuses on] Kurson's lucid exploration of the brain's circuitry and fascinating details of how we can have vision without really seeing."Bookmarks Magazine


text:
I don't really care about his haters or this thread getting much love. I just wanted to tell my fellow knicks fans( I live in Philly and knicks fans are a rarity and I am frowned upon daily) that I am happyand proud we have melo. He actually is humble and one of the premier players on the USA team. He fits in with the superstar we always have. We never get the best, always his inferior second fiddler rival. Ewing-olajuwon, steph-kidd, Houston-miller and now melo-Lebron. We may not win the chip but im positive melo will at least give us one memorable playoff run deep into the postseason.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Led the team in scoring with 16 again on 4-4 from the field and 2-2 from the 3 point line. Not bad for a fatass ballstopper who can't play with other good players