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Art N./FlickrWhen it comes to technology and strategy, government is often behind the times, and far behind the most innovative businesses. It's slow-moving, risk-averse, and subject to many electoral and legal constraints.
Cities, on the other hand, move much faster. That was the subject of a recent panel hosted by SAP and the Brookings Institute, what Sean O'Brien, the Global Vice President Of Urban Matters and Public Security at SAP called the "secret sauce" of the best-run cities.
Part of cities' success in innovation is building partnerships with large businesses. For example, SAP Urban Matters just announced a partnership with Boston to bring advanced enterprise software and analytics into the government.
The fact that two of the panelists, Bill Oates of Boston and Chris Moore of Edmonton, serve as the Chief Information Officers of their cities shows how far we've come.
The massive trends that define business right now — mobility, engagement, big data, and innovation — in the face of economic hardship are defining our most innovative cities, and it's going to change the way we live.
Engaging people through their smartphones
For corporations, the challenge is engaging employees and customers; for cities, it's engaging everyone who lives there. Services don't work when people don't or can't request them, and giving them easier avenues to do so can be a game changer.
Just like businesses, cities are using mobile applications to do this. Boston takes it one step further, publishing requests to get the community involved and to make the government accountable.
"We rolled out our first mobile application, Citizens Connect, back in 2009. It's not revolutionary now to find mobile apps that help you report a pothole or a streetlight, but back then we did it with a little twist," Oates said. "We didn't create that application purely to connect the citizen to city government; we also made sure that that individual was publishing their request ... to the community."
Oates told a story about a citizen who reported an animal at the bottom of a trashcan using the mobile app. Another citizen saw the request, released what turned out to be a possum, and tweeted the results back to the city.
The investment in the app has paid dividends. "We now take 20 percent of the service requests through that mobile channel," Oates revealed.
And just like a corporation, cities are using those apps to get data and improve services. "This data of who's reporting and where they are and how quickly we respond and all of those things are important data elements for us managing the city more effectively," Oates said.
Facebook games and interactive community meetings
One of the hottest new trends in business is gamification. It's only in its early stages even among cutting-edge companies, but cities are already starting to adopt it very rapidly, as Edmonton CIO Chris Moore explained.
"In the new year, we're launching a Facebook game around traffic and safety," Moore said. "Our Office of Traffic and Safety has been working with a local company that does games."
Though Moore claimed Edmonton's drivers are quite courteous, they can always do better, and games are effective because they have an element of competition that makes them compelling, and rules that make them easy to engage in.
Moore thinks that the possibilities extend far beyond the one Facebook game. "If we can think about how to think of our cities as games — not making light of them or making them juvenile, but approaching them like a game — we would bring a whole new level of conversation," Moore argued.
Another part of gamification is providing incentives and rewards for desired behavior. According to CIO Bill Oates, Boston has tested a very innovative approach to the sometimes ineffective community meeting.
We've played with a pilot of a project called Community PlanIT, which actually comes out of the work of a professor at Emerson college," Oates said.
"The issue here was how community meetings can run well. Very often the end result is not where you'd like it to be," Oates said. "What Community PlanIT does is use some level of gaming to educate people on what the issues really are. Sometimes at those community meetings you have some people who understand the issue and a whole bunch who really don't, and they're just listening to banter back and forth. It rewards people who are learning things and contributing. It gives them an ability to use what they've learned to now vote on some of the alternative solutions that may come up."
The program is already in use in Philadelphia and other cities.


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Effects of Food Deprivation on Horses' Cardiac Function
- May 4, 2012
- Topics:
Withholding a horse's feed reduced his heart rate and increased his frequency of second-degree atrioventricular block (AVB,when the heart "misses" a beat).
Photo: The Horse Staff
A group of researchers recently evaluated how food deprivation affects a horse's autonomic nervous system and found that it slows the animals' heart rates, a conclusion opposite of the team's original hypothesis.
"We were interested in assessing ... whether fasting might reduce parasympathetic tone, (and in turn increase heart rate)," relayed James Jones, PhD, DVM, a professor of surgical and radiological sciences at the University of California, Davis. "We were concerned that fasting might result in an increased heart rate and also lead to gut stasis that can predispose a horse to colic."
The horse's autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls a number of bodily functions, includes two subsystems that control cardiac function and digestion:
- The sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which increases heart rate while inhibiting digestion; and
- The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which generally slows heart rate and enhances digestion.
At rest, healthy horses have a high resting parasympathetic tone, meaning their PNS dominates their SNS, resulting in a slower heart rate.
In their study, Jones and colleagues randomly assigned five healthy Thoroughbreds to one of two groups: normal feeding protocol (control group) or 24-hour fasting protocol. One week later, they assigned horses to the opposite group and repeated the experiment.
They fitted each horse with surcingle carrying adhesive electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes to monitor heart activity. Researchers measured heart rate, heart-rate variability (HRV, which occurs when the time interval between heart beats varies), and atrioventricular block (AVB, partial or complete interruption of impulse transmission from the atria to the ventricles--essentially, an irregular heart beat).
The team found that heart rate was significantly lower and the frequency of second degree AVB (when the heart "misses" a beat) was significantly higher during the fasting protocol. Jones assured that, "Second degree AVB is fairly common in horses at rest, because they tend to have very high parasympathetic autonomic activity."
"We thought that fasting would be a form of mild stress for the horses," Jones concluded. "However it actually appeared to be more relaxing, at least in the sense that their indices of parasympathetic activity increased."
The study, "Changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, and atrioventricular block during withholding of food in Thoroughbreds," appeared in April in the American Journal of Veterinary Research. The abstract is available online.
About the Author
Casie Bazay, NBCAAM
Casie Bazay holds a bachelor of science degree in education from Oklahoma State University. She taught middle school for ten years, but now is a nationally certified equine acupressure practitioner and freelance writer. She has owned Quarter Horses nearly her entire life and has participated in a variety of horse events including Western and English pleasure, trail riding, and speed events. She was a competitive barrel racer for many years and hopes to pursue the sport again soon.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Church is generous
To the Editor:
I want to let our community know of the downtown Sonora United Methodist Church and the generous Thanksgiving Day lunch they provided for anyone, especially for those alone, or not wanting to prepare their own special meal. They served a huge turkey dinner with all the trimmings, in an environment of love and warmth, donated by alot of caring local people.
My husband and I had celebrated with our family the previous Sunday, so we called to help out.
We really met some lovely people and would like to help with cooking food and attending next year to help out whereever needed.
JoAnne and Gene Reed
Mi-Wuk Village
Point was clear
To the Editor:
Regarding my Nov. 17 Union Democrat letter contrasting the history of polygamy to the history of same-sex marriage, I thought my point was clear to all. My intention was to contrast the long term histories of polygamy and same-sex marriage. I think we are all aware of the short-term events of the last few years. It is incredibly arrogant for Kim Malavey and Terrie Schultz to assume that I was oblivious to both Massachusetts' and California's recent same-sex marriages.
The gay/lesbian community is its own worst enemy. For a relatively small minority, it enjoys large support, possibly a majority. When Prop. 8 made the ballot, pundits predicted its defeat. Then, as the campaign wore on and the supporters of Prop 8 were subjected to the most arrogant, elitist, hate-filled speech, belittling churches and those with religious beliefs as misinformed idiots, opinions changed. Certainly, the gay/lesbian community has been the victim of hate speech and crimes. I guess we expected you to take the high road in this campaign.
Personally, my vote was to the agenda-driven teacher who, hearing my children discuss my opinion of Prop. 8 told them, in front of the whole class, that their "Dad must be a religious type." I wonder how many other votes you lost for the same reasons.
We are not your enemies. We are your friends, relatives, coworkers who wish you the same happiness in life as all.
Personally, I believe that the gay/lesbian community will eventually prevail. I would wish you Godspeed, but then I would be a "religious nut."
Mark Schnell
Forest threatened
To the Editor;
Thank you for the Nov. 21 article, "Falling in Love with the Forest."
The collective love we all share is inspiring, but it brings to mind the threats our Stanislaus Forest faces as destructive uses expand and protection is lacking. Our American forests are our living treasures, sustaining us and the wildlife with oxygen production, shade, warmth, and shelter. In order to preserve the Stanislaus Forest, additional protections are needed now.
We have a very lax stewardship with the Forest Service in Tuolumne County. Our public lands are being abused and degraded by off highway vehicles that have little in the way of boundaries. A tiny percentage of us actually drive these polluting and noisy vehicles, yet the rules protecting sensitive area are weak. The unspoiled wilderness the rest of us appreciate suffers greatly for it. Citizens should speak up to create tight controls over this unbridled degradation.
Clear cutting is a practice for harvesting trees that destroys large parts of our forests with no habitat recovery for many decades. Profits can be made and employees retained using a method called selective harvest, which harvests many of the trees and clears fire-prone undergrowth, then leaves a healthy canopy and habitat. This method is very successful in other counties, but our county's leadership has never been critical of the industry, so the assault has continued despite ongoing devastation.
Tell your supervisor to get serious now about implementing necessary protections for the forest we love, and direct your Forest Service to become the stewards they're supposed to be. Let's be intelligent and responsible and no longer naîve and trusting. When the people lead, "leaders" have to follow.
Judith Magill
Twain Harte


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Decision on Hanley, DL coming soon
By Michael Lananna / MLB.com
LOS ANGELES -- With Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez continuing to battle various ailments, a stint on the disabled list could be forthcoming.
"I think tomorrow's our drop-dead day as we get into Colorado," manager Don Mattingly said. "We'd like him to be ready to go after the All-Star Game."
Ramirez was not in the starting lineup again in Wednesday's 5-4 loss, but he did pinch-hit for catcher A.J. Ellis in the ninth inning and ended up reaching on a walk. He's started just once in the last nine games -- on Saturday against St. Louis -- and he lasted just two innings in that game before tweaking his left calf.
Ramirez has dealt with an arthritic right shoulder, a right ring finger contusion and left calf tightness, and though he's been available as a pinch-hitter in the last three games, Mattingly said that might not be enough to keep him off of the disabled list.
"We'd like to get him totally healthy, that's the main thing," Mattingly said. "We don't want to DL anybody, and we're obviously better with Hanley. But we also want him healthy."
Puig, Uribe, A-Gon out of Dodgers' lineup
LOS ANGELES -- Right fielder Yasiel Puig, third baseman Juan Uribe and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez were all out of the starting lineup during the Dodgers' 5-4 loss to the Indians on Wednesday, with Scott Van Slyke, Miguel Rojas and Clint Robinson starting at their respective positions.
Catcher A.J. Ellis batted second for the first time this season after being out of the starting lineup on Tuesday.
"I'm just trying to spread it out a little bit," manager Don Mattingly said before the game. "Obviously, I felt like there were a number of guys today who needed a day. They've been going pretty hard. A.J. down there really splits the bottom and lengthens the bottom."
Mattingly had been planning on giving Uribe, who came off of the disabled list June 26 with a right hamstring strain, time off between starts. He said Gonzalez is dealing with a neck injury but could've been available to start Wednesday, if needed. As for Puig, Mattingly said an off-day was overdue.
"It's just a day," Mattingly said. "He's been looking tired, really, to me. There's a number of guys who need them.
"It's just one of those days, 12 o'clock game. It's hard to keep firing guys out there."
All three players did manage to enter Wednesday's game. Uribe came in as a defensive replacement, Puig batted for starter Hyun-Jin Ryu in the seventh and Gonzalez hit for reliever J.P. Howell in the eighth.
Trio looking for final All-Star Game voting boost
LOS ANGELES -- The final stretch is nearing, and the Dodgers still have a couple of All-Star hopefuls.
Yasiel Puig, Dee Gordon and Adrian Gonzalez are the Dodgers' best chances to earn starts in the 2014 All-Star Game in Minnesota. All three have slipped in the fan vote -- Puig is still a projected starter with his third-place standing in the outfield vote -- but there could be enough time to secure an All-Star appearance for one or more.
From Puig playing with puppies and being scheduled to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday night to Chone Figgins' "Vote for Dee" T-shirt, there has been plenty of campaigning as voting nears its end.
Puig has a .314 batting average and a .401 on-base percentage, Gordon leads the Major Leagues with 40 stolen bases and nine triples and Gonzalez leads the Dodgers with 14 home runs and has hit safely in eight of his last 10 games.
Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- online or on a mobile device -- using the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot Sponsored by Experian until Thursday at 8:59 p.m. PT. The 2014 All-Star Game will be played at Target Field on Tuesday, July 15.
Worth noting
• The Dodgers have agreed to a $205,000 deal with infielder Felix Osorio of the Dominican Republic.
Michael Lananna is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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'People-powered services' pledge
Patients will be involved from the outset in planning any changes to NHS services in their area under a Labour government, Ed Miliband promised today.
The pledge forms part of the Labour leader's plans for "people-powered public services", which also include new rights for parents to secure intervention in problem schools and for individuals to access real-time information about anything from parking permit applications to the progress of police investigations into crimes.
Mr Miliband said that a Labour government would tackle "inequalities of power" to put ordinary people in the driving seat in shaping the services which they use.
Under his plans, no changes to NHS services could be proposed by a Clinical Commissioning Group unless patient representatives were involved in drawing it up. Public consultations would be run by an independent body, rather than by the CCG or hospital trust proposing the change. And Labour would reverse legislation being sought by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to give him the power to impose changes to services across a whole region.
A new expectation would be placed on GPs that, as well as offering diagnosis and treatment, they will put patients in touch with support groups where they can make contact with people with the same conditions.
In a high-profile speech in London, Mr Miliband said the commitment to tackle inequalities of power will be at the heart of Labour's agenda for the 2015 general election, alongside measures to tackle inequalities of wealth and the "unaccountable power" of private organisations like the energy companies and the banks.
Delivering the annual Hugo Young lecture, the Labour leader said: "I care about inequality of income and opportunity. But I care about something else as well. Inequalities of power.
"Everyone - not just those at the top - should have the chance to shape their own lives."
Voters were as frustrated by "the unresponsive state" as the "untamed market", and efforts to involve private companies into the delivery of public services had often replaced "a large public sector bureaucracy with a large private sector bureaucracy", said Mr Miliband, adding: "It turns out that the Serco/G4S state can be as flawed as the centralised state."
David Cameron's promise of a Big Society had delivered "in some cases the monolithic private sector replacing a monolithic public sector; in others a crude application of market principles which simply hasn't worked; and in others still, leaving the unsupported voluntary sector to pick up the pieces where the state has abdicated its responsibility", said the Labour leader.
Under Labour, central government would set key benchmarks for what people can expect from public services, but how specific services are delivered would no longer be "dictated from Whitehall", he said.
"The time demands a new culture in our public services," said Mr Miliband. "Not old-style, top-down central control, with users as passive recipients of services. Nor a market-based individualism which says the answer is to transplant the principles of the private sector lock, stock and barrel into the public sector.
"Instead, we need a new culture of people-powered public services. We should always be seeking to put more power in the hands of patients, parents and all the users of services. Giving them a voice as well as choice."
Accusing Mr Cameron of "monumentally" breaking his pre-election promise to have a moratorium on hospital changes, Mr Miliband said he would not make a similar pledge, as "no service can stand still".
But he added: "A Labour government will ensure that patients are involved right at the outset: understanding why change might be needed, what the options are and making sure everyone round the table knows what patients care about.
"This is just one example of how we can involve people in the key decisions that affect their lives. Not saying change will never happen. But saying no change will happen without people having their say."
Labour's approach to public services will work on the principle that information on individuals should be "owned by and accessible to the individual, not hoarded by the state", Mr Miliband said.
Rather than having to demand information, people should get access to it unless there is a "very good reason" for it to be withheld, he said.
This could involve schools providing parents with information about their children's progress all year round, rather than just in end-of-term reports, or the Government's digital service using new technology to provide "tracking" facilities for individuals to get updates on their case in the same way that online shoppers track their orders.
Ideas emerging from Labour policy reviews into how to devolve more power to local councils were also outlined by Mr Miliband, in what he termed "a radical reshaping of services so that local communities can come together and make the decisions that matter to them" on issues like social care, crime and justice.
The MP overseeing the Opposition's policy review, Jon Cruddas, has been consulting with council leaders across the country over the plans, while Lord Adonis has been leading a study on the potential for creating "city regions" with more control over infrastructure funds.
"We are standing where the British people stand," said Mr Miliband. "They want a Government that will stand up for them against unaccountable power, wherever it is. They want more control over their own lives.
"I am determined that that is what the next Labour government will do."


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Who: Students seeking funding assistance must be members of a sponsoring registered student organization as well as current UC Hastings students in good academic standing, i.e., not on probation.
What: Funds to assist with travel expenses to national and regional conferences and meetings for organizations related to the requesting student organization (generally limited to one conference/event per academic year) Eligible expenses are limited to registration fees, transportation, and/or lodging.
When: **Please note that funds are limited, and requests are considered on a rolling basis unless and until the funds are depleted for a given year. The earlier you submit your request the better!**
Where: Please turn in completed paperwork to Student Services (room 254, 200 bldg)
To request travel funding:
Please note: Students must use their own funds to travel and apply for reimbursement in conformity with College policy. Original receipts are required for any expenses to be reimbursed.
Using your own vehicle: If a student wants to use his/her own car to travel to the event for which travel funds have been allotted, the student must complete the Authorization to Use Privately Owned Vehicles on State Business (http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/osp/pdf/std261.pdf). This form must be submitted to the Director of Student Services at least 2 weeks prior to the date of travel.


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Babe Ruth Softball World Series: Top teams advance in bracket play
PITTSFIELD - Top overall seed Madison County, N.C., had no trouble advancing in the Babe Ruth Softball 16-U World Series double-elimination championship bracket on Saturday.
The Southeast regional champions routed Del Rio, Texas, 12-0 in a five-inning run-rule game Saturday, and then beat Kinnelon, N.J., 10-0 in five innings Saturday night.
A seven-run third inning lifted Madison County to the late win. Brooke Vilcinskas drove in three runs in the victory, and pitcher Sam Gosnell allowed just one hit.
Saturday morning, Madison County scored four times in the first inning and tacked on eight more in the fourth to put the game away. Hannah Anders and Sam Harwood drove in two runs each, and Harwood and Hannah Jennings combined on a one-hitter.
Del Rio had advanced to the Madison County game with a 9-6 win over Hoquiam, Wash. Dariela Quiroz drove in three runs for Del Rio.
After defeating the Berkshire Force earlier in the day, Lodi, Calif., handed Fern Creek, Ky., its first loss of the tournament late Saturday night. Alyssa Casillas allowed just a third-inning run, and Lodi got two RBI from Shelby Featherstan in the third. Madison Williams took the loss for Fern Creek, striking out eight batters.
Lodi and Madison County meet at 8 p.m. Sunday night at the Doyle Complex.
Lodi never trailed in its bracket opener, beating West Volusia, Fla., 4-1. Danielle Pfennig drove in three runs in the win.
Kinnelon wins twice
Kinnelon beat Plymouth 8-1 to start its day, then advanced with a 7-3 win over North Tampa, Fla.
Kinnelon scored three in the third and five in the fourth to win. Alexa Saccomanno allowed just a run in five innings of relief.
In the second round, Kinnelon rallied from a one-run deficit with a three-run fifth and a two-run sixth to win. Jessica Ratz drove in two runs for the winners.
North Tampa had beaten Southern Plains, Colo., 15-2 in its first-round game. A seven-run fourth inning lifted North Tampa to a run-rule victory. Shea Forgas drove in three runs in the win.
Fern Creek wins twice
The Ohio Valley champions from Kentucky beat both Manchester, N.H., and St. Charles Parish, La., on Saturday.
Surprisingly, Fern Creek needed a late rally to advance past the Louisiana upstarts. Fern Creek scored four times in the sixth inning to tie the game at 4, then walked off with a win on Cassie Peavler's double to left to score Madison Williams.
Fern Creek routed Manchester 11-3 in its bracket opener. Abagail Hauden and Chandalyn Hutchens drove in two runs each for the victors.
St. Charles Parish advanced with an early 2-1 win over Rochester, N.H. Cassie Legendre's two-run double in the fifth was the difference.
Commissioner's Cup to begin Sunday
Teams eliminated from the double-elimination bracket, who will begin Commissioner's Cup play Sunday: Del Rio, Texas; Hoquiam, Wash.; Manchester, N.H.; Plymouth; Southern Plains, Colo; Waretown, N.J.; and West Volusia, Fla.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


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My better half advised me not to be offensive to the diva. So I just wanted to say that wasn't intended. Just my perverted sense of humor can't help itself sometimes.
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Originally posted by coryreu View PostDunno. Don't care. Just wish that her pic showed a little more bootay. lol.
My better half advised me not to be offensive to the diva. So I just wanted to say that wasn't intended. Just my perverted sense of humor can't help itself sometimes.When a ball dreams, it dreams it's a Frisbee.
Originally posted by Disc Golf Diva View PostJeff, I find your choice of emoticons very offensive an rather Nazi-like. Letting the masses know how you feel. You as the steward should be neutral in this election even if your buddy Jeremy is running for office. By the way you were not elected God of disc golf only steward. I know you prefer president but you are not behaving as one. You continually stir the pot and cause drama, must be a guy thing....Do you realize that you were not in charge of the elections and you have overstepped your office but once again? Perhaps you should do disc golf a favor and RESIGN your office. Maybe then the club could get back to the business of promoting disc golf and providing wonderful places to play and a new sport that all can enjoy...Why don't you just crawl back from whatever ugly place you came from just my opinion.......
I undertand why you don't use your real name. I would hide too if I sounded this pleasant.
Hopefully my emoticons weren't to NAZI likeRelax and enjoy your hair
TNT Yardworks.com
Originally posted by Gordy #21004 View PostI would like to thank Bob for working through a lot of details, logistics and timing issues to provide us with the streamlined election process the SDGA employs. His efforts to keep everyone informed and updated on the various candidates participation in this process has made it possible for any interested individual to see plainly as early as this morning the exact status of all the candidates as this season for nominations closes. Thanks, Bob, for tackling these prickly responsibilities and for giving us the peace of mind we look to our officials to provide. Well Done, Gordy.Relax and enjoy your hair
TNT Yardworks.com
not your job
Originally posted by Sky Pilot View PostNominations are now closed.
Happy New Year to All!
May God bless 2011!
The race is on...
Treasurer: Gordy Crafts:: vs Jeremy Thornton
Public Relations: Bob Perrewe:: vs Justin Schrak
Membership Whip: Kevin Sakus - unopposed
I see you still think your the PR let bob do his job
HiFly free and straight to the pin!
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text: "[The author's] observations of nautical life are astute.... A picture emerges of Hudson as a wily operator who knew what he wanted to find, and where he wanted to go to find itand wasn't about to tell his merchant backers any more than they needed to know so they would give him a ship. Hunter provides a fine account of Hudson's wheeling and dealing, and the hoodwinking of the Dutch and English backers of his various voyages."Boston Globe


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Holly Peterson
Photo: © Terry deRoy Gruber/Gruber Photographers
About the Author
Holly Peterson spent a decade as an Emmy award—winning producer at ABC news. Her work has been published in the New York Times, Harper's Bazaar, Talk, and Newsweek, where she is now a contributing editor. She lives in New York City with her family and is working on her next novel.


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Online Fashion Stores
Online fashion stores are more preferable and easier for the customers these days, and we grant the reason for it. With help of e-commerce web site tools, it is convenient for the customers to find products, compare all the product features and give their opinions and views through the user polls, user votes and register for future purchases. In this era of e-business and IT, E-portals constantly work towards improving and enhancing internet, adorning it with innovative, attractive and user friendly web pages and sites. User-centered design is critical. Understanding the customer's wants and needs and living up to promises gives the customer a reason to come back and meeting their expectations gives them a reason to stay.
It is important that the website communicates to the customer that the company cares about them. It helps consumers, to communicate better and the right strategy is discovered to conquer e-commerce goals. For centuries fashion and women have been identical. Accessories and designer handbags are endemic of women's lavish wardrobes. They are not just passionate about elite fashion clothing. From exclusive and unique designs, exotic furs and skins, luxurious leathers are which ladies handbag inspirations are derived. Good designer handbags is a must have for every wardrobe. It will do wonders for your personality whether you choose from a large variety of leather bags, crystal clutch or fashion bags. Handbags online are available for different purposes like promotional handbags, sporty handbags, evening bags, luxury handbags, travel bags and other types of bags. You don't need to face the crowd at the mall to find the perfect crystal clutch… For a wide selection clutches bags at terrific prices, online clutches stores are a convenient way to shop. Flip through our collection and pick up your favorite crystal clutch and clutches bags right away.
Welcome to our clutches online where you find the hottest styles for everyday budgets. These clutches bags make you look stylish in the hottest fashion statements of the day. The store is driven by the latest trends, suited to the refined and sophisticated tastes of its judicious clientele. All you girly funk out there. Get your hands on Niclaire's clutches bags! Carry your essentials with super-ease! Keep your stuff organized. Look interesting. It mixes fashion, practicality and convenience and therefore it has become very popular. You can obtain frequent customer benefits without all the hassle of membership. You don't have to fill in any forms, create a password, or do any registration. The discount is automatically calculated at the shopping cart page. You can also sign up for our regular newsletters advising you of the latest products and special discount offers from our website. Plus you always receive up to 10% off Loyalty Bonus


text: Health Benefits of Tea Steven Popec (70) Health Benefits Were you aware that our nation drinks approximately 165 million cups of tea daily? Millions of people love the taste of tea, but many of us are not aware of the healing powers tea can actually give us. Tea is not only delicious, it can also help prevent High Blood Pressure by controlling angiotensin, which eventually leads to high blood pressure, according to health experts. Studies have shown that drinking tea can also provide us with protection against cancer, heart disease and it can also aide in preventing memory impairment conditions such as Alzheimer's. Healthy Antioxidants within Tea Flavanoids generally found in vegetables and fruits; contain powerful antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E. So, one cup of tea actually contains twice as many of these Flavanoids as one apple. You often hear about the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables, but rarely are you encouraged to drink tea - maybe more of us should. Consuming tea and its healthy antioxidants provides us with antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergenic benefits. Drinking tea also has the benefit of helping improve concentration thus improving performance. Concentration is improved due to the caffeine that is within tea. The caffeine makes you more alert and focused. Tea is also a natural source of fluoride; therefore it helps to keep teeth and gums healthy. Because tea contains this natural source of fluoride, it can help prevent certain gum diseases and tooth decay. The Power of Green Tea The Chinese have been using the healing effects of Green Tea for centuries, 4,000 years in fact. Only in the past 20 years other parts of the world began to take notice of this herbal treatment for headaches, depression, and beyond. In 1994, a study was conducted that revealed Green Tea could possibly reduce esophageal cancer risks by 60%. Numerous other studies have been performed as well to establish the health benefits of consuming Green Tea and to learn why the herb is so healthy. Clinical studies conducted over the years have found that Green Tea, or the herbs that create Green Tea, contain powerful antioxidants. Many believe that it may help prevent cancer cell growth, but to also selectively eliminate cancer cells. This is especially amazing because the powerful herb does not attack the healthy cells around the cancer cells. Green Tea can also be efficient in lowering the bad cholesterol, LDL, levels while boosting the good cholesterol, HDL, levels. By doing this, Green Tea is improving the ratio of good to bad cholesterol and possibly helping to prevent the onset of heart disease. The Chinese have shown us many healing teas, but Green Tea is by far the best healing tea that has been introduced to us. Because Green Tea leaves are steamed, they are able to hold on to their potent antioxidants. Green Tea as well as Fruit Blends, Rooibos, Herb Blends and Ayurvedic are fairly inexpensive and is well worth the cost for all of the potential healing effects and preventative abilities it has. Drink Black Tea for a Healthier You Black Tea, although made from the same plant as white and green tea, is almost completely different. Black Tea, unlike Green Tea and White Tea, is processed and fully oxidized. Although from the same plant, what happens to the tea leaves after picking is what sets the three apart. Black tea does not hold as many health benefits as Green Tea, but it still has retains enough to make it a smart choice for drinking. One reason why it's considered the smart choice is simply because most studies have been only conducted on green tea. This is because it is the most consumed tea in the world. The antioxidants in Black Tea can help protect against free radicals damage that generally leads to disease. Some properties of Black Tea have been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells but not effecting the growth of healthy cells. The fact that the properties in the tea have the ability to selectively target the cancer cells and not the healthy cells is truly amazing. Drinking Tea May Slow Down the Aging Process Drinking Black Tea has also been said to slow down the aging process. Look at the anti-aging lotions and serums on the market today and you will find that many contain tea leaf extracts. Black Tea also is known to help rev up metabolism and fat burning. This is even more so when used in conjunction with caffeine and exercise. To lower your LDL, bad cholesterol, studies have shown that drinking Black Tea is beneficial in doing so as well as helpful in increasing your HDL, healthy cholesterol. Drinking tea can help balance the ration of good and bad cholesterol and help to ward of heart disease. If you are diabetic, drinking tea can aid in lowering glucose levels. Lowering your glucose levels will also lower your risk of conditions brought on by diabetes such as cataracts. Start drinking tea today for a healthier you tomorrow! Rooibos Rooibos in Afrikaans is translated as "red bush". This has a very sweet taste and it is frequently used as a base tea to blend tea. It is rich in antioxidants and it is caffeine free. Here are a few health benefits of Rooibos: · Contains a host of vitamins and minerals such as copper, potassium zinc, calcium, potassium and manganese. · It is anti-viral, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activity. · Helps infants with sleeping problems colic, stomach cramps or sleeping problems. · Is great for skin because it has zinc and alpha hydroxy acid. This can be applied to the skin in order to reduce eczema, sunburn and with acne. · Healthy for people suffering from kidney stones because it doesn't contain oxalic acid. Rooibos has traditional medicinal uses in South Africa and is often used to help combat against asthma and allergies. It is a great substitute for people who don't use dairy products because it has magnesium, calcium and fluoride to help build strong bones and healthy teeth. Quick Tip: To make a quenching blend of iced tea, add slices of apple & lemon and a touch of honey. For hot tea, no need to add the usual sugar or sweeteners, simply use agave or honey. Ayurvedic Ayurvedic is a historical holistic system of medicine from India. It offers great benefits of maintaining good health. Here are a few benefits: It relaxes the Mind It has no known Side Effects It improves the Quality of life It relieves Tension Herbal Blend For centuries, herbal blend (often referred to as tisanes) have been used in Eastern medicines. Today, it is highly regarded in Western medicine. Herbal blend contains the following health benefits: · Dandelion leaf, has blood, liver and gastrointestinal cleansing properties. · Lemon Verben and Lemon balm have been used as a cold remedies because of its soothing effect. · Hibiscus has reduced hypertension studies have shown. As you can see, Herbal Blend is a great addition to a healthy diet. facebook twitter google+ email


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5.5 x 8.5
The day arrived and you both rushed off in your car to have your new baby boy! Proud parents should celebrate and honor all their months of planning and hard work. Pick out some cute boy birth announcements from Polka Dot Design's invitation store, and tell the world about your family's newest addition to the nest. This Cars Photo Card by Heatherly will be perfect if you're planning on decorating the babies' room in race cars. The invite features three pastel colored cars, lined up in a row. There is also a space for you to include a personal photo of your new baby, so be sure to take some high quality photos of your new arrival before sending out this invite. Babies are such a joy to parents, relatives and everyone around them. Be sure to order these today and spread the word as soon as possible.
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Flat Photo Card
Photo cards are printed on a four color digital press and feature your photo printed along with personalized text on 110lb premium cardstock with matte finish. Envelopes included.
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Flat photo card and envelope


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CARSON, Calif. – After playing a series of Reserve League matches as an outside back, LA Galaxy rookie midfielder Rafael Garcia was right at home in the center of the park during LA's 4-0 CONCACAF Champions League victory over the Puerto Rico Islanders on Wednesday.
Partnered alongside fellow industrious-minded midfielders Michael Stephens and Kenney Walker, the trio out-worked a veteran Puerto Rico group, dominating possession 58.4 to 41.6% on the night. Despite being tested out at outside back earlier in the season, the rookie from Cal-State Northridge did not miss a beat as he repeatedly disrupted Puerto Rico's attack allowing Stephens and Walker to contribute to the attack.
Following the match, Garcia told reporters that he was pleased to return to the center of the park.
GARCIA: "It felt like home again. Familiar territory, it was good to get out there and run, break a sweat for 90 minutes and credit to all the guys that played tonight. I think they did a great job."
(On LA's control of an experienced Puerto Rico midfield…)
GARCIA: "We talked about I think this team playing in the reserve games, our work ethic is second to none. I thought that collectively we defended well, attacked as a unit so, like I said, credit to all the guys that played tonight and they guys that scored."
(On the taking pride in winning an important game as youngsters…)
GARCIA: "Absolutely, we all want to show that we belong here and that whenever we get called upon we're ready, so I thought the group was extremely, extremely well tonight in that sense. We're just looking to make the best of our opportunities, I know myself, I'm just trying to work hard and make a name for myself and I think everyone that stepped on the field today gave 110% today."


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By Scott T. Sterling
With U2 still basking in the afterglow of taking home the Golden Globe last night (Jan. 12) for Best Original Song with the track "Ordinary Love" from Nelson Mandela biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, frontman Bono has dished out more details on the band's long-awaited new album.
According to Showbiz 411, the ever-enigmatic Bono made the revelations while attending a post-Globes party thrown by the Weinstein Company.
"We're still working some things out," Bono said of the group's thirteenth studio album, which he said was being prepped for a June release date. The frontman also revealed that the band's next single, "Invisible," will be out in the coming weeks.
"It's not what you expect," Bono said of "Invisible." "It's not your typical love song."
"Invisible" will serve as the first single off U2's still-untitled new album, which is being produced by Danger Mouse. According to the L.A. Times back in December, "Invisible" is "an anthemic number about leaving one's hometown."
The album had previously been tagged with a release date earlier in the year, tentatively during the month of April.


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There's nothing quite like hearing Stan Bush sing "You got the touch, you got the power" while watching Optimus Prime soar onto the screen. That's exactly what High Moon and Activision is going for. That song, "The Touch," was from the 1980's soundtrack for the Transformers cartoon movie titled Transformers: The Movie.
The trailer was just released to show the GI retro Optimus Prime in action, which you get when you pre-order the game from GameStop before August 20. Transformers: Fall of Cybertron releases on August 21, 2012. It's an pretty nostalgic trailer, since I grew up with the Transformers, so the song brought out my inner-most child.
You can follow Movies and Culture Editor Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ


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That monster truck guy is so nasty. They need to lose.
Like I said, the way he talks into the camera at times reminds me of Russell Hantz. My hate towards Rob is not at the level as it is for Hantz yet. :lol
But tbh I don't mind them.
I was kinda hoping Team Substitute Teachers would have beat Team Monster Truck but that did not happen.
Team Substitute Teachers the tall one has a really nasty attitude but not as bad a Team Monster Truck's Faux Hawk Man does.
Best part of tonight's episode was at the bus repair shop where other teams were trying to shut up the Twins and air shooting themselves in the head behind the Twins.
I prefer the loud twins who are simply trying to pep each other up. I think they are a lot better than the ugly Americans who think everyone should speak English to them or are supposed to just do their bidding because they feel the need to be rude to them. go Twinnie!
It's funny, because I don't mind them, either, and normally I get irritated fairly easy with contestants. A couple of points:
1. I see it as a form of psych warfare on their part. You saw everybody getting distracted and taking time to complain about them. Classic sports move.
2. For me, I guess it doesn't bother me so much because at least they're not indulging in truly obnoxious behavior. That Big Brother couple just about drove me insane with their constant crying, whining, and abusing of each other. At least the twins stay positive and focus on winning. I loved the last episode, when the contestants were separated into bunches by arriving late for the train. The twins were in the second bunch and instead of fussing, simply said, "We going to focus on being first out of this group." Exactly! :up


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Clover had her first surgery in November 2010 to repair her pectineus muscle to increase the range of motion in her right leg. She had hip replacement surgery on her right hip in January 2011, a left hip replacement in March 2011 and in February 2012 she required additional hip replacement surgery in her right hip to replace faulty equipment.
Clover is no ordinary daughter. The pit bull mixed puppy was adopted when she was 8 weeks old by Morris after being brought to Park Avenue Animal Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
Morris, a veterinary technician, said Clover's injuries were one of the worst cases of abuse of dogs she had ever seen in her 20-year career.
"When she came to the office she was so badly mangled, there was no way it could have been an accident," Morris said. "She was either being used as bait to train pit bulls, or someone was trying to train her to fight."
Clover's original owner brought her to the clinic claiming the dog was injured in a fight and wanted the veterinarian to repair her for breeding purposes.
"She had extensive damage to both legs, her guts were hanging out and she needed vulva reconstructive surgery," Morris said. "Breeding should have been the last thing on the owner's mind. From the first day she was brought to the clinic, I took her home with me at night to give her hydrotherapy every two hours and to try to help her eat. Her stomach was so messed up it took many months before she was able to eat like a normal dog."
Clover's original owner never returned to the clinic and never paid anything on the bill.
"When we were finally able to contact him, he told us to euthanize her," Morris said. "I decided to adopt her and find her the best possible care."
The best possible care in veterinary surgery turns out to be right here in Russellville.
Dr. Terry Dew at Azzore Clinic is the only board certified small animal surgical specialist in Arkansas. He has clinics in Russellville, Springdale and Memphis, Tenn.
"Dr. Dew is amazing," Morris said. "He comes to Memphis twice a month, so we were able to do consults there and then come to Russellville for the surgeries."
The initial surgery in 2010 was to help Clover regain motion in her right leg. The surgery in February of this year and yesterday are a result of faulty equipment.
"Because the hardware was faulty," Morris said. "Dr. Dew had to graft bones from other areas to build up the socket correctly before reinstalling a new hip replacement."
"There have been over 10,000 hips from that manufacturer put in worldwide," Dew said. "Clover is the only one ever reported that was faulty. It happens, but you hate to see it happen, and Clover is such a sweet dog."
The staff at the clinic referred to Clover as affectionate and always happy.
"Most of the dogs are air kissers," Jennifer Horn said. "But Clover licks you all over the face. Her tail is always wagging even though she knows why she's here."
Clover has never been allowed to run and jump and play like other puppies.
"She's always been on a sort of "bed rest" for puppies," Morris said. "I take her with me to work so I know she's in her cage and not trying to play. Sometimes people visit the clinic just to see her. She's kind of famous in our area."
Clover had surgery Monday, which included bone grafts and hip fracture repair. Morris said Clover will be on "bed rest" for an additional four months before the final surgery to complete the hip replacement process.
"Clover has the sweetest disposition, and she is a real fighter, Morris said. "I know people think it's crazy to spend this kind of money on a dog, but to me she is so much more, and I'm glad I was able to give her a fighting chance at a normal life."
That crazy amount of money Morris referred adds up to $18,000 and Clover still has one more surgery.
Morris said Dr. Dew and his staff have treated Clover better than many human patients are treated at hospitals.
"At most veterinary clinics, there is no staff at night," Morris said. "Someone is at Dr. Dew's 24 hours a day. They send updates about surgeries via Twitter and Facebook. Their dedication to animals is unparalleled."
Dew moved to Arkansas in 1995 and has spent the last 17 years providing services unavailable to pet owners before.
"The equipment at Azzore Veterinary Specialist is technologically more advanced than equipment in many hospitals," Drew said. "We have a CT scan machine that can deliver results in 11 seconds. That type of technology is only available at our clinic. The machine is considered mobile because it is meant to be used in head trauma cases or pediatrics. It is small enough to take directly to the patient."
Dew said working with animals is especially rewarding, but has one particular draw back.
"The animals all want to get better," Dew said. "But they don't have the ability to self-restrict after surgery. They immediately want to be up and around."
Even though it's almost St. Patrick's Day, or Clover Day as Morris called it, Morris is already focused on Christmas.
"She will be almost three years old before she has the opportunity to play like a normal puppy," Morris said. "Hopefully this Christmas I'll be able to stuff her stocking with toys she can actually play with.


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Just loaded version 9.2.102.000 on a newly installed Windows 7 computer and everything seems to work just fine, but when I add a new user account and logon to it, I get the Zone Alarm Control Center window, but the window is empty and it doesn't minimize to the system tray. I've tried rebooting and even uninstalling and reinstalling under the new user's account, same result.
I'm sure that this is a simple issue and I'm just missing something. Anybody have any ideas.


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Originally, I had this titled "Has PR lost its balls?" or just the more declarative "PR Has No Balls". I'm sure either would be great for clicks, however, it's a serious question.
And one I was speaking to an old friend about in the industry - and the person's response was "I know that I don't push back as much as I used to on executives or media - but it's just not worth the fight."
That's bad, isn't it? No, not condemning my friend as I know what the person means. While not everything should be a battle, too much has become a "meh" situation that just isn't worth fighting.
We've become so tired of the good fight, that we just go with the flow. And, yes, that's a lot of what is happening in public relations nowadays: the real seasoned communications veterans who wear their battle scars with pride are getting tired of the fight, and the new "senior" people - more like junior staff without the experience to do what is needed and right - just going along for the ride.
But a few other things that have passed my screen the past few months have made me think about this topic more and more - as well as conversations I've had with people.
First, let's look at the Tim Johnson / TechCrunch post. No, I will not link to the post. If you're in public relations, the presumption is you know the issue and likely have an opinion - that is wrong. Yes, I'm friends with Tim and writing about this from that perspective, but even if I wasn't his friend, my POV wouldn't change that much.
When did it become wrong to push back on a reporter? Isn't fighting for our client supposed to be what public relations, in particular media relations, all about? While I don't fully condone Tim's tone of voice, I do fully support his doing the right thing for the client (and, yes, this would have been a much better phone conversation than email conversation).
The saddest part of this whole situation? The piled on attacks by junior PR people (or SM people). Those that have been in the industry for less than a handful of years that have been ready to throw Tim under the bus and condemn him as wrong to dare push back on TechCrunch. Or in the case of the SM people, those that have no clue about PR sure feel good lecturing about PR.
Um, okay, are these the people we REALLY want working for our agencies, on our accounts, to push forward our story? Is this what we're teaching the future PR leaders? Don't fight for what is right, but just take it laying down and rollover for any press? So if there's a wrong article, should we just sit there and take it because we don't want to offend anyone?
Second was this post by Frédéric Filoux on "The Communication Paradox" that reminds me of my interview with Jack O'Dwyer back during the Global PR Blog Week in 2004. Sadly, the two posts are almost 180 degrees from each other.
In the interview, Jack noted that: Right now, there are very bad forces affecting public relations. We are supposed to be a bridge for the press to get to CEOs, not a barrier, but the industry has fallen into the trap of blocking access for the press. There is this tremendous force that is trying to convert public relations into advertising, especially at the conglomerates, and that will be the downfall of public relations.
In the post, Frédéric noted that high-tech corporations have terrible communications - "do such poor communication" - and that PR is employed to stonewall and, to quote, "Most hires are expected to be docile; initiative is strongly discouraged by paranoid upper management layers."
Plus, with all the ways to get content, the stonewalling seems to be against the grain of what you would want to do - get the story to as many people as possible; as a side note, what's the most amusing (saddest?) part of this is that the Web 2.0 companies and PR firms that love to smash corporations for having old news rooms, etc are the ones with no newsrooms, no press contact information, no logos or other content for the public. Go look at your favorite Web 2.0 company that doesn't have senior PR people and try to find information - a press release, a press contact, a logo, past coverage. You rarely will be able to find that information.
When did PR forget that our job was to be that bridge to the public, to the media and turn into stonewalling, Heisman posing professionals? When did we forget to push forward, to be the voice of clients and do the right thing?
For fuck's sake, I sure hope that's not the future of public relations, because we might as well just shut it all down.
Now, me, personally think this change in PR - this loss of testes - began in the dotcom era. That's when many agencies stopped being partners to their clients, and became admins. It's when firms became afraid to push back and have the clients do the right thing, because they were afraid of losing the client and the money.
So from partner to admin for the agency world. PR firms went from being valued partners for strategy, tactics and counsel to admins doing the shit work for clients (and surely billing for it) that meant taking orders. We went from valued partners to replaceable admins, not being that distinguishable than others. We went from the ability to manage expectations to just being yes-men without any thought.
All of this reminds me of lessons my first boss taught me (yah, I can write a book on the advice): protect the client. As agency PR people, we're the air cover for the client, protecting and having the client's back. And that means being the fall-guy at times, but that's what the senior people get paid the big bucks for: to give the smart counsel and strategy to the client, and give air-cover with well-thought out answers and more for clients when they are under fire from press or executives. Is it a fun job?
Well, no, but it's our job.
And that is what seems to be missing. In fact, that seems to be discouraged - don't stick your neck out or give counsel that might be contrary to what the client claims or thinks they want (no, do what they want, watch it fail miserably, but bill), even if what they want is not the best for the client. And senior staff pushes people to just give counsel that the client wants to hear, not needs to hear. And don't manage expectations, because that's letting the client down if they aren't great results.
Yes, I'm speaking from experience when I write that paragraph: pushing back on the client, then getting slapped down at the office for doing the right thing in protecting the client. For being told just to do what the client wants, not what's best for the client. And that's not right. And that's what gets us from the adult table to the kiddie table - we lose our seat and standing with the C-suite if we just become yes-men.
And we're seeing this more and more with social media (we can talk five years ago and replicate that conversation with blogs or podcasts): we just do what the client wants without counsel that might discourage the activity but replace it with a more custom-approach for the client's space. The reality is that social media isn't a one-size fits all but client's get caught up in the shiny and it's the agency's job to put on glasses and suss out what's good and bad, getting client's amazing results.
What can public relations do to get its groove back? We need to go back to the past where we are a full partner. If we don't man up, push back and do what's right for the client and, in a way, public relations, we'll be relegated to continued admin work and, yes, we will likely just be the outreach for social media without having a seat at the table to come up with the ideas, the strategies, the smart tactics for our clients and to push forward to integrated communications.
Now, I am not casting a wide brushstroke against all public relations, but it is something that people need to think about for the future. I know teams at various public relations firms that do the right things for the clients, man up and do the right thing by example.
But the rest of us - where's the fight? Where's the pride? Where's doing the right thing for the client? And, well, manning up and standing up for what's right for our clients? Or do we want to be glorified admins?
PR should totally have the BSD mentality, knowing that it's the top dog and top of its game. We've lost that, we've become eunuchs and let social media "gurus" and "experts" walk in with the BSD mentality ... when they have nothing there.


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DOVER, Del.—Sprint Cup teams are looking forward to having four additional test sessions next season and they might have more things to test than they initially thought.
Teams are awaiting 2013 rules and several team officials said over the weekend they anticipate NASCAR might give them a little more leeway in some areas of the car, while also restricting the ability to skew the rear of the cars.
NASCAR has prohibited teams from testing at NASCAR-sanctioned tracks the past four years but will allow them to test at four sanctioned tracks beginning next season. That's in addition to the traditional preseason test at Daytona.
Linemakers: Odds to win the Chase
Not only will testing allow them to work now at the tracks that they race on, they also might need to work a little more on qualifying. Teams also are anticipating that NASCAR will get rid of the top-35 rule and go back to the previous system of the top 36 (or 37 or 38) cars in qualifying making the race, with the remainder of the field set by provisionals based primarily on owner points.
The top-35 rule guarantees the top 35 teams in owner points starting spots in each race. The rest of the field must make the race on speed. Under the new format, all teams would have to qualify on speed or have enough owner points to be eligible for a provisional starting spot.
NASCAR could announce that change and other new rules during a test at Talladega Superspeedway Wednesday for the 2013 Cup car.
Kyle Busch said his Joe Gibbs Racing team already is experimenting with some ideas for next year.
Busch said teams know the cars are going to be lighter by 100-160 pounds. He also said there will be aero changes that he said he would be the "test dummy" for at a tire test at Texas Motor Speedway in two weeks.
Busch said teams can't do much until they know the exact parameters.
"The biggest thing is going to be what their decisions are going to be in rear camber rules, rear toe rules and track bar rules and truck arm rules and all that stuff," Busch said. "I think all that is not yet for sure."
NASCAR won't make those decisions until after upcoming tests at Talladega, Kansas and Charlotte and tire tests at Texas and Phoenix.
"We've set out a sheet (to the teams) in which to test by and then we'll evaluate where we are with that and see if we have to adjust any of that for another test," NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said.
"When we get home and process the data, we'll see if we can narrow down or lock down what the rules are going to be."
Testing to help rookies Stenhouse, Patrick
The new testing rules likely will help rookies such as Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Danica Patrick next year, as well as struggling teams such as Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.
NASCAR has not determined how many cars a team can take to each test, but it likely will be at least two.
"That's going to be huge," said Stenhouse, the 2011 Nationwide Series champion who will drive Roush Fenway Racing's No. 17 Cup car next season. "I've already thought about testing. The Nationwide cars drive so great compared to the Cup cars with so much horsepower and to get extra tests next year will definitely be a benefit for us.
"Everybody else will be able to get faster too, but I think it'll help me kind of speed up and catch up with the learning curve of what we've got to do."
Most of the elite teams likely will hold off on testing at the start of the season, instead hoping to get information from affiliates. If the past is any indication, most teams will save their tests for Chase for the Sprint Cup tracks.
The tests also will be important for Penske Racing, which is making the switch from Dodge to Ford.
"Ricky Stenhouse, that's the guy it's going to help the most," Keselowski said. "We need to have testing. We need to continue to develop and break the rut we're in as a sport as far as new drivers and new people not being able to break in."
Phoenix Racing plans to continue
With Kurt Busch leaving Phoenix Racing for Furniture Row Racing after the race next week at Talladega, that leaves Phoenix Racing looking for a driver for its No. 51 car for the rest of the season and for 2013.
"We knew this was coming down, we knew Kurt was going to do something different," Phoenix Racing general manager Steve Barkdoll said. "What it's done is allow people to say, 'Hey let's give Phoenix a call and see what they've got going on.'
"That makes us feel good. We were really glad to have (Busch). We wish we had the funding to keep him. But when he made the announcement that he was leaving, it's opened up the phone lines."
Barkdoll said the team hopes to run a full season again in 2013.
Among the drivers that could get a look in the Phoenix Racing car are Regan Smith, whom Busch is replacing at Furniture Row, and recently reinstated driver AJ Allmendinger, who failed a NASCAR drug test in June for what he said was Adderall.
Martin strong at Dover, now off again
Mark Martin finished third at Dover and will celebrate that finish by … taking another week off.
Martin's 25-race schedule only included one restrictor-plate race — the Daytona 500. Michael Waltrip had the other three and will race this weekend at Talladega.
Martin will be back in the car the following two weeks at Charlotte and Kansas, and then take another week off as Brian Vickers drives the car at Martinsville.
"I don't know with all the show that was going on, if everybody really noticed or not, but we had a rocket-ship, super-fast car," Martin said after the Dover race.
"Start of the race, green flag, we were passing cars left and right. It was awesome."


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Hardly a week goes by without the release of a new think tank study that concludes what we in the life science industries have known for a long time: California needs to dramatically increase the number of college-educated workers if it is to remain competitive globally.
This is doubly true for the Southern California region where industries such as biotechnology and medical devices rely heavily on workers with certificates and degrees to fuel their expansion and create the type of job growth that has left the area better off during the weak economic recovery than other parts of the state.
California community colleges play a vital role in helping students earn the certificates and degrees that lead to work in our labs, manufacturing facilities and offices. Community colleges also prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. In fact, 55 percent of California State University graduates started at a community college, as did 28 percent of University of California graduates.
Unfortunately, too many community college students don't make it to the finish line. Only about half of degree-seeking students achieve their educational goal. Additionally, the state's budget crisis has forced the system in recent years to slash course offerings and turn away hundreds of thousands of potential first-time students.
But the community colleges system, recognizing that huge infusions of funds are not likely to materialize in the next few years, recently went through a comprehensive self-examination and developed strategies to improve student success.
A community colleges task force identified core priorities – basic math and English instruction, transfer preparation, career technical training and degree attainment – and put forth recommendations that shake up the status quo and make colleges more responsive to the needs of students and the economy.
The Student Success Act of 2012, also known as SB 1456, is a critical part of this reform effort and deserves the same type of bipartisan support in the Assembly that it received in the Senate. The major thrust of the bill, which is scheduled for a vote in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Aug. 8, would target existing student services funding for orientation and assessment of new students as well as for education planning services. These services, when provided at the beginning of students' educational experiences, have been proven to help them become more focused and more likely to achieve their educational and career goals. The bill would hold colleges more accountable with publicly disclosed score cards that measure the number of students reaching key academic milestones, and it would require students who receive fee waivers to meet academic progress standards.
Other community college reforms to be addressed by the statewide community colleges board of governors would require students to declare a course of study within three semesters and prioritize enrollment to reward students who are focused on meeting their educational goals. The current enrollment system rewards unit accumulation, rather than progress toward a program of study.
A broad coalition of business leaders, social justice organizations and the group representing the California community colleges 2.6 million students have all endorsed SB 1456.
If current trends persist, California is on track to fall 1 million college graduates short of economic demand by 2025, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. For the Southern California life sciences industries, which accounts for more than 97,000 direct jobs and another 73,000 in indirect jobs, there is a critical need to maintain a pipeline of skilled workers, scientists and researchers to fill positions in expanding companies. Sensible proposals such as those contained in the SB 1456 are an important step in bridging the gap.


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US taxpayers spent a staggering $1.4 Billion (yes, with a B) on the Obamas, according to author Robert Keith Gray in his new book PRESIDENTIAL PERKS GONE ROYAL!
Compare that to only $57.8 million the Brits shelled out for their royals, and you have to ask what is going on with President Obama. Now word comes that he and first lady Michelle, their two daughters, and Dog Bo will be spending an extended holiday vacation in Hawaii that will cost us taxpayers more than $4 million dollars. Double whammy, wow, over the top, beyond the pale, way too much vacation time, and much more.
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But not to worry about the looming fiscal cliff, high unemployment rates, a constipated Congress, and a confused and hurting electorate. "The locals and other Americans will be paying for their vacation," says The Hawaii Reporter. A large security team including US Secret Service, Coast Guard, Navy Seals, drivers, attendants and God knows who else will command a total of 22 vehicles. A commenter details the following list of costs: The US Air Force has listed the cost of travel as high as $181,757 per flight hour for the nine hour trip for a one way total of $1,635,813. A cargo plane will fly Obama's 22 vehicles back and forth at another cost of $258,000, and locals are estimating that Oahu's local security outlay could run as high as $250,000!
Where America's Royals are staying will involve these vehicles having to wind through narrow one lane roads, further inconveniencing the population. But no matter: the President doesn't have to worry about campaign rigors any more, and the first lady can relax after her exhausting, earlier vacations.
TRENDING: LiAngelo Ball Tells Truth About The Day He Said 'Thank You' To President
Can't get much better than taking all of those trips on the taxpayer's dime unless, of course, you happen to BE one of the lowly taxpayers. Spend now, spend a bunch, and let someone else pick up the tab describes Barack Obama's idea of retail therapy as the nation stares headlong over the fiscal cliff. And taxpayers can undoubtedly expect big hikes in the coming year. Each citizen carries $150,000 of indebtedness as a result of Barack and Co's trillion dollar per year spending spree. And gee, we can't even call his holiday a Christmas break anymore. Kwanza anyone?
Photo credit: terrellaftermath
The views expressed in this opinion article are solely those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website.


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I am building a website for a client and they wish to add a small shop section (only 20 or so items), this is my first time with eCommerce and I will have to learn as I go along. I have purchased the required software and it seems straight forward enough to integrate it into the website I am building but I just have a quick question if anyone can help.
Are there any special hosting/server requirements I need to ensure I have on my current hosting package before I tell the client I can definatly do this?
The hosting requirements will vary by the type of software and payment method you plan to use.
Do you have an ecommerce package in mind? Will you take credit cards directly on the site or will people be sent to a third party like paypal to transact?
No, you need nothing more from the hosting, as it`s a small ecommerce, you should accept payment through 3rd party gateways like PayPal.
Have you considered something like BigCommerce?
Magento is the best platform for that, you should analyze your product first then check market place for that then go for it.
Yes ...You are right you go with PayPal...
I do need to object to one or two of the comments here regarding PayPal. Although we certainly recommend having PayPal as one of the payment options that customers are offered, having only PayPal will really hurt a website's conversions rate. Although we may know that it is not necessary to have a PayPal account to use a credit card, when people are taken off of your website to make a payment on PayPal's website, PayPal makes it seem like you need to set up an account. Many people do not want to set up an account and will leave the page (and your website) immediately - right when they were about to make a purchase! Also, because PayPal has burned so many bridges over the years, there are hundreds of thousands of people who refuse to ever purchase through PayPal.
In our eCommerce training course we mention numerous times that you definitely want to have a real payment processor where you can take payments right on your website and offer PayPal as a backup payment method for people who have no credit and, thus, no credit card. We have seen websites double and triple their conversion rates immediately when they add a real payment processor. In fact, I built my career around flipping websites and the very first thing I looked at that told me I was going to be able to buy a website for less money than it was really worth is if they only accepted PayPal.
For small business i dont think that you have to worry about it, take 3rd party help for your transaction. Yes you are right Mr. StoreCoach but for small business it may cost you lot.
If you can't afford the few dollars a merchant account costs per month you probably don't need [or aren't ready for] your own store when there are already so many market options out there. As the old adage, goes.. it takes money to make money and in ecommerce that is absolute true. People buy because they (a) want what you have and (b) are confident you're the place to get it. Having the first without the second is not enough.
Thank you, Ted, for saying exactly what I was thinking.
We have a special agreement with Durango and they process all of our Store Coach members transactions for very good rates - usually in the 2.25-2.5% range (PayPal Standard is at 5%). You may very well be paying less in transaction fees using someone like Durango because PayPal's fees are so high. Also, through our exclusive arrangement, Durango lets all of our people set up as many websites as they want under their one parent account, meaning they only have to pay one gateway fee per month - even if they have ten websites.
Even if you only have one website and you aren't making a ton at the beginning, surely it is worth paying an extra $25 per month in order to double or triple your sales. If it isn't, why are you wasting your time building the website? Unless you have built a website that has an average profit per order of only a few dollars, just one extra sale per month will pay for the real processor (we teach people not to waste their time if they don't make AT LEAST $20-$25 profit per order, incidentally).
Have you considered Vendevor? It's perfect for embedding an ecommerce section into an existing website (it's one line of code) and the payment processor comes stock so you can immediately accept CC's with no setup.
I just started an e-commerce site using Bigcommerce and am happy with usability and customer service. Plus, like someone said above, the monthly fee is not really that expensive considering you're making money off of your site.. I'm paying $40 a month and that's not even the most inexpensive package. Good luck!
Get ready to getting mad because of Google then


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Morning MarketBeat: Wobbly Tech Stocks Face Earnings Parade
Pre-Market Brief:
MARKET SNAP: At 5:28 a.m. ET, S&P 500 futures up 0.1%. Treasury yields higher. Nymex lower at $95.51; spot gold at $1,692.82, up 0.2%. In Europe, FTSE 100 down 0.2%, DAX down 0.9% and CAC 40 down 0.5%. In Asia, Nikkei 225 down 0.4% and Hang Seng up 0.3%.
Overnight action: BOJ moves to end deflation; Dreamliner probes intensify; Algeria attack shows reach of militants.
Watch for: December Existing Home Sales: seen (10:00 a.m. Eastern Time): +2.0%; last: +5.9%. Richmond Fed January Manufacturing Survey (10:00).
Earnings:: AMD, CA, CSX, Delta Air, DuPont, Google, IBM, J&J, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern, Travelers and Verizon are among several companies scheduled to report quarterly results.
For more MarketBeat and other streaming markets coverage from The Wall Street Journal, point your mobile browser to wsj.com/marketspulse.
The Breakfast Briefing
Tech stocks have largely missed out on the S&P 500′s latest run to fresh five-year highs. Whether they're ready to join the fun could hinge on a big batch of earnings reports this week.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 is down some 4% since peaking in mid-September, when the Fed made its QE3 proclamation. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 is up more than 1% in the same time frame–including a 4.1% rise this year. On multiple occasions (including Friday) the index has closed at its highest level since December 2007. Financial markets were closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Day.
"With questionable performance in stocks like Apple and Intel, the Nasdaq 100 index hasn't been able to join the new-high party like many other indexes," says Jason Goepfert, market-sentiment watcher at Sundial Capital Research.
A bunch of tech earnings are on the docket this week, beginning later Tuesday with Google, IBM and AMD. Apple and Netflix are scheduled to report on Wednesday, while Microsoft and Nokia are on tap Thursday. These reports will go a long way in determining if the recent trend continues or if the Nasdaq 100 can break out of its malaise.
Intel kicked off the festivities for the tech sector last week with some worrisome quarterly figures. The chip maker, which continues to struggle with the declining PC market, projected lower revenue for 2013 and warned profit margins could take a hit. The stock fell 6% on Friday.
Apple's report could garner even more attention than unusual, considering the spotlight the stock price has been under in recent months. Shares closed Friday at $500, and are down 29% from record highs in September.
But, as Goepfert points out, the broad market has largely been able to shake off tech's wobbles. The S&P 500 is riding a three-week winning streak and finished Friday at its highest level since Dec. 26, 2007. The small-cap Russell 2000 and the Dow transports both sit at record highs.
And if history is any indication, tech's recent struggles won't have much impact on the rest of the market.
"There's always a chicken-and-egg kind of thing that goes with these kinds of divergences," said Goepfert, who analyzed how stocks previously reacted to similar divergences between the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 dating back to the Nasdaq 100′s inception in 1986.
The conclusion: "More often than not, it was the S&P's impressive performance that tended to win out, especially in the longer term," Goepfert says.
Morning MarketBeat Daily Factoid: On this day in 1970, the Boeing 747 embarked on its first regularly scheduled commercial flight. The debut voyage went from New York to London. More than 40 years later, international investigations into the battery malfunctions that grounded Boeing's 787 Dreamliner jets in recent weeks are accelerating.
-Steven Russolillo[wsj-responsive-more-in tag="Morning MarketBeat" category="" ]
Stocks to Watch
Google is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings of $10.57 a share, according to a consensus survey by FactSet. On Friday, the company said analysts' estimates for quarterly results may be off because they haven't taken into consideration the impact of the sale of Motorola Home, which makes set-top boxes.
International Business Machines is projected to post fourth-quarter earnings of $5.25 a share.
Texas Instruments is forecast to report fourth-quarter earnings of 7 cents a share.
Must Reads
SAC Misses Out on Big Investment: "SAC Capital Advisors late last year lost a potential investment from a Japanese bank that could have landed the hedge-fund giant hundreds of millions of dollars to manage, a setback for a firm under siege from government investigators and facing significant client withdrawals."
Mary Jo White Is Likely Pick for SEC Boss" "Mary Jo White, a former federal prosecutor who rose to national prominence pursuing terrorists in New York, is the Obama administration's likely pick to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission, according to people familiar with the administration's search."
Current Account: Dodd-Frank, Seen from Missouri: "Few would pair Columbia, Mo., and 200 Park Ave. in New York City when trying to assess the most drastic overhaul of U.S. financial rules since the Great Depression. But the questions raised in mid-Missouri and Midtown Manhattan in the wake of the 2007-2008 financial turmoil are similar: Has the response, which includes the Dodd-Frank law and other regulations, gone too far?"
Investors See a Way Forward: Buybacks: "Many analysts expect lackluster profits from companies as they struggle with sluggish economic growth. But some strategists and investors are predicting that a rash of share buybacks by corporations in the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index could give a surprisingly strong boost to one key measure of profitability: earnings per share."
'Target' Funds Still Missing the Mark on Returns: "Buoyed by a strong stock market and robust bond returns, target-date funds posted big gains last year. But for investors still recovering from the market crash of 2008, these funds—often billed as the only retirement investment you need—may still come up short, experts say."
Money Magic: Bonds Act Like Stocks: "Pension funds across the U.S. are desperate to overcome low interest rates and churn out returns big enough to pay future retirees. Now some hedge funds and money managers are pitching something they see as a Holy Grail: a strategy that often uses leverage to boost returns of bonds that usually occupy the low-risk, low-return portion of pension-fund investment portfolios."
Ahead of the Tape: Just What Is Working on the Railroad: "They say the only way to see the real America is by train. Whether or not that is the case, railroads paint a great picture of what is and isn't working in America's economy."
Heard on the Street: Bumpier Margins on the Verizon: "In the world of U.S. wireless, Verizon Communications and AT&T sit at the head of the table. Neither is likely to give up its seat any time soon. But the No. 1 and No. 2 wireless carriers by subscribers may have to accept that they can't fatten their margins, and may even face some downward pressure, if they want to keep a reinvigorated Sprint Nextel from closing in."


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Waiting for Edmonds
Today's Post-Dispatch included a Jim Edmonds interview that was less-than-encouraging. Aren't Monday mornings hard enough without having to read about Jim saying that he probably won't be ready for opening day? Well, my initial gloom has turned to acceptance. It's better for Jim and for the Cards if he takes a little more time rather than risk another injury by rushing things. This news definitely leaves some open questions about the starting lineup for the outfield, especially since we've yet to see Juan Encarnacion back in action (any day now, they say).
On the positive note, Braden Looper pitched 4 scoreless innings today, and Rick Ankiel broked out of a mini-slump with a homer and a double. Tony has always had faith in him – who knows, with these pesky outfielder injuries he may be testing that faith in Ankiel sooner than he planned.
Oh, and I had dinner at Ozzie's. Review coming soon.


text: "The three [editors] together amount to a formidable encyclopedia of Doyleiana, and their introduction and commentaries keep us oriented.... The editors also insert quotations from Conan Doyle's fiction for apt and amusing contrast.... Most of the letters in this volume are from Conan Doyle to his mother ... their relationship was close, and throughout her life she hoarded letters from her increasingly famous son. They are an invaluable resource, full of vivid incidental details.... They also demonstrate how casually Arthur Conan Doyle could bring a scene to life."Washington Post


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This meeting is held in a wheelchair accessible location.Please click here for a PDF version of the Agenda
December 3, 2008
North Berkeley Senior Center
7:00 PM 1901 Hearst AvenueSee "MEETING PROCEDURES" below.
All written materials identified on this agenda are available on the Planning Commission webpage: http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=13072PRELIMINARY MATTERS1. Roll Call
2. Order of Agenda: The Commission may rearrange the agenda or place additional agendized items on the Consent Calendar.
3. Public Comment: Comments on subjects not included on the agenda. Speakers may comment on agenda items when the Commission hears those items.
See "Public Testimony Guidelines" below.
4. Planning Staff Report: In addition to the items below, additional matters may be reported at the meeting.
5. Chairperson's Report: Report by Planning Commission Chair.
6. Committee Reports: Reports by Commission committees or liaisons. In addition to the items below, additional matters may be reported at the meeting.
7. Approval of Minutes: None.
8. Future Agenda Items and Other Planning-Related Events: Memo to be delivered.CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: See "Consent Calendar Guidelines" below.
None.AGENDA ITEMS: Matters for discussion and possible action.
9. Discussion/Action: West Berkeley ProjectAction: Review several obstacles and provide direction to staff.
Written Materials: See report from 11-19-08.
Web Information: http://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=10764
Continued From: 11-19-08.
10. ACTION: Reconciling Areas included in the Southside Plan & Downtown Area Plan
Action: Consider staff's recommendation for reconciling the boundaries of the SSP and DAP so there is no overlap.
Written Materials: See report from 11-19-08. Revised report to be delivered.
Web Information: None.
Continued From: 11-19-08.
11. ACTION: Downtown Area Plan (DAP) Land Use ChapterAction: Review DAP Land Use Chapter.
Written Materials: See report and chapter from 11-19-08.
Web Information: http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=832
Continued From: 11-19-08.
ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS: In compliance with Brown Act regulations, no action may be taken on these items. However, discussion may occur at this meeting upon Commissioner request.Information Reports:None.Communications: (See "Procedures for correspondence to the Commissioners," below).
None.Late Communications received at previous meetings (available by request from the Planning Department and on the Planning Commission website):
See next regular meeting agenda,12-10-08.
Public Testimony Guidelines
Speakers are customarily allotted up to three minutes each. The Commission Chair may limit the number of speakers and the length of time allowed to each speaker to ensure adequate time for all items on the Agenda. To speak during Public Comment or during a Public Hearing, please submit a speaker card to the Secretary by 7:15 p.m., or at the Planning Department zoning counter by 5:00 p.m. (2120 Milvia Street). Customarily speakers are asked to address agenda items when the items are before the Commission rather than during the general public comment period.
Speakers are encouraged to submit comments in writing. See "Procedures for correspondence to the Commissioners" below.Consent Calendar GuidelinesThe Consent Calendar allows the Commission to take action with no discussion on projects to which no one objects. The Commission may place items on the Consent Calendar if no one present wishes to testify on an item. Anyone present who wishes to speak on an item should submit a speaker card prior to the start of the meeting, or raise his or her hand and advise the Chairperson, and the item will be pulled from the consent calendar for public comment and discussion prior to action.
Procedures for correspondence to the Commissioners:
Written material may be viewed in advance of the meeting at the Planning and Development Department, 2118 Milvia Street, First Floor, during working hours or at the Main Branch Library, Shattuck/Kittredge Streets, during regular library hours at the Reference Desk.
Accommodations Provided Upon Request. To request a disability-related accommodation(s) to participate in the meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please contact the Disability Services specialist at 981-6346(V) or 981-7075 (TDD) at least three business days before the meeting date.
Note: If you object to a project or to any City action or procedure relating to the project application, any lawsuit which you may later file may be limited to those issues raised by you or someone else in the public hearing on the project, or in written communication delivered at or prior to the public hearing. The time limit within which to commence any lawsuit or legal challenge related to these applications is governed by Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure, unless a shorter limitations period is specified by any other provision. Under Section 1094.6, any lawsuit or legal challenge to any quasi adjudicative decision made by the City must be filed no later than the 90th day following the date on which such decision becomes final. Any lawsuit or legal challenge, which is not filed within that 90 day period, will be barred.
Please refrain from wearing scented products to public meetings.


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Bob Marley & the Wailers
See Also:
Consumer Guide Reviews:Natty Dread [Island, 1975]
You'd figure the loss of vocal and songwriting input from Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston would be crippling, and reggae melodies being what they are that's the way I heard it at first. But the I-Threes pitch in like comrades rather than backup (can the Blackberries or the Sweet Inspirations claim the same?), and while the material has thinned out slightly I'm sure there are guys in Kingston who would kill for Marley's rejects. "No Woman, No Cry," a masterpiece on the order of "Trench Town Rock" or "I Shot the Sheriff," encourages him to bend and burr his sharp timbre until it's lyrical and incisive both at once. Lyrical and incisive--that's the combo. A
Rastaman Vibration [Island, 1976]
Live! [Island, 1976]
Exodus [Island, 1977]
Kaya [Island, 1978]
Babylon By Bus [Island, 1978]
Survival [Island, 1979]
Uprising [Island, 1980]
Confrontation [Island, 1983]
Legend [Island, 1984]
One Love [Heartbeat, 1991]
Talkin' Blues [Tuff Gong, 1991]
See Also


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Historically, General Motors' design chiefs have ruled their domain from the Detroit area, but the automaker has attempted to tap into the car culture that runs rampant in southern California. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the current Hollywood-based design studio, GM opened up the studio doors, showing off some two new concepts, along with some of our favorite California-designed concepts of the past.
Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept (ULC)
How small can Cadillac go? Although the company is already working on a model to slot underneath the CTS, designers envisioned applying the brand's design and material characteristics to a small, subcompact urban runabout. The bold grille and upright taillights are certainly Cadillac cues, while the large, vertically hinged doors are unusual, but they do allow easy entry and egress for both rows of seating without swinging into traffic or parked cars. The ULC is designed for a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine mated with a dual-clutch transmission and a hybrid propulsion system. According to Cadillac, the entire system could potentially allow the ULC to achieve 56 mpg in the city and 65 mpg on the highway.
GMC Granite CPU Concept
Arguably, the true surprise came not from Cadillac, but GMC. Designers expounded upon the Granite concept shown earlier this year to create a stylish, compact pickup truck. The micro-ute features only a four-foot bed, but a trick split tailgate design allows the cargo space to securely haul items up to six feet in length. At this stage, the Granite truck is merely a design exercise, but it shows GM (a. is pleased with critical and consumer reaction to the Granite's design, and (b. isn't ignoring the conspicuous lack of a small, efficient pickup in our market.
2001 Chevrolet Borrego Concept
Arguably, the only recent GM vehicle — concept or otherwise — that came close to resembling the idea and packaging of the Granite CPU was the 2001 Chevrolet Borrego, which was also trotted out for the gala. Interestingly, the Borrego tapped into Subaru heritage — not only was the crossover built upon Impreza mechanicals to showcase GM's partnership with Fuji Heavy Industries, but it also sported a pair of seats in the open-air cargo area. If that isn't BRAT-like, we don't know what is.
GM So-Cal Salt Flat Vehicles
After partnering with the reborn So-Cal Speed Shops in 2005, GM decided to test the mettle of its Ecotec range of four-cylinder engines by setting speed records at the Bonneville Speed Flats. Two different pod-shaped Lakesters (patterned after the original Belly Tanker from the '50s, which was also on display) took to the flats, as did the chopped HHR shown here. To maintain a consistent image, designers crafted a push vehicle from an identically-painted SSR.
It's easy to forget that GM's compact roadster started life as a design sketch within the California Design Studio (by Franz Von Holzhausen, no less) before it was pushed into reality. A coupe was also suggested at the time, but GM dragged its heels on actually creating a production version. Such a model launched in 2009, allowing GM to build roughly 1200 examples before Pontiac — and the Kappa platform itself — died.
2003 Chevrolet SS Concept
A long time ago in a boardroom far, far, away, GM once hoped to move Chevrolet's large four-door offering to an Australian based, rear-wheel-drive platform. Insiders tell us that offering — which would have been sold as an Impala — bore some resemblance to the 2003 SS concept, which merged cues from bow-tie muscle cars of days gone (notably the '70 Chevelle SS) with a sinewy four-door body.
2006 EcoJet Concept
This is likely the only GM-designed concept on display that isn't actually owned by GM. The turbine-powered sports car is the creation of comedian/ entertainer Jay Leno, who called upon Ed Welburn, GM's vice president of design, to style the exterior. Leno's team has since refined the mechanicals underneath, allowing him to drive it to last night's event.


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KSAM 101.7 / Hey Won
by CMT News on Apr 03, 2013
"Most people want you to recut your hits, and we've always been resistant to that," says the smooth and much-awarded singer B.J. Thomas. "But the idea of recutting them unplugged [and] with some duets [included]…
Posted in Entertainment News
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