text: After multiple uninstalls (using the cleaning tool), registry cleaning and clean re-installs, I can not get the Browser Security function to turn "ON". Clicking on "ON" does nothing and I have also clicked on "FIX IT" on the Overview - Main page. Nothing happens. I have also tried using the msconfig suggestion without any progress. Ideas? Thanks.


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USS Iowa (BB-61) was the lead ship of a class of battleships built during World War II. The four ships of this class, Iowa, Missouri, New Jersey, and Wisconsin, were designed to operate as an integral component of a "fast carrier task force." This meant their primary focus would be defending aircraft carriers against surface and aerial attacks, providing gunfire support for invasion forces storming a beachhead, and interdicting enemy supply and transportation systems along coastlines. While they were not designed to be "heavyweight brawlers," they carried the armor and firepower needed to fight toe-to-toe with the capital warships of the Axis powers.
The 887-foot long ships could steam at high speed (33 knots) yet, having a 45,000 ton displacement, were protected by heavy armor. The main gun battery consisted of three turrets, each with three massive 16-inch guns, which could hurl crushing salvos of nine 2,700 pound projectiles at targets up to twenty-three miles away. During World War II, the Iowa class ships carried a massive array of 5-inch, 40mm and 20mm anti-aircraft guns. As an unintended by-product of the Navy's design considerations, these ships are not only the most powerful battleships ever built by the U.S., but are among the most elegant as well.
Iowa was the only ship of her class to serve in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during the war. She was commissioned in February 1943, with Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox presiding over the ceremony. That fall, she carried President Franklin D. Roosevelt across the Atlantic to Casablanca en route to a crucial meeting in Tehran with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin. In support of this mission, a square bathtub was installed in the Captain's quarters, as well as an elevator to shuttle the wheel-chair bound President between decks. Iowa is the only modern U.S. Navy battleship to carry a bathtub as part of its amenities!
When transferred to the Pacific Fleet in early 1944, Iowa shelled beachheads at Kwajalein and Eniwetok atolls in advance of U.S. amphibious landings. Later, as part of Fast Carrier Task Force 58, she supported carrier strikes against the Marianas Islands, including Guam and Saipan. Iowa often operated with the USS Hornet (CV-12), blasting enemy dive bombers and kamikazes from the skies around the battle fleet.
At the beginning of 1945, she left the war zone and entered an overhaul period at Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco. In March, she rejoined the naval forces off Okinawa and participated in the invasion of that strategic island. Several months later, Iowa served as the flagship for Admiral William "Bull" Halsey during the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. She was briefly decommissioned after the war.
However, Iowa was recalled to active duty to serve in the Korean War. For seven months in 1952, she was involved in raids on North Korea, smashing transportation, storage and industrial targets along the coast line with armor piercing and high explosive projectiles from her 16-inch guns.
In early 1958, she was decommissioned and placed into the Navy's mothball fleet in Philadelphia, where she stayed for many years. Iowa was modernized in 1983 as part of a major naval expansion program and upgraded with the most advanced weapons systems available. These included Harpoon long-range anti-ship missiles, Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles, and Phalanx gatling guns for close-in anti-missile and anti-aircraft defense. Iowa was the first battleship to receive the RQ-2 Pioneer unmanned aerial vehicle, which was useful for aerial reconnaissance and gunfire spotting. Her firepower was unmatched by any other ship in the world short of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. She operated in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets to counter the recently expanded Soviet Navy.
During a practice gunfire session with her main gun batteries in April 1989, a horrific explosion wrecked her #2 gun turret and killed 47 sailors. The reason for the explosion remains somewhat of a mystery today, and the turret was never repaired. Initially, the Navy investigation pointed towards a homosexual sailor who was having problems with his partner. However, subsequent evaluations demonstrated that the powder bags, manufactured during World War II, had become unstable and may have simply spontaneously exploded when rammed into the gun's breech before firing.
Iowa was decommissioned for the last time in 1990, and was initially struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1995. She was reinstated from 1999 to 2006 to comply with federal laws that required retention and maintenance of two Iowa-class battleships as possible gunfire support platforms for the U.S. Marine Corps.
Iowa was berthed in Newport, Rhode Island when, in 1999, Senator Boxer, Senator Feinstein and Representative Pelosi secured a three million dollar grant from Congress to transport her to the west coast. They envisioned having the famous capital warship become a major San Francisco waterfront museum attraction, boosting the city's economic environment.
In March 2001, Oakland-based Crowley Marine Services used the powerful ocean going tug Sea Victory to tow her 6,500 miles via the Panama Canal. The canal transit alone took three full days, with only eight inches to spare on either side of the Iowa as she was maneuvered through the locks.
To the delight of thousands of onlookers, the sleek battleship arrived in Suisun Bay on April 21, the most unique ship to be part of the local mothball fleet in decades. Having her become part of the "ghost fleet" is analogous to having Madonna move into your neighborhood. What once was a fairly quiet, unobtrusive group of gray ships now became a major tourist attraction in its own right. Passengers (and drivers) inside cars, buses, boats and trains passing along the Suisun Bay area, craned their necks to get a look at her distinctive clipper bow sticking out upriver at the end of row "G."
Little did the Navy, or the ship's former crew, realize that new battles were looming on the horizon. In an astonishing mid-July 2005 decision, the SF Board of Supervisors voted against allowing the Iowa to be berthed in the city, citing their opposition to the war in Iraq and the military's policies regarding homosexuals (i.e., "don't ask, don't tell"). This paved the way for other California communities to bid for the battleship – and reap the resulting financial rewards.
By March 2007, several competing groups formed to obtain the Iowa for their community. The Historic Ships Memorial at Pacific Square (HSMPS), the same group who attempted to place the Iowa in San Francisco, now advocated locating her at the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo. Another group from Stockton led by Navy Captain Jim Dodge (who was instrumental in saving the USS Hornet) also submitted a proposal to the Navy. In October 2007, the Navy sent a letter to HSMPS stating that the Vallejo group was the only remaining viable candidate to acquire Iowa but their application would be further reviewed only after evidence of firm financing.
Unfortunately, our major nationwide recession soon took hold and the city of Vallejo wound up in serious financial difficulty. HSMPS was unable to raise enough money to persuade the Navy to make a final donation decision in their favor.
The magnificent battleship patiently waited in Suisun Bay, with her teak deck slowly rotting, as various organizations continued to spar over her fate. In September 2011, the Navy decided to donate Iowa to a non-profit group in Los Angeles called the Pacific Battleship Center. Late this year, the ship will be permanently moved to the Port of Los Angeles (berth 87 in San Pedro) to serve as a museum and memorial to battleships.
The USS Iowa has many historical connections to the SF Bay Area, including the Hunter's Point Shipyard, FDR's presidential yacht M/V Potomac and her WWII combat companion USS Hornet. One the surface, it would seem logical to keep her here as a museum. However, Iowa deserves to be cared for by people who understand the rich heritage of American battleships, and their role in protecting the democratic principles citizens of our country enjoy today. While the SF Bay Area has an impressive maritime legacy, much of its populace does not readily acknowledge nor embrace it. In the end, the Navy felt the Los Angeles area had a better chance of ensuring long term success of the museum.
Farewell Iowa, we enjoyed having you in our mothball fleet and we will miss you!
* * *
Commemorate Veteran's Day on November 11 at the USS Hornet Museum. For more information, visit the museum website at www.uss-hornet.org or call (510) 521-8448, ext. 282.

subset: commoncrawl


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Jennifer Aniston Must Compete with Gerard Butler's War Pug for Affection
Jennifer Aniston: now eliciting tabloid sympathy. Scott Rudin: still a dick, but a funny one who hates his mother. Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart: prisoners of the vampire kingdom, which needs to go. Winehouse: mess-y. Presenting your Sunday Morning Gossip Roundup:
- The best part about this Page Six item regarding Jennifer Aniston's fears and apprehensions over Gerard Butler completely forgetting who she is now that they're done shooting their film? When they refer to Butler's dog as a "pug of war." I want a "pug of war." Also, the way the tabloids have gone from writing about Jennifer Aniston in the mean ha-ha way to writing about Aniston in the "oh, god, her love life is such a mess we almost feel bad" way is almost worse, now. [Page Six]
- Well, Page Six pulled one of the better, more hysterical Scott Rudin stories I've ever heard. LOL-worthy stuff, this is:
"As we sped along the expressway, Scott's phone buzzed," writes Rudnick. "He answered it, and his face became a mask of rage. He yelled, 'How did you get this number?' and hurled the phone at the windshield. 'Who was it?' I asked. 'My mother,' he replied, instantly calm."
- My feelings exactly. Scott Rudin's just a tortured Jewish kid, get it? [Page Six]
- Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart hate the paparazzi. Like, hate them. The paps are holding Pats and K-Stew prisoner in their lives. [Showbiz Spy]
- Meanwhile, Kristen Stewart finally admits that she understands the formula making Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series so resonate amongst hypnotized teenagers: Vampires are sexy. Yes, and also, blood-sucking, money-sucking, and sleazy. Can we start the anti-vampire movement, here? Not the we-hate-vampires thing in True Blood, but more like the Vampires Suck Categorically More Than They Do, Literally movement. We should just move on to robots, or something equally ridiculous. Please. [Showbiz Spy]
- Chris Brown is going to, uh, have dance parties to repent for his bout of domestic violence? He can maybe invent a new dance, something like the Soulja Boy, but far slicker. You know how the moonwalk makes someone look like they're not really moving? Chris Brown can do that, except instead of taking him off the stage, he could slide into obscurity incredibly smoothly. [NYDN]
- How can LeAnn Rimes live without you, or her ex? Pretty easily, apparently. She misspelled the name of her ex on an annoucement to her fans on her website. FAIL. [Page Six]
- Amy Winhouse may or may not be back with Blake, the crackhead ex-husband with whom she shares an intensely sadomasochistic relationship with. This is the kind of thing that could produce a great Winehouse album, which I'm convinced she still has in her. [Showbiz Spy]
- Rumer Willis wants a family reunion on screen with Demi, Bruce, and herself. Sure, whatever, just leave Koosher out of it. Also, this could make a great final chapter in the Die Hard franchise. [People]
- The Hanson bros are basically like, the Jonas Bros jacked out act. TRUTH. [TMZ]
- Audrina Patridge, the salutatorian of The Hills, is gearing up for her own "spicier, edgier, older" television show after "graduating" from The Hills. I wonder what that commencement speech sounds like. [People]
- Michaela Watkins: fired from SNL. EW gets the first interview where she admits that she doesn't know what Lorne Michaels was thinking, but he did tell her that she deserves her own show. Which, yes, is probably what he says to everyone when he cans them. Including his support staff. [EW]
- Ashlee Simpson, whose name I hate spelling out because it makes me feel like I've been netted in a wide conspiracy to make the universe far stupider than it was two minutes ago, tells Rachel Ray that she could "do the splits" when she was preggers. And how, exactly, did she know this? [US]
- Jon Gosselin's grandmother fell in the driveway of the Gosselin complex and had to be taken to the hospital. [People]
And for those who made it to the bottom today, a treat: I've found this so called Pug of War. It is wonderful:
If this is what Gerard Butler has, then yes, I absolutely want one. Also, if I were Aniston, yes, I'd be worried.


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Hot pink is on fire these days. From Mary-Kate Olsen's belt to me at LA Fashion Week to Nicky Hilton's full-fledged obsession with the hue, it's practically everywhere you turn. Of course, it helps that it's traceable from miles away.
Anne Hathaway adopted the trend by sporting bright pink sunnies on the set of her new movie, Bride Wars. Like Anne, limit the hot pink items in your outfit to one, two at most. It's with great joy that I spread a little loud color in your lives. If hot pink is too girlie for you, try neon yellow or green. The neon possibilities are endless.


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WEST FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- A school district in North Dakota's largest metropolitan area plans to hire the equivalent of 50 new teachers.
The West Fargo School Board has approved the additions, which is expected to cost the district about $2.6 million.
The Forum newspaper reports that hires are due to continuing growth in enrollment and new middle schools and high schools that are under construction.
Officials say the school district has increased by 570 students from the last school year. More than 360 new students are expected this fall.
Information from: The Forum


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Key benefits:
Flexible — Customizable components are tailored to accommodate the requirements of institutions of all types and sizes, from single-branch libraries to the largest of consortia and national libraries. Easy to use — User-friendly workflows and intuitive graphical interfaces increase staff efficiency and enhance the patron experience.
Scalable — Growth and expansion features enable libraries and consortia to continually re-envision and recreate their unique working environments.
Open —Built on an Oracle® database, Aleph runs on a range of operating systems. Employing system-wide XML technology, Aleph offers third-party integration through an XML gateway. All Ex Libris products are based on industry standards, offering the ultimate in resource-sharing capabilities, full connectivity, and seamless interaction with other systems and databases.
Multilingual and multiscript — Full Unicode support provides multidirectional and multiscript text capabilities. Users can interface with the system in their preferred language, and libraries can create new language interfaces.
Future proof — The inherent multi-tier client/server structure and conformance with the latest industry standards guarantees that Aleph will meet your needs today and in the future. Our software design continually evolves to include products and components aimed at enhancing your system and ensuring that it continues to meet the changing needs of your library.
Creating a Robust Foundation for the Library of the World's Knowledge--Aleph at the British Library


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Afghanistan and Pakistan are areas that are in the news...a lot. The Middle East has its problems, but what about its culture and traditions? In Jamil Ahmad's book, The Wandering Falcon, the reader gets a short glimpse into the Tribal areas of the border lands between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Through a weaving train of stories, the reader gets to know the culture of wandering tribal families and individuals. The story starts after WWII, by my calculations, with the birth of Tor Baz and the tragic story that accompanies his earliest years. From this point the story wanders along with different individuals who work for the government in these lands and people looking out for their family, themselves, and their tribes. It's about outcasts and people trying to make it through life in the mountains and plains, finding happiness in those around them or disappointment in the lot life hands them. Ahmad loosely ties these stories together through a "Where's Waldo" with the character Tor Baz. He shows up in almost every story playing minimal roles or just sticking his head in.
The physical book is a little thing, small enough to fit in your back pocket (not quite, but close) and about 250 pages in length. For those who enjoy literary short stories, want a look into tribal life in the Middle East, or are curious readers, give this book a read.


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CEO Jon
Rubinstein was once the hottest executive at Apple,
co-inventing the iPod, Apple's bestselling product of the last
decade. Now he leads a troubled
competitor to Apple in the mobile devices sphere and much of
the glamor that surrounded the top executive has vanished. Palm
is struggling. Its smartphones are selling poorly and it just
slipped to fourth place behind a charging Google, an ever-present
Apple, and heavily entrenched market leader Research In Motion.
Palm has a warehouse
full of unsold phones and it will likely take up to a year
to move the back inventory. By then the phones will have to be
sold at a fraction of their production cost as the technology will be
dated. Still, Rubenstein is optimistic.
In an
interview with Fortune's BrainStorm
he states, "Clearly we've hit a speed bump. No question about
it. It's really disappointing, and it's frustrating. But, the
company has tremendous assets. We've got a great team we've
built over the last couple of years. Remember this whole thing
was a transformation story. It wasn't like we took
something that was working and didn't run it well. We started
off with a company that had no future, and we have been transforming
it. We have arguably the best mobile operating system out there. It's
clearly the easiest to use and has the most intuitive user interface.
We've got good products that get critical acclaim. It's in its
early stages still, but we've got great quality of apps, and new apps
coming all the time. By the time you get this published, we'll
have commerce going in Europe, which is a big milestone for us.
We've got good relationships with carriers."He adds, "We
do have $590 million in the bank, and we have a plan that carries
this company forward. Now, we need to be frugal and we need to invest
in those areas that have the best return for us, but when I read that
we're going out of business or our stock is worth zero or those kinds
of things, it defies logic to me."He takes the blame for
the company's shortcomings -- hardware problems with the initial
Sprint deployment of the Palm Pre and lack of training for Verizon
salespeople for the winter's Palm Pre Plus rollout. But he says
he and his staff have learned from those mistakes.He says
that he's not afraid of Apple's larger app catalog. He states,
"I mean, if you look at the long tail of the 150,000 or 180,000,
or whatever number Apple has got these days, it's an amazing number.
The reality is that it's the first thousand or so that matter and the
rest of it is long tail...Now, that doesn't mean there aren't
specialty apps that people want. But there's also a lot of junk out
there."He says that the company's big
price cuts -- Buy One Get One offers for Verizon and the new
pricing: $49.99 for a Palm Pre Plus with new 2 year contract, and
$29.99 for the Palm Pixi Plus with new 2 year contract should boost
sales.And he reminds all the Palm doubters out there, "When
I got to Apple the company was dying. We brought out the iMac, and
the company was really successful, and then the economy cratered, and
we went through a major dip, which took like two years to dig our way
out of. And during that time period we invested very heavily in
R&D and Wall Street was very unhappy with us, because the numbers
looked ugly. But then when the economy turned, we had a bunch
of really cool products ready to go, the iPod being one of them, and
the company quickly scaled up to the point where the economics just
made sense."


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Time's 'Auteurs': The 15 Greatest Watchmakers
One expert's choice of the most skillful, inventive and daring watchmakers working in the world today.
MOST LISTS OF watchmakers start with the adjective "great." This list—which is not a ranking—prefers to use the words "skillful," "inventive" and "daring." "Skillful" because skill is a trait watchmakers treasure in themselves and admire in their peers.
Related Reading
A skillful watchmaker is defined as one capable of—alone—making and assembling all the components of a watch, using simple tools such as lathes, files and screwdrivers, and then producing a superb finish. "Inventive" refers to the ability to innovate, in design or by devising new complications. "Daring" applies to those willing to risk founding their own brands. These men (at the moment, they are invariably men) are the "auteurs" of watchmaking.
Nationality: French; Location: Le Sentier, Switzerland
Mr. Roth's story of his business endeavors is a roller-coaster ride of brands revived, launched and lost. He sold his share in the Daniel Roth brand, which he founded in 1989, to Bulgari Group in 2000, after which he retreated to Le Sentier in the Vallée de Joux, where he planned a new venture with his wife, Jeanne, and son, Nicolas, both watchmakers. The family's premier offering appeared in 2002: a unique, two-minute tourbillon in what Mr. Roth calls a feminine form case, basically an oval shape with added curves. JDN (Jean Daniel Nicolas) produces five or six watches a year, costing about $150,000 (€111,500). Tel.+ 41 21 845 45 56
Nationality: Swiss; Location: Le Solliat, Switzerland
Mr. Dufour's style is as Swiss as snow on the Alps in January. From his workbench in a converted schoolroom, he conducts a one-man campaign to promote traditional Swiss watchmaking techniques. In 1992, he revealed his Grande et Petite Sonnerie with minute repeater, an 18-karat white-gold watch that chimes the hours and minutes in passing like a grandfather clock, and chimes on demand. He made four. One sold at Christie's in 2008 for 457,000 Swiss francs (the equivalent of about $437,000 or €280,200). His dials are puritanically simple; his movements are sublimely beautiful. He makes about 10 watches a year in his Simplicity series ($75,000/€55,000). dufourwatches.free.fr
Nationality: French; Location: Geneva
F.P. Journe is a powerhouse—a prolific inventor who mines deeply buried veins of watchmaking history to develop new watches. From 2000, when he unveiled his fiendishly-difficult-to-make Sonnerie Souveraine, a watch that chimes hours and minutes en passant like a grandfather clock, to his most recent Chronomèter Optimum ($86,400 or €64,885), which defies the textbooks with an escapement that functions without oil, Mr. Journe has astonished the horological world. He has established a workshop in Geneva, which produces about 800 watches per annum, assiduously cultivating a group of collectors, some of whom own as many as 40 of his watches. fpjourne.com
Nationality: Swiss/Italian; Location: Geneva
Possessing a flamboyant southern Italian sensibility, Mr. Preziuso, the son of a Neapolitan watchmaker, assembled his first timepiece when he was seven years old. Perhaps his greatest gift is his ability to meld wildly decorated movements and extravagant dials into a coherent and pleasing whole. Yet, on his boldest creation, 3volution, a watch with three tourbillons, he kept things subdued, content to let the drama of the tourbillons provide all the entertainment. The watch costs about $1.35 million (€1 million) and takes a year to make. antoine-preziuso.com
Nationality: Finnish; Location: Môtiers, Switzerland
Kelloseppäkoulu is Finnish for watchmaking school, and the Finns established one in 1944. To date, its most illustrious graduate is Mr. Voutilainen, who set up his own atelier in Switzerland in 2002. Mr. Voutilainen's designs display a spare elegance and grace. His major innovation is a decimal repeater (costing about $400,000/€295,000 in rose gold). Traditional repeaters chime the hours, quarter hours and minutes. Mr. Voutilainen's repeaters chime the hours, the 10-minute intervals and then minutes. His Vingt-8, a watch with an entire phalanx of movement innovations but a classic dial, is $79,300 (€58,500) in a white-gold case. voutilainen.ch
Nationality: French; Location: Le Locle, Switzerland
Mr. Claret has a surfeit of energy. In 1978, the same year he started at the Geneva Watchmaking School, he set up his own workshop in Lyon, France. After graduating in 1982, he spent a few years working in Geneva, while studying business back in Lyon. By 1984, he had his own atelier. In 1991, he became the sole owner of Christophe Claret SA . Then, in 2009, he wowed the annual Basel fair with DualTow, a watch that displays hours and minutes on two belts inspired by the treads of an earth-mover. Buying this little piece of Mr. Claret's imagination costs about $500,000 (€371,000). His total annual output is fewer than 100 watches. christopheclaret.com
Nationality: French; Location: La Chaux L'Auberson, Switzerland
Mr. Flageollet is a fourth-generation watchmaker. After 20 years of creating watches for others, in 2002, he and Italian designer David Zanetta established De Bethune. Other watchmakers on this list, when asked for their opinion, often mention Mr. Flageollet as the most skillful watchmaker they know. He creates stunning re-workings of traditional movements. He also has a penchant for exotic materials and colors. The DB28, launched in 2011, uses silicon and titanium in its movement, while the dial has an eye-riveting 3-D moon-phases display. It costs about $85,000 (€63,100). De Bethune's annual production is around 300 watches. debethune.ch
Nationality: French; Location: St. Croix, Switzerland
Mr. Halter is a self-confessed "crazy French watchmaker," known to shed tears of joy when he sees one of his many ideas spring to mechanical life. In 1994, he established his own company, La Manufacture Janvier, named after his watchmaking hero Antide Janvier (1751-1835). Mr. Halter's inspiration comes from cult films, science fiction and the hundreds of antique mechanical devices he owns. His best-known watch is the Antiqua, launched in 1998, which costs about $185,000 (€137,000). Mr. Halter, whose output is about 20 watches per annum, says the Antiqua is what the Time Traveller in H.G. Well's "The Time Machine" would have worn. vianney-halter.com
Nationalities: French & British; Location: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
They met in 1992 when Mr. Forsey joined Mr. Greubel's team at Renaud et Papi SA, one of watchmaking's "backrooms," a workshop producing complicated watches for famous brands. A partnership began in 2001, when they set up their own backroom called Complitime. The urge to see their own names on a watch dial led to Greubel Forsey in 2004. From the start, the two focused on trying to improve the tourbillon. Their two-timezone GMT features a tourbillon inclined at 25 degrees and a 3-D rotating globe ($650,000/€481,000). They produce only about 50 watches a year. greubelforsey.com
Nationality: British; Location: Bursins, Switzerland
Mr. Speake-Marin began with a pocket watch—the Foundation Watch—that devoured his spare time over four years while he worked for complications specialists Renaud et Papi SA. This watch, which led him to open his own atelier in 2000, contained features that are now hallmarks of Mr. Speake-Marin's style: a heart-shaped hour hand, components shaped like an 18th-century watchmaker's tool, a crown with deep grooves, and a thick handsome case. He produces about 400 watches a year. He also designs his own movements: the SM2 appeared in 2009. His latest model, the Spirit Mk2, has engraved on the case: "Fight, Love & Persevere." speake-marin.com
Nationality: British; Location: The Isle of Man
There are English watchmakers and English watchmakers who make English watches. Mr. Smith is among the latter. His devotion to his craft is legendary. The only man ever to be apprenticed to the late George Daniels, the greatest of contemporary watchmakers, Mr. Smith's newest project is a watch commemorating Daniels's invention of the coaxial escapement in 1975—The Anniversary Watch (£165,000/$260,000/€192,000). Mr. Smith's team, comprising himself and three watchmakers, produces just 10 watches a year. The team's output includes Mr. Smith's own Series 2 wristwatch. The basic yellow-gold model starts at £85,000 (about $134,000/€98,500). rwsmithwatches.com
Nationality: Swiss; Location: Sirnach, Switzerland
As well as possessing all the necessary watchmaking talents, Mr. Strehler is a scholar with a store of intimate knowledge about the arcane reaches of the profession. He set up a restoration workshop in 1995 and began producing his own watches and clocks in 1998. A year later, he introduced Zwei, a watch with a minute hand that, with the push of a button, switches to indicate the date. In 2008, he created Papillon for Harry Winston, and 2012 saw the launch of Cocon (French for cocoon), a watch with some components shaped like a butterfly. Strehler prices are surprisingly low considering he produces only a handful of watches each year. A Cocon costs about $90,000 (€66,500). astrehler.ch
Nationality: Dutch; Location: Oldenzaal, the Netherlands
Watchmaking has an illustrious history in the Netherlands, where Christiaan Huygens developed the spiral balance spring in 1675. The Grönefeld brothers haven't yet equalled their countryman's achievement, but their brand launched an extraordinary watch in 2010. The Grönefeld One Hertz features "dead beat" seconds, meaning the seconds hand jumps from position to position rather than sweeping around the dial: bold because "dead beat" seconds are closely associated with quartz watches and are fiendishly difficult to develop for a mechanical watch. One Hertz costs about $65,000 (€48,000) and only 20 are produced a year. gronefeld.nl
Nationality: German; Location: Dresden, Germany
As a child, Marco Lang wanted to be a watchmaker. Unfortunately, he grew up in communist East Germany where mechanical watches were viewed as a product of elitist capitalism. Two years after German reunification in 1989, however, Marco Lang was awarded one of the first watchmaking apprenticeships in the former communist part of the country. Mr. Lang's work reflects Dresden's watchmaking traditions but he also loves to innovate. His Moritz von Sachsen ($50,000/€37,000) shows the declination of the earth: the angle of the earth's tilt toward or away from the sun at noon on any day of the year. His atelier employs 12 and produces about 30 watches a year. lang-und-heyne.de
Nationality: Swiss; Location: Geneva
Watchmakers often seek inspiration in the past. As the son and grandson of Swiss watchmakers, Felix Baumgartner is no different, except he also looks to other places: the watches he creates with his partner, Martin Frei, for their Urwerk brand, which they founded in 1995, take design cues from sources as diverse as "Star Wars" and hammerhead sharks. Urwerk (a combination of the name of the ancient Sumerian city Ur and the German word for work) watches display numerals on satellites and use cages for hands. The brand's latest creation, UR-210, costs about $150,000 (€111,400). Urwerk produces between 125 and 150 watches a year. urwerk.com


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Members Choice of Central Texas Starts Fund for West VFD
The $160 million Members Choice of Central Texas Federal Credit Union in Waco, Texas, has created a fund to help West Volunteer Fire Department rebuild in the wake of the tragic fertilizer plant explosion on April 17.
The blast killed 14 people, including volunteer firefighters. Funds will be used to help the devastated department replace equipment and rebuild.
"No change is too small, no bill too large. The first responders in West are heroes, and their selfless service to the entire community is inspirational," said Members Choice President/CEO Don Cox,
The credit union is encouraging its members to donate at any of its three branches in Waco. TDECU also has helped in the relief effort for the community of West, located a 20-minute drive north of Waco.


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You can use a tandoori oven or broil on a pizza stone in your oven, or you can use cast iron skillet/tawa. It comes out perfect and fluffy with a smoky flavor..I have posted Butter Naan earlier, today's I am sharing recipe for Garlic Naan which is made in oven. Naan can be eaten plain, but is typically brushed with butter or ghee/clarified butter. It pairs great with Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh, Malai Kofta, Panner Butter Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala, or Subzi/Curry of your choice. Try it -you'll love it!
Indian Garlic Naan Recipe – Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe
Preparation Time :
3 1/2 hours
Cooking time :
4-6 minutes
Makes : 8 Naans
Ingredients :
All-Purpose Flour : 4 1/2 cups + more for dusting and rolling
Salt : 2 tsp
Baking Powder : 1 tsp
Dry yeast : 1 envelope or 2 1/2 tsp
Warm Water : 1/ 4 cup
Sugar : 2 tbsp
Milk : 3 tbsp
Plain Unflavored Yogurt : 1 cup or 10 heapful tbsp
Vegetable Oil : 2 tbsp + more for the bowl
Garlic : 2-3 cloves, crushed and minced
Ghee /Indian-style clarified butter : 3 tbsp
Coriander leaves : few chopped
Method of Preparation for forming a dough for naan , By using hands or By Food Processor :
1. Place the sugar, yeast, along with warm water in a small bowl and let sit 5-10 minutes or until the mixture begins to froth and rise. This indicates the yeast is active. Set aside.
2. Sift flour,baking soda and salt into a bowl, add yeast mixture,milk,yogurt, 2tbsp of oil/ghee, half of the crushed or minced garlic and mix well together by using hands ,turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until shiny and elastic. (Note : If necessary use some warm water)
3. If your using food processor; put the flour,salt, and baking powder in a food processor fitted with a dough blade and blend.
4. Pour the yeast mixture, half of the minced or crushed garlic, milk, yogurt, 2 tbsp of oil, into the bowl and knead for 2-3 minutes in a processor or until the dough forms a ball that is smooth and elastic. If you think you need add to water, then add a couple of tablespoons of warm water, just enough to make a soft but not a sticky dough. If it's sticky, add more flour. (Note : Usually I make the dough a little 'wetter' than actually required because you are going to add more flour whilst kneading which will stiffen it up slightly.)
4. Transfer the dough in a lightly-oiled large bowl. Turn the dough around to coat oil on all sides and then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm, draft-free place for 2 to 4 hrs (I put it in the oven).
5. Punch down the dough; knead again for about 4 minutes, divide the dough into 8 parts and slice it in triangles. Cover with damp kitchen towel and let rise until doubled in size for about 40 to 60 minutes.
Cooking Method :
Apparently there are many ways to cook your naan. You can heat a tandoor to 450°F, or use your oven broiler (which is what I did), or grill on medium-high heat, or you can use a hot cast iron skillet/tawa.
1. Take one divided portion, dust it with flour and roll it out to a tear drop shape; about 6-8 inches long, in a floured surface. Stretch the dough outward as you roll from the center.
2. Sprinkle the top of the naan with remaining crushed or minced garlic and chopped coriander leaves; gently press down with the rolling pin to make them stick to the dough.
Oven Method like I did : (This method comes closest to the Naan made in the tandoor.)
1.Preheat the oven at 450 degree and set the oven settings to broil and preheat pizza stone at very high temperature. If you do not have a pizza stone then pre heat your baking tray in the oven.
1. Heat a thick bottom skillet, preferably a cast iron skillet/tawa, or any kind of heavy bottom pan. The skillet should be really hot.
Grill Method :
1. Brush and oil the grate. Lightly brush top of dough with butter and place butter-side down on grate a few at a time (Note : Do not crowd the grate).
2. Grill until the bottoms are browned and the tops start to puff and blister, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Lightly brush the tops with a little butter. Invert bread, and grill the other side until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a cloth-lined basket, brushing tops of each with any remaining butter.
Before serving top some butter and chopped coriander leaves and serve this delicious bread hot, with popular curries like Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh, Malai Kofta, Panner Butter Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala or Subzi/Curry of your choice and Enjoy!!
Notes :
- Like all bread, good kneading is the key to a good naan bread. At least 10 minutes and more if you can.
- The trick to getting a soft and fluffy naan is to make sure that your baking stone & oven is very hot or use a heavy bottomed skillet which is very hot.
- The cooking time is very important; it has to be done well, but overcooking it in the oven, grill or the skillet will stiffen it making it crusty. Timing setting varies depending upon one oven to other, so adjust accordingly.
- To store the Naans, wrap them in foil and refrigerate them. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil.
- There are a number of optional ingredients you can use for naan like cumin seeds, sesame seed, poppy seed
- Nigella seeds /Kalongi, which you can mix into the flour before making the dough or use as toppings sprinkled on before cooking.
Recipe courtesy : My friend Raksha Patel.
Related Posts :
Butter Naan /Baked Indian Flatbread
Kerala Parotta /Layered Indian Bread
Avocado Paratha /Indian Flat Bread with Avocado
Happy Cooking!


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Be ready for the shakes. I purchased a set of these tires for my summer wheels from Discount Tire and literally HATE these tires. On a dry 75 degree day or warmer they are "ok" but anything else these tires are awful. They shake in cold weather until the tires warm up. My stock wheel and tire doesn't do that at all under the same weather condition. When hanging lanes, you can feel the sidewalk sagging. In rain, these tires are like driving on ice. They go everywhere. I would NEVER recommend these tires to anyone. Even if it was for a winter beater. Worst tire I have ever had. Will be purchasing Yokohama like I should have done before this mistake.
Size: 245/40R18
Vehicle: 2015 Subaru WRX 4 Dr Sedan Base with 12872 KM of Tire Wear
made this review on 10/26/2016 and is a
Aggressive Driver (Hard Cornering)
I have always driven Honda, Acura vehicles and I don't baby them. I have used these tires on several occasions, because they are cheap, and for the most part they handle good in the dry Texas climate. The tread wear is terrible. I put a set of these on my Acura TL 6-speed and they lasted all of 17k miles. I drive my cars relatively hard, but I don't burn out or drift. These tires are good in dry conditions, however, they are terrible in the rain. I do a lot of highway driving, and I have to reduce my speed by at least 10mph in order to not slide all over the road. I bought a set of falken azenis pt-722 for my new rims, but they ordered the wrong size so these were the only thing they have in stock. I went ahead and had them install them. Bad idea. I called Discount Tire and they told me to bring them back and they would put the falcons on. This is why I will only buy tires from Discount Tire. They care. So in closing, not such a good tire. If you can afford a little more, get something different... If not, get these and replace them in a year.
made this review on 10/7/2013 and is a
Aggressive Driver (Hard Cornering)
Best tire PERIOD! I driven on just about everything worth a damn. From Bridgestone, Goodyear, Dunlop (before goodyear bought 'em) Michellin, Firestone you name it. The Ecsta ASX replaced the Supra and kept some of the same design while adding a second channel for increased grip in turns. Best daily tire I've owned, hands down. Kumho makes the best racing slicks too. The only reason these tires could get a bad review comes down to two things:
1) Improper installation. These tires (because of their design) only rotate in one direction. If installed against the rotation arrow mark on the side, they will handle as described in some of the reviews with poor performance, hydroplaning in water etc.
2) The tires are so good, other tire makers are bad mouthing them because they are made in China. Mickey Thompson has probably put a hit out on 'em!
Go get a set and see for yourself. Don't be fooled by the haters.
Size: 245/45R17
made this review on 1/29/2013 and is a
Aggressive Driver (Hard Cornering)
Best bang for the buck without doubt
Size: 235/40R18
Vehicle: 2012 Subaru Legacy Sedan 2.5GT Limited with 40000 KM of Tire Wear
made this review on 12/31/2012 and is a
Aggressive Driver (Hard Cornering)
Excellent tire! Sustained 180kph no problem. Confidence inspiring & razor sharp response. Good even treadwear! Had them to the wear bars & just replaced with Falken 912, I like the Ecsta ASX better.
I drove this tire hard, I pass by mountain passes on my way to work everyday, this tire is a joy.
Only gripe is once the smaller sipes are gone & you are nearing the wear bars, it tends to hydroplane at high speeds but below 80 is ok.
I have dedicated winter tires & snow rating is not accurate.
I keep my tires inflated properly & check tire pressure every month. I also rotate every 10,000km.
Size: 215/50R17
Vehicle: 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS (Matrix XRS) with 80000 KM of Tire Wear
made this review on 10/2/2012 and is a
Aggressive Driver (Hard Cornering)
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text:
A 24-year-old Ignacio man who said he was high on acid knocked over chairs and trash cans Friday at the Durango Public Library, police and library officials said.
The disturbance was reported about 3:40 p.m. on the second floor of the library, said Sgt. Rita Warfield, with the Durango Police Department.
Two patrons, including an off-duty deputy for the La Plata County Sheriffs Office, helped restrain the man until police arrived.
The man said he was high on acid, Warfield said. Acid, also known as LSD is a hallucinogenic drug that can cause altered thinking and behavior. It is illegal.
Sandy Irwin, assistant director of the library, said the man was speaking incoherently.
We were lucky that a couple of patrons subdued the man while we called 911, she said. A lot of people gathered around to see what was going on.
Paramedics with Durango Fire & Rescue Authority responded and took the man to Mercy Regional Medical Center for observation.
Police did not arrest the man or charge him with a crime, Warfield said.
He was being disruptive and scared a few people, but there was no damage, she said. If he would have done damage, we certainly would have charged him.


text:
After illness, Cuddyer back at full strength
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com
BALTIMORE -- Rockies All-Star right fielder/first baseman Michael Cuddyer reported on Friday that he has finally regained his strength. Cuddyer missed games on Monday and Tuesday because of a flu-like illness that has affected him, his wife and three children.
Cuddyer, who entered Friday hitting .324 with 17 home runs and 66 RBIs in 96 games, lost five pounds while ill. He played on Wednesday and Thursday, going a combined 0-for-4.
He was in the lineup in Friday's 6-3 win in Baltimore, batting fourth and playing right field. He went 0-for-3 with a walk and run scored.
"My strength definitely wasn't there two days ago, so I feel like a new person," Cuddyer said. "Since our last game, I've been able to eat six full meals. Going into that day game on Wednesday, I only had a meal and a half since Saturday."
Rockies manager Walt Weiss said Cuddyer "looks himself again."
Betancourt to be activated; Chatwood, Oswalt to throw
BALTIMORE -- The Rockies will activate closer Rafael Betancourt, who has been out since undergoing an emergency appendectomy the day play resumed after the All-Star break, on Saturday.
Also, injured right-handed starters Tyler Chatwood and Roy Oswalt are expected to throw bullpen sessions on Saturday.
On Thursday, in his lone rehab appearance, Betancourt gave up two hits and a run for Triple-A Colorado Springs while appearing in a 7-1 victory over Memphis. Betancourt, who missed time earlier in the season with a right groin strain, is 2-3 with a 3.16 ERA and 15 saves in 16 chances in 28 appearances.
Rockies manager Walt Weiss said he will not commit to Betancourt being re-inserted into the closer role until meeting with the veteran right-hander. It's possible the Rockies will ease Betancourt back into the ninth inning. Lefty Rex Brothers is 11-for-12 in save chances, and hasn't blown one on the two occasions he has filled in for Betancourt this year. But Brothers gave up a solo home run to Matt Wieters in the ninth inning of Friday's 6-3 win over the Orioles in a non-save situation.
"Physically, he felt fine throwing last night, so he's ready to go," Weiss said of Betancourt. "I have no problem throwing him right back in that closer role if he feels mentally he's ready to jump right back into the fire. I know that's probably what he's going to say, because that's who he is. He gives us some flexibility with Rex, too, if that's the case."
There has been an almost night-and-day difference in the performance of the bullpen with Betancourt and without. When he hasn't been available, roles have been shifted and the Rockies have suffered in middle and setup innings.
Chatwood was scratched twice during an Aug. 6-8 series with the Mets, first with a hamstring strain and then with the more troublesome injury, a right elbow impingement. Oswalt suffered a left hamstring strain during a July 7 game at Arizona, and suffered a setback during a simulated game on Aug. 10. If the bullpen sessions go well, both could progress to simulated games.
Rockies in favor of expanded replay
BALTIMORE -- Rockies players and manager Walt Weiss applauded Major League Baseball's move toward expanding the instant replay system by 2014, even though one of the golden moments in club history has been offered -- incorrectly -- as an example of a call that should have been changed.
Matt Holliday scoring the winning run on a sacrifice fly in the 13th inning of the 2007 Wild Card play-in game against the Padres was one of the most debated plays in recent history. The argument is that Holliday never touched home plate.
Even with that debate a part of baseball lore, Rockies first baseman Todd Helton welcomed the proposed system, which gives managers one challenge in innings 1-6, and two thereafter. A crew in New York would be responsible for the replay decisions. Owners will vote formally in November (75 percent is needed to pass the change), and the MLB Players Association and the umpires' union must also agree.
"Hopefully it doesn't slow down the game, but it's about time to try it out and see how it works," Helton said. "I think everybody wants it to be right, even the umpires. Umpires don't like to be wrong, either."
Rockies manager Walt Weis welcomed it, but warned that managers may use challenges for strategic purposes, such as giving pitchers extra warmup time or trying to change momentum.
"I'm sure there will be a lot of games within that game," Weiss said. "But the technology and the research, they've spent a lot of time on it."
Since 2007, many -- especially Padres fans -- have devoted websites to angles that showed Holliday never touched the plate after colliding with Padres catcher Michael Barrett. Plate umpire Tim McClelland ruled Holliday safe.
However, Barrett did not hold onto the throw and never picked up the ball and tagged Holliday. If the proposed rule were in place, Barrett would have had to retrieve the ball and tag Holliday to make the play reviewable, and a conclusive angle would have had to be found in a reasonable time period.
As it turned out, the Rockies marched to the World Series, while the Padres were left wondering.
"They're still talking about that?" said veteran catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who was with the Rockies that night and also played briefly for the Padres. "Me being a catcher, all you can do is get the ball and tag him. But they just walked off the field."
Of course, replay goes two ways. In the seventh inning of that game, the Rockies' Garrett Atkins hit a line drive that hit an object beyond the left-field wall and bounced back into play, but umpires ruled no homer. That was before the current replay system, which allows home runs to be reviewed.
The Rockies didn't score in the inning. Had the call been overturned, there may not have been a 13th-inning slide. But while Holliday's play is remembered, some of the Rockies who were a part of that game -- Helton, Torrealba, even Rockies owner and CEO Dick Monfort -- said they didn't remember Atkins' liner.
In the 2009 NL Division Series, the Phillies' come-from-behind, Game 3 victory over Colorado was aided by a blown call. Chase Utley sparked a rally with a single that should have been ruled foul because the ball hit him while in the batter's box.
"That's the past," said Rockies center fielder Dexter Fowler, who was a part of that game and the series, which the Phillies ended up winning, 3-1. "Replay will help the game going forward."
Rosario in lineup as DH after hamstring cramp
BALTIMORE -- After suffering a right hamstring cramp on Tuesday and sitting out Wednesday afternoon, Wilin Rosario returned to the Rockies' lineup on Friday night as designated hitter, while veteran Yorvit Torrealba started at catcher.
Rosario returned in style, hitting the go-ahead home run in the seventh inning of a 6-3 win over the Orioles. He also doubled and scored in the fifth.
Not even Rosario -- one of the Majors' most productive offensive catchers at .281, 16 home runs and 61 RBIs, entering Friday -- is certain how healthy his hamstring is. That'll be determined when he has to sprint out of the batter's box. After experiencing the cramping during his two-run single in Tuesday night's 7-5 loss to the Padres, Rosario was reduced to running at half-to-three-quarters speed for the rest of the game. Torrealba played Wednesday, and keyed the 5-2 victory by turning an unassisted double play on an unusual rundown.
"My hamstring is good, but I don't know," Rosario said. "We have to wait for that moment and let's see. If I say I can, what if I can't do it. Or if I say I can't do it, then you see me running hard. Then we'll see after the game how I feel."
Rosario said the hamstring is a bigger issue offensively than defensively, even though he is squatting behind the plate. Running delivers more stress to the muscle, he said.
Worth noting
• A scoring decision from the Rockies' 3-2 loss to the Mets on Aug. 6 has been changed to give shortstop Troy Tulowitzki a hit. It was originally called an error on Mets third baseman Wilmer Torres. The play occurred in the top of the sixth inning. No runs scored after the play. The Elias Sports Bureau, MLB's official stats service, announced the change on Friday.
Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Hardball in the Rockies, and follow him on Twitter @harding_at_mlb. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Hello everybody,
I've not posted here before but I was compelled to after finding these insects in my front room. They seem to keep on coming back! Can anybody identify what it is?
Thanks in advance!
Its a Longhorn Beetle your picture is to small to identify Have you wood beams or a wood burner, what trees or
flora are nearby
How large are they?
Hi, thanks for replying so quickly.
They seem to be coming from the closed windows (which are wooden sash windows). I guess they could come from the crack between the sash windows, possiblythe fireplace? I also have some chopped wood in the room but it's the opposite end of the room to where they seem to be cogregating!
Hi Steve, your message with this link
came up as 'page not found'
Try again as I said yor picture is to small for an accurate ID on the basis its red and there are a lot of them I would suggest Phymatodes testaceus they swarm at dusk


text:
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Or use the search criteria below to help you find opportunities that are most suited to you.
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text:
The Windows NT Connector detects user entry and password changes by examining the Security Log for audit events about user objects. Auditing must be enabled or Identity Synchronization for Windows cannot read log messages from Windows NT machine. To verify that audit logging is enabled, see Enabling Auditing on a Windows NT Machine.
For a description of the Change Detector and the Password Filter DLL subcomponents, see Windows NT Connector Subcomponents.


text:
The weekend of March 8-9, Pennstar Bank completed its brand transition and officially operates as NBT Bank. Since its beginning, Pennstar Bank has always been a part of NBT Bank, and looks to continue its local, community-focused approach to banking while enhancing customer's access to more services, branches and ATMs.
While the name has changed, customers continue to be served by the same experienced team at all current branch locations and local business line partners. In recent years, NBT Bank has expanded across New York as well as entered Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The bank has consolidated its divisions to strengthen customers' awareness of the expanding scale and capabilities associated with the NBT Bank brand. Customers now have easier access to a network of 158 branches and more than 180 ATMs across NBT Bank's footprint that extends across five states. Additionally, the brand change allows the bank to allocate more resources to customer-focused initiatives.
"Pennstar Bank has been serving customers and communities in the northeastern Pennsylvania region for more than a decade with roots that date back over a century." said David Raven, NBT Bank President of Retail Banking and President of Pennsylvania. "NBT Bank has been serving customers for over 150 years with a similar community-minded focus. Unifying our bank divisions under the NBT brand, allows us to strengthen our commitment to our customers and will make it easier for them to identify with the locations and services available to them across the territory we serve."
NBT Bank offers personal banking, asset management and business services through a network of 158 banking locations in five states including upstate New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, northwestern Vermont, western Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. NBT Bank and its parent company, NBT Bancorp Inc., are headquartered in Norwich, N. Y. NBT Bancorp Inc. had assets of $7.7 billion as of December 31, 2013, and is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol NBTB.
More information about NBT Bank
and NBT Bancorp can be found on
the Internet at http://www.nbtbank.comand http://www.nbtbancorp.com.


text:
>Racing>Olympic Marathon Trials Predictions--who do you like?
Just wondering what people here think the finishing order will be.
My predictions:
1. Hall
2. Ritz
3. Meb? (I thought Rupp, but I guess he withdrew?)
1. Flanagan
2. Davilla
3. Goucher
I am wondering if this thread can go half as long as the "Tebow" thread.
Yeah Rupp withdrew. So for the men at least Hall, Ritz and Meb look like shoe-ins for the three slots. Not necessarily in that order - they know that coming in the top three is what matters here, so it might be that nobody is that bothered about actually going for the win.
It would have been interesting with Rupp - because then you would have had four obvious contenders for the three slots (although Rupp is of course untested at this distance).
Fortune and glory kid
For the women I am betting that Desiree Davilla will win the womens. I gotta say that since she's from Michigan and had an outstanding Boston last year.
2. Flanagan
Women: 1) Desi Davilla
2) Amy Hastings
3) Shalane Flanagan
Men: 1) Ryan Hall
2) Meb Keflezighi
3) Mo Trafeh if weather is warm, Jason Hartmann if weather is cool. (He is a big guy and more affected by heat.)
I see in my crystal ball Ritz pulling out injured, Kara Goucher pushing hard but beaten in the last few hundred metres. Kastor, Rhines, Russell and Boulet, I am guessing, are simply not going to be able to stick with the lead group beyond 20-22 miles.
PBs since age 60: 5k- 24:36, 10k - 47:17. Half Marathon- 1:42:41.
10 miles (unofficial) 1:16:44.
2. Trafeh
3. Meb
3. Kastor
Women: 1) Desiree Davila
3) Brett Gotcher
I like Amy Hastings, I think she's due for an awesome race Saturday. I also like Davila, that article about her in Runners World this month was great.
Demon of Bad Decisions
What a start to racing. This woman ran a 3:06 marathon two weeks after her first race.
I want to do it because I want to do it. -Amelia Earhart
Just wondering what people here think the finishing order will be.
My predictions:
1. Flanagan
2. Davilla
3. Goucher
3. Goucher
Shows what the rest of us know!
Princess Cancer Pants
Bummer. One of my HS classmates was to run this as her last trial. She ended up sidelined due to tendinitis in her knee. I believe she still holds the school record in the 2 mile (and maybe the mile, I'm not sure). She led our girls' XC team to state every year in HS. She was an amazing runner as far back as I can remember. Having seen her dedication and training gave me some significant insight into the lives these runners have led since before they even reached their teens. I can remember Wendi running doubles all through HS...year-round, in all weather. I was in awe of her then and I'm in awe of her, now. She's already looking ahead at her career as a master's runner, as she'll be 40 in about a year.
• Recover from 2017
• Surgery in March
• Continue showing Cancer that it's not welcome back. Ever.
• Rebuild to racing and big running & biking miles in 2019
Getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to
remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.
~ Sarah Kay
Slightly more impressive: Davila (one l)
I felt so bad for Ritz and Hastings...4th place is heartbreaking and they both were so close! Looks like a good team going to London for the USA though!!
Heartbreaking for Ritz. He's quoted as saying "Maybe I'm not made for the marathon. Maybe I'm forcing it. Everybody wants me to be a marathoner, and I want to be a marathoner, but right now maybe it's not in the cards. Maybe it's just not there. Maybe I've just got to turn my attention back to shorter distances." Never mind that this was a PR for him and the first time (as far as I know) that more than one guy ran sub-2:10 in the Trials (4 did!). This was a big defeat and I hope he does well in the 10k.
I ran. I ran until my muscles burned and my veins pumped battery acid. Then I ran some more.
Future Goals: 5:30 mile • 19:30 5k • 33:30 8k • 42:00 10k • 1:15:00 10-mile • 1:40:00 half-marathon • 1000 miles


text:
Letter from GEORGE PERKINS MARSH to SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD and MARY CHURCHILL BAIRD, dated October 6, 1848.
- Item 5 of 8 in Collection: George Perkins Marsh Online Research Center
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Item Description
Title: Letter from GEORGE PERKINS MARSH to SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD and MARY CHURCHILL BAIRD, dated October 6, 1848.
- Marsh, George Perkins, 1801-1882
- Baird, Spencer Fullerton, 1823-1887
- Baird, Mary Churchill
Source Document
Extent: 1 letter
Genre(s): letter
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Letter from GEORGE PERKINS MARSH to SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD and MARY CHURCHILL BAIRD, dated October 6, 1848., Original located at the Smithsonian Institution Archives, Washinton, D.C., file 7002., http://cdi.uvm.edu/collections/item/gpmsfb481006 (accessed January 23, 2018)
Letter from GEORGE PERKINS MARSH to SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD and MARY CHURCHILL BAIRD, dated October 6, 1848.
Transcribed by :
TEI mark-up by : James P. Tranowski and
Published by: University of Vermont. All rights reserved.
Burlington Oct. 6 '48
Dear Spencer & dear Mary
I am sorry I have given you so much trouble about schools, & have pretty much determined on sending George to Andover, where I was (awful thought) before either of you was born. Litiz is naught, and Gettysburg is nix. Nazareth is better, and mercersburg and [allerchester?], & peradventure, I may take George thither another year, but not this. So make no further inquiries. I congratulate you on your monopoly of Agassiz, & shall give you and him all and comfort with Prof. Henry. Put your proposal into tangible form, & it shall not lack support from me. Lo a discovery! Henceforth Vermont houseth her own mammoths. Proclaim to Agassiz that last week in excavating the summit level of the Rutland Rail Road at Mount Holly, beneath a bog, & in a bed of gravel, 12 feet below, the surface, was found a perfect grinder of a mammoth, mastodon or other mammal beast, It is sound, processes & all, & not much fossilized, not rolled or worn, whence I argued that the rest of the skeleton would be found near, and urged special care in further excavations, which men in authority promised a true report. These eyes have seen, these hands manipulated, the molar. I prayed Director Rodgers to send Agassiz the bauble, & peradvanture he will. Let Agassiz send a boy, or come himself, and dig. All men shall aid him. -------------------------------- Page -------------------------------- I hope the people of the 3' District here in Vermont will be wise but when a majority of 1500 shrinketh to a minority of 500, men know not what to think. I have spoken to the multitude much, sometimes seven hours in a day, & shall speak more yea, I shall reason with them continually until Nov 7' when I hope there will be an end.
Before I determine upon the missionary question I must be advised touching the fees & profits. I do nothing for nothing, let the reverend fathers understand that. What countryman is Master Nadal? There be Portugals of that name. I trust he is none. His funeral discourse is good. Tell him that. Mrs Marsh has spent several weeks at East Greenwich R.I. a very fischreich sort of place for the benefit of sea bathing, but with no advantage, and is as feeble as when we left Washington. I am greatly concerned about her, & fear her case will prove a confirmed one of spinal disease. I believe she needs rest and freedom from excitement beyond all other things, but there is nothing harder of attainment than just to be let alone. She is rightly sought unto, and persecuted of all men and women whithersoever she goes. This is complimentary and pleasing but too much of a good thing c. I am glad Mary is studying German: Let her not put her trust in [...] but study also. Heyse Schulgrammatik, or the like, and read much of Tieck, be at hand, let her read the autobiography of the Kaiser Tonelli in the 9' vol. & if she laugheth not [...] than she hath laughed yet. I am no true man. My poor Frau's health makes it more than doubtful whether we can go to Carlisle this fall, but I hope, faintly, that we may, and so farewell. Your affectionate friend
G P Marsh


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Each of these is a necessary incremental step toward risk mitigation, but even together, they are not enough to make hazmat trains "safe," except to actuaries comfortable with pricing human lives in terms of insurance payouts. The "cost-benefit" test for safety reforms is unavoidably a callous calculation. It's enough to give regulated capitalism a bad name.
The so-far modest responses to a year's accumulation of exploding trains (four, plus a near-miss) shows that government and industry have heavy thumbs on the scale. The whines of DOT-111 owners notwithstanding, the solutions currently on the table are cheap in cost, and nearly weightless in benefit.
Let's test the proffered solutions with some thought experiments applied to the circumstances that led to the derailment and chain of explosions that devastated the Quebec resort town of Lac-Mégantic, vaporizing 47 people last July 6.
Lab Test: Would changing the color of hazmat placards have reduced the explosive nature of the consist?
Lab Test: Would removal of propane and other volatiles avoid calamitous combustion in a 63-car pileup? Lab Test: Would hotbox detectors and track inspections suspend Newtonian physics as it applies to 60-mph runaway trains hitting a 10-mph curve? Lab Test: Could any tank car robust enough to resist breaching in a high-speed derailment be light enough to carry any oil at all?
Lab Test: Can Japan's robot engineers provide humanoid train and track crews that will always perform to perfection?
So far, a locomotive engineer and two supervisors are the only people charged in a catastrophe whose causes reach deep into culture and governance. The scapegoats have been perp-walked; the anonymous culprits have returned to their spreadsheets.
True, if the locomotive engineer and train controllers had parked the train on the adjacent and derailer-protected siding, instead of a main line downgrade, the calamity at Lac-Mégantic would have been deferred to another time and place. But any safety regime that relies on human infallibility is delusional. Effective safety systems expect and anticipate human fallibility; they don't make perfect behavior a critical dependency.
So far, the proposed solutions would mitigate, but not prevent, another tragedy on the scale of Lac-Mégantic, or worse. Are we willfully ignoring root causes and remedies simply because we have no faith that our contentious, free-market democracies are up to the level of national dreaming that gave us our transcontinental railroads in the first place, and that made our countries in the process?
Let's look afresh at the death tolls of the four explosive derailments involving Bakken crude over the past 12 months: Lac-Mégantic, 47; Aliceville, Ala., 0; Casselton, N.Dak., 0; Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, 0. The common factors in all four are the derailments and explosions of DOT-111 tank cars carrying exceptionally volatile crude oil. The singular distinguishing difference among the four events is that the Aliceville, Casselton, and Plaster Point derailments, thankfully, just happened to occur out of range of human life.
The inescapable equation: Explosive derailment + proximity to human life = fatalities. The formula can be escaped only by eliminating one of the factors. So far, nearly all of the mooted solutions focus only on reducing the frequencies of derailments and explosions. Just one timid suggestion by the Federal Railroad Administration addresses the factor of human proximity.
The FRA's plea that carriers try voluntarily to route oil trains away from population centers was noted by Transport Canada, yet dismissed as impractical for a linear country, laid out by Victorian-era railway builders. There are few alternative routes around Canadian cities and towns that grew like coral reefs around station stops.
The references by the FRA and its Canadian cousin to avoid population centers acknowledges the deepest cause of death-by-oil-train, but the meekness of their suggestions testifies to the perceived impossibility of doing anything about it.
The plain fact is that there is only one way to avoid destruction and death from hazmat mishap: Separate trains from people through a comprehensive realignment of the continent's 19th century, intercity railroad map into a 21st century, high-speed freight network that bypasses urban populations.
Canada is the obvious place to start. The country's towns and cities are enveloped by barely inhabited countryside of marginal economic or ecological value. High-speed, grade-separated urban bypasses, and digitally controlled classification yards and intermodal freight terminals could be built miles away from urban centers, with dedicated truck and pipeline connections to serve urban consignees. Buffer zones would protect rail corridors and terminals from residential and office development. Existing urban trackage would be dedicated to daytime commuter and intercity passenger trains, while maintaining after-hours way freight service for existing line side customers.
Canada's railway network is at capacity. The national government is resorting to coercion to force the country's Class I carriers to give rate-capped grain priority, even as it threatens to increase crude-by-rail if it doesn't get its way with the Keystone XL pipeline. Other shippers, accurately or not, complain that oil train traffic is swallowing up track time and motive power that would otherwise move their commodities to port.
It's not as though Canada has a highway network to handle the overflow. The so-called TransCanada Highway is a national shame, with much of it a homicidal two-lane road through the black fly-infested desolation of northern Ontario. (Most cross-country truck traffic still takes the same old shortcut across the northern U.S., once used by ox carts and stage coaches before the Canadian Pacific was built—expressly to defend British North America against the Manifest Destiny of American expansionists.)
The cost-benefit wonks will howl that it would be too expensive. That's simply because Microsoft neglected to give Excel little boxes for human life and social good. Ascribing financial value to the loss of life, love, and happiness is just plain offensive.
Sure, we would have to devise a scheme for funding the relocation of transportation corridors (with room for highways and pipelines as well as trains) away from towns and cities. The U.S. Highway Trust Fund might be a model. Society has determined that moving hazardous materials by rail and road is necessary to our petroleum-based industrial and recreational economy, so that it makes sense that society as a whole share the cost. It is simply not ethically acceptable that the price for inaction be paid by randomly chosen men, women, and children who, by bad luck, happen to be within range of a hazmat catastrophe.
Disposition of some urban railway lands would contribute much of the cost. The rest could come from a fire-walled fund that would leverage some portion of national fuel taxes to finance construction. It doesn't have to be done all at once. Cities and towns whose local governments feel the need to act could do so, in collaboration with senior governments, railroads, and property developers.
Fittingly, Lac-Mégantic is the first place where serious discussion about safety-driven railway realignment is taking place, led by the town's mayor and council. The trains are running again through what was once the downtown core, but probably not indefinitely. Let us pray that the survivors of Lac-Mégantic may inspire a new age of railway building, national prosperity, and social well-being.


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The bat flip went mainstream last week.
That is why this week should be so intriguing. We generally do not hold a referendum on the popularity of our celebrities, but this is the time when America extends a collective thumbs up or thumbs down to Yasiel Puig.
On Wednesday, Major League Baseball is set to announce the initial National League leaders in fan voting for the All-Star Game. After a contentious debate last season over whether Puig should merit an All-Star spot on one hellaciously hot month, he should win in a landslide this season.
If the election is all about the statistics, this is no contest.
Puig has triggered a Triple Crown watch, as he ranks second in the league in batting average, second in runs batted in, and sixth in home runs, through Friday's games. He leads all major league outfielders with a 1.063 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage). The NL can take the next six weeks to find a third outfielder to start the All-Star Game, but Puig and Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins ought to be locks for the first two spots.
For Puig, of course, it is never all about the statistics. It is about his fantastic feats and foibles, about a player with an almost unfairly strong arm and almost no restraint about showing it off. It is about a guy who can flip his bat and thrust his arms skyward to admire a home run, then realize the ball is in play and turn on the jets for a standup triple, as he did in the playoffs last year — and again Saturday.
In one game alone — in New York on Thursday — Puig made a spectacular diving catch after a scarcely believable sprint, ignored the infield fly rule and got needlessly tagged out, danced off second base only to get doubled off the base, and flipped his bat only to find out what he thought would be a home run was actually a fly out.
Whenever he sets foot on the field — at bat, on the bases, or in the outfield — something breathtaking might happen. Sports at its best is genuine suspense, and no player in baseball is better at getting fans scooting up to the edge of their seats.
The All-Star Game is all about putting on a show for the fans, starring the players everyone wants to see. We thought that logic would get Puig to the All-Star Game last year, when he was one of five candidates in a fan vote to decide the final spot on the NL team.
Puig did not win. Freddie Freeman of the Atlanta Braves did.
It might be that Puig cuts an even more polarizing national figure now than he did then. The issue then was whether a player should arrive in the major leagues in June and play in the All-Star Game in July. That topic is relatively tame, compared to the frankly tedious rancor about whether his every bat flip threatens to destroy the dignity of our national pastime.
So, in the interest of persuading the purists reluctant to vote for Puig, we were delighted to see the video segment MLB and MTV put together for him last week, while the Dodgers were in New York. Puig set up shop in a park, where the host invited anyone walking by to grab a bat and celebrate an occasion on national television.
"My 21st birthday," said a woman.
"My sister's graduation," said a guy in a bow tie.
"A divorce. Free at last," said one apparently unburdened soul.
"Graduating from college and impending unemployment," said a sadly astute young man dressed in cap and gown.
Puig demonstrated the art of the bat flip for each celebrant, then let each one take a swing, and a flip. When his work there was done, he walked over to the nearby MLB Fan Cave, where he sang and danced with fans, then played a video game in which he put his virtual self into the lineup. The virtual Puig hit a home run, and the real Puig flipped his game controller.
This is the league endorsing the bat flip as entertaining, not offensive. This is a sanction from a league run by a commissioner two months from turning 80.
That should be good enough for those fans worried that a vote for Puig is a vote for impropriety. If not, at least, those fans ought to remember that the guy who made the Mickey Mouse sign atop his helmet during last year's playoffs was Adrian Gonzalez, not Yasiel Puig.


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The parking dolly was one that I got at Princess Auto (Canada's equivilant to Harbour Freight) a few years ago, haven't seen them again since. It wasn't terribly expensive, around $100 if I recall correctly. It works quite well allowing us to get the bike tucked in the space much easier than trying to manhandle it in. The ST is the low suspension version with no center stand, so the typical Park-n-move type dollys wouldn't work.
Here is a picture of it from their site archives.
The shelf is lag screwed into the 2x6 studs as is the brace. The base framework is 2x4s with a 3/4" plywood top and vinyl tiles. There is a 2x6 doubled onto the base frame overlapping the plywood and tile to cover the edges. Its all put together with construction screws and is quite solid. Plus, the Bonneville is not a terribly heavy bike.
The door insulation is Reflectix, which is basically high tech mylar bubble wrap, and under that is 1" styrofoam panels. The styrofoam is glued on and the Reflectix is held on with sheetmetl scres with washers. the sheets are 4' wide and the seams are taped with aluminum foil tape.


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Study: Lower Corticosteroid Doses Might be Beneficial
- Mar 13, 2014
- Intermediate
- Topics:
"We need a dose large enough for efficacy but small enough to avoid cell death," MacLeod said of the recommended dosage.
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse
Initial results of a study conducted at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center suggest accepted dosage levels for several commonly used corticosteroids might be worth further study.
At the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council's (KEDRC) regular meeting March 12 in Lexington, Jamie MacLeod, VMD, PhD, John S. and Elizabeth A. Knight chair and professor of veterinary science at the Gluck Equine Research Center, outlined initial results of a study that looked at the efficacy and dangers of methylprednisolone, betamethasone, and triamcinolone, which are used to treat ailing joints in racehorses.
The study concluded that the desired therapeutic effects of the corticosteroid treatments, especially methylprednisolone and betamethasone, could be accomplished at lower dosage levels than recommended by the manufacturer and commonly used on the backstretch. MacLeod said as dosage levels increase, more negative side effects were observed.
MacLeod said further study is needed to determine the proper dosage levels to use corticosteroids to treat inflammation and pain, but avoid negative side effects that include death of healthy cells in the joint.
The study initially noted the various levels at which corticosteroids killed healthy cells in vitro (in the laboratory). Then the study saw the same effects in vivo (within the horse), when horses were injected in the fetlock with corticosteroids. The alternate fetlock, used as a control, was injected with a placebo.
MacLeod again saw negative side effects, like death of healthy cells, in the fetlocks treated with the corticosteroids. MacLeod said at lower doses, the therapeutic side effects occurred with little or no adverse side effects.
MacLeod believes recommended dosage levels could be too high to begin with and he noted that, in practice, some horses might be receiving significantly more than the recommended level.
"We need a dose large enough for efficacy but small enough to avoid cell death," MacLeod said of the recommended dosage, which he said currently appears to be closer to the level that causes cell death than the level needed for efficacy. "I am not opposed to corticosteroids; they can be highly beneficial. I think we can find a better dose to achieve those goals."
KEDRC member and veterinarian Andy Roberts, DVM, noted that many racetrack veterinarians already give doses lower than the recommended maximum level.
MacLeod said veterinarians who routinely administer high levels of corticosteroids will not see added benefits. He said because 100% efficacy is reached at a relatively low dosage level, any levels above that only add the negative side effects without adding any therapeutic benefit.
Want more articles like this? Sign up for the Bluegrass Equine Digest e-Newsletter.
More information on Gluck Equine Research Center and UK Ag Equine Programs.
Originally published on BloodHorse.com.
About the Author
Frank Angst
Frank Angst is a staff writer for The Blood-Horse magazine. An American Horse Publications three-time winner in best news story category, Angst has covered horse racing for more than a decade. Angst spent ten years at Thoroughbred Times, where he earned awards as that magazine's senior writer and helped launch Thoroughbred Times TODAY. Besides covering horse racing, Angst enjoys handicapping. Angst has written about sports for more than 20 years, including several seasons covering a nationally ranked Marshall Thundering Herd football team.
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Fisher parents seek playground help
Staff Writer
ARLINGTON -- With little to show from three years of fundraising, Fisher Elementary's Parent Teacher Group asked the Arlington School District board Wednesday help replace the elementary school's aging playground, pieces of which are unsafe.
Principal Deanne Lacoste told the board some of the equipment -- all of which dates back 30 to 40 or more years -- is unsafe and will be closed to children based on safety concerns raised during an inspection by a company that installs the equipment.
"There are some significant safety issues and I'm going to have to shut down some pieces based on safety alone," Lacoste said.
The school board was reluctant to ask taxpayers to cover the $75,000 to $150,000 bill, but the board agreed it needs to involve itself in the process. A potential solution could be asking voters to use the school district's fund balance for the upgrades, however that could not happen until the fiscal year 2012 audit is complete this spring so the board knows exactly how much of a surplus it has.
The need for a new playground was brought to the school board's attention three years ago when Lacoste gave a presentation on its status. At that time the board asked the PTG to take on fundraising efforts for the project, but the group has raised just over $2,500 since that time.
In addition to a difficult economy, teacher and parent Jennifer Wright, who updated the school board on the PTG's progress Wednesday, said low PTG participation numbers has made it difficult to hold events.
"We typically have four or five parents that attend our meeting along with Deanne once a month, and we are in charge of coming up with the events and fundraisers," Wright said.
To raise money for the playground Wright said the PTG has done a gift card sale, held a dinner fundraiser at McDonald's and sent out corporate and community solicitation letters.
"Unfortunately over the past few years the playground has continued to age and it's our opinion we need to do something about the current playground sooner than later," Wright said. "With our current membership and the size of our community, we just are not going to be able to hold the fundraisers that are going to raise the money that we need for the playground."
"We are coming back to you to request that you ask the taxpayers to help us fund a new playground, because at the rate we're going my grandchildren won't ever get to play on the new playground," she said.
Board Chairman Todd Wilkins said he agreed that the board needs to help, but he would prefer to wait to see if there is a fund balance the board could ask taxpayers if they wanted to use for a playground.
"The school board at this point needs to start to take some onus on this," Wilkins said. "At the end of the day it's the school board's responsibility to make sure our schools and our grounds are safe for the students."
Members of the board also had other suggestions to help defray costs such as searching for grants, downsizing the playground, buying equipment piece by piece, or doing a "community build," as was done at the town park a couple years ago.
In addition to at least one slide that will be shut down, Lacoste said there are a number of other safety concerns that staff can likely fix for the short term including rusty swing chains and potential entrapment spaces.
Contact Dawson Raspuzzi at firstname.lastname@example.com or follow on Twitter @DawsonRaspuzzi
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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Spots are open for the 14th annual Beloit College Youth Sports Camp, scheduled for July 16-20 and open for boys and girls ages 6-15. The camp consists of a wide variety of group sports activities.
The Beloit College Sports Center — including the basketball and volleyball courts, the indoor field house, pool, tennis and racquet ball courts and surrounding athletic fields — will serve as the camp facilities. The Monday through Friday camp will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $95 and includes five full days (approximately 35 hours) of fun and sports-related activities, the use of all recreational facilities, and a camp T-shirt. The objective of the camp is to create a fun atmosphere and expose children to a wide variety of sports activities.
For more information or to enroll, contact Brian Bliese (firstname.lastname@example.com) at 608/363-2235 or Breeze Jacobson (firstname.lastname@example.com) at 608/363-2238.
A copy of the Youth Sports Camp brochure/sign-up form can be found on the Buccaneer Athletics website.


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Pundits must remain wary until truth is outRichard Hinds
Published: February 11 2013 - 3:00AM
The federal government, the Australian Crime Commission, the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and the chief executives of five major sports were as one. Sport was at major risk from doping, illicit drugs, organised crime and match-fixing. They would stand together to eradicate these dire threats. More fighting words followed when the administrators returned to their constituencies. Integrity units would become Panzer divisions. Dopers, cheats and criminals beware!
Yet, behind the scenes, it did not take long for the facade to crumble. The same sports that had publicly backed the report were soon whispering their misgivings. Questioning the methods and motives of the ACC and ASADA. Pillorying a government they claimed was gleefully exploiting a ''tough on crime issue'' in an election year. Bemoaning the lack of evidence, and wailing that clean athletes had been ''tarred with the same brush''.
The concerns were understandable, if - from those who understood the restrictions created by the ACC investigation - cynical. Sport has a peptide-strong self-protective reflex. As an infamous Nike ad once proclaimed: ''Image Is Everything.'' Particularly in a market where the rapid growth of the dominant codes has turned the fight for corporate dollars into a bloody cage match.
Coincidentally or not, the media focus soon flip-flopped from outrage about the ACC's conclusions to cynicism about its contents and motives. Conveniently forgotten was the fact the ACC's major concern was with organised crime. That the link with performance enhancement was only one element of the report. Ignorantly, or wilfully, the rules and procedures by which the ACC's investigations are bound were also overlooked or underplayed.
Consequently, the pleas of those bleating for the ACC to ''name names'' were faithfully reported without cogent explanation of why this could, and should, not happen. It was claimed the ACC should have given the sports with accused dopers greater warning. Which, given sports clubs leak like rusty roofs in a monsoon, would have been the best way to scupper any investigation.
ASADA was blamed for its supposed failure to expose problems. It was claimed the $500,000 paid by the football codes for the ASADA drug-testing regime should have exposed the cheats earlier. In truth, ASADA is seriously underfunded, and the amounts paid by the leagues barely covers the cost of limited testing, let alone the resources that would be required to infiltrate an organised doping ring at a time when investigation, rather than testing, is considered the best way to catch the cheats. Something anyone who followed Lance Armstrong's trail well knows.
Politicians were also a soft target, given the grand rhetorical heights reached by the Justice Minister, Jason Clare, and Sports Minister, Kate Lundy, at the report's release. Yes, they will deserve ridicule if no cheats are found and brought to account. But only then.
The government and the ACC's reaction to the whispering campaigns of the sports, and the cynicism of the media, has been swift. Clare said on Sunday the leagues had now been authorised to inform clubs if they are subject to investigation. The AFL soon confirmed what everyone suspected - Essendon is the club under investigation for alleged systematic doping. One player from another club is in the ACC's sights.
Even then, in AFL circles some complained such findings did not justify the hyperbole that accompanied the report's release. ''Only one club? Only one player at another?'' Forgotten is that this is all that has so far been detected, not the sum of the problem. Or that it was only a week ago the AFL could - and often did - boast that only one player had ever been found to use performance-enhancing drugs.
At the same time, the AFL's statement that it has not been linked to match-fixing turns the heat back on the NRL. As if the temperature is not already hot enough in a game where, allegedly, at least six clubs have fielded suspected dopers. The hope remains the ACC and ASADA have put two and two together and come up with GHRP-6. That the links are with the type of crime you would find in Oliver Twist, not The Godfather.
But, until we know the truth, we should be wary of those with guns aimed at the messenger and itchy trigger fingers. Doping is relatively new in sport. The art of evasion and cover-up is established practice.
This story was found at: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/pundits-must-remain-wary-until-truth-is-out-20130210-2e6lv.html


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Head Massage Trivia
Head massage involves the massaging of scalp, often with the use of different type of oils. Oil massage is quite popular and is provided at the salons by the barbers since long ago. Nowadays it has grown into much more than a normal massage though. It is seen as a way to provide relaxation. Essential oils are used in this massage to soothe the skin. Aromatherapy can also be used in head massages. Steam is also used for a head massage and it is very popular these days.
Different oils can be used for head massage. Some of the most popular are eucalyptus oil, almond oil, lavender oil, coconut oil and argan oil. Generally the head and shoulders are focused parts of the body in head massage. The aim is to relax these parts of the body as it affects the rest of the body. A scalp massage is said to cool down the head immediately and is also good for headaches.
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Reviewed By William M (Virginia, MN) Reviewed for a 2006 Pontiac GTO —10/21/2016 9:23 PM
The DiabloSport in tune real woke up my GTO, alot more torque and power, Best HP for the dollar.
Reviewed By michael c (fort pierce, FL) Reviewed for a 2005 Pontiac GTO —4/17/2012 7:09 AM
I'm getting about 3- 4 mpg better, performance is difficult to rate. It needs more tuning options for the novice who is not familiar with the settings. There is not enough info with the product that tells you what different features do. Install is easy, as long as you have some computer skills, basic skills. Big price tag, not sure if its worth the bux.