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What they shared was a sense -- among fellow citizens, families, doctors, judges, policemen, and in time social workers -- that they were, if not actually violent, then certainly aberrant. Their odd ways were often a burden to friends and loved ones, to others offputting at best: unconventional; unpredictable; unsettling. They were disturbing -- therefore "disturbed." And maybe dangerous.
The aberrances deemed most disturbing, even if not violent (most in fact not), were those seen linked to sex. Of women locked up at the Toronto Queen Street Asylum prior to 1900, a quarter were in for "female trouble" -- "childbirth, lactation, miscarriage, menstrual disorders, uterine disorders" and other natural conditions seen as "the predisposing cause of insanity."
The following database has been constructed from records of the Toronto (Queen Street) Insane Asylum. Each record in my index consists of the name of the inmate, the home residence of the inmate (ie District,county,town), and the age of the resident.
The COMPLETE insane asylum records contain a wealth of information on your ancestor that will not be found in any other records available.
Data that may be included (* inmate details vary from case to case) in the registers includes country of birth, by whom supported (ie friends,province), sex, age, stature (mainly in pre 1850 records), color of hair and eyes (mainly in pre 1852 records), temperament (mainly in pre 1852 records), original disposition and intellect (mainly in pre 1852 records), single or married, number of children, occupation, degree of education, religion, habits of life (ie. sober,sedate,intemperate), times admitted, date of admission, date of discharge (this often death date in asylum), time in asylum, age at first attack, number of previous attacks, duration of present attack, cause of disorder (ie. hereditary, life event), form of mental disorder, hallucinations, accompanying body disorder, results (ie. died, discharged), cause of death, general observations.
* Records now indexed from 1841 through 1891. Also see link below for new Kingston Asylum Database - 3000 records indexed February 2010, and the Malden and London Insane Asylums, Updated September 15,2011
* As far as locations are concerned, county, township, or town/village are recorded. Many were listed as being from Toronto, but researchers should keep in mind that most of these individuals probably were originally from elsewhere in the province. It also would appear that many of these individuals moved to or reported their residence as a nearby larger town such as Hamilton, or Ottawa...or any other town that may have been near their rural residence.
This web site is a copyright work. The reproduction, copying, downloading, storage, recording, broadcasting, retransmission and distribution of any part of these pages (including all text, compilations, graphics and source code) without the written permission of Michael Stephenson is strictly prohibited.
Copyright © 2010 Michael Stephenson. All rights reserved.
Toronto Insane Asylum Records Part 2
Toronto Insane Asylum Records Part 3
Also see link below for new Hamilton Asylum (Updated September 2012), London Asylum Databases, Malden Asylum, and the Kingston Insane Asylum
Kingston, Ontario, Insane Asylum Database
Malden Insane Asylum Database
London, Ontario - Insane Asylum Database
Hamilton, Ontario - Insane Asylum Database
Upper Canada (Ontario) Newspaper Notices Database Created December, 2011
Ontario (Upper Canada) History and Pioneer Family Research Created April 1, 2011
Queen's Own Rifles - Old Photos of Members Created April 8, 2011
Upper Canada District Maps (Circa 1800) Created April 26, 2011
Upper Canada (Ontario) History Books On-Line Index
Ontario County Directories Victoria, Haliburton, Hastings, Peterborough, Durham, Northumberland, Muskoka, and Old Ontario County
Central Upper Canada (Ontario) Marriage Database 22650 Marriage Records Indexed
Central Upper Canada Baptism Database 25000 Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic and Church of Scotland Marriages indexed
Upper Canada (Central Ontario) Burial Database 4500 Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist and Church of Scotland Burials indexed
Eastern Upper Canada Marriage Database 1200 Anglican, Roman Catholic and Church of Scotland Marriages indexed
Eastern Upper Canada Baptism Database 3000 Anglican, Roman Catholic and Church of Scotland Baptisms indexed
Eastern Upper Canada Burial Database
Upper Canada Land Petitions 51000 Records Indexed
Upper Canada Land Leases and Miscellaneous Petitions 10000 Records Indexed
Upper Canada (Ontario) Sundries Database
Upper Canada (Ontario) Toronto Insane Asylum Database
Upper Canada (Ontario) Kingston Insane Asylum Database
Upper Canada (Ontario) London Insane Asylum Database
Upper Canada (Ontario) Malden Insane Asylum Database
Upper Canada (Ontario) Hamilton Insane Asylum Database **Coming Soon - January 2012**
Ontario Genealogy Historical Newspaper Collection Historical Newspaper Files from various regions of Ontario
NEWSPAPER Genealogical and Historical Records - Thousands of entries
Ontario (Upper Canada) Map Collection Great site for locating your ancestors in Ontario
Ontario Genealogy Postcard Site - Great old-time landscape views
Upper Canada and Ontario CRIMINAL Database
Ontario Genealogy Database Index Site 400 000 Genealogy Records Indexed
January 2004 Join the Ontario Genealogy mail list now. Discussion group for genealogy and history of the Province of Ontario post 1867, or join the Upper Canada (Ontario) mail list now, discussion group for genealogy and history of Upper Canada prior to 1867.
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Ke$ha has always been know for her outlandish sense of style both on stage and on the red carpet. She has also been a very outspoken supporter of animal rights recently being named Humane Society International's first Global Ambassadorfor animals. The pop star found a strange way to merge her love for fashion without harming animals: roadkill.
In an interview with 99.7 [NOW!]/San Francisco, the singer declared, "I wear pieces of roadkill. Yeah I do."
A bit strange for an animal rights activist and self-professed cat lady, but Ke$ha explained, "I like wearing different kinds of bones and feathers but I never want to hurt the animals."
As if that wasn't enough, Ke$ha rationalized her professed predilection for roadkill by putting herself on the same level.
"If I were hit by a car then I would want..somebody to wear me."
On a more serious note, Ke$ha's website currently offers support to World Spay Day, coming on February 26 and a chance to have your pet participate in a related Pet Pageant sponsored by the Humane Society. Ke$ha's album Warrior is out now on RCA Records.
-Bradford Hornsby, 99.7 [NOW!]/San Francisco

subset: commoncrawl


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Augusta Commission member Grady Smith has recent firsthand experience with the city's ambulance service provider, Gold Cross.
When he lost two pints of blood after a stitch in his foot burst last month, Smith was glad that Gold Cross emergency medical technicians arrived quickly and whisked him away to a hospital, where he remained for two weeks.
"Those fellows were first class. They did a great job," Smith said. He questions whether Augusta-Richmond County Fire Department first responders, despite similar training, could have handled his situation so well.
"Send me the man or the team that can do the job," he said.
Good reputation aside, momentum is building among other commissioners to revisit the city's 8-year-old Gold Cross contract, which requires the city give nine months' notice if it plans to re-bid the service.
The effort, most are quick to say, isn't a referendum on Gold Cross but rather the city's inability to gauge the quality of the service.
A push to review the contract, initiated by Fire Chief Chris James after he was promoted last year, gained steam after Gold Cross applied to become Augusta's primary zone provider, which would have allowed it to bypass the city's 911 office and run ambulance service without a contract. The application was rejected.
James' primary issues with the contract are that it offers no guarantees that Gold Cross provide the city with response times, maintain a minimum number of ambulances in Augusta, use Advanced Life Support units, or inform the city where the trucks are located or unavailable, contrary to a Georgia Emergency Management Agency program specifying that all have vehicle locators aboard.
"We have a new fire chief, and of course he's going to evaluate that," Mayor Pro Tem Corey Johnson said. "It wasn't about anybody not doing their job, or anything like that."
Johnson speculated that in 2005, when the contract was written, the guarantees James now seeks were uncommon. That year, the city selected Gold Cross at a $1.9 million annual fee over American Medical Response, which proposed a $400,000 fee, while previous provider Rural Metro declined to submit a proposal.
"The contract is old and poorly written, just like all the other contracts we're dealing with." Commissioner Bill Lockett said, "We were not wanting to review the contract for any perceived poor performance."
Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle said the review of the Gold Cross contract is only the first of many he hopes the commission will take "to make sure they are competitive. Like (Commissioner Alvin) Mason said, Gold Cross won't be knocked out if they come in competitively."
Commissioner Donnie Smith said his biggest concern was that a study committee assigned to review the contract might lack knowledge and objectivity.
"What I want to know before I vote is who is going to be on this panel and whether they are qualified to be there," said Smith, a lieutenant with the Georgia State Patrol. "I don't think people who are laymen should be on this committee."
Smith suggested asking emergency management directors or other public safety professionals from outside Augusta to help determine what it needs.
"I don't want there to be any taint toward the contract," he said.
"My biggest concern is whether the current contract needs to be updated," said Commissioner Bill Fennoy, who worked in public health for years. "Whether the service we are requesting is adequate and whether it meets the needs of the citizens of Richmond County. Whoever gets the contract at this particular point in time is not as important to me as the services that we are requesting, and what needs to be added or deleted."
Besides Grady Smith, the least skeptical of the commissioners is Marion Williams, the only one to have served on the commission that hired Gold Cross and who led the city's public safety committee at the time.
"I think once you hire a service, you let them provide the service," Williams said. "I can't get mad because somebody got a lesser contract than I did."
Still, Williams was receptive Thursday to reviewing the agreement.
"I think it's time to look at the contract, to see what we've got," he said.
City Administrator Fred Russell, who signed off on the existing contract, said former 911 Director Phil Wasson was most involved in crafting it. Russell said the agreement, while in need of updating, hadn't failed residents.
"I don't remember receiving any complaints in the last several years regarding EMS services," Russell said. "People here are not afraid to complain."


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The June Draft
Just a quick note … Any coverage about the June draft will be on the main site at www.futureangels.com. I also recommend www.baseballamerica.com for the best coverage.
Today is Day Two, which I like to think of a "Tom Kotchman Day." You'll see a bunch of guys from Florida drafted who will wind up on the Orem roster in a few days. The lower rounds are mostly for very high-risk players (i.e. those unlikely to sign) and organization players who might have a skill that will help fill out a roster at the lower levels, e.g. a catcher with no bat but who can handle pitchers well. Since Kotch both scouts Florida and manages the Rookie-A Orem team which starts play in two weeks, it's only natural he'd recommend someone he knows will make his team better — which is probably one reason why he goes to the playoffs every year.
So at day's end, check Baseball America to see how many guys were drafted out of Florida.


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Warriors forward Harrison Barnes took a hard fall during the second quarter of Game 6 of a Western Conference semifinals series against the Spurs.
With 1:15 remaining in the second quarter and the Spurs leading 45-36, Barnes came from the weakside to defend a drive by Boris Diaw. Barnes wound up catching his legs on Diaw's midsection and fell headfirst back to the court. He landed hard on his right arm and shoulder and the right side of his head hit the court. Diaw, meanwhile, was called for travelling on the play.
Barnes then lay motionless on the court for an extended period of time and was quickly surrounded by his teammates and coaching staff on the court. He eventually left the court walking under his own power, but appeared a bit wobbly and he was bleeding from the right side of his head.
After remaining in the locker room until halftime, the rookie forward made a remarkably return to the court to start the second half. The Warriors announced early in the third quarter that Barnes had received six stitches to patch up a laceration over his right eye.
He was later removed from the game during the fourth quarter after he complained of headaches and the Warriors announced he would not return.
Warriors coach Mark Jackson told reporters after the game that Barnes passed a concussion test at halftime before reentering the game.
"He was alert when he was on the floor," Jackson said. "He walked off on his own. We have a great staff with our doctors and our trainers and he gave it a go. He actually played well, but it ran its course."
San Antonio went on to win the game 94-82 to eliminate Golden State from the playoffs in six games. The Spurs now advance to the Western Conference finals, where they will face the Grizzlies.


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Would anyone be able to confirm that this is a vertebra from a small cetacean and if so, hazard a guess at the possible species? Many thanks, Sally.
Yes, this is a lumbar vertebra from a small cetacean. The size is in keeping with an adult porpoise.
Thank you! Really interesting to know this. Going to mention it (and the fantastic NaturePlus site) on my blog which is linked to BBC Wildlife Magazine as part of their 'local patch reporter' initiative.


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With Father's Day right around the corner, Harris Interactive conducted a poll of over 2,000 Americans to find out who everyone thought were the top TV Dad's of all time.
#10 Ben Cartwright, Bonanza
#9 Tim Taylor, Home Improvement
#8 Charles Ingalls, Little House on the Prairie
#7 Ozzie Nelson, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
#6 Mike Brady, The Brady Bunch
#5 Andy Taylor, The Andy Griffith Show
#4 Howard Cunningham, Happy Days
#3 Jim Anderson, Father Knows Best
#2 Ward Cleaver, Leave it to Beaver
#1 Cliff Huxtable, The Cosby Show
Need the perfect Father's Day gift for your Golfing Dad? Buy a Player's Club Card, good for 6 rounds of golf at some of the best courses in CT!


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HD: An Opera in Three Acts
Not too long ago, the only way to experience opera, if there was even an opera company in your area, was to pay up to hundreds of dollars to sit in a lousy seat next to a guy with a persistent cold trying to open the world's largest cough drop. Then came the world of simulcast performances. Feeds from the Met, La Scala and other major opera houses were transmitted to TV stations across the country. What's the next act?
Now, you can run down to your local cineplex and see live transmissions from the Met, in HD, on the big screen. Talk about stunning. Multiple cameras give you the front row view that you could only dream about affording. Typical cost of a ticket is about $22. In HD, I bet you can see every frame of glass in the Chagalls in the lobby.
What's interesting is the effect these broadcasts are having on the opera-going public. According to the Met, they've noticed no decrease in their sales. In other words, folks are still coming out to the opera even with other options available. However, the number of fans attending the broadcasts is far higher. So, these feeds are increasing the opera's exposure. What's more, local opera companies are noticing increased numbers too as more people are exposed to good quality performances.
The Met has been airing archived and live performances 24/7 on Sirius Satellite Radio and on the Internet as well, but without images. And, listening through your computer just doesn't compare to a theatrical presentation.
The 2008 series featured eight performances. It must have been successful, because the plan is to expand to eleven performances, all in HD, in 2009. Let's hope the fat lady doesn't sing anytime soon. Not all of us can afford to fly to the Met, and season tickets, and airline tickets, to La Scala are a bit pricey right now. High-definition opera broadcast - to homes or theaters is a trend that can only get better. -Leslie Shapiro
Via Cleveland.com
Met photo by Paul Masck


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What happened tonight? Debbie Williams, the American Idol stage manager was injured and taken to the hospital when those retractable stairs retracted while she was on them. Early reports are that her injuries were minor. Then the stage started falling and one of the giant American Idol orbs and columns partially collapsed. Dress rehearsal was cancelled. MJ's blog crashed and the MTV live blog stopped at 8:38 edt (I later read the rest of it). I am grateful that no one was hurt tonight.
I am at a loss for words to describe how much I hated American Idol tonight. I hated the duets. I think Slash was a waste. I thought the judging tonight was meaningless jabber. The song choices, for the most part. were terrible. I thought the American Idol rock song performances were vapid. The arrangements were cookie cutter. I was so disgusted with American Idol tonight that I went to my office, made a mix of my American Idol Rock Song predictions and played them at a disturbing volume. That would have made for a fascinating show.
Now that my temper tantrum is over, time for a little empathy. Missing the dress rehearsal obviously bothered the performers. We don't know how much of the dress rehearsal was completed before the accidents but some of the American Idol performers looked uncharacteristically uncomfortable. Also, someone they know was injured and taken to the hospital before their eyes. Allison was timid in her performance and then argumentative during her judging. That is just the opposite of her usual demeanor. Kris Allen seemed mad the whole night. Danny Gokey was irritated during the judges comments. I must believe that they were shaken and concerned about their friend and maybe a little nervous about the set. Too bad we can't give the American Idol performers a pass tonight.
American Idol Season 8 Rock Song Performance Ratings
I am ignoring the duets tonight. They were meaningless filler. Really, what did you learn about Christina music performers Danny Gokey or Kris Allen from "Renegade"? What did "Slow Ride" tell you about Adam Lambert or Allison Iraheta, other than 17 year old girls singing inappropriate lyrics at 9 edt on national television is apparently something to be applauded? The only time rockers did these stupid duets was on stupid 70′s variety shows. "The Weight" is cycling through my song preview mix for the second time. I am feeling better. Remember last week when I said all of the performers earned an "A" in my Rat Pack performance review, well everyone gets no more than a "C" tonight so I am ranking on a curve.
- Danny Gokey, yep, that mess Danny Gokey threw out there tonight was my favorite Americna Idol rock performance. Why? The opening to "Dream On" looked to be a struggle for him, his breathing seemed off and he fought to find a groove. Toward the middle he cut loose with his voice and then he built the song until–The Scream. So far, everyone hates it. I liked it. I don't know how many notes he stumbled through on that final scream but we could probably score a few scrabble points with those letters. But I don't care, it is was guttural, primal, cathartic and insane.
- Allison Iraheta picked the right song but she held back. "Cry Baby" is an angry, hurting rant at a former boyfriend. Allison need to wring the emotion out of the song but, instead she sang the set-ups and transitions while avoiding the meat of the song. I had high hopes but Allison played this American Idol performance uncharacteristically safe.
- Adam Lambert took the show by storm by cranking through Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love". I am sorry, from the first moment all I could hear was Robert Plant screaming through he phone to Jimmy Page, "NEVER AGAIN WILL WE ALLOW THAT BLOODY, LAME SHOW TO GUT ONE OF OUR SONGS". I played the original for my wife and then replayed Adam's American Idol version and she nailed it. "He doesn't believe in the emotion of the song." This was another in a long line of big, loud, brassy empty American Idol performances by Adam Lambert. I don't know what everyone is buying but I am not interested.
- Kris Allen seemed off tonight. From the opening verse of his duet with Danny to his placid walk through of "Come Together", Kris seemed angry and uninterested. "Come Together" was a terrible song choice. For the second week in a row, Kris Allen has kept his magical arranging skills under wraps. There is just very little you can do with this song. We have seen many others fail (isn't this song the last one Carly Smithson did last year) with "Come Together". Kris sang well but you did not get the feeling he really cared that much.
Just in case you did not notice, I was disappointed by American Idol tonight.
Given all of the accidents and distractions tonight and given that Slash was such a terrible mentor, I think we should skip elimination this week and eliminate two next week. American Idol producers, don't you agree? Just in case 19 Entertainment does not clip this blog for the producers, here are my predictions:
Bottom two Allison Iraheta Kris Allen
Going home Allison Iraheta
On Thursday morning the studio performances will be available for iTunes and we will be able to see how much of tonight's show was attributable to the dress rehearsal accidents and how much was Slash's fault. In the meantime download some of the great performances dating all the way back to Felicia Barton and Mishavonna Henson from the Top 36.


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Christine Rees, DVM, Dipl. ACVD
Christine Rees, DVM, Dipl. ACVD, is a board certified veterinary dermatologist and an international expert on animal skin conditions. She worked as a tenured faculty member at Texas A & M University for 13 years and currently operates her private practice, ADESA: Animal and Dermatology for Equine and Small Animals, in McKinney, Texas.


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One significant recent development is providing a process for owners of dilapidated structures to enter into an agreement with the city to rehabilitate them. Code Enforcement supervisor Bruce Moore said the program was modeled after North Little Rock's process for handling dilapidated structures.
Bill Clark, Russellville's code enforcement officer, works to get property owners to either tear down a dilapidated structure or rehabilitate it within a certain time frame. Property owners may choose to enter into a rehabilitation agreement.
Moore said to enter an agreement, a deposit is calculated using the same formula as building permits and is then placed into an escrow account.
Once the agreement is signed and the deposit made, the owners are then locked into a timeline to rehabilitate their property. Milestones are to be met at 45, 90 and 135 days. By 180 days, the property should be ready for inspection to receive a certificate of occupancy.
Once that inspection is passed, the owner receives his or her deposit back.
Conversely, Moore said, if property owners fail to meet the obligations of the agreement, the city can move to take the structure down with no further notification. In such a case, the deposit will be liquidated and used for demolition and cleanup costs.
Other changes have been made to Code Enforcement as well. In 2012, the City Council adopted the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), which sets minimum maintenance standards.
"It helps ensure maintenance and sanitation of all properties (within the city)," Moore said.
Some of the items addressed in the IPMC include broken windows, rotten siding and roofs entangled with moss and debris.
In cases of broken windows and similar problems, Moore said landlords may not know that a rental property even has such a problem until Clark notifies them.
In addition, many homeowners may not realize the problems that can be caused by debris collecting on the roof of their home.
"Those are the things I try to point out to homeowners — things that are going to affect the longevity of their home," Clark said.
In an effort to streamline the department — staffed only by Clark and his assistant, along with Moore's supervisory duties — the city provided Clark with an iPad, which has proven to be an excellent time-saving tool.
When Clark is in the field, he can take notes and photos with the iPad and send them immediately to his assistant, who can open the case, begin research on property ownership if necessary and prepare form letters before Clark ever makes it back to the office.
This allows him to spend the majority of his time in the field, but still keeps the process of opening code cases moving.
In his job, Clark said some of the most common violations he sees include trash in yards, unlicensed or non-operational vehicles and, of course, grass violations.
As spring has finally arrived in full force, Clark said grass violations have picked up for the season. He said he has received 28 grass-related calls so far in May.
Russellville set up Code Enforcement as a separate department in 2011.
Clark was hired in February of that year. Prior to that time, code violations were handled within the Russellville Police Department.


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I upgraded to zonealarm 8.* and it completely destroyed my machine. It takes up 100% CPU and does nothing. It's very upsetting, since I JUST paid for anther year subscription. I wanted to know if there is anyway I can download the newest 7.* version since that was the latest version I had before upgrading to 8.* and destroying my machine.
I downloaded:
Uninstaller will run and ask you to reboot.
Download 7.0.483.000 and save the installer to your desktop. Then double click the installer file to install.
And when I attempted to install that version, said my machine was NOT okay lol and wouldn't let me install. I than ran it in windows compatibility mode (XP SP2) and it ran. Then at 100% installed it crashed on me and I reboot, then when I start it says "enter your licence info" I than enter my key, and about 15 mins later it pops up saying the antivirus system is broken blah blah.
So is there a new version I can download of the 7 series of zonealarm? Been using it for a year no problem, then I update and **bleep** hits the fan ^_^


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Each winter, many American workers bank on their ability to land part-time retail jobs to help them cover their holiday expenses or otherwise make ends meet. This winter, though? Not so much.
With the economy in the tank and retailers reeling from what's expected to be the weakest holiday shopping season in decades, most stores are hiring fewer workers, and many job seekers are finding that competition for seasonal work is downright brutal. But no matter how depressing or panic-inducing your initial job search might have been, jobs really and truly are out there if you know where to look.
"With more people looking for fewer (available) jobs, it emphasizes the fact that you have to be resourceful and creative," said Shawn Boyer, chief executive officer of SnagAJob.com, an employment Web site that has been connecting people with hourly jobs for nearly a decade. "You have to view this job search as a job itself."
Below you'll find ten possible categories where part-time — and in many cases full-time — seasonal positions should still be plentiful in many parts of the country, despite the crummy economy. Pay ranges are included whenever possible.
In such a competitive environment, job applicants must take definite steps to make themselves stand out, Boyer said. He advised job seekers to:
- Apply for multiple jobs, not just one or two
- Offer to be as flexible as possible with their work schedules
- Demonstrate a positive, can-do attitude on job interviews
- Remember to send handwritten thank-you notes to the people who interview them
Boyer also encouraged those who do find seasonal work to take their jobs seriously — even if those jobs don't tie in at all with their ultimate career goals.
"Even if you don't want to stay on past January, you still might want to come back for part-time work next Christmas and you don't want to burn any bridges," Boyer said. "Employers' first plan of action is always to call back the crew from last year.…
"Also, even though they say they're only hiring for the season, the majority of hiring managers would like to keep good people on past the holiday season. Employers will look at you as a potential long-term employee if you express interest in that."
Without further ado, here are some ways to find seasonal work this year:
1. Help people with their taxes. Tax preparation service companies begin hiring people in December for their busy season, which lasts from February through April. You may feel woefully unqualified for such a job — but don't. "They'll take you through tax school," Boyer said. "You'll pay for most of that training up front, but they reimburse you for the training if you complete it." Average hourly wage for tax preparers: $16.78.
2. Count stores' inventory. Even if retailers aren't hiring as many sales associates as they usually do this holiday season, they still need help tracking their inventories in all of their stores. That's why they contract with inventory services companies, who send workers into stores during off hours to count dress shirts, coats, shoes — you name it. The crunch time for inventory services companies begins during the holiday season and really ramps up in January and February, so now is the time to apply. A job requirement will be your own set of wheels so you can float from store to store as needed. To find potential employers where you live, do a quick Internet search for the words "inventory services." Typical hourly wage: $10 to $15.
3. Install satellite dishes. As of Feb. 17, 2009, all television stations across the country will switch to digital broadcasting. In preparation for the conversion to digital TV — and also in recognition that many people upgrade their TVs over the holidays — satellite television companies such as Dish Network and DirecTV are hiring people to work as satellite dish installers. "Again, they train you," Boyer said. "It's nice because you're outside and moving to different homes or locations all the time. It's good if you don't want to go to the same place every day." Typical hourly wage: $11 to $16.
4. Get thee to the gym. Gyms and health clubs gobble up employees at this time of year because so many people make New Year's resolutions to lose weight and get in shape. Gyms tend to become insanely busy in January — and then they tend to settle back down to their usual pace. The pay for gym jobs can vary quite a bit depending on where you live in the country and what level of expertise you have. (A front-desk clerk typically won't be earning as much as an experienced personal trainer, for example.) On a related note, another way to tap into people's goals for the new year is to pursue a part-time job at a sporting goods store. These stores tend to hire now because they know how busy they'll be selling gear to well-intentioned shoppers in the early weeks of January. Average hourly wage for retail salespeople: $11.79; average hourly wage for cashiers:$8.84.
5. Look for other bright spots in the retail sector. Sporting goods stores aren't the only oasis in the retail desert this year. Boyer noted that crafts stores and photo-finishing stores will stay busy throughout the holiday season and beyond because people become highly motivated to make prints and organize their photos into albums, scrapbooks and picture frames at this time of year. Other retailers that are continuing to hire at a brisk pace this year include dollar stores, convenience stores, toy stores and discount retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart and Big Lots. Again, the average hourly wage for retail salespeople is $11.79, and the average hourly wage for cashiers is $8.84.
6. Focus on food. No matter how badly the economy is faring, people are still eating. The key detail is that they don't want to spend a ton of money on what they eat. For that reason, fast-food restaurants are busy — and hiring — right now. Typical hourly wage: About $8.
Other possibilities in the food realm include restaurants situated near malls — (think The Cheesecake Factory and Romano's Macaroni Grill) — as well as catering companies, which tend to be crazy-busy putting on big parties at this time of year. Waiters and waitresses at casual-dining restaurants typically make about $9 an hour; pay at catering companies can vary quite a bit depending on where you live and how experienced you are.
Yet one more possibility to remember in this area: Pizza delivery. This is one of the busiest times of the year for businesses that deliver pizza, in part because the weather is icky and people don't feel like leaving their homes in search of grub, and in part because college football bowl season is about to start. Typical hourly wage for a pizza-delivery person: $10 to $20, including mileage reimbursement and tips.
7. Work in a winter wonderland — either in the snow or in the sun. Do you live anywhere near a ski resort, theme park, ice-skating rink or hotel in a tourism hotspot? If so, all of those places likely are hiring right now. In addition to a memorable part-time job, you also could score other perks. "You could get a discount on ski rentals, hotel stays or free ice-skating passes," Boyer said. Jobs at these spots typically pay about$9 an hour. Also, here's yet another possibility in the entertainment category: Movie theaters, which tend to get extremely busy at the end of every calendar year. Average hourly pay for movie ushers, lobby attendants and ticket takers:$8.60.
8. Be one of Santa's helpers — or be Santa himself. If you've got what it takes, you really could land a job as a Santa impersonator right about now — but if that isn't your style, you could get hired as a gift wrapper at one of the big anchor stores at the mall. Retailers hire lots of people for gift-wrapping positions at this time of year, so be sure to tell them you're interested in doing just that when you apply. Yet another possibility to consider: Christmas tree lots. Just pull up to one in your area and find out whether they could use any part-time help. Hourly wages for these seasonal positions will vary considerably depending on where you live.
9. Get presents where they need to go. You could score a part-time shipping-related job at this time of year with the likes of FedEx or UPS — both of which are hiring right now, Boyer said, primarily for package-handling positions as opposed to driving positions. Typical hourly wage for a part-time package handler: $8.50 to $9.50. On a separate but related note, Boyer pointed out that this is also a good time of year to help out with packaging, shipping and receiving at online retailers' warehouses and distribution centers. To start the process of finding such a position, do an Internet search for the phrase "warehouse jobs." Wages will vary depending on where you live.
10. Remember self-employment possibilities. You also could make some money on the side by being a bit entrepreneurial and tapping into any special skills you have. Could you, for example, help people design Web sites, upgrade their computers and other technology at home, do handyman-type work for people or provide lessons on a musical instrument? Also, dog-walking, house-sitting and babysitting aren't just for teenagers, you know. (Or at least they don't have to be!) Just focus on your strengths and get the word out locally about what you have to offer. You could be pleasantly surprised by the results of your efforts before you know it.
Sources and resources:


text:
Topic: chroot ptr resolve problem
Helo. I use iRedMail-0.5.1 on Centos 5.4. iRedMail was installed on fresh Centos installation wihtout any other services. Few days ago i decided to use "reject_unknown_client" restriction in "smtpd_sender_restrictions" to prevent spam messages from hosts without valid ptr records. After this postfix started to reject any mail, even from hosts from valid prt records.
This is a record from maillog
Nov 25 11:55:00 email postfix/smtpd[31618]: NOQUEUE: reject: RCPT from unknown[220.127.116.11]: 450 4.7.1 Client host rejected: cannot find your hostname, [126.96.36.199]; from=<firstname.lastname@example.com> to=<email@example.com> proto=ESMTP helo=<mail-bw0-f211.google.com>
This problem appears only when postfix run in chroot. When i change setting for smtpd in /etc/postfix/master.cf to remove it from chroot everything works fine. Files resolv.conf, localtime, hosts in /var/spool/postfix/etc/ are same as in/etc/ ones.
I don't want to run postfix without chroot, and i need your help. Thank you!


text: What the Mouse wants, the Mouse gets. And nobody gets in the Mouse's way. Abrams got an offer from the Mouse he couldn't refuse. Nuthin' personal. Given how some fans felt STID took a back burner to other Abrams projects (hence, waiting four years), imagine their uproar if he decides to at least produce STXII, and the project is delayed by the SW movie. I doubt Paramount's pissed. Nonplussed at worst. I bet if they thought it would help, they may even begin promotions for STID with, "From the director who will bring you the next 'Star Wars' movie...." Abrams going to SW is a little like Roy Williams leaving Kansas for North Carolina. How could KU alum begrudge him returning to his first love after all the success he had with KU? And it's not like things have been bad for KU since Williams left. I'll hold onto that as a metaphor for what just happened here.


text:
Last Updated Aug 24, 2011 1:52 PM EDT
While small-town living might not be for everyone, those looking to escape the big city will certainly appreciate the quiet charm of these "country" getaways.
What are the top 10 places to live in the U.S.? Click through the slideshow to find out!


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|March 2nd, 2009, 11:48 AM
A 'Refined Bogan'
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Projects & Discussions | Multi-Purpose, Rectangular, A.K. Reserve, W.A.C.A. | Stadia
Old Thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=715976
There is currently talk of a new 60,000 seat multi-purpose stadium at Kitchner Park, a redevelopment to the W.A.C.A. Ground up to 30,000 seats with the inclusion of 4 towers, and also a rectangular stadium, whether that be an upgrade to Members Equity Stadium or a new one at another site is yet unknown.
W.A.C.A. Ground
• What does this mean for the future of the WACA Ground?
Under this proposed redevelopment the WACA Ground will be transformed into a world class 30,000 seat cricket venue as well as being home to two residential towers, two office blocks and a retail and entertainment precinct.
• Where will cricket be played under this proposal?
This proposal enables all cricket, both domestic and international, to be played at the WACA Ground.
• What about the new stadium or a redeveloped Subiaco Oval?
The 30,000 capacity proposed for this redevelopment will cater for the majority of cricket fixtures however the WACA will consider moving blockbuster matches such as a Twenty20 international against England or a 2015 World Cup match to a new stadium or a redeveloped Subiaco Oval should either of these occur.
• What will the capacity of the WACA Ground be with this proposal?
The WACA Ground will be able to hold 30,000 people which is some 2000 more than the capacity at Lords.
• What corporate facilities will there be with this proposal?
The corporate facilities of the WACA Ground will be significantly upgraded with approximately 80 corporate boxes to be built in the new stand on the northern side of the ground. The number of function rooms and facilities are yet to be finalised.
• Where is the funding coming from for the project?
This project will be financially backed by Ascot Capital Limited, a property development company. The State Government will be approached for some comparatively modest support to upgrade the lighting facilities at the redeveloped ground for the benefit of neighbouring residents and to create a Centre for Cricket Excellence at The University of Western Australia's Sports Park in Floreat as the development would take our entire existing training facilities at the WACA Ground.
• Who is Ascot Capital Limited?
Ascot Capital is a global property investment and development house which has developed approximately 150,000m2 of offices, 200,000m2 of industrial space and 100,000m2 of retail space, in Australia, United Kingdom and South Africa. It has recently purchased the lease on Jandakot Airport and is in the process of developing 160 hectares of office, warehouse and distribution facilities.
• Will it be a noose around the WACA's neck like the last redevelopment in 2002?
No, it will be quite the opposite. The proposed project is expected to generate a long term revenue stream which will help to ensure the Association is financially viable into the future.
• Have you sold the WACA?
No. The title to the stadium remains with the WACA. The balance, namely the offices and the towers, will be held with the joint venture.
• What time frame will this project be completed in?
Subject to zoning approvals the entire redevelopment is expected to take three to four years.
• Will there be any interruption to cricket fixtures at the WACA Ground during this time?
No. Development will not affect the playing arena.
• Who has been briefed about the proposed redevelopment?
The WACA has had discussions with the Premier, Government and Opposition representatives and departmental heads, the Major Stadia Taskforce as well as the East Perth Redevelopment Authority and Trinity College to brief them on the proposed redevelopment.
• Will Government support be required?
Yes. A major issue will be the zoning required. The residential towers would need to be some 17 storeys for the project to be viable. This height is in alignment with the Raffles development and could be favourably compared to the 25 storey towers earmarked for along the Marina in the Riverside project.
• What is the proposed Centre for Cricket Excellence?
Part of the redevelopment proposal requires the existing practice facilities (both indoor and outdoor) at the WACA Ground to be removed. These therefore need to be replaced and we have been working on a proposal to relocate them to a state of the art facility at The University of Western Australia's Sports Park in Floreat. The WACA Administration could also be relocated there.
• What does it cost and what's in it for the WACA?
$250m provided by the developers. A long term revenue stream, new northern grandstands and an increase in capacity to 30,000.
Perth's Multi-purpose Stadium
Development Timeline
Since the latest State Election this porject and come into deep trouble and is looking unlikely to be built.
Planning for Perth's new, multi-purpose stadium is already underway.
Because Perth Stadium is such a large and complex undertaking, the important planning phase will take two to three years prior to the staged construction starting in 2011. During this period the Project Team will work closely with all stakeholders, including the Subiaco Redevelopment Authority and the Subiaco City Council, to prepare the site for development.
Construction will occur in two stages. The existing oval will remain in operation with a capacity of around 40,000 seats while the new stadium is being built adjacent on Kitchener Park. In 2014 the new stadium will host its first AFL games. The old Subiaco Oval will then be demolished and the last 20,000 seats of the new stadium built and parkland developed.
When the stadium is fully completed in time for the 2016 football season it will have a total capacity of 60,000 seats.
current Subiaco Oval
Stage 1 of new stadium
Stage 2 of new stadium
Final Development of new Stadium
Most recent News...
WAFC in cash hunt to rebuild Subi Oval
MARK DUFFIELD and ROBERT TAYLOR
The WA Football Commission is poised to push ahead with an ambitious plan to redevelop Subiaco Oval to hold at least 50,000 in the wake of the State Government's indefinite shelving of the $1.1 billion stadium project.
The WAFC has begun "sounding out" government representatives on a range of funding options for the project, including part-private, part-public arrangements or government guarantees for private investors or lenders.
The State Government has said it would not look at the multi-purpose stadium project for at least two years and all sports are now sceptical that the stadium will be built. Premier Colin Barnett favours a gradual rebuilding of Subiaco Oval.
Treasurer Troy Buswell left the door open this week, saying: "The Government is always willing to listen to alternative ideas and approaches for getting the stadium plan off the ground."
Western Force has committed to play at Members Equity from next year. Funding at least part of Rugby WA and the Town of Vincent's proposed $75 million upgrade of the rectangular stadium has some support in the Government.
WAFC chairman Neale Fong said that with cricket committed to staying at the WACA Ground, football could not sit still for two years hoping that the Government would change its mind.
"We are talking to the Government and people in the private sector about possible options," Dr Fong said. "It really comes down to a matter of funding for a staged rebuild."
But he made it clear football would not be happy running second to rugby in a funding battle. "If the Government were to pour $40 million into Members Equity Stadium without consideration to football that would be outrageous," he said.
"Have we a final proposal? No. We are exploring all options. about a funding model where footy pays its way."
Although the final proposal will depend on what, if any, State Government support was available, any redevelopment would include the replacement of the 40-year-old three-tier stand at the western end of the ground. Replacement of the 30-year-old two-tier stand alongside it would also be a high priority.
The WAFC will consider putting third tiers on top of the 10-year-old two-tier stands in other. areas of the ground, with a focus on re-vamped and upgraded entrance areas and toilets, bar and catering facilities to bring it up to modern standards.
Member's Equity Stadium
Stadium upgrade could be done in 18 months, claims mayor
* Tim Clarke
* January 28, 2009 - 7:58AM
The state government will consider plans to upgrade Members Equity Stadium. Photo: Town of Vincent
Despite a global financial crisis, a player mutiny and another stadium in Perth demanding a billion dollars of government funds, Mayor of Vincent Nick Catania has boldly predicted the Western Force could have a new home, seating 25,000, within 18 months.
Force fans sent a massive message to the state's sporting and political leaders last Friday, with around 18,000 packing Members Equity Stadium for a trial game against the Crusaders, despite most of the side's international stars sitting the game out.
The timing of the sellout was perfect for the club, who had used the fixture to lobby the state government on plans to increase capacity from 18,000 to 25,000 - if Colin Barnett's administration accepts a $75 million redevelopment proposal.
And unveiling plans for a three-tier grandstand on the eastern side of the ground, Catania told gathered dignitaries, including state and federal MPs, that if the money was there, his council would deliver the upgrade in a year and a half - if the state government came to the party.
"Anyone who has dealt with it will know when we say we will deliver we do, and we intend to deliver 25,144 seats with the help of the state government," Catania said.
"With the proper management of funds we can ensure no burden is placed on government, we can create about 200 jobs on site and about 1,000 jobs off site, and that helps in tough economic times.
"We can help, sport, help the community and help the economy by creating immediate jobs.
"And you may not believe that (we can finish it in 18 months) but we built the original in about 11 months and had it open in 15. We will deliver."
Such is Force fan dissatisfaction with Subiaco Oval, RugbyWA's board has already committed to move to Members Equity next season, despite it being too small for expected crowds, and not having corporate or media facilities needed for Super 14.
The Force believe they need a revamped rectangular stadium to secure their place in the WA sporting landscape - and the Super 14 competition - with the Victorian Government forging ahead with a $275 million project ahead of an expected aggressive bid for a Super 14 franchise.
"This is something the fans and the supporters are demanding, and is needed to ensure the future growth and development of rugby in this state," RugbyWA chairman Geoff Stooke said.
"We strongly believe Perth needs and serves a quality rectangular stadium for rugby union, soccer and rugby league.
"And it should be remembered that Melbourne has the MCG, Telstra Dome and they are currently spending $275m on a rectangular stadium adjacent to the MCG - for a Storm rugby league team which averages crowds of less than 10,000 and no representative rugby union team.
"They are suffering like every other state and commonwealth in regards funding … but the Victorian government has decided to spend, and hopefully our government sees it the same way."
Sports minister Terry Waldron said he would be speaking to premier Barnett and treasurer Troy Buswell about the proposals this week - but would need much more detail before a decision is made.
"We recognise there is a need for a new stadium … but with the current world conditions the government is considering all infrastructure over $20 million," Waldron said.
"We will look at the proposal put forward, and it will be considered along with the other infrastructure projects.
"If government were going to consider to Member's Equity Stadium, we will still be looking for quite a lot more detail than what we were given the other day.
"We have got no details of costings, and if government was to spend money there we have got make sure the i's are dotted and t's crossed. But we are not going to turn a blind eye."
Waldron said a decision on the Subiaco development would have to be made by the time the May budget came down - and a delay of that project could mean the plans for the former Perth Oval could still be considered.
"Everyone is assuming (the Subiaco Oval redevelopment) is not going ahead - that decision has not been made yet," Waldron told radio 6PR.
"If that stadium was delayed, I have been keen to look at what could happen at Members Equity Stadium because I am very cogniscent of the needs of rugby and soccer.
"With the possibility of it being delayed you may look at what else you could do in the meantime."
Under Construction Projects
AK Reserve (Athletics, Basketball, Rugby)
The State Government is developing new sporting facilities for Western Australia through the construction of a new basketball stadium, athletics stadium and rugby facility at AK Reserve in accordance with the State Sporting Facilities Plan. The project is being delivered in partnership by the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Department of Housing and Works.
The project will provide world-class sporting facilities for all Western Australians, from community level to major national events.
The three new facilities will replace the dilapidated facilities at nearby Perry Lakes. They also add to the existing facilities at Challenge Stadium and UWA Sports Park (McGillivray Oval), creating a major new sporting precinct for Perth. As part of the project, an east-west bush corridor link will be retained to protect and provide for local fauna.
The sporting facilities, which are now under construction, include:
* a tailored athletics stadium with a 2000 seat grandstand and grassed banking with a total capacity of 10,000 spectators, office accommodation for Athletics WA and the capacity to host state and national events
* the stadium will meet International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) requirements
* a basketball facility with eight courts, including a 2000 seat showcourt, and office space for local clubs and Basketball WA
* rugby playing facilities with a grandstand, office accommodation for Rugby WA and some training facilities for the Western Force team
Latest Update
A video of my month long travel in the GMT Zones +8 and +9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESV_t0Z12EE
Last edited by docker; July 7th, 2009 at 06:58 AM.
|March 2nd, 2009, 10:58 PM
Do you expect me to talk?
Join Date: Mar 2008
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Facts to support your claims Aux? On this topic, I think you are letting your love of the world game cloud your judgment on the growth propsects of AFL in Aus.
Oh and thanks for linking the new thread at the end of the old one Docker, much easier that way
The City Lane: Travel, Food & Culture From Around The World.
|March 3rd, 2009, 02:30 AM
SSC member since 2006
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i will try and bring in some updates for the AK Reserve, seeming i work right next door
|March 4th, 2009, 12:25 PM
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Very very impressed by the Perry Lakes works. Such a big step up from the existing facilities.
Will certainly be a benifit for athletes and hopefully a suitable home for the Force and Basketball.
|March 4th, 2009, 12:53 PM
Destorying our history
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But seriously, Labor didn't do anything for us.
I'm free to say what I want
|March 4th, 2009, 01:12 PM
In the sweetspot
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Can't wait to have a closer look at the athletics when it opens. Obviously still a way to go on the basketball. It will be a nice little sports area.
He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.
Harold Wilson
|March 4th, 2009, 01:28 PM
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cant ******* wait to run there.
this weekend is the second last week of comp ever at perry lakes. doubles as the state champs this week and next week. if anyone wants to come and watch me destroy a 3k field, get down there sunday 9.15am, or the 5k next friday at 7pm
|March 4th, 2009, 01:53 PM
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While we are on sports stadiums in the western suburbs has there been any recent news on Lords?
Its been in closing down stages for a few years now but hasn't actually shut.
|March 4th, 2009, 02:47 PM
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EDIT: No quite right, the council is thinking about reopening it.
|March 8th, 2009, 07:02 PM
A 'Refined Bogan'
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The other outdoor stadium
* March 8, 2009 - 12:41PM
When will Perth ever get a new sports stadium? Well actually, we get one next month, as Tim Clarke discovered in an exclusive preview tour.
It might not have the cachet, or controversy, of the long debated, long awaited replacement for Subiaco Oval, but the $73.3 million AK Reserve - the new home of WA's elite track athletes, basketball and rugby - is set to open on schedule in April.
WA's Department of Sport and Recreation granted WAtoday.com.au exclusive access to the site, where the new 12-lane, 10,000 capacity athletics facility will be finished within weeks.
The eight court basketball complex is also taking shape, and should open for players to dribble and shoot in October.
The facility is the replacement for the crumbling Perry Lakes, which has slowly deteriorated since it was built to house the Empire Games in 1962.
While that edifice won't entirely disappear until the sports administrators who currently reside there relocate to their new home, the athletic facility is building up to hosting schools events next month, with Athletics Australia consulted about a launch event soon after.
Rob Thomson, spokesperson the Department of Sport and Recreation, said the project was two years in the planning and eight months less than that in the construction.
"We have flown under the radar, but we should be finished on time and on budget," he said.
As well as the two arenas being built simultaneously, the project also involves a massive underground rainwater tank, which will allow the site to become almost aqua self-sufficient.
Underground parking for more than 100 cars will compliment more than 100 more above ground, while the facility will be surrounded by local fauna to give the impression of a boutique stadium in the bush.
The new facilities will join the sports precinct which is already home to Challenge Stadium, the Western Australian Institute of Sport and UWA Sports Park.
But the project has not been without its issues, with new headquarters planned for the Western Force thrown into doubt by significant budgeting increases to clear the old tip the site will sit on.
The site has now been shifted away from the former Brockway Road tip, with the design due to be released in the coming weeks, and put out for public consultation. Construction is hoped to be completed by early next year.
The landfill site originally earmarked for the RugbyWA HQ is now planned to become playing fields.
A video of my month long travel in the GMT Zones +8 and +9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESV_t0Z12EE
|March 11th, 2009, 07:47 PM
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The no worries World Cup
Dan Silkstone
March 12, 2009
THE "No Worries" World Cup that is the simple idea driving Australia's pursuit of the largest prize in world sport. After a tender process involving submissions from 50 companies, a handful have been selected to drive Australia's proposal bankrolled to the tune of $46 million by the Federal Government.
At the forefront will be the people who have created and sold some of the world's largest brands, aided by the company that has put together the past two winning World Cup bids. It is some team. Alongside it will be the man who created the internet marketing campaign that transformed a pointy-headed bureaucrat into loveable Queenslander Kevin 07.
"We are delighted to have these people aboard. All are leaders in their field," Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley said yesterday.
"The bid will portray Australia as a place that is fun and easy to visit but that also has the experience and organisational know-how to run a major event. Focus will be placed on the friendly and welcoming nature of Australians and the multicultural make-up of the nation's cities."
The relaxed comfort of holidaying in Australia will be contrasted against more "difficult" environments such as England, Russia and Qatar, while a track record in running and organising major events without hiccup will be pitted against the credentials of rival bidder Spain.
An official launch is planned for May and leading Australians, such as sport stars, actors, politicians, musicians and business leaders, will be asked to act as celebrity ambassadors.
FutureBrand, an international company based in Melbourne, will design the bid's "visual identity" marketing speak for the logo and associated colour schemes and imagery. This is known as "the look and feel of the campaign". Futurebrand has done similar work for Tourism Australia, creating "brand Australia" to market the nation overseas as a holiday destination. The company was not behind the maligned "Where the bloody hell are you?" campaign and its strategies have been widely credited for raising the country's profile. The firm has also created high-profile brand campaigns for BHP Billiton, ANZ and Coca-Cola, and runs the Country Brand Index, which examines and rates the reputation of nations across the globe using traveller surveys and market research to gauge how each country is regarded. Australia has been rated the most desirable country for foreigners to visit, topping the survey for the past three years.
Responsibility for creating the slogan and associated "taglines" that are used to define and promote the bid, as well as capturing its themes, has been entrusted to Australia's largest advertising and communications firm, STW Group.
Creative control will fall to Neil Lawrence the creator of the Kevin 07 campaign. His team will be charged with creating a grass-roots movement in support of the cup bid, and using the bid website to be designed and built by Melbourne firm DT Digital to recruit ambassadors from the general public and create popular culture "buzz" around the bid. It is a similar approach to that used by US President Barack Obama and Rudd to build broad-based support online and will take advantage of cyber methods such as YouTube and Facebook.
STW's brief is that bid themes should be youth oriented and focused on the diversity of the Australian community. The "No Worries" idea, which promotes Australia as a trouble-free destination where complex events are run well, is a guiding principle.
"Both Future Brand and STW Group have demonstrated their ability to inspire Australians to support national campaigns," Buckley said.
A consortium will carry out detailed work around infrastructure planning, architectural design and stadium modifications required for a successful bid. It will assess what changes are needed to existing stadiums and what new facilities would have to be built to meet FIFA bid criteria. This group includes HOK Sport Architecture and Cox Architects & Planning already responsible for the redevelopment of Suncorp Stadium and design of the new Wembley and Swan Street stadiums.
For Melbourne, the new Swan Street stadium, which is under construction, would need to be expanded from its current capacity of 32,000 to seat 40,000. Small changes, mostly improvements to corporate facilities, also would be needed at the MCG, which would expect to host larger-drawing matches, including a semi-final and, possibly, final.
Planning is also required for the event "precinct" around match venues. Located between the two stadiums, Melbourne Park would be the preferred location for a massive media and broadcasting centre to host the world's press.
FIFA will not release its stadium criteria for the 2018 and 2022 bids until next month. Only then will nations bidding for the event know how many venues are needed. The current criteria requires at least 10 compliant venues. These would most likely be drawn from a possible pool, including Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, the Gold Coast's Skilled Park or Carrara, the redeveloped Energy Australia Stadium in Newcastle, the Sydney Football Stadium, ANZ Stadium, Canberra Stadium, MCG, Swan Street Stadium and new venues in Adelaide and Perth. Launceston's Aurora Stadium is also under consideration.
State governments would be required to foot the bill for new facilities or stadium refurbishments. Buckley is meeting with all state premiers to inform them of the changes likely to be needed.
Abold the German firm responsible for preparing the "bid book" for the German and South African bids will perform the same role for Australia, compiling the information required by FIFA's executive committee and using it to create a slick expression of Australia's credentials that will be the official bid document. The German firm has also created winning bid books for the 2011 women's World Cup and 2009 and 2010 club World Cups. The firm has unparalleled experience in presenting documents that win favour with FIFA. Significantly for Australia, Abold has been signed to an exclusivity deal. No other bidder may use the company's services to prepare any aspect of its bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cups. "They have a demonstrable record of success with FIFA tournaments and other major events, and we are very excited to have them as part of the team," Buckley said.
|March 12th, 2009, 03:13 AM
Mr Superstar
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Only one stadium can be used in Sydney or Melbourne.
I seriously don't like our chances for 2018 but you never know.
Perth - Lawns n Yawns for All
|March 12th, 2009, 07:30 AM
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I think the general understanding is that 2018 will go to a European nation (England or Russia) while Australia is the front runner for 2022 with the US.
I remember reading that ANZ Stadium could be sold as part of the City of Parramatta, while the football stadium is in the City of Sydney (or South Sydney, i forget). Thus is seperate "cities" allowing for Melbourne to have two venues.
|March 12th, 2009, 07:32 AM
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FIFA rules are made to be broken or bent. In any case one city is allowed two stadia in the same city.
The classification of what is a city is a bit vague. At WC06 Gelsenkirchen and Dortmund were separate cities in a single urban area and were considered separate cities. If The Netherlands hosted a WC they'd have trouble given the two largest cities are effectively part of one urban area.
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|March 12th, 2009, 03:10 PM
Mr Superstar
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I would like to put forward Subiaco and Perth Oval. Ones in Subi, the other in Perth. Booo Yahhhhhhhh!!!!!
*(Obviously im taking the piss)
But point i was trying to make more or less is that by 'bending' these interpretations, its not going to help our bid.
Perth - Lawns n Yawns for All
|March 14th, 2009, 01:37 PM
In the sweetspot
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Race over for Perry Lakes as replacement nears completion
WA's elite athletes have run their last race in the shadow of the dilapidated grandstand at Perry Lakes Stadium with a long-awaited replacement to be finished next month.
A new 10,000-capacity athletics facility in Floreat next to Challenge Stadium is only weeks from completion and represents part of the $73.4 million AK Reserve that will become WA's track and field, basketball and rugby precinct.
The stadium will feature a 2000-seat grandstand, a 12-lane running track, lighting towers and grassed viewing areas sheltered by fixed shade sails. It will open on July 1.
An eight-court indoor basketball complex with a 2000-seat show court will complement the athletics arena and is due to be ready by October.
The construction of both arenas started in January last year and Department of Sport and Recreation project manager Rob Thomson said the development had flown under the radar amid heated debate about the future of Subiaco Oval.
He said the decision had been made not to match the 30,000 capacity for athletics offered at Perry Lakes, built for the 1962 Commonwealth Games.
"We've built a smaller boutique stadium that meets all the requirements of athletics plus the school groups and little athletics rather than going to the expense of building a dedicated athletics stadium for a oneoff Commonwealth Games type event, which may or may not happen," he said.
Athletics WA will shift into the grandstand once it is completed while plans are under way for RugbyWA's headquarters to be built next to the basketball complex.
He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.
Harold Wilson
|March 15th, 2009, 01:12 AM
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meh. so what happans if we do end up with commonwealth games ... build another one .. such smart ppl we have running this state ...
|March 15th, 2009, 03:15 AM
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|March 15th, 2009, 03:21 AM
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If it's any consolation we won't get the cwlth games in the near future. I don't even know whether the event will even be viable in this economic climate. As for Perry Lakes, it's nice but it's really a suburban sports complex for the schoolkids to enjoy (by world standards) as well as a training ground. Nothing more
|March 15th, 2009, 06:19 AM
Destorying our history
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Jay and the Americans LIVE IN CONCERT at Summit Motorsports Park!
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 08 January 2013 15:45
During the Wanda Brand AkzoNobel Blue Suede Cruise.... Saturday, July 20, 2013.
NORWALK, Ohio -- Some people savored the 1950's and 1960's.
Or should have!
Think about the automotive variety, ingenuity, colors, sounds, sweetness…
Not to mention the clothing styles, mom's home cooking, and good old fashioned fun!
Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio longs to take you back to the times of our roots, especially since in 2013 we're celebrating our Golden Anniversary all year!
So we invited music artists Jay and the Americans, who created some of the aura of the era, to sing the songs they recorded and made famous touring the nation!
Were you there when audiences screamed over Jay and the Americans' performance of "Cara Mia," one of their big hits?
According to their Website at http://www.jayandtheamericans.net/, the first hit recorded by the four boys from Brooklyn, "She Cried," found its fame because a West Coast disc jockey played it over and over for six hours.
Then the boys fought their producers and songwriters, Jerry Lieber and B, for the opportunity to record "Only in America," which they said was "a natural" considering their name.
Their songs, "Come A Little Bit Closer," "Let's Lock The Door," and "Think of The Good Times," resulted in an invitation to perform on the Beetles' first American tour, as well as on a gig with the Rolling Stones at Carnegie Hall.
Other hits include "Some Enchanted Evening" and "This Magic Moment."
If the names don't seem familiar, visit the Jukebox on the Jay and the Americans Website. You'll be on your way to grab a chocolate malt or a rootbeer float in no time!
That's with your favorite honey, of course!
Jay and the Americans disbanded in the 1970's, and reunited about 30 years later through a series of twists in events.
The juicy part of that story rests on the Website, as well, along with nostalgia photos of appearances with stars such as Red Skelton, Sammy Davis Jr., and other top recording artists.
At the 12th Annual Wanda Brand AkzoNobel Blue Suede Cruise, we'll close the Saturday evening show with Bader family signature fireworks, too.
The Blue Suede Cruise July 19-21, 2013 also features unlimited quarter mile fun runs, fabulous door prizes, a car show of vehicles age 1972 and earlier, and the return of Nostalgia Drag Racing!
A Manufacturer's Midway showcases automotive experts in their niche. Some include workshops!
With so many beautiful restoration works of art tooling to Summit Motorsports Park that weekend, a swap meet vendor just may have the original part you need for your most recent project.
Remember flag start drag racing? Wanda will be here, too!
Admission for one day costs $15, and for the weekend costs $35. Children under age 15 are admitted free!
Find out more about Wanda Brand of AkzoNobel at http://www.wandarefinish.com/, and http://www.akzonobel.com/.
Here's a treat: The Wanda Photo Gallery under the "promotions & events" tab shows fabulous artwork of kids who won the coloring contest during the Wanda Brand AkzoNobel Blue Suede Cruise in 2012 at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio!
Great jobs, kids!


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From Homecoming weekend to promoting local chapters in your area, the Alumni Relations Office is always looking for volunteers to help energize our efforts. In order for our office to continue to find ways to serve you more effectively, we need your help in planning events and programs.
Contact the Alumni Relations Office if you are interested:
|(800) 628-7973
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That's what can't happen if we expect to compete with the elite teams. Teams like the bulls, thunder, heat, magic, etc just don't lose to a team like the raptors period! Let alone by 20 points
The Knicks lost this game because they were missing their superstar Jared Jeffries.
What worries me about this loss is our inability to play against agressive zone defense. Woodson should look at this game as a chance to instill a few offensive moves against zone D. Otherwise lots of teams would be exploiting this.
From the opening play when Chandler fumbled the ball out of bounds I knew this was going to be a strange game.
OK I'm getting concerned about Melo on offense. WTH is up with him. He should be dominating these cats. His shot is so off that you just dont want to feed him the rock. He has to get it together. FAST.
This is a bad loss. No doubt about it. I think we were reading the press clippings. Toronto wanted us baaaad.
Lets see how we play tomorrow. Dare I say if we lose to the Pistons, maybe it wasnt all MDA...
The Bulls lost to the Blazers (the same Blazers team the Knicks destroyed) last week and the Magic lost to the Bobcats earlier in the month.
Chill the **** out before we start going crazy. The team had to lose eventually.
Smh Milwaukee won tonight.. **** **** ****
We sniff the 500 mark then.. we find ourselves fighting to get back to the 500 mark.. when will it end
Stat played ok tonight minus his buttfingers
Melo played like crap im disappointed with his performance, he was grabbing rebounds and all but that jumper is broken
Tyson, he had a terrible night today
Fields is a piece crap waste bum scrub punk b*tch, i hope we dont resign him. He cant shoot, cant make 2 consecutive free throws, brings the ball up the court like he's about to do something incredible then does absolutely nothing but drive and chuck up crap.
LIN disappointed by his performance as well, tired of him giving fields the ball all the time wasting our possession.
someone who isn't banged up right now...what's our "Friday Night Knicks" record?
They better bring it tomorrow!


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" Brand: Kinnerton / Type: Dark "
* Prices may differ from that shown
I was first introduced to this product by dawnymarie, and I would like to thank her for suggesting that I try this delicious and allergen-free dark chocolate.
Kinnerton's Luxury Dark Chocolate is free from dairy, egg, gluten and nuts, and is therefore a safe solution for those of us who like chocolate but who suffer from food allergies or intolerances. And it's absolutely delicious! Because it contains 55% cocoa solids, it has a sweeter taste than many dark chocolates - which contain about 70% or more - and is therefore suitable for children as well as adults. It is also suitable for vegans.
Kinnerton describe themselves as 'The Careful Chocolate Company', and they were the first food company to separate production facilities into Nut and Nut Free Zones, which allowed 'millions of people to eat our chocolate with that special degree of reassurance'. They then created a bar of plain chocolate that was also free from dairy, gluten and egg, and that's where I come in. I am allergic to dairy produce, and had to switch to eating dark chocolate many years ago. However, pesky dairy produce tends to sneak its way in to a lot of dark chocolate bars, which means that I have to read the contents of each bar with a magnifying glass to make sure that no evil ingredients are lurking in the small print. I have been surprised by how many bars of dark chocolate contain skimmed milk, whey powder or butterfat - all of which would have a very nasty effect on my poor digestive system.
Dawnymarie also told me which supermarkets stock this wonderful find, and my initial purchase of four bars came when I was doing an online shop with Sainsburys (where I do my regular bulk buy of Hovis Hearty Oats Loaf). I really looked forward to trying my new treat, and was hooked from the very first square. I have since been delighted to find it well stocked in our local Sainsburys. I like to keep a good supply in our cupboard, and my husband - who can eat any chocolate he likes - has been known to snaffle the odd bit here and there. Even though he generally prefers the taste of milk chocolate, he really likes this Kinnerton bar.
The packaging of this chocolate bar is lovely. The wrapper is a very dark brown, and on the front are four circles in bright jewel tones that contain the words 'nut free', 'dairy free', gluten free' and 'egg free'. At the top of the bar is the Kinnerton logo, which is in gold lettering, as are the words 'made with special care and free from cross-contamination'. At the base of the bar is the product title 'Luxury Dark Chocolate', and the fact that this chocolate is 'Delicious for cakes and desserts'. I would like to state here that the chocolate is also Delicious For Eating By Itself. The bar weighs 85g.
I love the fact that this chocolate contains 55% cocoa, because it means that it is less bitter than many high-quality dark chocolates (and those tend to be the ranges where I can find the occasional bar with no sneaky dairy produce). I don't have any children to test this chocolate on, but I can imagine that little ones would find it acceptable. I believe the lower concentration of cocoa would make it much more palatable for those who aren't fans of the bitter taste of some dark chocolates.
In the interests of this review, I am consuming a piece (or two, or four) of this chocolate as I write so that I can describe the taste and texture while they are still fresh in my mind. Each square of chocolate has a ridged pattern on the top, while the base of the chocolate is smooth. As you put each piece of deliciousness into your mouth, you can tell straight away that this is good quality. When you feel the chocolate beginning to melt on your tongue, it has a lovely consistency. This bar definitely has that dark chocolate taste, but it is tempered by the lower quantity of cocoa solids to make what I consider to be a very 'mellow' bar of chocolate - and one of the nicest I have eaten in many years. Each square lasts for a few satisfying minutes if you leave it to melt in your mouth - my preferred method.
As my review is about an allergen-free chocolate bar, I thought it important to include the list of ingredients:
Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin; Flavouring: Natural Vanilla. Dark Chocolate Contains: Cocoa Solids 55% minimum. (The allergen information states that this product contains soya.)
You are advised to store this chocolate in a cool dry place. In terms of the Nutrition Guidance, I will only say that yes, it contains fat and yes, it contains sugar. It's chocolate!
Kinnerton Luxury Dark Chocolate is currently available at Sainsburys (£1.19), Asda (£1.06), and Waitrose (£1.22).
Another huge thank you to the lovely lady who first recommended this chocolate to me, and thank you also to my local Sainsburys for stocking a chocolate that is actually safe for me to eat! Finding a chocolate that I can eat without fear of reprisal has been a real treat for me. Kinnerton Luxury Dark Chocolate is delicious as well as allergen-free, and I am happy to give this product five stars.
(An earlier version of this review is also on Ciao, under the same user name.)


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Hi ... everyone! =)
My name is Sara, and I'm a Malaysian. That's located somewhere in the South East of Asia. I'm a big fan of HP, and first came to the world of fanfiction during the year 2004.
My favourite genres are Romance, and Humour. Adventure fics with a good plot and interesting characters are good in my books too.
My ships are: R/Hr and H/G. Well. That's all I read, that is. Not H/G so much, though. And lately, I've been writing about Jimmy/Demelza ... read HBP, and you'll know who I mean.
Anyhoo, if you like reaing my fics, please drop a review. Constructive critiscm is always welcome, and in short, reviews brighten up my day. =)
That said, happy fanfic reading/writing!


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98th Street - Phase I construction of the main main trunk line on the South Lubbock Drainage Project continues. Construction is ongoing between Indiana and Quaker avenues.
98th Street - from Slide Road to Juneau Avenue. Removal and recompaction of utility ditch, relocation of utilities and construction of two storm sewer pipelines continues in this area. The project is in three phases: From Slide Road to Chicago Avenue, from Chicago to Frankford Avenue and from Frankford Avenue to Juneau. Traffic will be diverted to 93rd Street, with a temporary signal at 93rd Street and Slide Road. Through 2008.
© 2018. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us


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Thanks to Wrestlezone Reader and Chair Shot Reality fan Mikel G. for the following results:
Vince McMahon comes out and announced Booker T as the new General Manager of Smackdown. Alberto Del Rio interrupts Booker T and talks about his destiny and being the number one contender. Sheamus comes out. Booker makes Sheamus vs. Tensai and Del Rio vs. Randy Orton.
1. Sheamus defeats Tensai This was a very physical match with both guys using much of there upper body strength to throw the other guy around the ring. Tensai beat up Sakamoto, and Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick for the victory.
Eve is backstage seen with Booker T and flirts with him. Teddy Long is apparently working with Booker.
2. Antonio Cesaro defeats Santino Marella in a non-title match. Cesaro was pinned after getting hit with the Cobra, but Cesaro got his foot under the rope. He hit his finisher on Santino for the win.
Have a news tip? Attended an event and want to send a live report?


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Beach Volleyball Home Page
FIVB homologated National Competitions
National Circuits 2003
Czech Republic
Greece (Panhellenic)
Participation of foreign players in Beach Volleyball National Circuits
FIVB registered Beach Volleyball players are free to play in any tournament abroad recognised by a National Federation
when that tournament does not conflict with another FIVB official event
. Players do not need to go through any international transfer procedure and there is no need to pay a transfer fee. However, players need to have a letter of authorisation from their National Federation and must comply with the regulations for each respective National Circuit issued by the organisers. Obviously, any limitation concerning the number of foreign players allowed to take part in a National Circuit remains the responsibility of the competition's organisers.
In case of conflicting date
s and with previous consent of the promoter of the tournament concerned, FIVB may still authorise up to four foreign players from the top 10 in the Individual World Ranking and four more among the lower ranked players, to take part in another event.
The top 32 men and women players in the World Ranking can participate in the
National Circuit of a country hosting a World Tour event only 23 days before or after the finals of the World Tour event
. This period may be shortened/cancelled upon agreement of the World Tour promoter of the concerned country and the FIVB.
Players playing abroad in infringement of these rules will be declared ineligible for FIVB official competitions, including Olympic Games and World Championships.
The above rules are valid only for National Circuits officially recognised by the FIVB
. In consequence, National Federations organising a National Circuit are requested to inform the FIVB about their respective calendar (places and dates) and regulations in order for FIVB to grant them official recognition.


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Center For Governmental Responsibility Fellows Make a Difference With Public Service
The Center for Governmental Responsibility (CGR) Public Interest Law Fellowship program is a cooperative effort between The Florida Bar Foundation and CGR that began in the mid-1980s and provides low-income and indigent citizens with valuable legal assistance. The fellowships are financed by the Foundation from Interest on Trust Accounts (IOTA) and more than $700,000 has been provided to help pay for the practical legal education of selected third-year law students. These students, supervised by licensed attorneys, gain hands-on experience as advocates for the poor and serve non-profit and government agencies such as Florida Institutional Legal Services, Southern Legal Counsel, Three Rivers Legal Services, the State's Guardian ad Litem program and the Eighth Circuit public defender's office. Included as part of the students' nine-month commitment are projects to promote to the law school and greater community awareness of poverty issues and public interest, and a required course in poverty law. Read each Florida Bar Foundation Public Interest Law Fellows' article to learn more about their experience.
• Katy Debriere
• Nicole Griffin
• Chelsea Simmons
• Darian Williams


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Osgood's choice for passage through the coastal mountains was Temecula Canyon, northeast of Oceanside, Calif. Local residents were quick to warn him that periods of heavy rain had been known to swell the canyon's riverbed into a raging torrent. By simply grading above the high water marks that were etched in the sandstone walls, Osgood felt confident he could lay track beyond the reach of any conceivable flood.
Less than a year later, in January 1883, a storm that dumped three inches of rain in San Diego in a single day left the line through Temecula Canyon in shambles. Ties and bridge timbers were literally washed out to sea. It took eleven months to restore the route to service. The canyon was hit by more flooding in February 1884, so it was no surprise when work was begun in 1886 on an alternate route that would continue up the coast from Oceanside toward a more reliable connection with the Santa Fe main line. After two years of drought, heavy rains devastated Temecula Canyon again in February 1891. The Santa Fe was granted permission to abandon the canyon trackage in 1896. But the weather woes didn't end there. Southern California endured cycles of drought and flood over the next several years, with most of the region's reservoirs nearly empty by 1915. January 1916 changed all of that by delivering a straight week of heavy rain, which wiped out some two-dozen bridges on Santa Fe's route to San Diego.
Fast forward to May 18, 2014. On ABC's This Week, Governor Jerry Brown was interviewed on the subject of California's wildfires and drought. When host George Stephanopoulos asked how the state was preparing to adapt to what appears to be a prolonged shift toward a dryer climate, both he and Brown launched into dialogue that had little to do with tangible solutions and instead heaped blame on political figures who, I'm quite sure, do not have their hands on the levers controlling heat or cold, drought or rain. Brown said, "It is true there's virtually no Republican who accepts the science that virtually is unanimous." The "science" Brown referred to was, of course, the notion of man-made global warming.
Relax. It's not my intention to turn digital or print space at Railway Age into a climate change debate. But I will point out a few relevant items of news, science, and history that I feel could offer valuable insight for decision-makers in the rail industry.
To borrow a familiar phrase, the "inconvenient truth" about California—which Governor Brown was apparently ignoring—is that far worse periods of drought have hit the American Southwest in the past, long before any man-made factors could have been to blame. That fact has been known and documented for decades, and was reiterated through several prominent news outlets during the months leading up to Brown's interview on ABC. In a February 2014 report, the Los Angeles Times noted, "A particularly dry stretch occurred between A.D. 900 and 1400 (during the Medieval Warm Period), with two 100-year droughts in California and the Southwest. Throughout the Southwest, archaeological remains show that flourishing civilizations all but disappeared as their agricultural bases withered." And a January 2014 piece in the San Jose Mercury News said, "Through studies of tree rings, sediment, and other natural evidence, researchers have documented multiple droughts in California that lasted 10 or 20 years in a row during the past 1,000 years—compared to the mere three-year duration of the current dry spell. The two most severe megadroughts make the Dust Bowl of the 1930s look tame."
Not just California, but elsewhere on the planet, and much further in the past. One episode of "Alexander's Lost World," a documentary series recently airing on PBS, took a deeper look into the enormous climate change that dried up waterways and erased entire cities and empires in the Middle East and Asia some 4,000 years ago.
Today, for every report claiming the planet is now warming, there's a report claiming the opposite. And just when we're being told there's a "consensus" on the matter, we read evidence of dissent and disagreement. Al Gore's hockey stick chart falls into question; NOAA, NASA and other agencies revise their temperature records up or down; glacial and polar ice recedes in one part of the globe while it expands in another; big oil and industry are accused of distorting climate data to suit their agendas; environmentalists and anti-capitalists are accused of doing the same.
I'm no climate scientist, and I have no array of weather monitoring apparatus at my personal disposal. But based on all of the reporting, claims, and counterclaims I've seen, here's what I can say:
Have parts of our planet been warming? Yes.
Have parts of our planet been cooling? Yes.
So what does all of this mean for the business of building and running railways? Do we plan and purchase based on a few years or a couple decades of experience, coupled with computer modeling that has already proven, at least in some aspects, to be less than reliable? Or should the full range of historical record be considered in order to more wisely prepare for whatever climate extremes lie ahead?
There's no question that government-mandated reductions in locomotive emissions are a benefit to the environment. Cleaner air is a no-brainer that we can all appreciate. But can Tier 3, 4, and so on have any meaningful effect on climate, especially considering the Earth's reputation for much wilder temperature swings in the past, long before man-made mechanisms could have taken the blame?
I find it curious that the EPA describes Tier 3 as "part of a comprehensive approach to reducing the impacts of motor vehicles on air quality and public health," but makes no mention of climate change within that context. Where EPA does discuss climate change, it acknowledges, "The historical record shows that the climate system varies naturally over a wide range of time scales. In general, climate changes prior to the industrial revolution in the 1700s can be explained by natural causes," which EPA lists as solar output, volcanic eruptions, and "natural changes in greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations."
That's right: EPA says natural changes have occurred in both climate and greenhouse gases. But, for some reason, they feel that could have only happened in the distant past. EPA says, "Research indicates that natural causes are very unlikely to explain most observed warming, especially warming since the mid-20th century. Rather, human activities can very likely explain most of that warming."
Public policy that uses hypotheses preceded by such terms as "indicates" or "can very likely" as a reason to impose trillions of dollars in added expense upon a still-struggling economy is precarious policy, to say the least. It should be required to also take into account longer-term, empirical data.
Had there been a crystal ball decades ago, the Conrails and Burlington Northerns of the world, as well as their predecessors, might not have trimmed four-track corridors down to three, or two-track corridors down to one, and they might have also held on to a few of those seemingly useless secondary routes which they chose to abandon altogether. Today, those lost avenues of capacity could be worth their weight in gold. But there was some forward-thinking back in the day that's coming around for a second look, such as BN's Advanced Railroad Electronics System concept, which we now see being re-imagined as PTC, and locomotives fueled by LNG, which holds the potential for reducing operating costs as well as emissions.
Hindsight is still 20-20, though it's sometimes skewed by differing lenses of political or social perspective. The shorter the view back, well, that's called shortsightedness (Joseph Osgood and Temecula Canyon). But the farther into history we go when weighing decisions about the future, the sharper and better-informed those decisions can become. What we see coming at us never seems quite as certain as what's already here and gone. And if change is constant, perhaps that goes for change in climate as well.
Some recommended historical reading:
Engines of War: How Wars Were Won & Lost on the Railways, by Christian Wolmar, dwells not just on the obvious armored rolling stock, troop trains, and mobile artillery involved in wartime railroading, but looks equally into the global strategizing that prompted construction of thousand of miles of new track into previously undeveloped territories. In fact, Wolmar echoes a belief held by many historians that the race between Britain, France, Germany, and Russia to build railways into the Middle East—at a time when coal was giving way to oil as the fuel that would drive air, land, and sea transport into the 20th century—was as much responsible for igniting World War I as anything else.
The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate, by Robert D. Kaplan, compares and contrasts nations and continents, pinpoints their respective resources, explains the advantage of abundant coastlines and seaports (the U.S.) vs. being largely land- or ice-locked (Russia), then puts all of that into motion from the earliest recorded history to modern times. The role of railways in maintaining domestic strength is frequently mentioned. In particular, China's expansion of rail lines into neighboring countries, as well as its investment in railway construction into parts of the Middle East and Africa (where America is now in virtual retreat), are described as commercial wins for those regions, and certainly for China, but not without security and economic concerns for the U.S. and the rest of the West.


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