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Monday, 27 March 2017
Another One Bites the Dust: Major arms depot falls to Islamic State
By Stijn Mitzer and Joost Oliemans
Just over a year after capturing Deir ez-Zor's Ayyash weapon depot in the largest arms haul of the Syrian Civil War, the Islamic State has once again got its hands on massive quantities of ammunition captured from a storage depot in Deir ez-Zor. This arms haul joins the list of other major instances where vast amounts of weaponry and munitions traded owners such as the capture of the aforementioned Ayyash weapon depot, Regiment 121, Brigade 93 and the Mahin arms depot, all but the last of which were at the hands of the Islamic State. Each of these depots provided its capturers with a wide array of weaponry, vehicles and ammunition that could immediately be used against their former owners, a major blow to other factions fighting for control over Syria.
A propaganda video released by the Islamic State, showing its fighters on the offensive in Deir ez-Zor, was the only footage released of the capture of the depot. The video, على أبواب الملاحم - 'At the Doors of Epics [Battles]', details the Islamic State's efforts towards splitting the regime-held territory in two, which they succeeded in doing so in February 2017. This means that the airbase and Brigade 137 are now completely isolated, further complicating efforts to supply both pockets and drastically increasing the vulnerability of the airbase. Despite the growing threat, it remains unlikely that the Islamic State will be able to capture either pocket. The capture of significant quantities of ammunition, including up to three million rounds of small arms rounds will surely allow the Islamic State to prolong its fight for survival.
This is an estimate of the ammunition captured, the real figures are believed to be higher. The contents of at least 652 crates could not be identified. Small arms are not included due to the small quantities captured.
˜ 3,320,600* rounds of 7.62x39, 7.62x54R, 12.7mm and 14.5mm ammunition.
- 2,310 rounds of 85mm ammunition.
- 693 rounds of 100mm ammunition.
- 13 rounds of 125mm ammunition.
- 120 rounds of 120mm ammunition.
- 68 rounds of 122mm rocket ammunition.
- 15 TM-62 anti-tank mines.
- 3 T-72M1s.
- 1 Tatra 148.
- 5 cars.
Although assessing the exact contents of each spam can of small arms munition is impossible, by volume the total amount would equal roughly 3.32 million rounds of 7.62x39mm, or a slightly smaller numer distributed of larger calibres such as 12.7mm and 14.5mm. Regardless, truly a tremendous amount of small arms ammunition was captured indeed.
destruction of two L-39s in their Hardened Aircraft Shelter (HAS).
The Islamic State also captured two airdrops destined for regime forces in the city, one of which was already believed to have been emptied of its contents before the Islamic State arrived. However, it is extremely likely that the ammunition from these crates was later encountered in one of the depots captured. Several airdrops have so far ended up in the wrong hands after landing in Islamic State controlled territory, which includes the two pallets below.
While a less than ideal situation, these airdrops are meanwhile the only way to supply the city and its inhabitants after the complete encirclement of Deir ez-Zor in May 2015. Both the United Nations and Russian Air Force have actively participated in dropping humanitarian aid to the starving population living in regime-held parts of the city, while Il-76s of the SyAAF are mostly active for the purpose of supplying weaponry, ammunition and fuel to the remaining regime forces held up in the city.
Interestingly, two of the T-72M1s feature protective covers around their TPN-1-49 gunner sights, a modification that is slowly being applied across what remains of Syria's battered T-72 fleet. A single Czechoslovak AMB-S armoured utility vehicle was also captured, which will likely end up employed as a VBIED similar to the two BREM-2 armoured recovery vehicles captured near the Ayyash weapon depots.
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Saturday, 18 March 2017
A rare species: Cuba's David IMV exported to Angola
Cuba is well known for its former leader Fidel Castro, its communism and its renowned cigars, exporting the latter two to numerous countries throughout the world. In contrast, its role as an arms exporter remains much more elusive. While Cuba has begun manufacturing a wide range of arms-related equipment and set up a large industry for converting armoured fighting vehicles in recent years, this industry has so far mostly been serving the needs of Cuba's own Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias. The presence of Cuban 'David' infantry mobility vehicles (IMVs) in service with the Forças Armadas Angolanas is thus highly notable.
The David IMV was first spotted in service with the Angolan Army during the SADC's (Southern African Development Community) multinational exercise 'Vale do Keve 2014', where it carried out simulated missions alongside Namibian Casspir MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected). The David had been sighted in Cuba several years earlier, taking part in the 50th Anniversary of Playa Giron's Victory parade (as seen in the image below), commemorating the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion of 1961.
The strong relationship between Angola and Cuba, established during the former's freedom struggle against the Portuguese colonial rule of the country, has had a significant influence on Angola and its armed forces, but was not known to have materialised in the delivery of military equipment to Angola over the past decades. The bond between the countries was once again reaffirmed by recent meetings of Angolan and Cuban officials, where ministers stated their willingness to continue and even strengthen cooperation in the military field.
Cuba already had limited experience in the manufacturing and conversion of several types of vehicles, mostly by adding to or replacing their weaponry or by equipping vehicles with additional armour for increased protection on the battlefield. At least some of these vehicles were subsequently used in Angola, where the Cubans were fighting in support of the MPLA (People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola) against UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola), the FNLA (National Liberation Front of Angola), the FLEC (Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda) and the South African Defence Force (SADF).
A large contingent of the Ejército (Army) and Fuerza Aérea Revolucionaria (Air Force) was deployed to Angola in the 1970s and 1980s to serve as advisors to the Angolan Army but also to engage in direct combat with the SADF. While the Cubans are often credited for defeating the SADF, causing the latter to pull out of the Angolan conflict and grant South West Africa independence (becoming Namibia in 1990), the Cubans also suffered a string of defeats at the hands of the SADF. However, they ultimately convinced the SADF that this conflict could not be won without a significant increase in commitment, thus essentially gaining the Cubans a political victory through their presence in Angola rather than a military one.
While the returning Cuban contingent was hailed as victorers over Apartheid South Africa, Cuba would soon find itself in major problems at home. Largely reliant on the Soviet Union for its trade, the dissolution of the Soviet Union had a devastated effect on the Cuban economy. The Cuban military was also hit hard, and was soon faced with a shortage of spares and fuel. As a result, large numbers of armoured fighting vehicles and aircraft were put into storage and large navy vessels and submarines were laid off.
In light of a more stable economic situation, a large number of vehicles and equipment were taken out of storage in recent years for conversion to new roles in an effort to increase the Cuban military's fighting capabilities, sometimes leading to dubious contraptions with little fighting value in case of war but also leading to more impressive projects such as the David IMV.
Other great examples of these conversions include the mating of surface-to-air (SAM) launchers onto the chassis of T-55 tanks, allowing for increased mobility of an otherwise static SAM site. Other projects include the installment of anti-tank guns, anti-aircraft guns, howitzers and field guns on the chassis of BMP-1s, T-55s and even stored T-34/85s. A full list of all known conversions can be seen here.
The armament of the vehicle consists of a single 7.62mm PKT light machine gun taken from BTR-60s or BRDM-2s that have been converted to serve in different roles, losing their turret in the process. These vehicles are also the source of the roof hatches, up to four of which are present on the David. Two variants are known to exist, one with no such hatches and one with four of them, which is the variant in service with Angola. Three viewing ports with associated firing ports are located on each side of the vehicle.
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Saturday, 11 March 2017
Armour in the Islamic State, the DIY works of Wilayat al-Khayr
By Stijn Mitzer and Joost Oliemans
The rise of the Islamic State from an militant group operating in Iraq to a self-proclaimed caliphate controlling large swaths of land in Iraq, Syria and further abroad has had a significant effect on the course of the Syrian Civil War, effectively hijacking the revolution's original goals and drastically changing the scope of warfare in Syria. At the forefront of this change is the Islamic State's ability to quickly adapt to the various situations that can be encountered on the battlefield, allowing it to become one of the most sophisticated designated terrorist groups to date.
While many militant groups around the world exclusively operate as a light infantry force focussing on guerilla warfare, the huge amounts of heavy weaponry captured by the Islamic State has allowed it to directly challenge stronger foes on the ground. The use of armoured fighting vehicles in its operations is no exception, with the Islamic State having captured and operated more than 200 tanks and around 50 BMPs in Syria alone. While Coalition efforts to destroy the Islamic State's heavy weaponry has slowly degraded its inventory of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) since the commencement of airstrikes in mid 2014, it continues to operate and utilise significant numbers of them throughout its Wilayats (governorates).
In an effort to provide technical support for this fleet of AFVs, several Wilayats established armour workshops to repair and modify vehicles for future use on the battlefield. While every governorate has workshops tasked with producing up-armoured vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), only a handful of Wilayats currently have a meaningful industry capable of repairing and modifying armoured fighting vehicles. The establishment of these workshops directly depends on the amount of vehicles and AFVs present in the Wilayat, the governorate's industrial capabilities and its leadership and technical expertise.
All of these factors combined meant that several major armour workshops were established throughout Islamic State held territory, mainly concentrated around Mosul. The immense amounts of vehicles captured here gave birth to a large industry aimed at modifying vehicles to better suit the Islamic State's needs, leading to a myriad of DIY creations. In Syria, two major workshops would be established, 'The Workshop' located in Wilayat Raqqa (Raqqa) and another in Wilayat al-Khayr (Deir ez-Zor). This article will cover the DIY works of Wilayat al-Khayr.
Inheriting the frontlines of the Free Syrian Army, the Islamic State continued pressing on three fronts, compromising the eastern perimeter of the city's airbase, Deir ez-Zor's city centre and the base of the 137th Brigade. The Islamic State originally focused its attacks mainly on the airbase and the town, and although managing to get close enough to the airbase to prevent larger transport aircraft such as the Il-76 from landing, it found itself unable to actually capture the airbase. The fight for Deir ez-Zor's city centre remains undecided, with fighters on both sides entrenched to such a degree that the defeat of the Islamic State is likely to occur sooner than regime fighters being flushed out of the city. Thus unable to advance on these fronts, the Islamic State made renewed efforts at advancing from the West and South side of the city. This tactic proved successful, bringing the fighters of the Islamic State ever closer to the airbase, dividing the regime-held parts of Deir ez-Zor in two. Despite this, the capture of either pocket remains extremely unlikely. An image of Deir ez-Zor's devastated city centre can be seen below, once again implying the great difficulties in advancing in such urban terrain.
Mainly the fight for control over the city's centre and the combat south of the airbase have led to a myriad of interesting and sometimes absurd DIY creations. With the bulk of the Syrian Arab Army's modern tank fleet stationed closer to the border with Israel and Lebanon before the commencement of the Civil War, most of the armoured fighting vehicles in Deir ez-Zor are older T-55s and BMP-1s. As a result, most of the Islamic State's DIY creations are based on these older vehicles.
However, this situation changed when the Republican Guard's 104th Brigade led by General Issam 'The Lion' Zahreddine deployed to Deir ez-Zor, bringing with it several T-72 'Urals', T-72M1s, T-72AVs and even T-72M1 TURMS-T on arrival. Interestingly enough, several T-55Ms and T-55(A)MVs also showed up in Deir ez-Zor, although it remains unknown if these were brought here by the 104th or arrived as reinforcements for the SyAA contingent at another date. The limited amount of T-72s captured by the Islamic State in Deir ez-Zor have so far solely been used in their original role.
The vehicle below has had a significant upgrade to its armour protection, and is without a doubt one of the more slick designs coming out of Wilayat al-Khayr. The side armour of the vehicle has been extensively reinforced with slat armour attached to a 'metal mattress' fully covering each side, which also acts as an extra layer of armour. The back doors, which also happen to act as the BMP-1's fuel tanks, saw the installment of slat armour further reinforced by sandbags, although the placement of the slat armour here might be too close to the vehicle itself to be effective. In addition, an extra layer of armour has been installed around the turret. The viewports of the commander's seat appear to have been painted over, which shouldn't prove to be a problem as most rebels, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham and the Islamic State operate their BMP-1s with a driver and gunner only.
recaptured the vehicle sans the two 23mm barrels, which had been removed for usage elsewhere.
Another up-armoured BMP-1 converted to an armoured personnel carrier. In contrast to the vehicle above, this BMP-1 doesn't appear to be equipped with any replacement for its removed turret. The slat armour arrangement is the same as on the vehicle above, and clearly shows the weak attachment points to the vehicle's hull armour. Another interesting vehicle can be seen in the back, which appears to be based on a heavy truck chassis, although details on this vehicle are currently lacking.
BMP-1s that are converted to VBIEDs, or as in the cases above to an APC, often lose their turret in the process. The turret and its associated 73mm 2A28 Grom cannon rarely go to waste however, an example of which can be seen below. This Toyota Land Cruiser has been armed with one of these now redundant turrets, giving the fighters of the Islamic State a mobile platform for fire support. The black squares on the truck read: الدولة الإسلامية - 'Islamic State', جيش الخلافة - 'The Caliphate Army' (Jaish al-Khilafa), followed by a unique serial number.
Most of the tank upgrades have so far been limited to the T-55, which is the most numerous tank in service with the Islamic State in Deir ez-Zor. The T-55s below have been upgraded by the addition of metal plating to both sides of the vehicles and a frame around the turret, which allows for the stowage of various materials that can increase the armour of the vehicle. This can be anything from sandbags to rubber mats or even sheets. Of note is the North Korean laser rangefinder (LRF) on the tank directly below.
The frame on the T-62 below appears to hold some sort of foam, certainly a curious choice for increasing your armour protection. The tank has been completely repainted, and a black square on the back of the tank was applied. This square reads: فرقة الزبير بن العوام ورشة المجنزرات - Zubayr ibn al-Awam Division - Workshop of the Tracked [vehicles], a similar square was found on a T-55 destroyed near Tadmur, which read: فرقة عثمان بن عفان ديوان الجند-الخنساء - Othman bin Affan Division - The Soldiers' Office- al-Khansaa'. This particular T-62 has been sighted on four different occasions over the past several months, and is likely to continue to see service in Deir ez-Zor.
Another less sophisticated solution that has been quite popular among factions in Syria consists of installing spent shell casings around the turret, which in the case below appears to be held together by rope. The side skirts have been reinforced by metal or steel plates, as is the lower glacis plate. Although only contributing to a small part of the tank's armour and relatively hard to hit, the lower glacis plate is often overlooked during DIY armour upgrades. Metal plating has also been used as material for creating new mud guards, as the original ones are relatively fragile and are often missing on Syrian tanks.
Vehicles upgraded by 'The Workshop' in use by the Islamic State in Deir ez-Zor include the Toyota Land Cruiser with the BMP-1 turret seen above, but also an up-armoured T-72M1, an up-armoured BMP-1 and even an up-armoured T-55 that originally saw action in Wilayat al-Barakah, Northern Syria. The latter was knocked out while advancing on regime positions East of the city in late 2015. These vehicles will be extensively covered in a future article on the DIY works of 'The Workshop' in Wilayat Raqqa.
short-barreled 130mm M-46 field-gun that was likely damaged prior to its modification.
In footage covering yet another bulldozer-based VBIED the application of the armour is clearly visible. More interestingly, the installment of some of the explosives near the driver's cabin can also be seen. Several names have been applied on the additional armour in front, including Abu Ammar, Abu Hussein, Abu Al-Baraa'; undoubtedly the names of other Islamic State fighters.
The up-armoured bulldozer below appears to use its reinforced bucket as a shield while advancing through Deir ez-Zor's city centre. Two cutouts have been made in the armour to allow the driver to see where he is going. Practicality aside, the sight of such a monstrosity advancing on a position must also have a significant psychological effect on defenders.
Indeed, dump trucks are a popular choice due to their ability to carry a large number of explosives, which are seperated from the driver sitting in the cabin. The slat armour on this vehicle has been directly installed on the metal plates, indicating a lack of understanding of how slat armour works as without the spacing the effect of disrupting incoming shaped warheads does not occur.
here (at the 3:26 mark). As with the BTR-50s above, this T-55 VBIED is also believed to have been converted by 'The Workshop'.
A clear indication of the massive blast and damage inflicted by these tank-based VBIEDs is given by first in the series 'Support from God, and imminent victory' (Quran verse 61:13) (at the 5:24 mark). Before reaching its target, this T-55 was actually hit by an RPG fired by one of the defenders, which failed to penetrate the tank's armour. Although at that point the fate of the defenders was already sealed, it shows that armour is an important factor in a VBIED's success.
On the 1st of September 2016, the Islamic State published several images of its Istishhadis (suicide bombers) shortly before going out on their mission in Deir ez-Zor. The choice of vehicles used as VBIEDs was interesting to say the least, reflective of the current armour situation in Deir ez-Zor.This included the up-armoured T-62 VBIED below, driven to its target by Abu al-Harith al-Ansari.
At least one of the two BREM-2 armoured recovery vehicles (ARVs) captured by the Islamic State after it overran the Ayyash weapon depots would later also be used as a VBIED. This conversion consisted of nothing more than the removal of the BREM-2's crane, which might see further use somewhere else. The Islamic State has no use for these vehicles in their original role, with even the Syrian Arab Army converting them to weapon carriers armed with 14.5mm ZPU-4s or 37mm M-1939 anti-aircraft guns. With the BREM-2 being unable to tow away any Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) and with more than enough VT-55KS' and BREM-1s ARVs at hand, the fate of the BREM-2 as a weapon carrier in Syria is effectively sealed.
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Disappointing: Craigslist Sues Padmapper For Making Craigslist More Useful & Valuable
from the call-off-the-dogs,-craig dept
The legal filing is below, and as with some of Craigslist's earlier lawsuits, this one raises a bunch of legal issues that are highly questionable. A lawsuit of this nature is much more suited to an old legacy gatekeeper, rather than a company that is supposedly of the internet generation. To say it's disappointing that Craigslist would engage in these kinds of tactics is an understatement.
The key arguments are that these services violate Craigslists' copyrights and trademarks. Neither claim seems particularly strong. In fact, both seem exceptionally weak. The internet would be a much worse place if either claim was found to be correct in court -- and it's surprising that Craig Newmark, who has fought the good fight for internet freedom, including being a major supporter of the Internet Defense League -- would move forward with such claims that could damage the basic workings of the internet.
The copyright claim is an odd one. Most of the content on Craigslist is created by the users, not by Craigslist. The Craigslist terms of use shows that users do not directly assign their copyrights to Craigslist (in fact, they're pretty explicit that "CL does not control, is not responsible for and makes no representations or warranties with respect to any user content"). However, users do provide a rather complete license to the works, including the right to sue over the copying of the work:
You also expressly grant and assign to CL all rights and causes of action to prohibit and enforce against any unauthorized copying, performance, display, distribution, use or exploitation of, or creation of derivative works from, any content that you post (including but not limited to any unauthorized downloading, extraction, harvesting, collection or aggregation of content that you post).In light of the Righthaven debacle in which it was made clear that you cannot assign the bare right to sue, I'm curious if this particular clause is actually enforceable. Perhaps the assigning of "all rights" could be interpreted to mean the actual copyrights were assigned, but it's not that clear.
Either way, I'm still not convinced that the actions in question wouldn't then be covered by fair use. Sites like PadMapper are collecting mostly factual data. In looking around at Padmapper, including a number of Craigslist listings, all of the information provided appears to be factual. Here's an example:
In its complaint, Craigslist points to the actual listings pages, claiming that PadMapper violates its copyright because it displays "misappropriated craigslist content." As far as I can tell that's not true. What PadMapper appears to do is to display actual Craigslist pages, but do so with a frame, showing its own toolbar on the lefthand side. That is, it's not copying Craigslist content or republishing it, but sending users to Craigslist, and providing additional (and quite useful) tools. Example below:
The claim against 3taps might be a bit stronger, since it runs a site that appears to host content copied from Craigslist -- which 3taps then claims is public domain. That claim is questionable. 3taps CEO, Greg Kidd, told Jeff Roberts at GigaOm "that his company doesn't "scrape" Craigslist but simply draws on data available on the public internet in the same way that other search engines do." That doesn't make much sense, because the way that other search engines work is to scrape content. Still, considering that search engines are considered legal, one could make an argument that 3taps is no different.
The second major claim in the lawsuit is even weaker. It's a trademark claim against both companies. Again, the argument against 3taps has slightly more credibility, since 3taps runs a (nicely designed) site called "craiggers." However, the site clearly has a tagline stating: "craigslist data, better than craigslist." I think most people would automatically assume, then, that the site has no relationship with Craigslist. When it comes to PadMapper, it's unclear how anyone could possibly be confused. The site is PadMapper and it sends people to Craigslist. There's simply no confusion there at all.
3taps' display of some of the data possibly represents a legal issue, but if any, it's a pretty minor one. It's difficult to see how making the data in Craigslist more useful creates any sort of "harm" for Craigslist at all. The arguments against PadMapper seem laughable to atrocious. Either way, for a company that often presents itself both as a strong defender of internet freedoms and as one that relies on safe harbor rules like the CDA 230, it's disappointing to see Craigslist become a legal bully over other sites who don't take away from Craigslist at all, but rather make the (increasingly out-of-date) site a lot more useful.

subset: commoncrawl


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Journey Postpones Five Concerts
Journey has postponed five concerts after singer Arnel Pineda was diagnosed with severe laryngeal and esophageal inflammation. The rockers were scheduled to play dates through the Midwest this weekend and early next week, but won't take the stage again until Nov. 16 in Milwaukee, Wisc.
Tonight's show at the Ford Center in Evansville, Ind. is the first to be postponed. The venue website announced the news, stating that Pineda is under doctor's orders not to perform for the next week. The postponements have also been explained on the band's official website.
The five concerts are expected to be rescheduled for January or February 2013. In addition to the Evansville date, Saturday's show in Grand Rapids, Mich., Sunday's show in Fort Wayne, Ind., Tuesday's (Nov. 13) show in Moline, Ill. and Wednesday's (Nov. 14) show in Sioux City, Iowa have all been moved.
Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and Loverboy are also on the bill for all five shows, as they have been for the entire tour. This is the second show time in 10 days the groups have had to rearrange their schedules. The Oct. 30 at the Barclays Center in New York City was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy.


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Libby@go2 needed a new banner ad design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 45 designs submitted by 16 freelance designers.
I need 2 simple mobile banners, one that says "Hip Hop Gossip" and the other should say "Celebrity Gossip". A image can also be in the banner, something relevant to the topic.
No brand needed, just a cool design for each that drives users to click.
These need to be in three sizes each (these sizes can be created after the initial design is approved)
300 X 50 Pixels
216 X 36 Pixels
168 X 28 Pixels
- i want to choose a winner befor Friday and have all 3 sizes complete.
- Cartoons
- Small text
- Cheese =)


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Of all the TVs included in this issue, the Sharp LC-32X20E is the most self-consciously game oriented. It's even pitched as a games TV in some of its marketing, and has two key features up its sleeve to make good on its promise.
Firstly, there's the dedicated 'Game' picture preset. This isn't completely unique by any means. Plenty of rivals carry the same feature, but it seems more effective than any similar mode elsewhere.
Pixel packing
The other key game-friendly feature – assuming you're doing the sensible thing and using an HD console – is a Full HD resolution.
Cramming 1920 x 1080 pixels into such a small screen area should, on the evidence we've witnessed on larger screens, deliver a purer, sharper, less noisy HD game image, as there's no need for 1080-line game outputs to have to be rescaled to a lower resolution.
Also helping the LC-32X20E's chances of finding its way into your gaming room is its size. It's unusually small, with a really thin bezel ensuring it takes up scarcely more space than a typical 26in LCD TV.
Handy HDMIs
The good times just keep on rolling with the discovery of three HDMIs, meaning you've still got a digital HD connection spare even if you happen to own both an Xbox 360 Elite and a PS3!
Those HDMIs are also 24p compatible – meaning they're also Blu-ray friendly – while other bits and bobs include a film mode that tweaks the progressive scan processing to better suit film as opposed to video sources, and noise reduction circuitry. Plus, there's a D-Sub PC port if you're inclined to add PC use to your gaming obsession.
Full HD glory
Playing our Xbox 360 Forza Motorsport game on the LC-32X20E is even more enjoyable than usual, thanks to the excellent gaming picture quality.
For starters, that Full HD resolution is made to count in quite spectacular fashion: every leaf on every tree of the game's trackside graphics and each tiny colour shading detail on the cars is immaculately rendered.
The Full HD resolution also helps the TV produce outstandingly subtle colour blends, thanks to its greater pixel density. Provided you play Forza with the TV's Dot By Dot mode activated to eliminate overscanning, video noise is pretty much non-existent too.
Convincing depth
Going back to colours, they're superbly saturated – ideal for gaming – yet decently natural when winding down from some hard racing with a little TV viewing.
Even though the LC-32X20E doesn't have 100Hz processing, the Game mode reduces the screen's apparent response time superbly so that opposing cars zip by without blurring or losing any resolution.
Black levels ensure that even the most shadowy corners of the tracks look convincingly dark, but they're also deep and detailed enough to let you see where you're racing.
Master gaming LCD
Turning to the LC-32X20E's talents with HD video sources, it's rather impressive again with the black levels still holding up even during the heavy contrast demands of your average film, and noise levels well-contained.
Arguably, other contenders out there edge the Sharp when it comes to TV and Blu-ray viewing but, with some affably potent sound to back everything up, this Sharp is seriously heaven sent as a pure 32in gaming machine.


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'That's Real Entertainment!', or: Arnold Schwarzenegger Thinks its Still 1988
The Triplets development saga just gets better, thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger: "I can see a poster... A billboard with us three. 'They found another one!' 'Triplets!' 'Only their mother can tell them apart!' I would do that in two seconds, because that's real entertainment. You come out with that movie for Christmas, like December 5th or something like that, and you're home free." [Coming Soon]


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ESA > Our Activities > Human Spaceflight > Astronauts
minigallery: Alexander Gerst photo gallery
Alexander Gerst, German ESA astronaut, will fly to the International Space Station in 2014 for a six-month mission as a flight engineer of Expeditions 40 and 41.
He was born in Künzelsau, Germany, in 1976. Alexander studied at the University of Karlsruhe, Germany, where he received a diploma in geophysics. He also studied Earth Science at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, where he was awarded a Master of Science. He has been working as a researcher since 2001. In his spare time he enjoys mountaineering, diving, climbing and skydiving.
In these photos Alexander is photographed at the European Astronaut Centre, during parabolic flights and in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab at NASA's Sonny Carter Training Facility near Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.


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Feb. 1, 2011
Rotary Club of Honolulu.
New Horizons for the University of Hawai'i and the State
As the state's sole system of public higher education, the University of Hawaii plays a central role in developing and disseminating knowledge and training our workforce to ensure Hawaii's educational and economic success in this rapidly changing global environment.
Our unique, integrated university system of 10 campuses and research and education centers across the state is an extraordinary asset, unlike any other in the nation. It provides us with a distinct advantage to explore and build innovative partnerships to accomplish together what we would not be able to achieve separately.
The best universities inspire collaboration and stimulate innovation both within and outside their institutional boundaries. Our goal is to build on the strengths and opportunities we have in Hawaii to make UH the best performing system of higher education in the country.
Now, UH has no doubt faced some challenging times over the past couple of years. Our general fund budget was reduced by $98 million in fiscal year 2010 and $108 million in fiscal year 2011. This is a 23 percent reduction in the university's general fund budget from 2009 levels. That level of reduction in funding is one of the largest in the nation among public universities.
We have been able to manage these reductions through a variety of means and with no loss of instructional days. And, we have managed these reductions while the university is experiencing its highest enrollment levels ever. Last fall, more than 60,000 students were enrolled at our campuses across the state.
It is obvious that in these economic times, more and more people are turning to higher education. They see the value of investing in their education. I believe that there is no better investment for short term gains and long term benefits for the citizens of Hawaii.
To better serve our students, and the state of Hawaii, we have focused our efforts on three objectives moving forward.
Our Hawaii Graduation Initiative aims to increase the number of college graduates by 25 percent by the year 2015.
A national report released last year forecasted that by the year 2018, 65 percent of jobs in Hawaii will require at least some postsecondary education. UH has joined 23 other states in Complete College America, a collaborative effort to increase the educational attainment of the United States.
The Hawai Graduation Initiative is focused on increasing student participation and completion, particularly for Native Hawaiian Students, low-income students and those from underserved regions. We are doing this through a number of means.
Automatic admission procedures implemented last year allow seamless admission for graduates from any one of our seven community colleges to our three baccalaureate campuses, without applying and without paying an application fee.
Our new 15 to Finish initiative encourages students at our four-year campuses to enroll full-time. Students who take 15 credits will only have to pay for 12 credits. Take 15, pay for 12, finish in 4—that is our new mantra to students and we think it's a great incentive to push them forward.
We recognize that there are financial barriers to pursuing and completing a degree for many of our students. We have made great strides in helping our students receive the aid for which they are eligible and we have quadrupled our financial aid reserves for Hawaii residents.
As an added incentive for Hawaii resident undergraduates, we have reduced tuition rates for the 2011 summer session to encourage students to take summer classes and stay on track to graduate.
You can read more about the innovative efforts we're taking to help students achieve in our Faces and Places brochure. (Download the PDF.)
We not only want to provide a transformational education for our students, but we want to transform the way the University of Hawaii does business here in the state of Hawaii.
Our second objective is focused on workforce development and technology innovation. There is a clear need for a changed approach to economic stimulation and innovation in Hawaii, and the university is committed to work to improve and diversify Hawaii's pillars of the economy.
The University of Hawaii adds money, jobs and talented people to the state economy. UHfaculty generated more than $450 million in outside funding during the 2009–2010 academic year. That's more than $1 million each day that is helping to create new knowledge, ideas and products, supporting employment for our citizens and fueling the state's economy.
In a recent article by The Chronicle of Higher Education, UH was one of five universities that received more federal research dollars than 19 Association of American University members. UH has clearly demonstrated the ability to attract competitive research dollars.
This accomplishment is a testament to our dedicated faculty, many of whom are the best in their fields. They are renowned around the world for their expertise and important research work in fields such as astronomy, cancer research, earth and ocean science, nursing and medicine, tropical agriculture, renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
We've also provided you all with copies of a special research edition of the university magazine, Malamalama, which will tell you more about our efforts to create new technologies, develop innovative approaches and explore natural answers. (Visit Malamalama online or download the PDF.)
Our goal is to create a 21st-century capacity for workforce development, innovation and technology exchange that is necessary to achieve a high-value economy in Hawaii. As you can see, we are already well on our way to doing this, but we know we can do even more.
To help address the need to grow and diversify our economy, I appointed a President's Advisory Council on Hawaii Innovation and Technology Advancement last year. This group of local and national experts from academia and industry are helping us chart a new course to enhance the success and impact of our research programs for Hawaii's economy.
We recently shared the council's report of recommendations for the University of Hawaii to create an innovation economy for the state. The four recommendations include:
- Identifying research as an industry in Hawai&3699;i, particularly in special opportunity areas where Hawaii has a significant strategic advantage;
- Establishing HiTEx, the Hawaii Innovation Technology Exchange Institute, to help accelerate commercialization of university innovations;
- Encouraging collaboration by integrating entrepreneurship into the university's curriculum; and
- Identifying key areas to capitalize on commercialization opportunities for Hawaii, including Security and Sustainability: Energy and Agriculture, Data Analytics and Asian-Pacific Health.
We are seeking public feedback on this draft report and it is posted on our website for review. We will take all feedback into consideration as we work to develop an implementation plan.
Our third objective is critical to the success of our first two. We can't increase the state's educational capital or contribute our full potential to an innovation economy if we don't renew and expand the university's infrastructure.
Our scientists and researchers, faculty and students, and the state deserve a 21st-century university with excellent facilities. This is the driving force behind Project Renovate to Innovate.
The Legislature provided $20 million in funding for this initiative during the last session, which is a solid start. We are proud to say the return on this investment is quickly being realized. Just last month, we launched construction of a new $7.5-million center at the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene at Manoa that will serve as a campus hub for health science research and clinical simulation. The center will enhance collaboration with several schools and colleges at Manoa and with the College of Pharmacy at UH Hilo via distance programming.
Investing in campus repairs, maintenance and construction has the added benefit of generating jobs for the state.
You'll find in the Faces and Places brochure a list of campus renovation and construction projects underway or recently completed across our system, including a new cancer center, a new campus for UH West Oahu, a new library for Windward Community College and many more.
The university's contribution to Hawaii's construction industry via these projects and upcoming repairs and maintenance efforts total $586 million.
As you can see, by increasing the number of educated citizens, annually attracting hundreds of millions of outside dollars for research and training, and creating a strong 21st-century learning environment, UH will ensure that our students are well-equipped, and Hawaii is well-positioned, to thrive in this competitive global economy.
The University of Hawaii, and the state of Hawaii, are well positioned to be a leader nationally and particularly in the Asia Pacific region. We are a premier state and the best to look at a number of issues that reflect the diversity of the Asia Pacific region. That is why it's so fitting that we will serve as the host for the 2011 APEC Summit. This will be one of the greatest opportunities for our state and our university. We will showcase to the world the power of strategic collaborations and innovation.
The University of Hawaii is the state's public higher education system. We are educating today's students and tomorrow's workforce. We can create a new economy and jobs for the future, and we are the catalyst to make this happen.
It will take investment. It will take partnerships with the business community. Now is the time to do what we know we need to do, and I invite you to join us.


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Real Estate Law
Podcast Highlight:
This week's podcast takes a look at the practice of real estate law. We'll hear from professors at two U.S. ABA-approved law schools: University of Montana School of Law Associate Professor Kristen Juras, and University of Wisconsin Law School Associate Professor Thomas Mitchell.
Professor Juras starts by presenting us with a broad definition of real estate law, describing it as the "legal rights and obligations of owners of real property." However, she says that there is much more to real estate law than meets the eye, and talks about its relationship to land use planning, real estate development, finance, landlord/tenant relationships, and easements, as well as its intersections with many other legal practices: Contract Law, Family Law, Estate Law, and Bankruptcy Law, among others. Professor Juras makes a point to talk about the nature of real estate law as primarily a state-based practice (although there are some federal elements to it, mostly notably in environmental law)—this is why, she underscores, students interested in real estate law must give thought to where they want to practice, since that can affect the knowledge they will need. She recommends that students looking to learn more about or practice real estate law not only take "basic" real estate law courses, but also take property-related courses—such as transactional, finance, and tax law—and also try to get practice experience by going to hearings, County Recorders Offices, and reading real estate law blogs.
Professor Mitchell, like Professor Juras, tells students that there is much more to learning real estate law than the basic courses—in fact, he spends considerable time talking about the importance of budding real estate attorneys gaining considerable experience in transactional and business law, and encourages students to look at the practice holistically, rather than just as a single pigeonhole. He also advises students looking to go into Public Interest Law (who he says often don't feel the need to know much about real estate law) to become familiar with the topic, since non-profits often assist in affordable housing, which directly involves real estate law. He also encourages students to get as much practical experience as possible, and talks about the benefits of clinical opportunities and finding related summer employment (even in a volunteer capacity) to beef up their knowledge and experience. He ends by emphasizing the importance of a strong business and financial knowledge base for anyone thinking of going into real estate law, and also encourages students to look into real estate law-specific programs at the JD and LLM levels.
Associate Professor Kristen Juras, University of Montana School of Law
Associate Professor Thomas Mitchell, University of Wisconsin Law School
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Review by for Rating: I wrote a reveiw of PLS before I hit law school, and since I now have a semester under my belt, I figured I'd update my thoughts on this particular tome.First off, I should mention that I just got my first semester grades back, and I am in the top 5% of my class. I'm not going to gush like a schoolgirl and say I owe it all to PLS after all, I worked hard, and I feel like I earned my grades. But more importantly, I worked SMART, and I think that is where PLS helped me the most. The case method can be a bit of a minefield, and I saw lots of 1L's worrying more about knowing the facts of these cases than knowing the rules that the cases illustrate. By and large, these are the same 1L's who are looking a little morose now that grades are out. I've heard a lot of 1L's promising themselves that they won't get as caught up in the details of the cases this semester; that they'll buy some commercial outlines and worry more about the big picture this time around. That's definitely a step in the right direction, but they'll still have their first semester grades hanging around their necks like an albatross. I'm glad I read PLS, because for all its faults, it taught me the lessons that a lot of 1L's only learned by getting reamed by their first semester exams. It taught me that knowing the cases backwards and forwards will not earn you good grades, and that sounding smart in class doesn't count for a thing. It taught me that the person who studies ten hours per week can get better grades than the person who studies twenty hour per week, if he's getting more out of every hour of study. For me, these lessons have made all the difference between working smart and just spinning my wheels on busy work.Again, PLS has its faults. It's too long, because Falcon does a lot of ranting, and it becomes redundant after a while. It's poorly edited and has a lot of typos. And some of the law school horror stories bear no relation to the law school I attend. But that doesn't mean that all the info is bogus. You just have to use your brain a bit to separate the wheat from the chaff. Anyone who says that this is a bad book simply because some things are over-the-top or exaggerated is throwing the baby out with the bathwater. If you don't like his suggestion that you shouldn't buy the casebooks, well, buy the casebooks!! That's what I do (I buy them used over the internet for 1/3 what I'd pay at the university bookstore, of course). Stripped down to its core, the PLS message is about questioning everything, from the concept of the case method to the professors' pedagogical style to the bookstore's policy of charging $100 for a casebook and then buying it back for $15. And to me, that means even questioning PLS itself.So if you simply want to be a sheep who obediently follows the rest of the herd, skip PLS and buy one of the 150-page feel-good books instead. You don't necessarily need PLS to do well, although following the pack is a good way to wind up in the middle of the pack. But for those who want to question things to see if maybe there's a better way to do it, for those who don't want to blindly follow conventional wisdom, and for those who don't want to take any chances with the all-important first year, give PLS a try. Adapt it to your own needs. Question anything in PLS that you don't agree with. Those are the attitudes that will set you apart from the pack.


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Now that Visual Studio .NET and the Microsoft .NET languages are commercially available, many developers are going beyond experimentation and using Visual Studio .NET to develop production applications. If you're like me and you use SQL Server 2000 Analysis Services to develop applications, you probably hit a snag when you tried to combine it with Visual Studio .NET. The .NET Framework doesn't natively support data access for multidimensional (i.e., OLAP) data sources. So, OLAP developers have to use existing COM-based ADO MD for application development. At first glance, this problem doesn't seem important because .NET languages interoperate with COM. But have you tried making .NET and ADO MD work together? I have—and I found that it's not straightforward. Here are some of the problems I ran into and some ways you can avoid similar complications when you try to integrate .NET with your existing COM applications.
Programming with ADO MD
Programming with ADO MD is much like programming with ADO. Like ADO, ADO MD has two primary ways of retrieving information: You can retrieve metadata from the schema rowsets, or you can execute queries. However, ADO MD applications differ from ADO applications in that ADO MD applications typically rely more heavily on schema rowsets than ADO applications do. Schema rowsets in ADO MD contain dimensions, levels, and members that not only describe the structure of the data but are also a large part of the data. You can get answers to some user queries by using ADO MD's OpenSchema method to retrieve a schema rowset instead of using an MDX query. For example, in the FoodMart 2000 Sales cube, you can use an OpenSchema call to answer the question "What are all the product departments within the Drink product family?" OpenSchema is the method call that retrieves schema rowsets. With ADO—and relational databases in general—the structure of the tables typically doesn't change with the contents of the tables. With ADO, questions such as this one always require an SQL query.
To start programming with ADO MD from Visual Studio .NET, you need to import the ADO MD type library into your .NET project. You can do this the same way you add a reference in Visual Basic (VB) 6.0. In Visual Studio .NET, open the Project menu and select Add Reference. In the resulting dialog box, click the COM tab and scroll down to select Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects (Multi-dimensional) 2.x Library. You also need to select a non-multidimensional version of ADO named Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects 2.x Library. After you've selected both of these type libraries, click Select, then click OK. You've added the type definitions from these libraries to your project. Finally, if you're using C#, you can include the ADO MD type library so that you don't have to prefix all ADO MD type references in your source code with the name of the ADO MD type library. You can include the type library in each C# source file by adding the appropriate USING clause to your source code (e.g., USING ADOMD).
Problems with C#
Because ADO MD relies heavily on schema rowsets, you need to be able to fully utilize the OpenSchema method. Other than MDX, OpenSchema is the only mechanism that ADO MD provides to retrieve the contents of the schema rowset tables. Unfortunately, the OpenSchema method is difficult to call from a .NET language such as C# because of the complexity of the OpenSchema parameters. Two factors create this complexity: The parameters are optional, and the criteria parameter is an array. Each of these factors creates a problem when you try to integrate .NET and COM.
OpenSchema is designed so that you call it with one, two, or three parameters, as the following example calls show:
OpenSchema QueryType OpenSchema QueryType, Criteria OpenSchema QueryType, Criteria, SchemaID
However, in C# you can't issue the first two of these calls because you can't omit parameters—even when they're declared optional in the COM type library. This restriction is part of C# syntax. In other functions that take optional parameters, this type of restriction isn't a problem because you can issue the call with all parameters, passing default values for any parameters you would have omitted if the language had supported optional parameters (like VB does). But with OpenSchema, passing default parameters is difficult and risky because the values for the SchemaID parameter aren't available in the ADO MD type library. You'd have to determine what the default value for SchemaID is and declare the equivalent value in C#. Using SchemaID's default value is risky because a future version of ADO MD could change the values of these constants, and your code would no longer work because its declaration would contain an old value. The methods I used to solve these problems don't include redeclaring any ADO MD SchemaID constants in C# that could possibly change in the future. Let's look at each of the two problems you face with OpenSchema.
Solving Integration Problems
First, let's look at how to deal with the problem of OpenSchema's optional parameters. As I just explained, C# doesn't support omitting parameters, and the values for the third parameter, SchemaID, aren't included in the ADO MD type library. Thus, you have to determine an innovative way to call OpenSchema. To omit a parameter, you have to take advantage of late binding. Usually, binding takes place during a program's compilation, but late binding means that a method call and its parameters aren't validated against its definition until runtime. Listing 1 shows an example of how to use late binding with only one parameter to call the Open method on the Connection object. The example works because the InvokeMember method in the .NET runtime library can determine how to issue a method call with some parameters omitted, which the C# compiler can't do. Calling the Open method with just a connection string is convenient because you rarely use other parameters (e.g., UserID, Password, Options) with Analysis Services. The UserID and Password parameters are typically unnecessary because Analysis Services uses Windows authentication to determine the identity of the client application.
The use of InvokeMember() in Listing 1 deserves an explanation. InvokeMember() is a flexible and powerful method that lets you perform late binding to access an object property (e.g., GET or SET) or lets you call a method in which the structure of the call is determined at runtime. Because ADO and ADO MD support retrieval of type information about the available methods, parameters, and properties at runtime, InvokeMember() can determine how to package the parameters you provide it so that it creates the correct call to the Open method on the Connection object.
The InvokeMember method is available on each Type object in .NET. Don't confuse a Type object with an object of a particular type. A Type object in .NET contains information about the type but isn't an instance of the type. (The fourth parameter of InvokeMember, Conn in Listing 1, is the instance of the type on which you issue the method call.)
The first parameter of InvokeMember, Open in Listing 1, is the name of the method or property to be accessed. The second parameter, BindingFlags.InvokeMethod, tells InvokeMember what type of operation you want performed. In the example that Listing 1 shows, you want InvokeMember to invoke a method. The third parameter is the binding object. If you pass NULL as the third parameter, as Listing 1 shows, you get the default binding object. The binding object controls the manner in which the .NET runtime library accesses the object (which is the fourth parameter, Conn). Finally, the fifth parameter, new Object\[\], is the list of parameters that you pass to the method. I could have added multiple items to the array to pass more parameters to the method, but instead I passed an array containing just the connection string.
The second problem you encounter when you issue method calls to OpenSchema is figuring out how to declare and construct the Criteria parameter in C#. When I was trying to integrate my COM applications with .NET, I encountered this problem because I didn't have any examples of how to declare the elements of the criteria array in C#. Usually, you can use the Visual Studio .NET object browser to see a parameter's type. But in this case, the types can change with different calls to OpenSchema (depending on what restrictions you want to use) and the parameters are nested inside an array—the object browser doesn't show types inside an array parameter. C#'s data types aren't exactly the same as those in COM, so to match the parameters in a COM method call correctly, you need to know how the COM interoperability layer in .NET will translate the .NET data types into COM data types. Unfortunately, if you get the data types wrong, you get a generic error message that doesn't give you a clue about how to fix the problem. In COM, the Criteria parameter is a safe array of BSTR variants; you'd never need to know that information if you used ADO MD from VB 6.0. You can pass a regular VB array to OpenSchema, and it just works. Explaining a safe array of BSTR variants is beyond the scope of this article, but I'll demonstrate how to define the equivalent criteria array in .NET.
Listing 2 shows how to use a criteria array to call OpenSchema from C#. You declare a standard C# array of objects and fill it with either NULL or strings. The criteria are values for some of the columns in the schema rowset; criteria define which rows you want returned from the rowset. For example, if you want to return the dimension rowset rows in which the cube name is Sales, your criteria would specify a restriction on the Sales cube's name column.
Each schema rowset has its own possible criteria, which SQL Server Books Online (BOL) lists in the "Schema Rowsets, OLAP" topic. For each rowset, a section of BOL lists the columns in that rowset that you can use as criteria. The column order is important. For example, the dimension schema rowset has the criteria columns CATALOG_NAME, SCHEMA_NAME, CUBE_NAME, DIMENSION_NAME, and DIMENSION_UNIQUE_NAME. If you want to use criteria to retrieve specific information from any schema rowset, your array of criteria must be in the order that BOL specifies. In Listing 2's code, I restricted the dimension schema rowset by cube name, so I had to include space in the array for the preceding array locations CATALOG_NAME and SCHEMA_NAME. However, I didn't want to restrict the resulting rowset to those columns, so I placed a NULL in the first two array locations.
Let's look at another example of how to construct OpenSchema's criteria array. One of the most complicated schema rowsets is the members rowset. To filter the members returned in an OpenSchema call, you can use 11 restriction columns and a tree operator. You use the first 11 restriction columns the same way that Listing 2 shows, but the final members rowset restriction is different. The tree operator restriction lets you retrieve dimension members by placing a related member in the MEMBER_UNIQUE_NAME restriction. For example, as Listing 3 shows, if you wanted to retrieve all the dimension members that are the immediate children of the CA member, you could place CA's unique name—\[Customers\].\[All Customers\].\[USA\].\[CA\]—in the MEMBER_UNIQUE_NAME criterion, then place the MDTREEOP_CHILDREN constant in the tree operator criteria. The criteria array is flexible; each element of the criteria array has a meaning that depends on which schema rowset you're accessing. This particular example differs from those I described previously because the element in the criteria array is an operator rather than a rowset column value.
Notice in Listing 3 that I defined constants for the different tree operators because the operators aren't available in the ADO MD type library after you import it into Visual Studio .NET. I don't know why the constants don't appear, but redefining the constants helps you issue OpenSchema calls on the members rowset.
I recommend using the tree operator with the OpenSchema call instead of running MDX queries to find the children of a dimension member because OpenSchema is significantly faster. Regardless of the technique you use, always be aware that dimensions can contain large numbers of members, and retrieving more dimension members than you need can be costly. For example, avoid retrieving all of a member's descendants or even all the members of a dimension level. You could end up retrieving a million or more members if you're using your application against a large cube.
Now that you know how to issue OpenSchema calls to ADO MD from C#, you can use the code samples in this article as a guide for using Visual Studio .NET to develop your next analysis application. Be aware that making COM method calls from .NET does incur some overhead because marshaling (a data and code transition between process address spaces) is necessary. However, this overhead won't materially affect your application's performance unless you call ADO MD thousands of times in succession.


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Yale fencers are getting ready to host two teams, Sacred Heart and Drew, in Payne Whitney Gym's 7th floor fencing salon this weekend. The two teams have made the trip to Yale in the past, most recently last year, when the Bulldogs sent them home defeated. These two opponents will be Yale's last team competitions before they head to the first half of Ivy competition at Cornell on Feb. 21. The meet begins at 1:00 p.m. and will be the Bulldogs' last home competition of the season.
Recalling last weekend's NYU Invitational, captain Rebecca Moss remarked:
"We all got in some great fencing at NYU and I'm hoping we will incorporate what we learned into this meet. These two schools do not have the same level of experience as most of the schools we competed against at NYU, but that offers its own challenge. We have to keep things simple and remember the basics."
Last year the Bulldogs imposed themselves to seize non-league wins against these two teams. Yale downed Sacred Heart by 19-8, an improvement from the year before's 17-10 decision. Against Drew, a new opponent, the Bulldogs won 22-5.
Even though the Bulldogs are going into this weekend with confidence, Moss also underlined the importance of this last meet.
"We need to perform well here because it's our last meet before the Ivy competitions," she said. "We see Ivies as our most important tournament of the year. We need this tournament to give us a boost and also some key competition fencing time."
The starting line-ups for Saturday's competition will be the following:
Zoe Egelman
Jillian Liu
Katharine Pitt
Rebecca Moss
Madeline Buxton
Tasha Garcia
Jennifer Ivers
Katherine Arden
Madeline Oliver
Katharine Pitt, the foil squad's captain, spoke with excitement on the upcoming weekend's competition:
"The foil squad had a strong showing on Saturday at NYU. They fought with great spirit and heart, and I'm proud to be on the team with them. All the fencers have put an enormous amount of work into improving their competition skills this season and it shows. I'm looking forward to another powerful performance this weekend."
The meet will be the last home event for the team's six seniors: Katherine Arden, Andrea Feuer, Jennifer Ivers, Farrah Kimovec, Kristin Saetveit and Moss.
"I know all the seniors are really excited, and I'm sure we will have a great crowd to cheer us on as always," said Moss.
Report filed by Yale Sports


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Saturday, November 19, 2011
Disney~Pixar Blog Hop Day 1
90 comments:
- Ellen ♥ CardMonkey said...
Hi Melissa! First, before I forget, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I hope the year brings you more magical moments!
Second, THANK YOU for co-hosting this hop again with Shawn. You two gals do hops up right!
And finally (but not least!!), your tile is super sweet -- what a nice idea and use for a regular ol' tile!!! I do agree that adding the MOMENTS below your M adds a lot. NICE!
Ellen ♥ CardMonkey
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
- November 19, 2011 at 6:18 AM
- CRAZY4CHRIST said...
Love the idea of doing a project on a tile super cute!! Happy birthday!! Great hop so far!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
Kristan (Follower)
- November 19, 2011 at 7:39 AM
- meredemaison said...
(I need to read a little better, that's why I'm re-posting!)
Great idea for a project! What a wonderful way to remember your trip! I love the twine and the way you used the Mickey head with the metal embellishment - inspired!
And since your birthday will end this fun hop, I'll wish you a birthday full of dreams come true, in the spirit of Disney!
- November 19, 2011 at 8:21 AM
- Karen S. said...
Happy birthday! Love your project! So fun!
- November 19, 2011 at 8:47 AM
- Sunshine HoneyBee said...
Like the Disney tiles. Not made tiles like this. Like all things Disney. I worked for the Mouse as in Disney World thru high school & college. Thanks for giveaway chance.
"Sunshine HoneyBee"
- November 19, 2011 at 9:34 AM
- Shawn Mosch said...
I might need to make some of those Mickey Moments embellishments myself!
I hope you are having a Magical Mickey weekend birthday girl!
Shawn ~
Crafty Chics Blog
MyCutSearch.com ~ Find your Cricut images FAST!
Webmasters Earn Money Here!
- November 19, 2011 at 9:54 AM
- Liz said...
love this idea, I have some tiles laying around too!!!
- November 19, 2011 at 10:07 AM
- Glora said...
What an awesome idea! I love this tile/frame! Terrific job and Happy Birthday!!! Hugs- Glora
- November 19, 2011 at 10:32 AM
- Heidi said...
Happy Birthday!!! HOpe you have a great day.
Thanks for co-hosting the blog hop. I enjoy checking out the great ideas.
And speaking of great ideas, I like what you did with the tile.
- November 19, 2011 at 10:50 AM
- Scrappin Rabbit Designs said...
Nice job Melissa! I never thought to use tile and Mod Podge together. Great idea.
- November 19, 2011 at 10:52 AM
- tandkparker said...
Melissa -
Love you Dinsey Tile - I just might have to make one before Christmas. What a great project!!
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day.
What another great Bloghop!!
tandkparker at comcast dot net
- November 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM
- arneff0404 said...
I love the idea of using a tile for something a little different to spruce up your house.
- November 19, 2011 at 11:10 AM
- shutterbuggin said...
Love Love your project. I'm definitely going to have to lift this.Just have to get me some tiles. Love your mickey embellishment. It's a great touch.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Hope your day is magical!
- November 19, 2011 at 11:22 AM
- Sharyn Knox said...
First off, I hope you have a spectacular birthday.
Second, I love your tile. I been tossing around the idea of trying this but have never found the time to try it yet.
sharynknox @ gmail.com
- November 19, 2011 at 11:37 AM
- Mad Crafter said...
Melissa, thank you for letting me hop with you again. These hops are awesome!!! I love your tile. Fabulous idea!!! Wow, am I the only one who hasn't been to Disney World or Disney Land? :( Love the Moments charm!!! So cute!!! TFS!
~Madison funkycards.blogspot.com
- November 19, 2011 at 12:03 PM
- Lori Comeau said...
Love your tile. What a great idea you came up with. Very unique.
- November 19, 2011 at 12:05 PM
- angie ashuk said...
Happy Birthday!!! using a tile....clever, very very clever! It looks amazing. Great job.
- November 19, 2011 at 12:19 PM
- Scrappin Dhilly said...
Hope you have a wonderful Birthday! I love how you turned your tile into a frame, it is just adorable. I also love the charm and twine accents, it's just perfect. This is such a great idea for a gift, I just might have to scraplift it!
scrappindhilly at gmail dot com
- November 19, 2011 at 12:22 PM
- Lori Apgar said...
Happy Birthday Melissa!!! I love your tile!! I love the little Mickey embellie ~ it reminds me of the hidden Mickeys that you love so much!
So honored to be included in this awesome hop with you!!!
- November 19, 2011 at 12:56 PM
- Jamie said...
awesome tile love it. i really need to try one soon. Happy birthday hope its magical! ;). thanks for sharing and have a great day im a follower
- November 19, 2011 at 1:07 PM
- Michele said...
super cute
- November 19, 2011 at 1:14 PM
- L.B. said...
Love your tile. very fun.
- November 19, 2011 at 1:14 PM
- ScrapMyWay said...
Melissa, Happy Birthday & may all your wishes come true!! The tile is such an awesome way to hold on to such a great family photo. Goal accomplished...you inspired me to make one!Love the metal Mickey!!
Creative Wishes,
- November 19, 2011 at 1:20 PM
- Sharon V. said...
I love your Blog. You have put so much time and effort into it and it really shows.
- November 19, 2011 at 1:49 PM
- Mommy's Crafty Creations said...
Great project. TFS Im already a follower.
mommyscraftycreations at gmail dot com
- November 19, 2011 at 2:05 PM
- Tami B. said...
Happy Birthday early! Neat idea using the tile.
- November 19, 2011 at 2:16 PM
- scrappinlil said...
Wow you did an amazing job on your picture frame...I love it. TFS...here's my blog if I win..hehe...http://scrappinlilscreativeside.blogspot.com/
- November 19, 2011 at 2:25 PM
- lindaplus3 said...
using a tile is a great idea... Happy Birthday.. my daughter has the same birthday .. she will be 30 .... Happy Thanksgiving
:) lindaplusthree at yahoo dot com
- November 19, 2011 at 3:45 PM
- The Cropping Canuck said...
I love the Mickey tile! It turned out great. You have done some great projects with the tiles.
- November 19, 2011 at 5:32 PM
- Edwina said...
I love your Disney tile! This is a great way to have a memory displayed!
I love the papers and the memories embellishment. Thanks for sharing. Edwina Brown firstname.lastname@example.com
- November 19, 2011 at 5:36 PM
- SME said...
That was pretty cool. I'd never seen something like that. A very unique idea. I'm going to have to try it : )
- November 19, 2011 at 6:00 PM
- Bunnyfreak said...
Love the project. Never heard of the title for this use.
- November 19, 2011 at 6:38 PM
- Ladybug said...
Hiya Melissa! Great to see you and your partner in crime (Shawn) doin' another blog hop. They're so much fun!! And. . . happy birthday!! :-)
LOVE your tile photo. What a great way of doing it, too! The embellishment is adorable.
Thanks for a chance to win one of Kristal's stamp sets. Sweet!! :-)
- November 19, 2011 at 7:09 PM
- Mona said...
Love the tiles! Great Job!
Mona L. Armstorng
- November 19, 2011 at 7:43 PM
- Creative Cutter Room said...
Melissa-this is such an adorable project!!! Great Idea-making your own souvenir so AWESOME. Happy Birthday also-hope you get lots of Scrappy Goodness! Hugs Cathie
- November 19, 2011 at 7:45 PM
- Randee said...
Love the tile! I decorate a tile every chance I get but this one, w/ a pic is such a cute idea. I also LOVE the "Moments" on top of the MM!!! What a fab combo, like they were meant to be!! Happy Birthday (early) To You!!!!!
ChelleBee email@example.com
- November 19, 2011 at 8:52 PM
- Rene said...
Happy Early Birthday, I hope you have a GREAT one!!!
What an awesome job...
- November 19, 2011 at 9:45 PM
- Victoria said...
Happy Birthday and thanks for such wonderful inspiration!
- November 19, 2011 at 10:18 PM
- Stacey said...
Happy Birthday!!! Thanks for sharing your amazing talent with us! Your tile turned out super cute!
shalbgewachs at sbcglobal dot net
- November 19, 2011 at 10:24 PM
- Susan said...
What a clever idea! I love our tile, this is super cute. I am already a follower and love your work! Thanks for sharing. ~Susan
- November 19, 2011 at 10:42 PM
- Java Jen's Creations said...
I love the idea of using a tile for a home decor project! Awesome job!! Thanks for the chance to win a great prize!!
javajen1 at hotmail dot com
- November 20, 2011 at 12:00 AM
- abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...
Happy Birthday! Super cute project! Great charm! Already a follower! TFS! email@example.com
- November 20, 2011 at 12:04 AM
- Maria said...
Hope you have a fabulous birthday!!!! Love your project! TFS
- November 20, 2011 at 12:21 AM
- Cindi (ScrapinOMA) said...
Ok I read on here it is your birthday so Happy Birthday. I love Disney too. I am so happy to see all the pages done. Love your project
- November 20, 2011 at 1:38 AM
- craftaholic said...
Hey Melissa!
First I want to Wish you a Happy Birthday and today Is mine! I had a blog hop today too! Mickey's was yesterday! As you probably already know! lol I love your project and it sounds like a project I would try! I am glad to be here and have been hopping with you creative lady's for a while now!! And already look forward to the next one, maybe I could be a participant with you all some time! come and check out what I created for my ("me and Mickeys birthday blog Hop") TFS!!
ilovetonkinese2 at hotmail dot com
- November 20, 2011 at 2:03 AM
- Kim said...
Love the tile! And totally love your Moments charm! Last but not least, Happy Birthday! Mine is next week also :)
Kim Brownfield
- November 20, 2011 at 2:28 AM
- Shawnee said...
Beautiful tile. I love how you made this. Great job!
- November 20, 2011 at 6:21 AM
- pruttybird said...
Happy Birthday :) I've been wanting to try these for ages now, but have always been intimidated ... but you make it look so easy. Definitely going to be giving this a try now. TFS!!
pruttybird at comcast dot net
- November 20, 2011 at 6:47 AM
- 9kids said...
Happy Birthday! You share it with my son, Aidan, so it's a great day for sure! Thanks for the chance to win.
- November 20, 2011 at 8:04 AM
- Jill Angel said...
This is so great. I've been afraid to cover stuff with Mod Podge but obviously it doesn't hurt it. Happy Birthday!
- November 20, 2011 at 8:05 AM
- Lara said...
I love modge Podge, and how you used it. Nice work! lclassatgmaildotcom
- November 20, 2011 at 8:17 AM
- CLM-cindylu2u said...
What a great project, love how you did the little embellishment too!!
- November 20, 2011 at 8:22 AM
- lulyg said...
I love Disney too! Great idea for the ceramic tiles.
- November 20, 2011 at 8:40 AM
- Judi said...
I LOVE the tile project!! I just purchased some tiles for myself the other day to make for Christmas gifts! Can't wait to get started! Thanks for sharing and for hosting the blog hop!
HaPpY bIrThDaY!!! :D
- November 20, 2011 at 9:24 AM
- Judy said...
Wow, I love what you did with the tile -- a very brilliant, artistic mind at work! Happy Birthday to You, too!! I am a follower...
jejaeb at cfl dot rr dot com
- November 20, 2011 at 9:44 AM
- Pat N. said...
What a nice keepsake to have from your Disney trip!--Pat N.
- November 20, 2011 at 10:49 AM
- Jennifer said...
Hi Melissa,
Hope you have a Happy Birthday tomorrow!!! :)
Love your cute tile!!! :) What a GREAT idea!
Thanks so much for sharing and for the chance to win,
partridgelu at yahoo dot com
- November 20, 2011 at 11:16 AM
- Happyscrapin said...
Happy Birthday Melissa! What a great project, I love the way you used a tile and made it a work of art! I never thought of using tiles but am inspired to do so now. TFS
plese.cathy@yahoo dot com
- November 20, 2011 at 11:26 AM
- Denise said...
What a great idea!!! It is beautiful! Denise firstname.lastname@example.com
- November 20, 2011 at 11:34 AM
- tlc said...
Love this idea, I think that I am going to try it. Hope you have a great birthday.
- November 20, 2011 at 11:45 AM
- Alwayscharlie said...
This came out so cute! I've been wanting to try my hand at doing some tiles.
smilesmoore2 atverizon dotnet
- November 20, 2011 at 1:13 PM
- Jen said...
Love it...what a great idea
kissmyjen at gmail.com
- November 20, 2011 at 1:43 PM
- Amy said...
Neat idea. Love seeing another use for twine too.
- November 20, 2011 at 1:54 PM
- Scrapbooking and Stamping with Michelle said...
How neat! I have never seen that done before. Great job! I have become a follower!
- November 20, 2011 at 2:30 PM
- Angiebug said...
Love your tile! What a great keepsake & reminder of those moments shared together. tfs & chance to win. Hope you have a fabulous Birthday! - angie
angiehbug at yahoo dot com
- November 20, 2011 at 2:38 PM
- Lady Fair said...
Happy Birthday! What a cute way to display your favorite photos. TFS!
- November 20, 2011 at 2:50 PM
- email@example.com said...
Happy Birthday! Thanks for the chance to win the stamp set, I have yet to purchase any of Kristas stamps sets so I would love to win, great job on the Mickey Project as always!
jennyplace firstname.lastname@example.com
- November 20, 2011 at 4:41 PM
- Cathy said...
I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!! I love the tile, I am going to have to try one of these when all my Christmas cards are done.
- November 20, 2011 at 5:59 PM
- Jessica said...
You have gotten the wheels turning in my head now. I also purchased some tiles a while ago (for a home project that hasn't gotten started...LOL) and will be grabbibg them soon now. Happy Birthday to you sweetie. Already a follower and very Happy to be able to hop along on Day 1 of the 4th Hop.
Jessica S
Jessica's Craft Shaque
- November 20, 2011 at 6:20 PM
- Lisa said...
Hi Melissa! Your tile is terrific! I love how you have decorated it!
Thanks for yet again another awesome hop!!!
Lisa G
- November 20, 2011 at 6:50 PM
- JaniceA said...
Happy Birthday! Hope it is a fantastic one. I really liked the tile and you make it seen like it was easy. I will have to get a try. janiceaeschliman.blogspot.com
- November 20, 2011 at 7:02 PM
- Samantha J Designs (Wife2TJ) said...
Love your tile, so creative!!! tfs :-)
-Samantha :-)
SamanthaJDesigns @ hotmail.com
- November 20, 2011 at 7:39 PM
- DebbyP said...
Happy Birthday to you! Love your idea of putting a picture from Disneyland on a tile. Very creative.
TTFN from a follower. dpookybear at yahoo dot com
- November 20, 2011 at 7:45 PM
- Peggie said...
Very cute. love the homemade embellished Mickey head.
- November 20, 2011 at 9:04 PM
- CathyinMN said...
Happy birthday! Your tile project turned out great! What a wonderful daily reminder of your trip.
tcsobotka at charter dot net
- November 20, 2011 at 10:25 PM
- Jenscrapstoo said...
Happy Birthday from Down Under!! Love your project, very cool Cheers jendewar at optusnet.com.au
- November 21, 2011 at 1:30 AM
- Momsavealot said...
Love the Moments embellishment! I love the Disney/Pixar Blog Hops so keep'em coming!! and have a Magical Birthday!
- November 21, 2011 at 7:54 AM
- Darla said...
Fantastic!!!! Love that little M button
- November 21, 2011 at 8:17 AM
- moknowsall said...
i haven't made anything with tiles yet - you make it look really easy. thanks for the inspiration
- November 21, 2011 at 11:15 AM
- Cherie said...
Super cute!! It looks wonderful! Happy Birthday again!!
cherie.goyer at gmail.com
- November 21, 2011 at 11:54 AM
- The Hilton tribe said...
I always love your posts! Thank you for sharing your ideas. I might need to scraplift some of them. Hope you do not mind. Hope you have a wonderfully blessed birthday!
tess underscore hilton at msn.com
- November 21, 2011 at 12:02 PM
- Tonya said...
What a great way to showcase your memories.
- November 21, 2011 at 5:44 PM
- mousekemom said...
Love how you used the Tim Holtz coin over top of the metal rimmed icon...very cuted idea!
- November 21, 2011 at 8:02 PM
- Melissa said...
Closed at 83 comments.
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text:
Earthquakes, georisk assessment
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, glacial lake outbursts, mud flows and sudden subsidence are natural disasters which may endanger peoples´s lives and may cause tremendous damage and enormous economic costs. Frequently, the dangers involved are not recognized early enough to avoid larger damage. For this reason, geoscientists attempt to understand causes and mechanisms of natural disasters. Such knowledge will help to develop methods to prevent disasters or at least mitigate the damage. Successful mitigation measures have been applied for example in areas that are endangered by imminent landslides or glacial lake outbursts.
There are some natural disasters, such as earthquakes that cannot be prevented. In such cases, geoscientists try to predict, which regions are especially at risk and try to quantify the likelihood of the occurrence of such a events .
Contact 1:
Contact 2:


text:
Beaumont man gets automatic life sentence as repeat sex offender
Leon Phillips, 41, last known to reside at 2435 Beech St. in Beaumont, was sentenced Wednesday, Aug. 8, to life in the state penitentiary in connection with a 2010 aggravated sexual assault of a child. The sentence was automatic upon conviction because of the fact that Phillips been previously convicted of aggravated sexual assault in 1990 and sexual assault in 2000.
Oct. 2, 2010, the then 11-year-old victim was sexually assaulted at the Beech Street address on a Saturday. She was removed from the house by a relative and was taken to the home of a family acquaintance, but was retrieved from that address by another family member and taken back to Beech Street. When the child went to school on the following Tuesday, she made outcry to family members, who notified Beaumont police, who in turn notified CPS. After investigation, an indictment was handed up by the Jefferson County grand jury in January 2011.
The victim testified, as did the sexual assault nurse examiner who reported that she had found injuries to the victim's anal area that were consistent with the report of having been penetrated. Also called by prosecutor Lindsey Scott was the resident at the first home to which the child had been taken after the assault. She testified that the child was distraught and crying, identified Phillips as her attacker, and that Phillips' wife quickly came and retrieved the child.
Several witnesses were called by the defense, all of whom called into question the truthfulness of the victim.
Jurors deliberated for about an hour and 15 minutes Aug. 7 before returning a guilty verdict after only 15 minutes of discussion the next morning. The punishment verdict took a grand total of 10 minutes.
Scott said, "This was his own daughter, and listening to the testimony would turn your stomach. The community will be a safer place after this verdict."


text:
St. Pete's Party!!!
©2007 JOY | USMCA Related topics:
6 February 2008
If you are attending the Sperry Top-Sider St. Petersburg NOOD, 15-17 February 2008, class coordinator Tom Single has once again arranged for all Melges 24 sailors to join your competitors and/or friends (in case they are not both) for cocktails at Cha Cha Coconuts on Friday, February 15th at 8:30p - ???.
Cha Cha Coconuts is located in the 5-6 floor building at the very end of the big pier located across the street from the St. Pete Yacht Club This is the same place we met last year. If you have questions or get lost, feel free to give me a call. Please thank Tom for putting this together and being so supportive of this regatta and the class.


text:
Old School
Post general kiteboarding discussion topics here!
Moderator: BayAreaKite
Re: Old School
Do you think it would be possible to factor age into it?
Re: Old School
No way, you would then get a better rank than Ollie himself.
Kites: 2018 F-One Bandit: 8m and 11m.
Board: 2018 F-One Mitu 5'10 Surf/Foil convertible
Harness: Manera Exoharness.
Wetsuit: Manera 5/4/3 X10D
Re: Old School
We will have to come up with some metrics to sort things, but a quick look reveals the earliest registered user with the highest post count to be:..... Windhorny aka Yuri...
Or is it Greg, you decide:
Windhorny: Post count:4011
Joined: Mon 11 Jul, 2005 12:47 pm
Last Active: Sat 25 Aug, 2012 12:34 pm
Greg: Post Count:3509
Joined: Fri 05 Mar, 2004 6:45 pm
Last Active: Sat 22 Dec, 2012 9:26 am
It seems like if you come up with an average by dividing total posts by years active you'd come up with a number that creates a rank based on total posts & history...
vBulletin, a commercial forum package has a system based on "Reputation" which is based on positive and negative "Rep" which rates a user based on how useful, helpful, positive or negative other users feel they are. Too late for that here and probably doesn't matter much anyway...
Re: Old School
And to these rankings do we add or subtract points for high values on the BS-O-Meter™?
I like the idea of the rankings being related to a positive vibe. Can we also take into account the individual's vibe on the beach and in the water?
"Thanks for launching me (safely). I'll put in a good word for your standings on BAK"
"Dude, you burned me so heavily on that wave. Your ranking on BAK just went down!"
I smell a "BAK Mobile Ranking" app here...
Kirk out
Re: Old School
That could be a problem though: you would get good point from you friends for carpooling to Waddell but get bad point from the Waddell crew for carpooling.
Kites: 2018 F-One Bandit: 8m and 11m.
Board: 2018 F-One Mitu 5'10 Surf/Foil convertible
Harness: Manera Exoharness.
Wetsuit: Manera 5/4/3 X10D
Re: Old School
Those aren't "Rankings" Vincent, those are "Spankings"...
Hey! There's the name of the mobile app right there: "BAK Rank & Spank"
Re: Old School
My Photography ==> www.Loscocco.com
Kites:Ocean Rodeo: Flites and Razors
Boards:Ocean Rodeo: Duke and Spotz Hydrofoil
Eyewear:Kurtis Surf Goggles www.KurtisUSA.com
Re: Old School
if not old school status, could I qualify for just old? "Regular" is so friggin boring
Re: Old School
ok, back to this,
Current (boring) ranks are structured as follows (ranks with corresponding posts needed):
Joey 1
Contributor 10
Valued Contributor 65
Regular 300
Resident 650
Old School 1000
Does anyone want to brainstorm some ranks and come up with some ideas? Factor in some of the other things we've been talking about...
Return to General Kiteboarding Discussion
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text:
Dustless Gorge
On April 2, The Sierra Club and allies announced their plan to sue the coal industry and the railroads for allowing coal dust to blow off their cars and leak out the bottom. They identified several places in the Gorge, including Horse Thief Lake and Dallesport, where the coal dust was several inches deep next to the river.
Columbia Riverkeeper also floated some clean containers in the water and determined that coal dust was presently being released into the river. This seems to be a violation of the Clean Water Act.
I don't know about Oregon, but in Clark County, if the County Commissioners allowed builders to track dust near a storm drain, the commissioners would each be fined $25,000 per day per outfall.
Why is the coal industry allowed to dump dust in the river, and other people aren't? Dust of any kind settles on, and rots, salmon eggs and the eggs of the bugs that juvenile salmon eat.
The coal industry is planning to export miles of coal trains per day through the Gorge. Trains will cross dozens of salmon-bearing streams before reaching the proposed terminals in Longview, Clatskanie, Boardman and Bellingham.
In 2005, the White House said that for every $1 we spend reducing diesel emissions, we'd save $4 in health care costs. Since then we've spent millions cleaning the diesel engines of school buses, long haul trucks and public transit.
We did this to protect our health and blue skies, not to provide room for 1,300 diesel locomotives and 100 tugs to traverse our air-shed every week. Locomotives won't begin to meet the new emission standards until 2016.
This summer there will be a public hearing regarding the proposed Longview Terminal. If you want to be notified, write to email@example.com Cheers to the Sierra Club for protecting salmon and air quality.
Don Steinke
Vancouver, Wash.
One simple solution
ODOT's claim that it would cost the City of Hood River $520,000 to re-engineer a right turn from I-84 exit 62 onto Country Club Road is ridiculously asinine. Laughingly little, at very low expense, needs to be done to allow these turns.
The actual cost is a tiny fraction of the total figure of $1.1 million. Right turns on to Country Club Road are not the problem. They happen many times a day without delay or congestion.
The traffic tie-up problems are being addressed with the design and construction of the new realignment.
The right-turn lane solution is simple, workable and inexpensive. One NO LEFT TURN sign on the west bound lane of Cascade Street with a center line ridge preventing such turns, one permanent lane closure blockade in the eastbound lane of Country Club Road just east of the Timber Crest apartments driveway.
That's it. No $1.1 million to over-engineer plans and no complex additional construction. I came up with this complicated expensive solution awake at 4 a.m. one morning.
I'm very surprised and disappointed neither city staff nor city council did not challenge the costs estimated by ODOT. The excuse for no right turns onto County Club Road is the cost. The reason is more likely some ODOT "desk jockey" in Salem trying to justify his or her job. Either that or an attempt to gouge a million dollars out of the City of Hood River.
The city should refuse to accept the realignment as it stands until the state can come up with a simple, inexpensive right-turn solution. I did, so can the city and state.
Gary Fields
Hood River
Support forPERS reform
I'd like to applaud the Hood River County School District Board's unanimous decision to support PERS Reform, despite enormous union pressures. And, the support for the same by Mark Johnson and Chuck Thomsen.
After being saddled with the 2011-12 PERS cost increase of $1.6 million, it can no longer be ignored. PERS rates statewide are slated to jump by $900 million this year. PERS represents a conundrum for parents, who feel they should support our teachers, but are concerned about paying the bills.
The state previously agreed to poorly negotiated, unsustainable terms that must be adjusted. They can't keep raising taxes, pass local levies and cutting school services. Where can you retire with 75-90 percent of your salary and benefits, for less than 30 years of work?
Some staggering statistics, locally: PERS rates went from 15-17 percent of total payroll for the last 10 years, then jumped to 15.9 percent in 2010-11; to 25.4 percent in 2011-12 (a 60 percent increase) and for July 2013: 32.7 percent of payroll, more than double that of three years ago.
While the senate just passed PERS Reform Bill SB 822, the Speaker of the House intends to block the bill. The April 14 Oregonian has an editorial explaining PERS: "compared to Washington, we have half the economy and taxpayers, with same retirement system liability. In 2010, Oregon owed $59 billion in future retirement benefits to employees; Washington, $62 billion. They're betting young families with children won't notice the diversion of resources to their classrooms to finance legacy pension costs.
"Proceed with SB 822 as the fix and the odds that Oregon will stumble through an era of sub-par public services relative to our neighbor north (Washington)."
The Statesman Journal adds on April 11: "They claim that the state is breaking its promises if it reduces future PERS benefits. That's nonsense; employees and retirees had expectations and unions had contracts that covered specified time periods, but those do not equate to infinite promises."
No one is suggesting that we take away past obligations to retirees; only that we need to change our commitments going forward. Please join me in supporting the board; and to PLEASE err on the side of the children; we can't afford any more taxes or cuts to programs. Email: firstname.lastname@example.com.
Kristine Wilhelm
Hood River
What works?
In his letter ("Obama's Law," April 13), Mr. Holman says he is upset by President Obama's declaration that this month we should improve our understanding of financial principles and practices — that the president does not know how to budget. We have heard all of this for the past three years, but the numbers do not cooperate: Interest rates have stayed low, the deficits are declining, trade deficits are down and 10-year budget projections show a stable fiscal outlook.
So, what can the "deficit scolds" do? As, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman writes, "... repeated warnings of a U.S. debt crisis that keeps not happening has outlived its usefulness ... Suddenly the argument has changed: It's about not cheating our children. The deficit, we're told, is really a moral issue."
Perhaps that explains why Mr. Holman tries to convince us that President Obama is not competent or responsible. In other words, if your economic theories do not work, you attack the person's character.
So, what economic theories work? How do deficits affect the economy? Google "Krugman Cheating Our Children" for economic ideas that make sense. Instead of slashing Social Security and Medicare, we need to invest in our future: children's health and education, rebuilding our roads and bridges and efforts to fight global climate change.
Lawrence Jones
Hood River
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