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2 days ago
First Utility Super League - Round 1 Review
The wait was over at the weekend, as the remaining twelve First Utility Super League clubs got their season underway.
There were impressive away wins for St Helens at Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos at Hull KR. We also saw the birth of Marwan Koukash's all star Salford Red Devils as below we review how Round 1 played out.
Click here for a full review of the opening game of the season played last week, where Huddersfield accounted for reigning champions the Wigan Warriors.
Warrington Wolves 8
Tries: J. Moynihan
St Helens 38
Tries: Makinson, Roby, Amor, Laffranchi,
Swift, Walsh
Goals: Walsh 7
Att: 13,157
St Helens started their season with a bang as they brushed aside local rivals Warrington Wolves at the H.J. Stadium.
Warrington began life without stalwarts Lee Briers, Adrian Morley and Brett Hodgson as they handed a debut to ex Rabbitohs Roy Asotasi. The visitors gave debuts to ex Panther half-back Luke Walsh and Ex Wildcat Kyle Armour.
The Grand finalist's from last year got off to the best possible start as Michael Monaghan set up the play for his brother Joel to score out wide after just two minutes, but this was as good as it got for the Wolves as Saints began to dominate.
Led by new playmaker Walsh, who organised everything, St Helens hit back with a purple patch of three tries in eight minutes to take a firm control of the game.
Centre Jordan Turner superb pass out of a two-man tackle to get right winger Tom Makinson over to level things up.
The next score soon arrived as good footwork by Gary Wheeler setup hooker James Roby crashing over the line and after a superb 40-20 kick by Walsh, Armour opened his Saints account by planting the ball on the line.
The ex Panther then made it 20-4 at the break as he kicked a late penalty goal. Within two minutes of the resumption it was game over when John Wilkin charged down Michael Monaghan' kick and a couple of plays later Anthony Laffranchi crashed over for the visitors fourth try of the night.
Joel Monaghan scored his second try on 68 minutes when Warrington substitute stand-off Gareth O'Brien regathered his own kick that bounced off the post.
Adam Swift put more gloss on the Saints win by adding his sides fifth try and man-of—the-match Walsh Ben Westwood's pass to score a simple touchdown and by kicking his seventh goal he contributed an impressive 18 points to announce his arrival in the Super League.
Hull FC 36
Tries: Whiting, Yeaman 2 Rankin, Lineham,
Thompson, Horne, Crooks
Goals: Westerman 2
Catalan Dragons 34
Tries: Cardace 3, Whitehead, Taia 2,
Goals: Bosc 3
Att: 10,178
Hull FC had to hang on by their finger nails to claim a narrow win over Catalan Dragons in a high scoring contest at the K.C. Stadium.
FC gave a Super League debut to ex Gold Coast Titan Jordan Rankin as they took on the visitors from the South of France who left out Scott Dureau and Brent Webb from their 19 man squad.
And it was the Dragons who struck first after a 40-20 kick from Thomas Bosc led to Damien Cardace taking Morgan Escare's pass to touch down one-handed in the left hand corner after 12 minutes.
Seven minutes later Bosc superb high kick was taken out of the air by back rower Elliott Whitehead to make it 10-0 for the visitors.
The Black and Whites got back into the game thanks to Richard Whiting who finished off some good handling by Joe Westerman and Danny Houghton.
Westerman's conversion cut the gap to four points but Catalans hit back as Cardace gathered Escare's long pass for a double.
Just before the break good work by Whiting led to Kirk Yeaman reducing the gap to 16-12 to setup and intriguing second half.
Suddenly, led by Rankin Hull turned the screw and began to dominate the contest. Yeaman levelled things up by taking Rankin's pass and then the Ex titan half-back gave the hosts the lead by racing in from 50-meters out.
Tom Lineham added another simple score before Jordan Thompson charged through the Dragons defence to score with his first touch of the ball on his debut and the was more joy as Ben Crooks collected Richard Horne's kick for another four pointer.
Unfortunately for the Black and Whites they failed to land any goals which nearly came back to haunt them in the last ten minutes as Catalan produced a stunning fightback.
Trailing 36-22 with five minutes left the French outfit gave Hull a mighty fright by adding three quick-fire tries.
Escare got things under way before Cardace completed his hat-trick and with second left on the clock Zeb Taia powered over only for Bosc to fail with the touchline conversion to claim an unlikely draw.
Bradford Bulls 18
Tries: Addy, Foster, Purtell
Goals: Foster 3
Castleford Tigers 36
Tries: Hauraki, Dixon, Clark, Carney,
Dorn, Millington
Goals: Dixon 6
Att: 8,214
Castleford made it a good opening day by running out convincing winners over West Yorkshire rivals Bradford Bulls at The Provident Stadium Odsal.
It had not been a good start for cash-strapped Bulls as they faced points-deduction for going into a administration plus they lost star players Garreth Carvell and Jarrod Sammut who walked out of the club to sign for Hull and Wakefield respectively on the eve of the new season.
Lee Gaskell, Adam Henry and loanee Danny Bridge were all given their Odsal debuts as they entertained the Tigers who gave full debuts to no fewer than six close-season signings including.
Bradford struck first early on when Luke Gale and Gaskell put sent Danny Addy over the games first try converted by Jamie Foster.
Castleford got on terms when Weller Hauraki strolled through some less convincing tackling to score just before the break.
In the opening seven minutes of the second half the points began to flow as three tries were scored. Gale setup Foster for the first with a smart kick to the corner.
But the visitors responded immediately as Kirk Dixon crossed in the corner after a loose pass from Bulls forward Manase Manuokafoa.
Try number three was claimed by the hosts as Adrian Purtell took Gale's perfectly weighted cross-kick to go over with Foster 'goal making it 18-12 to Bradford.
However, The Tigers did not trail for long and turned the game around to dominate. Liam Finn sent Daryl Clark racing over for a try and then powerhouse winger Justin Carney scored a simple touchdown to make it 24-18.
In the last ten minutes Luke Dorn and Grant Millington both claimed touchdowns as the Tigers eased home to claim the points in a week to forget for the Bradford Bulls.
Hull KR 6
Tries: Keating
Goals: Hall
Leeds Rhinos 34
Tries: Moon, Briscoe 3, McGuire, Hardaker,
Goals: Sinfield 3
Att: 11,526
Leeds Rhinos made it fourteen opening day wins on the bounce as they eased pass Hull KR at a packed KC Lightstream Stadium Craven Park.
The house full signs were out as Rovers welcomed their biggest home crowd for over 25 years.
It was the Rhinos who would gain the early advantage and after just four minutes, the home side's full-back Greg Eden spilled the ball over his try line leaving Joel Moon with the easy chance of touching down. Kevin Sinfield kicked the extras to make it 6-0.
Ben Cockayne should have scored on his return to Rovers after spilling a pass from Kris Welham the miss was not costly as soon after new signing ex Bulldog Kris Keating went thorugh a big gap in the Leeds defence to make it 6-6 at the interval.
However, after the restart it would be one-way traffic as the Rhinos ran in six unanswered try to dominate the game.
The first try came from ex Hull FC Winger Tom Briscoe who marked his Leeds debut by racing in from 45 metres out.
Try number two for the England winger soon followed after a he made the most of Welham jumping out of the defensive line.
And Briscoe's great day was complete as he finished off a superb break by Kallum Watkins to complete his hat-trick.
Danny McGuire sealed the win by picking up a loose pass near the halfway line, and sprinting clear .Sinfield failed with his fourth successive attempt as the visitors led 22-6 with 15 minutes left on the clock.
Two further touchdowns followed from full-back Zac Hardaker and England Centre Watkins to ensure that the six time Super League Champions ran out emphatic winners with a dominant second half performance.
Salford Red Devils 18
Tries: Hock, Hansen, Dixon
Goals: Mullaney 3
Wakefield Wildcats 14
Tries: Ryan, Godinet, Lauitiiti
Goals: Sykes
Att: 7,102
The new era for Salford Red Devils began with a hard-fought win over Wakefield Wildcats at the A.J. Bell Stadium.
The wooden spoon winners from last year handed out 13 debuts as the Red Devils era began with the kick-off being delayed by ten minutes to let the extra fans in.
Second rower Harrison Hansen marked his debut with a crunching tackle on Wakefield winger Peter Fox which gave his side the position for ex Wiganer Gareth Hock to score his first try for the Red Devils.
Star signing Rangi chase limped off the pitch but this did not affect Salford as ex Wildcat Half-back Tim Smith took control of the game. Hansen took Smith's pass for the second score of the game before Andrew Dixon scored the third.
Ex Parramatta Eel Jake Mullaney kicked three from three as the hosts built up an impressive 18-0 lead at the interval.
The Wildcats, inspired by debutants Paul McShane and Pita Godinet hit back to leave Salford holding on.
Godinet, one of three new signings who have been in the country less than a week, setup big second rower ex Eel Matt Ryan charging over for the visitors first score and then the ex Warriors half intercepted a Shane Howarth pass to go over himself.
Paul Sykes added the extras to make it 18-10 after 50 minutes.
On the hour mark it was game on as big Ali Lauitiiti crashed over the line taking three defenders with him.
Reece Lyne dropped Godinet's floated pass late on as Salford got away with an opening day win.
Widnes Vikings 64
Tries: Owens, Tickle, Brown 3,
Marsh 2, Flynn, Dean 2, Mellor
Goals: Owens 10
London Broncos 10
Tries: Forster, O'Callaghan
Goals: Gigot
Att: 5,327
Widnes Vikings handed out an eleven try routing to the poor London Broncos at the Select Security Stadium.
Widnes gave a start to another new signing Danny Galea with Paul Johnson on the bench as they took on London Broncos who had nine new players in their squad made up of youngster and loanees.
But the Broncos stunned Widnes by taking a shock fifth-minute lead with a try from centre Mason Caton-Brown on their first attack, with French international Tony Gigot converting.
Hoverer, the Vikings did not take long to dominate and by half-time the game was all over as a contest as they opened up a 30-6 lead.
Jack Owens got things underway by taking Kevin Brown's long pass. Ex Hull FC forward Danny Tickle kicked the extras from the touchline to mark his Widnes debut by bringing up his 2,000th career point.
Tickle leapt high to bag one for himself before Brown dummied his way over the line. Stefan Marsh and Brown, with his second, finished off the first half scoring.
It did not take long for the Vikings to continue their dominance. Paddy Flynn finishing off a flowing move.
Chris Dean added the seventh try for the hosts after 48 minutes to make it 40-6.
Next to score was Joe Mellor before Brown completed his hat-trick after good work by Rhys Hanbury.
London did manage a second try through Caton-Brown 10 minutes from time but there was still time for Marsh and Dean to score there second tries of the game.
Tickle added his 10th goal as the Vikings claimed the points in a one sided game.


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Athlete of the Week
Nick DiMauro
On a night full of victories, DiMauro scored the biggest when he pinned Chariho's Stephen Thomas at 132. It was one of 10 pins on the night for the Hawks, who improved to 4-0.
"I was a little nervous," DiMauro said of his match with Thomas. "He's the No. 1 ranked kid. He wrestled my brother last year and he beat him, so I knew he was a tough kid. I just had to wrestle smart.
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text: The new issue of Grey is out. It features an interview with Chris Jones and an Isle skateboards trip to Valencia. Our beloved Sylvain Tognelli is on the cover and it's shot by none other than Fred Mortagne. It should be in shops by the time you read this so go and pick one up while they are still about.


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HOW SELFISH of me not to have noticed. I had absolutely no idea that Arnold Schwarzenegger was so hard up. He's practically the Oliver Twist of governors. He's so needy that there's a charity devoted almost exclusively to helping him out.
Thanks to that charity, the California State Protocol Foundation, our governor does not face the dehumanizing prospect of sleeping in a single at a Sheraton when he travels overseas. Instead, he can repose in a four-star, four-figure hotel suite. Nor does he have to suffer the torments of the damned by flying commercial to get there — he can zoom off in a Gulfstream IV, or G IV to frequent fliers.
I'd love to be able to thank by name, right on this page, each and every one of the people who gave these generous handouts to our governor, but they're too modest to reveal their identities. Whoever they are, I'm sure they all have the same middle name: "Chutzpah."
There are charities, wonderful charities, dedicated to the homeless, the sick, the hungry, to children, animals and trees. A fund for millionaires using the name "charity" just risks giving all charities a bad name. (Why haven't you heard Democrats caterwauling about this? Because Schwarzenegger isn't alone. Politicians of all stripes love these nonprofits, which are sometimes nothing more than political slush funds without the public reckoning.)
As my colleague, Paul Pringle, reported this month, we don't know who's donated how much to this charity, but in nearly four years, the foundation has paid more than $3 million for whatever overseas travel bills the governor's office sends it — like Schwarzenegger's China trip, a presumed six-figure jaunt.
Most people give to charities for a warm, cozy feeling and maybe a tax write-off. Donors to the California State Protocol Foundation — oh, that name is too pompous; let's just call it Air Arnold — get so much more. If I were writing the fundraising brochure for Air Arnold, I'd tantalize prospective donors with such perks as:
Secrecy. Your contribution is between you and the foundation. No one can know whether you, a civic-minded donor to Air Arnold, also have some state deal in the works. You don't get that kind of privacy with political contributions; those prying reporting requirements show where every last buck comes from, and where it goes! And, unlike campaign donations, the sky's the limit on what you can give!
A tax break. Giving to a charity has almost no strings attached, and it's tax deductible.
Access. Imagine, you might even find yourself puffing on a Cohiba in the governor's fabled "smoking tent" at the historic state Capitol, or sitting a few feet from him in a G IV.
In 2003 — Schwarzenegger took office in November of that year — the foundation spent about $55,000. Since then, it's spent more than $3 million. When my fellow scribe, Pringle, tried to find out more — most charities brag about their transparency — he was told by e-mail that the skimpy legal-minimum disclosures on Air Arnold's tax returns are "sufficient to demonstrate how the foundation pursues its mission of relieving the taxpayers of the cost burden of certain government activities, especially those related to international trade and diplomacy."
How do I count the ways this is offal? " relieving the taxpayers of the cost burden"? Donors get the same tax write-off from helping Schwarzenegger that they'd get from helping the Salvation Army. And the Air Arnold deduction does trickle down to — or out of — taxpayers' pockets. In 1981, Congress offered Nancy Reagan $50,000 to spruce up the White House; she turned it down and instead had friends chip in more than $800K in tax-deductible donations, costing taxpayers more than the check Congress offered.
In the movie "Juarez," one of my favorite scenery-chewing classics, another fine specimen of an Austrian, the Archduke Maximilian von Habsburg, played by Brian Aherne, gets promoted to emperor of Mexico, where he assures a young rebel that monarchy is better than democracy because monarchs are rich and therefore not tempted by bribes. The Mexicans shot him.
Schwarzenegger campaigned as an independent man, a rich man beyond the petty reach of "special interests," a man who said he was "not taking any money from anyone." From 2002 through 2004, his income totaled about $55 million. He already pays for the jet he flies on for business stateside; why can't he do the same overseas? Write the check, write off the G IV ride and the suite at the Mandarin as unreimbursed business expenses, and stop the carping from people like me and the president of the American Institute of Philanthropy (who told Pringle, "Why should our tax dollars subsidize his lavish lifestyle?").
The governor's salary is $206,500 a year. Schwarzenegger has made the grand gesture of not taking it. It's time he did. He can spend it on his foreign jaunts. We taxpayers came by that money honestly, and then we'll know that he did too.
Pringle filed a request under the state Public Records Act to see all the invoices the governor's office submitted to Air Arnold. He was told this week that the governor's office has no copies of them. So I suggest that the next thing Air Arnold should buy for the governor is a Xerox machine.


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Linked by Thom Holwerda on Mon 22nd Oct 2012 13:36 UTC
"One of the exhibits Samsung has now made public tells an interesting tale. It's the slide presentation that Apple showed Samsung when it first tried (and failed) to get Samsung to license Apple's patents prior to the start of litigation. While some of the numbers were earlier reported on when the exhibit was used at trial, the slides themselves provide more data - specifically on the difference between what Apple wanted Samsung to pay for Windows phones and for Android phones. The slides punch huge holes in Apple's FRAND arguments. Apple and Microsoft complain to regulators about FRAND rates being excessive and oppressive at approximately $6 per unit, or 2.4%; but the Apple offer was not only at a much higher rate, it targeted Android in a way that seems deliberately designed to destroy its ability to compete in the marketplace." Eagerly awaiting the 45 paragraph comment explaining how this is completely fair and not hypocritical at all. Bonus points if it includes something about Eric Schmidt being on Apple's board, and, double bonus point if it mentions one of the QWERTY Android prototypes. Mega Epic Bonus if it somehow manages to draw a line from Edison, Tesla, to Jobs.
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RE[8]: Dubious argument
by gfolkert on Mon 22nd Oct 2012 19:40 UTC in reply to "RE[7]: Dubious argument"


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My son is 18 months and I'm still pumping. Fortunately I work in a setting where my colleagues are more interested in my work than my parenting methods (which is how it should be).*If someone said "STILL expressing milk???"*to me, I would probably just smile and say "Nothing but the best for my little man."
As far as the Time article, I think it is different when people are talking about a magazine article versus talking to a real life person. It's easy to have an opinion about something to which you have absolutely no personal connection. Opinions can easily change when you know someone doing something successfully. At any rate your parenting is none of your colleagues concern, and I would treat it as such.


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"Ultimately, I believe the best solution is a sort of "Xbox Live Plus" that's similar to PlayStation Plus and to make the traditional Xbox Live Gold free; essentially, change what the $60 fee gets the consumer."
- Nick Tan, Game Revolution
It would be totally awesome if they did this, but I don't think they will :(
They definitely need some sort of change to their business model. Especially because PlayStation Plus offers more value, and is optional. Granted Gold is optional too, but it SEEMS more necessary than an option if you own an Xbox 360.
it wont happen simply because some peoples still pay for online, MS wont stop to milk the cow as long she will produce milk.
i get what you are saying. where i think many misinterpret things is in their perception of what value is.
Live has been upfront from the beginning of this is what you get and has been adding more to those who have been paid members since the beginning.
+ is a very good deal but it too can be construed as a necessity when it comes to being able to play those games as part of the membership. To play the games they give you...you must be a member. single player or multiplayer doesnt matter because if you arent a + member then the game doesnt work either way.
If people will put aside the differences in "how" the services are laid out and just look at them from the same POV. they are intended to get people to sign up and pay for the privilege of being better than the other guy who doesnt pay.
People will complain about being on the outside of an exclusive club only for so long but when they too get the opportunity to join, their perspective changes.
It won't be free unless people refuse to pay. It's actually growing in memberships, not declining so it doesn't look like they will drop the fee. Instead I imagine they will continue to try and add extra services on top of it like ESPN and UFC partnerships. A lot of it I don't care about, I just want to play online and don't think I should have to be charged to unlock a feature in a game I already purchased.
I remember all the hate PS+ received when it first debuted and now it's the model all other services should follow? ha!
I agree. But every year they don't do this, I get closer to canceling my subscription.
Forget about hardware specs...I'm most excited to see what PSN and Xbox Live (and their premium services)look like next gen.
I think that PS+ has forced M$ to come up with something special next gen. At the same time, with SONY hemorrhaging money you have to wonder 1) How much are they actually making with PS+ and 2) Will they be forced to charge next gen like Live?
I can't wait to see what they offer us
they are making money with PS plus because it is using the same servie that PSN was and that was free. They give games already on the PSN for free no extra cost to sony but extra money for them. PS= is nothin but profit.
considering there are no hidden connotations with live. you pay to play online as well as the other perks to being a paid member. the various parts of the service not available to the silver members.
Looking at PS+ there are some conditions that many seem to ignore. the free games arent free but free for the duration of the membership. if those games offer multiplayer then you too are paying to play online for those games that are part of the membership.
it isnt like all of a sudden you can stop paying and the games still work in single or multiplayer mode. If the games they provide are worth paying for...people will pay to play them.
the only ones that really can proclaim anything free are the non paid members and whatever their free service offers.
Doubt Microsoft will simply let it be free. They have gotten away with it so far why would they simply stop charging people? People still purchase it so I highly doubt they'll let that go away
no way Ms will do free online after all the money they get from live
but i would welcome it though
I think they will. But knowing MS they'll offer very basic multiplayer and chat with one friend under the free silver subscription come next gen.
While leaving the gold or possible Diamond subscriptions to ones who wanna pay. I personally will subscribe to gold or whatever it'll be call. I want everything MS is offering come next gen.
I stopped reading when this so-called "journalist insider" said Live is $60 a year.
No one on this site has paid $60. I pay $100 for 3 accounts for my 2 kids & I. For the dumb thats $33.33 per.
I'm more than happy to pay $2.70each per month because Live is integrated.
Forward Unto Dawn cost M$ 11+million dollars; we paid nothing.
I cant wait to buy 3 XBOX 720's with a Live renewal for all 3 consoles: because; YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
Thanks M$ for a well planned online experience! My check is in the mail.
live is 60$ a year for the average joe who dont go online and get deals there are alot still out there its a sucker tax you cant go directly on your xbox and sign up for live gold for $33 can you I think not
when ps4 comes and cross game chat is free what reason will microsoft have to charge for live
Would certainly be nice if I could save some money
Buy a PS3 and stop throwing money away.
MS has made too money off XBLG. I doubt they ever let it go free. If you want free online gaming get a ps3 or pc.
M$ could come with a B2P option. Pay $60 one time fee and get free online gaming,party chat and cloud storage.
the only way this would happen would be a considerable negative growth in their live subs.
I might actually get another 360 or a 720 if they did that.
This is the one area that I believe Sony has the advantage when it comes to its online network, PS Plus. At first I didn't care for plus but now that they give away free retail games it makes it worth the chump change 50$ a yr. If MS follows Sony with XBL Plus I wouldn't be mad at all.
Agreed. When the new games hit i buy one month, play the games and let it expire. 15 bucks for 4 retail games? Sold.
XBL should be free, i wasted most of my XBL sub because i got bored and ended up just playing my PC. XBL is a slap in the face not being able to play online when PC has an awesome free service Steam.
I see it happening if Sony keeps the PSN free in the next gen. Sony just needs to launch at the same time as M$$, and price the console just a little bit cheaper. Then just advertise how much better of a value their console is, and I think you might start seeing it outsell the nextbox.
The 360 really is a money pit when comparing it to the PS3. You have to buy Live, rechargable batteries, wireless adapter for the older consoles, a hard drive when you realize you really need one if you originally got suckered into a console without one.
I really think the consumer will wise up in the next gen and realize if they have had a 360 since launch, then Live has cost us about $350 so far. It adds up.
I wouldn't be surprised if PS+ offers some sort of cloud games free next gen. Otherwise when PS4 launches, what games are free? It wont be backwards compatible so...
Impossible, as long as "gamers" are fools that will never happen. For selling their personal info for free plus paying to play...
It needs to be before I consider a Microsoft console, while the cost is hardly expensive they are still holding half your game content to ransom. It's not a business model I am prepared to buy into.
Most seem to forget that Microsoft get a decent cut out of every game sold.
Not arguing the fact that a free Live would be awesome. As a Live subscriber since day 1, I would feel a slight slap in the face if this were to happen. As selfish as my feelings may be, I would have the lingering thought that my money had paved the way for the new Live (free) adopters.
Butttt, if this were to happen consider it a brilliant idea on MS's part. Eliminating one of the major factors consumers held off buying the 360. Next move would be to beef up 1st party support and MS might have a winner in the "NextBox".
I love the idea but doubt that will happen. If it did, I would think it would be announced in tandem with the next xbox announcement at E3.
Hopefully there is mounting pressure internally to make some changes.
I guess I am just too old for these juvenile "journalists". It's an absolutely STUPID argument only looking through the eyes of the consumer and not the company.
MS makes BILLIONS off of XBL. Why would MS choose to lose money from XBL going with a PS+ when MS has sold 70+ million consoles this gen ON PAR with how many Sony has sold this gen?
When it comes to MS and not charging for online play....3 words. NOT GONNA HAPPEN
I think it's more likely Sony next gen will make online play part of paid PS+, than Microsoft making online play free
I agree with you 110%.
Charging for online play is a billion dollar money making avenue for MS and MS STILL has sold 70+ million consoles with their XBL online subscription model. Sony would be idiotic given their current economical situation NOT to adopt an XBL type of platform for online play.
I'm tired of hearing this absolute BS regarding Sony "cannot go on without charging for online". To begin with, what Microsoft does with XBL i.e. charges you $60 per year to connect to play via basic P2P online gameplay is the biggest rip off that people are willing to allow happen. Look up "P2P" and understand what is going on here. Now I'm not saying that the other more advanced features are not worth it in grand total, but the fact that you're given no choice if you want to connect and play via P2P, which costs Microsoft nothing - that's not something that Sony nor Nintendo nor Valve nor any other reasonable company would do. The sooner you accept this, the better.
Now I'll disclaim that I think XBL is an amazing service, so people don't think I'm hating on the service. I'm just appalled that MS can still get away with this ransom due to people similar to yourself backing the $60 barrier to entry of what I outlined above.
I've gathered that there are only approximately 10 million Gold Subscribers out of a 40-50 million total XBL accounts - those have formed over a number of years. PS+ is an infant service by comparison in the sense that it has not broken mainstream and only has a fraction of the subscribers. It's also an amazing service that people will truly begin to notice going into next gen, and will continue to grow and mature into something almost essential, not because they have to get it to be able to play 50% of all the games they own.
So over the coming years, more and more and more people will be subscribing to PS+ and Sony shoehorning basic online play into PS+ after it's been free since the PS2 is inconceivable to a logical man, as much as you'd like it to be true so you don't feel so alone paying for online play. PS+ numbers will grow and eventually be enough for Sony to match Gold subscriber levels and for them to be earning billions too. If advanced features are integrated into PS+ then that's fine, because that makes sense. You guys are so short-sighted to fuel your own bias, it's unbelievable. you accept Microsoft's ransom because you're so far invested in paying for a thing that every other service offers for free.
For Sony to start charging for online they have to start charging for 3 consoles: PS3, Vita and PS4. What would be Sony's reason to suddendly start charging for online on devices that have been in the market for years?
MS selling consoles on par with Sony is not true. Sony Sells more consoles than MS each year. Playstation brand is more powerful than the Xbox brand.
MS perspective is: "Lets charge for online for no real reason but to deepen our pockets". Why else would they be the only ones to charge for online? As a consumer that perspective is unnacceptable. MS perspective can go to hell.
"It's an absolutely STUPID argument only looking through the eyes of the consumer and not the company."
It's an absolutely STUPID idea for consumers like yourself to consider the needs of the company ahead of your own.
Is it REALLY okay with you that Microsoft charges you for something that SHOULD BE FREE? The fact that there are people who think it's okay is the ONLY reason it's NOT GONNA HAPPEN. As long as a significant number of folks are alright paying, OF COURSE they're gonna keep charging.
But if people said "No, I'm not gonna pay to play online," Microsoft would have no choice.
Of course, there are people like you who are perfectly happy paying extra money when they shouldn't be, WAY too many. So Microsoft will NEVER have to abandon that particular cash cow.
Good job.
Not gonna happen. People (suckers) are still okay with paying a fee to play P2P online gaming, so nothing's going to change.
I don't think Microsoft see's incentive to copy PSN+, especially when more people pay for Xbox Live Gold the way it is. I also believe that Xbox Live Gold helps make up for the used game market, which is why their first party games didn't employ "Online passes" like the competition did.
If you are making a billion a year on Gold subscriptions, you don't fret about used games. After all of these years I think people are either going to go with XBL, or go with one of the numerous competitors available. My main issue is that people seem to take it personally if people want to and choose to spend their own hard earned money on XBL, it's not anyone else' right to try and dictate what we do with our money, let people spend it on whatever they want.
I personally think smokers and drinkers waste $100's a month on those habits, but it still isn't my place to tell them they shouldn't.
That would really decide whether or not I get a 720 to be honest else I'd have absolutely no reason to buy one.
if live gave the same sort of content you get with plus, i'd probably subscribe.
Ms has made more than enough profit from LIVE, I think it's time they started giving something back to us gamers. Simple Mp match making should be free, if the NextBox does not offer free Mp and the PS4 and WiiU do then that would really show microsoft's greed.
I have free Mp with my Pc/PS3 and Wii and there is only Gears and Cod keeping me on Live which I hardly play nowadays to justify paying for XbL gold.
I just can't wait for the next gen! To see the sweet tears fall from the Sony fanboys face as they anounce PS+ is manditory for online play.
Idiots thinking that Sony is your friend, and just loves to give you stuff for free... hahaha fools ITS A TRAP!
You think MS would LOVE to lose that much money? I don't know much of anyone that would like to pay for LIVE anymore if they didn't have to!
I hope it does, live will explode with even more people online. I don't want to pay anymore because I don't have time to play every single day and Live going free would be great since I can go on whenever I want and not have to worry about renewing Xbox Live just to play/talk with friends.
MSFT doesn't need to change anything. Sure PS+ may be more value or whatever yet Live still racks in billions of dollars and increases users and seems to not be stopping. When you say it "needs" to stop you are basically saying that it is a problem and is bleeding which just isn't the case. Try telling business men and investors that we will now be making a service that makes billions to now be free... Sure it would be cool but let's be real here.
It wasn't that long ago that MS tried to take their paid model to the PC crowd who just laughed in their face.
It has since been made free, all those supporting MS saying you get what you pay for, why do PC get the exact same service free while you pay?
Do you really get what you pay for or are you getting what you deserve for blindly supporting them?
Why follow the leader. Let people pay for something that free for everyone else. Live is still the best service.
Highly doubt it. Why do that. From MS POV...if its making money and no one is complaining, keep doing it.


text:
Il Salviatino presents exclusive offers on our eclectic mix of lavish suites for a vacation to remember with a minimum three nights stay.
All Suite reservations include an in room welcome amenity as well as a complimentary round trip transfer, to and from Florence Airport (FLR).
Upon arrival find a perfectly chilled bottle of Prosecco along with a selection of fresh fruit welcoming you to Florence and Il Salviatino.
Minimum stay 3 nights – Full pre-payment required, non-refundable in case of cancellation
Book one of our exclusive Experiences offered by Il Salviatino for the true taste of Italy. Choose one or more of the following options:
One of Il Salviatino's discreet Service Ambassadors will fill your private bath to the brim with your favourite "bubbles" (Prosecco, Spumante or French Champagne). An additional chilled bottle will also be provided whilst scented candles will be lit to ensure the ultimate romantic experience for you and your loved one. From €9000 according to your choice of "bubbles"
Il Salviatino's trained massage therapists will give you and your partner a relaxing, in-room, couples massage with a combination of sensual oils. After the massage you will enjoy a chilled bottle of Dom Perignon (or herbal tea) whilst relaxing in a luxurious bathrobe (yours to take home!). €750 (€600 for herbal tea option)
One of our spa therapists will draw an optimum temperature bath filled with soothing aromatic oils. To accompany this, the bathroom will be filled with romantic candles and a chilled bottle of Champagne placed at the side of the bath to assist in your total relaxation and indulgence. €350
A "chocolate fountain" bath will be drawn by one of our discreet Service Ambassadors. You can then indulge in the warm chocolate scent and smooth feeling of the chocolate. You'll also be served a bottle of champagne and a selection of fresh fruit for dipping. €2500
We will fill your Suite to the brim with sweet smelling roses in your chosen colour. You can then relax and enjoy a bottle of Dom Perignon in your very own "rose garden". €2000
Our Executive Chef, Stefano Santo, will create a menu of your choice which will be served either in your Suiteor on a private terrace, by one of Il Salviatino's highly trained waiters. From €500 per person (excluding wines)
A gazebo will be set up under the Tuscan stars, in a secluded part of our lush Mediterranean gardens, where a team of Il Salviatino's highest trained waiters will serve a silver service dinner. €1,000 for two (any extra person: €500 each– eight persons max – wines not included)
We'll serve you and your partner Bellini's or a Spritz in the privacy of your own room and arrange for an operatic tenor to serenade you both for 30 minutes. Truly the ultimate operatic experience! €1000
Explore some of Florence's hidden masterpieces with an expert guide. Wind your way through the mesmerizing markets and indulge in some of Florence's most delicious delicacies as a local guide leads you on a tour of the areas only the locals know about! Price: TBC according to the time you'll require the guide for.
For the ultimate show stopping activity – drive through the rolling Tuscan hills in a top of the range Ferrari. You'll be accompanied by an expert driver as you wind your way through the countryside feeling the warm Italian breeze in your hair. Price: TBC according to the time you'll require the car for.BOOK NOW
Florence is renowned for its local artisans who have be […]…
Perched among the lush rolling Tuscan Hills, looking on […]…
Il Salviatino proposes a package for your complete rela […]…
Now is the perfect time to book your next stay with us […]…
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text:
One of my favorite things to include in a bento is a dip and some veggies, pita strips, crackers, etc. One can only eat so much hummus though, right? So I thought that if any of you out there are like me, we could post some of our favorite "different" dips.
1 cup NATURAL peanut butter (no ingredients other than peanuts, salt)
1/2 cup hot water
3 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
1 small minced red chili, or 1 tsp red pepper flakes, to taste
2 Tbsp seasoned rice vinegar (or regular rice vinegar plus 1 tsp sugar)
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 Tbsp tomato paste (I use the kind in a tube)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tsp fresh, grated ginger (I use a paste)
1 tsp cumin
Throw it all in a bowl and mix it up! This makes a lot of dip, so you may want to halve the recipe if you're the only person eating it. Lasts about 1 week in the refrigerator if kept in an airtight container.
This dip is super versatile. Dilute the mixture a little bit and add it to soba or spaghetti noodles and sliced vegetables and top with cilantro to make a spicy peanut noodle salad!
Mmmmm! Looks yummy!
MMm sounds tasty, especially the idea of diluting it for noodle salad
Hey great idea!!
This is a salad dressing but I guess it should go GREAT for chicken too! (i didn't try it, though)
It's quite liquid-y but you can prepare it in 5 secs:
- 2 parts of olive oil
- 1 part of balsamic vinegar
- black pepper to taste
- half a teaspoon of dijon mustard.
Remember the strongest the mustard the tastier the sauce! And you can carry it safely in your bento as it won't spoil.
My trick is to carry it in a container and shake it before opening the container so it will mix evenly :)
My bento blog: http://justbento.com/blog/1305
My art blog: http://jizaacaso.deviantart.com
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text:
It's been a long and hard — not to mention spooky and ooky — road to get "The Addams Family"musical first to Broadway and then on tour. The national road company opens its one-week run Tuesday at Hartford's Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.
But it didn't start out that way.
When the Broadway-bound musical "The Addams Family" premiered in Chicago in late 2009, it was greeted with big box office numbers, good reviews and the kind of brand-name identity producers only dream about.
Based on the cartoon panels by Charles Addams, which were also the basis of a popular '60s TV series and two early '90s movies, the new musical, which starred Nathan...


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NEWFIELDS — Main Street Art invites the public to attend an opening reception on Friday, Jan. 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the art center in Newfields to kick off its exhibit of the art of Susan Schwake.
Please join the Main Street Art board in greeting the artist, who recently published a book on children's art. Refreshments will be served. Gallery hours are Monday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and whenever the "open" flag is out.
Susan's first book, "Art Lab for Kids," was published last year and will be available for purchase at Main Street Art. A book signing and children's craft workshop, "Monster Making," will celebrate the exhibit on Saturday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Please visit the Main Street Art website at newfieldsart.org for details and registration information.
Susan Schwake is the owner and artistic director of Artstream Studios in Rochester, N.H. She has been producing art since she was a small child, studied art in college and then opened an art school called Academy Artworks in 1993.
She is a recognized force in the Seacoast artistic community and has been involved in many residencies and public art exhibits. She and her husband, Rainer, a graphic artist and marketing and web designer, started Artstream studios in 2003.
Susan teaches fine art to adults and children while promoting emerging artists in her gallery.
-- About Main Street Art --
The volunteers of Main Street Art believe that the arts are an essential component for the development and well-being of all people. The purpose of Main Street Art is to provide a place of education where children, teens, adults and seniors can come together to experience, appreciate and participate in the arts in an environment where creative efforts are shared and made accessible to everyone.
For more information about Main Street Art, please visit us on the web at www.newfieldsart.org, or call 580-5835. All donations to Main Street Art are tax-deductible.
Artist's reception in Newfields for Susan Schwake
NEWFIELDS — Main Street Art invites the public to attend an opening reception on Friday, Jan. 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the art center in Newfields to kick off its exhibit of the art of Susan Schwake.


text:
Jun 16, 201410:54 AM
New Orleans Voices
Our City Talks Back
Double the Pleasure: One Masterful Chef, Two Distinctive Restaurants
An interview with Sue Zemanick, chef at Gautreau's and Ivy.
Sue Zemanick
Sue Zemanick is chef at two New Orleans restaurants: Gautreau's and Ivy. Patrons of fine dining have long been fans of Gautreau's on Soniat Street in Uptown New Orleans. The restaurant's elegant atmosphere provides the ideal setting for Zemanick's distinctive culinary style that interweaves classic French techniques with modern American sensibilities and New Orleans flavors. Restaurant Ivy, located on Magazine Street, is a newcomer: it opened in November 2013, and features small plates. Zemanick has received numerous awards for her outstanding culinary accomplishments. Most recently, the James Beard Foundation recognized her as 2014 Best Chef — South. In this podcast, Sue shares some childhood memories and explains why she took an interest in cooking. Regarding her approach, she notes, "I am pretty traditional in my style of cooking". Sue also talks about the changing restaurant scene in New Orleans and tells us what types of things she likes to do when she is not in the kitchen.


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Its hard to overstate just how important this book is in terms of the social history of wartime Britain. Personally, I have always been quite unhappy with what I call the 'windrush assumption' – that the first ever black people to live in Britain arrived in the 1950's, no-one in Britain had ever seen a black person before, and that everyone was most unpleasant to them. One national museum even staged a major exhibition that subscribed to – and no doubt helped propagate – this myth.
Stephen Bourne, however, has shattered some misconceptions here. Black people WERE part of British society long before 1939. Black people DID play a part on the Home Front, and DID even serve in the armed forces. And it is very important that their contribution to the war effort is understood and recognised. Black people faced exactly the same risks as their white compatriots, and contributed to the war effort in much the same way – serving as ARP wardens, Firemen, Foresters, factory workers, and in many other roles.
Many different countries became part of the British Empire; the Empire on which the sun never set. Many different ethnic groups came under the imperial banner – African and Carribean among them. Inevitably, black people came to view Britain as the 'mother country' (something that goes against the grain of apologist imperial history), and many came to settle in Britain from the Nineteenth Century onwards. In some parts of Britain there were sizeable black communities – the east end of London and Bristol, for example.
Another interesting contribution of black people in wartime was in the field of entertainment. Performers such as Adelaide Hall and Ken 'Snakehips' Johnson played an important part in keeping up morale, both at home and overseas with the armed forces. Johnson was killed during the war when a bomb struck the theatre in which he and his band were performing. Not only were they contributing to morale, but they were also facing exactly the same risks as their white colleagues. The BBC also produced radio programmes aimed at black people in Britain, and also in the West Indies and Africa.
Sadly, it does seem that discrimination against black people reached a height when the US Army came to Britain after 1941. US servicemen came from what was still a deeply segregated society, particulary in the deep south. The US authorities imposed the same restrictions whilst on British soil (historians have described the situation as 'when Jim Crow met John Bull') which not only upset many British white people, but also had knock-on effects for British black citizens too. There were cases in my area of white GI's attacking Black servicemen, and then being confronted by locals who were sympathetic to the Black GI's.
Stephen Bourne has made a fine contribution to the historiography of the Home Front. Hopefully this book will shatter some myths and bring about a new understanding not only of wartime Britain, but also broader black history too.
Mother Country: Britain's Black Community on the Home Front 1939-45 is published by The History Press


text:
The C665x
are high performance fixed- and floating-point DSPs that are based on TI's KeyStone multicore
architecture. Incorporating the new and innovative C66x DSP core, this device can run at a core
speed of up to 1.25 GHz. For developers of a broad range of applications, both
C665x DSPs enable a
platform that is power-efficient and easy to use. In addition, the C665x DSPs are fully backward compatible with all
existing C6000™ family of fixed- and floating-point DSPs.
TI's KeyStone architecture provides a programmable platform integrating various
subsystems (C66x cores, memory subsystem, peripherals, and accelerators) and uses several
innovative components and techniques to maximize intradevice and interdevice communication that
lets the various DSP resources operate efficiently and seamlessly. Central to this architecture are
key components such as Multicore Navigator that allows for efficient data management between the
various device components. The TeraNet is a nonblocking switch fabric enabling fast and
contention-free internal data movement. The multicore shared memory controller allows access to
shared and external memory directly without drawing from switch fabric capacity.
For fixed-point use, the C66x core has 4× the multiply accumulate (MAC) capability of
C64x+ cores. In addition, the C66x core integrates floating-point capability and the per-core raw
computational performance is an industry-leading 40 GMACS per core and 20 GFLOPS per core (@1.25 GHz operating frequency). The C66x core can execute 8 single precision
floating-point MAC operations per cycle and can perform double- and mixed-precision operations and
is IEEE 754 compliant. The C66x core incorporates 90 new instructions (compared to the C64x+ core)
targeted for floating-point and vector math oriented processing. These enhancements yield sizeable
performance improvements in popular DSP kernels used in signal processing, mathematical, and image
acquisition functions. The C66x core is backward code-compatible with TI's previous generation
C6000 fixed- and floating-point DSP cores, ensuring software portability and shortened software
development cycles for applications migrating to faster hardware.
The C665x DSP integrates a large amount of on-chip memory. In addition to 32KB
of L1 program and data cache, 1024KB of dedicated memory can be configured as mapped RAM or cache.
The device also integrates 1024KB of Multicore Shared Memory that can be
used as a shared L2 SRAM and/or shared L3 SRAM. All L2 memories incorporate error detection
and error correction. For fast access to external memory, this device includes a 32-bit DDR-3
external memory interface (EMIF) running at a rate of 1333 MHz and has ECC DRAM support.
This family supports a number of high-speed standard interfaces
including RapidIO ver 2, PCI Express Gen2, and Gigabit Ethernet. This family of DSPs also includes
I2C, UART, Multichannel Buffered Serial Port (McBSP), Universal Parallel
Port (uPP), and a 16-bit asynchronous EMIF, along with general-purpose CMOS IO.
For high throughput, low latency communication between devices or with an
FPGA, a 40-Gbaud full-duplex interface called HyperLink is included.
The C665x
devices have a complete set of development tools, which includes: an enhanced C compiler, an
assembly optimizer to simplify programming and scheduling, and a Windows® debugger interface for
visibility into source code execution.
TI's KeyStone Multicore Architecture provides a high performance
structure for integrating RISC and DSP cores with application-specific coprocessors and I/O. The
KeyStone architecture is the first of its kind that provides adequate internal bandwidth for
nonblocking access to all processing cores, peripherals, coprocessors, and I/O. This internal
bandwidth is achieved with four main hardware elements: Multicore Navigator, TeraNet, Multicore
Shared Memory Controller, and HyperLink.
Multicore Navigator is an innovative packet-based manager that controls 8192 queues.
When tasks are allocated to the queues, Multicore Navigator provides hardware-accelerated dispatch
that directs tasks to the appropriate available hardware. The packet-based system on a chip (SoC)
uses the two Tbps capacity of the TeraNet switched central resource to move packets. The Multicore
Shared Memory Controller lets processing cores access shared memory directly without drawing from
the capacity of TeraNet, so packet movement cannot be blocked by memory access.
HyperLink provides a 40-Gbaud chip-level interconnect that lets SoCs
work in tandem. The low-protocol overhead and high throughput of HyperLink make an ideal interface
for chip-to-chip interconnections. Working with Multicore Navigator, HyperLink dispatches tasks to
tandem devices transparently and executes tasks as if they are running on local resources.


text:
Having a website ending in .com and .org is so last decade. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) recently announced that 100 different gTLDs, or generic top level domains, are on track to becoming incorporated into the Internet universe. You might see a URL ending with .sexy or .ninja over the next couple of weeks.
"This is a historic milestone for ICANN's new gTLD Program and the Internet as a whole," Christine Willett, vice president of gTLD operations, said in a statement. "The year ahead will be defined by new opportunities in a vastly expanding online landscape."
Each application costs $185,000, and both Amazon and Google are looking to capitalize on the boom of new names. Among the original 1900 applications, Amazon went after 76 different gTLDs, while Google went after 101.
Leslie Phillips, the head of marketing communications for the consulting firm Fairwinds, said that both Amazon's and Google's involvement is a sign that these new extensions will succeed. "They're not in the habit of investing in loser ideas," she told ABC News. "It's a significant investment for two of the leading tech companies in the world."
But many of the applicants are sticking with a single application. Hyatt only wants .hyatt, Gucci only wants .gucci, and perhaps surprisingly, Apple only wants .apple. Phillips said that it's those companies that are going to end up making gTLDs popular.
"The brands are the ones leading the way," she said. "This will enable companies to really experiment and get closer to their customers while extending their brand. It's the future of the Internet."


text:
Aggies advance to quarterfinals in Battle Creek
The Sand Creek High School wrestling team cruised its way through Memphis 69-9 and Lutheran Westland 73-3 on Wednesday to claim its first Division 4 regional championship in school history. The Aggies will travel to Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek.
"When I was hired five years ago, I made this my goal for the team since day one," said Sand Creek coach Marc Spicer. "All the hard work and dedication is finally paying off. Guys bought into my system, and we're excited to go to Battle Creek."
Every wrestler on the team recorded at least one win on the day for the Aggies, who recorded a dominating 25-3 record on the day.
Going 2-0 on the day for Sand Creek were Terry Burns (103 pounds), Michael Petee (112), Eli Megale (135), Blake Scroggie (140), Roger Fox (145), Trevor McDormett (152), Masen Moore (160), Nick Garza (171), Charlie Robertson (189), Garrett Miller (215) and heavyweight Gabe Beaubien.
After defeating Memphis in the semifinal 67-9, Sand Creek was set to battle Lutheran Westland after they defeated Madison Heights Madison 64-12.
The Aggies were ready to go from the first whistle. Nothing was going to stop them from claiming a championship in front of their home crowd.
The Aggies opened up the dual with pins from Burns (103), Knox (119) and Kyle Lakatos (125). After a void, the Aggies jumped to a quick 24-0 start.
Sand Creek fans started to get excited, knowing their team was on the fast track to Battle Creek as they yelled, screamed, stomped and cheered for every match and every takedown.
With the team score at 51-3, Garza (171) stepped to the mat. The state runner-up at 160 pounds last year was looking to put an exclamation mark on this dual, but this match didn't come to easy for the All-State wrestler.
Garza wrestled Martin Kemp of Lutheran, and Kemp gave Garza everything he had.
After the second period, Garza was down 2-1 and he chose down. Kemp tried to keep Garza down for as long as he could, but Garza got up and tied the match. With the match tied 2-2 with 35 seconds left, the Sand Creek gym was nothing short of electric. With just 20 seconds left, Garza shot a single leg and got deep into Kemp's leg to eventually get the two-point takedown with 10 seconds left in the match. Garza was able to hold off Kemp for the remaining seconds to get the win, 4-2.
After Garza's win, the gym erupted, as did the Sand Creek team, knowing that their trip to Battle Creek was booked.
Miller (215) and Beaubien (285) rounded out the dual with two pins to put a stamp on the victory.
"Today was all about taking care of business in front of the home crowd," said Spicer. "We knew if we wrestled our style and didn't make any mistakes, we'd be able to beat both these teams."
The Aggies will wrestle in Saturday's individual regional tournament at Hudson, before competing in the state quarterfinals Feb. 22.


text:
Having childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder could lead to a life of obesity, even if ADHD symptoms disappear in adulthood, a new study shows.
The study, which followed up on 207 middle-class men who had been diagnosed with ADHD as children, found that some 33 years after their diagnosis, their body mass index was significantly higher than those without ADHD. Their propensity to become obese was twice that of adults who were never diagnosed with ADHD, according to the study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.
Even those who did not have the disorder as an adult were heavier than those who never were diagnosed as children. But the adults whose childhood ADHD symptoms did not persist also had a similar body mass to those whose ADHD persisted into adulthood. Adjustments for socioeconomic status and lifetime mood, anxiety and substance abuse did not affect the outcomes.
The data, published Monday in the journal Pediatrics, confirm earlier work that linked higher adult weight and obesity with childhood ADHD diagnoses, and studies that ruled out any influence from anxiety and depressive disorders.
Taken together, the studies suggest aspects of ADHD may have an early influence on body weight that can persist into adulthood. Among the symptoms of ADHD that could affect weight gain is a diminished control of impulses, which could foster poor eating habits and impede planning and monitoring of eating bahavior. Deficits in executive function likewise could have a similar effect, making it difficult to follow a dietary regime.
On a neurobiological level, a measured dysfunction in certain dopamine-dependent circuits in the front of the brain have been linked to ADHD and to obesity. Limited studies and observations of obese people with ADHD hint at genetic roots to this altered dopamine pathway, according to the study.
BMI, or body mass index, was in the overweight range if it was between 25 and 30, and obese above 30. The normal range for these men would be 18.5-25.


text:
November 22, 2012 01:50 ET
BASEL, SWITZERLAND--(Marketwire - Nov 22, 2012) - Basilea Pharmaceutica AG / Basilea
initiates next phase 1 multiple ascending dose study with antibiotic
BAL30072 active against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
Processed and transmitted by Thomson Reuters ONE.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) announced today that it has
initiated the next planned pharmacokinetic phase 1 healthy volunteer study
in its clinical development program for BAL30072, Basilea's new
investigational antibiotic with activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-
negative bacteria.
Gram-negative pathogens account for approximately half of all hospital-
acquired bacterial infections. Many Gram-negative pathogens have acquired
the ability to produce enzymes that destroy beta-lactam antibiotics, which
have been the mainstay of antibiotic therapy for several decades.
Multidrug-resistant bacteria for which there are few or no therapeutic
options available are being encountered with increasing frequency and are
associated with increased mortality, prolonged hospital stays and higher
healthcare costs.
BAL30072 is a novel injectable sulfactam antibiotic that in in-vitro and
in-vivo models demonstrated potent bactericidal activity against a broad
range of clinically relevant multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens
such as Pseudomonas or Acinetobacter species. BAL30072 overcomes several
mechanisms of bacterial resistance. In particular, it is not easily
destroyed by bacterial enzymes such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases
(ESBLs), carbapenemases or the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1),
which cause resistance to many marketed antibiotics.
Prof. Achim Kaufhold, Chief Medical Officer of Basilea, stated: "Due to its
potent antimicrobial activity BAL30072 has the potential to play an
essential role in the therapy of serious and life-threatening infections
caused by Gram-negative bacteria for which currently only limited
therapeutic options exist. We are now expanding our phase 1 clinical
program for this promising drug candidate to optimize dosing regimens in
preparation for phase 2 clinical studies."
About Basilea
Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and
listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Through the fully integrated
research and development operations of its Swiss subsidiary Basilea
Pharmaceutica International Ltd. the company focuses on innovative
pharmaceutical products in the therapeutic areas of bacterial infections,
fungal infections and oncology, targeting the medical challenge of rising
resistance and non-response to current treatment options.
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking
statements concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business. Such
statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition,
performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is
providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to
update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com.
Press release (PDF):
This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of
Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and
other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and
originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Basilea Pharmaceutica AG via Thomson Reuters ONE
For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
Peer Nils Schroder, Ph.D.
Head Public Relations &
Corporate Communications
+41 61 606 1102Email Contact
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Barbara Zink, Ph.D., MBA
Head Corporate Development
+41 61 606 1233Email Contact
For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
Peer Nils Schroder, Ph.D.
Head Public Relations &
Corporate Communications
+41 61 606 1102Email Contact
Investor Relations
Barbara Zink, Ph.D., MBA
Head Corporate Development
+41 61 606 1233Email Contact
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MANASSAS, Va. — Her husband, Al, didn't make it to the pre-concert presidential candidates' forum, but Tipper Gore banged the bongos with Willie Nelson at Farm Aid 2000, held Sunday in Manassas, Va., outside of Washington, D.C.
The benefit to raise funds for struggling family farmers and increase awareness of their plight also featured co-founders John Mellencamp and Neil Young (who also appeared with pals Crosby, Stills & Nash, too). Among other artists performing were the Barenaked Ladies, Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson, Arlo Guthrie, North Mississippi Allstars, teenage blues sensation Shannon Curfman, polka king Jimmy Sturr, and Brazilian artist Badi Assad.
Al Gore was represented by U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., who was among several voices decrying corporate-controlled farming, foreign trade deals, genetically altered food, and the 1996 Freedom to Farm Act, which farmer Ralph Paige said "gives us freedom to farm nothing and freedom to lose everything."
Fringe candidates Pat Buchanan, Ralph Nader, and John Hagelin also made appearances, but as Young observed at a post-forum press conference, "notably absent was anyone from the Republican camp, even though they were invited. It looks like another one of Bush's great moves."
He also noted that the 15th anniversary of Farm Aid, organized in 1985 as a one-time benefit, à la Live Aid, was not a celebration. "Still being here, obviously, it's not what we wanted," he said.
At another press conference, the Barenaked Ladies jokingly challenged Eminem and Kid Rock to play Farm Aid, then treated listeners to snippets of those artists' tunes in a hilarious, over-the-top medley that referenced Britney Spears, Biz Markie, Cats, Celine Dion, Cher, Fatboy Slim, and Sesame Street. Keyboardist Kevin Hearn, unable to perform during BNL's 1999 Farm Aid appearance due to his battle with leukemia, made it this time, looking frail but not gaunt, and was strong enough to perform "One Week," "If I Had $1,000,000," "Brian Wilson," and "Pinch Me," from the band's new Maroon.
Not all the performers were quite as outspoken. Nelson's stumping, like his personality, remains low-key, and Mellencamp let his songs — acoustic versions of "Small Town," "Rain on the Scarecrow," "Pink Houses," and a slowed-down, compelling reading of the Stones' "Street Fighting Man" — do the talking. He also had a couple of surprise guests: former teen pop star Tiffany on "Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)" and singer Greta Gaines on "Pink Houses."
Young, in contrast, used every between-song moment to push the cause and remind viewers of Country Music Television's live broadcast to "send us a lot of money.
"I'd like to set a record … make Jerry Lewis move over," he joked. Before hitting the opening notes to "Cowgirl in the Sand," he said his next song was going to be a long one, and he didn't mind if TV viewers went to the phones during the instrumental parts. Chances are they were riveted to their screens, though; Young's segments, both with CSNY and his own band, were highlights of the 10-hour concert.
Backed by bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn, keyboardist Spooner Oldham, and drummer Jim Keltner, as well as guitarist Ben Keith and his wife, Pegi, and sister, Astrid, on vocals, Young gave moving renditions of "From Hank to Hendrix," and "Daddy Went Walkin'" (dedicated to his Dad's Canadian farm) before ripping into "Powderfinger," "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere," and "Cowgirl in the Sand."
As if that wasn't sublime enough, the CSNY set matched it with "Marrakesh Express," an electric "Helpless," the gorgeous harmonies of "Helplessly Hoping," and "Our House."
On the CSNY opener, "Love the One You're With," Young and Stephen Stills delivered seamless call-and-response guitar riffs. They dueled wildly on "Almost Cut My Hair" and "Cinnamon Girl," ripping out incendiary notes with more passion than any other artist of the day. Stills was so pumped, he jumped up and down and nearly had to be dragged from the stage.
Unfortunately, odds are good he can return for another Farm Aid next year.


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The English Association Celebrates National Novel Writing Month
During the last meeting fellow students agreed to meet a writing challenge. During our November 20th meeting they will read their writings. Whether you are an English major or not, you are invited to join us and listen. If you have something you would like to share, please bring it with you.
When: November 20, 2013, 5:30 pm
Library 102
Refreshments will be served.
For more information, please email us at: firstname.lastname@example.com


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20 Sep 2012 09:00:55 AM
Gambling Addiction Enabler: UFC 152 Edition
(Oh, jeez. Has Michael seen this poster yet? He is gonna be piiiisssed.)
By Dan "Get Off Me" George
You know that saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure"? Well, such is the case with UFC 151's trash (which coincidentally resembles the remnants of a totaled Bentley) and UFC 152's treasure. And those of us who were smart enough to recognize a curse when we saw one and purchase our tickets accordingly will reap the rewards of the 151 fallout by being treated to two title fights on the very same card. Suck it, over-saturation!
This Saturday night, the GAE will attempt to go where no other MMA blog/website/"professional MMA gambler"(my favorite) has gone before, a perfect 4-0 generating plus money dating back to UFC 148. So follow us after the jump as we try to navigate through the good, the bad, and the ugly betting lines of UFC 152: Jones vs Belfort (courtesy of BestFightOdds).
Charlie Brenneman (-225) vs. Kyle Noke (+185)
I feel that the Spaniard will be able to get this fight to the mat and establish himself as the dominant fighter. Hovering around -225, the line is appealing when you examine how Kyle Noke has lost his last two UFC bouts coupled with how Charlie has found victory throughout his UFC career (Ed note: Except here). This fight falls into the good category for betting lines and Brenneman will find his way into my parlay as the well priced favorite here.Read More DIGG THIS


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In this my 33rd year, I have achieved some of my childhood dreams that just a few short years ago would have seemed impossible. I am marrying my best friend, my soul mate, an awesome guy. I went back to school and actually forsee finishing this time. I had an awesome year working with my "kids" at work, seeing progress, learning together. I just bought my childhood dream car, a Jeep Wrangler! (ok, as i child I did not envision it having 4 doors, but as a mother I see the practicality in that) I finally feel that I am back on track both personally and professionally. I have learned some lessons along the way. Lessons I hope to share with my own children (both biological and the ones I borrow from year to year from the parents around town :) )
I will be the first to admit, my life has taken many twists and turns that I had sworn I would never make. I swore I would never put my children through a divorce. I swore I would never quit something once I started it (grad school). I swore I would always make sound choices both professionally and personally. While thse lofty oaths were admirable they were unrealistic. I have learned not to swear to an oath anymore (however righteous or admirable it may be) but rather set and work towards goals instead. Setting and working towards goals allows for flexibility in the path to achieving them. It requires you to process check and adjust when necessary. Swearing to an oath does not allow this flexibility therefore setting you up for failure from the get go.
Last September, my class and I set goals and displayed them in the hallway. Each student was asked to set a goal for learning, for personal growth, and for fun. We had a brainstorming session on how to set goals and created lists of example goals. I really think they did an great job and many of my students saw their goals through to achievement. This year, I plan on taking it a step further and having my students progress monitor themselves quarterly on where they stand in regards to thier goals. I realized this is the missing step that needs to take place. It is the difference between dreaming big and achieving big. A dream is cast out almost wistfully whereas a goal needs to be set, coaxed, finessed, and often reworked to see success.
An example of this is my new car. It was a childhood dream of mine to own a jeep. I cast it out there and let it flounder on its own for years. I did nothing to work towards actually achieving it. In fact, by not cultivating it and actually setting a goal with a plan to achieve it, I actually took myself further and further away from ever realizing this dream. Meeting my fiance and learning many life lessons over the past few years has taught me that if you want something you need to set a goal, develop a plan, and see it through to actually get it. Eric and I began talking about getting this car a few months ago. We set a plan to see if a budget allowing for a second car payment would work, researched what we really needed vs. what we really wanted, and readjusted when necessary (did we really need all the bells and whistles or could we spare a few and save a bundle?)
Going through this whole process we learned alot about each others style for saving, spending, and planning. Setting goals and learning the process to achieve them is something we both feel we missed out on learning. It is not something that was inherently taught to us as children. It's one of those things that was assumed you learned. How many of you remember being asked what is your life goal as a high school student? Did anyone ever sit you down and help you create a plan allowing for process check points or times to reevaluate that goal? My guess is no. My goal is to teach goal setting this year. To walk my students through the entire process. From choosing a realistic yet challenging goal, setting a path, process checking progress, and hopefully the actualization of their success. It needs to be taught and modeled for it is not something that just happens. The dream of being a professional athlete, singer, actress (my classes favorite career choices) does not just happen. I'm not saying it can't happen, but it takes work, setting goals, creating a path, and even more support to achieve than todays young children think. So my goal is to teach them to dream big and set challenging goals that will get you there, but not to be afraid to adjust when necessary.


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SoBro's Sonia Sotomayor's Swearing In Shows Suckas
Sonia Sotomayor rocked history books today when she was sworn in as the 111th Associate Justice of the United States, and the first Hispanic to do it. Let's look back at how she got here, and how people are celebrating:
First, everyone basically went batshit when we found out that Blammo Barack picked what was sure to be seen by assholes as an Equal Opportunity Ringer.
Crazies parsed her Socialist yearbook quote. Fox News went crazy! The New York Post went crazy and was like SOTOMAYOR GASOLINA! New Yorkers, trying to get dinner with her, went crazy! Possibly Rabid Goatmolester Michael Wolff suggested that she might be gay, when he wasn't busy possibly molesting goats! Because she's a woman, there were at-large implications that she was a bizznatch! Diablo Cody hated on exclamation points! Oh, and she hates bloggers! We like her!
We sent an intrepid reporter out into the field. He came back with wonderful results:
The hearings came and went and nobody paid attention because they were really, really boring. Jon Stewart got tired of it and Al Franken had to ask/tell jokes. And then, on Thursday, she got confirmed, despite the better intentions of a few assholes like John McCain. And the end was anti-climactic.
So now, we turn to victory celebrations! And who better to help us than the creeps of the world, extremist political commenters on interweb sites Daily Kos and Free Republic! Now I know we're not supposed to look at these freaks because unlike cockroaches, they really do kind of fade into the background and stop eating your crackers if you don't pay them any mind. But I couldn't help looking at what they have to say. First, Daily Kos: nothing that great. Someone got teary and someone else noted the differences between us and how wonderful they are, or something:
I thought it was funny — and probably not done by mistake — that it was Sen. Franken who got to announce to the world that Sonia Sotomayor had been voted in to the Supreme Court. Think about it: A liberal Jew announcing that the black man's Hispanic Supreme Court pick had been approved. Chew on that trifecta, you haters!
Sure? Meanwhile, the creepy crawlies at Free Republic are naturally freaking the fuck out. There's a board that's apparently being heavily moderated right now: four comments have been removed, already. Things like "Flags at half mast today," "It's over. God Save the Republic," and a Photoshop comparison of Sonia Sotomayor to Manny Noriega are up right now. Classy.
For my appropriate tribute, here's a strange Japanese site with KRS-One's "South Bronx" on it. As for the rest of you, hooray, America, we actually got something done and now the economy might be turning around because someone just got another job. Nice.
[Pic via PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images]


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Availability: Not currently available


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Oversupply "monsters" can be tough to tame. Often coping with oversupply is a process in which you take two steps forward and then one step back. I think that LLLMeg gave excellent advice about not going right to block feeding. Since you have been pumping so much milk, I think that you may need to occasionally use the pump to relieve discomfort. I'm not talking about emptying the breast, but rather about pumping (or better yet, hand expressing- it's supposedly less stimulating to supply) a couple oz to restore comfort.
Lastly, please don't kick yourself over the pumpng you've done. It was done with the absolute best intentions, and we all applaud you for wanting to make so certain that breastfeeding would work out this time around!


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September/October 2002
Children can achieve undetectable viral loads with therapy. Dr. Garrett Tudor-Williams, of a London clinic, talked about a four-drug regimen for infants that did not include a protease inhibitor (PI). He said the four drugs were able to bring viral load down to undetectable, which does not always happen in children who use a three-drug regimen with a PI. (In fact, U.S. guidelines state that "although suppression of HIV RNA to undetectable levels ... is desirable, few data among children indicate that such suppression is always achievable.")
The London infants had less than 50 viral load (undetectable) after 24 weeks. Also, their weight and CD4 counts were normal after a year of therapy.
The quadruple therapy consisted of four "palatable" suspensions taken twice a day without food restrictions. The medications were Retrovir, Epivir, Ziagen and Viramune. Protease inhibitors for children, he noted, are not easy to use long-term because of taste, formula and difficulty getting the dose right, as with Viracept.
Three of the children stopped therapy by 24 weeks (six months), two of them because of hepatitis due to the Viramune and one because of intolerance to Ziagen, although none of the infants had hypersensitivity to Ziagen. This child was switched to Kaletra (a protease inhibitor) and "is doing fine." If you take into consideration these three children, the undetectable rate was 60%, as opposed to 100% for the 15 children who stayed on therapy.
Dr. Tudor-Williams said the tiny number of children discussed here is problematic for evaluating the four-drug regimen, but that further evaluation is warranted, especially for children with a very high initial viral load, as with these children.
Michelle McConnell of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on changes in children's HIV therapy between 1998 and 2000. Her report was based on the Pediatric Spectrum of Disease (PSD), a chart review of HIV-positive children from six sites. McConnell said that antiviral therapy is safe and effective in children, and that protease inhibitors have been associated with improved survival both in the U.S. and in Europe. Happily, the median age of the children in the PSD increased from four years in 1994 to nine in 2000, as HIV-positive children live longer.
Of the 1,541 children looked at in 2000, 98% were on antiviral therapy. Ninety-six percent of them were on nucleoside analogs (for example, Retrovir or Epivir), 70% were taking a protease inhibitor and 40% were taking a non-nucleoside analog (such as Sustiva or Viramune). The most commonly used medications were Zerit and Epivir (67% each) and the protease inhibitor Viracept (46%). Drugs with increasing use between 1998 and 2000 were the nuceloside Ziagen (up from 3% to 12%), Sustiva (up from 3% to 17%) and the protease inhibitor Agenerase (up from 0.4% to 9.3%). The only other protease inhibitor with increasing use in pediatrics was Kaletra.
Drug failure (detectable viral load) accounted for a third of the changes made to children's therapy in 2000, while inadherence and side effects each accounted for 14%. Fifteen to 20% of the children are on dual drugs only. More and more of the children are on their second or third drug regimen.
Italian researchers looked at adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in children. This report also came from data collected between 1998 and 2000. Of 486 children, 191 (39%) reported at least one ADR. The total number of ADRs was 239. Thirteen percent were considered serious (grades 3 or 4). All of the ADRs resolved completely, except for two children who were left with permanent conditions (one with increased creatine levels and one with diarrhea). One child died.
What were the most common side effects? Lipodystrophy (abnormal increase or decrease of body fat) occurred in 20% of the children. Both lipodystrophy and high lipid levels (triglyceride or cholesterol) were also twice as likely to occur in kids over the age of 10. Bone marrow toxicity occurred in 11%.
However, 67% of cardiac disturbances and "alterations in pancreatic function" were considered severe, as were a quarter of the kidney stone cases and bone marrow toxicities. The researchers concluded that, "ADRs to HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) in HIV-positive children are similar to those decribed in adults. Even if they appear of mild severity (85% score grade 1-2), they can compromise compliance to therapy. Lipodystrophy and alterations of lipids were less frequent than expected, probably in relation to the lack of clear diagnostic criteria in childhood. Further analysis will help to clarify whether our results reflect a true lower incidence or is the effect of underreporting." The presenter also noted that CD4 count was only "marginally" related to side effects, but that taking more than three drugs increased the risk for ADRs.
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Matt Bai of the New York Times has written an excellent article which shows that most of what we've been told by the left about the alleged evils wrought by the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizen United decision doesn't hold up. For example, Bai disputes the common complaint that Citizens United unleashed a torrent of money from businesses and the multimillionaires who run them, and as a result we are now seeing the corporate takeover of American politics:
As a matter of political strategy, this is a useful story to tell, appealing to liberals and independent voters who aren't necessarily enthusiastic about the administration but who are concerned about societal inequality, which is why President Obama has made it a rallying cry almost from the moment the Citizens United ruling was made. But if you're trying to understand what's really going on with politics and money, the accepted narrative around Citizens United is, at best, overly simplistic. And in some respects, it's just plain wrong.
For one thing, "zillionaires were no less able to write fat checks four years ago than they are today." And "while corporations can now give money for specific purposes that were prohibited before, it seems they aren't, or at least not at a level that accounts for anything like the sudden influx of money into the system." Indeed, Bai cites evidence that not a single Fortune 100 company contributed to a candidate's super PAC during this year's Republican primaries. Moreover, of the $96 million or more raised by these super PACs, only about 13 percent came from privately held corporations, and less than 1 percent came from publicly traded corporations.
Why, then, has total outside spending, as measured through March 8 of every election season, exploded after the Citizens United decision, reaching about $15.9 million in 2010 (compared with $1.8 million in the previous midterm cycle) and $88 million this year (compared with $37.5 million at the same point in 2008)? Actually, says Bai, such spending hasn't really exploded since Citizens United:
The level of outside money increased 164 percent from 2004 to 2008. Then it rose 135 percent from 2008 to 2012. In other words, while the sheer amount of dollars seems considerably more ominous after Citizens United, the percentage of change from one presidential election to the next has remained pretty consistent since the passage of McCain-Feingold. And this suggests that the rising amount of outside money was probably bound to reach ever more staggering levels with or without Citizens United.
Moreover, the anti-Citizens United narrative fails to take into account the political environment:
2010 and 2012 were the first election cycles since the enactment of McCain-Feingold in which a Democrat occupied the White House. Rich conservatives weren't inspired to invest their fortunes in 2004, when Bush ran for the second time while waging an unpopular war, or in 2008, when they were forced to endure the nomination of McCain. But now there's a president and a legislative agenda they bitterly despise (much as Soros and his friends saw the Bush presidency as an existential threat to the country), so it's not surprising that outside spending by Republicans in 2010 and 2012 would dwarf everything that came before. What we are seeing — what we almost certainly would have seen even without the court's ruling in Citizens United — is the full force of conservative wealth in America, mobilized by a common enemy for the first time since the fall of party monopolies.
Taking this into account, Bai finds little reason to believe that the current system confers an advantage on Republicans per se. Rather, it confers an advantage on the out-of-power party, which can leverage outrage over the in-power party into highly successful fundraising. Considering the other advantages possessed by incumbents, and because intensity should matter, this isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Bai also questions, quite sensibly, whether a fundraising advantage translates into a political advantage in a presidential campaign where both sides raise huge amounts of money. Carter Eskew, the longtime Democratic operative whose clients have included Al Gore in 2000, told Bai that presidential candidates need $500 million for advertising and that anything beyond that is probably overkill.
In this year's presidential campaign, both sides will have more than enough money to deliver their respective messages. Thus, voters will have an abundance of information on which to base their decision, with neither candidate having a meaningful financial advantage. That's how it should be. This doesn't mean the voters will choose wisely, but no system can guarantee that.


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Every purchase supports National Museums Liverpool
Originally priced at £17.50
Aubrey Williams' art resists definition and the significance of his work was not fully appreciated in his own lifetime. This book of artwork and essays, edited by Reyahn King, demonstrates the strength of the artist's work and shows that Williams was an important international artist.
Born in Guyana, Williams had a preoccupation with the indigenous and ancient cultures of Central and South America. These defined his artistic vision and helped him develop his own visual language; an authentic Caribbean identity within a modern mainstream art world. His paintings feature fragmented objects, intense natural colours and hint at musical counterpoint and dramatic spatial effects.
Format: 68 pages, paperback.
Publisher: October Gallery (2010)
Dimensions: 250 x 220 x 6mm
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Imagine losing $100 million a year on long-term investments. That's right, $100 million. Poof. Gone. Goodbye.
Imagine losing $100 million a year on long-term investments. That's right, $100 million. Poof. Gone. Goodbye.
But that is exactly what Ocala/Marion County is losing on our educational investment in our children each year. You see, homegrown talent that we have collectively paid to educate goes off to college, never to return. Oh, they may want to come home, but they don't — all too often because they simply have no decent job prospects here.
The $100 million figure comes from the Kevin Reed, director of the community's new business incubator, The Power Plant. The Power Plant, an affiliate of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership, has been busy over the past year luring new high-tech startups to our community, and it is those companies' need for young, innovative workers that has brought a longstanding problem to the forefront.
So Reed and The Power Plant are launching a nationwide initiative to try and reverse the trend of our best and brightest going elsewhere through a program called Flip the Magnet — the idea being, as Reed puts it, young people are either attracted or repelled by a community. Too many of ours are being repelled, and we need to find ways to flip that.
Every year about 2,500 young people graduate from local high schools. About half of those go on to some sort of college. Fewer than half, however, return to pursue a career. It costs us — you and me — about $180,000 to educate a child from kindergarten to diploma. When so many go away and don't come back, it is an investment in our young people, in our best and brightest, in our future community leadership lost.
Ocala/Marion County already has a deficit of educated workers, with only about 11 percent of the population holding four-year degree — compared to about 16 percent statewide. That makes it harder to attract employers who pay good wages, because if they can't find educated talent, why bother coming here.
Equally important, we need new leadership coming through the civic pipeline, leaders who have a stake in our community, Flip the Magnet can be a critical catalyst in building a foundation for the next generation of leaders.
To help give Flip the Magnet legs, Reed and the Power Plant are trying to raise $180,000 to provide 300 "student memberships" to the Power Plant, so our best and brightest will have a chance to see that more and more Ocala/Marion County does have 21st century opportunities for them.
But the need for young talent goes far beyond The Power Plant. It reaches into our hospitals, our banks, our schools, our newspapers. This is a cause everyone should be cheering on because, as Reed told me, "it's important to our young people." And that, my friends, means it is important to all of us. Besides, who can afford to lose $100 million a year forever?