text:
Thanks for being here when I came back…
Merry Christmas to you and yours! Stay cool and skate on, friends.
Thanks for being here when I came back…
Posted in Uncategorized
Like Phil Robertson at a GLAAD convention, I've been getting a lot of attention lately. Ever since publishing part one of what I'm now calling the Larson Trilogy, I've been getting hammered both online and off for more content. Now I know what George Lucas felt like between Star Wars and Empire, just, you know, without the gobs of money people threw at him.
Jim Larson: (Rapping)So get your ideas, stack your ammo, but don't come unless you come to battle, now mount up, jump in the saddle, this is it – it's what you eat, sleep…
FirstLoser: Whoa, I just came to interview you man, I didn't even bring my skates.
Larson: Damn son, you blew my groove! (Throws his helmet across the rink) It's all about you, isn't it?
FirstLoser: No man, no one wants to hear about me, they're sick of that. This is about you.
Larson: Yeah, well hell man, I got more to tell, so let's get this going.
FirstLoser: That's what I'm saying Jim.
Larson: Next question then.
FirstLoser: Well, looking over what you gave me last time, it's clear you're a man for all skates. I mean you've pretty much cleaned up on inlines and quads, both in speed skating and in Roller Derby. Have you ever done any aggressive bowl skating? Skateboarding? Downhill? Roller skiing? Any other roller sport you want to dominate in the years to come?
Larson: It's funny you ask this question, because I am surprised I haven't had a serious injury before the one that happened this past June (2013, when he jacked himself up real good). Back in like 1987-1989, a buddy of mine that used to skate with us back home in Illinois had a huge half-pipe I used to quad skate on. We spent a lot of days and nights on this thing, under the lights. I actually got pretty good at it! I mean I wasn't doing McTwists or anything like that, but just cruising and getting air off the coping. Grinds were some of the coolest things on quads, brother! We had a lot of fun!
FirstLoser: Wow, that memory lighted the mood in this place. I didn't know what the hell you were setting me up for walking in here.
Larson: It's all about the show man.
FirstLoser: So, obviously, you're a guy who lives for this show. What's keeping you going after all these years?
FirstLoser: I get that, and there are a lot of people who just hang around having fun with it, staying in touch. But you, you're not just here having fun, you're growing, even after all this time. What's your motivation to train as hard as you do? Why do you keep skating, (getting in my way, taking all the damn medals)?
Larson: It's the money bro. Hahaha – yeah, print that! No, for me, the motivation to keep going is the adrenaline rush of the competition, pure and simple. I've never really done any sport half way, or at fifty percent of max. Speed skating is called speed skating for a reason. You want to go slow and not put the work in to go fast, well, someone else like me will. If you're that guy that just wants to leisure roll, then this might not be the sport for you! Try something more sedentary, like BINGO! Haha. I'll tell you this; it takes a strong person to compete in this sport.
FirstLoser: True dat, Jim. This isn't a sport you can "phone it in" on. I tried that at ODN in 2011, learned that lesson the hard way.
Larson: But you're still here man. Why? Because it's a part of you. Look, you'll have some seasons that are better than others. This sport, it will bring you down both mentally and physically sometimes, but you have to be prepared to take those lumps along the way and get right back up and go back at it! You've got to be tough. The losses will come, maybe more for a guy like you, but for all of us, we'll have them too, trust me. But you have to remain focused, stay positive, and set those goals to be successful in this sport! This is one sport you cannot be on top putting in half ass work, like you did that year. That was pathetic bro.
FirstLoser: Thanks man.
At this point, I contemplate jetting out to the "rest room", finding the gas main for the pizza oven and letting the place go up in a ball of space-carpet glory. It's the only way I'll get rid of this guy. He's not ever going to go from the sport quietly. But then, my competitive spirit awakens, and I decide to press-on. I'll take him on the track one day, as it was meant to be. So in the meantime, might as well try to dig further into his psyche, see if there's anything I can use to further my own performance…
FirstLoser: So, tell me, do you have a career goal? You know, like breaking all the records in any and all age divisions you skate? Something like that? What is it? TELL ME!
FirstLoser: Sounds like a great way to structure a practice. Get the record book out, establish the lap times, and go for the gold.
Larson: Now you're talking. Wow, that's not something I'd think you'd come up with.
FirstLoser: Yeah, um, thanks again, Jim. So, how old are you now and how long do you plan on doing this?
Larson: Your line of questioning is odd man. I'm seeing a pattern here. Well, what the hell, it's not like you're really any kind of threat to any record I hold now, or have ever held for that matter. I'm forty-seven this year, and plan on still competing as long as I'm having fun. And winning IS FUN, so, as long as I'm winning, you're not! Haha! Yes! But I'll tell you this; one goal I'd like to accomplish before I get out would be World Team Coach.
FirstLoser: OK, now you're talking about giving back.
Larson: Yes. I truly believe I could be an asset if USARS would use me in this position, or even utilize me as part of the World Team Staff. Whether it's a coaching position, a trainer or a manager, I have a strong desire to give back and contribute to our country's success in residency and track-side at Worlds.
FirstLoser: I think there're a lot of us who would support that. And it's truly exceptional that you'd be willing to make the sacrifice to contribute at that level. But let me ask you this. And I know I'm not the only one who wants to know…why aren't you skating NSC (National Speedskating Circuit http://www.pronsc.com)?
Larson: Yeah NSC, I KNOW, I KNOW (caps for emphasis, he's yelling, clearly agitated by this.) Well, back to another 2013 goal, it goes like this…I broke my leg in June, four weeks before Nationals. I was ready to take down the Veteran division and defend my title in Veteran Men, and then go off to Federal Way Washington, for the NSC. I had spoken with Miguel (Jose, NSC league president and co-founder) about trying out and he was like, (imitating Miguel with a funny little back and forth motion, waving his hands around, sticking out his front teeth) "that would be soooo freaking totally AWESOME bro!!!" (Regaining his composure,) trust me when I say I was ready. I was feeling good. I was skating the fastest I've ever been skating, and I know that Pattison's floor well, so it would have been pretty entertaining, I would have crushed it. And after watching the tryouts, I can honestly say I would have had a good shot at breaking some hearts of those young guns. Who knows, (looking off into the distance, like Richard Gere in Officer and a Gentlemen) maybe again this next season. We'll see how I heal up.
FirstLoser: Going pro in NSC and medaling at forty seven would be an accomplishment, no doubt. So, in thinking about your accomplishments, you know, the entire first half of this interview's content, what's been the most significant medal and/or record you've ever won or broken?
Larson: I've got a couple of these, but probably the most significant medal that I've won would actually be my first Great Lakes Regional Medal, in 1978. It was in Elementary Boys, I took second place. Even though it wasn't a win or a gold medal, I remember earning it like it was yesterday. I can still recall each race from that meet, who got what and who placed how, over thirty-five years ago, brother. Then there's a record I'll truly cherish forever, and that's the Master Two Man in 2008 with Jon Elliott. We were skating for Team Hyper and Team United, and we won and set the National Record. After the race, I fell out with a smile on my face. My legs were burning and I had a couple little tears in my eye!
FirstLoser: Sounds like you left it all on the floor.
Larson: Indeed.
FirstLoser: Let's talk about other skaters. As a skater and coach, tell me, who's the best inline skater to study for form and function?
Larson: Well this is kind of a tricky question, 'cause there are so many technical aspects of our sport, particularly when it comes to form. Man, I've learned so much over the past fifteen to twenty years, on both inlines and quads. There're a few inliners, both male and female, that I've watched endlessly on performance, technique, strength, exceptional sprint speed, and conditioning. A few from today's crop, and a whole bunch from the past. Before I name them, let me just say, each of these skaters has a different, unique style they employ, but they all achieve the same goal in their own way.
FirstLoser: Ok man, how 'bout it then? (yawns)
Larson: Pipe down, son. OK, here's an obvious one, Chad Hedrick. He's the man to study for outdoor. There's no other. He's a 50 time World Champion, he's a master technician in his outdoor capabilities with that double push of his, and the strength this guy possesses! Let's jump right to a contemporary super-star, Joe Mantia. Same background as Chad, but Joe is flawless in his technique, and no one has ever been so efficient. And Derek Downing…
FirstLoser: Look, Jim. No offense, but those guys are too obvious man. People are gonna read that and say," c'mon Jim, tell us something we don't know." Tell you what, let's get in the TARDIS and go back a few years…
Larson: (Standing up, clenching fists, veins bulging in his temples…) What did you just call me bro?
FirstLoser: The TARDIS is Dr. Who's time-machine. It's a BBC television show. Sci-fi classic.
Larson: (Taking a deep breath, sitting back down.) Dude, you're nerd-dom almost got your head knocked in. Dr. Who? No one is going to get that reference. Anyway. Alright, I see what you're saying. How about this…One that stands out in my mind, that I used to watch on his path coming up over the years is Dane Lewis, from Sacramento California. His technique, his power, and his sprint speed were beyond that of any other skater at that time.
FirstLoser: Now we're getting somewhere.
Larson: But I've got to go back to the head of the class with Dante Muse. Sorry, you cannot ask me this question and think that I won't bring this guy into the picture. Having had the opportunity to skate against him back in the day on quads was truly amazing. You know there are some skaters that come to an event that you just simply hate getting beat by, but if you got beaten by Dante, it's no big deal because it's dang near expected, and he'll beat you! He was amazing. And you can't mention Dante without another Muse that's closer to my age, a champion in his own right, Tony Muse. He's a good friend of mine and derby teammate. He's also a legend and he's has taught me stages of the mental game, not only as a competitor, but as a friend.
FirstLoser: Give us some names of guys that are still out there, doing this thing we do.
Larson: You bet. I used to pay close attention to a bunch of guys that I've either skated against in division or a relay. Guys you know like Norm Kirby, Rodney Green, Russell Parmely, Ron Dillow, Terry Palmer, Michael Fortner, Rich Russell, Paul Santana, Scott Thomas, Jim Bourgeois. These are just some of the guys that have had their day in the spotlight, all with great abilities, strengths and endurance to go with it, they are amazing.
FirstLoser: OK, what about the women? Tell me 'bout them womens!
Larson: Chill out Superfly! I'ma have to throw some water on you! Well, on the female side there's Julie "smooth as" Glass. Her technique is as smooth as it comes. Then there's Theresa Cliff, Jessica Smith, Debbie Rice, Vicci King, Heather Gunnin. Just naming a few. I could name a ton more, but all of these skaters are the ones I've watched most over the last 10 years.
FirstLoser: Clearly you've rattled off a few great talents there. But in the final assessment, who are the skaters you look up to? Not the one's you're learning from, but the skaters you hold above all?
Larson: Well there's you of course. HAHAHAHA! (Spits and laughs hysterically.) As if. No, no. There are a few on this list. I look up to current and past skaters alike, guys like Buggy Allmond, Jeff Foster, Curt Labeda, guys that have been doing this a long time, still skating strong, suiting up, showing up. Then there are some of the past skaters like Tom Peterson, Chris Snyder, Tim Caldwell, Tim Small to name a few. These guys through the years were and are devoted to this sport, whether it be skating or as a manufacturer. These are guys I look up to for real. Much respect (pounds chest with fist, warrior like.)
FirstLoser: I appreciate that, really. But let's talk about those that have been inspirational. Who are those that have been the most influential to you in your skating career?
FirstLoser: It's like you just brought it all right back home, to where your heart is.
Larson: Look man, there are more out there, but we'll be here all day listing each one. I look at and watch everyone. There isn't any one special person that I just look up to. Actually, I look up to every skater participating in this sport. It takes a lot of money, dedication, drive, and adversity to do well, and I look up to anyone that can overcome these hurdles to be successful. That's why I really want a place with the World Team organization. And I think we need a few of those folks I mentioned to come forward and volunteer too, to get our program back on top.
At this point, it's been another long session. I'm feeling confident I'll get away from this one without bleeding, having brought him to a place where he's clearly reflecting on the good time, good people and glory of a path well-blessed with quality people and experiences. In an effort to end the session and get to my Pokémon League game on time, I try to end it on a light note:
FirstLoser: Well, I've got to get…um, home, and um, record the Duck Dynasty marathon. One more question for today…what's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you at a skate meet?
Larson: Hmmm. Hahaha, yes. The funniest for me would be the Easter meet in 2010 in Hickory, North Carolina. It was the Master Men's 500m final. There's video of this out there too. (Laughs to himself again.) Yes, on the 4th lap. I was leading. The corner four cone was placed on the wrong mark the lap before and when I came around, I had to take the corner a little differently and chirped my wheels. It completely caught me off balance and I did a three-sixty on the Bell Lap! But check it out – I had a big enough gap to hold corners one and two, skate the back straight away, skate the last corner and win the race with a hawk! That put me over the top for the overall win for the meet! (Laughs to himself one more time.) Might not have been funny to the others in the final, but it made my day! Hahaha. It's pretty funny when you watch it!
FirstLoser: Yeah, sounds like you're pretty full of yourself…
Larson: Hahaha – yeah. *BAMN*
So much for getting out of here without getting cracked in the teeth. I didn't need that incisor anyway. Tasting the metallic warmth of blood pooling in my mouth, I head for the door and make my way to FanBoy Comics, 15 minutes late for round one in the Pokémon tournament. As I sit down to shuffle my cards and deal my hand, I can't help but think ahead to what his reaction's going to be to the final round of questions. The state of USARS and the US World Team, 125mm wheels, his injury, his run for the Presidency. Things are going to get interesting, to say the least. Next time, I'd better wear some hockey gear, just to be safe.
Posted in General
Tagged inline, inline speed skating, inspiration, jim larson, usars, world team
Like the very-nearly legendary rivalry and podium skirmish between Chazz Michael Michaels and Jimmy MacElroy, I come at this blog post with a full-on head-butt that's gonna set the skating world on fire. Jim Larson, the man, the myth. Yes, my arch-rival and nemesis, here, now, EXPOSED! That's right – with this post I set out with one objective – to topple his reign of national medal counts for men my age, everywhere! But, you know, not quite for all of you, but for myself, 'cause that's the way I roll…
When I got news earlier this year that the winning-est skater of my age divisions, dare say one of the greatest skaters of all-time, was sidelined with a broken leg, I smelled blood in the water. Being the skate-shark I am, I decided that if ever I had the opportunity to mount a comeback and go home with a national gold medal, the time was neigh. Forget about that whole thing of having to qualify up through regionals, I was going for the buy in my region. That's right – with Larson out of the way, the podium was mine. I just needed to pack 9 months of training into 15 days and I was golden. Time for a comeback, yo.
Yeah – well, that was when I remembered how humiliating it was to take a third place medal in the 5,000 at ODN behind Jim and Norm Kirby, having been lapped by them. That's when I decided it wasn't a good idea to compete without really training. (I know – gimme a medal for profound insight.)
Truth be told, I was cheering him and Norm on as they were passing me in that race, cause these guys are the bleeding heart of the sport. Cheering them on and cursing under my breath. But they're a breed-apart, having come up in the sport, and still pushing it forward & faster, still dropping records, training hard, suiting up and showing up. They're inspirational. And it dawned on me that while they're generally well-known in skate circles, guys like this don't get the glory like NSC skaters or World Team members. There's a lot the rest of us can learn from this species of skater, so why not focus a lens on what it is they're doing to achieve consistent results? They're getting stronger and faster, year after year. I need to know how they're training if I'm ever going to race against them with pride, so I need information. Thus, the idea was born, use the blog as cover to gather intelligence. Write a story that digs deeper into the training methods and mind-set of the warrior. We have a plan.
It took a year, but I got it all! And I was ready to keep it to myself, but then he started asking about when I was going to publish it. Damn-it! Hadn't anticipated that. No one reads this thing, so I thought I'd be safe. Crap. I've got to share this. But maybe I employ some counter-intell tactics like disseminating misinformation. Ah, that's it. I'll keep the real secrets to myself, tell you all the exact opposite of what he shares, and rack up the medals next year. (maniacal laugh, MANIACAL LAUGH!!!)
Yeah, well then there's that detail of him still being among the living. If I'm ever going to show my face at another meet, I've gotta keep it real. Shoot. All this work…now for public consumption. Well, so be it. Game on.
If anything, this is a story about survival. Jim Larson is a a Home-Grown Champion in the truest sense of those words. This isn't a guy who's gone to Worlds and swept the field, but here at home, the guy has been accumulating titles, records and medals for years, at a rate unmatched by anyone else in any Division, period. So it's not that we're arch-rivals in it's truest sense, because, after all, he'd have to know who I am first off, but also, I'd have to be on some sort of level close to his too. So the rivalry is all mine, but I see that as a good thing. This is a skating record to aspire too. So instead of using my Garmin's training assistant, I load my goals on Larson pace, cause that's public information. But what makes this guy tick? What's he doing before he hits the track? Ah, I need to get inside his head. That's it! If I'm ever gonna have a chance to pace him in a race, I need to be on his level. So let's do some recon…
FirstLoser: First off, thanks for agreeing to this. We've been trying to get this together for a while, and I appreciate that you've made the time to talk to me. So, for those who are meeting you for the first time, let's drill into your credentials. Exactly how long have you been skating, either quads or inlines?
Jim Larson: Thanks bro. The pleasure is mine. I started in late 1974 on quads, the wood and powder days. I picked up on the inline scene in 1995 and actually didn't compete indoor until 1997, when I made my first regionals and first nationals. I've gotta say, we all have to start somewhere. My firsts were not pretty, to say the least!
FirstLoser: Been there, done that man. I lost half my butt at my first Nats. Fun! So, let's fast-forward fifteen-sixteen years, you're older, wiser, been doing this consistently all this time, and you have a freaking huge year. How many Inline indoor, Outdoor, Marathon, (takes a breath) Quad indoor, Rollerderby titles & records did you win or break in 2012?
Larson: Oh man! You want me to name them? If I'd known there'd be a test, I'd have stayed home. Just kidding. Let's attack this by discipline. In 2012 for Outdoor Track (inline) I set the 300m time trial, broke the 500m record in the heat and the final, and I also set the 1500m record, so that's 4 records. Moving to Road, I set the 200m and again broke and reset the record in 500m, and then again in the 1500m, so that's a total of 8 records at the Outdoor National Bank Track and Road Championships.
FirstLoser: And some of those records were fresh, so none of this "it's the wheels" crap.
Larson: Freshened them up myself! To continue, Indoor Inline, I went into 2012 setting goals and breaking down each individual race, determining how fast I could be and holding a lap average in order to set all the records, in hopes to set them in the heats and break them again in the finals…
FirstLoser: (internal monologue) 'Heh,heh,heh…that's it, reveal your strategy. He's playing into my trap!'
Larson: …so, in order, I set the 700m record in the heat and broke it again in the final, same with the 500m. But the 1000m didn't turn out the way I thought it would. I was on record pace through 8 laps and fell off pace a little at the end and missed the record by .30(tenths) of a second. Going into the final that night I thought well if I was that close, I know in the final the pace could be a little faster, so barring any mistakes it could very well be mine at the end of the race. But at the start of the race I was caught sleeping on the line and wasn't able to nail the start like I normally can do without any hiccups, and I was second going into the first corner, and was passed by 3 people in a corner and a straight. That kinda set me back, and the guys really made me work, so I missed my opportunity in the 1000m, and that was when I realized the record wasn't going to be touched. At that point, I was racing for the win and placement for the overall title. So records set on inlines in division was 4.
FirstLoser: That was Divisions, but you're a big relay player as well.
Larson: Yes, The Relays. Well, we set the Veteran's 2 Man record by over 4 seconds, and the Vet 2 Mix by 11 seconds! Choose your partners wisely, mine are always the best.
FirstLoser: So we're at 6 on inlines for indoor so far? Dayum!
Larson: Yes, but hold on! Moving on to quads…
FirstLoser: Jeez…
Larson: Well, I was counting, son! I wasn't planning on stopping at 6. I wasn't totally satisfied missing that 10 lapper in Inline Division, so I set out on Quads to just dominate, and that's where my head was at after coming off a good Inline season. But with some tough competition out there on Quads, I knew I would have to compete in solid fashion.
FirstLoser: Were you phoneing it in on Inlines?
Larson: (Laughs) Not at all, man! Stop trying to cause me trouble. So listen, on Quads, I set the 300m record in the heat, set and reset both the 500m and the 700m in the heats and finals. So that would be 5 more national records to add on Quads for 2012. So that would be a total of 19 records in 2012.
FirstLoser: Oh SNAP! That was just records? Dayum.
Larson: Yeah! As far as titles go, Indoor, Inline & Quad Veteran Men Champion, Inline & Quad Veteran 2 Man & 2 Mix Champion, Overall Track and Road Champion at Outdoor Nationals with 6 Gold Medals. That was just Nats, but then there's NIRA National Champion, and the MRDA Rollerderby National Champion with my Rollerderby team "YOUR MOM". So all in all, adding the titles, grand total…
FirstLoser: 14 National Titles in 2012. Goodness. Well, that's just 2012. You've been knocking down records for years as you move through different Divisions. How many standing records do you hold now?
Larson: You're really going to make me think about this one… (Long pause, at which point I head to the bar to drown my sorrows.) …where were you? Didn't bring me one? This is over!
FirstLoser: Be right back…
Larson: Good, I need a little more time to think – got a calculator?
FirstLoser: (completely soused now, handing him a beer)
Larson: About time! What, no shots? (mutters something, can make out the phrase cheap bastard) Well, some records we don't keep track of because USARS has done away with certain Outdoor and Indoor distances and Divisions, but I currently hold in Master Men Outdoor the record for the 300m on Road, which I'll own forever because they eliminated the race . I also have a Quad Classic 2 Man 3000m record, another eliminated distance, then there's the 3 Quad Veteran Men Records, 2 Inline Veteran Men records, 2 Inline Veteran Relay Records, 6 Inline 45-54 Master Divisions Outdoor Records on Road and Track…so where we at man? 15? Sounds good to me. That's what's standing right now.
FirstLoser: Yeah *hic* but we know we're not done yet. You've had a long career, and some of your records have been picked off. Not by me of course.
Larson: Of course, you lousy drunk!
FirstLoser: Now, now…focus on your *hic* career records, and the titles you've won through the years. Count that s#!t, b!^%h! Yeah!
Larson: Wow, you're a nasty drunk too. Simmer down or I'll smack you down, punk…Hmmm, not sure how many career records, but I think I could honestly say it's in the 30-40 range. As far as titles go, if we count Outdoor Nationals in there as well, each race is a title for Outdoor.
FirstLoser: I can't feel my face…what did you say? You've earned a title for each race and distance? Dayum…(glug, glug, glug)
Larson: Drink till ya stink, son! I can say, on a real good guess without archiving all of them, I'm close to the 50 range for Indoor and Outdoor, Inlines and Quads.
FirstLoser: *hic* What about skateboard and scooter? Flying Turtle?
Larson: Not yet, but I'm working on it. (BAMN! Smacks me upside the head with an Iron City empty.) Sober up.
FirstLoser: OK. Have you ever skated on the world team?
Larson: Nope. I never had the opportunity to try out for the World Team back in the day, but looking back I wish I knew then what I know now. Just a dream, but I believe it would have been interesting.
FirstLoser: OK, so, of everyone you've skated against, who stands out as the toughest competition you've ever faced?
Larson: Well I do have a couple people I have battled against over the years on Quads and Inlines. You're not on that list, but on Quads, I could mention Dante Muse all day long. Simply put, he's a Technician skater. On Inlines, Jay Ingram and I had our battles, along with heated races with Russell Parmely. Both guys are great competitors and OMG, hella fast! My hat's off to them and their great careers as well!
FirstLoser: One more question, before I pass-out…How the hell do you do it, man? (Starting the drunken cry)
Larson: I do all of this on pure high self esteem, integrity, motivation, drive, success, and positive mental preparation.
FirstLoser: No, no, HOW do you do it, man?
Larson: My secret? Hard work bro. I pay my dues. We practice Indoor 4 days a week. During specific times of the year, we're on double sessions, plus, weather permitting, outdoor as well. I'm in the gym 4-5 days a week, doing total cardio, weight training, core training, cycling, you name it. On the average, I spend 2 hours a day. It doesn't hurt that I work at a gym as well, so I really take advantage of that! I really eat very well too. I'm not big on fast-food, candy, an overabundance of soda, but I do have an occasional Diet Pepsi. When I'm in-season training, I'll slam a protein shake diet.
FirstLoser: Do you sleep well? Does that play into it?
Larson: I never had irregular sleep patterns, and my wife (speed skater Denise Larson) gets mad when I fall asleep before her and leave the TV on!
At this point, the room is spinning, I'm bleeding from the bottle to the head, and decide to call it a night. I've got more, very specific questions designed to really get in his head, but I need to be sober to get them straight. So stay tuned, there's a lot more where this came from…
Posted in General, Motivation
Tagged inspiration, jim larson, killmenow, nationals, records


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These prints are 6 1/2″ x 10″ on metal stock and are high quality. Amanda and Jimmy have signed each and every one of these prints.

subset: commoncrawl


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text:
- Item #: 19000
- Manufacturer: Ballistic Metal
Rub-N-Tug Cockring
This is a fun one... Slip the cockring over your cock & balls, insert the egg shaped end up your ass and get ready for some good times... While you rub your cock, you'll feel the tug of the connecting tube tugging between your cock & ass. This is an incredible feeling! We've combined our "Chubby" cockrings (5/8" wide) with our Ass Eggs to create this combination. These are CNC machined from aircraft grade aluminum, finished in a brushed satin finish and then hand assembled at our factory here in the USA. The cockring portion is available in 1 1/2" thru 2 1/4" and the ass egg comes in 1 1/2" , 1 3/4", 2" and 2 1/2" diameters.
The Rub-N-Tug is also available with an custom engraved cockring.


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Shapeshifter announce Tauranga and Nelson shows
New Zealand's undisputed kings of drum 'n' bass and electronica will play at MountPark in Tauranga on December 28.
Shapeshifter will then play the Bay Dreams warm-up party in Trafalgar Park, Nelson on January 3, 2020.
In Tauranga, Shapeshifter will be joined by The Upbeats w/ Tiki, Sunshine Sound System, Concord Dawn and State Of Mind.
"At the Bay Dreams Warm-up in Nelson they will headline a line-up, which includes Kings of the Rollers, Friction, The Upbeats w Tiki and Sunshine Sound System. More acts are still to be announced," say organisers.
"No summer would be complete without the mighty Shapeshifter. With four EPs and five LPs to their name, countless sold-out shows and tours, show-stopping festival sets, as well as countless accolades and awards, they are an integral part of New Zealand music culture."
The five-piece - P Digsss, Nick Robinson, Dan McGruer, Sam Trevethick and Darren Mathiassen - have also taken their unmistakable blend of drum 'n' bass and electronic dance music to the world.
They've performed at festivals like Glastonbury, The Big Chilland Parklife, and sold out performances across Europe.
Shapeshifter emerged in 1999 with a unique stadium-sized sound. Capable of morphing from rolling drum 'n' bass to pummelling guitar-driven jams to horizon-shifting electronic soundscapes, they have long been a 'must-see' act who never fails to deliver.
"Get in early to secure your tickets and make memories once again this summer with the mighty Shapeshifter.
Get tickets for Tauranga from ticketfairy.com; Nelson warm-up party tickets HERE


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Exactly 40 years ago, in July 1974, the first Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization was held. In his opening plenary address, Billy Graham focused on the key question of Why Lausanne? expressing hopes in four points:
"1. I would like to see the Congress frame a biblical declaration on evangelism…
2. I would like to see the church challenged to complete the task of world evangelization…
3. I trust we can state what the relationship is between evangelism and social responsibility…
4. I hope that a new 'koinonia' or fellowship among evangelicals of all persuasions will be developed throughout the world."
During the Congress the Lausanne Covenant was drafted by the 2,700 participants from 150 countries. The main purpose of the Lausanne Covenant was to broaden the worldview of evangelicals and facilitate partnership and unity among the body of Christ for the purpose of world evangelization.
The event lasted for 10 days and consisted of discussion, fellowship, worship and prayer. Given the range of nationalities, ethnicities, ages, occupations and church affiliations, TIME magazine described it as "a formidable forum, possibly the widest-ranging meeting of Christians ever held."
The statement of faith of the Lausanne Covenant includes the following topics:
- The purpose of God
- The authority and power of the Bible
- The uniqueness and universality of Christ
- The nature of evangelism
- Christian social responsibility
- The Church and evangelism
- Cooperation in evangelism
- Churches in evangelistic partnership
- The urgency of the evangelistic task
- Evangelism and culture
- Education and leadership
- Spiritual conflict
- Freedom and persecution
- The power of the Holy Spirit
- The return of Christ
The Lausanne covenant acknowledges the failure of many contemporary churches caught up in the prosperity gospel and in bondage to culture rather than Scripture. It is for these reasons that the church today can greatly benefit from the Lausanne Covenant.
Since Lausanne I, two subsequent congresses have been held: Lausanne II in Manila in 1989 and Lausanne III in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2010.
The full text of the Lausanne Covenant can be found at the following link: http://www.lausanne.org/en/documents/lausanne-covenant.html
Where do we stand today, as evangelicals, 40 years from that event?


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Avionics Sales Corporation offers the most comprehensive line of certified ADS-B solutions in the market, giving you the opportunity to see more and fly safer than ever before.
ADS-B is an environmentally friendly technology that enhances safety and efficiency, and directly benefits pilots, controllers, airports, airlines, and the public. It forms the foundation for NextGen by moving from ground radar and navigational aids to precise tracking using satellite signals.
With ADS-B, pilots for the first time see what controllers see: displays showing other aircraft in the sky. Cockpit displays also pinpoint hazardous weather and terrain, and give pilots important flight information, such as temporary flight restrictions.
ADS-B reduces the risk of runway incursions with cockpit and controller displays that show the location of aircraft and equipped ground vehicles on airport surfaces – even at night or during heavy rainfall. ADS-B applications being developed now will give pilots indications or alerts of potential collisions
ADS-B also provides greater coverage since ground stations are so much easier to place than radar.
Remote areas without radar coverage, like the Gulf of Mexico and parts of Alaska, now have surveillance with ADS-B. Relying on satellites instead of ground navigational aids also means aircraft will be able to fly more directly from Point A to B, saving time and money, and reducing fuel burn and emissions.
The improved accuracy, integrity and reliability of satellite signals over radar means controllers eventually will be able to safely reduce the minimum separation distance between aircraft and increase capacity in the nation's skies.
The FAA published Federal Regulation 14 CFR § 91.225 and 14 CFR § 91.227 in May 2010. The final rule dictates that effective January 1, 2020, aircraft operating in airspace defined in 91.225 are required to have an Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) system that includes a certified position source capable of meeting requirements defined in 91.227. These regulations set a minimum performance standard for both ADS-B Transmitter and the position sources integrated with the ADS-B equipment your aircraft.


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The "energy transition" from nonrenewable energy sources to a sustainable-power economy.
Update on 16 Jul 2013: After Germany began its phaseout of nuclear power by shutting down eight of its seventeen nuclear power plants in 2011 and yet was a net exporter of electricity in 2012 e.g. to France, which kept its nuclear power plants but suffered brownouts, German utility companies are now indicating they are considering shutting down dozens of coal and gas power plants as well because they are not profitable enough in the current renewable energy boom. Power plant operators want to be paid by the government for keeping the power plants available as backups, despite supply-driven reductions in their electricity selling prices. The Bundesnetzagentur can however force them by law to keep the power plants restartable, sans compensation.
(En erg EE venn deh.)


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StraitSys is a company of great people delivering great results leveraging our leadership and technical expertise in: Big Data Analytics, Information Technology Services, Insider Threat, Cybersecurity and Program Management. We were founded in 2007 and are a Certified Woman Owned Small Business with offices in metropolitan Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. Our passion is delivering systems, services and solutions in support of the critical missions of our customers.
We are committed to relationships between…
our company and our employees
our company and our customers
our employees and our customers
our company and our community
We service the customer above all else
We practice fanatical attention to consistency and detail
We encourage continuous self-improvement and individual initiative
We exhibit professionalism
We demonstrate honesty and integrity
We exhibit modesty and humility alongside confidence
We treat everyone with respect
We understand the value of reputation
We deliver on every promise, so you can deliver on yours.
GSA Schedule 70 GS35F370BA (U.S. General Services Administration)
SOAPS (Federal Bureau of Investigation) – Multiple Partner
ITSSS (Federal Bureau of Investigation) – Multiple Partner
CIO-SP3 Small Business HUBZone set aside Contract #HHSN316201800061W – Partner


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Restructuring specialists Hilco have purchased HMV's debts, the first step necessary for any other company to take control of the struggling high street retailer.
HMV, or at least its UK operation, owed a sum in the region of £176 million to its lenders Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland but because the company is in administration Hilco will have paid a sum significantly lower than this to acquire its debt.
Interestingly enough Hilco also bought out HMV Canada in 2011, though they haven't yet bought the UK business. They said in a statement: "Hilco UK confirms that it has acquired HMV's debt from the group's lender. It has not bought the business itself."
"Hilco believes there to be a viable underlying HMV business and will now be working closely with Deloitte who, as administrators, are reviewing the business to determine future options", the statement continued.
Meanwhile, HMV's UK stores will again accept gift vouchers. Many customers in both the UK and Irish stores were told that their gift vouchers were invalid, even if they were just purchased over the busy Christmas period.
HMV enters administration, over 4000 jobs at risk
HMV on Grafton Street closed as voucher debate rages on
Are several major music labels set to save HMV?
Funding from charity single at risk due to HMV situation
HMV workers stage sit-in over unpaid wages


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An article written by the Chair to be published in the review Journal of Organizational Change Management.
This international scientific review is recognised by the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research). It is a reference for researchers and practicioners who are interested in the issue of organizational change. The article highlights the evolution of research through the review of publications since 1995:
Giraud, L. & Autissier, D. (2013). Uncovering the intellectual development of the Journal of Organizational Change Management: a knowledge-stock and bibliometric study, 1995-2011, 26(2).
Documentation > Publications >


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When I was growing up, my parents used to tell me that I never fully appreciated what was happening at the present moment because I was always too busy making future plans. The Aesop fable about the prepared ant and the lazy grasshopper had probably traumatized me to some extreme, and I strongly believed that the more I planned, the less uncertainty would come my way (talk about an unlikely candidate for a career in special education!).
The second I entered this field, all my preconceptions about the wisdom behind solid scheduling and relying on daily plans leapt right out the window. My days were filled with multiple unscheduled visitors, single-student behaviors that served as intermissions for the whole class, and lesson plans that worked SO MUCH BETTER in my head than in practice. I realized that if I didn't learn how to be flexible and accept constant change, I was going to end up another statistic in the "education career overturn" bracket.
My new daily plan was to take a deep breath, laugh it off, pick up the pieces, and move on. I began looking forward to "teachable moments" on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis. After two years, I felt on top of my game. It was like I could read my kids and I could count on what they would respond to. I had great relationships with their families, and my support and friendships on campus were ideal. I had no clue that my "go-with-the-flow" perspective would soon be put to the test.
A week before this school year began, I changed jobs. It was a quick and unanticipated change, literally a split decision that needed to be made because an opportunity presented itself and I knew I had to jump on it. It was like someone snapped their fingers and suddenly there I was in a new room with new students, new grades and curriculum, and a whole new set of needs. Suddenly I was the new kid.
I say "kid" because after all the emotions I've gone through these past couple weeks I am convinced that we never really do grow up all the way. I was excited during the day and had nightmares of oversleeping at night. I looked for a familiar face to sit with at the "welcome back" luncheon and I scrambled to keep up with training that I was convinced everyone else had gone through three times already.
No matter how "on top of it" I have felt before, this year I have to learn the ropes all over again. There are new procedures, IEP programs, and inclusion rules. I have to make new friends with general ed. teachers and gain the trust of my colleagues, students, and their families all over again. Luckily, everyone I work with has been amazing and oh-so-helpful, but I know there will be bumps in the road…it's just the nature of the beast.
Change is challenging, but it is good. This is a lesson that will be re-learned in various contexts, so we might as well embrace it. I don't feel we should ever get too comfortable in this field. The feeling of security had allowed me to focus on my class activities, but I had forgotten what it was like to advocate for myself in addition to my students. I had also forgotten what it was like to meet a class full of people for the first time and nervously hope that they all like me.
If we all jumped into the unknown once in a while, we might learn something new about our capabilities in the classroom. If we let our students see us go through changes in our lives, maybe it would allow them to open up more so we could learn something new about their capabilities as well.
Oh, and incidentally, even adamantly prepared ants have to be capable of change. If they weren't able to adjust their stride length to correctly calculate their distance to food, they'd never find their way back home. I'm not saying I suddenly side with the grasshopper—laziness is the last thing we need in our schools. I'm just saying that if Aesop had known that, his story may have ended with a slightly different moral.


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Nevada Department of TransportationHome Menu
Freight Planning
The Freight Planning Section develops strategies, policies, and methodologies that work to improve the freight transportation system in Nevada.
The Freight Planning section continues to coordinate public-private, state-local, and state-federal freight transportation investment decisions and activities on a statewide basis. Promoting economic development and related job growth requires regional economies to maintain existing business and attract new ones.
Access to efficient freight transportation is a key element in business site selection. Competing in the global market environment has raised the importance of efficient, reliable supply chains and the transport systems they rely upon. Freight transportation plays a critical role in company decisions about site selection and expansion. Diversifying Nevada's economy remains a key theme for economic development in the state, and taking advantage of Nevada's modal transportation assets is a part of the state's strategic plan for supporting economic development and by providing a better transportation system for Nevada through our unified and dedicated efforts.
Freight Advisory Committee
A Freight Advisory Committee (FAC) meeting is convened quarterly (on the first Tuesday of the month) to consider all ongoing NDOT studies and initiatives. All interested public agency and private industry representatives are encouraged to attend at one of six NDOT video-conference facilities around the State, or via a webinar link. Agendas will be posted approximately one month in advance of each meeting indicating the topics to be discussed and information on how and where to attend.
August 8, 2018
November 6, 2018
February 5, 2019
May 7, 2019
August 6, 2019
FAC Recorded Minutes 8/6/19
November 5, 2019
|February 4, 2020
|FAC Agenda Feb 4th
|FAC meeting Presentation 2/04/20
|August 4, 2020
Studies and Documents
Nevada Truck Parking Implementation Plan (TPIP) was developed to plan for expanding, improving, and integrating freight truck parking and truck parking communications systems in response to rising demand, changing hours of service requirements, and safety standards defined in Jason's Law. When implemented, these improvements will provide adequate and safe public truck parking where it's most needed, full-service private truck facilities, and real-time truck parking availability information. Draft Final Report document is posted below:
Truck Parking Implementation Plan August 22, 2019
Truck Parking Implementation Plan Executive Summary August 22, 2019
- NV Truck Parking: Draft Data Collection-Literature Review (September 13, 2019)
- NV Truck Parking Survey Analysis Memo (October 2018)
- NV Truck Parking: Draft Needs Assessment - Truck Parking Demand and Gap Analysis (March 21, 2019
- NV Truck Parking Needs Assessment TP Supply Memo (April 15, 2019)
- NV Truck Parking: Draft Recommendations (July 30, 2019)
- NV Truck Parking: Draft Implementation Plan (July 5, 2019)
Hazardous Commodity Flow Study documents hazardous material transportation routes and modes in Nevada to help local, regional, state and federal response authorities to better understand the volumes and nature of hazardous material movement in the state.
- Hazardous Commodity Flow Study August 16, 2019
- Hazardous Commodity Flow Study Executive Summary June 30, 2019
- Nevada State Freight Plan (2016) identifies potential infrastructure improvements and/or polices to facilitate efficient freight movement throughout the State of Nevada, with the ultimate goal of providing the state with a competitive advantage that will result in a growing and diversifying economy.
A map and information on available truck parking and facilities on major highways that cross the State. This information is updated as information changes or becomes available.
Prior Studies and Documents
Freight Assessment Project (2013) completed an initial freight assessment study preparatory to developing a new Nevada State Freight Plan. This effort included the evaluation of recent planning efforts to identify issues, concerns, and opportunities regarding freight movement in the state, as well as to determine the effectiveness of any previous recommendations that have been implemented. The assessment also evaluated the freight industry from an economic perspective and identified areas for potential growth and development.
- The Goods Movement Study (2000) report summarized Nevada's initial attempt to examine the state's freight transportation system, with an eye on how to best utilize Nevada's freight strengths in the economic development and economic diversification process
For More Information:
Bill Thompson
Freight Program Manager
Freight Planning Section
Nevada Department of Transportation
Telephone: 775.888.7354


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Pelham Bay Park
95 people live in Pelham Bay Park. The median household income is $57,019.
Pelham Bay Park is a neighborhood in Bronx with a total population of 95. It occupies approximately 2.44 square miles. There are 45 street trees per square mile.
Most people in the neighborhood rent their home, with 52% of households being occupied by renters.
As for the demographics in the neighborhood, the median age is 46, 55% of residents are married, and 28% of residents have at least one child. About 15% of adults here have a bachelor's degree or higher.
The overall risk of crime in Pelham Bay Park is 36% higher than the National Average. As for weather, the average summer temperature is 75.7°F, while the average winter temperature is 31.1°F.
This area is zoned for New York City Geographic District #11, which has approximately 39,210 students enrolled and is rated unclassified overall based on student test scores. To see detailed information on the schools near any individual property, look that property up by street address.
Regarding weather, the average summer temperature is 75.7°F, while the average winter temperature is 31.1°F.


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When One is troubled with Windows What one can do?
It is strange that when one is troubled with Windows he or she goes into shell and blame oneself and not the operating system.
It is the opposite when one is troubled with Linux.
If he / she is a one who comes from the windows background without batting an eyelid he / she blames the distribution as if the whole hell has descended on him / her.
It is often a minor glitch he or she has overlooked to configure or may be downloading a suitable alternative package or worse come file a bug report to which a ready solution is available within 6 weeks.
If that does not help one can swap the distribution and select one that suits and download it.
(I have two books already available, not digital yet selecting a distribution and also the utilities and packages, if this blog entry is not adequate enough).
One problem with this approach is if one is not using a torrent download (even this can be painful if there is one seeder who has gone into hibernation at night-simply switched off the computer) it can be time consuming.
The download time can be awfully long and painful (I have enough of stories often due to failure of the telecoms but now never or do not complain because I download several at a time and I know one will be finished by morning when I am in deep sleep and dreaming some bizarre episode of Cloud Computing like star wars of yesteryear).
But once one has a CD (ideally D.V.D with almost everything one needs in one pack) the live session is breezy and installation is cakewalk if not catwalk.
Only thing Linux guys forget is to keep it running 24 hours (cron jobs at midnight are vital to get rid of the junk files that collect is one switches off the computer regularly; leave seeds for others to access) at least once or twice a week.
If you are lazy use a the sweeper or do it manually which I prefer now because of the frequent downloads.
Now come to Window guys/girls.
1. Do not blame yourself.
2. It is often the operating system at fault.
3. It can be due to a corrupt file or large macro sitting on the file and spying on you.
4. The pet device to blame is the latest virus and I bet you will not have a solution this side of 6 months.
With so many holes in the operating system which Microsoft will never able plug and then they will promise you the new version is very beautiful (but very slow to run unless you doubled up your RAM) and one should change and upgrade and works better (of course till the next ultra new version is ready for upgrade).
You are in this vicious cycle (V.C) and never get out of it.
If a guy of my age descends on me with a problem, I do not try to convert the guy to Linux fearing one gets a heart attack.
I ask a few questions.
If it a pirated copy.
If the answer is yes, thrash the pirated copy and get a copyrighted version.
This is I am openly campaigning for the guy to remain with Microsoft.
Microsoft should be happy with my efforts now but I do not charge anything for this advice.
The poor guy has to pay through his nose anyway.
Do not forget the virus guard and that also will cost you some quids.
Get somebody to format and install, I won't do that for you unless he or wishes to have a Linux distribution dual booted.
His has to spend a half a day with me with food and beverages ready and ample.
This is Christmas time anyway.
If the guy has not got the money, then the scenario changes.
I ask what are the things that he uses computer for, regularly.
Invariably, the answer is that he uses the email and nothing else to be in contact with the family and friends.
Then I give him a breezy Live CD and ask the guy to use it till he himself try to find a remedy for the malady or ultimately ditch Microsoft and ask me to install the new distribution in his computer.
The long course works well for Linux and I of course have to have two visits instead of one.
That of course keeps our friendship lasting and viable.
Who says Microsoft is bad.
It makes "my sphere of activity" to enlarge and expand.


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MADISON, Wis. (AP) Wisconsin families with school-aged children would receive a one-time $100 tax rebate this summer and state sales tax would be waived on certain purchases the first weekend in August under a deal Gov. Scott Walker and Assembly Republicans announced Thursday.
The agreement is a variation of an election-year tax cut the Republican incumbent governor first put forward last month that Democrats assailed as a gimmick to help Walker"s re-election bid. While Walker and Assembly Republicans are on board, it"s not clear whether it has the backing of Senate Republicans.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos denied the timing of the tax breaks, which would come just days or weeks before the Aug. 14 primary, were politically motivated.
"I"ve never thought it was a gimmick," he said. "Frankly, I am OK with anything to reduce the taxes paid in Wisconsin because we are overtaxed, period. I think this is a creative way to stimulate the economy."
The Assembly will approve the plan later this month, Vos said. It"s not clear what will happen in the Senate, which must also approve it before it goes to Walker. Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald"s spokesman did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Under the deal, families with children ages 5 to 17 as of last year who are living at home would receive $100 for each qualifying kid. The money, estimated to be about $122 million taken from a budget surplus, would be delivered to all families regardless of income sometime in July. That is unchanged from what Walker originally proposed.
"As I promised, when we have a surplus, we will give it back to you," Walker said in a statement. "It"s your money."
Walker originally wanted to continue with a refundable income tax credit starting in 2019, but that has been scrapped. Instead, there will be a one-time waiving of the state"s 5 percent sales tax on qualifying purchases under $100 made the first weekend in August. The total estimated cost to the state in lost tax revenue would be about $50 million.
For a $100 purchase, the tax savings would be $5. Single purchases over $100 would not qualify, but the person could make multiple trips to the check-out line to get the benefit if the total being bought is $99 or less. It would also apply to online purchases.
"Our goal is actually to increase the economic ability of families this year," Vos said, noting that the benefit will extend to all families regardless of income.
The exemption would not apply to alcohol or tobacco products, prepared food, taxable services, motor vehicles or vehicle parts, telecommunications or utility tangible or intangible property.
Walker proposed a more narrow sales tax holiday in his last budget that would have applied only to back-to-school supplies. But Republicans rejected that, instead focusing on other tax cuts.
Critics of sales tax holidays, particularly retailers, argue they are costly and difficult to administer.
Sixteen states had some type of sales tax holiday in 2017, according to the Federation of Tax Administrators.
Follow Scott Bauer on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sbauerAP
Sign up for the AP"s weekly newsletter showcasing our best reporting from Texas and the Midwest at http://apne.ws/2u1RMfv


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Top Five Quotes From Sunday's Talk Shows
Here are the Top Five quotes from Sunday's news shows:
"We're not there yet."
— Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.), on the possibility of eliminating the filibuster for legislation, on CBS' "Face the Nation."
"I recognize that people make mistakes. And the folks at MSNBC made a big mistake, and they've apologized for it, and that's all you can ask for."
—Former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney on "Fox News Sunday," discussing an MSNBC segment that included jokes about Mr. Romney's adopted black grandchild.
"We have to be a country committed to leaving no one behind in this recovery."
—White House National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling, on CNN's "State of the Union," discussing the plan to renew long-term unemployment benefits.
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WALTER PICHLER. Small Room (Prototype 4), 1967 Photography: Werner Kaligofsky.
Generali Foundation, Vienna. © Generali Foundation
WALTER PICHLER TV-Helmet (Portable living room), 1967
This workshop explored ways in which the contemporary obsession with insecurity is generating new forms of technical promise, offering control and protection in the wars against terror and environmental apocalypse. Discussions ranged from Double Agents in the post cold war era, how design thinking is integral to understanding, envisioning and provoking thoughts about the future, how risk assessment and scenario planning creates its own future and how the war on climate change has been created from the same language and motivations as the war on terror.
Filed under: double agents, ethics, green, propaganda, security, terrorism, war, workshop 6 | Tagged: critical design, future | Leave a comment »


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When you paddle deeper and deeper into Labyrinth Canyon, you will face new adventures and new weather around every bend. But be prepared: This surreal place with its towering red walls and unmusical birds will cast its spell on you.
"If it weren't for Moab, I wouldn't be in Utah altogether!"
Scott* nearly has to shout to make himself heard, while he is driving us through Utah's desert in an old-school pickup truck. Tony Diesel, his truck, has the same red-rust colors as Moab's mountains. It seems nearly as old as well, but a little shaking here, a pat on the hood there does its job. Tony Diesel is still running.
We are on our way to the Labyrinth Canyon west of Moab, where the Green River carves its way deep and deeper into the Colorado Plateau. We will follow the meandering river from Crystal Geyser near the town Green River (river mile 116) to Mineral Bottom at the entrance of Canyonlands National Park (mile 52) – an easy four-day trip which leaves plenty of time to chill at camp sites and hike into the canyons.
"If it weren't for Moab…"
The town of 5,000 inhabitants in eastern Utah is the hub to two national parks (Arches and Canyonlands) and a center of outdoor sports in the American West, especially for climbing, highlining, mountain biking and canoeing. Scott came to Moab as a "refugee" as he says with a grin – having fled his native Northern Utah "where the Church has all the say". Sixty percent of Utah's inhabitants are Mormons, especially in rural areas and Salt Lake City where the LDS church has its headquarters.
But Scott, driver and tour guide for a Moab-based outfitter, loves Utah as much as he hates it. "You can go wild here! " While we judder on, he explains how the state managed to keep its land mostly public and accessible for all. Unlike Colorado, whose inhabitants often come to Utah for outdoor sports as he says, because so much of their wilderness area is privatized.
Labyrinth Canyon – You can go wild here!
Scott's voice echoes in our minds after having been dropped in Crystal Geyser an hour later. We see no geyser, the Green River looks muddy-brown and the wilderness is a wasteland of rubble. No red buttes and mesas, no canyon walls, nothing. We look at each other, at the lonely canoe and shrug: What else could we do?
For half a day, few bushes and no walls provide shade. There is only one advantage of starting that far upstream: You will cherish the beauty of the Labyrinth Canyon even more!
(Note: Don't be like us. Don't start at Crystal Geyser. Leapfrog that paragraph and those hours: Start at Ruby Ranch 19 miles further downstream and paddle beyond Mineral Bottom into the Stillwater Canyon, if you can.)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwpRkBg7hgw&w=960&h=540]
Slowly the walls build up: The piles of rubble rise after every bend, soon the first mesa appears and finally walls protrude 20, 50, 100 yards high from the river. They take us on a journey through geological eras. The oldest layers of rock, which make up Labyrinth Canyon, are on the bottom, the youngest on top and prone to erosion. There are 22 of them, carmine, pink and orange, white and shale and grey: Paradox and Honaker which have been around for 1.7 billion years. The younger Halgaito and Cedar Mesa Sandstone. Next the Moenkopi and Chinle Formation. Wingate and Kayenta. And last but not least Navajo Sandstone with its famous red color. Tony Diesel red.
19th century graffiti
The walls of Labyrinth Canyon glide past us, polished and noble verticals. As climbers we cannot help but wonder whether they are "doable" and for whom. We settle for "5.13, 5.14", near the top of the contemporary climbing scale, and give up the thought.
These walls carry entire ecosystems as well as messages of old times. There are small holes (for spiders), big holes (for ourselves), holes in holes; there are bird nests glued to the wall and semi-circular amphitheaters which could become concert halls for thousands of listening paddlers. Well, theoretically.
The French trapper Denis Julien was the first who, in 1836, recorded his way along the river. Every few weeks he would leave his name, date, and some rather awkward drawings on the canyon walls – the further up the later the date. Why he headed against the stream nobody knows. Nowadays leaving marks on the walls is illegal, but the message is lost on some river-dwellers, who "ornate" the billion-year-old walls and even left their hearts and arrows on top of Julien's historic writing.
We spend a long time in vain looking for Navajo paintings which are located in smaller side canyons. Instead, we find gigantic drawings all over the walls, like that 10-yard-high profile of an old Indian woman with a child at her side, surrounded by waves – "drawings" produced by the forces of nature and completed in our imagination.
Stone blocks as large as houses lie in perfect balance on the scree slope beneath the canyon walls, while we pass beneath. Further on we see another such block inside the water, crashed, like the head of a statue whose era has ended. Lucky those who were not passing by when it happened.
Very rarely, we meet a kayak, raft and even a family of 20 people. While the walls amplify all sounds within our stretch of the river – between the bend behind and the bend ahead of us – they shade off any other sounds. We are alone.
Surreal companions
Alone and surrounded by other animals who make it clear that this is their element, not ours:
– The ghost bird whose large shadow strides across the canyon wall a hundred yards above us, while the bird itself remains invisible.
– Spiders! When I let my headlamp illuminate the beach where we put our tent at night, two phosphorus eyes reflect it back on me. A dark body works its way up the sand. Why do they have to start their day while we finish ours around a campfire?
– And Comedy Bird: I have never seen it and don't know its real name, but it lives all over the American Wild West, from Tuolumne Meadows to the Grand Canyon. All it does is sing wrong minor scales downwards. It sounds like the public laughter in a comedy sitcom or a falling rock in slow motion. Does it make fun of us or is it just the least musical bird species out there?
Beware the bend!
Shall we go or shall we stay? Yes, we have noticed the dark clouds and the fact that other paddlers were putting up their tents on uncomfortable brushwood slopes around noon. But we want a beach to camp on, and we are optimists. So we head out of the bay and onto the calm muddy waters. When we paddle around the bend we see a wall of waves rushing toward us – too late to react, just early enough to regret our decision. The canyon has shaded us off in the lee only to channel the storm toward us around the bend. Lightning strikes and we paddle furiously for an eternal 15 minutes until we reach a shore with dense reed in which we can sit out the thunderstorm.
A sudden storm, a sudden silence. Another storm, another silence. A wave of heat, of cold. On the Green River you can never be sure what to wear, where to stop. Due to its labyrinthine geography it can be lazy and comforting for hours, just to turn into a wrathful snake in seconds.
Stone people, unmusical birds
All too early in the morning the birds of Canyonlands bounce back to life. What I hear is too captivating – or enervating – to fall asleep again. DJ Bird provides the rhythms: Chh-tak, chh-tak, chh-tak. A second bird joins in with irregular interjections, eager to contribute to the concert but too unmusical to keep up with the DJ's pace. Impatient with the lame locals, a bunch of geese take over, cosmopolitans in transit down on the river. "Red red red" beaks the first, "rocks" answers her companion. "Red rocks", the canyon walls echo back. But the river takes them downstream as fast as they appeared and the local band resumes their concert, only occasionally joined by a faint "red rocks" in the distance. Once they have found their rhythm, another exotic bird interrupts: "Didididit didididit". Sorry, guys, that's our alarm clock.
In some bends with particularly good views, stone people protrude from the wall high above the river, one pillar next to another, their noses, hairstyles and legs well defined. Some of those guardians seem to put their heads together, amused and utterly unimpressed by the river's minute-by-minute happenings.
They have seen entire eras evolve and decay after all.
*name changed for anonymity
Do you have other magical destinations you want to share with the Life in the Bay community? Or just a question? Feel free to comment below! For adventures closer to home, have a look at our California Outdoor Calendar.
When to go: Spring and fall are ideal times for canoeing in Labyrinth Canyon, as the water levels are low enough to camp on exposed sand banks. If you plan to do the trip in summer, be prepared for severe heat and thunderstorms in the afternoons. Avoid Easter, Labor Day and especially the Memorial Day Weekend (motorboat event) if you want to enjoy the tranquility. In winter there may be ice on the river.
Where to go: If you can, extend your trip by paddling into the National Park – you need a (restricted) permit and an outfitter that can bring you back to Mineral Bottom on a jet boat as there is no landing in the park. We couldn't get the latter – to be booked months in advance! If you can't, no problem: Although the Labyrinth Canyon doesn't officially belong to the National Park, the last part is just as impressive as the park itself.
What to read: Labyrinth Canyon is in Utah, so Utah's own website is a good place to start your search for information. They offer a digital map for a brief overview, but you will need a river guide book with a more detailed map. Local outfitters recommend this one and we found it exact and entertaining – you can buy it online or in the Moab Tourist Center: Belknap's Waterproof Canyonlands River Guide. 78 pages, scale: ca 1:50.000, revised 2014, $19,95.
What to rent: We rented the canoe, equipment – including the mandatory river toilet – and got a transit to the river and back from Moab Rafting and Canoe Company. Their owner Theresa has been on the Green River hundreds of times and also offers guided tours. We were happy with MR as they are reliable and great people. They are a little more expensive than some of their Moab competitors, but the latter were booked out a month in advance. You might want to compare the alternatives though: Canyon Voyages, Tag-A-Long Tours, and Tex's Riverways.
What to take: map, extra rope (to tie equipment in the kayak); water sandals, hat, raincoat, fleece sweater; insect repellent, lip balm, sunscreen and sunglasses; tent, sleeping bag, inlet, sleeping pad, one headlamp with spare batteries per person; toilet paper and hand sanitizer; drinking water for the entire trip; dry food, stove and pot; first aid kit; possibly a satellite beacon. The area is remote: There are no streets or settlements and no cell phone service within the canyon. You must be self-reliant to deal with emergencies.
What to prepare: Check the weather forecast and the water levels ahead of the trip or ask the outfitter. Print your free permit: here. While BML plans to restrict how many people can access the Labyrinth Canyon in the future, the permits are still unlimited. If you decide to paddle further downstream into the Canyonlands National Park, however, permit restrictions apply.
What else to do on such a long journey? If you are driving, you can combine Moab with visiting the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Joshua Tree or Death Valley in California or some of the five National Parks in Utah – the South West has a lot to offer. If you want to hear about the Mormons from their own perspective, you can book a free temple tour in Salt Lake City.
For other outdoor ideas see our California Outdoors Calendar:
How is your calendar filling up? Why not get out and enjoy the fantastic California outdoors? Here are some suggestions, one per month.


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Time: 35 minutes. Chinese five-spice powder infuses this colorful stew with a warm, anise-y note.
How to Make It
Whirl garlic and ginger in a food processor until minced. Trim fat from steaks and cut across the grain into 1/4-in. slices, discarding pockets of fat. Sprinkle meat with half of garlic mixture and all the salt.
Heat oil in a 5- to 6-qt. pan over high heat. Brown half the beef lightly, stirring occasionally, 3 to 6 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer meat to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef.
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining garlic mixture to pan and cook until softened, about 30 seconds. Stir in five-spice powder, then broth and soy sauce. Peel sweet potato, halve lengthwise, and cut in 1/3-in.-thick slices. Add to broth. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, trim ends from bok choy, rinse, separate leaves, and cut in wide diagonal slices. Stir bok choy into stew and simmer just until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in beef and cook until hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Cut onions in 3-in. slivers.
Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with onions.
Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.


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I'm not seeing recent activity in this forum, so not sure if it is still active. I recently got my Bio-Well, so I'm hoping I might get a few questions answered:
1) On the Chakra tab, it seems to me that the "Yin" and "Yang" labels are flipped. All the other characteristics are grouped appropriately, but Yin is labeled as extrovert, social, etc., and Yang is with the introverted characteristics. Is that just a glitch on my device? That is the opposite of my understanding (and training (Master of Science Oriental Medicine)).
2) I work with some really really ill patients (cancer, Lyme disease, mold toxicity, etc). I have run the Bio-Well on about half a dozen representative patients. They have, every last one of them, come out showing almost perfect yin/yang balance, all are optimal in their emotional pressure, their energy, and everything else measured. They have few organ imbalances, etc. In other words, what it is reading, and what I know to be the case with these patients, is radically divergent. Many of them are very overtly ill.
This led me to think that maybe my own energy was influencing the reading on my patients. So I did an experiment in the clinic. A colleague of mine has more stress, more physical pain, etc. than I do. We did a Bio-Well reading three times in a row on a third individual in our clinic: Once with just me as the operator and my colleague out of the room, once with my colleague as the operator and me out of the room, and once with us both in the room (but me doing the actual machine operation). What came through was quite dramatic, actually, and was most obvious on the chakra image.
The degree of left/right shift on each of the chakras was quite different depending on who was in the room. With the exception of one chakra, when my colleague was the operator the chakras were shifted fairly significantly left or right on the subject being tested. When I was the operator the chakras were much more modestly shifted left/right. When both I and my colleague were in the room during the testing, the chakras were almost always in between those two positions, and on a few chakras almost exactly at the half way point between the other two measures.
While on the one hand it is great that my patients can be balanced in that way, it is also preventing me from really seeing the true state of their energy system.
I'm hoping someone can tell me if there is a way to "shield" the patient I'm testing from my own presence so that I can see their energy independent of my own.
3) Finally, there is a "Meditate" tab, but I'm unclear how to utilize that and don't know where to find information about that. Can someone point me to a resource not only on that particular tab, but is there a manual that reviews in detail how to interpret the findings within each of the tabs of the analysis? For instance, what is the clinical significance of a left/right imbalance in the Spleen?
Thanks for any insights. I'm thrilled to be incorporating this into my practice as part of my ongoing assessment of patients.


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Google has started selling its adorable little Clips camera. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, the device is already out of stock. The first pre-orders are due to start shipping at the end of February, but there's no word yet on if and when Google will start taking orders again.
Google is becoming a serious contender when it comes to hardware. Its current lineup includes the Pixel 2, the Google Home speaker, the Chromecast, Pixel Buds, and Daydream View (which Plex now supports). And the company is also preparing to unleash Google Clips onto the world.
Google Clips Captures Everything
Google unveiled its Clips camera at an event in October 2017, taking everyone by surprise. In case you missed it, Clips is a small, box-like camera designed to be placed somewhere and then left to do its own thing. That thing being capturing short, soundless clips of people and animals.
The idea is that Clips will be able to shoot photos of moments even the best photographers might miss. Simply because Clips is always there and always waiting for the right opportunity. There IS a button so that you can manually shoot photos, but that's not meant to be its primary use.
The Google Clips trail has gone cold since October, until this past weekend when Google quietly opened pre-orders. Unfortunately, despite Google not broadcasting its release to the world, Clips is now listed as out of stock. And interested parties are invited to join a waitlist instead.
Still, those fortunate enough to have nabbed one of the first pre-orders can expect to receive their Clips camera at the end of February. And we have to assume Google will then ramp up production. But with a retail price of $249, it isn't yet clear how great the demand will be.
Clips Lacks Mainstream Appeal
Google Clips is an intriguing little device, but I'm not convinced it will have mainstream appeal. Because while we all like the idea of capturing unposed shots of our families, most people are content with just using their smartphone. Especially when Google Clips costs $249 to buy.


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FYI: Simple search and replace all "models.FloatField" to "models.DecimalField" didn't appear to have any ill-effects and has been committed to the product-model-refactor branch.
You caught us doing some quick maintenance, temporarily restricting your repository to read-only access.
Issue #57 resolved
Django has recently updated trunk with a true decimal field. This should be very welcome to Satchmo. We need to modify the models as described here - http://code.djangoproject.com/wiki/BackwardsIncompatibleChanges
We may also want to check some of the places where we coerce to decimal to see if it is still needed.
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Pumpkin launcher plans
Plans Pumpkin Launcher Plans
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Pumpkin launcher plans


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When a woman first discovers she's pregnant, the birth can seem distant, an event that happens at the very end of pregnancy. There are nine months to get through first. She knows the birth will be something big, but it's still a somewhat abstract idea—and maybe even a little scary. She can prepare by taking childbirth education classes or by asking her maternity care provider questions, but the real truth is that every birth is unique—and unpredictable.
Juliana Fehr, author and midwife, often teaches mothers and care providers about the three Ps of childbirth: passenger, pelvis, and powers. The first, passenger, refers to the baby: its position, its size, its vital signs, its presentation. The pelvis refers to the passage through which the baby travels—the mother's pelvic type and the birth canal, including the cervix. And, finally, powers, refers to the condition of the uterus, such as uterine contractions and other physical indications of active labor. Looking at birth from a systems perspective, it's clear just how variable each birth experience can really be.
After giving birth many women speak of the power of the birth process or of feeling empowered and more confident after learning just what their bodies are capable of accomplishing. Natural birth advocates often discuss unnecessary interventions as potential disrupters of a powerful birth experience. Unnecessary interventions, like an epidural, can interfere with a woman's ability to feel and accurately discuss her contractions and some interventions can interfere with beneficial hormones that are released in a natural birth. Unnecessary interventions can invite more complications and more interventions—a cascade effect.
But what if something goes wrong with the three Ps of labor? What if the baby is in distress or has a difficult presentation? What if the passageway is obstructed in some way, or the powers are working not with, but against mom or baby? What if intervention is necessary? Can a mother still feel empowered/powerful/confident? What does having a powerful birth experience really mean?
The Oxford English dictionary defines empowerment as the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights.
It's easy to see why a woman's birth experience can both empower and, potentially, disempower her. Some women who go through a disappointing or complicated birth report the birth experience as traumatic. Researchers are only just now recognizing postpartum PTSD as its own classification. Previously women experiencing postpartum PTSD were misdiagnosed with postpartum depression, an equally serious condition requiring treatment. But, like soldiers returning from war with PTSD, women who are traumatized by their birth experiences, experience flashbacks, triggers, and live in a perpetual fight-or-flight state. In 2015, the Atlantic Magazine ran a story on postpartum PTSD, pointing out that up to 17% of new mothers might experience some form of postpartum PTSD. A woman's birth experience is something she never forgets.
Women can prepare themselves for birth by carefully examining their expectations. The more fixed the expectations, the more room for disappointment, and in rare cases, even trauma. For instance, if a woman is fixed in her desire to birth in her home, but ends up with a complication that requires a transfer, she may have a hard time accepting that she delivered the baby in a hospital with obstetrical assistance. Or, conversely, if a woman is determined to have a hospital birth with an epidural and an obstetrician to catch the baby, but the labor moves too fast to make it to the hospital, she may not achieve either.
There is a beautiful communication between the baby and woman's body during labor. Most often that communication informs the labor and moves it along smoothly. And sometimes the communication can highlight when something is wrong. For instance, intense back pain in early labor might mean the baby is posterior; persistent back pain when pushing might mean the cord is pulled tight and the placenta is pulling too early from the uterine wall with each push. The most important preparation a woman can make is to remain open to the wisdom of her body, of the baby, and of her trained birth attendants.
A conscious fluidity on the part of the woman in labor can help her to relax and more easily ride the contractions, and it benefits the mother when something unexpected happens.
Flexibility on the part of the family and birth attendants is also important. If a birth moves too fast to make it into a birth tub filled and waiting with warm water, the birth partner and the birth team may need to scrap the idea of a water birth and simply follow the mother wherever she needs to go with the labor. Or the nurse who likes the orderliness and predictability of an epidural and continuous monitoring should remain flexible to the approach each mom most needs and wants for her birth.
Power in birth can take many forms. For some it may mean accomplishing that natural birth, but for many others it may mean something entirely different. The operative words in the Oxford English Dictionary's definition are "controlling one's life and claiming one's rights." A cesarean birth can be just as powerful as a natural birth. If the woman feels in control of the decision and that her rights and her baby's rights are equally respected, her birth will be powerful. A slippery slope occurs when birth attendants (midwives, nurses, physicians) don't fully involve the woman in decisions or when the woman feels coerced or forced to consent to an intervention or change in plans. Another slippery slope occurs when one intervention is recommended, but the woman is not fully briefed on the other interventions that will likely be necessary because of the first intervention (like an induction.) Many hospitals have adjusted rules and regulations so that even if the mother delivers her child by cesarean, the father can be there or the baby can be placed on the mother's chest immediately after delivery. The mother and her birth team can effectively communicate with the medical personnel to be sure that the mother's needs are met.
Childbirth is a big event in a woman's life. It marks the beginning of motherhood and it has far-reaching effects on the mother-baby bond and the woman's self-confidence. Whether a cesarean birth, a medicated birth, or a natural birth in the hospital, the birth center, or in the home, can all be powerful. And if a mother has experienced a traumatic birth, she can find power in overcoming the trauma. She can recognize the power in her body's ability to communicate just how painful the birth really was for her. She can find power in, as the Oxford English Dictionary defines in empowerment, the process of becoming stronger and more confident through even the most negative of experiences.
Looking back at the definition of empowerment, it's clear that when a woman experiences RESPECT, a powerful birth experience will happen, regardless of the mechanics or final outcomes. With respect, a woman can face any birth experience and find power in her ability to embrace the way in which she becomes a mother. Respect, however esoteric the idea may be in the realm of physiological labor, is by far the most important ingredient to a powerful birth experience. Respect is what each laboring woman deserves. It's with respect that her birth will feel powerful, allowing her to feel confident as she moves into her new role as mother to her new baby.


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Another home run from Della Terra!
The first thing I noticed after I brewed this is that it SPARKLES. And I was so excited about it that I had to go over to Rayn and go "Rayn, Rayn! Look at this tea! It sparkles!!!" And he confirmed that yes, it was in fact sparkling. It looks like little glitter is just dancing around in the tea! So cool!
Then I smelled the tea: ripe strawberries and a little bit of rose. No pu-erh smell. After a few seconds, it was time to taste. I taste earthy pu-erh with no hint of fishyness. Then the juicy strawberry flavor, like strawberry candies. I taste just a hint of mango.
I'll be honest, I was expecting this not to work. At all. But it totally does! And seriously, tea that sparkles? Della Terra just keeps impressing me.


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I had looked forward to a dream. Something I was so in love with. I yearned, I waited everyday. Yet when I had it, it was all in pieces, broken apart.
And then, when I least expected, I had hope. Smiling at me and saying, "here here, I am with you."
Even when nothing made sense, I know soon it all will.
34.077082 74.815898


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It's a family affair
JANUARY 19, 2002 is not a date we recall with anything but sadness in these parts, for it was the day Jeff Astle was taken from us in what we now know more clearly to have been deeply tragic circumstances.
The Throstles were at home the following lunchtime, playing Walsall, and the response of Albion supporters far and wide was something awesome to behold as The Hawthorns was quickly festooned with floral tributes, flags, shirts as those touched by Astle's life, his achievements, his goals, but most of all, his presence, felt they had to make some tangible gesture, as though they had to be a part of him in his death as he had been part of theirs in life.
Which is what it was, in the deepest, most honest sense. For what is a football club if it is not a family, if it's not a tribal gathering, if it's not an organic, vital, vibrant part of people's lives.
Forget demographics, market share, the TV millions, the United shirts on Japanese children. Forget the razzmatazz, forget the hype, the trickery, the scandal and the stories, forget the bogus idea that football is a leisure choice. It is not, not if you truly understand it. It is a calling.
Football survives because it is part of your life. You are born into football, you are born into your team. You live with it, you die with it. Weaken that, and you have a game and a club that will eventually wither on the vine.
On that day, this club proved that even in the modern world, football can still have a soul, demonstrating it in our heartfelt response to Astle's death, from the flowers, through the immaculately observed minute's silence at the Walsall game, past Jason Roberts' t-shirt tribute and on to the massed ranks who attended his funeral in the pouring rain.
Football is so huge these days so monolithic, so awash with cash that you can lose sight of its soul, but Jeff's death showed that at least Albion hadn't. More important, it showed us that we must not. A game without a soul is a game no longer worth playing.
That is what football supporting is about, that is why clubs that are plummeting down the leagues, seemingly out of control, apparently worthless to those who don't understand the game, somehow stay alive. It's why this football club still managed to bring in crowds in five figures in the late 1980s and early 1990s when the football we served up couldn't begin to live with the football we'd been so proud of a decade or so earlier.
But we were proud of our club. Of West Bromwich Albion, of the blue and white stripes. Our families and friends ensured that we carried the throstle badge as a badge of honour, no matter what the transient results on the pitch were, because Albion was part of us and we were part of it. We remembered what we were capable of, those of us old enough, while the younger ones lived off the folk memory, and continued to come though any rational argument would have seen them head off to Premier League football in Witton or head off to the cinema instead.
But they didn't. You didn't. You kept coming to The Hawthorns. Why? Because you wanted to be there the day we saw the new Jeff Astle make this place his kingdom, the day when Albion would come back. And if it didn't happen this season, it might happen next. Or the next, or the next. We could wait, because there is no other choice for us, because we are Albion.
And now we're back in the Premier League, the top flight where most of us believe this club belongs. And why do we believe that? Because of Jeff and his ilk. Jeff gave us dreams to dream, memories of glory days and visions of him thundering through the middle to get his head to another perfect Chippy Clark cross gave us all the hope to keep on going through the grim days, the Woking days, the Halifax days, the Twerton Park days.
That's what a great player, and more importantly, what a great man does for a football club. He encapsulates something about the place, its ethos, its existence and he becomes the repository for everything connected with it. And no club has ever had a finer ambassador, nor a finer keeper of the key than Jeff Astle, for though he was a Nottinghamshire lad rather than a Black Country man, he came to personify everything about West Bromwich. The warmth, the hardness, the humour, the willingness to laugh at himself, the capacity for some damned hard work and the ability to balance that by playing hard as well.
I remember a time as a kid when to get Jeff Astle's autograph on a scrappy bit of paper was all that mattered in life and to see him running on to the field was the earthly equivalent of heaven. Like your dad, you just knew that Jeff would never let you down and like your dad, he never did. Even when there were wild press reports that he was off to Everton – making at least this Black Country youngster wonder about the possibility of supporting two clubs at once – he didn't betray us and stayed at The Hawthorns to the end of his top class career. God bless him for that kindness alone.
As The Beatles defined the 1960s on an international level, ask any Baggies fan about his abiding image of the 1960s and it's Jeff, arms aloft, celebrating after sticking another one in the back of the net. And though Jeff might have been an Elvis man, might have been called The King, if he needed a real title, it was John Lennon who provided the most appropriate epithet for him – Jeff really was a working class hero.
Jeff was Superman too, just as he was Everyman, the source of his enduring appeal and of his legend, a legend that will only grow in the retelling of the tales down the years. Tell them to your children, your grandchildren, but don't let Astle become a mythic creature. Leave him as flesh and blood because he is the beating heart of this football club, the memory that roots us in our culture, Albion culture. If we lose that, we lose everything, and we become the soulless entity that so many others have become – no names, but you know who I mean.
Jeff is this club's conscience, looking down on it, keeping it on the straight and narrow. After all, who would betray a kingdom?


text: November 22, 2018 Comments Off on August Forum Talks, Slides and Feedback in All Events,Past Events,Past Monthly Forums by Viresh The August Forum – "Panel discussion between Tim Wilson MP and Simon Holmes a Court with Rob Jell AM moderator" attracted a large local audience. Talks: Presentations Questions from the audience Rob Gell Simon Holmes à Court Tim Wilson Feedback on August Forum I must say that I was disappointed that your three distinguished speakers did not address the real issue of the risk from climate change, merely looking at the economic pros and cons of various inadequate solutions. I was ready to comment but the Q & A session was too restricted and there was such a long queue of people wanting to speak that I gave up. But as a retired CSIRO climate change scientist and activist I felt I had important things to say. 1.Stranded assets in the fossil fuels industry as they face a technological revolution towards new and cheaper renewables. It is only a matter of time. It reminds me of my grandfather who was a coachbuilder in Newstead when motor cars were invented. He was put out of business, and ended up as a travelling salesman. 2. Coastal impacts, both of rising seas and changing winds and currents affecting coastal erosion and sand drifts. These are happening now in Victoria and promise to have enormous costs in coastal communities. I have observed this personally especially in East Gippsland where I share a holiday place. Mature tea-trees being washed onto beaches by coastal erosion. Erosion from the East of coastal bluffs, and sand drifts etc.. We will see effects like this further West including Port Phillip Heads, Barwon Heads, etc.. 3. Other huge potential costs, including Great Barrier Reef tourist industry, droughts, floods, wildfires, sea-level rise causing coastal and port flooding. 4. We need to set an example globally, show leadership, and exploit our natural advantage by exporting renewable energy via such means as high voltage DC cables or by producing hydrogen, ammonia, aluminium or other energy intensive industries around renewable energy. If your question was not answered on the night, you could contact Tim at his office – details below. Also see our new Blog for dialogue between Tim Wilson and BCCAG. Tim Wilson MP Federal Liberal Member for Goldstein 368 Centre Road Bentleigh VIC 3204 +61 (0) 3 9557 4644 www.timwilsonmp.com.au Share This: Previous Post Next