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It isn't often that a player is accused of being selfish for taking less money in order to win championships. It isn't often that a player is accused of being self-aggrandizing for holding a special that donates all proceeds to charity. It isn't often that a player is accused of letting an entire city down after pretty much single-handedly leading his team to consecutive 60-win seasons.
But then again, LeBron James isn't a normal basketball player, so comparing him to what "often" happens probably doesn't make much sense.
There was something undeniably disappointing about the way LeBron's decision played out yesterday. Maybe it was because of the slow, gradual, yet inevitable way it all played out: It went from possibly Miami, to probably Miami, to almost certainly Miami. By the time LeBron actually sat down for his interminable interview with Jim Gray, the outcome was all but certain, even if everyone was hoping that LeBron would justify our collective denial.
But it's hard to see it being as disappointing if the gradually leaking information had all indicated that LeBron would return to Cleveland, or even that he would go to New York. No, there was something uniquely disappointing about LeBron signing with Miami, just one day after Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh announced their plans to play in South Beach.
So why, exactly, was this so disappointing? Was LeBron's behavior really "selfish"? Did he really "betray" the city of Cleveland? Continue reading


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About Cooks and Company
Cooks and Company's heritage goes back to the 1970s, when we first launched as a hardware and joinery manufacturing business. With a team of expert joiners on hand, the company started to venture into handmade kitchen furniture, and by the time the 1980s rolled around, the kitchen became the focal point of many interiors – the hub of the home, if you will.
With demand for our handmade kitchen furniture soaring, Cooks and Company took on a new facet. We were now a fixture in the world of kitchen design and installation, providing stellar services for British and European furniture ranges including Rational, Gower, Arthur Bonney and Prentice.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Happy anniversary to moi :)
44 comments:
Wonderful celebration for your anniversary. I look forward to many more years of your hometown views.ReplyDelete
Visiting with you is a big part of my day, G! This wonderful post shows again why you are a top tier blogger....Hope we do this for a long, healthy time!ReplyDelete
ALOHA from Honolulu,
- AnonymousApril 21, 2015 at 1:27 AM
Happy happy anniversary!ReplyDelete
That looks dead easy.ReplyDelete
Congrats to four years of photo blogging Grace.
Many congratulations on your anniversary Grace. If you'd be so kind as to package him up and send him to Craig c/o Scotland, it would be much appreciated.ReplyDelete
Great show! AriannaReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 21, 2015 at 2:56 AM
Quel spectacle pour les 4 ans de ton blog ! Joyeux anniversaire !ReplyDelete
Happy anniversary! That guy is amazing!ReplyDelete
happy birthday and long life to this nice blogReplyDelete
Happy Blog Birthday, Grace! And what a nice post to celebrate it! ;-)) Looking forward to more Perth.ReplyDelete
Congratulations on 4! I hope to be reading this at least 4 more. That fellow is good.ReplyDelete
Yep, I do that sort of stuff in my sleep. . . and only in my sleep. :-)ReplyDelete
Happy Blogoversary Grace! Quite a set of shots!ReplyDelete
Good looking guy who obviously knows what he is doing. He is quite a showman. Congratulations on your important anniversary. I do so enjoy your posts and comments. Happy that you are part of the CDP family!ReplyDelete
Happy Anniversary, Grace! Here's to another four years (at the very least)!ReplyDelete
Ooh la la! Fabulous series of shots. Looks like a fun show....in so many ways. Happy Anniversary! Look forward to seeing you over the next year.ReplyDelete
these were great, made me smile!! happy anniversary!!ReplyDelete
Happy Anniversary! Looks like an athletic show.ReplyDelete
Four Years - WOW, how time flies when you have fun!! Your Monsieur can come & visit me any-time.ReplyDelete
Happy anniversary!ReplyDelete
Great images, street performers always surprise. Congratulations Grace, Joyeux anniversaire !ReplyDelete
I simply don't believe you tried to drag Aimee away. Has it only been four years? Seems like you have been around forever. I mean that in the nicest way. Now, to the Frenchman, same bloke?ReplyDelete
What a STRONG performer!ReplyDelete
I like the last image the most.... the assistent with the hat, sitting on top of the suitcase:)
CONGRATULATIONS with your blog anniversary. YOU advertise PERTH so well, I think the number of tourists must have doubled the last number of years.ReplyDelete
Keep up the very good work!
Superbe post !!!ReplyDelete
Have a nice day!
A pretty dance for your anniversary, Grace !ReplyDelete
Congratulations !
Bonne anniversaire Grace ! Keep up the good work.ReplyDelete
Congratulations! And thank you for four wonderful years of images from Perth.ReplyDelete
Congratulations! And thank you for four wonderful years of images from Perth.ReplyDelete
I see you had the time of your life watching this hunk! That photo with the little boy giving him his T-shirt is so cute!ReplyDelete
Happy blog anniversary Grace. Wishing you many, many more bringing us Perth's best.ReplyDelete
The French hunk seems to have been quite popular. Love the the little kid is sitting on his box in the last picture.
Congratulations on the anniversary. You've picked a great set of photos to celebrate with. Thanks for getting my blood flowing so early this morning!ReplyDelete
Congrats on your milestone. Keep on snappin'.ReplyDelete
Bon anniversaire!!!ReplyDelete
Hot or not, he's amazing! Tom The Backroads TravellerReplyDelete
great show...Would have caught my attention too. Happy Anniversary!ReplyDelete
This was a riot of a good time! I hope you're anniversary was wonderful.ReplyDelete
Congratulations on four years, I must check how long I have been blogging! We saw these dancers at La Rochelle a couple of years back they are amazing. Have a another good year DianeReplyDelete
Very cool series and many congratulations on your blog anniversary. It's been a pleasure following you over the years! :-)ReplyDelete
I could do that. But the crowd would run away.ReplyDelete
Congratulations on your big anniversary! I enjoy my visits to Perth.
Happy Blogversary and wishes for plenty more!!ReplyDelete
Happy anniversary! For sure I'll be tagging along.ReplyDelete
How can anyone stand on one hand? Incredible! I have enough trouble standing on two feet!
Happy blog anniversary, Grace! I just wonder how you want to top this "anniversary-presentation" next year! ;-) Yummo.ReplyDelete
Many congratulations Grace, may you carry on blogging for a long long timeReplyDelete


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After months of testimony and weeks of deliberation, the ten jurors considering the case of Merilyn Cook, et al., vs. Rockwell International Corporation and the Dow Chemical Company had finally reached a verdict. But before it was revealed, U.S. District Judge John Kane had a few words to say.
"Through this trial, I had a clipping from one of the newspapers that said -- the headline was 'Rocky Flats Gets Its Day in Court.' It's a typical newspaper understatement," he told the jurors. "What you had is 69 days of this trial spread out from October 3 to the present time, and you deliberated all or part of seventeen days....
"So today is the last day of this, and I want -- I don't know how to say this as evocatively, as forcefully as I really want to, but we are all committed to the jury system in this country, and to allow citizens to be in this particular venue of the courtroom with a jury, to be government by the people, of the people, and you have served in that capacity far more than most other jurors do because of the length and time and the complexity of the case. You have set an example and a standard that all of us respect, and I want you to carry with you the notion that you are doing something to preserve, protect and defend the integrity of our government system by the work that you've put in, the concentration, the effort and the time."
Rocky Flats
And then on February 14, more than four months after they'd first stepped foot in the federal courthouse, the jurors delivered a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs -- a class of 12,000 property owners who'd owned land around Rocky Flats in 1990 -- awarding them $554 million, a record judgment in this state, for the damage done to their property. For the damage done to their lives.
For the damage done by the lies.
"The jury has spoken, and they saw through the guff," says Jon Lipsky, who knows guff when he sees it. As the environmental-crimes expert for the FBI in Denver, Lipsky led the probe into alleged violations at Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant, the federal facility built sixteen miles upwind of Denver to manufacture plutonium triggers for nuclear bombs. After two years of investigation and armed with a 116-page search warrant, he led dozens of FBI and EPA agents on a spectacular dawn raid of the plant on June 6, 1989. The evidence seized in that raid went to Colorado Special Grand Jury 89-2, impaneled on August 1 of that year and charged with investigating possible federal crimes at Rocky Flats.
Lipsky testified before that grand jury, just as he would later testify before the jury considering the class-action case against Dow, which ran Rocky Flats for the federal government from 1953 until 1975, and Rockwell, which had the contract from 1975 up until the raid. After that, the plant was never again operational.
Lipsky's raid not only shut down Rocky Flats, but woke up its neighbors, who'd been assured by the government that the facility posed no threat. All that summer, they held community meetings, panicked by the stories leaking out, fearful of the plant's impact on their health, on their property. On January 30, 1990, they filed suit against the two companies that had operated Rocky Flats in almost complete secrecy for close to forty years.
More than fifteen years later, in Judge Kane's courtroom, Lipsky finally got to talk about what he'd found at Rocky Flats. Until January 2005, when he retired from the FBI, he hadn't been allowed to talk about the case in public at all. In fact, the day after a congressional subcommittee issued a report on the grand-jury investigation, Lipsky, the FBI's environmental expert, was transferred by then-U.S. Attorney Mike Norton to Los Angeles, where he was assigned to a gang unit.
But he never forgot what he'd seen at Rocky Flats. And over days of testimony in the civil case last fall, as the lead witness for the plaintiffs, he told the jurors about his work leading up to the raid, about the nighttime flights that indicated an incinerator that was supposed to be shut down was illegally burning hazardous waste, about the workers who'd come to him with stories about being told to violate plant policies.
While he wasn't in the courtroom to hear the verdict, Lipsky was there in spirit. "I'm ecstatic," he says. "It's very important that what the government used, its cloak of secrecy, is now uncovered. The jury got it, there's no doubt."
Jon Lipsky made his first public statements about Rocky Flats in January 2005, in support of a bill introduced by Representative Wes McKinley -- the math-teaching, poetry-writing rancher who was elected to the Colorado House in 2004 and who had served as foreman of the grand jury investigating Rocky Flats. Those jurors spent two years listening to testimony and sorting through the evidence, ultimately determining that eight individuals -- some from Rockwell, some from the Department of Energy -- should be charged with environmental crimes. Instead, the grand jurors were dismissed and U.S. Attorney Norton offered Rockwell a deal in March 1992, fining the company $18.5 million in exchange for a guilty plea to ten counts -- five felonies, five misdemeanors -- that named no individuals.
Outraged, the grand jurors wrote a report that described an "ongoing criminal enterprise" at Rocky Flats and asked that it be made public; U.S. Judge Sherman Finesilver ordered it sealed. Although a redacted version was eventually released, the grand jurors have never been allowed to talk about how the Department of Justice prevented them from doing their duty in this case, how justice was denied. They are still under a gag order imposed by the judge.
Last year, McKinley asked legislators to approve a bill that would require signs outside Rocky Flats -- the site of a $7 billion, six-year cleanup to allow its conversion to a nature and wildlife refuge -- letting people know what might be underfoot on their nature hikes. The measure failed, but McKinley reintroduced it this year, and he has much higher hopes for its success in the wake of the jury's verdict in the class-action suit. "It took them four months to come to the same conclusion that I had known and could have told them in four minutes. Thank you to the jury," he says. "It also proves that there has been contamination, and will be, for 24,000 years at Rocky Flats. It would be nice to keep people out, but we fought for our rights to make our own decisions. So the people going out there have a right to decide for themselves that they want to go -- but it is our moral duty to let the facts be known so that they can make educated decisions."
Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University, has represented Wes McKinley's fellow grand jurors for more than a decade. Initially, he hoped that they would be released from grand-jury confidentiality in order to testify before Congress. When that effort failed, he filed a petition on behalf of the grand jurors that they be allowed to tell their story in court. And in 1997, in a special hearing room with all its windows blocked, those grand jurors did testify before U.S. Judge Richard Matsch -- not about what had happened in the jury room, but about how government employees and Justice lawyers had conducted themselves improperly. Perhaps illegally.
The transcripts of that hearing were never released. Even the hearing itself remained a secret until January 11, when Turley appeared before three U.S. Court of Appeals judges. A block away, the jurors in Judge Kane's courtroom were going on three months and were up to exhibit 2251 in the class-action case; Turley himself was going on a dozen years. "Since this case," he says, "I have gotten married, gotten tenure and a chair, had four kids and gained fifty pounds." But he has not yet secured the grand jurors their right to speak; Turley is still waiting to hear if the trial court will be reversed and the case remanded.
"The amazing thing about places like Rocky Flats is that not only do the injuries continue, but you have litigation for decades," Turley says. "You have a group of managers who engaged in gross misconduct. Most of those managers faced no repercussions at all, yet we are going to have decades of litigation and millions of dollars of costs for the mess they created, and there is no meaningful punishment of any government official connected with Rocky Flats. The government is covering its own.
"The thing that disturbs me most is that even after all these years and all this money, the people still do not know what motivated the grand jurors to take their historic stand. When people learn that, they are going to finally understand what has motivated these grand jurors to keep this fight going."
Jim Stone knows just how long the fight can take. He's the former Rocky Flats engineer who blew the whistle on the plant's poor practices, who provided leads for the FBI -- even suggested those overflights to check out the incinerator -- and filed suit against Rockwell under the federal False Claims Act in July 1989. Ten years passed before a jury finally ruled in Stone's favor.
Rockwell appealed, of course. "I understand why they delayed," he says. "They were caught with their hands in the till and don't want to pay it back." What he couldn't understand was why the appeals ruling had also been delayed. "The claimed Œcleanup' at Rocky Flats has not taken as long as my case," he continues. "The moral of the story, and my advice for the plaintiffs in the current Rocky Flats trial, is that they still have a long way to go, and the only thing they can count on is delay upon delay."
Stone wasn't well enough to testify in that trial. By the time the appeals court finally ruled in his favor two months ago, he'd moved into assisted living. Rockwell will have to file a petition by early April if it wants the Supreme Court to consider taking on the case. And in the meantime, says Hartley Alley, Stone's longtime attorney, "Rockwell has applied in the claims court for $20 million in attorneys' fees to defend the Stone case that they lost."
Rockwell's legal fees in the class-action case, like Dow's, are being paid by the federal government, which indemnified both companies when they contracted to run the plant. Those legal fees have already topped $60 million, and there are years of appeals left. The government will foot the bill for the jury verdict, too -- unless, Alley suggests, it instead argues that the companies violated their contracts by "committing fraud. That's what the government argued in the Stone case."
His client has yet to see a penny of the $4.2 million judgment.
The plaintiffs in the class-action case have waited almost as long as Stone. The past sixteen years have taken a toll -- some plaintiffs have passed on -- and yet they fought on. "It's a classic struggle of the people versus the biggest institutions in America," says Bruce DeBoskey, the Denver lawyer who already had a history of taking on Rocky Flats when he filed the case back in 1990. "We recognized that it would be a monumental struggle. It's amazing that the plaintiffs stood their ground and waited."
They waited while the courts considered the two lawsuits DeBoskey originally filed -- one on behalf of Rocky Flats workers, the other on behalf of nearby residents. They waited while the latter suit made its way through the courts, and the 11,000 to 12,000 property owners around Rocky Flats were officially certified as a class in the mid-'90s. They waited while Kane held the DOE in contempt of court and fined the agency half a million dollars because it had stonewalled on document production.
They waited while DeBoskey and the two major plaintiffs' firms he'd enlisted in the cause -- all working on contingency -- fought a defense "with a blank check signed by the government," a defense that showed no interest in settling. Ultimately, DeBoskey couldn't wait as long as the plaintiffs -- he took a job as a regional director of the Anti-Defamation League -- but his heart remained with them, and he was in court the day the verdict was read.
"For 25 years in this community, there have been people accusing not just the companies, but the government of lying to the people," says DeBoskey. "And finally, after all that, the citizens got to tell their story to an impartial panel of citizens."
"One of the golden rules we learned in kindergarten is that if you make a mess, you clean it up," Louise Roselle, one of the plaintiffs' attorneys, said in closing arguments. "Dow and Rockwell messed up big time with one of the most dangerous substances on earth."
The jurors agreed. And after their verdict was read, lead defense attorney David Bernick -- a kindergarten classmate of mine, by the way -- demanded that the ten remaining jurors be quizzed to determine if any pressure had been put on them to side with the rest. "As a juror," one juror told the court, "I'm insulted that we're even going into this."
The jury verdict has already been cut down to about $350 million to comply with state laws. And both sides have filed motions with the judge regarding jury confidentiality and other issues that are no doubt bound for "the court of second conjecture," Kane says.
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But in the meantime, for so many who have waited so long, the justice of that verdict is sweet enough.
After his many days of testimony, but still months before the verdict came down, Jon Lipsky visited the one Rocky Flats building he'd never seen during all of his time at the plant -- the old payroll office on Highway 93, now converted to the Rocky Flats Lounge. "I've been to every building," he said, "except here."
Business has been slow at the bar since the plant closed, since the cleanup ended. But you can still buy cold beer, as well as the T-shirt that Lipsky picked up: "I got nuclear wasted at Rocky Flats."
Didn't we all.


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HAMPTON — The town Fire Department may need to run short of normal staffing levels to stay within its budget because of skyrocketing overtime costs that are already approaching a half million dollars.
HAMPTON — The town Fire Department may need to run short of normal staffing levels to stay within its budget because of skyrocketing overtime costs that are already approaching a half million dollars.
Fire Chief Hank Lipe said the department has burned through $490,737 in overtime this year with three months remaining to the end of the fiscal year. Unless a policy change is made to run short on staffing for the remainder of the year, he is projecting the figure will swell to more than $700,000 when all is said and done.
"That is what I'm projecting but I can't spend that because I don't have that in the budget," Lipe said.
Lipe said overtime in the Fire Department, which is anything more than 42 hours a week, skyrocketed this year because the department has one position open and four firefighters out on extended sick leave owing to personal medical issues.
Lipe said in order to stay within his allotted budget he may need to go before selectmen as soon as October to stop the practice of covering shifts of firefighters who are out sick or on vacation, which could affect the services of the department.
"The town policy has always been to fill man for man," Lipe said. "If someone is out sick or on vacation we fill that position at an overtime rate so we always have — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — eight firefighters on duty at one time."
Lipe said the department maintains that level of staffing not only because it adheres to national standards but is needed because of the department's high call volume.
"The current staffing level allows us to answer multiple calls at one time," Lipe said. "I have the ability to run short but due to the heavy call volume it's extremely risky."
If Hampton changes its policy, Lipe said, it could mean the town would have to close one of its stations to ensure enough firefighters are on duty at one time to properly respond to an emergency.
"That's the reality," Lipe said. "There is no easy decisions. Decisions made at my level can severely impact the outcome of any given emergency. It's a fire chief's worst nightmare."
Lipe said maintaining man for man coverage has cost the town $76,186.58 in job-related injury coverage, $93,469.16 in sick leave coverage and $154,180.09 in vacation coverage.
"We basically have 17 firefighters doing the job of 24," Lipe said.
Adding to the cost of overtime is the union contracts, which give senior firefighters, who make the most money, first dibs at receiving it.
Lipe said another significant cost this year is the practice of calling all off-duty firefighters to come back to work when all other units are tied up.
Firefighters are automatically called back to work when the department is assisting another community, all on-duty firefighters are working or during any fire or major emergency.
Lipe said the town tried to eliminate automatic callbacks, or what firefighters refer to as "Box 7" coverage, in 2005 but it was reinstated a year later after an arbitrator ruled in favor of a grievance filed by the Hampton firefighters union
So far this year, the town has paid out nearly $100,000 in automatic callbacks, which included several big structure fires like the Valentine's Day fire at Hampton Beach.
Lipe said the remaining overtime was $4,700 the weekly fireworks shoots, $15,000 for extended coverage on July 4 and $7,500 for the Seafood Festival.


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What They said: BJP-JD(U) Split
The split in India's main opposition coalition this weekend has raised questions about the viability of coalitions from commentators who have marked the division as a turning point for politics in the country.
The Janata Dal United, a regional party governing the eastern state of Bihar had aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party for more than 17 years. But on Sunday the JD(U) ended its membership of the National Democratic Alliance – a coalition led by the BJP – over concerns about the BJP's decision to choose Narendra Modi, chief minister of Gujarat, to lead its national election campaign.
The JD(U) said it feared Mr. Modi's hardline Hindu image could deter Muslim voters in national elections, which must take place by May next year.
Here's what some columnists had to say about the divide and how it might usher in a new era for politics in India.
The "walkout" by Nitish Kumar's JD (U) from the NDA has "rubbed in the difficulties that Modi's rise will create for the BJP in attracting and keeping allies in a coalition era," The Indian Express newspaper said in an editorial Monday.
"For the BJP and Nitish, these have been days of bold moves that will reverberate in national politics and in Bihar. With a Third Front regrouping, and the Congress announcing a shake-up in its organization and council of ministers, a new phase may have begun, overturning settled expectations and routines, and rearranging the field," it added.
The Hindu, in an editorial titled "Writing on the Wall", said the "fracturing of the NDA" on Mr. Modi's elevation "returns the BJP to that point in history when it was proud of its 'splendid isolation'. Unfortunately for the party, the message might not go down well with its potential allies."
The Asian Age newspaper, in an editorial titled "JD(U)-BJP split: A new curve in politics" said the break-up "marks the end of a landmark phase in India's political life, and leaves the BJP bereft of the only 'secular' ally that soldiered on with it after 2004."
The latest development indicates the "end of a fatiguing era in oppositional politics in the country so close to national elections. Significant realignments could be on the cards," it said.
Politicians reacted to the BJP-JD(U) split with sadness and support depending on their own allegiance.
"Our alliance was not only political but emotional as well. I am saddened by [the JD(U)'s decision," said Rajnath Singh, BJP president on television news channels Sunday.
"The break-up of NDA is sad and unfortunate," said Sushma Swaraj, senior BJP leader, on social networking site Twitter.
Shakeel Ahmad, a senior leader of the ruling Congress party said at a televised press conference Sunday evening, "Congratulate Nitish Kumarji to have come out of an alliance that wasn't working in the interest of the country."
Lalu Prasad Yadav, leader of Rashtriya Janata Dal, JDU's main opponent in Bihar, said on television news channels Sunday, "Their love marriage was a mismatch and they have taken the advantage of an opportunist."
What do you think of the split and its potential impact on the political landscape? Please post your comments in the section below.
Follow India Real Time on Twitter @indiarealtime.
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Nigel Allen describes the efforts by Bermuda's plethora of reinsurers to get their finances back on track after suffering a battering during last year's hurricane season, and asks whether they are ready for a possible round two?
Bermuda has long proved a sturdy platform in the sea of volatility that is the reinsurance industry. Withstanding the financial lashing of numerous catastrophic hurricanes, both on its own shores and across the portfolios of its reinsurers, the island has stood firm, its moorings holding fast. But the storms of 2005 inflicted severe damage on Bermuda's reinsurance infrastructure. With the last 12 months seeing a number of reinsurers sucked down into the "B" ratings whirlpool, while others struggle hard to resist its pull, just how stable are the financial moorings of the island's longer-term residents as we approach another active hurricane season?
Back on course
There is no doubting the effort being exerted by XL Capital to bounce back from what was a truly horrendous year that saw the industry stalwart take a catastrophe battering of over $2bn, further compounded by the $834m Winterthur hit, resulting in a downgrade and a shareholder net loss of $1.3bn. In fact, rumblings about Brian O'Hara's ability to retain his position as president and CEO resulted in XL issuing a statement of support for the under-fire head. Core to this drive has been a successful $3.2bn capital raising exercise; coupled with a three-pronged risk management assault to cap portfolio volatility, the central prong of which is Cyrus Re, the $500m funded quota share entity; and a senior management reshuffle which has seen James Veghte take the helm of XL's reinsurance general operations.
XL kicked off 2006 with a strong Q1 result, however, it should be noted that despite record income for the quarter of $406m, both reinsurance and insurance underwriting profits were down on the first quarter of 2005, with written premiums hit by selective treaty cancellations and falling European property rates respectively, leaving the record performance heavily reliant on impressive investment returns.
Endurance saw its net income plummet from $355.6m in 2004 to a net loss of $220.5m in 2005, with the storms resulting in an underwriting loss of some $830m. But a two-week capital raising surge saw the company re-float its balance sheet by some $600m, with a favourable reserve release adding a further $65m to the company's financial hold. Q1 saw Endurance record an 11% rise in net income to $107m, while gross written premiums fell off by 18% to $571m to $702m. The GWP decline stemmed primarily from the non-renewal of certain contracts in the group's property per risk treaty reinsurance and casualty treaty reinsurance segments which "did not meet our return criteria or our underwriting and claims review recommendations." Commenting on the results, Kenneth LeStrange, chairman and CEO, said, "We are confident that the catastrophe modelling and risk management enhancements that we implemented following the hurricanes of 2005 position us very well to achieve strong returns for our shareholders."
The side-car flotilla
XL's Cyrus Re is not the only side-car to have been rolled out onto Bermuda's reinsurance forecourt. Arch Re Bermuda announced at the end of last year that it had entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty with Flatiron Re, under which Flatiron assumes a 45% quota share of certain lines of property and marine business underwritten by Arch Re Bermuda for 2006 and 2007. The move forms part of what is clearly an extremely comprehensive risk management strategy, which enabled Arch to record a combined ratio for 2005 of 95.8%, despite catastrophe losses totalling some $330m, with net income of $256m. The impact of the side-car was immediately apparent in the Q1 results, which saw ceded reinsurance premiums hit 15.6%, up from 2.3%.
Heading the pack in the recent side-car rally however is Montpelier Re, which now participates in two such vehicles, Cayman-based Rockridge, set up pre-Katrina to focus on "attractive" high layer, short-tail risks, and Blue Ocean Re, set up recently to offer property catastrophe retrocession cover.
Despite responding quickly to the storm losses, with a successful rapid reaction capital raising of $600m, followed by other capital generating exercises, resulting in the company now underwriting based on some $1.7bn in capital (including Rockridge and Blue Ocean), overall storm losses topping $1bn meant it could not stave off a downgrade. Montpelier Re currently sits with an "A-" AM Best rating on negative outlook, while Fitch took the decision in November to drop the reinsurer's rating to "BBB", citing the fact that the storm hit equated to some 70% of the company's equity (as of 30 June 2005), indicating a much higher risk concentration than Fitch expected.
Montpelier's Q1 results, however, reveal a clear push to reduce volatility, with the company recording a fall in gross written premiums attributable to a reduction in peak zone exposures, the non-renewal of certain contracts and the ending of a three-year contract with Aspen. Furthermore, the quarter saw a marked change in ceded earned premiums in the quarter as a result of additional reinsurance purchasing at the end of 2005.
Forging ahead
Some of Bermuda's reinsurers have resisted Mother Nature's best efforts to destroy 2005 profits, and have either eked out a small return or reported limited losses. Arch has already been mentioned, but it was not alone in reporting a 2005 profit, with ACE achieving a net income of $1,028m with a combined ratio of 99.6%, while AXIS carved out net income of $90m, although saw its combined ratio creep just across the 100% mark, even though both saw storm losses top $1bn. Tokio Millennium Re also managed to limit its losses to $50m for the worst year on record, a fact due mainly to its decision, following intensive research into hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin, to adjust the exceedance probability curves by an average of 50% resulting in a massive reduction in business written for US hurricane exposed contracts during the July 2005 renewal season.
Despite incurring a net loss of $178m, Aspen has also emerged relatively unscathed from 2005, managing to rebuff the many negative outlooks which were levelled at its ratings and beginning 2006 on a fairly stable footing. However, this has not prevented the company undergoing a major risk restructure, as explained recently by CEO Chris O'Kane, who said in April, "We were extremely active in refocusing our property catastrophe exposures, which resulted in a major reduction in critical zone exposures beyond what we had contemplated in our planning."
While for some of Bermuda's reinsurers, the storm losses have warranted a change in tack and a re-jig of their portfolio make-up, PartnerRe believes that despite incurring a 2005 net loss of $51m, its performance has served to strengthen its risk taking resolve. In his letter to shareholders, CEO Patrick Thiele stated that the loss was in line with long-term expectations for the magnitude and frequency of the catastrophic events, and as a result, "Our appetite for risk remains the same, as does our approach to pricing that risk. In fact, rather than create a need for change, the challenges of 2005 validated the effectiveness of our strategy, and we emerge stronger than we have been at any time in our history." However, in May while affirming PartnerRe's "AA-", Standard & Poor's revised its outlook to negative, citing concerns over operating capital adequacy.
Setting a new course
In March, AWAC took its plans to separate from parent company AIG one step further with the announcement that it had filed plans for an IPO with the SEC. Details of the amount of shares or potential price range were not revealed. The decision to severe ties with the US giant elicited a speedy response from AM Best, which downgraded the company to "A" from "A+", citing amongst its reasons concerns about the loss of "the strategic benefits" AIG offered, although the agency is confident the transition will be successful.
The separation process also included plans to terminate an underwriting contract between AWAC and IPCRe, another AIG affiliated Bermuda operation. IPC has experienced a difficult 12-month period, with losses for 2005 $613m, while IPCRe has been downgraded by AM Best and Standard & Poor's, both highlighting its difficult position as a monoline property catastrophe operator. AIG also recently announced the sale of 25% of its share holding in IPC Holdings, although it will not affect their ongoing relationship. The company has entered 2006 on a sturdy capital footing, however, due to strong investor backing during its capital raising exercises. Despite concerns about poor pricing in non-US lines, Q1 results remained strong, with Jim Bryce adding, "We remain watchfully optimistic about conditions in the property reinsurance industry for the remainder of 2006 and 2007".
Taking the helm
"This is certainly not the letter I envisioned as my first as White Mountains' new CEO" wrote Steven Fass in his inaugural message to shareholders. "As a result of the financial impact of hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma on our insurance operations, and the related decline in the value of our investment in Montpelier Re, our financial results for 2005 were very disappointing." However, despite these storm losses of $228m - primarily borne by White Mountains Re - combined with a $104m drop in the value of its Montpelier Re holdings, the company was still able to record a $68m net income, although sharply down on the $539m in 2004.
White Mountains Re, now headed up by Tom Hutton, has since renewed but revised its quota share reinsurance agreements with Olympus Re, which now sees Folksamerica ceding up to 35% of its short-tailed excess of loss business to Olympus and to Helicon Re, a class 3 Bermuda-based reinsurer set up in December, with the "up to" 35% being divided approximately 56% and 44%, respectively. Olympus Re found itself in the unenviable position of being one of the first reinsurers to be downgraded by AM Best in the aftermath of Katrina, the agency subsequently downgraded the company again in March citing the deterioration in its risk-adjusted capitalisation due to the storm losses. While Olympus recently raised $156m to continue writing business on a limited basis, management decided to request that there rating be removed.
White Mountains Re has also sought to reduce its exposure to catastrophe prone areas, which was reflected in the fact that the company reported only a marginal premium increase in Q1 2006. Hutton commented, "Although our premiums are only up slightly, we have taken significant price increases and reduced exposure in catastrophe-prone areas. As a result, we have a less risky book of business than we did at this time last year."
There are two camps developing in terms of the response to catastrophe reinsurance in 2006, with one steering clear of the inherent volatility in favour of more stable sources of business, while the second is upping its involvement to avail of the current and predicted rate hikes. RenaissanceRe is firmly in the latter camp, announcing in May that it had raised its managed catastrophe reinsurance premium by 23% in the first quarter, in response to improving pricing and conditions, with expectations - although with a recognition of the inherent uncertainty - of growth topping 15% for the year. The company's 2006 operating return on equity target of 25% is partly based on achieving this 15% growth level, which also takes into account a decline of some 35% in specialty reinsurance premiums, due to unfavourable market conditions. However, the first quarter saw specialty premium drop 43%, although CEO Neil Currie remains confident that over the 12 months, this decline will level out at the predicted 35%.
At the time of writing, RenaissanceRe was set to announce its participation in a new side-car called Starbound Re, to which the reinsurer will cede some 80% of premiums from a certain property catastrophe business.
RenaissanceRe perhaps to a greater degree than many of its Bermudian neighbours has been the subject of a turbulent 12 months. As well as recording the first loss in its 13 year history, with a net loss of $274m as a result of storm losses of over $900m, the company was also subjected to two Wells Notices (one issued to Jim Stanard, who subsequently resigned, and the second to the company itself) following its financial restatement at the beginning of the year.
At the time of writing, the market is still waiting to find out whether Max Re will have to restate its results. Max Re has yet to file its Q1 results, having missed the 10 May due date, as it seeks to complete a review of three finite risk retrocessional contracts written in 2001 and 2003. Should the reinsurer be required to restate its results for 2001-2005 it is forecast that the impact on retained earnings would be a reduction of approximately $25m. While it is expected that the results will be filed in June, the company has already received a Nasdaq Staff Determination which threatens the delisting of Max Re from the Nasdaq National Market due to its failure to file its results "on a timely basis".
On the rocks
The rapid decline of PXRe was unexpected, reflected in the fact that following the reinsurer's capital raising exercises which saw it recapitalise to the tune of $474m, the rating agencies were quick to reaffirm its ratings and remove any negative outlooks, with Standard & Poor's analyst Steven Ader stating that the agency "views PXRe's capital adequacy as strong and well appropriate for the rating level." PXRe tumbled out of the ranks of the "A" rated and currently stands without a rating from AM Best, which was withdrawn in April. Accusations have been levelled that attempts were made to conceal the extent of storm losses (which virtually doubled from the original estimate to almost $800m) in order to ensure the smooth running of capital raising moves, and as such the beleaguered company is now the subject of a class action. Despite reporting "encouraging" first quarter results, PXRe is considering a range of strategic alternatives including sales, mergers and acquisitions, but president and CEO Jeff Radke warned that should the board fail to agree on a suitable strategy, then the run-off of its reinsurance operations would be the only viable option.
Quanta has now confirmed that it has bitten the run-off bullet, announcing at the end of May that it was placing most of its remaining specialty insurance and reinsurance lines into orderly run-off. Despite launching a series of volatility-reducing initiatives, including exiting property reinsurance and technical property insurance lines, and purchasing additional reinsurance on aviation and marine portfolios after unacceptable 2005 losses, the company failed to stave off a rating downgrade by AM Best to "B ". Chairman Jim Ritchie, commenting on the run-off decision, said "While Quanta had made progress in its transition to a specialty lines focused carrier, the decision of AM Best to downgrade Quanta below the 'A' level in March interrupted that effort and significantly impacted our ability to write attractive business." Quanta's Lloyd's syndicate will continue to operate.
2006 also saw both Alea and Rosemont succumb to run-off. Alea has succeeded in selling off its US primary renewal rights to AmTrust, with SCOR snapping up its European renewals and Canopius acquiring the London rights, while Rosemont's parent company GoshawK succeeded in selling the reinsurer's infrastructure to a consortium of investors, which has now been resurrected as Ariel amongst the Class of 2005, under the leadership of Don Kramer.
As Bermuda plots a course for what looks set to be yet another active hurricane season, there is confidence that the capital and risk reassessment endeavours which have been undertaken in the last six months have served to lash down the industry's balance sheets in preparation. But even if Bermuda succeeds in positioning itself so as to meet the storms head-on, that does not mean to say that the 2006 season will not see some washed overboard.
- Nigel Allen is editor of Global Reinsurance.
Putting down roots
The impact of the new start-ups has been relatively muted so far, due primarily to the failure of a number of the Kat Pack to be up and running in time for the January renewals. Ten new entrants brought just over $7.5bn of capital into the market, most sporting the "A-" entrance badge, but their late arrival limited their buyer appeal.
Concerns still remain about the perceived longevity of the Class of 2005, with the newly enrolled reinsurers not comparing favourably to other previous classes. With another active hurricane season on the cards, there are clearly question marks over whether the short-term high return mentality of the private equity and hedge fund backers will ride out the storms. Concentration risk is also a worry as the 2005 brigade are much more narrowly focused on catastrophe-exposed lines - although some are striking out into other sectors. Add to this the increased capital requirements for entities operating on such lines, and the fact that RoE forecasts are down by an average of 6%-8% on the Class of 2001, and for most the 2005 group runs a much greater risk of disbanding than any of their predecessors. However, attention should be drawn to the efforts being made by some of the new entrants to put down stronger roots.
For example, Lancashire, despite a slight decline in its gross premium targets for the year to between $675m and $800m, down from the projected $822m, due to a poor performance in the marine market, still remains on target for an ROE of 16%-20%. The company recently announced it had set up a $350m letter of credit facility, which according to Neil McConachie, CFO and COO, "boosts the long-term financial flexibility and strength we have committed to our clients."
Validus Re has also entered an LOC agreement to the tune of $300m, which chairman and CEO Ed Noonan described as, "a further testament to our goal of establishing a long-term franchise in the global reinsurance market." Validus further announced it had entered into a collateralised quota share retrocession agreement side-car with Petrel Re, a newly-formed Bermuda reinsurer, which will assume a 75% quota share of certain lines of marine and offshore energy reinsurance contracts underwritten by Validus Re for the 2006 and 2007 underwriting years.


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And a group of highly passionate professionals in their careers that work the weekends to bring you the best events in the industry who we call the 3D Family.
- Kenny KrellEvent Director/OwnerKenny's Skills
Kenny KrellEvent Director/Owner
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Running
- Passion
- 7 Ironman finishes
- Former All American Duathlete and Triathlete
- First Multi-Sport race 1988
Kenny - Was coaching high school track & cross-country, he tried the car washes, bake sales, etc. He needed about $10k to get new uniforms for the kids and those methods were not getting it done. At the time he had over 12 years and 200 races under his belt racing all over the world and said "I have plenty of volunteers in the kids and parents, lets host some events and give the money earned back to them for what was needed." Three trail running and six duathlon events later they managed to raise the funds necessary to get new uniforms. From that point others asked to host more running events; close to 18 in one year. After a very busy 2 years of teaching, coaching and hosting over 20 events 3 disciplines racing was born in a brain storming session at midnight, website launched and the journey began.
- Annmarie KernTiming, Registration Director/OwnerAnnmarie's Skills
Annmarie KernTiming, Registration Director/Owner
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Running
- Charisma
- NJCAA cross-country champion
- Team USA Duathlon qualifier
Annmarie - comes from a running back ground. Running competitively since middle school, after all, state honors, she ran in college achieving a championship ring. She has participated in over 150 running and duathlon events. She took on the art of competitive event timing in 1990 for 3 Disciplines and Your-Results. She has since timed just under 1000 events, excelling in the multi-sport but has timed everything from kids run to a marathon to a full Ironman distance event. Her passion and commitment to creating a fun, safe, complete event put her in the elite category of event management.
It all started in the mid to late 1990's. Kenny had already raced all over the world for over 10 years, participating in hundreds of events. He was coaching cross-country and track with the typical problems most programs have, kids uniforms falling apart and broken equipment with no money in the athletic budget for "kids who just run" So he brought all the kids and parents in for a meeting, announced he would be putting on a series of trail runs and duathlons with all the proceeds going back to the kids. It was a unanimous vote of support. The events bought the kids new uniforms and equipment which spawned other groups, organizations seeking his expertise to host an event for them. That moved to a few groups like Kiwanis, Alzheimer's Association, and others asking to take over events or produce one. Almost 3 years later he had to make one of the most difficult decisions of his life, resign from teaching and coaching and start 3 Disciplines.
It was a rough start, selling basically everything, bed, refrigerator, washer, dryer, it all had to go. Next was the RV and a trailer which meant about two and half years of living on the road putting every penny into 3 Disciplines. To say his parents and Annmarie's parents were a bit worried is an understatement. Both parents asking several times over the years "Are you sure you want to do this" Kenny's father saying "are you sure you know what you are doing?" Kenny says "we basically lived anywhere we could park the RV until we were kicked out" he says of one spot "we had about 18 events in Arizona with a few in Texas so there were three casinos within a few miles of each other in Arizona, each had a different time allowance for parking so we would ask the security guys how long we had, they would say if you don't go in the Casino you have X, but if we ate there a few times we would get a few extra days, so we would just rotate the three casinos over and over until we had to leave for Texas or the events back in the Midwest. That is how we lived for two and half years, at times even parking in our parents back yards. During that time we out grew 4 trailers and every penny went back to 3 D. We kept nothing and I can't speak for Annmarie but there was never a time when I thought this was not what I wanted to do!" Annmarie and Kenny agreed that every event they produced they would give back. "that was the cool part for me" kenny explained "I could do very little of that in the past as there just was nothing left" Coming from the teaching and coaching background that has been the foundation for the events. Once an event is contracted one of the first steps is finding that charitable partnership.
They started the food and shoes from athletes program over 14 years ago donating over 2200 pairs of shoes and just over 100 pick up truck beds full of food and old event T shirts not to mention over $525,000 in cash and services over the years. So 19 years later they have produced events in 22 states, serviced over 200,000 athletes, produced, timed and consulted on over 1040 events. They are among one of the few event management companies in the country that can produce an event in any state. They are among the most experienced event management companies in the entire country with accolades like being the safest and most importantly the passion, safety and attention to detail is still there.
Company Contact Information:
Corporate Information:
3 Disciplines
Po Box 829
Grand Blanc, MI 48480
Office Hours:
December – January – Limited Hours
Feb – March (M – TH) – 9am – 3pm
April – November (M – TH) – 9am – 4pm
3 Disciplines TEAM – April – November (Thursday – Sunday on the road and on location)


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- The Hows of Us raked P35.9-million first day box office revenue
- The KathNiel movie has set their highest opening day record
- Cathy Molina said the movie is of a different level compared to the former KathNiel films as it shows a more mature side of them
The latest movie of Kapamilya actors and love team Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo have apparently shaken the Filipino film fanatics to go to the cinemas.
According to a data from ABS-CBN, Star Cinema-produced The Hows of Us made a whopping P35,938,622.74-million on its first day – breaking the love team's previous record, now it's their movie with the highest opening day revenue.
The love team's 2017 movie "Can't Help Falling in Love", to note, garnered P33-million revenue on the first day.
Talent manager Noel Ferrer said, as per PEP, the movie proved that if Filipinos really want to watch the movie, they would go.
He cited the recent showing of Buybust and the films in the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino wherein people asked the whereabouts of the viewers — to which he said they appeared at the KathNiel's movie.
Popular director Cathy Molina directed The Hows of Us, and she said the movie is of a different level compared to the previous KathNiel films as it shows a more mature side of them.
LionhearTV posted Vice Ganda and Coco Martin's The Super Parental Guardians still holds the record for a Filipino movie with the highest opening day revenue with P70-million; followed by My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore's P60.4-million — both were MMFF films.
Moreover, John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo's A Second Chance is still the country's non-MMFF movie with the highest opening day revenue of P43.3-million.
Here's a video trailer from Star Cinema:


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safety at Florida Ave and North Capital Street NW
Hey Everyone, I'm looking to move to an apartment that's basically on the corner of Florida Avenue NW and North Capital Street. I know that area has some rough spots and there have been a couple shootings there as recently as Memorial Day weekend, but in general, is that area pretty safe? Just want to get a sense of what to expect if I decide to move there. Thanks!The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
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On Top of the Rockies: Climbing Colorado's Mt. Elbert
The challenge
Climbing a mountain is the most personal of challenges. It's a test of your physical endurance, a battle against the negative voice in your head, and an adventure into the unknown. As Sir Edmund Hillary once said, "It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves."
Hilary was talking about Mt. Everest, which he and his Sherpa companion became the first to summit in 1953. I may never see the top of Everest in my lifetime, but I have pushed my way up the sides of many mountains. Each has presented its own unique challenge.
I've slogged through knee-deep mud and thickets of razor grass to reach El Toro, the highest peak in Puerto Rico's Luquillo Mountains. I've climbed nearly 1,000 feet straight up a sheer granite face to reach the top of Champlain Mountain in Acadia National Park. And I've journeyed above the tree line and into the clouds to the very top of the Rocky Mountains, to the summit of Mt. Elbert.
This is the trail report of my Mt. Elbert ascent, along with useful information for planning your own climb.
Mount Elbert
Mt. Elbert, in Central Colorado, is the highest mountain in Colorado and all of the Rockies. At 14,440 feet above sea level, it is second in height only to California's Mt. Whitney in the contiguous 48 states. Despite its impressive height, Mt. Elbert is a Class 1 climb, meaning it does not require ropes or specialized rock climbing skills. With proper conditioning and advance preparation, almost anyone can climb Mt. Elbert.
Mt. Elbert is located in the Leadville Ranger District of the San Isabel National Forest, approximately 120 miles west of Denver and 16 miles southwest of Leadville. There are five main trails to the summit, with the two most popular being the South Elbert Trail and the North Elbert Trail.
The South Elbert Trail, which begins near the Lake View Campground above Twin Lakes, is considered the easiest route. It is 5.6 miles from the trailhead to the summit (11.2 miles round-trip), but with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, hikers can eliminate 1.8 miles each way of a relatively boring hike along a Forest Service road. The total elevation gain is 4,900 feet (4,000 feet if starting at the upper trailhead). The trail is the standard winter route to the summit.
The North Elbert Trail is accessed via the Elbert Creek Campground outside of Leadville. The trail is 4.6 miles to the summit (9.2 miles round-trip), with an elevation gain of 4,500 feet. The shorter distance and steeper incline make for a more strenuous ascent than the South Elbert Trail.
Make sure to read the important safety and planning tips below before attempting any climb.
View from Mt. Elbert
Location of Mt. Elbert
South Elbert Trail Report
The alarm went off well before dawn that late July morning, and we woke to find a steady rain. My only other fourteener attempt had been an unsuccessful climb of Long's Peak a couple years earlier. That day also started with rain, and the wet, slippery conditions on the rock ledges just below the summit proved too terrifying to continue without a rope. Today, I was determined to make an ascent.
The rain continued as we drove 15 miles southwest of Leadville to the Lake View Campground above Twin Lakes. Our four-wheel-drive vehicle allowed us to continue past the lower trailhead and climb nearly two miles up a rough, dirt road to an elevation of 10,440 feet. As we reached the end of the bumpy road, the moon broke through the clouds. Just like that, the rain stopped. It was going to be a good day.
We crossed a creek on a footbridge and hiked downhill on the Colorado Trail for about 100 yards to reach the intersection of the South Elbert Trail and the trail register. It was just after 5:00 a.m. when we signed in. According to the register, several other hikers already were in route.
After signing in, we climbed a steep section of switchbacks through an aspen forest. The trail was muddy. Although we saw no other people, our headlamps revealed the footprints and trekking pole divets of those who had climbed before us that morning.
After gaining about 750 feet of elevation, the sun broke over the Mosquito Range and we were rewarded with spectacular views of the Twin Lakes Valley.
The trail leveled out and opened into a small meadow, then a larger meadow. The conifers grew more sparse and scrappier until we climbed out of the trees completely and onto the alpine tundra. We were on the east end of a long ridge that led right up to the summit. The peak loomed ahead, and clouds gathered below it over a canyon.
We followed the ridge for what seemed like hours as the daylight grew and a sharp wind cut through us. We came around a rocky ledge and found a sheltered spot to refuel with trail mix, chocolate, and water.
The endless climb
From here, the trail wound back and forth up the southeast face of the mountain, climbing over the rocks. We could see other groups of climbers above and below us, all headed to the top.
The air was thin, making it difficult to move with any kind of speed. I found the only way to keep pushing myself on was to pick out rock about twenty feet up the trail. Once I made it to that spot, I would stop and take a couple of deep breaths before picking out the next rock and continuing up.
We moved slowly and steadily until reaching an elevation of around 12,500 feet. There, we stopped for a rest and decided we would rest after each additional 500 foot gain. At 13,500 feet, we decided to rest every 250 feet. Finally, with the summit in view, the final 200 feet went quickly. We reached the summit just before noon.
There was a party-like atmosphere at the top, with four to eight people on the summit at any one time. As each new person reached the peak, there was another round of high-fives and exchange of cameras for photos at the summit marker. But no one stayed for long, After admiring the view and taking a few shots that most certainly would not do it justice, we headed down to take shelter in the rocks for one last rest before beginning the long descent.
Trip details:
- Date: July 26
- Round-trip: 7.6 miles
- Total elevation gain: 4,000 feet
- Total time: 10 hours
View from the top
Planning and preparing for your climb:
1. To train for any high altitude hike, proper conditioning is important. At least 12 weeks before your planned climb, begin an exercise program incorporating both cardio and strength training. Check with your doctor first.
2. If traveling from a lower altitude locale, plan your climb so you have several days to acclimate when you arrive in Colorado. Your body needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels at higher elevations.
3. Also plan several conditioning hikes. Spend three to four days on successively longer and higher altitude hikes. Make sure you can hike to an altitude of 12,000 feet comfortably before attempting a fourteener.
4. If your vacation schedule allows, take a day off before your big climb. Take a scenic drive or take in some of Colorado's many attractions.
Five things to see and do in Colorado.
5. Eat a healthy, well-balanced meal the night before your climb, including protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. Avoid greasy foods that may cause stomach distress. Limit alcohol intake and drink lots of water.
6. An early start is the key to climbing a fourteener. Dangerous electrical storms can arise quickly in the afternoon so you will want to allow enough time to reach the summit and begin your descent by no later than 1:00 p.m.
7. In dressing for your climb, prepare for extremes. This means layers. Start with a lightweight, wicking shirt, add a fleece pullover and top it all with a water and wind resistant jacket. Convertible pants are a good option in the summer when the afternoon sun gets warm on the descent.
8. You will need sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or shoes with good tread. Make sure they are broken in before setting out to climb a fourteener. Also wear good quality wicking socks to avoid friction and blisters.
9. Other must-have items for climbing a fourteener include a sun hat and ski cap, sunglasses, gloves or mittens, sun screen, and a rain poncho.
10. Carry a small day pack for your extra layers as well as food and water for your climb. Other items to keep in your pack include:
- A small first aid kit with some basic necessities, including band aids, an Ace bandage, ibuprofen or other pain relief tablets
- A small folding knife
- A small flashlight and batteries or headlamp for hiking in the pre-dawn hours
- A package of tissues
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Trail maps, a compass or GPS, and a camera
11. The air is dry at high altitudes, increasing the risk of dehydration. Carry a minimum of two quarts of water. A water filter or purifying pills are helpful, too. No matter how pure a mountain stream may look, you can't drink it without first boiling it or taking other measures to eliminate giardia, a dangerous parasite common in mountain water.
12. The climb will take several hours to complete so it's important to carry a supply of food for fueling your body throughout the grueling day. Have several options in case your appetite becomes finicky in the high altitude. Trail mix, grapes or other fresh fruit, energy bars and sandwiches all make good options.
Four great conditioning hikes for climbing Mt. Elbert
1. Timberline Lake Trail: This trail offers nice views of Turquoise Lake.
- 4.4 miles round trip
- 800 feet elevation gain
- Holy Cross Wilderness
2. Native Lake Trail: This trail passes by pretty Native Lake and offers views of the lake from above.
- 8.4 miles round trip
- 1,000 feet elevation gain
- Mt. Massive Wilderness
3. West Tennessee Lakes and Homestake Mine: Follow a wide valley to the headwall, where a bowl holds two perfect glacial lakes.
- 8.8 miles round trip
- 1,400 feet elevation gain
- Holy Cross Wilderness
4. Big Willis Gulch: Hike along an old miners road to Willis Lake and an abandoned mine at the back of the canyon.
- 11 miles round trip
- 2,500 feet elevation gain
- Leadville Ranger District
Be prepared
Watch another climber ascend Mt. Elbert
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2013 Deborah Neyens
Great photos! We used to go on vacation every year to Colorado, but then being targeted by multiple perpetrators progressed. So there has not been a vacation since. I love the water in Colorado! I wonder if the States of Colorado and Kansas are still fighting over water rights. One thing for sure, it is nothing like it is there by the time it gets here.
Deborah, congrats on Editor's Choice in 2013. This was a great hub about how you were on top of the Rockies with well-detailed descriptions of the climb. Voted up for awesome!
It must have been great reaching the top but extremely strenuous and tiresome. You must have done a lot of working out and conditioning, lots of hard work to do before climbing mountains. Thank you for the awesome trip through the mountain trail of Mt Elbert. Great hub.
Just stunning photography. You had this reader hooked the whole way. I've just added one more mountain to my bucket list. Oh that I wish I had a thousand lifetimes to go on endless adventures. This quote summarizes mountain climbing the best:
"Many people find it hard to understand what it is about a mountain that draws men and women to risk their lives on her freezing, icy faces - all for a chance at that single, solitary moment on the top. It can be hard to explain. But I also relate to the quote that says, if you have to ask, you will never understand." -Bear Grylls
Climb on!
WOW! What scenery! I don't believe I would last. I guess I will have to see such sights from a helicopter...or your great photos!
On top of the Rockies: Climbing Colorado's Mt. Elbert looks a dream to me so beautiful the scenario is spectacular.
OMG. I GREW up in Colorado Springs and never did this. Always drove by the Twin Lakes on my way to go skiing.
My family still all lives in the Springs but you gave me an idea: next time I'm there, I'm going to try this. Husby is on board, too. :)
Amazing landscapes and your pictures are very beautiful.
That view makes the trek truly one to work at. I've trekked on the molten volcano lava of Hawaii's volcanoes too, though it was quite a few years back and I cannot remember which island we went to. Probably Maui as well! In time to just watch the sulphur dripping into the Pacific! Thanks for sharing!
Wow! I felt as though I were climbing Mt. Ebert with you. What an experience you had!
I have been to the summit of Haleakalā, (the East Maui Volcano) on the island of Maui in Hawai'i. It's 10,023' (3,055m). I didn't climb to the summit, however. I took a tour bus to the summit to see the sunrise, and then coasted down on a bicycle, only pedaling a few hundred feet.
I live in Nepal but I have not climbed Mount Everest. Climbing a mountain is a daunting task. Perhaps, Hillary was right when he said we don't conquer mountains but ourselves. Thanks for sharing your experience.
A great trip and wonderful presentation! Looks like a unique experience. Voted and pinned!
Wow! you lucky thing! the highest I ever got was mount Olympus Cyprus, nearly 7, 000 feet, and mount Teide Tenerife, nearly got to the top, 12,000 feet, now the truth is both trips were by car, and the last part, Teide, up to the Volcano was by cable car! lol! but I would love to have done this, your photos are awesome! I never knew about the electrical storms, wow! voted up and shared! nell
Congratulations, deborah
I have never seen bluer skies than when I was in Colorado. The air is much cleaner too. Although, it took me three days to adjust to the mountain atmosphere. Love your share here and the beautiful scenery. Thanks for the information on climbing and being prepared. Voted up!
I've never climbed a mountain and I can safely say I never will, however, I am very impressed with your abilities! This hub was chock full of tips and information for any would be climbers and the pictures are breathtaking. What a fabulous experience and great accomplishment!
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting. I would vote congratulations but there's no button for it ;)
Hi Deborah,
I find it very amazing how
you've accomplished climbing Mt. Elbert.
i've always wanted to climb mountains but I think I'm too
afraid to. one day, I might actually try. thanks for the read.
Voted up and sharing.
I am impressed Deborah with your accomplishment of climbing Mt. Elbert. The highest part of Colorado that I have ever personally seen is the alpine tundra at 12,005 feet. The air gets thin at those upper elevations! I wrote about it in my hub titled Colorado Vacation and Rocky Mountain National Park Photography on Trail Ridge Road. My mother stayed down at the Alpine Visitor's Center. She was having a problem breathing at those elevations. Loved seeing your photos. At my age any thought of mountain climbing is past so I will enjoy it vicariously by reading hubs such as this. You go girl!!! UUBI votes and will share.
Sounds great!
I enjoyed reading about your climb and your tips for climbing are very useful. We have done several climbs here in Peru. It helps that when we did them, we already lived at high altitude in Cusco. Our friends weren't acclimatized, though, so I can attest to the discomfort that comes from a lack of preparation! Hydration is so important, as are high calorie snacks and wearing sunscreen and layers. Voted up across the board and shared.
TRemendous views! I loved it!
Interesting hub Deb. You look like you had fun (albeit with a lot of hard effort). I went to the Rockies in 1992 but was poorly for a few days there with a vertigo type thing so I could not do as much climbing as I would have liked. Your photos are great, made me wish I could go back there.
A brilliant hub;so interesting and brilliant photos.
Great work here and thank you for sharing.
Wow...I can't wait to climb Mt Elbert with you. What a truly beautiful place you have found. . I'm sure those who visit must feel a serenity and peace. I also enjoy the pictures here. Thanks for writing and share with us. Voted up!
Some great images and useful information. Climbing high needs good preparation as you point out - a mountain needs respect! It's amazing how many people get caught out on what seem simple trails and climbs. Well done!
As I'm sure you know, I've climbed Mt. Rainier twice, and it was an incredible challenge and accomplishment. Well done, Deb! For those of us who have done it, we know the effort and preparation this took. Bravo my friend.
The preparation is not my favorite part, but the experience is worth it. I like the first paragraph and the pictures are awesome. Thanks for sharing such inspiration.


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Individual injury law is one of the most competitive markets. Lots of personal injury lawyers are not able to develop successful attorney list building because they do not do adequate business advancement activities, authentically connect to potential customers or engage in the best marketing activities and services. Injury lawyer marketing includes developing of websites that are vibrant and efficient and will cause an instant return on financial investment. Find more details by visiting mahanyertl.com.
The following Internet marketing strategies will be effective in lead generation for legal representatives as well as grow your practice rapidly with sustainable outcomes:
Build name acknowledgment online
Customers will be amazed or drew into your law practice just by checking out details about your law practice, your past successful cases and evaluations of others about you on the Internet. In order to have effective lawyer lead generation through the Internet, you need to build a strong public image and show that you are expert and recognized in the legal world.
Develop an efficient site
Injury attorney marketing will only achieve success with the development of a reliable website that can attract traffic. You should design your website so that it can impress and draw attention to your law practice and hence create rewarding accident law leads.
Make use of social media
Individual injury lawyer marketing on the Internet also includes advertising on different social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to gain more acknowledgment. Effective lead generation for legal representatives consists of connecting your law practice on all appropriate social media, publishing all special qualities on it, monitoring your latest successes and reacting to all your fans and fans.
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Using keywords or expressions that make your site rank on the top of the list of a various online search engine is likewise a successful method in creating accident attorney leads. The target audience will initially see on your site as your site rank well on word on various search engines.
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Content marketing is to establish fresh and pertinent content that attracts target audience on Google. Blog sites on your website will give full details about your work online. Your business law blog site and content of your site must deliver complete knowledge about your law firm and thus build trust in between you and your prospective customers. Attorney list building through blogging on the Internet will also need you to arrange the content of the blog sites as well as upgrade it occasionally.
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When you are an injury lawyer, then AttorneyLeadsExpert.com will assist to increase injury attorney marketing leads. Our advanced marketing ideas and techniques can produce leads for all kinds of attorneys and law practice.


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Inflight Entertainment
Whether you're into TV shows, movies, music, podcasts, or even a cheeky game with the person next to you, your inflight entertainment system is loaded with little delights. You can start your on-demand entertainment system the moment you take your seat with our gate-to-gate entertainment. You can even order extra food and drinks right from your screen.
Movies & TV Shows
From the latest blockbuster to the classics, we have an extensive range onboard**. Most are available to view in multiple languages.
Music, Radio Shows & Audio Books
Sit back and relax with hours of music onboard, from Classical to Rock and featuring a special NZ Showcase section.
Challenge yourself or play against others with a selection of fun games.
Children have their very own section with movies, TV programmes, games and audio books that are all suitable for little ones.
Order Food & Drink
You can order food & drink from your screen.
Flight Map
Shows you where you are, as well as interesting facts like outside temperature, speed and time to destination.
Ways to fly
Seat + Bag
Bring everything you need.
The Works Deluxe
More space and all sorts of extra benefits.
Premium Economy
A premium experience for an affordable price.
Business Premier ™
The ultimate inflight comfort, food and entertainment.


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So if you are using ConfigMgr you probably know that you can extend hardware inventory to inventory pretty much anything. The cool thing is that by almost default there are two classes that are really nice to have.
The first being Win32_QuickFixEngineering which is a WMI class listing all installed patches. Having that inventoried means you can build collections based on missing or certain patches installed which when it comes to critical patches or hotfixes are really nice.
The second is a kind of custom class and its called Microsoft_BDD_Info and it is created by ZTITatoo.wsf when you deploy a computer with either MDT or ConfigMgr with MDT integration. This includes a bunch of information from the deployment. For instance it lists which sequence ID was run and the timestamp. So if you inventory this you can keep collections based on what sequences was used and if you have a nice version control in your sequence you now find all your computer that where deployed with a certain version of sequence.
So how do you enable this awesomeness? Well its pretty simple. Fire off your ConfigMgr console and check under Administration and Client settings. You will have a setting called Default Client Settings. Open it up and on the left hand click Hardware inventory. Next click the button to the right where it says Classes. You will be presented with a long list of WMI classes that can be enabled and disabled. At the top just do a search for "Quick" and select the class Win32_QuickFixEngineering.
To enabled the second class a bit more work is required but don't worry it is not hard. Go back to the client settings (if you left it) and click the Add button seen at the bottom (look at the image above for guidance). You now need to connect to a computer that has been deployed using MDT/ConfigMgr+MDT so click the connect button and type in the computer name and credentials if needed.
When connected you will see all the WMI classes available on that computer. Just find the one called Microsoft_BDD_Info and select it and click OK when done.
So now they have both been selected and you have saved the Clients Settings by clicking OK all the way out. Now all that remains is waiting for the next hardware inventory to complete and you can start using the values collected.
Happy deploying!


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GEICO FCU Blog
Preparing for Your First Motorcycle
From buying gear to budgeting for new expenses and everything in between, there is a lot to consider when buying your first motorcycle. To ensure that your time spent exploring the open road is positive and safe; consider these steps to get ready for your first motorcycle.
Consider your skill level when buying.
Avoid making the rookie mistake of purchasing a bike with more performance than you can handle. Make sure to check the engine size, seat height and weight among other features. As a beginner, beware of engines larger than 600cc, make sure that both feet touch the ground when you're stopped and ensure that you're able to lift your motorcycle upright.
Research training and classification requirements.
If you're new to motorcycling or haven't been around motorcycles for a while, look into taking a training course through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Certain dealers offer their own courses as well. Depending on your state's transportation laws, you may also need to update your driver's license with a motorcycle classification. Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to learn more.
Get the right gear.
This includes a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, protective eyewear, and clothing such as a sturdy jacket, pants, boots, gloves and rain gear if you're planning on using your motorcycle as your primary means of transportation. You may also want to invest in additional protective accessories for the bike such as a cycle cover for winter storage.
Get insured
Ask your insurance provider about discounts for adding a motorcycle to your plan. Insurance providers may offer discounts for completing approved safety courses, insuring multiple vehicles with the same provider and more.
Understand maintenance
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the upkeep requirements of a motorcycle including storing the bike, changing oil and fluids and checking and replacing tires. Create a budget for motorcycle expenses to determine how much you need to set aside each month in order to properly maintain your motorcycle.
Get financially savvy.
Learn about GEICO FCU's competitive rates and financing options for new and used motorcycles.


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Canada is known for its serene atmosphere and friendly communities. The country is famous for its sparsely populated provinces (ten) and territories (three) and never fails to amaze people with its bitter, cold winters. In addition to that, the country acknowledges the needs of not only its countrymen but also immigrants from across the globe.
Studying in Canada opens up a wealth of opportunities for students to inculcate experience and knowledge from various disciplines.
We are here to talk about the popular universities in Canada offering Computer Science.
First, let the stats talk:
Macleans, founded in 1905, is a Canadian weekly news magazine which shows the current 2016 data (below) regarding the top Computer Science universities in Canada. The data has been compiled based on five parameters: programme reputation, research reputation, fractional publications and field-weighted citation impact.
Where to study Computer Science in Canada?
The most popular study destinations in Canada include Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, which are homes to some of the top academic institutions in the world. According to the QS rankings, two highest-ranking Canadian universities include the University of Toronto and McGill University. Also included in the global top 200 are the University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, University of Waterloo, University of Calgary and Western University.
Canadian universities offering masters degrees in Computer Science:
1. Western University, Ontario
Western University offers a number of masters programmes in the field of Computer Science. One such programme is a 1.4 years MSc programme in Computer Science which will cost nearly INR 10,47,955 per year.
2. University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba offers 2-year, full-time masters programme in Computer Science, which will cost you around INR 5,06,915 per year.
3. University of Guelph
University of Guelph offers masters in Computer Science – a 2-year, full-time programme which will cost nearly INR 6,31,103 per year.
4. Concordia University
Concordia University offers masters in Applied Computer Science – a full-time postgraduate programme which will cost you nearly INR 8,75,665 per year.
5. Lakehead university
Lakehead University offers 2-year, full-time masters in Computer Science. The next programme starts in Jan-2017.
View all popular universities in Canada offering masters in Computer Science.
Canadian universities offering bachelors degrees in Computer Science:
1. Carleton University
Carleton University offers bachelors in Computer Science, with honours in Mobile Computing, Network Computing, Geomatics, Biomedical Computing and Information Systems. Majority of the programmes will cost you from INR13,41,866 to 14,58,283 per year.
2. University of Calgary
University of Calgary offers BSc in Computer Science and Software Engineering. Both are full-time, 4-year undergraduate programmes.
3. Western University, Ontario
Western University offers BEsc in Computer Engineering and Software Engineering. Both are full-time, 4-year undergraduate programmes. It will cost nearly INR 14,76,998 per year.
4. Mount Allison University
Mount Allison offers both BA and BSc in Computer Science, which are full-time 120 credits programmes and will cost nearly INR 8,33,289 per year.
View all popular universities in Canada offering bachelors in Computer Science.
Why study in Canada?
Because Canada is beyond its maple sugar regions and scenic beauties. Here are the reasons why you should study in Canada:
- Canadians give huge importance to education and majority of degrees offered are equivalent to that offered in the USA and other Commonwealth countries.
- Canada is one of the safest countries to live and study in. The global peace index ranks Canada among the top safest countries.
- Canada has excelled in fields like Computer Science, Telecommunications, Transportation and Engineering
- Canada represents almost all ethnic groups in the world. People come and settle in Canada because they are never asked to assimilate other values or pressurised to support any propaganda.
- Migration is quite easier compared to that in other countries. You need to produce relevant documents, apply for IELTS or TOEFL and make sure your idea behind migrating sounds trustworthy enough to the visa officers.
- Most importantly, the cost of studying in Canada is quite economical compared to that in other countries.
So, want to know about the cost now?
- For full-time undergraduate degree: The average cost of studying for an international student will be nearly CA$12,618 per year.
- For full-time postgraduate degree: The average cost of studying for an international student will be nearly CA$20,699.
Note: Tuition fees may vary based on the programme of your choice. Learn about the study cost in Canada.
Admission requirements to study Computer Science in Canada:
1. Undergraduate degrees may last three or four years in Canada. The requirements to apply are as follows:
- 12 years of formal school education.
- A good IELTS/TOEFL score.
- Important documents (as suggested by the institution and mentioned in the brochure).
2. Postgraduate degrees may last one or three years in Canada. The requirements to apply are as follows:
- A relevant undergraduate degree.
- Work experience (if required).
- Computer Science or a related field as a mother subject.
- A good IELTS/TOEFL score.
Want to know about notable computer scientists in Canada?
- Brian Kernighan – a Canadian computer scientist who worked at the Bell Labs and is the co-designer of the C programming language.
- Rob Pike – a Canadian programmer and author who is best known for his works at the Bell labs. He currently works at the Google, working on Go (programming language).
- William Kahan – notable Canadian mathematician and computer scientist who is an ACM Turing Award winner for designing floating-point computation.
- Ken Iverson – Turing Award winner who is also the designer of the APL language.
- David Cheriton – a Stanford CS professor, entrepreneur and early Google investor. He is also a mathematician, computer scientist and philanthropist.
- Tim Bray – a Canadian software developer and entrepreneur who was the co-author of the original XML specifications.
- Stephen Cook – an American-Canadian computer scientist who is a Turing Award winner too.
- Steve Mann – is a Canadian researcher who is best known for his works on Computational Photography.
To know more about Canadian universities offering Computer Science or related degrees, you can always get in touch with our elite team of dedicated advisors who have years of experience about overseas education. Let us know what your queries are and we'll be happy to answer you.
Image source: Flickr


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General information
It is our goal here at Oak Ridge to prepare our students to live a healthy and physically active lifestyle. Our Physical Education department is centered on this concept. We are focused on ensuring that every student is learning multiple movement skills and that every student is engaged in rigorous physical activity for 100 minutes per week. We strive to create an environment where all students feel comfortable trying out multiple skills which they may or may not have been exposed to in their past. Hopefully this will inspire them to seek out different forms of activity and exercise when they are away from school.
Some of the skills that they will learn:
- Kicking, dribbling and punting a Soccer ball.
- Jai Lai / Lacrosse
- Throwing a frisbee
- Volleying
- Underhand & Overhand Throwing
- Throwing a football
- Swinging a baseball bat
- Catching / Receiving
- Rolling a ball
- Swinging a racket
- Dribbling, shooting and passing a basketball
- Catching a rolling ball


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When you're searching for any used vehicle, you've got a different algorithm you have to follow than you'd with a brand new vehicle. This is because used cars for sale have been in another category. That doesn't mean they don't are actually excellent vehicles. You can typically be pleased with a second hand vehicle. What it really entails is you have to be careful which means you obtain the best option for you.
Should you shop blindly for any used vehicle, you would likely finish track of a vehicle that isn't even more than dead weight. If you wish to have the ability to take more time on the highway compared to the mechanic's shop, make sure to follow some simple guidelines.
First, when you're purchasing a used vehicle, obtain a warranty by using it. You'll need a vehicle which will last, and you should also be covered if something does happen. Obtain a warranty and appear the warranty over carefully. You'd be amazed at what some dealerships describe as a guarantee. You will find dealerships that attempt to pass off certificates that won't offer much protection whatsoever like a warranty. Make certain you're adequately covered. You don't have to obtain a warranty in the dealership. Use a 3rd party to obtain one.
Regardless of how you decide to obtain a warranty, make certain it provides the security you'll need in a good cost. Take a look and make certain the costly repairs is going to be covered.
Next, always employ a trustworthy dealer. While purchasing from an individual may be enticing, who knows what you're getting. When you buy from the dealer you have some protection. If you purchase a lemon from your individual you will have a problem recouping your hard earned money.
Next, you need to operate a set of the automobile. You can check out CarFax and obtain a study that will show you when the vehicle has been around moving accidents or has endured some types of damage. This is very useful in deciding. You don't want a vehicle that winds up as being a lemon, which is prevented if you're careful.
Another factor you should do is have it examined. It might appear just like a hassle to obtain a auto technician to look at a vehicle before buying it. If you don't like the thought to do that, have an acquaintance discussion about cars include you so he is able to take a look.
Used cars for sale could make great purchases, but you have to be smart. Spend some time and choose the automobile which will fully stand up with time. Have the security you'll need so you don't generate losses around the deal.
You'll need a vehicle that's reliable. Whenever you stick to the guidelines listed, you will get that. If, for whatever reason, you aren't getting a dependable vehicle you'll be protected using the warranty.