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THE BUMP IN THE ROAD that ended Bo Stefan Eriksson's fantastic ride is practically invisible. From 10 feet away, all you can see is the ragged edge of a tar-seamed crack in an otherwise smooth sheet of pavement. Only the location is impressive – a sweet stretch of straightaway on California's Pacific Coast Highway near El Pescador state beach, just past the eucalyptus-shaded mansions of the Malibu hills. On that patch of broken asphalt, there's barely enough lip to stub a toe. Of course, when you hit it at close to 200 miles per hour, as police say Eriksson did in the predawn light last February 21, while behind the wheel of a 660-horsepower Ferrari Enzo, consequences magnify.
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The Enzo has less than 6 inches of ground clearance, and at that speed, it took only a slight scrape under the front bumper to launch the vehicle. The airborne Ferrari landed in a skid that in a blink became a sidelong drift. Tires shredding, the car bounced over the shoulder onto a grassy slope wet with dew. All Eriksson could do was hold on as the slithering, swiveling Enzo again achieved liftoff, then slammed broadside into a wooden power pole.
The crash became an instant media sensation. In Los Angeles, the destruction of the rare million-dollar Ferrari – and the strange story that rose from the wreckage – dominated local radio talk shows and TV newscasts for days. For most, it was just another diversion, the newest twist on the high-speed-chase formula the city loves. But the public attention would spell disaster for a handful of people connected to Eriksson, many of them fellow participants in one of the biggest debacles in the history of the videogame industry: the epic meltdown of Gizmondo Europe, Eriksson's former company.
In the early 2000s, Gizmondo rose to prominence as the maker of a handheld gaming device designed to compete with Nintendo's DS and Sony's PlayStation Portable. The company touted its gadget as the next big thing in pocket electronics and, at one point, talked of moving half a million units in just a few months. But critics panned the device, and it failed to entice many customers. A month before Eriksson went off the road, Gizmondo declared bankruptcy, having hemorrhaged nearly $400 million in less than four years.
It might have ended there, another high-flying company with big ambitions and a lousy product. But the crash put a spotlight on Eriksson and raised a series of questions: Who is he? What kind of person drives nearly 200 mph on a coastal highway? The answers led to even more puzzles. In just a few years, it seems, Eriksson went from languishing in a European jail cell to making millions as a tech executive to, even more improbably, becoming deputy commissioner of antiterrorism for an obscure Southern California transit police force. Before Eriksson lost control of his Ferrari in Malibu, no one in the US really cared about his strange story. But after the supercar came apart, Eriksson would find every inch of his life under scrutiny by the LA County Sheriff's Department, federal law-enforcement officers, and the media. That's when Eriksson and a tangle of cohorts would find out just how large a little bump could loom.
WHEN LOS ANGELES COUNTY sheriff's deputy David Huelsen arrived at the scene of the accident, he thought Eriksson must be the luckiest person alive. That the man was standing by the side of the road after a crash of such intensity was an astonishing testament to Ferrari craftsmanship. The cherry red Enzo had sheared in half on impact with the pole, its back end blasting apart like a roadside bomb. "Multiple pieces of what appeared to be a vehicle," as Huelsen put it, were spread across the length of four football fields. The chaparral and creosote along the shoulder of the road were riddled with fragments of smoking auto parts, and the shattered power pole dangled from sagging wires like the stiffened corpse of a hanged man. The Enzo's carbon-fiber passenger compartment, though, was perfectly intact, a protective womb of inflated airbags from which the 44-year-old Eriksson had emerged with nothing but a split lip.
A thick-chested man with a mane of dark blond hair and a heavy chain around his neck, Eriksson had both the build and the blunted features of a heavyweight boxer. Speaking in a Scandinavian accent, Eriksson explained that he was just a passenger in the Ferrari. The driver, a man he knew only as Dietrich, had jumped out after the crash and fled into the hills, Eriksson said. The sheriff's deputy was further confounded by another man standing on the roadside, a fellow who introduced himself in an Irish accent as Trevor Karney. He had been a passenger in a Mercedes-Benz that was following the Ferrari at the time of the crash, Karney explained. When the Mercedes stopped, he jumped out to check on the two men in the Ferrari, Karney said, only to be abandoned when the Mercedes driver panicked and sped off without him. It was Karney who had reported the accident, borrowing the cell phone of a Good Samaritan who'd stopped at the scene.
Huelsen was trying to get the story straight when Eriksson reached into his wallet and pulled out a card with an official state seal that said he was a member of an antiterrorism task force. Then an SUV and another car pulled alongside Huelsen's police cruiser. Two men climbed out, quickly flashed what appeared to be badges, and identified themselves as homeland security officials. The men said they needed to speak to Eriksson immediately. The thoroughly boggled Huelsen radioed his sergeant at the Lost Hills station and asked what the hell he should do. Keep Eriksson at the scene, said the sergeant, who then dispatched helicopter and mountain rescue units to look for this Dietrich character. The helicopter crew soon reported that it saw no sign of anyone fleeing into the hills. With two men but no drivers, the whole thing was sounding fishy. Huelsen had earlier noticed Eriksson's bloodshot eyes and the smell of alcohol on his breath. Suspecting that Eriksson may have actually been driving the Ferrari, the deputy administered a Breathalyzer test around 7:30 am, about an hour and a half after the crash. The test showed Eriksson had a blood alcohol content of 0.09 percent. In California, any vehicle operator with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more is considered under the influence.
Despite this, both men were permitted to leave. It was a decision the sheriff's deputies would surely regret later that morning, when they received a call from that Good Samaritan who had stopped and let Karney use his cell phone. The man (whose identity police are withholding) explained that he had discovered what turned out to be the fully loaded magazine for a .40 Glock automatic pistol stuffed beneath his front seat; Karney, the man figured, must have dumped it there while borrowing the phone.
IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING the crash, gearheads were aghast. The wreck had "destroyed one of the finest cars on earth, maybe the finest," Chris Banning, vice president of the national board of the Ferrari Owners Club, told the Los Angeles Times. "It's like taking a van Gogh painting and burning it." Ferrari manufactured a mere 400 of the gull-winged vehicles, incorporating its Formula One racing technology into a V-12 engine capable of going from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 217 mph. Originally priced at around $650,000 and sold only to previous Ferrari owners, the car's resale value had risen to roughly $1.2 million. "I would rank it as probably the most incredible exotic-car crash in history," says Gregg Carlson, who runs WreckedExotics.com, a Web site devoted to accidents involving expensive automobiles, which had begun posting daily updates about the crash.
Within a few weeks, a local entrepreneur was marketing a T-shirt with an image of the demolished Ferrari on the front and "… DIETRICH?" on the back. Car enthusiasts scoured the crash site for souvenirs; one even sold scraps on eBay. Meanwhile, the authorities knew that the story was going to get even bigger the case was spinning off in directions so varied and bizarre, it was all they could do to follow the latest developments.
The first twist: Officials at Scotland's Capital Bank, who had read about the crash in the papers, phoned the LA Sheriff's Department to say that the Enzo didn't belong to Eriksson – it belonged to them. They had leased the car to Eriksson in 2005, when he was an executive at Gizmondo Europe making about $2.2 million a year. But Eriksson had stopped making payments on the red Enzo within a few months and, by the time of the accident, was in default. The bank hadn't yet reported the car stolen, but only because it believed the auto was still in the UK. Soon a second British bank – Lombard – was calling the department. Did they know if Eriksson had brought a black Enzo to California along with the red one? In fact, the black Enzo was parked in the garage of Eriksson's $3.6 million Bel-Air home, right next to a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which a third bank owned and had recently reported stolen. Eriksson had somehow managed to import $3.8 million in cars he didn't own into post-9/11 America.
Detectives received their next surprise when they attempted to interview Karney in Marina del Rey, only to find that the address he had given was outdated. While searching for the missing man, sheriff's investigators learned that the Irishman had previously worked for West Coast Customs, the shop famous for tricking out cars on the MTV show Pimp My Ride. Finally able to reach Karney's lawyer, detectives were informed that Karney, 26, had returned to his native country.
Perhaps the biggest mystery, however, was how Eriksson had become part of an "antiterrorism" unit. The detectives learned that Eriksson's appointment to this position had been arranged under the auspices of an obscure bus company called the San Gabriel Valley Transit Authority, based in Monrovia, a tidy little city northeast of LA. The outfit, they found out, was run by a 39-year-old man named Yosuf Maiwandi.
Maiwandi explained that the SGVTA started when he obtained a small bus in trade for several motorcycles. With that bus and four others purchased later he had created a service to transport disabled people throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Maiwandi said he had been told that bus companies in California are entitled under state law to form their own police departments. He had done so, he claimed, because it would allow him to perform background checks on volunteers more quickly. Such private police forces are typically created to patrol college campuses – the SGVTA appeared to have taken advantage of the same regulations that permit Stanford and USC to outfit uniformed officers with badges and guns.
Maiwandi said that he had met Eriksson when, one day, a Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of the dilapidated SGVTA garage. Out stepped Eriksson, who introduced himself and explained that he had learned of the bus company through their mutual lawyer. Eriksson then made a fascinating proposition: He offered to install – for free – surveillance cameras and facial-recognition scanners on SGVTA buses, asking Maiwandi to name him deputy commissioner of the bus company's police department in return. Maiwandi agreed.
It's not clear what, if anything, Eriksson actually did for the bus company. But the SGVTA police force he had joined claimed to be a squad of officers who were battling terrorists "on the front lines," operating undercover, and "playing a vital role in the defense of Southern California's homeland security," according to the SGVTA Web site. Sheriff's investigators had no idea what Eriksson and Maiwandi were up to but now suspected that the supposed homeland security officers who showed up at the Malibu crash site had in fact displayed SGVTA IDs. The authorities soon also linked the transit police department to another former Gizmondo executive, named Carl Freer. Detectives suspected Freer – who, like Eriksson, is a Swedish citizen and was a member of the SGVTA's antiterrorism squad – of having used an SGVTA police force badge in an attempt to skip the background check for a gun purchase. A subsequent search of Freer's 100-foot, $10 million-plus yacht and multimillion-dollar Bel-Air home turned up 12 rifles and four handguns.
A few days after the crash, Eriksson, who had been cooperating with investigators, suddenly stopped talking. He had learned, it seemed, that the story of his smashup was being reported in Sweden, where police would remember him well. Once the cops and the media in the US spoke with them, Eriksson had to know, his past, including the Swedish gang and the too-good-to-be-true years at Gizmondo, would come back to haunt him.
SITTING AT A CAFÉ TABLE perched on the concrete banks of Sweden's Fyris River, in the city of Uppsala, Lars Nylén is reminiscing about the years he spent pursuing Stefan Eriksson. "He might have been the smartest criminal I've ever encountered," says Nylén, a former police commissioner who now runs the country's national prison system. "But as smart as he was, being noticed seemed to mean more to him than staying out of jail."
Eriksson started his criminal career as a roly-poly teenager known as Tjock-Steffe (Fat Steve). He was suspected of small but clever crimes and received his first prison term at age 19 for robbing a bank van. Released after serving a short sentence, Tjock-Steffe rapidly transformed himself into a heavily muscled young man through anabolic steroids and karate lessons.
Around this time, Eriksson hooked up with a pair of equally ambitious young criminals. Johan Enander had outsize muscles, flat eyes, and a quick-set scowl emphasized by his shaved head (police called him "the torpedo"). He had a reputation in Uppsala as the kind of man who would crack your skull if you got in his way. Peter Uf, on the other hand, was more cerebral. He presented himself as an art dealer.
The Nordic Criminal Journal described Eriksson as "the undisputed leader," who "controlled everyone in the gang with an iron fist." Eriksson drove a Corvette and wore expensive jewelry, financing himself by selling steroids and cocaine. In 1988, he was convicted of drug trafficking and served just over a year in prison – some of it in Hall, one of Sweden's toughest big houses. But this was a mere coming-of-age event, according to Nylén. After getting out, Eriksson and his associates launched a criminal enterprise with an appetite for kidnapping, counterfeiting, and fraud.
Their bread and butter, however, was debt collection. For this, the gang relied on hardball tactics that were shocking to the staid Swedish populace. In one instance, according to prosecutors, Eriksson and Enander terrorized a man named Hamber Hersan. It seems Hersan's friend owed the gang 100,000 kronor ($13,000), and one day the two men pushed their way into the friend's apartment only to find Hersan there alone. When Hersan insisted he had no idea where his friend was, authorities say, Eriksson punched him four times in the face, knocking out several teeth, then retrieved a chef's knife from the kitchen and threatened to cut off his fingers. Hersan told authorities that when he still didn't give them any information, Eriksson jammed the barrel of a pistol down his throat. Eventually Hersan was dumped at a hospital, so frightened he claimed that he had been injured in a car crash. Later, when forced to testify against Eriksson, Hersan suddenly seemed confused about exactly what Eriksson had done to him.
The gang eventually became known throughout Sweden as the Uppsala Mafia. Eriksson was regarded as a glamorous figure in Uppsala's nightclubs, where he impressed women as a sort of outlaw business executive, as comfortable in a pin-striped suit as in a black leather jacket. He often held his meetings in an exclusive Stockholm hotel, and he and his men moved about town, toying with the team of detectives that followed them. "We saw that they were picking up people and driving them around the city," Nylén recalls. "We knew these people were being threatened, but we could never get them to testify. They were too terrified."
Eriksson's run finally ended in 1993, when he was tried and convicted on charges relating to two of the Uppsala Mafia's most ambitious schemes an attempt to defraud a Swedish bank's money transfer service and a plan to distribute millions in counterfeit Swedish kronor. In a sting, Uppsala Mafia affiliates were caught trying to withdraw as much as 25 million kronor (about $3.5 million) from various accounts that didn't belong to them. When Eriksson was arrested, he was carrying 500,000 kronor ($65,000) in his pockets. He was convicted of gross fraud, counterfeiting-related charges, assault, and other crimes. For all this, he received a sentence of nearly 10 years. He was released after a little more than six.
ERIKSSON EMERGED FROM prison in 2000, and within a few years he would become a highly paid European tech executive. The man who would make this magic transformation happen was fellow Swede Carl Freer.
According to Freer, he and Eriksson originally met in Stockholm in the late '80s, when Freer was managing nightclubs there. The two had reconnected by 2001 (according to European media, the pair was involved in a shady car transaction), but Freer's main operation at that time didn't involve Eriksson at least not yet. Freer had started a small company called Eagle Eye Scandinavian, which distributed GPS devices. Freer then somehow convinced the owners of a Florida business named Floor Décor a floor-covering outfit with two stores to radically change direction by acquiring Eagle Eye. Analysts now believe that Freer was mostly interested in the Florida operation's over-the-counter stock listing, which would allow him to raise capital by selling shares. Once the deal was completed, another unlikely character, Michael Carrender, came on as the company's chief financial officer.
Carrender had an unusual background. As a student in the '70s, he had joined a fundamentalist religious sect that would become known as the End Timers. Led by Charles Meade, in 1984, the group relocated from various states in the Midwest, concentrating themselves in Lake City, Florida. Carrender, still a member, describes the group as "quite conservative," with "a very strict interpretation of scripture." Members reject newspapers as instruments of the devil, and refuse to own pets, because animals can harbor demons. The group, now known as Meade Ministries, dominates Lake City, controlling numerous businesses and owning more than half of the houses in one subdivision. Meade (who compares himself to Moses) has taught his followers that their "end-time army" should wrest all the wealth it can from "the unbeliever."
Once on board with Freer, Carrender quickly helped transform Floor Décor into an electronics company, giving it the name Tiger Telematics. In August 2002, Carrender was named CEO. Within a few months, the company decided it would develop its own GPS technology to launch a "child-tracking" system. This kind of business was attractive to investors, one industry analyst who followed the company closely observes, "because it had such a good sales pitch: 'Wouldn't you pay $200 for something that will tell you where your child is 24 hours a day?'" But getting teenagers to carry such a device can be difficult. So in 2003, Tiger Telematics announced that the solution was to install its still hypothetical child-tracking system in a handheld videogame console, something it first called Gametrac but eventually renamed Gizmondo.
TO MAKE AND MARKET THE DEVICE, Tiger Telematics formed a UK subsidiary called Gizmondo Europe, which Freer would run. Freer immediately established himself as a rising star in London's business community. A big, broad-faced blond, he possessed a remarkable ability to recruit investors. "Mr. Freer has one of the most magnetic personalities I've ever encountered," says Rich Clayton, Gizmondo Europe's former creative director. "When he told people about Gizmondo, they would literally beg him to let them invest in the company."
For his efforts as managing director, Freer was awarded a compensation package that totaled nearly $2.2 million in 2004, his first full year on the job. He and his wife (who was paid $174,000 by Gizmondo for "consultancy services") moved with their children onto a huge estate in Hampshire and filled the garage with expensive autos. On weekends, Freer could combine the two passions he shared with Eriksson – expensive jewelry and flashy vehicles – by roaring around on a Harley-Davidson with a diamond-etched crankcase.
Eriksson was invited to board the money train soon after Freer took the reins at Gizmondo. Freer justified Eriksson's appointment as a Gizmondo director by saying his friend was making "strategic introductions" to people in the auto-racing business who would invest in the company or sign sponsorship agreements. One such deal was actually signed – with Jordan Grand Prix – but it ended badly; Jordan filed a lawsuit after Gizmondo failed to pay what it owed for sponsoring Jordan's racing team. Nevertheless, in 2004 Eriksson was rewarded with an annual compensation package that included $867,465 in salary, $1,365,456 in bonuses, and 884,024 shares of stock, along with an "automobile allowance" of $104,095. He settled into a house within a gated community in one of London's most exclusive suburbs, St. George's Hill, where he is still remembered for his raucous parties.
It wasn't long before Eriksson imported his wingmen from the Uppsala Mafia. Johan Enander, who had served more than two years for crimes including grand theft and extortion, handled security for Gizmondo functions. Peter Uf, who had spent more than five years in prison for fraud, was named a Gizmondo director. The company opened a glass-fronted corporate headquarters next to Farnborough Airport, and expensive Ferraris and McLarens dotted the parking lot. To add to the glitter, in 2004 Gizmondo purchased a 75 percent interest in a London modeling agency called Isis, ensuring that there would be plenty of beautiful young women at its parties and events. And in early 2005, the company secured a presence in central London, signing a $334,000 lease for a shop on posh Regent Street, intending "to ape the Apple showroom up the road," as The Mail on Sunday put it.
As for the device itself, the Gizmondo was crammed with attention-grabbing features. In addition to the GPS system, the handheld console was given MP3 and video players, gyroscopes for motion sensing, multimedia messaging, and Bluetooth wireless networking for multiplayer games. Players who agreed to watch ads beamed to them over cell phone networks would get a discount on the initial purchase price (oddly, the device couldn't make phone calls). The kitchen-sink approach worked: Aided by the powerful PR firm Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, Gizmondo grabbed headlines and filled news columns even before it had a product to sell. (Eventually, Gizmondo's PR blitz would become so hyperbolic and relentless that the blog Engadget warned, "There's a fine line between 'buzz' and 'white noise,' but you guys have definitely crossed it.") Investors poured money into the company, and Tiger Telematics' stock shot from 53 cents a share in late 2003 to $32.50 a share in early 2005. The company spent this cash furiously, running up charges of nearly $150,000 for luxury suites at the Dorchester hotel alone, despite earning a paltry $316,000 for all of 2004 (all from acquired companies like Isis).
The only disquieting notes to emerge publicly back then involved revelations about Freer's exaggerated biography. The company's first 10-K SEC filing described Freer as a "co-founder of software company VXtreme," but Freer had never been involved with VXtreme (which Microsoft purchased in 1997). "A minor typo," Carrender explained when a reporter at the San Jose Mercury News pointed out the discrepancy: Freer had actually founded Weextreme, which Carrender described as an "offshore-based Internet consulting company that ceased to operate in the late 1990s." (Wired has been unable to verify that such a company existed.) Official papers also said that Freer once served as a trustee of London's prestigious King's Medical Research Trust. He never has.
What went unreported in the media, however, was that in 2004, Freer and Eriksson had also been engaging in a series of what accountants call related-party transactions. The Tiger Telematics board of directors later discovered that the two Swedes were enriching themselves by making deals between Gizmondo and other companies the duo had business ties to. The most significant of these involved the development of games for the device. Gizmondo paid more than $3.5 million to a software company called Northern Lights; Freer and Eriksson admitted to owning almost 50 percent of its stock. And while it wasn't officially reported as a related-party transaction, Freer and Eriksson also approved payment of nearly $4 million in 2005 to a British company called Game Factory Publishing to develop games, which were never delivered. That company, it turned out, was directed by a close friend of Freer's.
The Gizmondo console was finally unveiled in spring 2005. Things began well: The company's March 2005 launch party at the Park Lane Hotel in London was a media sensation. Guests sipped free Cristal champagne as hosts Dannii Minogue and Tom Green introduced performers like Sting and rap stars Pharrell Williams and Busta Rhymes (both of whom were flown in from the US for the occasion). Following the event, Freer was hailed as the new player in London's frenzied financial scene. People who actually knew something about videogames, however, greeted the device with derision. To justify a price of about $400 – more than twice that of Nintendo's recently released DS portable game device – the company billed the Gizmondo as having "cutting edge gaming, multimedia messaging, and an MP3 music player." But critics looked at the oddly shaped console with its black rubber jacket and saw an electronic turd. "Too little, too late. It's lacking games support, it's uncool," is how CNET's UK Web site described it. "The product lacks focus, suffers from numerous flaws, and carries an insultingly high price tag," CNN/Money's Chris Morris later wrote. Gizmondo's slate of games, like Furious Phil, Johnny Whatever, and Momma, Can I Mow the Lawn? were widely ridiculed.
Freer was unbowed. "If you look at the size of the market," he told the British press, "there's room for several contenders." But Gizmondo would find it difficult to compete with the likes of Nintendo and Sony – which had just released the PlayStation Portable – when at launch its console was available only on the company Web site and at a handful of stores.
Tiger's SEC filings show that the company lost more than $300 million between January 2004 and July 2005. Creditors began circling. Ogilvy sued for more than $4 million it claimed it was owed for marketing and advertising. MTV Networks Europe demanded $1.5 million after Gizmondo reneged on an agreement to sponsor several of the network's shows, one of them its annual music awards. (The Jordan Grand Prix lawsuit had been for $3 million). As Tiger and Gizmondo prepared for their much-anticipated US launch in October 2005, the companies were being kept afloat by $21.2 million in loans from a pair of wealthy British shareholders and had taken to paying suppliers with shares of stock instead of cash. Still, Carrender told a reporter, "we think it's going to do pretty well in America."
On the Friday before the US launch, Carrender received news that left him "thunderstruck": Freer and Eriksson were submitting their resignations as Gizmondo directors. "They mentioned an article that was coming out," Carrender recalls. "I didn't know what they were talking about." What the Swedes were talking about was a story set to appear in the Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet, whose reporters had been advised that the Stefan Eriksson making millions as a director of Gizmondo Europe was the same Stefan Eriksson they knew as a Scandinavian crime lord.
Over the next few months, Gizmondo's collapse was swift. The European launch had fizzled. The US launch was bombing. Questions about Eriksson and Freer persisted. By November, the share price for Tiger Telematics had dropped to $7, on its way to eventual worthlessness. Its investment stream no longer even a trickle, Gizmondo Europe declared bankruptcy in January 2006. The company halted production of the Gizmondo gaming device shortly thereafter.
FOLLOWING SUCH A PUBLIC DEBACLE, most executives would be distraught. But Freer and Eriksson had moved to Los Angeles in anticipation of Gizmondo's US launch, and by the time the company shut down, both were ensconced in multimillion-dollar Bel-Air mansions. What's more, Freer, it seemed, was getting into a new venture: He began financing a startup called Xero Mobile, which was staffed in part with former Gizmondo employees. This company would take aim not at Sony and Nintendo but at the Verizon Wirelesses and T-Mobiles of the world. Like Tiger Telematics before it, Xero would be built around a single technology this time a cell phone advertising system similar to the one designed for the Gizmondo. And just like Tiger, the new firm would be financed by taking over a company with an over-the-counter listing (the former Desi TV, in this case), renaming it, then selling off newly created shares.
But if Gizmondo's financial crash couldn't bring down Freer and Eriksson, a 194-mph Ferrari crash would. One morning, a few weeks after Gizmondo was shuttered, Eriksson got into his red Enzo and saw just how fast the car could go.
The fallout engulfed Eriksson first. DNA tests matched him to the blood found on the driver's-side airbag of the wrecked Enzo, proving conclusively, investigators said, that Eriksson was the driver. Witnesses told authorities that they had seen Karney in the passenger seat of the Ferrari the night before, leading investigators to believe that there was no Mercedes at all. Furthermore, sheriff's investigators, who had estimated earlier that Eriksson's Ferrari was going about 162 mph at the time of the Malibu crash, determined it was actually going more like 194. According to the California Highway Patrol, the fastest ticketed speeder they can recall was a motorcyclist caught doing 160 mph on a highway near Bakersfield.
Alerted that he had bought a one-way ticket to the UK, LA sheriffs arrested Eriksson on April 8 after a search of his Bel-Air home. Perhaps the most telling item they found was an enormous Scarface poster hanging above the bed. What created the biggest stir in the media, however, was the .357 Magnum revolver officers recovered from the house. The gun didn't belong to Eriksson but to a Newport Beach businessman named Roger Davis. This was big news in Orange County, where Davis was known both as a realtor to the rich and as a reserve deputy appointed by sheriff Michael Carona. The sheriff had rewarded some of his election campaign donors with such positions and was being criticized for giving them badges and weapons permits. (Davis says he was a volunteer for the sheriff.) What went unreported in the Southern California papers was that Davis had also been serving as president of Xero Mobile since its inception.
Davis won't comment on the gun or why Eriksson had it. But he is adamant that Eriksson has nothing to do with Xero and points out that Freer is no longer involved in the company.
On April 26, Freer, too, was arrested by LA County sheriff's deputies, in his case on suspicion of impersonating a police officer in connection with the attempt to purchase a .44 Magnum handgun. Released after extensive questioning, the former Gizmondo manager has not yet been charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office and claims to be the victim of a misunderstanding. After Freer's arrest, however, his yacht vanished from Marina del Rey, and his Bel-Air home is now on the market for $6.5 million.
Eriksson does not have such options; his assets were frozen by the Los Angeles County Superior Court in response to a prosecutor's motion alleging that they were obtained by fraud and deceit. At his arraignment in Los Angeles in May, a glum-looking Eriksson pleaded not guilty to seven felony charges – including embezzlement and grand theft – and two misdemeanors; if convicted on all counts, he'll face 14 years in prison. His bail has been set at $3 million (about three times what an accused murderer faces), but US immigration officials have placed a hold on Eriksson, meaning that if released he would go straight to a federal detention center.
While California law-enforcement authorities were cracking down on Eriksson stateside, European financial investigators began plumbing Gizmondo's bankruptcy filings in London. They quickly found a few anomalies: Despite Tiger Telematics' limited investment in research and development, SEC filings show "sustained net losses aggregating over $382.5 million" in the 45 months preceding the resignations of Freer and Eriksson. Liquidators can't yet say where as much as half of that money went.
To untangle the company's finances on behalf of creditors, the High Court in London appointed the formidable firm Begbies Traynor. But even with almost 100 boxes of records that Gizmondo's UK accountants have provided, Begbies investigators have struggled to get a fix on the company's accounts. "There are a variety of different names under which funds were allocated, transferred, and spent," says Paul Davis, senior partner at Begbies. "They used layers and layers of companies that were involved in very complex dealings. It takes a lot of sorting out." Davis is particularly interested in "certain details that suggest money was transferred to offshore accounts."
While Davis acknowledges that he may eventually go after the personal assets of Gizmondo's directors, he says that for now he and his partners have decided to pursue "easy kills that will get us the money to finance our search for the large sums we believe are better hidden." Those "easy kills," according to Davis, are the remaining properties (intellectual and physical) that still belong to Gizmondo.
The executive left to deal with all this, Tiger CEO Carrender, has a more compelling claim to clean hands than any of the directors whose personal assets may end up in Davis' sights. Carrender deferred half of his $1.3 million salary and didn't take any bonuses in 2004 a year that Freer and Eriksson were each paid $2.2 million. And there is no evidence of Carrender's involvement in any of the related-party transactions that benefited the Swedes. Carrender also has a strong defense that he expresses succinctly: "The Gizmondo was actually made and did operate."
FREER IS CURRENTLY LIVING IN LOS ANGELES, and the DA's office has not yet decided whether it will pursue a case against him. He denies any wrongdoing and says he has severed business ties with his friend Eriksson.
As for Eriksson, his court file has been sealed and he is now being held in a special segregated section of the LA Men's Central Jail called K-10, with limited access to visitors. Sheriffs and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement are continuing to explore his activities and the workings of the SGVTA police force. Eriksson's attorneys won't discuss much about the federal government's involvement in the case but insist that the charges against their client are "outrageously overblown," as one of them, Alec Rose, puts it. Rose accuses the British banks, Lombard in particular, of pushing the authorities in Los Angeles to prosecute Eriksson on felony charges. Rose also challenges the allegation that Eriksson "claimed to be a law enforcement officer" at the Malibu crash site.
Joining Rose as Eriksson's cocounsel is Jim Parkman. A member of the late Johnnie Cochran's law firm, Parkman is perhaps best known as the attorney who helped former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy obtain a stunning acquittal on 36 counts of fraud-related charges in 2005. Parkman refuses to discuss the evidence offered by law-enforcement officials that Eriksson made material misrepresentations on the documents he used to import his two Ferraris and the McLaren. All he'll say is, "I feel quite comfortable with where we are on that."
Perhaps the most hapless character in all of this is bus company founder Yosuf Maiwandi. Despite his claim that he was running a legitimate business, Maiwandi was arrested on May 9 by LA County sheriff's deputies on suspicion of perjury, for reporting on California applications that the agency was a government entity. During searches at four locations that same day, police sized an assortment of handguns, badges, and several police jackets. At press time the district attorney's office had not yet filed charges.
In a telephone interview a few weeks earlier, aware of what was coming, Maiwandi blamed his predicament on Eriksson's personal vanity: "This whole thing could have been avoided if Eriksson had just been satisfied driving a Trans-Am."


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The 2001 edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup is one Javier Saviola is unlikely to forget. Playing on home soil under the stewardship of Jose Pekerman, he powered *La Albiceleste *to the world title, picking up the adidas Golden Boot and Golden Ball along the way.
It would be just the first of many golden moments for the striker known as El Conejito, who notched no fewer than 11 goals at that tournament. The haul, which included two hat-tricks and two braces, remains a tournament record, and not even the great Lionel Messi, who hit six at the same event in 2005, came close to matching it.
Currently on the books of Spanish outfit Malaga, the vastly experienced 31-year-old spoke exclusively to FIFA.com about recent disappointments for his country's U-20 side and what it was like to become world champion at such a tender age.
FIFA.com: You achieved some wonderful things with your country's U-20 side, which recently failed to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013. What's your take on the current standard of youth football in Argentina?
Javier Saviola: Truth be told, in recent years the U-20 side has not been performing to the standard it has done in the past, when the youth teams were always among the world's best. However, these kind of spells can happen, and hopefully we can get back to where we were and soon see La Albiceleste on the world stage again.
You also hold the record for most goals scored at this tournament, which you and your team-mates won in emphatic style. Looking back now, how do you remember it?
Without question as one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Becoming world champion on home soil in front of our own people, and then winning those individual accolades, was one of the best times of my professional career.
You're playing at a World Cup at a young age and that makes you stronger, as you start to get a feel for international football.
Does winning a world title at such a young age mark a player's character for the future?
Yes, as it's a unique experience. You're playing at a World Cup at a young age and that makes you stronger, as you start to get a feel for international football by competing against other teams from South America, Europe… That doesn't happen every day, and so you accumulate a lot of experience and game time. At such a young age, it's a real springboard.
To what extent does success at youth level depend on the talent of a given generation and the footballing project that's in place?
Well, it depends a great deal on who's been tasked with managing such very young players, because aside from being a coach he (or she) must have the skills of a psychologist. We're talking about very young kids here who are in the midst of maturing both as players and people. You need to have a very savvy coach who can adapt to working with youngsters, as opposed to professional players. Our team at the time, under Jose Pekerman, was always first class.
What's Pekerman like to work with? He's currently enjoying success with Colombia and all his former charges speak very highly of him…
He's a very good coach, a great person and extremely capable of leading a group. He knows a great deal about football but also how to get that across to his players. He helps you a lot on a personal level. I had him with the U-20s when I was going through a complicated period in my life. He couldn't have done more for me and helped me with everything.

subset: commoncrawl


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|Positive SSL
Sommerfeld's Tools for Wood is a small company that prides itself on high-quality products, great customer service, and industry leading innovation.
Most of the products on this website were designed by Marc Sommerfeld to be better than the alternatives. This is not a statement we make lightly ... but rather, one backed by Marc's experience and inventiveness.
There are NO shipping or handling charges on any order over $25.00, except for router table tops and fences. Shipping outside the contiguous United States will be subject to shipping charges.
Years ago, when I was building cabinets, I always had a few customers that wanted Plantation shutters on their windows to match their cabinetry. I didn't know how to make them, so I took the measurements and ordered them through the mail from a company out East. I didn't make much money on them because they were so expensive. Plus, I couldn't pass much mark-up on to my customer, and still treat them right, in my mind.
Awhile ago, I did some research on the internet. I found that custom made raised panel doors cost between $20-$30 per sq. ft. and (unfinished) custom made shutters will run between $40-$50 per sq. ft.
Fast forward to today ... I've decided now is the time to teach people how to make their own. With the resources that I have now - like my 3-piece Shutter set and DVD, you can build this formerly expensive job for a lot less AND you can control the quality of the work.
We are happy to offer to our customers our NEW 3 pc. Shutter Set (#03009) for $99.90 and the NEW Window Shutter Set Made Easy (DVD12) for $9.90. We truly hope you enjoy building this and saving the dollars.


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Funding cut by 60 percent for Ky. school safety
Safe Schools Program slashed by $5.9 million over 5 years
Funding for a school safety program in Kentucky has been cut by almost 60 percent over the last five years.
The Courier-Journal reports funding for the Safe Schools Program has decreased from $10.4 million in 2007-2008 to $4.5 million in the current school year. The funding cut has led to less safety audits being performed at schools around the state by the Kentucky Center for School Safety.
Some state lawmakers and education leaders say the cuts need to be reviewed in light of shootings last week at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., where when a gunman killed 20 children and six adults.
"It's something we're going to have to look at in light of what happened at Sandy Hook. But we should wait and see what exactly happened in Connecticut," said Democratic state Rep. Carl Rollins, who heads the House Education Committee. "Our schools are still safe places."
The Center for School Safety has reduced training programs and canceled a safety conference this year, said agency Director Jon Akers. He says 90 school safety audits were performed annually when the center was fully funded, but this year there will be 57.
"The cuts have limited what I can do and what superintendents can do, but we still try to find ways to make things happen," Akers said. "We still provide training, technical assistance and safe school assessments in the school districts, but not as much as I would like."
Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday said he too thinks the funding cut should be reviewed, though he is confident that schools around the state are safe.
"I worry that we're not able to do as many school safety audits as we would like," he said.
The Kentucky Center for School Safety, which is based at Eastern Kentucky University, was formed by the General Assembly in 1998 in the aftermath of a shooting at Heath High School in West Paducah that killed three students and injured five.
Funding for the program – and several others – has dwindled as the weakened economy brought in less tax revenue.
"This is symptomatic of a larger problem we have in Kentucky of bearing our responsibilities to the citizens we're supposed to serve," said state Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville. "Until we face up to the financial crisis that we're in, so many important support services for children and others will continue to erode."
Responding to the newspaper article, Gov. Steve Beshear told WHAS-AM Wednesday that the safety program and others suffered through the recession.
"I do think though that we have worked hard to make our schools safe, and I don't think that the plunge in that money means that they're not safe, but obviously we could do better," Beshear said.
"All schools have a safety plan," he said. "They review them and update them, and we encourage that and obviously encouraged it again after the tragedy in Connecticut. But what it does limit is some of the auditing that we can do in looking at the different plans and making sure that they're as updated as possible. So when we move forward in the next budget session, we're going to take a serious look at that."
Brad Hughes, spokesman for the Kentucky School Boards Association, said school safety needs have always been funded through a combination of state, local and federal funds.
The reduced state funding "is another example of the fact that we have revenue needs for K-12 schools," Hughes said. "If we had that full $10 million back would it improve things in schools? Absolutely. But could it absolutely prevent something like what happened in Connecticut from happening here? No."


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Our Canine guests are treated to spacious indoor suites with attached outdoor verandas. We have privacy walls between suites for safety and cleanliness. Indoor suites are climate controlled, and the outdoor verandas have awnings and shade trees. We offer separate quarters for small or quiet dogs that like a slower pace of life. We have specially designated runs for female dogs while they are in season. We provide all boarded pets with fleece bedding. Bedding is washed daily to ensure the comfort of the pets staying with us. We also have orthopedic mats that we will give to any dog that has trouble with his/her joints.
Our 4-legged clients are provided with maid service daily. We clean with animal friendly products and a high pressure, hot washing system to guarantee the most sanitary environment for your pet.
All of our boarded pets are provided with meals twice daily. We feed Premium Edge brand foods. If your dog is allergic to grains we offer Nature's Variety Instinct. We also have the Nature's Variety Raw foods for exceptionally picky eaters, or those who prefer a more natural diet. If you feel that your pet needs his/her own food we require that you package it in zip-lock baggies by each meal. There is a $2.00 per day charge to feed your own food.
*** If your dog is on a prescription diet there is no additional charge to feed that food. We do need to know what the prescription is for. We also require the food be packaged by meal. ***
Pavlov's Garden:
Pavlov's Garden is our xera-scaped play area. We have a walking trail, 2 bridges, a dry streambed, hills and rocks to climb, and a summer swimming hole. We offer personal play sessions to any guest who is boarded or comes for day care. Your pet gets to decide what to do: sit for pets, run around, sniff the bushes and trees, play fetch. Each playtime lasts for 15 minutes. We offer each pet up to 3 playtimes per day. There is an additional charge of $3.00 per pet for playtimes.


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The College of Education hosted an event celebrating education at the K-State Olathe campus last month that offered career changers and prospective students alike the chance to visit with alumni and faculty members.
The event was held Jan. 31 and faculty provided information about the college's undergraduate programs as well as its graduate programs in school counseling, academic advising, curriculum and instruction and adult education. In addition, there was information about the college's EdCats program for early-career teachers and the newly developed micro-credential courses for K-12 professional development,
"There has never been a better time – or more convenient opportunity – for professionals in the Kansas City metro area to pursue a graduate degree from K-State's College of Education," said Debbie Mercer, dean of the college. "The faculty is heavily invested in developing curricula that are challenging and most importantly relevant to our graduate students' professional aspirations."
Attendees watched a portion of the college's documentary released this fall "A Walk in My Shoes: The First 9 Months." Video participants, Becky Brady (Sunflower Elementary) and Skylar Ross (Pawnee Elementary) with the Shawnee Mission School District, took part in a panel discussion along with Tanner Crow (Blue Valley High School), Annie Goodson (Mill Valley High School), Taylor Miller (Olathe Public Schools) and Katherine Omo Jimenez (Prairie Ridge Elementary).
"It was heartwarming to have so many teachers visit with me after the event and say that the film reminded them of their first few years in the classroom and served as an important reminder to reach out to early-year colleagues and offer support."
Click here for a full list of the college's graduate programs.


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MUSCLE TANK - The NevinPrevious Product Next Product
The Nevin is our vintage-inspired tank that features a drop arm hole a long-line finished hem. Whether you're throwing it on to hit the gym or styling it with jeans, this basic tank will become your go-to for everyday easy style. We know you'll want more than just one, so we made the Nevin in several colors!
This is a relaxed fit mens style that runs true to size. Male model is 6' and is wearing a size Medium.
For each basic sold between October 12th, 2018 and October 12th, 2019, good hYOUman will donate 10% of proceeds to the beYOUtiful Foundation. For more information, visit beYOUtifulfoundation.com.
50% Cotton // 50% Modal // Machine Wash Cold // Tumble Dry Low


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U.S. Rep. Jim Himes to hold three health care forums
Meeting comes to Bridgeport
Groups with opposing views on health care reform are preparing for three town hall meetings on the issue this week at sites across Fairfield County.
Many attendees will be packing playbooks, talking points and colorful signs for the final series of town hall meetings U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Greenwich, will hold before Congress reconvenes next month.
Wednesday's forum has been moved twice, at least in part because of the large crowd expected.
Originally slated to take place at Norwalk Hospital, it was moved to Norwalk City Hall for better crowd control and larger accommodations, said Elizabeth Kerr, Himes' spokeswoman.
The meeting was then moved again and is now scheduled for Wednesday at Norwalk High School.
Himes is promoting the event through his Web site, mailings and phone calls, and turnout is expected to be in the hundreds.
The fervor over town hall meetings on health care reform has erupted in the past few months, with some escalating into shouting matches and violence.
"The American people are feeling a great deal of distress, and they are obviously taking out their frustrations on those in positions of power," said professor Gary Rose, chairman of the government and politics department at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield.
Town hall meetings on health care are not solely about that issue anymore, Rose said.
"What we're seeing across the country is really a rising frustration with government, irrespective of party," he said. "It's not just the health care issue. Really, the larger frustration is due to a general anger over performance of government and general economic status and living conditions."
Robert MacGuffie, co-founder of Right Principles, a Fairfield-based political action committee, agreed that people's focus has moved beyond health care.
"It's about the whole massive socialist spending agenda," said MacGuffie, who described his organization as a grass-roots movement to expand individual freedom and save the capitalist economy.
He wrote a memo that outlines steps that town hall meeting participants can take to put elected officials "on the defensive," as the document states, and demonstrate that many audience members oppose "the socialist agenda of Washington."
Health Care for America Now, which bills itself as a national grass-roots organization representing more than 1,000 organizations in 46 states, published its own memo in response.
The online document advises those who attend town hall meetings on health care reform to arrive early, be visible, stay positive and demonstrate the size and power of supporters by chanting, said John Murphy, lead state organizer. The supporters will gather an hour before the Norwalk forum for a "honk-and-wave" show of support, Murphy said.
"It's really been since July when the rhetoric has heated up, and the shouting and the confusing and the lying," he said. "We've seen some things get out of control."
Matt O'Conner, communications director for the Service Employees International Union, has attended several health care forums across the state in support of
O'Conner said it's unlikely that the upcoming meetings will be any more civil than previous forums, which "really got ugly -- a lot of very personal things were said about the president, about folks in office, about others in the crowd."
Despite the level of citizen organization the issue has inspired, even the average person with a question or a concern can be heard at this week's town hall meetings, according to forum planners.
"You do have some agitators who are crisscrossing the state and maybe even the country, who seem to relish this type of activity," Himes spokeswoman Kerr said, "but Joe Schmoe is actually out there, and he's participating in these meetings."
She said questions will be inserted into a ballot box and drawn at random.
The goal of the meetings is to ensure that Himes, who has not taken a firm position on the existing health care reform proposal, can hear how Fairfield County residents feel about the issue, Kerr said.
"I think that people are right to be passionate about this issue," she said. "It affects all of us, and we really do need health care


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Taxes and Spending
Farm subsidies encourage farmers to be inefficient and wasteful. Moreover, subsidies mostly benefit large farms and landowners, and not the "small family farms" we're told the subsidies protect.
U.S. History
In 1944, Roosevelt revealed that the original Bill of Rights had "proved inadequate to assure us equality in the pursuit of happiness." So he proposed to replace it with something far worse.
The FedU.S. Economy
In order to confuse matters, much of the true debt incurred by the federal government each year is simply declared to not be part of the deficit.
The FedMoney and Banking
Taxes and SpendingU.S. History
Bastiat would point out that all that tax money spent on space programs comes at a very real, unseen cost.
Big GovernmentHealthThe Police State
Big Government


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Looking back at 2011, employees continued to reduce their stress and worked to improve their financial situation, according to Financial Finesse. The financial education firm released on Feb. 28 its 2011 Year in Review which showed the number of employees reporting high or overwhelming levels of stress fell from 32% in 2010 to 19% in 2011.
Many employees are working to improve their day-to-day finances and consequently are shifting their focus to long-term planning issues such as retirement. Almost three-quarters of employees say they are managing their cash flow and spend less than they make every month. Over half have an emergency fund and 62% pay off credit cards in full.
Almost all employees (92%) say they contribute to their workplace retirement plan, and 78% say they have a general knowledge of stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Still, just over one-third say they're confident their assets are allocated properly, and only 17% say they're on track to replace at least 80% of their income when they retire.
The reason for this disconnect is simple; employees aren't saving enough. "Employees have been so preoccupied with short-term issues in the past. That was their main focus, so they weren't focusing on saving," Erik Carter, a resident financial planner at Financial Finesse, told AdvisorOne on Thursday. Another factor is, naturally, the economy. Employees have seen "significant declines and are less optimistic. Their expectations for returns are lower. If they're not saving and their balances are down, their expectations are going to be down."
While equal percentages of men and women contribute to their workplace retirement plan, men are uniformly more confident about retirement and have a better handle on day to day finances than women. A fifth of male employees say they are on track to retire with at least 80% of their pre-retirement income compared with just 13% of women. Less than a third of women say their assets are allocated properly while 42% of men say their assets are well-allocated. Men are more likely to manage their cash flow well, regularly pay off credit card balances and have an emergency fund.
It's fairly common knowledge that men tend to report higher levels of understanding and confidence regarding financial matters. Carter suggests that the gender gap in overall pay may be behind men's higher rate of retirement confidence. "Men still make more," he says. He also speculates that the difference could be psychological. Men tend to be more confident, sometimes to the point of overconfidence, which could potentially have a negative impact.
Despite these gaps, though, the report found many instances where the gap between men's confidence and women's is narrowing. In 2010, there was a 33-point gap between men who said they had a general knowledge of financial products. In 2011, that gap closed to 15 points. Similarly, in managing their cash flow, paying off credit cards, paying bills on time and maintaining an emergency fund, the gap between men and women is closing by seven to 12 points.
"Women are catching up," Carter says. "Women are more likely to advantage of financial education, and as they learn more, their confidence increases."
The report found that employees appear to have an appropriate understanding of financial priorities. A standard financial planning analysis found that not saving enough for retirement was an employee's biggest vulnerability, followed by not saving enough to cover emergencies, investing improperly, spending too much from month to month and getting stuck in "serious debt." Compared to priorities ranked by employees, though, they seem to recognize their own vulnerabilities. Employees ranked retirement planning as their top priority, followed by managing cash flow, debt management, investing and tax planning.
"The good news is that we're seeing more interest in retirement planning," Carter says, adding that the company's financial help hotline received more calls about long-term planning issues in 2011. "I expect as the economy recovers we'll see people saving more and focusing more on the future and less on right now. If the economy does recover, they'll probably start investing more aggressively."


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TOKYO (AP) — Steam or vapors appeared to be coming from a damaged reactor building at Japan's tsunami-crippled nuclear plant Thursday, but the plant operator said radiation levels were steady.
The video images showed a small amount of vapor or steam, but the origin wasn't clear. It was detected in the morning and was continuing in the afternoon.
The reactor's spent fuel pool was stable and measurements of the temperatures and pressure have not changed significantly, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said.
Workers were continuing to inject water into the No. 3 reactor to cool it, the utility said.
The No. 3 reactor was one of three at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant where the nuclear cores overheated and melted after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Radiation spewed from the plant and still contaminates the air, water and soil nearby.
TEPCO is relying on a makeshift system of hoses and pumps to keep the reactors from overheating, and the site still is littered with damaged vehicles, twisted metal and other debris left by the waves that swept through the plant and knocked out its power. The utility has estimated that shutting down the plant will take 40 years.
The Fukushima accident was the world's worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986. Thousands of people have been unable to return to their homes near the plant because radiation levels are still high.
Most of Japan's nuclear reactors remain shut down for safety checks following the disaster.


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Suzanne, 36 Nottingham
Sean, 40 Nottingham
dawn, 37 Nottingham
Mikey09, 31 Nottingham
Cat Holland, 46 Nottingham
MagicMan, 49 Nottingham
SazLiverpool, 38 Nottingham
Andy, 46 Nottingham
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UK internet dating sites and introduction agencies offer very different types of services to their single members. An introduction agency usually requires all their members to personally meet a member of their team for an interview. This allows the dating agency to get to know their clients interests, lifestyle, and the types of people they are looking to meet. Once on a dating agency's books, they will try and match you with other single members on their books who they think you may be a good match or partner. UK dating agencies generally charge a large fee for their dating services.
In comparison, online dating services in the UK tend to be 100% free to join. Members will usually have to pay a membership fee, however this allows you to contact as many other singles who are also online dating as you want. With thousands of singles dating online each week, there is a wider choice, making a more cost-effective way to find love and meet other singles searching for romance in the UK. If you are trying a UK dating service for the first time, online dating offers a cost-effective dating service to try first.
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Last week, the High Court of England & Wales ruled that Samsung Tabs were distinctive enough not to be confused with the iPad. The High Court dismissed Apple's arguments by referring to approximately 50 examples of prior art, and identified distinctive differences between Samsung's products and Apple's iPad. In fact, somewhat embarrassingly for Samsung, Judge Colin Birss stated that the Tabs don't infringe on Apple's designs because they are "not as cool". "They do not have the same understated and extreme simplicity which is possessed by the Apple design", he noted in his ruling.
Now the same judge has struck another blow to Apple, which had stuck to its original stance even after the previous ruling. Birss has instructed Apple to publish a notice on its U.K. website and run advertisements in prominent British newspapers and magazines notifying consumers that Samsung didn't plagiarize its designs. However, he declined to grant Samsung's bid for an injunction blocking Apple from making public statements that the Galaxy infringed its design rights.
Essentially, Apple is being forced to advertise its competitor's products out of its own pocket. The Cupertino based giant, which was initially looking to block the sale of the Galaxy Tab 7.7, Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 8.9, will undoubtedly be disappointed with the ruling. However, even though Samsung might have cause to celebrate now, it must ask itself how it is going to lure the gadget enthusiasts if even a judge finds its products unappealing. If I were Apple, I would certainly rub it in by highlighting the "not as cool" remark in the advertisements.


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If you're any self-respecting music fan, there was probably a point in time where you wanted to make music yourself. And then you realized you didn't have any talent. And then you realized you couldn't afford the instruments. The Guitar Collection: George Harrison won't solve your talent or instrument problem but at least it'll let you see the instruments of a supremely talented musician.
What does it do?
It's an app about George Harrison's guitars. The quiet Beatle (and lead guitarist) obviously built up an impressive guitar collection during his career and held a personal collection to all of 'em. Seeing one of his guitars is like seeing an extension of him. The app gives full 360-degree views of seven of Harrison's guitar collection including the Stratocaster "Rocky," the Rosewood Telecaster, and the Rickenbacker 12-String. More pointedly, the app also explains the history of the guitar and how Harrison came to like each with pictures and details galore.
Why do we like it?
It's not just about the guitars. Well, fine it totally is. But it's more about how much these instruments meant to the great artist himself. You'll hear audio clips of Harrison talking about the guitars, be able to listen to a music library while you navigate the app and even see videos of various celebrities (Ben Harper, Conan O'Brien, etc.) playing Harrison's guitars. It's like a library of instruments for your iPad. The app is deeply revealing (and interesting) for anyone who's curious to see the relationship a musician has with his gear. Fascinating and fantastic. Like a nerd's personal preference on his gadgets but oh so much cooler.
The Guiatr Collection: George Harrison
Download this app for:
The Best
The Worst
Only seven guitars


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Photographer's Note
Bear with me guys... This is again a similar photo from the last two I have posted. I have a couple of reasons why I posted another of this sunrise photo taken from the same spot... our balcony.
1. I love sunrises... just looking at it makes me feel glad that God gave me another new day to look forward to.
2. I am looking for a better sunrise capture and I will probably get a good idea if I did from your comments and critiques. Plus maybe somebody can give me tips on how to do it better.
Critiques | Translate
Claudine (0) 2006-11-29 19:59
Hello Roberto,
This is well done with nice colors, POV and composition. I like the fact that a plane is just passing by. TFS,
Cormac (26565) 2006-11-29 20:45
I like this shot a lot! The clouds give it a dramatic appearance, and the jet in the sky a nice focal point for our attention. The armada of ships and the sun peaking over the horizon completes the perfect morning scene. Well done!
siolaw (38294) 2006-11-29 22:46
Hi Roberto,
I like this one too because i find funny the way the plane and all boats go to the same direction and even seem to go to the same place!! Good framing and timing, nice colors and cloud details
thaprem (2566) 2006-11-30 4:06
Absolutely not necessary to ask!..We enjoy it as you had & it is spectacular...
The POV is very nice& how did you manage it?.
Great one.
captainsgirl (3450) 2006-11-30 9:36
I love it...love the photo with all the ships waiting, love seeing the plane flying over the enourmous clouds..and the sun..yes I share your senitments...if the sun comes up and is shining of course its going to be a great day and I thank God everyday for that! TFS your photo..its beautiful.
donna :o)
Thanks for your comments on my photo "When the East Wind Blows." :o)
jmcl (14535) 2006-11-30 20:02
That wonderful enormous cloud makes this one special .. it just leaps off the screen .. the way the sun is controlled is great in this one as well. ,,, man you are good at catching those planes.
just wonderful image.
Silvio1953 (202462) 2006-12-05 15:51
Ciao Roberto, an other beautiful sunrise with splendid colors, well done, ciao Silvio
Hi, Roberto! What a wonderful scene! A great sunset, with great details: boats, plane and spectacular clouds! Well done! TFS! Greetings from Rio! Miguel.
diegosamy (143) 2006-12-06 20:45
hi robert , nice composition , love the clouds and the ships !
keep going
Photo Information
- Copyright: Roberto Perez Bartolome (robertbartolome) (270)
- Genre: Miejsca
- Medium: Kolorowe
- Date Taken: 2006-11-30
- Categories: Natura
- Naświetlenie: f/5.6, 1/250 sekund
- More Photo Info: view
- Wersja zdjęcia: Oryginalna wersja
- Date Submitted: 2006-11-29 19:52
- To Cormac: Thanks! (1)
by robertbartolome, last updated 2006-11-29 09:01
- To thaprem: Thanks! (1)
by robertbartolome, last updated 2006-11-30 04:29


text:
College Enrollment Hits All-Time High, Fueled by Community College Surge
I. Overview
The share of 18- to 24-year-olds attending college in the United States hit an all-time high in October 2008, driven by a recession-era surge in enrollments at community colleges, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Just under 11.5 million students, or 39.6% of all young adults ages 18 to 24, were enrolled in either a two- or four-year college in October 2008 (the most recent date for which comprehensive nationwide data are available). Both figures — the absolute number as well as the share — are at their highest level ever.
Enrollments have been rising over many decades at both two- and four-year colleges, but the most recent annual spike has taken place entirely at two-year colleges.
In October 2007, some 3.1 million young adults, or 10.9% of all 18- to 24-year-olds, were enrolled in a community college.1 A year later, that figure had risen to 3.4 million students, or 11.8% of all 18- to 24-year-olds. By contrast, enrollments at four-year colleges were essentially flat from 2007 to 2008.
This new peak in college enrollment has come in the midst of a recession that has driven the national unemployment rate to its highest level in more than a quarter of a century and has had an especially harsh impact on young adults. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a smaller share of 16- to 24-year-olds were employed in September 2009 — 46.1% — than at any time since the government began collecting such data in 1948.
Community college enrollments have long been considered somewhat countercyclical; that is, they tend to rise as the economy worsens (Betts and McFarland, 1995). One reason is that community colleges are less expensive than four-year institutions — they average $6,750 per year (including tuition, fees, and room and board) in the net price for full-time students, compared with $9,800 for four-year public colleges and $21,240 for four-year private colleges (College Board, 2009).2
Despite the higher costs of four-year institutions, their enrollments have not dropped during this recession. Rather, they have held steady — and have been able to do so despite tuition increases averaging 4.9% per year beyond general inflation from 1999-2000 to 2009-10 at public four-year colleges and universities (College Board, 2009).
Changes in the labor market and the overall economy are not the only factors that affect college enrollment levels. Another important factor is the rate at which young adults complete high school. Here, too, Census Bureau data show that a new milestone has been reached.
According to census figures, a record 84.9% of 18- to 24-year-olds had completed high school as of October 2008, up from 75.5% in 1967 and 83.9% in 2007. Along these same lines, there is a record low in the share of young adults who are high school dropouts — 9.3% in 2008, less than half the figure (19.8%) in 1967 and down nearly a percentage point from 10.2.% in 2007.
About this Report
This report is primarily based on the Pew Research Center's analysis of the October 2008 Current Population Survey and Census Bureau's historical time series on college enrollment available on the Census Bureau's website. The charts were prepared by research associate Wendy Wang. The historical tables in the Appendix were formatted by research assistant Daniel Dockterman. Paul Taylor, director of the Pew Research Center's Social & Demographic Trends project, provided editorial guidance and wrote the overview. Senior researcher Rakesh Kochhar provided helpful insights on the use of the Current Population Survey. Research analyst Gabriel Velasco did the number checking, and Marcia Kramer copy-edited the report.
- Technically, not all two-year colleges are "community colleges." But 96% of 18- to 24-year-olds enrolled in two-year colleges are enrolled in community colleges, so this report refers to two-year colleges as community colleges. ↩
- The net price refers to the published tuition, fees and room and board and then deducts grant aid from all sources and federal tax benefits. Financial aid in the form of loans to students or parents is not subtracted. ↩


text:
Cut steak into bite sized pieces. In a pan coated with cooking spray, sauté steak until browned. Remove meat from pan. Sauté onion, and garlic in beef dripping until tender. Add spices, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. (do not burn!)
Return steak to pan. Pour in broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1-2 hours or until beef is tender. Add corn and red pepper and simmer uncovered for additional 20 minutes.
Garnish with cheese, sour cream, and scallions.
Chips and Homemade Salsa > Easy Chili > Jalepeno Cornbread > Strawberry Pie
*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.


text:
RDAQ fears for small rural hospitals
THE potential closure of a small hospital in Central Queensland could be a sign of what is to come, the Rural Doctors' Association of Queensland fears.
People power managed to bring the uncertain future of the Moura Hospital, west of Gladstone, into the spotlight this week.
The town's community members threatened to create a human wall around the hospital in response to fears the Central Queensland Health and Hospital Board would close the facility.
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service Board chairman Charles Ware confirmed a meeting with hospital staff would be postponed until next week to further canvass community concerns.
Rural Doctors' Association of Queensland Dr Adam Coltzau fears what the situation may mean for other places with small hospitals.
"I am concerned if this is a trend to close smaller hospitals and leave places without emergency care or inpatient services as well," he said.
"It is a basic right for rural Queenslanders to have access to emergency hospital services and acute in-patient and palliative care locally."
Dr Coltzau questioned whether closing the Moura Hospital would lead to an expansion of the rural town's general practice.
While such an arrangement would accommodate for many medical situations, it would leave others, including patients needing antibiotics for pneumonia or serious wounds, to travel 200km to a hospital.
"Queensland has a very sparse area and a lot of hospitals are about two hours away from each other," he said.
"We are concerned the health boards will concentrate their money in the big towns and cities at the expense of smaller communities."
Dr Coltzau also highlighted the importance some rural hospitals played in mining populations.


text:
Obamarama? Tom Perriello eyed for Administration post
Nothing's official yet, and the president has even delayed his announcement to the new year, but a report by the influential Politico news service suggests that outgoing Fifth District Congressman Tom Perriello could be in line for job with the Obama Administration.
"The administration is looking for fresh blood and is super-grateful to Congressman Perriello," says Politico's Mike Allen. "So I can see him getting a great offer if he decides to serve in the federal government."
Charlottesville-based pundit Larry Sabato notes the midterm elections created quite a swarm of ousted Democrats. Of the two outgoing governors that Politico depicted along with Perriello to illustrate its story–- Ohio's Ted Strickland and Michigan's Jennifer Granholm (the latter turned out not by voters but by term limits)–- Sabato contends that each would get precedence over Perriello as Barack Obama prepares to hire.
"I'm sure Perriello's on the list," says Sabato, "but there's a long list."
Perriello is a native of the Albemarle County community of Ivy, and his ascent to Congress two years ago included knocking off Virgil Goode, a veteran conservative in a conservative district, a point not lost on national strategists who poured millions into television ads during the most recent election.
Although Republican Robert Hurt of Chatham won the November election, Perriello's high profile and experience in non-profit fund-raising have conspired to make him a hot commodity–- and not just for the White House. A source says Perriello is fielding myriad private sector inquiries as well.
"What would make the most sense for him probably would be something in the State Department because of his background," says Sabato, "He worked in Africa, and he's done non-governmental organization work."
"He hasn't made any decisions yet," says Perriello's deputy press secretary Michael Kelly. "There's plenty of work left to do in this Congress, and that's what he's focused on."
Sabato, who heads UVA's Center for Politics, says that the 36-year-old Perriello has hinted in interviews that he might consider trying to claim his seat in Congress. However, an impending redistricting by Republicans might make that a daunting challenge.
"Any sane person who's not addicted to the roar of the crowd might well do something else," says Sabato. "It's a tough business."
48 comments
What bunch of selfish crybabies RightWingers are. Scream about social responsibility but never take a responsible position. 9/11 responders need more than yellow magnets on your car!
These folks responded to a real crisis with real help. You respond with ephemeral opportunism!
Pay-up or shut-up stupid! Selfishness is not a philosophy. In adults, it's a disease!
Right whingers clog up these comments until somebody calls em on their unpatriotic bs. Then you don't hear frm em. Selfish and full of it.
What a bunch crybabies RightWiners are. They scream about responsibility but avoid taking a responsible position.9/11 responders, like vets, need more help than than yellow magnets on your car.
These folks responded to a real crisis with real help. The Right responds with empheral opportunism.
Pay-up or shut-up stupid! Selfishness is a phase of childhood, in adults it is disease!
How about this crass view?
First responders chose their profession, the members of the military chose their profession, garbagemen chose their profession, etc........
Should they not respond and do their chosen job when asked to do their chosen job?
I thought these guys were a part of a cadillac health plan through a union that cared about their members?
Tom Perriello is awesome. Well done.
re bailout;
During his recent booktour, George Bush JR was asked the following question by Matt Lauer; " Are you aware that over 40% of Americans believe President Obama is responsible for the bailouts?". George Jr grinned & replied "that 40% of Americans would be wrong". He went on to describe how he, his administration & Blinky Paulson felt a bailout was the only alternative to a depression.
Straight from the, erm.. horses mouth..and there's a filmed record of it for posterity. At least HE is honest about it.
He lost. Get over it hippies.
tom is not "awesome" Maybe he could see about getting a real job (never had one)and work for a paycheck. He is not that kind of guy, just a 36 year kid who thinks he knows something.
Yes they are "super grateful" as this kid was put in with John Podesta getting him outside money in 08, Tom followed his script and now he is being paid for his dedication to the cause. We are very lucky to have witnessed his ascendency and are grateful that he was willing to use us in his quest and to advance the "cause." Too good to be true as Tom arrives at the Titanic and is told to enjoy the cruise on the Potomac.
Sad but between the Obama types with tom, and Bush types the Ivy League is a total joke. People that are brainwashed and believe that theory triumps over reality.
It's a lock. Tom will be named Platitudes Czar and will continue to mouth what we want to hear while doing the opposite until this administration is booted from our National Nightmare. But maybe I'm too harsh - after all, the c-villians all think he's "awesome". Why not dreamy, too?
realist Get off the pipe will ya . try watching something else besides the faux news network for you information
I hate Tom Periello because he voted for the bailout. I don't need any more reason than that. I don't need to look any further than that.
VACracker- you are correct.....President Bush is not only at "least honest"- he has been incredibly honest about his entire time as a public official. He gets it, understands America and unfortunately was succeeded by an amatuer, who can't make an informed decision, but does have nice teeth and a severe case of arrogance.
Nearby- you are also correct.....TP is awesome. Others are making the same comment, since he is now gone.....
TP ia a politician. I think they all are like the old freak shows. They don't care how they are noticed, just as long as they're noticed. The only politician I respected was Ronald Reagan.
Harry D, do you type these comments with one hand?
Thanks for sharing?
"just askin'"- no one finger.............this one.
"StillAfan1"- I am a vet, a conservative- no magnets, no flag pin needed. When did you serve your Country?
"Proud American"- try me.........
As sure as I knew he would lose after his healthcare vote, I knew Obama would take care of his boy. He'll make room for Tommy, you wait.
Why not draft Maurice Jones? He can do anything!
Good riddance to Tommy Boy. Dear Leader can give him a job as payback for going against the wishes of his constituents in voting for the monstrosity known as ObamaCare. That job will last until Jan 20, 2013, when we finish off the Socialist Revolution.
I hope he takes a job in government. We need dedicated, principled public servants like Tom. I am grateful for the work (and votes!) he did as my Congressman, and I hope he can continue doing good on our behalf.
Tom is awesome.
When are they going to start wearing their red arm bands in public?
You've got to learn the secret handshake first.
Nice socialist/Nazi images there guys. Just curious, can you elaborate on the difference between fascist, socialist, and Nazi? I doubt it, but maybe you Tea Baggers have more brains that I'm giving you credit for.
"Realist" @#3, yeah he went against the will of the people by voting for the thing that the presidential candidate that we voted for promised when he was running. That's really logical. Run for office, promise X, get elected, vote for X, and then we say, "Hey! We never wanted X!" You should consider changing your screen-name to "still bitter Palin supporter" instead of the entirely inaccurate "realist".
Seems very doubtful but at least they aren't witches!
What a joke he was voted out because of being a socialist punk.
I thought you had to cheat on your taxes to get a job with obama
"The administration is looking for fresh blood..."
Perriello is as far from fresh blood as one could find. He is entirely old school Democratic Party hogwash. The party is completely out of touch with reality.
At this point, I wouldn't WANT to be associated with Obama (too busy to address the nation, gotta get to that Christmas Party, you're in good hands with Clinton (provided Monica isn't hanging in the crowd))....Tom would be better off hanging out somewhere else for a term or two and try again later.
Tom Periello is awesome. Silly Virginia got mad at him because he actually supported and voted for the same issues he defended in his campaign platform! Imagine that! Good for him for sticking to his guns and shame on the 5th district for voting in another ignorant good ol' boy.
Why is Soetoro always sweatin like a flakehead everywhere he goes?
jeezlouise He didn't loose he got out spent big business bought most house seats in this one. Italy 1939 look it up
gman the all you righties must be fascist pigs right?
....are you serious, Carter? Here's a nice blurb, since you seem to not realize anything about the career Tom Perriello had before going into politics.
"From 2002-03, Perriello was Special Advisor to the international prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, where he worked with child soldiers, amputees, and local pro-democracy groups, and helped to prosecute warlords. He later became the Court's Spokesman and helped to indict Liberian dictator Charles Taylor, peacefully forcing him from power. He has worked as a consultant to the International Center for Transitional Justice in Kosovo (2003), Darfur (2005), and Afghanistan (2007) where he worked on justice-based security strategies."
In other words, he's lived overseas for years on the job, and handled work of an extremely emotionally, physically, and mentally stressful nature. So what if he hasn't in recent years held down a regular minimum wage or 9 - 5 job, that doesn't mean he hasn't worked. Until you've devoted years of your life to a major cause, and been away from home and family for your career....I suggest you stop throwing stones.
I am so truly embarrassed to call myself a Charlottesvillian. The way my fellow brainless citizens have treated Tom is horrible. How many of you would walk repeatedly into a room filled with signs announcing how much you were hated? Anyone? You are a bunch of gutless, spineless cowards who don't have any clue what a good person looks like. My support of Tom will never change. Period.
It's obvious that anybody who still supports Tom Periello after the bailout is someone who will support Tom Periello even when he calls for bar-b-queing children on the steps of the capitol. Sure, assume he won't after you just gave him carte blanche to do so.
PERFECT!!!! Lose a job and get a losers job.
I would volunteer to help pack Perriello away to a do nothing job out of this area.
Perfect as an administrative waterboy/cheerleader. I think it's a GS-15, Step 10 job, plus the DC differential. Just another 2 year job for him.
Do you hate GW Bush for starting the bailout?
To be fair I think ole TP was given a bum rap. Sure he sold us out on healthcare but I feel he was between a rock and a hard place. If he voted for it he took the chance of not getting reelected and if he voted against it he definitely was not going to get any Dem support for his election.
He rolled the dice and lost.
Right now we have the dems and the pubs screwing all of us with the tax cut bill. Neither care about the country. They only care about their inflated egos and the lobbyist that really run the country.
We do need change but until the career politicians are sent packing we will never have it. That my 2 cents before tax.
@ idontknowjustaskmywife:
We don't need to ask your wife. Your postings make it crystal clear that you don't know anything.
@adamius: Here's a clue since you obviously don't have one: The offices of President and U.S. Representative are two distinct jobs. Your Representative isn't supposed to represent the President. He is supposed to represent his constituents. The majority of voters, including those in Virginia's 5th Congressional District, were against ObamaCare's passage. Tommy Boy didn't care.....he had his own agenda which was dictated to him by Stretch Pelosi. He voted for it and combined with all the bribes, kickbacks and assorted skullduggery, it became law. Thankfully, a combination of court rulings and defunding by the Republicans will eventually make the issue of ObamaCare null and void. The only useful purpose it served was to rid the Congress of Tommy Boy and over 60 other libs like him. There now, doesn't it feel good to get some education on this matter? You don't have to thank me.
colfer- no, I don't hate President Bush because the bailout started with his administration, but I do have a lot of disdain for AH's like Dodd and Franks for what they did to put the plan together that required the bailouts.
@HarryD: You are spot on in your comments about Dodd and Frank. Biggest crooks and phonies around (Dodd just like his crooked father in that regard....apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Dodd had the sense to retire. The fools in Frank's district ctually reelected him! Btw here's another "bonus" thanks to Dodd and Frank:
Aren't these liberals great?
Liberalism: Ideas so good, they have to be mandatory.
"Liberalism: Ideas so good, they have to be mandatory."
not even Sen. Kennedy and Sen. Byrd could outlive the liberal agendas they championed, but get everything named after them post mortum.
Don't get me started- OK- so they push Obamacare through so that they could all be in "office" when it passed- now the question is, who will be in office when it is repealled. What is really strange is that they are continuallky voted into office by different bases- not enough liberal whites? Go after the hispanic vote. Not enough hispanics, go after the one armed (left arm only please) voters, not enough of them? Go after some other "group". Conservatives? We actually don't go after anyone to capturte votes- we present a conservative point of view and after the libs show their striped, we usually win for a few more years- until the libs gather their "peeps" together again.
Even the unions are wandering around aimlessly this time around.
Enough of me- let's hear some other points of view while we are on the subject.
"Enough of me- let's hear some other points of view while we are on the subject."
According to the Census the migritation from liberal leaning states to the conservative states continues. They must feel guilty for living in Utopian areas and want to be with the little people.
Wait a minute. You conservatives here are defending a party of war profiteers who block funding to disabled vets and 9-11 first responders? Makes me sick.
I was in Brooklyn on 9/11 and the firetrucks,out of Maspeth/ Middle Village Queens, roared by my place on Grand St. These guys charged into the WTC. I've been asking how these trained firemen were lead into these structures. No one calculated the burning fuel when a plane collides into a skyscraper. Okay, stuff happens, I can accept that.
But then we were lied to about the health risks. And those buildings burned for 100 days. A column of smoke rose up and bent with the wind in every direction. Just taking a casual walk around Lower Manhattan I saw Air Quality monitors set-up in many, many locations. Stupid me, these monitors made feel safe.. Thanks Mr Mayor, you didn't have to do that.
Now we know two things: there was a risk and they lied.
Sorry make that three, they have to be shamed into paying for their mistake.
And by Comedy Central. Wow.


text:
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a fortune 500 oil refining, exploration and marketing PSU with Navratna status.
Bharat Petroleum produces a diverse range of products, from petrochemicals and solvents to aircraft fuel and specialty lubricants and markets them through its wide network of Petrol Stations, Kerosene Dealers, LPG Distributors, Lube Shoppes, besides supplying fuel directly to hundreds of industries, and several international and domestic airlines.
Following nationalization in 1976, BPCL changed its gears and embarked upon a Rapid growth path. Turnover, profitability and financial reserves grew by leaps and bounds.