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Local officials complain at Capitol about inadequate PILOT money
Hartford - Municipal officials who said state aid to municipalities is inadequate voiced their concerns to legislators on the state's Appropriations Committee Wednesday, many of them focusing on funds distributed through the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) programs for state-owned properties and nonprofit hospitals and colleges.
Though Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's $19 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2015 includes a 7 percent increase in PILOT funds for cities and towns with nonprofit hospitals and colleges, his budget proposes flat-funding the PILOT program for state-owned properties.
Municipal leaders said the two PILOT programs have been flat-funded for years and that a large number of tax-exempt properties take up space that cannot be sold to for-profit companies. Ultimately, those who testified said they wanted the state to do a better job of funding municipal grants at the level required by state law.
During the committee meeting, representatives from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and municipal officials did not address the bill proposed by state Rep. Brendan Sharkey, D-Hamden, that would allow municipalities to tax properties that belong to nonprofit hospitals and colleges. After the meeting, East Lyme First Selectman Paul Formica and a CCM representative said that bill would need more evaluation before it could be supported.
Last week, Malloy said that he hadn't spoken with Sharkey about the issue and hadn't decided whether he supported the bill.
Formica said towns also have other concerns.
"The reason I am up here talking about PILOT is because last year, the discussion was to take the PILOT and turn it into education funding and eliminate it from cities and towns," Formica said. If the governor's budget proposal from last year had been approved, East Lyme would have lost $700,000 in PILOT revenue from the state for its two prisons, two National Guard camps and Rocky Neck State Park.
Mansfield Mayor Betsy Paterson, who is a former president of CCM, said she wanted the state to fund the municipal grants at the levels required by statute instead of providing temporary relief through grants such as municipal aid adjustment and municipal revenue sharing grants.
"We just think that the PILOTs across the state should get their fair share and not be subject to these maneuvers every year," Formica said.
In East Lyme, despite an increase in property values, the town will be getting $84,270 less in fiscal year 2015 than it received this year, which was $933,077, according to the governor's budget proposal.
The town supports the state park and prisons by sending public safety officials there when needed, Formica said. "We just want our fair share from whatever is supposed to be there," he said.
East Lyme is also scheduled to receive $40,548 from the nonprofit college and hospital PILOT program this year and $42,897 next year because of vacant properties owned by the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University.
The legislature should put some of the budget surplus funds toward the state-owned property PILOT program, Paterson said. Mansfield is home to the University of Connecticut's largest campus, in Storrs.
She said her town has lost $2 million in funding from the state between the 2009 budget and the 2015 budget proposal.
According to state law, municipalities with state-owned properties are supposed to receive 45 percent of the taxes that would have been paid had the properties been taxable. Municipalities with state prisons are supposed to receive 100 percent. Currently, municipalities get about 23 percent from the state for both state-owned properties and prisons, said George Rafael, senior government finance analyst for CCM.
Municipalities with nonprofit hospitals and colleges are supposed to receive 77 percent of what the tax bill would be; Sharkey said they get about 32 percent.
The two PILOT programs have been flat-funded for five years. The state budgets $115 million for the nonprofit hospitals and colleges PILOT program, and Malloy's budget proposes increasing this amount to $123 million. The state budgets $74 million for the state-owned property PILOT.
Municipal aid proposed for 2015
- Education Cost Sharing Grant, $2 billion
- PILOT: Colleges and Hospitals, $123 million
- PILOT: State-Owned Real Property, $74 million
- Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund Grant, $62 million
- Town Aid Road Fund Grant, $60 million
- Grants for Municipal Projects, $56 million
- Local Capital Improvement Program, $30 million
- Public School Pupil Transportation, $25 million
- Adult Education, $21 million
- Non-Public School Pupil Transportation, $4 million
Total: $2.5 billion
NFA-Ledyard boys' basketball game postponed over concerns of fan 'friction'


text: This unusual Italian-language seriocomedy from director Giulio Manfredonia walks a fine-line, suspended midway between genial farce and sensitive, compassionate drama. It tells of Nello (Claudio Bisio), a businessman from Milan who gets unexpectedly booted out of his job and ends up managing a collective of ex-mental patients; the individuals in question have suffered from the notorious Basaglia Law, and thus found themselves expelled from area psychiatric hospitals. Sensing a need for renewed purpose in these individuals, Nello defines a new occupational role for each of them, molded and shaped to each individual's abilities - with both humorous and surprisingly touching results.~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

subset: commoncrawl


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|2007-08-14, 01:03
|Link #1
Join Date: Jul 2004
The Raki discussion
Raki would be a great character in a school drama. In a dark fantasy though, Raki is just an (unfortunately) necessary nuisance. As I said before, kids don't have a place on the battlefield.
I do find it pretty interesting that most people would go a lot easier on Raki if he were a girl. Says something about our stereotypes
|2007-08-14, 01:03
|Link #2
Weapon of Mass Discussion
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, USA
This thread is the place to discuss Raki's character and his role on the show. It is a place to discuss his relationship with Clare and even the chance that he might become Helen's boy toy. It is not a Raki hate thread.
It is pointless to post merely to say that you dislike Raki and will only cause your post to be deleted. If you have specific complaints about his character or his role in this story, then please express your reasons coherently. Only that way can we have a discussion. Otherwise we just have two camps yelling at each other without listening.
Last edited by NoSanninWa; 2007-08-16 at 16:47. Reason: Created this thread's opening post.
|2007-08-14, 11:34
|Link #3
Is Neither Goth Nor Emo
Join Date: Feb 2007
Raki is just plain underdeveloped. This is the Claymores' show anyway. Do you see villagers do anything other than stand in their quaint little town-squares and gawk at the Claymores entering town? No?
I mean it's pretty funny that the first "Northern City" we see is just the same rustic town with a lot of snow -- and the gawkers stand around in parkas instead. Nothing distinguishes one rustic town plopped into the middle of the wilderness from another rustic town plopped in the middle of the wilderness.
Point is: Human civilization gets no attention. Raki is just a two-dimensional representative of a two-dimensional world. Even for a lack of world-building, the plight of the ordinary Joe just isn't paid attention to.
To the second: Meh. I personally think the whole Raki-hating is overplayed. He's somewhat annoying, but for the most part he's so undeveloped that he's beneath my attention. I think people are pretending to be more outraged than they are.
Personally I would probably be harder on Raki if he were some helpless and delicate moe-girl. That's probably Priscilla's role anyway.
|2007-08-14, 13:08
|Link #4
Spiff'd Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Well of course, Raki is an important character and I'm hoping he gets stronger as well. But, right now I just hope he doesn't follow Clare anymore.
I'm hoping Raki falls in love with Priscilla and Isely makes him some kind of Yoma/Claymore. I'm then thinking that Clare might have to be the one to kill him in the end. Just my thoughts! : P
|2007-08-14, 13:29
|Link #5
I disagree with you all.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Raki and Clare fighting to the death, with tears streaming down their faces, screaming each other's names... Don't you think it's been overplayed?
Also, for Raki to side with Priscilla, you'd either have to convince Raki that eating people (like his family was eaten) is OK, or you'd have to make him Awaken, which would take away much of the drama, since, even though it'd hurt, Clare would know he has to be killed.
|2007-08-14, 14:26
|Link #6
Join Date: Jul 2004
I say all this "kids don't have a place in the battlefield" stuff, because I'm distinctly reminded of John Steinbeck's novel The Pearl. In that story, a family is being chased by some pursuers. The mother and her baby try to hide, but the baby cries, attracting the pursuers' attention, leading to their deaths. There are countless other stories that go along the same lines - children inadvertently causing disaster. I see Raki doing almost the same thing at times. Imagine what would've happened if Clare actually did awaken in Rabona - that would've been a disaster that Raki would be partially responsible for.
So all we can rely on is the fact that he's a plot device and that Clare's the main character, so his actions shouldn't inadvertently kill Clare, but who knows what the next stupid thing he'll do is... And hopefully, he'll finally grow up to be a fine man.
|2007-08-14, 15:02
|Link #7
Game Developer
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Orlando, FL.
Age: 33
|2007-08-14, 15:13
|Link #8
B-Gamer and anime otaku
But i think such scenario would be very similar to Ophelia's death.
|2007-08-16, 03:37
|Link #9
Is Neither Goth Nor Emo
Join Date: Feb 2007
Raki is just cook who isn't really all that able to defend Clare that well. He never had to doubt why he's protecting Clare, so we never get to see his motivations in-depth. And there's no conflict so far that I've seen that really forces him to grow. And if the author really wanted to go into detail about Raki, he'd spend more time focusing on the human world instead of the Claymore one.
|2007-08-16, 09:53
|Link #10
B-Gamer and anime otaku
Do we really got to see ANYONE in this series who never got need of help?
Clare was saved plenty of times; the fab-four Miria, Deneve and Helen too were saved against that male A.O., Jean was saved by Clare with the help of Galatea, and even Galatea was saved by Jean and Clare after that. Heck, even the most BADASS character in the Claymore world so far, Teresa, was saved by loli-Clare from the one-armed-dude!!
So far, Raki is the most developed HUMAN character in the Claymore world. No one else has better explanation. We don't even know anything about the members of the Organization besides some names.
Besides, we never got to see more development on Raki because he never changed his main objetive of life: Stay with Clare. But he discovered he need strenght to do that. Tha's why he's pushing himself to get stronger, walking all alone.
Funny enough, that's in a way the same objetive of Teresa in episodes 6-8, but i never saw anyone calling her underdeveloped.
|2007-08-16, 16:25
|Link #11
Game Developer
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Orlando, FL.
Age: 33
You made some great points there PGilis! But allow me to further clarify how much developed Raki is.
Ep. 1
- Raki starts off as an ignorant character. He pretty much knows nothing of the world outside his village and much less of Claymores.
- We learn of his past, of how his family was murdered by a Yoma. And we learn of his current occupation, a cook.
- We learn that Raki is fearless during his confrontation with a Claymore and during his confrontation with the Yoma.
- However, we learn that he is weak minded, considering the mental break down he went through right after Clare killed his brother in a rather monsterous state, and the even larger mental break down he went through when witnessing his parents being eaten by a Yoma.
- His ignorants of the world outside his village is further shown as he fails survive on his own after being thrown out of the village.
- Lastly, we witness his attachment to Clare. He has lost everything, and the only thing left is this Claymore, the only person in the world that gives a damn about him, hence why he calls her sister, and fallows her like a little brother would fallow an older sister.
Ep. 2
- In this episode Raki learns more about Claymores, and becomes one of the few humans who can accept what Claymores are: half monsters.
- We further witness how Raki is emotionally a weak minded person, when he breaks down and cries after Clare kills her best friend.
Ep. 3
- In this episode, we witness for the first time Raki's desire to protect Clare. When the soldier started talking smack about Clare, he punched him in the face, despite knowing that the guy was stronger them.
- Clare is only thing he has left, the only person who cares for him, hence why he has a desire to protect her, and why he cared for her so much when she was at brink of dying.
Ep. 4
- In this episode we witness how he was willing to die with Clare. When Clare asked to be killed for going over her limit, Raki threw himself onto her and was willing to die along with Clare. From this we see that Raki has NOTHING worth living for but for Clare.
- Lastly we learn about Raki's purpose in life. At the end of the episode, Raki decides that he wants to become stronger inorder to protect Clare. Clare is the only thing he has left, the only thing worth living for. Teresa had a similar purpose, which was to live for Clare, as PGilis pointed out. Now Raki has taken her place and is the one who is living for Clare.
Ep. 9-11
- Through out this episode we witness Raki's continously worried about Clare. Nothing is on his mind, but Clare. All he does is look at the montain Clare went to. Then at the end we witness him being overjoyed as Clare returns and runs straight to her.
Ep. 12
- Once again we witness Raki protecting Clare. Only this time, he witness that he is willing to jump into a blazing fire for her.
- Furthermore, we once again witness that Raki is fearless in the face of a dangerous Claymore, and a monsterous Awakened being. He fights to his lest breath. He may be weak minded, but he has a strong heart.
Ep. 19
- Here we finally witness Raki further developing. At first he was ignorant and weak. But the fact that he is capable of surviving on his own in the north shows just how strong he has become and how much he knows of the world around him.
- In fact, he has grown so strong, that he managed to save a girl, and in a way becomming more of a adventures hero, then simple little village cook.
None of the characters in Claymore show this much development with the exception of Clare. We witness his purpose in life, his desires, his strengths, his weaknesses, his concerns, his knowledge, and his past. And on top of that we witness how he is growing through out the anime. Not even Miria gets that much development, which is the 3rd most developed character in the anime right now. In this episode we witness that Miria has grown much stronger, but we never see how she has grown. But we do see how Clare and Raki grow stronger. We don't even witnessed Miria's purpose in life, nor her past, nor her desires. We witness her strengths, her weakness, her knowlegde, but that is about it. Compared to Raki, she is very much underdeveloped, and the other characters even more so.
|2007-08-16, 16:43
|Link #12
Weapon of Mass Discussion
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, USA
Finally a decent discussion of Raki that doesn't focus on "I hate Raki" vs "Don't whine about him." I have moved these posts from the episode 19 discussion where they were just a digression and would shortly be lost.
I am going to ask everyone to remember that this is not a Raki hate thread. Posting merely to say that you dislike Raki is pointless and will only cause your post to be deleted. If you have specific complaints about his character or role in the story, then please express them as the above posters have. Only that way can we have a discussion.
|2007-08-16, 17:31
|Link #14
Not that simple.
Join Date: Jun 2007
I hold my judgement about Raki until I find out how he acts if he realizes that Priscilla is AB. But for now, I would say Raki is one of fine characters in the story; he is a important developing character. (xVxObliVioNxVx pretty said everything I want to say, lol)
But, if we see some cheese after Priscilla's reveal of identity, I will change my mind.
|2007-08-16, 17:57
|Link #15
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
I wonder if the end of Angel Densetsu (same author) hints at what will happen in Claymore.
Seem familiar? Look at the girl he's making his promise to.
Raki saving Clare, in favor or against?
|2007-08-16, 18:31
|Link #16
just passing by
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Exia
yeah the idea for claymore was ripped right out of those 2 pages of angeru densetsu. its pretty obvious.
in the manga i found raki to be a annoyance but in the anime he's more than just someone trying to protect clare...he's a love interest. If you remember the running away from ophelia episode, the way clare made out with a kid....and the look in her eyes. Raki is definately meant to grow up to be clare's love interest not just an annoying side-kick that cant do anything. He' s a huge character and id like to see him again as a grown man probably in claymore form.
|2007-08-16, 18:52
|Link #17
Proud Yuma Lover.
Join Date: Apr 2007
I'm sure Raki's weak now, but just imagine what'll once he gets a little training. His true hidden sleeping powers will emerge! And then if this is really a shonen Manga, he'll be just uber.
Serously though, Raki is supposed to be the reperesentation of a normal human. Fairly hapless, and if something nasty shows up screwed, but trying his damndest to cope, stay alive, and protect those they love. He kinda reminds me of Ussop from One Piece, in that he's got to cope with a sense of inferiority while working with some real superhumans.
|2007-08-16, 19:33
|Link #19
The Black Swordsman
What I'm curious is to see what Isley does with him, he could never fight on even ground against anyone but another human so I'm really wondering how or what Isley molds Raki into.
I'm not so sure when they do meet again the both of them will be fighting to the death.
I'm hoping in someway that Raki can become very strong in his time with Isley and at the same time knows what Isley is and it's evil but plays along so he can continue to get stronger until he and Clare find each other and by then hopefully he can be an asset instead of someone who gets in the way.
|2007-08-16, 19:53
|Link #20
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
The best Raki can hope for is to get as strong as Gak from Ramona and as skilled as he can get from his sword fighting training from Easley/Isley. But compared to regular Yomas, AB's and AO's, that may not be enough. He would have to strike when his target is unaware or the target let's him strike freely.
The first few episodes (anime) and chapters (manga) Raki was pretty annoying, which sabotaged most sympathy the viewers or readers had for his plight. Later on, his character got better, calmer, and showed he had a good heart. Perhaps the mangaka made Raki too emo as part of some role reversal in that fictional universe or wanted to show Raki growth and maturity as the story went on.
Have a feeling Raki will play a pivotal role later in the anime/manga, whether or not some people will accept it. The setup is already being put into place...it a matter how it unfolds.
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Pairing Wine with Food from the Grill
One of the most frequent frustrations of culinary enthusiasts about wine and food pairings involves the pleasures of the grill. And, to be sure, there are several aspects of the flavors and textures common to grilled, smoked, or barbecued food that significantly impact the enjoyment of wine.
The influence of food on wine is usually far greater than the converse when cooking on the grill; after all, we're talking about robust cuisine that can protect its turf quite well. The big flavors, body and richness of food will affect, and can totally overwhelm, various elements of wine. Each method of cooking on the grill has its own set of attributes to which wine responds. However, there are also certain characteristics that are common to food from all three methods:
These four characteristics seek a wine with a lot of body, richness and depth of fruit flavor. The wine also needs an adequate level of acidity or tannins to contrast with, and cut through, the succulent texture of the meat. An obvious example is a grilled rib-eye steak paired with a big, fruit-forward Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The somewhat sweet fruit, tannins and full body, coupled with the vanilla or caramel flavor imparted by the charred oak barrels, complements the steak perfectly.
Creating the perfect match for simply grilled meat is not something that warrants obsession and anxiety. Most grilled red meat can be sumptuous with, and enhance, most red wine varietals, as long as the wine has sufficient body, depth of flavor, tannins and acid. That includes an array of choices. In addition to New World cabernets, suitable partners include Syrah (which sometimes has a lovely note of smoke flavor), Merlot, and red Zinfandel. If the smoke flavor is not too dominant, a Pinot Noir, Rioja, or Chianti can be a great pleasure, with the wine's acidity serving as a refreshing counterpoint to the meat's texture. These latter three wines also pair well with grilled chicken. My preference for the chicken, though, is a lovely white wine — a Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc (one from Sancerre or Pouilly Fume' with their mineral, citrus and light smoke flavors would be ideal) or Viognier.
A tip to remember when grilling — if the meat becomes charred in spots it will impart a bitter taste. Bitterness in food accentuates, rather than tempers, the taste of bitterness in wine. Particularly in a tannic wine, the result can be quite unappealing. A partial remedy is to squeeze a few drops of lemon juice (which is sour, not bitter) onto the charred area of the meat, which will reduce its bitter quality and enhance the meat flavors.
Now, let's proceed to the more challenging front, one in which all of the taste characteristics discussed above are augmented by spice, herbs or sugar, or likely a combination thereof, and a heavier dose of smoke. If the meat is being smoked, it is generally marinated in a spicy dry rub or liquid solution for at least several hours. It is then positioned in low, indirect heat and smoked for several hours more. Hence, we have big, sweet, spicy, sometimes pungent, flavors permeating the rich, tender meat. The spice, depending on its sharpness, will tend to suppress the perception of acidity in the wine, lessening its liveliness and, if the spice is intense, making the wine taste flat and uninteresting. Meanwhile, the heavy smoke flavor can dominate the flavors of the wine. Accordingly, smoked meat needs a big wine with some spice and oakiness. A good choice would be a Syrah, Petite Sirah or red Zinfandel. With lightly smoked meat and chicken, a Cote Rotie from the Northern Rhone or a Rioja from Northern Spain can be magnificent.
In a recent foray into decadence, I joined friends for a feast of smoked (about 10 hours) beef brisket, with which we drank three superb Zinfandels from Martinelli (Jackass Vineyard), Turley (Old Vines) and Copain (Arrowhead Mountain) wineries; gastronomy seldom reaches such heights of satisfaction.
As we move up the curve of difficult pairings, the slope becomes acute as we enter the world of traditional backyard barbecue; i.e., ribs and chicken basted with sauce. In the context of this article, it is assumed that a fairly mild sauce or dry rub is used. Anything more points you to the beer cooler.
This is a style of cooking with as much a social priority as a culinary one, and the wine is likely to be incidental to the enthusiastic repartee and room-filling aromas. Nevertheless, there are some good accompaniments to those spicy, tangy and sweet flavors. For beef, stay with a big, spicy red, such as Zinfandel (Cartlidge & Brown and Rabbit Ridge are very good values) or Petite Sirah (Bogle offers a terrific Petite Sirah for about $12).
For pork and chicken, two white varietals, Riesling and Alsatian Gewürztraminer, are excellent choices. A good Riesling, probably the world's most under-appreciated fine wine, will provide the refreshing acidity to stand up to the meat's spiciness and cut through its richness, while possessing a rich core of concentrated fruit flavors (citrus, apple, melon) to complement the sweetness of the smoke and sauce. German Riesling works particularly well because of its high level of acid and depth of flavor. Another factor favoring the German Riesling is its relatively low alcohol content, usually 8-9%, which is especially preferable if eating outdoors in warm weather. As wine becomes warm, the taste of the alcohol becomes more pronounced and can produce a metallic aftertaste to both the food and wine. Austrian and Alsatian Rieslings are typically more austere than their German counterpart, and the sweetness of the sauce simply makes them more so by suppressing the sweetness of the wine. Nevertheless, Alsatian producers Trimbach and Barmes Buecher offer some wonderful Rieslings that would go well here.
The Gewürztraminer can be a truly marvelous match. It projects bold flavors of caramelized grapefruit and exotic spices, and possesses a lush, viscous body that harmonizes with the succulent textures of the chicken and ribs. It also has ample acidity and a somewhat bitter aftertaste to clean and refresh the palate. Gewurztraminer is an acute departure from a traditional barbecue event in this country, but I highly recommend you give it a try. It may become a staple for such repasts.
While there are certainly other varietals to be explored, I suggest beginning with these. They should provide great pleasure, along with useful reference points for the styles of wines that work with fare from the grill.


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I've been lurking around on this site for a few months and I've only just noticed this introduction thing. What can I say? I'm new to the internet and the weird and wonderful concept of sharing notes with people on the other side of the world.
I've already received a friendly welcome from a few of you so this might be a bit redundant, but anyway...
My principal interest (although obsession is closer) is pre-Hispanic Nahuatl culture of Mexico (Mexica, Acolhua, Tecpanec etc) which diffuses into anything that may have any bearing on the same. I've been attempting to compile a pedantically encyclopedic book on the belief system(s) of the time for the last decade or so. I've been sidetracked into writing a couple of novels (set in pre-Hispanic Mexico) but it's still all very much on course. My ambition is to set the world alight with my (theoretically original) ideas regarding curiosities like er... why a Goddess of childbirth (Chiconahui Izcuintli Chantico) should belong to the Xiuhtecuhtli complex of fire Gods. Okay. Probably not light reading but a guy at the British Museum seemed to think I had something. I'm neither professional archaeologist nor anthropologist, although I do read a lot and have a well-developed sense of my own importance.
I live in London, although I try to visit Mexico City on a yearly basis.
And just for the record...
I don't believe in UFOs. I used to though, when I was a gullible teenager. I'm not proud but at least I know my enemy.
I don't trust creationists, and nor am I a Christian, although I would argue that, within context, Huitzilopochtli, Quetzalcoatl (and the others) are culturally valid models of Deities in all senses that matter.
I have not, as yet, conducted human sacrifices.
I dislike smilies. You should be able to tell when I'm joking. Hopefully.
I have doubts about pre-Clovis migration, although I'm prepared to be shown the error of my ways.
My girlfriend is a descendant of Charles Darwin (and no-one was more surprised than me when she casually dropped that one into the conversation) so I feel compelled to take Darwin-bashing personally, as I'm sure would Tony Soprano under the same circumstances.
England is cold and wet and dark.
I feel like a bit of a charlatan adding my two pesos to many of the threads here, not that it's stopped me so far.
Anyway, it's a fascinating forum, educational and very entertaining. Glad I've found it.


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Pilates: Whoever Said It Was Easy LIED!
We all know that the road to weight loss is not an easy one. Someone once told me that I didn't put it on overnight so don't expect it to come off overnight (I think that was my husband David.) As part of our Healthy and Well in 2012 challenge I am trying to educate myself on healthy living so I've been doing a lot of reading. Everything I have read so far has said that dieting alone is not going to help me lose weight. I need to burn some fat as well, get that blood pumping! So, I am trying to work out at the YMCA at least 3 times per week. I have taken Zumba, Step Aerobics and last night I took my first Pilates class! How hard can that be? You're laying down on the floor after all. UGH! It's not as easy as it looks. I had no idea I had muscles in some of the places we were stretching. I can not believe how much you sweat just stretching and really making those muscles work like they haven't in a very long time.
I found a lot of great Pilates videos on YouTube that you can watch to get an idea of what the class is like but there is nothing better than being in a group, grunting, laughing and encouraging each other. Jonathan, our only male, was making me laugh so hard I couldn't breath. We were told to lie flat on our stomachs and to reach back and grab our ankles. Wait...WHAT? I was actually able to do that one. Then stand on one foot, hold your other foot flat against your calf and hop backwards. There were many other positions that we tried but since it was my first class I don't really know what they are called. My favorite was the one where you lie flat on your stomach, raise your feet up straight and simulate the kick you make when you swim. I could really feel that one in my gluteus maximus. That is good though, swimsuit season is just around the corner.
I have good arm strength (that comes from tossing square bails of hay around) but I have no core strength. David is always giving me a hard time about my core strength. He can jump tall buildings in a single bound but me, I can't get 3 inches off the ground.
I really enjoyed the class. I felt stretched out after we were finished. I woke this morning a little sore but I'm told it's the second day that's the worse. My friend Barbara said this morning. "No Pain, No Gain"! Wait! I'm trying to lose weight here!
Follow me and our 5 contestants on our Healthy and Well in 2012 journey!


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Sunday, October 26, 2008
This Breeders' Cup Changed the Game Forever
ARCADIA, Calif., October 25--This time the crowd, who welcomed back its heroes all afternoon long, as it did Friday, applauded before the race. That's because the nine horse was the champ. He goes by the name Curlin.
And with five furlongs remaining to run, and with the pace strong, Robby Albarado asked Curlin for his life, as the jockeys say, and the reigning Horse of the Year responded, sweeping up on the outside to take command. On 11 other occasions, the tack worked.
The momentum might have carried Curlin to the lead but it might not have sustained his run at a second consecutive championship. It could be worse than that. The legacy that his connections were crafting for him might have wilted in the heat of the California sun, over a surface that seemed unkind.
"It was a turf race," trainer Steve Asmussen said. "It absolutely was the Pro Ride surface that got him beat. "Maybe he's not a synthetic surface specialist. I don't know," said the main on his back. "He was paddling around."
The rest of Robby Albarado's explanation rang true as well. "Curlin did what he does, going by horses. He made his run but got a little late [tired] in the stretch. I can't answer whether or not the track had anything to do with it."
Whether or not the long season, punctuated by a trip to Dubai, took its toll is another potential explanation. But he simply remained one-paced after getting the lead. He kept trying, like champions do, but simply was outrun in the late stages.
Clearly, it didn't help him yesterday. When his rivals closed in, pressuring him to run faster, he struggled. He strained into his bridle but the fleet closers were coming faster now. The Europeans came loaded and laid it on the entire home team.
Five wins plus five seconds equals dominance.
And if you think this year was tough on the home team, wait until 2009. The Breeders' Cup is coming back to Santa Anita as will the Europeans, en masse. Raven's Pass and Henrythenavigator, the Classic Euro exacta, are just the beginning.
And maybe invaders will come from the other direction. Not all Far Eastern-based runners are handled as curiously as Casino Drive.
Twenty five years ago, the Breeders' Cup was created as an end of year series of races to crown champions in competition, further defining themselves against some of the world's best.
Synthetic surfaces are going to change all that. They are the great international equalizer. Yesterday, at the Great Race Place, the American Thoroughbred game changed forever.
America was the place where you could find the best bloodstock on the planet, before the Europeans and the Japanese and oil rich sheikhs figured they could bring money and raid the cupboard. Now, with the help of artificial surfaces, they will come and raid the purse coffers, too.
American racing had better start thinking about a way to reinvent itself. By all evidence, the best horses in the world may not live here anymore.
Best Breeders' Cup Ever?
Immediacy makes for strange perspective. Unlike a handful of my colleagues who've covered every one, this was my 21st, Breeders' Cup, missing only Woodbine, Hollywood and two at Churchill.
But even if the one conducted this weekend at the foothills of the San Gabriels wasn't the best, it clearly was my favorite.
Maybe it was the low expectations, given the surface controversy. And it's such a difficult event to cover. So many horses, so many superfectas, so little time. But there was a certain sense of foreboding. The specter of Eight Belles lingers.
And the panacea, the artificial surface? There were five catastrophic breakdowns during the Oak Tree run-up to Breeders Cup, four during training hours. To appreciate that impact, consider that in 36 days of racing at Saratoga this summer, there was one fatality. It came during a race, on turf, a horse's natural, kinder surface.
The founders envisioned seven defining events. The branders upped the ante double. And the added races were not all of championship caliber. Six races are ungraded. It was worship at the altar of parimutuel handle.
But it was more, too. I failed to appreciate the notion of a festival atmosphere that two days can generate. That one the branders hit clear out of the park. And who could have known that both days would be marked by such high performance levels.
And say this for the synthetics. It sure brings most of the horses together, although if speed is your thing you might consider taking up another pastime. Me? I'm planning on attending my 22nd, looking to repeat something like this:
Most thought a European would win the Marathon. They were right And wrong. But what most American bettors didn't appreciate, class notwithstanding, was that Sixties Icon was too slow and ill suited to the prevailing pace scenario. But not Muhannek, the fresh, sharp, pointed and faster invader, who, perfectly positioned, fired, then withstood late finishing Church Service. Patrick Smullen, who could do know better than fifth in seven previous Cup rides, is off the Breeders' Cup duck. "Everything went to plan," Smullen explained. "I wanted to put myself in the position that I could go on the back turn. The horse fought all the wire to the wire. It worked out beautifully." It was the first Cup win for trainer Ralph Beckett.
* * *
You could almost see the arm pumps at Aqueduct just as Desert Code crossed the line. Richard Migliore had this one coming. He was supposed to win another Breeders Cup turf race, the Mile, on Artie Shiller, but an injury sidelined him and Garrett Gomez picked up the mount and the win. So it was some fated karma when Gomez, who rode Desert Code for David Hofmans in the G3 Morvich Handicap last out, opted for Idiot Proof yesterday and Migliore, who rode Desert Code to his most recent win down the hill here last March, reunited with the 4-year-old and timed the winning run precisely, nailing Diabolical right on the post. For Migliore, the 14th time was the charm, his best previous finish a third on the Irish filly Mourjane 23 years ago. The hill makes this race what it is. Around one turn, It would be just another turf sprint. Good show.
* * *
The favorite could have been luckier. Well Armed found himself in a jackpot virtually the whole way, especially when jammed and forced to steady wide into the first turn, but it wouldn't have mattered. He raced empty throughout. Meanwhile, Two Step Salsa outran some very quick older horses early, repulsed challenges, and at headstretch kept going and going, even though you knew the pace would take a toll. Garrett Gomez must have known it too. Third to the favorite in in the G1 Goodwood, Gomez bided his time until launching his mount into high gear a quarter mile from home, Albertus Maximus grinding out the win all the way home; Gomez's second Cup score in two days.
* * *
Goldikova was supposed to be over the top, ill suited to the ground and course configuration, too short for her late brilliant turn of foot. Better make that electric turn of foot. Daytona had mid-moved to the lead and the race was on in earnest. Kip Deville, not as keen early on as you'd like to see him, was ground saving behind Goldikova. But at headstretch Cornelio Velasquez tipped the defending champion wide and looked a winner midway home. But the French filly found a seam and Olivier Peslier guided her through and she exploded, opening two lengths in an instant. Trainer Freddie Head, who trains her and rode the first dual Breeders' Cup winner, the great Miesque--the filly he'd been comparing Goldikova to all week--was correct in his assessment. Next year she turns 4, Can't wait to see her kick when she, you know, matures. Head became the first person to ever ride and train a Breeders' Cup winner.
* * *
All week, the West Coast wise guys were questioning the quality of the horses coming out of the Norfolk. Don't think they will any longer. How good was Midshipman? Sent away from the 11 post by Garrett Gomez, the colt battled on a strong pace throughout, opened a little more daylight into the stretch, then withstood a game, re-rallying Square Eddie. Indeed, the Pro-Ride had been playing glibly these afternoons but anytime a baby runs a mile and a sixteenth in 140.96, that's a serious run. And so GG rode a natural double, giving Bob Baffert six BC wins, including his second Juvenile (Vindication in '02). At this rate, Baffert might become a synthetic fan after all. Not quite sure, however, Midshipman nailed down an Eclipse title. He owns two victories to one over Street Hero, the Norfolk winner. But it will depend on how voters view dual G1 winner Vineyard Haven, who skipped this dance, and which horses come back to dance again in the Cash Call Futurity at Hollywood in December.
* * *
The Breeders' Cup committee must have known something, scheduling the Juvenile Turf after the Juvenile. With Aidan O'Brien's Westphalia on the inside beneath Johnny Murtaugh, and John Gosden's Donativum on the outside, Frankie Dettori up, the head-to-head final yards battle was a beauty, Donativum winning the sprint home. Perhaps Westphalia was best, given the trip, breaking sideways and losing valuable forward position. Midway of the backside, however, Murtaugh asked Westphalia to move closer, which he did, but was forced to wait, again. The combination of all this might have been the difference in the losing head margin, taking nothing from the winner. It was a grand welcome home for Gosden, who came from Great Britain to California, enjoyed a successful career, then returned oversees. He has a reputation for not firing many blanks when pointing for an engagement. It was well earned. Donativum fired a big one all right.
* * *
A triple for Gomez, a double for Baffert, a repeat victory by defending Sprint champion, and a Breeders' Cup Sprint record of 1:07.08. The disappointing news? It didn't threaten the Santa Anita record of 1:06.53 set by Bob Black Jack in February, a period when all records fell. The situation was so dire then that racing was cancelled while the track was repaired, eventually leading to the installation of Pro-Ride. The pace was fast, of course, but this behemoth would have run down the group under any circumstances. His mid-turn momentum carried him extremely wide into the lane and, despite the ground loss, you knew he'd win. As the official was posted, there still was no word whether Baffert removed the plate protecting Lute's quarter crack. But this much is clear. It wasn't the Midnight Lute that raced at Del Mar this summer but more like the version who inhaled the sloppy competition last year at Monmouth Park.
* * *
In the early days of Breeders Cup, provincial Americans had a jolly time poking fun of European riders. "Hey, could you stand up just a little taller, please?" "Hey, could you stop trying to imitate a monkey doing the nasty with a football?" Well, they put on quite the show yesterday. Smullern could not have timed it better in the Marathon. Murtaugh and Dettori looked like Cordero and Velazquez out there. This guy Ryan Moore isn't too shabby, either, finally winning a G1 for Conduit, the budding three-year-old's fourth victory in six starts this year. Credit Michael Stoute, a.k.a. Sir Michael Stoute, for that. Moore timed Conduit's run perfectly, the Irish-bred colt pounding the firm ground to victory, benefiting from a strong pace that frankly saw Murtaugh moving aggressively and prematurely with a half mile still left to run.
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Fungi Culture
About microscopic forms of life, including Bacteria, Archea, protozoans, algae and fungi. Topics relating to viruses, viroids and prions also belong here.
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Fungi Culture
Hi ,
I am doing work on A. niger. I have grown this culture but now I won't be using it for 2 days. Is there some way of arresting further growth. PLease help me out .
I am doing work on A. niger. I have grown this culture but now I won't be using it for 2 days. Is there some way of arresting further growth. PLease help me out .
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Fungal growth
Yeah.. you can just put the culture in the fridge at 4oC. Aspergillus sp. prefers warmer conditions to grow.. however by subjecting it to long term refridgeration may lead to altered growth states, eg, increased sporulation etc etc good luck....
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The medical staff should observe their institution's procedures to protect both themselves and their patients from spread of infectious diseases. The use of such protective barriers as gloves, gowns, aprons, masks or protective eyewear can reduce the risk of exposure of the health care worker to potentially infective materials. All medical staff should take precautions to prevent injuries by needles, scalpels and other sharp instruments during procedures; when cleaning used instruments; and during disposal of used needles. Gloves should be changed after contact with each patient. Hands and other skin surfaces should be washed immediately after gloves are removed. When collecting blood, genital, tissue, cerebrospinal and other body fluid specimens universal cautions for the prevention of transmission of bloodborne pathogens should be followed.
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by Tom Utescher
Every 2012 league title had been determined, and both the public and independent school state championship meets were over, but last Friday afternoon a group of the area's top distance runners got together on the Germantown Academy track to literally go the extra mile.
GA coach Pete Jennings, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy coach Paul Hines, and Germantown Friends School skipper Rob Hewitt had helped pull together the first edition of what they initially called the "Philadelphia Area Showcase Mile."
Germantown Academy junior Ben Ritz avenged a close loss to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy senior Dustin Wilson in the Inter-Ac League 1600 meter finals, winning the race in four minutes, 12.76 seconds to establish a new personal best and shatter the GA school record by seven seconds.
Wilson (4:14.00), who will attend Columbia University, has won the 1600 and 3200 meter titles in the Inter-Ac League three years in a row, and last fall he finished 13th at the Footlocker Cross Country Nationals. Winning a sprint for third place, in 4:17.60, was Hatboro Horsham High School senior Sam Hibbs, who had captured the PIAA Class AAA (large school) state championship in the 3200 meters the previous weekend. Next in the star-studded cast came another upperclassman, Hill School's Quinn Davis, the cross country and 1600 and 3200 meter champion in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League, and winner of the 1600 at the 2012 Pa. Independent Schools championship meet.
Hibbs is headed to Liberty University in Virginia, and Davis (4th in 4:17.76) will run for St. Joseph's University, where he'll be a teammate of Germantown Friends senior Tess Doggett, who ran in a co-ed 1600 at last Friday's showcase.
Fifth and sixth in the seeded 1600 were GFS juniors Lyle Wistar (4:18.31) and Sami Aziz (4:21.96), this year's Friends Schools League champions in the 3200 and 1600 meters, respectively. Aziz had finished just a fraction of a second behind Hill's Davis in the Indy Schools 1600.
Seventh place at the showcase went to Ben Ritz's brother Sam, a Germantown Academy ninth-grader. In early May the younger Ritz ran 4:28 in the 1600 meters at the Puma/West Chester Henderson Invitational meet, which, up to that point, was the fastest freshman mile run in the state this spring. The quick company at Friday's meet spurred him on to even greater efforts, and a time of 4:22.48.
Three more Germantown Friends runners rounded out the 10-man field. Senior Kyle Musto and sophomore James Finney had given the Tigers a one-two finish in the 800 meters at the FSL championships, and senior Christian Brady is the reigning cross country champion in the Friends League. On Friday Finney was eighth in 4:33.70, Musto was ninth in 4:52.40, and Brady came in 10th in 5:00.49.
Hatboro Horsham's Hibbs, who had run only the 3200 meters in the PIAA district and state meets, knew he'd have to raise his pace for Friday's 1600 and he went out aggressively. At the end of the first lap he led Aziz of GFS by one meter, and a step behind Aziz, Wilson and Wistar were side by side, followed by Ben Ritz and Hill School's Davis.
The next time past the timing stand it was Wilson, Aziz, Hibbs, then Wistar and Davis together, and right after them, Ritz, who was making sure he was in position to move up on the outside. The GA junior attacked during the third circuit, pulling up to Wilson at the end of that lap and then moving by him going around the near turn.
Falling a few meters behind along the first section of the back straight, Wilson made up the gap as the leaders went into the far turn, appearing to set up a finish similar to his victory at the Inter-Ac meet. This time though, Ritz had a substantial kick left in him, and down the stretch he separated from the SCH senior once more.
Hibbs had fallen back to fifth by the end of the third lap, but in the final 400 he moved by Wistar of GFS and then beat Davis to the finish line.
Just before this race, there was a coed competition in which male and female milers, most of them from Germantown Friends, took the track together. Henry Blood, who actually graduated from GFS in 2011, won in 4:35.14, and the runner-up was the lone Penn Charter athlete at the entire affair, freshman Ben Szuhaj (4:36.95).
Tigers senior Nick Dye (4:42.98) and junior Henry Shah (4:43.79) were third and fourth, and the first two girls across the line were a pair of GFS seniors, St. Joe's recruit Doggett (5:08.21 – eighth overall) and Carey Celata (5:13.59 – 10th overall). Their 11th-grade teammate, Eliza Lukens-Day, was the third female finisher and 12th overall in 5:23.58, and right behind her was the lone Germantown Academy entry, junior Maddie Stambaugh (5:37.06).
The coaches who helped organize Friday's eclectic meet plan to make it an annual event, expanding the race program and proceeding under the title of the Philadelphia Area Invitational.


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Part of my atheism and humanism is my pacifism. However as a realist and a rationalist, and from what I am seeing in the news, war with Iran is a forgone conclusion. Even if we don't attack preemptively, in all likelihood Israel will and we will be bound to support them. This war will be bigger than Iraq and Afghanistan combined and there is a huge chance Russia may support Iran.
A third war. It's tragic and terrifying. Just as one war ended and talk of withdrawing from Afghanistan begins to move forward, the war hawks have their eyes on yet another conflict.
This one however is not easy.
As an atheist, I can see how the influence of extreme Islam, and the might of the ultimate seat of power the Khomeini, will indeed push Iran in the direction of acquiring a nuclear bomb. So when they say they are looking to nuclear power for peaceful means, can we take them on their word? Can even inspectors tell us the truth? If the country was not a theocracy, perhaps we would not have this problem.
However, part of me wants to acknowledge history, whereas we were so certain their were wmds in Iraq.
I just don't know what to believe any more or whom.I'm scared for my children. I don't want this country to end up in another war.
Is there another option? What about waiting for the worst case scenario; they acquire a bomb and there goes most of Israel or a city in the US? Then when we attack and at least it will be justified? I just don't know.
Where do do you stand? How does this affect you and your family? Does your atheism have anything to do with it? Is this an inevitable course of events?
Views: 674
Back in the old days they would kill all the men and all the sons in village or city for this very reason... if there isn't anyone to seek revenge then you don't have a problem and having a bunch of new women was a plus. Of course I wouldn't ever suggest this as being okay it does make you think how different our idea of war is then our ancestors though. It also sends a powerful message about how powerful revenge is that it caused people so much fear that it was preferable to slaughter a bunch of people.
Back in the old days you didn't have word-wide communication nevermind the interweb. Retaliation would be happen even if all the sons were killed as well.
Yeah much different world indeed. Communication has really made war so much more difficult to justify to a populace if you can see the soldiers or people stuck in the middle being killed.
Yes. Exactly. But what does a raid do? It stops an immediate threat. Isn't that all we are trying to accomplish.
Look, I don't agree with Bush's Iraq, it was a bad decision…. Everybody knows that. History will show that it was. But when Bush stood on the aircraft carrier and said "Mission Accomplished" and had he actually meant it – pulled all American Forces out at that time….. He would have been a hero. Ok maybe hero is a stretch, but history would have shed a much better light on his presidency if he would have conducted a raid vs. an occupation. Go in, destroy their military, set them back 10-20 years in their military technology…. We have stopped an immediate threat. Sure they will eventually become a problem later on down the road that we will have to deal with…. But I would rather do that than trying to conduct nation building and winning their hearts at the cost of our solder's lives.
Hopefully I'll be standing very far away from either one of the two countries.
First off Iran has openly said if Israel attacks them they will attack the US.
Second Iran infiltrated US computers and servers that control our un-manned aircraft and successfully landed one of our drones in their military base. That alone is grounds for war. More then likely, from what I've read and haven taken from what I've read, war with Iran will start as a cyber war.
I wouldn't support us attacking them but we need to draw a line in the sand and if they pass it then we do something. As for Russia siding with them? Who cares? They talk and talk but don't do anything to help the situation. No one does. The UN should be stepping up so the US isn't playing daddy.
I am against this war but if my number is called I will go and I think this war will happen. How long would you let someone try and walk all over you, taunt you, and lie to you before you did something about it?
But like G. Michael Williams said. "Should we impose our values?" No. Absolutely not.
The idea that Russia would put themselves on the line for Iran is laughable in my opinion. The Russians see everyone else as being useful idiots that they can use. The Iranians are useful to Russia yes but it's also kind of pain in the ass for them as well. When it comes down to it Russia is interested in making money and if they see a change in the wind they will do the smart thing and welcome the new leaders so they can establish new business with the new guys in charge. Hey and if they don't have to do the dirty work of dealing with the pain in the ass even better they can even make money on the old guys in charge while they try to hold on to power while causing more problems to economic rivals like the U.S and other European nations. No the Russians are more interested in the former Soviet Republics that it wants to bring back into the fold using economic weapons like their pipelines or schemes where they grant people citizenship in areas of unrest so that they can say they are protecting Russian citizens by moving "peace keepers" in. That and the members of the European Union combined and United States are the major trading partners for the Russians far more then the Iranians who they have robust trade with yes but nothing in comparison.
Israel is the USA's bitch... or is it the other way around?
As far as I'm concerned, Iran has no business developing nuclear technologies until they become stable and peaceful. Furthermore, only a moron would believe any claim of "strictly peaceful purposes" for Iran's nuclear ambitions. Their nuclear facilities should be destroyed BEFORE they achieve weapons-grade capabilities -- not after.
The problem is: how do we destroy their hardened, underground, facilities without using nuclear weapons? Hell, they might even withstand a direct nuclear hit. It will take boots on the ground to make sure we've removed their nuclear capabilities.
It's unfortunate that Iran has taken this path. But the world simply can't afford the threat of a nuclear Iran. Period.
@Parau Pleines,
To my point of view, you're not being realistic enough.
It's crystal clear to me that Iran must not be allowed to go nuclear. I have no problem whatsoever with that position or its many implications.
Spoken like one from a mature nation with reason and consideration of the consequences. We, unfortunately, are an immature nation that is unsophisticated in the art of diplomacy and filled with the hubris of a nation that was the last one standing after the last great conflagration.
The reality is that Iran is a clever foe that will tweak our noses because it amuses them to do it. They set up demons like the US and Israel to rally their populace and keep attention off their domestic problems. I doubt they would attempt a conventional war because it would be costly and they can cut us a thousand times by using proxies. When will we learn that no nation will fight us mano a mano anymore. That only plays to our strengths. The next wars with inferior forces will be asymmetrical. IED's and that kind of thing. Iran has almost 78 million people and compulsory military service. They won't be a pushover. They are clever and shrewd. We would be wise to heed your caution.
Yes, the very same political strategies used by 'Western' governments to silence people here. At the political level, all politicians are very similar.


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Seven drivers are in and five spots remain as series heads to Richmond for regular-season finale
HAMPTON, Ga. -- A year after missing the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Kyle Busch is sailing into this year's 10-race title fight as an emerging championship favorite.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver emphatically clinched a Chase berth Sunday with a victory in the Advocare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Fending off a late charge by runner-up Joey Logano, Busch held on for his 28th career victory in NASCAR's premier series and second at the 1.54-mile oval where he last won five years ago.
It also was the fourth win this season for Busch, tying him with Jimmie Johnson behind series leader Matt Kenseth for the second seed in the Chase (when the standings are reset by three points per victory).
Two of those triumphs have come at 1.5-mile tracks (Texas and Atlanta), and half of the Chase's 10 tracks will be contested at tracks of the same distance.
"A heck of a lot different than 365 days ago, I'll tell you that much," said Busch, who vaulted into the lead for the first time on a pit stop under caution with 36 laps left and stayed in first the rest of the way. "Man, I can't say enough about this team and their work tonight definitely helped me out a lot. I wasn't happy with the race car at all in the beginning of the race, but Dave (Rogers, crew chief) and the guys made some really good calls and got us some great adjustments.
"My boys on pit road, they're amazing. I would do anything for them."
RESULTS: Advocare 500
DRIVER SLAPPED: Truck race ends with wild finish
Busch was followed to the finish by four drivers still trying to nail down Chase berths: Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman.
Logano, who is 16 points ahead of 10th and has a victory as a wild-card safeguard, is well positioned to make the Chase with six consecutive top 10s but still left Atlanta disappointed after leading a race-high 78 of 325 laps.
"It's just frustrating," said Logano, whose No. 22 Ford needed several laps after each restart to gain momentum. "But in the grand scheme of things, it's a big points day for us to get into the Chase going to Richmond. This helps us a lot. A win would've helped a lot more."
There was similar disenchantment for Truex, who placed third after breaking his right wrist at Bristol Motor Speedway last week and is five points ahead of Newman for the final wild-card spot heading into next week's regular-season finale at Richmond International Raceway.
"We really needed to win this thing to be honest with you," said Truex, whose cast partially melted "pretty much like goo" during the race and left his wrist unstabilized. "As bad as my wrist was hurting and as bad as the car was for a lot of the race, I was pretty excited there at the end and felt like I was giving it more than maybe I could have. Just came up a little bit short."
The 10th and final guaranteed spot in the points currently belongs to Kurt Busch, who moved up two spots in the standings. The Furniture Row Racing driver figures to be in a mad scramble for the final two Chase spots at Richmond with Jeff Gordon (11th in the standings, six points out of 10th), Truex, Brad Keselowski, Newman and Jamie McMurray.
Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne and Kyle Busch clinched Chase berths Sunday, joining Jimmie Johnson, Clint Bowyer and Matt Kenseth in the 10-race title run that will begin Sept. 15 at Chicagoland Speedway. Logano, Dale Earnhardt Jr. (seventh in points after an eighth at Atlanta), and Greg Biffle (15th Sunday and ninth in points) have solid bids for the Chase.
Atlanta was rough on several Chase contenders, particularly those who were leading.
Bowyer was poised to leave Atlanta with his first victory of the season and the Sprint Cup points lead, but the engine in his No. 15 Toyota expired while in first on Lap 193. Bowyer, who led 48 laps, still was second in the standings and already had secured a Chase spot.
BOWYER: Blows engine while leading race
The prospects were much dimmer for another winless driver trying to shore up his Chase prospects. Keselowski was in first on Lap 244 when his No. 2 Ford also lost power after leading 31 laps. The defending series champion's engine finally gave out with 15 laps remaining, and the 35th dropped Keselowski to 15th in points, 28 points out of 10th. He almost certainly will need a victory at Richmond to earn a shot at defending his title.
STANDINGS: Sprint Cup points
"Some things you can't control, and this was one of those days of something we couldn't control," Keselowski said. "The positives are we were running well and doing all the right things, but we just didn't put all the pieces together. I feel like we'll be really strong next week, but obviously we don't dictate our own fate."
Though he maintained the points lead, Jimmie Johnson's recent slump continued. The five-time champion got caught in an early wreck involving Kahne, Mark Martin and Jeff Burton. Johnson spent virtually all of the rest of the race outside the top 10 and brought out a caution when he spun to avoid Burton on Lap 288.
Johnson has finished outside the top 25 in three consecutive races and had only one top 10 in the past five races since a second at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
PHOTOS: Kyle Busch through the years
Follow Ryan on Twitter @nateryan


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Medicaid expenditures for clopidogrel (Plavix) soared after direct-to-consumer TV ads for the drug began airing, though not because of any change in prescription trends, researchers said.
Clopidogrel usage by Medicaid recipients stayed on the same upward track as before the ads started, but the drug's unit cost jumped 11.8% (P<0.001) when national TV network advertising starting airing in late 2001, reported Michael R. Law, PhD, of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C., and colleagues.
The net effect was that Medicaid's per-enrollee expense curve for clopidogrel bent upward at that point, the researchers wrote in the Nov. 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.
From 2002 through 2005, Medicaid spending for clopidogrel accelerated by $40.58 per 1,000 enrollees per quarter (95% CI $22.61 to $58.56), above what would have been expected from the prior trend, Law and colleagues found.
"If drug price increases after direct-to-consumer advertising initiation are common, there are important implications for payers and for policy makers in the U.S. and elsewhere," they wrote.
In an accompanying editorial, Steven Woloshin, MD, and Lisa Schwartz, MD, both of the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, Vt., called the link between advertising and drug costs "plausible."
The study examined Medicaid data on clopidogrel spending from 1999 to 2005, along with estimated expenditures on direct-to-consumer marketing for the drug developed by a private ad-industry consulting firm.
The researchers also obtained data collected by Vanderbilt University researchers on the number of TV ads for clopidogrel aired on network news programs.
Clopidogrel was initially approved in 1997 for prevention of cardiovascular events and treatment of acute coronary syndromes. Direct-to-consumer advertising began in 2001 by its U.S. marketers, Bristol-Myers Squibb and sanofi-aventis.
The companies spent less than $10 million on consumer ads that year but the figure quickly soared: nearly $60 million in 2002 and more than $100 million annually in 2004 and 2005, Law and colleagues reported, making clopidogrel one of the 10 most heavily advertised drugs.
The TV news ads began in December 2001, with 17 broadcast that month, according to the Vanderbilt data. Quarterly ad counts averaged about 30 through 2002 and increased further through 2005.
In the last quarter of 2005, some 50 clopidogrel ads aired on network news programs.
Law and colleagues found that clopidogrel usage by Medicaid recipients, measured as 75-mg units dispensed per 1,000 enrollees, climbed steadily throughout the study period, with no significant change in slope when the ad campaign began.
Usage rose from about 130 units per 1,000 enrollees in the first quarter of 1999 to about 400 in late 2001.
At the end of 2005, the usage rate hit approximately 920 units per 1,000 enrollees.
Law and colleagues calculated that, had the rate prevailing from 1999 to 2001 continued linearly, the rate in the fourth quarter of 2005 would have been closer to 890 per 1,000 enrollees (P=0.18 for level, P=0.10 for trend).
But there was an abrupt, $0.40 spike in the unit cost of clopidogrel starting in late 2001 (95% CI $0.31 to $0.49 by least squares analysis), the researchers found.
After a gentle linear climb from 1999 to mid-2001, Medicaid's cost per 75-mg unit increased from $3.40 to $3.80 over the following two quarters. It then resumed the former slow, steady increase, reaching about $4.00 in late 2005.
Prior to the ad campaign, total Medicaid pharmacy costs for clopidogrel were increasing steadily by $95.68 per quarter per 1,000 enrollees (95% CI $80.35 to $111.00), Law and colleagues said
They found an "elbow" in the curve that coincided with the campaign's start.
"Overall, these estimates indicate a 25% increase in reimbursement by the end of 2005 beyond that which would be expected based on the existing [pre-advertising] trend," the researchers wrote.
"Multiplying the increase in rate by the enrolled population in each quarter, this equates to an additional $207 million in pharmacy reimbursement over the study period."
They said the lack of significant change in per-enrollee usage of clopidogrel after the ads started was unexpected, although, in an earlier study, the same researchers also found no long-term effect of advertising on usage of three other drugs.
Law and colleagues cautioned that their findings do not prove that consumer-oriented ad campaigns increase drug costs.
"Offsetting the costs of direct-to-consumer advertising may have been one of several potential motivations for the increase in per-unit cost of clopidogrel; other factors that might play a role in price setting include anticipating increased clopidogrel sales, concurrent changes in the sales of the manufacturers' other drugs, overall market conditions, and research and development costs for future products," they noted.
The researchers also said their findings might have been unique to clopidogrel and its advertising. They pointed out that responses to advertising could be different for drug classes in which several competing products are advertised, which was not the case with clopidogrel.
Another limitation was that the study did not examine marketing to physicians, which might also affect prescription rates.
Woloshin and Schwartz, in their editorial, said that one way to stay afloat in the "deep sea" of skewed industry marketing would be to make FDA information on drugs more widely available.
"The FDA should create standardized executive summaries of drug reviews that quantify the benefit and important harms found in the Phase III trials," they wrote, recommending that the summaries be posted on the agency's Web site and attached to all advertising materials.
The study was supported by Harvard Medical School, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, and the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research.
One study co-author reported work on a previous study that had been partly supported by Eli Lilly. No other potential conflicts of interest were reported by study authors or the editorialists.
- Reviewed by Dori F. Zaleznik, MD Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston and Dorothy Caputo, MA, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, Nurse Planner
Primary Source
Archives of Internal MedicineSource Reference: Law M, et al "Costs and consequences of direct-to-consumer advertising for clopidogrel in Medicaid" Arch Intern Med 2009; 169: 1969-74.
Secondary Source
Archives of Internal MedicineSource Reference: Woloshin S, et al "Bringing the FDA's information to market" Arch Intern Med 2009; 169: 1985-87.


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It turns out Sailer was spot on, but Coulter's analysis is not so certain. Using 2004 Presidential election voter share data for Bush and Kerry by state and 2003 Census data, I looked at three potential factors and how they correlated with voter choice: Education (less than a high-school diploma, between high school diploma and just short of bachelor's degree, and bachelor's degree and beyond), income (median income as a percentage of mean income), and population density.
A quick refresher: The median is the middle number in a distribution. The mean is what we tend to think of as the "average" (although both are measures of averages). For example, in a town with five people who have incomes of $9, $15, $16, $18, and $100 the median income is $16 (the middle value) while the mean is (9+15+16+18+102)/5=$32. The large disparity between the median and the mean shows that income is spread out (median income is only 50% of mean income). If the distribution had been $20, $20, $20, $20, $20, then the median and mean would be the same ($20), and thus median income would be 100% of mean income. So as median income increases as a percentage of mean income, the more economically equitable the state becomes.
I found the greater the proportion of a state's population having at least a high school diploma but not a bachelor's degree or beyond, the more likely that state was to vote for Bush. And the correlation was pretty strong (a correlation of .65). Also, I found that the higher median income was as a percentage of mean income (parity), the greater chance a state was to go for Bush, although the correlation was a more modest .39. In the social sciences, a correlation of .2 is considered "low", .4 is "medium", and .6 is "high". Both were stastically significant (meaning the correlations were real and not the result of random chance). When both high-school but not bachelor's and median/mean income were regressed against Bush vote share, the correlation inched up to .70, although the P-value for median/mean income was .3 (meaning it was scarcely an underlying factor), while for education the P-value was zero. The more densely populated a state, the more likely it was to vote for Kerry, with a correlation of .67. Population density was also correlated (.63) with income and educational disparity. Put all three variables in against Bush votes, and the correlation shoots up to .77 with each variable statistically significant. However, median/mean income became negatively correlated to Bush's share of the vote. Pulling income out of the mix, the correlation dips a bit to .75.
Income is confounding--although income parity favors Republicans when looking at the nation as a whole, if the other variables are added in it appears detrimental to them. The best answer is that income disparity has little to do with how a state votes. Standing alone it correlated weakly (.39) for Bush; adding it to the other variables (education and population density) only raised the correlation .04 (albeit against Bush). It is related to both educational disparity and high population densities, and thus is basically a repitive measure that is not as effective a predictor as the other two.
To summarize (in English): educational inequality and people packed in like sardines are good for the Democratic party. Giving people their space and insuring they are intellectually on a level playing field is the ticket for Republicans. It validates a few images many hold: People in Montana going through high school and then staying in their sparsely populated communities or going off to a local community college. Few urban areas or family breakdown to facilitate high dropout rates, but not a slew of doctorate-level positions being offered either. Montana went for Bush 59%-39%. On the flip, take DC: Lots of high-earning professionals, lobbyists, politicians, etc out there living in their gated communities. And even more unskilled indigent street-wanderers taking your camera or asking for beer change. No room for a ride across the prairie, with a nation-high 9,316 people per square mile. DC went for Kerry 90%-9%.
Perhaps economic equity is a political motivation for No Child Left Behind? Maybe, but that hardly offsets the obvious self-immolation the Republican party is partaking in by allowing mass immigration of low-skilled immigrants with an average educational attainment equivalent to the 8th grade. Meanwhile, college graduation rates are hitting new record highs. The paper, however, is not going to Hispanics (from a 2003 US Census release):
Among races, Asians had the highest proportion of college graduates at 50 percent. About 30 percent of non-Hispanic whites and 17 percent of blacks had aThe economy of the future is knowledge-based--the trend towards growing educational extremes is going to exacerbate the gap between those who can and those who cannot succeed. Even with a slew of soft degrees like ethnic studies, philosophy of history, sociology, women's studies, and anything else that mandates a vehement hatred of the male WASP but not quantative work, Hispanics are not going to move that number up much. And, of course, the country is becoming more crowded. Homogenuity is a Republican ally that is being thrown by the wayside. It looks pretty good for the Democrats. If you're starting to get that sinking feeling about Hillary in 2008 and then again in 2012... Email or write to Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo and encourage him to seek the GOP ticket in '08.
least a bachelor's degree. In 1993, 24 percent of non-Hispanic whites and 12
percent of blacks were college graduates. Hispanics with high school diplomas
rose from 53 percent in 1993 to 57 percent. About 11 percent had bachelor's
degrees, up from 9 percent.


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Pantnagar to Jabalpur JetLite Flights
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About Jabalpur
About the city:
Jabalpur, also known as Sanskaardhaani, is the largest city of the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is home to beautiful wildlife sanctuaries, forts, ghats, museums and temples, which attract a large number of tourists year-round. Travellers can reach the city by availing flights to Jabalpur that are offered by many airlines from across the country. Those who wish to get cheap air tickets must book their tickets in advance to avail discounts.
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All these and much are just a flight away as travellers only have to purchase cheap air tickets to reach to this interesting city of Jabalpur. There are several Jabalpur flights available from different parts of the country. Travellers can find the best airfare deals to visit Jabalpur on www.makemytrip.com.
Jabalpur is a historical city and people can visit here by flights as Jabalpur airport is well connected to all major cities. The major airlines that serve to and from Jabalpur city are IndiGo, Jet Airways, Air India and Kingfisher. The total distance from the main city to the airport is 20 kilometers. Welcom Heritage, Narmada Jacksons, Hotel Satya Ashoka, The Arihant Palace and Hotel Grand Samdareeya are popular hotels near the airport.
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Airport Name: Pantnagar Airport
IATA Code: PGH
Address: Civil Aerodrome Pantnagar Distt. Udham Singh Nagar-263145 (U.K.)
Country: India
GMT Offset: +05:30 hours
Latitude: 29.0322° N
Longitude: 79.4742° E
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Bringing to you some of the most hard working spinners in Sydney to the funkiest late bar in Sydney's inner west Glebe. Get ready for some amazing tunes on the decks, massive vibes amazing cocktails and a great night.
DJs on rotations playing house, disco, soul, funk, dubstep, hip hop, r&b, salsa, and more
DJs include:
Paris Groovescooter, Travi, DJ JöN, XS.IF, Maxxxyt, Archie, Junya Kudo, Black Cashmere, Saffron Mash, DJ Suman, DJ Dmitry, Nik Gray (BOSS DJ Champion 2016), Pill Spectre, Sista Mary Rosenfunk, DGGZ, CHASM, Monobrow, Honey Disco, Elchino, Tristan Alaba


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Here's the scene in the Achilles Elementary cafeteria Monday night: Teresa Altemus, chairwoman of the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors is holding a town hall meeting with upwards of 150 people in attendance. Altemus, under fire for engineering the pink slipping of County Administrator Bill Whitley and County Attorney Danny Stuck and hiring her buddy, Lacy Smith, to run the county at the now infamous Jan. 2-3 meeting, has apologized.
She's also mentioned several times that the county budget's out of balance by $1.2 million, a figure that will drive a property tax increase of 4 cents per $100 of assessed value for Gloucester residents come July 1. She never mentions why there's an unbalanced budget.
Finally, Supervisor Louise Theberge stands up near the back of the audience. She wants to clarify something. The $1.2 million "unbalanced budget" that Altemus keeps referring to, it seems, is the first payment that's going to be made to fund a new emergency communications system the county is buying. You know, so our cops and firefighters can talk to neighboring cops and firefighters and so we can have good emergency communications coverage over the entire county. Kind of important during, say, hurricanes or other disasters.
At the back of the room is Mel Ressler, the surgeon husband of Supervisor Michelle Ressler, who's next to him. Altemus and Ressler are among the supervisors who Commonwealth's Attorney Robert D. HIcks said played "fast and loose" with state public meetings laws prior to the Jan. 2-3 meeting. Theberge was one of two supervisors kept in the dark by the others about what was planned.
Looking dapper in his camo ball cap, Mel Ressler stands up and starts moving forward. With oodles of empty chairs to choose from all over the place, the doctor picks his way through a few rows and plops down right next to ... Theberge. She looks over to see who it is, and gets this "What on earth?" expression on her face. Maybe the doc, who's been known to give his two cents on Daily Press forums, can enlighten us as to why he decided to move to that particular seat, at that particular time?


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LA Sanitation is hosting a series of Open Houses at your local district refuse yard on specific Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come join the dynamic duo "Mr. Recycle" and sidekick "Robo Blue" as they jump into action to serve family fun, food and prizes for kids.Let us know you're coming by registering online here.
Below is a list of our 2018 Open House events. Saturday, April 28, 2018 - East Valley District Yard11050 Pendleton Street, Sun Valley Saturday, May 19, 2018 - West Valley District Yard8840 Vanalden Avenue, Northridge Saturday, June 2, 2018 - North Central District Yard452 North San Fernando Road, Los Angeles Saturday, June 9, 2018 - South Los Angeles District Yard786 South Mission Road, Los Angeles Saturday, June 23, 2018 - Harbor District Yard1400 North Gaffey Street, San Pedro Saturday, June 30, 2018 - West Los Angeles District Yard2027 Stoner Avenue, Los Angeles Please click here for a map of the locations.LASAN holds six "Discover Recycling" Open Houses every year. Each of our district yards will open to the public in a series of free Saturday events. The Open House program showcases LA Sanitation's residential curbside collection programs with an emphasis on proper recycling practices and bulky item collection while strengthening partnerships with City residents. The Open House will feature trash trucks and equipment demonstrations in addition to facility tours, information booths, recycling games, and refreshments. Last year, more than 6,000 residents attended the Open House events with 230+ city employees who volunteered their time to "give back" to the neighborhoods they serve throughout the year. There is no charge for admission and all ages are welcome, but we do request that pets be left at home for safety.LA Sanitation's Lopez Canyon Environmental & Education Center will host an information booth about the city's green bin recycling program and give away small vegetable plants with mulch and compost made from yard trimmings. Visitors will learn about the benefits of green recycling, pot new plants and experience the recycling loop. More than 2,200 plants were potted and given away to residents last year. LA Sanitation will also partner with City Plants to provide shade trees for adoption by city residents, on a first-come-served basis at each yard, while supplies last. (City residents must present valid identification with their city address or a current DWP bill to adopt a tree. Note: the limit is one tree per property address.) "Used Tires" from city residents will be collected, which is provided by a grant from CalRecycle. (City residents must present valid identification and a current DWP bill. Note: a maximum of nine passenger and/or light truck tires will be accepted but tires on rims and tires from businesses will not be accepted.)In 2003, LA Sanitation launched its first Open House at the West Los Angeles district yard. The goal of the program was to reconnect the refuse collection truck operators, on a voluntary basis, with city residents after the implementation of the automated collection program in 1993. In the following years, the program grew to also promote recycling and proper disposal practices as well as to improve access to LA Sanitation services. The program expanded in 2005 to add the East Valley, West Valley, North Central, and South Los Angeles district yards. In 2006, the Harbor district yard was added to provide citywide coverage. Residents visiting the yards have grown with approximately 200 visitors in 2003 to more than 6,700 in 2016. The popularity of the Open Houses can be traced to City and Sanitation leaders as well as city employees that volunteered their time to transform the six Sanitation yards into fun learning centers. By combining solid resources, clean water, watershed protection, and recycling education, and recycLA information with refreshments, music and games, LA Sanitation has succeeded in capturing the attention of families across the city.


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Heading to Philadelphia Folk Fest this weekend? So is XPN!
Ready for an awesome weekend of music? We thought so! We'll be in on the festivities this weekend at the 53rd annual Philadelphia Folk Fest with everything from our own showcases to activities for the kids. Check out our schedule below or see the full festival line-up here. Continue reading →


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Product information guard systems
Enclosure and Guard Systems
This large guard with sliding doors, swing doors and lifting doors will fit into any hall layout, whether access requirements are for fork-lift trucks, passing materials through a lifting door or carrying out maintenance work through secured doors.
The individual panels in Direct Guard 40x40 E made from Clamp Profile 8 Economy are screwed directly together. Stable Angle Brackets connect the Clamp Profiles and ensure the structure is exceptionally stable.
Like all item solutions, guard E is versatile and fully compliant with the Machinery Directive. It is made of impact-resistant, 4 mm-thick polycarbonate and features Safety Hangers 8/8, meaning that users can fit it securely and easily onto vertical struts made from Clamp Profile 8 40x40 E.
Versatile material lock with lifting door made from impact-proof polycarbonate; suitable for automated operation
Two sliding doors positioned either side of a corner make this walk-in protective enclosure particularly convenient to use
The enclosure and guard systems supplied by item can adapt to suit all requirements.
Reliable sliding door up to six metres wide on smooth-running rollers
Closed grooves help to produce attractive and easy-to-clean enclosures
All-round protection for working areas with easy access


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High School sports teams in Johnson County will get another busy weekend underway today, and all winter sports teams will be in action over the weekend.
The Bison boys' basketball team will be on the road tonight in Newcastle and will be at Torrington on Saturday.
The Lady Bison will host Newcastle tonight at BHS with games at 4, 5:30 and 7. They will also play at Torrington on Saturday.
The Bison wrestlers will host their Bison Invite this Friday and Saturday at BHS.
Buffalo's boys' swim team will be in Worland Friday and Saturday for their Worland Quadrangular.
The Kaycee Buckaroos and Lady Bucs basketball teams will host Upton on Friday and will travel to take on Guernsey on Saturday.
We will have results from all of this weekend's high school sports action as it becomes available.


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For the Love of Solids Round 2...so truly inspiring
1. New York Beauty Mini - For the Love of Solids Swap, 2. Whirling Star Variation, 3. wonky star thread catcher, 4. Quilting Done, 5. FTLOS, 6. FTLOS Swap mini, 7. FTLOSSWAP, 8. FTLOS - in progress, 9. Messenger bag finished , 10. Placemats FTLOS, 11. FTLOS - Mini Quilt, 12. A Sneaky Peek, 13. FTLOS beginnings , 14. pillows for my partner, 15. Last chance partner, 16. FTLOS 2 thinking...
I love how enthusiastic this group is. You should seriously come visit the Flickr group to check out all the solid eye candy!
13 comments:
I am blown away by the projects people are creating!ReplyDelete
(Thanks for including my mini!)
Thanks for featuring my mini! I, too, am blown away by the projects this round! They are so creative and that level of enthusiasm really pushed me to think outside the box, too. Love this swap!ReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
Thanks for including my little pouch. I wait in anticipation everyday of getting one of these lovely creations. Mine is ready to send off. The talent is incredible in this groupReplyDelete
They're all so tantalising, aren't they? My final bit of fabric order finally arrived today (it was a stressful last 4 weeks for both me and the supplier!) and I'm hoping to be done by Sunday!ReplyDelete
Thanks for including my mini! I can't wait to see what amazing project shows up in my mailbox!ReplyDelete
Thanks so much for including my cushion top. The swap has been great, and very well run too - thanks!ReplyDelete
There are so many awesome projects in this swap! I cannot wait to see which one comes to my house. Thanks for organizing this swap and for sharing my picture up there!ReplyDelete
Every time I stop in to have a look at the Flickr group I'm blown away. And feel quite inadequate seeing the incredible talent on display!ReplyDelete
I've been really impressed by how much fun y'all are having with solids. So fun!ReplyDelete
Hey - thanks for including my sneaky peek! So many of those solid projects are just truly amazing!ReplyDelete
Certainly very impressive workmanship!ReplyDelete
Whoa! For the love of solids indeed! I spy two projects I've recently drooled over just in this group of projects. I'm getting to the Flickr group right now!ReplyDelete
P.S. How did you make your collage?
Thank you for leaving a comment for me! I appreciate each and every one of them and try to respond when time allows. Your comments totally brighten my day :)


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Optimism for Tech Startups Despite Competition from Large Rivals
For anyone thinking small internet tech companies don't stand much of a chance against the big guys, here's an article by Shuli Ren, one of our experts at Dow Jones Banking Intelligence, which sounds a note of optimism for smaller fish in the fiercely competitive tech pond. What follows is a taster of her article, though if you're interested in reading the full piece, please do log on and register at DJBI, which is a subscription only service.
A standalone consumer internet tech company's biggest nightmare–and a major hurdle to its valuation–is that one of the four titans, Apple, Google, Facebook and Amazon.com, wades in and kills small rivals in the quest for growth.
The failing performance of Poke, a new private message app launched by Facebook in time for the holidays, however, has alleviated that fear to a certain extent. Branching into new verticals organically for the aforementioned blue-chips does not, it seems, always work.
[Read on over the jump]


text: The City of Riverside is having their Annual City-Wide Garage Sales this weekend. Maps for the sales are available at Kum & Go, Casey's, the Riverside Travel Mart and People's Trust and Savings Bank. The event is set for Saturday, August 14th from 8am to 2pm in Riverside. For questions or to register, contact Amber Day at 648-5067.


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Blake Shelton Covers Rolling Stone With 'The Voice' Co-Stars
The new issue of Rolling Stone has just been revealed, and fronting the rock and pop culture mag is none other than Blake Shelton, joined by his fellow celebrity judges from NBC's smash entertainment show 'The Voice.' In jeans and a black button-up, Shelton is a mixture of dapper and Nashville outlaw, with his outdoorsman, barbed wire and deer track tattoo exposed just below his rolled cuff.
Taking the focus of the shot is — and this is not surprising — Christina Aguilera with her flowing blonde locks and her arms laced forcefully yet sensually around Shelton and Adam Levine's necks. Levine holds Aguilera in what looks to be as much of a hug as a wrestling hold, and Cee Lo Green smiles characteristically off to the side in his shades.
Bearing the subtitle "The (friendly) battle of the sexes that drives 'The Voice,' TV's most exciting music show," this article preview gives a behind-the-scenes look at the banter among the four judges — a timely story, since Season 2 of the hit show debuts just after this weekend's Super Bowl. The article's writer suggests that Shelton often bears the weight of hick jokes — adding, however, that the other judges get jealous of his "cowboy cool."
Speaking to this, Levine points out: "Blake can say anything or do anything. If I was like, 'I'm drunk at 4:00!' I'd be attacked. He's like, 'It's cool, f—- you, I just shot a f—-ing moose, kiss my a—!' He can say whatever he wants." Shelton doesn't seem to be too preoccupied with what he can or can't say, though. During the interview, he's busy listening to Young MC's 'Bust a Move' on his iPhone, saying he's been on an '80s kick of late.
Catch the season premiere of 'The Voice' on Sunday, Feb. 5 just after the Super Bowl on NBC.


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After I couldn't immediately approve his cache last week, a geocacher asked how he's supposed to know if there are multicache waypoints that are too close to the new cache he just placed and submitted.
There are two ways to find out. First, you could find all the nearby multis within two miles and keep a record of the coordinates for each waypoint. The reason I say two miles is because that's the maximum distance that waypoints of multicaches and puzzle caches are supposed to be from the original listed coordinates on the cache page. If there are a lot of geocaches in the same area as your new cache, and if a lot of those are multis or mystery caches, there's a good chance that your geocache is closer than 528 ft. from one of the waypoints. And if those waypoints are actual physical caches, then they need to be at least 528 ft. away from your cache.
A second and easier method is to record the coordinates of your proposed new cache location and submit them on a new cache page. But be sure to write a reviewer note stating that the cache is not yet in place and that you just want to see if this location is available. That way I can easily check it against the Geocaching.com database and let you know if that spot is OK. If it's not, I can suggest which direction you may want to move it, or if it might be better to choose a new location all together.


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General Motors (NYSE:GM) recalled nearly 55,000 new Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC trucks and vans in the U.S. this week related to faulty shifts that could cause cars to roll away.
Continue Reading Below
When including the cars affected for the same defect outside of the U.S., the total global recall amounts to more than 69,000.
The pullback reflects three different types of Cadillac Escalades, the Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe, as well as GMC's Savana, Sierra and Yukon, all model-year 2013.
In filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, GM said those vehicles, made from Nov. 7, 2012 through Dec. 18, 2012, fail to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard's requirements for transmissions, shifts and starter interlocks.
The Detroit automaker said the cars may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear that could cause the vehicle to shift from "park" when the ignition key is removed or in the off position. It could also shift out of "park" without application of the brake pedal while the key is off.
"Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury," GM said in the filing.
Most of the affected vehicles are expected to still be sitting on dealer lots or in transit to dealers and only about 1,000 are forecast to actually carry the deformity.
The company said it will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the faulty components free of charge.