text:
11:00 am
Great Conversations "George Soros and John. D. Podesta" George Soros (financial authority and author of The Age of Fallibility) and John. D. Podesta (Center for American Progress). D
12:00 pm
French In Action "Orientation" How to learn French, what the course is, what it does, and how it works (in English).G
12:30 pm
French In Action "Genese I" In Paris, Mireille Belleau is hurrying to class at the Sorbonne. On her way, she exchanges greetings with several friends and acquaintances.G
1:00 pm
Western Tradition "The Rise of Greek Civilization" Democracy and philosophy arise in a collection of Greek cities at the edge of the civilized world.G
1:30 pm
Western Tradition "Greek Thought" Greek thinkers lay down the main paths of the Western intellectual tradition.G
2:00 pm
Discovering Psychology "Cognitive Neuroscience" Cognitive neuroscience represents the attempt to understand mental processes at the level of the brain's functioning and not merely from information-processing models and theories. It relies heavily on an empirical analysis of what is happening in the brain, and where, when a person thinks, reasons, decides, judges, encodes information, recalls information, learns, and solves problems.G
2:30 pm
Discovering Psychology "Cultural Psychology" This newly emerging field is integrating cross-cultural research with social and personality psychology, anthropology, and other social sciences. Its main new perspective is focused on how cultures construct selves and other central aspects of individual personality, beliefs, values, emotions, and much of what we are and do.G
3:00 pm
Saddle Club "One Step Forward" Having forged a bond with Midnight, Simon works to save the horse's life and Saddle Club members involve themselves in the cause.G
3:30 pm
Biz Kid$ "Introducing Entrepreneurs" You'll discover an entrepreneur is someone who sees a financial opportunity and acts upon it. Learn the stories behind the Frisbee, the Slinky, and blue jeans. Meet an entrepreneur who started a lemonade stand to raise money for playground equipment, then grew so successful she was able to make over an entire park. D
4:00 pm
The Electric Company "Revenge of the Zeros" Upset about their score of zero points in the banana sculpture contest, Danny and Annie decide to ruin Paul the Gorilla's banana festival party that is being held at The Electric Diner. The Electric Company catches on, and does everything they can to stop the pranksters and save the party and preserve Paul's sanity. D
4:30 pm
Cyberchase "Find Those Gleamers!" (topic: Algebraic Variables) - The Hacker challenges Jackie, Matt and Inez to a contest on cyber-wide television! In order to prove to all of Cyberspace that Hacker's not as powerful or smart as he seems - the kids return to Topsy-Turvy Island on the Northern Frontier for the contest. Their mission is to power up a Mini-Wreaker using cyber-fireflies of varying power before the island turns inside out at sunset. The kids must use algebraic equations to determine how many Gleamers - and how much power - they'll need. D
5:00 pm
Ciao Italia "Mushroom Fantasy/Una Fantasia Dei Funghi" Mary Ann visits the magical world of David Connor, AKA "Mister Tomato" who grows the most fantastic mushrooms you've ever seen in a energy-efficient greenhouse. He gives her a basket full to take nella cucina to create a hearty Pasta with Mushroom Sauce, a wintertime treat of White Polenta with Mushrooms and Peppers, and finishes it off with a Baked Mushroom Frittata. How about them tomatoes?. D
5:30 pm
Hubert Keller: Secrets of a Chef "Small Bites, Big Flavors" Chef Keller recreates two of the most popular dishes from his Fleur restaurant in Las Vegas, including an innovative way of cooking steak on hot rocks. Crab & Avocado Sphere with Watermelon Gazpacho; Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimmichurri Sauce.G
6:00 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "Burgundy: Profound France" Rick takes time to enjoy the region's edible, drinkable, scenic and floatable delights. He travels on a canal barge, visits a medieval hospice and a modern monastery, builds a barrel, appreciates fine Burgundy wine, slurps escargot and eats well.G
6:30 pm
Travel with Kids "Ireland: The Castles and Cliffs of County Clare" Known for its rugged limestone rock formations and ancient castles, County Clare offers all sorts of off-the-tourist-track exploration, and the kids are thrilled to discover it all. Explore tall sea cliffs at the famous Cliffs of Moher and head beneath the limestone for an underground adventure in the Aillwee Caves on The Burren. Although the kids may not be as impressed as adults by ancient dolmens, the giant castles of Clare like Knappogue and Bunratty are sure to spark their imagination of days gone-by filled with knights and kings. D
7:00 pm
GardenSMART Beautiful plants and expert gardeners bundled into a historic setting. What's not to like? Come along as GardenSMART explores a celebrated garden with a great story. A don't miss show. D
7:30 pm
This Old House "Bedford Project, Part 5 of 16" Host Kevin O'Connor meets with landscape designer Jenn Nawada Evans to see her plan for the rambling site. The first order of business is reclaiming a good percentage of the backyard from invasive vines and brambles that have been encroaching on the lawn for years. Landscape contractor Roger Cook and his crew make quick work of it, using a skid steer loader with a brush hog attachment. D
8:00 pm
American Woodshop "Bracket Clock + Finishing Solutions" Master your woodworking, finishing & repair techniques!. D
8:30 pm
Around The House with Matt and Shari "Great Weekend Projects" Start the weekend with a seasonal centerpiece that the whole family can help make. Next, Matt shows how to keep your floors and carpets bright and clean. Last, Shari has some really quick no sew placemats and napkins. D
9:00 pm
Sewing with Nancy "30-Minute Doll Clothes, Part 1" Turn an 18" doll into a "fashionista" by sewing coordinating outfits made quickly and easily. Author and designer Joan Hinds teams up with Nancy to sew a versatile collection of clothes for 18" dolls, each sewn in 30 minutes or less. They reveal secrets for easy flat construction, no-hassle gathering, quick zigzagged elastic, lace hems, fun fusible applique, and much more. D
9:30 pm
Best of Simply Painting: Across Europe "The Fairy Bush" NULL
10:00 pm
Simply Ming "Kf Seetoh & Street Hawker Food" On this special episode of Simply Ming, Ming Tsai tours the famous hawker stalls of Singapore and experiences the myriad of tastes that Singapore street food has to offer. After trying the best of the best, Ming and KF Seetoh make their own version of their favorite street food right in the middle of all the action.on the fly in Singapore. D
10:30 pm
Lidia's Italy In America "USA: Oh, Those Ravioli" Lidia heads north to Boston, where she takes viewers on a sweet trip to two Boston pastry shops: Modern Pasty and Maria's Pastry, and ventures into Boston's Little Italy to see pasta made by hand. Down in New Jersey, Lidia checks out Simply Grazin' Organic Farm. In the kitchen, Lidia prepares Ricotta and Sausage-Filled Ravioli and Struffoli, an Italian-American classic, for dessert. D
11:00 pm
Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish "Estoy Harta!" In this episode, Raquel's parents arrive in Mexico and Raquel confronts her mother about not letting her know of Luis's surprise arrival.G
11:30 pm
Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish "Las Empanadas" This episode features Roberto discussing again with Angela the sale of her apartment in Puerto Rico.G


text:
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Request CUPS compiled HP LaserJet 1020 driver/firmware
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Joined: 31 Aug 2006
Posts: 47
Location: Southwestern U.S.
Posted: Wed 25 Jul 2007, 02:19
Post subject:
Request CUPS compiled HP LaserJet 1020 driver/firmware
Learning to compile the fooz2js CUPS driver and downloading the firmware I need for my HP LaserJet 1020 is beyond my capability.
My LaserJet 1020 is one of a series of LaserJets (including the 1000, 1005, and 1018 too, according to the Web) that require some firmware be first loaded to the printer and a driver compiled from fooz2js source be used in CUPS.
HP's web site provides no Linux drivers for these printers, there are no drivers for it in CUPS, and there appears to be no ppd to download anywhere else. Fooz2js seems the only answer.
* I'm hoping someone else has done this and can just post files, firmware, and icon I need for download in an answer here.
* If no one's done this, maybe someone will be do it for dozens of people who bought such printers for Windows and now find using them in Puppy needs technical expertise they don't have.
The technical level of Puppy info required is beyond me, as shown in all the language I don't understand here:
Plus, I don't even know how to make an icon to autoload the firmware script as mentioned here:
The information on the compiling steps involved are on:
More information on the steps and downloading of firmware are here:
Apparently once the proper files are installed, CUPS install easy, as shown by these visual instructions:
I tried this before back in Sept 2006
But that I have installed 2.17 with CUPS, I am still in the same problem area, but I now know I need foo2zjs/1020 drivers.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
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Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 6750
Location: hobart
Posted: Wed 25 Jul 2007, 03:42
Post subject:
hushpuppy made a .pet of the foo2zjs driver, but it was too big to upload to forum.( 2M). perhaps if you pm'ed hushpuppy, it could be emailed to you.
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Joined: 31 Aug 2006
Posts: 47
Location: Southwestern U.S.
Posted: Wed 25 Jul 2007, 09:37
Post subject: With much chagrin, need clarification
Subject description: terminology
Thanks for the info. This sounds like just what is needed!
However, I'm embarassed to say that I don't know all the lingo here and don't understand what you mean by "if you pm'ed hushpuppy".
I think I know that hushpuppy is the name of the poster here who has the foo2zjs driver ready to go (and I believe I do know how to install a .pet), but I dont' know how to pm hushpuppy.
Thanks for pointing me to any specific directions on how to do this.
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Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 6750
Location: hobart
Posted: Wed 25 Jul 2007, 10:11
Post subject:
pm = personal message, the button down the button left corner, next to profile button.
anyway, i've just sent hushpuppy a message, asking if the .pet is still available.
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Joined: 31 Aug 2006
Posts: 47
Location: Southwestern U.S.
Posted: Wed 25 Jul 2007, 11:02
Post subject: Thanks
Subject description: Here's hoping
Thanks the clarification and for your fast reply.
Here's hoping that .pet of foo2zjs is still available.
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Joined: 31 Dec 2006
Posts: 208
Posted: Thu 26 Jul 2007, 05:12
Post subject:
I did indeed compile foo2zjs, and will have a look for it this evening.
However from what i remember that .pet was for the samsung CLP-300 printer only, for a different printer, different steps have to be taken (downloading of firmware i think).
I have already checked and i have a directory structure of the compiled driver, i think then (not had time to look at the readme) you download the firmware and then do a "make install".
At this stage you can use "new2dir make install" instead of make install to start making a pet package.
I'm in the middle of creating a .pet for my touchscreen system (and having problems), but will put it on hold to help a fellow puppy'er (is that we are
I'm on BST, it will be about 9 hours before i can look at this, 7pm this evening (roughly).
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Joined: 31 Aug 2006
Posts: 47
Location: Southwestern U.S.
Posted: Thu 26 Jul 2007, 08:58
Post subject: Thanks in advance!
Subject description: Thank you
Thank you so very much for looking at compiling foo2zjs.
I appreciate you taking the time to do this and it's great you have the skills to provide it.
It's too bad that this is so complex for a non-technical user like me.
Hopefully I don't look too selfish in requesting this, as having a compiled foo2zjs for Puppy would go a long way to helping those with all the very popular HP LaserJet printers that foo2zjs supports: the 1000, 1005, 1018, 1020, and 1022 (not to mention the 3 Minolta printers and a Konica).
The foo2zjs.rkkda.com web page also mentions a bunch of other one-printer-specific drivers by the same author (including now a foo2qpdl for a Samsung CLP-300), but these would not reach so large an audience as foo2zjs.
Thanks again.
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Joined: 31 Dec 2006
Posts: 208
Posted: Thu 26 Jul 2007, 13:35
Post subject:
I'm looking at compiling the driver for you now, but have just noticed that youre running puppy 2.17 not 2.16 as i am, so ill have a bit of downloading to do (ill need the iso AND devx_2.17).
Will keep you updated.
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Joined: 31 Dec 2006
Posts: 208
Posted: Thu 26 Jul 2007, 15:57
Post subject:
Apologies but i'm having problems creating this for you, nothing whatsoever to do with puppy or compiling problems, hardware failure, will keep you updated.
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Joined: 31 Dec 2006
Posts: 208
Posted: Thu 26 Jul 2007, 16:02
Post subject:
A slight update, ive just found the foo2zjs.pet i made, youre welcome to a copy, just send me your email address (pm me, click on the messages link underneath Search at the top of the page).
I dont think it will be any good for your model of printer, therefore ive decided to compile foo2zjs for ALL the printers supported by it.
Hardware problems permitting.
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Joined: 31 Dec 2006
Posts: 208
Posted: Thu 26 Jul 2007, 17:34
Post subject:
A question for you FuturePerfect, is your printer USB or parallel port ?
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Joined: 31 Dec 2006
Posts: 208
Posted: Thu 26 Jul 2007, 18:23
Post subject:
FuturePerfect, i have created the pet file for you, as well as the hotplug.pet as well (not sure if its needed at this stage).
I compiled foo2zjs with support for ALL the following printers.
HP Color LaserJet 2600n .ICM files
HP Color LaserJet 1600 .ICM files
Konica Minolta magicolor 2530 DL .ICM files
Konica Minolta magicolor 2490 MF .ICM files
Konica Minolta magicolor 2480 MF .ICM files
Xerox Phaser 6115MFP .ICM files
Konica Minolta magicolor 2430 DL .ICM files
Minolta/QMS magicolor 2300 DL .ICM files
Minolta/QMS magicolor 2200 DL .ICM files
Minolta Color PageWorks/Pro L .ICM files
Get Samsung CLP-300 .ICM files
Get Samsung CLP-600 .ICM files
Samsung CLX-3160 .ICM files
Xerox Phaser 6110 and 6110MFP .ICM files
HP LaserJet 1020 firmware file
HP LaserJet 1018 firmware file
HP LaserJet 1005 firmware file
HP LaserJet 1000 firmware file
Unfortunatley i'm having hardware problems, so cannot upload these files to my website for you to download, if you send me an email address ill try to send them by email.
PLEASE NOTE :- This package is UNTESTED at the moment, and i cannot guarantee it will not break your system, therefore you should backup your pup_save file BEFORE using the .pet package.
After installing the package, restart x, then in a browser window type http://localhost:631 , and install the new printer.
Oh yeah, you need CUPS installed for this to work, its part of 2.17 which i think youre running.
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Joined: 31 Aug 2006
Posts: 47
Location: Southwestern U.S.
Posted: Thu 26 Jul 2007, 20:06
Post subject: I'll test it as soon as you can send it
Subject description: Thanks once more
Thanks again for all your work. Sorry I was out so couldn't answer questions. My LaserJet 1020 is USB, if this helps now.
Thanks for reminding me to backup my pup_save file.
* Since this is a .pet, it's 1 file I download to any directory then install from ROX and all files go where they should?
Barry mentioned on developer's page that some people were having trouble with CUPS--hopefully my setup won't have problems.
Here's hoping I don't have any hardware problems either--I have a USB 1 port for the printer--old hardware but that's why I love Puppy!
I've sent you my e-mail address via PM so you can send the files. The least I can do is test; I will report back here.
Hopefully all will work quickly and this can be uploaded somewhere that has space so other Puppy folks can benefit.
Thanks again; I'll let you know what happens, hopefully without too many elementary question required to complete the process
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Joined: 31 Dec 2006
Posts: 208
Posted: Fri 27 Jul 2007, 03:36
Post subject:
Yes, you simply click on the pet and all the files **should** be placed in the correct directory.
BUT - I cannot see the file /usr/share/foo2zjs/firmware/sihp1020.dl on my system despite definitley downloading with wget and doing the make install (this was ran through the pet creation process so may have failed).
If this doesnt work i may have to talk you through compiling and installing yourself, its really quite easy, and i can give you detailed instructions.
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Joined: 31 Aug 2006
Posts: 47
Location: Southwestern U.S.
Posted: Fri 27 Jul 2007, 07:09
Post subject:
Thanks for clarifying what your .pet does.
Did you e-mail me the .pet or decide to post it to your web site? I haven't received it yet but it's early here (5 a.m. U.S. Mountain time--I woke up with your .pet and other items on my mind).
Are you saying the firmware is not in the .pet but is on your system? If so, wouldn't it be easier to just send me the firmware file separately (with instructions on what directory to copy it to) rather than have me compile it?
Or must I recompile the whole foo2zjs to ge the firmware needed too?
I did not attempt the foo2zjs compile instructions not only because I did not understand them all but also because I could not get "make" to work on my Puppy 2.17 using rxvt, presumably because I do not have the developer's version of Puppy needed to compile you mentioned earlier.
Doesn't that mean I have to download a whole separate Puppy to compile? I'm not sure I have disk space on my old machine to do that.
Thanks again for all the work you have done. I look forward to the next steps.
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Canada's obesity "epidemic" has been exaggerated and the health risks overstated for all but the heaviest weight classes, according to a provocative new report.
Despite claims Canadians are growing fatter than ever, the ratio of overweight adult Canadians is virtually no higher than its level a decade ago, according to the right-leaning Vancouver-based think-tank, the Fraser Institute.
Experts in the field, however, say the report undermines the seriousness of Canada's weight problem.
Data from Statistics Canada shows obesity rates among men appear to have levelled out and "may be turning a corner," while rates of overweight and obesity among youth aged 12 to 18 remained largely unchanged between 2005 and 2012, according to the report.
The outliers are women, where rates of obesity have climbed steadily since 2003.
Overall, in 2012, 34.1 per cent of the population were estimated to be overweight, defined as a body mass index, or BMI, of 25 to 30 — virtually the same proportion as in 2003. Conversely, the rate of obesity (a BMI of 30 or above) increased between 2003 (15 per cent) and 2012 (18 per cent), "though again there is no statistically significant difference between the rates in 2009 and 2012," according to the report.
"There is no epidemic," said author Nadeem Esmail, director of health policy studies at the Fraser Institute.
The true definition of an epidemic is the outbreak of a disease or sickness that spreads rapidly and exponentially, he said.
According to Statistics Canada, from 2003 to 2011, obesity among men rose from 16 per cent to 19.8 per cent and, among women, from 14.5 per cent to 16.8 per cent — a rate of growth that is "clearly not exponential," Esmail said.
The health consequences of excess weight are also being exaggerated, he said. Studies suggest that the risks associated with obesity lie at the higher end of the scale, above a body mass index of 35, and that people classed as overweight (with a BMI of between 25 and 30) may have a lower risk of premature death than the "normal" weight.
That makes the case weak for anti-obesity policies such as calorie counts on menus, tax hikes on sugary drinks and other policies that "vilify" certain foods, given that a "sizable portion" of the population "are neither overweight nor obese" according to their BMI, Esmail said.
"It's a myth to say … that only government interventions will save us from ourselves. We know that most of the costs of obesity are actually born by the obese individual in terms of a shorter life span, fewer opportunities at work and increased rates of illness," he said. "The only consequence for Canadians is the increased burden on Canada's tax-financed health-care system."
He added that even then obese people may not be a net burden to taxpayers over their entire lifetimes because they die sooner.
Experts say the report ignores that diabetes is growing at alarming rates, and that obesity is one of the single most important drivers of the diabetes.
"The more obese the person, the greater the risk," said Dr. David Lau, a professor of medicine and chair of diabetes and endocrine research group at the University of Calgary. "To trivialize the importance of addressing the issue of obesity is misguided."
Follow @Sharon_Kirkey on Twitter.


text:
Finding a Distributer
How do I find distributors of residential solar water-heating equipment for my state?
Jonathon G.
Northern California
Contact your local Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) chapter (www.seia.org) or your state's chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (www.ases.org). In states without either, I would contact the closest state chapter because many distributors cover multistate regions or will know of a contact in your state. The vendor you buy the system from can recommend a good installer, too.
A quality installer should belong to a state or regional SEIA chapter or the national association. Ask to see pictures of previous installations and request references you can contact.
Diminishing Wind Power?
With recent Exxon Mobil ads relegating wind to less than 1 percent of future energy use and the introduction of legislation to restrict wind farms by Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and John Warner, R-Va., has the sheen been blown off wind?
Haley R. Winchester.
Quite the opposite is true. In 2004, the global wind-power indu-stry in stalled 8,000 megawatts (MW) of new wind turbines, according to the Global Wind Energy Council. Europe led the world wind-power market, in stalling 5,774 MW, which accounted for about 72 percent of that growth. Total world wind capacity now stands at 47,317 MW (1 MW is enough to power 300 U.S. homes).
In March, the United Kingdom's Sustainable Development Commission released a report that concludes wind power is a better alternative than nuclear energy for addressing climate change. The commission's 176-page report concludes wind power, along with other renewables, offers the only truly sustainable domestically sourced option for electric generation over the long term. The commission, financed by the usually- pro-nuclear energy Trade and Industry Department, concluded wind en ergy is quiet, economical and less expensive than nuclear power.
In April and May, two fact sheets released by the U.S. Department of Energy s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) highlighted the benefits of wind: less emissions from fossil fuelburning electric plants; more energy potential, job growth and rural development. The Wind Powering America Fact Sheet Series entitled Improving Regional Air Quality with Wind Energy provides an overview of how electricity generated from zero-emission wind energy can help states and municipalities improve air quality, achieve the Clean Air Act standards and reduce pollution-control costs for taxpayers.
The same report provides a case study about the purchase of wind energy by Montgomery County, Md. The fact sheets also highlight to days rising coal and gas prices, and report how new wind plants compete favorably against other sources of electricity. It describes the top 10 benefits of wind energy, including the growth of new jobs and tax revenues.
Another report describes how an Iowa farm family acquired a wind turbine using the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Bill, Section 9006, which makes available grants and loans for renewable energy to farmers, ranchers and other rural small business owners. While there are clear challenges to some wind projects, the future is looking quite solid for wind power for large grid-tied and small on-site generation.
Silicon and High PV Prices
I was wondering about the high cost of silicon and whether it will prevent the price drop in solar residential systems that everyone expects.
Jerry H.
South Carolina
Today's photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are made primarily from silicon, which in the 1990s was de rived from the silicon waste that came from the computer chip industry.
In April, reports from the biggest PV companies indicated that solargrade silicon prices had jumped from $9 per kilo in 2000 to $25 last year, and were expected to jump to $60 this year. These higher silicon prices are a result of the fast growth of the global PV industry, which produced more than 1.2 gigawatts of power in 2004, and a result of new efficiencies in the traditional silicon chip industry that leave behind less solar-grade silicon waste.
With the SEIA's announcement of the American Solar Power Industry Research and Investment in Technology collaborative, the PV industry is working to build upon its earlier efforts for fair access to sili con. The industry-funded collaborative is designed to reduce the cost, increase the efficiency and improve the manufacturing process of PV through better designs and processes, which should lead to low-cost manufacturing and new silicon production processes, among other industry goals.
While there are some promising PV materials in the marketplace, such as thin films that replace silicon with indium, selenium and gallium, and cadmium telluride, another emerging player will be nonsilicon nanotechnology, which uses light-sensitive dyes. In fact, Konarka Technologies, a manufacturer of nonsilicon nanotechnology, is setting up a pilot plant this year. With smart tactics for using existing nonsilicon materials, nanotechnology and improved efficiency in the use of traditional silicon, the silicon shortage issue should be seen only as growing pains for an industry in its early adolescence.
For more information, go to the National Center for Photovoltaics Web site at www.nrel.gov.
Radiant/Solar Thermal Heating
I live in upstate New York and have a 1,200-square-foot hot water radiant-heated area, which is well-insulated. I have a relatively large southfacing roof area available for solar heating, so I need some information on solar heating equipment to supplement or replace two large 40,000-British thermal unit (Btu) propane heaters in this system.
Bob M.
New York
From my point of view, you must ask yourself when you need the heat the most. The answer is generally when the sun is not out, such as in the middle of the night or in the winter when days are shorter. I say keep your propane system as your evening-only input. Adding a solar thermal heat ing unit to your propane radiant-heating system is possible, but you'll need a large, well-designed system, in addition to space for both hot-water containers and solar panels on the roof.
If you choose solar space heat ing, Don Bradley of Solar Strategies in Philadelphia says you will need ample hot-water storage, from 400 to 700 gallons, depending on the size of the area needing heat. In addition to two solar hotwater panels for domestic solar water-heating use, you will need at least eight solar thermal panels for space heating. Ask a qualified solar installer to check the solar access and roof orientation to insure optimum performance. Good luck!
Green Power Providers
How do I find information about any green energy providers in my area?
Toledo, Ohio
Buying utility-traded renewable energy credits, or "green power," is a solid step consumers can take to transform the energy market — particularly renters and homeowners who have limited options for using solar water-heating, geothermal heat pumps, small-scale wind power, photovoltaics or other on-site clean distributed energy sources.
In March of 2004, NREL released its annual ranking of leading "green pricing" utility programs, and, according to NREL, more than 500 utilities in 33 states now offer these programs. In 2003, more than 1.2 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable energy credits were sold through green pricing programs, an increase of more than 30 percent from 2002.
The Environmental Protection Agency has a "Green Power Partnership" section on its Web site that features a locator for green power providers by state. One of the better e-newsletters is distributed by the Western Area Power Administration (www.wapa.gov/es/greennews) and is called "Green Power and Market Research News."
Scott Sklar is co-author of Consumer Guide to Solar Energy and is president of The Stella Group, a distributed-energy marketing and policy firm in Washington, D.C. Send your questions to firstname.lastname@example.com. Reprinted from www.renewableenergyaccess.com.


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Welcome to my blog and the place where I will post my photos and musings from my life as an ultrarunner. My nickname "Shining" was given to me by a group of very special students after I finished my first 100-miler, the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100. They were the inspiration that enabled me to finish this awesome race, and I try to live each day with a "shining" attitude!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
December rituals
I love December. The cold weather means great running weather for me, and the anticipation and preparation that comes with Christmas, and spending time with my family, make me feel at peace regardless of how tough a year it has been. My favorite day, other than Christmas, is the second Saturday in December, when I join my good friends for 66.6 miles in the Jefferson National Forest...otherwise known as Hellgate 100K. It is a race that has gotten under my skin, and one that I have written about for the past five years. This year, I chose to watch from the sidelines and crew and support my friend Stephanie as she went for her first Hellgate finish.
I love Stephanie's sharp wit, sense of humor, and the fact that she is a devoted mom to two boys, trying to balance the ultra life with everything else. She is also a very talented ultrarunner, and it was a privilege to watch her hammer the last three miles of the 66.6 mile course, attempting to break 17 hours, only to miss it by 41 seconds...all with her trademark smile on her face. Thanks, Steph, for letting me tag along on your Hellgate journey!
Here are two excellent and entertaining reports from the women's winner, Helen Lavin and fourth place female, and 8-time Hellgate finisher, Rebekah Trittipoe.
Another December ritual is the Winter Solstice Trail Run, now in its fifth year. It is held on the third Saturday of December, and when it was canceled last year due to blizzard conditions, I really missed it. The Solstice Run, as Bill and I call it, started with as just a few friends running the trails around UVA and has grown into a 45+ person trail run on the Rivanna Trail. Most of the runners are road aficionados, and the Solstice Run is the only time all year when they run on the trail; but for others, the Solstice Run is on their running bucket list, as they attempt (trail conditions and course closures depending) to run the entire 21-mile Rivanna Trail loop that encircles our city.
This year we had perfect Winter Solstice conditions: 2 inches of fluffy snow, cold temps, and 12 runners who finished the loop! It was a wonderful celebration of our local running community. Jen Nichols came all the way from Abingdon to join us, and she wrote a great review of the run here. Thanks, Jen! Q's photos of the run are here.
Finally, it wouldn't be December without my first run in the snow with Jack. Being a smart Aussie, he knows that Mom loves to run in the snow, so when he sees those first flakes start to fall, he gets very excited. We ran in the gorgeous snow of December 17 and loved every minute. The clear skies, cold air, bright snow...bliss.
Simple rituals tell our story...what are yours?
6 comments:
- Johann said...
Thanks for sharing your wonderful rituals! My bucket list just became a bit longer. My December is different as it is summer here in South Africa. It is summer holidays here and I usually use my extra time to put in high miles, but there are not many races to run in December. This year I've been pushing extra high miles as I'm running a 90km trail ultra following the coastline on 8 January. Have a wonderful Christmas!
- December 22, 2010 at 7:23 AM
- Dizzy said...
I'm enjoying your blog. I'm a newbie to trail running but enjoying it so much more than road running. I'm considering Holiday Lake this February. Thanks for your inspirational blogs. (P.S. I just turned 50, live near Cville)
- December 22, 2010 at 8:41 AM
- And Miles 2 Go said...
My running-related rituals that come to mind right now: Umstead 100. A TWOT loop two or three times a year. Weekday pre-work 2-hr. runwalks w/ the Hburg Posse. The Solstice. Any other time I am fortunate enough to spend on the trail w/ you and Potts.
(Great post, btw. :)
- December 22, 2010 at 9:32 AM
- Rick Gray said...
It is funny as we look back there are wonderful experiences that stick out in our minds. Not only do we reflect back on them with wonderful memories, but we look forward to them coming around again. Hellgate is also one of those things for me too. Despite the tough run, I always look forward to the race getting here and I even look forward to the next year. You stayed on the sidelines this year to help us out and to help Stephanie with her first Hellgate. I know Stephanie was so appreciative, but I too thank you for your volunteer services to us runners. Everything I have read just gives stark reviews of your annual adventure around Charlottesville. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas.
- December 22, 2010 at 11:40 AM
- Sophie Speidel said...
Thanks for sharing your running rituals, all! It is cool to learn what others rely and depend on, day to day and year to year.
Johann, best to you at your 90K---sounds beautiful!
Dizzy, you should jump into Holiday lake---it was my first ultra and is perfect for a first time ultra! Come run with us sometime here in C'Ville!
Gentry, you are the master of rituals. And a legend, as I always say.
Rick, please come join us at the Soltice Run next year. Tammy can run and you can shop as you (and I!) will be recovering from Hellgate! Yeah!
- December 22, 2010 at 9:51 PM
- Rooster said...
Merry Christmas Sophie! I love reading about your holiday running rituals and the changes of season. The snow looks beautiful and the blue sky and snow is bonus! Your camaraderie is relentless and thank you for sharing it.
- December 23, 2010 at 3:41 PM


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
One-week merchandise sales numbers eclipsed amount sold during entire 2011-12 season
The Buffalo Sabres have announced that last week's "Fan Appreciation Sale" at the Sabres Store helped to set up a week of record-breaking sales. Through the seven-day sale, the Sabres Store sold nearly 50,000 pieces of merchandise, the most the team has ever sold in such a short period of time and a total that was greater than the amount sold during the entire 2010-11 Sabres' season.
"It was stunning and humbling to witness the extraordinary volume of fans who were able to participate in the 'Fan Appreciation Sale,' " said Sabres President Ted Black. "There were times when we had to pull staff from accounting, ticket sales and marketing to work the registers. Kim Pegula even took a shift."
As part of the record volume of sales, the Sabres Store sold more than 8,000 jerseys and 9,000 hats.
"Our original idea was that this sale would be a way for us to thank the fans," Black said. "We are so fortunate that Buffalo Sabres fans remain intensely proud to wear our logo. The community pride in the Sabres brand means more to our organization than words can describe.
"Anyone who came by the arena last week can attest to the fact that the store was the busiest that it's ever been. Not enough praise can be heaped upon our employees in the Sabres Store and the folks in other departments who jumped over the boards to help and who worked every day to keep shelves stocked and fans happy."


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Honda and Acura Racers Going For Gold
At SCCA National Championship Runoffs
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (September 14, 2012) – The gold medal – a worldwide symbol of excellence for amateur athletes – will be the goal for Honda and Acura racers from across the country as they travel to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, next week to take part in the Sports Car Club of America National Championship Runoffs.
Each year, SCCA racers from New York to California take part in 70 "national" club racing events to qualify for one final, winner-take-all race in each of 28 classes, known simply as the "Runoffs". Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the first three finishers in each race, where previous winners have included Bobby Rahal, Paul Newman and Jimmy Vasser.
In addition, Honda and Acura drivers are eligible for contingency awards, offered by Honda Performance Development [HPD] through the Honda Racing Line, of up to $2,500, along with additional support to help offset travel costs for the racers.
Honda Performance Development will also host a catered trackside hospitality tent exclusively for Honda/Acura competitors and their team members. The tent will offer a buffet lunch from Tuesday, Sept. 18 through Saturday, Sept. 22, at which a monitor will show a live feed of on-track activities.
Drivers to watch this year include defending H Production Champion Greg Gauper, returning with his Honda Civic in search of a second consecutive title; and defending Formula F Champion Tim Kautz, now running with Honda power in his Piper open-wheel racer.
In addition to the 28 championship categories, two new SCCA classes will be on display at this year's runoffs: B-Spec, an entry-level racing class featuring the Honda Fit; and Super Touring Light, a mid-level preparation category that includes both Honda and Acura models.
Launched in July 2009, the Honda Racing Line is a program targeted at licensed participants in sanctioned amateur and entry-level professional racing. The Honda Racing Line was formed to provide its members with a direct connection to Honda Performance Development and its unparalleled record of success at the highest levels of motorsport. Competitors may register for the Honda Racing Line through HondaRacingLine.com.
Honda Performance Development (HPD) is the Honda racing company within North America. Located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines.
As one of three engine suppliers to the IZOD IndyCar Series, Honda won this year's Indianapolis 500 with driver Dario Franchitti; and competes in prototype sports-car racing under the HPD banner in the American Le Mans Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship, where it again took a P2 class win at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. HPD offers a variety of race engines for track applications from prototype sports cars to karting; and showcases "fun-to-drive products" for professional, amateur and entry-level racers.


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As the days of January tick by, so does the chance of an agreement from Congress to replace massive, arbitrary cuts to the nation's defense programs as part of an automatic budget deal trigger known as sequestration.
Continue Reading Below
Thanks to a mandate under the Budget Control Act of 2011 to slash approximately $500 billion from the defense budget, the nation's defense industry can count on suffering from a number of far-reaching, long-term effects, analysts say. "In some cases, business prospects will be sharply lower, we could see lower earnings (for major players in the defense industry), it will mean lower volumes," said Howard Rubel, an analyst at Jefferies & Co. "The biggest issue in all of this is that there's no rhyme or reason to the cuts, and we don't know how it'll play out." Faith in Congress to work together on compromises to better the U.S. economy deteriorated after a particularly messy and bruising battle over the fiscal cliff at the end of 2012.
In a 2013 defense outlook, Joseph Nadoll III, an aerospace and defense analyst for JPMorgan Chase, noted the bank has less confidence now that Congress will avert sequestration, but still maintains Congress will likely come to agreement on a deal that spares defense the full magnitude of the cuts. Despite its faith in the legislative branch, the firm is less hopeful any attempt to replace sequestration will put the U.S. on path to a sustainable fiscal fix. "In the event compromise does not reduce annual U.S. deficits to a sustainable level, we believe defense valuations will continue to be hampered by the fiscal overhang that has constrained them."
Goldman Sachs maintains a much less optimistic view as to whether sequestration will remain in the nation's vocabulary through 2013. "Ultimately, it's only a matter of time before the sequester will be implemented," Alec Phillips, an economist at Goldman Sachs, said in a January 15 research note. "While we have assumed that Congress would delay part of the sequester until 2014, when it could be implemented with much less disruption to the military and other federal activities, it is very possible that some or most of it could take effect earlier than expected in 2013."Direct Impacts to Defense Few argue over whether a budget deal or sequestration will impact the defense industry. What is up for debate is just how much and in what ways the impact will be felt. Despite a December letter from Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, who said there will not be a need for immediate furlough, Goldman Sachs says there's no way around tough, immediate effects. "The administration would have little flexibility in how to implement this cut," the January note said. "So every program, project and account would need to be cut by the same amount. That would mean, for example, furloughing most civilian defense employees for a full month before the end of the fiscal year, and cutting basic activities like health care for active-duty military and aircraft maintenance." Rubel says there's no question the uncertainty is already causing workers to voluntarily leave their jobs in the defense industry, adding, if furlough happens, many will call into question the Defense Department's ability to be able to respond to any array of circumstances. He adds among the slew of challenges ahead for the defense industry, one is dealing with smaller pool of specialized workers.
"For someone who wants sophisticated and technical challenges or interesting problems to solve, he or she is going to not necessarily have that opportunity, or at least it'll be more limited," he said. "I think that would discourage some people who thought (a career in this industry) was the right thing to do for a career or technology's sake." In a sign of how deep the impact of spending cuts may be, JPMorgan predicts a 4% year-over-year decline in organic (or internally-generated) revenues for major defense industry players through the course of not just this year, but also 2014 and 2015. On top of that, margins are already being squeezed tight, meaning it could be difficult to make up for lost sales on the bottom line. The bank says margins for the industry probably peaked during the last three quarters of 2012, and predicts increasing pressure on margins as revenues shrink because of smaller budgets and fewer contracts flowing in from the Defense Department.Consolidation Over Competition? The financial impact to the industry could spark even bigger changes to the defense landscape. In fact, JPMorgan sees a significant possibility of consolidation in the industry as a result of decreased demand for defense products. The bank expects consolidation to happen in two waves. The first will consist of larger defense companies acquiring their smaller competitors – possibly including ones spun off in the last two years. The second will include mergers on a larger-scale, something JPMorgan says is much more probable than many might expect. Still, they say that's not likely to happen for the next couple of years. This kind of industry downsizing isn't historically unprecedented. In 1985, the Department of Defense initiated a sharp decrease in spending that lasted for almost a decade. In that time, as a result of mergers and acquisitions, the defense industry saw the emergence of three major firms: Boeing (NYSE:BA), Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), and Raytheon (NYSE:RTN). Now, decades later, the U.S. is facing an increasingly similar situation, and some analysts, including those at JPMorgan note the evolution of the industry might not be all bad; private industry tends to find ways to thrive naturally amid new environments and increased pressures. "The (Defense Department) has publicly voiced its opposition to combinations among its largest contractors, but we believe its stance on this subject will evolve as the budget reality becomes even clearer and it seeks efficiencies among its suppliers," the firm says.


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What about VW TDI engine?
transmit Posts: 2Just got a 2002 TDI GLS Golf. It rocks!! The engine is plenty powerful and I am loving the car! This car was a downgrade from my 1999 Subaru Legacy but it is more powerful and alot more fun to drive... Not to mention double the mileage.0
May it serve you well for many years to come. Btw, you may also be interested in our ongoing VW Golf discussion. We look forward to hearing more about your ownership experience.... Happy motoring!
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards0
I agree that the the TDI engine is far more powerful than I expected. However, my Jetta proves to have flimsy, fragile interior components, not to mention persistent, costly repairs. I've owned it for 7 months and am ready to move on.0
I could not disagree with you more. The VW is praised for the quality of it's interior. I have both Golf and Jetta TDI and no problems at all with any interior components. What components are you referring to? Problems so far have been one window regulator replaced and one heated mirror glass replaced. The TDI is truly a great car. Possible problem areas with TDI and VW in general are window regulators and MAF sensors.
miniuchin- what year of TDI do you have? How many miles? Did you buy it new? Do you have a dealer service problem or a car problem? Do you abuse your car or is it just a lemon?0
Based on your reply, I'm thinking I may be dealing with a lemon. I'm the second owner--it's a 2000 with 71k miles, and maybe that says it all. I bought the TDI because I commute and heard good reports about the engine durability. Since I got the car I've replaced a window regulator, rear brakes (they were out of aligment--one wore to metal while the other was barely worn), two glow plugs needed to be replaced (I replaced all four), the wiring harness has a "sporadic problem" that I'm waiting on, and now I need to fix the mass air control center. I'm not hard on cars. In fact, quite the opposite. Much of the interior wear came from the previous owner. Interior components that have problems include the front cup holders, glove box hinges, rear ash tray, center console arm rest--fabric is faded and the cushion is flattened. Mark, how many miles do you have on your TDI? Do you think I'm experiencing the high miles hazards?0
When you refer to the mass air control center I think what you mean is the MAF. The Mass Air Flow sensor is a problem on both gas and diesel VW's. The good news is that the MAF for the 2.0 appears to be working fine on the TDI. It can be obtained for $45 from www.vwparts.com and for slightly more from a VW dealer. The part number for the 2.0 MAF is 06A906461A and the part number for the TDI MAF is 06A906461. The TDI MAF is $255.00. Buy the 2.0 MAF and save yourself over $300 compared to having the dealer install a TDI MAF. The dealer will tell you the 2.0 MAF will not work. You can verify what I am telling you at www.tdiclub.com.
The glove box door latches are a problem area. Cup holder has been a problem for some people. You seem to have a car that was used roughly and that has nearly every problem possible. Better luck in the future.0
You can also remove and clean it... may solve your problem. Do some searches at http://www.tdiclub.com for instructions.0
Wow. You just saved me hundreds. The dealer wants to charge me $366 for the part and over $100 for labor. Thanks for the tips. I searched TDIclub.com and couldn't find instructions on how to clean it. Is the labor on this easy for a automotive neophite as myself, or should I have a mechanic do it?0
Don't get too exited yet... cleaning it may NOT solve your problem, but it certainly is doable for the quasi-mechanic.
Check out this page for some instructions:
Post over at TDIClub.com's general maintenance... there may just be someone local who can help you out. There are a ton of folks over there who love to work on these cars.0
I don't own a TDI but a friend has a 2001 Golf Tdi and swears by it. I have owned VW's in the past and liked thier reliability. I am gathering info about the VW TDI and from what I am seeing it is a good vehicle. But, I do alot of work around my house and need my truck. I am seriously entertaining the thought of getting one of these down the road. When I was in Europe (France,Italy) I was amazed to see that most of the cars there were TDI's of every make and model. I was even more amazed that there was no smell of diesel fumes or fuel anywhere. They drive like regular gas cars. Is it true that the diesel there is better processed than the diesel here? I heard that somewhere but have been unable to verify it. The Europeans are miles ahead of us on diesel engines. Just think what it would do for petro usage if we had diesels in all our cars like the Europeans do.0
idletask Posts: 171As a European, I was really surprised to see that VW dared selling TDI engines at all on the US market. They probably don't sell many of them, but they probably don't mind either given VW's insane financial health. Probably a test for them, but if it is successful, expect other EU brands to try and sell their Diesel engines on you too...
Here in France, Diesel powered cars have outsold gas powered cars for two years now. The main reasons behind this are the great improvements made in Diesel engines for the last 5 years, their better mileage but above all the fact that Diesel fuel is 20% less expensive than gas. Here, gas "scores" at $1 per... liter! That's about $3.5 per gallon...
Nearly every European (and now Japanese!) manufacturers have Diesel engines. VW's TDIs (I don't even know which version is on sale in the US) exist in numerous fashions: inline 4, 1.9l displacement, with horsepowers of 90, 100, 110, 130 and 150. Torques range from 144 lbft to... 224 lbft (yes, you read well, that's more than most gas powered V6s out there). They equip very numerous models from the different brands owned by VW (Skoda, Audi, VW itself, Seat, and I forget some of them). Average mileage for these engines range from 35mpg to 42mpg. Also existing are V6 TDIs, 2.5l displacement, with hp of 155 and 180, torques of 231 to 268 lbft, mileage 34mpg (best) to a not so impressive 25mpg (Audi A4 V6 TDI Quattro 180). Quite a large palette, uh?
On to the most noticeable engines out there, though there are so many it's impossible to list them all:
* probably the most fuel-efficient engine in the world for its power is BMW's inline 6 3l, which scores 183hp and a hefty 288 lbft of torque (more than a Porsche 911 or an M3!) from 1700rpm up to 3200rpm. Equipping the 3 series (Try "BMW 330d" in Google), this damn thing can lead it from 0 to 60mph in 7 seconds, swallows the quarter mile in 15'2 seconds, scores... 141mph top speed, accelerates from 50 to 75mph in 5'4/6'6/8'8 on gears 3/4/5, but manages to score a 36mpg average mileage! Ever wondered why BMW's 328i was replaced with 330i? 330d was the reason The same engine also equips the 5 series (in which it scores 193hp and 296 lbft) and X5, and soon the new 7 series, but this time with 203hp and 310 lbft torque...
* THE flagship Diesel engine nowadays is Mercedes' (yes, you read well) 4.0l, V8 (!). It scores 250hp and... 412 lbft of torque! It equips the S series, G series and ML series, and outsells all other engines available in these models! The S series, dubbed S400 CDI, scores 155mph top speed (voluntarily limited!), 50 to 75mph in... 4' (in Drive - no manual gearbox available) and still manages to get a 23mpg average mileage...
* lastly, soon next year, VW is going to unleash a 5l, V10 TDI engine. The 313hp is already not bad for the displacement, but the torque is mindblowing: 542 lbft! The first vehicle which will have the privilege to get this engine is the VW Phaeton, but it will also make its way into the future Audi A8 and VW Tuareg.
Needless to say, many, many other engines exist, this is only a sample (although I think I've listed pretty much all the TDI engines, except the 1.4 TDI, 75hp and 144 lbft). And needless to say, BMW and Mercedes are both working on replies to VW's monster V10 TDI... The war is not over... Oh, also, more than 80% sales of super sedans and luxury sedans are Diesel equipped... That says quite a lot.0
We have the 90 bhp TDI.
Some of us wish for the PD TDI's, especially the 130 or 150 bhp version.
OUr problem is the level of sulphur in our diesels compared to Europe.0
ywilson, indeed our diesel fuel is crappy compared to Euro fuel. Their max PPM for sulfur is 15. Our is 500!!! Most of the junk you see coming out of trucks, etc, is sulfur.
December 31, 2006 is the deadline for implementation of ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel), which will make them much cleaner and will allow the US to get the good diesels they have in Europe.0
oogee Posts: 1I've got a TDI. Actually, two of them: 2001 Golf and Jetta, both 5 spd GLS 4 door models. Awesome cars!! Love them both, but like my Golf more. Somehow it's got more zip to it. According to my dealership here in Arizona, the rear windows have a pinch sensor problem that required the replacement of both motors. He's got a pile of them that VW has yet to claim. I had both of mine done on the Golf while under warranty. My (wifes) Jetta had the glove box latch break, also covered under warranty.
Question I have is this: I am moving to Alaska, where the temperatures average -20F or lower in the winter (sometimes as much as -60F!)
Anyone with advice on operating a VW TDI in these conditions. Besides trying to find block, oil pan, and battery heaters, using synthetic oil, does anyone out there have experience with this, or maybe I am better off selling my TDIs?
Does VW even make these heaters? I know that diesel is available up there, but want to know about the driveability and operation of the TDI/VW in the extreme cold. Any help much appreciated. Thanks0
I think I've seen some sort of heater in the VW Driver's Gear Catalog.0
japet Posts: 5The concern with diesel and cold weather is very over rated. Diesel in northern climates is treated to avoid gelling. The oil pan heater is a must, get it installed up north where they will know what they are doing and may offer an alternative suggestion. Last "spring" my 2000 Golf TDI was parked outside for 3 days at -40F, not plugged in, (not recommended). It did start with a pause and a cloud of black smoke. After 30 minutes of idling it ran fine except for the square tires. Also if you don't have the heated seats get them because on short trips the engine does not warm up.
Good luck!0
I live in Maine and own a TDI Beetle. Twenty below zero over night - the car always starts in the morning like it has been waiting for me to turn the key. I do use Mobil Delvac 1 5W-40 synthetic motor oil and I always use a splash of Power Service diesel fuel conditioner when I fill up. I've had the car for 24 months and I now have 107,000 miles on it. The thing runs like the day I drove it off the lot. Change the oil every 15,000 miles and it doesn't use a drop. K&N air filter also!0
Can anyone shed some light on TDI maintenance costs. Specifically, what does the manual recommend for the oil change interval? What does an oil change cost for the TDI engine? What other info should I know re: diesel maintenance? I expect the costs to be much higher compared to a Corolla or Sentra, but want to quantify it some. Thanks.0
Well there are no spark plugs, wires or other electricaL ignition stuff to worry about. I can't stress the importance of clean fuel enough (water free). I think the maintenance manual states oil changes every 10,000 miles for TDI's. Fuel filter is pricey $50.00!!! I had a Honda Civic and I find maintenance costs to be less than Civic.0
From what I've gathered, TDI maintenance is less frequent, but more expensive per interval. The two factors should work out to make the overall maintenance cost end up in the same ballpark.0
Hmmm, still mulling it over, TDI vs. Corolla/Sentra. I've noticed that diesel fuel cost goes up in the winter months, at least here in N.J. Right now, diesel is about 10 cents less than unleaded regular. Another question I need to ask: anyone know how the current TDI engine will be affected when low-sulfur diesel (finally!) becomes mandatory in 2006. I understand that some new diesel engines may come over from Europe then. But if I buy a TDI today, I plan on having it for many, may years. Thanks again.0
You can also look up recommended manufacturer maintenance & costs in Edmunds' Maintenance Guide. Good luck.
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards0
abc246 Posts: 305Is VW changing the output of this engine or going to use a larger TDI in the USA for 2003?0
There won't be any changes for 2003 MY engines.
When ULSD comes, a current TDI will just run better!
Jeff, if you drive a ton, then a TDI will definitely be worth the extra $$ in terms of fuel savings. Or, you can run biodiesel and eat those fuel savings in a fit of environmental consciousness and patriotism. That's what I do. OPEC can kiss my hairy ...0
I have been looking at these and for me, it is just a matter of really liking the new technology. I also like the fuel savings. This very well maybe a purchase for me when I am ready for another vehicle. Where can you buy that new "bio-diesel"? I know it is made out of SOY but I have not seen anywhere to get it.0
You can learn about biodiesel at www.biodieselnow.com.
Luckily for you, there are several places in Maryland that carry biodiesel (Tevis Oil). Info here - http://forums.biodieselnow.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=132
(Moderators, if that link is inappropiate, please delete the last sentence).0
The main problem of ULSD is the lack of lubricity. Further refining of the diesel from our Low sulfure to ultra low sulfure reduces the lubricity, which may cause a problem (reducing life) of the fuel pump.
This is here Biodiesel can help, even when used as an additive....(fill blank here)
In Jersey, I've noticed diesel prices in NJ will raise with gasoline prices, and still being cheaper or comparable to regular gasoline, or sometimes mid-grade.0
joffficer Posts: 169Hi, I was thinking of replacing one of my cars with a Golf TDI. I work around jet aircraft, and have heard of others using JP-8 fuel in their cars/trucks. I've been told it's a much more refined diesel fuel, and works great. Anyone know the truth on that? (it sure could save even more money)0
chmeeee Posts: 327Evilbad, don't do that if you want your car to run. Jet fuel is very similar to kerosene, I think that very bad things would happen to your engine if you used it. You should, however, get the TDI. Then you can burn biodiesel and have almost no bad emissions!0
Is BAD for a TDI. BAD, I say.
You will save money up front, but will have to replace your injectors, etc., fairly quickly. Jet fuel lacks the lubricity the engine needs.
I would be curious as to how a jet fuel/biodiesel mix would work... hmmm.0
This discussion has been closed.


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Breaking News
Ronnie from "Jersey Shore" has officially crossed into the music world -- releasing his very own song today ... and the track teaches two valuable lessons ... 1) auto-tune can't fix everything ... and 2) don't drink and drive.
The single's called "How The F%#k We Gettin' Home?!" -- and among the lyrics ... "We don't take it easy / Someone take my keys please / I dont think I'm able to drive."
It still sucks ... but who knows, it might save lives!!!!
Sing responsibly.


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Time for your weekly edition of the Deadspin Funbag. Find more of Drew's stuff at KSK or on Twitter. Today, we're covering hotel dining cart theft, train tracks, squirrel fighting, and more.
Your letters:
Would you be willing to eat a human steak for $100,000? It can be prepared anyway you like it, and with any condiments that you see fit to include. You have to finish it though. I'm thinking no more than 12 ounces, and it can be chosen from any part of someone else's body that you want.
Push comes to shove? Probably not. Even if the person willingly donated their flesh to be eaten before getting into a car accident or something (I, for one, always carry my Cannibal Donor card in the back of my wallet). It's cannibalism. It's not for pussies, and I am a HUGE pussy. Initially, I'd accept the money without hesitation. Then chow time would arrive and I'd get cold feet. I know myself well enough to know that my stupid morals would eventually derail me. If I only I had been born a sociopath. So freeing!
Now, if you upped the ante to $10 million, well then pass the A1.
As an aside, when I die, I would like my body to be donated to prank research. If there's a good cadaver prank out there to be had, I want my rotting corpse in on the action. You could even take my corpse drinking later that night.
Max (again):
I work in a restaurant, and I have been wondering this for a long time. Anybody who has ever worked in a restaurant knows that you don't really get sick days. You show up and deal with it, because there are 500 other people ready to take your place. On these days of working while sick, I wonder if I have ever passed on said sickness to an elderly patron who in turn, died from the illness that they contracted from me. Does this make me responsible for the death of that person, or is it my dirty bosses fault for not sending me home?
I guess you're partially responsible. But that's not a bad thing. If anything, you should be proud that your lethal flu neurotoxin helped rid us of yet another old person eating up valuable government Medicare funds. If I had the means, I'd serve a salivaburger to every 80-year-old with a tube up his nose in this great nation. We've got a deficit to trim, people.
It's amazing that there aren't more deadly disease outbreaks in American restaurants. Who works in restaurants? Well, you have chefs, who are all junkies and freaks. Then you have the wait staff, which is comprised of 20-year-olds who are too busy thinking about how to score blow that night to wash their hands. I worked in a restaurant. Your food is handled by multiple people. None of them (except in some chains) are wearing gloves when they poke and prod your meal. Some of the chefs need to taste the sauces, which means the lazier ones double dip (I totally do this at home). Some of them have the flu. One of them almost certainly has ass herpes. And none of them are likely to give a shit about you getting sick because you're just some random customer so FUCK YOU. It's terrifying, when you think about it. Which is why I never think about it. I'll have the tossed salad with raw beef, please!
You ever stare at the tiles in front of you at a public bathroom and try to go cross-eyed to make them blend together, you know, to make sure there aren't any hidden 3D dinosaurs or what not? I do this nearly every time I use a bathroom that has a tile backsplash. Sometimes, if you align the tiles just right, they actually do become sort of 3D and it really fucks with your depth perception and also kind of makes you dizzy, which of course makes me want to keep doing it so I can further explore this strange phenomenon. Occasionally, if I get a really good one going, I'll poke my finger at the wall so I can watch and be amazed that what my brain is telling me I'm seeing doesn't match up with what my brain is telling me I'm feeling. Long story short, if you walk into a bathroom and see a guy peeing while touching the wall with his finger and swaying like a drunk, just leave me alone, I'm conducting science.
Yeah, I'm a big proponent of experimenting with double vision. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world when I was a kid. I thought I had super powers. I CAN MAKE TWO OF YOU.
Wallpaper was great for this. If the wallpaper had a pattern, I liked to match up objects in the pattern so that they overlapped. So let's say the wallpaper had nothing but anchors on it (in the bathroom, of course). I'd spot two anchors on the wall and then use my super awesome double vision power to get them to match up perfectly with one another. I HAVE DROPPED A SUPER ANCHOR UPON YOU ALL.
My folks have wallpaper in their house that's a wicker pattern. Someone designed it so that it looks like the wicker you'd see on a deck chair from Pier 1 or something like that. Anyway, if you stare at the wallpaper long enough, your eyes can trick you into believing the wall is really MADE of wicker. It looks 3D and everything. I always try, even now, to see how long I could hold the effect without doubling over with nausea. I don't last very long.
I also enjoy staring at objects until everything around them begins kind of flashing. If you've ever been stuck in some boring class, you know what I'm talking about. You're half asleep, and you can barely keep your eyes open. So you fixate on something on the chalkboard or a globe nearby or whatever. If you stare hard enough, everything around it starts to flash in white. It feels like the object is coming at you, which is COOL AS FUCK. Then you have to blink and the spell breaks. I've done this a million times with the end goal of hypnotizing myself and commanding myself to go get a million dollars. I have yet to succeed. But I'mma keep tryin'.
My fat friend and I are in constant competition with one another, and I need an outside source to confirm that I had a better season than he did in our slow pitch softball league. Here are our stat lines:
Me: .674 average, 4 home runs, 31 extra base hits, 52 Runs, 50 RBI
Fat Friend: .600 average, 11 home runs, 28 extra base hits, 47 runs, 46 RBI
Fat Friend seems to think his home run total would get the votes from the sportswriters that he needs in this make-believe MVP race, but I am quick to point out that his stats are comparable to Cecil Fielder, and he never won an MVP award. Also, like Cecil Fielder, my friend is both fat and bad at gambling. I take this one home right?
No. It's softball. Who gives a shit about anything other than home runs? NO ONE. The fact that you tallied stats beyond home runs is stupid and gay. Home runs are all that matters, ever. If I were a pro baseball player, I'd be Rob Deer. I'd openly not give a shit about anything other than hitting home runs that make my own dick hard. They can't get players back on steroids fast enough for my tastes.
When looking up a location on Google Maps, I cannot help but spend a couple minutes in Satellite view, perusing the area for secret weapon-building locations or missile silos. I imagine myself in the White House Situation Room, making my case to the president that a garage is actually storing a secret cache of nuclear weapons, and the friendly neighbors whos seemed so unassuming must be taken out immediately, along with their stockpile of missiles.
I keep hoping to see two people fucking through a house skylight. But it never happens. I have to think that Google has a treasure trove of satellite images of people fucking all over the place. Houses. Parks. Auto body shops. I bet the NSA has a whole database of it, too. They're the original paparazzi.
It reminds me of that movie Breach, which no one saw because Ryan Philippe has pouty lips. Chris Cooper played Robert Hanssen in that movie, and Hanssen would secretly tape himself banging his wife and then trade sex tapes with Russians and shit. So I always think there's this enormous underground of disgruntled, alcoholic National Security officials who have created this whole black market of satellite image porn and self-made mature porn clips. I want in that little club SO, SO BADLY.
I'm in the furniture store the other day with my wife, and I thought to myself that the store would be a great place to have a massive game of manhunt/hide-and-seek. I am talking about a more upscale furniture store, as opposed to an IKEA.
Agreed. I also can't walk into any furniture store without wanting to take a four-hour nap on one of the fancy made-up beds.
I'd like to find whoever created the game of hide and seek and give him a fucking medal. I play hide and seek with my kid all the time. I go hide in the closet (symbolic!), and if she can't find me, then that means a solid five minute of DADDY ALONE TIME. I can just hang out there in the dark, with no one asking me to do shit. It's AWESOME. The it's the kid's turn to hide and you can pretend you can't find them for fifteen minutes while checking your email. Where are you? Where are you? Are you in the cabinet? Just kidding. I know you're under the table. I'll come get you in a little bit, kiddo. DADDY HAS ANGRY BRETT FAVRE EMAILS TO LAUGH AT.
One day, we'll play that game, and I'll hide in Vancouver. Totally within the rules.
How many squirrels would it take to bring you to the ground? The squirrels come at a rate of one every 5 seconds for guys and one every 10 seconds for girls. The squirrels are programmed to attack you but don't have a sophisticated plan to bring you down (they don't know to send 2 to bite your ankles while another goes straight for the balls), they simply come at you like you are a giant acorn or walnut so to speak. The squirrels are allowed to bite, but you have immunity from rabies for your participation. If you knock a squirrel off of you, it can come back...but if you kill it, it obviously cannot but still counts towards your number. You have long pants and long sleeves on but no extra padding (one could withstand hundreds with a cup and a fencing helmet)
Answers have varied from 1 to 100+, with most people claiming they could tolerate 7-25 squirrels before falling. I was walking through the park the other day and it's all I could think about. My girlfriend thinks I am losing my mind...but she also thinks it would take 4 squirrels to bring her down.
Wouldn't it just take one? I'm fairly certain that it would take just one attacking squirrel for me to drop to the ground and curl into a fucking racquetball. I'd be terrified of a squirrel coming to get me, with their prickly squirrel tails and their sharp squirrel teeth. A squirrel would fucking own me.
Now, if I have a suit of armor on? If we're talking how many squirrels would need the brute strength just to knock me over? Well, that might take more than one. In theory. In actuality, I'd have exact same pussy reaction if a squirrel decided to attack me.
A long time ago, I was swimming in Long Island Sound with my friend. We swam up to this giant rock off the shore and climbed on to look around. In one of the cracks was this nest of bird's eggs. We saw the one of the eggs had rolled over and out of the nest, exposed to the crashing waves. So we did the seemingly nice thing and put the egg back in the nest. I thought it would help protect the egg. Also, I thought telling a girl about it later on could get me pussy.
Anyway, if you see a bird's egg sitting on a rock in the middle of the water, YOU LEAVE THAT EGG THE FUCK ALONE. Two seconds later a seagull came swooping down and almost took out my eye. I didn't put two and two together until another seagull came down. Then it was like, MAYDAY! MAYDAY! WE'RE UNDER FUCKING ATTACK! We leapt from the rock and back into the Sound and the birds circled over us and dove at our fucking heads. I nearly shit my pants. It was totally like storming the beaches at Normandy (NOTE: It was nothing like storming the beaches at Normandy).
So if a bird can make me cower in fear like that, you'd probably only need half a squirrel to take my sorry ass down.
I think you need to go back to school and learn another word to express yourself. Your problem is, you are a fat illiterate product of backwoods inbreeding. You have to use the word FUCK to express yourself due to your very limited vocabulary. I hope you feel better now you put Brett Favre down. Does it make you feel better about yourself?
Totally does.
So everyday I have to cross over this railroad track as I walk through town. And every single day I am absolutely terrified that I am going to get my foot caught in the track like I'm in a bad movie and then of course the train will come and I will lose my leg. Even though I know better and I sure as hell know I am not shoving my foot in any small spots in the track (in fact I take huge steps over each rail to avoid this) I just have this feeling it's going to happen, I mean it happens fairly often in the movies.
That happens to anyone who watched Stand By Me as a child and developed an irrational fear of train-related death. I know I suffer from a similar affliction. Whenever I walk along any railroad track, I'm constantly looking at the rail to make sure it isn't vibrating. I'll often bend down and feel the rail, LaChance style. I'll think about dodging it if it comes along. I turn my head every five seconds to make sure a train isn't on my ass when I'm walking on the track, even though I'd clearly be able to hear one coming from very far away. Also, anytime I walk along a railroad track, I picture myself taking a very deep and spiritual journey to go check out a dead body and maybe poke it with a stick. Again, Stand By Me is to blame for this. In fact, that movie is to blame for lots of things, like my constant fear that a leech will end up on my cock if I go swimming in any natural body of water.
I also like to walk along a railroad track and pretend the apocalypse has hit and killed everyone else. Railroad tracks are good for this because they're often quiet, and there's old RC Cola cans from 1981 lying around. THE LAST REMNANTS OF MAN. I walked with my kid along a track last winter, and the kid's is a great accessory for this. You totally feel like it's "The Road". ALL WE HAVE IS A PISTOL AND EACH OTHER.
I lived in New York for six years, and whenever I took the subway I had to restrain myself from jumping down onto the subway track and checking out the tunnels. The DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE signs only made it more tempting.
Me and two friends got busted drinking beer in the Disneyland parking lot when we were 17. They took us to the happiest lock up on earth right there in the park. When my friend's dad picked us up, they told us to never come back. Ever. I'm 40 now. Do you think it's safe to go back?
Yes. In fact, here is what I recommend. Go to the park. Bring a flask. Spend the whole day at the park. Ride Space Mountain twice in five hours, all that shit. Finish the entire flask. Then, on your way out, stop by the security office and start taunting them. YOU FUCKERS TRIED TO KEEP ME AWAY FOR LIFE! BUT I AM HERE, BITCHES! AND GUESS WHAT? I'M FUCKING LOOOOOOOOOADED!!!! THIS PARK IS ASS!
Then get the fuck outta Dodge. You'll feel like a million bucks.
I got into an argument with my girlfriend yesterday as to which is worse:
a.) getting a zipper stuck on a piece of cloth on a bag and not being able to close it or move it back to its original position, or
b.) losing an essential, load bearing drawstring (e.g. on a swimsuit) really deep in the drawstring hole.
She's agreed to let you be an independent arbiter of this debate, with side bets riding on the eventual outcome.
Are we assuming the zipper can NEVER be returned to its original position? If so, then the zipper is worse. But if you're saying the zipper can be freed from the cloth if I pull on it like fucking Excalibur from the stone, then I'd say the drawstring is worse. Only because it takes longer and can't be worked back out of the hole in one swift, violent motion. I buy very cheap clothing, because I'm a cheap asshole and don't care about my appearance. The cheap zippers split all the fucking time. And that is awful. There's nothing worse than walking along, seeing your zipper split open, think it's just unzipped, reaching for the bottom of the zipper because you assume the doohickey is at the bottom, and realize your cheap zipper just bitched you.
Odd Duck:
Whenever I see a woman driving with a man in the passenger seat I immediately assume this man has either A.) Lost his license or B.) Is returning home from lasik surgery. Am I alone here?
Probably not. But I'll confess: I now pretty much have the lady drive any time we're both in the car. I used to always want to be the chief driver in the family. But I got tired of being told I was driving like a crazy person by my wife. I'LL HANDLE THE ROAD MISSY. YOU LOOK AFTER THE YOUNG ONES. Anyway, one morning, we were driving and I went too fast or something and then we started bickering and then I was like, "You know what? FUCK IT. You win. You drive everywhere. I never bother you when you drive, so YOU drive." And she does, and all is well. We don't fight. I get to close my eyes. It's all good. So I'm vehicularly castrated now. It's not like these balls were doing me much good to begin with.
I don't even look at the road anymore. Whenever someone else besides me was driving in the car, I used to freak out that they weren't driving fast enough, and that they weren't proactive enough to take the initiative and go around that slow old person in front of us. But I let go. Now I just stare out the window. LOOK! PRETTY HOUSIES!
Check out "letting it soak" on urban dictionary. Do mormon fucks actually do this?
Well, since I willingly believe anything I read, particularly when it comes to Mormonism, my answer is yes. You could tell me Mormons don't eat Cheez Its because the hole is too suggestive and I'd believe it.
The wife and I went on vacation to California, I travel a bit for work and at check in received a free upgraded to first class for the trip out, she wasn't.
So what is the rule here? The wife assumes I'm giving up the seat so she can have it, I politely let her know I'll be using it, see you in 4 hours. Now my theory is this, I'm 6'2", 220 lbs, she is 5'2 115 lbs, she fits very neatly in a coach seat. I will easily knock back 6-8 free cocktails, she will drink OJ. I get off on feeling superior to others, and nothing makes you feel better then sitting in first class, sipping on a cocktail while you watch the pool slobs in coach meander past. Needless to say she didn't agree and the first 3 days of the vacation were very quiet.
You fucked up. You think a woman listens to reason in such matters? You should've known better to at least propose a mid-flight swap.
Time for the Email Of The Week. Winner gets a free advanced copy of Stephen Davis' LZ-'75, a chronicle of Led Zeppelin's 1975 American tour. MUD SHARKS AHOY! Your winner this week is Bobby, who sends in a GREAT MOMENT IN DRUNKEN GLUTTON HISTORY. Bobby, come get your love.
I'm at a bachelor party in New Orleans and come stumbling back to the hotel at about 3:30 in the morning. Only me and one other friend had stayed out that late, but we were staying on different floors of the hotel. So, we get to the fourth floor, and it's time for me to venture off on my own.
As soon as the elevator closes, I realize I don't have the slightest idea which direction my room is in. But I know it's in a corner and I have a key. So, I figure I can just walk to each of the four corners and test my key in the door. It's foolproof.
After failing at my first door, I come across a used room service tray with what appears to be Chicken Alfredo with a side of untouched garlic bread. Needless to say, I ate the garlic bread. And man, was it delicious. I then consider taking the tray with me to eat the pasta but decide, since I don't even know where my room is yet, that's probably not a good idea. So, I leave it be. I then strike out at about four more corners worth of doors. Drunken me thinks, "I've just made a lap around this square hallway (the hallway was actually H-shaped). There can only be four corners. What the fuck is going on?"
Even though panic is starting to set in, I keep moving on. Then, I see the pasta again. Now, I've already resisted this free Chicken Alfredo once; there's no way I'm doing it again. But I still don't know where my room is and at this point, and I'm not sure I'm going to find it any time soon. So, I do the only reasonable thing: pick up the entire wad of pasta with my hand, start eating, and keep walking. Now, I've been wandering this hall for at least twenty minutes without seeing a soul, yet the second I start chowing down on the pasta, I hear a group get off the elevator. "Oh shit, they're coming to get me for my pasta theft!"
Luckily, I see a bag of trash outside another person's room. So, I go to dispose of my pasta wad there, and the moment I let it go was the exact moment I realized this was no trash bag. It was a gift bag with a box about the size of a ring inside.
I can only hope that some guy was going to wake up in mere hours and ask his soon to be fiancée to get the paper, thinking she would instead find her engagement ring, only for her to instead find my half-chewed pasta wad gift-wrapped just for her.
That's just what Jimmy Page would have done, kid.


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Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., one of many religious leaders decrying Arizona's new immigration law, said on April 26 that he will ask the general counsel of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to become involved in suits expected to challenge the law's constitutionality. Bishop Kicanas said, beyond its constitutional problems, the Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, signed on April 23, "does not address the critical need for border security to confront drug smuggling, weapons smuggling and human trafficking."
He also believes the law "sends a wrong message about how our state regards the importance of civil rights," distracts local law enforcement from its primary role in protecting public safety, discourages people from reporting crimes if they lack legal immigration status, makes criminals out of children who were brought to the United States by their parents; risks splitting families apart and could cause further damage to an already strained state economy. Along with Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix and Bishop James S. Wall of Gallup, N.M., whose diocese includes parts of northern Arizona, Bishop Kicanas had called for a veto of the bill and for a more comprehensive approach at the federal level to solve immigration problems.
Representative Raul Grijalva, Democrat of Arizona, closed his district offices in Tucson and Yuma early on the day Arizona's Gov. Jan Brewer signed the bill because of death threats received by his staff. Grijalva strongly opposed the bill and said after it was signed that "the governor made a huge mistake. By signing this bill, she's nationalized this issue. This opens up a dangerous precedent for the rest of the country." In Texas, one lawmaker is already preparing a state immigration bill based on the Arizona law.
Grijalva called for an economic boycott of his state and urged the federal government not to cooperate when local police try to turn over immigrants detained because of their legal status. The Arizona Interfaith Network issued a statement saying that "by codifying racial discrimination this law makes Arizona the laughingstock of the nation and a pariah on the international stage."
The new Arizona law would make it a crime to be in the United States illegally. Federal law treats that as a civil violation. The law also would require police to make a "reasonable attempt" to determine legal status during "any lawful contact" and require immigrants to carry proof of their legal status. This also is not a requirement of federal law. It also makes activities such as soliciting work from public roadsides illegal.
In signing the bill, Brewer emphasized that "racial profiling is illegal." Supporters of the legislation, who also gathered outside the state capitol hours before the signing, said that the law is necessary because the federal government has not acted to control border problems.
"This is just another step," according to Robert Kuhn, a member of St. Luke Parish in Phoenix who belongs to the Minutemen, a border watch group. "The federal government won't enforce the border, so states have to take it into their own hands." As a Minutemen volunteer, Kuhn said he has seen drug and human smuggling. Undocumented immigrants are "dragging on our society," he said. "They have no right to do it."


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Lines Ballet review: Stars align
One expects candles for a 30th anniversary, but Alonzo King went a bit further Friday evening when his Lines Ballet launched its home season at Lam Research Theater, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, with the premiere of a full-evening work (now called "Constellation").
For decor, he called upon electronic artist Jim Campbell to illuminate the stage with 1,000 programmed LED spheres.
The effect, in tandem with the contribution of company lighting designer Axel Morgenthaler, was gorgeous. Some of those spheres served as a canopy; some provided a backdrop. A few rolled across the stage and furnished a jocular episode for the company during a 90-minute helping of rather intense dancing in the King manner.
This was a night for collaborators all down the line. Maya Lahyani wandered through in a russet robe intoning Handel, Vivaldi, Strauss and Hebrew chant in her plangent mezzo-soprano (overamplified, alas). Scores by Arvo Pärt, Somei Satoh and Leslie Stuck were sampled. With all these trappings, the fact that the dancing never receded into the background remained a source of amazement.
King has arranged "Constellation" as a suite of 19 numbers, ranging from solos to full company ensembles. The latter, with their energetic unisons, have never captured King's imagination, so he has mostly directed his forces elsewhere. One grouping, assembling five dancers in playful combat, goes for a mixed mood, something not attempted previously.
The choreographer's fractured classical style has never seem more assured; his dancers' striving to realize that vision never more heroic in the attempt or more sensual in the appeal.
The current company of 10, all in Robert Rossenwasser's simple costumes, looks terrific and shows a discipline not always evident in previous troupes. You watch David Harvey clasp one bent knee and spin in place on the other leg and wonder what the human body can accomplish, given the training and the will.
"Constellation" is far too loosely organized to deliver a cumulative statement, but one can still find a guiding principle here. King seems to be exploring that point where attraction and violence meet head-on, and how one shades into the latter.
Harvey butts heads with Zachary Tang, and the choreographer transforms it into a group effort. Later, the two clasp arms and circle the stage in the closest thing in "Constellation" to a love duet.
The women are by no means neglected. The South Korean dancer Yujin Kim joined Lines last year, and her phenomenal extensions may yet become the stuff of legend, if her sensational duet with Tang is illustrative of her gifts. This is an episode that fuses introspection with testing (of balances, for a start) and comes closest to a conventional partnership, though the Vivaldi music is not convincing in this context.
After 30 years, King still hasn't come around to treating his music (the pre-existing scores) as much more than accompaniment. Pärt (especially this piece, "Für Alina") has been overused by the dance world. And some music just resists choreography. As Harvey rolls Meredith Webster's body to the sound of Strauss' "Morgen," at the end, I thought of the composer rolling in his grave.
Lines Ballet: Alonzo King's "Constellation." Through Sunday. Lam Research Theater, 700 Howard St., S.F. $20-$65. (415) 987-2787. www.ybca.org.
Allan Ulrich is The San Francisco Chronicle's dance correspondent. E-mail: email@example.com


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BURNABY, BC – Depth and versatility.
Those are two attributes Vancouver Whitecaps FC hope apply to their squad after a busy offseason that saw the club bolster a number of positions.
"Any time I talk about the team with anybody – players around the league – anyone, the first word that comes to mind is 'competitive,'" Jordan Harvey told MLSsoccer.com following training at Burnaby Lake on Tuesday. "You have a tough task for [head coach Martin Rennie] to pick the roster this year. It's a very competitive roster from top to bottom."
As players addressed the media for the first time since the club's preseason training stint in Casa Grande, Arizona, it became apparent the added competition brought in by the likes of Sébastien Le Toux, Young-Pyo Lee, Lee Nguyen, Darren Mattocks – to name just a few-- will add a dynamic within the squad that perhaps lacked at times in 2011.
Following the team's inaugural season, director of soccer operations Tom Soehn admitted that depth had been an issue at times, especially given the dilution that occurred in the expansion draft with Portland Timbers joining in the same season.
This year, there's a different feeling.
"If guys know they're going to play, they don't have to push themselves through the week, and then when it comes to the weekend they're not always as ready to play as they think they are," Rennie said. "Any environment that I've ever coached in, when it's competitive and hard, that's always been a good thing.
"That's what we're building here. There's a lot of depth and a lot of guys who can play and that's important."
The plethora of attacking options in particular caught the eye of starting goalkeeper Joe Cannon during the club's first preseason encounters against Seattle Sounders FC and Real Salt Lake.
"I thought we played very competitive, but there were times when it seemed like we needed to be a bit more on the ball organization wise," Cannon said. "But you can just tell – with Eric [Hassli], Sébastien [Le Toux], Atiba [Harris], Camilo – it's pretty fun to watch."
Pretty fun to watch is right – but will a squad boasting eight players more predisposed to forward roles lead to a selection headache for Rennie?
"No, not really," Rennie said. "That's always an issue or a problem I want to have. That's never been something I've been scared of – I've always hated it when I didn't have choices. It's much better to have those options."
- Irish trialist Patrick Cregg has returned to his residence in Manchester.
- Ghanaian central defender Nuru Suley, who comes from the same region as promising youngster Gershon Koffie, is on trial with the club. Soehn spotted him during a scouting trip shortly following the conclusion of the 2011 season.
- Trialist Floyd Franks, who has played under Rennie with the Carolina Railhawks and Cleveland City Stars will "possibly" travel with the team to Florida for the Disney Pro Soccer Classic, with the coach only saying "he's done well and we just want to keep working with him and see how it goes."
- The club will most likely carry a 28 or 29-man roster going into opening day to allow for flexibility, with defensive or defensive midfield players still a priority, according to Rennie.
Martin MacMahon covers the Vancouver Whitecaps for MLSsoccer.com.


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How do I go about detecting whether another user has opened up a database
I'm using ado 2.5 to connect to an Access 2000 database and I'm wanting to
detect if another user has opened a connection with the database. If so,
the other person will not be permitted to open the database. So essentially,
it's a networked single user application. Odd yes, but the situation calls
for this sort of app.


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NEW CASTLE, Pa. (AP) – A 15-year-old western Pennsylvania boy who killed his father's pregnant fiancee and her unborn child when he was 11 will be moved to a juvenile detention facility closer to his father's home.
Wampum native Jordan Brown was held following the 2009 shooting death of 26-year-old Kenzie Houk (howk), whose unborn son died from a lack of oxygen. Brown previously was found delinquent, the juvenile court equivalent of a guilty verdict. He was at an undisclosed detention center.
Houk's parents, Debbie and Jack Houk, say a Lawrence County judge on Friday granted a defense request to move Brown to George Junior Republic in Grove City.
Brown's attorney says the outcome of the closed-door hearing attended by the Houks was supposed to remain secret.
Brown is under court supervision until he's 21. His status is reviewed every six months.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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Metropolitan Mayhem is a 15-map mod for Duke Nukem 3D (Atomic Edition). It's themetically very close to the original first and third episodes (LA Meltdown & Shrapnel City) of Duke Nukem 3D, concentrating almost exclusively on classic urban-themed maps. The original plan was to spend at most 24 hours working on each map so map sizes vary from small to medium. In total the mod should provide an hour's worth of oldskool entertainment. If you liked Duke3D, particularly its city maps, you cannot miss Metropolitan Mayhem. The mod was designed by MetHunter, MRCK, Mikko Sandt and Merlijn van Oostrum.
A nice remix of sorts of vanilla style duke levels