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Five of these rares are tamable by hunters, and The Razza is highly sought after by BM specced hunters because of his beautiful unique blue and white armored coloration. The Razza also has his own post on this blog where I have a little more information on him and some more screen shots for anyone interested. The other four tamable rares in the zone are not unique.
These rares do not share spawn timers, and their spawn times all seem pretty similar and range probably somewhere between 1-2+ hours. Like other low level rares they give a ton of experience for those leveling in the area.
Also I'd like to note that as far as I know, Diamond Head cannot currently be reached by characters that don't have a flying mount. He spawns in a pond at the top of the eastern plateau of the Twin Colossals. The only way up there for characters around his level post-cata would be through a summon or riding on the back of a friend's 2-seater flying mount.
Again, as promised here is a map showing where each of these rares spawns and/or patrols. ~
|Click map to enlarge
|Mordei the Earthrender, Arash-ethis, Diamond Head & Lady Szallah
|Bloodroar the Stalker, Old Grizzlegut, Antilus the Soarer & Gnarl Leafbrother
|Mushgog, Qirot, Snarler, Skarr the Broken & The Razza
All of these rares in action and hunted down by Ironstevo (except Diamond Head who required a flying mount to get to). ~


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By ,
Published January 13, 2015
Union Pacific is adjusting the timing of the West Texas railroad crossing signal where a collision last month killed four military veterans riding in a parade, a company spokeswoman said Friday.
Raquel Espinoza-Williams said the railroad was doing work that will "improve buffer time" so the Midland crossing is "over and above" the minimum 20 seconds warning time required by federal regulations.
The four men died when the flatbed truck they were riding on was struck by a train traveling 62 mph. The truck was the second float in a Nov. 15 parade organized to honor wounded veterans and their wives.
Sixteen people also were injured in the accident, which remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
In an email, Espinoza-Williams said review and testing of the signal prompted Union Pacific to tweak the device to add an unspecified amount of warning time. The work was being done Friday, she said.
"The buffer time is added to further ensure that the signal system always provides the warning time required by federal regulations -- as it did on the day of the accident," she wrote.
The NTSB has said the device activated 20 seconds before the arrival of the eastbound train and that the driver ventured onto the track after the warning signals started flashing and before the arms had descended.
However, documents on file with the Texas Department of Transportation indicate the crossing was designed to activate at 30 seconds and that the railroad never asked to make the timing any different.
Bob Pottroff, an attorney who has filed suit on behalf of two injured vets and their wives, said Union Pacific's statement doesn't address the essential fact that the crossing should have given at least a 30-second warning.
"It consistently gives 20 seconds (of warning), and that's a failure," he said.
Pottroff said video cameras at the crash scene, set up in the wake of the accident by his firm, show eastbound trains give 20 seconds warning and those coming from the west give closer to 40 seconds. That means there's a circuitry issue that needs to be corrected, he said.
The lawsuit filed by the injured vets alleges Union Pacific failed to provide reasonable and timely audible and visual warning of the approaching train and failed to provide a safe railroad crossing. It also says the train did not brake or otherwise attempt to slow and that the railroad hadn't fixed what the suit claims are hazardous conditions posed by the road grade.
The parade, organized by a group called Show of Support-Hunt for Heroes, has been an annual event in Midland for nine years. It was supposed to be the start of a three-day weekend of banquets, deer hunting and shopping in appreciation of the veterans' service.
Killed were Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 Gary Stouffer, 37; Army Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Boivin, 47; Army Sgt. Joshua Michael, 34; and Army Sgt. Maj. William Lubbers, 43.
The driver of the truck, Dale Andrew Hayden, is an Army reservist who works for Smith Industries, the Midland oilfield services company that donated the vehicle for use in the parade. Midland police have said they don't plan to pursue criminal charges against Hayden, though the district attorney's office has said it's still reviewing the final police report on the crash and has not ruled out presenting the case to a grand jury.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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March 22, 2011 | Republican Tim Pawlenty, who yesterday launched a presidential exploratory committee, built a massive war chest during the 2010 election cycle to aid fellow Republicans. Who was fueling this money machine?
What Unites Pete King and Keith Ellison, D.C. Spy Games and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 7
March 7, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Republican Newt Gingrich Wants to Party Like It's 1995
March 3, 2011 | Former Republican Congressman Newt Gingrich of Georgia, who served as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 through 1998, is testing the waters of a presidential run.
Earmarks Banned, Parties In Debt and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 2
February 2, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Who's Backing the New Top Blue Dogs' Bark, Bite?
November 22, 2010 | The Blue Dogs have elevated Reps. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), John Barrow (D-Ga.) and Mike Ross (D-Ark.) as their new leaders. Which donors and special interests have these men relied upon to fill their war chests?
MSNBC's Joe Scarborough, Suspended Over Political Donations, Has Political History of His Own
November 19, 2010 | MSNBC's newest suspension victim is former Congressman Joe Scarborough (R-Fla.), the current co-host of the network's "Morning Joe" program. Scarborough's recent political contributions build upon a history of giving to Republican candidates.
Which Industries Won and Lost in Election 2010?
November 10, 2010 | Imagine that every member of Congress represents the industry or special interests that have contributed the most to his or her campaign coffers. Which industries and special interests, then, lost or won seats in Congress during the 2010 midterm election?
GOP Presidential Hopefuls Shower Congressional Candidates With Cash, Attention Ahead of Own Potential 2012 Bids
October 25, 2010 | Various conservative straw polls from this year have put Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich on top as voter favorites. Although primaries don't begin for another 16 months, potential candidates are already laying groundwork for possible presidential runs. In the meantime, OpenSecrets Blog explores the financial activities during the 2009-2010 election cycle of the politicos who are angling to challenge President Barack Obama in the next presidential election.
Retirees Heart Republican Candidates, GOP Takes Aim at New Targets and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 12
October 12, 2010 | Quick -- which "industry" has spent the most on the 2010 midterm elections? A cool $51 million from health professionals? Chump change. Maybe the $61 million from big banks? Not even close. Retired individuals have already spent more than $98 million on federal elections this cycle...
Tea Party-Loving Republican Senate Candidates Propelled by Cash from Ideological Groups, Small Donors
October 7, 2010 | Thirteen Tea Party-backed Republicans want the U.S. Senate to experience a new brand of political brew after November 2. The question isn't whether they will or won't, but rather, how many of them will be in office? And donations from people making modest campaign contributions appear poised to play an integral role in propelling them into office.
Corn Industry Pushes New Name, Journalist Donations in the News and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 15
September 15, 2010 | SWEET NEW NAME FOR CORN SYRUP?: The agribusiness industry is hoping a name change can help turn around public perception about a sweet-tasting product: high-fructose corn syrup. The Washington-based Corn Refiners Association is asking the Food and Drug Administration for permission to change the name of often vilified sweetener to "corn sugar."
Journalists, Media Professionals Donating Frequently to Federal Political Candidates this Election Cycle
September 14, 2010 | No fewer than 235 people that identified themselves on government documents as journalists, or as working for news organizations, have together donated more than $469,900 to federal political candidates, committees and parties during the 2010 election cycle, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates. Aboute two-thirds of this sum has benefited Democrats.
Tea Party Caucus Members Bankrolled by Health Professionals, Retirees, Oil Interests
July 30, 2010 | A Center for Responsive Politics analysis shows that the biggest contributors to the 49 members of the newly-established congressional Tea Party caucus -- it so far includes only Republican -- are health professionals, retired individuals, the real estate industry and oil and gas interests. Furthermore, donations from health professionals, oil and gas interests and Republican and conservative groups are, on average, higher for Tea Party caucus members than for members of the House of Representatives in general and even their fellow House Republicans.
Rep. Bob Etheridge, Who Manhandled Self-Described Student Journalist, a Favorite of Legal Community
June 15, 2010 | If Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-N.C.) ultimately finds himself crosswise with the law after last week roughing up a self-described student journalist on a Washington, D.C., street, he'll also face this political curiosity: the American Association for Justice is his single greatest career campaign donor, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
Republican and Democratic Senate Challengers Take on Party Establishments in Kentucky
May 17, 2010 | Intra-party fights in both the Republican and Democratic parties in Kentucky will be settled tomorrow as voters head to the polls to select U.S. Senate candidates.
First Lady Michelle Obama, Nutrition Advocates Aim to Navigate Resistance from Agribusiness, Corporate Lobbies
May 12, 2010 | Upon her arrival in the White House, first lady Michelle Obama launched the "Let's Move" campaign, encouraging healthier eating habits and reduced obesity rates -- a campaign for which she formally unveiled the goals Tuesday. Yet as the first lady and lawmakers work to enact these goals, they must navigate substantial corporate interests when making decisions about the strictness of regulations and standards for nutrition.
Democrat David Obey, Chair of Powerful House Appropriations Committee, To Retire at End of Term
May 5, 2010 | The loss of Obey, the powerful chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and a close ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is a blow to Democrats in a year when anti-incumbent sentiment seems to be on the rise. The Appropriations chairmanship is one of the most powerful positions in Congress, and Obey's retirement may kick off a fierce fight between potential successors.
Retirees, Doctors and Lawyers Helped Propel Scott Brown to U.S. Senate Seat
March 31, 2010 | In the hotly contested special election that sent Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate, Brown and his opponent, Democrat Martha Coakley, squeezed their fund-raising efforts into a rapid scramble for money that lasted just weeks, not months.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Does This Company Make You Feel Green?
March 29, 2010 | You healthy? We hope so. But this week's PolitiQuizz may have you feeling a bit green -- with envy of a certain company's riches, that is.
Number of Special Interests Vying to Influence Health Reform Legislation Swelled As Debate Dragged On
March 19, 2010 | Time has rarely been an ally of President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats seeking to enact comprehensive health insurance reform. And the longer they took, the larger the army of special interest lobbyists grew. By the end of the fourth quarter when both the House and the Senate adopted versions of the bill, the number of clients had increased by nearly 300 percent, the Center for Responsive Politics found.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: A Question By Committee
March 15, 2010 | Think about it: Have you ever actually watched a congressional committee meeting on television? And if you have, was it not by accident?
J.D. Hayworth Readies for Republican Rumble with a Well-Heeled John McCain
February 16, 2010 | J.D. Hayworth's Republican primary challenge to Sen. John McCain will be a difficult and expensive endeavor. McCain benefits from a war chest of more than $27 million as well as a host of Republicans both young -- Sarah Palin, Scott Brown -- and veteran -- Dick Armey, Grover Norquist -- ready to campaign on his behalf.
Rep. Patrick Kennedy Headlines Week of Prominent Political Retirements
February 12, 2010 | This week has seen a string of high-profile retirements in Washington D.C., including Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.), Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and lobbyist Billy Tauzin, the president of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). In addition, last month Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) announced his retirement under allegations of ethics transgressions. To cap the week off, Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), son of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, announced today in a video on his website that he would not seek re-election after 16 years in the U.S. House.
Federal Lobbying Climbs in 2009 as Lawmakers Execute Aggressive Congressional Agenda
February 12, 2010 | The economy stunk. Corporations slashed jobs. And some firms, once juggernauts of American industry, simply ceased to exist. But for federal lobbyists, 2009 proved to be a year of riches unlike any other, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
Rep. Steve Buyer to Quit House Amid Accusations of Ethics Transgressions
January 29, 2010 | Embattled Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) announced at a press conference today that he would not seek re-election. Buyer, first elected to the U.S. House in 1992, comes from a heavily Republican district and was expected to easily win re-election.
The Dingells' Love Affair With GM and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 11
January 11, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics: IS THE DINGELL FAMILY TOO CLOSE FOR POLITICAL COMFORT?
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: How Does One Make a Politician's Christmas Merry?
December 28, 2009 | It's the holiday season, so, of course, this week's PolitiQuizz comes complete with a decidedly festive theme.
Stakeholders in Health Insurance Reform Debate Gave Big to Senators
December 24, 2009 | Senators who opposed the health insurance reform bill passed on Christmas Eve received an average of nearly 30 percent more political donations from political action committees and individual employees of health and health insurance-related groups and companies since 1989, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis has found.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Do You Know This Member of Congress?
December 21, 2009 | This week's PolitiQuizz targets a veteran member of Congress who's buddies with doctors -- you know, those folks save lives, treat illnesses and have spent tens of millions of dollars this year lobbying the federal government on health care reform.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, December 3
December 3, 2009 | Rep. John Tanner (D-Tenn.) makes the second member of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition in the last two weeks to announce that he'll be retiring at the end of his term, leaving the Blue Dogs to find new members of their pack.
Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, a Favorite of Wall Street, Leads Regulatory Reform Fight
November 23, 2009 | Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) chairs the powerful Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. Dodd is now spearheading new efforts to tackle financial sector regulatory reform. Over the past 20 years, Dodd's most generous campaign supporter has also been the finance, insurance and real estate sector, which is filled with companies directly affected by legislation shepherded by the Banking Committee.
Capital Eye Opener: Monday, November 23
November 23, 2009 | The Federal Election Commission last week gave an early Christmas gift to candidates for federal office, deciding to allow Senate and presidential candidates to pay discounted prices on private air travel.
Federal Lobbying Boom Continues, Third Quarter Reports Indicate
October 30, 2009 | 2009 is on pace to be another bumper year for lobbyists. During the third quarter, corporations, unions, trade associations and other special interests spent $849 million on federal lobbying, bringing the year-to-date total to $2.5 billion. Perhaps not surprisingly, the sectors that could be affected most by the Obama administration's domestic agenda -- particularly health, business and energy -- have been some of the biggest spenders over the course of the year.
'Round and 'Round They Go: Lawmakers Leave Congress for Lobbying Posts
October 29, 2009 | At least 44 lawmakers have left their congressional seats mid-term since 1990, and at least 16 of them went on to work at lobbying firms or at companies that hired lobbyists, CRP has found. Here, we take a closer look at a few of these individuals, examining which industries and clients they're now representing and the campaign cash they received while in Congress.
Support for Charles Rangel Wanes In Midst of Alleged Ethics Scandals
October 15, 2009 | Republican members of the House last week attempted to oust Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) from his powerful chairmanship of the House Ways & Means Committee for the duration of a House Ethics Committee investigation into alleged ethical misconduct surrounding his real estate investments and dubious personal financial disclosure reports. And although the effort failed and Rangel can sit tight for now, signs that he's sustained political damage are emerging.
With Little Health Sector Cash Supporting Her, GOP's Snowe Backs Finance Committee Bill
October 13, 2009 | The Senate Finance Committee today passed its version of comprehensive health care reform after weeks of marking up the bill. Sen. Olympia Snowe of Washington was the only Republican to vote against the measure. She has also collected less money than all other GOP members of the committee from the health sector, CRP has found.
Aides, Lobbyists and Contributors Among Those Left in Wake of Sen. John Ensign's Alleged Ethics Scandal
October 8, 2009 | Despite a lack of support from key leaders in his own political party, Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) said resolutely this week that he has no plans to resign from Congress in the face of accusations that he's deeply embroiled in an ethics scandal. But it's not just his own party's support at risk -- campaign contributors, current and former staffers and even lobbyists may be re-considering their ties to a man who once served as the GOP's primary fund-raiser in the Senate.
Blue Dog Democrat Mike Ross Benefits From Real Estate Deal With Drug Company
September 22, 2009 | Using CRP data, ProPublica and Politico put out a great report today about a 2007 real estate transaction between Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.) and an Arkansas-based pharmacy, USA Drug. The sale of the property and its assets, plus the negotiation of a noncompete agreement with Ross' wife, Holly, yielded the couple at least $1 million and as much as $1.67 million -- much more than a county assessment said it was worth, according to the report.
Republicans Give Rep. Joe Wilson Support — and Campaign Cash — As House Sanctions Congressman's 'You Lie' Shout
September 15, 2009 | All but seven Republicans stood by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and voted against a Congressional resolution to disapprove of his "you lie" outburst last week. Several of them, including much of the House Republican leadership, have also backed Wilson with financial support in recent years.
Bill to Grant Federal Marriage Benefits to Gay & Lesbian Couples Faces Uphill Battle
September 15, 2009 | Democratic Congressman Jerrold Nadler of New York introduced a bill today to repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. Groups advocating for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues and rights, however, face an uphill battle on K Street and Capitol Hill to pass it.
Rep. Joe Wilson's Comments and Connections Still in the Spotlight
September 14, 2009 | Joe Wilson -- the Republican Congressman from South Carolina who is at the center of Washington's latest brouhaha for shouting "you lie" at President Barack Obama during the president's health reform speech before a joint session of Congress -- has long relied on financial support from health-related industries. Two of his top staffers have also lobbied and advocated for health-related clients in recent years.
Senate Democrats Appoint New Leaders on Agriculture and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committees
September 10, 2009 | Leadership of two committees in the U.S. Senate has gotten a shake-up with the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.). Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) will take the reigns of the HELP Committee, which Kennedy had chaired. Then, Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) will be the new head of the Agriculture Committee.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, September 9
September 9, 2009 | THE BIG DAY: If you've been following this blog at all in the past few weeks, you know that today could have some ramifications -- big or small -- for the campaign finance world. The United States Supreme Court will today re-hear Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission, a case that could open the floodgates for corporations and unions to spend unlimited sums from their corporate treasuries to expressly advocate the defeat or election of a candidate.
Lawyers, Doctors, Give Cash to Sway Tort Reform Elements in Health Care Debate
September 8, 2009 | When President Barack Obama gives his much-anticipated speech about health care Wednesday night before a joint session of Congress, he won't likely address medical malpractice reform, much to the chagrin of the country's doctors. Given that health professionals are the second largest contributor this election cycle to candidates and party committees, they might feel slighted by the president's omission.
Potential Ted Kennedy Replacements Bring New Mix of Special Interest Support
September 2, 2009 | The death of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has left Democratic lawmakers scrambling to fill his seat in the midst of intense debate over one of Kennedy's highest legislative priorities -- health care reform. We thought we'd take a look at some of the possible candidates and how their fundraising compares to that of the late senator.
Health Insurers Continue to Woo Blue Dog Democrats in Congress
August 20, 2009 | The 52 fiscally conservative House Democrats known as the Blue Dogs and playing prominent roles in the nation's health care reform debate continue to collect campaign funds from health insurers at a greater rate than their non-Blue Dog counterparts, tCRP has found.
Health Interests, Lobbyists Rank High Among Industries Increasing Campaign Contributions
August 19, 2009 | Political action committees and individuals associated with health industries, each of which are intimately involved in the nation's ongoing health care reform debate, are donating more to federal candidates during the second quarter of 2009 than the first quarter, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis.
Democratic Party Committees Maintain Slight Fundraising Edge
August 18, 2009 | Democratic Party committees raised only slightly more than their Republican counterparts during the year's first six months, closing the gap between the two parties that existed during the 2008 election cycle.
Contributions from Health Sector to Lawmakers Increased 7 Percent in Second Quarter
August 14, 2009 | Federal lawmakers collected about half a million dollars more from the health sector between April and June of this year than they did in the first quarter of the year -- a total of $15.3 million for 2009. This slight boost is likely the result of the increased intensity of the health care reform debate.
Rep. William Jefferson, convicted of corruption, received handsome donations from legal community
August 6, 2009 | Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) is now an infamous scofflaw who now faces decades in prison after a federal jury Wednesday convicted him of 11 counts of racketeering, solicitation of bribery and money laundering. An ironic footnote: Lawyers and law firms are by far Jefferson's largest campaign donors during his now ruined congressional career, which began in 1990 when he became Louisiana's first elected black congressman since Reconstruction, and ended in December when the embattled politico lost reelection.
Congressional Candidates Raised $168.5 Million During Second Quarter
July 31, 2009 | Since lawmakers filed their second quarter campaign finance reports earlier this month, our researchers have been busy coding and standardizing the data by organization and industry. Here are some of our overall observations--expect more in-depth analysis next week.
Second Quarter Lobbying Reports Due Tonight
July 20, 2009 | Lobbying firms and their clients must turn in their second quarter reports to the Senate Office of Public Records tonight, and the Center for Responsive Politics will be grabbing that data, processing it and updating our lobbying database.
Second Quarter Campaign Finance Reports Due Tonight
July 15, 2009 | As lawmakers today scramble to finish their quarterly campaign finance reports to meet tonight's midnight deadline, we're preparing to grab the data from the Federal Election Commission.
Committee Members Speak Out–Or Stay Mum–On Health Care
July 9, 2009 | Over the past three weeks, Capital Eye has contacted members of five Capitol Hill committees responsible for drafting health care reform legislation this summer. Here are their responses (and non-responses) and the money they're collecting from various industries.
Fence-sitting Senators Say the Darnedest Things About Health Care Reform
July 9, 2009 | Interest groups have filled lawmakers' campaign coffers with cash, and spent millions on lobbyists to promote their positions. So it's not entirely surprising that some lawmakers can't make up their minds on health care reform. Here are a handful of examples of members of the Senate, who have tried to position themselves on multiple sides of the health care debate.
Unlikely Groups Enter Federal Health Care debate
July 9, 2009 | Though health care companies and consumer advocacy organizations are the most active players in the nation's debate over health care reform, non-medical groups are also lobbying to promote pet causes. They are shelling out considerable cash in the hope of influencing the direction of reform this summer.
Health Care Cheat Sheet (Money-in-Politics Style)
July 9, 2009 | If you've been following the money in the health care debate with us for the last month, you've probably got a pretty good sense now where it leads. As Congress continues debating the issue, we thought we'd make it even easier for you to keep track of the money by comparing the views of the big industries involved and some of the key players in each industry.
Democrats Chuck Schumer and Chris Dodd Stand Strong for Public Option
July 9, 2009 | Despite raising millions of dollars from the insurance and financial services industry during their careers, Sens. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) rank among the Senate's most vocal champions of the public health insurance option.
Lois Capps, Nurse and Legislator, Gets Dose of Health Pro Funds
July 7, 2009 | When Lois Capps graduated in 1959 from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash. with a bachelor's degree in nursing, she may not have had a political career in mind. During her 10 years of Congress, health care professionals--nurses in particular--have helped paid for her campaigns.
Rep. Boustany, Ex-Heart Surgeon, Hearts Market-Based Health Reforms
July 7, 2009 | Former heart surgeon Rep. Charles Boustany (R-La.) has raised more than $971,000 from health professionals since 2003 -- his No. 1 industry backer. He is also a member of the House Republican Health Care Reform Working Group and a vocal advocate for private market reforms.
Dr. Ron Paul Prefers Free Market Approach to Health Reform
July 1, 2009 | Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) is an OB-GYN who has delivered more than 4,000 babies. Since 1995, he has also collected $1.1 million from the health sector as he advocates for market-based reforms for health care.
Nursing Homes Fear Job Loss With Medicare Cuts
June 30, 2009 | The nursing home care industry is focusing the bulk of its attention--and likely money--on thwarting a rule supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and originally proposed by the Bush administration.
Baucus-led "Coalition" Receives Health Sector Dollars
June 26, 2009 | A centrist group of seven Senate Finance Committee members headed by the panel's chairman, Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), is emerging as a decisive force in shaping legislation intended to garner bipartisan support, and many have long ties to the health industry's campaign cash.
Blue Dog Bark Backed by Insurers
June 25, 2009 | There's a particular breed of lawmaker on Capitol Hill that is pushing hard against a public health care plan, much to the delight of two seriously moneyed special interest groups-insurers and pharmaceuticals. They're the Blue Dogs: moderate, vocal and funded in part by the industries trying to protect their bottom line.
Dentist-Congressman Advocates Private-Sector Health Care
June 25, 2009 | The ranking member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, Linder is also a former dentist and businessman. A former member of the American Dental Association, the group is also his No. 2 campaign donor.
The Price Isn't Right: Doctor-Turned-Lawmaker Opposes Public Option
June 24, 2009 | A former doctor, Rep. Tom Price's top contributors reads like a roster of America's medical groups. Out of the Georgia Republican's 20 all-time leading donors, only five aren't related to the medical field. Follow along as Capital Eye profiles some of the lawmakers who were health professionals in their past lives.
Hospitals Take a Scalpel to Reform Proposals
June 24, 2009 | The president of the American Hospital Association has asked its members in recent weeks to "push back" on any proposals from Washington that involve cuts to hospital payments. That could be quite the push--behind the interest group's effort is a history of powerful lobbying and a constant stream of considerable campaign contributions.
Health Professionals Stand Divided
June 23, 2009 | Health care providers may have the same basic goal in mind--to provide quality care to the sick--but the group splinters when determining the best way to do that and cut costs. The debate over health care reform pits doctors against nurses, primary care physicians against specialists. And each group is spending plenty of cash to ensure Congress understands their diagnoses
Senators Opposed to "Public Option" Haul in Health Care PAC Dollars
June 22, 2009 | Twice in the past week, statistician and blogger Nate Silver has used CRP data to analyze the relationship between political spending by the health care industry and key Senate players' stances in the debate over health care reform. While CRP cannot vouch for Silver's methodology, his research has yielded some interesting observations.
Former Senate Leaders Share Health Care Vision, Lobbying History
June 18, 2009 | No longer battling each other on Capitol Hill, a bipartisan quartet of former Senate leaders with tight connections to elite Washington lobbying firms released a joint health care reform proposal this week.
Diagnosis: Reform
June 17, 2009 | For some individuals, how Congress aims to reform America's health care system is literally a matter of life and death. For some industries, it could mean the difference between weathering the economic storm or shuttering their businesses. Over the next month, Capital Eye will be following the money as the various special interest groups continue to play politics in response to Congress's health reform proposals. Follow the month-long series here.
Power Players: Senate Health Committee Chair Gets a Large Dose of Finance, Health Industry Funds
March 25, 2009 | Even as he deals with his own health challenges, as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has committed himself to focusing on improving the quality and accessibility of American health care. Kennedy's interest in the country's health care issues has brought him money from various health-related industries.
Power Players: Senate Commerce Chair Hears Telecom Companies Loud and Clear
March 12, 2009 | New to the chairmanship this year, Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) will have a chance to re-direct the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee as he sees fit. Before this year, Rockefeller's spot on the committee has attracted money from the telecom industry--money that he's gotten some heat for.
Special Interests to Listen Carefully to Obama's Address
February 24, 2009 | When President Obama addresses the nation tonight in a State of the Union fashion, it won't just be Congress and members of the public tuning in. Special interests, too, will be paying close attention to what the president has to say about upcoming plans that could affect them. Capital Eye takes a look at the key issues Obama is likely to discuss--and the industries, sectors and groups that will be listening closely to his message.
Power Players: Without Automakers' Fuel, Waxman Steers House Energy Committee in New Direction
February 12, 2009 | In a blow to the struggling auto industry that has financially supported Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) for years, the House Energy & Commerce Committee chairman was ousted this year, replaced by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), who hasn't received a penny from the industry. Instead, Waxman has collected money from doctors and health professionals.
Power Players: Embattled Congressman Leads Ways and Means with Finance Money Behind Him
January 30, 2009 | Fixing the economy is a huge undertaking for the 111th Congress, and any measures to cut or raise taxes will have to win the approval of the House Ways and Means Committee, which Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) has chaired since 2007. This position has made Rangel a magnet for cash from the finance, insurance and real estate sector.
Power Players: Struggling Financial Firms Are Banking on Dodd
January 27, 2009 | Although Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) is chair of one of the more powerful congressional committees, he probably isn't the envy of his peers these days with an economic crisis growing larger by the day. Dodd has put in two years as chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and is now charged with shaping legislation to jump-start the economy and help floundering companies, including those that have contributed to his campaigns.
Power Players: With Health Sector's Money Supporting Him, Baucus Offers Prescription for Reform
January 23, 2009 | As chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is a target for campaign contributions from Wall Street and the health sector. He's outlined his own vision for health care reform and his committee will have to decide if the overhaul is fiscally possible.
2009 Legislative Preview
January 15, 2009 | Within the next few months, it will become increasingly clear how the federal government intends to tackle pressing issues, including the economy, health care reform and curbing global warming. Those efforts, led by a Democratic president and an expanded Democratic majority in Congress, might look drastically different from those of the last eight years under Republican President Bush. What won't change, however, are the attempts by special interests to influence legislation. Capital Eye looks at which industries are spending money to shape the economic stimulus, health care reform, energy policy and labor laws.
Power Players: Appropriations Chair and Organized Labor Have Strong Union
January 15, 2009 | Labor unions are enthusiastic supporters of Rep. Dave Obey, giving him a total of $2 million since 1989. A seat on the Appropriations Committee isn't enough to attract that kind of union support; a chairmanship on the subcommittee that controls Labor Department spending, however, is. Obey will continue to hold that post this year, in addition to his spot as chair of the entire House Appropriations Committee.
Obama Selects Daschle to Head HHS
November 20, 2008 | By selecting former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) to head the Health and Human Services Department, Barack Obama is tapping the expertise of a man whose political campaigns in the public sector and salary in the private sector have been paid, in part, by the health care industry.
Perhaps Anticipating Reform Debate, Health Money Swings to Dems
October 30, 2008 | Widely perceived to be one of the nation's biggest challenges, health care reform will be at the top of the next administration's agenda, and a battle over proposed changes is certain. For the past 15 years, the health sector, which is already gearing up for next year's fight, has given more money to Republicans than Democrats. But with Democrats in control of Congress-and likely to pick up a few more seats next week-the tide is turning.
U.S. Election Will Cost $5.3 Billion, Center for Responsive Politics Predicts
October 22, 2008 | The 2008 election for president and Congress is not only one of the most closely watched U.S. elections in years; it's also the most expensive in history. The nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics estimates that more than $5.3 billion will go toward financing the federal contests upcoming on Nov. 4.
Races to Watch VII: Where Cash Has No Competition
October 2, 2008 | Like reading tea leaves, one way to predict how a congressional race is going to go is by looking at the disparity in fundraising between the candidates. So far this election cycle, 280 House and Senate incumbents on November's ballot have collected at least 10 times more than the opponent they face in the general election. In this installment of Races to Watch, Capital Eye looks into why some of these incumbents have been such successful fundraisers.
Races to Watch I: Challengers Outraising Incumbents
September 24, 2008 | With few exceptions, incumbents will out-raise their challengers--so far this election cycle, incumbents for Congress have raised nine times more than their challengers, on average, and there is not a single Senate race where the challenger has raised more money than the sitting senator. Although challengers aren't winning the money race on the Senate side, the Center for Responsive Politics has identified 14 House races where the challenger surpassed the incumbent in fundraising after the most recent reporting period, through June.
Retirees Propel McCain to the Fundraising Finish Line
September 3, 2008 | Preparing for a general election in which he cannot collect private donations, John McCain vaulted in front of Barack Obama in fundraising from one of the biggest groups of donors in American politics: the senior set. A new analysis of the Republican nominee's summer fundraising by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has found McCain leading Obama among retired donors almost two to one in June and July, $8.1 million to $4.5 million.
Professors Spent Their Summer Vacations Giving to Obama
August 26, 2008 | While school was out, college professors and other educators were putting money into Barack Obama's presidential campaign, according to a new analysis of the Democratic nominee's summer fundraising. Educators contributed at least $2.3 million to his campaign in June and July, surpassed only by lawyers, who make up Obama's top-giving industry since the campaign's start, and retirees.
Red, White and Green
July 3, 2008 | Tomorrow is Independence Day, the time to commemorate the United States's successful revolt against Britain, establishing our own self-reliant government. Well, sort of. While our politicians are no longer answering to the redcoats, they've become awfully beholden to the greenbacks. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, 36 current members of Congress have collected at least 20 percent of their contributions from a single industry, setting up a scheme of dependence and perhaps the expectation of a tit-for-tat.
NYT Columnist: Obama's Donors Mirror Democrats'
July 1, 2008 | It appears that being the candidate of change doesn't necessarily mean appealing to a new set of donors. New York Times columnist David Brooks used extensive data from the Center for Responsive Politics today to argue that Barack Obama's fundraising base looks a whole lot like those of Democrats past and present.
Home Is Where the Cash Is
June 11, 2008 | Most women will say that being a homemaker is a rewarding job, even though they don't earn any money from it. Campaign finance reports, however, make the important work look surprisingly lucrative.
Democrats Get First Aid from Health Sector
May 23, 2008 | Democrats have never been the recipients of the larger share of contributions coming from the deep pockets of the pharmaceutical industry. Until this election cycle, that is. So far drug and medical device companies are giving more money to Democrats than Republicans this election season, according to Associated Press, which used CRP's data in its analysis.
Industry Switch Indicates GOP Trouble
May 16, 2008 | Bruising losses for congressional Republicans in districts that are traditionally GOP strongholds pretty clearly signal that the party's in trouble. The money behind the elections is painting the same picture.
Health Industries Back Clinton
February 5, 2008 | One of the major topics of the presidential debates has been health care and the candidates' proposals for fixing what most agree is a broken system. While Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have similar policy proposals in other areas, health care is one of the few places they diverge.
Cost of '08 Presidential Race Already Tops All Elections Prior to '04
February 4, 2008 | While Republicans saw gains, exclusive analysis of year-end contributions finds Democrats maintained their hold on most top-giving industries. Lawyers, retirees and Wall Street still dominate. Candidates are on pace to break 2004 records before parties officially nominate.
The Democrats' Lobbyist Lobs
December 6, 2007 | Lobbyists do represent ordinary Americans, as Hillary Clinton claims, but those contributing to her campaign mostly represent big industries, the Center for Responsive Politics finds. Obama and Edwards eschew lobbyists' money, but their biggest contributors still lobby in Washington.
Biggest Donors Are Digging Deeper for '08
November 15, 2007 | Top industries and interest groups have increased their giving over 2004 by 46 percent, Center finds. As money shifts to Democrats, giving from Republican strongholds is mostly flat.
Retirees Got Active in Presidential Campaign's 3rd Quarter
November 1, 2007 | Exclusive analysis finds lawyers are still the biggest givers to candidates for the White House, but retired contributors have edged out Wall Street. A year before '08 election, Democrats have the edge in nearly every major industry.
Republican Sam Brownback Backs Out of Presidential Race
October 22, 2007 | After falling behind nearly all other candidates in total money left in the bank, Republican Sam Brownback has decided he will withdraw from the 2008 presidential race, conceding that money matters enough to make or break a campaign.
Donors' Prescription: More Money to Democrats
October 18, 2007 | The country's health care system is ailing and the Democratic presidential candidates are offering the best cure, or so suggest the political contributions from health care professionals this cycle. Doctors, psychiatrists, pharmacists and nutritionists have all traditionally given more money to Republicans, but Democrats are bringing in a larger percent of total contributions this year—and…
Exploring Fred Thompson's Finances
August 3, 2007 | Southern donors, lawyers, retirees and investors are major backers to the undeclared candidate's exploratory committee, the Center for Responsive Politics finds.
Small Donors Raised Their Voices in Presidential Campaign's 2nd Quarter
July 19, 2007 | While lawyers and Wall Street are still the biggest givers, the candidates raised 84 percent more—or more than a quarter of their money—from smaller donors in the last three months.
Weighing In (Part of the "Cultivating Support in Washington" Series)
July 12, 2007 | Nutrition groups push for the farm bill to focus on Americans' eating habits.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & High-Tech
June 14, 2007 | The technology industry's need for highly skilled workers is often overlooked in the immigration debate.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Health
June 14, 2007 | As the U.S. population ages, the health sector wants to be able to recruit caregivers from abroad.
Financiers, Along with Lawyers, are Underwriting the Race for the White House, Watchdog Finds
April 18, 2007 | New, exclusive analysis on OpenSecrets.org finds attorneys have given candidates the most, but Wall Street's biggest firms top all other companies. Candidates have relied on their personal connections for early fundraising.
Congressional Preview
April 7, 2007 | New leadership in the 110th Congress means newfound influence for interests friendly to Democrats By Miranda Blue and Lindsay Renick Mayer January 04, 2007 | With the changing of the guard on Capitol Hill comes a shift in lobbying efforts. In December, the Republican-led 109th Congress closed with a late-night flurry of bills to appease…
State of the Union Preview
January 22, 2007 | Global warming, the Iraq war and balancing the budget are likely to be among the issues the president addresses. By Lindsay Renick Mayer January 22, 2007 | When President Bush takes the podium on Tuesday night to deliver his annual address, he will do so before a nation that is far less supportive of his…
Making Hay Out of GOP Straw Poll
March 23, 2006 | GOP activists favor these candidates for the White House in 2008. But who will the money follow? By Courtney Mabeus March 23, 2006 | Republican Party leaders and activists gathered in Tennessee this month, and in a straw poll anointed native son Bill Frist as their chosen one to run for president in 2008. The…
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Attorneys delivered closing arguments in New London Superior Court Tuesday afternoon at the sexual assault trial of 41-year-old Harold L. "Monty" Waites.
The six-member jury began deliberating late in the day after Judge Arthur C. Hadden instructed the panel on the charges. They will resume deliberations today.
The state alleges that after a night of drinking at a friend's house on March 26, 2011, Waites went into the bedroom where two girls, ages 9 and 10, were sleeping, and touched their private parts.
In his summation, prosecutor Lawrence J. Tytla said that the two best friends had testified truthfully and that their claims were corroborated by a highly professional police investigation and DNA evidence.
Defense attorney W. Theodore Koch III said his client is a bit loud and rough but that he has consistently told the same story. He says he doesn't know why he went into the girls' bedroom that night but that he did not molest them.
The two girls had reluctantly testified about the night "Monty" came into the bedroom during a sleepover and put his hands beneath their underwear. Waites was arrested almost immediately after the girls told one of their mothers about the incident.
The state had showed the jury a videotaped interrogation of Waites conducted by New London Detectives Richard Curcuro and Christopher Kramer in the hours after Waites' arrest. The state also presented a report from the state forensic laboratory that indicates DNA swabs taken from the waistband, hip and crotch of the underwear of one of the alleged victims contains a mixture of that girl's DNA along with Waites' DNA and the other girl's DNA.
Once the state rested its case, Koch called to the witness stand Ronald Anderson, a clinical psychologist from Northeast Clinical Specialists who treats people with problem sexual behaviors. Anderson testified about the potential unreliability of sexual assault disclosures from children under the age of 10 and the tendency of one child to mimic the story of the other child.
Waites testified on his own behalf, saying that police and the state were framing him. He said he had taken the drug Ecstasy that night for the first time. He said he went into the girls' bedroom out of curiosity but did not molest them.
Waites is charged with two counts each of first-degree sexual assault, fourth-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor. In taking his case to trial, he rejected an offer from the state to plead guilty in exchange for an eight-year prison sentence. If convicted, he faces decades in prison.
Billionaire says he'll pay off student loans of entire college graduating class, estimated at $40M


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Campaigning alongside Pat Robertson today, Mitt Romney implied that President Obama plans to "take God off our coins."
"That pledge says 'under God.' I will not take God out of our platform. I will not take God off our coins. And I will not take God out of my heart."
According to Sahil Kapur at TPM Livewire, reporting in Romney Implies Obama Will Remove God From Coins, Obama Campaign Fires Back,
Obama spokeswoman Lis Smith called the insinsuation false and an act of desperation.
"It's disappointing to see Mitt Romney try to throw a Hail Mary by launching extreme and untrue attacks against the President and associating with some of the most strident and divisive voices in the Republican Party, including Rep. Steve King and Pat Robertson," she said in a statement. "This isn't a recipe for making America stronger, it's a recipe for division and taking us backward."
Romney also said he would "rebuild America's military might." President Reagan doubled the military budget. President George 'W' Bush doubled the military budget again. The United States currently spends more on military than all other nations combined.


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Friday, June 19, 2015
New home
You can now find my blog and online shop at
Goodbye little blog - you've been such a wonderful pal!
19 comments:
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Hello all! I'd like to ask a gracious little favour - i need your help!
I'm currently studying a course in microbusiness in order to get my textile label off the ground in the upcoming months of 2015. In an attempt to gague market interest and current trends i have put together a short survey which i would love for you to fill out. Each person who participates will go in the draw to win a custom garment valued at $100! many thanks. Your comments and answers would be very much appreciated.
17 comments:
Friday, February 13, 2015
watercolour and pencil on paper - 2015 - A3 in size
Plants are just natures reproductive organs
Please visit
the online shop
to purchase original drawings.
16 comments:
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
currently preparing for an exhibition with my best bud, Eloise Maree.
Flowers and femininity - if you're in Sydney, please do come along.
Here's the official invite:
13 comments:
Frankie summer
A cheeky cockatoo postcard for the summer issue of frankie!
6 comments:
Thursday, October 2, 2014
a witch and her black cat
private property / powerful magic
18 comments:
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
September sketches
each one is available as a limited edition print over at
4 comments:
Friday, September 5, 2014
My piece for the BLACK CANYON exhibition which was held this time last week.
(I'm studying fashion design but the only thing i want to draw are nudes - how does that work?)
90 comments:
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Black Canyon
Gonna have some new work in the BLACK CANYON risograph show at the end of August.
What a line-up! I've done some nude-centric work that incorporates my love of houseplants - so be there, or be square, if you wanna catch some nips and foliage.
2 comments:
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Overwhelmed by loveliness
May i present to you - a complete and utter dreamboat -
Miss Valerie Enriquez
- graphic designer, LA lady, and a gal i'd truly love to befriend. Valerie has been swanning around town in the biscuit dress i made for her last year - doesn't she look a vision! She could be starring in a Sofia Coppola movie.
Seeing a girl as kind as Valerie wearing the dress, making it a part of her life, is the sort of heart warming thing that pushes me in the direction to create - and i feel like it's good to visit the past and say thank you to the things that have come before.
I began designing these illustrated dresses mid-way through 2012, not knowing where it would lead to, and it turned out that my whole life has changed because i decided to pursue my passions. Thanks to those of you who have stuck by this blog while i've been involved in my studies, and a special thanks to those who have ordered dresses - it's impossible for me to say how important and wonderful it has been.
I do have a little bit of news though - I will be retiring these dresses towards the end of the year in order to make way for the new ideas that i've got on the go... prototypes are underway!
( Have a look at my instagram to see sneak peeks @caitlincupid )
So, if you've ever dreamed of owning one of these dresses, now is the time to order.
Take 10% off your next dress order with the coupon code DRESSUP.
4 comments:
Monday, June 9, 2014
1.5 years of study down - 1.5 years to go.
I don't do much drawing anymore - i seem to have grown out of trying to construct feminine worlds inside the boundaries of A4 sheets of paper. (plus who has the time when you're trying to pass ten subjects at once?) These days i am focusing on taking pictures of flowers instead because they are the truest and most beautiful things. One day i'll go back to the paintbrush - but it'll be different because now i see things differently.
7 comments:
Sylvia Plath
15 comments:
Sunday, May 18, 2014
3 comments:
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
9 comments:
2 comments:
8 comments:
You don't know what you do to me.
1 comment:
Friday, April 4, 2014
2 comments:
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Playing with coloured pencils these days - A change of pace, a change of game.
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AMD Launches New FX Desktop Chips, Plans 64-Bit ARM Servers
Amidst all of the Hurricane Sandy craziness, AMD announced that it plans to create 64-bit ARM server products, aiming at production in 2014.
AMD CEO Rory Read said the new chips "will transform the data center computing environment today" as AMD will focus on dense servers. Read said the company will use the Freedom Fabric from SeaMicro, which it recently acquired, to connect multiple processors. He added that fabric is the "only production-ready supercomputer fabric on the planet." One key difference is that the fabric will allow both ARM and x86 processors. "It won't happen overnight but it's a journey we began over the past year," Read said.
AMD Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Business Units Lisa Su said that the company plans to launch the first ARM-based servers in 2014, but will also continue to make x86-based server processors. It will look at server APUs that combine processors cores with graphics for certain workloads. Each of the options will be designed for particular workloads, and Su said there is no "one size fits all" in the data center.
A lot of the details are still unclear. For instance, will the company use standard ARM cores or create its own custom cores? Still, it is a huge change in direction, although one the company has been hinting at for a while by talking about "heterogeneous system architecture and doing other deals with ARM.
Now AMD is far from the first company to announce work on 64-bit ARM-based server chips. Indeed, in late August, Applied Micro said it plans to have a 64-bit ARM-based CPU known as X-Gene available later this year and just a couple of weeks ago, Calxeda announced that it too is planning 64-bit ARM-based servers for 2014. Meanwhile, other companies like Cavium and Nvidia (with its Project Denver) are talking about 64-bit ARM solutions. Companies like Marvell already have 32-bit ARM chips in servers.
Yesterday, ARM announced two new 64-bit processor cores: a larger one called the A57, which is said to be the company's most powerful applications processor; and a smaller one called the A53, which is said to be the smallest 64-bit processor. Together, the two are designed to be part of the company's big.LITTLE processor configuration. AMD, Broadcom, Calxeda, HiSilicon, Samsung, and STMicroelectronics are said to be licensing the new cores, which are scheduled for delivery in 2014, so that may well be what AMD is using in its upcoming processors.)
Last week, the company introduced the latest version of its FX processor code-named Vishera, based on the Piledriver core it introduced in its Trinity APU.
The FX series, unlike the A-series APUs, is a straight CPU without integrated graphics, and as such is aimed at desktop systems that will add discrete graphics boards, typically systems geared toward gamers and hobbyists. The new chips start with the FX-8350 with eight integer cores running at 4GHz. The higher-end frequencies and revised cores were designed to allow for faster performance than last year's FX processors, known as Zambezi.
The 8350 will be priced at $195 and is joined in the line by the FX-8320 (3.5GHz, eight integer cores), 6300 (3.5GHz, six integer cores), and 4300 (3.8GHz, four integer cores). The six- and eight-core versions are priced to compete with Intel's Core i5 line, while AMD says the four-core version is more aimed at the Core i3. Note that while many of Intel's chips offer hyperthreading, which allows two threads to run on a single integer core, AMD's architecture instead offers more integer cores, but with each pair working with a single floating-point core and other components.
This is a 1.2 billion transistors chip that measures 315 square millimeters, the same as Zambezi, as is manufactured on Globalfoundries' 32nm high-k/metal gate process. It uses the existing AM3+ motherboards (although a BIOS upgrade is needed) and is designed to work with the company's Radeon HD 7000 Series discrete graphics.
I've seen a number of good reviews that detail how the chip stacks up in particular situations, including ones from Anandtech, ExtremeTech, Legit Reviews, Tech Report, and Techware Labs.
Overall, the reviews seem much more positive than last year's, talking in particular about how well the chip does in heavily-threaded integer workloads such as file compression/decompression, Monte Carlo simulation, and some video encoding workloads. It doesn't seem to fare nearly as well on single-threaded or mixed applications such as image editing, 3D rendering. In general, for gaming, it still seems to lag the competing Intel chips, so it really does seem to depend on the workload and overall the FX chips seem to draw much more power than the equivalent Intel chips. That's not surprising, though; Intel has had the performance lead for some time. I'll be interested in seeing how it does on more workstation and heavy-duty Excel tests, and hope to be able to do some of my own testing on that shortly.
In any case, it certainly looks like a step forward, both in performance and pricing, and more competition in the desktop market is always good news.


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Living on Red Bull and pizza may be the way to cram for mid-term exams or finish off a late term paper for students over at Elon University but it�s no way operate a government-mandated health initiative that impacts the lives of millions of Americans.
Yet, that�s how programmers were forced to operate during those weeks and months leading to the failed Oct. 1 rollout of online health insurance exchanges that are the cornerstones of the Affordable Care Act. According to the Associated Press, computer techs were harried up to the final day of launch by last-minute changes which forced rewriting complex code. Website builders �saw red flags for months� the AP reported Monday. Functions were largely untested by experts in the field.
The result was, of course, predictable. When the exchanges started signing up customers on Oct. 1, their websites buckled, unable to handle the unexpectedly large amount of traffic. The federally operated exchanges� website, HealthCare.gov, has experienced the most numerous, serious and enduring troubles. On the front end, users struggled just to register and log in so they could see what plans were available in their communities. Those problems linger, although they�re becoming less of a roadblock.
Few of us who work in modern offices have experienced smooth transitions to new computer systems. Nearly all contain a glitch here, or a snag there. But what President Obama Monday called �kinks in the system� are far more worrisome. It�s especially troublesome that his signature move in office has been so riddled with problems. It�s a serious stumble for a program that�s already been a target of criticism. If the website�s problems aren�t solved soon, they could inflict a greater toll on the Affordable Care Act than the law�s opponents have.
There�s some consolation in the fact that shoppers can sign up over the phone or in person, and that they can enroll as late as mid-December and still have coverage on Jan. 1. But the failures are mind-boggling and inexcusable, especially considering how much time the government had to prepare.
The administration exacerbated the problems by requiring people to register and determine their eligibility for subsidies before letting them browse through the offerings at HealthCare.gov. Critics say the administration was trying to mask how high premiums actually were by showing shoppers only the subsidized rates. Whatever the motive, it was a bad design choice that created a needless bottleneck.
Another issue was Washington�s inability to get the site ready far enough in advance to test for problems thoroughly and make the necessary changes. The administration�s allies argue that it was an enormously complex undertaking, and that vital work was delayed by legal challenges and congressional opposition. But those are just excuses. It was arrogant of administration officials to believe they could make the site work without extensive testing and a carefully staged rollout, as any other major website would require.
The federal government has plenty of time left to address the problems. The site doesn�t have to be perfect, it just has to deliver accurate information reliably to consumers and insurers in time for coverage to begin on Jan. 1. If it can�t do even that within a few weeks, however, the administration may have no choice but to take it offline and stick to enrolling people by hand or by phone. The same goes for the state exchanges.
It�s hard to gauge how consumers have been affected by the problems at HealthCare.gov because no enrollment data have been released yet. That in itself is troubling. Government officials merely point to their one point of pride � that 19 million tried to log on. They tend to forget the part that the vast majority couldn�t do it.
Regardless of the political consequences, the administration owes it to the public to be forthcoming about the site�s performance, its problems and the progress toward solving them.