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The Boy Scouts of America's announcement earlier this year that it would no longer deny membership to gay people is prompting some houses of worship to pack up their gear and hike a separate path.
Countless churches have pitched a tent with the Boy Scouts of America through the years, supporting the organization�s mission of values-based youth development.
But the scouting organization�s announcement earlier this year that it would no longer deny membership to gay people is prompting some houses of worship to pack up their gear and hike a separate path.
Piedmont Council CEO Connie Bowes, who oversees Boy Scout troops in 11 counties, including Cleveland, said two churches in Cleveland County informed him this month they are severing ties with the organization.
He declined to name the two Cleveland County churches that are doing so.
�We respect their decision. We�re a volunteer group and it�s their choice,� he said. �I think the best thing we can do is thank them for their years of service. I don�t want to single them out when they do so many other things for the community.�
�Because of the decision�
Ben Privett, district commissioner for the Battleground District in Cleveland County, said one Boy Scout troop and a Cub Scout pack in Boiling Springs have turned in their charters and will no longer have troops.
Another unit in Kings Mountain is considering turning in its charter, but is waiting on a response from the church sponsor, he said.
He also declined to name the churches or troops.
�I've had at least three more to say they are waiting until Jan. 1 to see if any changes will be made," he said. �I've had several adult folks to pull out because of the decision.�
Privett said he is disheartened to lose the troops and the opportunities they provide to young people.
�I'm in it for the boys. I have been in scouting for more than 46 years,� he said. �I'm sad to see they are giving up on the boys. I'm not giving up on the boys, and there are a lot of us behind the boys.�
Change in policy
Several other churches in nearby counties recently announced they will not renew longtime charters with the Boy Scouts as of Jan. 1, citing the policy change by the Boy Scouts.
Earlier this year, the Boy Scouts of America approved a resolution to remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone. The resolution also reinforced that scouting is a youth program, and any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, by youth of scouting age is contrary to its virtues.
The new policy will take effect Jan. 1.
The Boy Scouts� charter agreements with its partners dictates that the organization provide a meeting place and help to approve leadership for troops.
�A few units�
When the Boy Scouts changed its stance this year, Bowes said he feared a greater backlash.
�We�re in a very conservative area,� he said. �There was a lot of national media attention, but locally the impact has not been as strong as we thought it might be.
�I think when people really started looking at the policy and understood it better, they�ve seen it�s not as bad as they thought it was.�
The handful of churches not renewing their charters with the Boy Scouts represent less than 2 percent of the almost 400 churches and other organizations still actively involved in the Piedmont Council, Bowes said.
�In many respects, to have a few units to close their doors is not unusual for us,� he said. �Sometimes a church will get upset because the Scouts forgot to turn out the lights. Every year, somebody closes a door for some reason.�
Bowes said he might be more concerned if 10 or 15 percent of the Piedmont Council�s member organizations were jumping ship.
�Our focus is not on the less than 2 percent that have chosen to end that partnership,� he said, �but rather is on the hundreds that are still with us.�
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Scouts by the numbers
1,067 - the number of youth Scouts served in 2012 in Cleveland County
42 - the number of units (packs, troops, crews and posts) in which those youth were served in the county
26 - the number of Boy Scouts who earned the Eagle rank in 2012 in the county
* More than 100,000 Scouting units are owned and operated by chartered organizations nationwide
69 percent � units chartered to faith-based organizations nationwide
23 percent � units chartered to civic organizations
8 percent � units chartered to educational organizations
Note: Numbers approximate
Source: Boy Scouts of America, as of February 2013
What do you think about the decision for some churches to sever ties with the Boy Scouts? The Star asked its Facebook fans. The following is a sample of the response we received.
Want to get in on the conversation? Find 'The Shelby Star' on Facebook and click 'like.'
The gay kids were already in there. This attention has only made them more visible. And that's a shame for them. The BSA helps young boys build character, and it creates young men capable of leadership. All boys can benefit from this guidance. Sexual orientation is not at the core of their instruction (straight or gay).
Randy Miller
Closing their doors to the Scouts is cutting their noses to spite their faces! It only hurts the kids!
Brenda McIntosh Carlile
Your kid will always know gay people. Get used to it!
Shane Osborne
The problem with BSA having to vote was due to a lawsuit from gay rights and ACLU. If the media would not publish about these groups and others like them that cause problems we wouldn't have the problems we have now.
David W Ledford
The world is changing and so are we. We need to keep up.
Frank Cooper
I don't like it.
Ray Sturgill


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Author Notes: I was shopping today, and the Asian Market, where I shop sometimes, had an abandons of fresh vegetables and herbs. I grabbed almost everything that looked the freshest and got inspired to make this dish.
This recipe I often use for braising meat or fish, and the herbs and vegetables, are equally good in other combinations.
Then I cooked some brown rice pilaf with a lot of herbs and fresh peas; when it was ready, I added ½ a cup of pistachios. I packet everything and with my husband we went to our daughters home for dinner.
Before dinner I asked my granddaughter to take a picture.
Braising the livers in liquid with soy sauce and this combination of seasonings, gave them a rich color and spicy flavor.
Serves: 6-8
• 1 pound freshest chicken livers (organic)
• ½ cup good quality soy sauce
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup dry sherry wine
• 1 tablespoon sugar (I used honey)
• ½ star anise
• 1 small stick cinnamon (about 1-inch)
• 1 ½ -inch slice fresh ginger (crushed)
• 2 sprigs lemon grass (cut in 1-inch pieces, and crushed)
• 1 bunch of Ramps or young garlic
• ¼ teaspoon dry red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Place livers in a pan, cover with water, and bring just to boiling; rinse and drain. In a sauce pan combine soy sauce, water, Sherry, sugar or honey, and oil. Add star anise, cinnamon, ginger, lemon grass or young garlic and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, add chicken levers, and reduce to simmer. Cover and cook on the lowest flame for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool. Chill for at least 1-2 hours. To serve, drain, discard all spices, and reduce the sauce until lightly thickened. Serve the sauce separately, or pour over the livers.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Spring Vegetable Recipe
More Great Recipes:
Asian|Anise|Chicken|Game|Honey|Sherry|Soy Sauce|Lemon|One-Pot Wonders|Make Ahead|Entree

subset: commoncrawl


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Costly Data Go Untapped
Thousands of smaller public companies for the first time this year will join their larger peers in applying electronic data tags to their annual reports, under a Securities and Exchange Commission program begun in 2009. There is just one problem: Investors aren't likely to bother looking at the information.
Since the SEC began phasing in a requirement to use eXtensible Business Reporting Language, companies have spent billions of dollars lacing their electronically filed financial statements with computer code that is meant to allow investors to easily extract financial details for analysis. But the program has failed to live up to its promise.
New research from Columbia University shows that fewer than 10% of investors have used XBRL data for analysis, amid complaints that the data isn't reliable or timely.
In theory, the tags allow an investor with the right software to dive into a database of SEC filings and pluck out profit, revenue or other data to compare a company's performance with others in its industry, without having to retype any figures.
When the SEC mandated XBRL under former Chairman Christopher Cox, it was touted as a tool that would help investors and analysts study more companies at a faster rate. But XBRL lost its priority status at the SEC amid the financial crisis and its aftermath. And investor interest never materialized.
A major problem is that while the tags are standardized, companies often modify them in ways that they believe better represent their business. That distorts comparisons for investors. Companies also have lost patience with a tagging process that they say is costly, creates bottlenecks in financial reporting and brings little to their businesses.
"It's not something we believe has a lot of value internally," said Stephen Zarrilli, chief executive at biotech holding company Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. He said his company outsources XBRL production for less than $100,000 a year and expects to continue doing so.
The Columbia study showed that many investors have heard of XBRL, but none has tried to access the data on corporate websites for investment research, and none was using it for research on a continuing basis
"This isn't what we wanted," said Trevor Harris, a professor at Columbia Business School and former head of the global valuation team at Morgan Stanley. "Investors have tried to use [XBRL] and would like to use it, but at what cost and what level of effort? " he said.
It is a classic chicken-and-egg problem, Mr. Harris said. If companies don't see value in incorporating XBRL into their financial reporting process, then the product created may not be good enough to impress investors.
"If companies don't deliver something of high quality, why should investors use it?" he said.
The SEC said XBRL remains a powerful research tool, will evolve and that the agency is interested in improving it where possible. But even some former XBRL evangelists now say they are no longer believers.
"XBRL was the standard of tomorrow in 1999," said Daniel Roberts, who served from 2005 to 2006 as chairman of the XBRL-US steering committee, a nonprofit group of companies formed to facilitate the adoption of the technology. "Now it simply adds to the cost burden of financial reporting," he said.
Messrs. Harris and Roberts said XBRL could be more useful if the data was audited to improve quality, and if companies were required to provide the information more quickly, such as when earnings were released, rather than in after-the-fact quarterly filings and annual reports.
The cost of XBRL filings ranges from as little as $25,000 at some companies to as much as $500,000, according to the SEC and Financial Executives International, an organization for corporate controllers and chief financial officers. And liability protections on XBRL have expired for most companies, making them more concerned about filing mistakes.
Like Safeguard Scientifics, many companies choose to pay someone else to handle the process. About 80% of companies expect to outsource some or all of their XBRL compliance this year, according to an October survey by the Financial Executives Research Foundation.
The SEC has reached its final phase of the XBRL rollout, with small companies now required to file tagged annual reports over the next three months. As a result, the agency is "very interested" in exploring ways to make the process more efficient, such as allowing companies to embed XBRL filings in their standard annual reports, rather than submitting additional filings, said Virginia Meany, assistant director at the SEC's Office of Risk Assessment and Interactive Data.
Since late 2011, FEI has been asking the agency to reconsider the costs and benefits of XBRL, suggesting that regulators require companies to tag fewer items. But while the SEC says it is constantly looking at ways to improve the system, it hasn't undertaken a formal project to do so.
As it stands, tagging is a time consuming and complicated process. The number of XBRL data-tag restatements since the SEC began requiring XBRL was about 1,250 through June 30, 2012, according to data provider Baseline Insights.
Companies also have resisted embracing the XBRL system because they have invested significantly in other technologies that they believe provide superior data, though they typically don't share those technologies with investors.
The system's defenders say that companies and investors are merely experiencing a longer-than-expected XBRL teething process.
"Nobody has seen any revenue from analyzing XBRL data yet," said Emily Huang, co-founder of Rivet Software, which processes XBRL filings for companies. "But there was no historical data to be consumed."
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The Medical Center's Endoscopy department provides specialized procedures used to diagnose problems related to the lungs, stomach and intestines including the following:
- Ulcers
- Tumors
- Problems with swallowing
- Abdominal pain
- Intestinal bleeding
- Esophagitis and heartburn
- Colon cancer
- Polyps
- Colitis
- Bleeding lesions
- Chronic diarrhea
- Anemia
Procedures used in the area of Endoscopy include:
- gastroscopy for viewing the interior of the stomach
- colonoscopy for viewing the inside of the lower digestive tract. Colonscopies are used to screen for colon cancer and to help find the source of other problems including bleeding.
- bronchoscopy, Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy™ and Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopy for diagnosing lung problems
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
for viewing the common bile duct to help locate and treat blockages. It may also be used to locate pancreas problems. ERCPs are used to diagnose such problem as gallstones and pancreatic cancer.
- esophageal manometry to measure if the esophagus is working properly
The Endoscopy department also provides capsule endoscopy in addition to the BRAVO procedure as a diagnosis check for gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.


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livetogive necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 33 diseños de 9 diseñadores freelance.
we are a startup online authentic perfume store with almost all the major brands including the popular brands such a Chanel , Christian Dior, Armani and so on.Our aim is to create a logo for our website that is different and dramatic whilst being beautiful.In doing so, we hope to attract customers in a highly competitive market.Your designs should make our visitors want to linger on our website so that their shopping experience is pleasant and enjoyable
Everyone who uses perfume!
We require your designs to have a distinct angel / heavenly / spiritual feel. which is in keeping with our site name "HeavenScent" .The design should include the slogan "For The Passionate About Perfume" We require the colors to be reflective of the night sky with a myriad of twinkling stars... Please examine the attached files and try to incorporate as much elements as you can in to your own design at the same time giving the design your own personal touch.
The designs that meet all the above requirements will win the contest.
We welcome all the fresh talents and also design gurus on board.....
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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Man Wants Confession Of Idaho Falls Murder Thrown Out
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - The man convicted 15 years ago for the 1996 murder of Idaho Falls woman Angie Dodge wants his confession thrown out.
Christopher Tapp, 35, was in the Bonneville County Courthouse on Tuesday. Tapp is represented by Bonneville County public defender John Thomas, who was joined at the defense table by counsel from the Idaho Innocence Project..
In a case like this, the burden of proof rests on the defense, and on Tuesday Thomas was trying to establish Tapp was in custody at the time of his confession on Jan. 29, 1997.
Tapp confessed to the 1996 murder of Dodge at her I Street apartment during a taped confession entered into evidence in its entirety Tuesday.
The defense wanted to establish Tapp was in custody at the time of the confession and without legal representation. On Tuesday, Thomas argued to enter the videotape showing a more than two-hour interrogation of Tapp by then-detective Jared Fuhriman, who is now mayor of Idaho Falls into evidence in its entirety.
Judge Joel Tingey ruled to admit the tape conditionally, and prosecutor Bruce Pickett frequently objected to the playing of the tape on grounds of relevance. The only thing at issue was whether or not Tapp was in custody at the time. Still, Thomas paused the tape to ask Tapp several times what his mindset was at the time.
Tapp repeatedly said in court on Tuesday that he believed he was going to jail during the interrogation on Jan 29, 1997.
"I was told right then and there I lied to police. They were going to pull the immunity agreement I had with police," Tapp said.
He testified he was led to an interrogation room, where he, his lawyer, Fuhriman and former Prosecutor Kip Manwaring confirmed a previously-granted immunity deal was void. He then testified his lawyer left.
Tapp said he then believed he was going to jail unless he gave police what he calls "what they wanted," the name of another man believed present at the crime scene. In its place, he said, he confessed to what police wanted to hear.
He said he was, "trying to do anything I can to save myself."
"I was scared," he said.
When Thomas asked, "Why?" he responded, "I was going to jail."
There was mostly questioning by Tapp?s defense Tuesday, and the case is ongoing.
There was about an hour of cross-examination by Pickett toward the end of the day. Picket read several excerpts of testimony from an addendum to a sworn affidavit signed by Tapp in 2002. During the questioning, Pickett cited several passages in which Tapp described the moments leading up to him entering the Bonneville County Law Enforcement Building on Jan. 29, 1997.
He pointed out numerous instances in which testimony on Tuesday did not align or was contradictory to sworn statements in the affidavit.
Tapp admitted a large portion of the 2002 affidavit was false. He said his memory had become clearer, and testimony given on Tuesday was the truth.
Visit this page for further details as they become available.


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Fund: GrandBanks Capital
Posted by Anonymous on 2007-09-28
I have been working with folks in the VC world for 20 years now and Charlie Lax is (by far) the most ego-centric (read insecure) guy I've ever met.
A few years ago I went in with another guy on our team to pitch a new venture. I was coming off a $200m win and my colleague a $2 billion IPO so we had some credability. It was a meeting I'll truly never forget. I surely don't expect a term sheet, but some basic consideration is warrented (i.e. life is short, be nice to folks).
Lax was off the charts rude. It was really unbelievable considering he actually liked our concept. And we bent over backwards to not be adversarial but he kept crossing the line. We kept our mouths shut and to this day recall it as the low spot of pitching VBC's (we've since raised $30m from tier one VC's). Note: one of the associates called up later to apologize.
I also have a friend who made Charlie a lot of money in late 90's who said he wouldn't go near him again. And this was a winner! He ult raised $20m from two of the better known namess in town.
Its not a good sign when a VC can't recycle his winners.PRIVATE: Members Only (141 Characters)


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Facilities Management Taking Steps to Maintain Campus Safety for All, Sept. 9, 2008
By Rogir Renteria
SOCORRO, N.M., Sept. 9, 2008 – New Mexico Tech's Facilities Management is taking a proactive approach to keeping students, staff, and faculty safe while keeping our campus green. Throughout the year, Facilities Management will be removing trees that may become a hazard to pedestrians and to nearby buildings. At the same time, they have been aggressively adding new trees when possible.
Karyn DeBont, Tech's Grounds Manager, said some older trees are scheduled to be removed. James Freeman, a retired urban forester for the State of New Mexico and professional arborist, surveyed 205 of the oldest trees on the main campus in late May. He recommended that 25 be removed due to potential decay; seven of those trees needed removal "urgently."
DeBont said that five of the seven were removed safely. Freeman's survey included trees located between Campus Drive and Bullock Street.
DeBont said Facilities Management has kept trees healthy by pruning them. Additionally, they are planting new trees in recently landscaped areas surrounding Cramer Hall and Fidel Center.
"We are trying to create a diverse arrangement of tree types and ages on campus," said DeBont.
She says that keeping a cycle of new and old, and short and tall trees makes for a wide variety of campus landscapes. DeBont also is looking into new types of trees that are suited for the high desert climate to plant. She is considering diversifying the trees by adding more evergreens, cottonwoods, elms and mulberries, Chinese pistache, and hackberry.
DeBont asked that all students, faculty, and staff observe and respect the warning tape, fences, orange cones and construction vehicles when Facilities Management or a contractor is performing work on campus.
"It would be a great help to keep our workers safe, and even safer, our students," said Debont.


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Used Car Review
2012 Toyota Tundra: Used Car Review
Those looking at half-ton pickups probably need a truck that can haul camping gear and Jet Skis, tow a boat or small trailer, and occasionally go off road without fear. The 2012 Toyota Tundra can do all these things with ease, as can rivals from Ford, RAM, Chevrolet and Nissan. But the Tundra has a few extra perks, such as outstanding resale value, near-bulletproof reliability and a coolness factor that scores big with the younger set. It also offers some rare features, such as an available power retractable rear window.
Off-road enthusiasts will naturally gravitate to the SR5 and TRD (Toyota Racing Development) trims, while those who use their pickups as family wagons will appreciate the roomy and upscale Limited CrewMax. And, with 28 possible build combinations, there's bound to be a Tundra to suit just about any need.
Changes for 2012 include a simplified option sheet and the addition of a rearview camera to the Limited trim and Rock Warrior package. Double Cab and CrewMax models receive a new Chrome package.
What We Like
Powerful V8 engine; good repair and reliability record; available power rear window; clean, functional cab; huge back seat on CrewMax models
What We Don't
Only available in half-ton chassis; feedback from the steering and brakes is not as precise as some competitors; too many drab gray plastics in the cabin
Fuel Economy & Engine Specs
The stock 4.0-liter V6 pumps out 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed automatic is standard with this engine and helps net an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-estimated 16 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. This engine is only offered on 2-wheel-drive (2WD) trucks.
The Tundra offers two V8 engine choices. First up is a 4.6-liter V8, good for 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimates for this engine are 15 mpg city/20 mpg hwy with 2-wheel drive, and 14 mpg city/19 mpg hwy with 4-wheel drive (4WD). The real powerhouse, however, is the 5.7-liter V8, rated at 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy estimates of 14 mpg city/18 mpg hwy with 2WD and 13 mpg city/17 mpg hwy with 4WD place it in line with other V8 competitors. Both V8 engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Tundra's maximum tow capacity is 10,400 pounds (for a regular-cab model in 4x2 mode).
Standard Features & Options
The 2012 Toyota Tundra is offered in two trims, base and Limited, with long and short beds and three cab styles: Regular, Double Cab and CrewMax. Due to the wide variety of possible configurations (28 in all), we'll list the basics for each trim and some of the more popular options.
The Tundra Regular Cab features a 40/20/40-split bench front seat, dual-zone air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with a CD player, front and rear chrome bumpers, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel and manual side mirrors. Options for the Regular Cab include the SR5 package, which adds most of the equipment from the Double Cab. Also available are 18-inch wheels, Bluetooth, upgraded audio with an iPod/USB port, navigation, a rearview camera and front bucket seats. A Work Truck options package strips the Tundra of most of its luxuries, replacing them with vinyl seats, rubber floor mats and black step bumpers.
The Tundra Double Cab adds cruise control, an 8-way adjustable driver's seat and a 6-speaker stereo, plus power functions for the mirrors, door locks and windows. The SR5 package for this trim also adds power front seats and heated side mirrors. Options for the Double Cab include three TRD packages. The TRD Sport package brings 20-in wheels and tires, special cloth seats and badging. The TRD Rock Warrior package (also available on the CrewMax) adds Bilstein gas shocks, a rearview camera and 17-in wheels with off-road tires, while the TRD Off-Road package adds skid plates and tow hooks.
The 4-door Tundra CrewMax adds a power rear window, adjustable rear seats and a larger cab.
CrewMax and Double Cab models can be ordered in Limited trim, which adds a 12-speaker JBL audio system, leather-covered heated front seats with a 10-way power driver's seat, three 12-volt sockets, a transmission-oil temperature gauge, a rearview camera, power-folding exterior mirrors and the deck-rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats.
Options for the CrewMax include a power sunroof and a rear-seat entertainment system, plus a Platinum package that includes heated and cooled front seats, memory for the driver's-seat position, wood trim and navigation.
As with most Toyota products, the Tundra holds excellent long-term resale values. That's great news when it comes time to sell your truck, but it also means that purchasing a Tundra won't be cheap.
To get a good idea of the Tundra's price range, we suggest using the Kelley Blue Book used-car values at kbb.com. You can also search the AutoTrader Classifieds to see what models are currently for sale in your area.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued the following recalls for the 2012 Toyota Tundra:
A recall was issued for improper maximum-load-weight labeling for the tires and wheels.
A recall was issued regarding improper calibration for the passenger-airbag seat sensor. This occurred after accessories, such as leather seat covers or seat heaters, were added after production and could result in the passenger-side airbag's failure to deploy.
Recall repairs are required by law even if the vehicle is out of warranty. Your dealer can check to see if the repairs were performed, and if not, will fix the car at no charge to you.
Safety Ratings & Warranties
NHTSA gave the Tundra four out of five stars in its frontal-impact and side-impact crash tests. The rear-drive Tundra earned three out of five stars in its rollover roof-strength test, while the 4WD model scored four out of five in the same test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tundra high marks, scoring its highest rating of Good in the frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
From the factory, the Toyota Tundra comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Extended warranties purchased when the vehicle was new are transferable, so be sure to inquire if a possible purchase has an extended plan. With a certified pre-owned (CPO) Tundra, the warranty coverage for the powertrain is extended to 7 years and 100,000 miles from the vehicle's original in-service date. CPO vehicles also come with a 3-month/3,000-mile comprehensive warranty.
Other Cars to Consider
Ford F-150 -- The F-150 offers even more variations, a more sophisticated interior and better fuel economy with its EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, plus it has a higher tow rating.
RAM 1500 -- The RAM is more expressive, both inside and out, and its ride is more comfortable than the Tundra. The RAM's base V6 isn't as powerful, however, and the Tundra has better resale figures.
Nissan Titan -- The Titan doesn't offer as many cab or engine choices as the Tundra, and it can only tow up to 9,500 pounds. The Titan's ride is also much stiffer, and its resale values are nowhere near the Tundra's.
AutoTrader's Advice
We think the Double Cab SR5 with the 8-foot bed is the best overall combination of utility, comfort and accommodation. If you need to carry four adults regularly, however, check out the CrewMax Limited. No matter which trim, shoot for one with the 5.7-liter V8, although the 4.6-liter V8 is also an acceptable engine choice.


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6 ways to put those unwanted gift cards to use
NEW YORK -- Gift cards are easily forgotten.
All too often they're placed in drawers or stuffed into wallets, never to be seen again. Some $1.7 billion of the $110 billion gift cards bought in 2012 will go unused, according to estimates from research company CEB TowerGroup.
If you're not happy about the store your gift card is from, don't let the money go to waste. You have options, such as trading it in for cash or airline miles.
But the first step to take when you get a gift is to register it on the company's website, says Scott Gamm, founder of HelpSaveMyDollars.com. Registration creates a record of how much money is on the card and will protect you in case you lose the card. Many companies, including coffee chain Starbucks, offer gift card registration. Just check the card provider's website to see if it's offered.
Mobile apps can also help you keep track of your cards. The Gyft app, will even alert you if you are near a store that you have a card for. It stores both electronic and plastic gift cards.
Here are six ways to put a gift card to use:
1. Turn it into cash
If you have an unwanted gift card, websites like PlasticJungle.com, GiftCards.com and CardPool.com will pay you up to 92 percent of the card's value, depending on how easy it is to resell. For a $100 Target gift card, all three are paying $92. Depending on the store the gift card is for, you may have to mail the plastic card in, but in many cases just typing in the card number works. You're then paid through PayPal or by check. You need to have at least a $25 balance on the card to sell it on PlasticJungle.com and CardPool.com and $20 to sell it on GiftCards.com.
Anyone living near Phoenix, Chicago or Columbus, Ohio, can get hard cash quickly by trying Alula, a new supermarket kiosk that's being tested by Coinstar Inc., the company behind the RedBox DVD rental machines. Alula pays 65 percent to 85 percent of a card's value, depending on demand. The kiosk only accepts plastic cards that are inserted into the machine. They must be worth at least $20. The kiosk will print out a receipt that you can exchange for cash at the register.
2. Think outside the card
Even though a card has a specific store name on the front, you might be able to use it in the parent company's other stores. For example, an Old Navy gift card can be used at Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta stores and on Piperlime, the company's online store. Similarly, TJX Cos. Inc. gift cards can be used at TJ Maxx, Marshalls or at Home Goods stores.
3. Trade for miles
A lingering gift card balance can bring you closer to a dream vacation. United Airlines customers enrolled in their MileagePlus program can exchange gift cards for award miles through the airline's website. A $25 gift card is currently worth 1,000 award miles. United Airlines accepts gift cards from more than 100 stores. The gift card must have at least $15 on it for the airline to accept it.
4. Give to those in need
Many charities, such as Goodwill, will take your gift card and distribute it to those who can put it to use. Call your favorite charity and see if it has a gift card program.
5. Swap for another card
Cards can also be flipped for another retailer. On PlasticJungle.com, you can quickly convert your card into an electronic gift card for Amazon.com.
PlasticJungle.com also charges less if you want to make the switch. Even though the website will pay $92 for a $100 Target gift card, it will give you $94.50 if you choose to turn it into an Amazon card.
6. Re-gift it
You can always re-gift a card to someone who would appreciate it more. You'll get rid of the card and you won't have to buy a gift.
The Gyft app, which stores gift cards on smartphones, also enables you to re-gift the cards. The recipient doesn't need to have the Gyft app downloaded. The gift card can be emailed as an electronic gift card or it can be posted on a Facebook account.


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Traditional Kensington home open Sunday
Photo: Andrea Balazs
This traditional home dating to the 1940s sits on a spacious terraced lot in the heart of Kensington. The large living room features a fireplace, and there are gardens in front and behind the home. Hardwood floors can be found throughout the home offering bay views. For more information, visit 209arlington.com.
Listing agent: Laura Dubinett, Marvin Gardens Real Estate, 510-847-1973, firstname.lastname@example.com
209 Arlington Ave., $750,000
Beds: 3 Baths: 2 1/2 Square footage: 1,612
Open home: 2 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday


text:
HANG TIME HEADQUARTERS — The Indiana Pacers' continued return to prominence will go on without the man who served as the architect of the project.
Hall of Famer and reigning NBA Executive of the Year Larry Bird is leaving the organization, per Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star, a move that opens the door for Bird's predecessor and former boss, Donnie Walsh, to return to Indianapolis as the franchise's new boss.
Unspecified health issues are reportedly among the reasons Bird is "100 percent sure" he will not stay on president of the team after meeting with Pacers owner Herb Simon today:
Bird, who is dealing with some health issues, will likely take a year off before deciding if he wants to return to any sort of front-office position.
His departure comes just three days after The Star reported that Bird's predecessor, former CEO Donnie Walsh, is expected to return to the franchise in some capacity. There's a possibility Walsh will take Bird's title of president.
Simon always has respected Walsh, who spent 24 years with the Pacers before leaving to become president of basketball operations with the New York Knicks in 2008.
Walsh, who took last year off, attended several of the Pacers' pre-draft workouts at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Kevin Pritchard, the team's current director of player personnel, will likely work with Walsh as the team's new general manager. Bird pushed for Pritchard to become general manager, citing Pritchard's basketball knowledge.
David Morway, who had been the Pacers' general manager, is no longer employed by the franchise, according to a source.
Bird's departure isn't a stunner, only because there has been speculation that he would walk away at the end of each of his season's at the helm. The more surprising news is that Walsh is set to return to his old position within the organization where he was beloved by all involved.
Simon remains a staunch Walsh supporter and there wasn't an employee, player, coach or anyone else, that I've ever come across who didn't heap anything other than glowing praise on Walsh. He spent 24 years with the Pacers, presiding over one of the league's most consistent playoff programs during the bulk of his tenure.
Bird's work to help rehabilitate the franchise in the wake of the Malice at the Palace in 2004 came full circle the past two seasons with the team he built making consecutive playoff appearances, including a tense Eastern Conference semifinal series (they actually led 2-1) against the eventual champion Miami Heat.
Bird leaves the Pacers in a prime position to contend for a top-tier perch in the Eastern Conference power structure, somewhere behind the Heat and their Central Division rival Chicago Bulls.


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I can relate. Two years, I attended a writing conference on Long Island. We were very far out and the reception was really spotty & annoying. I had to use the pay phone to complete a few calls.
The old school pay phone-on-the-go route, is also featured in the book Treasure Hunt by Michael J. Silverstein. He writes about a 20-something banker, (Arnold Piso), with a six-figure investment portfolio. Ditching the cell phone is one of Piso's money-saving strategies:
"He is a self-professed skinflint. Arnold says he does not need a cell phone because he doesn't make that many calls and anyway, 'it's cheaper to use a pay phone.' He doesn't drink soda...[waste of money.]"
On the other end of the scale, a former neighbor of mine -- a 20-something Realtor -- totally unplugged her land line and relies completely on her cell. Another friend (a 58-year-old grandmother) uses her computer -- voice over Internet phone (VoIP technology) to make long distance and international calls. She saves a bundle.
In my home, we use cell phones, land lines and computer lines. But we've cut our bills, by bundling our Internet and land line service. We studied the costs and bundling helped us to cut back. We don't have cable and watch a limited amount of television programming via the Internet, a subject I addressed last year in this post and more recently, in this story about Ugly Betty.
Getting Green offers an excellent rundown on reducing the costs of technology in your home, including cell phones and other gadgets.
Getting Rich Together also has a strong how-to post about shopping around for the best cell phone deal.
And my First Million at 33 posted an great piece about his pre-paid phone deal.
The Frugal Duchess Boutique


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During the first 46 years after her graduation, Carol Opton '46 rarely ventured back to the Barnard. But this past fall, when Opton learned of a new memoir-writing class for Barnard alumnae taught by bestselling author Erica Jong '63, she knew: "I'm doing this." She'd devoured and delighted in Fear of Flying, Jong's 1973 work, which Opton read shortly after it was published. She'd related to the protagonist so fully, she says, "The voice could have been mine."
There may be many more stories like Opton's in the coming months, as Dorothy Urman Denburg '70 settles into her new role as vice president for college relations, in which she oversees alumnae affairs and career development. As vice president, her mission is threefold: "To more fully engage our alumnae in a broader range of activities than in the past," she says, "to allow alumnae to take advantage of things at the College that are not necessarily related to a development or support request, and thirdly to increase interactions between alumnae and students."
Sitting in a cheerful office at the Vagelos Alumnae Center where a quilt made from her favorite Barnard T-shirts adorns one wall, Denburg speaks with the warmth and wit one would expect from a college official known to host "Knitting with Dean Denburg" study breaks. The position of vice president for college relations is a new one for Barnard, as well as for Denburg, who is herself perceived as a kind of institution on campus, after serving as dean of the College from 1993 until 2010 and in a various other administrative roles since her own graduation. Very few people have yet managed to call her by her new title, she
says. Though she adds, laughing, "I've been introduced as Vice President Dean Denburg."
In her new capacity, Denburg has initiated a raft of programs to draw alumnae back to Barnard. In addition to the memoir-writing course, recent and popular offerings have included a community service Reach-Out program for both alumnae and students (as part of new student orientation this past fall); a two-day Hudson River adventure last spring led by Barnard professors; and a series of lectures called Barnard@work, held in the midtown law offices of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, with the space and lunch donated by Helene Finkelstein Kaplan '53. "When we did a survey of alumnae, everyone was united by their academic experience of the College," explains Denburg. "We are trying to capture that as much as possible."
In the near future, Denburg says she would like to add online classes for out-of-town graduates, and repeat the Barnard@work program with new as well as previous lecturers, which included Richard Pious, professor of political science; Randall Balmer, professor of religion; and Anne Higonnet, professor of art history. Denburg is hoping to find another alumna to provide space.
In an even more ambitious initiative, she is working with Senior Lecturer in English and Director of First-Year English Margaret Vandenburg, to design a course for alumnae, similar to what is now mandatory for first-year students. The coursewill likely include seminars, as well as lectures delivered by faculty of the English department distinguished in various literary periods. For alumnae beyond the metro area, Professor of English Mary Gordon '71 will offer a literature course online with interactive components in fall 2012.
For Opton, the return to Barnard exceeded her high expectations. Jong proved to be a brilliant instructor, "listening, challenging, welcoming, and thoughtful." A retired political consultant who had her own firm, Opton reports that she also found her classmates to be inspiring, and duringthe three, two-hour sessions, she says, "we bonded in a way that's really weird." In fact the group meshed so well, that they requested (and got) an extra class. The women spanned the generations, but "what we have in common is this intellectual curiosity and capacity," says Opton, adding, "It transcends the years."
—by Elicia Brown '90


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> Sports supplements
Sports supplements
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Related Terms
Amphetamines, anabolic steroids, androstenediol, androstenedione, athlete nutrition, athletic performance, blood doping, caffeine, carbohydrate loading, carnitine, chromium, creatine, DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone, ephedrine, ergogenic aids, exercise, fitness, hormones, human growth hormone, leucine, multivitamins, phosphates, protein, sports performance, steroids, vitamins, yohimbine.
Sports supplements, also known as ergogenic aids, are products used to enhance athletic performance. They may come in different forms including vitamins, synthetic (man-made) drugs, and hormones, most of which are available over the counter without a prescription.
The word ergogenic is derived from the Greek word
, which means to increase work or potential for work. Throughout history, people have sought foods and substances that purportedly improve physical strength. Medieval doctors held the belief that warriors should eat human hearts to increase bravery, brains to increase intelligence, and pituitary extracts to enhance muscle strength. It has been reported that Greek Olympians from 300 BC used mushrooms to enhance performance, Dutch swimmers in 1865 used caffeine as an ergogenic aid, Belgian athletes in the late 19th Century dipped sugar cubes in ether for endurance, and ancient Aztec athletes as well as marathon runners today have used a cactus-based stimulant to enhance performance.
Some athletes may be misled by strong, false claims of some products currently on the market. To deter false claims, beginning in July 1995, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated that all the nutrients in dietary supplements be listed on product labels.
Some herbal products and nutritional supplements may contain banned substances, such as ephedrine or androstendione, and should be avoided. Many substances are also banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and student athletes who use them may lose their eligibility to compete.
People may take supplements to develop more muscle mass, increase strength, build stamina or lose weight. Athletes have used supplements to improve performance through increased endurance, enhance muscular strength/power, recover from heavy workouts, or to prevent illness from sport-related exertion. Compounds such as bee pollen, caffeine, glycine, carnitine, lecithin, brewer's yeast, and gelatin are claimed to improve strength and endurance. Dietary supplements such as these are widely available through many commercial sources including health food stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, and by mail. Current available scientific research has failed to substantiate many of these claims.
Theory / Evidence
There are a number of sports supplements available on the market. Below is a list of some of the more popularly used supplements. For a more detailed look at individual herbs or supplements, please see the Herbs and Supplements Database.
Amino acids and other nitrogen containing substances
: Amino acids are the basic building blocks of muscle. Arginine, lysine, and ornithine are popular amino acids for strength-training. Studies have revealed that taking arginine and ornithine while carrying out a strength training program may reduce body fat, increase LBM (lean body mass), and increase strength. However, studies using experienced weightlifters and alternative experimental designs have had conflicting results. One study found no significant effect of oral arginine supplementation on peak muscle torque or muscular endurance. Another study found that arginine and lysine supplementation had no effect on body composition or strength. Another study examining all 20 standard amino acids found they had no effect on lifting performance.
Anabolic (tissue-building) steroids
: Anabolic steroids are hormones that may help the body build muscle tissue and increase muscle mass. Steroids are similar to the male hormone testosterone, which is produced naturally in larger amounts in males and smaller amounts in females. When a person takes steroids, the body's muscle tissue is stimulated to grow, producing larger and stronger muscles. Steroids may have serious side effects that may include high blood pressure, heart disease, liver damage, cancer, urinary and bowel complications, strokes, blood clots, sleep disorders, baldness, and severe acne. Men who take steroids may suffer from infertility, breast and nipple enlargement, and erectile dysfunction. Women may develop a deeper voice, smaller breasts, menstrual problems, and an increase in facial and body hair. Steroids may also cause severe mood swings, aggressive behavior, irritability, or depressive or suicidal thoughts. Injecting steroids with needles carries an additional risk for HIV or hepatitis infection.
Androstenedione and
: Androstenedione and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), popular nutritional supplements, are prohormones or natural steroids that can be broken down into testosterone. There is sufficient evidence supporting the use of DHEA in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency. However, preliminary evidence, as well as various controlled trials, suggests that DHEA likely offers no benefit for increased muscle strength. No studies on the long-term effects of DHEA have been conducted. Well designed clinical trials with appropriate endpoints are required before recommendations can be made in this field. Preliminary trials in patients with myotonic dystrophy suggests possible efficacy of DHEA. More research is needed in this area.
DHEA can cause higher than normal levels of androgens and estrogens in the body, and theoretically it may increase the risk of prostate, breast, ovarian, and other hormone-sensitive cancers. Androstenedione and DHEA may cause hormone imbalances and increase the risk for testicular cancer, infertility, stroke, and heart disease. Also, like anabolic steroids, the use of androstenedione before the typical adolescent growth spurt period may prevent a teen from reaching full adult height.
Antioxidant vitamins
: Although regular exercise produces many positive health benefits, it may also increase production of free radicals. Intense or prolonged exercise may cause radical-mediated injury to skeletal muscles, particularly in untrained individuals. Free radicals are damaging molecules that are produced during normal metabolism. Further, radicals may contribute to muscular fatigue during endurance events. Cells contain antioxidants (molecules that eliminate free radicals) to reduce the risk of radical-mediated injury. Non-enzymatic antioxidants include vitamins E and C, which are included in many foods, and may also be obtained through dietary supplements. Vitamin E is thought to protect cell membranes from radical damage. Vitamin C works with vitamin E to protect fatty substances and proteins in the cell from radical damage. There is little, well-documented scientific support for antioxidant supplementation in athletes who consume a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Further, over-consumption of antioxidants may have potentially harmful side effects because high levels of some antioxidants may be toxic.
: Arnica (
Arnica montana)
has been used to treat exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness and is commonly used in topically applied herbal ointments and oils as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent for aches, bruises, and sprains on unbroken skin. Highly diluted homeopathic preparations are considered safe and are widely used for the treatment of injuries. However, full doses of arnica may be toxic when ingested orally, often leading to severe irritation of mucous membranes and the gastrointestinal tract. Arnica may also be cardiotoxic, resulting in high blood pressure. Many clinical trials have been challenged with inconsistent testing methodologies, which have not found statistically significant efficacy between herbal or homeopathic forms of arnica and placebo.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
: Astragalus, also known as known as huang chi, huang qi, or milk vetch, may be used for immune enhancement and maintaining overall health. Experimentally, fractions of astragalus have been shown to have immuno-stimulant and anti-oxidant properties
in vitro
in vivo
, which in turn exert protective cellular effects in organs such as the liver, lung, kidneys, and the cardiovascular system.
: There is preliminary negative evidence for the use of boron for improving performance in bodybuilding by increasing testosterone. Although boron is suggested to raise testosterone levels in early human research, total lean body mass has not been affected by boron supplementation in bodybuilders. Additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn. There is conflicting evidence to support the use of boron in hormonal regulation and cognitive function. Excessive use of boron has lead to fatal poisonings. Boron is easily absorbed and subsequently eliminated primarily through the kidney and should therefore be used cautiously in patients with renal insufficiency.
: Carnitine has been theorized to be ergogenic for aerobic endurance athletes. It is found naturally in food, particularly in meats, but it is also synthesized in the body. Carnitine has been advertised to strength athletes as a means to facilitate loss of body fat, but no well-documented research supports this claim.
: Cayenne (
Capsicum frutescens
Capsicum annuum
), also called known as capsicum, red pepper, hot pepper, African chilies, and paprika, is used by athletes because of its potential to relieve musculoskeletal pain. The active component, capsaicin, may have a pain-relieving effect based on its ability to interfere with sensory nerve signaling in the skin. However, higher quality studies are needed before a recommendation can be made. Orally, cayenne may cause many gastrointestinal side effects, including abdominal discomfort and nausea. Topically, it may cause burning and stinging. Cayenne may interact with several medications, including theophylline, ACE inhibitors, sedatives, antihypertensives, and acetaminophen.
: Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a chemical used to transfer nerve impulses. Therefore, choline is believed to have neurological effects. Choline is a product of the breakdown of the muscle relaxant succinylcholine, which is used extensively in anesthesia. Theoretically, choline may exhibit similar muscle relaxing effects. There is a lack of sufficient evidence for the use of choline for altering body composition, specifically, changing body fat and lean muscle.
: Chromium is currently marketed as an anabolic aid for athletes, primarily in the form of chromium picolinate. Chromium has been studied for its ability to improve lean body mass (reducing fat and increasing muscle), but results have not been consistent. More studies are needed before a recommendation can be made.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
: CLA has been shown to lower adiposity in animals and sometimes in humans, but human studies have not included rigorous controls for diet and exercise. The mechanism of action is unknown, but CLA is theorized to reduce lipoprotein lipase activity, reduce intracellular triglycerides, and enhance glycerol release from adipose tissue. CLA comes in two isomers, the 9,11 isomer, which appears responsible for improving muscle growth, and the 10,12 isomer, which primarily prevents lipogenesis (storage of fat in tissue). Most supplements sold in stores contain a 50-50 mix of both isomers. Many studies on CLA in humans show a tendency for reduced body fat, particularly abdominal fat, changes in serum total lipids, and decreased whole body glucose uptake. Higher quality studies are needed before a firm recommendation can be made. Dietary CLA supplementation does not seem to have any adverse effects.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis, Sphaeria sinensis)
: Cordyceps, also known as caterpillar fungus, dong chong xai cao, semitake, and hsia ts'ao tung ch'ung, is a Chinese mushroom that may be used for many conditions including fatigue, respiratory disorders, sexual dysfunction, and for enhancing the immune system and improving athletic performance. There is little well-documented evidence that cordyceps may influence athletic performance. Cordyceps may reduce blood glucose levels, so blood glucose monitoring may be indicated for use in athletes. In addition, cordyceps may interact with hypoglycemic medications.
: In the 1970s, Soviet scientists reported that oral creatine supplements may improve athletic performance during brief, intense activities such as sprints. Creatine gained popularity in the 1990s as a "natural" way to enhance athletic performance and build lean body mass. It was reported that skeletal muscle creatine content increases with oral creatine supplementation, although the response is variable. Factors that may account for this variation are carbohydrate intake, physical activity, training status, and muscle fiber type. The finding that carbohydrates enhance muscle creatine uptake increased the market for creatine multi-ingredient sports drinks. It has been suggested that creatine may help improve athletic performance or endurance by increasing time to fatigue, possibly by shortening muscle recovery periods. However, the results of research evaluating this claim are mixed. Although many experts believe that creatine may be useful for high-intensity, short-duration exercise, it has not been demonstrated effective in endurance sports. Due to methodological problems with available studies, a firm conclusion cannot be reached.
Devil's Claw
: Devil's claw (
Harpagophytum procumbens
), also known as grapple plant, harpagophytum, and wood spider, is a perennial herb that may be used as a pain reliever in athletes. Currently, the major clinical uses of devil's claw are as an anti-inflammatory or analgesic in joint diseases, back pain, and headache. Published studies in animals and humans have resulted in widespread publicity and use of standardized devil's claw as a mild analgesic for joint pain in Europe.
In vitro
and animal experiments suggest that devil's claw exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, possibly via COX-2 inhibition.
Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea pallida
) is a popular herb used in oral preparations in Europe and the United States for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URI) such as the common cold and to enhance the immune system. Currently, evidence for use of
as a remedy to prevent and treat URI remains indeterminate in adults. In children,
cannot be recommended due to an excess of rash seen with
versus placebo in one study and a lack of demonstrated benefits in a well-designed trial. The German Commission E discourages the use of
in patients with autoimmune diseases, but this warning is based on theoretical considerations rather than human data.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
: In recent years, elderberry supplements, juices, and syrups have become popular for their flavonoid (chemical compounds with antioxidant effects) content. In athletes, elderberry may be used to manage common symptoms of colds, influenza, and fever.
: Ephedra (Ma huang or
Ephedra sinica
) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over 5,000 years for asthmatic respiratory disorders. In athletes, ephedra has been popularly used as a CNS stimulant (to enhance alertness) and cardiovascular stimulant. Ephedrine can also be used as a starting material for the illegal manufacture of "speed" or methamphetamine. Some athletes use ephedra to boost their performance; however, in at least one case, a prestigious athlete was eliminated from competition because the product he used included norpseudoephedrine, which is banned by the International Olympic Committee. On February 6th, 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule prohibiting the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids (ephedra) because such supplements present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury. The rule became effective 60 days from the date of publication. Because of the variable concentrations of ephedrine found in commercial preparations and numerous reports of serious adverse effects (particularly when combined with caffeine), ephedra is not considered to be a safe therapy for athletic performance.
Gamma oryzanol
: Gamma oryzanol is a ferulic acid ester derived from rice bran oil. Both gamma oryzanol and ferulic acid products are advertised as substances that increase serum testosterone and HGH. Although gamma oryzanol may influence lipid metabolism, there is no well-documented evidence pertaining to its ergogenic effect in humans. Gamma oryzanol is a phytosterol, a plant-based compound that may compete with intestinal dietary cholesterol absorption, resulting in lower blood cholesterol levels.
: Ginger (
Zingiber officinale
) may be used to treat depressed appetite, colic, diarrhea, drug withdrawal symptoms, indigestion, motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and other ailments. The rhizomes (underground stem) and stems of ginger have been used in traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Indian medicine since the 1500s. The oleoresin of ginger is often contained in digestive, antitussive, antiflatulent, laxative, and antacid compounds. There is supportive evidence from one randomized controlled trial and an open-label study that ginger reduces the severity and duration of chemotherapy-induced nausea/emesis. Effects appear to be additive with use of prochlorperazine (Compazine®). The optimal dose remains unclear. Ginger's effects on other types of nausea/emesis, such as postoperative nausea or motion sickness remain indeterminate. Ginger is used orally, topically, and intramuscularly for a wide array of other conditions, without scientific evidence of benefit. Ginger may inhibit platelet aggregation and decrease platelet thromboxane production, thus theoretically increasing the risk of bleeding. Ginger has been listed in the in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP) and the National Formulary as a carminative (anti-flatus agent), aromatic, and stimulant. Ginger is widely used as a seasoning or fragrance in foods, beverages, soaps, candles, and cosmetics. There is generally <0.5% ginger in average baked goods.
: Ginseng is widely marketed and commonly used by athletes as an exercise performance and stamina enhancing supplement. However, it remains unclear if ginseng taken orally significantly affects exercise performance. Numerous studies have been published in this area with mixed results. Most research has not been well designed or reported and cannot be considered reliable. The term ginseng refers to several species of the genus
. The two most commonly used species are Asian ginseng (
Panax ginseng
C.A. Meyer), which is mostly extinct in its natural range but is still cultivated, and American ginseng (
L.), which is both harvested from the wild and cultivated. Panax ginseng should not be confused with Siberian ginseng (
Eleutherococcus senticosus
). Siberian ginseng does not contain the ginsenosides that are present in the
species, which are believed to be active ingredients and have been studied scientifically.
: Glandulars are extracts from various animal tissues or glands, such as the pituitary, thymus, and adrenal glands and the testes. Athletes have used glandulars in order to purportedly enhance function of the glands in the body from which they are derived. For example, orchic extract from the testes allegedly assists testosterone production. However, these glandular extracts are broken down during the digestive process and are inactive when absorbed as digested components.
Gotu kola
: Athletes have used gotu kola (
Centella asiatica
Hydrocotyle asiatica
) to reduce skin inflammation, increase energy levels, and aid in recovery from injuries such as sprains and strains. There is currently insufficient high quality clinical evidence to support the use of gotu kola for athletic performance.
: Guarana (
Paullinia cupana
) is thought to have caffeine-like effects and may be found in many energy or fat loss supplements marketed to athletes. Guarana is also used to enhance athletic performance and to reduce fatigue. It is also used as an additive for soft drinks (e.g. Dark Dog Lemon®, Guts®, and Josta®). Derived from the seed and gum of the guarana tree, guarana is primarily marketed as an appetite suppressant, central nervous system stimulant, and athletic and energy enhancer. Guarana is thought to potentially interact with several types of supplements and medications, including caffeine-containing supplements, ephedra, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, adenosine, clozapine, lithium, oral contraceptives, and acetaminophen. Guarana is generally regarded as safe when not combined with other stimulatory agents, such as ephedra. There is insufficient high quality clinical research examining the effects of guarana used as a monotherapy (not in combination with other herbs or supplements).
Human growth hormone
: Doctors may prescribe growth hormone for teens who have certain hormone or growth problems to help them develop normally. But growth hormone has also been abused by athletes to build muscle mass. Teen athletes who abuse growth hormone may have impaired development and altered hormone levels.
Inosine is a molecule involved in the formation of purines such as adenine. Advertisements have suggested that inosine supplementation may enhance adenosine triphosphate (ATP) formation in muscle and thus be of value to strength athletes. However, there is no well-documented research to support this claim.
: Although dietary lipids may be used as a source of energy for strength-trained athletes attempting to gain weight, most lipid derivatives are advertised to provide beneficial effects on metabolic processes. Plant sterols, or phytosterols, are marketed because of their structural resemblance to testosterone.
: Magnesium is an essential nutrient with multiple metabolic roles, including its involvement in protein synthesis and muscle contraction. Currently, there is no well-documented research supporting magnesium supplementation for strength-trained athletes, but more research appears to be warranted.
Medium chain triglycerides
Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are water soluble fatty acids that can be absorbed and metabolized readily. Commercial brands are advertised as able to promote muscularity and to lower body fat, possibly because of their energy content and their thermic effect upon ingestion. MCT supplementation has been studied in relation to aerobic endurance exercise, and found to be ineffective, but no well-documented studies have revealed an ergogenic effect on muscularity or weight loss in strength-trained athletes.
Omega-3 fatty acids (O-3FA)
: Omega-3 fatty acids may be metabolized in the body to eicosanoids. Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish oil and certain plant/nut oils. Fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), while some nuts (English walnuts) and vegetable oils (canola, soybean, flaxseed/linseed, olive) contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). There is evidence from multiple large-scale population (epidemiologic) studies and randomized controlled trials that intake of recommended amounts of DHA and EPA in the form of dietary fish or fish oil supplements lowers triglycerides, reduces the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known cardiovascular disease, slows the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques ("hardening of the arteries"), and lowers blood pressure slightly. However, high doses may have harmful effects, such as an increased risk of bleeding. Although similar benefits are proposed for alpha-linolenic acid, scientific evidence is less compelling and beneficial effects may be less pronounced.
: The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein, which will support normal growth and development in the average individual, is 0.8 g/kg body weight per day for individuals ages 19 and above, 0.9 g/kg for ages 15-18, and 1.0 g/kg for ages 11-14. However, athletes involved in intense strength training programs, particularly untrained individuals, may have significantly higher protein requirements than do sedentary individuals. To maintain or possibly increase muscle mass while strength training, some investigators have recommended approximately twice the current American and Canadian RDA. These additional energy and protein needs may be obtained easily from a balanced, healthful diet.
: Rhodiola (
Rhodiola rosea
), a popular plant in traditional medicine in Eastern Europe and Asia, may help resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors. Rhodiola has been claimed to stimulate the nervous system, decrease depression, enhance work performance, eliminate fatigue, and prevent high altitude sickness. It is also marketed to improve athletic performance. Also known as golden root or Arctic root, it has been widely studied in Russia and Scandinavia for more than 35 years.
: Valerian (
Valeriana officinalis
radix) is used orally as a sedative-hypnotic for insomnia, sleep disorders, and anxiety, for mood disorders such as depression and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and to lessen menstrual cramps, and aid muscle and joint pain. Valerian is widely used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Better effects have been noted in poor sleepers. Early evidence suggests that ongoing use may be more effective than acute (single-dose) use, with progressive effects over several weeks. However, most available studies have been methodologically weak and in most cases results have not been confirmed using objective sleep pattern data in a sleep laboratory or with validated measurement scales. Studies report that valerian is generally well tolerated for up to four to six weeks. However, rarely it may produce mild adverse effects (dizziness, hangover, headache).
Willow bark
: Athletes may use willow bark (
Salix alba
), also known as white willow, black willow, purple osier, and bay willow, in place of aspirin to ease aches and pains. The main active component of willow bark extract is salicin, which is converted to acetylsalicylic acid in the intestine. It is used for many indications including fever, headaches, inflammation, osteoarthritis, influenza, and muscle pain.
: Yohimbine is a nitrogen-containing alkaloid extracted from the bark of the yohimbe tree
Pausinystalia yohimbe
). The terms yohimbine, yohimbine hydrochloride, and yohimbe bark extract are related but not interchangeable. Yohimbine hydrochloride is a standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription drug in the United States, and has been demonstrated in clinical trials to be effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Yohimbine hydrochloride has also been used for the treatment of sexual side effects induced by antidepressants (SSRIs), female hyposexual disorder, as a pressor agent in autonomic failure, xerostomia, and as a probe for noradrenergic activity. In contrast, there is a paucity of clinical research utilizing yohimbe bark extract, which generally contains low concentrations of yohimbine (6% indole alkaloids, of which only 10-15% is yohimbine), and commercial preparations may or may not share the pharmacological and clinical effects of yohimbine hydrochloride. A 1995 chemical analysis of 26 commercial yohimbe products reported that most products contain virtually no yohimbine. Traditionally, yohimbe bark was used as an aphrodisiac and mild hallucinogen. However, all information related to its efficacy is folkloric, empirical and anecdotal, or extrapolated from studies of yohimbine hydrochloride. Most commercial sources of yohimbe bark extract do not state the level of yohimbine alkaloid content per dosage. Therefore, use of pure pharmaceutical-derived yohimbine hydrochloride is the only method of ingesting an exact amount of yohimbine. Given the pronounced pharmacological properties of yohimbine, the use of yohimbe bark products that do not specify indole alkaloid content is potentially dangerous.
Author information
This information has been edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
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Betz JM, White KD, der Marderosian AH. Gas chromatographic determination of yohimbine in commercial yohimbe products. J AOAC Int. 1995 Sep-Oct;78(5):1189-94.
Blankson H, Stakkestad JA, Fagertun H, et al. Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat mass in overweight and obese humans. J Nutrition. 2000 Dec;30(12):2943-2948.
Boozer CN, Nasser JA., Heymsfield SB, et al. Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat mass in overweight and obese humans. J Nutr. 2000 Dec;130(12):2943-8.
Breum L, Pedersen JK, Ahlstrom F, et al. Comparison of an ephedrine/caffeine combination and dexfenfluramine in the treatment of obesity. A double-blind multi-centre trial in general practice. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1994 Feb;18(2):99-103.
Brinkhaus B, Lindner M, Schuppan D, et al. Chemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of the East Asian medical plant Centella asiatica. Phytomedicine. 2000 Oct;7(5):427-48.
Cannon ME, Cooke CT, McCarthy JS. Caffeine-induced cardiac arrhythmia: an unrecognised danger of healthfood products. Med J Aust. 2001 May 21;174(10):520-1.
Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM. Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs. I. Immune restoration of local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction in cancer patients by fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vitro. J Clin Lab Immunol. 1988 Mar;25(3):119-23.
Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM. Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs. II. Reversal of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression by administration of fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vivo. J Clin Lab Immunol. 1988 Mar;25(3):125-9.
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Elam R. Morphological changes in adult males from resistance exercise and amino acid supplementation. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1988 Mar;28(1):35-9.
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Grunewald K, Bailey R. Commercially marketed supplements for bodybuilding athletes. Sports Med. 1993 Feb;15(2):90-103.
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Nutrition for sports performance generally includes the following components: fluid intake and hydration, energy substrates (carbohydrate, protein and fat), vitamin and mineral balance, and pre-game and recovery meals.
Sports supplements come in many forms including pills, energy bars, drinks, powders, and gels.
Sports supplements may be taken before meals, as meal replacements, or in addition to a normal meal.
The frequency of sports supplement consumption varies among substances and is dependent on the reason for taking the supplement and the desired results.
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MoarRipter wrote:Retro STrife wrote:While I agree that pre-orders have been a mess, and Nintendo certainly doesn't deserve any benefits of the doubt at this point, I still think it's best to pump the brakes and see how the actual September 29th release goes. I'm not optimistic about it, but still, I won't judge the whole SNES Classic by its pre-order period. I think it was Allen Iverson who said "What are we talking about? Pre-orders? We're talking about pre-orders, man. We ain't talking about the game."
Perhaps Nintendo is being smart by using the pre-order period to determine how many SNES Classics they need to manufacture. I give that about a 5% chance, but we won't know for sure until the real release happens. And really, I'm ok with sell outs on the release date too... just as long as they eventually satisfy most of the demand before stopping production, unlike the NES Classic fiasco.
Nintendo is not being smart. If they were being smart they would've opened up the pre-order period immediately after announcement like most companies do, so they could try to accurately gauge demand. But no, this is typical Nintendo. Same tactics, different product. Nintendo can go jump off of a pier without a life vest. And the same with Walmart - they should've at least given advance notice or some kind of pre-dibs for people who got screwed over on that pre-order mess that happened a month ago. They had my money for days before they canceled my pre-order after Nintendo ordered them to, what did I get from that? A canned apology letter from some random person at Walmart. Yeah thanks for that, that was really worth letting you hang onto my money for a week.
If I happen to walk into a store and see one on the shelf, for MSRP, then I'll buy it but otherwise forget Nintendo and the retailers who go along with their artificial scarcity game plan tactics. I'd much rather have those games on the Switch anyway so I could play them on the train to work instead of being saddled to a TV and having to occupy yet another HDMI port.
Yep, that's definitely the way I felt last year for the NES Classic. And then I told myself I wouldn't try to get a SNES Classic...and the same thing happened after thinking there might actually be a chance to get one...
If I actually owned stock in Nintendo I'd be a bit upset right about now. It's great they have demand but really they have no interest in fulfilling it.


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BES ELS Admission Requirements:
The following items must be included in the TAP application packet. Individual consideration will be given to the applicants who may not meet all the specific requirements. The college reserves the right to admit only students who hold promise of academic success. Withdrawal may be required should an applicant intentionally withhold or falsify pertinent information. Admission requirements are subject to change without notification.
- Per federal regulations F-1 students may not enroll in more than one class or three credits per semester online. Therefore, F-1 students are not eligible to enroll in the fully online option of this program at Thomas More College.
- A completed TAP application. Applications are available through the TAP office and online.
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges or universities attended and from all institutions of higher learning. This includes documentation pertaining to CLEP or DANTES examinations, and military transcripts. Business-related training as verified by the American Council on Education (ACE) may be accepted if Thomas More College minimum scores are met. Individuals are expected to be in good academic standing with all institutions. Credentials submitted for admission become the property of Thomas More College.
- Proof of high school graduation (required only of students with little or no prior college experience).
- A current resume. A minimum of two years of professional, full-time work experience is required.
- An overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in previous college work. Only grades of "C" or above will transfer to Thomas More College.
- Students entering the BBA-completion program must possess proficiency in introductory algebra and complete an introductory economics course. Students must demonstrate through placement test, transfer work or current coursework an understanding of introductory algebra consistent with the GEC 099 course and have taken an introductory economics course consistent with ECO 105. Students may start the BBA core program before taking these prerequisites but must successfully complete the requirements within six months of enrollment in a cohort group. Any student who fails to fulfill this requirement may be subject to immediate administrative withdrawal from the program.
- TOEFL. International students should refer to the international student guidelines for specific information regarding TOEFL and other admission requirements.
For more information on Masters Degree in Ethical Leadership Click Here.


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Ever tried to sell something on the Internet and hoped that the process was simpler than what it currently is? What if selling an item on the Internet was as simple as sharing the item for sale with your friends on the social web? Gumroad, a San Francisco based startup has adopted that philosophy and wants to take the pain out of selling an item on the web and it also provides the Gumroad API for its core features.
Gumroad simplifies the process of selling any item by doing things in a certain way. First, it wants you to sell your item to your friends, followers in the same way that you communicate to them i.e. by sharing that information. You do not need to setup any store. In case of digital items like MP3's of your songs or an eBook, you can host the download in a secure download link and the buyer will be sent the link once purchase is complete. You set your pricing and gumroad takes a fixed cut of 5% and $.25 of the transaction cost.
Gumroad also provides an API to go with their web site. The Gumroad API currently offers the core functionality of authentication and setting up your items for sale. The API is REST based and uses JSON for its data format. Authentication is done by a secure HTTP call passing in the username and password. Once authenticated, you can perform various API actions to maintain your list of items for sell, including creating a new link, editing, deleting, enabling/disabling,etc.
For example, to create a new link for an item up for sale, do a POST to https://gumroad.com/api/v1/links with request parameters like name, url, price and description.
The API may be limited but it is good enough to get going and it won't be long before developers would write mobile applications using them.
What do you think of the Gumroad approach to selling items on the web? Simple is definitely their forte and it would be interesting to see the traction they get in a few months from now.


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Large-Field Hubble Image of Starburst Galaxy NGC 1569
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has imaged one of the most active galaxies in our local neighborhood. NGC 1569, sparkles with the light from millions of newly formed young stars. At the nucleus of the starburst galaxy is a grouping of three giant star clusters, each containing more than a million stars. The clusters reside in a large, central cavity. The gas in the cavity has been blown out by the multitude of massive, young stars that already exploded as supernovae. NGC 1569 is located 11 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Camelopardalis. Hubble's Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 and Advanced Camera for Surveys made the observations of NGC 1569 in September 1999, November 2006, and January 2007. This image shows the full region that was imaged by both detectors.
NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA), and A. Aloisi (STScI/ESA)


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The Vintage Air Tour Roles On
After a fun evening at the car show that we created in Fort Davis it was time to continue on our journey to the LA Roadster's Fathers Day show in Pomona, California. Before we headed out of town we had a brief history lesson at the Fort Davis historical site. It was very interesting as we learned the part hat Fort Davis played in the history of the West. We also came across a real rattle snake on the grounds of the Fort. The Park Rangers quickly located the audibly irritated snake.
From Fort Davis we trekked across the border of Texas and New Mexico and made a lunch stop in Pecos, Texas. From there were traveled along the flat plains of New Mexico toward Roswell, the town made famous in 1947 by the reputed crash of a UFO. We arrived in Roswell about 3:30 and made a stop at the UFO Museum. It was very interesting hour spent at the museum learning about the event that put Roswell on the map with an incident that occurred over 50 years ago.
After our UFO lesson we checked into our hotel. Street Rodder publisher Tim Foss had flown into Albuquerque and made the two hour drive to Roswell to join the Vintage Air Tour. As I waited for Tim to arrive I took a drive outside of town and spent some time checking out a huge auto salvage yard that included cars dating back to the 1940's. The yard was closed but I was able to get a good look at the gems through a cyclone fence. I did notice that the entire fenced in area was guarded by a fairly harmless looking herd of sheep. A brief rainstorm had just rolled through the area and created a rainbow over the Coupe.
Tuesday morning's drive across New Mexico was beautiful as we started to get into the hilly countryside of western New Mexico. Our lunch stop for the day was in Socorro, New Mexico. Guitarist Jimmie Vaughan was traveling with us again this year, this time in a very clean full fendered 1932 5 window coupe. While we were eating lunch Jimmie got a call from his pal car builder Lee Pratt. Lee had a tip for us….make sure you stop at Pie Town for dessert. Not just a restaurant, Pie Town is actually a real town. Situated on the Continental Divide Pie Town is famous for one thing…yup, PIES. The only restaurant in town, the Daily Pie diner had some pretty fantastic pies. We all enjoyed the dessert break and we soon on our way. Apparently we should have paid as much attention to our gas tanks as we had our sweet tooths. About 40 miles down the road, the Publisher of Street Rodder Magazine and yours truly, a veteran of twelve years and 375,000 miles in a street rod ran out of gas!!!!!!!! With Jack and Landis Chisenhall in front of us and Ron Ceridono and Tom Medley behind us we had plenty of help but no gas to put in our tank. With Ron documenting the entire incident for an upcoming issue of Street Rodder, we waiting and laughed about our plight. Then came our knight in shining armor. A carnival repair truck pulled up..really! I do not make this stuff up. We were saved by a carnival repair truck. Two gallons of gas and a few dollars later the two Chrome Plated Carnies from Street Rodder Magazine were back on their way. It was a priceless Road tour moments.
Before we arrived in Winslow, Arizona for the evening some of us took a side trip through the beautiful Petrified Forest and a portion of the Painted Desert. We finally checked into the beautifully restored La Posada Hotel in Winslow about 7PM. It had been a classic day on the Vintage Air Road Tour. The story of Pie Town and the petroleum management problem will be one of the great ones.
Check back as the Vintage Air Tour makes a stop at the Grand Canyon and travel on to Laughlin, Nevada as we make our way to the Fathers Day Roadster Show in Pomona.
Jerry Dixey
I had just two days of turn around time after the Advanced Plating Tour ended in York. The Vintage Air Tour was set to head out on Sunday morning and Jack Chisenhall and Rick Love had a kick-off hot dog roast planned for everyone on Saturday evening. From my home in Youngstown Ohio Vinatge Air's headquarters in San Antonio is a mere two day drive. That would be just be too easy. I looked at a schedule of events and realized that I could catch The Hot Rod Power Tour in Memphis,Tenn on Thursday and roll with them into their final destination of Little Rock, Arkansas. What the heck, that sounded like fun.
I left Youngstown on Wednesday afternoon. Mark Kirby from Motor City Flatheads and Shadow Rods built the beautiful blown flathead motor in this years coupe. He wanted to give it a quick once over after the first two tours so he got it Sunday evening and with Phil Goller from Gollars Hot Rods in Defiance, Ohio gave it a tune up and made some adjustments. Mark met me with the Coupe on Weds evening and I drove to my pal Wade Hughes home in Cincinnati for the evening. Wades is the master of the Ohio Hot Rod Flames and a good friend.
Thursday's drive to Memphis was flawless and I arrived at the Memphis Motorsport Park by mid-afternoon. The Power Tour was at full tilt and in its fourth day. I parked in the Timberwolf exhibit and spent the afternoon seeing many old friends from Road Tours past. Check out Timberwolf's website at WWW.TWSPEEDSOP.Com to see how you can win this years Tour Coupe. Friday morning I stopped with a few folks at Vernon Walker's home in West Memphis, Arkansas. Walker Radiator and the NSRA keep Vernon busy during the day but his real passion is collecting neon signs and automobilia of all kinds. He has most of his treasures on display and it was a great two hours enjoying his fantastic collection. It is not everyone who has a restored 1962 Texaco gas station in their back yard.
Friday the Power Tour headed to Little Rock for the wrap up of their week on the road. Early Saturday morning I set my sites on San Antonio, Texas and the kick-off to the Vintage Air Road Tour to the LA Roadster's Father's Day Show in Pomona California. We had 30 cars filled with participants on this Tour and the route that Rick Love planned would take us through some of the pettiest parts of the Southwest.
Saturday evening we all gathered at Vintage Air for a cook-out and get together. There were a number of folks from last years Vintage Air Tour to The Roadsters Show and there were quite a few new faces too. Traveling with us this year was the legendary Tom Medley of Stroker McGurk fame. Tom was riding with Street Rodder staffer Ron Ceridono in Tom's vintage Ford sedan.
It was rise and shine on Sunday morning as we rolled out of Vintage Air. The weather was great and we were headed West. After a lunch stop in Del Rio, Texas we made a brief stop in Langley, Texas at the sight of the original court room and pool hall of Judge Roy Bean the only law West of the Pecos for quite a few years. It was then on to our stop for the night in Fort Davis, Texas. The local folks had planned a car show to raise money for charity and we were the center of attention all evening.
The first day of the Vintage Air Tour to the LA Roadster's Show was a blast. Check back here as we continue to roll West and we invade the UFO capital of the World, Roswell, New Mexico.
Jerry Dixey
The Street RodderPPG Advanced Plating Tour continued on Tuesday morning as we were up early. First on the schedule was a visit to the shop of our Tour sponsor Advanced Plating in Nashville, Tennessee. We were given a full tour of their facility. The first thing you notice at their plant is that it is not your normal chrome plating facility. The Advanced Plating facility is incredibly clean and organized. Owner Steve Tracy's philosophy is that you cannot do quality plating in a dirty environment. Anyone who has seen any of their work realizes that Advanced does quality plating. Also on display in their showroom is their line of chrome plated products including grilles, manifolds and valve covers. All their products include a full dose of their high quality chrome.
After our tour at Advanced we had no time to rest as we had an invitation for lunch at Lokar Products in Knoxville, about 3 hours east on I-40. As usual owners Debbie and Skip Wall and Lokar President Rick Craze really rolled out the Road Tour red carpet for us. A catered BBQ lunch was just what the Road weary Road Tourians needed. On top of great food, Debbie put together goodie bags for all of us which included a Lokar hat and umbrella. Lokar is the only company whose products have been used on every Road Tour car built since the program began in 1996. After a tour of their manufacturing facility it was again time to keep moving with our next destination was Charlotte, North Carolina.
Our Tour guide for the evening in Charlotte was good friend Brent Vandervort, founder and President of Fatman Fabrication. We had stopped at the Fatman facility last year on the Road Tour and this year Brent had volunteered to get us a behind the scenes look at two of the coolest car-related places in the Charlotte area. The Tuesday evening stop is not open to the public but Brent made the visit possible. Dennis Carpenter Reproductions is a well known name in the restoration and street rod hobby. Known for their high quality Ford reproduction parts, the company has expanded into Cushman scooter parts and also tractor parts. What we were able to get a tour of that evening was a museum style collection of cars, trucks, Cushman scooters, motorcycles and automobilia that has been accumulated by the company over the years. It is unbelievable collection. We were guided through the displays by long time Dennis Carpenter employee and museum curator Roy Howard.
Wednesday morning Brent was again our guide as we visited the Hendrick Motorsport complex just around the corner from Lowes Motor Speedway. Bob Hice gave us a personal guided tour through the amazing Hendrick facility. We spent some time spent in the museum area where Daytona winning cars of past years are on display. We then visited the chassis shop where fabrication begins on all of the race cars. From there it was on to the building where the work is done on Jeff Gordon's and Jimmy Johnson's race cars. It was fantastic to get such an up close and personal tour of the Hendrick facility. Many thanks to Brent Vandervort from Fatman for putting together such a great evening and morning in Charlotte.
Wednesday evening was spent in Charlottesville, Virginia. We enjoyed a group dinner at Cheeseburgers in Paradise which was great fun for all of us. Thursday morning and we still had two more stops before we arrived in York at the NSRA Nationals East. Our first stop was at the home of author Ken Gross. Ken has written for all the major automotive magazines. His subject matter is wide ranging but by his own admission his love is with hot rods. His collection of early flathead manfolds has to be one of the largest anywhere. His '32 Ford roadster was chosen as one of the 75 honored at the Grand National Roadster Show this past January. Ken was also director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. It was a very enjoyable morning with one of the most interesting people in our hobby.
Our final stop on our Advanced Plating Tour was at the Gettysburg Memorial. It was a fitting end to our week. What began on Memorial Day wrapped up at the site of an event that decided the destiny of our nation. It was a very emotional afternoon at the Memorial and Cemetery.
We rolled into the headquarters hotel in York about 3PM on Thursday afternoon. We definitely had a full week on Road Tour. Watch for the complete article in an upcoming issue of Street Rodder. Check back here as we head for San Antonio next week with a quick visit with the folks on the Hot Rod Power Tour. Then it is on to the LA Roadster's Fathers Day Show on the Vintage Air Tour.
Hope to see you on the Road Tour
Jerry Dixey