text:
STPP Board Member Headed for Bush Admin?
CDC Activity Funding Gets Attention in Congress
Surgeon General Walks Kids to School
Great Strides for Rural Arkansans
New Euro Transport Policy Guidelines
Toronto Adopts Bike Plan
FHWA CD-ROM Wins Award
WA Traffic Safety Near Schools Program
About California's 85%ile Law...
CDC's Killingsworth Gets Around
SF Bicycle Coalition Leads Campaign
Bergen NJ Trail Users Learn to Share
Arlington VA Cyclists Get Lanes
Helmets Lead to Risk Taking?
Another View on NYT Article
Lance Bolsters Cycling in US
Talking, Driving: Bad Combination
Citrus FL Gets Safety Grant
Chicago Crack Down on Sidewalk Bikers
Is Charlotte NC "Car Town" USA?
According to a news release from the Surface Transportation Policy
Project, "On July 30, President Bush announced his intention to nominate
Emil H. Frankel to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation for
Transportation Policy. Currently, Mr. Frankel serves on the Surface
Transportation Policy Project's Board of Directors where he has been
involved with the creation of the New Directions Initiative.
Previously, he served as Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of
Transportation from 1991 to 1995 during which time he was the Chairman
of the Standing Committee on the Environment of the American Association
of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
"Since then, he has been Counsel to Day, Berry and Howard LLP, where he
has consulted primarily on transportation and public policy issues. He
is also a Management Fellow at the Yale School of Management and a
Senior Fellow at the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. Mr.
Frankel is presently a member of the Connecticut Governor's Council on
Economic Competitiveness and Technology and is an Advisor to the
National Trust for Historic Preservation.
"Mr. Frankel understands how transportation affects not just the
movement of goods and people, but also the quality of life for entire
communities. If confirmed, he will bring a much needed voice to the U.S.
Department of Transportation."
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Congressional delegates in both the U.S. House and Senate are gathering
support for increased funding for CDC programs that promote increased
physical activity and good nutrition. Senators Reed (D-RI) and Collins
(R-ME) and House delegate Morella (R-MD) are circulating dear colleague
letters to colleagues in support of the CDC funding The letters asks the
Chair and Ranking members of the respective subcommittees in support of
$50 mil for nutrition, physical activity promotion and obesity at CDC.
The CDC's Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity has an annual
budget of $16 million compared to the $100 million that CDC is given for
programs to reduce the use of tobacco, which kills about the same number
of Americans as unhealthy eating and physical inactivity. The increased
level of funding would allow CDC to expand programming from the 12
states that are currently funded to 24 states, and expand extramural
research, monitoring and surveillance, and national communications to
promote physical activity.
For more information on the activities in Congress visit
http://www.congress.gov , or contact your Congressional delegates. For
information on the status of the support letters, email
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According to a recent news release, "David Satcher, Surgeon General
and Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health and Human
Services, will help kick-off this year's event as he joins a group of
children on October 4th walking to the East Silver Spring Elementary,
Silver Spring, Maryland. Walking groups will assemble at the Montgomery
County Police Station at 801 Sligo Avenue at 8:30-a.m. and proceed to
the school located at 630 Silver Spring Avenue. Dr. Satcher will make
brief remarks at the school and will be available for interviews.
"Our young people need help to get moving," said Dr. Satcher. He noted
that the number of overweight children has doubled in the past two
decades, leading to a generation at risk for cardiovascular diseases,
diabetes, and other serious health problems. Physical inactivity is a
major factor. Nearly half of all young people do not take part in
regular, vigorous physical activity, and less than half of all high
school students have regular physical education classes at school..."
For more information, go to:
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A new $300,000 annual fund solely for walking path construction has
been approved by the Arkansas legislature. The "Great Strides Grant
Program" designates use of tobacco settlement funds for walking parks in
rural communities. At least ten rural communities in Arkansas may apply
annually for up to $25,000 each to secure land and develop community
Almost 40% of families with local access to new trails constructed in
Missouri began using them for exercise, according to a recent study.
Women and persons earning lower incomes were more than twice as likely
to have exercised by using the community trails. (American Journal of
Preventive Medicine 18(3):235-241).
Program funds will be managed by the Governor's Council on Fitness,
Department of Parks and Tourism, Department of Health, and the Parks and
Recreation Association. Regulations are being drafted and may be
approved by spring 2002. For more information contact Alissa Beach,
mailto:email@example.com or 501.661.2677.
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According to a July 18th news release, "Today the European
Commission adopted the policy guidelines of the White Paper on
transport policy. These guidelines form the basis for around sixty
proposals that the White Paper will detail when it is formally adopted
in September. The aim of this document is to provide the European
Community with a programme of actions to gradually decouple transport
growth and economic growth. Led by economic growth up to 2010, goods
traffic should increase by 38% and passengers by 24%.
"Congestion of urban centres and on the principal Trans-
European corridors will be exacerbated. 'In the long term, the economic
competitiveness of the Union will be compromised, pressure on the
environment and congestion will reduce safety and the quality of life'
declared Loyola de Palacio, Vice president of the Commission in charge
of the Energy and Transport." The intent is to "achieve a rebalancing
between the modes. 'This approach is far more ambitious than it looks,
bearing in mind the historical imbalance in favour of road for the last
50 years' underlined Loyola de Palacio." The guidelines are part of a
sustainable development strategy adopted by the European Council of
Gothenburg, calling for a shift of balance between modes through
investment in railways, inland waterways, short sea shipping and
intermodal operations.
For more information, go to:
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According to a release sent by Dave McLauglin, "On July 26, 2001
City of Toronto Council adopted the Toronto Bike Plan - Shifting Gears.
Estimated to cost $ 73 million Cdn. over 10 years, the Toronto Bike Plan
establishes a vision for cycling in the City of Toronto and sets out
integrated principles, objectives and recommendations regarding safety,
education and promotional programs as well as cycling related
infrastructure. The Plan calls for the City to expand the existing 180
km of on and off road cycling facilities to form a comprehensive bikeway
network with 475 km of bike lanes, 255 km of off-road routes, and 250 km
of signed routes for a total of 980 km. The Plan was developed by City
Staff and a consultant team lead by Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited.
"According to Dave McLaughlin, a Senior Transportation Planner with
MMM, 'The Toronto Bike Plan is the product of a process through which
staff, consultants and the Toronto Cycling Committee worked together.
The Public was extensively consulted with in the development of the
Plan, including a public attitude telephone survey of over 1,000
residents that identified issues from users of all transportation modes.
The success of the Toronto Bike Plan will be in its implementation.
Recognizing this, the Plan provides a clear staff and public process to
move forward and begin implementation immediately.'"
For more information, contact Daniel Egan, the City's Pedestrian and
Cycling Infrastructure Manager at mailto:firstname.lastname@example.com or Dave
McLaughlin, Senior Transportation Planner at Marshall Macklin Monaghan
Limited at mailto:email@example.com. The Plan may be seen or downloaded (pdf)
at: http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/cycling/bikeplan.htm .
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According to a July 30th FHWA news release, "A CD-ROM developed by
the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help improve pedestrian
safety has received one of the highest honors in audiovisual competition
from the International Film and Video Festival the Gold Camera Award for
interactive multimedia. 'We are honored to receive this award for our
work to improve pedestrian safety,' U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman
Y. Mineta said. 'We must do more to integrate pedestrian safety needs
into highway design and operations, and this CD-ROM is a tangible result
of our commitment to safety, President Bush's top priority for
Department of Transportation.'
"'Safer Journey - Interactive Pedestrian Safety Awareness' is an
interactive CD that takes the user through various pedestrian safety
scenarios encountered on roads and streets to improve the level of
pedestrian knowledge for all road users (including schools, driver
education groups, enforcement, etc.) and people involved in advancing
safety. Leverson Boodlal, a highway engineer in FHWA's Office of Safety,
was the program manager and developer of the CD-ROM. Avalon Integrated
Services, a production company in Arlington, Va., produced the video."
Copies can be obtained from the FHWA Office of Safety, 400 7th St.
S.W., Washington DC 20590, telephone (202) 366-2288, or email,
firstname.lastname@example.com. For more information, visit:
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According to Michael Dornfeld, Washington's state bicycle/pedestrian
coordinator, "The Washington State Legislature provided another $2
million dollars for the state's Traffic Safety Near Schools Program
(TSNS). The $2 million was included in the Washington State Department
of Transportation's budget using current revenue from existing taxes.
The additional money will fund 19 more projects to improve pedestrian
safety and traffic conditions near schools. The TSNS Program has funded
69 projects for a total of $7 million.
"The future of the TSNS is unclear. The Washington Legislature met in
three special sessions to try to create a new revenue plan for
transportation projects. No new revenue plan was passed leaving no
funding for a future call for TSNS projects."
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We've gotten several inquiries on the story about the California
85th %ile law story in CenterLines #23. Yes, it has been enacted. The
pertinent section is reproduced in part below...
"(c) When conducting an engineering and traffic survey, local
authorities, in addition to the factors set forth in paragraphs (1) to
(3), inclusive, of subdivision (b) may consider all of the following:
"(1) Residential density, if any of the following conditions exist on
the particular portion of highway and the property contiguous thereto,
other than a business district:
"(A) Upon one side of the highway, within a distance of a quarter of a
mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 13 or more
separate dwelling houses or business structures.
"(B) Upon both sides of the highway, collectively, within a distance of
a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is
occupied by 16 or more separate dwelling houses or business structures.
"(C) The portion of highway is longer than one-quarter of a mile but
has the ratio of separate dwelling houses or business structures to the
length of the highway described in either subparagraph (A) or (B).
"(2) Pedestrian and bicyclist safety."
The actual law (and it is a law) can be downloaded as a pdf from:
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On September 27, 2001, the Michigan Governor's Council on Physical
Fitness, Health, and Sports (Region 1) will be hosting an annual dinner
in Jackson, Michigan, and the featured speaker will be Health Scientist
for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Richard
Killingsworth. Rich will be discussing "The American Dilemma: Improving
Public Health in the Age of Sprawl". Killingsworth is the lead
interventionist for the CDC's Active Community Environments Initiative,
a national effort to increase physical activity and improve health
through community design and transportation alternatives. For more
information on the Regional Council's activities, go to:
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An August 1st article in the San Jose Mercury News described a new
ad campaign being run by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. As the
author says, "Just when I was convinced the so-called 'cyclist
community' would never veer away from sanctimonious rants against
drivers, a group of bike riders in San Francisco has done the
unthinkable. It's launched a new tack of diplomacy that displays a sense
of humor about daily stupidities that happen on the road. The message:
There's plenty of blame to go around.
"The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is one of the main sponsors of a
public ad campaign to stamp out dangerous behavior, whether the jerk in
question is behind the wheel or the handlebars. It's a welcome departure
from pious condemnations of motor vehicles -- lectures that are only
slightly less annoying than those delivered by vegetarians at
"One ad in the 'Coexist' campaign shows an irate driver leaning out the
window, and the speech balloon next to his head reads: 'Cycling chum,
your generous use of hand signals and predictable riding decorum make
sharing the road an utter joy!' Another shows a scowling bicyclist
leaning over to holler, 'Kind sir, I'm positively elated you exhibited
the decency to survey the roadscape prior to opening the door!'..."
After 7 day search: http://www0.mercurycenter.com:80/resources/search/
Title: "Tribulations on the open road of bicycle-motorcar coexistence"
Author: Sue Hutchison
Archive cost: $1.95
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According to an article in the July 27th issue of the Bergen County
(NJ) Record, things are getting testy and crowded on area paths. And
trail etiquette is becoming a very popular topic among users. "On a
sunny Sunday, the five-mile asphalt path that runs along the Saddle
River in Ridgewood and Glen Rock and the 6.5-mile strip through Rifle
Camp Park in West Paterson are crawling with fitness and recreation
seekers. What has yet to catch on is the proper etiquette for using
these pathways.
"Take 6-year-old Alexander Zuluaga of Paterson. His technique? Weaving
back and forth between slower people as he zips along on his in-line
skates. 'I wish everyone would just get out of the way. They slow me
down,' Alexander said one recent evening on the path at Rifle Camp Park.
'I come up really fast and just circle around them.' That's not
recommended by etiquette experts and path users..."
Source: http://www.bergen.com:80/bnw/pmmanners20010727.htm
Archive search: http://www.bergen.com/search.html
Title: Cyclists, runners, skaters jockey for right of way on path
Author: Michelle Han
Archive cost: Apparently (new system coming)
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According to an August 2nd article in the Washington Post,
"Arlington County bicyclists will eventually be able to cruise along
more than 21 miles of bike lanes as part of a new program to set aside
more room on the county's main streets for bicyclists.
The County Board, capping nearly two years of study, approved a
five-year plan last Saturday to expand the number of bike lanes from
two miles to 23.3 miles on portions of 25 arterial streets. About five
miles of bike lanes will be added in fiscal 2002 at a cost of $50,000.
The entire bike lane network is expected to cost $250,000. 'In previous
years, we did a section here and there. This is the first time the
county really looked at it systematically,' said Richard Viola, bicycle
and pedestrian coordinator in the county's Department of Public Works.
'We looked at the whole county.'..."
After 14 day search: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpadv/archives/front.htm
Title: "Cyclists to Get A Bigger Piece Of the Road"
Author: Frederick Kunkle
Arlington Board Approves Adding 21 Miles of Lanes
Archive cost: Yes
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According to a July 29th New York Times article reprinted in many
places, helmet wearing rates have risen but so have head injuries while
cycling has declined. "Millions of parents take it as an article of
faith that putting a bicycle helmet on their children, or themselves,
will help keep them out of harm's way. But new data raises questions
about that assumption. The number of head injuries sustained in bicycle
accidents has increased 10 percent since 1991, even as helmet use has
risen sharply, according to figures compiled by the Consumer Product
Safety Commission. With ridership declining over the same period, the
rate of head injuries among bicyclists has increased 51 percent even as
the use of bicycle helmets has become widespread.
"What is going on? No one is sure, but safety experts stress that while
helmets do not prevent accidents, they are extremely effective at
reducing the severity of head injuries when they do occur. Almost no one
suggests that riders should stop wearing helmets, which researchers have
found can reduce the severity of brain injuries by as much as 88
percent. Still, with fewer people riding bicycles, experts are mystified
as to why injuries are on the rise..."
Archive search: http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/index.html
Title: "Despite helmets, head injuries rise"
Author: Julian E. Barnes
Archive cost: No
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Randy Swart of the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute has taken issue
with the data sources and the analysis presented in the New York Times
article and his comments may be found at:
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According to an August 2nd Washington Post article, three-time Tour
de France winner Lance Armstrong has had a significant impact on U.S.
bicycling scene in a number of ways. As Nike spokesperson Dave Mingey
said, "Through his amazing story, Lance has been able to capture the
hearts and minds of Americans coast to coast. Through that attention,
he's also been able to leverage the sport of cycling."
The article further cites evidence of Armstrong's impact: "The sale of
road bikes at specialty bike stores jumped 39 percent last year,
according to the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association. Attendance at
the 14 professional cycling events in the United States increased nearly
40 percent, from about 700,000 in 1999 to more than 1 million this year,
according to Pro Cycling Tour organizers. The number of professional
riders in the United States has grown by 22 percent since last year, USA
Cycling officials say..."
After 14 day search: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpadv/archives/front.htm
Title: "Armstrong Puts Biking in Catbird Seat"
Author: Amy Shipley
Archive cost: Yes
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According to an article in the July 28th issue of the Cincinnatti
Post, a new study shows the dangers of DWT (Driving while talking) are
serious and can't be eliminated with "hands-free" cell phone technology.
According to the article, "This will come as no surprise to anyone who
has been cut off in traffic by an erratic driver with a cell phone
attached to his ear: Research by Carnegie Mellon University scientists
shows that people can't effectively operate an automobile and talk on a
cell phone - or even to a passenger - at the same time.
And the state of New York's legislative solution to require ''hands
free'' cellular phones won't work either because the conversation
itself, not just holding the phone, is what distracts the brain, said
Marcel Just, psychology professor and leader of the Carnegie Mellon
team. 'Viewing the brain as a work engine, talking on cell phones and
having conversations while driving has to take a toll,' he said. 'The
brain can only do so much.'
"The study, to be published next week in the journal NeuroImage, used a
noninvasive technique called functional magnetic resonance imaging, or
functional MRI, to monitor the brain activity of 18 people who were
performing a visual processing task while scientists read to them. While
it would seem logical that listening and looking would not compete for
the brain's energy because those tasks are processed in different
areas, that's not what researchers found.
'We gave the body and the brain every opportunity to do things
simultaneously without competition from overlapping parts,' Just said.
'It turns out in some ways they are drawing on the same resource pool,
and it's limited.'
Source: http://www.cincypost.com/2001/jul/28/cell072801.html
Archive search: http://www.cincypost.com/news/n073001.html
Title: "Study: Talking, driving unsafe"
Author: Scripps Howard News Service
Archive cost: No
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According to a July 28th article in the St. Petersburg (FL) Times,
"This month, the state Department of Transportation notified health
officials that they will receive a grant to establish a bicycle safety
program that will include training and distribution of helmets. Citrus
is one of two counties in the state that have declined to enact the
mandatory bike helmet law, which went into effect for children under 16
in 1997.
"'I certainly hope that this helps to increase awareness so that people
understand the importance of wearing bike helmets, both adults and
children, because it will save lives,' said Marybeth Nayfield, health
department administrator.
"From 1995 through 1999, 91 people were injured on bicycles in Citrus
County and five were killed. During the same period, 123 pedestrians
were hurt and 16 were killed. Citrus officials have sought about $70,000
to hire a person to coordinate an educational program through the
University of Florida targeting elementary and middle school children.
"The program would include classroom instruction and on-bike skill
development. The coordinator would teach safe traffic behavior,
including signaling and avoiding hazards. The lessons will focus on
pedestrian and school bus safety along with bicycle safety. The program
also will distribute free and low-cost bike helmets through a variety of
venues and provide pedestrian safety information through day care
centers and civic and fraternal organizations..."
Title: "Citrus getting grant for safer biking and hiking"
Author: Barbara Behrendt
Archive cost: No
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According to a July 27th article in the Chicago Sun-Times, local
governments throughout the Chicagoland area are cracking down on
sidewalk bicycling. As author Lucio Guerrero puts it, "No riding on the
sidewalk. Got that? You'd better if you ride a bike in Chicago or in
Evanston. Otherwise, you could get hit with a hefty fine or even have
your bicycle confiscated. Evanston recently began cracking down on
cyclists who ride on the sidewalks of the north suburb, threatening them
with fines of up to $500.
"On Wednesday, Ald. Joseph Moore (49th) offered a proposal in the
Chicago City Council that would turn a swath of a lakefront
neighborhood--along Sheridan Road between Ardmore and Devon--into a
'bicycle-forfeiture zone,' giving the city the authority to confiscate
the bicycles of those who violate the rules of the road. Kids 12 to 17
years old who ride on the sidewalk on Sheridan Road could have their
bikes confiscated. They'd have to pay a $25 fine to get them back.
Adults would be treated more harshly. Their bikes would be forfeited and
returned only if they could prove to an administrative hearing officer
they weren't riding on the Sheridan Road sidewalks after all."
Rules like this put bicyclists in a tough spot, said Randy Neufeld,
executive director of the 2,500-member Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.
'Right now, cyclists are in a special situation because it's illegal to
ride on the sidewalks, but some fear for their lives riding on the
street,' Neufeld said Thursday. 'They are caught in the middle.'..."
Source: http://www.suntimes.com:80/output/news/cst-nws-bike27.html
Archive search: http://www.suntimes.com:80/pwrsearch/index.html
Title: "Cyclists' concrete problem"
Author: Lucio Guerrero
Archive cost: No, but archives appear limited
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Starting Sunday, July 22nd, the Charlotte Observer carried a 5-part
series entitled "CAR TOWN: How 100 years with the automobile have shaped
Charlotte's destiny," which explores the impacts of motor vehicles on
this North Carolina city. The first article starts "Charlotte and the
automobile have been together for more than 100 years now. So who's
driving whom? Here's a hint: In the Queen City, the car is king.
"Since 1900, when Osmond Barringer startled the horses by driving his
steam-powered 'locomobile' down Charlotte's dirt streets, the car has
helped mold the city in its own image. It has fueled Charlotte's rapid
suburbanization and the equally rapid loss of countryside. It remains a
major factor in what's built and where it's located. And it has given
rise to a lifestyle in which the car has gone from an amenity to a
member of the family..."
The series includes the following articles, as well as numerous
sidebars and several travel diaries:
Sunday: Vehicles transformed our region - and now they're overtaking it
Monday: Moms on the run
Tuesday: Acres of asphalt
Wednesday: Why kids don't bike
Thursday: Dr. Traffic makes a change
After 7 day search: http://newslibrary.infi.net/char/
Author: Scott Dodd
Archive cost: $1.95 per article
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And now for something completely different:
An article in the current issue of "Access," by Univ. of
California/Berkeley physics professor Joel Fajans and Access managing
editor Melanie Currie. Both commute by bicycle. "...on a street with a
stop sign every 300 feet, calculations predict that the average speed
of a 150-pound rider putting out 100 watts of power will diminish by
about forty percent. If the bicyclist wants to maintain her average
speed of 12.5 mph while still coming to a complete stop at each sign,
she has to increase her output power to almost 500 watts. This is well
beyond the ability of all but the most fit cyclists..." "Access" is a
journal of the University of California Transportation Center at U.C.
Berkeley, which may be found at: http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~uctc
To download issue 18 (with the article on p.21) go to:
Subtitled "Implementing Sustainable Urban Travel Policies," this
83-page OECD report by the European Conference of Ministers of
Transport says "Transport specialists around the world have for many
years looked to the urban transport experience of the Netherlands as
exemplary. The Dutch have demonstrated strong and sustained commitment
to integrating transport and land-use planning and policies to maximise
use of public transport and cycling. Bolstered by a long-standing and
highly respected planning culture, they have undertaken this in an
institutional environment that favours consultation and
consensus-seeking among different sectors and stakeholders." The Table
of Contents may be downloaded. The full report is available for $25
A new 76-page Urban Land Institute book by Walter M. Kulash: "Updated
throughout, the third edition of Residential Streets takes a practical
approach to planning and designing streets that is cost effective, and
that enhances the livability of subdivisions and master-planned and new
urbanist communities. It offers a fresh look at street widths,
geometrics, traffic flow, and other
design considerations, as well as intersections, drainage systems, and
pavement." ULI Member Price: $29.95, Retail Price: $39.95. Can be
ordered from the ULI Bookstore at their website:
An April 2001 study by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and Marin (CA)
County that details "the national experience in reopening abandoned
tunnels for pedestrian and bicycle use." Downloadable as a pdf from:
The 2001 "Green Book," is now available, with "the latest design
practices in universal use as the standard of highway geometric
design." The book is $102.00 (AASHTO Members: $80.00). A CD version
costs $248.00 (Members: $195.00). The book and CD together cost $165.00
(Members $130.00). For more information, visit AASHTO's online
bookstore at:
A video that "contains compelling reasons why we need a better bicycle
infrastructure, like: less pollution, fewer single occupancy vehicles,
less highway congestion, less lost productivity due to traffic delays,
better health and fewer animals dying slow, agonizing deaths after
being hit bymotor vehicles (less cars =less deaths)." Cost: $13.99.
For more information, visit:
The latest from the Elm Street Writers Group, this article by Peter
Katz says "Milwaukee, Louisville, West Palm Beach, Washington, D.C.,
and Pittsburgh are wonderful cities that share common civic assets:
Elegant older neighborhoods, easy access to beautiful parks and natural
areas, close proximity to lively downtowns, first-rate public transit
systems, and strong local leadership." To read the article go to:
"These two case studies examining transportation issues in Delhi, India
and Shanghai, China are the first of a five-part series of reports
looking at the greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector
in developing countries. The reports identify policies and technologies
to simultaneously reduce emissions growth while improving air quality,
reducing traffic congestion, improving safety, and enhancing
transportation services. Three additional reports - examining South
Africa, Chile, and an Overview report - will be released later this
August 3-5, 2001, Bikefest 2001 - LAB's National Rally, Altoona, PA.
Info: League of American Bicyclists, voice:
(202) 822-1333, email: firstname.lastname@example.com
website: http://www.bikeleague.org/rallies/rallies.html
August 16-18, 2001, First National Congress of Pedestrian Advocates,
Oakland, CA. Info: AmericaWalks, email: firstname.lastname@example.com
website: http://americawalks.org/news/congress/
August 20-24, 2001, Summer School on Community-based
Strategies to Enhance Physical Activity, Saskatoon, Canada.
Info: Lesley Rugg, University of Saskatchewan, voice:
(306) 966-6498, fax: (306) 966-6502,
email: email@example.com
website: http://www.usask.ca/kinesiology/PASS )
September 13-16, 2001, Rail~Volution: Envisioning the New Frontier, San
Francisco, CA. Info: (503) 823-6870.
website: http://www.railvolution.com/ataglance.htm
September 17-21, 2001, Velo-city 2001, Edinburgh/Glasgow, Scotland.
Info: Meeting Makers Ltd, Jordanhill Campus, 76 Southbrae Drive, Glasgow
G13 1PP, Scotland, voice: 0141 434 1500 fax: 434 1519, e-mail:
website: http://velo-city2001.org/
September 21-22, 2001, New Zealand Cycling Conference 2001, Chateau on
the Park, Christchurch. Call for Papers out now.
Info: NZ Cycling Conference, PO Box 237, Christchurch, NZ,
voice: 03 371 1472, fax: 03 371 1864. email: email@example.com
September 24-28, 2001, International Conference on
Ecology and Transportation, Keystone, CO. Info: Pam Cloer, CTE Events
Coordinator, voice: (919) 515-7990, email: firstname.lastname@example.com
website: http://www.itre.ncsu.edu/cte/icoet2001.html
September 26-29, 2001, TrailLink 2001: the 3rd
International Trails and Greenways Conference,
St. Louis, MO. Info: Rails- to-Trails Conservancy,
voice: (202) 974-5152, email: firstname.lastname@example.com
website: http://www.railtrails.org
September 27-28, 2001, Creating Active Community Environments, Sandy,
UT. Info: Jane Lambert voice: (801) 572-9487. The first 200 people who
register for them at the conference will receive a pedometer.
October 4-6, 2001, Innovative Approaches to Understanding
and Influencing Physical Activity, Dallas, TX. Info: The
Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX.
website: http://www.cooperinst.org/conf2001.asp
October 10-12, 2001, Footprints and Bike Tracks: Washington State's
biennial conference on walking and bicycling Olympia, WA. Info:
Bicycle Alliance of Washington, PO Box 2904, Seattle, WA 98111,
voice: (206) 224-9252
Website: http://www.bicyclealliance.org
November 21-25, 2001, Pan African Bicycle Conference, Jinja, Uganda.
Info: First African Bicycle Information Office (FABIO), Main St, Jinja,
Plot 9, P.O.Box 1537, Uganda. voice or fax: ++256 (43) 121 468, e-mail:
website: http://www.connect-uganda.net/fabiobspw.htm
February 1 - March 30, 2002, Exhibition: The Physical Fitness of
Cities: Vision and Ethics in City Building, Salt Lake City, UT.
Website: http://www.fitcities.org/
February 10-13, 2002, National Leadership Conference: Healthy Kids,
Healthy Communities: Integrating Health and Education, Washington, DC.
Info: Professional and Scientific Associates, voice: (404) 633-6869,
fax: (404) 633-6477
Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/conference/current/index.htm
February 27 - March 1, 2002, 16th National Conference on Chronic
Disease Prevention and Control: Cultivating Healthier Communities,
through research, policy and practice, Atlanta, GA. Info:
Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/conference/current/index.htm
September 3-6, 2002, ProBike/Prowalk 02, the 12th Inter- national
Symposium on Bicycling and Walking, St. Paul, MN.
website: http://www.bikewalk.org
BikeWalk Virginia, a recently created 501(c)(3), seeks part time staffer
to carry out its programs to encourage biking and walking in Virginia.
This is an exciting opportunity for a person with vision and energy to
shape this young organization. The executive director is responsible for
carrying out day-to-day activities; tasks include fundraising, writing
grants, establishing and operating a membership program, implementing
education programs, administrative and financial duties, and
coordinating annual conference. Limited short-term salary available.
Long-term pay and benefits are subject to the executive director's
ability to secure funding. For more information, contact:
Policy analyst sought to research, write, and promote policy reports on
disease prevention and health issues. Must have excellent skills in
project management and oral/written communications. Require at least 2
years of experience in policy analysis: conducting substantive
research, critically analyzing research, and creating policy
recommendations. Prefer advanced degree. Application Deadline: August
24, 2001. For details, see:
The Knoxville Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission is soliciting
qualifications to prepare a Development Concept and Transportation
Management Plan for Cades Cove, located in the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. The Plan will incorporate natural and cultural resources,
existing Park facilities, visitation trends, and public involvement in
developing strategies to improve the visitor's experience in and around
Cades Cove. RFQ guidelines are available online at http://www.knoxtrans.org" .
Qualifications are September 14, 2001. Inquiries should be directed to
Doug Burton or Kelley Segars at Knoxville Knox County MPC, 400 Main
Street, Suite 403, Knoxville, TN 37902, (865) 215-2500.
The San Jose (CA) Transportation Planning Division of the Department
of Transportation is seeking a dynamic and energetic individual to lead
and coordinate the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs. Education:
Bachelor's degree in transportation planning, city and regional
planning, urban studies, civil engineering or closely related field.
Experience: 3 years of increasingly responsible experience in project
or program management. For more information, contact SooBin Shin,
Transportation Department - City of San Jose,1404 Mabury Road, San
Jose, CA. 95133. Voice: (408) 277-2537; fax: (408) 277-3621; E-mail:
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The Witness for the Prosecution
By Agatha Christie (1925)
Originally published as "Traitor Hands" in Flynn's Weekly, edition of 31 January 1925. In 1933, the story was published for the first time as "Witness for the Prosecution" in the collection The Hound of Death that appeared only in the United Kingdom.
In 1948, it was finally published in the United States in the collection The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories.
1957 Film version
Adapted for TV and broadcast on BBC One over Christmas 2016. The two-part program was adapted by Sarah Phelps and directed by Julian Jarrold. Broadcast on NZ TV November 2017.
This is one of the best Agatha Christie productions. Not only does the story keep you guessing to the ens, but it adds drama by making WW1 a central theme.
- Toby Jones as John Mayhew
- Andrea Riseborough as Romaine Heilger
- Kim Cattrall as Emily French
- David Haig as Sir Charles Carter
- Billy Howle as Leonard Vole
- Monica Dolan as Janet McIntyre

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Love Story of Serena & Darien
Below is my little story of how I THINK Serena & Darien's love life has been.....If I have any wrong facts or it may be way too off! Please
*email me*
and let me know and I will try my best to fix it!! k???? Enjoy!!!!!
Long ago....
Long ago, a 1000 years or so....There lived Neo-Queen Serenity, whom she gave birth to our Princess Serenity/Serena/Sailor Moon. Princess Serenity fell madly in love
with the Earth's Prince, Prince Edymion/Darien/Tuxedo Mask. This is how everything began between them......
The Past...
When our Princess Serenity and Prince Edymion fell in love...they were not really to see one another, but their love forced them into seeing them....which caused trouble! People on the Earth wanted to destroy the Moon and everyone who lived on it!!
How did this all start??? Queen Beryl...of the Underworld....before the battle began...Princess Serenity gave her star locket to Prince Edymion for she wanted to remember him always!!! Finally, the battle began and Prince Edymion faught on the moon's side to protect his love. However, in the end, both, the Prince and Princess tragically died! However, the Queen was able to beat the enemy and bring the people of the moon back to life in the new future Earth! Including, the Prince and Princess!
The prince and princess come back to life, however, they don't even know who they really are and who they are from! However, all this began when Luna found Serena and told her almost everything ... from then on, nothing would be the same! Serena ended up turning into Sailor Moon, who was actually Princess Serenity! Finding Tuxedo Mask on the way, she was thinking he was a major hunk...and soon they fell in love with one another! Together, they found all 5 scouts and went on beating the enemy!
Present I...
In this one, Serena and Darien hit some rough spots, for Darien has a dream that if he didn't leave her...she would die. In the end, they broke up leaving Serena with a broken heart. However, she never gave up on trying to get him back. Then one night, she has the same dream that Darien had...and not being afraid of telling him, she told him the dream that she had. Darien amazed tells her the same thing and soon they think nothing of it and get back together.
Present II...
Here...Chibi Moon/Rini...arrives! Where Serena, somewhat jealous, thinks that Rini has ruined Darien and her's relationship! However, they find out that Rini is from the 30th century and that she is Darien and Serena's future child!! Weird ... huh? hehe...anyway, Luna and Artemis....also find out that they have a child of their own too! Diana....Rini's little kitty!!! This is when Serena has to fight evil to save her future self and to save the Moon kingdom from being destroyed by the Black Moon!!!!!!
Present III...
How could anything change their love??? Who could take it away! No one...that's who! In the end, Serena and Darien go on being boyfriend and girlfriend....they love one another as any other boyfriend and girlfriend should! However, the rest is just a mystery!! Who knows what may happen to them! We will only have to wait and see!! =)
In the end, they might marriage...but who knows!?? The world may never know!! However, I wonder what might bring this such news!? Dont ya think too!?
Well there ya have it! My little story of what I THINK the Serena and Darien love life went!! Sooo...what do you think of it???? Hmmmm??? Is it bad??? Oh I hope not!! Also, if you want to view some of the Rings of Darien and Serena's love--->
Well, I hope you had a great time reading.....hehe.....
You May Now Return:
This is "The Moon Locket Song"


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Marie Osmond is an hot American actress, singer, former model and doll designer who was born on 13 October 1959 in Ogden, Utah, United States to George Virl Osmond who died in 2007 and Olive May who died in 2004. Marie Osmond done her primary studies from famous Ogden High School situated in Illinois and then decided to complete her graduation in acting from an college near her home. Marie Osmond begin her career as a singer her first single track was Paper Roses that released in 1973. Later she announced her second song called In My Little Cornor of the World. She then decided to try her luck in movies and first got signed in a animated film named Hugo the Hippo in 1975. Her second role came with an tv show Donny & Marie in 1976, she performed very well in this show. She then appeared in many big movies and tv shows that helped her to become an leading hot actress in entire industry.
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Marie Osmond Hot Bikini Photos, Sexy Kissing Videos & Images, topless wallpapers, leaked near-nude wallpapers, showing hot legs, movies, biography, Marie Osmond Hot boobs, measurements.


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Case Studies
Collection of case studies on Energy Efficiency to various sectors.
- Read more about Case Studies
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Collection of case studies on Energy Efficiency to various sectors.
Publication / ReportThe industrial sector accounts for about one-third of total GHG emissions in the United States. Industrial energy efficiency in the US has improved substantially over the past 30 years; however, there are still significant opportunities for energy savings.
Publication / ReportIf energy efficiency is such a good solution for skyrocketing GHG emissions and rising costs, why is it not being widely adopted by industry?
Publication / ReportPresentation from the forum 'Sustaining Industrial Energy Efficiency in Process Cooling in a Potentially Water-Short Future' on June 19 2013.
Publication / ReportThis webinar looks at the Chinese government's plan for facilitating financing for industrial energy efficiency, and explores how the Chinese financial system is evolving to meet those requirements, with the resulting innovations seemingly destined to become global best practices.
Publication / ReportWebinar presentation from 30 July 2013 - The Clean Energy Solutions Center, in partnership with the Institute for Industrial Productivity (IIP), offered this webinar on the Chinese government's plan for facilitating financing for industrial energy efficiency and how the Chinese financial system is e
Publication / ReportIndustrial energy efficiency lending provides an opportunity for banks to significantly increase revenues from their existing customer base, while improving those customers' profitability and competitiveness.
Publication / ReportJulia Reinaud, IIP's Policy and Programs Director, delivered a keynote speech on international energy efficiency policy at the Energy Efficiency Council's annual conference on 3-4 December 2013.
Publication / ReportThis case study looks at how the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) integrated energy efficiency considerations into its standard industrial lending practices.
Publication / ReportThis report, prepared by IIP and published by the U.S. SEE Action Network, lays a compelling case for industry participation in state-wide industrial energy efficiency (IEE) programs in the United States.


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Gary Paige tells jurors federal oversight and settlements should not mitigate against imposing punitive damages for Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds' role in the lung cancer death of Patricia Ledoux.
Miami—Jurors awarded $35 million to the widower of an airline worker after finding the nation's two largest cigarette manufacturers responsible for her fatal lung cancer. Ledoux v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., 07-CA-43991.
The award includes $10 million in compensatory damages issued last Friday and Tuesday's $25 million punitive award, divided equally against R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris USA, makers of the cigarettes Patricia Ledoux smoked for more than 40 years.
Ledoux, a long-time airline industry employee, allegedly began smoking at 14, and continued to smoke up to two packs of cigarettes a day until her 1995 death from lung cancer. Her husband, Roland Ledoux, claims Reynolds and Philip Morris hid the dangers and addictiveness of smoking for decades, fueling Ledoux's nicotine addiction and eventually causing her cancer.
The Ledoux case is one of thousands of similar Florida suits against the nation's tobacco companies. The cases stem from Engle v. Liggett Group, a 1994 class action claim involving Florida smokers. A jury in that case found tobacco companies knowingly produced dangerous, addictive cigarettes and hid those dangers from the public. The Florida Supreme Court subsequently decertified the class on appeal, but its holding allows individual plaintiffs to rely on the jury's conclusions in the original trial if they can prove the smokers at the center of their cases suffered a smoking-related disease caused by a cigarette addiction. Plaintiffs such as Roland Ledoux are also eligible to recover punitive damages if they prove class membership and a link between the smoker's disease and tobacco conspiracy or concealment.
Attorneys Spar Over Addiction, Responsibility
Much of the two-phase, 13-day trial focused on why Ledoux smoked and the cigarette makers' role, if any, in her smoking decisions.
The defense maintained Ledoux smoked by choice rather than because of addiction, and contended she did not make a serious effort to quit smoking. During Friday's closing arguments in the trial's first phase, Arnold & Porter's Jonathan Stern, representing Philip Morris, told jurors Ledoux continued to smoke while throughout her claimed attempts to quit. "Mr. Ledoux himself told you that there were times when Ms. Ledoux would talk about efforts to quit or cut down on smoking, and he thought she was telling a fib," Stern said. "It doesn't count as a meaningful attempt to quit if you keep smoking."
By contrast, Stern noted Ledoux overcame what he described as Valium "abuse" in the 1980s after a stay at a rehab clinic. "That's the evidence that proves to you, that when Ms. Ledoux was motivated, she was able to beat even prescription drug abuse," Stern said. "We know that she succeeded. We know that when she came out she never had a problem with Valium again."
However, Roland Ledoux's attorney, Gordon & Doner's Gary Paige, told jurors Ledoux's alleged Valium "overuse" supported a theory that Ledoux was genetically predisposed to addiction. Paige reminded jurors of evidence the tobacco industry believed some smokers to be genetically more likely to become addicted to nicotine. "Some of the internal (tobacco company) documents talk about how some people are hereditarily predisposed to nicotine addiction over others," said Paige. "That's what their own documents say."
Paige argued evidence proved Ledoux was considered "heavily addicted" to cigarettes under a variety of tests, which considered her daily smoking behavior. "Does that make sense, that somebody who is heavily addicted, who has the highest score under the Fagerstrom Test (for Nicotine Dependence), is not addicted to nicotine? That's what (the defense wants) you to believe," Paige said.
Paige claimed Ledoux's nicotine addiction was driven by a decades-long conspiracy to hide the dangers of smoking and a campaign of "misinformation," such as allegedly false claims that the filtered cigarettes she smoked for years were safer than unfiltered cigarettes. "Do you think Patricia Ledoux, back in the '60s and '70s, would have liked to have known that the filters didn't work? Do you think she's entitled to know that, that the smokers should know that, that the filters don't work, and (the tobacco companies) know they don't work?"
But the defense unsuccessfully argued the concealment and conspiracy claims were built on generic evidence with no proof of whether they influenced Ledoux's smoking decisions. Noting jurors knew "zero" about Ledoux's smoking behavior when the trial began, King & Spalding's Ursula Henninger, representing R.J. Reynolds, said "We've sat here now, listened to the evidence. The plaintiff brought you evidence, and what do you know about her smoking decisions, sitting in those chairs today? It's still zero."
The Punitive Phase: Should Wholesale Industry Changes Reduce Punishment?
The jury's conclusion Friday that punitive damages were warranted set up a battle in the trial's second phase over whether industry-wide changes mitigated against imposing a large punitive award.
During Tuesday's closing arguments, Stern noted the tobacco industry was now more transparent and tightly regulated than ever. Stern reminded jurors the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, now exercised strict oversight of the industry. "The FDA now controls . . . what goes into a cigarette, what comes out of a cigarette, and what can be said about cigarettes," Stern said.
Stern also detailed a 1998 "Master Settlement Agreement," or MSA, between the tobacco companies and state governments nationwide, which heavily curtailed tobacco advertising and required annual payouts to each state. "Those payouts have to be made in perpetuity. Forever. Or at least for as long as (the tobacco company) is in the cigarette business," Stern said of the payouts, which have run into the billions of dollars.
Paige countered that the decades-long conspiracy to hide the dangers of smoking was merely a "holding strategy," and subsequent tobacco industry regulation and payouts were forced on the companies. "Why are they bringing you evidence of the MSA and the FDA? Because they want you to believe that that's mitigating evidence, that they should get some credit for it," Paige said. "But how can they get credit for it when it was forced upon them after their holding strategy finally expired?"
The jury's $35 million award equaled what Paige requested during the trial. It's the second highest award among 34 CVN-covered Engle progeny trials this year.
Email Arlin Crisco at email@example.com.
Related Information
Roland Ledoux is represented by The Trop Law Group's Adam Trop and Gordon & Doner P.A.'s Gary Paige.
Arnold & Porter's Jonathan Stern represents Philip Morris.
King & Spalding's Ursula Henninger represents R.J. Reynolds.
Watch Ledoux v. R.J. Reynolds, et al. on demand.
Not a subscriber?
Learn more about CVN's unrivaled tobacco litigation library.


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'Established fact': North Korea says nuclear war on Korean Peninsula inevitable
Pyongyang says outbreak of war inevitable.
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'Established fact': North Korea says nuclear war on Korean Peninsula inevitable
North Korea says a nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula has become a matter of when, not if, as it continued to lash out at a massive joint military exercise between the United States and South Korean involving hundreds of advanced warplanes. Time
A nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula is inevitable because of threatening military drills by South Korea and the United States, North Korea's foreign ministry said in comments carried by the official Korean Central News Agency late Wednesday.
The foreign ministry said the military exercises involving hundreds of South Korean and U.S warplanes made the outbreak of war an "established fact." It also blamed high-ranking U.S. officials, including CIA Director Mike Pompeo, for "bellicose remarks."
Pompeo said Saturday that U.S. intelligence agencies believe North Korean leader Kim Jong Un doesn't have a good idea about how tenuous his situation is domestically and internationally as he pushes ahead with North Kore's nuclear weapons program.
"We do not wish for a war but shall not hide from it, and should the U.S. miscalculate our patience and light the fuse for a nuclear war, we will surely make the U.S. dearly pay the consequences with our mighty nuclear force which we have consistently strengthened," North Korea, which regularly threatens the U.S. and its allies, said.
The comments were consistent with the tone of Pyongyang's previous confrontational remarks and statements condemning Washington and Seoul.
The U.S. Air Force arrived in South Korea Saturday and plans to participate in a joint aerial drill this week in South Korea. The drill is known as "Vigilant Ace" and it comes just a week after North Korea launched its most destructive ballistic missile. For more on the story here is Zachary Devita. Buzz60
South Korea's military said the drills — a Guam-based bomber simulated land strikes at a field near South Korea's eastern coast — "displayed the allies' strong intent and ability to punish North Korea when threatened by nuclear weapons and missiles."
Flyovers have become an increasingly familiar show of force to North Korea, which after three intercontinental ballistic missile tests and six nuclear tests has moved closer toward building a nuclear arsenal that could viably target the U.S. mainland.
More: After North Korea missile test, what's next?
More: Trump on North Korea: 'We will take care of it'
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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa (Oct. 26) -– Moody's Investors Service has downgraded Penn State's long-term rating of Aa1 to Aa2 with a stable outlook, after a 90-day review of the University's financial situation and an assessment of the ongoing uncertainty related to possible legal challenges.
However, in its report released today, Moody's indicated that Penn State's research, fund-raising and enrollments remain strong. "We expect that Penn State will remain a leading U.S. public university with favorable student demand, positive operating performance, high donor support and a strong research position," the report read.
"This action will have no impact on tuition, and fortunately, due to historically low interest rates and no anticipated borrowing in the near future, will have a negligible financial impact," said David Gray, senior vice president for Finance and Business/Treasurer.
University officials said they take Moody's action seriously, but were not surprised by it in light of the current economic climate and the multiple challenges facing the institution from the child molestation scandal involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.
Moody's noted that Penn State's "substantial reforms reflecting best practices are now under way …" with respect to governance and leadership issues, but the credit rating firm also acknowledged there are still more changes looming – including the replacement of its provost, for which a search is currently under way, and its president. The presidential search is expected to launch in November.
In its report, Moody's said the primary driver for the downgrade is the uncertainty of the financial impact on the University from the ultimate cost of future settlements and possible judgments stemming from sexual abuse claims made by Sandusky's victims. Moody's added that the stable outlook reflects expectations that the University will ultimately resolve victims' claims and that it will continue its work to implement substantial governance reforms.
Penn State has been on Moody's "watchlist" since July 24. Today's report also points to the remainder of the 119 recommendations found in the Freeh Report that still need to be implemented. The report's recommendations, issued by former FBI director and independent investigator Louis Freeh, were designed to strengthen policies and performance in areas such as safety and governance. Penn State officials recently announced that one-third of the recommendations had already been implemented.
Moody's report also cited enrollment and tuition pricing challenges related to an ongoing demographic decline in the number of high school graduates in Pennsylvania, and substantial and growing costs stemming from retiree health care benefits and rising pension payments.
In addition, the Moody's report examined the University's strengths, including:
-- The "major multi-faceted role" played in the state by Penn State as Pennsylvania's flagship public and land grant university with more than 84,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) students and $700 to $800 million in research grants annually;
-- Its favorable location near major east coast population centers;
-- Penn State's agricultural research services, which affect nearly every county in the state and are widely recognized outside of Pennsylvania as well;
-- The Board of Trustees' commitment to act quickly to resolve abuse claims and outstanding litigation. In addition, the board also has taken quick action to implement best practice reforms recommended by the Freeh report;
-- Consistently favorable operating performance and cash flow generation;
-- Substantial liquidity of funds;
-- Low reliance on state funding; and
-- Continued fundraising success.
Penn State's new rating of Aa2 is the third-highest category of Moody's 21 possible ratings and places the University in the same category as 44 other public U.S. institutions.
Moody's announcement follows on the heels of a revised credit outlook released Oct. 17 by Standard & Poor's. In its report, S&P reaffirmed the University's underlying AA rating but revised the outlook from stable to negative. S&P's report cited potential financial liability tied to Sandusky as a reason for the change.
"Penn State's credit rating through S&P remains AA, its third-highest investment grade," Gray said. "Our current credit metrics remain consistent within every category and we remain among the top 40 public-rated institutions in the country."
In terms of the S&P outlook, the University now maintains the same rating as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. S&P also noted the University's strong performance track record. The Aa2 rating from Moody's is also the same for the Commonwealth.
"For both agencies, uncertainty of any settlements and outcomes was the primary consideration," Gray said. "I am confident that our underlying financial status suggests that we will remain among the top universities in creditworthiness."


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By Nancy Berman
Spring has sprung, and not a moment too soon! We tough Canucks have survived yet another brutal polar vortex, making the arrival of spring that much more exciting. It's high time to ditch the winter jackets, chuck the winter boots, dig out your shorts and flip-flops, crank the music and celebrate!
No one is immune to the charms of spring, and year after year composers have managed to capture the glory of the world renewing itself, the blossoming potential of new life and new love, and the overwhelming powers of nature.
And so, without further ado, a playlist that pays homage to Canadians' favourite season.
1. Anonymous, 'Sumer is icumen in'
Cuckoos singing, seeds growing, bullocks prancing and goats farting: what's not to love? In this anonymous 13th-century round, the composer turns a sacred Easter chant into a celebration of new life.
2. Guillaume de Machaut, 'Rose, liz, printemps, verdure'
Modern minstrels: take a page from Machaut's playbook. He obviously knew how to woo the ladies with this lovely 14th-century rondeau, in which he tells his beloved that her beauty and sweetness surpass rose, lily, springtime, greenery, flower, balm and the sweetest perfume.
3. Josquin des Prés, 'El grillo'
Josquin composed this charming ode to the cricket's song in the early 16th century, defending the humble insect for its ability to sing incessantly, to remain where it is — unlike those flighty birds who sing then leave — and, when temperatures are highest, to sing only for love.
4. Antonio Vivaldi, 'Spring,' from The Four Seasons
No playlist for spring would be complete without this baroque classic. An early example of program music, Vivaldi's concerto illustrates a sonnet, believed to be written by Vivaldi himself. In the first movement we hear the obligatory birds and streams and breezes, as well as a passing thunderstorm; in the second movement we meet a sleeping goatherd and his dog; in the third movement, nymphs and shepherds dance to rustic bagpipe music.
5. Haydn, 'Spring,' from The Seasons
The overture to "Spring," from Haydn's oratorio The Seasons, sounds uncannily like Montreal in March, as winter reluctantly cedes way to spring. And when the chorus intones, "Come, gentle spring, ethereal mildness, come! Out of her wintry grave bid drowsy nature rise," surely everyone north of the 49th parallel can relate.
6. Beethoven, Violin Sonata No. 5
Published the same year as Haydn's "Spring," Beethoven's so-called "Spring" sonata for violin and piano is a different creature entirely. Here we hear Beethoven in a joyous mood, hopeful and optimistic, flawlessly evocative of spring's promise.
7. Schumann, 'Im wunderschönen Monat Mai'
Schumann's "Im wunderschönen Monat Mai" ("In the Wonderful Month of May"), from his song cycle Dichterliebe, orA Poet's Love, speaks of all things spring-like: flower buds bursting, love arising, birds singing, a confession of yearning. But the music, with its hints of ambivalence, of nostalgia and tender melancholy, tells another story altogether.
8. Mendelssohn, 'Spring Song'
Mendelssohn believed that music could communicate more powerfully than words, and his many Songs Without Wordsprove his point. His famous "Spring Song," Opus 62, No. 6, aptly conveys the pleasant ease of life without parkas, slush and windchill factors.
9. Gustav Mahler: 'Ging heut morgen übers Feld' ('I Walked Across the Field This Morning')
Mahler's early song cycle Songs of a Wayfarer tells a story of heartbreak and loss, inspired by an affair he had with an opera singer. But in the first song, before things get dramatic, our protagonist takes a stroll across the fields, thrilled with the dew on the grass, the birds who wish him good morning, the flowers glittering in the sunshine. As was often the case for the romantics, however, all of the glory of nature in bloom serves only to offset impending doom: the song ends with the words, "Now will my happiness also begin? No, no, the happiness I want can never bloom!" Poor Mahler.
10. Richard Strauss, 'Frühling'
Strauss wrote an ode to spring as one of his Four Last Songs, the last works he wrote before his death in 1949. Rich, lush, resplendent, transcendent: Strauss paints a vivid musical picture of love in spring, all the more overwhelming for having been dreamt of for so long in shadowy crypts. "All my limbs tremble at your blessed presence!" Indeed.
11. Sergei Rachmaninoff, 'Spring Waters'
There's nothing like the sound of running water after the winter deep freeze — as long as it's not coming from burst pipes in your basement. Rachmaninoff celebrates the gurgling streams that announce spring's arrival in this luscious song.
12. Ralph Vaughan Williams, The Lark Ascending
Inspired by the swoops and swirls of the lark, as described at great, detailed and metaphorical length by the English poet George Meredith, Vaughan Williams's orchestral work will instill hope and anticipation in anyone craving a lazy afternoon spent lying in a pleasant breeze watching birds fly arabesques in the sky.
13. Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring
Not your usual romantic dalliance with flowers and birds and babbling brooks, Stravinsky's great ballet music of 1913 nevertheless resonates with northern dwellers, many of whom would be willing to enact their own pagan ritual to ensure the return of spring. Primitive, raw and, in the end, terribly brutal,The Rite of Spring unveils the unstoppable forces of nature at their most powerful.


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Book Release: SF Tape Music Center
A couple of nights ago I attended the release party for the new book on the San Francisco Tape Music Center, edited by David Bernstein. There was a fantastic panel including Morton Subotnick, Ramon Sender, Bill Maginnis, Don Buchla, and David Bernstein, and the event was incredibly well attended. So well in fact, that the venue reached capacity and they had to kick many people out on threats of shutting down the event. That left many of us outside peering in through the windows.
I picked up the book and although I haven't had time to go through it completely, it looks fantastic. If David Bernstein's previous writing is any indication, this is a must have for anyone who wants a full picture of American electronic music history. It contains interviews with the entire core group of the TMC, including Don Buchla, who doesn't like interviews very much. The book is accompanied by a DVD with recordings of compositions originating at the Tape Music Center, along with visuals by Tony Martin.
Speaking of Don, he had a hard time getting in too…you can see his head near the wall, mysteriously surrounded by a glowing halo…
One of the nice things on display at the event was the Tape Music Center's Buchla Box, the first (? at least large scale) Buchla modular synthesizer. It normally lives at Mills College in Oakland, CA.
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Saturday, October 31, 2015
'Ash vs Evil Dead' Review
Does the world need another Evil Dead iteration? Oh, probably not, but Bruce Campbell remains a lovably oafish Ash in Ash vs Evil Dead, the new Starz series that debuts tonight, appropriately, on Halloween. I've enjoyed what I've seen so far, as I explain in my review for The Wrap.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 11:05 AM
Labels: the wrap, tv reviews
Friday, October 30, 2015
The Smiths - "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before"
The major advantage of not growing up a big Smiths fan is that now as an adult I can enjoy them without any residual guilt about holding on to my angst-filled youth. To me, they're just pretty pop songwriters who tend toward the mopey. Their misery is their problem -- I'll just enjoy the tunes.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
In Defense of 'Love'
3D sex dramas don't come around too often. The latest from writer-director Gaspar Noe, Love isn't quite as wondrous as Enter the Void, but I think it deserves better than the raspberries it's received since Cannes. The movie opens tomorrow -- I defend it today over at Deadspin.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 5:26 PM
Labels: deadspin, gaspar noe, movie reviews
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Yeah, You Can Skip 'Our Brand Is Crisis'
I find Our Brand Is Crisis to be the sort of cynical political satire that does almost nothing for me. I have a feeling that general audiences are going to feel the same way: The movie seems to have almost no buzz around it. I examine the corpse over at Deadspin.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 6:30 PM
Labels: deadspin, movie reviews, sandra bullock
What's the Greatest Horror Movie Sequel?
I had no control over the rankings, but I contributed to Rolling Stone's list of the best horror movie sequels. Read them ... if you dare. (It's just a list. Really, there's nothing scary about it.)
Posted by Tim Grierson at 5:08 PM
Labels: horror movies, list mania, paranormal activity, rolling stone
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
What Non-Horror Movies Scare You the Most?
For this week's Criticwire survey, we were asked to name the movie that scares us the most -- that isn't a horror movie. I'm down with all the people that picked Safe, but I decided to cheat and name a music video from my youth that still gives me the willies. Read the whole survey here.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 11:08 AM
Labels: critics, essays, phil collins
Friday, October 23, 2015
'Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension' Review
That's it, gang: The Paranormal Activity series draws to a close with The Ghost Dimension. Most people, I imagine, are more than happy to see these found-footage horror movies go away. Me, I've always had a soft spot for them. Which probably explains why my review of the final chapter is as much as a tribute to the whole series as it is a discussion of what does (and what doesn't) work in this sequel. You can read all about it over at Screen International.
My Morning Jacket - "Compound Fracture"
I feel pretty confident this waterfall starts to do all types of trippy things if you're on certain substances.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
'Burnt' Review
It was named Adam Jones and Chef at different times. Now, though, it's called Burnt, which only makes me think of 30 Rock. Bradley Cooper is perfectly fine as a disgraced superstar chef looking for redemption, but this movie never stops feeling aggressively movie-ish in the worst ways. I reviewed Burnt for Screen International.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 9:26 AM
Labels: bradley cooper, movie reviews, screen international
My Interview With Bob Gale About 'Back to the Future Part II'
Today is the day that Marty and Doc Brown arrive in "the future" in Back to the Future Part II. The media is all over that fact, and for Popular Mechanics I spoke with writer-producer Bob Gale to talk about how 2015 ended up looking. I was also really interested in getting his thoughts about how Part II sorta envisioned the future of Hollywood franchises. Our whole chat can be read here.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 8:10 AM
Labels: interviews, popular mechanics, sci-fi
'Rock the Kasbah' Review
Sometimes, I'm aware that I'm not as awed by Bill Murray as others are. I think he can be a great actor, but I also think that the culture at large kinda gives him a pass on everything, simply because "Hey, it's Bill." Rock the Kasbah may change that for some people: It's a terrible comedy about a music manager trying to jump-start his stalled career in Afghanistan. Did I mention it's terrible? My review is up at Screen International.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 7:10 AM
Labels: bill murray, movie reviews, screen international
Friday, October 16, 2015
My Interview with James Vanderbilt for 'Truth'
In select theaters today, Truth opens. It tells the story of how 60 Minutes II tried to break the George W. Bush/Texas Air National Guard story back in 2004 -- and how it all went pear-shaped. Starring Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford as, respectively, Mary Mapes and Robert Redford, Truth got very mixed reviews out of Toronto, but I appreciated much of what writer-director James Vanderbilt was trying to do here. Much like his script for Zodiac, Truth is about subverting audience expectations and leaving things unresolved, open to interpretation. So, for Biography, I sat down with the guy to talk about all this. Hope you enjoy.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 8:16 AM
Labels: biography, cate blanchett, interviews, robert redford
Drake - "Hotline Bling"
It's been a very good year for Drake. Guesting on "Truffle Butter" and "Blessings," having hits on his own with "Back to Back" and "Energy" ... hey, and the Toronto Blue Jays are in the ALCS. Here's a little "Hotline Bling" for you.
Labels: drake, friday video, hip-hop
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Survival, Motherhood and 'Room'
I went to see Room a second time in order to see how it played. I had reservations after catching it in Toronto, and some of them still remain, but on the whole this is a pretty darn affecting drama. A lot of it has to do with Brie Larson, who's great as the selfless, imploding mother. (The movie could almost be called The Mom Who Wasn't There.) My review is up at Deadspin.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 11:53 AM
Labels: brie larson, deadspin, movie reviews, room
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
SAG Foundation: My Conversation With Elizabeth Banks and Paul Dano
Over the weekend, I chatted with two of the stars of Love & Mercy, discussing Brian Wilson, playing real people and why actors don't have master plans. I was happy to have the opportunity to tell Elizabeth Banks how good she was in W. And I hope Paul Dano didn't mind the joke I cracked at his expense.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 3:34 PM
Labels: biopics, elizabeth banks, interviews, love and mercy, paul dano, sag foundation
'Beasts of No Nation' Review
Most of the time while watching Beasts of No Nation, I was struck by the same thought: "Gee, I sure wish I was enjoying this more." Gripping, thoughtful, meaningful, this tale of war in West Africa waged by child soldiers can't fully escape a certain familiarity. Is it good? Yes. Is it terrific? Not quite. I reviewed the film for Deadspin.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 2:30 PM
Labels: deadspin, movie reviews
'Crimson Peak' Review
Never the biggest Guillermo del Toro fan, I report with delight that I enjoyed his latest, the Gothic horror throwback Crimson Peak. It's very much an homage to bygone horror flicks, and I found it quite pleasing in the regard. You can read my review over at Screen International.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 1:14 PM
'Experimenter' Review
I had been hearing good things about Experimenter since Sundance, but I wasn't quite prepared for how moving and bracing I'd find the latest film from writer-director Michael Almereyda. It stars Peter Sarsgaard as Stanley Milgram, the man who conducted the obedience study in the early 1960s in which a subject would administer shocks to another person, upping the voltage each time, even though the second person (who was actually working with Milgram) would beg him to stop. This is a biopic done right: endlessly curious, intellectually stirring, wonderfully ambiguous. My glowing review is up at Paste.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 8:19 AM
Labels: biopics, movie reviews, paste
Friday, October 09, 2015
Let's Rank Danny Boyle's Movies
The first film review I ever wrote for my college paper was on Shallow Grave from some new director named Danny Boyle. Whatever happened to that guy? An Oscar, for one thing. In honor of today's release of Steve Jobs, Will Leitch and I rank the man's oeuvre from worst to best. We didn't have any disagreement about what should be No. 1. Here's the list.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 9:00 AM
Labels: danny boyle, deadspin, list mania
'Steve Jobs' Vs. Steve Jobs
For Biography, I examined Steve Jobs to see what its big takeaways are about Jobs himself. Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin took some creative license, of course -- all filmmakers do -- and so I thought it would be fun to dig into Jobs' life story to see how accurate certain moments from the film are. (To be clear, this is not one of those "What this biopic gets wrong" pieces: I just wanted to compare and contrast between the film and the man.) My piece is up now.
Labels: biography, biopics, danny boyle, essays, steve jobs
Dawes - "Things Happen"
With Jeb Bush's "stuff happens" comment in the news, I'm constantly thinking of "Things Happen," the lead single from the latest Dawes record, All Your Favorite Bands. Yes, the video is dippy, and some of the lyrics are kinda dumb. ("Like an honest signature on a fake ID"? Oof.) But the melody works like gangbusters, and the chorus gets at an essential truth: If you want to choose to be angry about everything, hey, that's on you.
Thursday, October 08, 2015
My Interview With the 'Victoria' Team
Over at Rolling Stone, I have an interview with Sebastian Schipper and Laia Costa, the director and star of Victoria, who had much to say about their nervy real-time thriller, how the movie reminds one of them of A Love Supreme and whether they'd ever do it again. (And, yeah, this photo of them from this year's Berlin Film Festival sums up their personalities pretty perfectly.) Hope you enjoy.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 3:34 PM
Labels: interviews, rolling stone, victoria
'Victoria' Review
One movie, one shot: That's the conceit behind Victoria, which tells its story in real time without cuts. Part love story, part thriller, it's an exciting, uneven, rewarding viewing experience. My review is up at Paste.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 7:51 AM
Labels: movie reviews, paste, victoria
Wednesday, October 07, 2015
'Steve Jobs' Review
What did I think of Steve Jobs? I think it's fairly consistently entertaining. I also think it's faintly ridiculous. But, mostly, really entertaining. I reviewed this unconventional biopic for Deadspin.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 5:37 PM
Labels: aaron sorkin, biopics, danny boyle, deadspin, kate winslet, michael fassbender, movie reviews, seth rogen, steve jobs
'Casual' Review
Over on Hulu, Jason Reitman is executive producing a new comedy, Casual, about adult siblings living together under one roof. (The sister also has a teen daughter.) That's a prescription for a pretty familiar sitcom, but Casual is often smarter and wiser than its premise might suggest. (Plus, the show ends up becoming an unexpected do-over for Reitman, who explored similar themes in his 2014 misfire, Men, Women & Children.) I reviewed Casual for The Wrap.
(No, they don't all live in a tub.)
Posted by Tim Grierson at 7:22 AM
Labels: jason reitman, the wrap, tv reviews
Monday, October 05, 2015
'Goosebumps' Review
I'm genuinely shocked how much people seem to enjoy Goosebumps, which I thought was mighty lame. (I guess I'm just being becoming a curmudgeon in my old age.) I reviewed the film for Screen International.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 1:50 PM
Labels: jack black, movie reviews, screen international
Friday, October 02, 2015
'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Martians, Tightrope Walkers and Malala
I was on KCRW today (alongside Miri Jedeikin) to talk about this weekend's releases: The Martian, The Walk, Freeheld and He Named Me Malala. You can hear the whole thing here.
Posted by Tim Grierson at 3:08 PM
Labels: announcements, madeleine brand, movie reviews, robert zemeckis
'Jafar Panahi's Taxi' Review
Jafar Panahi has been banned from making films by the Iranian government -- and he just keeps on making 'em, anyway. His latest, Jafar Panahi's Taxi, comes across as a documentary, but it's actually scripted, the director playing himself as he drives around Tehran in a cab picking up passengers. A simple concept, but a pretty rich execution. I reviewed the film for Paste.
Labels: jafar panahi, movie reviews, paste
Rhett Miller - "Come Around"
Are you ready for the most action-packed video of 2002? Here's my favorite song off The Instigator, the second solo album from Old 97's frontman Rhett Miller. If this track speaks to you, seek medical attention immediately.
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text:
- Ornate Weapon
- Item Level 1
- This Item Begins a Quest
- Requires level 15
- "This weapon seems as beautiful as it is deadly. Someone at the Darkmoon Faire would probably be interested in acquiring it."
The Ornate Weapon has a chance to drop from the bosses in (level-appropriate) dungeons. Players are required to have the [Darkmoon Adventurer's Guide] in their inventory.
Objective ofEdit
- [15] A Wondrous Weapon
Players may only turn in this item once per month.
Patch changesEdit
- Patch 4.3.0 (29-Nov-2011): Added.


text:
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CLASSROOM TEACHERS — Let YOUR voice be heard!Please select the "BE HEARD!" menu tab, at the top of this blog, to see how your views be heard! You can send in a passage, either anonymously or fully attributed, that will be the heart of a blog post -- as I try to let teacher voices about the real problems with education be heard nationwide!
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Progress! Another book by a teacher who gets it!
(A guest post by Caroline Lewis follows this introduction) I just had the chance to be encouraged by seeing another excellent book written about education from a teacher who "gets it." It was a very pleasant surprise. You see, I … Continue reading
Posted in Common core, Education, Education reform, High schools, Public Education, Teachers Tagged common core, D.A. Russell, Education problems, Education reform 3 Comments


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Welcome to the Seedstars Summit
84% of the world's population is located in emerging markets and 59% of global GDP comes from these markets. Figures and statistics confirm it, emerging markets are the future. Did you know that by 2025 annual consumption in emerging markets will reach $30trn? And that two-thirds of the global growth is coming from emerging markets?
What does this all mean?
Join us for the Seedstars Summit on April 12th and watch 65+ startups from the fast growing startup hubs around the world compete for equity investment of up to $1,000,000! Not only will you meet the best entrepreneurs from 75+ countries, you will also connect with investors, government officials, corporate innovators and CEOs from Africa, Asia, LATAM, CEE and the MENA regions.
Get ready for breakout sessions, panel discussions and specialized workshops on fintech, edtech, digital health, agritech, IoT, hardware, social networking, clean tech - and much more.
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"A window into disruption in emerging markets"
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Protégez l'architecture de confiance au fil de son évolutionEn Savoir Plus
Venafi conducted a survey on the security of election infrastructure in Germany. The study included responses from 305 security stakeholders who are responsible for encryption in German organizations.
"German security professionals uniquely understand the risks to free and accurate elections. Last year, it was shown that German election infrastructure software could be easily hacked – leading to the possibility of tampered tabulation and transmission of results. Adversaries want to raise doubts about our democracies, thus they are concentrating on voting tabulations to raise doubts about our elections."
--- Kevin Bocek, chief cyber security strategist for Venafi
Demographic Breakdown
"It's no surprise to see nearly all German security professionals agree that voting infrastructure is under attack. Ultimately, the back-end systems that transmit, aggregate, tabulate, validate and store election data are as vulnerable to cyber attacks as voting machines."
--- Kevin Bocek, chief cyber security strategist for Venafi
Additional resources:
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