text:
Pop Quiz!
Who said this?
"I don't know where bin Laden is. I have no idea and really don't care. It's not that important. It's not our priority."
Or this?
"I don't know where he is. I'll repeat what I said. I truly am not that concerned about him."
Or this?
"Deep in my heart I know the man's on the run, if he's alive at all...I just don't spend much time on it, really, to be honest with you."
And who disbanded the CIA unit dedicated to finding bin Laden?
Hint: It wasn't Bill Clinton.
Even by dysfunctional family reunion standards, last week's UN Summit was a blowout. There were the Presidents of Iran and the United States avoiding each other like estranged cousins, the President of Venezuela calling Bush the devil, and the Prime Minister of Thailand discovering he had been deposed back home.
The only reunion that could rival this for pyrotechnics was the one between Senator Allen and his mother, Etty Lumbroso, when she told him she was, in fact, Jewish. After the revelation, she cried, "Now you don't love me anymore"--and swore him to silence.
What could have been a powerful opportunity for Allen to bury the Macaca-inspired questions about his sensitivity was instead blown by his handling of the revelation. Specifically: his insistence that, quote, "I was raised as a Christian and my mother was raised as a Christian," even after he knew this wasn't the case; his (faux) outraged "making aspersions" response when asked by a TV reporter at a debate about his heritage, as if the reporter was Torquemada; and his awkward stereotypical quips: "I still had a ham sandwich for lunch. And my mother made great pork chops."
Now Allen faces accusations from three college football teammates that he was a racist, who was overly fond of the "N" word and placed a severed deer head in an African-American family's mailbox, supposedly inspired by the famous horse-head scene in the then just-released first Godfather movie.
The senator, who a few months ago was a shoo-in for reelection and a front runner for the Republican presidential nomination, is discovering with each misstep that the public just doesn't love him anymore. Maybe he should stick to silence.
Just as Senators McCain/Graham/Warner largely capitulated to Bush on torture, another group of dissident GOP Senators are bowing to the Administration on another critical national security issue: warrantless wiretapping.
Senators Larry Craig, John Sununu and Lisa Murkowski, who helped delay the reauthorization of the Patriot Act, yesterday struck a deal with the Administration. The agreement would alter Bush's powers ever so slightly, while allowing him to continue bypassing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) courts and conducting "massive warrantless surveillance of Americans," says Kate Martin, director of the Center for National Security Studies.
While the Senators dealt Bush another victory and the constitution another blow, a group of thirteen former high ranking national security officials, including past directors of the FBI and CIA, came out against the legislation.
"This legislation would return a complex subject to the murky waters from which FISA emerged," the letter states. "It leaves it to the President to decide when he has the authority to conduct warrantless surveillance of Americans or foreigners. Whether he has made the right determination will not be known unless and until it is challenged in court.
As individuals with extensive experience in national security and intelligence, we strongly urge that the requirements of FISA remain just that--requirements, not options."
Republicans have sunk to a new low in their campaign to retain control of the House and Senate in 2006. They've apparently decided to claim the image and stature of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as exclusively their own.
King biographer Taylor Branch and those who were close to the civil rights leader have long insisted that King was nonpartisan. But the Washington-based National Black Republican Association has begun airing a deeply offensive and historically inaccurate radio ad in Maryland that not only alleges that Democrats started the Klu Klux Klan and want to keep African Americans "poor while only voting Democrat," but also states unequivocally that Dr. King "was a Republican".
To his credit, Maryland Republican senatorial candidate Michael Steele, who happens to be African-American, has denounced the ad. But the fact that it was ever run in first place highlights a consistent problem the GOP seems to have with racial sensitivity. In Montana, embattled Republican Senator Conrad Burns has implied taxicab drivers are would be terrorists. When asked by an elderly rancher, "Conrad, how can you live back there [in Washington] with all those niggers?" Burns famously replied that it was "a hell of a challenge."
Virginia Senator George Allen's prejudices are becoming progressively more troubling. Beyond the infamous "Macaca" incident, there are now new allegations that Allen used racial epithets during the his youth to describe African Americans and once even conspired to put the severed head of a deer in the mailbox of a local black family. Allen, raised in Southern California, also appears to have romanticized some of the worst aspects of Southern history by fighting in favor of the Confederate flag and against establishing a Martin Luther King holiday.
Which brings us back to Dr. King. He would never have approved of using race to divide people. Anyone who's heard his speeches or read his works should know his life's work was to unite people of all races. It's both tragic and sad that partisan organizations like the National Black Republican Association would misrepresent him in the hopes of bolstering a candidate who's trailing in the polls.
A version of this was first posted at my blog at www.davidcorn.com....
I told readers of my regular blog that I would eventually get to Christopher Hitchens and his claims that Iraq had indeed sought uranium in Niger and that the Plame leak was not connected to a White House vendetta against Joe Wilson (and that I had promoted this "delusion.") Today's Slate contains a lengthy response from me that contends that Hitchens' Niger theorizing is contradicted by various facts he conveniently ignores. (These facts are covered at great length in the new book I wrote with Michael Isikoff, Hubris: the Inside Story of Spin, Scandal, and the Selling of the Iraq War.) The piece also reminds (or, attempts to remind) Hitchens of other facts he never references when he writes about the Plame case: namely, that Karl Rove and Scooter Libby were out to undermine Wilson and in doing so leaked classified information about his wife's CIA employment. If you're interested in the details, you can go to the piece. Here's the finale:
For more than two decades, I have seen Hitchens weave facts and assertions into stylistically brilliant copy as he attempts to intuit great truths. But when he comes to believe that he can outthink the facts, he ends up enwrapped in creative conspiratorial fantasies. This past February, I participated in a radio debate with him on whether the Bush administration had misguided the nation into war. Hitchens largely avoided the question at hand and instead argued the necessity of the invasion. When he did address the issue of the absent WMDs in Iraq, he took a strange turn. "Doesn't anything ever strike you as odd," he said, "about the figure of zero for [WMD] deposits found in Iraq?...Isn't it odd that none after all this? None? Doesn't that suggest a crime scene that has been pretty well dusted in advance, the fingerprints wiped? Well, it does to me." Read that quote carefully. It is revealing. Hitchens was saying that the fact that no weapons had been uncovered in Iraq (after nearly three years of searching) was evidence that there had been weapons. How can one argue with a person of such intellectual prowess that he can turn absence into presence by mere deduction?
On the Niger and Plame matters, his accounts rely on the same conceit: that his deductions, as Byzantine as they might be, trump the known facts. In this manner, Hitchens has become a full-fledged ally of the reality-defying advocates of the Iraq invasion. I sadly count that as another casualty of the war.
Hitchens, of course, replied--mainly be repeating his previous assertions, without addressing the inconvenient facts I presented. As might be expected, he offers a caricature of my original argument, claiming that I adhere to a "simple-minded presumption of Iraqi innocence" on the matter of its alleged pursuit of uranium in Niger. He did not read my response carefully enough. I did not state that Iraq was innocent because it claimed to be. I pointed out that the facts--those developed primarily by Charles Duelfer and his Iraq Survey Group (and recently endorsed by the Republican-controlled Senate intelligence committee)--contradict Hitchens' charges. He wisely avoids that reality and instead swings his scythe at a straw man of his own construction.
Hitchens also belittles the work of special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald. But here he again ducks a significant slice of reality, such as Libby's alleged lying to the FBI and the grand jury. Does Hitchens, a crusader for the (that is, his) truth, believe that government officials who lie to federal prosecutors deserve a pass?
As for the missing WMDs, Hitchens writes,
Corn seems to believe that the dictator who not only acquired and concealed them, but who actually used them, must be granted the benefit of the doubt.
Why does such a brilliant man have such a difficult time with a simple concept? I do not grant Saddam any benefit. Nor did Duelfer or David Kay, his predecessor as ISG chief. I merely cite the conclusions of their investigations. If these two men--who both supported the war and believed there were WMDs in Iraq--determined there were no unconventional weapons (or WMD programs) in Iraq after 1991, then Hitchens must bring more to the table than his presumptions. Accepting the findings of Duelfer and Kay (as even George W. Bush reluctantly did; though I'm not sure about Dick Cheney) is not a sign of softness on Saddam. By conflating the two, Hitchens is resorting to disingenuous wordplay. It is a rhetorical tactic he should not have to resort to--unless he is on the ropes.
All in all, Hitchens' reply was in keeping with the columns that prompted my article. He still believes his deduction and analysis can trump the facts. That places him in fine company, for it was just that sort of thinking that landed the United States in the mess in Iraq.
For information on Hubris: the Inside Story of Spin, Scandal, and the Selling of the Iraq War, click here.
Regular readers of this column will know that it maintains no great affection for former President Bill Clinton. A Democratic Leadership Council stalwart, Clinton got elected president by promising health care and education for all and then proceeded to give the country fiscal conservatism and a corporate-sponsored free trade agenda. His missteps handed control of Congress to Newt Gingrich and the radical right, rendering the Democratic party largely dysfunctional at the legislative level to this day.
But there has never been any doubt that Clinton was more serious about combating terrorism than his successor, George W. Bush. Clinton actually worried about threats to the United States, while Bush dismissed warnings at precisely the moment when the threats were most serious. And, as the intelligence community now confirms, Bush's failure of focus and practice have made the Americans more vulnerable.
The fact that Bush's supremely political presidency treats "homeland security" as a slogan rather than a necessity is the fundamental flaw in the current commander-in-chief's deeply flawed tenure. And his handlers are well aware of the problem. That's why they have worked so hard, along with their amen corner in the media, to create the false impression that Clinton and the Democrats were somehow more responsible for the 9-11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon than Bush and the gang that couldn't shoot straight.
Unfortunately, the so-called "leaders" of the opposition party have done a lousy job of challenging the spin job... until now.
Clinton used an appearance with "Fox News Sunday's" Chris Wallace to challenge the lies of the Bush administration and its media acolytes.The interview, which was broadcast over the weekend, got to the heart of what's wrong not with the Bush presidency but with a media that covers that presidency from the on-bended-knee position.
Clinton recognized that Wallace, one of the more competent members of the Fox team, was under pressure to mouth the Republican talking points that the network uses as its reference points. And the former president pounced on that vulnerability.
When Wallace started in on the "Why didn't you do more to put Bin Laden and al Qaeda out of business when you were President?" line of questioning, Clinton leapt.
"Okay, let's talk about it," the former president began. "I will answer all of those things on the merits, but I want to talk about the context (in) which this (discussion) arises. I'm being asked this on the FOX network… ABC just had a right-wing conservative (program) on "The Path to 9/11" falsely claim that it was… based on the 911 Commission Report with three things asserted against me that are directly contradicted by the 9/11 Commission Report. I think it's very interesting that all the conservative Republicans who now say that I didn't do enough claimed (in the 1990s) that I was obsessed with Bin Laden. All of President Bush's neocons claimed that I was too obsessed with finding Bin Laden when they didn't have a single meeting about Bin Laden for the nine months after I left office. All the right-wingers who now say that I didn't do enough said (then) that I did too much. Same people."
By now, Wallace was sputtering: "I understand...," "with respect, if I may, instead of...," "But Mr. President..."
But Clinton was on a roll.
Despite Wallace's stumbling attempts to interrupt him, Clinton went year-by-year, incident-by-incident, initiative-by-initiative through his anti-terror efforts.
"I authorized the CIA to get groups together to try to kill (bin Laden)," the former president explained. "The CIA was run by George Tenet, who President Bush gave the Medal of Freedom to and said he did a good job. The country never had a comprehensive anti-terror operation until I came to office. If you can criticize me for one thing, you can criticize me for this: after the Cole, I had battle plans drawn to go into Afghanistan, overthrow the Taliban, and launch a full scale attack/search for Bin Laden. But we needed basing rights in Uzbekistan, which we got (only) after 9/11. The CIA and the FBI refused to certify that Bin Laden was responsible while I was there. They refused to certify. So that meant I would have had to send a few hundred Special Forces in helicopters and refuel at night. Even the 9/11 Commission didn't (think we should have done) that. Now the 9/11 Commission was a political document, too? All I'm asking is if anybody wants to say I didn't do enough, you read (former National Security Advisor) Richard Clarke's book."
Wallace finally asked: "Do you think you did enough, sir?"
Clinton replied: "No, because I didn't get him."
Wallace chirped, "Right."
Clinton countered, "But at least I tried. That's the difference in me and some, including all the right-wingers who are attacking me now. They ridiculed me for trying. They had eight months to try and they didn't. I tried. So I tried and failed. When I failed, I left a comprehensive anti-terror strategy and the best guy in the country: Dick Clarke. So you did FOX's bidding on this show. You did your nice little conservative hit job on me. But what I want to know…
Stung, Wallace was again interrupting. But Clinton held firm. "I want to know how many people in the Bush administration you've asked this question of. I want to know how many people in the Bush administration you asked 'Why didn't you do anything about the Cole?' I want to know how many you asked 'Why did you fire Dick Clarke?' I want to know…"
"We ask plenty of questions of…" sputtered Wallace.
"Tell the truth…" Clinton shot back, before revealing that he had Wallace's number.
"You set this meeting up because you were going to get a lot of criticism from your viewers because (Fox owner) Rupert Murdoch is going to get a lot of criticism from your viewers for supporting my work on Climate Change. And you came here under false pretenses and said that you'd spend half the time talking about (climate change.) You said you'd spend half the time talking about what we did out there to raise $7 billion plus over three days from 215 different commitments. And you don't care."
Truer words have rarely been spoken on a nationally-televised "news" program.
When a beaten Wallace tried to cover for himself – "… all I can say is, I'm asking you in good faith because it's on people's minds, sir. And I wasn't…" – Clinton nailed him: "There's a reason it's on people's minds. That's the point I'm trying to make. There's a reason it's on people's minds because they've done a serious disinformation campaign to create that impression."
Love Bill Clinton or hate him, but understand that his appearance on Fox New Sunday was one of those rare moments in recent American history when a target of our drive-by media shot back.
For a little thought experiment, go to the website of Newsweek'sinternationaledition. There, running down the left side of the page, are threecovers, all the same, for the European, Asian, and Latin Americaneditions of the October 2 issue.
Each has a dramatic shot of a Taliban fighter shouldering an RPG(rocket-propelled grenade). The cover headline is: "LosingAfghanistan," pointing to a devastating piece on our Afghan War by RonMoreau, Sami Yousafzai, and Michael Hirsh, "The Rise ofJihadistan." which sports this subhead: "Five years after theAfghan invasion, the Taliban are fighting back hard, carving out asanctuary where they--and Al Qaeda's leaders--can operate freely." Thepiece begins: "You don't have to drive very far from Kabul these daysto find the Taliban." (In fact, the magazine's reporters found agathering of 100 of them in a village just a two-hour drive south of theAfghan capital.)
Now, go back to the internationaledition and take another look. Scrolldown the page to the cover which doesn't match the others. That's the one forNewsweek's US edition. No Taliban fighter. No RPG.Instead, a photo of an ash-blond woman with three young children dressedin white, one in her arms, and the headline: "My Life in Pictures." The woman turns out to be Annie Liebovitz, photographer of the stars,and the story by Cathleen McGuigan, "Through HerLens," has this Taliban-free first line: "Annie Leibovitz is tiredand nursing a cold, and she' s just flown back to New York on thered-eye from Los Angeles, where she spent two days shooting AngelinaJolie for Vogue."
"The Rise of Jihadism" is still inside, of course; now, a secondarystory. After all, Angelina Jolie is ours, while a distant botch of awar in Afghanistan..? As the magazine's editors clearly concluded,while the rest of the world considers the return of the Taliban, let useat cake.
On Fox News this Sunday, President Bill Clinton offered Democrats a timely lesson in defeating tired Rovian election-year ploys when Chris Wallace asked him, "Why didn't you do more to connect the dots and put [al-Qaida and bin Laden] out of business?"
On the heels of the ABC faux drama – not much documentary – The Path to 9-11, a fiery Clinton was on display. His response (and performance) was fierce, relentless, and stuck to the facts. Clinton didn't allow Wallace to do a Fox trot of an interview. Instead, he passionately defended his record and turned the conversation back to where it belongs – on the real failings of the Bush administration, neo-cons, and their lock-step GOPsters when it comes to national security and fighting terrorism.
Holding that band accountable just became a lot easier. A National Intelligence Estimate, representing the consensus view of the 16 spy services, suggests that the War in Iraq has increased the terrorist threat. But the White House and Republicans continue to avoid any and all inconvenient facts, and insist that only their failed policies are keeping Americans safe. Ready for media folks like Wallace (and the "we distort, you decide network) to rush off and ask Republicans the tough questions required if we're going to call ourselves a democracy ? I'm not holding my breath.
Reality intrudes again. President Bush and his allies keep insisting that the invasion of Iraq was essential to winning the fight against anti-American Islamic jihadists. The government's top experts on terrorism and Islamic extremism disagree. As The New York Times reported on Sunday, a National Intelligence Estimate produced earlier this year noted that the Iraq war has fueled Islamic radicalism around the globe and has caused the terrorist threat to grow. In other words, Bush's invasion of Iraq has been counterproductive. Or put this way: the ugly war in Iraq that has claimed the lives of thousands of American troops and tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians has placed the United States more at risk.
Times reporter Mark Mazzetti noted in his front-page article that he had spoken to "more than a dozen" U.S. government officials and outside experts who had either seen the NIE or who had participated in its creation. That's a lot of footwork. But he did not quote from the document itself, except to note that the NIE describes a radical Islamic movement of "self-generating" cells. (An NIE is the intelligence community's most definitive assessment of a major strategic issue and is supposed to represent the consensus view of the government's various intelligence agencies. This particular NIE is the first evaluation of global terrorism since the invasion of Iraq.)
The White House has claimed that the Times's account of the NIE did not represent the complete document. And Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte has declared--in response to the news of this NIE--that the Bush administration has scored significant success against the "global jihadist threat."
Well, is the threat now worse because of Bush's war in Iraq? Does the NIE say the war has made the jihadist threat more dangerous? The White House could resolve this very quickly by declassifying the NIE. If the report contains nuances or success stories not conveyed by the Times report (and those of other newspapers), releasing the report will clear things up.
The report is classified. But an NIE of this sort is probably more of an analytical document than a run-down of secret intelligence. And, certainly, the real secrets in the report--particularly references to sources and methods--can be redacted.
There is precedent for a partial release of an NIE. Months into the war in Iraq, when no WMDs had been found and the Bush administration was being accused of having misrepresented the prewar intelligence to hype the Iraq threat, the White House did declassify portions of the NIE on Iraq's WMDs. The point was to show that the intelligence community had informed the White House that Saddam Hussein was sitting on stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons. But that flawed NIE also contained dissents and conflicting information indicating there were serious questions about the WMD case. And before the White House released these slices of the NIE, Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney authorized Scooter Libby to disclose potions of the NIE to friendly reporters--most notably, Judith Miller of The New York Times. Libby, though, made sure not to share the dissents and contradicting material. Libby's highly selective leak to Miller did not end up helping the White House, and Bush's press operation subsequently made public whole chunks of the NIE. That, too, didn't get Bush out of the where-are-the-WMDs jam, for these excerpts showed there had been questions about key parts of the WMD case. (For more on all this, see the book I co-wrote with Michael Isikoff: Hubris: the Inside Story of Spin, Scandal, and the Selling of the Iraq War.)
If the White House was able to release parts of that NIE on WMDs, it can do the same with the NIE on Iraq and terrorism. It may, though, not be motivated to do so.
INFO ON HUBRIS: Tom Brokaw says "Hubris is a bold and provocative book that will quickly become an explosive part of the national debate on how we got involved in Iraq." Hendrik Hertzberg, senior editor of The New Yorker notes, "The selling of Bush's Iraq debacle is one of the most important--and appalling--stories of the last half-century, and Michael Isikoff and David Corn have reported the hell out of it." For more information on Hubris, click here.
Love him, hate him, fear him, revere him, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez is an elected world leader whose fiery criticisms of US foreign policy can't simply be ignored or ridiculed.
Maybe Chávez did himself, his larger alternative agenda and his country a disservice by treating the UN podium as the set of his weekly TV show at home. His "The Devil is Mr. Bush" riff--an obviously allegorical one if you ask me--delivered with an actor's dramatic flair and a good deal of humor risked drowning out other important messages he did deliver. For example, how many know that he laid out an innovative four-point program to renew and reform the UN--and spoke eloquently about how and why this "era is giving birth to a heart"?
For sure, the speech was far from a model of diplomatic rhetoric. But that didn't seem to bother the scores of experienced delegate-diplomats in the hall, who greeted Chávez's speech with wild applause. (When Bush spoke the day before, the General Assembly's hall sounded like a morgue.) That reaction, as an incisive Washington Post article points out, shows that Chávez's words, while "harsh...in many ways...merely expressed in bolder terms what a number of other world leaders and foreign diplomats believe." Moreover, to be fair, how much diplomatic tact does Chávez owe to a President whose administration supported a coup against him?
Instead of trying to understand why Chávez said what he did, and how it played in Latin America and other parts of the world, or reporting that he also said in an interview last week that he'd welcome an improved relationship with the next Administration, most of the US media was quick to attack the Venezuelan President for his incendiary words. Few bothered to ask why Chávez's excoriation of Bush might increase his popularity with UN member states and boost his campaign to win a non-permanent seat on the Security Council this October.
The media's response isn't surprising. What surprises me, however, is that Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi felt compelled to go on record denouncing Chávez's words. Pelosi-- someone I usually respect because I think she's been an effective leader (and has effectively handled ridiculous and tasteless GOP attacks)--said that "Chávez fancies himself a modern-day Simon Bolivar, but all he is is an everyday thug."
This bad soundbite of an attack certainly seems a distraction from more important issues the Democrats should be engaging and fighting for with just 44 days before election day. And if Pelosi felt it was so important to say something, weren't there more effective ways of putting Chávez's criticisms into context? Maybe talk about how unfortunate it is that Bush's policies have fueled unprecedented anti-Americanism abroad and such vitriolic rhetoric from foreign leaders? Maybe talk about why these are times when we need effective diplomacy and dialogue with countries like Venezuela--not name calling?
Some Democrats, like Senator Tom Harkin, got it right. Harkin said that, while he believes Chávez's remarks were "incendiary," he "can understand the frustration and anger of certain people because of George Bush's policies." Seems like common sense to me.


text:
Quality vintage clothing featuring lots of sequins, applique, beads, silk, studs, sparkles, shine, leather, suede and snakeskin.
A shop for fashionistas, thriftonistas, shopaholics, vintage junkies, trend setters, risk-takers, it-girls, and ladies with a taste for the unconventional.
She will have a booth @ August 11th show with lots of $20.00 and under items!
In the meantime shop her collection on Etsy

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Semester / Trimester
Students may choose between the following Program Terms:
Courses with Locals in Multiple Disciplines - Konkuk University
Students will take one Korean language course along with three or four elective courses taught in English. There are hundreds of courses from which to choose in a wide variety of disciplines, including Engineering, Business, Information Technology, Art, English Literature, Apparel Design, Chemistry, Mathematics and more.
Courses are taught in English except for Korean language courses which are available for students with a beginning through advanced level of proficiency. Courses will be taught by local and international faculty. Fellow Konkuk University classmates are both Korean and international students.
Upon program completion, students will receive a transcript from Konkuk University.
Also offers sessions in terms...


text:
I somehow thought when I was younger that at a certain age, (probably 30, since that sounded so old), I would give up caring about a lot of the things that then consumed me.
I would, for example, probably not think all that much about the pursuits of love and sex.
In this image I had of my older graying self, I would happily gain weight, put on some flowing elastic-waist pants and putter around in my garden, uncaring of the dirt on my face, of mussed hair. My husband certainly wouldn't care, and what would it matter if he did? Part of the Aging Gracefully vision was that "older people" just accepted that the bloom faded off the rose, sex was something one used to do, and the whole of the potential world beyond one's mate disappeared into the distant background like the base of a three-dimensional display.
Then, I got older. I began the process of giving up early, letting grey hairs sneak into my short, naturally curly, brown bob in my mid-30s, excitedly packing on the pounds in readiness for not having to worry anymore, in preparation for being thoroughly discounted. And then, one day, a few years ago, the reflection in the mirror no longer fit who I felt I could be if I really tried, the self stuck handily behind a layer of late-night-ice-cream chub, dressed almost always in funereal black to mask said chub and specifically fade into the background, the one who "couldn't" do all kinds of things, especially now that I was of a Certain Age.
"Sexy" was something I hadn't felt in a long while except after a fair amount of alcohol. 'Just Fine' had seemed like it was going to be just fine for the duration, but, then, it wasn't. I wanted fabulous. I suddenly wanted to be all those things I'd always wanted to be but was just too afraid.
Even if I was long married, I was still in the land of the living, at least for a while, and I realized that chasing that youthful adventurous self I might never have had the bravery to realize in youth was going to be crucial rather than optional going forward.
I went to work on myself, gaining mind and body strength learning to lift weights, to run and do handstands. I started putting on those more skin-baring clothes, high-wedged heels and the layers of funky necklaces and bracelets I'd always bought but had never been brave enough to wear. I grew my hair and dyed it daringly close to blonde and, yes, I started flirting mercilessly with every bartender and barista in the neighborhood.
My mother always said, "You know you're old when the checkout boy bagging groceries stops checking you out…" so I guess I worked to ensure that wouldn't happen, not for a while.
The outward manifestation of change was just the easiest, the most obvious. It was the inner me that was blossoming as I began to give up all my preconceived notions of what I would want later in life, when really I'd had no idea. As it turn out, what you want changes with time, even if society doesn't always run with that in mind.
As I emerged out of my premature old-lady cocoon, other women (and men) started telling me things about themselves, real or fantastic, stories of what they would do if…, what they could do when…, what they were actually doing, right then. It turns out, the great desire for love and passion is alive and well even after 35, long after young people might say "Ew!! Yuck!" at the thought of you even kissing someone else, let alone copulating.
It is complicated, surely, and often oh so cliché, the tales of texts with old flames, affairs with the spouses of friends, older lifetime singles looking, maybe, to finally settle down, and married folks going through the many varied phases that vows didn't nearly cover with "forever."
In this column, I will explore the various paths that people take to find their passion when faced with the very near reality of being past one's prime.
While once upon a time it almost seemed shameful to see an old geezer behind the wheel of a bright red convertible, now it seems brave and fun and death-defying. Why not? Who made up The Rules and why and how come we can't decide for ourselves how to navigate the path to our own end?
People can and do make their own rules, as news headlines tell us every day. It is not just the rich and famous, not just sports stars and politicians who have to navigate the life-affirming world of love without a rulebook, we are all of us in it. Biographies of the greatest minds all tell the stories of how passion played a crucial part in inspiration far past carefree youth, right up 'til the end. With hindsight, in total, looking at the lives of others, we can make more sense of it sometimes than when it is happening to us, really, in real time.
But I am a firm believer, now, at 40, that people who want to live out long, meaningful second halves cannot help but think about love, and sex, whether married or single or somewhere in between. And what they are thinking about is what I plan to talk about here.
Sometimes, I've found, what real living calls for isn't something so easy and dull as sticking with the self-same thoughts and actions you believed would take you through to the finale. Sometimes what is called for is Aging Disgracefully.


text:
Join this community!
Sign in with Facebook
Sign up without Facebook
I love slow cookers, especially when I was working full-time.
There is nothing better than coming home to a cooked meal!
I would like to share recipes on the blog and would love for
anyone to share their favorite slow cooker recipes.
Please do not use profanity in your posts and be respectful of
others even if your opinion differs from theirs.


text:
When undergoing IVF, a common fertility treatment, eggs are removed from a woman's body and fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. Formed embryos, usually two and sometimes three, are transferred back into the woman's uterus where they will hopefully implant and cause a pregnancy. If multiple embryos are formed, the clinic will need direction from you as to what to do with those embryos.
When you make the decision to go through an IVF cycle, your clinic will likely ask you if you want to freeze extra embryos or dispose of them. While the cost of freezing embryos (most likely a one time freezing fee and regular monthly or annual payments) is not usually covered by insurance, it is much less expensive then repeating a fresh IVF cycle. Should the cycle not work, your physician can thaw the embryos and transfer them at a later date. If you do get pregnant and want more children later on, you won't need to go through a full IVF cycle, as the embryos can simply be thawed and transferred. Also, the eggs and resulting embryos were formed when you were younger – this can be significant if you are attempting to get pregnant later in life.
If you decide to freeze the embryos, you and your partner will also need to make a decision regarding what to do with those embryos should something happen to you or your partner. Though morbid, this is very important. You will usually have the option of giving those embryos to your partner or other person, or donating the embryos back to the clinic, to research or other infertile couples to attempt a pregnancy. If your clinic doesn't give you those options, make sure to ask, especially if the disposition of those embryos is important to you.
You also have the option of including your preferences in your will. Make sure to consult an attorney and give a copy of the will to your clinic and other loved ones to make sure that your wishes will be honored should something happen to you.
Keep in mind that should you divorce or separate, the embryos will likely be part of the separation agreement. Some clinics will have you sign off on your decision before undergoing the cycle in the event, however unlikely it may be, that your relationship ends.
If you aren't ready to make a decision on the spot, don't feel pressured into signing the consent form. Ask the nurse or doctor if you can have some time for the two of you to have a discussion before making a decision. You can also check to see what their policy is regarding what happens if you change your mind down the road.
Remember that whatever you decide has to be okay with both of you as the decision concerns your potential children. Most clinics have a psychologist who specializes in reproductive issues and many even require a visit with her before you start an IVF cycle. If this visit isn't required, or you have further questions check with the staff to set up an appointment – she can be very helpful in discussing some of the issues associated with discarding your embryos or leaving them with friends and family.


text:
BBB tips on finding a legitimate, trustworthy tax preparer
Tax filing season opened Jan. 30 and Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to beware of a growing crime known as tax preparer fraud.
According to the Internal Revenue Service, tax preparer fraud occurs when a preparer "alters return information without their clients' knowledge or consent in an attempt to obtain improperly inflated refunds or to divert refunds for their personal benefit." The taxpayer is usually unaware of the preparer's actions but is left liable for the discrepancies.
In response to the prevalence of return preparer fraud, here are some of the specific schemes the IRS is warning about:
- Internet solicitations that direct taxpayers to toll-free numbers and then solicit Social Security numbers.
- Homemade flyers and brochures implying credits or refunds are available without proof of eligibility.
- Offers of free money with no documentation required.
- Promises of refunds for "Low Income — No Documents Tax Returns."
To find a trustworthy professional to help prepare your taxes, BBB offers these tips:
- Get references and do your research. Get referrals from friends and family on who they use and check out the company at bbb.org to see its BBB Business Review.
- Look for credentials. Seek a tax pro who is an enrolled agent, certified public accountant or a tax attorney. These preparers have completed extensive examinations on tax matters and must stay current by meeting continuing professional education requirements. Only CPAs and tax attorneys can represent you in U.S. Tax Court if you are audited.
- Get a firm estimate in writing. The cost of preparing your return will vary depending on the complexity of your information. Before you agree to move forward, present all of your information and get a firm estimate in writing.
- Don't fall for the promise of big refunds. Be wary of any tax preparation service promising larger refunds than the competition, and avoid tax preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund.
- Protect your identity. The IRS has issued several consumer warnings about the fraudulent use of the IRS name or logo by scamsters trying to gain access to consumers' financial information in order to steal their identity. The IRS does not initiate taxpayer communications through email. Unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, or from an IRS-related component such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), should be reported to the IRS at email@example.com.
BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports®, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is a difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 114 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities.


text:
Randi Wren, M.A. student in Jewish Studies, addressed an intimate crowd on Monday, September 16, in the student lounge. Her Constitution Day talk stemmed from her thesis research on the theology behind the founding of America.
Here are some notable points from her talk, "The Founding Fathers and the Constitution: United by Belief in the Tenets of the Bible":
Do you know why John Adams said, "Without religion this world would be something not fit to be mentioned in polite society, I mean Hell"? Do you know which biblical verse is inscribed on the Liberty Bell?
Randi Wren (GTU MA student in Jewish Studies) will speak on her research in commemoration of the signing of the United States Constitution in September 1787.
Light refreshments will be served.
GTU Student Lounge (first floor), 2465 LeConte Avenue, Berkeley
* Required
Email Address: *
First Name: *
Last Name: *
Enter the letters shown above: *
Email Marketing by VerticalResponse
Graduate Theological Union
2400 Ridge Road
Berkeley, California 94709
email@example.com +1.510.649.2400
Admissions +1.800.826.4488
Report a problem
© 2012 GTU • All Rights Reserved


text:
Fantom GreenDrive3 USB 3.0 External Hard Drives with Local & Cloud Backup Software offer an affordable and reliable storage solution for USB enabled PC's and Macs.Quality & Durability
The GreenDrive family of external hard drives feature a sturdy aluminum casing for maximum durability, a fan-free design for virtually silent operation and can be stored horizontally or vertically to optimize your work space. Fantom GreenDrives offer reliable storage expansion from your limited built-in hard drive so you can store all of your valuable data and digital memories.
Customer Reviews
Has proven to be a solid brand for me6/25/2014
This would be the fifth Fantom drive purchased and all have worked well. The pricing has been competitive, and you get a metal case instead of plastic.
Fantom GreenDrive3 2TB USB 3.03/1/2014
works well and is quiet
Great drive...1/4/2014
I was wondering what these Fantom drives were like and bought this 2T version. It was very easy to set up for a Mac - format and partition. It runs smoothly and quietly and on sale it was a very real bargain. The USB 3.0 makes it very speedy. Thoroughly pleased.
Good drive for a Great price12/27/2013
Bought this drive to use as a backup drive, replacing an older 2TB drive that was showing errors. Was very simple to install. Simply plugged it into a USB 3.0 port, powered it on and my computer recognized it immediately. Copied some backup files to it with no problems. Seems to work just fine, and is very quiet.
Storage When You Need It.11/9/2013
Works well with USB 3.0 connection but is also backward compatible to USB 2.0. Stored over 1.75 TB of videos in a very short period of time. Saves HDD space for other video files.
Great performance and price9/7/2013
Used quite a few of these for backups over the past several years. It's hard to beat the cost and performance compared to other large-capacity external drives. No bloatware or cheesy backup software preloaded. Just lots of space and high-speed connectivity.
Easy set up8/19/2013
This drive was easy to set up. It's small and quiet. We backed up all our videos and pics on this drive. Speed is fine for our purposes. Must apply for the rebate after only 30 days.
Cool, light and moderately small8/17/2013
I really like this hard drive and it has been working just fine for me. The size is smaller than I thought ir would be. The one it is replacing is a 500 gig I bought about 3 years ago which cost more, it noisier and much larger, so i am very impressed by this one. Highly recommended.
Technically tops!6/3/2013
Being a greendrive, 2TB with a small footprint, ease of use & fast USB3 makes this a terrific buy at the price!
quick, quiet and cool5/28/2013
This quiet unit rarely gets warm. A good performer. I have several Greendrive 2TB and1.5TB, zero problems. Install and run without complications.
Works for me1/10/2013
Used this on My WiiU. Haven't had any problems
The vendor is playing a trick10/13/2011
so you cannot get back the rebate. This is the only rebate I don't get back in the past ten years!0 Helpful | 6 Not Helpful
Disappointing Speeds8/8/2011
Pro: Very good price with the mail in rebate. Cons: After reading all the hype with USB 3.0 speeds, I was expecting significantly higher transfer speeds over the USB 2.0 interface. However, transferring data on the same system to the Fantom GreenDrive2 USB 3.0 External Hard Drive resulted in speeds of 65-70MB/s as compared to a USB 2.0 drive with speed in the 28-32 MB/s range. I realize the is a lot of factors to consider when comparing the USB 3.0 to the USB 2.0, which is why I used the same files on the same system. For kicks, I will try the Fantom drive with the USB 2.0 to get the average throughput for the same files. Very short cable – with the system tower on my office floor, the included USB 3.0 cable barely reached the drive on my desktop. The response from Micronet support - "65-70MB/s is a very good data transfer speed, far better than you could expect from any other drive".0 Helpful | 7 Not Helpful
Fantom 2TD External Drive7/28/2011
Product arrived in a timely fashion. Was easy to connect and performs as expected. I'm using this as a backup drive to protect all the projects I have going on my hard drives. So far this 2TB drive has been doing an outstanding job. I purchased another one of these for my son as a Christmas gift. His crashed but was replaced free of charge.
Seller: Buy.com
+ $9.17 shipping
Shipping: Usually Ships within 1 business day
Condition: Brand New


text:
Changes related to "Routines at the Split Sides"
This is a list of changes made recently to pages linked from a specified page (or to members of a specified category). Pages on your watchlist are bold.
18 July 2014
- (diff | his) . . Marlon Bridges; 12:09 . . (-164) . . Gta-mysteries (Talk | contribs) (corrections, the picture is also of the wrong character)


text:
- Favre not worried about being booed 6:59am
- Christmas in Vegas for the Phoenix 6:47am Jul 21
- Brewers knock off the Reds 10:19pm
- Bucks nab Marshall 9:21am
- Brewers host Reds, lead in Central gone 8:00am Jul 20
- Brewers Can't Hold Lead; Nats Walk-Off to Win Series 4:57pm
Your Story
Thu, September 19, 2013
Home Stretch Hangout: Bengals Preview with Nick Seuberling 09/19/2013 (VIDEO PODCAST)
Ok...this is a good one. The NFL has released ugly Christmas Sweaters for all 32 NFL teams...One of the Packers…
posted by Justin Hull 1 day ago
#452234370 / gettyimages.com I know I ruffled the feathers of Brewer fans earlier this weekend when I said the team's…
posted by Justin Hull 4 days ago
So...the playoff is here in College Football! However, they introduced a new trophy. #HullYes or #HullNo to the new hardware?
posted by Justin Hull 8 days ago


text:
What Is It?
Self-injury involves self-inflicted bodily harm that is severe enough to either cause tissue damage or to leave marks that last several hours. Cutting is the most common form of SI, but burning, head banging and scratching are also common. Other forms include biting, skin-picking, hair-pulling, hitting the body with objects or hitting objects with the body.
Other Names
Self-injury, self-harm, self-mutilation, cutting, burning, SI.
Why Do People Do It?
Although suicidal feelings may accompany SI, it does not necessarily indicate a suicide attempt. Most often it is simply a mechanism for coping with emotional distress. People who select this emotional outlet may use it to express feelings, to deal with feelings of unreality or numbness, to stop flashbacks, to punish themselves, or to relieve tension.
Who Self-Injures
Although SI is recognized as a common problem among the teenage population, it is not limited to adolescents. People of all sexes, nationalities, socioeconomic groups and ages can be self-injurers.
Warning Signs
People who self-injure become very adept at hiding scars or explaining them away. Look for signs such as a preference for wearing concealing clothing at all times (e.g. long sleeves in hot weather), an avoidance of situations where more revealing clothing might be expected (e.g. unexplained refusal to go to a party), or unusually frequent complaints of accidental injury (e.g. a cat owner who frequently has scratches on their arms).
Medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers and anxiolytics may alleviate the underlying feelings that the patient is attempting to cope with via SI. The patient must also be taught coping mechanisms to replace the SI. Once the patient is stable, therapeutic work should be done to help the patient cope with the underlying problems that are causing their distress. Some experts say that hospitalization or forced stopping of the SI is not a helpful treatment. It may make the doctor and involved friends and family feel more comfortable, but does nothing to help the underlying problems. Further, the patient is generally neither psychotic nor actively suicidal and will benefit more from working with a doctor who is compassionate to the reasons that they are hurting themselves. Patient desire to cooperate and get well is a major factor in recovery.


text:
As we celebrate the Fourth of July and the Declaration of Independence, Oxford residents can take pride in local men who helped win our nation's independence. At that time, Oxford was part of Derby. Because Oxford had its own Congregational church, it was called Oxford Parish.
When the people of Boston called for help after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Oxford patriots marched to Lexington. They were Jabez Thompson, Thomas Clark, John Fairchild, Isaac Tomlinson, Levi Trowbridge, Oliver Chatfield, John Riggs, Esquire, John Bassett, Gideon Tomlinson and John Chatfield, Jr.
Area Patriots were afraid local Tories might help supply the English at Long Island and Boston with supplies, ammunition or information. To prevent this, the Derby Town Meeting appointed a Committee of Inspection. Oxford men who served on that committee were Col. Jabez Thompson, Capt. Thomas Clark, Lt. John Bassett, John Davis, Capt. Zachariah Hawkins and Samuel Wheeler. The committee arranged for guards along the Housatonic River to warn in case of a surprise attack by the English Army. They also kept track of known Tories, and controlled travel in and out of town.
Records of military service in the American Revolution list the residence of area patriots as Derby, but more than 50 of those listed were living in the Parish of Oxford and the area incorporated in 1798 as the Town of Oxford. The men thus identified include the following:
Edward Bassett, Lt. John Bassett, Martin Bebe, Eliphas Bradley, Sgt. Justus Bristol, Jared Buckingham, William Burr and Reuben Canfield.
Also, Caleb Candee, and all nine of his sons, who were Caleb, Daniel, David, Gideon, Job, Justus, Nehemiah, Samuel and Timothy Candee.
Also, Caleb Chatfield, Daniel Chatfield, Isaac Chatfield, Jonathan Chatfield, John Chatfield, Jr., and Oliver Chatfield.
Also, Thomas Clark, Jeremiah Durand, John Dutton, John Fairchild, Amas Fot, John Griffin, Jedediah Harger, Phineas Johnson, Timothy Johnson and Jeremiah M. Kelly
Also, James Leach, Elijah Lewis, Prudence Lounsbury, Johnathan Lyman, Gideon Northrop, Isaac Northrup, David Peck, Abijah Perry, John Riggs, Esq., Uri Scott, and Thomas Sharpe.
Also, Jesse Smith, Alexander Sperry, Jabez Thompson, Gideon Tomlinson, Isaac Tomlinson, Levi Trowbridge, Daniel Tucker, Gideon Tucker, John Ufford, Daniel Wilmot, Moses Wooster, and Thomas Wooster,
An additional some-time Oxford resident was Gen. David Wooster, who died at the Defense of Danbury.
Oxford residents can be proud of our early residents' role in obtaining American independence. We have something local to celebrate!
Editor's Note: Dorothy DeBisschop is the town historian for Oxford, Conn.


text:
New England Patriots
Will Svitek - T
|6' 6"/ 308 lbs.
|Prague, Cz
|Years played
|2005, 6th round, 13th pick by Chiefs
Patriots-Colts matchup of the day: Tuesday
The Colts won't have many advantages on Sunday, but one spot where they are adept is defensive end with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.
Patriots release DB Adams
The Patriots released DB Phillip Adams on Tuesday.
The First Fifteen: Week 13
If he's healthy, Troy Polamalu and the Steelers will have another chance to take down Andy Dalton and the Bengals; plus the rest of the Week 13 action.
Orlovsky to start at QB for Colts
Colts head coach Jim Caldwell announced that seventh-year veteran Dan Orlovsly will start at quarterback over Curtis Painter, who had started the last eight games.
Reserves step up again for Patriots' 'D'
The Patriots remain banged up on defense, but the backups have filled in nicely during a three-game win streak.
Patriots use versatile attack in win
Christian West says that the Patriots' 38-20 romp over the Eagles served as a reminder to never count out a Tom Brady-led offense.
Patriots stock report: Week 12
The Patriots' starting wideouts and corners stepped up on Sunday, but WR Taylor Price's stock is falling.
Patriots players of the week: Week 12
Tom Brady had an outstanding game distributing the ball to his top two receivers in the Patriots' win over the Eagles.
Shorts and Shells: Week 12
The Texans have a new man in the spotlight; Ndamukong Suh let his teammates down; the real reasons the Broncos are winning; and much more from Week 12.
Brady, Patriots cruise past Eagles
Tom Brady threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns and the New England Patriots beat the Eagles 38-20 Sunday in a rematch of Super Bowl XXXIX.
Patriots-Eagles prediction
PFW associate editor and Patriots writer Kevin Fishbain predicts the Patriots will win a close one on Sunday afternoon against the Eagles.
Patriots downgrade Ochocinco, Chung, McCourty to out
The Patriots downgraded WR Chad Ochocinco, CB Devin McCourty, S Patrick Chung and C Dan Connolly to out for Sunday's game against the Eagles.
Solder, Cannon offer glimpse into future of Pats' O-line
The Patriots drafted two O-linemen in April, Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon, and we're starting to see how they will fit into the team's future plans.
Patriots-Eagles matchup of the day: Friday
Keeping the electric DeSean Jackson in check will be key for the Patriots in their Week 12 game against the Eagles.
Report: Asomugha has hyperextended knee
Eagles CB Nnamdi Asomugha's has a hyperextended knee, quelling fears that he suffered a more serious injury during Thursday's practice, according to Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com.
The Patriots have signed Svitek.||||||| Svitek is a seven-year veteran who spent three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and the past four with the Atlanta Falcons. He was on injured reserve all last year with an arm injury. Svitek has played in 61 games with 16 starts since being drafted by the Chiefs in the sixth round in 2005 out of Stanford. Kansas City released him at the end of training camp in 2008. He was out of the NFL that year, then signed with Atlanta on Feb. 12, 2009.
The Atlanta Falcons have lost offensive tackle Will Svitek to a season-ending right arm injury. Coach Mike Smith said Monday that Svitek suffered an upper right arm injury in Sunday's practice. Smith provided no other details about the injury.||||||| Svitek played behind starting left tackle Sam Baker and starting right tackle Tyson Clabo in the Falcons' two preseason games. The 30-year-old Svitek started 10 games at left tackle in 2011. He was entering his fourth season with the Falcons after three seasons with Kansas City.
Svitek replaced Chris Terry as the starting right tackle for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans.||||||| Svitek will make his second NFL start and his first at right tackle. He could see a lot more action in the final three weeks of the season because the Chiefs terminated Terry's contract on Sunday.
Coach Herm Edwards said Svitek, a former sixth-round draft choice and converted defensive lineman, will take over as the starter at left tackle for the injured Damion McIntosh.||||||| Svitek will start despite having only played in just three games during his NFL career.
The Chiefs placed Svitek on injured reserve with a knee injury. Svitek was a sixth-round selection by Kansas City in the 2005 NFL draft and has played three games over two seasons.|||||||


text:
By Saabira Chaudhuri
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — Average mortgage rates in the U.S. were mostly higher over the past week as fixed rates rose for a third week in a row, after a long streak of declines, according to mortgage-finance company Freddie Mac.
Freddie Mac /quotes/zigman/226335/delayed/quotes/nls/fmcc FMCC -2.34% Chief Economist Frank Nothaft noted the rates edged up following economic indicators that point towards low inflation but gradually stronger economic activity.
For the week ended Thursday, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.62%, compared with 3.59% the previous week and 4.15% a year earlier. Rates on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 2.88%, versus 2.84% a week earlier and 3.36% a year ago.
Five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs, averaged 2.76%, compared with 2.77% the previous week and the 3.08% rate set a year earlier. One-year Treasury-indexed ARM rates averaged 2.69%, compared with 2.65% the prior week and 2.86% set a year ago.


text:
As was the case last year, Toys R Us isn't even waiting until Black Friday to start its sale — its stores are opening at 8pm on Thanksgiving. If you're willing to brave the retail madhouse, though, there are some decent deals. Here's some of what you'll find from the evening of the 22nd to the close of business on the 23rd, at least until supplies run out:
You can also find the following deals, which are around a bit longer — they run through Saturday the 24th:
Some other products are discounted online, but Toys R Us is putting a fair bit of effort into making sure you walk off that turkey.
We'll email you a reset link.
If you signed up using a 3rd party account like Facebook or Twitter, please login with it instead.
Choose an available username to complete sign up.
In order to provide our users with a better overall experience, we ask for more information from Facebook when using it to login so that we can learn more about our audience and provide you with the best possible experience. We do not store specific user data and the sharing of it is not required to login with Facebook.


text:
Intramural Sports and Recreation
- Home
- Student Life
- Activities and Events
- Intramural Sports and Recreation
Are you looking for a fun way to stay active and meet new friends on campus? With a variety of fun sports and activities throughout the year, there is certainly something enjoyable for everyone. All activities are free for both resident and commuter students and help to promote both recreational and healthy competition.
Fact Sheet (PDF)
Intramural Sports
Thinking about playing a sport you always wanted to? This is the perfect way to get involved and have fun while doing so. Some of the intramural sports offered include:
- Flag football
- 5-on-5 basketball
- Ping pong
- Indoor soccer
Competition is always fun, even if you're not an athlete, there is always something for you to try.
Non-competitive activities are a great way to make some new friends. Whether it is an activity on campus or a co-sponsored trip with our Student Activities office, these activities encourage all students to get involved. Why not try one of these activities:
- Paintballing
- Tobogganing on our sledding hill
- Completing our low ropes course
- Attend a local minor league sporting event
Don't forget that you can sign out a variety of equipment at the KC Community Center. So grab some friends and head out for a volleyball game or sign out a bike to explore the campus. Whatever it may be, the Intramural Sports & Recreation office is sure to have something fun for you to try!
Work Study
Interested in working with the Intramural Sports & Recreation team? We keep a staff of six Work Study students busy during the school year. Positions include:
- Site Manager/Scorekeeper
- Intramural Sport Official
- Recreation Office Assistant


text:
A 22-year-old Lake Lotawana man has been charged in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Aug. 12.
Codey J. Everhart faces charges of forcible rape and two counts of statutory rape in the first degree.
According to court records, a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy was dispatched to a Lake Lotawana home where the victim reported she had been raped by Everhart, a neighbor.
After she let him into her home to use the restroom, she told police, he grabbed her and threw her down and had sexual intercourse with her against her will. She struggled until she got away, hid and later ran to a friend's house, she said.
The defendant sent the victim's mother a text message saying he was sorry. He told police he went to the home with the intention of having physical contact but said he didn't have full sexual intercourse with her
Prosecutors requested a $250,000 cash-only bond.


text:
I read with interest Carol Sente's claim that Sid Mathias has been serving our community for too long.
From my view as a resident of Buffalo Grove Sid's experience as our Mayor and as a legislator are shining examples of what we do want from a public official. Sid knows how negotiate with people of differing views. He knows how to work across the aisle to successfully pass important legislation. His experience as Mayor gives him a working knowledge of the issues facing Municipalities today. His position as lead minority spokesman on transportation gives him the knowledge to help negotiate important projects like bringing the North Central Metra route to Buffalo Grove and beyond and to try to forge a comprise to allow the important route 53 expansion.
Sid brings experience, knowledge and skill to his position as State Legislator. I wish all legislators had his skills.
Randy Finfer
Buffalo Grove


text:
Remember Me
Posted by: SBRAdmin
in MyBlog on Apr 25, 2012
Add lots of color to your plate with this fresh spring recipe for an asparagus salad.
Creamy goat cheese crowns a refreshingly bracing salad. Because the asparagus is shaved, it does not have to be cooked. Thick asparagus spears work best when it comes to making ribbons like these. Source: Cooking Light JULY 2007 Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup) Ingredients 1 pound large asparagus spears, trimmed 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese Preparation Hold each asparagus spear by the tip end. Shave asparagus into ribbons with a vegetable peeler to measure 3 cups. Reserve asparagus tips for another use. Combine asparagus and tomatoes in a medium bowl. Combine chives and next 6 ingredients (through 1/4 teaspoon salt), stirring with a whisk. Drizzle over the asparagus mixture, tossing gently to coat. Top with goat cheese.
Comment (0)
Posted by: SBRAdmin
in MyBlog on Jan 29, 2012
For many endurance athletes, there's perhaps no more confusing topic than V02 max. Most understand that it's the gold standard for cardiovascular fitness, but it can be a little confusing for the layman.
Comment (0)
Read More...


text:
Wells Fargo may once again charge overdraft fees based on its practice of posting customers' same-day debit card transactions in a high-to-low order. The U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco overturned a lower court ruling that ordered Wells Fargo … Continue reading
Tag Archives: debit card transactions
Overdraft Fees on the Rise Again
Overdraft fees on checking accounts took their first increase in four years, according to a new study by Moebs Services. Consumers paid $31.5 billion for overdraft fees in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012. This was a 2.1 percent … Continue reading


text:
Arts & Life
Florida Stories Podcast [WUSF]
Florida Stories is a WUSF 89.7 segment featuring unique and compelling stories told by the people who lived them. These are stories of hope and inspiration, fear and triumph, laughter and tears - personal and intimate conversations with people just like you.
Subscribe directly using your preferred podcasting tool:
Or, copy and paste this URL into a podcasting tool:
Download the latest episode to your computer or preferred device:
Podcasts You Might Enjoy


text:
This blog has posted two articles about the Trial of Shelley Malil, Los Angeles actor who dated and was arrested for stabbing Kendra Beebe in 2008 when he came to her home uninvited and found her conversing with another man. On September 16, 2010, the jury reached a Guilty verdict for premeditated attempted murder as reported by Dana Littlefield of the San Diego Union Tribune. La Jolla divorce attorneys are not shocked as domestic violence can occur in relationships all over town and all sections of society.
The first blog (found here) discussed how Malil's defense attorney tried to use a "lie" from the victim, Beebe, which occurred in her divorce, child custody, case, against her in the criminal case. The blog discussed the significance of truthful testimony in San Diego divorce cases and how a lie, when discovered, can be used against a person in the divorce case and in other proceedings. This blog was significant as it displayed how Kendra Beebe could have been stabbed with a butcher knife over 20 times and the perpetrator of this domestic violence gave the jury a reason to return with a "not guilty" verdict simply based on the fact that the victim had previously lied in another court about an unrelated matter. San Diego Certified Family Law Specialist attorneys are familiar with the significance of lies in family law cases.
The second blog (found here) reported defendant Malil's testimony and commented on how difficult it was to believe his testimony. Should he not have taken the stand to testify? Did he think his acting experience would assist his presentation in front of the jury? When he took the stand he told a seemingly convoluted story which directly confronted and appeared to contradict the foundational facts of the criminal trial. The victim, Beebe, called the testimony "bizarre fiction" after the jury verdict. Apparently, the jury, after hearing Malil call Beebe a liar, did not believe Malil's testimony.
I had the pleasure of communicating with two attorneys who were involved with Kendra Beebe's divorce case: Since both attorneys were involved with one side of the case, I won't comment on the divorce case until there is a news article as to this matter. Reportedly, after the trial, Kendra Beebe made a statement as to domestic violence which is more than just a legal phrase to her at this point. She also thanked a number of people close to her including her current family law attorney. San Diego divorce attorneys play an extremely important role in the lives of people. Many attorneys state that they went into family law because of their love of working with and helping people.
So, this trial is over. It seemed difficult to understand, from the outset, how Beebe could be stabbed in her own home, over 20 times, and that the perpetrator would be absolved of criminal wrongdoing. Kendra Beebe reportedly said that there is more to this case and that Malil was not the only person involved in the attack. This blog will further report in the event that the allegation of another's involvement in this attack surfaces in a news story.
The San Diego divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Thomas M. Huguenor handle divorce, child custody and Domestic Violence Restraining Order cases.


text:
TUES | THE NATIONAL/LOCAL NATIVES at RED ROCKS | 9/17/13 After finishing their tour in support of 2010's High Violet, the members of the National didn't have any immediate plans to record again. But guitarist Aaron Dessner, whose daughter had just been born, ended up with a lot of time on his hands. ... More >>
Music is life -- or at least it is for us. When we're not writing about it, we're thinking about it, talking about it or listening to it. These are the things that were in heavy rotation for us this week. What are you listening to? What should we be listening to? C'mon now. Sharing is caring. Don't ... More >>
KID CUDI & TYLER, THE CREATOR @ RED ROCKS | MON, 9/16/13 Kid Cudi headlines this all-star lineup fresh off the release of his most recent, polarizing release, Indicud. Though his decision to self-produce has rubbed some the wrong way, he remains one of the premier hookmen in the rap game. Tyler, the ... More >>
When somebody bathes in blood and guts, swings from hanging bodies or sews together dismembered parts -- that's horror. And so naturally when rappers embody this realm, it's called horrorcore. But true horror is more than blood and guts; it is bewilderment in happenings that occur beyond an ordinar ... More >>
ZZ WARD @ GOTHIC THEATRE | WEDS, 5/29/13 While riding the bus to school as a child, Zsuzsanna Ward spent her time in headphones, thinking about just how much she wanted to become a singer. As an adult better known as ZZ Ward, she reached the crux of that dream long ago and is now well on her way to ... More >>
Drug culture isn't relegated exclusively to rock, obviously. For its part, the rap game is equally loaded with drug references of all kinds, from Promethazine and DMT to LSD and PCP, and likewise addled with its own cautionary tales and fatalities. While there's nothing as concrete to suggest that d ... More >>
FLOBOTS @ AGGIE THEATRE | FRI, 5/3/13 Half a decade after releasing the platinum single "Handlebars," which made rounds on radios across the country, the Flobots have grown significantly, both as a musical group and as a philanthropic force within the Denver community. Since parting ways with Univer ... More >>
There's something great about a hip-hop group. From the beginning, it was never intended to be a solo endeavor; rap began in cyphers at block parties, and the first established rappers were components of a collective centered around the more important DJ. Even now that the rapper is the star, it's n ... More >>
There's something great about a hip-hop group. From the beginning, it was never intended to be a solo endeavor; rap began in cyphers at block parties, and the first established rappers were components of a collective centered around the more important DJ. Even now that the rapper is the star, it's n ... More >>
It took a long time for the south to be recognized as a major player in the hip-hop scene, and it still has a ways to go to be held in the same regard as the East and West Coasts, but with the emergence of a new breed of countrified rappers such as Big K.R.I.T., Future, Yelawolf and 2 Chainz (and ev ... More >>
It feels like we say this every week, and we probably do, but we're continually astounded by how good we have it here music wise. If you haven't noticed, this time of year, the number of touring acts decreases dramatically, generally in line with the music industry itself, which pretty much slows to ... More >>
Today's election marks a potentially monumental day for our state. With Amendment 64 on the ballot, Colorado is on the cusp of being the first state to regulate marijuana like alcohol. In honor of what could be a historic moment in the legislative annals of the Centennial State, we've compiled ten o ... More >>
Donk.The Chevrolet car company was founded 100 years ago today to compete with the Ford Model-T. But who cares about 100 years ago? The golden age of Chevrolet was from 1960 to 1976, from the Impala to the second-generation Caprice. This writer learned to drive on a '64 Impala in various stat ... More >>
Friday, June 3, Casselman's Bar & Venue, 720-242-8923.
Autovaughn, by Aaron Thackeray Is this thing on? We're live from Red Rocks for Day One of Year Three of Monolith, the indie-hipster-Urban-Outfitted-neon-fest that marks the end of the Colorado music-festival season. The lovely promotional folks at Madison House have moved the media tent fro ... More >>
Last 2 Walk
Hypnotize Minds/Columbia
Locals Only Lenny Lenn is known for the work he put in as a radio personality for various radio stations across Colorado. His biggest claim to fame is being part of the launch team of the now-defunct Denver hip-hop radio station, U102. Lenny then spent some time working behind the scenes on the Lew ... More >>
It started off as an e-mail thread conversation with some former coworkers about absinthe. We went back and forth for a while on the best way to get, prepare and truly enjoy the wormwood wonder before I reached way back into my toxic past to summon the best liquid buzzes I've ever had. Hands down it ... More >>
What do Justin Timberlake and Thom Yorke have in common?
Fast reviews of recent releases
The Most Known Unknowns (Sony)
Hustle & Flow is short on action, long on scenes of recording.


text:
Long Arm of the Law
Curated by photographer Greg Girard, who will introduce the films: House of Bamboo & Long Arm of the Law The Walled City of Kowloon was an amazing and forbidding part of Hong Kong, and who better to introduce these films in which it features so centrally than photographer Greg Girard, whose book City of Darkness: Life in Kowloon Walled City is itself now legendary.
LONG ARM OF THE LAW In the early 1980's, Hong Kong's rapid economic development and Mainland China's new open policy made the city a new land of opportunity for its neighbours up north. This critically acclaimed crime thriller follows a group of opportunists from China - ex army men - looking to strike riches in Hong Kong, only to experience culture shock and betrayals that will lead to their downfall.
Director Johnny Mak captures the chase between the police and the robbers with terrifying realism, enhancing the impact of the action scenes to beyond simple escapism. Nearly 30 years later, the explosive climatic standoff in the Kowloon Walled City remains one of the best finales in Hong Kong cinema history and serves as an important historical record of a landmark lost to modernity. In addition to two Hong Kong Film Awards and two Golden Horse awards (including Best Director), Long Arm of the Law is often recognised as one of the best Hong Kong films ever made - in fact when the Hong Kong Film Festival compiled a list of the 100 best Chinese films ever made back in 2005, Long Arm of the Law ranked sixth.
Presenter: Greg Girard is one of the most accomplished photographers working anywhere today. Greg left Vancouver to explore Asia as a young man in the early 70's, spending much of his career living in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and travelling very extensively throughout the region from Afghanistan during the Soviet war to present day Bhutan. His work examines the social and physical transformations taking place throughout the region, often on the front lines of conflict and economic and social upheaval.
He is represented by Monte Clark Gallery (Vancouver/Toronto) and also works on assignment for publications such as National Geographic Magazine.


text:
Why choose Grant Thornton Ireland?
We understand business and the challenges that companies are facing today. We provide a hands-on approach to advising your business. In 2008, we experienced the highest level of organic growth of all accounting firms currently practicing in Ireland. Our firm has doubled in size over the last four years meaning that we now have the largest Irish audit practice outside the "Big Four".
We are proud of our achievements and we believe that the main driver of our growth is the personalised service that we have continued to provide to each of our clients. Our diverse portfolio, ranging from owner managed enterprises to listed multi-nationals, has helped us understand the risks facing businesses today. Whether your business is growing, or is established in its marketplace, we will work closely with your management team to provide an individually tailored audit/assurance service to meet your needs. Using a risk based audit approach will lead to a focus on the areas that really matter and are critical to your business. This ensures a cost-effective assurance solution that you can have confidence in.
Please click here for more information on our Audit services
© 2014 Grant Thornton Ireland – All rights reserved


text:
Hard work, teamwork, and a can-do spirit personify the people and the culture at Questcor.
Questcor Pharmaceuticals respects your privacy. This website ("Site") collects only the personal information that you choose to provide ("Personal Information"), and Questcor uses the Personal Information only for its legitimate business purposes and only in accordance with this Privacy Policy. The purpose of this Privacy Policy is (i) to inform you of what Personal Information we may collect from you when you visit our Site (ii) how we may use such Personal Information (iii) the choices you have regarding our use of such Personal Information, and (iv) how you may correct your Personal Information in the event there is an error or change in circumstance.
By using this Site, you agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy. Whenever you submit Personal Information via this Site, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of that information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
This Site is not intended for persons under the age of 18. We will not knowingly collect Personal Information from Site visitors unless they are 18 or older. When you use or access this Site, and submit Personal Information, you acknowledge that you are 18 or older.
Questcor collects Personal Information from Site visitors who submit or convey their information by their use of the Site. For example, in the course of using the Site, you may be requested to provide certain Personal Information such as your name, address, telephone number, email address, and other relevant information that may identify you.
In general, you can visit many pages of the Site without telling us who you are or revealing any Personal Information. We may track the internet domain address from which people visit us and analyze this data for trends and statistics, but individual users will remain anonymous, unless you voluntarily tell us who you are.
If you choose to provide us with Personal Information, such as your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc., we will respect the trust that you have placed in us. Whether or not you provide such information is completely your own choice. Questcor collects only the Personal Information that you provide to us. If you choose not to provide the information we request, you may be unable to access certain services, offers and content on our Site.
We use the information, which is automatically received from your Web browser, to see which pages you visit within our Site. Such information is used to develop statistics that are helpful to understanding how this Site is used by our visitors. This statistical data is interpreted by Questcor in its continuing effort to present the Site content that visitors are seeking in a format they find most helpful.
When Questcor receives Personal Information, we may use it for general business administration purposes or for other reasonable business purposes, such as contacting you, via e-mail or regular mail to provide you with information we believe may be of interest to you. If you e-mail us, you are voluntarily releasing information to us. Your e-mail address will be used by Questcor to respond to you.
In case of a security breach or pursuant to a legal matter that requires cooperation with authorities, your identity and Personal Information may be used for investigation purposes or as required by law or requested by law enforcement officials. Questcor may also remove all the personally identifiable information from the Personal Information we collect and use the de-identified data for historical, statistical, or scientific purposes.
Questcor will not sell, share, or otherwise distribute your Personal Information to third parties except as provided herein and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Personal Information may occasionally be transferred to service provider third parties who act for or on behalf of Questcor, or in connection with the business of Questcor, for further processing in accordance with the purposes for which the Personal Information was originally collected. We require that such third parties protect the information and, where appropriate, we will contractually require them to process data transferred only for the purposes expressly authorized by Questcor.
We may share your Personal Information with your doctor, in the event you give your consent by providing us with the doctor's name and contact information.
To enable Questcor to provide customized and personalized services, Questcor may use cookies to store and sometimes track information about you. A cookie is a small amount of data that is sent to your browser from a Web server and stored on your computer. Cookies, by themselves, do not tell us any Personal Information about you. However, if you choose to furnish the Site with Personal Information (such as your e-mail address), that information could be linked to the data stored in the cookie. Questcor reserves the right to change our use of cookies and our practices regarding linkage to Personal Information without any prior notification.
We take reasonable precautions to ensure that any Personal Information you provide on this Site is kept confidential and stored in a secure environment, and that only those personnel with legitimate business purposes will have access to this information. However, we cannot guarantee and do not represent that data provided to us will not be subject to loss, alteration, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, or destruction. It is important to be aware that all internet transmissions are subject to security breaches and errors. You should take precautions in choosing the information you send to Questcor in e-mail and safeguard any passwords or special types of identification you use to access this Site.
California Civil Code Section 1798.83 entitles California customers to request information concerning whether a business has disclosed Personal Information to any third parties for the third parties' direct marketing purposes. Questcor does not sell or share your Personal Information to any third party for marketing purposes without your consent.
California customers who wish to request further information about our compliance with this law or have questions or concerns about our privacy practices and policies may contact us at Questcor Pharmaceuticals; 3260 Whipple Road; Union City, CA 94587, Attention: Legal Department.
This Site may contain links or references to other Websites. Please be aware that we do not control other Web sites and that, in any case, this Privacy Policy does not apply to those Web sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policy of every Web site you visit.
You are free to establish a hypertext link to this Site so long as the link does not state or imply any endorsement or sponsorship of you, your company, or your site by Questcor. Without the prior written permission of Questcor, you may not frame or scrape any of the content on the Site nor incorporate into another website or other service any intellectual property of Questcor.
Questcor encourages other website to link to this Site, provided that these links comply with the guidelines set forth herein. Links to this Site from other sites should be text-only and may not include Questcor s logo or other intellectual property. We strictly prohibit any suggestions of Questcor endorsement or recommendation of a specific company, product, or service.
This Site is intended for use by U.S. residents only. By using this Site, you have acknowledged that you are a U.S. resident. Personal Information that you have voluntarily shared electronically may be delivered to servers located in the U.S. and other countries outside of the U.S.
We strive to ensure the accuracy of any Personal Information you provide to us online. If you would like to update, review or delete the Personal Information we have on file for you, please email us your request. To assist us in properly updating our files, please include your old and new Personal Information in your request.
If you have any questions or comments about Questcor's Privacy Policy or if you wish to review and correct your personally identifiable information held by Questcor, please contact us by clicking on the Contact link within the Site and by inserting the words "Privacy Policy" in the subject line.
Questcor reserves the right to change or modify this policy as needed. Your continued use of this Site signifies your assent to any modifications of this Privacy Policy. By visiting this Site, you indicate your assent to Questcor s Privacy Policy. If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us.


text:
Saudi women renew calls to lift driving ban
A group of Saudi activists are calling on women to get behind the wheel next week in defiance of a ban on female drivers, reviving a campaign that petered out last year.June 20, 2012 12:30
Register for our free newsletter
Drake & Scull said on Monday that its shareholders had approved issuing a convertible bond worth 55 million dirhams.
Etihad Airways confirms that it is not in talks with Malaysia Airlines about the possibility of an equity investment in the carrier.
Oil prices are at a suitable level for OPEC members and the group sees no shortage in supply, says UAE Energy Minister.
Israel's parliament has given initial approval to a law to enable the force-feeding of Palestinian prisoners on a hunger strike.
Turkey is investigating 28 truck drivers ferrying diesel to the Iraqi city of Mosul have been abducted by militants.
At least 27 people including 10 militants were killed at an attack on Karachi Jinnah Airport on June 8.
Israel announced on Thursday it would build 1,500 more settler homes in response to the formation of a Palestinian unity government.
Saudi MERS deaths rise to 282 from 190, cases from 688 from 575.
Kuwait's oil minister said his country was looking to sign an agreement with Iran to secure natural gas supplies.
The CID of the UAE has launched an aggressive campaign to track down illegal satellite service providers.
A group of Saudi activists are calling on women to get behind the wheel next week in defiance of a ban on female drivers, reviving a campaign that petered out last year.June 20, 2012 12:30
A message to Saudi Gazette and Emirates 24/7, there are other Saudi women that drive abroad and don't drive like Maha Makki.November 20, 2011 3:44
Eva Fernandes is just tired with the plain stupid mistakes drivers in Dubai are happy to make over and over again despite the fatal consequences.October 17, 2011 4:38
Eva Fernandes explores rumours that learning how to drive in Dubai is nothing short of a time-consuming, infuriatingly tedious and ridiculously expensive affair.June 23, 2011 3:55
When it comes to women taking to the wheel in Saudi Arabia, who's court is the ball really in right now, asks Saeed Attiyah Al-GhamdiMay 25, 2011 10:58
Rehab for bad drivers: proactive and possibly profitable measureApril 7, 2011 1:41
Kipp is getting weary of the reckless driving and speeding characteristic of Sheikh Zayed Road and is wondering when will it all end?November 3, 2010 3:41
The UAE has one of highest death rates for road users, says a recent report by WHO. The country has started taking some measures to curb dangerous driving.June 16, 2009 1:44
Did you know that driving dangerously is…dangerous?January 27, 2009 3:07


text:
Working Overtime, undertime, anytime, all the time | Andy Ward, Illustration
Recent Activity
My contribution to Do The Green Thing/WWF Earth Hour campaign '29 Posters' read more ›
AOI Award Advertising & Design category winner
I'm very pleased to announce my Anorexic Unicorn poster illustration from the University Of California's summer 2013 mental health campaign has been awarded 2014 Advertising & Design category winner. read more ›
ANDY WARD editions latest news
Series 4 The Natural History Series presents an edition of 3 parrots of character. Major Mitchell's Cockatoo, The Scarlet Macaw, and the Black Headed Caique with stamped gold emboss. visit store ›
Latest products & artwork in use
Proud Leopard embellished sleeveless top for Custo Barcelona see more ›
Recent twitter post
AOI Award Adverstising & Design category winner - I'm very pleased to announce my Anorexic Unicorn poster... http://t.co/ZFrM4glzeNFollow me ›


text:
A few years back, after at least 25 years of driving various Morgans, I sold my 1955 Plus-4 Special and bought a 1966 Triumph TR4A.
Not because I don't like Morgans anymore. I still have a huge soft spot for these primitive little runabouts, but I just got tired of having a right-hand drive car, and wrestling with side-screen windows that flap like flags on the highway, while fighting with a top that never quite fit right. I also thought it'd be nice to have a British sports car with a heater and a trunk, for a change.
Some might counter that I jumped from the frying pan into the fire by acquiring a Triumph, but after some five years of ownership, I'm still a happy camper. Thus far, the car has been 100 per cent reliable, came with a (new) manageable top that has come in handy more than once, is easy to work on and, most importantly, satisfies my insatiable need to have a Little British Car to fuss over and tinker with.
Plus, and this is a biggie, the Triumph in question had already been restored by a professional, and all the heavy lifting had been done. It had been repainted, the frame had been reinforced, rotten fenders replaced, interior done, drivetrain rebuilt and brakes and hydraulics overhauled. For once, all I had to do was drive the thing.
And that's exactly what I've been doing. Aside from adding a few upgrades, such as a high-torque starter, wire wheels and screw-on oil filter adapter, all I've done with the 4A is enjoy it. My days of scrabbling around on a cold garage floor and endless electrical troubleshooting seem to be over.
Maybe not. Let's go back to the spring of 2009, when, out for a Sunday drive in the 4A, I came across a 1976 Triumph TR6 languishing in the back lot at a local gas station. I'd seen this poor lost soul before, sitting there, bravely enduring the wind and rain and getting just a little more pathetic with each passing day. Like someone who comes across an abandoned kitten, I couldn't help myself, and tracked down the owner.
Turns out, a retired school teacher named Beryl had bought this TR6 new in 1976 and drove it up until about 1999, when too many things went wrong and needed to be attended to. "I had three different shops look at it," she explained to me, "and they all said it would cost at least $30,000 to restore it. I don't have the money." So she parked it and there it sat for 10 years.
One thing led to another and, to make a long story short, Beryl said she'd give me the car, gratis, if I promised to let her drive it when I was done.
That's how I acquired a second Triumph and once again found myself scrabbling around on a cold garage floor and trying to breathe life back into a car that, by all rights, should have gone to the knackers' years ago.
But here's the thing. After spending a week troubleshooting, I got the engine running and discovered almost full compression in all six cylinders. Not to mention good oil pressure and a frame that, with a bit of welding, was as good as new.
Over the next year and a half, I re-did the brakes, got new tires, replaced a couple of fenders, repaired the floors and rocker panels, cleaned out the oil pan, threw out those damn Zenith-Stromberg carburetors and replaced them with Webers, added electronic ignition, replaced all four shocks absorbers, put in a clutch assembly and timing chain, changed all fluids and painted the car.
I also found out that Beryl's TR6 had a brand-new top, a reasonably new exhaust system, a rebuilt rear differential assembly and ran like a champ once everything was sorted out. Bonus: it has overdrive, a zip-out rear window and everything works, including the horn and all lights and signals.
But owning two Triumphs, even for an incorrigible LBCer like me, seems excessive. After all, there are all kinds of other cool old cars out there and, despite the fact that they have different engines, these two Triumphs share many components. One has got to go.
But which one? I love the Michelotti-styled body of the 4A and appreciate the fact that it's been restored by someone with more talent and ability than me. The engine and gearbox, for example, were rebuilt by an aircraft mechanic and are absolutely perfect. This is also the last Triumph with the renowned indestructible Ferguson tractor engine derivative, and has an excellent motorsport heritage. My own car is also virtually stock and looks much the same as it did new, 46 years ago.
The TR6, on the other hand, has way more punch, and is a much more drivable automobile.
The addition of two cylinders changes everything with this car and, with overdrive, it can cruise all day at relatively low rpms, while delivering excellent acceleration. I've also bonded with this one, having, literally, put my blood, sweat and tears into its restoration, and know the car inside out. And, fact is, I prefer driving it; it's less stroppy than the 4A, handles better and has one of the most intoxicating exhaust notes ever produced. I'm totally conflicted and can't seem to make a decision either way.
But before I do anything, I've got a date with Beryl.
Follow us on Twitter: @Globe_Drive


text:
Tag: FusionCase
Apple announces Bumpers for iPhone 4, gets into the protection biz
During an Apple keynote, it's almost impossible to catch all of the info flooding out of Moscone. One thing we did catch, and then had to search for, was something about "Bumpers." A quick look at the pages on the Apple Web site didn't seem to show anything until I scrolled to the bottom of the...
Subscribe to Newsletter
Software Updatesmore updates
- Spotify update adds equalizer, refreshed Artist page and more
- Fantastical 2.1 for iOS adds new snooze, search and notification features
- ExpanDrive 4, more services and faster sync
- Apple adds iTunes Extras to Apple TV
- Spotify updates with new iPhone controls in time for summer BBQs
- iTunes U update will bring course creation and student discussion to iPad app


text:
Spicy Baked Fish II
1 pound cod fillets, fresh or frozen, skinless and thawed (or other white fleshed fish) 1⁄4 cup onion (chopped) 1⁄4 cup green bell pepper (chopped) 1 can tomatoes, diced (8 ounce) 1⁄4 teaspoon oregano
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil or spray a baking dish with vegetable spray.
2. Cut fish into four pieces and place in baking dish.
3. Top fish with onions, green peppers, tomatoes and seasoning. Bake about 20 minutes or until fish flakes.
Per recipe: $7.83
Per serving: $1.96
Montana State University Extension Service, Montana Extension Nutrition Education Program
Website Recipes
Find tips and resources for safe food handling and proper cooking temperature guidance.


text:
As the person responsible for HR at your company, you juggle what seems like a thousand tasks every day.
BLR® can help.
We offer industry-leading and award-winning solutions that are prepared by lawyers and industry experts—and here's the best part: Our resources are designed to be understood and used by non-lawyers in the real business world.
Our comprehensive solutions — delivered in numerous formats from online applications, live events, and websites to books & booklets, newsletters, and CDs/DVDs— are designed expertly crafted to keep your company out of legal trouble, avoid fines, and save money as you comply with state and national federal employment (DOL) rules and requirements.
With BLR® at your side, you'll quickly understand what state and federal laws you need to know and how they impact your organization. And you'll be able to apply the appropriate tools, training, and resources to adhere to them.
August 5, 2014 at 1:30 PM Eastern
HR Recordkeeping: Practical Strategies for Maintaining an Accurate and Efficient Records Trail
August 5, 2014 at 1:30 PM Eastern
Job Hazard Analysis & Other Risk Assessments: How to Effectively Identify Potential Occupational Risks Before Injuries Happen
August 12, 2014 at 1:30 PM Eastern
Hearing Conservation: Strategies to Safeguard Workers' Hearing and Assure Compliance with OSHA Regulations
August 13, 2014 at 1:30 PM Eastern
Disaster Recovery: How to Safely Get Back Up and Running When Extreme Weather Strikes
>> View all Events


text:
Upload Photo
Second Amendment rights rally in White Plains
About 65 people attended a rally for Second Amendment rights in front of the Charles L. Brieant Federal Courthouse in White Plains on Saturday, where they railed against politicians in Washington and Albany. Conservative and Tea Party members made up much of the group, but several attendees described themselves only as "concerned citizens." (Feb. 23, 2013)
Recent LI fires LI car accidents LI notable deaths New York City parties LI people on the move! Promotions, new jobs 45 signs you're from Suffolk Long Island rich cribs 100 things every kid should do on LI New York reacts to Eric Garner death LI man arrested in cold case murders Tempelton Group behind $18M fraud, police say Dropping LBs: LIers before and after weight-loss stories