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Tablet. Hotels for Global Nomads
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Custom Hotel
8639 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA
The phrase "airport hotel" is one we often catch ourselves using as shorthand for the uninspired and uncomfortable places that are the antithesis of everything we at Tablet hold dear. So it's kind of a big deal when one of them turns out to be as sleek, stylish and thoughtfully put together as any European-capital design boutique. Well, when the facts change, as some great man or another said, we change our minds. And if airport hotels in Los Angeles or elsewhere start looking more like the Custom Hotel, then we're going to be eating a lot of crow.
Little danger, for now. The Custom is just about one-of-a-kind; it's still a concrete tower, not much could be done about that, but it's one with a poolside bar and cabanas, an attractive wood-paneled lobby bar, even a DJ lounge and an outdoor fire pit. And the rooms: nobody minds a tower hotel when they get a look at the views, and the bedrooms come equipped with all the necessities, including free wi-fi and iPod attachments. It's a good deal, a long way more stylish than it needs to be, and if you don't need to be within walking distance of much of anything, it's not at all inconvenient — and this being LA, you probably weren't planning on walking anywhere anyway.
How to get there:
Custom Hotel offers a complimentary door-to-door airport shuttle, available on request from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. Please call the hotel at +1 310.645.0400 when you arrive at LAX. Parking is also available at the hotel for $27 per night.
- Complimentary upgrade upon hotel check-in, based upon availability
- Complimentary drink voucher per guest (valued up to 13 USD per drink)
- Discounted valet parking: 15 USD per day (normally 27 USD per day)
- Guaranteed 2pm late check-out
- 250 Rooms
- Style: Cutting-Edge
- Atmosphere: Lively
- 181 Guest Reviews
- Custom Hotel
- 8639 Lincoln Blvd
- Los Angeles, CA, USA
Hotel amenities and services
- 100% non-smoking hotel
- 24 hour concierge
- 24 hour front desk
- 24 hour gym
- ATM/bank office
- Adjoining rooms
- Babysitting (on request)
- Bar
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Boardroom
- Business center
- Central air conditioning
- Free wi-fi
- Golf nearby
- Jacuzzi
- Lounge
- Luggage storage
- Multi-lingual staff
- No pets allowed
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Shopping area nearby
- Valet parking (charges apply)
- Wake-up service
Other Los Angeles Area hotels
181 Guest Reviews
All reviews are from Tablet guests with verified stays.
- Benjamin
- Stayed February 2012
- Rating: Good
What I liked:
Location and style.
What the hotel could do better:
Improve valet service and after hour snack offerings.
- Barry
- Stayed February 2012
- Rating: Poor
What I liked:
The location (5 minutes to LAX) and the beautiful online photos. Great views of busy LAX runways and the Pacific.
What the hotel could do better:
We found our first assigned room in disarray, not made up. Desk clerk response was a terse "sorry." No upgrade, no discount. Found the bed too soft, small, and cheap. Mini-bar completely empty, even though kitchen closes at 10pm and they offer no room service. Wide-open suburban location with mandatory $20 valet parking, an inconvenience we had to pay for.
- jessica
- Stayed February 2012
- Rating: Fair
What I liked:
Good for early flight from lax
What the hotel could do better:
Not much for the price,


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[B]y late Thursday, the House had passed one of the three bills in a 58-52 vote and the Senate had passed two others—one for private-sector workers and one for public-sector workers—by votes of 22-16 and 22-4, respectively. [...]Gov. Rick Snyder, who had repeatedly said he did not want a so-called "right to work" law, is firmly behind this push, which comes just a month after an election in which Michigan Republicans did not campaign on the issue. The legislature is expected to return to the bills on Tuesday.
The bill that passed the House includes a $1-million appropriation. By making it an appropriations bill, the Republicans made it ineligible for repeal through a ballot initiative.
"Right to work" laws allow people in union workplaces to reap the benefits of the union, such as grievance representation and improved wages and benefits negotiated by the union, without paying even a fee covering the direct costs of their representation. Instead, they get to freeload on their union coworkers. Giving people the benefits of membership without payment of fees is not, needless to say, a practice followed by the business associations like the Chamber of Commerce that often push freeloader laws on unions. But writing such a requirement into law for workers is part of the general right-wing agenda of imposing ever-bigger burdens on the ability of workers to join together and build power.

subset: commoncrawl


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Book your room at Hale Lani Bed & Breakfast
Please enter your travel dates.
3-star bed & breakfast with free breakfast and 24-hour front desk
With a stay at Hale Lani Bed & Breakfast in Kapaa, you'll be near the airport and minutes from Kadavul Hindu Temple and Iraivan Temple.
This bed & breakfast is within close proximity of Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls.
Make yourself at home in one of the 4 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Cable programming along with DVD players are provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms have jetted bathtubs and bathrobes. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and coffee/tea makers.
Make use of convenient amenities such as wedding services, a fireplace in the lobby, and barbecue grills.
A complimentary continental breakfast is included.
Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast. This Kapaa bed & breakfast also offers a library, barbecue grills, and a fireplace in the lobby. Complimentary self parking is available on site.
Hale Lani Bed & Breakfast is a smoke-free property.
- 24-hour front desk
- Free breakfast
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Fireplace in lobby
- Barbecue grill(s)
- Laundry facilities
- Library
- Total number of rooms - 4
- Free self parking
- Smoke-free property
- Wedding services
Family Friendly Amenities
- Laundry facilities
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- DVD player
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- DVD player
- Air conditioning
- Coffee/tea maker
- Private bathroom
- Bathrobes
- Jetted bathtub
- Iron/ironing board
- Cable TV service
- Individually decorated
- Desk
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Phone
- Turndown service
Where to Eat
Guests are offered complimentary continental and full breakfasts.
Nearby Things to Do
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Snorkeling nearby
- Windsurfing nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Parasailing nearby
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is 11 AM
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.


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So Much Fun It's Scary!® - Only Days Until HALLOWEEN!
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By Karen
from Knoxville TN
About Me Classic
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Scarlet Witch
- Comfortable
- Fits Well
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- Everything you need is in
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- A little expensive
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Good selection of larger costumesBOTTOM LINE Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Archive for the 'Fiat' tag
Hemmings Find of the Day – 1971 Fiat 850 Berlina
So there's a little rust on this 1971 Fiat 850 Berlina for sale on Hemmings.com, it has a smashed windshield, and its engine has been all torn down. That just means it's a good starting point for a project car, especially for folks who aren't intimidated by parts searches and offbeat vehicles, and for folks who might not have that much room to work on a car. If the seller comes through with a new windshield for the next owner, even better. From the seller's description:
This car was imported and sold by Fiat in the United States and spent its entire life in Georgia. I bought it from the original owner and have the original Georgia title from 1971 showing it was purchased "new". This body style – the 850 Berlina sedan – is extremely rare and you will probably never see another one.
If you are looking for an unusual eye catching car that will be adored by all, this is it. With the resurgence of Fiat in the United States, now is a great time to bring this classic Fiat back to the streets. This car is nearly complete and will have you chasing only a couple parts to complete the restoration. Considering the rust issues with Fiats and most cars of the era, this one is remarkably good condition.
All original complete car. The engine is disassembled but and neatly packed in boxes. All the parts are there. It was taken apart to be rebuilt but that is far as the owner got. I don't know what was wrong with it but no visible problems with the block, head, or pistons. The windshield is smashed and I'm sourcing a new one. All the rest of the glass, trim, chrome, lights, etc are in good condition except the front right turn signal and the front emblem has a small piece missing. The interior is in fair/good condition. One rip on the driver seat along the seam but it could be mended. The wheel wells where the rocker panel meets the wheel well have small half dollar size holes. The floor pans have some rust through especially in the middle of each pan, a tennis ball size hole at worst. Also the front splash shield is rusted through down low. The rest of it looks very good. No rust issues on the exterior body or elsewhere.
See more Fiats for sale on Hemmings.com.
Four-Links – Fiats by any other name, search and sketch, digital dashes, a tale of two islands
* Rear-engined Fiats were plentiful and simple. So no surprise that plenty of coachbuilders and low-volume manufacturers based their cars, trucks, and even jeeplets on the chassis. Ronan Glon at RanWhenParked runs down a few of the more interesting variants, including the Moretti Sportiva above.
* Bruce Thomson is on the hunt for an affordable vintage car. Aren't we all? Bruce, however, has decided to write about his adventures at Kicking Vintage Tyres and at the same time sketch out the various cars he checks out, pointing out the good and the bad. Hopefully he keeps the stories coming even after he chooses a car to buy.
* Which car had the first digital dashboard? Mike Rosa of Autos of Interest doesn't have that answer, but he does have several pages of examples.
* Right-hand-drive, built-on-an-island, compact cars can describe either Japanese or British cars. Rodney at Positive Earth recently gave us a quick history lesson on how, sometimes, they were both Japanese and British.
* Finally, car care tips from Phil Are Go!
Fiat moves toward reviving the 124
Earlier this month, Alfa Romeo CEO Harald Wester confirmed rumors that there would be no Alfa Romeo Spider based on the new Mazda MX-5 Miata, despite a 2012 agreement between the two automakers; FCA evidently came to the conclusion that a made-in-Japan Alfa was not in keeping with the marque's Italian brio. But now it appears that the marriage isn't completely doomed; according to the Italian financial magazine Il Sole 24 Ore, FCA has renewed the trademarks on two of its more successful names, 124 and 124 Spider, suggesting that there will be at least two new small Fiats, a convertible and a coupe, based on the rear-drive Mazda roadster.
Like the 500, the 124 had a good, long run, making it a promising name for a new Fiat sports car. The original 124 was introduced in 1966, winning European Car of the Year honors, and finally made its way through the regulatory thicket to the U.S. market one year later. The series, named for its "124" Lampredi-designed, four-cylinder engine, consisted of a four-door sedan, a two-door Sport Coupe, a convertible Sport Spider and a station wagon.
Production of the sedan and the coupe lasted until 1975, but the Spider hung in for another decade; for the last two model years, the car was badged a Pininfarina, after the coachbuilder took over production from Fiat. The Spider was by far the best-known version of the 124 in America, where 170,000 of the 198,000 built were sold. Even though the underpinnings – and styling – were nearly two decades old at the end of the 124's career, it was still capable of charming the automotive writers. As Road & Track noted in 1984, "The Spider is an old friend, one that proves you don't have to throw away an earlier configuration just for the sake of change. It's a basically simple design with a friendly personality."
If there is indeed a new 124 coming, it will have some big shoes to fill. Fingers crossed, we'll get to see it try – especially if there's going to be an Abarth version. And chin up, Alfisti: Wester is on record saying that the Alfa Spider project will continue in-house as part of Project Giorgio, a rear-wheel-drive platform to be shared with several models.
Hemmings Find of the Day – 1978 Fiat 124 Spider
Compact convertibles from foreign manufacturers once dotted the American landscape, but today have largely vanished from sight (Mazda's beloved Miata excepted). Once plentiful in the classified advertising of any city that enjoyed a reasonable amount of annual sunshine (and, of course, Hemmings Motor News), Fiat 124 Spiders have become somewhat more challenging to find in recent years, with most bearing disclaimers like "ran when parked" or "good candidate for complete restoration." This 1978 Fiat 124 Spider, for sale on Hemmings.com, makes no such apologies; in fact, the most critical thing the owner points out is the typical garage damage caused by children's bicycles and other trappings of suburban life. With a claimed 35,000 miles on the odometer and service records since new, two more common areas of concern appear to be addressed, making this Fiat worth a look for those in the market. From the seller's description:
1978 Fiat 124 Spider – Extraordinarily Original! One owner, one garage and one service center. VERY LOW MILES, only 35,000 since new! Original paint, interior, carpet, radio, luggage rack, title (1978) and dealer brochures. Perfect original dash, console and top boot. Clean engine, no leaks all service up to date, all service logs since new. The trunk looks like it has never been opened! LOOKS, RUNS, DRIVES, STARTS and STOPS LIKE NEW! Very clean road ready Fiat. The only negative is some garage rash from children's bicycle's and wife's laundry basket, but car still shows excellent. Fiat currently rides on late model spider Cromodora alloy rims, but also includes the original steel rims and recent tires. No disappointments with this Fiat!
Find more Fiats for sale on Hemmings.com.
After a 100-year slumber, the Beast of Turin comes to life
The Beast of Turin comes to life. Photos courtesy Stefan Marjoram.
In the early days of motor racing, there really was no replacement for displacement. Going faster meant constructing ever larger engines, and in 1910, Fiat set the bar by designing a 28.5-liter (1,729-cu.in.) inline four-cylinder to power its S76 Grand Prix car. Two were built, but just one survives today; now, thanks to the efforts of restorer Duncan Pittaway, the surviving "Beast of Turin" has awakened after its century-long slumber.
Duncan Pittaway (L) works through a coil problem with a pair of assistants.
Fiat's 28.5-liter four was in direct response to the 21.5-liter four-cylinder that powered the Blitzen Benz, which Barney Oldfield had used to set a world land record speed of 131.7 MPH at Daytona Beach in 1910. Not reserved exclusively for Grand Prix racing, the Fiat S76 was also used by American driver Arthur Duray in a 1911 land speed record attempt at Ostend, Belgium; as The Old Motor explains, Duray managed a higher one-way speed of 132.27 MPH, but was unable to complete a return run within the hour allotted. The Beast of Turin would be denied the record, and would soon be rendered obsolete by smaller and lighter multi-cam engines from manufacturers like Peugeot.
The first S76 constructed was sold by Fiat to a Russian noble in 1911, prior to Duray's record attempt. Following the First World War, this chassis surfaced in Australia, where it would come to be powered by a Stutz engine, the fate of its massive Fiat four-cylinder unknown. Fiat retained possession of the second S76, but dismantled the car sometime after the war's end. Both cars may have been lost to history were it not for the efforts of Pittaway, who began his quest to resurrect the Beast of Turin in 2003, when he acquired the chassis of S76 number one.
Sometime later, Pittaway was able to purchase the surviving S76 engine from chassis number two, which required a complete tear-down and rebuild. For its day, the engine was remarkably advanced, featuring an overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder; yet it's the sheer size of the block that is most impressive.
With pieces of the car in hand, Pittaway began the laborious process of recreating other major components, such as the dual chain-drive gearbox and complete body. Period photos and blueprints helped, but the hand fabrication required dragged out the process longer than anticipated. The car was supposed to be started at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, but century-old race cars do not always abide by schedules. Goodwood came and went, but despite the superhuman efforts of Pittaway's team in the days leading up to the event, the Beast remained silent.
Then, in late November, the planets aligned. With a Herculean pull of the starter crank handle, the massive four-cylinder engine sputtered to life with a deafening roar, belching fire, smoke and sparks from its open exhaust ports, like the mechanical demon it was. For those in attendance, it must have been a truly impressive (and somewhat terrifying) experience; after all, there are no modern piston engines that could prepare one for the sheer violence and excess of the Fiat's four.
The process of restoration has been beautifully documented by British filmmaker and photographer Stefan Marjoram. He's working on a slightly longer film about the Fiat's rebirth, due in February of 2015, but the three-minute short below does an outstanding job of setting the stage. It is, in a word, captivating, and paints an all-too-brief picture of the effort that went into reawakening the Beast of Turin.
Bravo, Stefan, and we'll be watching for the release of the full video in 2015.
Hemmings Find of the Day – 1967 Fiat Jolly
Sometimes, less is more, and that was certainly the case with the Ghia-built Fiat Jolly. Despite the Jolly's spartan wicker seats, cloth top (complete with fringe) and absence of glass (aside from the windshield), the Fiat 500 or 600-based runabouts became status symbols for the wealthy, often used as yacht tenders or estate cars. This 1967 Fiat Jolly, for sale on Hemmings.com, is a modern recreation of the original, built from a Fiat 600 powered by the larger 850cc Zastava engine. Seats are vinyl, which may not be period-correct, but is certainly more comfortable, and the beach runabout is said to be in excellent mechanical condition, having been owned by an auto shop. From the seller's description:
One of a kind 1967 Fiat 600 mod. Jolly.
The first Fiat 500 Jolly was produced by Ghia in 1958 for Gianni Agnelli to be added to his 82′ yacht.
Approx. 400 were manufactured and fewer than 100 originals are known to exist. These were built for the elite class costing more than twice the price of a new 500.
The success of the Jolly was such that with a rekindled interest in many of the small classic cars, manufacturers have re-introduced the Jolly in a variation of sizes, and engines ranging from the Fiat 500, Fiat 600, Fiat 850, Fiat 600 Multipla to the Bianchina.
Today's Jolly are all modified vintage cars still in existence with their availability decreasing each year.
This is a 1967 Fiat 600 modified Jolly equipped with a more powerful 850cc. Fiat Zastava engine. The seats are in an elegant and comfortable vinyl upholstery. It is in excellent mechanical conditions having been owned by an auto shop. It shows beautifully in its sparkling new paint.
Find more Fiats for sale on Hemmings.com.
Fiat Set to Spin Off Ferrari via IPO; Marchionne to Remain in Charge
Photos by author.
If there were any questions regarding Sergio Marchionne's intention's with Ferrari, the cat, er, prancing horse, is now out of the bag.
Long on debt, short on cash and attempting to re-invent itself with a significant investment in the next few model years, Fiat (officially Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV as of October 12) will spin off Ferrari via an initial public offering in the coming weeks. Marchionne has announced an ambitious five-year plan to take Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Maserati global that requires a massive infusion of cash and selling Ferrari is just one piece of the puzzle.
The machinations of Marchionne's marching orders would float 10% of the company on the publicly traded stock market (likely with U.S. released shares) and then distribute 80% of the firm to existing Fiat shareholders. The final 10% of Ferrari remains in the hands of an Enzo Ferrari descendent. Italian investment bank Mediobanca has estimated Ferrari's current market value at $11.3 billion, which could mean a significant step toward the estimated $61 billion Fiat will need to fulfill Marchionne's plans for the global automaker.
It should be noted that in 2002, a then cash-strapped Fiat sold a 34% stake in Ferrari to Mediobanca, which had intended to float those shares publicly, but instead sold all but an 11% chunk of that business to other banks and the government investment arm of Abu Dhabi. Fiat later recovered those shares, beginning in 2006 and completing it in 2010. Speculation was rife that Marchionne was planning an IPO at that time, but the coy CEO left wide open the possibility regarding that potential offering.
To put things in perspective, at the time Fiat sold out to Mediobanca in 2002, the automaker—and largest company in Italy—owned 1.8% of the shares in the investment bank. If that's not confusing enough, at one time Mediobanca, originally a quasi-public company created after World War II as a long-term investment arm for revitalizing Italian industry, once owned a significant enough percentage of Fiat to have a voice in how the automaker was run, though those shares were sold off some time ago. Just another day in the interlocking, internecine world of high finance.
Curiously, Marchionne intends to remain as chairman of both Fiat and the newly freed Ferrari, the latter position which he has held only very recently since ousting Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, a move he certainly orchestrated with cooperation from John Elkann, the 38-year-old Agnelli family heir who holds the position of Fiat Chrysler Chairman and will likely be the biggest shareholder in Ferrari as well.
Selling ultra-luxury sports and GT cars had been extremely profitable for Ferrari in recent years, even with the expense of operating a top-line Formula 1 team, which brings in its own considerable revenues from sponsorships, licensing and satellite teams that use Ferrari power. As a car company, Ferrari returns an extremely high profit margin of over 13 percent, according to the most recent quarterly results.
Though an independent Ferrari would seem anathema to a world where the Volkswagen Group owns Bugatti, Lamborghini and Bentley and BMW owns Rolls-Royce, we shouldn't forget that McLaren has found success on nearly the same parameters at Ferrari, involved in racing at the highest levels and selling sports cars where the prices start north of $200,000 and go up—far up—from there.
What separates Ferrari from the likes of Aston Martin, which has struggled since detaching from Ford during the recession, and smaller players like Koenigsegg, Pagani and Spyker, might be the sheer, unmistakable recognizable Ferrari cachet. Brand Finance, a global "brand valuation consultancy" (yes, there is such a thing) recently ranked Ferrari as the most powerful global brand citing the "quasi-religious devotion" of Ferrari fans and calling its brand power "indisputable." Though Brand Finance ranked Ferrari the most powerful, its brand "value" is considerably down the list at $4 billion, but it represents a sizable portion of Fiat's $12 billion plus valuation of Ferrari.
Ferrari today is a far cry from the Ferrari of the 1960s that almost became part of Ford and later was swallowed nearly whole by Fiat between 1969 and company founder Enzo Ferrari's death in 1988. For most of its existence during the life of Enzo Ferrari, the company raced cars first and only sold street cars to fund those competitive efforts. But that business model and attitude were long jettisoned by di Montezemolo, who ran Ferrari for 23 years, turning it into a sales and racing juggernaut.
Today, with advanced manufacturing and engineering, there is little "old world" about Ferrari, a company that also employs a lot of savvy in their marketing and brand presence, primarily by producing extremely fast and luxurious street cars along with continuing a long tradition of racing success, which has been admittedly lean in recent years in Formula 1. Though Ferrari's failure in recent years to recapture Formula 1 glory was the publicly stated reason Marchionne used to force di Montezemolo's resignation, it seems clear just a few weeks later that the Ferrari IPO held much larger sway in that decision.
Hemmings Find of the Day – 1979 Fiat X1/9
If you're looking for an Italian mid-engined sports car that won't clean out the savings account, the Fiat X1/9 is a great car to consider. This 1979 Fiat X1/9, for sale on Hemmings.com, comes from a benchmark year for the model as the engine displacement grew from 1.3 to 1.5 liters, bringing a little more pep to Turin's mid-engined targa. In addition to the new engine, a five-speed gearbox was included with new one-piece bumpers and a raised engine cover to provide more room for the larger power plant. As with most 1970s cars, rust is something to look out for and there are plenty of spots to be aware of including underneath the windshield, the seams in the hood as well as the various panel bottoms. From the seller's description:
An exceptional example of Bertone's exquisitely designed sports car for Fiat, this all original two-owner X1/9 has been beautifully maintained its entire life by Jeff Wilson Enterprises in Orange County, California. Finished in the 1979-only color "Rosso Ciliegia" (Metallic Red), the body is in immaculate condition with no signs of corrosion or damage. The original tape striping and protective trim are in like-new condition as is the removable top and engine cover. Once seated in the cockpit, you are transported back to the heyday of Italian design under the hospice of Nuccio Bertone and the X1/9's chief designer, Marcello Gandini. The parchment vinyl and cloth seats with contrasting brown side bolsters are in pristine condition and the steering wheel and dash have been completely protected from the California sun. The sporty 4-spoke steering wheel and unique shifter are both comfortable and very responsive. The interior shows very little sign of use with the exception of some minor wear on the carpeting near the pedals. This was the first year for the larger 1498cc motor and 5-speed transmission and both the engine and drivetrain have clearly been babied by the original owner. The included service records show only routine maintenance including scheduled oil changes and tune-ups. The car runs and drives like the day it came off the showroom floor. Do not miss this chance to own what is arguably one of the best examples in the country.
Find more Fiats for sale on Hemmings.com.
End of an era at Ferrari: Montezemolo out; Marchionne steps in
Luca di Montezemolo. Photos courtesy Ferrari Media.
Since Enzo Ferrari's passing in 1988, no one single man has been more influential to the company, both on the race track and in the showroom, than Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Ferrari's chariman since 1991. But, as of October 13, after a power struggle with Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, Montezemolo will be stepping down.
Officially, it's a resignation, but we all know what "resigned to pursue other opportunities" means on the resume. Despite being a protégé of Gianni Agnelli, the Fiat scion of the late 20th century and family friend of Montezemolo's aristocratic clan, Montezemolo, the one-time chairman of Fiat (2004-2010) also apparently didn't have the ear of the current CEO and Agnelli grandson John Elkann, who has strongly backed the sweater-wearing Sergio Marchionne.
Ferrari's on-track successes with Montezemolo at the helm are legion. His hiring of Michael Schumacher and Jean Todt in the mid-1990s culminated in six consecutive F1 constructor's titles from 1999 to 2004, two more in 2007 and 2008, and six driver's titles, including five for Schumacher between 2000 and 2004 and one for Kimi Räikkönen in 2007. Since then, Ferrari has found success on the track difficult to come by, and unless something changes pretty soon, 2014 might be the first year Ferrari gets shut out of the victory circle for the first time since 1993. However, it should be noted that they have done very well at 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GT class.
Since taking over in 1991, Montezemolo has led Ferrari's road-car business from a sometimes break-even operation of a couple of thousand cars a year to a 7,000-unit luxury-car juggernaut of immense profitability. In 1991, when he took over, not only was the F1 team beginning to really suffer, but the street-car lineup was not exactly inspiring too many aspirations. But, that changed quickly. The moribund 348 quickly morphed into the wickedly exciting 355, which started a rollout of new mid-engined V-8 models every five years that continue to thrill.
Sergio Marchionne and Luca di Montezemolo at the press conference announcing his resignation.
The F50 debuted as the world's top sports car in 1995, a tradition that continued with the Enzo in 2003 and the new hybrid La Ferrari this year. Montezemolo retired the 512TR for the 550 Maranello in 1996, reintroducing a front-engined V-12 sports car for the first time in decades.
The products kept coming and, though privateers had always raced the sports car, he started the Ferrari Challenge series where competitors could buy full-fledged race cars based on the V-8 models to compete against each other in classic gentleman's racer style. He even instituted the Cliente program where modern F1 cars are sold to collectors and amateur racers (wealthy amateur racers) after retirement. Given the absurd complexity of a modern race car, Ferrari continues to handle the storage, transport and trackside support of the cars—all for a nice fee, of course.
In recent years, Ferrari has also earned a pretty penny on licensed items, including everything from Taiwanese-made laptops to Chinese-made teddy bears. Fancy such a fuzzy, cuddly creature? Well, there are now a couple of dozen Ferrari stores through the world that don't sell any cars – unless you are counting small die-cast ones. If your travels take you to the Middle East, you can even visit the world's largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World.
Yes, this "branding" business is big money for one of the most respected and valued names in the world, along with some of the most recognizable sports and GT cars in the world. Even non-car people notice when a Ferrari rolls—or screams!—down the street.
Debuting the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano at Geneva, 2006.
Until recently, Marchionne has largely kept his hands off Ferrari, but that started to change when Montezemolo decided that the only way to keep Ferrari highly desirable, despite growing global demand (and shockingly emerging market for $150,000+ cars throughout the world), would be to limit production to no more than 7,000 cars per year. This decision did not sit well with Marchionne.
Coupled with Ferrari's struggles in F1, and Elkann's backing of Marchionne, Montezemolo is on the way out. Everyone is publicly playing nice and calling it a resignation, but no one doubts he was forced to go.
Clearly not happy at having to go out on somebody else's terms, the 67-year-old Montezemolo did take a dig at the direction that he suspects Marchionne will take Ferrari, allegedly calling it "American," which we are going to safely assume is meant as an insult. Considering that approximately one-third of Ferrari's 7,000-car annual output ends up on our shores—for a long time, Maranello's largest market—we're going to forgive him for that slight.
But don't cry for Montezemolo, whose net worth is estimated at $400 million. He stands to receive some 26 million euros in his golden parachute, half paid out in a 20-year installment and the other half payable in 2017 as a non-compete for the next three years. One of Italy's most recognizable industrialists, Montezemolo also has his hands in several other businesses and has frequently been tapped to enter Italian politics.
Gallery: Italian masterpieces at Concorso Italiano
Alfa Romeos on display at the 2014 Concorso Italiano. Photos by author.
For lovers of Italian automobiles, a visit to Concorso Italiano, held annually during Car Week, may be reason enough to book a trip to California's Monterey Peninsula in mid-August. If last year's event was a disappointment, this year's show exceeded expectations in every regard, and we were left with the impression that organizers had put a considerable amount of effort into making Concorso Italiano stand out in a sea of automotive-themed events leading up to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
The move to Saturday likely helped draw more attendees (as Concorso no longer conflicts with The Quail, a Motorsport Gathering, held on Friday), and a change in venue to the Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course improved accessibility for both exhibitors and attendees. While there was no shortage of Ferraris to appreciate, it appeared that participation among other Italian marques was up this year as well. Maserati, celebrating its centennial in 2014, was well-represented, as was Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia, De Tomaso, Lamborghini and Ghia.
1953 Alfa Romeo AR51 Matta.
Among the standout vehicles was a 1953 Alfa Romeo AR51 Matta, the Italian equivalent of our beloved military Jeep. Constructed from 1952 through 1954, the Matta was intended for use as a scout car, and like the Willys Jeep, later saw service as a civilian vehicle (in AR52 guise). The example shown was one of 2007 AR51 models built (versus just 154 AR52 models), and was owned by Gerard Kassarian and Manuel Minassian of Beverly Hills, California.
As with the gallery of images from Pebble Beach posted earlier this week, each thumbnail image is labeled with the make and model of vehicle shown, and when possible, the year. Godetevi le immagini!


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Lawmakers, fire officials call on governor to sign bills
McCammon said the state has suffered catastrophic fires "in 1972, 1978, 1980, 1985, 1991, 1993 and 2003 -- the fact is, the fires are getting larger and the threat to lives and property continue to grow exponentially."
Jones and others, meanwhile, said fire officials realized the state was still in financial distress.
But they said the actions the bills would require were desperately needed to protect the public, and that lawmakers designed the bills to put the least financial burden on the state. In many cases, they said, the state might find federal grants to cover the costs.
"These are not pie-in-the-sky recommendations of billions of dollars," Jones said. "You know, a few million here and there can make a difference."
Contact staff writer Gig Conaughton at (760) 739-6696 or email@example.com .


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How do I log out of Hotmail?
by tom4561 - 12/16/11 12:30 PM
Have Dell Dimension 2400 desktop with XP sp3 IE8. I can sign out of HSN but not Hotmail. This started about a week ago. I used to get a message 'you have signed out of hotmail'. Any ideas? Tom.


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I find this style of writing overly promotional and ideologically tainted.
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John Eligon
Recent and archived news articles by John Eligon of The New York Times.
Missouri Reports Wide Racial Disparity in Traffic Stops
Officers were 75 percent more likely to stop black motorists than white motorists, according to the state attorney general.
June 2, 2015, Tuesday
MORE ON: Missouri , Blacks , Police , Search and Seizure , Roads and Traffic , Koster, Chris (1964- ) , Ferguson (Mo)
To Fill Budget Hole, Kansas G.O.P. Considers the Unthinkable: Raising Taxes
As Kansas struggles to close a $400 million budget gap, even anti-tax Republicans are acknowledging that there is not much more to cut without significantly hurting popular programs, including education.
May 30, 2015, Saturday
MORE ON: Kansas , Taxation , Republican Party , Budgets and Budgeting , Income Tax , Sales and Excise Taxes , Donovan, Les Sr (1936- )
Running From Police Is the Norm, Some in Baltimore Say
Young men in the neighborhood where Freddie Gray was chased by the police say that running from officers is a way of life.
May 11, 2015, Monday
Baltimore Mayor, After Freddie Gray Death, Seeks Justice Dept. Police Inquiry
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake sought a civil rights investigation of the city's police department to determine whether officers have engaged in unconstitutional patterns of abuse or discrimination.
May 7, 2015, Thursday
A Letdown for the Masses, but a Treat for Aficionados
The much-hyped superfight displayed vintage Floyd Mayweather tactics, as the undefeated champion kept Manny Pacquiao from connecting on many punches.
May 4, 2015, Monday
Opposite Styles Attract; Ability to Adapt Is the Key
The most lucrative fight in boxing history pits a stealthy, counterpunching mastermind in Mayweather against a spry, enigmatic predator in Pacquiao.
May 2, 2015, Saturday
MORE ON: Boxing , Mayweather, Floyd Jr , Pacquiao, Manny , Trades (Sports)
Plan Unveiled to Overhaul School System in Detroit
Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan calls for one entity to manage debt and another to oversee day-to-day school operations.
May 1, 2015, Friday
Michael Brown's Family Sues Ferguson Police Officer Who Killed Him
The civil suit filed in state court asserts that Officer Darren Wilson unconstitutionally stopped Mr. Brown and then provoked him before ultimately taking his life.
April 24, 2015, Friday
Black Mayor Is Voted In and a Small Town's Staff Empties Out
After the election of Tyus Byrd, four of the six police officers in Parma, Mo., quit, as did the town's wastewater manager and clerk, leaving only five people on staff.
April 24, 2015, Friday
MORE ON: Parma (Mo) , Byrd, Tyus (1975- ) , Blacks , Ramsey, Randall E (1937- ) , Race and Ethnicity , Elections, Mayors
Though Petition Seeks His Ouster, Ferguson Mayor Says He Is Best Leader for City
An effort to recall James W. Knowles III is intensifying after activists were disappointed in the results of last week's City Council election.
April 13, 2015, Monday
Celebrating a Teardown in Detroit
After years of frustration, neighbors were relieved when the demolition crew finally showed up to knock down the abandoned home on Mt. Vernon Street that had been a problem for years.
Video Notebook: Mandela Arrives Home
The Times's John Eligon talked to South Africans in Qunu, Nelson Mandela's boyhood village, as his remains arrived for burial.
A Soweto Church Says Goodbye to Mandela
At Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto, not far from his former home, parishioners gathered on Sunday to celebrate the memories and legacy of Nelson Mandela.
Republican Senate Hopefuls From N.Y.
Wendy Long, and Rep. Bob Turner on their hopes to win Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's U.S. Senate seat.
Students Protest Tuition Increases
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Cannot create Samsung account
by Tabvla - 9/19/13 11:11 AM
I recently purchased a Samsung Smart TV. Using the Smart Hub interface I attempted to create a Samsung account.
Entered all the requested info - Email, Password, Confirm, Firstname, Lastname and DoB. Clicked on "Create Account". After about 30 seconds a pop-up message appears "Server Busy, Please Try Again Later".
Now the problem is that I purchased the TV about a week ago and have tried to create an account about 3 times a day, every day - so that must be around 20 times that I have tried this and every time I get the same message.
Anyone else had this problem? Anyone know of a solution?
Tech Info : The TV is connected to the Internet using a cable (Ethernet RJ45 Cat5e).


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For the full game you need a Justine DLC! Jake Enslin is an occult writer on a mission to investigate everything spooky. He has visited many haunted places during his career, gathering writing material for his books. Enslin's next target is mansion #1408 – a rental mansion where it is rumored that over 50 people had met their ends. What will he meet during his stay?
Feb 19th, 2014 0 people agree 0 people don't
Pretty good! I liked the map and lay out. I found the movement kind of annoying. But good idea! And the ending should have been more specific. How should he have conquered his fear. I didn't know exactly what the fear was. But other than those couple of things, it was worth playing!
Feb 13th, 2014
0 people agree
0 people don't
This review may contain spoilers
So... What to say about this mod. Lets sum up:
+ good maps and details
+ great ambience, it is really atmospheric
+ it is just really interesting
- its short
- gameplay is quite weak point, I cannot interact with many things, there are no real puzzles or chases.
- there are no real monsters, you cannot die and probably the only think that can scare you is exploding closet.
Overall: I like the usage of carpets and things like ticking clocks and cinematic story but if I can advise, next time just try to add some feel of danger and make it more exciting :)
Nov 19th, 2013 0 people agree 0 people don't
An interesting story with an intriguing premise. The levels were brilliantly detailed with fantastic lighting. I was particularly impressed at the many ways that you adapted certain objects for the decorating of rooms.
But there were a few issues. First thing I noticed was how slow I was moving, it's boring and tedious just to get from point A to point B. Check points would be nice as well since I died near the end. So if I wanted to just replay the last mission I would have to play through the whole game again. Doing the same thing over again is not fun especially when I'm moving at a snail's pace. Some might justify this by saying that this CS is short, but to be honest, if the game has more than 1 level you should have auto saves.
Speaking of which: This is a short CS...and there is nothing wrong with that. CSs don't have to be long to be good. The music really works well, except, at times, the music was too bombastic for what was happening on the screen. A few other minor nitpicks but ultimately I thought that there was a good amount of talent that was put into this CS.


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Jasmine Wise
E-mail: Jasmine Wise
Graduate Assistant
Applied Sociology
M.A., Sociology, Expected in May, 2014
B.S., Psychology, Xavier University of Louisiana, 2012
Curriculum Vitae
Department of Sociology
P.O. Box 97326
Waco, TX 76798
(254) 710-8603
Currently, my research interests include social stratification and the networks that come along with them. More specifically, I would like to focus on the networks in various minority communities and how they then, in turn, affect socioeconomic status in America. In the past, I presented research at various conferences and have been published in Xavier University of Louisiana's Undergraduate Research Journal (XULAneXUS). I am excited to be at Baylor and make Waco my home for the next five years.
- About the Department
- Graduate Program
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- Recent Sociology Graduate Publishes Dissertation
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The Mets will not be interviewing John Gibbons for the manager's job
Oct 28, 2010, 3:58 PM EDT
Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reported earlier today that the Mets have not yet really gotten into filling their managerial vacancy yet. Which makes sense, because they haven't formally announced their new GM yet, and you have to assume Sandy Alderson will drive that train. Rubin nonetheless listed a handful of "logical candidates" for the job, including John Gibbons, Chip Hale, Clint Hurdle, Lee Mazzilli, Bob Melvin and Ken Oberkfell. If Alderson stays true to form and wants, for lack of a better term, a company man in the dugout, those are all logical choices.
Except you can take Gibbons out of the mix. Andy Martino of the Daily News just tweeted that Gibbons will not interview for the job. It's unclear whether the Mets just aren't interested in talking to him or if Gibbons has taken himself out of the running. Which is what he did in Pittsburgh recently.
Martino mentions a new name, though: Pete Mackanin, current Phillies bench coach. Mackanin has had a couple of stints as an interim manager but has never gotten a full time gig. His presence on a Mets short list might give Phillies fans some indigestion. They're already not happy that the Mets have made a good choice for a GM, so they might just go bonkers if they poach their own Little Cholly from them.
- Utley's Hair - Oct 28, 2010 at 4:32 PM
Come on, Craig. I'll help you drop the other shoe: And former manager and current TV analyst Bobby Valentine is considered the front runner for the job.
Until now. But now he is a shoo-in for head groundskeeper.
Oh…breaking news…Bobby V will now be the cotton candy vendor in section 144.
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Single digits!!!!!!!!!
the time will fly by and you will soon be on your way
If ever there is a tomorrow when we're not together.......
there is something you must always remember.
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
But the most important thing is, even if we're apart...... I'll always be with you.
Winne the Pooh - A A Milne
A friend is a hand that is always holding yours,
no matter how close or far apart you may be.
A friend is someone who is always there and will always, always care.
A friend is a feeling of forever in the heart.
Hope you have an awesome time!
Next trip - Bali! (March 2015)


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Montreal, Canada Dear Colleagues, Several NMHSs and WWW-related meetings have underlined the need for guidelines or procedures for the use of Internet by GTS centres for the collection and/or dissemination of meteorological information, as a backup or on a regular basis when dedicated telecommunication links are not affordable for the centres concerned. This practice is being used by several RTHs and some NMCs on a case-by-case basis, but without any uniform implementation yet. The CBS/Information System and Services group, and in particular its Expert Team on Enhanced Use of Data Communication Systems (ET-EUDCS), is entrusted with the task of identifying a few options as recommended practice, with a view to facilitating a consistent implementation and operation by NMCs/RTHs interested. This matter is important for smaller centres, especially developing countries. We would like to take benefit from the actual experience gained to facilitate the development of appropriate guidance document. Therefore, I should like to invite you to submit to the Expert Team, through me, a description of the related operations of your centre. We are looking forward to your contribution, by early March. On the basis of your contributions, the ET- EUDCS is expected to consolidate guidance for all WWW centres. You will be kept informed of the progress made by the CBS/ISS-Expert team on this question, and your contribution will be duly acknowledged when the outcome will be submitted to CBS-Ext (2002), in December 2002. For the preparation of your contribution, you may wish to use the following questions on the use of the Internet and procedures for collecting observational reports or bulletins from NMCs, and also for providing (or enabling access to) data and products to NMCs. I wish to express in advance my gratitude and thanks for your cooperation. A - Use of E-mail: 1. If applicable, please describe your experience and arrangements made for using e-mail to receive/transmit meteorological information (e. g. for data collection, for data/products distribution, number of centres concerned, operational status, etc.). Email is used only when no other official tool exists to exchange information. In Canada, we exchange CTBTO messages and some test exchanges with other countries or organization (usually observations, radio sondes). 2. Please provide details on the procedures used (e. g. the need for the Abbreviated Heading Line to appear in the subject line, body of the message or attachment, data in the body of the message or attachment, use of pre-defined forms, timing coordination, etc.). Data is sent in the body of the message in text format. 3. Because of the nature of e-mail service, have you experienced problems like delays, spamming, etc.? No specific problems. The Email service is not considered operational and reliable. 4. What is your opinion about the use of e-mail for this operational purpose? There are limits in the format handling capabilities because data is sent as part of the body of the message. There are no standards for this type of use. B - Use of FTP 1. If applicable, please describe your experience and arrangements made for the use of FTP to receive/transmit and/or provide access to meteorological information. FTP over the Internet is used for several data transfers. They complement and backup the operational requirements for larger files that the GTS can handle. They also are used for satellite imagery. Homebrew procedures and a specialised server has been developed to handle much of this type of data transfer. Currently Canada exchanges data on a regular basis with: Washington NWS OOS (satellite imagery, GRIB model data) US NESDIS (satellite imagery) US National Ice Center satellite imagery and ice forecasts 2. Please provide details on the procedures used (e. g. You initiate the call or you are called; what's the filenaming and directory format; use of active or passive FTP; use of username/password, GTS report/bulletin format or special pre-defined file format, etc.). Procedure is usually a pull procedure initiated automatically by the requesting end. File naming depends on the provider of the data. It is well described, but not standard. Predetermined user name/passwords are usually required. File format depends on data types. 3. If applicable, please describe any problem you have experienced when using FTP through firewalls in both originating and terminating centre. FTP are not considered operational (although the data is usually integrated as operational data if it arrives in time). Usually works well. 4. Please provide any additional comment or opinion on the use of FTP for collection/dissemination of meteorological information. FTP alone does not provide a tool for significant authentication. SCP (SSH) style application would be more adequate in that perspective. C - Use of other Web functions, such as HTTP If applicable, please describe your experience, arrangements and procedures made for the use of other Web functions (such as HTTP data input form) to ingest meteorological data. Canada uses the Internet (since late 1999) for the collection of some Canadian weather observations (surface and upper air). This is limited. It was found to be an effective way to connect to companies to which we have out-sourced the task of providing observations. Contingency plans do exist (via dial-up). Data input is via a homebrew interface. We also provide much information via HTTP to the public in general. Please see http://weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/. Jean-François Gagnon Head, Telecommunication Infrastructure and Service Canadian Meteorological Centre Meteorological Service of Canada Environment Canada firstname.lastname@example.com 514-421-4658
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I'd like to find out more, have fallen in absolute love with the island.
A good link is to the Mountain VIew Wildlife Conservation Centre at www.mtnviewconservation.org
The centre is a partner in the Marmot Recovery Program.
Please join our group and visit our website for more info
If you're going to donate to the marmots, you probably want to go to the official site: http://www.marmots.org where the money will go to saving the marmots, instead of the Mountain View Conservation Centre site where the money will go towards abusing animals, apparently. Run a Google News search on their self-proclaimed "conservation centre" if you don't know what I am talking about before you give them any money and you'll see what I mean. It's certainly not a place I would want to send my money. But the marmot project people on the first website have saved the Vancouver Island marmot from extinction and will use all of the money that you give them to continue their vital work with saving the species.
The Marmot Conservation Program at Mountain View has received/shared the Gold Award for Conservation from the BC Government. We are part of one of the most successful conservation programs in Canada, saving this red-listed specie from extinction in the wilds of Mount Washington in BC. For instance, the first Marmot to eventually successfully breed in the wild was born at Mountain View. A leading wildife conservation facility in operation for the past 25 years, Mountain View is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat. Breeding and recovery programs are a fragile science, and setbacks are common. However, in concert with several facilities here in Canada and around the world, we have succeeded wonderfully in helping save several rare species, and we are presently engaged in a new conservation program to help save the Northern Spotted Owl from extinction. Please disregard the ignorant comments of 'anonymous', and visit our website at www.mtnviewconservation.org to see some of the valuable wildlife work we have been doing for almost 25-years. Please help us continue our work with a donation, funding will go to our Marmot conservation program, if you so direct. Thank you.
OK, I have no interest in getting into a flame war here, but I think calling my suggestion to check for yourself into what the Mountain View "Conservation Society" is doing with a Google News search to be common sense, not "ignorant", and I would recommend that you all do it with any organization before donating to them, not just this one. And while you are reading about all the animal abuse that they are being charged for, you will read comments from Malcolm Weatherston in those news articles, as he is the public, paid voice for the private zoo that is in so much trouble with law enforcement. So I would argue that my suggestions that you check on Google before donating to the zoo may be less ignorant than the advice that you NOT check on Google and just donate money to them without checking into who you are dealing with. And now I am done with this conversation- you will all do what you want, and vote with your conscience when you decide where you're spending your money, as I know that you will. You are a great community of intelligent, caring people, so I know you are on top of it; I just wanted to give you all the heads up about what was happening. And suggest that you donate to http://www.marmots.org where your money is desperately needed and will all go to saving those beautiful marmots.


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spinnaker size
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Re: spinnaker size
I would go longer, if you want a bit less SA go narrower! That should allow you both downwind and some reaching ability.
Reality is, if trying to go downwind, make it as big as possible both length and width. Especially since you are not racing nor trying to fit a given size rule.
To get a bit better straight down wind performance, once you are used to it, get an actual spin pole, attach it to the tack, some lines attached to the pole, you can pul the tack to the opposite side of the main, and get some better performance downwind. We've been ding that racing, works pretty well. Allows us to get into the 160-170 range vs only 140 without.
I've also seen a few folks try to wing on wing and AS like a jib, but with out a pole on the clew, that makes for a hard way to work, as the AS will collapse, or the main will gybe if you are not being really careful. I actually find a 155 on a whisker pole to be better than winging an AS to a degree.
I would also look at the CS/north AS if it is the correct sizeing. BUT, there are a few places that are doing some 30% off if you order by 9-15 to 30 and wait until march for delivery. So if you are a northern east coaster, out of the water from Oct to march/april.......that could be a better deal yet! altho if you sail year around as I do......maybe not. THen again, the winds are typically a bit stronger in the winter........but we still get a lot of calm days here in the salish sea......just a few less in the winter than summer.
She drives me boat,
I drives me dinghy!
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Date: 11/28/2012
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: R380 Twin Cities,St. Paul,Vocational-Technical Education
Cost: Free
November 28 – What Is YOUR Story of Global Impact? A Collaborative Approach to Solving Global Grand Challenges
Acara Co-directors Julian Marshall, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering in the College of Science and Engineering and Fred Rose, Institute on the Environment
How do students transition from classroom learning to global impact? Most are unsure of how make this leap. Acara's series of classes helps students create their own path to global impact. The process involves creating a local solution to a global grand challenge. Aspects include global collaboration, overseas or domestic field study and coursework, venture development and design thinking, and identifying a self-sustaining solution. Acara is multi-disciplinary and open to students of all majors; we work on the global problems and local solutions that students identify. Acara has two missions: education and impact. Marshall and Rose will talk about their educational approach, impacts beyond the classroom, how students engage with Acara and how experiences like Acara fit within a traditional university degree.
More information: http://environment.umn.edu/news_events/events/frontiers.html
Disability Options: To request disability accommodations, please contact [name, department, e-mail address, phone number].
Event Recording: https://umconnect.umn.edu/IonEFrontiers


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Johnson on Pole at Indy: Excessive Tire Wear Concerns Drivers
By David Poole, The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C.
Jul. 27–INDIANAPOLIS — Jimmie Johnson flew around Indianapolis Motor Speedway at an average speed of 181.763 mph Saturday morning to win the pole for today's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.
But the question that emerged in the two afternoon practices was just how long Johnson and the other 42 drivers in today's race can go fast without wearing their tires down to the cords.
Teams were seeing severe wear after just a handful of laps in the first practice, raising concerns about today's 400-mile race. They lobbied, without success, to get more sets to get through the practices. Teams were allotted eight sets, two more than what is typical for other tracks, to get through qualifying and practice and then nine sets for the race.
"Asking anybody to build a tire and come to this place and run two days of practice for a 400-mile race with the weight of these race cars, horsepower and amount of load is like asking somebody to invade Russia with a loaded shotgun," said Chris Carrier, crew chief for Sam Hornish Jr. "Everybody is concerned about it."
Tire wear is not unusual at this 2.5-mile oval, especially early in the weekend on a surface that has been diamond ground. That grinding creates a coarse surface that is particularly abrasive for tires on heavy stock cars until small bits of rubber fill in holes in that ground surface.
The concern Saturday was that this process of "rubbering in" the track was not happening as rapidly as it has in past years.
"We've got enough tires for Sunday's race," NACSAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said. "There will be up to 10 sets per team, and not everybody is going to use all of their tires in the last practice."
Goodyear's Greg Stucker and NASCAR discussed having a competition caution — perhaps as many as two — early in the race so teams could check wear, but believes the situation will take care of itself as today's race unfolds — as it has in past Cup races here.
Mark Martin's lap at 181.393 mph that put him on the outside of Row 1 for a race that he's been saying for weeks he thinks he can win.
Ryan Newman starts third in his Dodge with Kasey Kahne, also in a Dodge fourth. Jeff Gordon, a four-time winner here, starts fifth. Points leader Kyle Busch, who has won seven races so far this year, starts 19th.
To see more of The News & Observer, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.newsobserver.com.
Copyright (c) 2008, The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For reprints, email email@example.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.


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24 Reviews
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Cleaning up to go Old School
For her third full length album, the new blonde bombshell cleans up her "dirrty" act with a glowing tribute to jazz, blues and soul, on an impressive double CD that shows off her vocal range to the max.
With writing credits on every song, and also in the role of executive producer, Aguilera proves that her talent has grown substantially since the Mickey Mouse...
Published on Sept. 15 2006 by Amanda Richards
3.0 out of 5 stars This album is good for only when you're in the mood.
After listening to this on and off I realizes that this album has it's moments but it won't be on heavy rotation on my personal player. This album has been promoted as a throw-back-retro of the blues, jazz, and soul cultivated during the past five decades unfortunately it really doesn't measures up to the task. Imitation this time is less than flattering to the R&B...
Published on June 30 2007 by Jenny J.J.I.
Most Helpful First | Newest First
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Cleaning up to go Old School,
Amanda Richards (Georgetown, Guyana) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Back To Basics (Audio CD)
For her third full length album, the new blonde bombshell cleans up her "dirrty" act with a glowing tribute to jazz, blues and soul, on an impressive double CD that shows off her vocal range to the max.
With writing credits on every song, and also in the role of executive producer, Aguilera proves that her talent has grown substantially since the Mickey Mouse Club days with Justin, Britney and JC, and proves that she is a clear winner of the battle of the blonde female singers. Britney, Jessica, and (ahem) Paris will now have to do some serious catching up.
She's already conquered the charts with the album and first single "Ain't No Other Man", but look out for lots more from this album. Next single "Hurt" will soon be released, and was performed at the VMA awards. Also look out for "Candyman" to get you in the mood, and "Still Dirrty" to remind you that she's not only got sugar but lots of spice too. There are a couple of religious themed tracks in "Mercy On Me", a soulful ballad, and "Makes Me Wanna Pray", a more upbeat offering featuring Steve Winwood.
Other hot tracks in no particular order are the smoky, sultry "Nasty Naughty Boy"; the emotional and powerful "The Right Man" which would be an ideal track to play at weddings; "Understand"; "Slow Down Baby" (listen for the horns in the background), and the dramatic "Welcome", but there are even more depending on your musical taste.
Two CDs, two different styles, one hot album.
Amanda Richards
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Good! My favourite CD so far!,
This review is from: Back To Basics (Audio CD)
I think "Back To Basics" is the best Christina Aguilera CD so far. People may disagree and choose "Stripped" as the best, but I find I like this CD more and more every time I listen to it. I tended to skip a few tracks on "Stripped" but I don't skip any on this CD. The new sound and style is really great. I also like the little bonus video on CD 2. It's not much, but it's nice.
I love every song but my absolute favourite songs are Makes Me Wanna Pray, Ain't No Other Man, Still Dirrty, I Got Trouble, Hurt, and Save Me From Myself. It's really hard to pick favourites since all of the tracks are so good. Back to Basics is definitely a must-have album.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Album of the year!,
Miss A (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Back To Basics (Audio CD)
I've recently had the chance to hear the album before it's release and all I can say is 'WOW'! If y'all thought Stripped was Amazing, B2B is 10x Better! While Stripped was a little all around the place, Christina has found a stable direction with this album. Her work with DJ Premier is pure FIRE while her work with Linda Perry is just Amazing.
Time for a track by track run down...
Disk 1
1.Intro - Best intro I've heard in a while, way better than Stripped. (10/10)
2.Makes me wanna pray - Basically made me wanna get down and pray! (9/10)
3.Back in the Day - a DJ Premier cut, one of the hottest r&b/hip hop tracks on the album. Should def. be a single! LOVE IT! (10/10)
4.Ain't no other man - 1st single, y'all know it...y'all hear it... (7/10)
5.Understand - Nice old skool r&b song. (8/10)
6.Slow Down Baby - Great uptempo track. (8/10)
7.Oh Mother - Love the beat, sad but a real great and emotional song, pretty much a follow-up to 'I'm Okay' from Stripped. (8/10)
8.F.U.S.S. - Short interlude with a Wicked beat. Dedicated to a certain producer that did her wrong... (9/10)
9.On our way - Great song, the ending is nice, love her vocals. (8/10)
10.Without you - The 'Lovin' me 4 me' track of the album, she sings in her smoothe, soft voice. Love it! (9/10)
11.Still Dirrty - Crazy Beat! (by DJ Premier) LOVE the song, one of my favs. (10/10)
12.Here to Stay - Great uptempo track that you can dance to. Has a real catchy rhythm to it! (9/10)
13.Thank You - DJ Premier joint as well, cuts of 'Genie in a Bottle' in the beginning, Love what he did! Includes bits and pieces of fans messages. Great way to end Disk 1. (9/10)
Disk 2.
1.Enter the circus - Freaky Intro. (6/10)
2.Welcome - Continues with the circus theme... Great vocals on the track. (7/10)
3.Candyman - Supposed 2nd single... Nice uptempo song. (7/10)
4.Nasty Naughty Boy - She sings 'dirrty'/'naughty'/'nasty'/'sexy' things on this track, Love It! (10/10)
5.I got Trouble - Not my cup of tea... her most 'throwback' track... it's good but gets boring after awhile. (5/10)
6.Hurt - AMAZING ballad! Single Material! (10/10)
7.Mercy on Me - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this song! The 'Walk Away' track of this album! AMAZING VOCALS! IMO, The BEST song of Disk 2! Should be a single! (10/10)
8.Save me from myself - Dedicated to her husband, she sings in a vulnerable tone, really touching. (7/10)
9.The Right Man - Her 'wedding' song. I really like the lyrics. Full Choir backing her up. Great way to finish the whole Album! (8/10)
Christina has definitely grown and it shows with this record. The most surprising thing is the lack of her oh-so-famous 'oversinging'. She has proven she is the BEST singer of this generation and is ready to focus solely on showcasing her amazing artistic growth & abilities. Album of the year here we come!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars One Of The Best Albums Of The Year,
antonio (British Columbia, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Back To Basics (Audio CD)
Christina Aguilera proves her longevity and musical creativity in the most anticipated album of the year. A lengthy 2-disk album, Back To Basics is a fusion of modern beats along with the vibe of old school rhythm.
On the first disk, the lead off single, "Ain't No Other Man" proves to be one of the standouts in a list of standouts. This disk is filled with potential singles. R&B influenced "Understand" and "Slow Down Baby" have all the qualities for radio friendly hits. "Still Dirrty" is merely a continuation of the infamous "Dirrty" from Aguilera's previous album, "Stripped". This smoothe club track is a far cry from the rough quality "Dirrty" possessed. Disk 1 finishes off with a track dedicated to her fans with cuts from "Genie In A Bottle" along with messages from fans all over the world, a very well produced track by DJ Premiere.
The second disk is simply a masterpiece. A perfectly constructed album in itself, chief produced by Linda Perry, also the producer of Aguilera's biggest hit from "Stripped", "Beautiful". The album opens with an enticing circus theme with "Enter The Circus" and "Welcome". The burlesque showpiece "Nasty Naughty Boy" and vintage track "I Got Trouble" continues the 20's and 30's feel for the album. The playful "Candy Man" and ballad "Hurt" are front-runners for singles off this album. Aguilera's vocal strengths are showcased on the powerful "Mercy On Me" and the subtle "Save Me From Myself", both contrasting in vocal style, but are both easily the best vocals on the album in their own ways.
Christina Aguilera has shown a lot of depth and growth since her "Genie" and "Dirrty" days . With the exception of the weakest points from the album, "F.U.S.S." and "Without You" (both of which could have easily been left off the album), "Back To Basics" is near perfection in every way. This delectible album is a contender to sweep the Grammies and a front-runner for Album Of The Year. This album was worth the wait and most definitley worth your money. Pick up a copy today because this collection of songs is a must have. Christina Aguilera has outdone herself with "Back To Basics", now the only problem is... How is she going to top this off? a.a.
Best Tracks: Slow Down Baby, Still Dirrty, Understand, Hurt, Save Me From Myself, Candyman
5.0 out of 5 stars My Favourite Christina Aguilera Studio Album - To This Stand Point.,
Steph Feeney (The Shwa, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Back To Basics (Audio CD)
When I first heard Christina Aguilera was doing an album that was influenced by the 20's, 30's and 40's with a modern day twist I was a little skeptical. For the most part I had loved everything she had ever done up to this stand point and I was not sure if Christina would be able to pull this off. On her last album, "Stripped" Christina truly began to express who she was as an artist and express who she was at that point in her career and with this album, "Back To Basics" Christina continued to flourish as an artist and experiment with different sounds and different looks to accompany her music.
The day I bought this album I took it home and put both discs into my CD player. I'll admit, at first I was approaching it with a bit of dread and was not sure if I could warm up to the whole "Back To Basics" concept but alas the album, like every Christina album before it had won me over. The thing I love about this album is that Christina was right on the radar when it came to producing an album that was a throw back tribute to the 20's, 30's and 40's but with a more modern sound.
The first single from the album was "Ain't No Other Man" (featured on disc one) and that song did take a bit to grow on me. At first I didn't think it was up to Christina's standards but after a few more listens it grew on me and is one her best singles. I think over seas "Oh Mother" and "Slow Down Baby" were singles. I remember when I first heard "Slow Down Baby", I said to myself "that's classic Christina right there!" One of my all-time favourite Christina songs and "Oh Mother" is basically an emotional continuation of "I'm OK" from her last album, and shows Christina once again showing her raw and vulnerable side. I thinks it's lovely that Christina ends disc one with a tribute to her fans. It's very rare that you have an artist show (and record) appreciation to her fans on an album, and I think just by doing that that Christina is a true and genuine person.
Disc one sounds like it has more of a 60's influence with more of a gospel, reggae and R&B sound while maintaining the whole big band and jazz feel with the trumpets and horns.
Disc two is more straight jazz and swing that brings in the more 20's, 30's and 40's vibe to the album with of course a modern sound. The arrangements and Christina's voice are absolutely stunning. The only singles off disc two were "Hurt" and "Candyman". "Hurt" once again shows Christina being raw and vulnerable, and the way she projects her voice in the song is just incredible. She brings so much passion to her music, no one can deny that. "Candyman" is a cheeky tongue and cheek song, and it took awhile to grow on me but now I can't help but love it, she's so clever in her lyrics. "I Got Trouble" is the biggest throw back track on this album, and actually sounds like something right out of the 40's.
Every song on this album, from disc one to disc two are absolute winners. There isn't a single song on this album that is a dud and I honestly think if you have a family member who loves music from way back, you should most definitely pick this album up for them and tell them to give it a spin. Five out of five stars.
Great job Christina, by far above my expectations.
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Solid Effort,
This review is from: Back To Basics (Audio CD)
First off, I know that Christina gets a lot of flack for trying to hard to be original or authentic, but in an industry where so many artists with lesser (or non-exsistant) talent put little effort into repetitive disposable hits, I think she should get credit for trying to do something innovative. Did she succeed? Not entirely, but she gets an A+ for effort from me.
What I do not like about the album:
- Some of the songs do sound like she is trying to hard to recapture the sound of old jazz or blues records (ie. the cracking of the turntable which is heard a lot throughout the 2-disc epic) and the track "Back in the Day" makes it various that this album is attempt to do so by mentioning a slew of soul artists. But like I said, at least she has a vision.
- She also over sings a lot on some songs, when it really isn't necessary. She proves on the amazing "Save Me From Myself" that less is more and that her voice can sound beautiful when she doesn't belt.
- The CD is way too long. There are about 5 songs on the first disc that are filler. If she condensed both discs onto 1 disc, this album would be incredible. Just for fun, here's what my ideal track listing would be:
Disc 1:
1. Enter the Circus
2. Welcome
3. Makes Me Wanna Pray
4. I Got Trouble
5. Ain't No Other Man
6. Save Me from Myself
7. Understand
8. I Got Trouble
9. Slow Down Baby
11. Candyman
12. Hurt
13. Mercy on Me
14. Oh Mother
15. The Right Man
What I like:
- The second CD is very solid. The melodies are great and I like that it's all real instruments. My personal favorites are "Welcome", "Mercy On Me" and the aforementioned "Save Me From Myself".
- I really like the use of some of the samples on the first disc, particularly on the smash "Ain't No Other Man", and "Slow Down Baby". They're very funky and the songs sound fresh because the originals were not instantly recognizable songs to most people.
- Although she does over-use her voice at times, she sounds amazing for the most part and she sings with a lot of emotion.
- The album doesn't sound like any other pop album of the last few years and there is a timeless quality to a lot of the tunes, so I think this album will not sound dated in 10 years.
Overall, this is a great album, and depute a few flaws, it is worth the money. Give it a chance.
3.0 out of 5 stars This album is good for only when you're in the mood.,
Jenny J.J.I. "A New Yorker" (That Lives in Carolinas) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Back To Basics (Audio CD)
After listening to this on and off I realizes that this album has it's moments but it won't be on heavy rotation on my personal player. This album has been promoted as a throw-back-retro of the blues, jazz, and soul cultivated during the past five decades unfortunately it really doesn't measures up to the task. Imitation this time is less than flattering to the R&B artists she holds in such high esteem.
Admittedly she has a great and mature voice as evidenced by her collaboration with previous artist's; this album, however, is characterized by self-indulgent songs that certainly capture the power of Aguilera's life and times, but these songs are not an affirmation of the great music exemplified by the blues, jazz, and soul from previous generations. Inspired by her recent marriage (which is great) but at the same time revisit certain subjects from "Stripped" such as the abuse her and her mother suffered at the hands of her father which is unfortunate but starts to get a bit redundant at times.
The music overall is ambitious, yet obvious in that fact that she is trying way too hard to garner critical acclaim for the whole retro aspect. There are some good tracks in this album but too many filler's at the same time. The power again is her voice, but sometimes it is a little too loud and over done, to the point of being harsh. The tracks that stood out to me though are "Oh Mother", "Without You," and "Hurt"- she sings more softly and sound beautiful in these tracks. I will also add "Ain't No Other Man," "Candy Man," and "Mercy On Me" because she sounds very natural on these songs.
I really hate having to be negative on this album but she left me no choice. I think next time don't strain yourself to create an "out-of this-world" album Christina just make one simply effortless.
3.0 out of 5 stars Christina goes back to basics with a brand new sound.,
disconnectthedots (Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Back To Basics (Audio CD)
Four years of hard work after the amazing CD `Stripped' has produced `Back to Basics'. An R&B album with vintage soul, burlesque, jazz, blues and swing beats. Despite her pop princess label of many years, with `stripped' and now `Back to Basics', Christina shows a more mature and sexy version of herself. Her vocal gymnastics and unique voice show her obvious superiority to the other Mouseketeers. Christina's image has changed yet again and she's gone from trashy to classy. Her sexuality is still very prominent but in a much classier package.
Being a big fan of `stripped' I couldn't wait for her next CD. However it's very different from stripped and it's has its fair share of misses. The hits however are big ones so it's a pretty good album overall.
Track review
1) Intro (Back to Basics): Similar concept to the intro of `stripped' but not as sultry and powerful. However this intro has a really nice beat and the song is much better than the `stripped' intro. ~8/10~
2) Makes Me Wanna Pray: Makes me wanna change the song. Don't like it very much. Too gospel, doesn't sound very good. ~5/10~
3) Back In The Day: Really good. Christina commemorates those who came before her with this nice sounding song. Very modern sound though, unlike the rest of the album ~7/10~
4) Ain't No Other Man: First single from `Back to Basics'. We've all heard it and I think it is the best choice for the first single. It's the most commercially favourable song from the album and it gives the public a taste of the retro beat of the album. It's the most pop sounding track from the album. A little screamy but otherwise really good. ~9/10~
5) Understand: Very good. Love the chorus, its very unique. Reminds me of `Impossible' a little bit, from `stripped'. ~8/10~
6) Slow Down Baby: Pretty good. Powerful vocals, and the song is good. Catchy chorus and a great girl power song. ~7/10~
7) Oh Mother: It's alright. Somewhat boring as these ballads of Christina's start to blend together and aren't very distinguishable after a while. Another one about Christina's abused background. Like `I'm Okay' but not as powerful. ~6/10~
8) F.U.S.S (Interlude): Stands for F*** U Scott Storch. He was one of the producers on `stripped' and co-wrote many of the songs. Bad song and I think it's quite catty and unprofessional to take a shot at someone through a song. It interrupts the very nice flow of the album to say `oh f*** you scott btw'. Since he co wrote some of the best songs on stripped I think he deserves a bit more respect. Disappointing. ~1/10~
9) On Our Way: Pretty good. Nice beat, lyrics, and vocals. Quite catchy and one of the stronger tracks. ~8/10~
10) Without You: Boring, not too great. Kind of like `Loving me 4 me' from `stripped' but nowhere near as good. ~5/10~
11) Still Dirrty: Awesome beat. Love the horn blasts. Continuation of Dirrrty from stripped. The way Christina sings it is great too. Lyrics suck but fantastic song anyway. ~9/10~
12) Here To Stay: Decent. Nice beat and lyrics. Not too original but it's still very good! ~8/10~
13) Thank You (Dedications To Fans...): Every artist should do this. It's good to hear that not every artist has forgotten that they would be nothing without their fans, no matter how talented they are. Love how the fans comments are in the song. It's very touching. Perfect way to end the first disc. ~8/10~
1) Enter The Circus: Very creepy intro. Good beat but with the evil laughing it's quite freaky. Also the circus theme doesn't match the rest of the CD. Not great in my opinion. ~5/10~
2) Welcome: Continuation of `Enter The Circus'. Fantastic Vocals. Very all over the place so it's definitely a weaker track. It goes from big screaming crescendos to light piano to the circus theme again. ~6/10~
3) Candyman: Going to be the second single from `Back to Basics'. Great swing song, makes you want to get up and jitterbug. One of the best songs from the album with some of the riskiest lyrics. ~9/10~
4) Nasty Naughty Boy: Burlesque beat to the core. Sultry horns and slow symbols. Very risqué lyrics don't let any kids hear this one. Very unique and Christina's vocals are very strong on this track. ~7/10~
5) I Got Trouble: In my opinion, best track on the CD. Very 1920's and the use of a clothed microphone gives the vocals a great muffled sound. ~10/10~
6) Hurt: Typical ballad. Something says to me this song would have fit Kelly Clarkson's voice much better. The song itself is really good but I think Christina over sings it. It's the `Walk Away' of `Back to Basics' ~6/10~
7) Mercy On Me: Very boring. The chorus doesn't start until almost two minutes in. It isn't one of my favourites on the album. ~4/10~
8) Save Me From Myself: Boring but Christina's haunting and vulnerable vocals are beautiful. ~6/10~
9) The Right Man: Song about Christina's wedding. Very powerful lyrics but the song itself I find boring. Lot's of over singing too. ~4/10~
I guess I was expecting something similar to `stripped' but I still recommend this album to anyone who likes Christina's work. She's a great artist!
My favourites:
I Got Trouble
Still Dirrty
Ain't No Other Man
Nasty Naughty Boy
5.0 out of 5 stars Back to good music...,
R. Comacho "Music Fan" (Brampton, ON Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Back To Basics (Audio CD)
I don't wanna write a long review cause people just wont read it, but I have to say, if you weren't a fan of Christina before (like myself), this is the best place to start. It is a musical and artistic journey from beginning to end.
This is without a doubt my favourite CD that came out this year because it actually dares to do something different and that is a step in music worth acknowledging. I manage a record store here in Canada, it is my job to listen to music, so take my word for it, if you want truly what is a CD worth every penny, this is it. I had intentions of listing stand out tracks on this CD but that truly is pointless because every singly song is worth listening to. The only song I don't really find much appealing is 'The Right Man', but I can understand why this song will be amazing to some, it's the only hit or miss track on the album.
Aguilera shows that she is not only the voice of her generation, but proves that she is actually someone we will indeed be calling an icon years from now. This throwback to 20's, 30's and 40's music will start a following and hopefully a revolution in the industry. Who would have though Christina Aguilera (back in her Genie in a Bottle days) was truly this musically grounded. This is a step in the right direction for Christina.
As a fan of music, I want to take this opportunity to turn the tables on Christina and thank her for acknowledging the groundbreakers, innovators and trailblazers of the past. This CD would make the musicians Christina is paying tribute to very proud.
5.0 out of 5 stars Charming and Fresh,
Lyndsaye G (Regina, Sk, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Back To Basics (Audio CD)
Leave it to Christina to boldly suggest a new (yet old) style of music and bring it to the forefront.
This album mixes classic blues/jazz sound with today's pop/rock style and it works.
Christina is a master, in my opinion. She may have started out as a bubblegum pop princess, but it's clear now she "sold out" to get into the music scene, and then created herself from there. I don't think this album would have been successful if she hadn't developed her career the way she did.
Never the less, I started off listening to this album with a bit of reluctance. Blues isn't a sound I can get behind, but I fell in love with how Christina presents it. There is no question based on what she did with this album that this woman is talented. This album really shows off her amazing pipes, and her versatility. If you like Christina, you'll love this album.
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Back To Basics by Christina Aguilera (Audio CD - 2006)
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