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Bradley W. Miller, PGA
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Bradley Miller is a PGA Professional in New Buffalo, MI. The PGA of America comprises 27,000 men and women professionals with one singular goal in mind - to make the game of golf more enjoyable for you.
Services Offered:
- Instruction
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text:
The fast-paced events in Tunisia, Egypt, and elsewhere in northern Africa and the Middle East during the past month or so can be confusing and hard to follow. Below is a basic outline of what has happened.
February 11
- EGYPT -- President Hosni Mubarak has "decided to step down as president of Egypt, and has assigned the higher council of the armed forces to run the affairs of the country. May Allah be our guide," Vice President Suleiman said to crowds erupting in cheers.
February 10
- EGYPT -- Despite early reports indicating that President Hosni Mubarak would step down today with Vice President Omar Suleiman taking over as president, Mubarak announced on state television that he was going to transfer power to Suleiman, but stay on as president.
February 9
- EGYPT -- As many parts of Cairo began to return to normal, thousands of workers in the city joined protesters, threatening the start of a large, general strike.
February 8
- EGYPT -- Google executive Wael Ghonim, who helped spark the nation's protest movement, was freed by Egyptian security forces after several days of detention.
February 6
- KUWAIT -- In a possible attempt to preempt demonstrations Tuesday, Kuwait's emir accepted the resignation of the country's interior minister, Sheikh Jaber al-Kaled al-Sabah. Some critics of the government, however, said the resignation of one minister isn't enough. Resolving "the country's political crisis requires the resignation of the government," said opposition member of the parliament Jamaan al-Harbash.
- EGYPT -- After talks between opposition groups and government officials, Muslim Brotherhood representatives said there were no substantive concessions.
February 5
- EGYPT -- The leadership of the country's ruling National Democratic Party resgined.
February 4
- JORDAN -- Although hundreds of people staged an anti-government protest against newly installed Prime Minister Marouf al-Bahkit, the country's main Islamic opposition group said it wants to give him some time to carry out reforms.
- SYRIA -- No protesters showed up for a planned demonstration in the capital, Damascus. Who did show up were plainclothes police deployed in key areas of the Syrian capital.
February 3
- EGYPT -- Newly appointed Vice President Omar Suleiman told Egyptians in a nationwide television address that the protesters' demands are "legitimate" and that he has set up a "road map" to implement those demands.
The New York Times reported that the White House is discussing a plan with Egyptian authorities by which President Hosni Mubarak would step down immediately and new Vice President Omar Suleiman would lead a transitional government.
- YEMEN -- A "Day of Rage" with more than 20,000 protesters in the nation's capital ended peacefully today, though the protest's organizers promised to return each Thursday until President Ali Abdullah Saleh steps down.
- ALGERIA -- President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced today that he would soon lift the nation's almost 20-year-old state of emergency, a key demand of protesters who march on the nation's capital.
February 2
- EGYPT -- A least one person was killed and 403 people were injured today during clashes between pro- and anti-government crowds in Ciaro and Alexandria, according to Egypt's Health minister, Ahmed Hosni.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said today at a press conference that the violence in Egypt must stop and that President Hosni Mubarak must begin his transition out of power now.
- YEMEN -- President Ali Abdullah Saleh announced that he wouldn't seek reelection or seek to transfer power to his son when Saleh's term ends in 2013. Despite his announcement, protesters still planned for a "Day of Rage" protest Thursday.
- JORDAN -- Despite the appointment this week of Maruf Bakhit as prime minister with a mandate to introduce "true" political reforms, the Islamic Action Front, the country's largest political group, is organizing a mass protest Friday to mark Bakhit's appointment.
- SYRIA -- About 11,000 peole joined The Syrian Revolution 2011's Facebook page, on which is a call for a day of protest Friday.
February 1
- EGYPT -- On Egyptian national television, President Hosni Mubarak announced that he will not seek another term as president, but will stay on until elections are held.
Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians poured into the streets of Cairo demanding an end to Murbarak's presidency.
- JORDAN -- King Abdullah II fired his government and charged his new prime minister, Marouf al-Bakhit, to pursue political reforms to "correct the mistakes of the past."
January 31
- EGYPT -- The State Department is demanding the release of six detained Al-Jazeera journalists who were arrested today by Egyptian authorities. "We are concerned by the shutdown of Al-Jazeera in Egypt and arrest of its correspondents. Egypt must be open and the reporters released," State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley tweeted this morning.
The State Department also announced plans to evacuate at least 900 Americans from Egypt today and additional Americans tomorrow. About 500 were evacuated by mid-afternoon eastern time, and at least 1,200 Americans were evacuated by the end of the day.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Brotherhood declared its "total rejection of the new cabinet" that was sworn in today.
New Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman said on state television late Monday that he had been authorized to start talking with the opposition to work out constitutional and political reforms, according to The New York Times, which reported that "it was not immediately clear who Mr. Suleiman was addressing his offer to, or whether the opposition would accept."
Also, the Egyptian military announced that it will not use force during the called for February 1 "march of millions" in Cairo.
- ALGERIA -- More than 10,000 protesters dispersed peacefully in the northern town of Bejaia after shouting "Tunisia-inspired slogans," according to the AFP news organization.
Elsewhere in Algeria, a pro-democracy group announced plans to march on Algiers on February 12.
- YEMEN -- Thousands of protesters gathered in two rural areas of the country to voice opposition to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's ruling party. Opposition groups announced country-wide demonstrations on Thursday.
January 30
- EGYPT -- Egyptian opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei arrived at the center of the political unrest in Cairo as protesters engaged in a standoff with the military. ElBaradei said on American television news shows that President Obama should hasten calls for President Hosni Mubarak to step down, saying the 30-year Egyptian leader possesses no credibility as a democratic reformer.
In Washington, D.C., Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton insisted American interests jibe with the protesters calling for new leadership and further decoupled the Obama administration from Mubarak. Clinton stopped short of advocating that Mubarak relinquish power but did call for "an orderly transition to meet the democratic and economic needs of the people."
Also in Washington, Sen. John McCain called for the Obama administration to step up its level of engagement, saying Egypt's political unrest represents a dangerous fuse that could detonate into radicalism.
January 29
- EGYPT -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak named intelligence chief Omar Suleiman vice president of Egypt. Suleiman is the first person appointed to the position since Mubarak took office in 1981. Suleiman has long been considered a likely successor to Mubarak, according to profiles in The Atlantic, Foreign Policy and The Los Angeles Times.
In Washington, D.C., protesters gathered outside the Egyptian embassy, waving Egyptian flags and calling for the Mubarak's resignation.
- YEMEN -- A small anti-government protest turned violent as protesters, who were marching to the Egyptian embassy in the capital San'a, clashed with security forces.
January 28
- EGYPT -- ElBaradei, who is later placed under house arrest, and his supporters were attacked by security forces after Friday prayers. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged both the Egyptian government and protesters to show restraint. The protesters ignored a government-imposed curfew. The government cut Internet connections in the country. Late in the day, Mubarak announced he would fire his government and bring on a new Cabinet to try to meet the nation's cry for change. Following Mubarak's announcement, President Obama spoke with Mubarak on the phone and delivered his own statement, calling for protesters and the government to refrain from violence and on Mubarak to keep his promises of reform.
January 27
- EGYPT -- ElBaradei returned to Egypt from his home in Vienna calling on Mubarak to quit.
- YEMEN -- Tens of thousands of protesters marched on the capital against President Saleh.
January 26
- TUNISIA -- Tunisia asked Interpol to help arrest Ben Ali and his family so they can be tried for theft and currency offences, the justice minister said.
January 24
- TUNISIA -- Politicians began negotiations on the creation of a council to oversee the interim government. Its task would be to protect the "Jasmine" revolution that toppled Ben Ali.
January 23
- YEMEN -- Hundreds of students and activists gathered at Yemen's Sanaa University, most of whom were calling for Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down. The smaller group of protesters called for the president to stay.
- EGYPT -- Younger members of Egypt's opposition Muslim Brotherhood indicated that they would participate in the January 25 protests.
January 22
- TUNISIA -- Protesters again demand that Ghannouchi and other Ben Ali protégés go. Policemen, once the bulwark of Ben Ali's rule, demonstrate in Tunis, saying they too were victims.
- ALGERIA -- At least 42 people were injured during clashes between protesters, who were defying a government ban, and Algerian police, who blocked a march on the country's parliament building.
January 20
- EGYPT -- An Egyptian Facebook group called for street protests on January 25. Additional self-immolations take place.
January 21
- TUNISIA -- After a day of protests against the old guard's presence in the new cabinet, Ghannouchi promises to retire as soon as elections are held.
January 19
- TUNISIA -- After the first cabinet meeting, the government offers amnesty to all political groups.
January 18
- TUNISIA -- Some opposition figures quit the cabinet, demanding the removal of former Ben Ali loyalists. Protesters denounce the "sham."
- EGYPT -- Egyptian former United Nations nuclear weapons chief Mohamed ElBaradei warns in an interview with the Guardian newspaper of a "Tunisia-style explosion" in Egypt.
January 17
- TUNISIA -- Ghannouchi appoints opposition figures to a new national unity coalition and says he will free political prisoners.
- EGYPT -- At least two men set themselves on fire, echoing Bouazizi's December 17 protest in Tunisia.
January 16
- REGIONAL -- Speculation increases that, inspired by what happened in Tunisia, other countries in the region—including Algeria, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt—will face similar opposition protests.
- EGYPT -- Thousands of protesters streamed into the streets of Cairo chanting "Ben Ali, tell Mubarak a plane is waiting for him too," referring to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
January 14
- TUNISIA -- After days of clashes in which dozens are killed and having made empty promises of reforms and elections, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali flees to Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi stays, with the ruling party's parliamentary speaker as interim president.
January 4, 2011
- TUNISIA -- Bouazizi died of his burns, after which his funeral added momentum to protests against unemployment and repression. The protests spread to other parts of the country.
December 17, 2010
- TUNISIA -- Mohamed Bouazizi set fire to himself in the central Tunisian town of Sidi Bouzid to protest police confiscation of his vegetable cart. His act led to local demonstrations in support.
Sources: Reuters, Los Angeles Times, BBC, The Guardian, CNN International, New York Times, AFP, WSJ.com

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Craig Conroy Clears Waivers, Thinking Retirement
Posted 31 January 2011 - 12:49 AM
RIP Bob Probert
RIP Wade Belak
RIP Derek Boogaard
RIP Rick Rypien
Posted 31 January 2011 - 02:08 AM
HankthaTank - Squirrels, they hate to be thrown. / Why is the magical unicorn named Brian... Jedi - I just downloaded the "kids" book, "Go the F--k to Sleep" as narrated by Samuel L. Jackson on my kindle. I am now ready to be a daddy. / *Checks Router* No, I'm positive I didn't hit the "Wings Defense Sucks" button. Electrophile - I'm just glad the Wings were able to win despite the Curse of Brian. ACallToArms - I think Trey needs to put something about payroll tax and deferred income in his sig... Edicius - I'd rather [have] a soundbite of me saying "I like (man sausage)" rather than "I like Crosby".
Posted 31 January 2011 - 05:50 AM
The Flames signed him to a league-minimum 2-way contract this year. I don't think he would've been signed at all except for all the injuries they had to start the season.
The GM told him to take the All-Star break to decide what he wanted. Craig was taking his family to Banff for a mini-vacation. I guess they'll decide what's best while they're there.
Posted 31 January 2011 - 08:04 AM
Posted 31 January 2011 - 08:06 AM
Posted 31 January 2011 - 09:28 AM
- F2B&G likes this
Posted 31 January 2011 - 09:59 AM
"Mess up tomorrow, don't mess up now".
- Harry James Benson, CBE.
Posted 31 January 2011 - 10:17 AM
"All done? Five bucks." - Pavel Datsyuk after an interview
"Very few cities in the NHL have the history or the following of the Detroit Red Wings." - Steve Yzerman
Posted 31 January 2011 - 11:31 AM
You win 1 internets!
Not claimed by Islanders? Why? He could help them.
I went to a doctor the other day, and all he did was suck blood out of my neck. Never go see Dr. Acula
- Mitch Hedberg
Posted 31 January 2011 - 05:35 PM
DAN WHATEVER YOUR f****** NAME IS CLEAR OR CLEARLY GET THE f*** OUT OF THIS TEAM BACK GO f****** LEARN TO PLAY MORON I PERSONALY DON'T GIVE A s*** THAT YR LEG IS f***ET UP, PLEASE LIIVE. ANF BABCOCK PLEASE GET READ OF OUR QUINESSSSSSYYYYY HOLLAND YOU JUST HIT THE JUCK f****** POTT!
- redwashington2000 March 19th, 2012
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|General Discussion General discussion forum for all drum related topics. Use this forum to exchange ideas and information with your fellow drummers.
|Thread Tools
I'm perfectly aware of some relations like speed being the by-product of control and that speed is a mere parameter and without music, just exercise. And to practice slow etc. - that's not what I'm going for in this thread. I'm just curious to learn what some people can do so I would know what is humanly possible, and this might serve as more inspiration for practice or simply to exchange some info regarding the flashier stuff (which might be easy patterns but brought up to terrific speed). I'm not intending this to be a show-off thread but just so I'd have an idea in terms of bpm. Because I've learned that even a number of pro drummers simply don't care of bpm's and were unable to give me bpm values from the top of their heads.
I'm also perfectly aware (on my own experience) that "maximum speed" doesn't necessarily have to correlate to "workable speed". Judging from my experience on the (el.) guitar I guess that the better the drummer (those who do focus on technique/speed), the less of a difference there is between their comfy and max speed. Personally my gap between those tempo ranges is substantial, depending on the technique/pattern.
No, speed isn't everything, and yes, any drummer shouldn't spend all the time on technical stuff etc. - I hope this is clear and that people won't comment on such well-known common sense stuff too much _on this thread_.
As a starter, here's some bpm's of myself. I think it's also helpful to not only give the bpm's but also give some brief info on the technique or whether this feels ultra hard or what duration can be maintained with this and that pattern.
Paradiddle: max = 250 bpm/16th notes (HQ RealFeel pad), both matched and trad grip. 8 bars. I think I hit the same speed with the left hand leading, also. Both matched and trad (with most stuff my max speed would be with matched grip, trad being a bit slower). Comfy range for paradiddle (the basic variation) would be anything below 200 bpm. I've started working on the other paradiddle variations just recently, those are way harder for me.
Max speed single strokes: 280 bpm 16th (=8th notes per hand), for about 5 seconds. Same max speed with right and left hand ATM. American grip, a combination of wrists and fingers because at max speed I can't apply only one technique in its pure form - when pushing my hands will find their own way. I do pay close attention to technique when playing in my more comfy tempo zones though.
Feet, heel up/double pedal: 240 bpm/16th notes for about 6-8 bars (dw2002 double pedal, and HQ RealFeel kick practice pad w/ a towel on top of the rubber, and playing barefoot).
(More bpm with doubles/heel-toe but haven't done any max speed tests w/ doubles for a while. Did 270 bpm/16th notes for 3 minutes but that was months ago.) Super comfy speed range for doubles is anything up to about 180 bpm. Starts to feel harder from about 220-230 bpm.
Heel-toe/doubles endurance: 240 bpm/16th notes, for 6.38 minutes (months ago).
Heel-up endurance: 40 minutes @ 200 bpm.
I'm into drums for 1.75 years now, have a lot of time for practice (a good deal of which is actually having some "real" work to do which involves the hands only so the feet are free to practice on the double pedal or hihat at that time). Haven't got a full kit (yet) and no real plans what to do with what I "can" (which isn't much) - I'm drumming for fun and because I'm enjoying the physical/motoric challenge. (Coming from the guitar which I've been playing for 21 years now, with a focus on technique also. I'm way faster in drumming though, haha, at least if not counting in techniques like tapping.)
Re: Speeeeed!!
I've always got the impression that the hand speed 'gold standard' for singles, doubles and paradiddles is the 200 bpm mark, where the rudiment is held for 1 minute and is played cleanly and evenly - perfect note spacing and each stroke played at the same height. Attaining this standard would ensure that the rudiment is usable in a musical context ie. it can be played around all the voices of the kit reliably. Is a 5 second burst of 280 in anyway useful? That said, your foot development in 1.75 years is prodigious.
Re: Speeeeed!!
Dw, PDP, Sabian, Roland
Re: Speeeeed!!
I stated that speed was heel up. Because I've been neglecting flatfoot for some time, having started to work on this with some delay. With full leg motion/flatfoot I have to work hard to get at 200-220 bpm, and this is for short durations. I'm hoping that this will get much easier with time. Heel-up/ankle motion is way easier for me. So I'm quite not well balanced technically meaning some stuff is way more up the speed range while other is underdeveloped. I'm dreaming of the day where I might be in balance whether it's singles, doubles or mixed patterns.
When doing max tests for hand speed (I've done them 2 times recently) I'm first warming up, then doing runs @ 200 bpm and play for a while (1-2 minutes). Then 220, 240 runs & going for as long as I can. So I'm gradually climbing up to 280. Right hand, most recent test: It's 5 seconds @ 280 but 12 secs @ 260, 27 secs @ 250 etc. You get the idea.
Last edited by Arky; 04-30-2012 at 02:57 PM.
Re: Speeeeed!!
The headroom concept is an important one; i've never been called upon to play 200bpm singles, or jazz ride at 320, but i'll work to attain those speeds to ensure comfort at lower speeds. It's just that it's more sensible to work up to those speeds rather than diving in at top whack and trying to squeeze something out (ooh-err).
Re: Speeeeed!!
I agree. Keep in mind pushing myself @ 280 bpm makes a tiny fraction of my practice time - only when pushing to the max every few weeks - that's it. Or if I see/hear some fast drumming I'd try check out whether I'm up to that speed hands and feet wise (most of the time - yes, haha). I just tried to reply on your question on what max speed might be good for.
Everybody has a 5 seconds maximum speed limit for something, from the world's worst to the world's best drummer. Some of them just don't know/care because they never checked out what thing it is they can hold for 5 seconds, not more ;-)
I think that headroom concept was also mentioned by John Riley (if I remember correctly from his excerpt of his DVD - that sample video is on DW somewhere.) This concept makes so much sense to me. (Does the term "footroom" exist? Anyway, good to have some.)
Last edited by Arky; 04-30-2012 at 10:02 PM.
Re: Speeeeed!!
Pretty cool thread.
I haven't really been into "speed" myself. The styles of music "the speed thing" works for isn't something that I'd play, but, I have practiced stuff faster so I can do them more comfortably at slower speeds.
Works for some things better than others.
Faster singles weren't as much an issue for me as both hands doing singles at the same time at fast speeds (such as on snare and ft). That drove me nuts trying to get it down cleanly haha!
Good luck to everyone that gets into this kind of thing!
My band Artificial Agent here: http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116637
Re: Speeeeed!!
I just started getting seriously into practicing single stroke rolls, paradiddles etc. with the aim of pushing my speed. My single stroke roll maxes out at 170bpm, but that is playing solidly for however long. Paradiddles about the same. One handed I can sometimes get up to 110bpm 16th notes on either hand (trad grip), but I find that I tense up so I stop, but I can feel that the rebound is in the stick at that tempo it just needs to be controlled by me in a relaxed way.
I've found that since pushing my speed like this, playing at a more useful tempo is so much easier. I can focus on accent placement at useable tempos without worrying that the rudiment underneath the accents will collapse.
Re: Speeeeed!!
Your foot speed is great for this short amount of playing.
I have been playing for twenty plus years, and generally when it gets to 240-280 I have some trouble if I haven't played in a while.
Think Hate Eternal or really fast death metal double bass work. I looked at as an accomplishment in my drumming to learn this, even if I don't play DM/BM all the time, or at all.
This is a great thread idea.
I haven't clocked myself ina while, but your a motivation for me to get back on the pad and see, WITH a metronome.
This could be a thread to help people in trouble areas with certain rudiments, techniques, or anything related to bpms and playing.
Great idea
"If I became parapalegic I would try to use my forehead to drum, or my tongue or nose." - Myself
Re: Speeeeed!!
That's a very interesting thread Arky, I've never actually contemplated such an approach to speed related bpm's value before, I will certainely give it a go and see what I'm coming up with as an end result :)
I tend to increase or reduce speed of my practices using subdivisions changes and permutations accross the four limbs from a single metronome pulse, going through quarters, 8th notes, 16th notes, 32nd notes and 64th notes, in binary and ternary patterns, so generally the bpm value is much lower than the one you've listed in the OP :)
Keep On Drumming
Re: Speeeeed!!
sure, I'm switching gear, too - going up and down the subdivisions (including triplets of course). I just find it easier to work with up to 16th triplets but not 32nd or even 64th notes, that's too many note flags for me. And 200 bpm might sound cooler than 100, haha. Actually I do use half time clicks a lot because although it's the same physical speed, having a click going at half time creates feels more relaxed to me. Typically I'm using 2-minute click MP3's which came with a multi-DVD tutorial package.
PS: My max speed increase with paradiddle (AFAIR) was 168 - 184 - 208 - 216 - 240 - 250. 250 was about a month ago. I'm doing those tests every now and then, not once a week or something. And my first max speed with single stroke roll I remember was... a mere 144, haha. [EDIT: It was first 138, then 144. Then 160...]
Last edited by Arky; 05-03-2012 at 12:46 AM.
Re: Speeeeed!!
Re: Speeeeed!!
In my mid 60's I have no real speed, and my chops are on the wane...BUT, I make it a point
to Swing the House! I hear a lot of young cats who have chops but can't swing...and THAT
keeps me working!
Re: Speeeeed!!
You play 16th note paradiddles at 250? WTF!!!??
That is crazy fast for anyone IMHO.
I am not far behind you time wise but half way there in bpm. Really impressive.
Re: Speeeeed!!
I know drum corp. players who are 20 years deep who can barely do that
Re: Speeeeed!!
Re: Speeeeed!!
A 250 BPM paradiddle, translates to 1000 hits per minute, that's so fast, that's more than 16 hits per second. That's crazy fast. I'd like to see that. How long can you maintain that for? 8 bars? How many seconds is that? Anyone who gets fast in less than 2 years...it's not supposed to go that quick lol. I hope you can back this stuff up.
Re: Speeeeed!!
Take a look at those WFD results... You'll find results in the 1.300-1.100 hits per minute range. I could do 1000 hits, too if I could hold my speed for that long. Maybe I'm just a few months away from holding 250 bpm for 1 minute, that'll make 1000 hits.
I said those 250 bpm/paradidle were for 8 bars. Haven't calculated this but going by feel I'd say this makes some 10-12 seconds altogether. (I'm wrong - read on.)
Well let's do the math... 60 divided by 250 = duration of a quarter note = 0.24 seconds. x4 = duration of 1 bar = 0.96 seconds. x8 = duration of 8 bars = 7.68 seconds. I see...
I never said I can hold 250 bpm/paradiddle for a minute. Maybe one day, but that WOULD be crazy! (Somebody tell me I'm daydreaming, haha.)
[EDIT: Just for clarification - Probably doing 1 minute @ 250 bpm = 1000 hits, I was meaning _any_ hand technique/pattern to get this, not necessarily w/ paradiddle. Because going from 7.68 seconds to 60 seconds _with paradiddle_ is way too much to pull this off in a few months. The paradiddle may never happen for me @ 250 for a whole minute - I just meant doing 1000 hits a minute, playing e.g. a single stroke roll w/ American grip & fingers or French grip, or playing doubles.]
Last edited by Arky; 05-05-2012 at 01:46 AM. Reason: clarification
Re: Speeeeed!!
Re: Speeeeed!!
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I agree those results are quick. But I started as late as at age 37 so I simply don't have the time to invest 15 years or something to crunch some bpm (I spent a good deal of my life on guitar techniques, don't have another life to do the same with drums). Those 240 bpm on footwork/heel up was something which took me about 7 months (starting from zero)! No progress since that time though, but considering 240 isn't bad, I'm not complaining.
I don't want to bore anybody with guitar stuff but just to clear up: I was doing that test with sextuplet patterns played on the high e string. I was sliding up and down after playing that pattern 1 time, and that slide made it a 7-tuplet. I don't remember the exact calcultation but the speed I was pushing myself towards was in the 210 bpm range. Those patterns involved finger combinations 1-3-4 or 1-2-4 (1=index, 4=pinky).
Ok, let's just ignore the bpm's I've given relating to myself as long as I don't provide video proof. Let's go on and see what others have to contribute. This thread isn't about me, ok? ;-)
More on topic, and also addressing Larry's idea of writing a book (hahaha - Larry, you're a creative guy!) - here's some thoughts on how to go for progress. What works for somebody doesn't necessarily work for others. You have to find out what works best for you - when to practice (it might not matter at all, or some prefer to practice in the morning, evening etc.), how long to practice, how you're structuring your practice. I was focusing on technique/speed so that was where my results are. I said months ago that for now I'm doing that "strategy" to just "get into it" mechanically while lacking in terms of groove, style. This is what I will address at a later time, or gradually grow into. I'm still in the "learn the mechanics, and push it" phase. Makes sense to me (and has worked well so far). I also want to mention that there's so much one can do for overall improvement in addition to actually sitting at a kit, or to even practice while being away from a kit. That concept of practicing (patterns, rhythm) in one's mind is really great - I haven't really explored that yet - has been discussed on other threads.
Then there's the purely physical aspect. I do some sports (running, sometimes weight training) to stay fit and for some overall endurance. You don't have to do so but if you're going for high speed and holding this for minutes (e.g. heel up @ 240 bpm for 40 minutes, as I did about 2 months ago), some degree of physical conditioning (from running, cycling, weight training) certainly helps. It's not a must but a "should"/"can't hurt". I'm also doing isolated left hand exercises a lot - while being at the PC, with the right hand doing all the stuff, I would practice trad grip on a pad or snare (& pad on top usually). I try to make practice time. There's lots of ways to work on various stuff. Check your diet (there's huge potential for me in that field!). Try to stay healthy (or frankly: don't drink or smoke!). Etc.
I'm trying to implement multi-tasking in my life. Took me some experimenting on what works and what doesn't. I remember a discussion on DW with a guy who said: What? You're practicing while not 100% focusing on drumming but watching the TV or doing other stuff? Mike Mangini doesn't do this, he's always focusing 100%. (And I - meaning that guy - am a disciple of Mangini so I would never practice at the TV.) As I said - for some it works, for others it doesn't. I'd say everybody could find out how to max one's practice time (including time being away from the kit and pad!) or to combine things to save overall time. I think it does boil down to the time you can find to practice (whether 100% focused or multi-tasking). This has actually changed my life. E.g. I'm practicing doubles on the feet while working at the PC. Took some time to learn this but it's working for me. I couldn't imagine to first do this, then do that, purely consecutively. I'm trying to "layer" various things. One can learn this to some degree. Give it a try, it's your time you're saving.
I'm imagining a conversation with that "I'm practicing like Mike Mangini [who is a superb drummer, I'm using him for example purposes here] - only 100% focus" guy (let's call him the "MMD" - Mike Mangini disciple).
MMD: What? You max out at 240 bpm w/ heel up?
Arky: Yes. Can you do this? (Just guessing that he can't.)
MMD: No. How did you do it? How long did it take you? (I'm playing for... [let's say 6-8] years.)
Arky: I hit that speed in 7 months. Multi-tasking. Making practice time. Do several things at the same time. (= NOT always having 100% focus.) And yes, sometimes I'm practicing at the TV, too. (Has worked with the guitar for years - at least for me.)
MMD: I see... (Returns to his 100% focused practice routine and being a Mike Mangini disciple.)]
...just an example that some things work for some, not for everybody, and that some people choose to do things in a certain way and maybe are passing the chance to optimize/maximize by trying to squeeze more what can be done into the same amount of time.
Last edited by Arky; 05-01-2012 at 11:02 AM.
Re: Speeeeed!!
Interesting findings, great read. How I wish I'm as fast as you ;C
Re: Speeeeed!!
All this speed talk is all very well, but have you done a "2 minute solo challenge" video? I want to see where it's all getting you.
Re: Speeeeed!!
hi arky. its not that i don't believe you. i'd just like to see a video.
Re: Speeeeed!!
Once again - this is not about me. Come on, what have you to contribute to this thread? ;-)
Liebe Zeit, how long have you been into drumming until you recorded your first solo and uploaded it onto a drummer forum? Under 2 years? Just curious.
Also, I'm not selecting what to practice on the basis of what others think of this. Why am I drumming? To please others? No, to please... me! So "where is this getting me"? I'm still on my way, the journey hasn't ended yet and I don't know where all this will/might take me. No idea, really.
Honestly I feel I'm so much lacking maturity in terms of drumming to do anything like a solo so it doesn't make sense. I could record myself improvising on the pad for 1 minute but hey, that would be a mix of various rudiments, nothing more. I can't express myself freely on the drums because I haven't acquired the means to do so (at least not yet).
I've just checked my current paradiddle speed and must say that 250 bpm... that was on a very good day. It was a bit sloppy when I just played it, even 230-240 wasn't easy. So I'll push it the next few days to get it "more real" for video purposes.
Re: Speeeeed!!
It's just a bunch of paradiddles, and not very fast at all http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyJoh...ature=youtu.be
Re: Speeeeed!!
Ok, I could try something similar. No Mozambique or clave but what I've been doing recently was spreading rudiments between ride & hihat/snare plus have the feet going in machine gun mode. Even a standard paradiddle sounds super cool if you're using various zones on the ride to get different sounds out of it (I like my Meinl Byzance ride - got it used).
You know, I did follow that solo thread at the beginning, but the amount of videos and posts got so overwhelming for me so I just disengaged.
Re: Speeeeed!!
Re: Speeeeed!!
With all the rudiments, techniques you've practiced for some 20 months, you're ready to play behind a proper kit, and since you have already worked out the important but relative aspect of Speeeeed, lol, you could apply your aqquired experience to the kit, but focusing on control, sounds, dynamics, time, space, coordinations, styles, creativity, tuning, the list is almost endless :)
... as far as soloing on a drumset, you're not a genuine beginner, 21 years of playing guitars, writing music and your general experience as a musician gives you an edge, and you'll probably be surprised as to what you'll play on a good inspired moment behind the drums, but that's another thread's topic, haha :)
Keep On Drumming
Re: Speeeeed!!
It's all in technique and proper motion. Attempting to improve in speed is a grey area, in my opinion. Do you need it? No. Does it come in handy? Yes. I will never have to play paradiddles at 280 BPM, singles at 280 BPM, and other rudiments/hybrid rudiments at 200 BPM+ for an extended period of time, but I can. Most of your favorite drummers can do all of this, as well, but you never see them do it, because it's not necessary unless you're planning to audition for Dragonforce or Dimmu Borgir. Applying the Moeller Method is where you'll see an increase in speed for any type of playing. Jim Chapin preached this his entire life and it works. It works very well. Also, DCI drummers achieve this through proper technique and training to specific muscles, or specific hand/finger movement. I would never suggest practicing speed when you're lacking in groove, timing, or overall musicianship. If you do so anyway, let me tell you: you're headed in the wrong direction. Be honest with yourself and find out what you need to do in order to become a better drummer.
"If you aren't having fun, you're doing it wrong." - Scott Johnson
Re: Speeeeed!!
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Yeah. My guess with some of this stuff is your mind and ears can play tricks on you when playing along with a metronome. There are times at really fast speeds when you believe you're keeping up but you're actually not.
Matt Smith talked about this a lot in the context of WFD and how trying to use a metronome at those speeds was often fool's gold for the player who thought he was cranking out championship speeds. Then the player would try the same thing on a Drumometer and be shocked at how much slower than expected the results were.
Re: Speeeeed!!
Back to your OP Arky, I did a quick and dirty clock of myself.
I can do paradiddles comfortably at about 180.
I can single stroke comfortably at 200. I didn't try bursts.
Anything beyond that starts to get sloppy. I haven't worked on straight speed in quite a while though.
Re: Speeeeed!!
Great input - thanks everyone!
@ JoeLackey
Yes, I'd like to see/hear those 280 bpm, too. Or I'll do it myself, probably in 3 years ;-)
Just kiddin'.
I understand your general perspective on speed. I guess you're doing me wrong here (not in terms of me being a "good" drummer in any way - I'm a beginner!), but in terms of my overall orientation (you don't know my orig. stuff).
PS: Dragonforce would be a no-go for me (children music on speed to my ears), but Dimmu... that's serious!
@ 8Mile
Good point! In my max speed regions this might be an issue to some extent, but you'll see/hear for yourself. I have a slow down prog to check the audio - I've never recorded myself drumming, neither the double bass stuff nor handwork - but that prog can slow things down to 10% of the original speed.
@ Larry
Thanks for checking that out, but you know, that's merely numbers. If you needed more speed for the music you're after then you'd have practiced accordingly. What we're practicing depends of what we want/need, right? (Be it for real music or physical conditioning.)
I haven't forgotten this thread... I'm pushing it for a few days now. Going at 250 bpm in 2-minute MP3 click tracks for a while now (started @ 200, then speeding up in 10 bpm increments) - pushing paradiddle for a few seconds, switching hands, do some slower flams between, switching between matched and trad. It's hard but if I do a few video takes (going to do so at the weekend) there should be some clean runs among them.
Did 4 hours of footwork and a 6 km run afterwards yesterday. Today = feet rest. The foot speed was good, I could hold 240 for a while. As for hands... Feeling some lack of control in my left hand. I'd practice slower stuff to address this but continue to push it for the weekend video takes.
In case I'll survive the weekend and "the drumming community" critique I'll return to more moderate speed for a while, to build more control. I'm sure there won't be any noteworthy speed progress for quite some time, but it might/should get easier to maintain those speeds, with more ease and mixing up more patterns.
Everybody - feel free to post some speed videos (of yourself) of course!!
Last edited by Arky; 05-03-2012 at 09:45 PM.
Re: Speeeeed!!
Isn't this all just an obsession with speed now? You said yourself you started drumming to help you understand how to programme drum tracks better. Your quest for speed seems totally unrelated to that now, so haven't you drifted from your original aim and ended up down a blind alley? Or is there some purpose or thought out change in your aims that I don't see?
Re: Speeeeed!!
Obsession? I TEND to get obsessed with what interests me. If you knew me you wouldn't have asked, haha.
Yes, there's no real relationship between getting better insight into a drummer's mind and what I'm doing now. But imagine I'll continue to push it for a while so I'd have serious advantage taking this stuff to the kit (when I'll have one) - going the usual route of starting slow etc. would take a few years more, wouldn't it? I'm doing this for coordination sake, just so I would know how 2xx bpm feel with the hands/feet. Why do I have to postpone this and get into that speed range in, say, 5-10 years? What's the benefit (of "waiting" instead of addressing technique/speed right away)? I'm not feeling I did something wrong, quite the opposite.
I've paused that songwriting/recording stuff temporarily (but want to go on working on the first album soon). One thing I can benefit from is that while I was completely going by ear/instinct when arranging the drum lines I had some year ago, now knowing a bunch of rudiments has hugely expanded my understanding of breaking the more complex stuff down into its fragments (quite similar to the el. guitar and solo stuff). But the music I need those arrangements for isn't fast or mighty complex (at least for drums) so there is some... I wouldn't say discrepancy, but over-motorisation. IMO it's not a blind valley but I came to a fork and chose to go another (not exactly parallel) path for a while.
When I started drumming I didn't know in advance what the outcome would be. I thought I'd just hit some sticks onto a pad, learn 2-3 rudiments and all of a sudden I'd have a deeper understanding of drum arrangement. I wouldn't say I'm in a blind alley now. It's a question of how to apply musically what there is technically. Whatever this will be, it won't be utilised in my current projects. Because those need a _good_ drummer (=being creative, finding the right parts for the song sections), and there's nothing over 144 bpm (if I remember correctly). In terms of speed I'd have enough headroom, haha.
Don't worry, I won't practice speed stuff all the time. There will be a time to get into styles & grooves (which in a way is harder than practicing 16th rolls between the limbs).
Hopefully I'm not boring you with those details. I'm practicing drumming (with a focus on technique/speed) just for fun. This might change any time and head into a new/different direction. I might end up in jazz although this isn't very likely.
[A recent comment of my dad, on me practicing on the double pedal: "If you continue to do this then one day (in the not so distant future) you'll get spastic."]
@ Matt Smith
Matt, would you mind sharing some speed demon bpm values? Now that would be interesting.
Last edited by Arky; 05-04-2012 at 07:36 AM. Reason: typo
Re: Speeeeed!!
Control first, then enduarance and then push for speed. That's the formula that works for me.
If one wants to be a creative, adaptive and versatile musician it's great to have tons of overhead. I think it's important to be fully conscious of every note though, and develop the ears simultaneously as being a slave to limited but fast technique is no fun. Hence I like to spend some time pushing my physical ability. When I'm working on speed the focus is on endurance and whatever I do I try to keep it interesting and musical.
I don't fully keep track of tempos as I want to be able to switch things up while playing, but I do one handed 16ths as an endurance exercise and those are around 116 bpm now.
Playing music is a whole different ballgame as then the focus can't be on technique.You have to switch things around all the time and because of placement of different surfaces and that you're mainly going for sound, a good feel and musicality there is a different type of endurance needed. The sound of the kit changes your perception and how things feel. This to me is especially true for the bass drum which truly was a pain for me at first. Very different from using my Realfeel pad.
I like Jazz-rock, it both swings and rocks.
Last edited by Odd-Arne Oseberg; 05-03-2012 at 10:23 PM.
Re: Speeeeed!!
pure class
Re: Speeeeed!!
I've tried to stay outta this thread......tried and now failed miserably.
Guys, I wanna see these paradiddles played as 16th notes at 250 and 280bpm.
Re: Speeeeed!!
Would you like me to post a video?
"If you aren't having fun, you're doing it wrong." - Scott Johnson
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Texas on the Potomac
Washington news with a Texas accent
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Here are 6 races to watch in Texas
The Texas primary, delayed three months by legal wrangling over redistricting, is upon us. With Rick Perry now a former candidate, the once-important presidential primary is largely an afterthought as Texas Republicans and Democrats go to the polls Tuesday. Here are six key races to watch: 1. U.S. Senate (statewide) Party: Republican Leading: Lt. Gov. […] [Read More]
Rick Perry gets encouragement from Republican friends in high places (New Hampshire)
Gov. Rick Perry has reason to say "thank ya" to a few of New Hampshire's GOP leaders who are telling to go for it and jump into the presidential race. [Read More]
Perry Watch: As he nears presidential decision, Rick Perry calling key Iowa, New Hampshire Republicans for advice
Gov. Rick Perry wants to know — what do you think? Perry has been calling high-level Republicans in Iowa and New Hampshire about his contemplated White House bid. [Read More]


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By Linda D. KozarynAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 25, 1996 While most of the U.S. service members who helped evacuate Americans from Liberia head back to bases in Europe, about 200 will stay to protect the embassy in Monrovia, DoD officials said.
U.S. forces safely evacuated more than 2,100 people, including 435 Americans, from Liberia after civil war erupted in the West African nation in early April, officials said. During about a week-long airlift, nine Navy helicopters flew 83 sorties carrying civilians from the war-torn capital to neighboring Freetown, Sierra Leone.
No American was injured during any phase of the operation, said Lt. Gen. Howell M. Estes III, operations director for the Joint Staff, at a Pentagon briefing. U.S. helicopters ferried out people from 73 countries, he said. About 50 Americans in Liberia when fighting broke out chose to remain, Estes said.
About 1,400 Europe-based U.S. service members were involved in the operation, Assured Response. Initially, a 20-man assessment team and about 180 additional security forces were sent in to supplement the Marine Corps guard protecting the embassy, Estes said. More forces were then positioned in the area for the evacuation. U.S. forces also airlifted food and water to the embassy during the uprising.
About 200 troops, primarily from the Armys 325th Airborne Battalion Combat Team in Vicenza, Italy, will stay in Liberia to provide security for the 18 embassy staff remaining.
"The forces at the embassy need to remain there to provide adequate security until the situation resolves itself one way or the other," Estes said. The soldiers were relieved by U.S. Marines from a five-ship, 1,400-man amphibious ready group led by the USS Guam, which reached Liberia the weekend of April 20.


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The Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers met for the second time a week on Thursday night and, mercifully for Vancouver hockey fans, the Canucks managed to flip the script in round two. Rather than leaving the game having made zero saves, Cory Schneider made all the saves. Rather than being outscored 4-0, the Canucks did the same to the Oilers.
And, rather than being made to look silly by the Ryan Nugent-Hopkins line, the Sedins restored the natural order by making them look silly. The 2-0 goal was textbook Wizardous Sedinerie. Let's take another look and revel in its excellence.Continue Reading —›
Don't let the 4-0 score fool you — this was a very different game than the last time the Canucks faced the Oilers. For one thing, the team that scored four goals was the Canucks, which was nice. For another, Cory Schneider made one save. He didn't do that last time. He followed it up with several more, too.
But if there's one stat that really demonstrates how different this one was from last time, consider the following: On Friday night, when the Canucks faced the Oilers, the game was effectively over by 7:15. This time around, the game hadn't even begun by 7:30. Just think about that. That's some improvement right there. I watched this game.Continue Reading —›


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I can't even imagine sockless feet, or stepping outside without adding layers. I can't imagine not looking down when I walk. I can barely fathom spring flowers, sunny evenings or the air fragranced with anything but the wet cardboard smell of days-old snow. I guess it's all making me feel particularly grumpy.
The internet dried up a little for me this week too. I think I spent more time with my nose in books and my own writing than I cruising blogs. Unfortunately, that means I'm short of links to share this Friday. But I do have a few: Ben Pentreath blogged about Rena Gardiner... Ahh! the thrill of a new discovery! And heart-shaped books over on Stephanie's blog made me happy. This is really what I would buy if I were slightly more of a millionaire than I already am.
Finally, I loved Niall Foley's story The Great South Wall over at The Bohemyth.
My week was topsy-turvy so, it will be a pretty quiet weekend here - in fact I only now realized it's a long one for us too! What are you up to? Promise me it will be spring soon...
4 comments:
I promise it will be Spring soon.ReplyDelete
I love this image. Is it yours? I love all that white 'empty' space.
Yes, a long weekend is what I ordered, too! Hopefully an easy one. Long brunch, my book (now reading Springs of Affection), my camera and big sunnies (because I want a sunny weekend). I don't think that's asking for too much, right?!
Have a good one!Replies
Hi Alice - yes, it is my photo (the view from my horrible office!)Delete
I hope you have the loveliest weekend.
Hello Jane,ReplyDelete
I find it hard to live through February and early March, too. But I find it immensely comforting to buy bulbs (such as fragrant hyacinths) and let them bloom on my desk while I write or read on my computer. Try it, and you'll be reminded daily that Spring is just around the corner.
Thank you for the links, I really enjoyed the short story by Niall Foley. And that photo by Emily O'Sullivan, "in the words of James Joyce", just below the short story.
Have a nice long weekend!
Wow Rena Gardiner was incredible! Did you listen to the talk as well?ReplyDelete
Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you for your comments!
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By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2007 President Bush issued a proclamation today designating Sept. 30 as "Gold Star Mother's Day," honoring the mothers of men and women who have lost their lives while serving in the military.
"On Gold Star Mother's Day, we honor the mothers of the servicemen and women who have given their lives in defense of our great nation," he said. "America's Gold Star Mothers are remarkable patriots.
"Though they carry a great burden of grief, these courageous mothers help ensure that the legacy of our fallen heroes will be forever remembered," he added.
The proclamation calls for government officials to display the United States flag over government buildings.
"I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our nation's sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers," Bush said.
Founded here in 1928, American Gold Star Mothers is an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in service to the country. With a founding membership of 25 mothers, the organization was incorporated on Jan. 5, 1929. When the charter was closed 90 days later, the group was 65 members strong.
Membership was opened again in 1941 and again after the Korean Conflict.
American Gold Star Mothers was granted a congressional charter in June 12, 1984. It was 48 years earlier however, when Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115, decreed the last Sunday in September would be recognized as Gold Star Mother's Day. The same resolution authorized and requested the president issue a proclamation of this each year in observance of the sacrifices made by Gold Star Mothers.


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Below is the poem entitled She s so amazing which was written by poet
ishmael. Please feel free to comment on this poem. However, please remember, PoetrySoup is a place of encouragement and growth.
Read Poems by
Kasim Ishmael
She's so amazing
It's all I can say
She's so beautiful
She take my breathe away
She's the reason
A smile is on my face
And I can live forever
In her warm embrace
She's so graceful
Like the morning sunrise
And all the stars
Sparkles in her eyes
She's so innocent
Like a little child
But she's so strong
Like a lion in the wild
And how I love her
But she doesn't know
I said she's my bff
And that's as far I will go
And she is a dream
Come true to me
But this is a love
That's not meant to be
She's so amazing
She's the life inside of me
But I'm invisible
My love she can not see
She, so simple
But so beautiful
She's like the moonlight
That lights up the world
And if I'm hurting
She's knows what to say
Her words are magic
It takes my pain away
She's like an angel
And how I love her so
But my love is secret
That she must never know
She, s so amazing
My heart belongs to her
We are so close
But still so very far
Time to end this poem
So let me say before I go
She's so amazing
And how I love her so
A comment has not been posted for this poem. Encourage a poet by being the first to comment.


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For best results. Apply morning and night as a thin layer to the delicate eye area without massaging. Gently pat in until absorbed, avoid contact with eyes.
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I've given it four stars because I haven't been using this for too long (4 days) and I'm not sure whether or not my eyes are deceiving me. Otherwise it'd be five stars straight! I do see a little change in my eyes. The bags under my eyes have definitely become lighter. And it feels great when applying this product. It's cool and the circular motion you make when you apply the gel relaxes your face a little. I personally would recommend this :) Can't wait to see how it looks once I finish the tube!
Would you recommend this product: YesFlag this review


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Big Bear Lake, CA, October 24, 2014 - In a letter addressed to the Board of Directors of the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District dated October 20, 2014, Sara Russ announced her resignation as President of the Board, effective immediately. According to Russ, her husband recently accepted a teaching position at a local college, which … [Read more...]
Sara Russ Resigns as BVCHD Board President
Health Care District Hires New COO-CFO
Big Bear Lake, CA, October 16, 2014 - BVCHD Board of Directors announced Monday that effective immediately, the District has hired Wade Sturgeon to assume the position of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Sturgeon has been serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer for the District since August 20. According to Sara Russ, … [Read more...]
Big Bear Lake Rotary Presents Check to BVCHD
Big Bear Lake, CA, October 14, 2014 - At the Bear Valley Community Hospital this morning, the Big Bear lake Rotary Club Foundation and the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District Foundation conducted a ribbon cutting and check presentation to commemorate the completion of three hospital rooms. The Rotary Club raised $30,000 at last … [Read more...]
Bear Valley Community Hospital Celebrates 40 Years
Big Bear Lake, CA, July 31, 2014 - The Bear Valley Community Healthcare District celebrates it's 40th Anniversary with an event this Saturday, August 2nd from 2pm to 5pm in the parking lot of the hospital in front of the new Brenda Boss Family Resource Center on Garstin Drive in Big Bear Lake. There will be special guest speakers, including … [Read more...]
Sara Russ Maps Out Priorities For Healthcare District
Big Bear Lake, CA, February 5, 2014 - After serving a little more than a year on the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District (BVCHD) Board of Directors, Sara Russ is taking the reins. Her fellow board members elected officers last week, and named her President, an election she calls "a rare opportunity that comes with great … [Read more...]
Women and Children Have a New Local Resource
Big Bear Lake, CA, December 27, 2013 - Big Bear Women, Infants, and Children--OR "WIC"-- CLinic is now open at the Brenda Boss Family Resource Center at the Bear Valley Community Hospital on Garstin Drive. The WIC clinic will be open Monday and Tuesday, 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM. The WIC Supplemental Nutrition Program is a federally-funded health … [Read more...]
Healthcare District Has Healthy Chance of Winning; Keep Voting!
Big Bear Lake, CA, October 30, 2013 - As of yesterday, Bear Valley Community Hospital's entry into the Medline Pink Gloves Dance Video competition was in 7th place. That brings them close to winning a substantial sum for the Soroptimist International of Big Bear Valley Mammogram Program: the winnings are $5,000 for third place, $10,000 for second … [Read more...]
Town Hall Meetings Will Explain Affordable Care Act
Big Bear Lake, CA, October 22, 2013 - The Bear Valley Community Healthcare District is holding a series of town hall meetings to educate the public about the new health care coverage options available under the Affordable Care Act. The meetings are also a chance to learn about service updates at Bear Valley Community Hospital. Refreshments … [Read more...]
Hospital Asks For Votes in $25,000 competition
Big Bear Lake, CA, October 9, 2013 - Bear Valley Community Hospital is participating in a YouTube phenomenon, and now they need your help. They've created a Medline Pink Gloves Dance Video as part of a nationwide competition promoting breast cancer awareness and prevention. Our Healthcare District has a chance to win up to $25,000 for … [Read more...]
Healthcare District Seeks New CFO
Big Bear Lake, CA, July 23, 2013 - The Bear Valley Community Healthcare District (BVCHD) has begun recruitment for a new Chief Financial Officer, following the resignation of Rudy Shutta. In addition to working as the CFO, Shutta has acted as the interim CEO twice and for the past several months had been working on the budget to keep the … [Read more...]


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October 04, 2013
Top Stories
Poet shares advice with students"Think of a hive made of glass, all the bees, /Theoretically at least, describable but not all at once. /That's my mind and you/are doing all the things you ever did all at once."
Senior creative writing major Deborah Gravina recited this poem written by Mary Jo Bang to introduce the poet during Bang's poetry reading and book signing that took place on Sept. 30.
As mentioned in the flier handed out before the reading, Bang has been chosen three times to be included in the Best American Poetry series and appeared on the New York Times Notable Book List in 2008.
She has five degrees in total: a bachelor's and masters in sociology, a bachelor's in photography, training as a physician's assistant and an Master in Fine Arts in creative writing. Bang is currently a professor of English and creative writing at Washington University.
Many students of the same major were assigned books such as "The Eye of the Strange Balloon" and "Elegy," two of the six poetry books written by Bang, to read as part of their curriculum. For some of those in attendance, it made a huge impact.
"I've been lucky enough to have my writing career book-ended by 'Strange Balloon' in my freshman and senior years," Gravina said. "[Bang] gives good writing techniques no matter what age. I went to lunch with her as well as the Q-and-A. She is so talented and willing to teach and provide advice."
The reading started off with a quick introduction from Bang, before she began to recite various poems from "Elegy" and "The Eye of the Strange Balloon," as well as quoting some of her work from her upcoming book, "The Last Two Seconds," which she said will be a replica of our own world in that time goes very quickly.
"Elegy" is a book with a series of elegies written by Bang during a down time of her life.
Bang said in order to get over the "funk" that she was feeling, she decided to write poems that included pop culture icons, such as "C is for Cher." This started a trend for her to write a poem for every letter in the alphabet.
"The Eye of the Strange Balloon" involves poems inspired by surreal paintings that Bang admired, such as "Mrs. Autumn and Her Two Daughters," painted by German artist Sigmar Polke. The scene portrays a mother and her two daughters, one that looks like her and one that is different, sitting on a cloud, sprinkling what appears to be snow down onto the world below them. Reflecting on the different daughter and how she relates to her, Bang said that "She is estranged, and we as writers are estranged from the world." Bang said that she wrote a poem that brought out the outlook of the lonely, different daughter.
After the poetry reading, a question and answer session was held, with those in attendance asking for advice and Bang's personal thoughts about poetry and the world around it.
"I think that poetry is a way to share among strangers things we can't normally share with strangers," Bang said. "There are very few places that we can remind ourselves that we are human beings, and poetry is one of those places."
Like many forms of traditional art, poetry is becoming less-known and buried under today's culture, mostly because it is such a free and abstract way to form one's ideas, she said.
"Poetry is built on uncertainty, which is why some people don't like it," Bang said.
Gravina said, "As a member of [Bang's] ever-growing audience,she has taught me to find comfort in loneliness, innocence in defiance and narrative in projection."
LIVING & ARTS HEADLINESHouston Ballet II to dance, present classics at SU Poet shares advice with students CD offers new tunes Courtyard Theater opens Recital highlights vocal season
Top Stories | News | Living & Arts | Forum | Sports


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Real life hero, Eric Dowling (1915-2008), passes away
A great obituary in the London Times for a real life hero, Eric Dowling, who put his skills to a task none of us every hope to have to apply: Trying to escape from a Prisoner of War (POW) camp.
Eric Dowling hated the film, "The Great Escape" (1963), which was based on a book by one of his fellow POWs who were part of the same escape plot. However, the film is a sentimental favorite of mine. Despite knowing the mostly sad ending, and sensing that the entire Steve McQueen character was likely a fantasy and at best a composite, I still watch that film every time it is on television (such as just the other day on AMC...). Mr. Dowling objected to the film, for what are valid reasons. Still, the sense of comaraderie and collective effort against evil, and yet acting for self-preservation, are what makes the film both memorable and inspiring.
Eric Dowling is himself an inspiration and it is nice to know he lived a long and what appears to be a decent to good life.


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An un-aired song from Wichita Sessions Season 3
Recorded Aug. 13, 2011 at the Scottish Rite Center in Wichita, KS for Season 3 of Wichita Sessions.
GUITAR/VOCALS • Jenny Wood
GUITAR • Michael Archibold
BASS • Caleb John Drummond
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Uploaded on October 1, 2013
Where I was born and spent my childhood (Valencia), are typical fireworks.
I remember with great emotion the heat of the fire of the "Fallas", the smell of powder and the spectacle of light, color and sound of the fireworks.
Primary colors over dark background.
For symbian Belle, Refresh and FP2.


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Referrals, referrals and more referrals
By jchaifetz
Retirement Income Network
Over the last seven years of consulting with financial advisers and insurance agents, I know that referrals are the backbone of almost every practice out there. We all need to market ourselves and I am a firm believer in having multi-channels of marketing (e.g., radio, seminars, digital marketing, blogging, email campaigns, direct mail, telemarketing, etc.).
We've all heard the age old adage that you've got to spend money to make money, and it is as true in this business as any other. That being said, once you've spent the money, you want to make sure you get a return on your investment.
The secret to an exponential return on your marketing investment is referrals.
One of my top advisers can do just one lead campaign a year. This one campaign will blossom into over $8 million in annual annuity sales. He told me the secret to how he gets so many referrals, and I am going to share it with you right now. I even have the script that backs up this system.
We are all looking for that silver bullet that will take our business to the next level. This is that silver bullet. I want to warn you, that the rest of this blog is not fluff of any sort. I am going to tell you exactly how to triple your business or more in the coming months. You will think this is too easy, but it's not. Just try it.
Before I get into the finer details of how this system works, I want you to think about the last big thing you purchased — maybe it was a car or an iPad2. When you first bought it, did you tell anybody about it? Of course you did. When I bought my new car last year, I literally drove up to a buddy's house who lives 15 miles away just to show it to him. Sure, I was bragging a little bit, but I wanted to share my purchase with the world because I was so proud of it.
Remember, your clients feel the same way. They want to brag to their friends about what they bought and then if they can get their friends a deal on it, they feel even more powerful.
You must establish a value that your current client can offer your referral.
This needed to be established a few times in your sales process, and can be anything. For example, maybe you charge a fee for a financial plan for your client regardless of if they end of doing business with you or not. An average financial plan might cost $2500.
On your first meeting with each of your clients, regardless of how you got the lead, bring out a sheet a paper with your compay's header on the top. Maybe this sheet of paper is a fact finder of some sort. At the top it should show the fee for the financial plan. You will then literally cross out the fee and explain why it has been waived.
You might say something like this: "This x dollar fee has been waived because you were referred to me by Mr. Smith."
Now your new client immediately feels like they have gained value from you and, more importantly, from the person who referred them.
When you make the delivery to your current client you reiterate all the things that you just did for this client.
For example, "Mr. Smith, before you met me you thought your financial house was in order. After our meetings, you now save x dollars a year on taxes, your money is no longer at risk of market declines, etc. I am sure that you know like-minded people that would be interested in improving their situation as well. I'd like to think you would call those people for me and set an appointment for me to meet with them. Because you are referring them, I will waive my x dollar fee that I normally charge on my first meeting, just as I did for you. I am available for appointments next week on these days. I will call you on Friday to see how many appointments you have set for me."
This is all you do. Then you call them on Friday to see how many appointments they have set for you.
You asked for a silver bullet for your business. Now you have one. I guarantee you will write more business if you do this.
Now I know nine out of 10 of the advisers who are reading this blog will not make this tweak to improve referrals. They will go back to the grind they are currently in. They will spend the next few hours on the Internet searching for a lead program that they think will be different then the last one they purchased.
For that one out of every 10 who is still coachable, you're welcome. You are about to have your best year ever.
Remember the adviser I told you about at the beginning of the article? The guy who does $8 million a year in new annuity production after paying for only one lead campaign? He once mentioned to me that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome. I believe he was actually paraphrasing the thinktank himself, Albert Einstein, but I'll give the adviser credit for it for the moment. Make a positive change in your business.
Have a great rest of the year.


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Topic: Chievo vs Reggina
Draws in both cup meetings in November. Chievo are showing better form after a disappointing start to the seson. Obinna and Mandelli are back, but their injury list is still long.
Reggina disappointed in their last match. Aronica, Leon and Bianchi are suspended.
Chievo to win.


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Best of the Web no. 46
What a wonderful selection we have for our weekly Best of the Web series! This pre-Christmas Best of the Web brings a real variety of experiences and we couldn't be more proud to introduce these excellent blogs and authors to our readers. This week we've got everything from scrapbooking and crafts to thoughts on interior design, fashion, desserts and cuisine that puts a twist on tradition. Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!
Faith Abigail Designs
unique and detailed scrapbook layouts
"Faith Abigail Designs features unique and detailed scrapbook layouts, cards, home decor and various paper crafts. Most projects are accompanied by careful measurements, easy-to-follow instructions and detailed product lists so readers can accurately re-create their own pieces and draw as much or as little inspiration from each project as they choose. Follow the link to be inspired! "
The Life and Times of Minky P.Noo
all about inspiration
"The Life and Times of Minky P.Noo is all about what inspires me, things I've found or seen, and the many crafty personal projects I sporadically create. I've been a textile designer for quite a few years, so a lot of my interests revolve around pattern and design, but I also love photography, graphics, interiors, art, fashion, film and music. Anything can inspire me, so I tend to blog about whatever is positive in my life and work, whenever I get the opportunity."
J.W.K. Style
achieving your personal style
"I created J.W.K Style to inspire women of all ages to achieve their personal style. With an emphasis on practicality, the blog covers topics from flowers to pillows to black tie affairs. I have found that a well-balanced and stylish lifestyle can bring joy to everyday living. My hope is that it motivates you to create something for yourself or others!"
Mr Jason Grant
beauty in the everyday
"Mr. Jason Grant is a Sydney based interior stylist. He loves the beach, nature, vintage finds and the beauty in the everyday from which he draws inspiration for his murobond paint collaboration."
Gild & Grace
from interior design to fashion
"With a penchant for all things stylish and lovely, Gild & Grace is the place I capture all the wonderful finds that inspire me. 'Gild' refers to my love of colour, pattern and sparkle and 'Grace' refers to the balancing of this with cool white and classic style. From interior design to fashion and event styling, anything that captures my eye will feature on its pages. I also love to share my latest discoveries whether it be an online store, book, movie or restaurant with my readers. I hope you enjoy it!"
Friday is Forever
fashion, beauty and lifestyle on a budget
"Down to earth fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog by a student tied to a budget but with an uncontrollable urge to spend money."
What Jew Wanna Eat
a spin on traditional jewish recipes
"Amy Kritzer is a food writer and recipe developer in Austin, TX who enjoys cooking, theme parties and cowboys. She challenges herself to put a spin on her grandmother's traditional Jewish recipes and blogs about her endeavors at whatjewwannaeat.com"
Bring some holiday cheer to your backyard this season with grill lights! We've got that and many more seasonal and all around excellent products, from lighting and home decor to sports equipment and the more couture of high end fashion. Find it all, on Become!


text: For Mick Cronin, Thursday night's 73-66 overtime loss to UConn was like the movie Groundhog Day. He keeps seeing the same show over and over. "It's been going on for us for multiple game," Cronin said. "All eight of our losses are the same. It's Groundhog Day. That's what I told our players."


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My Top 100 Albums Of All Time
View Single Post
I'm Young, I'm Wild, And I'm Free
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,562
23.Look What The Cat Dragged In - Poison
Year Of Release: 1986
1.Cry Tough
2.I Want Action
3.I Won't Forget You
4.Play Dirty
5.Look What The Cat Dragged In
6.Talk Dirty To Me
7.Want Some, Need Some
8.Blame It On You
9.#1 Bad Boy
10.Let Me Go To The Show
Genre: Glam Metal
"Don't judge a book by its cover".Never has the saying had as much meaning as it does on this album.Honestly, why did they have to go THAT much glam? I can never really look at the album it's so horrid.They managed to clean up and actually look like guys on the next few records fortunately, and as I said before, "Don't judge a book by its cover".If you look passed the ugly cover art, and actually listen to the music (I know that's a lot to ask), you will be surprised that most of the music can be considered Heavy Metal with 50's rock 'n' roll influences, and is also very melodic and fun.How can you listen to the title-track and say this is not metal? C.C. DeVille is one of the best glam metal guitarist around, and Rikki Rocket's bass is also very good and is a really underrated bass player.Bobby Dall is one great drummer as well, and Bret Michaels (though most people would think otherwise) IMO is one of glam metal's greatest singers.Standouts include underrated ballad "I Won't Forget You", and 50's rock n' roll influenced "Let Me Go To The Show", and the heavy metal classic title-track.Most people will probably just shout out insults at me, but what's that going to gain?
Standout Track:
"Look What The Cat Dragged In"
6/28 - Def Leppard/Styx/Tesla
8/29 - Rick Springfield/Loverboy/The Romantics
8/30 - Motley Crue
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