text:
Thanks to an anonymous DtL reader for tipping me off to more hairy Argentinean situations.
We all know Jose Acasuso the repeat offender - he's worked everything from a mullet and a raccoon tail and now he's got something perm-ilicious going on. Clearly he doesn't care that his hair is seriously offensive. Boo-hoo to you then, Jose.
And of course Juan Martin del Potro, who had solved his hairy situation not too long ago, has fallen off the wagon once again.
But who knew Augustin Calleri would follow his compatriots' lead and bust out nasty helmet hair?
Oh boy. It seems Argentina is on a slippery slope to hairy hell. Is it something in the water down there?? If so, it's contagious.
I'm canceling my trip to Buenos Aires stat. And you should too - your hair will thank you.
(image courteys of Mauro V. Rizzi via lanacion)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
PHOTO OP: Does Argentina house the hairiest of situations? You be the judge.
Labels: Augustin Calleri, hair, Jose Acasuso, tennis
7 comments:
- AnonymousNovember 19, 2008 at 10:27 AM
There can be something oddly appealing about a cute guy who cares not a whit about how he looks. I think Chucho has an adorable face- but he can't be bothered to try to look good.ReplyDelete
Too bad Monaco is not on the team right now. He often has awesome hair.
HA HA HA HA! I love these posts. For me, the helmet hair is worse. There's absolutely NOTHING he can do with that. Ick.ReplyDelete
See? If they would have kept Canas on the team, we would have some mighty fine hair to drool over. Blast.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Hi guys,ReplyDelete
It's very common in Argentina to have long hair... I don't really like Chucho's hair but Calleri's is ok if you see the picture from the press conference...
In that picture from La Nacion it was kind of wind so that maybe it's why the hair looks like that...
But Chucho really needs some help :s
I love all kinds of hair: long, short, medium length, curly, straight, mohawk, faux-hawk.ReplyDelete
It's really all about keeping it together and cleaned up. These ballers look like they have get-up-and-go hair, like they literally just rolled out of bed.
I realize they probably have more important things to think about, but they should add "good grooming" to that list...PLEASE (or maybe not since I clearly love writing about it)!!!
- AnonymousNovember 19, 2008 at 6:29 PM
I'll keep checking the local newspapers to see whether I can find more hairy situations, Rich. I think Nalbandian is the worst offender with that mullet! I don't even dare to post a link to that!ReplyDelete
OMG Jose gets out of control here!!! Can Shrieka please borrow him her stylist??ReplyDelete
And the helmet hair is... undescribable.
Reminds me of this: http://www.whitecastle.at/white_castle/images/helmi_small.jpg


text:
|Delmer Moss honored as Korean War veteran at 60th anniversary event
|Written by Darci Tomky
Holyoke's Sgt. Delmer Moss was one of approximately 100 veterans to be honored at a commemorative reunion for the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.
Delmer, his wife Eileen Moss and daughter Vickie Cunningham attended the ceremonies in Anaheim, Calif., the last week of August.
"It made you feel like you did good over there, and the people appreciate it," said Delmer.
The 81-year-old Korean veteran was honored with three medals during the reunion—one medal and a certificate from the Department of Defense and the other two medals from the Korean government and the Korean War memorial.
"What a grateful group of people!" said Eileen, noting how very respectful the Korean representatives were at the ceremonies.
To read the full story, call us for an e-Subscription at 970-854-2811.
Delmer Moss, at right, receives a medal presented by Korean representative Charles Kim at one of the ceremonies during the Korean War 60th anniversary reunion in Anaheim, Calif.
Holyoke Enterprise September 12, 2013

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The L Word
Home > Television > L > L Word, The
Mia Kirshner
Leisha Hailey
Pam Grier
Marlee Matlin
All Cast & Crew >>
Summary:The series focuses on the lives and loves of a group of women, both gay and straight, living in Los Angeles. The group includes Jenny, an aspiring writer who moves from the mid-west to West Hollywood to live with her boyfriend but finds herself falling for a woman after her next-door neighbors introduce her to their predominantly lesbian social circle. Bette and Tina, the neighbors and long term life-partners, search for a suitable sperm donor so they can start a family.


text:
When using spark client or a jabber client with zimbra, we experience consistent disconnect and reconnects. This happens in different networks we tried.
On the same server, we have tried other jabber servers which seemed to work fine which eliminates network or server connection problems.
Any clue why this happens, and what I could do to try and rectify the issue? Also which log file does chat service error messages be logged to?
Zimbra version:
Release 5.0.9_GA_2533.RHEL5_20080815132719 CentOS5 FOSS edition


text:
Elkhart woman injured in crash on C.R. 9 Sunday
Driver taken to Elkhart General Hospital
WAKARUSA — An Elkhart woman was taken to Elkhart General Hospital after a one-car crash northeast of Wakarusa Sunday morning.
According to a press release from the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department, Audrey Grimes, 63, was headed south on C.R. 9 nearing C.R. 36 at 8:36 a.m. Sunday.
Grimes' vehicle hit a patch of ice and ran off the west side of the road, rolling at least once. Grimes had to be extricated from the vehicle and was taken to Elkhart General to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.
No citations were issued at the scene.


text:
Good news from the Application Portfolio Monitoring (APM) team.
The 2011 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Application Performance Monitoring (APM) has been released, Gartner has identified IBM as a leader.
I think I speak for everyone at IBM when I say, "W00T!" (which is leet, for "awesome!")
Talking to customers, this is no surprise. The APM portfolio is a "fan favorite" among companies worldwide and IBM is delivering solutions built on innovative technologies that provide superior value for our customers and their business.
For folks familiar with our APM portfolio and for new readers (welcome), I recommend getting your hands on a copy of the Garnter Magic Quadrant for APM and see what they have to say.
Next, there a number of useful pages about IBM Tivoli monitoring solutions on ibm.com.
And, of course, contact your IBM sales rep or one of our Business Partners using the Business Partner Locator website to talk about the Magic Quadrant and how the product portfolio can meet your business needs.
In the comments section below, please feel free to talk about the APM portfolio and how you are using the products in the portfolio.


text:
Royals select 50 in 2010 Draft
The Royals completed the 2010 First-Year Rule 4 Player Draft today, selecting a total of 50 players over three days.
Kansas City selected Christian Colon, a shortstop from Cal State Fullerton, with the fourth overall pick on Monday. The 6'0″, 180 lb. right-handed hitter was recently named to the All-Big West First Team. Colon has compiled a .358 average with 16 home runs, 67 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 61 games for the Titans.
The 21-year old native of Cayey, Puerto Rico, played for Team USA's Collegiate National Team in 2009. He became the first player in the history of the Collegiate National Team to earn the title of captain. Colon led Team USA in hits (34), home runs (5), RBI (37), runs (31) and stolen bases (24) and was named Summer League Player of the Year by Baseball America.
The Royals chose University of Arkansas centerfielder Brett Eibner in round two. The Houston native has batted .337 with 21 home runs and 69 RBI for the Razorbacks. Eibner was named to the watch list for the Olerud Award, which recognizes baseball's best two-way player.
Kansas City selected 20 players on Wednesday, with the first nine selections being pitchers. The group included 38th round selection Nick Graffeo, stepson of hitting coach Kevin Seitzer. Graffeo, a graduate of Raytown High School, recently completed his senior year at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Other day three selections include Park University's Darian Sandford in the 47th round and 50th round selection Joseph Jackson, the great-great-great nephew of Shoeless Joe Jackson.
Overall, the club selected nine players out of high school, 41 from the college ranks, including six junior college picks. The 50 players included five sets of teammates: Auburn's Ryan Jenkins and Brian Fletcher, Eric Cantrell and Thomas Zebroski of George Washington University, Daniel Hernandez and Jose Rodriguez of Miami Dade CC, Middle Tennessee State's Alex McClure and William Robertson, and South Carolina's Whitley Merrifield, Parker Bangs and Jordan Propst. The position-by-position breakdown includes: 26 pitchers (21 right-handers, five left-handers), seven catchers, eight infielders and nine outfielders.


text:
Use EasyQuery to provide a friendly user interface for advanced search and filtration of the data in your applications. Our components allow your users (or web-site visitors) get the information they need on their own, quickly and easily without any assistance from you or your support team.
Supported platforms are: NET (Windows Forms, ASP.NET, WPF), Silverlight (4.0, 5.0), Delphi/VCL.
Localizer - is the most simple and easy way to internationalize your application. It takes only 20-30 minutes to apply Localizer to your existing Delphi project and make your program support as many languages as you (or your customers) wish. The support for additional languages can be added "on the fly", without recompiling the project.
AppLocalizer is a very useful tool for any developer who creates applications for .NET, ASP.NET, Windows Phone or WinRT.
It allows you to take control over resource files in your project: you will be able to manage all of them from one place through nice and friendly UI.
Moreover, AppLocalizer can even translate your resources into other languages automatically using a special machine-translation service.


text:
A list of student-submitted discussion questions for Vertical Line Test.
To organize ideas, increase comprehension, synthesize learning, demonstrate understanding of key concepts, and reinforce vocabulary using a Quickwrite.
Students research the purpose of hospital monitors and make connections to Algebraic functions and prove that they represent functions.
This study guide reviews coordinates on the coordinate plane and looks at basic concepts of functions (independent and dependent variables, domain and range). It also provides an overview of graphing functions and the vertical line test.


text:
You've heard the saying "it's all in the details", well, this certainly holds true when it comes to fashion. Here we shine the spotlight on three of the most noteworthy details for spring and summer clothing.
Tie dye
This beloved throwback to the '60s is still going strong in today's fashion. Seen in everything from maxi dresses to accessories, tie dye, when done in moderation, is a breezy and laid-back trend.
C&C California Sunburst Tie Dye Tunic Tank
Joie Emilia Tie Dye Maxi Dress
Embroidery detail has such a bohemian-inspired feel, which is why it's such a great choice for updating a summer wardrobe. Whether done on a lightweight peasant blouse or a cotton summer dress, embroidery really livens up your look.
Tribal Print
There are tons of different tribal prints out there; from ikat print to African, to Southwestern, the possibilities are endless. Keep the rest of your ensemble fairly simple when wearing a busy print to balance things out.
Scotch & Soda The Timeless Shirt Dress-Ikat


text:
Make It A Red Heart Holiday
Bonus: Get our newsletter & special offers for free. We will not share or sell your email address. View our Privacy Policy
21 Easy Crochet Christmas Gifts
By: Melissa Conner, Editor of FaveCrafts.com
We are adding the craft to your Craft Projects.
The project was added to your Craft Projects.
Click here to view your Craft Projects.
Christmas will be here before we know it, so what better time to get a jump start on your gift giving list? With these 21 Easy Crochet Christmas Gifts, you'll have gift ideas for everyone on your list! These Christmas craft ideas are great for giving to your loved ones, and they are wonderful for saving money. Everybody loves homemade Christmas gifts because there is nothing better than something that comes from the heart. Create these homemade Christmas gift ideas to warm the hearts of family and friends.
If you're looking for some homemade Christmas decor ideas, check out our list of quick and easy Christmas gifts to make. From mantel decor to garland for your railing, these easy crochet Christmas gifts are as fun to make as they are to give! This Crocheted Nativity set is perfect for a religious family. The whole nativity is crocheted, so the props are soft and cuddly and fun to play with!
21 Easy Crochet Christmas Gifts Table of Contents
Homemade Christmas Decor Ideas
Homemade Christmas Ornaments
Homemade Christmas Gifts for the Kitchen
Christmas Crochet Afghan Patterns
Homemade Christmas Decor Ideas
Looking for some inexpensive homemade Christmas gifts? Well you'll have some great gift and stocking stuffer ideas with these homemade Christmas decor ideas. From the tree to the mantel, these easy crochet christmas gifts are as fun to show off as they are to give away!
- Crocheted Christmas Trees: You could use these sweet crocheted trees as Christmas table decorations or festive additions to your mantel. These sweet and cuddly trees also make a great easy homemade christmas gifts for baby's first Christmas.
- Crocheted Nativity: If you need some easy-to-make crochet Christmas gifts, check out this Crocheted Nativity. This nativity set is perfect looks great under the tree, and since the whole thing is crocheted, it's perfect for homes with lots of kids or pets.
- Pinwheel Garland: Trim up the tree with cool homemade Christmas decorations like this garland. You could wrap it around your tree or hang it from your railing for a fun and festive decor piece.
- Huggable Happy Colors Penguin: If you need some easy crafts to make for Christmas, this penguin is a must! Easy crochet Christmas gifts like this make wonderful gifts for kids of all ages, and can be displayed all season long!
- Crocheted Christmas Tree Duo: Easy homemade christmas gifts like these crocheted trees can help spread holiday cheer to friends and family! Combined with a plate of cookies or a wreath, easy homemade christmas gifts like this are meaningful and fun.
Have yourself a yarn-filled little Christmas. Whether you knit or crochet, you'll find a project to keep you busy all season long. From big afghans to homemade Christmas ornaments, this collection of 12 Patterns to Crochet and Knit for Christmas has it all.
Homemade Christmas Ornaments
These crochet Christmas ornament patterns are great for decorating your own tree and giving out to friends and family. Crocheted ornaments also make adorable gift package decorations when you need to jazz up a present! With these easy homemade Christmas gifts, you'll have presents for everyone on your list in no time! These homemade Christmas ornaments look great on any tree, and can also be used for fun package decoration. For example, the Reindeer Ornament is so sweet and cute, and a great project for beginning crocheters!
- Cute Kitty Ornament: This fun kitty is great for hanging on your Christmas tree! If you need homemade Christmas presents for grandparents, this is a great start!
- Polka Dot Mushroom Ornament: Do you have some scrap thread laying around? If so, easy inexpensive homemade Christmas gifts, like these sweet mushroom ornaments, are a great way to use it up! Crochet christmas gifts like this make great additions to any Christmas tree.
- Reindeer Ornament: Crochet Christmas ornament patterns make great Christmas crafts for adults and kids alike! These reindeer ornaments are easy crochet Christmas gifts to give anyone. If you have enough time, you could make Santa's whole reindeer team.
- Christmas Cupcake Ornament: Sweet on Christmas? Then you'll love this cupcake ornament! These cupcakes make for easy homemade Christmas gifts and are a fun addition to attach on to a package of homebaked cookies, muffins, or breads.
- Cute Crochet Santa Ornament: Crochet Christmas ornament patterns are a great way to decorate your tree. This sweet Santa ornament would be a cute additon to your collection, and is so fun and easy to make!
- Elf Size Stocking Ornament: Great for holding silverware or hanging on your tree, these mini stockings are just too cute to pass up this holiday season. Easy crochet Christmas gifts like this are also great stocking stuffers when filled with candy or other small sweets!
- Festive Bird Ornament: Christmas craft ideas like this cute crocheted bird are just the thing to hang on your Christmas tree this year. The great thing about easy crochet Christmas gifts like this is that you can use them season long.
Homemade Christmas Gifts for the Kitchen
Kitchen-themed easy crochet Christmas gifts are a great way to thank a hostess. If you're traveling this holiday season, don't forget to bring a fun hostess gift. These easy homemade Christmas gifts for the kitchen are great if you love to bake, cook, and entertain. One such project, Christmas Decoration Pot Holders, make a wonderful gift for a holiday hostess.
- Crocheted Snowflake Table Runner: Everyone is sure to love this festive table runner. Perfect for anytime during the winter season, handmade crochet Christmas gifts like this are sure to please almost anyone!
- Christmas Decoration Pot Holders: Better as a set of three, these easy homemade crochet Christmas gifts are great for the hostess with the mostess! Simple Christmas crafts like this make great stocking stuffers, too, and can easily be handed out to neighbors and co-workers.
- Christmas Wine Bottle Covers: If you're planning on giving a good bottle of wine to a loved one this holiday season, why not wrap it up in this festive bottle cover? Easy crochet Christmas gifts like this are great because the reciever can easily reuse the bag the following year.
- Christmas Tree Dishcloth: This dishcloth is a great gift for a couple who is celebrating their first Christmas in a new home. Paired with some fun cookbooks or oven mitts, easy crochet Christmas gifts like this help show how much you care!
- Christmas Pinwheel Placemat: Set the table for holiday cheer with these Pinwheel Placemats and coasters. This is a great way to decorate your kitchen table on Christmas morning and these placemats are great for beginning crocheters!
Christmas Crochet Afghan Patterns
An afghan makes a wonderful holiday gift, and with these crochet afghan patterns, you'll have a gift that anyone is sure to love! Easy easy homemade Christmas gifts like this are perfect for parents and grandparents, and are easy to customize to suit your color tastes. And if you have some time to dedicate to your crochet Christmas gifts, try your hand at one of our Christmas crochet afghan patterns. Great for cuddling up by the fireplace with a book and a cup of hot cocoa, these throws are essential to keeping warm and cozy during the winter months.
- Christmas Reversible Ripple Afghan: Curl up by the fire with this cozy afghan pattern. Afghans make for easy crochet Christmas gifts and are wonderful presents for everyone on your list. Get started today so you can make afghans for all!
- Christmas Striped Throw: Great for anyone, this throw shows off the colors of the season. inexpensive homemade Christmas gifts like this are great when paired with a book and a nice cup of hot cocoa.
- Christmas Throw and Pillow: If you have a little more time to dedicate to your cool homemade Christmas decorations, then try making this throw and pillow set. Anyone is sure to appreciate the work that went into creating these homemade Christmas gifts.
- Holiday Crocheted Granny Square Throw: Perfect for the living room, bedroom, or snuggling by the fireplace, this throw just screams Christmas! Homemade Christmas decorations like this afghan are easy and fun to make and is a great gift to throw into a gift drawing or white elephant exchange!
With our collection of 17 crochet Christmas stockings, you'll be able to make the stockings that add so much joy to the holiday season.
Tags / Related Topics
Your Recently Viewed Projects
Images from other crafters
Love these projects? Get MORE delivered to your Inbox – FREE Click Here!
SoniaGatti7 240709 5
Oct 28, 2013
I am looking for a pattern for an angel bookmark that was featured. If anyone has it, I would so appreciate it if you could e-mail it to me at firstname.lastname@example.com. Thank you
ninaleeth 0697466
Nov 16, 2014
Here is the link for the Angel Bookmark pattern that I found. http://www.crochetkim.com/patterns/bookmar == k.html Good Luck! Nina
prtaylor67 3332750
Oct 22, 2013
I dont need it I travel my own sells card with pins I am deaf. I dont know how to do.ops sorry I sell travel 35 years .my goal dont know anything .
Report Inappropriate Comment
Are you sure you would like to report this comment? It will be flagged for our moderators to take action.
Thank you for taking the time to improve the content on our site.
What's Hot
- Crocheted Snowflake Table Runner
- Mr. and Mrs. Snowman
- 21 Easy Crochet Christmas Gifts
- Crocheted Nativity
- Crochet Christmas Stockings: 8 Free Patterns + More Christmas Crochet Patterns
- Christmas Decoration Potholders
- Holly Stocking
- Winter Snowman Dishcloth
- Simple Striped Santa Stockings
- Santa Ornament
Something worth saving?
- SAVE all your favorite crafts
- ADD personal notes
- QUICKLY reference your crafts
Free eBooks
- 13 Spring Crafts: Easter Craft Ideas, Spring DIY Home Dcor, and More
- 17 Flower Craft Ideas: How To Make Paper Flowers, Easy Fabric Flowers and More
- 18 Projects Every Crafter Wants
- 23 Fabulous Picnic Craft Ideas + Restaurant Copycat Recipes
- 25 Cool Things to Do with Wine Bottles
- 26 Spring Crafts for Kids
- Easter Craft eBook: Blogger Edition
- Garden Crafts
- Hop into Spring: Easter Crafting and Recipe
- Trash to Treasure: 28 Recycled Crafts
Our Newest Projects & Articles
- Wooden Necklace Organizer
- Framed Earring Organizer
- Teacher Appreciation Printable Art
- Happiest DIY Office Curtains
- Inspired Charms Crochet Bracelet
- Flowery Front Door Recycled Craft
- Two Hues Crochet Baby Blanket
- Panda Crochet Wrap Pattern
- My Wonderful Walls
- Girls Gathered Dress Free Sewing Pattern


text:
More Information
Pre-orders available for Thalian Hall book
Published: Friday, July 25, 2014 at 11:22 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, July 25, 2014 at 11:22 p.m.
Thalian Hall is accepting pre-orders for the new book "Thalian Hall." All proceeds from these sales will go to support the historic theater at 310 Chestnut St.
Arcadia Publishing of Charleston, S.C., will release the paperback illustrated history on Aug. 11. The text is by Tony Rivenbark, executive director of the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts.
Fans may order copies early, however, by calling Thalian Hall at 910-632-2241. The list price is $21.99.
Beginning Aug. 11, the book will be on sale in the Thalian Hall gift shop, at the concession stand and in the theater's administrative offices. "Thalian Hall" is also expected to be on sale at Barnes & Noble and other area bookstores.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


text:
Learn how to simplify ratios and how it can help you to compare and draw conclusions.
Learn new vocabulary words and help remember them by coming up with your own sentences with the new words using a Stop and Jot table.
Develop understanding of concepts by studying them in a relational manner. Analyze and refine the concept by summarizing the main idea, creating visual aids, and generating questions and comments using a Four Square Concept Matrix.
Learn how to interpret the ratios you hear about in national news stories.


text:
Flank pork beef ribs salami, fatback bresaola meatloaf sirloin brisket. Sirloin fatback jowl ribeye, beef brisket corned beef tongue tail ham hock short ribs shoulder swine venison. Bacon cow jowl, shoulder corned beef pork loin biltong fatback rump beef ham hamburger shank venison turkey. Venison boudin pork chop flank, spare ribs drumstick t-bone pork belly ball tip corned beef ground round shoulder. Fatback jowl chicken, andouille shankle tenderloin sirloin turkey spare ribs strip steak. Ribeye drumstick tail jowl sirloin. Flank ham venison chuck, sirloin boudin turkey cow pastrami tri-tip.
Pancetta ham hock cow, short loin bresaola shoulder ham shank strip steak pastrami. Brisket short loin pig jowl. Bresaola shoulder short ribs tri-tip, pastrami strip steak corned beef brisket ball tip bacon tongue beef ribs. Pork belly tenderloin biltong jowl rump ribeye. Beef ribs fatback t-bone, tenderloin jerky bresaola sausage ham hock meatball bacon. Bacon fatback shankle shoulder boudin, pastrami pork belly beef ribs turkey tail. Beef ribs pork belly drumstick tail, bacon shankle corned beef meatloaf turkey pig ham hock brisket.


text:
Franklin S Comp 100 Team Soccer Ball, 6Pack With Pump
|Eligible for Free Shipping on Orders $39 or More! (see promotion details)
Product Details
Stock up for practice with the Franklin® S Comp 100 soccer ball 6-pack! Each soccer ball features a high-gloss PVC cover for abrasion resistance and a Shock-Sorb® cushion system for improved shape retention. A pump with needle is also included.
- 6 soccer balls
- Traditional styling
- Precision stitched to official size and weight
- High-gloss sponge PVC cover offers excellent abrasion resistance
- Shock-Sorb® cushion system provides a soft cover and improves shape retention
- Long-lasting air-retention bladder
- Includes a pump with needle
Product Recommendations
$5.47 - $10.00
$27.99 - $31.99
Product Reviews
Reviewed by 2 customers
Sort by
Comments about Franklin S Comp 100 Team Soccer Ball, 6Pack With Pump:
not good bought 14 balls for my u8 team for practice, in a week 6 balls stitching was ripping. If u have a little more in the teams funds pick different balls.
- Inexpensive
- Questionable Quality
Best Uses
Comments about Franklin S Comp 100 Team Soccer Ball, 6Pack With Pump:
The balls arrived quickly and pumped up easily with the included pump. Balls are okay quality, and decent for practice, but within a week, two of them had failed. Easy customer service provided a replacement, but if you have more money to spend, I would recommend higher quality to avoid the hassle.


text:
Knoxville, TN (Sports Network) - Butch Jones is leaving Cincinnati to become
the head football coach at Tennessee.
Jones resigned from his position at Cincinnati on Friday morning. Tennessee
will introduce Jones at a press conference Friday afternoon.
The 44-year-old Jones was the coach of the Bearcats for the past three years.
More to follow...
The Sports Network


text:
How to Install Classic Auto Air's Stage 3 Direct Fit A/C UpgradeWritten by on January 22, 2014 Third-Gen Chill Thrill - Upgrading A/C on a '87 Firebird Formula
In '80, Pontiac introduced the new R4 A/C compressor to some of its Trans Ams and Firebirds. Weighing in at nearly half the mass of the long-in-the-tooth A6 compressor, the R4 continued in the F-body line through '92. It has earned a reputation as an unreliable design because it was prone to body and shaft-seal leaks, and seizing up due to the lack of an oil pan for oil storage.
Aftermarket replacement compressors have been available to consumers since the '80s, but their focus was on reproducing the original, flawed part, without coming up with something better. Enter Classic Auto Air of Tampa, Florida, whose Original Air Group is dedicated to designing direct-fit upgrade A/C kits using modern R134a refrigerant (it's no longer called freon!) in classic Pontiacs.
"There's a growing demand for replacement A/C components for Third-Gen F-bodies, and '80s-era G-bodies," says Classic Auto Air's marketing/product development guru Dan Acosta. "The factory R4 compressor has proven to be the most common cause of A/C component failure in Third Generation Trans Ams and Firebirds. Most of these vehicles had factory air conditioning, and many of them are in need of repair and/or updating."
The factory R4 compressor has proven to be the most common cause of A/C component failure in Third Generation Trans Ams and Firebirds
So far this year, Classic Auto Air has introduced direct-fit kits for '86-'87 and '88-'92 V-8–powered T/As and Firebirds. (Kits for '82-'85 Third-Gen F-bodies and '82-'87 G-body Grand Prixs are in the works; custom systems for these years are already available.) "In addition to keeping your vehicle worry-free cool, these high-performance kits reduce parasitic horsepower loss, which results in as much as a 5hp gain, and can safely operate up to 6,000 rpm," Acosta says.
Classic Auto Air suggested its Stage 3 upgrade kit for the subject '87 Firebird Formula equipped with GM's corporate L98 350ci powerplant. Follow along as Classic Research and Development Lead Technician Mike Oliveras installs it.
Classic Auto Air says that the above steps can be accomplished by DIY mechanics, but evacuating and charging the new A/C system should be left to a licensed A/C professional. This particular vehicle took approximately 1.69 pounds of 134a refrigerant. The A/C technician must calculate the amount of 134a, which is generally 70-80 percent of the amount of R12 specified for the vehicle. That information is usually found on an evaporator-case decal or in the vehicle's service manual.
Classic Auto Air's Third-Gen A/C Upgrade Kits
Stage 1
Compressor upgrade, which replaces the unreliable and poor-performing R4 compressor with the dependability and efficiency of the modern rotary-style compressor
Stage 2
Engine compartment upgrade, which combines the Stage 1 kit with a direct-fit, high-performance parallel-flow condenser
Stage 3 (shown)
Deluxe engine compartment upgrade, which combines the Stage 2 kit with a new evaporator, effectively replacing all A/C components that contain refrigerant and lubrication, thereby eliminating any chance of system contamination
Note: All kits feature brand-new parts, including model-specific hoses; compressor adapter brackets; an accumulator; a high-performance variable-rate orifice tube; a pressure switch; a serpentine belt; all necessary hardware; and step-by-step installation instructions.
More Photos From This Article View Slideshow
3 To prepare for the project, Classic Auto Air Lead Technician Mike Oliveras recovered the refrigerant from the stock A/C system, and removed the airbox and MAF. Then he unbolted the factory compressor manifold using a 14mm socket, and took out the compressor's pivot and adjustment bolts, allowing him to then remove the compressor.4 With the compressor out of the way, he'll next remove the factory upper compressor bracket by loosening the power-steering pump and support brace with a 14mm socket.5 The factory hose assembly runs aft of the electric-fan shroud. After using a flat-edge-screwdriver to release the shroud support clips, he used a pair of adjustable wrenches to detach the fittings from the accumulator and condenser, and extracted the OE hose assembly.6 Using a 9⁄16-inch socket (most '80s/early-'90s GM bodies and components are metric, but most of the engine remained SAE), he removed the compressor's rear-lower bracket and rear-adjusting bracket (with fuel-injection-line bracket) from the intake manifold.8 After unplugging the pressure switch (not shown), he used the pair of adjustable wrenches to unfasten the aluminum liquid line from the evaporator. "The line may need to be slightly bent to remove (as shown)," he notes.9 Getting to the evaporator box is easier after disconnecting and moving aside the electrical harness that provides power to the blower connector, as well as the blower-resister connector, relay connector, and compressor cycling switch.
11 The evaporator cover is secured to the firewall with two 10mm bolts at the top and six 7mm screws at the bottom. He removed them, then pulled up on the cover to reveal the evaporator captured within the two-piece case.12 The lower portion of the evaporator case is prone to collecting debris, so it's a good idea to clean it out before moving to the next step.13 After removing the upper radiator support cover, which is held in place by four 10mm bolts, Oliveras and Dan Acosta (left) carefully pushed the radiator towards the engine and gently lifted the condenser out. (Since the condenser's two upper and two lower rubber bushings will be reused, they inspected them for wear. In this case, they were reusable, but Oliveras suggests replacing them if necessary.)14 Let's compare the OE condenser on the left to CAA's new part on the right. This new unit is a parallel-flow style, which is necessary when switching to modern 134a refrigerant. There is no need to flush the old evaporator if the new one is replacing it. However, if you buy a Stage 1 or Stage 2 kit, you will need to flush the condenser and all other components that came into contact with the R12 refrigerant.15 The OE hoses (left) will not fit the new updated compressor. Classic Auto Air provides fresh hoses with its A/C upgrade kits.16 Classic Auto Air's new compressor bracket assembly (above) is smaller, lighter, and simpler than the OE unit.17 The Sanden rotary compressor on the left is said to free up about 5 hp. It's much more durable than the OE unit on the right.19 After slipping an O-ring onto the evaporator with a few drops of oil, Oliveras inserted the supplied orifice tube, which is a critical part of the accumulator-type A/C system. "It is similar to an expansion-valve system, where the orifice tube is essentially the metering valve for refrigerant entering the evaporator," he says.
27 …then bolted up the new accumulator to the evaporator, being certain to leave the cap on the accumulator until the system was completely connected so that humidity couldn't destroy the desiccant inside.28 Here's the CAA accumulator, showing off its new cycling switch (included in the kit) and with the OE wiring harness plugged in.
30 He installed the compressor bracket's upper plate next using the hardware that comes with the kit.31 After first installing the pivot bolt and spacer, he installed the adjustment T-bolt onto the compressor. (The T-bolt cannot be seen here since the compressor is clocked counterclockwise.) He aligned the pulleys, tightened the upper plate to the base of the bracket, and installed the adjuster nut onto the T-bolt for maximum adjustment (not shown). Then he installed the belt, tightened the tension with the adjuster nut, and installed a lock washer and lower nut to lock it into place. Since the compressor is self-grounding, only the "hot" wire had to be connected. (A butt connector is supplied with the kit.)


text:
Images: Exercise Cobra Gold 2013 [Image 62 of 79]
Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Pendracki
Boon Ta Wee, the spiritual leader of Ban Piang village, blesses a pillar during a pillar raising ceremony for the Ban Piang school where a multipurpose building will be constructed by Royal Thai Airman, Thai contractors, and U.S. Sailors with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, First Naval Construction Division, as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2013 (CG 13), San Pa Tong district, Chiang Mai , Kingdom of Thailand, Jan. 22. CG 13 forces conduct engineering and medical civic assistance projects, cooperative health engagement, and other civil-military activities in the Kingdom of Thailand, in order to promote the security interests of the Kingdom of Thailand, U.S. and partner nations, enhance component operational readiness skills and training objectives, increase interoperability with partner nation forces, and serve the basic civic needs of the local population. (Official USMC photograph by SSgt Andrew D. Pendracki/ RELEASED)
This work, Exercise Cobra Gold 2013 [Image 1 of 79], by GySgt Andrew Pendracki, identified by DVIDS, is free of known copyright restrictions under U.S. copyright law.
Date Taken:01.22.2013
Date Posted:01.28.2013 10:04
Photo ID:821449
Size:3.94 MB
Location:BAN PIANG VILLAGE, TH


text:
Tiede is one of several industry executives who gathered to discuss companies' obstacles for full-blown EDC implementation—and also to examine the technology's benefits. Hosted by Pharmaceutical Executive and management consultancy Campbell Alliance, the executive roundtable brought together a group of early EDC adopters, all of whom had offered thought leadership to the industry and their company in pushing forward the technology.
The conversation was moderated by Pharm Exec's editor-in-chief Patrick Clinton.
CLINTON: Most companies know the benefits of EDC—the real-time access to data, faster study completion, and cost savings are clear. Still, some leaders are hesitant to fully integrate EDC into their organizations. Why should they integrate EDC into a clinical trials process that has worked for them for years?
TYSON: One of the messages we tell senior management is that EDC has a lot of tremendous benefits, but you have to be patient if you want to see them. You're not going to see it in year one. It's just a classic case of people needing to be aware that with any kind of major change, you have a ramp-up curve before you see any benefit.
OLSEN: If you look at the conversation at EDC conferences four years ago, everyone was saying, "Let's try it, let's pilot it." Now you go to conferences and people are saying, "I'm in this stage of an implementation," "We're at 90 percent already," or "We're in the year where we're moving from 25 to 75 percent." Companies are now in that stage where they've committed to it, and we're somewhere along a continuum of getting past the pilot and into whatever is full mutation for an organization. There's a growing understanding through our peer community and a sense of community among the pharma companies.


text:
Located on the Boschendal Wine Farm in the picturesque wine-lands countryside of Stellenbosch, Boschendal Restaurant offers grand buffet style lunches.
The buffet restaurant is housed in the original wine cellar
Guests can expect an array of dishes that lean towards French / Cape cuisine. The menu changes every three days which ensures that the restaurant's exceptional standards on food quality are maintained. As a general rule patrons may look forward to roasts, seafood dishes, imaginative salads and a dessert table that caters for every sweet craving. The farm's own selection of wines is available to be enjoyed with the restaurant's offerings.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the farm's national monument and museum, the Manor House.
Booking is essential at this popular venue.
The estate also offers deli style picnics (Le Pique Nique) and a café (Le Café) for a more casual eating experience.
The picturesque setting compliments simple and uncomplicated dishes that are full of bold flavours.
Classic dishes present fresh and clean tastes, and although simple in appearance, are flavourful with every mouthful.
The extensive wine list works effortlessly complimenting the menu. Flavours boast a roaring winter fire, perfect for warming frosty limbs.
One of South Africa's top restaurants, Terroir opened its doors in 2004 and over the years has become one of the most sought-after gourmet destinations in the Cape Winelands, placing Stellenbosch prominently on the culinary map. The restaurant is located on Kleine Zalze, a family owned wine farm that has risen to prominence both in South Africa and internationally thanks in particular to its award-winning chenin blanc and shiraz.
Set under historic oak trees with views over the De Zalze golf course and surrounding gardens and vineyards, the atmosphere is both refined and relaxed. It's the perfect environment in which to enjoy a fine meal matched to excellent wines. The unpretentious ambience and dressed-down décor belie multi award-winning chef Michael Broughton's rigorously disciplined approach to food. Classic pairings and intense depth of flavour characterize the chalkboard menu of 'deceptively simple' dishes influenced by what's in season and, where possible, the use of locally grown fresh produce. Care and emphasis is placed on matching the food to specific wines produced at Kleine Zalze, in the Stellenbosch region and further afield.
Terroir's ongoing success has brought with it a string of prestigious awards, including the Eat Out Johnny Walker 'Restaurant of the Year 2006', Eat Out 'Service Excellence Award 2006', Eat Out 'Top 10 Restaurant' 2005 and 2006, Dine (Wine magazine) 'Top 10 Restaurant' in 2005, 2006 and 2007, Best of Wine Capitals of the World South African Wine Tourism Restaurant of the Year 2006 and Honours at the 2008 Prudential Eat Out Restaurant Awards.


text:
Thanks to DtL reader amon for tipping me off to the latest on Rafael Nadal.
While his compatriots sweat it out in Mar del Plata, Argentina preparing for this weekend's Davis Cup final, Rafa was sweating it out for a different reason.
The world's top baller (and his sick legs) took a well-deserved vacation in hot + sunny Mauritius with Xisca in tow. He was spotted snorkling, swimming, running on the beach, and riding a 'doughnut' during his break from tennis action.
So I guess this means the knee tendinitis that shut down his season early is all healed up now - how convenient!
Do you think he called Serena Williams for advice on this one?
UPDATE: I guess even Xisca can still be hypnotized by Rafa's more natural "gifts". Maybe it's because those tiny green trunks look like they're struggling mightily to keep him all in.
What IS going on down there, man? Lordy, Lordy...
(images via thesun.co.uk, X17)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Rafa and his tendinitis hit the waters of Mauritius
Labels: celebrity, injuries, photo op, Rafael Nadal, tennis
17 comments:
Good for Rafa! Enjoy yourself and come back ready to light up '09!ReplyDelete
hey.. using one's knees for fun activities is different from using one's knees for a physically-demanding sport.ReplyDelete
if rafa could be at least 80% to play, he would. it's not like he's skirting davis cup duties.
- AnonymousNovember 20, 2008 at 9:48 AM
I agree- tubing is not quite the same as playing tennis- so I can not get on board with the "he's faking it" train.ReplyDelete
ok calm down - take your tongue and put it into your cheek! it's all fun guys.ReplyDelete
OMG. As a huge Rafa fan and also a huge fan of his tennis wardrobe (sorry! love the tight capris and the muscle tees and the sweaty bandanas - LOVE IT ALL, people!) I am also totally down with these teeny green trunks. Yowsa. How can someone be so damn fine! Thanks for these snaps, Rich!ReplyDelete
johanne: no worries! did you see the "update"? xisca's seen it all and she still looks amazed. i'm so curious now! oh, and good effort by those swim trunks to keep him, eh, all in.ReplyDelete
HA HA yes, Rich, I did see the update! Can you blame the girl? I'd stare in disbelief too! That boy was born to be ogled - no matter how long you've know him or dated him or stalked him :DReplyDelete
The thing about Xisca (at least for me) is that I think she's the coolest chick and def a great match for Rafa. Yet I'm also insanely jealous of her and would jump her boyfriend's bones without even thinking about it. Ahhhh, so confusing! Ha ha ha.
johanne: so then here's the recipe - get to know her, become her BFF, share life + love tips, finally get invited on a double date with Rafisca, then when she's not looking jump his bones, pinky swear him to secrecy, then repeat as necessary.ReplyDelete
i wouldn't know how to do this from experience, mind you. it's a combo platter from things i've seen on tv - isn't that stuff meant to be tried???
RAFA NEWS!!!!!!!!!!! o_OReplyDelete
Oh and also with some naked skin, ahhh, life's good again. Man, and does he look good in those tiny little trunks. YOWZA is exactly what I was thinking, Johanne.
Also, I cracked up hard at how flabby that guy to Rafa's left looks next to him in the first pic. :D
Oh well, Xisca - jealousy keeps me of liking her too much LOL. But I see why Rafa's her boyfriend. Only she should urgently gain some weight, she looks REALLY skinny.
BTW, I finally received bj Rafa, and he just looks like in the last pic, yay!
natch, where are you anyway?!?! Possibly in Mauritius?!?! You bad girl you (cough go steal Rafa from Xisca cough).
thanks for the post, rich! anything about rafa always made my day..ReplyDelete
Rich: It should definitely be tried... just finished packing my bags for my move to Spain. Will tie up loose ends and figure out other boring logistics later. Must befriend Xisca and bone Rafa STAT. Keep you posted! HA HA :DReplyDelete
Sonja: Yes, it was the plethora of naked Rafa skin that took it to another level. So hot. Oh and LOL about the flabby guy - totally did NOT even know there was another dude in the picture!! Pffff!
- AnonymousNovember 20, 2008 at 11:04 AM
The flabby guy in black trunks next to Rafa is actually his physio Rafael Maymo.ReplyDelete
So, apart from obvious mild beach activities (and presumed more feisty private ones), this is a vacation-cum-therapy package.
Lookin' good, Rafa.
Nice catch on the Maymo sighting, Anonymous.ReplyDelete
Let the naked boating vacation begin! Is it wrong of me to hope there are many, MANY more pictures coming?
- AnonymousNovember 20, 2008 at 3:13 PM
they're awesome.ReplyDelete
well, this is better than moping at home for not being able to play in the DCReplyDelete
In the last picture he looks like some kind of war lord. I like.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 23, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Let's leave Rafa in peace for a while, he deserves it. You guys are right, just because he plays on the beach doesn't mean his knee is ok. He would have given anything to be part of the Davis Cup Victory! No one is more patriotic than Rafa. Anyone remember the Olympics???ReplyDelete


text:
The quiet weapon
Campaign 2010 | Meet a man who plans to balance the federal budget without raising taxes and put the U.S. economy on sure footing without bailouts, overhauls, or takeovers: Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan
WASHINGTON-Paul Ryan likes to hunt. The strategy involved in tracking his target, the need of going at it alone, the skill to take aim, and even the thrill of the kill are reasons why Ryan, who recently turned 40, goes hunting as often as he can. But he prefers walking into the woods without a gun.
"Rifle hunting is easy, but bow hunting is tough," claims Ryan, who stalks prey with his bow as often as he can, even making his own sausage from his kills.
The sport's allure to Ryan provides clues to why he is drawn to the part of his life that's not a hobby: being a lawmaker. This year Ryan, a six-term Republican congressman and senior member of two key committees, shot a quiver full of arrows at the nation's ongoing fiscal crisis by targeting healthcare, the tax code, trade policy, and entitlements in a substantive and daring proposal he calls the "Roadmap for America's Future."
But Ryan wasn't finished. He then added his own budget proposal that actually erases the nation's long-term deficit and had The Washington Post calling the White House's official 2011 budget "only the second-most interesting budget proposal released" this year.
"I guess you can say that I make sausage literally and figuratively," Ryan joked to me, alluding to the common metaphor that compares bill-writing to the unappealing and often hidden process of making sausage, or bratwurst to use the term favored in Ryan's native Wisconsin.
In Washington, Ryan currently has in his crosshairs a White House and Congress he says are pursuing policies that will create a national culture of dependency and drain individuals of the will to make the most out of their lives. To fight that, he has come armed with something many complain is missing in the current breed of elected officials bearing the conservative banner: ideas.
Speaking at his Capitol Hill office that is decorated with pictures of his wife and three young children (and contains room for the cot that he sleeps in on most weeknights), Ryan often uses the phrases "American idea" and "serious jeopardy" in the same sentence.
"I'm not interested in being here to be an efficient tax collector for the welfare state, or for helping just run the bureaucratic trains a little more efficiently," he proclaims. "I want to fight for the American idea."
What is that American idea? To Ryan the nation is a place where its leaders, inspired by the founders, act on the belief that God-not government-creates rights. The practical consequences of that truth translate into equal opportunity in free-market democracy, something Ryan calls moral.
With a high-stakes battle of ideas raging in Washington over big- and small-government solutions, Ryan believes this is his moment. "This is everything I believe in, everything I've studied. It is what I am wired for."
Ryan calls this era of federal bailouts, takeovers, and overhauls "scary"-but he also has a hard time hiding his excitement. He says that he spies a silver lining in the Democrats' expensive ambitions: Voters are talking about the country's identity. "They just threw a bucket of cold water in the face of every voter," Ryan said of the Democrats. "They woke us up out of our sleepwalk."
The fact that Ryan now sees himself at the center of the congressional debate over government's role is something that surprises him. While a student at Miami University in Ohio, Ryan thought he'd become an economist. He read the likes of Milton Friedman and Ayn Rand and envisioned a life of theories. But he eventually learned that public policy is the arena where ideas really live or die. "That is what built this country-good ideas," he says.
Post-graduation stints as a speechwriter for Jack Kemp, at a conservative think tank, and as legislative director for Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas led to Ryan's successful run for an open House seat in 1998. He was just 28.
After almost a decade of near anonymity in Congress, Ryan's 2007 ascension as the ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee gave him the staff resources and the clout to let out his inner economist. He now also is senior member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee. From those perches he has crafted a roadmap to privatize Medicare and Medicaid, provide vouchers for many federal programs, replace employee-sponsored health insurance plans with individual tax credits, and impose tough controls on federal spending.
The Congressional Budget Office, the nonpartisan number crunchers, determined that Ryan's roadmap delivered on its promises of balanced budgets and smaller deficits (unlike its projections for Obamacare). Under current policies, the CBO concludes that the nation in 2080 will devote 34 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) to government spending; under Ryan's plan, the CBO predicts that federal spending in 2080 would fall to less than 14 percent of the GDP while the government would enjoy a 5 percent annual surplus. And all without raising taxes. In fact, Ryan proposes a flat tax of two rates: 10 percent and 25 percent.
"The political people were telling me, 'Don't you dare introduce this. That's bad politics. It's political suicide,'" Ryan recalls of the critics scared off by the sweep of his vision.
Ryan has resisted the idea that the minority party should lay low and wait for its moment, and now the wonkish behavior is starting to pay off.
Fellow Wisconsin Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, who was first elected to Congress in 1979 when Ryan was 9 years old, says Paul Ryan is a fiscal Paul Revere trying to warn the country that more hard times are coming.
"Paul recognizes that we are headed for a fiscal train wreck unless we have a rapid change of course," Sensenbrenner told me. "Ryan is the guy that is standing beside the tracks waving his hands saying, 'Put the brakes on!'"
Being the man with the plans in the GOP has also made Ryan a target. President Obama called his roadmap "a serious proposal," making Ryan the White House GOP foil. Soon administration officials attacked Ryan's ideas in congressional hearings: White House Budget Director Peter Orszag claimed the roadmap addresses the nation's long-term fiscal problems but with a "dramatically different approach in which more risk is unloaded onto individuals" rather than the government.
But Ryan fought back: He directly challenged the president at February's bipartisan healthcare summit, peppering Obama for several minutes with a statistic-laden analysis of why the Democrats' agenda is a dangerous, deficit-exploding idea.
Yet many Republicans have been lukewarm to Ryan's roadmap-which has just 12 cosponsors. That's probably because its deficit-reduction measures tamper with popular programs like Medicare and Social Security. "There are two kinds of people up here, be-ers and doers," Ryan says. "There are a lot of people who come to Congress from both parties who just want to be a congressman. Keeping the job is the ultimate goal."
To Ryan, the doers-the ones with the ideas-have to "take this place over."
Such a mindset is why Democrats are not Ryan's only targets. His plans are designed to force "adult conversations" that will wake up his own party too. He admits the old Republican majority didn't get it right, and he can pinpoint the moment when this realization hit him.
Ryan became energized after the 2004 elections when President George W. Bush promised ambitious entitlement- and tax-reform goals for his second term. "But I quickly watched that moment dissipate and slip away," Ryan recalls. "For one reason or another those things fell on deaf ears."
What bothered Ryan the most was the source of the defeats-the ideas died from inside his own party. This retreat from the right is when Ryan realized Republicans had a real problem on their hands.
"I call it the atrophy phase of the Republican Party," Ryan told me. "We all got caught up into micro-legislating . . . fine-tuning tax bills and things like that. We lost sight of the bigger picture and tinkered around the edges."
Today, Ryan thinks the right can find its way by learning from the left. "They're serious about their progressive ideology," Ryan explains. "They have the courage of their convictions. And if we are given the opportunity to lead again, we better have that courage, and we've got to be really clear to the American people what those convictions are."
Ryan's roadmap strives to do just that-provide a stark alternative to what Democrats have proposed. And he's looking outside Congress for support-believing it will take two election cycles to bring in enough limited-government conservatives to realign the political system. "We need to recruit people who are not going to go wobbly when it gets tough," Ryan said. "I'm focused on good ideas and on getting reinforcements here as quickly as possible."
Ryan sees hope in a Tea Party movement that shows the people are ahead of the politicians when it comes to questioning increased federal spending in the face of crippling debt. But Ryan sees even greater promise in his own Wisconsin congressional district: a left-leaning place where voters went for Dukakis, Clinton, Gore, and Obama. Ryan ran for reelection in 2008 using an early version of the roadmap. The district's residents did not blink, giving Ryan 64 percent of the vote. And that with Obama winning his district by about 5 percent.
"So it is clear to me that people are ready to be talked to like adults," Ryan told me. "They are ready to have these ideas presented to them, and they want to choose the path of American exceptionalism, not managed decline."
Ryan's willingness to stick his neck out over his philosophies can be traced to the tough life lessons he learned as a 16-year-old when he discovered his father dead from a heart attack in the family's home. He had to tell his mother and three siblings, who were out of town. "That taught me self-sufficiency," said Ryan, who afterwards began focusing more on academics and sports. "That taught me that when bad things happen, you can either sink or swim."
Growing up faster than most is one of the reasons he managed to get elected to Congress in his twenties. It is also why many of his colleagues think Ryan, whose thick dark hair holds little gray, can name his own political ceiling.
"He probably won't like me telling you this, but I really believe that he should seriously look at being a presidential candidate," Rep. Devin Nunes, a California Republican, told me. "I think he's our best guy out there right now because of the substance. Ryan has separated himself from the rest of the pack because he actually has these solutions."
But Ryan, raised a devout Roman Catholic, said being a good legislator is the third priority in his life.
"I don't want to have a career that comes at the expense of being a good dad and a good husband," he explains. He returns to his Janesville, Wis., home every weekend that Congress is in session. He worries what a higher office and all its travel demands would do to his young family.
"I don't want to be a lifer here, absolutely not. No way. I am young enough to have two careers. What this second one will be? I have no idea."
Soon after describing his love of the outdoors and how he shot two deer this season with his 8-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, Ryan is back discussing America, limited government, and the political class.
One gets the sense that he could debate big, bold pieces of legislation all night. In fact, on this evening he practically did-just not with me. Our interview ended as Ryan was running late for a dinner with Niall Ferguson, a Harvard economic historian and author of The Ascent of Money: The Financial History of the World.
Ryan hoped to have a "light" dinner discussion with Ferguson about debt and how great empires implode on themselves.
This after a day that began early with Ryan leading a dozen bipartisan House members in an intense video workout regime called P90X. It was also the day that Ryan attended the first meeting of the Obama debt reduction panel, of which he is a member.
Still, Ryan thinks picking the brain of an Ivy League professor is the perfect way to end a long day. "Any economist or historian I can learn from, I try to get a hold of," he said before heading out the door. "That is literally one of the coolest things about this job."


text:
Aroostook State Park
Aroostook State Park 87 State Park Rd. Presque Isle, ME US 04769
(207) 768-8341
Aroostook State Park bears the distinct honor of being Maine's first state park. The Park is the ideal starting point for discovering Aroostook County. It offers camping, showerhouse, kitchen shelter, large group camping area, picnic area, swim area with no lifeguard, lake stocked with Brook Trout for fishing, boat lauching area, canoe and paddle boat rentals, hiking trails to the top of Quaggy Jo Mountain offering a rewarding view of the local area, great birding area, groomed cross- country ski and snowshoe trails in the winter, winter camping, and groomed snowmobile trails go through the Park. Open all year, fee charged, season passes availible.


text:
AVG Anti-Virus Free 2013 2013.0.2740 Final | 241MB
AVG Anti-Virus Free - a popular free antivirus. Fast, efficient and easy to use antivirus tool. Provides high performance computer and download updates to the information on the latest threats. Antivirus, antispyware, improved antiruktit protect against inadvertent receipt and distribution of even the most dangerous viruses (rootkits), and spyware. AVG LinkScanner component module with Surf-Shield provides basic protection when visiting websites on the Internet.
AVG, Anti, Virus, Free, 2013, 2013, 2740, Final


text:
Style #:
For further details regarding our pricavy policies including the use of cookies please click here. For instructions on how to enable cookies please click here. If you need assistance one of our customer service representatives at 1-800-850-7463 would be glad to help.
Price: $104.95
Sale Price: $68.22 Save 35%
Select Your Size
Then, Select Your Width
Additional Views
Minimus is a whole new approach to athletic footwear, inspired by Good Form Running and designed to be worn with or without socks. The Minimus Road running shoe is engineered for use on pavement and other varied running surfaces. Supremely comfortable and extremely lightweight, the MR10 is taking the running world by storm.
Shoe Size: 100% of people said that this shoe "Felt true to size"
Shoe Width: 100% of people said that this shoe "Felt true to width"
Share your thoughts with other customers
Enter email address to join our mailing list


text:
USD basketball: look back, look ahead
Two days after USD's final game, a heartbreaking loss to Saint Mary's in the WCC Tournament semifinals, head coach Bill Grier still was hurting.
Watching the Gonzaga-Saint Mary's title game in the comfort of his home, Grier said, "I feel like we should still be playing."
The Toreros (16-18) suffered their fourth straight losing season under Grier, but closed with a rush in the WCC Tournament, nearly shocking the Gaels in the semis. The promising ending likely saved Grier's job. Grier and Athletic Director Ky Snyder agree next year's team should be playing in the postseason.
"Which postseason," said Grier, "who knows?"
Here's a look at what it will take for the Toreros to meet Grier's expectations.
Score the ball
There were times when the 2012-13 Toreros were dreadfully dull. Not because of lack of effort, but because they'd go lunar-elipse stretches without scoring. Johnny Dee would be shadowed. Chris Manresa would go missing. Ken Rancifer might miss shots.
USD averaged 65.1 points, 237th out of 347 Division I teams.
"Scoring," said Grier, "was an issue."
In graduating Rancifer (10.2 points) and Manresa (9.0), the Toreros will be missing two of their top four scorers. Where will the points come from?
Dee led the Toreros in scoring his first two seasons and you know the Rancho Buena Vista High product is good for 15 a game. Pencil smurf point guard Christopher Anderson for 10.
A defensive marvel as a freshman, 6-foot-9 Jito Kok must step up on the offensive end after averaging 3.2 points. Duda Sunadze, a 6-5 guard out of the Republic of Georgia, redshirted this season. He staged three-point clinics at the close of practices and will stretch defenses.
Plus, a high school kid from Gonzaga's back yard is expected to make an immediate impact.
The touted freshman is Brett Bailey from Spokane, Washington's University High. He's 6-5 and knows how to make the nets sway, averaging 23 points as a senior, Said one recruiting service, "Bailey might have the prettiest jump shot in the state."
Grier talks about sometimes playing "small," with guards Anderson, Dee and Sunadze joined by Bailey and a big man. The thinking is that the five can run and spread the floor, plus that Bailey is tough enough to crash the glass.
Grier has two more scholarships to offer. A combo-guard tops his wish list.
A big man ranks second.
"But those don't grow on trees," said Grier.
Launch, Christopher
Few players in college basketball are more fun to watch than the 5-foot-7 3/4, 140-pound Anderson. (He may be the only player in basketball who rounds his height down, to 5-7, wanting to lull opponents into thinking he's smaller.)
Anderson's fearless driving the lane. He averaged 2.09 steals per game, 35th in the nation. And inch-for-inch, there may be no better rebounder on Earth. Anderson's 3.8 rebounds ranked second on the team, which is impressive on the guard's part and condemning for the team.
Anderson's weakness: his outside shot. Or more precisely, thinking he can hit the shot.
"His shot's not bad," said Grier. "He just needs to gain more confidence in it."
Too often, guards sagged off Anderson. Knocking down threes will only maximize what Anderson does best. Point guards will have to step out and Anderson can put the ball on the floor and distribute.
One other item. Point guards must shoot better than 70 percent from the free throw line, as Anderson did last season.
Be the man, Jito
There were the 55 blocks, tying the school record. There were the thunderous, jaw-dropping dunks. There was the you-can't-teach-that intensity, diving for loose balls.


text:
Introduces cancer and how it is the by-product of broken DNA replication.
The cell cycle portfolio offers a unique way of allowing students to learn about the cell cycle at their own pace. Five stations are set up around the classroom, and students move around to all of the different stations to investigate independently or with peers. - Powertolearn.com
A list of student-submitted discussion questions for Cell Cycle.
To increase reading comprehension, activate prior knowledge, develop collaboration and communication with peers, and determine how key vocabulary words relate to one another using Text Scan.
To describe images using words using the Visual Literacy strategy.
Looks at Alzheimer's disease as a way to study modern molecular techniques applied to medicine. Covers human biology and cell functions.
Covers 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic as a vehicle to look at viruses and disease , as well as the use of modern biological tools to improve human health.
This study guide gives an overview of the cell cycles for prokaryotes and eukaryotes, names for genetic material, binary fission, mitosis, and cytokinesis.
These flashcards help you study important terms and vocabulary from Cell Cycle.


text:
- 157Promote
iPad Tablet Cases
Painted Pebbles 2by Garima Dhawan
Protect your iPad with an impact resistant hard shell case featuring an extremely slim profile.
Absolutely wonderful!!
Thanks Angelo! ;-)
Thanks so much Prettymedicine, noirblanc777 & Anne! I am quite excited about this Painted Pebbles series.
Thanks so much Sara!
LOVE, Garima! colors, design, all of it.
ah! Thanks so much Beth...I am completely in love with Seymour!
love it !
Very nice!
Love everything about this.
yay! Thanks so much Ally...I think I will continue experimenting. The neighbors must be wondering why their rocks are disappearing. haha!
Thanks so much Nika & Rollerpimp. I really appreciate your wonderful comments.
Thanks so much Fimbis!
So cool!
Thanks Lisa! ♥
Love the shapes & the wonderful colours, Garima :)
fab work,garima
Thanks so much catspaws, VAU & Chris! So happy to have all of you fabulous people in my life.
beautiful concept
This works so well across all the devices. Beautiful :)
Stunning work Garima!!
wonderful Garima
really pretty , Garima !
love it!
I like it!
Oh yeah ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ 👍
Thanks so much Grtzky, Wayne, Martin. Carina, Eric, Studio Laxmi, Bev, Sharon, Polkip & pigboom. I am really enjoying working on this painted pebbles series. Thank you so much for your lovely comments.
Thanks Wendy!
So lovely!
pebble/pie charts - how did i miss these?! fab :)
Thanks Margit!
haha! Thanks Kyle...I never thought of the pie chart but wanted to create some kind of facets..but it does look like that.
Love this.. Also, well done on the recent Beta Fashion win! :)
Thanks so much Angela! and wow how did you know about that..I just saw it on the site. Yay! ;-)
I entered too! Congrats!!
Thanks so much Angela!
See More Comments


text:
Style #:
For further details regarding our pricavy policies including the use of cookies please click here. For instructions on how to enable cookies please click here. If you need assistance one of our customer service representatives at 1-800-850-7463 would be glad to help.
Price: $119.99
Sale Price: $0.00 Save 100%
Select Your Size
Then, Select Your Width
Additional Views
You're up to speed on fashion and comfort wearing the tailored Eddie slip-ons. Full grain matte leather upper in a dressy casual slip on style with a dual seamed bicycle style square toe, tonal leather overlays and dual elastic side gores for easy slip on. Lightly padded collar, smooth lining and anatomical leather topped insole. Slightly flexible midsole for comfort and support. Traction patterned outsole.
No Customers Have Reviewed This Product Yet
Share your thoughts with other customers
Enter email address to join our mailing list


text:
Add a unique touch to your home with trim products from CertainTeed. Explore your options with our interactive Trim-It visualizer tool.
GreenCircle certification provides a third party verification and assurance to builders, regulators and consumers that products labeled with the GreenCircle mark have undergone a rigorous audit process that verifies compliance with the environmental and sustainability claims of the manufacturers. To date a number of CertainTeed siding, insulation and ceiling products have received this certification.
The "Swan" is the official Nordic eco-label, introduced by the Nordic Council of Ministers. In Sweden, the Swan label is managed by SIS Eco-labeling, a non-profit organization, commissioned by the Swedish government and parliament. A product carrying The Nordic Swan Eco-label meets extremely high environmental standards. Most Ecophon products have been granted this eco-label.
Products carrying the Nordic Swan Eco-label should:
CHPS is leading a national movement to improve student performance and the entire educational experience by building the best possible schools. The mission of the Collaborative for High Performance Schools is to facilitate the design, construction and operation of high performance schools: environments that are not only energy and resource efficient, but also healthy, comfortable, well lit, and containing the amenities for a quality education.
CertainTeed understands the importance of building high performance schools and offers products specifically designed to meet the acoustical and durability needs of educational environment.


text: Heated debate at Stormont over OTRs 28 Feb 2014 Politicians have voted in favour of a motion expressing disgust at secret letters sent to "on-the-run" paramilitary suspects, following a heated debate at Stormont. Share Share Share Story by UTV Staff, Belfast DUP leader Peter Robinson ordered the emergency session after threatening to resign from his post as First Minister over the revelation that 187 fugitive IRA suspects were sent letters from the government telling them they could return to Northern Ireland without prosecution.It led to a political crisis and fears the Stormont institutions could collapse - however those concerns receded after Prime Minister David Cameron announced a judge-led inquiry into the letters.Friday's debate ended with 58 MLAs voting for and 27 MLAs voting against a DUP motion which expressed "grave concern" and "disgust" at what had happened.It took place after Justice Minister David Ford revealed that he has been told by senior Northern Ireland Office officials that five OTR cases are still being dealt with by the NIO.In press conference Martin McGuinness describes debate as 2 hours of contrived anger.— Tracey Magee (@Tracey_utv) February 28, 2014Amid angry scenes in the recalled Assembly, Peter Robinson accused former Prime Minister Tony Blair of a "deliberate deception by omission" by not telling most politicians in NI about the deal his government struck with Sinn Féin to deal with on-the-run republicans.Mr Robinson added: "The answer that there were no plans to legislate and no amnesty would be introduced was a deliberate deception, a deception by omission, for the Government could easily at that stage have indicated that there was an administrative process which included giving letters to OTRs was under way."Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Sinn Féin - which was the only party to vote against Friday's motion - accused Mr Robinson of being "irresponsible".He went on: "I am frustrated that the stability of these institutions have been irresponsibly threatened this week and a sense of crisis has replaced the much-needed focus that we needed to get agreement on issues relating to the past."Today's recall and motion is about the upcoming election and about the political posturing within unionism. Frankly, I believe the people out there deserve better."The outcome of the Downey case was morally outrageous and an affront to justice... It was followed by outrage; that outrage was not manufactured or synthetic, it was real.First Minister Peter RobinsonSDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell said the public must be told about any other secret deals.He added: "It's impossible to have a proper informed debate on issues that haven't been fully disclosed - we must achieve honesty, openness and transparency around all these issues, starting with rejecting any possibility of secret deals going forward."Mike Nesbitt, UUP leader, described the letters as a "perversion of justice" and added that his party was ruling itself out of any further Executive talks on the Haass process.He said: "Let me make clear, for the UUP not only is Haass over but the party leaders (meetings to discuss Haass) is over - and it is over because of Sinn Féin and bad faith."TUV leader Jim Allister accused Peter Robinson of doing a u-turn over the issue, describing the inquiry as "a farce and a whitewash".He had said: "If Peter Robinson accepts what the Prime Minister has offered, then, he will have buckled within 24 hours of playing the hard man."Alliance Party leader David Ford expanded on his earlier comments after he was told that there are potentially five cases, which are understood to have emerged in late 2012, still in the system and under examination.He told MLAs that it was confirmed that responsibility for these does not rest with the DOJ.David Ford says the leaders' talks should continue, even without Mike Nesbitt.— Ken Reid (@KenReid_utv) February 28, 2014"The position with these five cases is very clear," said Alliance leader Mr Ford."After raising the issue both with the Secretary of State and the NIO, I can make it absolutely clear that the five cases in the system - because the NIO put them in the system - remain their responsibility, so this is not a devolved matter."The Department of Justice has no part in this scheme, never had any part in this scheme and as long as I am minister will never have any part in this scheme."First Minister Peter Robinson's threat to quit came this week came after revelations sparked by the collapse of the case against Co Donegal man John Downey, who had been charged over the 1982 Hyde Park bomb which killed four soldiers.Mr Downey walked free from the Old Bailey because he was sent a letter by the PSNI wrongly telling him that he was not wanted over any crimes - despite an arrest warrant having being issued by the Metropolitan Police.David Cameron said: "I agree with the First Minister of Northern Ireland that, after the terrible error in the Downey case, it is right to get to the bottom of what happened," Mr Cameron said on Thursday, as he appointed a judge to head up the inquiry."The case has already been referred to the Police Ombudsman but, as the First Minister has said, we should have a full, independent examination of the whole operation of this scheme."The independent, judge-led investigation is to report by May. © UTV Share Share Share


text:
The despicable Koch Brothers are in the process of buying eight more newspapers including the Los Angeles Times. Controlling the media will allow them to control the mind of the public to further push their economically perverted policies. Apparently, the right-wing propaganda specialists at Fox News werent doing a good enough job at deception
Conservative Koch Brothers turning focus to U.S. newspapers (Part I)
Koch Industries exploring bid to buy the Tribune Co.s eight regional newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times.
Charles Koch, CEO of Koch Industries Inc., has for years felt the mainstream media unfairly covered the company and its founding family because of its conservative political beliefs.
Three years ago, Charles and David Koch, the billionaire industrialists and supporters of libertarian causes, held a seminar of like-minded, wealthy political donors at the St. Regis Resort in Aspen, Colo. They laid out a three-pronged, 10-year strategy to shift the country toward a smaller government with less regulation and taxes.
The first two pieces of the strategy educating grass-roots activists and influencing politics were not surprising, given the money they have given to policy institutes and political action groups. But the third one was: media.
Other than financing a few fringe libertarian publications, the Kochs have mostly avoided media investments. Now, Koch Industries, the sprawling private company of which Charles G. Koch serves as chairman and chief executive, is exploring a bid to buy the Tribune Co.s eight regional newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Baltimore Sun, the Orlando Sentinel and the Hartford Courant.
By early May, Tribune Co. is expected to send financial data to serious suitors in what will be among the largest sales of newspapers by circulation in the U.S. Koch Industries is among those interested, said several people with direct knowledge of the sale who spoke on the condition they not be named. Tribune emerged from bankruptcy on Dec. 31 and has hired JPMorgan Chase and Evercore Partners to sell its print properties.
The papers, valued at roughly $623 million (all figures U.S.), would be a financially diminutive deal for Koch Industries, the energy and manufacturing conglomerate based in Wichita, Kan., with annual revenue of about $115 billion.
Politically, however, the papers could serve as a broader platform for the Kochs laissez-faire ideas. The Los Angeles Times is the fourth-largest paper in the U.S., the Tribune is No. 9, and others are in several battleground states, including two of the largest newspapers in Florida, the Orlando Sentinel and the Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale. A deal could include Hoy, the second-largest U.S. Spanish-language daily newspaper, which speaks to the pivotal Hispanic demographic.
One person who attended the Aspen seminar who spoke on the condition of anonymity described the strategy as follows: It was never, How do we destroy the other side?
It was, How do we make sure our voice is being heard?
Guests at the Aspen seminar included Philip F. Anschutz, the Republican oil mogul who owns the companies that publish the Washington Examiner, the Oklahoman and the Weekly Standard, and the hedge fund executive Paul E. Singer, who sits on the board of the political magazine Commentary. Attendees were asked not to discuss details about the seminar with the press.
A person who has attended other Koch Industries seminars, which have taken place since 2003, said Charles and David Koch have never said they want to take over newspapers or other large media outlets, but they often say they see the conservative voice as not being well represented. The Kochs plan to host another conference at the end of the month in Palm Springs, Calif.
At this early stage, the thinking inside the Tribune Co., the people close to the deal said, is that Koch Industries could prove the most appealing buyer. Others interested, including a group of wealthy Los Angeles residents led by the billionaire Eli Broad and Ronald W. Burkle, both prominent Democratic donors, and Rupert Murdochs News Corp., would prefer to buy only the Los Angeles Times.
The Tribune Co. has signalled it prefers to sell all eight papers and their back-office operations as a bundle. (Tribune, a $7 billion media company that also owns 23 television stations, could also decide to keep the papers if they do not attract a high enough offer.)
Koch Industries is one of the largest sponsors of libertarian causes including the financing of policy groups like the Cato Institute in Washington and the formation of Americans for Prosperity, the political action group that helped galvanize Tea Party organizations and their causes. The company has said it has no direct link to the Tea Party.
This month a Koch representative contacted Eddy W. Hartenstein, publisher and chief executive of the Los Angeles Times, to discuss a bid, according to a person briefed on the conversation who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the conversation was private. Hartenstein declined to comment.
Koch Industries recently brought on Angela Redding, a consultant based in Salt Lake City, to analyze the media environment and assess opportunities. Redding, who previously worked at the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation, did not respond to requests for comment.
As an entrepreneurial company with 60,000 employees around the world, we are constantly exploring profitable opportunities in many industries and sectors. So, it is natural that our name would come up in connection with this rumor, Melissa Cohlmia, a spokeswoman for Koch Companies Public Sector, said in a statement last month.
We respect the independence of the journalistic institutions referenced in the news stories, Cohlmia continued. But it is our long-standing policy not to comment on deals or rumors of deals we may or may not be exploring.
One person who has previously advised Koch Industries said the Tribune Co. papers were considered an investment opportunity, and were viewed as entirely separate from Charles and David Kochs lifelong mission to shrink the size of government.
At least in politically liberal Los Angeles, a conservative paper could be tricky. David H. Koch, who lives in New York and serves as executive vice-president of Koch Industries, has said he supports gay marriage and could align with many residents on some social issues, Reed Galen, a Republican consultant in Orange County, Calif., said.
Koch Industries main competitor for the Los Angeles Times is a group of mostly Democratic local residents. In the 2012 political cycle, Broad gave $477,800, either directly or through his foundation, to Democratic candidates and causes, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Burkle has long championed labour unions. Former U.S. president Bill Clinton served as an adviser to Burkles money management firm, Yucaipa Cos., which in 2012 gave $107,500 to Democrats and related causes. The group also includes Austin Beutner, a Democratic candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, and an investment banker who co-founded Evercore Partners.
This will be a bipartisan group, Beutner said. Its not about ideology, its about a civic interest. (The Los Angeles consortium is expected to also include Andrew Cherng, founder of the Panda Express Chinese restaurant chain and a Republican.)
Last month, shortly after LA Weekly first reported on Koch Industries interest in the Tribune papers, the liberal website Daily Kos and Courage Campaign, a Los Angeles-based liberal advocacy group, collected thousands of signatures protesting such a deal. Conservatives, meanwhile, welcomed the idea of a handful of prominent papers spreading the ideas of economic freedom from taxes and regulation that the Kochs have championed.


text:
Realities on the ground
Veterans Day | As female soldiers die in Iraq, the push for women in direct combat gains momentum
"Realities on the ground" Continued...
Besides controversy, the war in Iraq has thus far generated a pair of grim and unprecedented bookends:
Lori Piestewa, Private First Class, U.S. Army, died 3/23/03. Hostile fire- ambush.
Jessica Ellis, Corporal, U.S. Army, died 5/11/08. Hostile fire-IED attack.
Piestewa, 23, of Tuba City, Ariz., was the first American woman to die in combat in Iraq after her supply convoy fell under attack near Nasiriyah. Ellis was the most recent woman to die by the enemy's hand. The 24-year-old native of Bend, Ore., died this May when an improvised explosive device destroyed the Buffalo armored vehicle she was riding in. It wasn't her first encounter with a bomb: She had escaped another IED blast with cuts and bruises only three weeks before.
Since the U.S. invasion, 106 women have died in Iraq, 66 under hostile fire, according to icasualties.org, a website that tracks military and civilian deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As military advocates remember these soldiers on Veterans Day, they recognize more women may face not only hostile fire but what the military calls "direct combat" under a new U.S. commander-in-chief Barack Obama. During his election campaign, the president-elect stumped on changing war-on-terrorism policy and improving the nation's image abroad. More quietly, Obama let it be known that he supports requiring women to register for the military draft, and that he wants to place them in combat.
Last year, during a YouTube debate, Obama said women should be required to register for the Selective Service, though "not necessarily in combat roles." But last month, Obama's national security spokeswoman Wendy Morigi told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Women are already serving in combat [in Iraq and Afghanistan] and the current policy should be updated to reflect realities on the ground."
Those realities, however, reflect the fact that the Pentagon is routinely violating its own policies, said Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness (CMR) in Washington, D.C.
In January 1994, Clinton defense secretary Les Aspin established the "direct combat" rule that still governs U.S. forces on battlefields today: Women may not be assigned "where units and position are doctrinally required to physically collocate and remain with direct combat units that are closed to women."
In Iraq, women are commonly assigned to units that supply and support direct combat units. Meanwhile, a March 2008 CMR policy paper documents several instances of women assigned to infantry, artillery, and forward support companies required by the Pentagon to be all-male.
Aspin's memo defined "direct combat" as "engaging the enemy on the ground with individual or crew served weapons, while being exposed to hostile fire and to a high probability of direct physical contact with the hostile force's personnel."
That part of the definition is clear. But the next part, drafted before the terror war-in which U.S. forces fight un-uniformed, non-nationalist combatants without a defined battle front-may render the rest of the definition moot: "Direct combat takes place well forward on the battlefield while locating and closing with the enemy to defeat them by fire, maneuver, or shock effect."
"In Iraq, for the supply convoys, there are no front lines and there is no 'rear,'" said Michele Jones, an Army captain who commanded a truck company out of the 89th Transportation Corps base at Fort Eustis, Va. On Aug. 5, 2004, Jones dispatched a convoy to Najaf, about 100 miles south of Baghdad. "They were ambushed and I lost a soldier," Jones said. "I had one KIA [killed in action] and seven or eight wounded," including a female soldier who was shot through the leg. During the attack, the squad leader, a woman, behaved heroically, Jones said. She was riding in the passenger seat when the driver, a man, was killed. "She had to move into the driver's seat and keep driving through the ambush."
Still, Jones said commanding a war zone unit with up to 50 percent women caused problems. "There were a lot of times I was tasked to provide armed security for convoys staffed entirely with local nationals, all male. There was no way I was going to send women to provide security for a convoy full of nothing but foreign men, for obvious reasons."
Meanwhile, physical, sexual, and emotional dynamics conflict with mission priorities. "It's not a matter of opinion, it's just a fact," Jones said. "Women are not built the same as men. They cannot carry 150 pounds on their backs." Also, while Jones' male soldiers all knew they had to pull their own weight, they told her they felt more protective of women in the unit. That dynamic, while normal human nature, can change the outcome in battle, Jones said.
Navy Cmdr. Patrick McLaughlin said his own nature as the father of four daughters made him feel more protective of military women when he served as a chaplain in Iraq. McLaughlin performed memorial services for two women killed in action on the same day, Feb. 7, 2007.
Marine Capt. Jennifer Harris, 28, of Swampscott, Mass., died when insurgents shot down her helicopter with a missile. Marine Cpl. Jennifer Parcell was pulling "Lioness" duty, a 45-day detail searching Iraqi women at a vehicle checkpoint. The 20-year-old, Bel Air, Md., native was killed when a woman she was searching detonated a concealed explosive vest.
"It really hits home for you as someone who's the father of baby girls," said McLaughlin, 47, of conducting the memorial services. "Those women were somebody's baby girls."
Still, he said, he has no problems with equality, with women serving in combat. "Should women have the same right to do everything as men? Yes, that's one of the things we fight for."
In last year's YouTube debate, Obama compared the role of women with that of black soldiers such as the Tuskegee Airmen, who served during World War II. "There was a time when African-Americans weren't allowed to serve in combat," Obama said. "And yet, when they did, not only did they perform brilliantly, but what also happened is they helped to change America, and they helped to underscore that we're equal."
But women and men are not equal in training standards or physical capacity, said former Army special operator Brian Jones, who is married to Michele Jones. Fifteen years ago last month, Jones fast-roped from a hovering Black Hawk helicopter into the bloody battle made famous by Mark Bowden's book Black Hawk Down. The clash pitted 99 U.S. soldiers against thousands of armed Somalis loyal to warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid.
For 18 hours, automatic weapons fire and rocket-propelled grenades turned the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia, into a metal storm. Eighteen Americans were killed and 73 wounded, including Jones, who was shot twice-once, when a metal fragment ricocheted off a building and knifed under the skin of his abdomen; then again when a long-distance shotgun blast strafed his back.
While Jones was able to stay in the fight, "many of us had extreme wounds, meaning somebody had to carry those guys and keep them alive. The rest of us focused on staying alive by fighting with every stitch of intestinal fortitude we could muster-and then some," Jones said. "Three different times, we looked at each other and said, 'This might be our last few minutes.' But we were able to stick together and fight it out because of the level of training [that the all-male Task Force Ranger] had. There is no way a female could have made it to that level."
Also, Jones added, there's no way a woman could have carried the wounded to safety.
Feminist groups have long objected to such assessments, suggesting that women and men can perform with equal efficiency under fire. But the feminist vision of gun-toting American Amazons going toe-to-toe with enemy males does not reflect reality, as Jessica Lynch will tell you. After the Iraqi army captured the 19-year-old, 5'3" private, the legend of "G.I. Jessica" captivated the world.
At first.
On March 23, 2003, Lynch's supply convoy, from the 507th Maintenance Company, made a wrong turn: Instead of detouring around the Iraqi army stronghold of Nasiriyah, the convoy drove directly into it. The Iraqis shredded the American element with rocket grenades and small-arms fire, killing 11 soldiers and capturing five, including Lynch and her best friend, Lori Piestewa.
Initial news reports cited unnamed Pentagon officials who claimed Lynch fought back fiercely, emptying her M-16 into enemy soldiers, killing several. She was stabbed and shot multiple times, the story went, and only went down after she ran out of ammunition.
But Lynch, to her credit, later refused to take credit for unearned heroism. "I did not shoot, not a round, nothing," Lynch said in interview with ABC News' Diane Sawyer. "I went down praying to my knees. And that's the last I remember." It turned out that Lynch's M-16 had immediately jammed. She then sustained serious leg injuries when the Humvee she was riding in crashed during the battle.
But that may not have been her most serious injury. Lynch's medical record noted that she "was a victim of anal sexual assault . . . [her] body armor and bloody uniform were found in a house near the ambush site."
Lynch, who discusses the rape in her memoir, I Am a Soldier, Too, told Sawyer that it was a difficult decision to reveal the assault, but "people need to know that that's what kind of people that they are, and that's how they treat the female soldiers that are over there."
Historically the mission of the Selective Service Administration is to provide a pool of potential conscripts during "a national crisis" and that, historically, that has always meant providing "combat replacements" for war. Since President Franklin Roosevelt signed the agency into existence in 1940, the United States has actually conscripted troops only three times-during World War II, the Korean, and Vietnam wars.
U.S. Census statistics show males outnumbering females in the 18- to 25-year-old demographic, but only by about 1 percent. That means that if Democrats succeed in changing the law to register women for the Selective Service, about half the pool of "combat replacement" troops in any future draft would be women.
Faith in foxholes
By Lynn Vincent
In Iraq, Cmdr. Patrick McLaughlin dealt with the unspeakable: An Iraqi woman blowing up herself and a baby at a U.S. checkpoint. IED-hit soldiers missing chunks of flesh so large the doctors called them "shark bites." Insurgents blowing up his office (he wasn't in it at the time).
McLaughlin, 47, a Lutheran pastor serving as a Navy chaplain, prayed with a little Iraqi girl as she passed into eternity. He watched a young Marine, an Eagle Scout, die as soldiers discovered tucked in his helmet an ultrasound picture of his unborn child. And the chaplain found himself memorializing soldier after dead soldier, among them women and kids.
"At my age, I call them kids, anyway," said McLaughlin, who served 20 months in Iraq between 2005 and 2008. "Many of them were just 19, 20 years old."
And yet for all that, it was in Iraq that he came to his deepest faith.
He wasn't alone, McLaughlin writes in No Atheists in Foxholes (2008), a memoir of faith and prayer during war. "Back in the states, faith is not a subject people talk about much in the barracks or in their work spaces," he said. "In Iraq, they're not afraid to talk about it. Soldiers are very open about their faith with their peers and with the chaplains."
McLaughlin chalks that up to the immediacy of death. "You grow up real quick over there. All of a sudden, these young men and women see things it took me until I was 36 or 40 to discover."
Like the importance of relationships, of living life and not just treading water. McLaughlin has had military wives tell him stateside, "My husband's just different now. He doesn't like to do the things he used to do like watch TV or play sports all the time." Instead, he wants to spend time with his wife, play with his kids, go to church.
"I'm talking about soldiers who are 21 or 22 years old," McLaughlin said.
And it wasn't just the young guys who found their faith in foxholes, he added: "You would think a pastor would be close to God all the time. But the closest I've been to God in my life was in Iraq."


text:
ST. LOUIS-- From our recent severe weather to the threat of future spring storms, I've heard from many of you determined to protect your tech.
Today, there's a great opportunity to load up on an overnight deal to protect every valuable outlet in your house.
A simple lightning strike can destroy an entire home entertainment system. I saw one affect my parents years ago and another one months ago end the life of my wife's laptop.
My biggest complaint about surge protectors are the price. Good ones are generally a complete ripoff. My favorite brand (and the most popular in the country) is Monster. Today's deal knocks the Monster Powerprotect 200 down to a price we can all afford.
There are two models for today's deal. One you can find online for about $10 and another more expensive model featuring coax cable protection and two AC power outlets, which is the system I'm referring to. For so many of you looking for a white unassuming power unit to blend in with your wall, today's Monster system is my top pick. You can use this to protect computers, phone systems and, of course, home entertainment systems.
If you have a big complicated TV set-up, this surge protector is not likely for you.
80% off Monster flatscreen Powerprotect surge protector
Now: $12.99 (price includes shipping)
**At the time this article was written, Amazon was selling this for $26 and showing an MSRP of $70.31, although this item has obviously never sold for its full suggested retail price.
• Have a damaged electronic that you'd like to sell? Check out buymytronics.com.
• Looking to sell an old Mac? My top pick is sellyourmac.com.
Want more deals? CLICK HERE to follow me on Twitter. [twitter.com/mattgranite]
If you've accessed this article through our iPad app, please visit this page directly through Safari so the coupon links load correctly.


text:
Shia LaBeouf has revealed plans to retire following accusations he plagiarized a graphic novel in a short film he directed.
"The Transformers" star became embroiled in controversy following accusations that he based his movie, "Howard Cantour," on a book called "Justin M. Damiano" by Daniel Clowes.
Following the allegations, the actor offered a series of public apologies to the author through Twitter.com and even hired a skywriting plane in Los Angeles to spell out his regret.
Mr. Clowes, I can only ask that you view my apology as a stepping stone toward repairing this misunderstanding between us. I'm sorry.
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 31, 2013
But the apologies did not succeed in appeasing Clowes' lawyers, who have since threatened the actor with legal action.
Now, in the latest twist in the saga, LaBeouf took to Twitter.com on Friday to claim his "artistic integrity" has been attacked and as a result he has decided to turn his back on his career.
In a series of posts, LaBeouf writes of his impending retirement and thanks his fans
In light of the recent attacks against my artistic integrity, I am retiring from all public life.
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) January 10, 2014
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) January 10, 2014