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A Passive-Aggressive Path to Harvesting Risk Premiums
Twenty years ago, Norway established a sovereign wealth fund to manage the public wealth generated by its oil revenues. Today the Government Pension Fund–Global is valued at well over $400 billion, larger than the size of Norway's annual GDP. With only five million residents, the fund represents close to $100,000 per citizen, and, as such, is understandably prominent in Norwegian life. Consequently, there was a great deal of public debate about how the fund should be managed after Norway's fund, like many funds, experienced significant losses as a result of sharp declines in global asset prices in 2008 and early 2009.
As part of the debate, some members of Norway's parliament proposed pulling the fund's active management mandate and shifting the entire fund into a passive index. But it was not entirely clear that passive investing was the right answer for Norway, so the Ministry of Finance commissioned an extensive external review designed to assess how well the fund had been managed and to make recommendations for going forward.
The centerpiece of the review was produced by Professor Andrew Ang, who worked with William Goetzmann of Yale and Stephen Schaefer of London Business School. The three-part report first sought to assess the performance of the fund's managers and answer the question of whether the fund should pursue active or passive strategies.
"Academic theory says that if markets are efficient then investors should simply hold index funds," Ang says, "and that those pursuing active management will lose money because of the transaction costs associated with paying fees to fund managers."
This view — the efficient markets hypothesis — has evolved since its inception in the 1960s, and its more recent incarnations do take into account transaction costs, financing and other frictions, and that fund managers are either more or less advantaged based on their skills or their access to superior information about the market. Ang and his coresearchers determined that, consistent with these realities, there is no reason for the fund — or any large fund — to pursue a purely passive strategy.
"The fund's large size confers advantages that Norway should make the most of," Ang says. "Large funds have the advantage of being able to do things on a truly global scale and to hold assets with very long payoffs that short-term investors or smaller funds cannot." A large fund can also provide liquidity — the Norwegian fund was one of the largest buyers of equity in the last part of 2008, worldwide — and can buy cheap when most others are selling.
Ang and his coresearchers next conducted a historical evaluation of the fund's long-term performance and assessed whether the fund was being correctly and efficiently managed.
"We found that the fund's managers were doing precisely what they should have been doing: collecting as many sources of risk premiums as possible," Ang says. "There are many strategies for exposing a fund to risk premiums — value investing, exploiting various sources of credit risk or illiquidity risk, selling volatility protection or providing liquidity when others want to sell. The fund should have exposures to these risk factors."
Importantly, the researchers found that the majority of the fund's losses in 2008 and 2009 could be attributed to its pursuit of these factor risk premiums. But the common intuition that the resulting losses were bad for the fund is a superficial one, according to Ang. "It is no mystery that exposure to these is going to result in losses at some point. It is precisely because factors — like credit, liquidity or volatility risk — do badly during certain times that they pay off handsomely in the long run."
Where the fund stumbled, Ang says, was in its failure to clearly communicate the types of active strategies that it was pursuing. "The Norwegian parliament and public are sophisticated about these matters. For example, when equity markets fell dramatically in 2008, there was no outcry because the Norwegians understood that equity markets could crash."
In the case of the more recent discord over losses in the assets under active management, Ang suggests that the Norwegian public should have been made aware of the active investment strategies the fund was pursuing prior to 2008. "They would have understood that such strategies might provide low returns or even losses in the short term, and been steeled to expect the downside," he says.
The final part of the report — and the one of greatest interest to the wider fund management community and to large pension funds in particular — made recommendations on how the fund should be set up to exploit its advantages. The central recommendation is to pursue risk-factor exposures through a passive rather than active strategy, freeing up active management resources to pursue other premiums and mispricing opportunities in the marketplace. There are many sources of dynamic risk premiums other than passive holdings of assets and these should be harvested by investors.
But there is no index fund that provides exposure to, for example, volatility risk. "Part of Norway's problem, and the problem that many investors have right now," Ang says, "is that their benchmark is an asset-based benchmark composed of things like an equity or bond mix, without additional components that would give long-run returns on, for example, volatility risk, value-growth risk, credit risk or other factor exposures."
Ang and his coresearchers developed a framework that provides a way to engineer risk factors into the passive component of a fund — a practical tool capitalizing on factor benchmarks rather than asset benchmarks. The framework also provides a way to holistically look at an investor's portfolio in terms of its underlying risk properties, rather than viewing it solely through the lens of asset classes.
Shifting factor exposure into passive benchmarks shifts decisions about how much factor risk to bear from the fund manager back to the investor. It also allows investors to monitor risk more closely. Active managers should be pursuing strategies that cannot be replicated by factor exposures and thus bringing factors into the benchmark reduces costs to the investor.
"Factor benchmarking is better for investors from a back-pocket point of view," Ang says, "because investors should only be paying for active fund management that cannot be engineered passively."
Andrew Ang is the Ann F. Kaplan Professor of Business in the Finance and Economics Division at Columbia Business School.
Andrew Ang
Andrew Ang is the Ann F. Kaplan Professor of Business at Columbia Business School. He is a financial economist whose work centers on understanding the nature of risk and return in asset prices. His work spans bond markets, equities, investment management and portfolio allocation, and alternative investments. Prof. Ang has served as associate editor for several leading journals, and he has received grants from...
Read the Research
Andrew Ang, William N. Goetzmann, Stephen M. Schaefer
"Norwegian Government Pension Fund–Global"


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Halog Ointment
Oral Propranolol Best for Reducing Infantile Hemangioma »
"The beta-blocker propranolol, especially in oral form, more effectively reduces the size and volume of infantile hemangiomas than placebo, observation, and other treatments such as corticosteroids, according to a meta-analysis published online Ja"...
Read the Oral Propranolol Best for Reducing Infantile Hemangioma article »
Halog Ointment
Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients.
Conditions which augment systemic absorption include the application of the more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use, and the addition of occlusive dressings.
Therefore, patients receiving a large dose of any potent topical steroid applied to a large surface area or under an occlusive dressing should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression by using the urinary free cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests, and for impairment of thermal homeostasis. If HPA axis suppression or elevation of the body temperature occurs, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, substitute a less potent steroid, or use a sequential approach when utilizing the occlusive technique.
Recovery of HPA axis function and thermal homeostasis are generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of the drug. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Occasionally, a patient may develop a sensitivity reaction to a particular occlusive dressing material or adhesive and a substitute material may be necessary.
Children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).
If irritation develops, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.
In the presence of dermatological infections, the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be instituted. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, the corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled.
This preparation is not for ophthalmic use.
Laboratory Tests
A urinary free cortisol test and ACTH stimulation test may be helpful in evaluating HPA axis suppression.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility
Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility of topical corticosteroids.
Studies to determine mutagenicity with prednisolone and hydrocortisone showed negative results.
Teratogenic Effects: Category C
Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. The more potent corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids. Therefore, topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk in quantities not likely to have a deleterious effect on the infant. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when topical corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio.
HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.
Administration of topical corticosteroids to children should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of children.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of 0.1% HALOG OINTMENT (halcinonide ointment) did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Last reviewed on RxList: 11/17/2008
Halog Ointment FDA Prescribing Information
Additional Halog Ointment Information
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.

subset: commoncrawl


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Now you can receive breaking news, weather alerts, and other updates on your mobile phone! Just tell us your wireless phone number and your phone carrier. When breaking news or weather related events occur, we will send text alerts to your phone. Sign in or register below to receive breaking news, weather alerts, and other updates on your mobile phone. Message and data rates may apply. You can text STOP at any time to cancel your subscription, text HELP for more information, or visit www.vibes.com/help.By subscribing to WTOK informational mobile alerts, you certify that you are over 13 years of age or have parental consent, are the account holder or have the account holder's permission, and agree to receive ongoing SMS messages from WTOK. Up to 7 messages are typically delivered per week based on subscription preferences. Service is available on select carriers. In addition to any entry, submission, donation or other fee of which you are notified, your carrier's message and data rates may apply. No purchase is necessary. WTOK will not be liable for any delays in the receipt of any SMS messages as delivery is subject to effective transmission from your network operator. SMS messages are provided on an as is basis. Data obtained from you in connection with SMS service may include your cell phone number, carrier's name, and date, time and content of message. Such information may be used by WTOK to contact you and to provide services you request. SMS messages will be delivered to the phone number the consumer provides for opt-in. You can cancel your alert subscription at any time by texting STOP to 34792. For more information text HELP to 34792 or visit www.vibes.com/help.
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WASHINGTON (November 14, 2012)--Independent Senator-elect Angus King of Maine said Wednesday he has decided to caucus with Democrats, which will add to the party's voting edge.
His decision ended months of speculation about which party he would align with.
The former Maine governor was elected last week to replace retiring Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe, a prominent centrist.
GOP and conservative super PACs spent millions of dollars to attack King during the campaign for Snowe's seat.
With King joining the caucus, Democrats will have a 55 to 45 edge in the Senate.
King said Wednesday that caucusing with Democrats will still allow him to take independent positions on issues.


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NY teen found with fetus in bag at store
Published: Friday, October 18, 2013 at 8:15 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, October 18, 2013 at 7:49 a.m.
NEW YORK (AP) — The results of an autopsy could determine whether two teenage girls are hit with serious charges after one of them was found carrying a dead fetus in a bag while shopping at a Victoria's Secret store in Manhattan.
Police were called to the store Thursday after a security guard on the lookout of shoplifters searched the 17-year-old girls, discovered a strong odor coming from one of their bags and found the fetus.
The girls were arrested on charges of petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, police said. The teenager thought to have given birth was hospitalized, and the other was questioned by police.
One of the girls told detectives she was carrying the remains because she had delivered a day earlier and didn't know what to do, authorities said. It wasn't clear whether the fetus was alive or dead when delivered.
The medical examiner's office was performing an autopsy on the remains, and more charges could follow depending on the results.
A person who answered the phone at the home of the girl believed to have given birth had no comment. No phone number was available at the address provided by police for the second teenager.
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.


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- Dec 16:
- 49ers at Candlestick Park: The Catch II
- Dec 13:
- 49ers at Candlestick: The Catch III
- Dec 9:
- 49ers at Candlestick Park: The Gigantic Comeback
- Nov 29:
- 49ers at Candlestick Park: Steve Young's crazy run
- Nov 27:
- NFL all-time TD leaders, then and now
- 49ers' top Candlestick moments: Jerry Rice sets TD record
- Nov 15:
- 49ers at Candlestick Park: The 10 most-unforgettable moments
- Nov 9:
- 49ers at Candlestick: Kaepernick's playoff gem
- Nov 1:
- Poll: Vote for your most unforgettable San Francisco 49ers moments at Candlestick Park
- 49ers at Candlestick Park: The greatest comeback
George Seifert went 98-30 in his eight years as 49ers coach. He won 10 more games in the postseason, including two Super Bowls.
But there's a hole in Seifert's heart that won't heal. He was the coach when the 49ers fumbled away the January 1991 NFC Championship game and their ticket to a third straight Super Bowl. The 15-13 loss to the New York Giants, as devastating a loss as any in team history, ranks No. 7 in our countdown of the 49ers' most unforgettable moments at Candlestick Park.
"It haunts me to this day," Seifert said recently. "I don't know that ownership has ever forgiven me for losing that game."
"It drained us of everything," said Carmen Policy, the former team president. "We lost the game. We lost our quarterback. We knew if we got to the Super Bowl, we were going to win it. The gloom was unbelievable. I don't recall ever seeing the team or the organization as down as we all were that day."
To this day, no team has won three straight Super Bowls. The 49ers were three minutes away from having the opportunity to make that history, to set themselves apart from all other NFL dynasties, to relegate the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers to an argument about second-best.
The 49ers had survived the loss of quarterback Joe Montana, injured with 10 minutes to play. They led 13-12, with Steve Young at quarterback and running out the clock. They were in Giants territory, at the 40, with 2:42 showing on the clock, when running back Roger Craig fumbled. The Giants recovered and scraped together enough yardage to set up Matt Bahr's 42-yard field goal as time expired.
It was a crushing moment. Candlestick fell into a funereal hush as the ball barely eked over the crossbar. Suddenly, shockingly, the three-peat opportunity was gone, and in agonizing fashion to boot.
Seifert, now 73 and retired to the life of an avid outdoorsman, admitted that he still replays many details of that loss in his head. More than anything, he maintained that the Craig fumble was only one element to the 49ers' epic failure.
"When you have something like that happen, there are a number of things that go into it," he said. "It's not just one player. There were missed blocks and missed tackles. Joe had John Taylor wide open down the field on the play he got hit. There were things we could have done differently. I know I wish I would have run a different play (on the Craig fumble). We shouldn't have even been in that position. But as I look back on it, I can only beat myself up so much."
If it wasn't the end of an era, it was the end of an aura. That game was the last as 49ers for cornerstone stars Craig and Ronnie Lott, both of whom were left unprotected in Plan B free agency and signed by the Los Angeles Raiders. Montana would play only one more game with the 49ers -- the 1992 season-finale that amounted to a ceremonial goodbye.
"I wonder sometimes if we had won that (championship) game and won the Super Bowl, would the moves relative to Plan B have been made? Would it have been different?" said Policy, who then indicated that the fates of both Lott and Craig probably would have been altered.
Anyone associated with the 1990 team, a team that went 14-2 and might have been better than the two previous Super Bowl-winning editions, still carries the pain.
"All we had to do was run out the clock and we fumbled it away," said center Jesse Sapolu. "When people ask me about my four (Super Bowl) rings, I say 'four' with a disappointed face."
Craig, typically loquacious then and now, went a long time without talking about the play. In recent years, he has been more forthcoming, albeit only slightly.
"It's just one play," he told our Daniel Brown in a 2011 story. "That's part of the game. It wasn't meant to be. Joe (Montana) got hurt. The defense couldn't stop them. ... There's never one play where you win or lose. You win and lose as a team."
Even after 22 years, Policy isn't sure anyone is over it, particularly Craig.
"You can't get rid of it," Policy said. "Like Dwight (Clark) and Joe have The Catch, Roger has The Fumble. It's just a terrible thing, just terrible. The team understands, so he's comfortable when he's with his teammates. However, in terms of public persona, I think it still bothers him."
It doesn't bother him any more than the loss bothers Seifert. Asked what he told the team in the anguished locker room afterward, the former coach could barely remember. He recalled saying something to the effect that it's better to put yourself in position for such an achievement than not at all, but it was hollow oratory.
"In situations like that, all you can do is try and be a little philosophical, unless you want to break down in front of a lot of people, which you tend to save for your personal moment," Seifert said.
Before entering the Hall of Fame this past summer, former Giants coach Bill Parcells called that NFC title victory over the 49ers the most satisfying of his career. His team went on to win Super Bowl XXV over Buffalo.
The notion eats at Seifert. He acknowledges that many losses haunt him, going all the way back to the 1957 San Francisco city championship when he was a player. But the Giants loss obliterates them all.
"It's a bitter pill," he said. "Bill Parcells goes into the Hall of Fame, and I'm going hunting."
Follow Carl Steward on Twitter at twitter.com/stewardsfolly.
Candlestick Moments
In honor of the 49ers' final season at Candlestick Park, we count down the team's Most Unforgettable Moments there. Stories will run until Dec. 23, the last regular-season game at the place the 49ers have called home since 1971. The 10 Most Unforgettable Moments -- among them a few that 49ers fans can't forget, no matter how hard they try -- were voted on by our sports staff. You can vote at mercurynews.com/49ers. The fans' top 10 will be revealed before the final game.
1968 Green Bay Packers: Finished 6-7-1, did not make playoffs.
1974 Miami Dolphins: Lost to Oakland 28-26 in AFC divisional round.
1976 Pittsburgh Steelers: Lost to Oakland 24-7 in AFC Championship.
1980 Pittsburgh Steelers: Finished 9-7, did not make playoffs.
1990 San Francisco 49ers: Lost to N.Y. Giants 15-13 in NFC Championship.
1994 Dallas Cowboys: Lost to San Francisco 38-28 in NFC Championship.
1999 Denver Broncos: Finished 6-10, did not make playoffs.
2005 New England Patriots: Lost 27-13 to Denver in AFC divisional round.


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Barbara McCann
A common concern in transportation agencies and elected officials is that implementing Complete Streets policies will cost too much. Such concern is common in communities from Portland, ME to Los Angeles, CA, and is often based in a misperception of the Complete Streets approach, a legitimate concern about already stretched transportation budgets, or an uncertainty that providing for all people is truly worth it. In response, the National Complete Streets Coalition has been working to collect stories and case studies of communities across the country that are planning, designing, and building Complete Streets. With an extended case study from Charlotte, NC and dozens of examples from other communities, we can make the case that not only is a Complete Streets approach worth the investment, but they can be achieved within existing budgets; can help avoid costly mistakes by providing planning and design flexibility; garner new support for all transportation investment; and add lasting community value. This session will draw from those examples, providing attendees with real-world stories to use in their own communities and make the case for local Complete Streets implementation. As budgets continue to tighten and residents and leaders express concern over transportation benefits, this session is not just timely, but vital, to ensuring our communities? streets are accommodating for everyone, regardless of age, ability, income, ethnicity, or mode of travel.


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Formulate more wins with our chemical industry software
Meet increasing uncertainty, complexity, and regulatory oversight head on – with SAP software for the chemical industry. Our solutions use the latest technology and analytics to help improve everything from chemical manufacturing and supply chain management, to sales and CRM. Simplify and accelerate your processes – and gain the agility you need to pivot in the right direction on a dime.


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After being within a second from victory, the McDonald County Mustangs found themselves on the losing end of a late comeback by the host Monett Cubs on Friday.
Leading 42-39, a the Cubs hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to tie the game at the buzzer to tied it and then went on to outscore the Mustangs 8-2 in the overtime period to earn the victory.
It was a bitter loss for the Mustangs, who battled back after a tough start and took the lead late, only to watch the Cubs come storming back.
Drey Fickle paced the Mustangs' offense with 16 points while Josh Serr pitched in 10, Tyler Sherwood eight, Pablo Alvarez six, Josh Wood four and Tyrell Lett two.
Kyle Woods led the Cubs with 23 points.
Location, ST | website.com


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Hi,I'm a 49 yr. old female that has been weightlifting and spinning for quite a while. I started running on a TM about 2 months ago. I am up to 5K. I love it and feel great. I've just decided to enter a 5K race and am very excited about it. Just to spoil everything, I was told today that I am already too old to start running. Other activities such as swimming, elliptical, spinning are safer - but running could be dangerous. Is this true? I know someone out there will tell me what I want to hear. Also, should I continue weightlifting while training for the 5K, if I do decide to do it? Thanks.
neversaynever says it all. Unless you have some health issues which you have failed to mention (I doubt it based on what you're doing) go for it. Surely they were joking, not a runner, or just speaking out of ignorance. Start easy and work up to where you want to be. Buy good shoes from a specialty shoe store.
I don't lift weights but they are good for runners if they are building strength and not bulky muscles.
keep us posted
drinking the wind
p.s. I was told while running XC in highschool that my heart would get enlarged and turn to fat when I got older and quit running. Guess I better not stop running!
Too old to start??? I started when I was 53 years old. Now nearly 55. Love it. Start running if you wish, take it easy, and listen to your body. It'll let you know if thing's are awry.
Started running 4 years ago at age 52 after a 30 year layoff. Have spent about 3 months of that time on the DL due to overuse injuries (like now), but that's only because I like to live on the edge and find out what my limits are. Go for it.
Start easy and follow others advice (not mine)
Good luck
ditto the above. definitely not too late to start! You just can't start out like you are 20-something, but who'd want to be 20-something anyways?? !http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/wink.gif|src=http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/wink.gif|border=0!
as far as weight lifting: yes, continue to do that. weight lifting, training, conditioning - whatever you want to call it is excellent and especially good for your bones which as you know become more porous as we age.
Have fun!
I don't think you're gonna find much negative feed back here, thank god. As with anything just learn the ropes, pay your dues and all those other cliches and you may just like it, like alot even.
You may be too old to beat the 20 somethings but that is why they have age divisions in races....
Be careful. Work progressively. Read and use advice. Set a goal and go for it.
Good luck
When all is said and done, More is said than done
Are ya dead???? If so, yes you are too old to run and read no further. We hear all kids of advise in this forum. It's made a very large positive impact on my running and I owe members here a great debt. If we ask advise, we will eventually hear what we want to hear. Be open to listening to the advise we need. There can be a huge difference. If three sane people offer me similar advise, it may pertain to me. If there are three sane runners, that may be a different forum. Put one foot in front of the other and have fun. Oh yeah....WELCOME!!!!!!
Never regret anything that made you smile, SteveP
My User Profile[/URL" target="_blank">
You came to the right people with THIS question.
I started running after 50 and have been slowly adding miles and speed. Go for it and keep us informed. We would love to encourage and help you, as you inspire us by what you are doing.
Good luck.
hmm, there seems to be at theme developing here.
No, you're not too old. I started at 51.
Have fun, & welcome
neversaynever, you're definitely not too old to start running. I started in my mid 50s, ran my first 5K at age 56 and last summer, at age 62 ran a marathon. I don't think I have any more aches and pains than my sedentary peers. I have an uncle who started running somewhere around age 60. In his early 80s, he was running 3 miles 3 days a week. He's now in his mid to late 80s and, to my knowledge, still running.
........so, the Short Version//.........unless YOU think you're too old, you aren't......
Who told you that? Bet they were out of shape themselves.
Go for it and welcome to the forum!!
ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators.


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Tuesday is expected to be sunny with a high of 100 degrees and a 10 percent chance of rain with SW winds at 13 mph. Overnight lows will drop to 77 and be followed on Wednesday with a high of 99 in partly cloudy skies and a 20 percent chance of rain. SSW winds will blow at 11 mph on Wednesday and overnight lows will drop to 76.
Location, ST | website.com


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When you first see your health care provider for back pain, you will be asked questions about your back pain, including how often it occurs and how severe it is.
Your provider will try to determine the cause of your pain and whether it is likely to quickly get better with simple measures, such as ice, mild painkillers, physical therapy, and exercise.
Questions your health care provider may ask may include:
You will also be asked if you have other symptoms, which may be a sign of a more serious cause. Tell your health care provider if you have had weight loss, fever, a change in urination or bowel habits, or a history of cancer.
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam to try to find the exact location of your pain, and determine how it affects your movement. You will be asked to:
If the pain is worse when you lift your legs straight up while lying down, you may have sciatica, especially if you also feel numbness or tingling in one of your legs.
Your health care provider will also move your legs into different positions, including bending and straightening your knees.
A rubber hammer is used to check your reflexes and to see if your nerves are working properly. Your provider will touch your skin in many places, using a pin, cotton swab, or feather. This reveals how well you can feel, or sense, things. tests.
Chou R, Qaseem A, Snow V, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147:478-491.
On a mission to heal body, mind and spirit


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THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT(2012)*1/2 (C-)Directed by Nicholas StollerStarring Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, Chris Pratt, Rhys Ifans, Alison Brie, Chris Pratt, Kevin Hart, Lauren WeedmanUniversal//Rated R//Comedy//125 minutesAvailable on: DVD, Blu-ray, On-Demand and Digital DownloadExploring the theme of self-sacrifice within romantic love, "The Five-Year Engagement" begins by making its case for a pair of lovebirds meeting at a San Francisco New Year's Eve costume party. Pink bunny Tom (Jason Segel), spots Brit Violet (Emily Blunt) in her Princess Di get-up. Fast-forward to the following New Year's Eve when Tom bungles his ultraromantic proposal, but the wins Violet's acceptance. The setup introduces Tom's doofus coworker Alex (Chris Pratt), and Tom's unhinged boss (Lauren Weedman). Another fast-forward stops at the pair's engagement party, where Violet's drunken sister Suzie (Alison Brie) hooks up with Alex. When Suzie subsequently turns up pregnant, her rushed nuptials with Alex delay Tom and Violet's weddings. Then Violet's accepts a post-doc position at the University of Michigan, Ann Abor. For Tom, accompanying Violet is supposed to represent a major sacrifice, but instead appears to be a lucky escape from a bad work situation. In Michigan, Violet's psychology peers are harmless head cases more in need of treatment than capable of dispensing it. Comparatively normal, Violet's experiment -- involving stale donuts and instant gratification -- is selected for further research by Welch professor Swinton Childs (Rhys Ifans). Meanwhile, Tom puts his chef skills to work at an iconic deli run by a menacing boss. The pair's ensuing on-and-off-again wedding plans are subjected to Violet's extended appointment and Tom's effort to go "Michagander" (depicted as Jeremiah Johnson meets "My Strange Addiction"). Poor communication is the order of the day, and that includes this misfiring comedy's communication with its audience. Its few quirky ideas do little to alleviate the film's two-and-a-half-hour runtime that feels longer than the five years it represents. DVD features: English, Spanish or French language tracks, French or Spanish subtitles, Anamorphic Widescreen. Blu-ray features same plus: Digital Copy, UltraViolet, Feature Commentary with Nicholas Stoller, Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, Chris Pratt, Alison Brie and Rodney Rothman, Documentaries, Deleted Scenes, Extended & Alternate Scenes, Gag Reel, Line-O-Rama, Experiment-O-Rama, Weird Winton, Gonorrhea Trouble, Top Chef: Alex Eilhauer, My Scenes, BD-Live, pocket BLU App. THE HUNGER GAMES(2012)* *1/2 (B-)Directed by Gary RossJennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Wes Bentley, Toby Jones, Alexander Ludwig, Isabelle Fuhrman, Amandla Stenberg, Willow ShieldsFox//Rated PG-13//Science Fiction//142 minutesAvailable on: DVD, Blu-ray, On-Demand and Digital DownloadAdapted from the first in a series of books by Suzanne Collins, the author envisions future Panem (formerly North America), comprised of 12 districts where food supplies are severely rationed. At 18, Katniss living in one of the poorest districts, hunts to feed her younger sister Primrose (Willow Shields). Played by Jennifer Lawrence of the acclaimed "Winter's Bone," Katniss routinely defies the law by using her bow and arrow to bring down squirrel, birds and other prey found in the neighboring where she is frequently accompanied by Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth), the boy she sorta likes. Each year, the annual "Reaping" requires all 12 districts each submit one boy and one girl, aged 12 to 18, to the annual gladiatorial-style games from which only one survivor will emerge. An emissary from the Capital City draws 12-year-old Primrose's name, prompting Katniss to volunteer in her little sister's stead. Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), one of Katniss's few friends is also chosen and the pair is marched off to the capital. The city is a hideous site where a pampered population wears the fashions of Marie Antoinette, festooned with neon touches. After receiving makeovers, the combatants are trotted out to a morbidly adoring public. Katniss and Peeta are mentored by their district's past winner, Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), a cynical, spoiled drunk. Following brief training, the kids are loosed in the arena, a several square mile area of forest and meadows. The ensuing action establishes Katniss's unshakable integrity as she attempt to help those in need, and kills only when her life, or that of whomever she protects, is in imminent danger. Meanwhile, back at Capital headquarters, futuristic technology ensures the games are rigged for the purpose of good TV. Where Collins set out to externalize the struggles of adolescence, this film adaptation cloaks its central character in warm fuzzies that leaves its audience out in the cold. DVD Features: Game maker: Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games phenomenon, The world is watching: Making The Hunger Games, Letters from the Rose Garden, Controlling the game, A conversation with Gary Ross and Elvis Mitchell, Propaganda Film Marketing archive, English, Spanish or French language tracks, French or Spanish subtitles, Widescreen. Blu-ray features same plus: Preparing for the Games: A Director's Process. SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN(2012)* * * (B)Directed by Rupert SandersStarring Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Sam Claflin, Ian McShane, Ray Winstone, Eddie Marsan, Toby Jones, Nick Frost, and Bob HoskinsUniversal//Rated PG-13//Fantasy, Action//128 minutesAvailable on: DVD, Blu-ray, On-Demand and Digital DownloadTo set itself apart from other sentimentalized adaptations of the Grimm fairytale, "Snow White and the Huntsman" provides its evil queen with a backstory, depicts dwarfs that are thieving thugs and finds Snow White (Kristen Stewart) beset by two suitors. She is master of her own fate, fighting and killing as required. Murderous Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) fell into psychosis after her home town was invaded and her mother, who managed to cast a spell granting young Ravenna eternal youth and beauty, was killed. The gifts exact a terrible toll. Ravenna's magical mirror drips from the wall and morphs into a prophesying, metallic man. Ravenna kills the king and imprisons Snow White in the castle tower. Snow's youth will be consumed by Ravenna on the girl's 18th birthday. To save herself, Snow White stabs her keeper and escapes. First-time feature director Rupert Sanders creates a well-paced adventure that maintains its momentum, and frequently, its tension. He creates stunning special effects, whether in the mud of the dark forest, the muted metal and stone of the castle, or the a vibrant sanctuary that plays host to the dwarfs. Snow White is magically connected to animals and fairies, but she's no shoo-in with the huntsman sent to kill her, or with an octet of disenfranchised dwarfs. Stewart credibly projects an array of emotion and gives them depth. Other versions presume we will love the princess and hate the usurping queen without further justification. "Snow White and the Huntsman" wants us to feel something more, and we do. DVD features: English, Spanish or French language tracks, French or Spanish subtitles, Anamorphic Widescreen. Blu-ray features same plus: Digital Copy, UltraViolet. JEEPERS CREEPERS (2001)* *1/2Directed by Victor SalvaStarring Gina Philips, Justin Long, Jonathan Breck , Patricia Belcher, Eileen BrennanMGM//Rated R//Horror//90 minutesAvailable on: Blu-rayThe quarrelsome relationship of siblings provides an inspired arena for Victor Salva's slasher-horror flick. Driving home from college, on central Florida's country roads, Trish and Darry (Gina Philips and Justin Long) test one another and bicker with a familiar mix of love and animosity. The realistic nature of these exchanges sets an ordinary tone that writer-director Salva juxtaposes with his otherworldly man-creature, a murderous winged predator driving a vehicle that is even uglier than himself. In a rusty old truck-van, outfitted for ramming cars with its attached cattle catcher, he attacks the kids. Though they flee, he has caught their scent, pursuing them through a series of back water towns. The strangely unconcerned townsfolk appear to know more than they are saying, while clueless cops are lambs to the creature's slaughter. Mainly a cast of unknowns, Patricia Belcher appears as a gospel quoting psychic, while the one recognizable actor, Eileen Brennan, portrays a batty old woman living with a score of angry kitties. However uneven Salva's effort is, "Jeepers Creepers" scores some genuinely scary moments and uses its memorable titular song, to creepy effect. Blu-ray features: English, Spanish or French language tracks, French or Spanish subtitles, widesecreen. GOOD WILL HUNTING: 15th Anniversary Edition(1997)* * *1/2 (A-)Directed by Gus Van SantStarring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Robin WilliamsLionsgate//Rated R//Drama//126 minutesAvailable on: Blu-rayReal-life friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck write and star in the story of Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a troubled young genius. While working as a janitor at M.I.T., Will's talents come to the attention of a university math professor. Hoping to capitalize on the lad's abilities, the professor extricates him from trouble with the law. The court orders counseling for Will whose difficulty in trusting others is revealed through his confrontational exchanges with his therapist (Robin Williams). The issues raised in therapy cause the counselor to reexamine his own life. Honest characterizations and flawless portrayals by this pair draw us into their emotional journey. Blu-ray features: 4-Part Retrospective - Reflecting on a Journey: Good Will Hunting 15 Years Later,The Era of Good Will Hunting, Cast and Crew Spotlight, Academy Awards: A Winning Season, Life Goes On, Matt Damon Remembers Good Will Hunting, Audio Commentary by Director Gus Van Sant and Academy Award Screenwriting Winners Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, 11 Deleted Scenes with Audio Commentary, Production Featurette, Academy Award Best Picture Montage, "Miss Misery" Music Video, Behind-the-Scenes Footage, Theatrical Trailer, English, French, German, Spanish subtitles, widescreen. SWIMFAN(2002)* * (C)Directed by John PolsonStarring Jesse Bradford, Erika Christensen, Shiri ApplebyFox//Rated PG-13//Drama//85 minutesAvailable on: DVDThe star swimmer of his high school team, Ben's (Bradford) future looks bright. He's got it all, including the perfect girlfriend (Appleby), until things spin out of control after a night of passion with Madison (Christensen). Ben tries to end the affair, but Madison won't go away. Finally, a date movie that'll do your boyfriend some good. DVD features: deleted scenes with optional commentary, The Girlfriend from Hell featurette, English, Spanish or French language tracks, French or Spanish subtitles, widescreen. Also OutBAD KARMA(2011)Starring Ray Liotta, Dominic Purcell and Andy McPhee, Vanessa GrayAnchor Bay//Rated R//Drama//87 minutesAvailable on: DVDJack Malloy is a reformed career criminal until his former partner Drake (Purcell) blackmails Jack into pulling one last job. Jack's determination to lead an honest life is matched by Drake psychotic need for vengeance, as Jack realizes that only one of them is going to emerge from the job alive. DVD features: English or Spanish tracks and subtitles,Anamorphic Widescreen. SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE: The Complete Second Season(2011)Created by Steven S. DeKnightStarring Andy Whitfield, Lucy Lawless, Manu BennettStarz//Not Rated//Action//440 MinutesAvailable on: DVD and Blu-rayThe sandal and toga epic that began with "Spartacus: Blood and Sand." Gaius Claudius Glaber leads Roman troops in an effort to crush the rebellion led by Spartacus (Whitfield) and other gladiators, and joined by freed slaves. Spartacus must choose between avenging his wife's death, or holding the rebellious forces together. The second season continues to feature bloody action and bawdy sexual escapades. 3-Disc DVD or Blu-ray features: Making of Spartacus: Vengeance, Behind the Camera: Directing the Rebellion, On Set with Liam McIntyre, The Legend of Spartacus, Famous Last Words, Bloopers, 9 Extended Episodes and Audio Commentaries (Blu-ray only), English or Spanish language tracks and subtitles, widescreen.
Back to: News
September 14, 2012
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- Mar 5:
- Mercury News editorial: Election to replace Shirakawa best choice
- Santa Clara County's District 2 will elect a new supervisor
- Mar 4:
- Shirakawa's vacant seat: Santa Clara County supervisors weigh how, when to replace him
- Mercury News editorial: Shirakawa opening probably will require special election
- Mar 1:
- Shirakawa's exit highlights county's rules for succession
When the Santa Clara County supervisors voted Tuesday to hold a June 4 special election to fill the vacancy created by George Shirakawa Jr.'s resignation, they left modest room for debate next Tuesday on a second reading.
Supervisor Joe Simitian said someone might make the argument for appointing a successor who would then stand for election in 2014. As I look around, I think that job falls to me. Three factors explain why the board is making a mistake.
THE POLITICS -- Let's talk practical politics. There are really only two serious candidates. One is labor leader and ex-San Jose Councilwoman Cindy Chavez. The other is Teresa Alvarado, a former supervisorial candidate and a communications executive with the Santa Clara Valley Water District. Alvarado is the superior candidate. She's smart and analytical and does not bring the baggage of Chavez. But either would be a huge improvement over Shirakawa Jr.
Why doesn't the board exercise the option of picking one of them? There was a lot of talk about the virtues of democracy and the notion that four other supervisors, all white males, should not presume to pick someone for the heavily minority District 2. I don't doubt their sincerity. But consider the political equation. To pick either Chavez or Alvarado is to offend the other. If you're ambitious in politics, and all four board members are, you want to avoid creating such offense.
THE COST -- The Registrar of Voters has estimated that a special election in June will cost $1 million. You can safely double that, because there's likely to be a runoff. So we're likely to spend $2 million -- the cost of hiring, say, 10 prosecutors for a year -- for an election that might draw only 15,000 voters. Ask voters whether they'd prefer $130 apiece in better county services like home health care. I bet the answer is yes.
Elections are not quite the exercise in transparency that board President Ken Yeager claims they are. In the Citizens United era, campaigns can be perverted by independent fundraising groups. Even in the best of circumstances, an election saddles a new supervisor with political debts. A 2008 election, after all, introduced the glorious tenure of Shirakawa Jr.
THE TRANSITION -- With budget hearings coming up, District 2 deserves to have a supervisor as quickly as possible. Under the board's schedule, the earliest a new supervisor could take office would be mid-June, and then only if there was a clear victor in the primary. No one should forget that there is a precedent for appointment. After Zoe Lofgren was elected to Congress in 1994, the board appointed Blanca Alvarado, Teresa's mother, as her successor. You cannot say Blanca did not fight for her people.
The fallacy in the pro-election argument is that an appointment deprives people of their right to be heard. That's poppycock. U.S. senators are appointed to fill vacancies. So, routinely, are judges. The public will get a chance to vet the choice in June 2014.
The board ought to set up a series of public interviews that allow the candidates to answer tough questions from residents and board members.
Then, after conferring among themselves, the supervisors should take a public vote. If it ends with a tie, flip a coin between Chavez and Alvarado. It will be a cheaper and more rational process than the route they've chosen.
Contact Scott Herhold at 408-275-0917 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/scottherhold.


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BERKELEY -- One of the first tasks facing the winners of two at-large school board seats here will be choosing a new superintendent, a process that until now has been mired in criticism and controversy.
Current board member John Selawsky is not seeking re-election and board member Beatriz Leyva-Cutler is running for a second term.
The search for a new superintendent started last January, shortly after Superintendent Bill Huyett announced his retirement. But the current board, which paid a search firm $30,000 to find candidates for the job, has been criticized for choosing a finalist who later backed out after parents and teachers unearthed a 2008 memo he wrote against gay marriage.
Edmond Heatley, who was superintendent of Clayton County Public Schools near Atlanta when the Berkeley board announced he was their final candidate, wrote the memo while he was superintendent of the Chino Valley Unified School District. The memo, urging his school board to take a stand against gay marriage, caused an uproar in Berkeley, and Heatley withdrew.
The search for a new superintendent is on hold until after the current election.
"Without a doubt we need a new search firm," said candidate Judy Appel, a lawyer and executive director of Our Family Coalition, a group that advocates for gay and lesbian families in schools. "There is no question they failed. It's the board's responsibility to keep the people working for them on task."
Appel said that if elected she would rebuild community confidence in the board and unify it to make sure "we are a place a super-star superintendent would want to come."
She said a new search firm would know what Berkeley wants and does not want in a candidate before it sought them out and she would restart the process of gathering community input that the current board started last spring.
"We need to make an extra effort to reach the people who don't come to the meetings," Appel said. "We need to get input from the community, set good solid criteria, and once you have good candidates you need to vet them fully."
Beatriz Leyva-Cutler said the failed search for a new superintendent is usually the first issue that comes up when she speaks on the campaign trail.
She too would get a new search firm and she would participate in any site visit to a prospective superintendent's current place of work. Leyva-Cutler said she did not go to Atlanta to visit Heatley's place of work because she didn't have time. Only one board member went on that site visit, but she contends that number is adequate to gather information and report back.
"The board definitely heard the desires of the community (about what kind of person it wants) and we're going to incorporate that in the search," Leyva-Cutler said. "What happened with the search didn't happen in our favor. But looking ahead we will identify the next leader with a background in instructional leadership, someone who has been a principal, a teacher and a superintendent, and who has experience in community and family engagement."
Tracy Hollander, a former classroom teacher, said she believes the search firm was partly at fault in not bringing good candidates, but the board should take more responsibility for its actions.
"You can't just blame the search firm," Hollander said. "The board members need to be active as well. Before we go looking, we need to decide what we're looking for. We need input from educational experts within our community who understand our issues."
Hollander said she would seek out a candidate who is a "good instructional leader, not someone who is just good at balancing a budget."
Hollander said she would "absolutely go do a site visit and make sure I interview people."
Norma Harrison, who also is a former teacher, declined to answer questions about the search for a new superintendent because her desire to move toward a more socialist system make it irrelevant.
"Given that school is a badly placed institution in society serving the capitalist system, my focus is not to maintain it, but to surpass and to advance our struggles for justice, which is the struggle to build socialism," Harrison said.
Doug Oakley covers Berkeley. Contact him at 510-843-1408. Follow him at Twitter.com/douglasoakley.
Name: Norma
Age: 77
Party: Peace and Freedom
Occupation: Residential real estate agent
Professional Background: Former elementary school teacher in Chicago, Indiana, Israel, Roanoke Va.
Personal: Widow, two children
Education: Bachelor's degree in education from Roosevelt University, Chicago; associate of art's degree from Southeast Junior College, Chicago
Website: www.normaharrisonforschoolboard.info
Name: Judy Appel
Age: 47
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Executive Director, Our Family Coalition (Gay and Lesbian Family Support, Welcoming School and Advocacy)
Professional Background: Past member of Berkeley schools superintendent budget advisory task force; former legal director, Drug Policy Alliance; former PTA president at Oxford Elementary School in Berkeley
Education: UC Hastings College of the Law; masters in city and regional planning from UC Berkeley
Personal: Wife, Alison Bernstein, two children, 14, and 11
Website: www.judyappel.org
Name: Tracy Hollander
Age: 42
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Full time school volunteer; Berkeley PTA Council; part time data analyst
Professional Background: Former classroom teacher in east Harlem, N.Y.; San Francisco; Brisbane, Calif.
Education: Bachelor's degree in philosophy, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Personal: Married, two children
Website: www.tracyhollander2012.org
Name: Beatriz Leyva-Cutler
Age: 56
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Berkeley School Board Member; Executive Director of Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement
Professional Background: Co-chair of Chicana-Latina Foundation; member of National Latino Children's Institute
Personal: Widow, two adult children
Education: Master's degree in human development from Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena, Calif.
Web Site: reelectbeatrizforschoolboard.nationbuilder.com


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Ontario County Sheriff's deputies say a Livingston County woman is facing charges after she was allegedly driving to pick up her six-year-old from a birthday party while she was impaired by drugs.
Deputies say witnesses reported seeing a driver swerving in and out of traffic around 3 p.m. Sunday. Investigators say the driver, 32-year-old Jamie Rossborough, was arrested at the CVS in Honeoye.
Deputies say prior to the arrest, she stole two bottles of whiskey from nearby liquor store. Rossborough is charged with DWAI, Reckless Driving and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Rossborough is scheduled to answer to those charges in Richmond Town Court at a later date.
Location, ST | website.com


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Wreaths Across America (WAA), a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, announced that Jersey Mike's has donated $218,282 to support its mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach our children the value of freedom.
From June 30–July 29, Jersey Mike's celebrated its third annual "Christmas in July" with a nationwide fundraising and awareness campaign to benefit WAA.
Every Jersey Mike's location participated in the campaign, collecting donations from friends, family, customers, and community members. Customers helped raise approximately $100,000, which Jersey Mike's matched.
In addition, the company donated $1 for every "like" its fundraising efforts inspired on Facebook to raise an additional $18,282.
The money raised will help WAA lay more than 225,000 wreaths—one for every fallen hero's headstone—at Arlington National Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day, scheduled for Saturday, December 15, 2012.
Along with recognizing the sacrifices of the past and present, WAA counts educating children as one of the chief missions of its campaign. Each year many students make the annual trip to Arlington National Cemetery to participate in the wreath-laying ceremonies.
"We can't thank Jersey Mike's enough for this remarkable donation and for its continued support of our mission," says Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. "We are committed to teaching our nation's children about the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom. It's our belief that they make the connection in a significant way when they place a wreath on the headstone of someone who gave his or her life for us."
Last year, with the help of its customers, Jersey Mike's raised $100,000, which helped WAA place 90,000 wreaths at Arlington on National Wreaths Across America Day.
"A big 'thank you' to our customers and employees who helped us exceed our goal of raising $200,000 for Wreaths Across America during this year's Christmas in July initiative," says Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike's founder and CEO.
"In addition to honoring the memory of the fallen, our youth need to understand the value of freedom in this country and that is part of Wreaths Across America's mission that really strikes a chord with me," he adds. "We're proud to be playing a part in making that happen because at Jersey Mike's, our mission is to 'make a difference in someone's life.' It's something we've prided ourselves on since the beginning of the company in 1956."
In past years, Cancro and other Jersey Mike's executives have participated in the day's ceremonies, and franchise owners from across the nation have attended.
The events begin with a weeklong annual pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery to deliver the wreaths.
Known as the world's largest veterans parade, the Wreaths Across America convoy stops at schools, monuments, veterans' homes, and communities each year. The goal is to remind people of the organization's mission to teach younger generations about the value of their freedom and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed their lives to protect those freedoms.
During the month-long Christmas in July promotion, Jersey Mike's showed a video in all its restaurants of a special concert organized by Jersey Mike's to raise awareness for Wreaths Across America.
Held in June aboard the historic Battleship New Jersey in Camden, New Jersey, the concert featured performances by country singer Corey Wagar, Broadway star Mary D'Arcy, the Liberty Bells, and the 63rd Army Band. Holiday Express, a group of professional musician volunteers, also performed. This 10-minute video included a personal appeal from Cancro asking customers to support the cause.


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NEW: For a prettier blog interface, see the Wordpress version!
Meeting with Albert Martinez 6764 Ayala Ave. Makati (beside Enterprise)
STI has standard courseware thorughout the system, and their training is usually based on that, but they want more than just the thing that they're teaching, so last year, they tried to have traiining where they had invited speakers from others. There were faculty members that were delighted, but there were others who were frustrated xecasue they don't want to learn more than they have to teach. So new t: two tracks, one track based entirely on courseware, and some trainers from outside as well. Last summer, the same thing happned, discrete math, java, etc. and at the same time, training on cryptography, machine translation, robotics that w don't really teach in the first place. purpose: faculty. personal growth. another purpose, students w improvement thesis... bihira yung ibang magandang thesis, so gusto kong iimprove yun. Thesis advisors. Normally, modular training. Ex: cryptograhy; three days training, and then follow-up in october. PThey think of a project, and the students do it, so that even the students develop. Collaboration between teacher and student. So yun ang gusto kong mangyari.
programming before kasi, ang ginagawa nila, invite speakers, 2 days, no follow-up. Now they want limited training, but more follow-up. Objective, why did you attend, how can you apply it, and self-chosen deadline.
overview components applications developing a simple application Basic applictaions that could be mixed with existing
- basic components of wearable computing - theories - simple project, maybe a month
try to put yourself in the shoes
classify two types of projects: cool projects and commercially viable projects
1. Exim port : 18:05
driver = smtp port = 1234
driver = lookuphost transport = firewalled_smtp domains = foo1.my.com:foo2.my.com:foo3.my.com
2. CS21A -- education
Hey, maybe we can sneak in a little Class.forName("...") . It's a cool way to underscore how interfaces allow you to treat objects in a generic matter, and it's great for the zoo thing. I think this is something I have to write myself, as it combines too many advanced concepts. =) Note to self: prepare that tonight.
3. Software assistants
4. Augmented memory in fiction and history
Remember oliver, the electronic personality extender predicted by Alvin Toffler in "Future Shock" ...?
There's an interesting passage about olivers in John Brunner's excellent novel, "The Shockwave Rider":
"... so-called olivers, electronic alter-egos designed to save the owner the strain of worrying about all his person-to-person contacts. A sort of twenty-first-century counterpart to the ancient Roman nomenclator, who discreetly whispered data into the ear of the emperor and endowed him with the reputation of a phenomenal memory." (pp. 41-42)
5. SSH pfft
6. Spam, viruses, worms, yadayadayada
Tip for anti-virus companies: From: headers are not to be trusted in this day and age. Heck, I can't even trust whitelists and blacklists are also useless. Maybe graylists... I could put that in BBDB, but I can't control the mailing lists.
I'd love to hear about any questions, comments, suggestions or links that you might have. Your comments will not be posted on this website immediately, but will be e-mailed to me first. You can use this form to get in touch with me, or e-mail me at [email protected] .


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I really like this song. It is by T.I.
I really like the language.
Rap makes modern poetry look stupid. "I'm fast as lightning bro ya better use ya Nike's bro." Mark Yakich where you at?
What You Know
What you know about that?
What you know about that?
What you know about that?
don't you know I got
key by the three when I chirp shawty chirp back
Louis nap sack
where I hold'n all tha work at
What you know about that?
What you know about that?
What you know about that?
I know all about that
Loaded 44s on the low where the cheese at
Fresh off the jet to the Jects where the G's at
See me in ya city sittin pretty kno I'm shining dawg
Ridin wid a couple Latin brawds and a china doll
And you kno how we ball
Ridin in shiny cars
Walk in designer malls
Buy everything we saw
You know about me dogg
Don't talk about me dogg
And if you doubt me dogg
You better out me dogg
I'm throwed off slightly bro
Don't wanna fight me bro
I'm fast as lightning bro ya better use ya Nike's bro
Know you don't like me cause
Yo bitch most likely does
She see me on them dubs
In front of every club
I be on dro I'm buzzed
Give every ho a hug
Niggaz don't show me mugs
Cause you don't know me cuz
Candy on the '64
Leather guts and fish bowl
50 on the pinky ring just to make my fist glow
Ya bitches get low
Because I get dough
So what? I'm rich ho
I still pull a-kick-do' (kick ya door down)
What you talking shit fo'?
gotta run and hit fo'?
Got you a yellin and I thought you put out a gun hit fo
But you's a scary dude
Believed by very few
Just keep it very cool
Or we will bury you
See all that attitude's, unnecessary dude
You never carry tools not even square, he cube
You got these people fooled, who see you on the tube
Whatever try the crew, they'll see you on the news
Fresh off the jet to the block
Burn a rubber with a top-pop
I'll pop and bust a shot and tell em stop and make the block hot
Ya label got got
Cuz you are not hot
I got the top spot
And it will not stop
A video or not that will bust it to the glock stop
Drag ya out that Bentley Coupe and take it to the chop shop
Partner, we got ya'll
If it may pop off
I'll answer the question "Will I get ya block knocked off?"
And what it is bro
Look I'll kill ya, bro
I'm in your hood, if you a gangsta what you hid for?
Somebody better get bro for he get sent for
You say you wanna squash it what you still talkin shit for?


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Every winter, across from Lithia Park, a seemingly simple parking lot turns into one of the hottest attractions in downtown Ashland. The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, open until Feb. 26, is popular with everyone from toddlers clinging to their parents' legs to pro skaters, gliding over the ice like fish slipping through water.
The first element you'll notice if you go to the rink is the glassy white ice and a large blue Zamboni machine, waiting at ease for when it will be needed to smooth out the surface. The ice iron doesn't idle for long, considering the hordes of people who huddle in the rink most nights. Music, from Jimi Hendrix to modern pop songs and ballroom dance, fills the air, competing with the sounds of laughter and people talking. Insert yourself into this jumble and it makes for the perfect winter evening or afternoon diversion.
Located at 95 Winburn Way, the rink has a facility that rents skates, from kid-sized up to adult size 13, and sells gloves, hats and hot chocolate. A small cafe is also on the premises. Plus, the playground is right across the street, which is a great escape for apres-skating playtime.
The hours vary daily. Check out the Ashland Parks and Rec department or www.ashland.or.us/Files/IceRinkSchedule_NovDec12-13_Online.pdf for more information.
Amelia Covert Zeve, 13, is an Ashland-based writer and wilderness enthusiast who attends Ashland Middle School. Contact her at email@example.com.
Location, ST | website.com


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The Family & Intercultural Resource Center often hosts classes and seminars applicable to families and parents. Many of these are targeted for specific audiences. Back in November, however, FIRC decided to open its one-time "Beyond Timeout" seminar class to the public, hoping to widen its reach. The response was unexpected. Not only did more than 40 parents show up to listen to the presentation, but surveys conducted afterward conveyed appreciation for the seminar and a strong interest in continuation."We were pleasantly surprised to have such a large turnout," said Susan Turner, who led the class.Turner's second class, follow-up to the first, will take place Tuesday at the Summit County Community and Senior Center.A retired clinical psychologist, Turner has volunteered her time and skills to FIRC classes and education groups for the past five years. The "Beyond Timeout" class focuses on tactics and strategies for dealing with children between 2-12. Based on the book "1-2-3 Magic" by psychologist Thomas Phelan, Turner will discuss "start behaviors," which are positive behaviors parents should encourage in their children. The presentation is the companion to the November class, which overviewed the negative "stop behaviors.""It's a program I've used in my career for a long time and really think that it's especially helpful because it's not too complicated and it offers pretty straightforward effective results for families," Turner said. "It takes those everyday life circumstances that you have with kids and helps you tip the balance from being challenging to something that doesn't feel physically and emotionally exhausting."Based on the turnout from the previous class, Turner believes that her presentation is meeting a need within the community. "Our lifestyle now is that many families are raising young children without the support of family," Turner said. "Finding support in the community is really helpful and important. I also think that there are lots of stresses on families with young kids right now. Having the community set up and offer (the classes) is tremendous and I think it really speaks highly to Summit County that this kind of programming is available. I think it's very pertinent to families right now."Organizers at FIRC said that they had taken note of the interest in the open class."They really appreciated Susan Turner's knowledge and examples," said Kerri Bowen, parent education services coordinator at FIRC. "They wanted her to come back to do more and specifically mentioned these 'start behaviors.'"Turner, for her part, said she is happy to comply."I was delighted to see what the response was," she said. "I think it does speak to families wanting this kind of information. Not every family is going to choose or be able to go work with a counselor or therapist on their own, and they don't need to, oftentimes. Getting this support in the community is really what's most helpful."
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February 20, 2013
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The Ugli fruit found in the market is not differentiated by variety, but may have skin that is greenish or yellow-orange in color.
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TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. - With the IRS tax filing deadline just around the corner, there good news for local, free preparation. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) are teaming up again this year in the Tahoe region with local tax aide volunteers to offer free tax preparation assistance for low and middle income individuals, with special attention for those aged 60 and over.
Alex Graham, Frank Schneller and Georgia Smith are the tax aide volunteers who will assist residents with their tax preparations at the Family Resource Center of Truckee (FRCoT) and the North Tahoe Family Resource Center in Kings Beach.
Graham, who has a Master's degree in Taxation, has volunteered through the AARP program for more than 14 years. Schneller, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), has been volunteering for the past six years. Now volunteering with the program for the second year, Smith is a retired FDIC bank examiner and local bookkeeper. Each year, the volunteers take an IRS-sponsored class and exam to ensure they are up to date on the latest changes to the tax code.
When asked why they devote so much time to this program, Schneller and Graham stated they felt the need to serve their community and felt a great sense of satisfaction in addressing a local need. Graham said, "There is a real need in the community for education regarding taxes."
Schneller said he felt "happy to use a skill he had to help those in financial need get the full tax refund that they are entitled to." The volunteers have partnered with the FRCoT because they feel this organization has its finger on the pulse of the community and already works with the clientele they aim to serve.
According to Schneller, residents associate the FRCoT with quality services and feel comfortable getting their taxes prepared in an environment in which they already get valuable services.
These tax preparation services are available to locals of all income levels and all ages, as long as their taxes do not include complex or business returns. Taxes are filed electronically, ensuring refunds are received quickly. The volunteers will file both federal and state returns, ensuring all who file get the maximum credits and deductions.
Family Advocates at the FRCoT are able to provide translation services as well as connect participants to other community resources. While these services are provided free of charge, donations are gladly accepted.
The volunteers are providing their services at the FRCoT, by appointment only. The dates of the free service are: March 9, 15, 23, 29; and April 6 and 12. Call 530-587-2513 as soon as possible to schedule your appointment!
Services at the NTFRC Kings Beach will take place on the following dates: March 7, 14, 21, 28; and April 4 and 11. Call 530-546-0952 to schedule an appointment.


text: The meningitis vaccine NeisVac-C is a group C meningococcal polysaccharide conjugated to tetanus toxoid. The polysaccharide is recovered from the Neisseria meningitidis cell capsule and is purified by base treatment with subsequent diafiltration to remove hydrolyzed cell impurities. Purified polysaccharide is clear to slightly cloudy. A recent group of successive lots contained large amounts of precipitate that had not been observed in 10 previous years of commercial manufacturing. The precipitate was mostly composed of the sodium salt of palmitic acid (C16:0) with lesser amounts of palmitoleic (C16:1), oleic (C18:1), stearic (C18:0) and myristic (C14:0) sodium salts. The elevated fatty acid levels that formed the precipitate were linked to a damaged pump used during harvest. Replacement of the damaged pump corrected the issue and >15 lots have since been produced without precipitation.


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John Travolta said he's talked with at least one producer of James Bond movies about playing a Bond villain.
Travolta recently told U.K. publication The Telegraph his dream role is playing a villain in a James Bond film.
"I would love that," Travolta said. "They're going a different way with their villain in the next film but I've spoken to Barbara Broccoli about it and she loves the idea, so that would be great."
They could call it "Bond versus Vinnie Barbarino."
Broccoli is a film producer responsible for the last three Bond films -- "Skyfall," "Quantum of Solace" and "Casino Royal" -- starring Daniel Craig as 007. Whether Travolta's discussions with Broccoli were legitimate remains to be seen.
Travolta has done bad guys in films like "Swordfish," "The Punisher" and "Face/Off." He is also supposed to play a tough guy in a few upcoming films, including playing John Gotti in a biopic.
Travolta told the Telegraph he would not "close the chapter on playing villains" until he hits the highest level with a Bond film.
Contact Tony Hicks at Facebook.com/BayAreaNewsGroup.TonyHicks or Twitter.com/insertfoot.


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Wednesday, November 24, 2010
"Day Before" Mashed Potatoes
I think of all the stressful things about putting together a Thanksgiving dinner, the mashed potatoes cause me the most stress. It's the whole timing thing. Everything is done at once and I'm over in the corner getting a potato steam facial while I'm frantically trying to get them ready.
It wouldn't be such a huge deal, but I have one particular family member who holds my holiday mashed potatoes on a pedestal. She tells me they beat out her own mother's and both of her grandmothers'. (How's that for a complement..... and added pressure!)
I always use a ricer when I make mashed potatoes. It really does make a difference in the fluffiness factor. You could also use a food mill if you have one.
Please keep in mind that these are my "holiday" mashed potatoes, so you'll be more inclined to forgive me for the inordinate amount of fat that I'm adding. It is Thanksgiving after all.
I have these potatoes in a covered crock pot in the fridge as you're reading this post. (You're wondering, does she ever sleep?) Tomorrow I will remove them from the fridge and let them come to room temperature before turning on the heat. The main idea is to gently warm them without recooking or burning them. You made need to add a little extra half & half to fluff them back up again and always remember to put that big pat of butter on the top before serving, just cuz it makes them look gorgeous.
"Day Before" Mashed Potatoes
5 lbs medium- sized russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
4 cloves garlic, peeled
kosher salt
1 stick butter (cut into 8 tablespoons, room temperature)
1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4- 1 cup half & half (room temperature)
Place prepared potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot of cool water. Bring to a boil, season with a moderate amount of salt, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, 18-20 minutes. Drain.
Rice the potatoes and garlic into a large bowl. Add the butter, sour cream and cream cheese. Stir well. Slowly add in the half & half, whipping the potatoes until desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt if needed. Place potatoes in crock pot and let cool before covering and transferring to refrigerator. On the day of serving, remove crock pot from fridge and let come to room temperature before turning heat on low and reheating potatoes.
19 comments:
- Nanan said...
NO one eats the TURKEY anyway hahahah - it is all about the sides!!!!!!! Especially when YOU make the sides - those look SO good!
- November 24, 2010 at 8:18 AM
- June said...
Too funny Mags - that's my mashed recipe too, although sometimes I reduce the garlic and add horseradish instead. You're absolutely right - using a ricer's the only way to go. You sure are organized...today's my all day cookin' day!
- November 24, 2010 at 8:59 AM
- PlumpNotFat said...
I have a friend who stated that they aren't making mashed potatoes because they're having sweet potatoes....WHUT?? Like you can have too many potatoes? Crazy people!
What a great idea to make these ahead of time - and perhaps steal a bite or four for yourself right after making - need to make sure they're good. :)
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
- November 24, 2010 at 9:10 AM
- Mary said...
These look delicious, Mags. The make-aheads make dinner much easier to get to the table. I hope you and those you love have a wonderful holiday. Blessings...Mary
- November 24, 2010 at 9:36 AM
- Mary said...
I'm so jealous of everyone who is celebrating thanksgiving this weekend! I live in Canada so we celebrated last month BUT after reading this post I have a feeling I'm going to need a fix some potatoes and stuffing asap!!!
Mary xo
- November 24, 2010 at 10:35 AM
- Frieda said...
Mags, you are killin' me here! I'm working on pies and rolls and have yet to think about taters. BTW, a HUGE "Thank You!" for linking the dinner roll post. It's my most popular post, due to YOU!
- November 24, 2010 at 2:50 PM
- Ken Myers said...
Where? Second plate! Then pile it high!
- November 24, 2010 at 5:49 PM
oh yummm...these look fantastic...how long do you usually have them on low in the crock pot until they come to serving temp?? Thanks for the great post...
- November 24, 2010 at 6:06 PM
- Mags @ the Other Side of 50 said...
anonymous:that varies by crock pot of course, but once brought to room temperature, they should be warm (set on low) in an hour or so.
- November 24, 2010 at 7:07 PM
- Julie said...
My sister in law makes these too. They're so amazingly good!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
- November 24, 2010 at 8:05 PM
- Laurie@The Baking Bookworm said...
Mmmm. Very similar to how I like to make my mashed potato casserole. The sour cream and cream cheese add a richness to it. I actually have some in my fridge right now because I made it the other day! Happy Turkey Day to you Mags!
- November 24, 2010 at 8:09 PM
- Mags @ the Other Side of 50 said...
Thank you for all your kind comments and I wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!!
- November 24, 2010 at 8:13 PM
Best taters ever seriously! They are amazing and the only way to celebrate thanksgiving!
- November 24, 2010 at 8:20 PM
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question...these will be on my Christmas menu for sure...Happy Thanksgiving..
- November 24, 2010 at 11:24 PM
- Sonia (Nasi Lemak Lover) said...
I love this kind of classic mashed potatoes, i must try your recipe one day. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
- November 25, 2010 at 4:16 AM
- Barbara Bakes said...
I can see why you're famous for your potatoes. They sound decadent and delicious! I'm doing my potatoes early and putting them in the crockpot too. Maybe I'll throw in some extra butter and sour cream too now. Happy Thanksgiving!
- November 25, 2010 at 8:56 AM
- Karen said...
I use a ricer, too... can't beat it for fluffy potatoes! I make my mashed potatoes a few hours before dinner, then put them in a covered stainless pan over some simmering water. Keeps them hot right up to dinner!
- November 26, 2010 at 11:22 AM
- Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction said...
These potatoes look divine! I need to get a potato ricer, despite my hatred of gadgets. I really think it's the tool for the job, and mashing by hand just isn't fun.
- November 27, 2010 at 10:21 PM
- Tboy said...
What about following this recipe, but the "day of" adding a few potatoes whipped with a mixer. Would it taste like the real thing?
- December 16, 2012 at 12:05 PM


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- Apr 30:
- A 'Great Gatsby' party with spirited sips and noshes
- Gatsby Party Recipe: Moet Imperial Gatsby
- Gatsby Party Recipe: The Grapefruit Gatsby
- Gatsby Party Recipe: Mint Julep
- Gatsby Party Recipe: Waldorf Salad in Lettuce Cups
- Gatsby Party Recipe: Ale-Battered Fried Chicken Sliders
- 'Great Gatsby': A 1920s jazz playlist
- 'Great Gatsby': A modern playlist
- May 1:
- Photos: 40th Anniversary of Paramount Theatre Restoration
The parties in F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel were the stuff of legend, an intoxicating mixture of Champagne, bathtub gin and bootlegger whiskey, mixed with devastating characters, tragic romance and really great clothes.
Alas, for party planners yearning to know "What would Gatsby serve?" Fitzgerald provided plenty of boozy atmosphere in his Prohibition-era tale, but the menu details are sparse. According to the four most detailed food scenes in "The Great Gatsby," you'll be serving a lot of orange juice. Also pastry pigs, old sport.
Citrus, chapter three
Readers are introduced to the weekend routine at chez Gatsby through the eyes of Nick Carraway, Gatsby's next-door neighbor and the book's narrator. Clearly, scurvy is not a problem in West Egg:
"Every Friday, five crates of orange and lemons arrived from a fruiterer in New York -- every Monday these same oranges and lemons left his back door in a pyramid of pulpless halves. There was a machine in the kitchen, which could extract the juice of 200 oranges in half an hour, if a little button was pressed 200 times by a butler's thumb."
The feast, chapter three
It takes an army of caterers to adorn the mansion and prepare the food, but Fitzgerald's evocative description offers few clues for actual menu planning -- unless you happen to have a harlequin salad recipe in your repertoire:
"On buffet tables, garnished with glistening hors d'oeuvre, spiced baked hams crowded against salads of harlequin designs and pastry pigs and turkeys bewitched to a dark gold."
Tea, chapter five
Gatsby convinces Nick to invite Daisy Buchanan to tea, but in the moments before she arrives, Gatsby begins to worry.
"'Together we scrutinized the 12 lemon cakes from the delicatessen shop.
'Will they do?' I asked.
'Of course, of course! They're fine!' and he added hollowly, ' ... old sport.'"
Late night snack, chapter seven
Spoiler alert: Devastation and tragedy unfold. A couple colludes. Chicken is consumed:
"Crossing the porch where we had dined that June night three months before, I came to a small rectangle of light, which I guessed was the pantry window ... Daisy and Tom were sitting opposite each other at the kitchen table, with a plate of cold fried chicken between them, and two bottles of ale."


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EXCLUSIVE: Deadpool Dons the Venom Symbiote in "Back In Black" #1 First Look
Comic Books
Showing results 25-64 of 76
The "Fringe" cast and crew came together one last time at Comic-Con International to tease the concluding season, look back on their time together and thank the fans for their support.
With actor John Noble giving away details about the fifth season of Fox's "Fringe," SPINOFF has five questions about what will happen to the show's mythology.
Still reeling from Friday's dramatic finale for Fox's Fringe? SPINOFF is, and it also has five questions about the second half of "Brave New World."
The legendary actor talks about reprising his role as William Bell for tonight's season finale of "Fringe," his incredible career and his thoughts on J.J. Abrams' upcoming "Star Trek" sequel.
For the second last time this (television) year, SPINOFF presents five questions about Friday's episode of "Fringe," "Brave New World (Part One)."
"Fringe" Executive Producers Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman expound on the phenomenon of the show's fifth season renewal, what to expect from the two-part season finale and the importance of plot points in "Letters of Transit."
With Fox's "Fringe" officially getting 13 episodes to wrap everything up next year, SPINOFF's Graeme McMillan runs down five things he hopes to see as the show speeds towards its conclusion.
As this weekâs episode of "Fringe" demonstrated, it just might be the end of the world(s) as we know it -- but who, exactly, is feeling fine? SPINOFF has five questions about last night's "Worlds Apart."
Free will? Individuality? What happened to this week's episode of Fox's Fringe to make those ideas so out-there? SPINOFF has five questions about the time-traveling, mind-bending "Letters of Transit."
With four episodes left before the season finale, Friday's "Fringe" brought some answers, some more questions, and a lot more David Robert Jones. SPINOFF wonders what lies ahead.
Last night's "Fringe" on Fox returned to the alternate universe and the danger posed by shape changers. One thing that hasn't changed? SPINOFF's compulsion to ask five questions about the episode...
After last week's revelations, this week's Fringe went back to safer ground -- which is to say, redoing old episodes while reminding us that everything is different now. SPINOFF has five questions, of course.
Fox's Fringe returned last night after a month off, but SPINOFF wastes no time in coming up with five questions about the return of Peter, Olivia and Walter.
"Fringe" star John Noble joined CBR TV at WonderCon 2012 to discuss the many versions of Walter Bishop, his hobbies, losing himself in a role, and the joys of voice over work.
At WonderCon, the cast and producers of "Fringe" shared insights into the characters and mythology of the Fox series, bringing with them an exclusive sneak peek at Friday's episode.
Last night's episode of "Fringe" on Fox offered big answers to big questions, but that doesn't mean that SPINOFF doesn't have five more questions coming from "The End of All Things."
"Fringe" executive producers Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman tease tonight's episode, "The End of All Things," and talk about the end of the fourth season and the chances for a fifth.
How can Olivia remember things she's never experienced? Last night's episode of Fox's Fringe asked the big questions, and SPINOFF has five more to think about.
DC Comics has revealed Becky Cloonan and Jhonen Vasquez as the latest creators to join "Beyond the Fringe," the digital comic based on the J.J. Abrams' sci-fi drama "Fringe."
Worlds -- and Astrids -- collided in last night's episode of Fox's "Fringe," and SPINOFF has its regular five questions about all of the fallout.
Actress Jasika Nicole discusses tonight's emotional episode of "Fringe," "Making Angels," in which her character Astrid meets her Other Side counterpart for the first time.
Is destiny unchangable? Is Olivia doomed? And why does Peter mumble so much? SPINOFF has the big questions about last night's Fringe episode, "Forced Perspective."
After last night's episode of Fox's "Fringe," SPINOFF asks "Who's the bad guy now?" and five other questions about "Enemy of My Enemy."
Fox's "Fringe" is back on air and back to the other Earth, and SPINOFF is back with 5 questions on last night's "Back to Where You've Never Been."
People are turning up dead and ghostly-white, but maybe this week's "Fringe" was all about Olivia's past holding some secrets. SPINOFF has its usual five questions about Friday's "Wallflower."
Last night's Fringe saw time go weird, but was the recently-returned Peter to blame? SPINOFF asks the questions that matter.
Peter's return to the Fringeverse isn't what he expected - and it probably isn't what you thought would happen, either. No wonder we have 5 questions about last night's "Novation."
Death came quicker than usual to two bullies in last night's "Fringe," and SPINOFF has five questions about what was behind "Alone In The World."
This week's "Fringe" brought a serial killer to the alternate universe sci-fi series, and SPINOFF wants some questions answered about who's who... and where.
Fox's "Fringe" returned to our screens last night with its very own rebooted universe. SPINOFF has 5 questions about what we learned.
"Fringe" star Josh Jackson discusses his turn as comic book writer for DC Entertainment's new digital, tie-in comic book series "Beyond the Fringe" while offering some teases about the show's Season 4 premiere.
The new Fall TV season is about to begin, and SPINOFF has the five most exciting shows debuting this month.
Co-stars John Noble and Jasika Nicole did their best to straighten out a universe or two for fans of the Fox sci-fi drama during the "Fringe" panel at Emerald City Comicon. SPINOFF has the full report.
Showrunners Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman brush off lingering concerns about moving "Fringe" to Fridays, promising great things to come and a new chapter starting at the end of Season three. SPINOFF has the details.
SPINOFF's Eric Amaya chats with actors John Noble and Christopher Lloyd about tonight's episode of "Fringe," which guest-stars Lloyd as rock-and-roll keyboardist from the '70s.
Olivia attempts to return to her home universe with help from an old friend, but her journey home is complicated by the arrival of a serial kidnapper with deep ties to Colonel Broyles. SPINOFF has the full recap.
SPINOFF visited the set of "Fringe" in Vancouver last August to film a scene as a Massive Dynamic employee. The result? Makeovers, heartbreak and joy. Read on for Josh Wigler's full report of the extra experience!
Actress Anna Torv spoke with SPINOFF about working in parallel universes, playing two very different versions of the same character, and how "Fringe" has altered her own philosophical outlook.
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California Health-Insurance Site Sees Rush at Finish Line
Procrastinators, take heart: California's health-insurance exchange shows you're not alone.
Officials said Monday 77,000 people picked a private insurance plan between Friday and Sunday in California, one of 14 states running its own insurance marketplace. Those three days alone accounted for nearly one-fifth of the roughly 400,000 people who have enrolled in private coverage so far, according to state figures. A similar number have been found eligible for Medicaid.
The late surge suggests that many people waited until close to the Monday deadline to enroll for coverage effective in January.
Peter Lee, head of the state exchange known as Covered California, said Californians should make a good-faith effort to sign up by the end of Monday if they want coverage Jan. 1, but he said Covered California "will help people get to the finish line" if they start Monday and run into hurdles. Pages on the California website were taking three to eight seconds to load and wait times at the call center were running long.
"It's sort of like the election. If you are in line when the polls close you get to vote," Mr. Lee said of the decision to allow people to technically enroll past the Dec. 23 deadline. "If you start the application by the end of the day we will get you across the finish line."
The move is similar to one made by the federal government, which is running health insurance exchanges for 36 states. Although Monday is technically still the deadline to sign up for insurance, contractors managing the HealthCare.gov website have changed the configurations to allow people to still sign up Tuesday for coverage that starts Jan. 1. People have until March 31 to sign up for insurance that would start later in 2014.
Spokeswoman Julie Bataille of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the agency that oversees HealthCare.gov, said more than 850,000 people visited HealthCare.gov on Monday as of 2 p.m. At about 11 a.m., a queuing system went into effect that allows users to wait online to start or finish an application or to provide an email address. Ms. Bataille said more than 60,000 people Monday have provided an email address to get a notification to return to the site later when traffic eases.


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SAN FRANCISCO -- Scott Kazmir declared himself ready for the season after the A's left-hander was sharp in his final exhibition tuneup Thursday night against the Giants.
Kazmir, the A's No. 2 starter, threw 51/3 scoreless innings and allowed just two hits and three walks in Oakland's 4-0 victory at AT&T Park.
Kazmir put an extra emphasis on working on his off-speed pitches and feels prepared to face the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night.
"I'm ready," he said. "I feel comfortable with all my pitches. I threw a lot of them, a lot of off-speed today just to really get a feel for all my pitches and had some quality ones."
A's manager Bob Melvin wanted to limit Kazmir to about 80 pitches, and Kazmir was lifted in the sixth inning after allowing a double to Hunter Pence and a walk to Brandon Belt. Pence had the two hits against Kazmir, who threw 78 pitches and had four strikeouts.
Dan Otero got the final two outs of the bottom of the sixth to keep Kazmir's line clean.
Kazmir's regular-season debut with the A's will come against the same team he pitched for last season -- something he's trying to avoid thinking about.
"I don't even think I'm going to be able to look them in the face when they come up to bat," Kazmir said of the Indians. "I'm just going to be locked into the catcher's mitt and stay focused."
Kazmir's role takes on more importance this season with the A's currently missing two starting pitchers. Jarrod Parker is out for the season after having elbow reconstruction surgery, and A.J. Griffin is likely out for the first two months with elbow discomfort.
Melvin praised his team's depth Thursday, and those injuries provide the chance for that depth to either shine, or become exposed.
"This is where your depth gets tested," Melvin said before the game. "We're not the only team that has some injuries at this point right now, so you just go forward with the expectations that remain the same for us as a group."
Jesse Chavez and Tommy Milone will join the rotation. Chavez will start Friday against the Giants, and Milone will pitch out of the bullpen Saturday in Oakland.
"I kind of wish I could've seen how far it went," Reddick said.
A right wrist injury bothered Reddick throughout the 2013 season and robbed him of his power, which seems to have returned.
"I feel good," Reddick said. "My biggest concern was making sure the wrist was just fine. I've done that and I'm still doing stuff in the training room every day to make sure it's all right and strong. It seems like the swing's coming into play the last week and a half, and that's just what I want coming into the season."
Reddick also had a terrific defensive play when he raced into Triples Alley to chase down a deep fly ball by Pablo Sandoval to end the sixth inning and strand two runners.
Follow Jimmy Durkin on Twitter at twitter.com/Jimmy_Durkin.


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Lending some credence to Mitt Romney's controversial comment that Britain might not be ready for the Olympics, Jeremy Hunt, the UK's Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, experienced a major technical difficulty this morning when the bell he was using to ring in the Games broke apart in his hand and struck a passer-by.
Luckily, the moment was caught on camera and instantly turned into an animated GIF by The Guardian for all to enjoy in perpetuity.
[H/T: BoingBoing, video via ITN]