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Got a Minute? With Michelle Simpson
Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 4:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, July 21, 2014 at 11:58 p.m.
Michele Simpson
Occupation: Certified Hoopnotica Hoop Dance instructor
Residence: Hendersonville.
Family: Daughter, Rachel; parents, Barbara and Larry; brother, Michael; sister, Sherrie.
What was your first encounter with a hula hoop like?
I was at a festival and saw a huge hula hoop wrapped in cloth sitting in the middle of a field. I had hula-hooped as a child but hadn't seen one since. I was drawn to it; it made me smile just remembering what it felt like to hoop. When I stood in the center of it and picked it up, it was heavy! When I started hooping with this heavy hoop and felt immediately the impact on my stomach and waist, I was hooked. I had to have one.
Then I realized you couldn't buy one anywhere. The hoops in the department stores were for children, too light to be satisfying. A couple of weeks later at Bele Chere, I saw a booth that had one hula hoop. He wanted $20 for it, but I was down to $10. The vendor had seen how over-the-top excited I was when I saw the hula hoop. I looked at my best friend and said "I only have $10 left!" The vendor then said, "Take it!"
I gave him the $10 and I hula-hooped all the way back to the car. I was 35; my daughter was 10. She was mortified. She was saying, "Mom, stop!" But I couldn't. I hooped walking down the street, crossing at intersections, never dropped it and never stopped it. Eventually Rachel started to laugh and roll her eyes as I kept it going till we got back to the car. She has been laughing and rolling her eyes a lot since then!
Did you ever think you would be leading hula hoop dance classes when you played with hoops as a girl?
No, never! I always listened to records and made up dances. I was a real tomboy. I was either outside with my dog or inside dancing with my sister. I was a cheerleader starting in third grade for West Henderson youth football, and cheered through my senior year in high school. I danced with Wilkins Dance studio and Fletcher School of Dance. Lissa Wilkins was a great catalyst who taught me to face things that made me scared, and I would find that maybe I was good at it.
We had to sing while we danced — it was mortifying, but taught a good lesson about just doing things, even if you were afraid. Now I love performing — it's strangely calming and the least time that I am nervous.
What's the story behind hula hoop dancing?
Hula hoops became a big thing at music festivals. The String Cheese Incident used to throw out hula hoops for everyone to use while they were playing. It soon came to be as much a part of their show to watch hoopers move to the music as well as watching the band.
Hoop dance is also a sacred part of Native American life. The hoop represents the circle of life, with no beginning and no ending. Native American hoopers begin with one hoop and keep adding and weaving the hoops into formations that represent our journey through life. Each added hoop represents another thread in the web of life.
There is so much to learn about hoop dancing, so many nuances and different ways to move your body that keep the hoop revolving around you, that you always have room to learn and grow stronger. Since you have to push and pull into the hoop to keep it level, it creates muscles on your body that you didn't even realize you had.
The first night that I got my hoop at Bele Chere, I hooped for the entire CD of Led Zeppelin 3 and had bruises all over my sides and hips the next day. It is normal to bruise because you are using muscles that have been sitting dormant. Once the bruises go away, you find that hooping gives you a rocking body. It also provides you with a skill that you can add onto, and stay fit and happy doing for the rest of your life.
I have met hoopers who are 60 years old, who have excellent posture and bodies that are more fit than most 20-year-olds you meet.
How did you become a Hoopnotica instructor?
I was obsessed with hula hooping, and had taught everyone who came to my house how to use my hoop. I had gotten really good at helping people figure out why they couldn't keep it spinning around their waist. The joy I got from seeing someone learn to hoop who said they could never hoop as a child was indescribable.
I started searching for certification courses that could teach me how to help others learn to hoop. I discovered a company out of Venice, Calif., called Hoopnotica that had certification courses all over the country. The closest to here was Washington, D.C., and I had two months to prepare. They sent course materials, a training video and a breakdown travel hoop that I could carry on the plane.
I went there for three days of training and on the final day took a certification test, and here I am three years later. Still growing, still learning, but mostly loving to share something that is the best workout I have ever experienced.
What are your classes like?
The great thing about the adult-size hoops is that they can be used to keep your body in alignment and give you proper form for optimum stretching and conditioning. It's like a personal gym that you can carry everywhere! We begin class with yoga-based stretching using our hoops to keep our posture and form for the best results. Then we get the blood going with some conditioning moves that emulate hooping tricks. I have found that this gives you results that you want from a workout, until you are familiar with how to make the hoop move up and down your body. The hoop goes where your body moves it.Learning to open your chest, and stretch your back moves the hoop to your chest and shoulders. Tiny, fast movements back and forth with your legs makes the hoop revolve around your thighs. Small circles made with your hips keeps the hoop revolving around your hips. ...
Since these moves are foreign to most new hoopers, we concentrate on keeping the hoop going around our waist to begin with. Then stepping from side to side begins our journey into dance and movement while hooping. We also use the hoop overhead and around the body to strengthen the back and arms. Waist hooping does wonders for your core! If you want to lose weight, hula hoop during every commercial break ... and watch the weight drop off!
I urge everyone in my classes to focus on themselves and not what others in the class are doing. Keeping check of what's going on in your own hoop is good practice in hoop class, and in life!
The rhythm of the hoop is calming and reduces stress, and at the same time gives an incredible cardiovascular workout. The two constants in my class are that people are smiling, and breathing hard. Sometimes from laughing (at each other, and themselves, or me), but mostly from the great workout their hearts and bodies are getting.
When and where are classes offered?
Henderson County Parks and Recreation, 706 S. Grove St., Hendersonville. Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Fridays at 10 a.m. Advanced hoop class, to be announced. Cost is $5 a class. Hoops sell for $20.
Are students required to have any experience or fitness levels before taking the class?
Not at all! I have hoops for all sizes, all ages. I am able to offer individualized attention to students who need help before, during and after class. If I have new hoopers, I can work with them while the regular students are waist hooping and toning their core in their own little circle. It's like golf; you compete with yourself, and have to be careful not to compete against yourself.
The warm-up is designed to teach you how to stand and move for optimum hooping success, but it also strengthens you even if you already know how to hoop. I am offering a special class for more advanced hoopers that will focus more on flow and intermediate moves in the very near future, based on scheduling conflicts that need to be ironed out. If you are a hooper already and have reached a plateau, or are just looking for a place and a space to hoop, please contact me!
Why do you like to hula-hoop?
My hula hoop offers me a dance partner when I don't have one. It makes me happy when I'm feeling blue. It has helped me feel good about wearing a two-piece swim suit. It is like getting a chance to play and laugh, yet the results are undeniable. My body is more fit than when I was in high school, and I am on a journey to be the best person I can be, inside and out.
This peaceful little object of joy has helped me become a better dancer and has helped me to bring joy to other lives by showing them they are capable of so much more than they realize. Hooping benefits you on so many physical and emotional levels. It helps with your posture, your balance, tones you all over, and gives an incredible cardiovascular workout. Emotionally, it boosts your self-esteem, your creativity, reduces stress, and elevates your mood. I love it.
Are there any misconceptions out there about hula hoops?
The first thing I always hear people say is that they couldn't hoop as a child, and that they can't hoop now. Those lightweight kid-sized hoops are too light and small in diameter to revolve around adult-sized waists. The hoops I provide are large-diameter hoops that are made from heavier pipe so they revolve slower, and almost anyone can keep it going. I saw a grizzly bear hula hooping on the Internet, and they aren't comfortable on two feet. If a grizzly bear can do it, I think pretty much anyone can.
Have you ever made your own hula hoops? How are they made?
Yes, I make all my own hoops. I make them from irrigation pipe and decorate them with special hooper tape that I order online. You can wrap hoops in any kind of material. I've used suede, cloth and tape to cover my hoops, but they are cool just leaving them black as well. When I first started making hoops, they were pretty dull. I didn't know what I was doing, but I thought they were great! My hoop design has grown as I have grown as a hooper.
I now have begun making mini-hoops to use for upper body workout. I have only been doing it a few weeks, but I can see the difference in the cut in my arms. I have been offering this workout at the end of our normal workout, and everyone has been happy with the results.
I understand you carry hoops in your car at all times, when do you break them out? Do you ever have any impromptu hoop sessions?
I do carry hoops with me all the time. If someone says that they can't hula hoop, I am usually able to find a hoop in my car that is just their size to show them that they can hoop! It's always the same look of dread and fear when they see me running towards them with a hula hoop in hand. However, that look changes to satisfaction and joy, sometimes even surprise when they listen to a few basic instructions and start spinning it around their waist.
One Monday night in June, I went to Music on Main and saw a great band. There were kids dancing in front of the stage and the band started playing "Soul Shine" written by the incredibly talented Warren Haynes from Asheville. That is one of my favorite songs of all time, so I ran to my car and grabbed as many hoops as I could. I ran back and passed out hoops to the girls who were still twirling in front of the stage. Then I spun around in my hoop and finished dancing to the rest of the song feeling very satisfied when I saw the girls' faces light up that I gave them a hula hoop. They danced and hooped for the rest of the time the band played, and I hope they will enjoy them for a long time to come!
If you are a hooper already, please contact me! I am hoping to hoop in the Apple Festival parade again this year, and I would love to have as many hoopers as possible.
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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The Council on Aging can provide transportation on a first come, first served basis to Concord seniors around town for doctor's appointments, trips to the bank, haircuts, visits to a friend, events at the Council on Aging and so on. The Council on Aging van runs Monday through Friday, except for holidays. The first pickup of the day is 8:40 AM and the final pickup to return home is at 3:30 PM. The donation for a van ride, within the town limits, is $2 round trip. We recommend that you make appointments as early as possible (they can be booked weeks ahead). Individuals riding the Council On Aging van must be able to get on and off the van independently or must bring an escort to assist them. Emergency information must be on file in the office for seniors riding on the van. Please call 978-318-3020 to book your ride.
We are happy to provide a variety of shopping opportunities each month, but it is important that you call for a reservation in advance. You may sign up at any time. To save room, each shopper is limited to five (5) shopping bags. The van driver will help carry your bags if you are unable to do so.
2nd and 4th week
of the month -
Roche Brothers
(and other stores within shopping plaza) or
. Pickups start at 1:00 PM. $2.00 charge
3rd week
of the month -
Market Basket
, Littleton. Pickups start at 12:45 PM $2.00 charge
4th week
of the month -
Trader Joe's Plaza
, Acton. Pickups start at 1:00 PM $2.00 charge
Crosby's Marketplace, Rocky's Ace Hardware and CVS
in Concord. Pickups start at 12:40 PM. $2.00 charge
The COA also has a wheelchair accessible van. If an individual cannot propel their own chair to and from the van, they must have an escort to assist them. This is a curb to curb service.

subset: commoncrawl


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News 12 at 6 o'clock / Tuesday, March 12, 2013
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW) -- Just one day after the resignation of the Provost at Paine College, his replacement has been named.
"The college is pleased to announce a new addition, Dr. Sam Sullivan, is our new interim vice president and provost of Academic Affairs," said Brandon Brown, VP of Institutional Advancement.
He held a similar position at ASU before retiring in 2011.
But the move leaves many questioning why Dr. Marcus Tillery stepped down so suddenly.
Questions that Paine College hasn't answered.
"The policies of the institution, not to comment on personnel matters in fairness to Dr. Tillery, I don't want to get into those specifics," Brown said.
Brown said there had been a string of financial and faculty issues that had plagued Tillery's tenure.
You may remember News 12's story last year about students' refund checks bouncing.
Paine was looking for a new financial officer at the time, one of the Tillery's responsibilities.
Just a month later, Paine lost access to the Federal Perkins Loan until 2014.
That loan helps students pay for college, and since 90 percent of Paine's students rely on federal aid, it was a blow to enrollment numbers.
Enrollment that falls under the VP and provost.
News 12 has tried to ask Dr. Brown to get more specific about the reason for Dr. Tillery's resignation. So far, there has been no response.
News 12 was also told that last week's rape inside a campus dorm had nothing to do with the move and that campus officials do say they're increasing security in light of that attack.
School officials are now talking with city commissioners about closing two roads near the campus -- Emmett Avenue and Oak Street.
"We could then provide avenues to put checkpoints in for security, we could examine the cars that enter onto the facility and then we could stop people from walking across the campus by fencing those areas in," Brown said.
Other safety measures include having students swipe their ID cards to be able to get into campus dorms.


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Game of Thrones is a site for the HBO-series based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire.
New to the series? Read our spoiler-free review of A Game of Thrones.
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A recruit to the Night's Watch, Grenn is youth of 16. A head taller than Jon Snow, thick-necked and muscular, he is both slow in thought and in action. This fact, plus his size, leadshim to be derisively nicknamed "Aurochs" by Ser Alliser Thorne, Castle Black's master-at-arms. He has a friendly rivalry with Pypar.
The actor cast in the roll is somewhat older, and is certainly much shorter than the character as described.
The Westeros network consists of several different sites, including a forum and a wiki, for all your A Song of Ice and Fire needs.


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Sacred Heart faces difficult season
The Sacred Heart High football team played in the Waterbury High Jamboree Friday night with a limited roster. Only 24 players, including freshmen, are on the current roster although a few players have been added in the last week but hadn't practiced enough to dress for the Jamboree.
The Hearts are also without running back-linebacker and kicker return specialist Jaquan Overbey, who moved to Colorado over the summer. Overbey would have been among the best players in the Naugatuck Valley League.
Coach Cortez Johnson, in his second season, said last week the team is working hard and has been committed during the preseason, but must stay healthy in order to be able to compete.
"The numbers are limited right now, but we're going to keep plugging away," said Johnson. "I did have a chance to have my first full offseason. It was a chance to let the players know what we expect from them, and I'm proud of the kids. They're working hard."
The Hearts are also faced with a brutal schedule, opening the season at Wolcott Sept. 13. They then host defending Naugatuck Valley League champion Ansonia Sept. 20; visit Naugatuck on Sept. 27; and host Holy Cross on Oct. 4.
Wolcott went 9-1 during the regular season in 2012, dropping a quarterfinal state playoff game, while Ansonia went 14-0 and captured the NVL and Class S state titles. Naugatuck and Holy Cross were both 6-4 last season.
Sacred Heart school officials have not considered going to a cooperative program since the late 1990s when the numbers were particularly low and rapidly declined. Because of the close proximity to Municipal Stadium, where Sacred Heart practices, Kaynor Tech would be the ideal choice. A proposal for such a move would have to be sent to the CIAC by the winter of 2014 for consideration.
Kaynor had tried to get its own program in the past, but was unsuccessful, unlike many other vocational schools, including Wolcott Tech in Torrington and O'Brien Tech in Ansonia.
Reader Comments
The following are comments from online readers like you. In no way do they represent the view of The Republican-American.
Kevin Edwards wrote on Sep 9, 2013 9:57 AM:
" If the league would allow it,they should consider cooperating with Kaynor Tech just like Obrien Tech does now with Derby High. "
Mark Jaffee wrote on Sep 10, 2013 10:23 AM:
" Kevin: To clarify, Derby no longer has a co-op with O'Brien Tech after the numbers climbed over the limit in 2010. The Condors have their own program for the third season now and have enough players to support its own program. "
Ed M of Waterbury wrote on Sep 14, 2013 8:01 PM:
" I agree with K. E.. A cooperative team with Kaynor Tech would be a good way to increase the numbers of players on the field. I am sure there are several young men at K. Tech who would like the opportunity to play football on such a team.Sad to see Sacred Heart lose by such a large score in their opening game. "
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All other comments will be reviewed by our staff before appearing on the Web site.
If you're witty, to the point and quotable, your reader comments may also be included on the Around the Towns page of The Sunday Republican.
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Sophomore Miranda Nild scored two goals, and the host Castro Valley High girls soccer team rallied to upset Bishop O'Dowd 2-1 on Wednesday night in a West Alameda County Conference-Foothill Division showdown.
Nild, who had missed the previous four games with an ankle injury, lifted the host Trojans with a 32-yard shot to tie the game 1-1 seconds before halftime.
Nild scored the winner in the 66th minute off a Monica Barrios cross from the right, after Jasmine Edwards fed the ball wide from the middle.
"The team's effort was there the whole time," Nild said. "If it wasn't for that, I don't think we'd have gotten this win."
The first-place Dragons (18-2-0, 12-1-0), who had beaten Castro Valley 4-0 in the first round of league play, will face another huge test at home against Berkeley on Friday in Oakland. The Yellowjackets entered the night in second place, five points behind.
Castro Valley (16-2-2, 11-2-0) now looms three points behind the Dragons in the compelling three-team race.
It was a massive second half for the Trojans, who solved a defense that had been virtually impenetrable. Nild's goals were the fifth and sixth the Dragons have allowed all season, and the first goals they've surrendered in league since a 2-1 win over Alameda on Dec. 7.
Dragons' standout attacker Ryan Walker-Hartshorn, in her first action since Dec. 29 as she recovered from a partially torn hamstring, sparked O'Dowd after entering with 10 minutes to play.
O'Dowd struck first on a header goal by defender Darby Nordin off a corner kick in the 38th minute.
Contra Costa College wide receiver Ronald Butler has committed to Utah State. Butler, a 6-foot, 182-pound sophomore, caught 55 passes for 870 yards and 13 touchdowns for Contra Costa last season and was an All-Bay Valley Conference selection.
-- Phil Jensen
-- Staff


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2 thoughts on "mark"
Hello Mark;
My name is Shane Sprinkle and I am a huge fan of Casting Crowns. My family and I used to listen to music such as Nickelback and other groups like that. Ever since we came to the concert in Tuscaloosa, Al., we have started to listen to Christian music a lot more. You guys are one of our favorite groups. I tear up just hearing my four year old children singing praises to Jesus with your music. You guys are awesome.
The reason that I am writing you this email is to humbly ask for some help. Our kids attend West Alabama Christian School, located in Demopolis, Alabama. You guys actually came here to sing at the church where the school is. That church is Fairhaven Baptist Church. Anyways, West Alabama Christian School is in the process of putting together a silent auction fundraiser in September 2016. You may ask, How can we help? Well I was hoping that you could help out by having the group possibly sign a guitar and autograph some cd's for the auction. All proceeds would go to the school and the cause to receive an education built on Christian morals. These kids have a hunger for God and to serve the Lord. When my kids come home learning their Bible verses, I know that they are at the right School. Please help us out by doing this. It would greatly be appreciated.
Love In Christ,
Shane Sprinkle
I want to thank you for your testimony and music.
I Heard your song "Just Be Held" at a concert in March of 2015 and it has been a comfort ever since. Back in February of 2016 while our Pastor was away I was given the opportunity to give the Sunday night message at our church and I sang and shared about the songs "Just Be Held" and "Praise You in the Storm" as well as your testimony of facing kidney cancer. I was not aware that I was talking to myself until my diagnoses about 2 months later.
In early April I was diagnosed with a potential cancerous growth on my right kidney and will be seeing a surgeon in May for treatment and removal.
Your testimony has given me strength and faith as I know you have faced a similar situation.
We have a great God that works in mysterious ways.


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I set out for a run a few mornings ago, around 6:15 a.m., still very dark. And I was terrified. Of what? I guess the dark, the unknown. The street lights didn't provide much light, and my normal running path has a stretch with barely any light (maybe 80-100 yards).
For those of you who run in the early, dark morning hours, what gets you through? Am I the only one scared? I wouldn't even turn on my MP3 player, because I had to hear everything around me. I'm not set to do this again until I can gain more confidence.
Thanks for any thoughts or advice.
I run in early am (5:30-6:00 am)and it can be very scary at first. I found that after a few runs there was a routine to the activity around me. I would strongly advice not to run with headsetsYou will need to be aware of your surroundings, such as traffic and undesirables. But remember these are also things you need to be aware of when running by yourself during the day. Invest in a reflective vest, and carry a phone in case of an emergency. Other than that you should get over the fear after a few runs.
Oh and if it is really unsafe where you live, maybe invest in a treadmill or join a gym?
listen to your instincts. if it's a dark place to run maybe find a better route or find a running partner. not trying to scare you into not leaving the house again but you should listen to the little voice in your head when it tells you something is wrong
goals for 2011:
break 19minutes for 5k
break 2:42 for olympic triathlon probably Anthracite olympic
break 3:16 for marathon ( a long shot but it's fun putting yourself out there)
All good advice above.
I've run for many years in the early morning dark. It's much more difficult in winter because of black ice on the road and even during the summer there just seem to be more critters lose to give me a scare. But it's a great way to start the day and I don't have a lot of flexibility to run during or after work.
I also don't have money for a treadmill and my gym doesn't open until 6 a.m., which is too late for me. Nor do I have friends willing to meet me at that hour. So, I created a small loop around my house in which I'm never too far from home. It would probably look strange to anyone during the day, because I'm essentially running a .5-mile loop over and over, periodically reversing direction. But I can't see the scenery at that hour anyway. I feel safer and it has the advantage that a bathroom and water stop are always nearby.
So much for the great outdoors huh? I'd suggest wearing a blinking light since the reflective piping on shoes isn't that reflective. It won't help you see better, but it'll help you be seen.
I am a minority so if the police see me running in the dark they shine the light on me. Some people let there dogs chase me, so i have to carry protection. I wear my mp3 player to block out the ambulance and the traffic. Most of the police know me by now, so I don't get harrassed anymore. However when they hire a rookie, its the big light shinning on me. I run anyway!
In addition to the suggestions here (reflective vest, no headset, finding a better lighted path, etc) I would say that you should vary your route as much as possible. That would help foil any bad guys who might otherwise notice that "Hey...That person comes by here every morning...I'll just wait around this corner tomorrow." Nobody likes to think about that stuff and you can't live your life in fear, but making your routine as unpredictable as possible can increase your safety.
All of the above are good suggestions. I would also recommend running with a dog - yours or a neighbors. Mine runs out in front of me and "leads the way". Also I know people would think twice about accosting a runner with a dog.
i find myself worrying sometimes when i run in secluded places at night. i think to myself, later, that my worrying was silly, but when it happens, it is quite real and overpowering. maybe it was something i read about in the paper or something someone had told me about, a mugging or whatnot. i'd have a much greater chance tripping over a root or getting spayed by a skunk, but you couldn't tell me that when it's happening. just remember those feelings and if you don't want them to happen, then stay places you don't feel that way.
I have to run early because the heat where I am is incredible once the sun comes up. I never really considered the fear thing because the track is far from the road, and I run with others. I would recommend finding at least one running partner, and go to a low traffic area.
A body was found in the woods right by where I take my pre-dawn runs on farm roads, and of course there are bear, fox and bobcat potentially mere feet away from me at any given time. I carry pepper spray which may or may not do me any good but, oh well. A neighbor who runs the same route once came face to face with a bear, but still says she feels safer there than her native downtown Baltimore. I've gotten used to my neighborhood, and the little knot of fear I still feel in the darker places provides a thrill, and a reason to speed up, turning my run into a light fartlek. Call me crazy! Michelle
I have done a lot of running in the early morning when it is still dark outside. Like others suggested, do wear reflective clothing and no headset. I also felt it to be a little bit scary at first, then I got used to it. I do run alone and do not venture in isolated areas. I also carry a pepper spray with me. Once you get adjusted to the lack of light, you might enjoy the peace surrounding you as you run into the dark.
Good luck with your running.
During my pre-dawn runs, I run alongside a wooded area where a body was once found. The murder didn't occur there; it was just the dumping site. Bear, fox and bobcat are out there too. I carry my pepper spray. I figure, what the heck, I'm probably, statistically speaking, safer there than in my car on the highway. A neighbor who runs the same route says she'd take isolation over running in her native downtown Baltimore any day. I've gotten used to my neighborhood, and I rather like that little tickle of fear that I feel in the darker places; it's a thrill. I tend to pick up the pace in those spots too, making for a sort of "Fear Fartlek Workout". Now, I've just gotta remember to wear my orange hat when deer season starts.
Whoops, I didn't know my first post went through. I got a "cannot find server" message and thought I had lost it.
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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It's a modern muscle car, one of the few vehicles that pulls off the whole "retro styling" trend without looking goofy. It's powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 engine that outputs 550 horsepower and around 500 pound-feet of torque. It's a large rear-wheel-drive coupe that seats two comfortably with a pair of rear seats that are better suited for holding small parcels than small people. It's got big 20-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension, and looks stunning in black. Oh, and it costs a smidge over $130,000! On paper, the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S coupe looks a lot like the world's most expensive Mustang Shelby GT500, but from the driver's seat, it's so much more.
Performance: The world's most expensive Mustang
I'm only half-joking by calling the XKR-S an overpriced 2012 Mustang Shelby GT500. The two cars have more in common than you might think. The XK's X150 chassis is largely unchanged since the vehicle was designed back in the days of Ford's ownership of the Jaguar brand, so there's a bit of quasi-shared heritage.
I've already mentioned the similarities in power train configuration (although the Jag's 5-liter supercharged V-8 displaces less than the Ford's 5.4 liters), power (550 horsepower, exactly the same as the 'Stang), and torque (502 pound-feet, only 8 shy of the Ford's 510 pound-feet) output. The Jaguar will hit 60 mph from a stop in about 4.2 seconds, which is just 0.2 shy of the Ford, but while both cars sound fantastic racing away from a traffic light, I'd have to give the aural edge to the XKR-S. The Jag's curb weight is within 150 pounds of the Shelby's, despite its being slightly wider and longer and much, much more luxurious in the cabin. Even the Jaguar XKR-S' EPA estimated 15 city and 22 highway mpg are within a single highway mpg of the Mustang's estimates. Filling the tank up at the end of a week of mostly docile driving for one last day on the still-slippery roads north of San Francisco, I calculated that the XKR-S had managed 18.75 miles per gallon, which wasn't too bad considering the Pavlovian response that the Jag's exhaust note triggered in my pedal foot.
Bench racers keeping score are no doubt beginning to question spending $83,000 more on an XKR-S; where does the extra money go? We'll get around to discussing the cabin in a moment, but it should be no surprise that a large chunk of that price difference goes to making the Jaguar more comfortable than most people's houses.
For starters, getting this big ol' Jag down to fighting weight isn't cheap. Jaguar started by revising the front double wishbone suspension, making use of aluminum to lighten and stiffen certain components. The independent, double-wishbone setup on the rear axle receives a similar treatment. The Jaguar's suspension is more complex and, theoretically, more precise at both ends than the Mustang's MacPherson strut and live rear-axle setup.
Looking around the body, it's easy to see that Jaguar has used carbon fiber for many of the XKR-S' aerodynamic tweaks, including the front splitter, rear diffuser, and decklid spoiler. In its wheel wells, XKR-S rolls on 20-inch wheels with slightly wider rubber than those on the GT500. Those wheels house 15.75-inch brakes with double-piston calipers on the front end and 13.8-inch discs out back with single-piston stoppers. Over the standard XK and XKR, the XKR-S also gains revisions to its active suspension and automatic transmission programs.
On the road: More than a numbers game?
I know what you're thinking: how dare I sit here and compare this great British racing machine and 2011 Sports Car of the Year winner to a lowly Ford Mustang? (You probably even thought it in a weird faux-British accent. I know that I did.)
The truth is that while you technically can compare the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S with a 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 by the numbers, doing so is sort of missing the point. Sure, both cars will hustle away from a stoplight with similar zeal, but if you're drag racing kids in Mustangs and 370Zs with your XKR-S, you're doing it wrong. The Jaguar has nothing to prove; it's already done that with its price tag. We get it, you win.
No, about half of driving the XKR-S is about the touchy-feely "experience" that we automotive journalists love to rave about. It's the effortless way that the coupe mashes your eyeballs into the back of their sockets as it rockets away from a stop, its throaty exhaust roaring more out of joy than exertion. The Jag's single-option, six-speed automatic gearbox is less than ideal for racing -- this is a torque-converter automatic and as good as it is, it will never be as quick or direct as a BMW M6's dual-clutch gearbox -- but it does its job smoothly and consistently. You can select your own ratios via the paddle shifters located on the back of the largish steering wheel, but you'd probably be just as happy letting the gearbox's Sport and Competition programs handle it for you.
But power and acceleration are easy with enough displacement and forced induction -- anyone can do that. What surprised me the most was just how nimble this big cat is.
Let's get back to that last day of wet roads that I mentioned earlier. From the driver's seat of the XKR-S, I followed Senior Editor Wayne Cunningham in the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S -- not exactly a competitor for the Jaguar, but an interesting benchmark. The slippery conditions pretty much mitigated the Jaguar's approximately 100-horsepower advantage over the German coupe, but even with a light foot and more than a few extra pounds to carry around every bend, the big Jaguar was able to hang fairly close to the rear bumper of the car that is easily the gold standard for vehicle handling. I was able to easily yaw the XKR-S around bends with the accelerator thanks to the Active Differential Control and the Sport mode's more liberal levels of acceptable wheelspin.
This is a car that's capable of long, "Top Gear"-esque power slides in the hands of a skilled driver; abrupt throttle inputs by a moronic one can generate snap oversteer on damp asphalt. But it doesn't really feel like either of those behaviors is what the XKR-S wants to do. Save for a slight waggle of the tail when powering into a long, clear straight, the Jag was remarkably hesitant to do anything but grip and grip and grip. You wouldn't know it by simply driving it, but the XKR-S is fitted with Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS, how clever). There are no obvious ways for the driver to interact with this system, though; it simply does what it does with remarkable transparency.
Switching seats with Cunningham and taking a turn in the Porsche, I was unsurprised to find that it was much more involved than the Jaguar. When the turns got twisty and the speedo began to climb, I found the 911's steering to be much more direct, the suspension much more communicative, and the throttle and PDK gearbox to be darn near telepathic. On a dry day, the XKR-S would definitely have a hard time keeping up with the 911 S on those twisty roads, for sure. That said, most cars short of a Nissan GT-R would lose a handling contest to the 911, so the fact that the Jaguar XKR-S (a car that I just finished comparing with a Mustang) can be mentioned with a straight face is telling.
What's more, the Jag does all of this while surrounding the driver in opulence. Nearly every surface is covered in leather upholstery (including the headliner), and the 16-way adjustable seats do a great job of holding the driver's tush in place as the big black cat claws its way around a corner.


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When Castro Valley High's Jalen McFerren made a shot to give his team a three-point lead with 3:39 left, it capped a 13-1 run and gave the host Trojans some much-needed momentum Friday night.
But feisty, defensive-minded Mt. Eden had one last spurt left in it. The Monarchs closed the game with a 13-4 run to claim a big 53-47 win in the West Alameda County Conference-Foothill Division opener for both teams.
"We've been saying for a week this was a big game," said Mt. Eden's three-year varsity guard Noel Briones, who scored 22 points -- including nine in the fourth quarter.
Mt. Eden's smothering defense created 11 first-half turnovers. The Monarchs (11-1, 1-0 WACC-Foothill) cut off passing lanes and bothered Castro Valley's top two scorers -- Derrick Clayton and McFerren -- all night. The duo finished with 22 points combined. McFerren sat the entire second quarter with three fouls. Castro Valley (5-6, 0-1) scored just eight points in the third quarter and had a mere 20 at the half.
"We're not that great of an offensive team, and we rely on our defense to create our offense," Mt. Eden coach Aaron O'Brien said. "If we defend like we're capable of, we can be in every game."
Mt. Eden got 21 points from Stevinair Young. The 6-foot-2 senior forward converted a layup with just over a minute left to give the Monarchs a 48-45 lead.
Mt. Eden led by eight points twice in the contest, at the end of both the second and third quarters. The Trojans mounted a comeback by riding Deveion McClain-Hall, who scored six points in the span of two minutes midway through the fourth quarter, to tie the game at 38-38.
Briones would come up huge at the free throw line in the fourth. He made four straight free throws -- two on a personal foul and two on a technical on the Castro Valley bench -- with 2:54 left that gave Mt. Eden a 46-43 lead.
-- Staff
California High standout running back Karris Johnson has orally committed to Utah State, after also considering Colorado State, UNLV and Cal Poly.
"I just felt I fit in really well when I took my visit up there a few months ago,'" said Johnson.
Johnson rushed for 1,301 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2012.
-- Matt Schwab


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Your favorite pizza toppings become pizza fillings in these little stuffed pizzas. Serve with warm tomato sauce for tasty dipping.
Watch all your favorite shows weekdays on Nick Jr.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Line a sheet pan with foil.
For the filling, kids can combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and sausage in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Separate the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll or press each piece to a 5-in. circle on a lightly floured surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup filling onto one half of each dough disk. Cover filling by folding over the side of the dough to enclose. Seal the edge using the tines of a fork, pressing firmly. Transfer the pizzas to the prepared sheet pan. Continue with the remaining dough and filling.
Bake the pizzas until golden and�puffed, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for several minutes before serving. Serve with warmed tomato sauce for dipping.


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"I tried every trick in the book. I stood and begged, sat and begged, lay down and begged, begged on my knees. I drew little signs indicating I was unemployed, I was retarded, I was a starving artist, I was an orphan, I was deaf or blind or mute, I suffered from dengue fever, I had a broken heart. I changed locations and times. I faked whiplash, a fractured femur, an abscessed tooth. I moaned and groaned, gnashed my teeth and wailed as I sat impossibly twisted on the sidewalk. I even squirted ketchup swiped from a deli all over my jeans and complained of intestinal bleeding. But nothing, I mean nothing worked!"
Sol Luckman
Source: Beginner's Luke: Book I of the Beginner's Luke Series
Contributed by: Elle
Copyright © 2016 Gaiam, Inc.


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LEGO Shop Home Themes Hard to Find Items Maersk Train
Maersk Train
- Item: 10219
- Ages:14+
- VIP Points: 0
- Pieces:1234
- Retired product
The highly realistic Maersk diesel-electric freight train has arrived and is ready to be motorized by adding LEGO® Power Functions!
The highly-realistic Maersk diesel-electric freight train has arrived!
A replica of the real engine that operated on the railroads of America, this Maersk train features exceptional detailing and functions, such as opening driver's cab, removable side panel revealing a detailed, 16-cylinder engine, and authentic Maersk branding. The model also includes 2 wagons and 3 containers with opening doors (1 with refrigeration detailing). The set also includes a shunter truck and detachable trailer for loading and offloading the containers. Add LEGO® Power Functions to motorize!
- Containers can be loaded side-by-side or stacked!
- Includes 3 workman minifigures!
- Train measures 36"" (92cm) long!
- Building instructions include a historical description of the LEGO Group/A.P. Moller Maersk Group cooperation and a timeline of the products launched!
- Motorize your Maersk train by adding LEGO Power Functions #8878 Rechargeable Battery Box, #8887 Transformer 10V DC, #8884 IR Receiver, #8879 IR Speed Remote Control and #88002 Train Motor!
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To Heaven and BackMary C. Neal
In 1999 in the Los Rios region of southern Chile, orthopedic surgeon, devoted wife and loving mother Dr. Mary Neal drowned in a kayak accident. While cascading down a waterfall, her kayak became pinned at the bottom and she was immediately and completely submerged. Des... Read More
More From: Mary C. Neal
To Heaven and Back: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story is Mary's remarkable story of her life's spiritual journey and what happened as she moved from life to death to eternal life - and back again. Detailing her feelings and surroundings in heaven, her communication with angels and her deep sense of sadness when she realized it wasn't her time, Mary shares the captivating experience of her modern-day miracle.
A story of finding a purpose on earth, an awareness of God, a closer relationship with Jesus and a personal spiritual journey, To Heaven and Back will reacquaint you with the hope, wonder, and promise of heaven, while enriching you own faith and walk with God.
Product Details:
Page Count: 240
Released: 05/2012
- Product type: Book
- Format: Softcover
- Release Date: Jun 5, 2012
- Height: 0
- Volumes/Discs: 1
- Pages: 240
- Publish Date: May 29, 2012
- Language: English
Customer ReviewsWrite your own review
- Not much about Heaven by ShuShu on 4/20/2014
I was very excited to get this book so I could read about Mary's "extraordinary" journey to heaven. A better title would be, "My Spiritual Journey After Death" or "Coincidences are Really Signs from Dead Loved Ones." There may have been only one paragraph on her journey to heaven, which really didn't consist of much at all. Basically, she got to a "hall" to continue her journey and found out she had to come back. There, that's it. Now you don't have to waste your money like I did. Well, I guess finding out that she donates some of the proceeds to charities makes me a little less upset about spending my money.
- Beautiful by Carie on 4/9/2014
I read this book twice. Thank you Dr. Neal for putting yourself, and your family into this book, and reminding us how precious life is. Also for reminding us that the universe is way more magical than we on Earth realize while we are here. I am sure that it had to be difficult to share such private parts of what you went through, and especially what your family went through with your son. I thank you for that. Your book is a blessing for so many people. All the best to you and yours. I loved this book.
- Loved the book. by bishpoul on 5/8/2013
I love the simple truth that comes from Heaven. We are so
blessed to be able to look beyond the veil and see what God
has in store for us. God bless us.
- A Gift by Schambechc on 1/5/2013
This book is a gift and I will share it with everyone I know


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STOCKTON – A man entered a business in the 2600 block of Monte Diablo Avenue at a unreported time Thursday night armed with a black semiautomatic handgun that he pointed at the clerk, police reported.
The gunman demanded money, saw that the register drawer was open then reached over the counter and grabbed an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing on foot, according to a report. Police described him as a black man between 25 and 35 years old, 6 feet tall and 230 pounds, last seen wearing a green, long-sleeve shirt.
Location, ST | website.com


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January 13, 2006
On Monday millions across the country will take part in programs in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Today, three of Augusta's colleges and universities joined together to remember the civil rights leader during a special ceremony at MCG. News 12 was there.
Monday will mark the 20th anniversary of observing the national Martin Luther King holiday. And though they're usually separated, today students from MCG, Augusta State University and Paine College are together honoring Dr. King.
"I think that the fact that three institutions come together in this type of way is a great celebration of our community and of course honoring Dr. King," said Mike Searles.
Eldridge McMillan, a member of the state's Board of Regents, talked about dreams.
"As we honor Dr. King for his courageous activism and leadership, we have an obligation to reflect seriously on the meaning and the purpose of our dreams just as he did," McMillan said.
"I certainly concur and agree with his comments about dreams and the importance and how vital they are to the growth in our community," said Senator Ed Tarver.
Dr. King would have been 77 years old this year. Nearly 40 years after his death, his legacy lives on.
"We have to remember that so many of our young people did not live during Martin Luther King's time at all. For them, he is ancient history, and he is not ancient history," said Mallory Millender.
"Having out retreat yesterday and Dr. King being a man of peace, we can look to him as far as guiding our community," said Mayor Deke Copenhaver.


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Joe Frazier put forth the effort of a lifetime — one of the all-time great heavyweight ring performances — by out-fighting and out-pointing Muhammad Ali over 15 dramatic rounds in The Fight of the Century on March 8, 1971 at Madison Sqaure Garden.
The bout between the two undefeated heavyweights — both with legitimate claims to the championship — divided a nation and captured the attention of the entire world. An estimated 300 million fans watched the heated showdown on closed-circuit television or via satellite, which earned the event's promoters about $23 million.
The fight also lived up to its unbelievable hype. The two unbeaten champs — Frazier was 26-0, Ali was 31-0 — fought at a pace that would have worn out world-class middleweights, but they waged war until the final bell with Smokin' Joe's relentless pressure ultimately prevailing over the skill and savvy of Ali, who was hurt in the 11th and dropped in the final round.
The May 1971 issue of THE RING covered this historic bout, which is reprinted as part of RingTV.com's multi-part tribute to Frazier.
Enlarge (opens in new window)


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With the phrase, "Ladies and gentlemen without any further adieu, I give you Phish!" I was not aware that these words would set me on a musical path to uncharted realms. Years later, I am still floating.
"Landlady" proved to be a cool introduction. It was almost like television theme music. I got my attention.
"Suzy Greenburg" brought the energy level up. Although, I had no Idea what I was witnessing at the time, I was excited. I saw some the ebb and flow that makes Phish great. Trey and Page were truly pushing this tune to a great place.
"Sparkle" kept me climbing the hill right along with the band. "Laugh and laugh and fall apart"..." I had no clue what this was about. I was just blown away by the speed in which this was played.
"Stash" showed me that these guys were serious musicians. Trey made me believe.
"Uncle Penn" was a major piece of pickin' `n' grinin'. The country flavor of this caught me off guard.
"Cavern" had almost a swagger to its delivery. I still want to know"... Where do get a "serpent deflector" to give the director?
"Reba" served as a great example of how lyrics in the world of Phish appear to be another component to a song's musicality. Words do not have to be taken for their literal meaning. They can be placed together because they sound good. I learned this fact early on. It's fun to listen to.
"I Didn't Know" continued the lyric theory I mentioned for "Reba." I also saw my first glimpse of "Henrietta." The spirit moved him to solo on vacuum. I had never seen this spectacle at a concert before. I have actually seen it a few times since `92. It's rare, but I'm immediately reminded of this day whenever I hear it.
"You Enjoy Myself" was a musical feast for my hungry mind. I've heard this song described as the "quintessential Phish song." I do not know if this is true. Nonetheless, this version seemed to go on forever. It is a song that keeps me guessing even to this day. Part of what I love so much about this band is the element of surprise that they evoke. Everyone asks, "Just, what are they saying"..." Well, whatever the words are, they don't really matter too much. Hang on and enjoy the ride! Each peak, valley and curve of this roller coaster leads to a fun place.
It was not until years later that I learned about Phish's "secret language." I had no idea why Trey was doing a Homer Simpson, "D'oh" in "Possum." If his end was the road, this show was just the beginning, for me.


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Senior quarterback Damon Dixon completed 6 of 9 passes for 109 yards and connected for four touchdown passes to lead the Hercules High football team to a 38-6 win over Richmond on Friday night in Tri-County Athletic League Stone Division play.
Dixon hit Marquis Davenport for two of the four touchdown passes and hooked up with Armani Reynolds and Antwin Prowers as Hercules scored 14 points in each of the first two quarters to pull away for a big 28-6 lead at the intermission.
Richmond (0-7, 0-2 TCAL Stone) scored midway through the second quarter as quarterback Maricio Williams hit DeShawn Clark for a 23-yard scoring strike but that was all the Oilers could muster on the night.
Richmond running back Trayvon Clay led all ballcarriers with 164 yards on 31 carries but he was kept out of the end zone by the Titans defense.
Poor field position and turnovers hurt the Oilers chances. Richmond had three fumbles and repeatedly botched snaps on punts to give Hercules (4-2, 2-0) excellent field position on at least two touchdowns..
Defensive end Sterling Booker grabbed the ball away from a Richmond back in the first quarter and rumbled 14 yards for a score to give Hercules a 13-0 lead. Kicker Loran Fonseca converted all five PATs and booted a 25-yard field goal with 3:42 left in the third quarter.
Fonseca attempted a 54-yarder in the waning moments but the kick came up about 10 yards short.
Hercules 38, Richmond 6
Richmond 0 6 0 0-- 6
Hercules 14 14 3 7-- 38
H -- Davenport 20 pass from Dixon (Fonseca kick)
H -- Booker 14 fumble recovery (Fonseca kick)
R -- Clark 23 pass from Williams (kick blocked)
H -- Reynolds 25 pass from Dixon (Fonseca kick)
H -- Prowers 13 pass from Dixon (Fonseca kick)
H -- Fonseca 25 FG
H -- Davenport 43 pass from Dixon (Fonseca kick)
Rushing: R -- Clay 31-164, Foggy 8-21, Clark 3-4, Williams 5-(-1). Totals 47-188. H -- Davenport 8-57, Bustos 5-24, Dixon 1-19, Roberts 2-8, Reynolds (1-(-3). Totals 17-105. Passing: R -- Williams 3-5-0-29. H -- Dixon 6-9-0-109, Davenport 1-1-0-5, Michael 0-2-1-0. Totals 7-12-1-114. Receiving: R -- Clark 2-22, Clay 1-7. H -- Davenport 2-63, Prowers 2-26, Reynolds 1-25, Dixon 1-5, Bustos 1-(-5). Fumbles/lost: Richmond 6/3; Hercules 0/0. Records: Richmond 0-7, 0-2 TCAL-Stone; Hercules 4-2, 2-0.


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Woman, 33, accused of stabbing husband
Published: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, November 19, 2012 at 11:35 p.m.
TUSCALOOSA | A Tuscaloosa woman has been accused of stabbing her husband in the chest on Friday night.
Lakeisha James, 33, was charged with second-degree assault/domestic violence. Her husband, also 33, was not seriously injured and was admitted to DCH Regional Medical Center for observation, said Capt. Loyd Baker, Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit commander.
Police were called to the 2500 block of 39th Street around 10 p.m. Friday. James has since been released from the Tuscaloosa County Jail on a $7,000 bond.
Court records indicate that the couple is in the process of divorcing.
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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'Orange Is the New Black' TV series reflects couple's reality
Netflix hit drama author and husband say show is fairly true to their realityJuly 25, 2014 Updated: July 27, 2014 3:21pm
Photo: Mike Kepka
Returning to the scene of their first encounter at Kate's Kitchen on Haight Street, "Orange Is the New Black" author Piper Kerman and husband Larry Smith shared a plate of bacon cheddar pancakes and talked about watching their lives unfold on the hit Netflix show of the same name, about a Smith College grad who serves 15 months in federal prison for transporting an ex-girlfriend's bag of international drug cartel cash.
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Rush's 'Hold Your Fire' Turns 26
'Hold Your Fire,' Rush's 12th studio album (and one of the legendary prog-rock trio's most overlooked efforts) was released Sept. 8, 1987 and is celebrating its 26th birthday this week.
Throughout their massive discography, Rush have remained one of the most vital progressive rock bands for a number of reasons. For one, they've always been sonically fearless, embracing pop music's trends, changes in instrumentation, and studio innovation as the years (and decades) rolled on. No matter the musical context, they've never sacrificed their instrumental power or watered down their big ideas in favor of easy commercial appeal.
All eras of Rush offer distinct rewards (from their heavy, concept album '70s peak to their new-wave-influenced '80s phase, and into the more focused, rocking present), but if there's one Rush era frequently written off by fans and critics, it's the transitional late '80s/early '90s period. 1987's 'Hold Your Fire' is quite possibly the band's most polarizing album (not to mention a commercial disappointment — their first sub-Platinum release in nearly a decade, at that point), even though its highlights rank among the band's finest work.
Even Rush themselves (bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, drummer Neil Peart) have some major issues with 'Hold Your Fire,' at least looking in hindsight. In 2009, the ever-candid Lee remarked to Blender, 'You're supposed to be crappy when you make your first three or four records. But even in our middle period, we did this song called 'Tai Shan,' using a poem Peart wrote about climbing a mountain in China, and when I listen to that, it's like 'Bzzt.' Error. We should have known better.'
Indeed, the Chinese-influenced 'Tai Shan,' with its forced exoticism and clunky synth-flutes, is a low point if there ever was one. And it's not an isolated blemish: 'Second Nature' is one of the band's weakest ballads, marred by gooey synths and a predictable arrangement (not to mention the lyric 'Choices got to have voices'). But elsewhere, 'Hold Your Fire' is often thrilling, with some of the band's most uplifting melodies, many excellent instrumental performances, and tight production courtesy of Peter Collins.
By this point, Lee (from a singing perspective) had shed all traces of his former yelping, paint-peeling self. Throughout 'Hold Your Fire,' his vocals are nuanced and elegant, particularly on the outstanding lead single 'Time Stand Still.' Though the track, which landed at #3 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart, was their first to feature an outside vocalist (rocker Aimee Mann), it's a quintessential '80s Rush classic, from Lifeson's glistening 7/8 arpeggios to Lee's funky bass runs to an effervescent chorus that easily ranks among their catchiest. Meanwhile, 'Prime Mover' is another top-shelf gem, filled with epic new-age synths and crunching guitars that call to mind Yes' 'Owner of a Lonely Heart.'
'Hold Your Fire' isn't considered a Rush classic, with good reason: The album's dated moments (the whooshing, candy-coated synth swirls on 'Force Ten') or fits of confusion (the previously mentioned 'Tai Shan') keep it from holding up alongside front-to-back masterworks like 'Moving Pictures' or 'Hemispheres.' But each Rush album is a unique snapshot of the band at a particular time, in a particular context, and 'Hold Your Fire' is still an interesting image, even if slightly out-of-focus. After all, as Lee sings on 'Prime Mover,' "The point of the journey is not to arrive."
Watch Rush's 'Time Stand Still' Video
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Wednesday, 03/07/1990
Field House, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Set 1: Reba, Possum, Esther > Caravan, LizardsThe Lizards, BowieDavid Bowie
Set 2: Oh Kee PaThe Oh Kee Pa Ceremony > BagAC/DC Bag, CoilThe Squirming Coil > GinBathtub Gin, SOAMeltSplit Open and Melt, Tela > Mike'sMike's Song > HydrogenI Am Hydrogen > WeekapaugWeekapaug Groove
Encore: Whipping Post
· Theme from Popeye tease in Possum
· Rhapsody in Blue tease in Caravan
· Charge! and Blue Monk teases in David Bowie
Average Song Gap: 3.81
Performers: Trey Anastasio, Page McConnell, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon
Notes: Possum contained a Popeye theme tease from Trey and Caravan contained a Rhapsody in Blue tease from Page. The Bowie intro contained crew introductions as well as "Charge!" teases from Mike. Bowie subsequently included a Blue Monk tease.
Song Distribution:
5 Lawn Boy
4 The Man Who Stepped into Yesterday
2 Junta
1 Stash
1 The White Tape
Songs by Debut Year:
This show was part of the "1990 Tour."


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VAIL - In examining the history of a sport, one of the best places to start will always be with its early competitions.-
Snowboarding, while it is a highly evolved sport, is not an old sport, and its oldest competition is still alive and well. -
Indeed, the history of snowboarding has been written with the same pen that signed off on the Burton U.S. Open, in all its various incarnations dating back to 1982 when it was called the National Snowboarding Championships.
Over the years the event has featured racing in slalom, GS and even downhill and super-G, not to mention the Olympic sport of snowboard cross. It saw one of the first halfpipe competitions in 1988, setting the standard for halfpipe comps to follow, but also featured a highly competitive and progressive quarterpipe event for many years.-After the International Olympic Committee announced in 1996 halfpipe snowboarding would be an Olympic sport, the Burton U.S. Open halfpipe comp began attracting an average of 10,000 spectators.-Big air came along in 1995 and rail jams and slopestyle followed in the aughts.-
These days, it's been paired down to the bare essentials -- halfpipe and slopestyle -- the most high-flying of the Olympic snowboarding sports.-
Elijah Teter has been on the front lines throughout a large period of the evolution, both snowboarding's and the Burton U.S. Open.
Part of the Teter family of snowboarding royalty here in the U.S., he's from Vermont, and grew up with the Open in his backyard.-
For the last few years he's been the halfpipe coach for Ski and Snowboard Club Vail's highly-respected program, which seeks to qualify athletes to events like the Burton U.S. Open.
Now that the U.S. Open is in his backyard once again, he can't help but reminisce on the good old days.
"It was the best crowd that I can remember," says Teter. "It was always the last contest of the year, you're usually riding your best because you've been training all year, and you definitely want to put on a good show because all your friends were there."
In 2005, Elijah Teter made halfpipe finals along with his siblings Abe (older brother) and Hannah (younger sister) - a history-making moment as no family had ever went that deep in a snowboarding comp before. A year later, Hannah would win gold in halfpipe at the 2006 Olympics.-
"This is the event that I grew up watching," Hannah Teter said of the U.S. Open, speaking from Vail on Sunday. "Before I even started snowboarding I'd go up and watch my big brother Abe compete and think that he was so cool, and that sprouted a dream of mine to one day compete at the Open, and be that good."
Abe Teter had a lot of good years at the Open, nearly winning a few times.-
"He would go there and try so hard to do well that he would fall," Elijah Teter recalls. "So then he'd just poach the finals and go bigger than everybody, doing straight airs with grabs you don't see anymore. He'd always be there, but he'd always be poaching afterwards or even during he'd jump in there in between the runs and go huge."
In 2001, Abe Teter took second in halfpipe by two-tenths of a point to Danny Kass. The following year, in 2002, the event would draw more than 30,000 people. This led to the event being televised live for the first time-In 2003, when Hannah Teter won best overall rider, driving away in a brand new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The following year, snowboarding legend Terje Haakonson, who wasn't competing in halfpipe finals, took a page out of Abe Teter's playbook and treated the fans to some huge poached runs during finals. A U.S. Open regular and fan favorite, Terje had been attending since 1990.-
"The magnitude of professional riders that trained and came to Vermont season after season was incredible," says Michael Cohen, who has attended every Burton U.S. Open since 1995. "People starting going from 360 spins to 540s, 7s, 9s, to 10s, to 12s and now back-to-back 12s," he said. "Going every year, you were seeing the sport progress right in front of you."
While the double invert is now the trick driving the sport of halfpipe snowboarding, it's nothing new to fans like Cohen who have been attending the U.S. Open every year. In 1998 Mike Michaelchuk landed a double backflip in the halfpipe, and this was back when the pipe only had 12-foot walls. The following year was Cohen's favorite year, when hometown hero Ross Powers won the halfpipe competition with his huge "McTwist" off-axis spins. A decade later, Shaun White would unveil the Double McTwist, and last year he used that trick to win his fourth U.S. Open halfpipe comp.-
"I have high hopes for this year's event," says Cohen, who will be attending the U.S. Open this week for the 18th consecutive year. "Stratton couldn't support it anymore, and Vail seems like the perfect place to keep it moving forward."


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Obey State newspaper decries NH upping speed limit to reflect will of motorists
Since when has popular practice been the basis for law? Oh, wait, it's in New Hampshire that people don't need car insurance, aren't required to use seat belts, can let the wind blow freely through their hair when riding a motorcycle without a helmet. This is just one more illogical and unsafe step for the Live Free or Die state.
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I'd like to get some feedback from a few community members who are experienced users of co2 pumps. Could you enlighten us with a brief "users guide" when it comes to knowing how much is enough, when to say when, what do you do with the remaining co2, how long does it last after you break the seal? Is it a myth or truth that one must replace the co2 air after a ride with regular air because co2 is lighter so it will deflate through the rubber tube quicker than normal air?
Man, I've been trying to answer this since last week. The Beta version has some major bugs, but as of now, I'm able to finally log in thanks to the efforts of your tech people.
I used to use a frame pump but switched to a CO2 inflator a couple of years ago. Lots easier to use, takes up a less room, and let's you get more air into the tube. I use the smaller size cartridges, think they are 12 oz., once you put one into the inflator and break the seal, then you have effectively used it up. Anything that was left will leak out over a couple of weeks. Hopefully you aren't flatting out that often. I keep an inflator, two new cartridges, a patch kit, and a new tube in a plastic baggie inside my seat bag. Also have a little took kit with two tire levers.
As for a "How To": Break seal and take the tire off the rim on one side, tire levers come in very handy for this but have seen it done by hand. Remove tube. Check inside of tire, no use putting a new tube in if there is a piece of glass or something still poking through the tire. Patch tube or put in a new one. Blow into tube to get a little air into it. Put tire back on rim, careful you get tube inside the tire all the way around. Put on inflator and squeeze handle for a short burst to seat the tire to the rim. Deflate then reinflate until tire feels really hard. That will pretty much take whatever is in the cartridge, I've never blown out a tube using a 12 oz. cartridge. You will come to a point of equilibrium where the pressure in the tire is equal to the pressure left in the cartridge so I don't think its that easy to blow up a 700c racing tire past 100 lbs psi. Top it off with a floor pump before you go out on the next ride. Replace the CO2 with air? Why would you do that? I have no idea if it would deflate quicker, but I check my tires at least once a week anyway. CO2 is not lighter than air, it's heavier.
First and foremost, thank you for your continued patience with our beta site. Secondly, this response was right on target -- great info and very helpful. I appreciate you taking your time to cover, step-by-step, what it takes to properly work with a co2 pump. Cheers!
Just a couple of further thoughts on CO2 pumps-
I carry one of the slightly larger ones that allow hand pumping as well as cartridges for those really bad days when you run through both CO2's. Its helped me twice on long rides especially in the NYC Century, with glass, potholes, grates and curb jumping all part of the adventure.
On replacing CO@ in a tube- two of my ride buddies use thin or latex tubes and the bottled air really does not last as long, as little as a day. I top off every ride so I mask the effect if it shows in my tubes at all. I use slightly tougher Specialized tubes, the semi threadless ones so I can get a floor pump head on and off easier. But I think the leakage theory using CO2 is real.
One thing on spare tubes- I open mine up and test inflate them so I can coat them with baby powder. I make the flat fix faster and less chance of a pinch flat reinstalling the tube.
Hope this helps!
I tried the co2's for a while but soon went back to pump. One major drawback with ONLY taking a co2 inflator is that when they are out of air.......you are out of air. A pump never runs out of air. Of course, if you are riding with others, you can usually borrow a pump. I often ride alone and hate long walks pushing a bike. I think it's much better to carry a high volume, lightweight pump.
I switched to CO2 about 10 years ago, and love it. I do tend to ride in groups, so what I do may not apply to those who ride alone most of the time. I carry 2-3 small cartridges, and an inflator that has a trigger. the triggerless ones are tougher to control. I also carry a spare tube when i'm riding clinchers, and I always carry a $20 bill, to either use as a tire patch (from the inside) or for cab fare when things just aren't going my way. using CO2 is much faster than pumping, which is important when riding with others. I figure, if 2-3 cartridges doesn't get it done, I give up....it's just not my day....or i can always rely upon the kindness of strangers, which is easier here in southern california where cyclists are everywhere.
Thanks Dave,
Now that you mention it, while fixing both flats I've had since I purchased my bike 2 months ago, I've had people stop and offer their help. My first experience was when I only had a hand pump and couldn't get the thing over 80psi. This guy was walking his dog and said he'd could help. 2 minutes later, he pulled up in his car and pulled out a floor pump and got me back on the road. Crazy right? The other time, I had just taken off my front tire to begin the fix (with co2) and a guy in a car with a bike rack on top pulled up to see if I was alright. Good call about the $20 -- you never know when it will be needed. Ride on!
Plenty of good advice so far. I have a slightly different view of a couple of things. So far I haven't heard any empirical evidence that the CO2 dissipates through faster and I'm inclined to think not, The molecule is heavier (one carbon, two oxygens vs. two oxygens) and probably is a bigger molecule as well. If someone has a CO2 cartridge to spare, pump up a tire with it. Check the pressure and then put the identical pressure in the other tube with a similar tire using your floor pump. Check the pressure after a couple of days. There's your test. Check your pressure daily anyway. I would not count on any residual CO2 lasting "weeks" and not even days. Consider it empty. I use the 16 gm cart's myself as my tires pump up to 145 and going too high has never been an issue. The downside is that you can usually buy threadless 12 grammers for a bigger savings at say a KMart instead of at a bike store. I've heard they make them for guns too (and I don't care to know about this actually) but there could be an oil in some. Avoid that. I use a little valve type system that is spring loaded. If you have one of those it is a lot easier if you retain the nut and secure the valve onto the rim so it doesn't push into the tire when you put the upward pressure on the valve inserting the CO2. Also be alert to the fact that some valves are smooth and not threaded so don't get those if you use a spring loaded valve type inflator.
Carrying money is always a good idea but using money to patch a tire is silly now as every saddle bag should carry a "tire boot." For $3.00, or so, you can buy a pack of PARK tire boots which includes three tire patches. They have an adhesive on one side of a heavy plastic credit card sized patch. If your tire is cut even slightly then put one of these inside the tire before replacing the tube and it will get you home without having to call someone in the family for a lift and you won't lose points that way. I guess carrying a cell phone just makes sense these days. If you bend a rim your $20 would still work for the cab and both the boot and cash weigh little so why not? I've used two boots this season but not on my wheels but I was the hero to two different guys. One on a night ride who was really pushing his luck on some very old mountain tires. We were dirt road riding and about seven miles from the car but it was already after 11pm so it would have resulted in one of the other guys picking him up and costing both about an hour of sleep that night. The other was a fellow on a brand new Continental 4000 rear tire that only hit some gritty stones and put a small hole in the tire right on the riding surface near the start of what turned into a 40 miler. He completed the hole ride but usually if a tire requires a boot, its toast. By the way, that happened after a rainfall so the roads were still wet. I always make sure to clean my tires off after riding through grit in corners with my gloved hand. If you aren't comfortable doing this while riding, stop and do it that way. To do it while riding I'll open handed 'palm' the front tire to remove any residual grit. Certainly, if I think I might have been near glass I'll do this as well. A good reason to wear gloves. Then for the rear it is a tad trickier. Don't do this unless you are confident or have someone teach you. Open your hand, and put the back of your hand on the seat tube then push backwards a bit till your palm hits the tire. Let it glide there a moment then pull your hand back to the seat tube and then out. The 'push/pull' dynamic will minimize your risk of hurting your fingers. I wouldn't do it at all in a race under higher speeds to maintain control. I suppose the best way to repair a flat is to decrease the risk of getting one in the first place. Of course, carry extra tubes and more than one cartridge. I often carry a very small pump that fit in my relatively small saddle bag as well. Work force has one I've used and gotten over 90 lbs of pressure in and Topeak makes an even smaller one that goes high as well. Ask around. There are some neat small pumps available.
I don't see how carbon dioxide could leak out of an innertube any faster either. On Slate magaizine, there is a feature called The Explainer, he talked about using nitrogen in passenger tires instead of normal (ambient) air and whether it was hype or not. He also provided a link to a geek web site for engineers that went into it in great length. Bottom line was that ambient air is already over 70% nitrogen and only 20% oxygen (rounded), and molecule size is not that much different. If I took a guess as to why the tire is low when you check it the next day, is because it was never fully inflated to start with. You can only put so much in a high pressure tube with one of those little things, it fills it up enough to ride on, but not to maximum pressure.
The dollar bill trick does work is you have a cut in the tire. I never heard about the boots, will have to pick up a few. Having some money on you is always a good idea. Never know when and how it can help out.
I get my CO2 cartridges at discount stores too, much cheaper than the bike store. I also got the line about oil in the cartridges from the bike store, along with a pitch to buy them there at double the cost. I looked on the box and it doesn't say anything about oil in them, and they look identical to the ones they sell, SOOO, I'm thinking it's a marketing ploy. The "guns" they use them for are pellet guns and paint ball guns, nothing lethal.
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Most high school athletes can't wait to sign a letter of intent to play collegiate sports. But Archbishop Mitty basketball star Aaron Gordon can make colleges wait on him.
While the early signing period ends Wednesday, Gordon doesn't intend to sign until the spring period next April. Gordon has trimmed his final schools to Kentucky, Arizona and Washington.
"Aaron is in a unique position," said Mark Olivier, executive director of the Oakland Soldiers, Gordon's AAU team. "He's a program-changer. Most kids can't wait like he can. They've got to sign when offers are made because they might not be there later. Not Aaron."
The 6-foot-8 Gordon is rated among the nation's Top 10 prospects and has led Mitty to two consecutive Division II state titles. He can make an oral commitment at any time, but it won't be binding until he signs in the spring.
Recently, Gordon told this newspaper that he wanted to watch the first couple months of the college season to make a better informed decision.
"Coaches always tell you how they like players to fit in on the court," Gordon said. "But I want to see if they actually do what they say. I want to see how they use versatile players on their team, because I think that's the way I play."
Last week, Gordon cut Kansas and Oregon from the list of schools he is considering.
"It's kind of like, 'Which one of your family members do you throw out of the boat?'" said his mother, Shelly Davis Gordon. "Aaron is such a people person and he created some really strong relationships with the coaches on those staffs."
As for the finalists, his mother added: "Aaron has some very distinct options. It's a wonderful dilemma to have, but it doesn't make it any easier."
Here is the scouting report on the three schools on Gordon's list:
"It's kind of become the premier program in the West," Davis Gordon said. "Sean Miller is an up-and-coming coach. What you see is what you get with him, and Aaron likes that."
"It's just a quality program with great players," she said. "Aaron likes that because he shines brightest when the lights are on. They just seem like good people there and we would trust them with our kid."
"We have a long relationship with Lorenzo," Davis Gordon said. "He has been a guardian angel to our kids. Washington doesn't quite have the national reputation of the other schools, so Aaron would probably be called upon to do a lot there. And he doesn't shy away from that."
Contact Mark Emmons at 408-920-5745.


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AutismCares Helping Families Affected By Tennessee Floods
Nashville, Tennessee has just experienced the worst flooding in the city's history. Many families have lost everything, including their homes, cars and clothes. Water rescues continue and many households are without power. Households which have a family member who has autism are particularly affected.
Please contact:
Kathy L. Streng
Director, Regionally Supported Walks, Southeast
AutismCares helps families affected by autism to cover costs associated with critical living expenses such as: housing, utilities, car repair, daycare, funeral expenses, and other essential items on a case-by-case basis. The program relies on donations to assist these families who are in need.
Please make a donation today to help families that have members with autism who are struggling in Tennessee.
May 5, 2010 at 11:05 am
my cousin gage has autism and when he was little it was hard to do any thing with him so my aunt just stayed at home and as he got older he became better and now hes so smart that on the kindergarden class they have to take a test to see if u pass kinder and the highest u can get is an 91 and he scored a perfect 91 % i just wanted to say that if ur son or family member of ur family that has autism its not that bad but they r very smart .


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19 April 2006
Best American Fantasy
Yes, we realize there are an awful lot of "bests" out there now, and both Jeff and I have even parodied this fact at various points over the last few years, but we did not enter into this venture without a lot of consideration of the pros and cons, because it is going to eat up a lot of time we would have devoted to other things. At the moment, all I want to say is that this will not be an anthology like any other that currently exists, and we believe we'll be filling a rather large gap in the world of contemporary fiction. Time will tell, and the proof will be in the books themselves, so for now we're going to focus our energies on finding the best fantastical, surreal, odd, postmodern, post-postmodern, nonrealist, fabulist, batshit, weird shit, whatever stories from 2006 that we can. If you see anything you think we shouldn't miss, feel free to make a recommendation at the website. (Note that the site currently redirects to another temporary address; we'll be based at www.bestamericanfantasy.com soon.)
Here, for anyone who wants more details, are the official announcement and the call for submissions and recommendations. At this time we're only considering previously published work, and we are not considering excerpts from novels.
Prime Books announces the establishment of a prestigious new anthology series, Best American Fantasy (trademark pending), guest edited by Ann & Jeff VanderMeer, with Matthew Cheney serving as the series editor. The inaugural volume will be published in June 2007, showcasing the best North American fantasy short fiction from the preceding year. The editors will apply as wide a definition of the term "fantasy" as is necessary for the integrity and quality of Best American Fantasy -- including magic realism, surrealism, postmodern experiments, and all other applicable permutations.
With prominent distribution and a stylish trade paperback format, Best American Fantasy will provide an elite forum for the best short work from U.S. and Canadian writers published in North America. A list of honorable mentions limited to fifty stories will be included in each volume.
The anthology will feature rotating guest editors, with the series editor providing continuity and stability. Ann & Jeff VanderMeer will serve as guest editors for 2007 and 2008 to help establish Best American Fantasy as one of the premier year's best anthologies in North America.
Interested parties can find out more about Best American Fantasy at the BAF Website: http://www.bestamericanfantasy.com.
Reviewers, publicists, and other media should contact Prime editor Sean Wallace at: firstname.lastname@example.com.
Prime Books is an award-winning imprint that specializes in literary and cutting-edge cross-genre novels and short story collections.
About the Editors
Guest Editor Jeff VanderMeer is a two-time winner of the World Fantasy Award. His books from Pan Macmillan, Tor, and Bantam have made the year's best lists of Publishers Weekly, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Los Angeles Weekly, Publishers' News, and Amazon.com, among others, and his short fiction has appeared in several year's best anthologies. Novels and story collections by VanderMeer have been translated into twelve languages. As an editor, he is best known for founding the award-winning Ministry of Whimsy Press and its landmark anthology series, Leviathan. He lives in Florida.
Guest Editor Ann VanderMeer has been a publisher and editor for over twenty years, running her award-winning Buzzcity Press. Work from her press and related periodicals has won the British Fantasy Award, the International Rhysling Award, and appeared in several year's best anthologies. Books published by Buzzcity Press include the Theodore Sturgeon Award finalist Dradin, In Love by Jeff VanderMeer and the IHG Award winning The Divinity Student by Michael Cisco. A Best of the Silver Web is forthcoming from Prime Books in November 2006. She lives in Florida.
Series Editor Matthew Cheney has published fiction and nonfiction with Strange Horizons, Locus, Rain Taxi, Rabid Transit, Pindeldyboz, Failbetter, and others. He has served on the jury for the Speculative Literature Foundation's Fountain Award, and his weblog, The Mumpsimus, was a finalist for the 2005 World Fantasy Award. He lives in New Hampshire.
In General
Literary journals, magazines, anthologies, and other venues based in North America are encouraged to submit their publications to Best American Fantasy so that the content can be considered for inclusion. All publications received will be listed in Best American Fantasy. Please send materials for consideration to both:
Matthew Cheney
Series Editor
New Hampton, NH 03256
Ann & Jeff VanderMeer
2006-07 Guest Editors
Tallahassee, FL 32315
Materials only sent to one address will not receive consideration.
Eligible short fiction must fulfill the following rules.
(1) A work of respectable literary quality first published in a U.S. or Canadian periodical (magazines, anthologies, websites, etc.)
(2) Publication in English by U.S. or Canadian writers, or foreign writers who have made U.S. or Canada their home.
(3) Original publication as short stories. Excerpts from novels will not be considered.
(4) Work longer than 10,000 words will not be considered.
(5) All work to be considered must be received by January 15, 2007.
The definition of "fantasy" shall include fabulation, non-realist fiction, magic realism, surrealism, post modern experimentation, cross-genre, etc. The editors will apply as wide a definition of the term as is necessary for the integrity and quality of Best American Fantasy. Editors or individuals should not pre-judge the fantastical content of individual stories or periodical issues but simply send in all possibly relevant materials. Sending tearsheets is discouraged.
Individuals and editors of online magazines can make recommendations via the Best American Fantasy Recommendation Form, found on the BAF website at: www.bestamericanfantasy.com. No self-published work will be considered.
7 comments:
Sounds extremely cool: good luck to you all with it! One question: what's the rationale behind the 10,000-word limit on stories? How many words will each volume be?ReplyDelete
- Anonymous4/20/2006 1:58 PM
It'll be exciting to see a different approach to Fantasy.ReplyDelete
I'm wondering about the American or Canadian writers only clause. Why not anything published in America and Canada and leave it at that?
D Kilby
And why exclude British and Australian work?ReplyDelete
The only thing I can think of is that this is an attempt to emulate Houghton Mifflin's series of "Best American" anthologies: Best American Short Stories, Best American Essays, Best American Sports Writing, etc. (The short list of honorable mentions and the rotating guest editors are also traits of those anthologies.)
- mr. waggish4/21/2006 2:14 PM
Congratulations! Looking forward to it.ReplyDelete
Had this anthology existed in previous years, would stories from Joe Hill's Twentieth Century Ghosts have been excluded, because it was first published in the UK? Would stories from Margo Lanagan's Black Juice have been excluded for the same reason? Also, those were both single-author collections; do those qualify?ReplyDelete
This sounds fabulous. Most of the current Best Fantasy anthologies seem to be "Fantasy and Horror" (which is why I don't buy them, actually; reading well-written horror without sufficient warning leads to screaming nightmares). Are you going to be keeping to that particular lumping together, or deemphasizing the on-beyond-dark-fantasy type of stories? (Or will you not know until you see what is submitted...)ReplyDelete
- Anonymous4/23/2006 10:09 AM
Just fyi, with YBFH edited by me and Kelly Link & Gavin J. Grant you can always know in advance which stories are horror by who initials the bio at the front of the story :-)


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- The ROWDY Gents A series of 4 custom figures 2015 Toy Design
- MODERN HEROES A series of illustrations created for my solo show in Kansas City October 2014 2015 Character Design, Illustration
- MADL 10yr Edition A limited edition set to celebrate the 10yr Anniversary of the MADL figures. 2014 Toy Design
- MAD*L 5" Figures My first original platform figure in the designer toy genre. Created in 2002 and still going with new designs and collaborations. 2010 Character Design, Illustration, Toy Design
Modern Hero 6in Figure
After many years of development, MAD's Modern Hero character is finally available as an original sculpt. Having been a longtime staple in MAD's collection of characters, the Modern hero has appeared on many platform designs, custom figures, prints, and more!
This exclusive color way first released at NYCC 2013, and the rest of the run will be dropping at D-Con 2013 on the West coast in a few weeks.
Each figure stands 6" high (with the hat on) and is loaded with articulation. Figure comes with a variety of accessories and is all packaged in a deluxe box with foam insert keeping it all safe. 2014 Character Design, Toy Design
- MAJOR LAZER Kidrobot 8" Mascot Figure design created for MAJOR LAZER x KIDROBOT 2014 Character Design, Illustration, Toy Design
- Modern Hero 18in Bank The Modern Hero character has taken on many forms over the years, and the latest version is a new 18 inch tall bank! This massive piece of plastic is the perfect place to store your change while saving up for that next piece of art. 2014 Character Design, Toy Design
- HolidAPE 3in Dunny Kidrobot MAD HolidAPE 3in Dunny from Kidrobot. 2014 Character Design, Toy Design
- Mini MAD*L - Resin Series Mini MAD*L Resin Series 2014 Character Design, Toy Design
- Bruce Lee's: Temple Of Kung Fu Series:1 This recent collaboration with Round5 and the Bruce Lee family was a great honor to be a part of. Not only was I allowed all access to create great Official Bruce Lee items, I was able to design and develop an entire platform from the ground up. The result is a great line of toys showcasing a true Legend. 2012 Character Design, Toy Design
- BENTWORLD Vandals Mini-figure series designed &created by MAD for Kidrobot 2011 Toy Design, Character Design
- MADNESS Brand MADNESS Brand Apparel: A new venture from MAD Toy Design, Inc. & SIKE Style. 2014 Character Design, Fashion Styling, Toy Design
- SKIN DEEP Custom 20in Kidrobot A one of a kind hand painted 20in figure 2014 Character Design, Illustration, Toy Design
- SHOUT OUT: Kidrobot x Swatch A limited edition toy & watch set designed for the 2011 Kidrobot x Swatch collaboration. 2011 Toy Design, Product Design
- MAD x Tech Deck Illustrations Licensing illustration project for Cartoon Network and Tech Deck developing stylized original designs for use on various apparel items 2011 Illustration, Character Design
- "Battle Ready" Custom 10in MAD*L "Battle Ready" is a recent commission by Cartoon Network for their 20th Anniversary. A special print was created exclusively for their online store. 2012 Character Design, Toy Design
- "20 Years Strong" Custom 10" MAD*L A recent commission for Cartoon Network for their 20th Anniversary. 2012 Character Design, Toy Design
- BentWorld: CANS Artist Series A new series of my BentWorld characters from Kidrobot. The BentWorld: CANS Artist Series features 9 awesome designs by some of the best toy and graf artists out there. Each comes blind boxed in "Racked (new)" and "Spent (used)" versions. 2011 Toy Design, Graffiti, Character Design
- Sanrio X Hello Kitty MADL's Series of 3 custom hand painted 10" MAD*L Figures for the Sanrio "Small Gift" Show. (Los Angeles 2010) 2011 Toy Design, Character Design
- MAD BIKER ZOMBIE Dunny Sereis 2011 3" design for Kidrobot's Dunny 2011 Series 2012 Toy Design, Character Design
- MAD Zombie Robber 8" Dunny Collaboration project with Kidrobot. Design and development by MAD Toy Design. Limited Edition of 1500 pcs. 2011 Toy Design, Character Design
- MAD APE Custom 20in Dunny's A series of 3 custom painted 20in Dunny's. "White" was for Kidrobot's 10yr Anniversary Auction. "Blue" was a private commission. "Black" is available for sale through my store. 2012 Character Design, Toy Design
- BoOoya Ghosts Mini-figure series designed & created by MAD for Kidrobot 2011 Toy Design, Character Design


text: Inspired by nudie photographer Spencer Tunick's latest work in Amsterdam ...The 3 Stooges expose themselvesCan you spot TW's very own 3 stooges ... Monkeyboy, Dogz and Rabbitfighter in the following pic ?._________________________________________________________________________________________.Pussy GaloreCan you spot Beltene and her 19 clones ?._________________________________________________________________________________________.Daddy goes starkersNow this one is more of a challenge ! ! !Can you spot Daddy … keeping in mind that he is the master of ch-ch-changes with his new disguise ?