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Places To Go Wheeling Before You're GonePosted in Events on July 1, 2010 Comment (0)
The Internet is overflowing with bucket lists: things people want to do before they die. For this year's roundup of where to go wheeling, we decided to compile a list of 20 places all true four-wheelers should go before they kick the bucket. Not all are 5-plus pucker-factor thrill rides; some made the list based on scenery, history, and geology.
We also include events worth burning vacation days to attend, if you don't mind occasional off-road traffic jams.
And so everyone gets more than their money's worth here, we recap our Ultimate Adventure destinations and compile a list of private ORV parks, limiting ourselves to places that were still publicly accessible at press time. Land closures are an unfortunate reality, so always "call before you haul." Also, a few of the private parks are primarily competition tracks, just so you know before you go.
Late-breaking trail information and reports can be found in the 4x4 Trail Forum on our website, 4wheeloffroad.com. The Drivelines column in each issue contains a calendar of events. We also encourage everyone to browse our website for additional information on the areas listed here.
As an extra double bonus, we tossed in contacts for the various competition organizations and four-wheel-drive associations. Good luck crossing these destinations off your list.
Top 20 Trails & Areas
•Area BFE and surroundings: To head off potential land closures at the pass, a group of wheelers bought the area that includes Upper Helldorado. "Public" Moab still includes Pritchett Canyon among its challenging trails, although signatures runs such as Lion's Back are no longer open. (Moab, UT; www.areabfe.com)
•Badlands Off-Road Park: One of the first private off-road parks is still one of the most challenging. The Badlands has hosted many "extreme" 4x4 competitions over the years. (Attica, IN; www.badlandsoffroad.com)
•Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area: Katemcy Rocks was a staff favorite in its initial Mason location. At press time the park was preparing to reopen in a new Mason County location, so Barnwell Mountain gets our nod as a Lone Star must-do for the time being. (Gilmer, TX; www.barnwellmountainra.com)
•Bitch Trail: Great Lakes wheelers like Canada's Batchawana Bay and Sault St. Marie for off-pavement challenges. Judging by our Ultimate Adventure experience, The Bitch is our pick of must-visit places north of the 49th parallel. (Vancouver, BC, Canada; www.can4x4.com, firstname.lastname@example.com)
•Black Hills Nat'l Forest: Harley riders have Bike Week in Sturgis; four-wheelers have the Black Hills around Rapid City. Bikini and T-Back are two of the area's more notorious trails. (Rapid City, SD; Black Hills Four Wheelers, www.bh4wheelers.com)
•Chokecherry Canyon: Farmington has some of the most challenging trails in the Four Corners region. Chokecherry Canyon is one of the most popular destinations for hardcore crawlers. (Farmington, NM; Cliffhangers 4WD Club, email@example.com)
•Dusy-Ershim OHV Route: Many longtime Sierra Nevada wheelers prefer this trail to the Rubicon. (Shaver Lake, CA; www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/publications/pdfs/rogs/dusytrail.pdf)
•Flat Nasty Offroad Park: Missouri's finest, this park exceeds its name. Git R Done is one of the park's nastiest trails. (Jadwin, MO; www.flatnasty.net)
•Globe/Florence Junction, AZ: Outside of Phoenix, the greater Globe region harbors some of the state's toughest: Ajax and Upper Woodpecker to name two. (Arizona Roughriders, www.arizonaroughriders.org)
•Gray Rock ORV Park: Considered by many the most challenging private park in the Southeast. It isn't always open, so call ahead. (Mt. Olive, AL; www.grayrockorv.com)
•The Hammers: This area is probably the current Mt. Everest of rockcrawling. Pick your poison: Jackhammer, Sledgehammer, Clawhammer. (Johnson Valley, CA; www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/barstow/johnson.html )
•Iron Range OHV Area: The pride of Minnesota, Iron Range offers more than 30 miles of trails in a 1,200-acre park. (Gilbert, MN;www.ironrange.org/recreation/atv.ohv)
•Las Cruces, NM: Chile Canyons, site of the annual Chile Challenge, is a main attraction. Offers Habañero Falls, Tabasco Twister, and more. (Las Cruces 4WD Club, www.lascrucesfourwheeldriveclub.com)
•Montrose, CO: Rock gardens in this area are some of Colorado's most challenging trails. Calamity Canyon and Die Trying are two that live up to their names. (Western Slope 4 Wheelers, www.ws4w.com)
•Rausch Creek Off-Road Park: Rausch Creek is the most popular place to wheel around New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and beyond. (Joliet, PA; www.rauschcreekoffroadpark.com)
•Rock Creek Off-Road Park/Green Acres, Mr. Frieling's, Hurliman's: Clayton is the rock capital of Oklahoma. Green Momba and Wet N Wild are two of its famous trails. And Poteau areas are both beyond Oklahoma for wheeling challenges. (Clayton, OK; Sam's Offroad, www.samsoffroad.com, staff@sams offroad.com)
•Rubicon: The most-famous trail in the United States, the Rubicon was also one of the most challenging prior to the long-travel/coilover suspensions of the '90s. It is now targeted for closure, a potential victim of its own notoriety. (Georgetown, CA; www.rubiconfriends.com)
•Ruby Lake Trail: The largest state in the U.S. is perhaps our final wheeling frontier. Other trails such as Boulder Creek and Sheep Creek are rated more challenging by the locals. We chose Ruby Lake because we've been there. (Sutton, AK; Alaska Extreme Fourwheelers, www.akextreme4x4.com)
•San Juan Mountains: The Switzerland of America this is one of the most scenic areas in the Contiguous 48. Mining trails allow 4x4 exploration of Colorado's geological history. Chosen more for beauty than challenge, the mountains' most famous trail is Black Bear Pass with its steep, above-timberline switchbacks. (Telluride-Ouray, CO; www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan)
•Superlift ORV Park: In formerly abandoned logging land, these Hot Springs trails were a popular word-of-mouth destination. Superlift spearheaded an investment group to ensure this area's survival as an off-road location. Challenging trails include Impossible, Ingrid's Revenge, and Ultimate Adventure (named in honor of our trip there). (Hot Springs, AR; www.orvpark.com)
4WD Associations
•Arizona Sate Assoc. of 4Wheel Drive Clubs, www.asa4wdc.org
•California Assoc. of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, www.cal4wheel.com
•Colorado Assoc. of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, www.hightrails.org
•Florida Four Wheel Drive Assoc., www.fl4wda.com
•Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Assoc., www.glfwda.org
•Idaho State 4x4 Assoc., www.id4x4a.com
•Indiana Four Wheel Drive Assoc., www.ifwda.com
•Louisiana Off-Roaders, www.louisianaoffroaders.com
•Middle Atlantic Four Wheel Drive Assoc., www.mafwda.org
•Midwest 4 Wheel Drive Assoc., www.mw4wda.org
•Montana 4x4 Assoc., www.m4x4a.org
•Northeast Assoc. of 4WD Clubs, www.nea4wd.org
•Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Assoc., www.pnw4wda.org
•Rhode Island Off-Highway Vehicle Assoc., www.riohva.org
•Southern Four Wheel Drive Assoc., www.sfwda.org
•Southwest Four Wheel Drive Assoc., www.swfwda.org
•United Four Wheel Drive Assoc., www.ufwda.org
•Virginia 4WD Assoc., www.va4wda.org
•Wisconsin 4 Wheel Drive Assoc., www.w4wda.org
BFGoodrich outstanding trails
•Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area, Gilmer, TX
•Beasley Knob OHV Trail, Blairsville, GA
•Black Bear Pass, Telluride, CO
•Black Cat Trail, El Centro, CA
•Blacktail/Wild Bill Nat'l Recreation Trail, Flat Head Nat'l Forest, MT
•Flat Nasty Off-Road Park, White Knuckle, Jadwin, MO
•Fordyce Creek Trail, Soda Springs, CA
•Hell's Revenge, Moab, UT
•Historic Naches Trail, Naches, WA
•Iron Range Trail System, Gilbert, MN
•Poughkeepsie Gulch, Ouray, CO
•Pritchett Canyon, Moab, UT
•Pyeatt Draw Trail, Payson, AZ
•Quinn Lake Trail, Renfrew, Ontario, Canada
•Redbird State Riding Area, Trail 4, Dugger, IN
•Rubicon Trail, Georgetown, CA
•Tillamook State Forest, Crushers, Northwestern Oregon
•Upper Tellico OHV Area, Trail 4/Fain Ford (currently closed)
•Whipsaw Trail, Princeton, BC, Canada
Land use/trail Organizations
•American Land Rights Assoc., www.landrights.org
•Blue Ribbon Coalition, www.sharetrails.org
•Bureau of Land Management (BLM), www.blm.gov
•California Off-Road Vehicle Assoc. (CORVA), www.corva.org
•Colorado OHV Coalition, www.cohvco.org
•National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, www.nohvcc.org
•National Off-Road Assoc., www.nora.usa.com
•National Park Service, www.nps.gov
•Ohio Multi-Use Trails Assoc.: www.ohiotrails.org
•Trail Keepers, www.trailkeepers.org
•Tread Lightly, www.treadlightly.org
•U.S. Dept. of Agriculture/Forest Service, www.fs.fed.us
•U.S. Parks, www.recreation.gov
Popular Events
•All-4-Fun: Sponsored by the Mile High Jeep Club, this weeklong high-altitude 4x4 celebration happens every August. The event venue rotates locations throughout Colorado.
Info: www.mhjc.org/2010all4funsite, 303.210.8775
•Big Dogs Offroad Events: Runs take place at a 6,000-acre private ranch in Gore, VA.
Info: www.bigdogsoffroad.com, 410.440.3670
•Chile Challenge: This February tradition offers more Las Cruces action than some can handle.
Info: www.chilechallenge.org, 575.373.4516
•Dakota Territory Challenge: The Black Hills come alive with crawlers every September.
Info: www.bh4wheelers.com
•Easter Jeep Safari: Moab has become America's Mecca for 4x4 fun. The Easter Jeep Safari is the place to be for all 4x4 makes and models the week preceding Easter.
Info: Red Rocks 4-Wheelers, www.rr4w.com
•4x4 Jamboree Nationals: The Jambos' main draws are the shown-and-shine, monster trucks, and NMRO mud racing. Some venues also include a rockcrawling challenge and a tough-truck competition.
Info: www.4wheeljamboree.com, 317.236.6515
•Fun in the Desert: The Victor Valley 4 Wheelers hosts this event every September at Johnson Valley-Hammers included.
Info: www.victorvalley4wheelers.com/fitd/overview, 760.948.1424
•Hi Desert Roundup: This Cal 4-Wheel fundraiser overtakes Stoddard Valley near Barstow every May.
Info: www.cal4wheel.com, 626.280.0308
•Hump N Bump: For more than 20 years, trail vehicles have congregated in Logandale (outside Las Vegas) for this Vegas Valley 4 Wheelers' November event. Challenging terrain offers rock, sand, and water.
Info: www.vv4w.org/humpnbump.asp
•Jeepers Jamboree Rubicon Run: Originating in 1953, this is the oldest organized Rubicon run. It happens in late July, early August.
Info: www.jeepersjamboree.com, 530.333.4771
•Jeep Jamboree: The most famous Jamboree is over the Rubicon, but this institution, founded by Mark A. Smith, runs approximately 30 events annually throughout North America. Venues include both public and private lands.
Info: www.jeepjamboreeusa.com, 530.333.4777
•Minnesota Go 4's Memorial 4x4 Total Off-Road Rally: A Memorial Day extravaganza held at the Trollhaugen Ski Area in Dresser, WI.
Info: www.memorial4x4.org, 651.280.8282
•PNW4WDA Trail Jamboree: The 21st running happens July 7-11 near Naches, Washington, surrounded by the Cascade Mountains.
Info: www.pnw4wda.org/trailjam, 509.698.3703
•Sierra Trek: This is the California Association of 4WD Clubs' big bash, happening every August since 1966. Based near Truckee, the event's marquee trail is Fordyce Creek.
Info: www.cal4wheel.com, 916.381.8300
•Sno-Blind Expedition: Held in Michigan's AuSable National Forest every February, this is one of the most popular winter runs.
Info: www.mudchuggers.com, email@example.com
•Superlift 4xAdventure Series: For 2010, the Superlift series adds events in Texas, Oklahoma, and Virginia while retaining the spring and fall 4xAdventures in Hot Springs, AR.
Info: www.4xadventures.com, www.orvpark.com, 804.572.8335
•Telluride Rotary 4x4 Tours: This July spectacle raises money for scholarships and is one of the best guided ways to see Colorado's San Juan Mountains. Trails include Black Bear Pass, Imogene Pass, and Yankee Boy Basin. Information:
Info: www.telluride4x4.com, 888.605.2578
•Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari: California's traditional season-opener (February, early March), TDS normally takes place at the Truckhaven Hills, although it has been held at Ocotillo Wells OHV Area.
Info: www.tdsdesertsafari.com, firstname.lastname@example.com
•Tin Benders Jamboree: An annual April thrashfest at Johnson Valley's Hammers.
Info: www.tinbenders.org
Staff Favorites
Ali Mansour: The one I have the fondest memories of is the Rocky Mountain Loop Trail in the Uwharrie National Forest OHV Area, outside Troy, North Carolina. I've enjoyed Uwharrie's red clay countryside for years with my friends and family. It's definitely not the toughest trail system on the East Coast, but that hasn't stopped me from breaking, rolling, and having a blast. The most attractive part of the UNF trail system is that there is something for everyone. Add a good rainstorm and a boring hillclimb transforms into a high-revving, tire-spinning adventure.
Kevin McNulty: I like all the trails around Telluride and Silverton, particularly Black Bear Pass.
Fred Williams: The Johnson Valley Hammers trails. I can't pick just one. The are offers some of the best rockcrawling in the nation and has variety from easy to insane for any wheeling level.
Rick Pewe: Of all the trails in the world, my favorite is the Rubicon. While not the toughest trail, the sheer beauty of the 'Con along with its incredible history makes it my top-ranking place to wheel.
Ultimate Adventure Recap*
2009 (Nov./dec.)
•Drummond Island, MI: Turtle Ridge Off-Road Park, www.turtleridgeorv.com
•Harrison, MI: Rocks & Valleys Off-Road Park, www.rocksandvalleys.com
•Mantua, OH: Jeep Skool, www.jeepskool.com
•Mount Perry, OH: Painted Rock Adventure Park, www.paintedrockohv.com
•Six Points, PA: Outback Off-Road Adventure Park, www.outbackoffroadadventure.com/park.php
2008 (Nov./dec.)
•Black Hills, SD: Black Hills 4 Wheelers, www.bh4wheelers.com
•Miles City, MT: Glendive Short Pine BLM OHV Area, www.blm.gov/mt/st/en/prog/recreation/ohv/glendive.html
•Rangley, CO: Rangely OHV Area, Rangely Rock Crawlers, www.rangely.com/RockCrawling.htm
•Weston, WY: Bliss Dinosaur Ranch, www.wyomingdinosaurs.com
2007 (Nov./dec.)
•Gilmer, TX: Barnwell Mountain, www.barnwellmountainra.com
•Huntsville, TX: General Sam's Offroad Park, www.generalsams.com
•San Antonio, TX: Cline Ranch Off-Road Park, www.clineranch.com
2006 (Nov./dec.)
•Boise, ID: Rattlesnake Alley, www.idaho4x4.com
•Elko, NV: Gas Tank Alley, Bangin' Bones, www.banginbones.com
•Rexburg, ID: St. Anthony Dunes, www.snakeriveroffroaders.com
2005 (Nov./dec.)
•Cassville, MO: Mark Twain Nat'l Forest, www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain
•Clayton, OK: Rock Creek/Green Acres, 918.569.4289
•Poteau, OK: Cavanal Hill, Sam's Offroad, firstname.lastname@example.com, 800.446.5503
•Seymour, MO: Southern Missouri Offroad Ranch, www.smorr.net
2004 (Nov./dec.)
•Chetek, WI: Apple Valley Farms, www.rpm4x4.com
•Gilbert, MN: Iron Range OHV Recreation Area, www.ironrange.org/recreation/atv.ohv
•Marseille, IL: The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off-Road Park, www.thecliffsinsaneterrain.com
2003 (Nov.)
•Tracy City, TN: Monteagle, Damn Locals, www.damnlocals.com
•Mt. Olive, AL: Gray Rock ORV Park, www.grayrockorv.com
•Hot Springs, AR: Superlift ORV Park, www.orvpark.com
2002 (Nov.)
•Cedar City, UT: Three Peaks OHV Park, www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/cedar_city/recreation/three_peaks_recreation.html
•Moab, UT: Upper Helldorado, www.areabfe.com
•Montrose, CO: Calamity Canyon, Western Slope 4 Wheelers, www.ws4w.com
•Mosco, CO: Great Sand Dunes Nat'l Park, www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm
•Georgetown, CA: Rubicon Trail, www.rubiconfriends.com
•Clifdell, WA: Shoestring/Kaner Trail, www.nwjeepn.com
•Duncan, Vancouver, BC, Canada: Bitch Trail, www.bc4x4.com
2000 (Feb.)
•Farmington, NM: Water Falls Trail, www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/farmington/Glade_Run_Recreation_Area.html
•Florence Junction, AZ: Upper Ajax, Arizona Rough Riders, www.arizonaroughriders.org
•Las Cruces, NM: Tabasco Twister, Las Cruces 4WD Club, www.lascrucesfourwheeldriveclub.com
•Montrose, CO: Die Trying, Western Slope 4 Wheelers, www.ws4w.com
*Areas currently open
Private 4x4 Parks
•Gray Rock (Mt. Olive), www.grayrockorv.com, 205.841.5337
•Hawk Pride Mountain Offroad Park (Tuscumbia), www.hawkpridemountainoffroad.com, 256.577.1034
•Morris Mountain ORV Park (Anniston), www.morrismountainorv.com, 256.488.5601
•Mountainside Offroad Park (Gadsden), www.mountainsideoffroadpark.com, 404.925.5831
•Byrd's Adventure Center (Ozark), www.byrdsadventurecenter.com, 479.667.4066
•Superlift ORV Park (Hot Springs), www.orvpark.com, 501.625.3600
•Colorado Off.Road Extreme (Agate), www.coloradooffroadextreme.com, 303.956.3600
•Ram Off.Road Park (Colorado Springs), www.ramoffroadpark.com, 719.650.3044
•Durhamtown Off-Road Park (Union Point), www.durhamtown.com, 706.486.4603
•East Coast Off-Road Park (Hortense), www.ecc-orp.com, 912.729.1896
•River Rock ORV Park (Milledgeville), www.riverrockorv.com, 478.452.0555
•The Cliffs Insane Terrain (Marseille), www.thecliffsinsaneterrain.com, 815.795.5200
•Badlands Off-Road Park (Attica), www.badlandsoffroad.com, 866.762.2981
•Haspin Acres (Laurel), www.haspinacres.com, 765.698.2420
•Timber Ridge Ranch (Castana), www.timberridgeiowa.com, 712.353.6600
•Kansas Badlands Off-Road Park (South Haven), www.kansasbadlands.com, 620.968.8033
•Kansas Rocks Recreation Park (Mapleton), www.ksrockspark.com, 913.782.5611
•Big Rock Off-Road Park (Maysville), www.bigrockoffroadpark.com, 606.564.8283
•Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Park (Harlan County), www.harlancountytrails.com/blackmountain.php, 606.573.4495
•D&K Off-Road Park (Manchester), www.dandkoff.roadpark.com, 606.598.2776
•High Lifter Off-Road Park (Shreveport), www.highlifter.com/park, 318.524.2270
•Rocky Mountain Terrain Park (Carthage), www.rmtp.us, 207.272.8012
•Bundy Hill Off-Road Park (Jerome), www.bundyhilloffroad.com, 517.917.0493
•Rocks & Valleys Offroad Park (Harrison): www.rocksandvalleys.com, 989.539.1448
•Turtle Ridge ORV Park (Drummond Island), www.turtleridgeorv.com, 906.493.1000
•Twisted Trails Off-Road Park (Copemish), www.twistedtrailsoffroadpark.com, 231.651.9548
•Red Creek Off-Road Park (Perkinston), www.redcreekoffroad.com, 601.945.5055
•Bricks 4x4 Farm (Poplar Bluff), www.bricks4x4farm.com, 573.718.7388
•CJ's Off-Road (Ellington), www.cj.offroad.com, firstname.lastname@example.com
•Flat Nasty Offroad Park (Jadwin), www.flatnasty.net, 573.729.6668
•Hannibal Rocks (Hannibal), www.hannibalrocks.com, 217.242.1963
•Potawatomi Offroad Park (Fulton), www.capitalcitycrawlers.com/potawatomi/porpinfo.htm
•SayersBrook (Potosi), www.sayersbrook.com/offroading.html, 888.854.4449
•Southern Missouri Offroad Ranch (Seymour), www.smorr.net, 417.827.3952
•Washita Off-Road Trails (Farmington), www.washitaoffroadtrails.com, 573.756.5656
New York
•Field of Dreams Family 4WD Farm (Syracuse), www.4wdfarm.com, 877.4WD.FARM
North Carolina
•Carolina Backwoods (Ash), www.carolinabackwoods.com, 910.2875695
•Forbidden Zone/Wellsville (Hammondsville), www.wellsvilletrails.com, 740.219.9448
•Jeep Skool (Mantua), www.jeepskool.com, firstname.lastname@example.com
•Painted Rock Adventure Park (Mt. Perry), www.paintedrockohv.com, 740.659.1171
•Day Adventure Park (Wyandotte), www.ddayadventurepark.com, 918.666.3411
•Hogan's Offroad Park (Disney), www.hogansoffroad.com, 918.435.8001
•Hurliman's ORV Park (Clayton), www.indianmoundshorsecamp.com, 918.569.4761
•Mr. Frieling's ORV Park (Clayton), 918.522.4244
•Rock Creek/Green Acres Off-Road Park (Clayton), 918.569.4289
•Outback Off-Road Adventure Park (Six Points), www.outbackoffroadadventure.com/park.php, 724.285.5082
•Rausch Creek Off-Road Park (Joliet), www.rauschcreekoffroadpark.com, 610.842.3596
•Rock Run Recreation Park (Patton), www.rockrunrecreation.com, 814.674.6026
South Carolina
•Gulches Off-Road Vehicle Park (Laurens), www.gulchesorvpark.com, 864.449.5698
•Bold Springs Off-Road Park (McEwen), 931.582.6060
•Coal Creek OHV Area/Wind Rock Park (Oliver Springs),www.coalcreekohv.com, 865.435.0486
•Crazy Horse Extreme Off-Road Park (Waynesboro), www.crazyhorsecanoe.com/offroad.html, 931.722.3960
•Golden Mountain OHV Park (Sparta), www.goldenmountainpark.com, 931.644.9917
•Wheelin' in the Country (Summertown), www.wheelininthecountry.com, 931.964.3417
•Wooley's Off-Road Club (Lynnville), www.woolysoffroad.com, 931.703.3129
•Brazos Valley Off-Road Ranch (Bryan), www.brazosvalleyoffroadranch.com, 979.846.1592
•Brushy Creek Motor Farm (Dallas), www.brushycreekmotorfarm.com, 972.524.2526
•Cline Ranch Off-Road Park (San Antonio), www.clineranch.com, 210.379.4146
•General Sam's Off-Road Wilderness Park (Huntsville), www.generalsams.com, 281.705.0078
•Hidden Falls Adventure Park (Marble Falls),www.hiddenfallsadventurepark.com, 830.798.9820
•Katemcy Rocks K2 (Mason), www.katemcyrocks.com, email@example.com, 325.347.6333
•Long Ranch ORV Park (Llano), www.longranchwheeling.com, 512.755.5952
•Primitive Acres Guest Ranch (Mt. Enterprise), www.primitiveacres.com, 903.822.3983
•River Run Park (Neches River), www.riverrunpark.com, 903.724.4100
•Rock Creek Off-Road Park (Lipan), 254.227.1020
•Satan's Playground ORV Park (Ozona), www.sp.orv.com, email@example.com
•Shiloh Ridge ORV Park (Rusk), www.shilohridge.com, 800.432.3965
•Texas HogWallow (Deweyville), www.texashogwallow.com, 409.746.2020
•Texas Race City (Florence), www.texasracecity.com, 254.554.1226
•Tire Trax Ranch Offroad Park (Rockdale), www.tiretraxranch.com, 512.373.6552
•Area BFE, www.areabfe.com, 562.233.6523
•Big Boys Playground (Harrisonburg), www.bigboysplaygroundllc.com, 540.476.2044
•Apple Valley Farms (Chetek), www.rpm4x4.com, firstname.lastname@example.com
•Northwoods Overland OHV Park (Rib Lake), www.northwoodsoverland.com, 715.783.0191
•Bliss Dinosaur Ranch (Weston), Bliss Dinosaur Ranch, www.wyomingdinosaurs.com, email@example.com
•Sault Trussel OffRoad, (Sault St. Marie, Ontario), www.saulttrusseloffroad.com, email@example.com


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The War Against Marriage Goes Round and Round, Round and Round…
posted at 3:05 pm on August 4, 2010 by Dafydd ab Hugh
Today, between 1:00pm and 3:00pm PDT, U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker will electronically issue his ruling on the constitutionality of California's Proposition 8.
Proposition 8 was the citizen-initiative state constitutional amendment overturning the state Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage (SSM) and restoring the traditional definition of marriage to America's biggest (and most debt-ridden) state. The amendment passed 52.24% to 47.76% in 2008, despite the massive, Obama-driven, liberal-Democratic vote.
The state Supreme Court reluctantly upheld the proposition, which led to an immediate federal lawsuit, Kristin M. Perry v. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Alas, I predict that Judge Walker will find for the plaintiff, striking down Prop. 8 (again) and once more shoving SSM down the throats of Californios.
George Will will be beside himself with glee. It's not that he supports SSM; I'm sure he doesn't. But he's absolutely fanatical against citizen initiatives; he considers them an abomination. Imagine, direct democracy!
He is disgusted and appalled at the very idea that citizens should be allowed to determine the laws they live under, instead of letting their betters rule for their own good. If Judge Walker rules against Prop. 8, Will will write a column praising the decision.
By contrast, Patterico — who supports SSM — will be bitter and angry… because he believes citizens should be allowed to set their own defintion of marriage much more than he believes in same-sex marriage. The difference is simple: Patterico is a staunch proponent of government by the consent of the governed — while George Will calls himself an unreconstructed Tory, by which I assume he means he is a monarchist at heart.
The only question I have is whether Walker will stay his ruling until the Ninth Circus can review it, or whether he will order the state immediately to begin issuing marriage licences to same-sex couples… hoping that even if the Ninth or the Supreme Court ultimately overturns his decision, so many lesbians and gay men will have already married that SSM will be a fait accompli, the courts having finally forced the policy upon the state even without final support from the Supremes.
On that narrow question, I make no prediction.
Cross-posted on Big Lizards…
UPDATE: I wrote this post before reading Patterico's own post, which also predicts that Judge Walker will strike down Proposition 8. Two great thoughts with but a single mind between them. (Oh, wait; that would make us both halfwits, wouldn't it?)
UPDATE II: Yup.

subset: commoncrawl


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Akon's Recession-Proof Tune
March 2nd, 2012 | Published in Uncategorized
Akon's Recession-Proof Tune
Forbes, 07.09.09
By Zack O'Malley Greenburg
One sweet-singing impresario is thriving amid rap's recession.
Ten minutes before the start of a benefit concert at Harlem's Apollo Theater, and rapper-singer-songwriter Akon is brawling with his deejay over how to hook a stodgy crowd of Manhattan philanthropists at the 2009 Do Something Awards.
"We gotta get it poppin' from the giddyup," Akon argues. His pick: Open with "Beautiful," a synthesizer-drenched ballad whose upbeat chords make you feel like you're falling in love at a beachside club in Dakar, where Akon grew up. Performing the song minutes later, he sprints and hurls himself headfirst into the audience, landing the arms of his waiting entourage–and a few surprised-looking yuppies. "When he does that in Senegal," his publicist whispers, "they rip his clothes off."
Here they just give him money. Akon is one of the only artists to increase his income in a year that's been almost as cruel to hip-hop as it's been to Wall Street. Rap record sales fell 20% in 2008, steeper than the 15% industry-wide decline. Worse, the corporate appetite has all but dried up for "360 deals" like last year's $150 million pact between Jay-Z and concert promoter Live Nation ( LYV - news - people ). The 20 top earners in hip-hop combined to make $300 million from June 2008 to June 2009–40% less than last year's half-billion.
Yet Akon's earnings have nearly doubled. He's tied with 50 Cent for fourth place on Forbes' latest list of Hip-Hop's Cash Kings with an estimated $20 million in pretax earnings over the last 12 months, up from $12 million over the prior year. His camp insists he's made even more, thanks in part to his new album Freedom, on its way to platinum status despite the slow market.
"I think people lean more to music when they're going through the hard times," Akon says, lounging in a midtown Manhattan hotel the day after his Apollo appearance. "The recession is really impacting everyday people, and they want to try to get away from the troubles they're dealing. Music is always a crutch."
Selling albums–Akon has moved 9 million in his young career–is just one part of the business. Akon performed a staggering 100 concerts from Antwerp to Vancouver during the past 12 months. According to Pollstar, he grossed $230,000 per show on average, plus merchandise sales. Factor in declining record sales, and it's not hard to see why touring is such a crucial moneymaker for artists like Akon–especially because they don't have to split concert proceeds with record labels as they do on albums. "They just try to rape you," says Akon. "You don't see money till your second or third album because you're so busy recouping." He makes nearly half his money touring.
In addition to writing, singing, producing and rapping his own songs, Akon offers the same services to other artists–sometimes for a six-figure upfront fee, plus as much as half the royalties. He's logged more than 160 guest appearances, working with acts from Gwen Stefani to fellow cash king T-Pain.
It's paying off. "At the beginning of his career, like many artists, he did not have the infrastructure in place to handle everything that was coming at him," says David Bolno, a co-director at Nigro Karlin Segal & Feldstein, which Akon hired to represent him last year. "Together we put a business plan in place in order to manage his current business ventures, the back-end administrative functions on invoicing and collections for his producing and songwriting."
Akon also launched his own record label Konvict Musik, which includes KonLive Distribution, a 50/50 venture with Interscope. He gets half the profits from album sales and still keeps his own touring revenues, merchandising rights and ringtones. Last year Akon co-produced Lady Gaga's debut The Fame, which sold more than 1 million copies and collaborated on the multiplatinum single "Just Dance."
"He's one of the most prolific producers around, period," says Ryan Schinman, chief of Platinum Rye, the world's largest buyer of music and talent for corporations. "Akon is one of the savviest businessmen in the industry. He's not going anywhere."
Akon got noticed five years ago with the release of "Locked Up," a song about the time he spent jailed for auto-theft charges in Georgia and New Jersey. The multiplatinum single is one of many recognizable hits from his first album, Trouble. But the details of Akon's life prior to 2004 remain murky.
New York State court records show that Aliaune Damala Thiam was born on April 30, 1973. Wikipedia lists his full name as Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam. Asked if this is correct, Akon grins. "It might be," he says. Age? "Twenty-young." Marital status? "I'm very loved."
What's fairly certain is that Akon was born in St. Louis, Mo., sometime in the past 40 years and spent much of his childhood in the West African country of Senegal, which he describes as his "hometown." The child of a dancer mother and a renowned percussionist father, Mor Thiam, Akon learned to play five instruments, including drums and guitar.
Akon spent his school years in the states and summers in Senegal. He moved to the U.S. full time for high school, settling in Jersey City, N.J., and later, Atlanta. After spending a semester at Clark Atlanta University, Akon says he dropped out to lead a Gone in 60 Seconds-esque car-theft outfit. "I was just the biggest hustler ever," he says. "I just wanted to be rich, I didn't care how. However I could get a break, or an opportunity to make money, my hands were involved in it."
The law caught up with him in Atlanta in the late 1990s, when he claims cohorts ratted him out. Akon says he spent three years in and out of jail as penance for his car-related kleptomania.
The story took a hit last year when The Smoking Gun reported that much of Akon's criminal background was exaggerated or completely fabricated, citing court documents that show his only automotive offense as a 1998 bust for possession of a stolen BMW in New Jersey. The report indicates that Akon served several months in Georgia's DeKalb County Jail before prosecutors dropped all charges. He claims his criminal record was expunged as part of a settlement because it had been making it difficult for him to obtain visas when performing abroad.
Whatever his past, the future looks good for Akon. He's collaborating with Lady Gaga and Lionel Richie and finishing a new album, due out this fall. He was also one of the last artists to work with Michael Jackson–last year the duo recorded the song "Hold My Hand," which has since been leaked on the Internet. Akon says the song and other material recorded with Jackson will not be released without the consent of Jackson's family.
Beyond music, Akon is producing a reality show–for a major network, he says–where members from different Los Angeles-area gangs are selected to be in a band together. He's also putting the finishing touches on Aliaune, the more expensive counterpart of his Konvict Clothing line.
Perhaps his most ambitious project is Hitlab.com, launched last September, an online community where aspiring artists can promote and sell their music outside record-label auspices. The site offers proprietary technology that promises to predict whether or not a song has the potential to be a hit. "I call it the industry killer," he says. "That's going to be the future for music."
If anyone would know, it's probably Akon.
Video: Akon's Business Empire
Video: Akon's Forbes Remix Exclusive


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Magic Wand
Reusable Bubble Bar
Conjure up candy suds
Close your eyes, swish your Magic Wand in the tub as it fills, and your wish for mounds of sweet cotton candy-scented bubbles will be granted! There's enough magic in this wand for several baths full of candy-scented bubbles and sweet pink waters, so pop it on the side of your tub for the next time you need a magical bathtime escape.
VeganThis product does not contain animal products of any kind.
Fresh ingredients
Fresh ingredients
Sodium Carbonate, linkHolder Cream of Tartar, linkHolder Sodium Laureth Sulfate, linkHolder Glycerine, linkHolder Lauryl Betaine, linkHolder Fragrance, linkHolder Titanium Dioxide, linkHolder Synthetic Musk, linkHolder Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, linkHolder Tin Oxide, linkHolder Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, linkHolder *Limonene, linkHolder Red 27. linkHolder *Occurs naturally in essential oils
Natural ingredients
Safe synthetics


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Links to various websites
Employment opportunies lists job or position openings within NAB churches and ministries.
Free or inexpensive file transfer for large files. Different choices for different organizations,
If you've ever had problems sending photos as attachments to emails, a photo transfer spot might be the answer for you. There are many out there, Flickr is the one we use and a basic account is free!
GMI recently published the new Operation World personal CD-ROM, professional DVD-ROM and wall map.


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Reviewed By James C (HOUSTON, TX) Reviewed for a 2016 GMC Yukon XL —4/16/2015 11:34 AM
I have the 9006 bulbs in a 2001 Tahoe. It was a bit of a struggle getting them in because of clearance issues on the back of the headlight housing, but I finally got them in. They work great and put out noticeably more light than the upgraded Halogen/"xenon" bulbs I was using. The white color looks great too.


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Umm, go to www.vw.com and try to click on the Eos. Most of the links don't work and the clearly say the base Eos has a 2.0T engine, but the 2.0T (assumed to be an upgraded Eos) has a turbocharged and direct injected engine? WTF? The VW 2.0T engine is a turbo, right? I thought the Vdub rocks thing where they gave away a guiter with each car was too cute by half, but this is really strange.Hopefully the Eos can overcome a bad ad department, it is a nice car at a nice price - at least I think as the interior photo link does not work - WTF?
VW doesn't seem to like to update their website very often. I went on there today after seeing a review of the 4 door GTI on C&D and its not even on there.
Get a G6 convertible instead....U'll thank me 4 it...
Cmicasa the Great:Get a G6 convertible instead....U'll thank me 4 it...Amen to that brother... The G6 costs less and looks killer in Silver with a black interior...Although the VW has a great interior, the Pontiac will last longer and most likely cost you less in the long run on maintenence issues...
Been around since 2007, under multiple accounts, Been a Mod, been a Non-Mod. But love autos and the friends I have met on here over the years.
I will buy the G6 when they upgrade the interior. Are they doing that in '08?
Yeah, the VW website makes me worry about the quality of their cars. I've been burned by VWs in the past, but I really like the new 5 door GTi. It has been on sale for a while now, but the website still shows the 2006 models.Like you said - WTF?
Also the V10 Touareg isn't up on their 'egg site. As for the G6..I wouldn't trust that top's longevity as far as I could throw it. Nor do I trust it's ability to stand the test of time in the wind/water proof department. Or in the 'not getting rattley and shaky' dept. Plus, the G6 is akward looking and proportion challenged.
Cmicasa the Great:Get a G6 convertible instead....U'll thank me 4 it...i think i have to agree. i would take a G6 over a eos. most definitely.
Cmicasa the Great:Get a G6 convertible instead....U'll thank me 4 it...Oh yeah. Love the G6 'Vert. If it weren't for the fact that a 'Stang GT convertible costs the same...
The G6 is too large to be considered an Eos rival. These are the main competitors in the segment...
Not where I live, bloke.
-------------------------------------------Bad decisions make good stories.
don9992:Not where I live, bloke.That's irrelevant: the Eos was conceived to compete in the C-segment coupe-cabrio market. The closest GM product to it is the Delta-based Astra twin-top. Comparing it to a cabrio which sits on a larger platform doesn't make any sense.In North America, the Eos has no direct competition.
I have had an EOS for 3 and a half years. The quality is horrible. It has been in the shop 6 times because it leaks rain water inside the car when it rains outside. It has also been in the shop 4 times for the convertible top not going down properly - it gets stuck when you try to put the top down. This things should not happen on a $38,000 vehicle.
Welcome Jen! Feel free to stick around!


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Every time I think I'm getting a handle on this, I discover how wrong I am.
This time, can someone tell me which strains are hybrids and which ones breed true? Do any strains still breed true?
I've been looking at VSH, Pol-line, Buckfast, Carnies, Italian. Am I missing anybody I should be looking at? I really would like to OCCASIONALLY breed a few queens with some chance of not loosing every good characteristic in the strain. I am just a small-time hobbyist with no thoughts of expanding into sidelining or full-fledged full-time. I'm retired and this was supposed to be the return to a FUN hobby, but I am starting to feel like Billy Crystal yelling, "I'm on vacation!" as he gets dragged by the steer in City Slickers!


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Freshman Year (2011-12)
Competed in all eight events for UAB during its inaugural season ... maintained an average of 135.3 in traditional games ... posted her season-high score of 202 against Tulane at the Holiday Collegiate Classic in nearby Bessemer, Ala. (Feb. 25) ... had her best performance at that event, averaging 155.4 over five traditional games, four of which came against ranked teams ... came on over the second half of the season, averaging 144.0 per game over the last four tournaments after logging a 115.1 average through the first four ... helped UAB to the first team titles in program history at Elizabeth City State's Beach Open (Nov. 4-6) and South Carolina State's Bulldog Roundup (Feb. 3-4).
Attended Kenwood Academy in Chicago, Ill. ... a member of the honor roll ... a member of the Student Ambassador Program.
Qituwrah Jeehan Ishaaq King ... born April 14, 1992 in Montgomery, Ala. ... daughter of Alvin King and Patrice King-Jones ... has one sister, Takia Bennett ... majoring in biology.


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Self-Styled with Elliot: Oxfords
Everything you need to know about Oxford Shirts (there's more than you may think).
The oxford is the most classically cool and versatile of all fall/winter casual shirts; you should definitely own a few.
Oxford shirts are generally made of thicker cloth and are meant to be washed, tumble dried and worn with some relaxed swagger. They go great with corduroys, cardigans, brogues, dark blue jeans and heavier, "country" style blazers and suits. More of a whiskey shirt than a martini shirt, you can wear them untucked so long as you don't have a jacket on.
Always buy an oxford shirt with a button-down collar. Some brands make oxfords with semi-spread collars, but frankly I think the look is wack.
For an entry-level oxford, I recommend Uniqlo's long-sleeve model. It comes in a nice mini rainbow of colors (such as salmon, lilac and canary) and wears well after a few washes. It is so reasonably priced that you can afford to buy three or four at once and be set for the season. This is a superior product for a mass-market brand, so stock up and maybe explore some funky new shades besides blue.
For the heads out there who want to really own the look, be sure to get something with a nice soft collar. If you want to know and feel the difference between a $30 oxford and something with a bit more refinement, you should touch the fabric on the collar. A well-made shirt will have a lot of give and bounce to it; avoid a cardboard feel.
Unlike a dress shirt, which should be firm and pressed, an oxford shirt's collar needs to be somewhat slouchy and chilled out. A Brooks Brothers slim fit model (the wonderful, utilitarian Budweiser of modern oxford shirts) has a beautiful roll to it that many say can't be replicated. Be sure to get the slim fit model, as Brooks' standard OG cut is very, very generous and probably not the look you are going for unless you are 56 and running for Congress.
As with any shirt, you don't want to rock this too tightly on some pizza bro hipster shit. It's really easy to take in the sides and sleeves if the next size up fits nicely across your chest and shoulders. If that's too much work, just find a brand you like and buy a few.
About the Author
Elliot Aronow is a tv personality, editor and music and style hustler living in New York City. He is the host/producer/editor/publisher of OUR SHOW with Elliot Aronow and the Co-Founder of music site RCRD LBL. All of his hair and opinions are his own. Follow Elliot on Twitter @youngelz. Check out the rest of his Playboy.com Self-Styled columns HERE.


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Services and resources to help students reach their goals at Lesley.
The Office of Student Life and Academic Development monitors the overall quality of life for undergraduate and graduate students, providing support for the academic, career, and personal development of all students. Areas that fall under the umbrella of Student Life range from health services and counseling to orientation and athletics. We're here to make your college experience complete and fulfilling on all levels. Please visit the following pages for more information:
Career Resource Center
Counseling Center
Health Services
Orientation Information
Residence Life
Study Abroad Opportunities
Student Handbooks and Policies
Student Life Staff
Student Life and Academic Development Main
Life in Cambridge and Boston
Student Life
Student Activities and Programs
Student Organizations
Study Abroad
Community Service
Internships and Field Placements
Maps and Directions
Academic Calendar
Public Safety


text: Caveat: I searched for "firmware" and only got three results which were non-irrelevant. Who makes the OEM radio for the 2010 Silverado (non Bose branded)' is it Delco or is that now Delphi or someone else? Are there firmware flashe upgrades available for these radios via the USB port (or perhaps Tech II)? The reason I ask is the way the units uses compressed music is cumbersome. It can play both MP3 and WMA files and here is what I have questions on. 1 - When I have .wma files on a CD-R, the main radio body (aka head unit) will not sort my Albums, it said there are none and when you press the "i" info button on the top left of the head unit when I file is playing, all you see is the artist name and song. It will sort my Artist though. 2 - When I play a .wma file from the USB port via a USB Flash Drive (aka thumb dive or Jump drive), the 'i' button does show the album name, however there is no sort feature that I can find like when the file is played off the CD reader. I plan to try to add a 64GB Solid State USB drive to this port in time. 3 - The "Cat" button is only for XM, why can't that be a hot button for Album, Artist, Genre year and so on? Note: I have not use .mp3 files yet and will try that next. 4 - When playing off the USB port, when you go back to that input you have soft buttons for "pause", "shuffle" (by both folder or song) and repeat. How do you get back to this root menu w/o switching through the source button? 5 - Is there some forum somewhere where you can talk/post to the radio's software people; like a GM.com form or a Delco.com forum? I assume with this being a mainstream truck (GM) that there has to be firmware releases from time to time. I assume that you can take your truck to the dealer and the tech can flash to the newer firmware if need be (i.e. You have a 2009 and you want the 2010 features and your hardware can support it). Does the GM tech use Tech II to flash the firmware, they use a USB port or nothing like this exists? TIA, Matt


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Are You Struggling With Burn Out?
Erica Diamond | Posted 01.07.2013 | Canada Living
Read More: Coping Strategies, Warning Signs of Stress, Causes, Burnt Out, Preventing Burnout: Signs, Stress Reduction, Signs of Stress, Career Burnout, Signs of Burnout, Silent Warning Signs of Stress, Stress Prevention, Stressed, Symptoms, How to Prevent Burnout, Stressed or Burned Out, Burnout, Canada Living News
What a burnout or onset of a breakdown feels like, is the inability to feel at ease, happy, and restful. It feels like constantly being agitated. Everything pisses you off -- traffic, lines at the bank, phone calls. You get into bed at night, and your thoughts come at you a million miles a minute. If you feel you're headed down a dark path, here is what brought me back.


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Middle of the City
Size55 m²
Floor No.2(with elevator)
- Family/child friendly
- Internet/WiFi
- Kitchen
- Washer/dryer
- Elevator in building
- Lockable room
- Balcony/terrace
Accommodation summary
|Szt. István krt, 1055 Budapest, Hungary
|Property type
|Property ID
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
2 bedroom 55 square meter apartment on the 5th District 2 floor, with elevator, of course.
The best possible public transport, tram 2 minutes from the Margaret Island and the Danube coast. The most beautiful part of the Grand Boulevard. 1 minute walk to the metro station 2 minutes from the the Western Railway Station.
Its central location is within easy reach of all major tourist attractions ...
Most of the pubs in Budapest downtown location for the apartment is also very easy to get around..
Most of the pubs in Budapest downtown location for the apartment is also very easy to get around.
House rules1. No damaging the apartment's furniture or facilities.
2. No lodging more people than mentioned in the contract is allowed.
3. Noise is forbidden after 21.00h inside the apartment and also in the staircase. There is an open corridor leading to the flat, so we ask that you please refrain from making loud noise so that others will be able to relax.
4. Smoking is prohibited in the apartment, but is possible outside in the courtyard.
|Weekly rate for up to 2 guests
|£ 215
|Monthly rate for up to 2 guests
|£ 697
|Price for > 2 guests
|£ 8 per guest/night extra
|Check-in After
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out Before
|Cancellation Policy
Reviews of this property
Tolnay was very friendly and took great care in storing our bicycles safely! His apartment was lovely and bang in the middle of everything. He might consider buying a new washing machine ;-)
The apartment has all the features described on the site, it is comfortable, clean, well maintained. And above all, Tom is a very kind person and extremely available, so that when we arrived we did find a bottle of wine to welcome us. CONSIGLIATISSIMO apartment, because it is in a great location, from here you can easily visit the main attractions of the city on foot. Come on Tom! ;)
L'appartamento possiede tutte le caratteristiche descritte sul sito, è comodo, pulito, ben tenuto. E soprattutto, Tom è una persona disponibilissima e molto gentile, tanto che al nostro arrivo ci ha fatto trovare una bottiglia di buon vino per darci il benvenuto. Appartamento CONSIGLIATISSIMO, anche perché è in un'ottima posizione, da qui potete tranquillamente visitare le principali attrazioni della città a piedi. Forza Tom! ;)
good place, great location on metro line and near the tram
apartment a little dark because it overlooks a courtyard but very quiet
Friendly and welcoming host
I would recommend it for its ideal location and its value for money and easy access from the airport
Chantal Lyon
bonne adresse , très bien situé sur ligne de métro et près du tram
appartement un peu sombre car il donne sur une cour mais très calme
Hôte sympathique et accueillant
je le conseillerais pour sa situation idéale et son rapport qualité prix et son accès facile depuis l'aeroport
chantal Lyon
Great location for traveling in Budapest! It was easy to access all important tourist spots. The host was very helpful and friendly, the apartment was spacious and well-equipped. Best of all, the price is excellent for such a nice quality place to stay!!! I will choose here again next time I visit Budapest. Highly recommended!!
Tamas has welcomed us warmly with some typical cakes and champagne, he also took some time to help us find our way with the transportation. That was really nice of him! He also checked on us to see if everything was fine few days after we moved in. The apartment is nice and well equipped, however, it is a pity that it is not that bright, very less sunshine coming in. We were also a little bit surprised, the bedsheets were quite dusty as well as the floor.
Anyway, the location of the flat is great with tram, metro and bus lines just below and many shops/restaurants around with a super big mall called westend city center which makes everything convenient!
The apartment is very centrally located and is very well located with both tram and with Metro. The Western Railway Station with a large shopping center is just a few minutes walk from the apartment. Accommodation unfortunately has no view because of the courtyard of a block. The equipment is functional, unfortunately, was much occupied with old food (freezer, refrigerator, etc.), since in the kitchen would be a thorough cleaning announced. But otherwise everything as described there. Sorry, no German TV stations, which would serve in the winter months but, since you are in the evening but in the apartment aufhält.Wohnung is traversed by the inner layer of kitchen smell from the EC. Friendly short reception from Tom.
Die Wohnung liegt sehr zentral und ist sowohl mit Strassenbahn wie auch mit Metro sehr gut gelegen. Der Westbahnhof mit grossem Einkaufszentrum liegt nur wenige Gehminuten von der Wohnung entfernt. Unterkunft hat leider keinen Ausblick, da im Innenhof eines Häuserblocks gelegen. Die Ausstattung ist funktional, leider war in der Küche viel mit alten Lebensmitteln belegt (Kühlfach, Kühlschrank etc.) Da wäre eine gründliche Reinigung angesagt. Sonst aber alles wie beschrieben vorhanden. Leider keine deutschen TV-Sender, was in den Wintermonaten doch dienen würde, da man sich abends doch in der Wohnung aufhält.Wohnung ist durch Innenlage von Küchenduft aus dem EG durchzogen. Freundlicher kurzer Empfang von Tom.
Cheapest price and good apartment and a nice host. Maybe a tip to hang. A shower in the bath As the water passes over the edge while showering. We were welcomed with a bottle of wine. Wifi very fine.
Vergelijking prijs en appartement prima en een aardige host. Misschien een tip om een douchegordijn bij het bad op te hangen. Aangezien het water tijdens het douchen over de rand gaat. We werden welkom geheten met een fles wijn. Wifi heel fijn.
Great location (right at the subway station Nyugati palyaudvar and yet very quiet as the apartment is in the courtyard) - perfect host - fully equipped & clean apartment! Apartment corresponds to the description and the photos!) Highly recommended!
Perfect location (within the city center and very quiet located) - excellent host - beautiful, clean and well-appointed apartment! Highly commended!
Tolle Lage (direkt bei der UBahn Station Nyugati palyaudvar und trotzdem sehr ruhig, da die Wohnung in den Innenhof zeigt)- perfekter Gastgeber - voll ausgestattetes & sauberes Appartment! Apartment entspricht der Beschreibung und den Fotos!) Sehr empfehlenswert!
Perfect location (within the city centre and very quiet located)- excellent host - beautiful, clean and well-appointed apartment! Highly commended!
A very good choice, a wonderful owner who holds the heart in the right place guaranteed. The apartment is an oasis in the noisy city. Except for a slight noise is heard in the flat nothing, unless it has in the corridors someone louder.
Highly recommended, again any time.
Many thanks to the team Wimdu!
Eine sehr gute Wahl, ein wundervoller Vermieter, der das Herz garantiert auf dem rechten Fleck trägt. Die Wohnung ist eine Oase inmitten der lauten Stadt. Bis auf ein leises Rauschen hört man in der Wohnung nichts, es sei denn, es unterhält sich auf den Fluren jemand lauter.
Sehr empfehlenswert, jederzeit gerne wieder.
vielen dank an das wimdu-team!!!
Highly recommended apartment. The structure is a little worn but the apartment is immaculately maintained, for that price is the best you can find. It 'a good compromise between all the necessary features: it is well positioned, close to public transportation stops, nearby supermarkets, atm close, cheap and with a good level of comfort.
close to the center, you can go on foot but on the other side of the street there is the underground station, tram, supermarkets to 50m (despar and Lidl), ATM downstairs.
Accommodation very comfortable and quiet: efficient bathroom, comfortable bed, very functional kitchen, free wifi, living room with comfortable sofa and flat screen TV.
Tolnai, the owner, is very kind and available for any information you need, including via sms.
If I go back to Budapest, I'll definitely here to stay.
appartamento consigliatissimo. La struttura è un pò vecchiotta ma l'appartamento è tenuto benissimo, per quel prezzo è il massimo che si possa trovare. E' un buon compresso tra tutte le caratteristiche necessarie: è posizionato bene, fermate mezzi pubblici vicine, supermercati vicini, atm vicino, economico e con un buon livello di comfort.
vicinissimo al centro, si può andare anche a piedi ma comunque dall'altro lato della strada c'è sia la fermata della metro che del tram, supermercati a 50m (despar e lidle), ATM sotto casa.
Alloggio molto confortevole e tranquillo: bagno efficiente, letto comodo, angolo cucina molto funzionale, wifi gratis, salotto con comodo divano e tv schermo piatto.
Tolnai, il proprietario, è molto gentile e a disposizione per qualsiasi informazione di cui avete bisogno, anche via sms.
Se torno a Budapest, tornerò ad alloggiare sicuramente qui.
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


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Transdermal Buprenorphine May Ease Neuropathic Pain, With Caveat »
"Transdermal buprenorphine (Norspan, Mundipharma) relieves diabetic neuropathic pain in patients who can stomach it, new research shows.
Results from the 12-week, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted i"...
Read the Transdermal Buprenorphine May Ease Neuropathic Pain, With Caveat article »
Avinza Patient Information including How Should I Take
In this Article
- What is morphine (Avinza)?
- What are the possible side effects of morphine (Avinza)?
- What is the most important information I should know about morphine (Avinza)?
- What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using morphine (Avinza)?
- How should I use morphine (Avinza)?
- What happens if I miss a dose (Avinza)?
- What happens if I overdose (Avinza)?
- What should I avoid while using morphine (Avinza)?
- What other drugs will affect morphine (Avinza)?
- Where can I get more information?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using morphine (Avinza)?
Do not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a narcotic medicine (examples include methadone, morphine, Oxycontin, Darvocet, Percocet, Vicodin, Lortab, and many others), or to a narcotic cough medicine that contains codeine, hydrocodone, or dihydrocodeine.
You should also not take morphine if you are having an asthma attack, or if you have a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus.
Do not use morphine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
To make sure you can safely take morphine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
- asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
- liver or kidney disease;
- underactive thyroid;
- curvature of the spine;
- a history of head injury or brain tumor;
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- low blood pressure;
- gallbladder disease;
- Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
- enlarged prostate, urination problems;
- mental illness; or
- a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Morphine may be habit forming and should be used only by the person for whom it was prescribed. Never share morphine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
You may not be able to take morphine unless you are already being treated with a similar opioid pain medicine and your body is tolerant to it. Talk with your doctor if you are not sure you are opioid-tolerant.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether morphine will harm an unborn baby. Morphine may cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using morphine.
Morphine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults and those who are ill or debilitated may be more likely to have serious side effects.
How should I use morphine (Avinza)?
Take exactly as prescribed. Never take morphine in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It will release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
To make swallowing easier, you may open the extended-release capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. Discard the empty capsule.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not stop using morphine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Morphine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
Always check your bottle to make sure you have received the correct pills (same brand and type) of medicine prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.
After you have stopped using this medication, flush any unused pills down the toilet. Throw away any unused liquid morphine that is older than 90 days.
Avinza Patient Information in Detail
- What is Avinza?
- What are the possible side effects?
- What is the most important information I should know?
- What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking?
- How should I take?
Additional Avinza Information
- Avinza Drug Interactions Center: morphine oral
- Avinza Side Effects Center
- Avinza Overview including Precautions
- Avinza FDA Approved Prescribing Information including Dosage
Avinza - User Reviews
Avinza User Reviews
Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Avinza sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Chronic Pain/Back Pain
Find tips and advances in treatment.


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ETSU football return approved by TBR
Board of Regents approves fee increase to fund football
FRANKLIN, Tenn. - The Tennessee Board of Regents has spoken and in a vote Friday morning they decided football should return to East Tennessee State University.
The board voted to approve a $125 student fee increase that had been recommended by the ETSU Student Government Association.
President Brian Noland told us Thursday his staff would get to work immediately on plans for re-establishing the program.
University officials say they plan to release more details about the program early next week.
They also tell us they estimate spending about $4.9 million a year on the program.
They say a team would not be fully functional until 2018.
You may remember the Bucs playing in the Mini Dome but that program was shut down in 2003 after losing a million dollars a year.
A decision on where the team will play has not been released. The university has also not yet hired a coach to lead the program.
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Town Square
Is Palo Alto the Charter for Troop 57 of the Anti-Gay Boy Scouts?
Original post made by palo alto parent, Duveneck/St. Francis, on Mar 29, 2013
Web Link
Boy Scout Troop 57 meets at Lucie Stern and has a store there. Does that mean that Palo Alto is their Charter organization? If so, why are we supporting a discriminatory group as a City?
While I understand that there is a potential for the Boy Scouts policies to change in May, if they vote to continue to discriminate against gay people, I don't think the City should provide them facilities. Nor should the Cub Scout troops be allowed to use the school multi-purpose rooms.
Comments (1)
a resident of Adobe-Meadow
on Mar 29, 2013 at 1:54 pm
I agree that public entities should kick out scouting across California. That would put pressure on BSA to change the policy. I think Lucy Stern actually gave the building and land to the scouts, or to the city with the caveat that scouting could use it. That doesn't mean however that the government has to honor that. If she gave it to the KKK with the understanding that they could use it, the City wouldn't be letting the Klavern meet there. Governmental orgs across CA need to send the message to scouting that they will lose support, chartering orgs, meeting places, etc if they don't stop discriminating. This is how you make change. Am I the only one who remembers South Africa?
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One more week to vote!
Don't forget to cast your ballot online. Voting ends May 29th. Stay tuned for the results in the July 21st issue of the Palo Alto Weekly.


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Turning the Page
Introducing Marlin: Virginia Wesleyan College Magazine
Virginia Wesleyan College first began publishing a magazine for alumni and friends in 1993. On the occasion of the College's 50th anniversary, the magazine was redesigned complete with a new name, a fresh look and 56 pages of engaging content that celebrates the College's past, present and future.
By documenting the College's vigorous intellectual culture and diverse community with journalistic storytelling, rich editorial content and professional visual presentation, Marlin Magazine engages its readers intellectually and emotionally and engenders a sense of pride in the College as well as a commitment to its future.
The purpose of the new Marlin Magazine, the periodical publication produced by Virginia Wesleyan's Office of College Communications, is to inform, inspire and entertain a broad readership – including alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, supporters and friends.
The magazine endeavors to reflect the values of the institution itself by showing respect for its sophisticated, well-educated audience through the thoughtful, accurate representation of information and ideas and an overall dedication to editorial integrity.


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A masters is the first level of graduate coursework and can be obtained after you receive a bachelor's degree. Earning a masters usually requires two years of full-time study, which amounts to 36 to 54 semester credits.
Skilled design professionals are needed in many organizations to tool custom solutions for common problems. Because the design field encompasses a broad variety of environments and applications, specialists are needed in small business, large corporations, education, non-profits, and government.
Education in the United Kingdom is a devolved matter with each of the countries of the United Kingdom having separate systems under different governments: the UK Government is responsible for England, and the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are responsible for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, respectively.
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If you exercised regularly before pregnancy, there's no need to focus on your heart rate for exercise during pregnancy.
Years ago, some experts recommended a heart rate of no more than 140 beats a minute for exercise during pregnancy. Today, however, heart rate limits aren't typically imposed during pregnancy. For healthy women, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity — preferably spread throughout the week — without any specific heart rate limits.
Still, reasonable precautions for exercise during pregnancy are important. Get your health care provider's OK for any exercise during pregnancy — especially if you have a history of preterm labor or certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure.
Also, be careful to pace yourself appropriately. In general, you should be able to carry on a conversation while you're exercising. If you can't speak normally while you're working out, you're probably pushing yourself too hard. If you have vaginal bleeding or other unusual signs or symptoms, stop exercising and contact your health care provider.
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Original article: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/exercise-during-pregnancy/faq-20058359
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SAN FRANCISCO -- Aside from the championship ring on his finger, there was nothing positive that Matt Cain could take away from Sunday's historically bad start.
But Cain did take some solace in the fact he wasn't the only ace to be roughed up Sunday around Major League Baseball, even if his line in a 14-3 Giants loss to the St. Louis Cardinals was the most unsightly of the day.
On a day when both reigning Cy Young Award winners -- Toronto's R.A. Dickey and Tampa Bay's David Price -- were shelled, along with the likes of Philadelphia's Cole Hamels and Washington's Stephen Strasburg, Cain left with a line that's rarely seen. He was charged with nine earned runs, all of which came in the fourth inning.
John Cronin is the only other starting pitcher in franchise history to give up nine runs in an inning, and he did it 111 years ago, according to research by the Elias Sports Bureau provided by the Giants.
"Baseball has a way of humbling guys," Cain said. "You can be going along great, and it'll set you back straight. The baseball gods kind of find a way to even it out."
Cain said he had no explanation for the collapse, which came after he needed just 30 pitches to get through three perfect innings. He didn't think he was tipping his pitches and didn't notice a drastic change in the Cardinals' approach.
"It just kind of fell apart," Cain said.
The outing put a damper on what was otherwise an emotional day at AT&T Park. Before the game, the Giants were given their championship rings during an elegant ceremony on the infield. The rings, made by Tiffany & Co., have a white gold face that includes the "SF" logo made out of 52 melee diamonds. On both sides of the ring, seven round diamonds represent the organization's seven championships.
Each ring includes an individual player's name, uniform number and a cable car design, and the rings also were engraved with a nod to the 2012 postseason victories.
General manager Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy picked up their rings first, followed by Giants legends and a steady stream of players. Bochy said several players had tears in their eyes as they held their hands out for the rings.
"These guys earned this," Bochy said. "They deserved it."
After sitting through parts of the banner ceremony Friday and Buster Posey's MVP ceremony Saturday, the Cardinals avoided Sunday's festivities. An hour after the final ring was handed out, last year's National League runners-up began pelting Cain.
Jon Jay started the barrage with a single, one of six in the fourth inning. Matt Adams' ground-rule double was the only big blow and scored two, but the Cardinals kept pecking away at the Giants' ace. Cain walked two and gave up seven hits in the inning, the final one a Matt Carpenter single that chased Cain after just 66 pitches.
"He was missing on the plate a little more than he normally does," Posey said.
Bochy thought Cain was getting the ball up in the zone too much, but all involved said there was little reason to be concerned. Cain had a strong spring and threw six shutout innings Monday in the season opener.
On Sunday, he lasted just 32/3 innings and gave up nine earned runs for the second time in his career. Cain walked off the mound with his ERA at 8.38, the highest it has been at any point of his nine-year career.
"We just couldn't stop the bleeding," Bochy said. "He's frustrated, but it just happens occasionally. There's nothing that needs to be said."
The Cardinals got seven strong innings from their ace, Adam Wainwright, and tacked on five late runs thanks to sloppy Giants defense and some bullpen struggles.
"They rained on our parade a little bit," Bochy said.
"It's a sigh of relief," Noonan said.
Monday's game
Colorado (Jorge De La Rosa 0-0) at Giants (Madison Bumgarner 1-0), 7:15 p.m. CSNBA
Online extra
Scan this code with a smartphone to view a Giants photo gallery or go to http://photos.mercurynews.com.


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By Chris Harris
Arsène Wenger is not paying any attention to the latest bout of speculation over Cesc Fabregas' future.
The Arsenal captain has been the subject of transfer rumours for many years with Barcelona and Real Madrid supposedly heading the queue for his signature. Those stories often rear their head in the wake of damaging defeats and, predictably, Fabregas was linked with a move back to Spain shortly after Arsenal lost to Chelsea on Sunday.
Wenger has seen it all before, of course, and brushed aside the latest speculation when it was put to him at his pre-match press conference. According to the manager, Fabregas is as committed as ever to the Arsenal cause.
"There is no concern at all," said the manager. "What is more of a concern is that we try everything to win something.
"Cesc is committed when he plays, [so] what's the future? We don't know what will happen in six months, in two years, in five years. Your commitment is when you sign your contract and where you play."Copyright 2017 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source


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Top photo: Kimberley Rolf and Joe Rubio
Second row: SECC Advisory Committee
Third row: Thomas Calucci and Jane Burton
Fourth row: Tomas Rivera Center team
Bottom row: Distance Learning and Academic Technology team
University Excellence Awards presented to 40 employees
By Tim Brownlee
Assistant Director of Public Affairs
(April 22, 2008)--The 2008 University Excellence and Service Awards were presented at an April 15 ceremony in the University Center Retama Auditorium (2.02.02) on the 1604 Campus. Honorees included 232 staff members receiving 2007 service awards (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service), 44 retirees who left the university in 2007, 27 staff members who received University Excellence Awards and 13 staff members who received the Richard S. Howe Excellence in Service to Undergraduate Students Award. Each winner receives a cash award.
- Download the program from the ceremony (pdf format).
- Download the slide show shown pre-ceremony with UTSA historical photos (PowerPoint format).
The Rising Star Award was presented to Kimberley Rolf, academic adviser in the College of Sciences Undergraduate Advising Center. The Leadership Award was presented to Joe Rubio, Downtown Campus director of facilities.
The Team Spirit Award was awarded to the 2007 State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) Presidential Advisory Committee including William Angrove, Timothy Brownlee, Rita Cortez, Donna Dancak, Laurie Delapaz, Kimberly Durham, Tammy Fernandez, Evaristo Hinojosa, Debra Jamison, Jana Kennelly, Marianne Lewis, Sherry Lindsey, Barry McKinney, Gina Mendez, Irene Mireles, Edda Petiton-Mayer, Michelle Phillips, Frances Riojas, Nina Sosa, Kelly Jo Stephens, Jennifer Storm, Denise Villarreal and Kelly Watson.
The Extra Mile Award was presented to Thomas Calucci, UTSA Police Department sergeant. The Order of the Roadrunner Award was presented to Jane Burton, director of alumni programs.
Two teams won this year's Richard S. Howe Excellence in Service to Undergraduate Students Award. The first winning team was from the Tomas Rivera Center for Student Success: Sherry Castillo, Susan Colorado-Burt, Leticia Duncan-Brosnan, Margaret Jackson-Floyd, Lisa Johns, Sabina Kapoor, Cynthia McCowen, Cynthia Rodriguez and Karen Roth.
The second award-winning team was from the Office of Distance Learning and Academic Technology: Greg Alford, Robert Granado Jr., Art Pagano and Luis Regalado.
Today's headlines
- La Prensa Foundation is newest member of UTSA Lone Star Society
- UTSA alumna Jordan Kaufmann wins $50K for new stent-graft start-up
- UTSA begins new way-finding sign installation this summer at Main Campus
- USA Today: UTSA long jumper Tyler Williamson rescues three-year-old boy
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The Rising Star Award fosters a commitment to the university through recognition of an employee who has made significant contributions to his or her area or the university community throughout the year. Individuals recognized in this category are considered emerging leaders within the university community. Winner Kimberley Rolf has created and improved numerous programs since she started at UTSA in May 2007. Her collaborative work with many departments has left a large footprint across UTSA. According to her nominator, she is known for grabbing the reins, and her creativity level is "through the roof."
As lead adviser for the Student Academic Success program, she implemented several initiatives to catapult the program forward. Her ingenuity was critical in creating Step Up, an early intervention program for science students with a low GPA. Rolf worked with Career Services to create the Major Concern program for students who believe they are in the wrong major. The new assessment sessions help students develop a plan to get back on track for graduation and beyond. With the Tomas Rivera Center, she developed the Art of Science information sessions to help students make a study plan, improve note-taking skills, retain and understand text material, and improve test scores.
The Leadership Award winnerpromotes and encourages commitment to UTSA and its goals, demonstrate the highest leadership skills, serves as a role model for colleagues and promotes the university's goals through their actions and job performance. Winner Joe Rubio has been director of facilities at the Downtown Campus since early 2007. He has exhibited exemplary leadership that positively affects UTSA and his customers. He always makes sure that recognition is given to his staff and inspires them to work toward a common goal and take pride in their work. He has an open-door policy that makes staff comfortable discussing any work issues. Rubio conducts one-on-one meetings with the 34 staff members to discuss what is going well and what can be improved.
Rubio takes time to share positive comments about the staff's work and makes professional development a high priority. He obtained computers and scheduled training for all his staff members and plans to offer the training for facilities staff at the other campuses in order to help them with professional development. He has created and strengthened business relationships with all departments at the Downtown Campus. As a team player, he led staff from all three campuses to help make the Downtown Campus 10th anniversary a huge success.
Recipients of the Team Spirit Award recognize the value of collaboration in meeting the needs of the UTSA community and foster cooperation with employees across the Tri-campus community. The winners, the 2007 SECC Presidential Advisory Committee, established a process to share ideas and workload and increase employee participation in the charitable campaign. Many team members have served on the committee since 2005.
Committee members made phone calls and personal visits to 200 Area Champions to promote the campaign and contacted businesses to acquire campaign incentives. The efforts instilled increased pride in supporting UTSA family needs, enhanced the sense of caring among employees and increased awareness of UTSA employees' challenges in overcoming hardship, illness and family issues.
The team created the first-ever "UTSA's Got Talent" performance to help raise participation in a fun way, and the efforts led to the UT System's highest participation rate. The UTSA participation rate rose from 39 percent in 2004 to 70 percent in 2007 -- and raising $224,000. Teamwork and enthusiasm transformed how employees give their time and dollars to local charities, which benefit more than 350 UTSA families.
The Extra Mile Award winner takes initiative to contribute to UTSA's success through outstanding contributions, creativity and innovation. This year's winner, Thomas Calucci, has served UTSA for nearly 8 years as a police officer and detective with the UTSAPD Criminal Investigations Division. A proactive and productive employee, he goes the extra mile in everything he does, frequently offering a helping hand, making sure his customers receive the best service -- while receiving frequent praise from UTSA community members.
As the senior criminal investigator, he leads his detective team to file cases, conduct detailed investigations, check leads and evidence, ensure reports are filed and track each case resolution. Calucci has demonstrated repeatedly his concern for the welfare of UTSA faculty, staff and students, and personally guides students to services they need.
After recent tragic events at other campuses, he created and served as chair of the Threat Assessment Team, which helps students dealing with psychological issues maintain counseling contacts. He teaches crisis intervention and identity theft classes for fellow officers and off-campus agencies. Calucci volunteers as a member of the UTSAPD honor guard to represent and foster a positive image of UTSA at commencement, sports and other events.
The Order of the Roadrunner Award winnerdemonstrates overall excellence, exemplary service, and commitment to UTSA. It is the highest honor that a staff member can receive for leadership and dedication to UTSA. This year's winner, Jane Burton, was nominated by seven people -- impressive in itself. According to one nominator, she is a trusted colleague and mentor and is loved by the students. A born leader and manager, people follow her like the Pied Piper. She always gives others credit for what they do and helps students build leadership skills. She demonstrates commitment and professionalism with grace and style, and believes in each person's abilities.
Another nominator said, "When you first meet Jane, you feel like you are in the company of an old friend. Her warmth makes you want to share her hopes for UTSA. Jane is my inspiration to be my best." Approaching the opening of University Center Phase III, it is important to note that Burton supervised Phase I planning in 1978. Alumni who worked with her then say she always supported students and the project.
As co-chair of the Homecoming Committee, Burton guided Diploma Dash to become a signature, citywide and Homecoming event. From the Connections Breakfast, to the Ring Ceremony, to the Mr. and Mrs. UTSA contest, Burton and her staff connect students and alumni and promote the university.
She personally takes prospective students and parents on campus tours, makes appointments for them and often treats them to lunch. She has helped prospective students as far away as Africa. Celebrating 30 years with UTSA, almost all 74,000 alumni know Burton. As a "friend-raiser" and UTSA advocate, she understands the important campus and alumni roles in establishing programs and building and maintaining UTSA's reputation in the community.
The Richard S. Howe Excellence in Service to Undergraduate Students Award finds a new home this year at the University Excellence Awards ceremony. The award recognizes UTSA faculty and staff who have demonstrated a strong commitment to teach and provide service to undergraduate students, served as an advocate for undergraduate education and engaged in activities to promote student access and success.
UTSA Development Board member and San Antonio community leader Edith McAllister established the Howe award in 2001 with a gift to the university. The award, which comes with a cash stipend, is named in honor of retired engineering professor Richard S. Howe. This year, the Howe award goes to teams from the Tomas Rivera Center for Student Success and the Office of Distance Learning and Academic Technology.
The Tomas Rivera Center for Student Success is a comprehensive academic support unit under the Office of Undergraduate Studies. Established in 1994, the center serves UTSA students by providing academic support services to increase student retention and graduation. TRC programs include the Supplemental Instruction Program, tutoring programs, the Academic Development Program for provisionally admitted freshmen, the Personal Academic Career Exploration (PACE) program to help students make career choices, the Phoenix Probation Recovery workshop to help freshmen improve their grades and remain in school, and, among other programs, the Learning Communities program which links courses and the Freshman Seminar course to provide student academic support.
The Howe award recognizes the comprehensive system of Tomas Rivera Center support programs for students, which increase academic access and success at UTSA. The team's leadership has created an enduring legacy at UTSA that will serve generations of students. The center never loses sight of Tomas Rivera's motto, "Students come first."
The Distance Learning and Academic Technology team was nominated by a faculty member who worked with them on a project to improve learning in an accounting course. The team developed videos for a WebCT course that wouldn't have been possible without their support. After an upgrade to the course videos and moving the class to a distance learning classroom, the faculty member saw a 20 percent drop in the percentage of students dropping the course. By Fall 2007, the percentage of drops was reduced to 6 percent.
Students now attend all of the quizzes and exams and keep up with the complex class material. Because they can watch the videos from home or anywhere with WebCT, students keep up with important class material. A student commented, "I am lucky to be at UTSA in a facility that has this type of technology. It is an advantage that many universities don't have."


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President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney are neck and neck in opinion polls, but there is one area in which the incumbent appears to have a big advantage: those who have already cast their ballots.
Obama leads Romney by 59 percent to 31 percent among early voters, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling data compiled in recent weeks.
The sample size of early voters is relatively small, but the Democrat's margin is still well above the poll's credibility interval - a measurement of polls' accuracy - of 10 percentage points. (full graphic: http://bit.ly/RmeEen)
With the Nov. 6 election just more than three weeks away, 7 percent of those surveyed said they had already voted either in person or by mail (full graphic: http://bit.ly/SWm5YR).
The online poll is another sign that early voting is likely to play a bigger role this year than in 2008, when roughly one in three voters cast a ballot before Election Day. Voting is already under way in some form in at least 40 states.
Both the Obama and Romney teams are urging supporters to vote as soon as possible so the campaigns can focus their door-knocking and phone-calling operations on those who are still undecided or need more prodding to get to the polls.
Early voting was a big part of Obama's victory over Republican John McCain in 2008, and his campaign aims to repeat its success this year.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates the campaign's efforts appear to be paying off, although its advantage could erode as Election Day approaches.
The Obama campaign says it is leading among early voters in Iowa and Ohio, and trailing by a smaller margin than 2008 in several other swing states. It expects its early voting efforts will help the campaign weather a blitz of negative ads expected to saturate the airwaves in battleground states in the final weeks before Nov. 6.
"We've made early investments in battleground states - where we've been registering folks and keeping an open conversation going with undecided voters for months - to build a historic grass-roots organization that will pay off when the votes are counted," spokesman Adam Fetcher said.
The Romney campaign says it is leading or even with Obama among early voters in several closely fought battleground states, including Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Nevada and New Hampshire. The campaign says it has seen a spike in volunteering and voter enthusiasm among Republicans since Romney's strong debate performance against Obama on Oct. 3.
"Not only are we keeping pace with the vaunted Obama machine, but we believe our ground game will put us over the finish line on Election Day," said Rich Beeson, the Romney campaign's political director.
George Mason University professor Michael McDonald, an expert on early voting, said it was difficult to tell how the results so far could affect the outcome of the race.
In North Carolina and Maine, Democrats seem to be voting in higher numbers than 2008, while Republicans seem to be voting in slightly lower numbers than four years ago, he said.
In Ohio, where voters do not register by party, early voting appears to be higher than normal in both Republican and Democratic areas, McDonald said.
In Iowa, about twice as many registered Democrats as Republicans have voted by now - a potential warning sign for the Romney campaign, he said.
"Romney needs a change here. The good news for Romney is day to day, incrementally, the numbers shift in his direction, so he may be able to catch up," McDonald said.
The accuracy of Reuters/Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. For the 6,704 people who were asked whether they had voted yet, the credibility interval was 1.3 points. For the 361 people who replied that they had already cast their ballots, the credibility interval was 10 points.
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text: Arnold by Musclepharm is the first and only line worthy of the Schwarzenegger name. Before Arnold, sports nutrition was a fringe science, but as an advocate for health and fitness for over four decades, Arnold's crusade has changed everything. Arnold by Musclepharm represents the lifelong Schwarzenegger commitment to fitness and nutrition.


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I have come to that point in time where I need to implement Animation blending. And I need help to clearify the process.
Right now I am skinning on the GPU. When my character is drawn the vertices gets transformed by weighted bone matrices in the vertex shader. At the moment my character is in the default T-Pose. Before drawing, each bone is multiplied by the parent(top-to-bottom) on the CPU and the entire combined skeleton is passed to the GPU. So all of that is in place. All that remains is to animate these T-Pose matrices, which I need help to do.
It is clear to me that I need to animate the bones before combining them to the final skeleton which is passed to the GPU.
I have an array of bones (D3DXMATRIX) in T-Pose which is not combined. I can animate ontop of the T-Pose by multiplying each bone (in T-Pose) with an animation key(matrix retrieved from a Quaternion). If I then combine the bones to the final skeleton and pass it to the GPU I get a pose at that exact animation key.
To blend between two animation keys I use the D3DXQuaternionSlerp function on two animation keys(only the Quaternion part of the key). The animation track(keys) are stored in structs as 'Quaternions, Vec3 Position and Vec3 Scale'. From the result I extract the D3DXMATRIX and apply it to the appropiate T-Pose bone. When all bones are animated I can combine them and pass the skeleton to the GPU and render.
All this is good for One Animation track. But I want to Blend several animations. Now how do I do this? I which order do I blend the different tracks? Does it matter?
Say I have 3 Animation Tracks I want to blend. I will use the D3DXQuaternionSlerp three times, for two keys in each aniamtion track. Now I have 3 Quaternions (one from each track), what should I do with these to get the D3DXMATRIX to apply to my T-Pose bone? And how do I weight them?
Edited by Tispe, 09 July 2013 - 04:02 AM.