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John Goodman, FloydReports.com
There were two recent announcements that I hope you paid attention to:
- The American Medical Group Association, representing medical groups that provide care for roughly 1 in 3 Americans, said that 90% of its members would not participate in the new Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model the Obama administration wants to impose on Medicare providers.
- Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, exercising new powers conferred upon her by health reform (ObamaCare), said insurers would have to justify any rate increases greater than 10%.
So what does one announcement have to do with the other? A lot. I'll connect the dots below.
Here's the bottom line. The administration uses the rhetoric of choice and competition and some isolated souls within it may actually think competitive pressures can reduce health care costs. But if that doesn't work out, it's goodbye to volunteerism and hello to another way of constraining costs: global budgets and rationing.
The core of Obama administration health reform is managed competition, instituted through a health insurance exchange. In embracing this reform, the administration is following the lead of Mitt Romney in Massachusetts and before that Hillary Clinton's failed attempt in 1993/94. But the idea really harks back to a book written by Stanford professor Alain Enthoven in the early 1980s. Enthoven argued that the entire health care system should be patterned after the Federal Employees Health Benefits system. (See a brief history and analysis.)
Here's the difference. Enthoven believed (and still does believe) that competition in health insurance can actually work. Mitt Romney believed that as well. Maybe Hillary Clinton did too. But almost no one in the Obama administration believes that. When is the last time you heard any federal official praising the virtues of a competitive market for any good or service?
For Obama, the purpose of the health insurance exchange is not to bring needed competition to an imperfectly competitive market. The purpose is to exert control over the industry. If you believe in competition, then you want lots of competitors. But the administration is imposing rules and regulations that are driving insurers from the market, as we have previously reported here, here and here. In fact, some careful observers believe that by the time the exchanges become operational (in 2014) there will be only one or two insurers left in most markets….


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Ex-El Paso County Judge Anthony Cobos charged in alleged real estate fraud in New Mexico
Sheriff's Official: Cobos Allegedly Sold Home In Chaparral That He Did Not Own
EL PASO, Texas - Former El Paso County Judge Antonio "Anthony" Cobos was arrested Friday morning at his home in El Paso on fraud charges in New Mexico, according to officials with the Dona Ana County Sheriff's office and U.S. Marshals office.
U.S. Marshals deputies took 46-year-old Cobos into custody without incident around 8 a.m. He waived extradition and was booked into the Dona Ana County Jail at 12:54 p.m. on Friday.
Cobos is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond and he is expected to be arraigned Monday morning.
The Alleged Fraud Incident In Chaparral, New Mexico
Cobos is charged with a two counts of 2nd degree felony fraud from an alleged incident in Chaparral, New Mexico. The new charges are not connected to the federal charges Cobos pleaded guilty to last year.
"The two 2nd degree counts of fraud involve a home that Mr. Cobos did not own but allegedly had sold on a real estate contract," Dona Ana County Sheriff's Spokeswoman Kelly Jameson told ABC-7's noon show Friday.
The Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office began investigating Cobos after a Chaparral couple was notified that the mortgage holder was foreclosing on property they lived on because payments had not been made since Nov. 2012. The couple claimed to have bought this land and mobile home they lived in in Chaparral from Cobos.
The couple had also reportedly paid Cobos seven additional payments after the loan went into default.
Doña Ana County Sheriff's investigators have obtained receipts from the couple that detail each payment made to Cobos.
Dona Ana County Sheriff's officials say an investigation revealed that Cobos was never the legal lien holder of the property and that the property reportedly belonged to his dead stepmother.
"The couple allegedly entered into a residential lease purchase agreement with Cobos in August 2009, making monthly payments to Cobos in the amount of $506. The terms of the contract also included annual lump sum payments to Cobos. Altogether, the monthly installments and lump sum payments totaled $43,290.26," according to a news release by the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office.
Will Cobos Still Go To Federal Prison On Feb. 11?
Jameson said Cobos' having to turn himself in to the federal Bureau of Prisons on Feb. 11 made things escalate a little quicker so that he could face these fraud charges.
U.S. Marshals spokesman Scott Williams told ABC-7 what happens as far as Cobos turning himself in on Feb. 11 depends on the bond set on these fraud charges.
If Cobos posts bond on the new charges he will have to report to federal prison in Colorado as per his federal sentencing.
If he doesn't post bond, he will have to let the Bureau of Prisons know that he won't be able to report on time because he is in jail on the new charges.
Cobos, who pleaded guilty to public corruption in El Paso in early January, was sentenced to four years in federal prison and must pay a $10,000 fine.
Cobos had been sent to surrender to the federal Bureau of Prisons on Feb. 11.
The Federal Corruption Case
Cobos, who pleaded guilty to public corruption, was sentenced Jan. 3 to four years in prison and must pay a $10,000 fine.
His accomplice, Lorenzo Aguilar, was also sentenced to four years in prison but his fine is $50,000.
Both men admitted their guilt and apologized during their sentencing hearing, but would not say whether he made any decisions under the influence while being county judge.
In the courtroom on Jan. 3, Cobos pleaded for forgiveness.
"I am a different man from what I was 7 years ago. Different yesterday, different today, different tomorrow and I will never be the same man I was then," Cobos said on Jan. 3.
Cobos revealed he had a longtime alcohol and drug abuse problem spanning 20 years. He also said he has found God.
"Even though this is going to be very painful for me and my family, things happen for a reason, often out of our own being ... But I just want to encourage all El Pasoans who are having family problems ... Who are having difficulty finding a job, difficulty with your marriage, its ok to pray. It's ok to pray because there's a day after tomorrow," he said.
In September of last year, Cobos pleaded guilty to conspiracy.
He was accused of receiving $4,500 in bribes from lobbyists in exchange for his vote as the head of the El Paso Commissioners Court.
Aguilar also pleaded guilty to conspiracy after being accused of bribing Cobos while he was county judge.
"I come to you with a heavy heart," Aguilar said before apologizing to the U.S. and his family for the damage he had caused.
Both men will be allowed to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on February 11.

subset: commoncrawl


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A delicious meaty snack that is derived from the buffalo's innards. Similar in taste and serving to bacon, buffcon is a dish growing in popularity in the middle of New Zealand. Also, commonly used as a remedy for any ailment.
Dina was extraordinarily sick after being thrown from her trusty steed. I rushed to get her some buffcon from the nearest New Zealand market.
by buffcon_lover July 05, 2011


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|Growing Up Drug Free Publication (PDF) (May 16, 2013)
|This publication was produced by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Safe and Healthy Students partnered with the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for Parents and caregivers that serves as a user-friendly and valuable guide for what to do and how to communicate about the harmful effects of illicit drugs and alcohol to children from elementary through high school.(PDF)
|FY 2009 Awards for Grants to Reduce Alcohol Abuse (Dec 22, 2009)
|FY 2009 Announcement of awards for Grants to Reduce Alcohol Abuse program
|OSDFS Seeking Peer Reviewers for 2010 Grant Compeition Form (PDF) (Nov 04, 2009)
|OSDFS is requesting and seeking peer reviewer for 2010 upcoming Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools competitions. this is the form that must be completed and emailed back to be a field reviewer for OSDFS grant process.
|2009 Conference Proposal Form (MS Word) (Feb 11, 2009)
|This form requests topics to be addressed at 2009 OSDFS National Conference.
|2009 Conference Call Proposal (MS Word) (Feb 11, 2009)
|This provides details of an upcoming conference call for topics to be addressed at 2009 OSDFS National Conference.
|OSDFS Peer Review Checklist for 2009 Grant Competitions (MS WORD) (Jan 29, 2009)
|OSDFS is seeking peer reviewers for 2009 upcoming Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools competitions and this form is the checklist for reviewers to complete.
|Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Peanut Butter and Peanut Products (Jan 28, 2009)
|A combination of epidemiological analysis and laboratory testing by state officials in Minnesota and Connecticut, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have enabled FDA to confirm that the sources of the outbreak of illnesses caused by Salmonella Typhimurium are peanut butter and peanut paste produced by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) at its Blakely, Georgia processing plant.
|Federal Assistance to the Mid-West: Information (Jun 30, 2008)
|This page provides information as of Thursday, June 26, 2008, for counties in eight states -- Iowa , Illinois , Mississippi , Nebraska , Indiana , Wisconsin , Minnesota , and Missouri have been designated major disaster areas due to severe weather. Contains a list of those designated counties and where FEMA assistance and websites can be found.
|The Final Report and Findings of the Safe School Initiative: Implications for the Prevention of School Attacks in the United States (PDF) (Nov 09, 2007)
|The Safe School Initiative drew from the Secret Service's experience in studying and preventing assassination and other types of targeted violence and the Department of Education's expertise in helping schools facilitate learning through the creation of safe environments for students, faculty, and staff. This document, the Safe School Initiative's final report, details how our two agencies studied school-based attacks and what we found.
|Threat Assessment in Schools: A Guide to Managing Threatening Situations and to Creating Safe School Climates (PDF) (Nov 09, 2007)
|This document takes the findings of the Safe School Initiative one step further by setting forth a process for identifying, assessing, and managing students who may pose a threat of targeted violence in schools. This is the 2004 guide.


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Our defense has enough issues when they have time to rest, imagine if they have to go from off the field back on in like a minute. The reason it works so well in crunchtime is because the Giants do not use it all the time. DO I wish sometimes they would use it more for certain situtations, sure, but do not want it to be how the offense operates all the time.
ok, well to counter the "if u go 3n out ur killing ur d", then start the no huddle after u've picked up that first 1rst down
Troy I was thinking the same thing! He could certainly handle the high tempo....
My old man has been yelling for the no huddle for about 7 years now ha.
Do you mean hurry up or no huddle? Those are 2 different things, I see no use for hrry up at the start of the game, the no huddle thought, if you see a big mismatch on personel, no huddle is the way to go.


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A new breed of entrepreneur is rising — young, savvy idealists who want to make a lifestyle of changing the world and with the independence to do it their way. Bruce Munro looks at the mainstreaming of social entrepreneurship and its promise of new solutions to old problems.
At first glance, Louis Brown looks every inch the young businessman focused on his first million. Smartly dressed and standing outside the Otago Polytechnic student centre in Dunedin, the 29-year-old's confident smile, steady patter into his smartphone, and shoulder-slung laptop all betray his commerce degree roots.
But closer inspection reveals an anomaly. His smartphone's screen is cracked. It is a battle scar from last February's devastating Christchurch earthquake, after which Brown played a lead role in organising the youth-led response of the Student Volunteer Army.
A few minutes' conversation deepens the incongruity. Dreams of fame and fortune were abandoned in an Australian epiphany seven years ago, he says.
"I was a New Zealand delegate to a United Nations conference in Sydney and they showed a graph of the state of the world," Brown recalls. "In that moment I thought 'what am I doing with my life? Not a lot to help that.' I came back to New Zealand with a different motivation."
Today he runs two fledgling social enterprises and is one of a rapidly growing number of social entrepreneurs, many with schoolyard memories still fresh, who are blurring and redefining the boundaries of charity and commerce.
It is a new and rapidly evolving phenomenon, says Dr Jodyanne Kirkwood, academic leader of the University of Otago Centre for Entrepreneurship which offers a popular postgraduate-level paper in social enterprise. Although researchers are just beginning to look at social entrepreneurs and their myriad enterprise hybrids, the notion of being a social entrepreneur is quickly becoming more widely recognised and accepted, she says.
The Government is also busy trying to get a handle on the topic. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is collating and analysing the results of a nationwide online survey conducted between July and mid-September which aims to uncover the nature and extent of social enterprise in New Zealand. The results are due to be published early next year.
The Government defines a social enterprise as one that has an economic, social, cultural, or environmental mission; derives a substantial portion of its income from trade; and reinvests the majority of its profit/surplus in the fulfilment of its mission.
Australia, which went through this exercise a couple of years ago, is estimated to have 20,000 social enterprises spread throughout the economy but concentrated in the service sector. The turnover of the largest Australian social enterprises is believed to be $300 million a year.
One characteristic of the movement that is already clear in New Zealand is the youthfulness of those leading the charge, says Kirkwood.
In the past couple of years, the optional social enterprise paper has become a favourite among entrepreneurship master's degree students at Otago University.
"The issues being addressed by social entrepreneurs are now more mainstream. They are not seen as being on the fringes of society anymore. Young people are seeing it as a career option."
This change is also evidenced in a "huge increase" in the number of students joining the New Zealand branch of Enactus - a worldwide youth business competition with a social enterprise focus.
"Young people's goals seem to be broader today," says Kirkwood. "Ten years ago entrepreneurs wanted independence and money.
Now there is a lot more talk about lifestyle and helping ... Young entrepreneurs are not as focused on making lots of money."
They run their businesses with just as much business acumen as other entrepreneurs, says Kirkwood, "but they have strong values in the front of their minds in making decisions".
Such as 23-year-old Susan Wardell and Annika Metua, 22.
This month, Wardell, a social anthropology PhD student, and Metua, a medical student, will celebrate the first anniversary of their Dunedin "ethical boutique" Cuckoo's Nest.
With little business experience, but a strong desire to promote and support fair trade, environmental sustainability and local producers, they opened the George St store selling new and vintage clothing, jewellery and accessories a few weeks before Christmas last year.
"We invested all we had in the business," says Wardell. "Winter has been tough but we've had a lot of strong support and business is picking up."
Twenty-six-year-old Anna Guenther is also finding success. The recent graduate of Otago University's entrepreneurship masters degree is the founder of Wellington-based PledgeMe, an online crowd-funding platform for creative projects, including other social enterprise start-ups. Individuals or groups list their project on the site in hopes of attracting enough donated funding to make it happen. A success fee is deducted if the target is reached.
"Anna is unapologetic about PledgeMe being a limited liability company, but one that is motivated by wanting to be of benefit to others," says Kirkwood.
In the eight months since it was launched, PledgeMe has raised a combined $600,000 for 135 projects.
One of the beneficiaries was Brown's people-powered social change organisation, ActionStation. Earlier this year, he used PledgeMe and similar site Givealittle to raise $11,000 to employ a staff member.
He describes ActionStation as being "in that awkward start-up phase" but hopes in a few years it will be this country's equivalent of US-based Avaaz or Australia's Get Up - online grassroots organisations which co-ordinate and raise funds for large-scale, real-world campaigns to bring about social, environmental and political change.
His other social enterprise is Social Innovation, co-founded with Inspiring Stories Trust's young change-maker, Guy Ryan.
Social Innovation, which Brown describes as "an independent community development agency", was recently contracted by Otago Polytechnic to trial student volunteering programme Scarfie Army. He hopes the polytechnic and university will contract it to run a scaled-up Scarfie Army across the two campuses next year.
It has been a long road getting to this point. For the past seven years Brown has dreamt up, raised funds for and run a host of different events and programmes in order to "put food on the table" while also "making a difference".
And there is still a good-sized gap between where he is and the realisation of his dreams. But he wouldn't have it any other way.
"I can't think of a more exciting job to have," he says.
"Young people want to be seen and they want to make a difference. They want a challenge, they want autonomy and they want to get better at what they do. Social enterprise gives endless opportunities to do all that."
Social enterprises are not a new phenomenon.
A classic example is Plunket, founded in Dunedin in 1907 by Sir Truby King. In tandem with his work to lower infant mortality rates, King started a baby food supplements business while living at Seacliff, north of Dunedin. From 1927 the Karitane Products Society (KPS), as it became known, was run by a group of businessmen who returned the profits to Plunket. This continued until the mid-1980s when KPS went out of business.
And many other not-for-profits have a trading element: think op shops, street-appeal flower sales, red noses ...
But what is changing is the increasing number looking to put their funding on a more secure footing by developing the commercial wing of their operations.
Noela Vallis is founder of the Spinal Cord Society which has its research laboratory in the University of Otago Centre for Innovation.
Matamata-based Vallis says a combination of the global recession, Christchurch earthquake and competition from other charities is forcing her organisation, which has depended on donations and grants, to find new ways to fund its work.
The society's research scientist, Dr Paul Turner, will shortly have a second round of meetings with some of the university's Centre for Entrepreneurship students, who are suggesting the society set up a company to market and sell a product which could provide a steady income stream.
Malcolm Cameron, one of New Zealand's elder statesmen of social enterprise, believes developing commercial sources of income is good for charitable organisations and those they seek to help.
Cameron established the youth development Malcam Charitable Trust and the
4 Trades apprenticeship training trust, both with strong enterprise elements. He was also instrumental in setting up the Bargain Barn Dunedin Charitable Trust, whose Restore secondhand store directs profits to Malcam and Habitat for Humanity.
"It's about having some independence," Cameron says. "Society has created a lot of dependants, especially on the Government. If you're not careful, those seeking to help them can become equally dependent.
"As funding streams change we still have some independence to make decisions about what we believe is best for the community."
It is not an easy course to pursue.
"You have to open yourself up to the possibility of failure," he says. "You have to take some giant leaps to make it work."
But he is excited by what he sees young social entrepreneurs accomplishing.
"I have so much faith in this generation coming through. They are getting to do things I didn't do until I was 50."


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Renegade Chef: Christmas candy conundrum
I have been wondering for a long, long time: Whatever happened to the magic of Christmas candy? Where did it go?
It seems, these days, holiday treats are pretty much the same thing we get every other day of the year. The big candy conglomerates have tricked us into thinking Snickers, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey's Kisses are extra special simply because they are festively wrapped for the holiday season. Unwrapped, this candy might as well be left over from Halloween.
And does anyone really think M&M's, Skittles or Sweet Tarts automatically qualify as Christmas candy just because they are packaged in a large, plastic candy cane? I think not.
Some of the old standards are still around, like those huge chocolate drops filled with that dense and cloyingly sweet, lard-like cream. I can remember more than one holiday occasion when the Heimlich maneuver came into play because some unwary aunt or uncle got one of those monoliths stuck in their esophagus.
Speaking of throat-clogging, why do they make those old-fashioned hard candies that are molded into the shape of rather large ribbons? I think they were invented by dentists because once you toss one of those gargantuan hot peppermint scrolls in your mouth, it immediately adheres to that space located just above the tonsils, and to avoid choking, one has little choice but to bite the thing in half and hope the violent crunching sound is from the candy and not splintering teeth.
Candy canes have been around forever. Do you have any idea how many half-sucked candy canes I've found lying around the house over the years? I don't think anyone really likes them; although if sucked to a sharp point, they make a handy weapon. Just ask my late sister.
My biggest Christmas candy conundrum, however, involves an item apparently lost in the Twilight Zone. It is a holiday convection I remember from childhood but it doesn't exist any more. In fact, most people tell me it never did. Family members don't recall it. Even my late sister drew a blank when I broached the subject during her final moments.
Google is clueless, the Crisis Line refuses to get involved and my wife thinks I'm nuts. Either that, or I frequent an alternative universe. Unfortunately, no one in my other world remembers this candy, either.
This particular sweet came unwrapped. It was a bite-size cream — a good, light cream-pastel pink or green in color and generally formed in the shape of a miniature Jello-mold. The candy was also lightly studded with crystallized sugar. It was always in the Christmas candy bowl. I know it was.
So I need help finding this lost candy. I don't expect to find its physical presence on any store shelves, but it would be nice to know that it did, indeed, once exist.
Until then, I'll just munch on gaily-wrapped Snickers, break my teeth on a concrete candy ribbon and run in the house with a partially sucked, deadly sharp candy cane.


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Town Square
Have churches become too big for Pleasanton neighborhoods?
Original post made by Jeb Bing, editor of the Pleasanton Weekly, on Feb 9, 2007
Last month, the Catholic Community of Pleasanton finally won approval for its long-planned community gymnasium and new parish center at its St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church complex on Stoneridge Drive. Again, the development—which all officials publicly stated would be good for the community as well as the church—was delayed by neighbors who complained about traffic. The added cost to the Catholic community because of long delays in its city approval process? An estimated $350,000.
Now it's Trinity's turn. Already nearly a year behind in the approval process, this church, built in 1965 on Hopyard Road between Del Valle Parkway and Golden Road, has a $1-million-plus plan to tear down two portable classroom structures used for pre-school and Sunday school classes and replace them with a one-story classroom building and a second to serve its young parishioners. The fast-growing church needs the extra space to serve its congregation but neighbors, most who moved into their homes long after the church was built, don't want any more traffic or a large parking lot that's proposed so that church-goers and others won't park in front of their homes. The Planning Commission approved the plan 4-0, but the neighborhood's appeal will now force consideration once again to a higher level, the City Council.
It used to be that churches were the cornerstone of small town American neighborhoods, much preferred over corner dry cleaners or apartment houses that seem to dot the landscape in larger municipalities. What do you think? Has our city become too big for value-added amenities in our neighborhoods, such as churches?
Comments (22)
a resident of Livermore
on Feb 9, 2007 at 1:28 pm
"It used to be that churches were the cornerstone of small town American neighborhoods..."
It used to be. Now, though, churches have become less important, whereas traffic through ones neighborhood is much more important. Perhps it's because, in addition to the larger number of cars, the cars themnselves are louder, faster, and the drivers are ruder and more inconsiderate than ever. Perhaps, Heaven forbid, churches just aren't as important because religion is as important as it used to be. Regardless, communities and neighborhoods should have the last say in what is built within them, shouldn't they? And not someone who pines for a day long gone.
a resident of Ruby Hill
on Feb 12, 2007 at 10:32 am
I would guess that people buy homes because they like the way the area is when they buy. If they liked it when they bought, they are going to tend to not like changes. Despite this, if they don't own the property that is changing, they should have limited say over the changes. I fear we give too much power to neighbors and not enough to owners. It is not necessary that there be no objection at all to a change. If no rules are being broken, the owner should have the final say.
a resident of Amador Estates
on Feb 13, 2007 at 11:55 am
When you move into a neighborhood, you have to look at what is there and what could expand. The Church is trying to expand it's facilities to accommodate its growing congregation so that they will not park in front of the neighbors houses, yet the neighbors complain.
Typically Churches a great addition to the neighborhood and provide a set of valuable services. They also offer youth programs that provide our youth with a Moral compass and activities to keep them out of trouble.
It is not the Churches fault if new neighbors did not bother to factor in that the Church could potentially grow over time and expand to fill the land they legally own. Let them expand and if you do not like it, move elsewhere.
a resident of Vintage Hills
on Feb 13, 2007 at 5:07 pm
I find it incredibly sad that you are even asking this question. I've always viewed Pleasanton as a city that values family and community, and believe our churches play a huge role in building up both family and community.
Churces offer more than religious services and education, important as both are to those who attend. They also offer places for support groups to meet. They provide space for boy scout and girl scout troops to meet and sports teams to play. They host community dinners, guest speakers and musical events that enrich our community. (In case you think I exaggerate, I attend one Pleasanton church; my kids participated in cub scout meetings at another, Boy Scout meetings at another, drama summer camps at a third, a concert at a fourth and children's events at two more. My husband's former vocal group found performace space at two Pleasanton churches and two Livermore churches. And I could go on!)
If we push our churches out of the neighborhoods they have been in for years, what will be put in their place? Shopping centers? More Million Dollar Homes for residents who think they own, not only their own property but the right to prohibit others from parking on the public street for an hour or two on Sunday morning and the right to control what happens next door, right down to the color of paint and the kinds of plants in the landscaping?
I ask you to send your churches to my neighborhood. I'd rather have the traffic, noise and 'unsightliness' of families going to church, neighbors sharing music and children playing in safe preschools and youth programs than another Home Depot or shopping center (new OR abandoned!)
a resident of Vineyard Hills
on Feb 15, 2007 at 11:32 am
If you:
Buy a house near a church:
Expect Saturday and Sunday traffic in your neighborhood
Expect build out / up and or rebuild
Buy a house on a busy street:
Expect not to play in the street
Expect noise
Buy a house in view of an airport:
Expect noise from airplanes
Buy a house near a school:
Expect noise from children and bells
Expect traffic in your neighborhood around school activities
Expect parking issues during large school activities
Buy a house near a fire house:
Expect to be wakened by noise in the middle of the night
Buy a house in California:
Expect an earthquake
Bottom line: Don't blame others for your mistakes. Make an educated real estate investment. If you were not informed of obvious issue with the property your beef is with the realtor and previous owner NOT the community.
a resident of Village High School
on Feb 24, 2007 at 5:18 pm
God is a big guy. He just might need a big house.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Feb 25, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Tanya Schwenk is a registered user.
I would much rather have a church near my home than a bar or liquor store where drug dealers tend to hang out and peddle their poison and attract drug related crimes.
Leave the churches alone. Don't we have anything better to complain about?? It just seems petty to me.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Feb 25, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Tanya Schwenk is a registered user.
I'm ok with the traffic of families going to and from church, it doesn't bother me and I live right across the street from a very big church. If people dont like traffic then they should consider buying a home in a less urban area.
a resident of Dublin
on Mar 8, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Churches are not getting too big for the community, the community is getting too big for the churches. It is necessary for most churches in Pleasanton to expand as our community grows. With regard to Trinity, neighbors are not asking to block the expansion of the church, but to have the church work with the neighbors to see how they can have traffic patterns shifted to Del Valle and not Golden Rd. where the neighbords would experience heavy traffic from the expansion
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 17, 2007 at 5:02 pm
My home is three doors down from Trinity, I knew full well that I was buying my home next door to a church, two preschools and a swim club, and what living near these facilities entailed. But to be honest, I did not anticipate the disregard that drivers have shown for our neighborhood and it's pedestrians while they are traveling to and from the church and it's preschool, nor the disregard for the safety immediately in front of my home. I have had to leave notes on vehicles asking that the crosswalks not be illegally blocked by parked cars, that my driveway not be blocked, that the corners of our court not be blocked by parked cars, and that the area that is posted as a "no parking" zone on the frontage road not be used for parking. Experience has taught me that I should not attempt to use the crosswalk on Golden during peak drop off and pick up times at the preschool or during church functions to take my child to Harvest Park.
We are asking for the church to be a good neighbor, that is all. We are asking that the traffic flow be redirected away from Golden to Del Valle. We support the church's goals and would like to see the church support our neighborhood. There is nothing petty about hoping to find a way to support one another.
I didn't make a mistake in where I bought my home. However I did make a mistake in believing that certain members of the church cared to treat my neighborhood with the same care as they would like their own neighborhoods to be treated, and I made a mistake in believing that because my neighbor was a church, and not a big box store or mini mall, that if they expanded it would be done with sensitivity to the community in which it sits.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 26, 2007 at 6:31 pm
The questions before the council regarding church expansion was not a referendum on whether churches are valuable but a recognition that there are other people who live in the area and are impacted. In the case of Trinity, anyone watching the council meeting could see the disconnect. The church thought they had covered their bases and the neighborhood believed that their interests had been ignored. In a number of cases, the church leaders claimed to have a series of talks with the neighbors and the neighbors stated this was not the case. I think one gentleman sumed it up when he mentioned the meetings were held to explain what the church wanted to do, not to seek input. With all the talk about traffic in town, it does not seem unreasonable to split the traffic exiting the church in two. This is particularly true given that Golden is an uncontrolled intersection with no stop sign and Del Valle has no houses directly across from the church and a three way stop at the intersection with Hopyard. The city suggested solution is not perfect but understandable. Watching the meeting, I did not hear one objection to the project itself. It is really a shame that the church leaders and the neigborhood could not come to some consensus on their own. These are all nice people. It is not too late. A good leader would approach the neighbors again and try and address their concerns. Nothing stops Trinity from approaching the city with a different design.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 7, 2007 at 4:54 pm
I noticed the guest editorial in the paper this week. It was from a member of Trinity Lutheran. That makes two editorial in two weeks from church members. It is important to get input from all concerned in any decision. I also think it is important to know the source of any opinion. While Mr. Hamilton did mention that he is a member of Trinity, Jeb Bing did not in his editorial last week. Are we getting all sides here?
a resident of Del Prado
on Apr 7, 2007 at 5:25 pm
It is safe to say that no assumptions can be made about the character of people who attend or work for churches. As I watch people speeding to the church on my corner, (one of them rear-ended me, and never apologized), clogging the streets with their SUV's, (God likes car-pools because it keeps his creation cleaner, but who cares), I am not impressed. There is no correlation between church-going and character. Whether a church is a 'value' to the community is subjective. They definitely create hazardous traffic conditions. What if a small daycare decided to build an elementary school and high school on their lot in Pleasanton? If the neighbors objected, would you blame them? But if a church wants to expand in a residential neighborhood some people pretend it's a kind of holy endeavor. Give me a break.
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Apr 10, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Stacey Borsody is a registered user.
It is normal for Planning Commission decisions to be appealed to City Council. What is not normal is for the City to create alternate plans and for Council to vote on those instead of considering the property-owner's plan. Shame on City Council for thinking this was ok to do.
a resident of Vintage Hills Elementary School
on Jul 13, 2007 at 9:43 pm
It's interesting to me because I know someone who pushed for the St. Elizabeth Seton expansion to go through because she was a member of that church. However, when the Trinity Lutheran expansion came along she was all against it because it was in her neighborhood and she didn't want to be inconvenienced. I grew up right next to a school and because of that I was inconvenienced but I put up with it.Back then, 25 years ago, I think we were more understanding and willing to work as a community. Have we all gotten so self absorbed that we can't deal with a little adversity from time to time. I think everyone has become too overly sensitive. 40 years ago when I moved to Pleasanton it was still a relatively young city trying to become a community. Now that it is the wonderful place we've made it into no one is willing to act like a community. Understanding and compromise, is a good way to start.Maybe we should try it!
a resident of Beratlis Place
on Dec 5, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Something tells me Ronald Reagan is Jeb Bing's idol. Everytime I read his line, "Here we go again," it makes me think of Ronald. (Portion removed by Pleasanton Weekly staff)
a resident of Downtown
on Dec 17, 2007 at 1:20 pm
God is just a imagainary friend for grownups to think what they think and do is right. they comfort themselves saying i go to church every sunday and i do good things but really not. who cares if a chruch wants to be bigger and who cares if its gone. People have lost the meaning of true religon. poeple are pathetic and religon just makes it worse.
a resident of Livermore
on Dec 20, 2007 at 3:11 pm
I don't care about the size of any place of worship. However, I can say that it's best to keep your eye on your children in any religious setting. Child sexual abuse by clergy of all faiths is quite common. Protect children and vulnerable adults!
a resident of Del Prado
on Apr 21, 2009 at 9:38 am
Dominic Di Blasio is a registered user.
Going back in history there have always been those who claim that relgion is either bad for humanity or just a human construct. it has beocme fashionable and very profitable these days to bash God. In my view, churches are one of the backbones of our culture that makes America great..."When people stop believing in God, they don't believe in nothing -- they believe in anything" - G.K. Chesterton
a resident of Pleasanton Valley
on Apr 21, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I hate to be ignorant, but is Trinity Lutheran the same church or different from Valley Community Church at 4455 Del Valle Parkway? I am asking because I received a "Notice Of Public Hearing" in my mail today for Valley Community Church. This church has filed an application for a "Conditional Use Permit" to increase the number of students at the existing preschool and add a summer preschool program. So we have TWO churches impacting the neighborhood? Or are they one in the same?
Jeb, please -- let's not come off holier than thou. Do you attend one of these churches? If so, you have shown yourself to have no bias on the Measure G issue and one can question if you really should not be reporting on this topic too.
a resident of Mohr Park
on Apr 22, 2009 at 11:31 am
Did you happen to notice that the original date on this thread was FEBRUARY 9, 2007??? and the last pertinent blog entry was JULY 13, 2007??? The DECEMBER 2007 entries seem to just want to stir the pot, much like Dominic's.
Why don't you take a look in the phone book to verify addresses, then check their proximity with Mapquest??
a resident of Pleasanton Valley
on Apr 22, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Thank you for the heads up. I didn't notice the original date. As for addresses -- I've verified they are two different churches. I have also provided my comments on the "Conditional Use Permit" to increase the number of students at the existing preschool and add a summer preschool program.
Again, thanks for bringing the date differences to my attention. Clearly I need to pay more attention in the future to stuff like that!
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Livermore trustees demonstrating wisdom
By Tim Hunt | 11 comments | 1,327 views
2017 guide to summer camps
Looking for something for the kids to do this summer, learn something new and have fun? The 2017 Summer Camp Guide features local camps for all ages and interests.


text: Well guys and gals, I brought myself to buy a car. Due to the lovely gas prices and my new commute to my new engineering job in Charlotte, about a 54 miles round trip, I decided to buy a "new to me" 2001 Honda Civic, has alittle more than 71 K miles. I want to say it was driven by an older lady, so its not really a babe magnet but its in good condition other than a few paint scratches and dings. No worries I still have my Silverado, it is just parked for the weekdays now until the weekend. So far painted the steelies from black rust to black, and took some unnecessary things off the car. So the next mod will be tint and then drive :glasses:Oh btw I get 36 mpg :mdr:BeforeAfter


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4. Send us an e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com to confirm where you'd like it in your course.
5. We will run the file through iSpring and make any adjustments necessary then, 6. Publish to location of your choice within Blackboard.
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text: Title says it all! I have owned a few vehicles in my time but this is my first truck. I previously owned a '06 Xterra Offroad sold it prior to my latest deployment (still on it). I obviously had some time to search for a vehicle which resulted in my first full sized truck. I picked up (through my wife doing all the leg work) a 2011 Silverado LT, crew cab, 4x4, 5.3L with only less then 14,000 miles on it. As you can imagine I am very excited to get home (Sneads Ferry, NC) to drive it. I have been reading through your forum for a while and am excited to join the club.


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When you apply for a Masters programme, you will be asked to nominate your preferred 'mode of attendance'; in other words, whether you would prefer to be a full-time or a part-time student.
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Space Shuttle Enterprise Makes Public Debut in NYC
(Soterios Johnson, New York, NY, WNYC) The new space shuttle pavilion at New York's Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum opens to the public on Thursday. It will offer visitors an up-close and personal view of the space shuttle Enterprise, as well as exhibits on NASA's current missions on earth and space science, research on improving aeronautics and the rockets destined to take humans to explore the solar system.
See a slideshow of pictures from the new exhibit here.
Workers were putting the finishing touches on the pavilion, as opening day approached.
"All the graphics have been installed," said Eric Boehm, the museum's curator of aviation. "Right now, we're installing a lot of video monitors and all those shows will be test-run here the next couple days. You know, just getting everything tweaked."
The opening of the Intrepid Museum's Space Shuttle pavilion will be celebrated by a five day long Space Fest, featuring a free concert, special hands-on robotics and astronomy displays, and opportunities to meet former and current astronauts, many of whom have ties to the New York City area.
According to Boehm, visitors to the Enterprise will have much better access to this shuttle compared to the other shuttles on display at other museums.
"We've kind of propped her up a little higher," Boehm said. "The temporary structure kind of surrounds the shuttle, so really the best views will be right underneath and right around the sides of her. So, the public will get all around."
The shuttle and its exhibits are currently housed in a huge white inflatable structure on the Intrepid's flight deck, where it will remain for the next couple of years as the museum plans and builds a separate permanent structure to house the Enterprise. Boehm says when that new Space Center is completed, it will be a monument to the shuttle program, NASA and New York City.
Enterprise was NASA's first space shuttle, but it never actually went into space. It was built as a prototype to perform test flights and landings. Nonetheless, the museum considers it an important acquisition.
"We look at the Enterprise as really the test vehicle that made the rest all possible, that made all the space exploration possible with the space shuttle program," said Matt Woods, the Intrepid Museum's senior vice president of operations. "Without Enterprise, you never would have gotten further with the program."
The arrival of Enterprise in New York was a year in the making. It had been on display at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center outside Washington D.C., where it was the collection's centerpiece. On April 27, Enterprise was transported to New York's Kennedy Airport on the back of NASA's specially-modified Boeing 747 jetliner.
Before landing, the plane performed a dramatic low-altitude fly-over of its new hometown, passing by landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center and the Intrepid itself. Then, in June, the shuttle was taken by barge to the Intrepid Museum, where it was hoisted on the museum's flight deck by crane.
With the space shuttle program's retirement in 2011, all of the surviving shuttles found homes at museums across the country. The Discovery's new home is the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum outside nation's capitol. Shuttle Endeavor is in Los Angeles at the California Science Center. The Atlantis is at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.


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by D3P |
Item # 319488
Model # 8086535 |
About this item
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
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Victorious: Hollywood Arts Debut - NDS
Victorious™: Hollywood Arts Debut is one of the first video games based on Nickelodeon's hit live-action comedy television series, Victorious. Players get the chance to interact and fully experience life in the elite, Hollywood Arts world as a new student in two completely unique and fun ways. In Victorious: Hollywood Arts Debut for the Nintendo DS™, players will experience a full year as a new student at Hollywood Arts and take part in crazy adventures while becoming friends with Tori and all the stars from the show.
- A Unique Experience – Players create their own Hollywood Arts performance where they act, play an air instrument, sing, dance and star in a music video featuring hit songs from the series.
- First of its Kind, Based on the Hit Live-Action Comedy Series – The video games are based on Nickelodeon's hit show, Victorious, the number-one live action comedy series in its timeslot on all TV reaching over 14 million kids, 15 million tweens, and 11 million teens each quarter since it launched in April 2010.
- Reach Hollywood Arts High Stardom – Players will feel as if they are a student at Hollywood Arts and the games include the voices of the Victorious cast, including Victoria Justice, who stars as Tori Vega.
- Be the Next Superstar While Enjoying Hours of Gameplay – The games are loaded with mini-games, activities, hit songs from the show such as "Freak the Freak Out" and "Beggin' On Your Knees", and players can even wear the same outfits as Tori Vega and the cast!
- Exciting Family-Friendly Competition – The perfect game for sleepover parties, family gatherings and more, Victorious: Time to Shine offers multiplayer gameplay so friends can either work together or compete to create the best music video ever! Full body motion tracking with the Kinect™ Sensor for both players makes the game even more fun and active for everyone involved!
WarrantyComputer/video game software must be returned in the original and unopened packaging with a receipt to receive a refund. Defective software must be returned within 90 days of the original purchase with a receipt to receive an exchange of merchandise.
Assembled CountryUSA
Component CountryUSA
Shipping Info
Standard - 2 to 6 business days


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Attic Accommodations, City Views
Size1301 ft²
Floor No.3
- Lockable room
- Internet/WiFi
- Towels
Accommodation summary
|Castro St, 94114 San Francisco, United States
|Property type
|Private room
|Property ID
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
Possession of a San Francisco Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate certifies that the registration certificate holder has agreed to comply with the terms of the San Francisco Short-Term Residential Rental Ordinance (San Francisco Administrative Code Section 41A). This ordinance does not require an inspection of the unity by the City for potential Building, Housing, Fire, or other Code Violations."
The preceding text is provided by the City and County of San Francisco and is required to be displayed here in the listing.
Located in a residential area with tree lined streets called Duboce Triangle, near the heart of San Francisco's Castro district is this spacious and unique attic room. Featuring skylights, large windows overlooking the city and a stained glass window at the other end, this space features a peaked roof with exposed beams. Guests can enjoy the convenience of free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator and a Keurig machine with a selection of teas and coffees.
The property boasts an authentic charm. The spacious attic room is comfortably furnished and includes a king-size bed, a seat area with views of the City and Bay, a high definition cable TV and several storage units.
Aside from the sleeping area, guests will find a refrigerator, a microwave and hot beverage machine. The unique open bathroom includes a jetted spa bath with a shower handle, but is not suited for showers.
The historic Castro Theatre is only a 2-minute walk away, and guests will find many other historical attractions and parks nearby. The surrounding area features a wide selection of bars, restaurants, shiops and outdoor cafes to enjoy - the perfect place to sample San Francisco's unique culture and great food.
Interested in booking? Please use the Wimdu messaging system to introduce yourself and to address any questions or concerns you may have before submitting a booking request. We are happy to respond questions or concerns. All our bookings for this accommodation are handled through the Wimdu system so our availability calendar is always up-to-date.
House rulesOur rates include a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax due to the City and County of San Francisco.
A refundable security deposit of $200 is required in cash or by credit card on check-in.
Rates quoted by Wimdu will include room rate, taxes, cleaning fee, additional guest fee (if applicable) and fees collected by Wimdu. The quote will not include the refundable security (damage) deposit.
Smoking is permitted in the outdoor courtyard, but is strictly prohibited in the house.
Guests should be considerate of the neighbors and keep noise to a minimum.
No illegal activities. Hosts live in the same building.
The helpful hosts are happy to provide advice on recreation and travel within the area, on request, but with otherwise leave you to enjoy your privacy.
The hosts speak English, German, Mandarin and Taiwanese.
|Weekly rate for up to 2 guests
|£ 860
|Monthly rate for up to 2 guests
|£ 2827
|Price for > 2 guests
|£ 25 per guest/night extra
|Maximum Nights
|11 months
|Check-in After
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out Before
|Cancellation Policy
Reviews for this host's other properties
Great, I behaved like a host Gran.
Large room and bathroom correct.
very clean house and room in particular.
"Set" and the center of Castro, a few meters from an entrance to the metro. Neighborhood
Would go again.
Estupendo, se porto como un grán anfitrión.
Habitación grande y baño correcto.
muy limpia la casa y la habitación en particular.
Barrio "ambientado" y en el mismo centro de Castro, a escasos metros de una entrada al metro.
Volvería a ir una vez más.
Great place to stay. Close to subway and historic F train stops.
Nice and comfortable room. We also got lots of tips on things to do and see around SF.
If you are travelling by car and stay multiple nights the owner support you in getting a visitor parking permit. With this you can park your car just in front of the house. We stayed for 4 nights and this parking permit was much cheaper than parking in a garage
Good place in a good district. Quiet and beautiful
Nice house, quiet town, good neighbors and Laurence never disturb. The best reservation that I can do it! Thanks for all!
Laurence and Nick are two excellent hosts, all his advice to enjoy and learn SFO have been successful. They were friendly, discrete and decisive all facilities! Their home is beautiful and comfortable, the Castro st area being close to the 16 and 18 st, st addition to market is excellent, lively and varied, so the location is a tesero (very good public transportation). This accommodation recommend it, definitely. Special thanks to Laurence and Nick
Laurence y Nick han sido dos anfitriones excelentes, todos sus consejos para disfrutar y conocer SFO han sido acertados. Han sido amables, discretos y resolutivos ¡todo facilidades! Su casa es preciosa y cómoda, la zona Castro st cerquisima de la 16 y 18 st, ademas de market st es excelente, animada y variada, por ello la ubicación es un tesero (muy buen transporte publico). Este alojamiento lo recomiendo, sin duda. Gracias por todo a Laurence y Nick
I dislike 5 stars I would rate this 8.5 ...out of ten which is better than four.
Pluses, as described, private, handy for trolley bus and near Muni station.
Minuses, a typical well built SanFarncisco wooden house and some floor board noise from upstairs and ditto from spiral stairwell that is enclosed on one wall. Also window though providing enought light overlooks neighbouring house and whilst I can live without a view the proximity and tunnel like effect will box in the sound of the trolley bus..at either 1am or 4am.
Otherwise very convenient and well priced accommodation...but yes hill and first floor are a major consideration if your knees are like mine on the list for eventual replacement ...I took the trolley bus to the door some nights just to avoid the sharp hill but that's San Francisco...and I recommend a stay in a classic house and this , one is solid and comfortable!
Our stay with Laurence and Nick was the perfect beginning of a three week trip. Their house is in the perfect location, quiet but close to the Castro area with lots of restaurants and shops and with a good connection to downtown and other parts of SF by metro or bus or even on foot. The room was great, quiet and clean, a good place to sleep off our jetlag and relax from two sightseeing days. The hosts provided us with helpful information on how to get there from the airport as well as ideas on what to do in San Francisco and recommendations of restaurants etc. Definitely worth repeating, if we come back to San Francisco.
The property is on a very good central location. The service was great. I can only recommend the hotel.
Die Unterkunft ist an einer sehr guten zentralen Lage. Die Betreuung war super. Ich kann die Unterkunft nur weiterempfehlen.
I go to San Francisco every year but this was my first experience booking through Wimdu and staying with Laurence and Nick. I could not have been any happier with taking the risk! The house was gorgeous and in the perfect location. Castro, Lower Haight and the MUNI stations were literally a few blocks from the residence. While I had met only Laurence in person, both him and Nick were great about making me feel welcome, without being too overbearing. BART went on strike the day after I arrived and Nick was great about being in contact via e-mail to notify me of the situation and provide many alternatives for my departure. Both seem to be well integrated into the neighborhood around them, and thus were able to make well-informed suggestions for dining and entertainment. The price point was great also! I will definitely try to book with these guys for all of my future trips to the Bay area.
I had a great stay with the guys. As others have said they were always friendly but respected privacy and had lots of tips to make the San Francisco visit even more enjoyable. Perfect location if you want to be in the Castro area and a very comfortable room. Thanks again gents
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


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I just registered and am posting here for the first time. I am not a beekeeper and know very little about bees. I am an artist who works with sound and have been considering developing a piece for a gallery situation.
Can anyone tell me if they know of any beekeepers or hives in the Philadelphia, PA/New Jersey area that would be willing to allow me to record the sounds of bees?
I don't even know where to begin. Doesn't seem to be something you easily find in the Yellow Pages!


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Top photo: UTSA President Ricardo Romo and Crystal City Mayor
Raul Gomez. Bottom photo: In Carrizo Springs, from left, are
CSCISD Board President Nicholas Rodriguez, Mayor Ralph Salinas,
Romo, CSCISD Superintendent Cecilia Moreno and Dimmit County
Judge Francisco Ponce.
President visits officials in Middle Rio Grande area
By Tim Brownlee
Assistant Director of Public Affairs
(March 21, 2006)--UTSA President Ricardo Romo recently visited mayors and school superintendents in the Middle Rio Grande area of South Texas to encourage them to talk with their students about attending UTSA.
Romo began the visits at Del Rio, proceeded to Crystal City and Eagle Pass, and ended the day at Carrizo Springs. The visits were part of UTSA's efforts to increase the number of students from South Texas attending UTSA.
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
Article tools
Crystal City school superintendent Alberto Gonzales said, "President Romo, today you make history as the first university president to ever visit Crystal City."
"We were excited to visit with the officials in the Middle Rio Grande area," said Romo. "I hope to see many of their students furthering their education at UTSA because we know they can bring a lot to the university, and we have a lot to offer them in return."


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Open Hours: Mon - Fri 8am-8pm
Sat 8am-6pm | Sun 9am-6pm
Our Destinations
The hotel was set in a stunning location and the staff were so helpful, we will be back very soon
Steve & Maggie Sherbourne - Stoke
have hotels in some of the most popular and unique locations around the
UK so you'll be able to enjoy the very best destinations, with the
guarantee that you'll always return to a comfortable and relaxing hotel
at the end of the day. So even if you decide you need a change of
scenery and exchange the joyous heather-clad vistas of the Scottish
Highlands for the Georgian splendour of Bath or the white-sanded beaches
of Cornwall you will always feel at home! It's no wonder so many of our
customers come back year after year.
Encompassing coastal areas and parts of inland Scotland, Aberdeenshire is a haven for walkers, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts. Delve into a rich history amongst beautifully rugged landscapes, interspersed with castles and with seaside towns with their bustling harbours and their traditional, friendly pubs.[Read More]
Once you have spent some time in Cornwall it'll come as no surprise to find out that it's one of the UK's most visited regions. People come here for the spectacular landscapes, golden sands and azure seas, but they also come to spend time exploring tiny coastal communities, picturesque harbours and granite-built villages. Then there are the towns, heritage sites and visitor attractions. Let's not forget about The Eden Project or the fact that Cornwall is fast becoming a top foodie destination either. Rick Stein's restaurant at Padstow and Jamie Oliver's 15 Cornwall at Watergate Bay offer a delicious gastro-glimpse into this wonderful county. And from The Ship and Castle Hotel at St Mawes they are all just a hop skip and a jump away. Simply perfect.[Read More]
You'd be forgiven for thinking that Cumbria was all about The Lake District. However it includes a small part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, The North pennies, The Eden Valley and The Furness Peninsula. The county also contains England's highest mountains as well as some of England's biggest lakes. Of the 16 'official' lakes, Windermere is England's largest. The surrounding countryside, as you'd expect, is spectacular and has inspired many over the years, including Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. You'll be inspired too when you stay at our hotels in Cumbria. Both The Windermere Hotel and The Derwentwater Hotel at Keswick, have beautiful lake views.[Read More]
They say that Devon is among the most desirable place to live in the UK. It's easy to see why. Devon enjoys the best of both worlds, with quiet corners as well as two major cities. There are green fields, busy seaside resorts like Torquay and Paignton, wild moorland vistas on Exmoor and Dartmoor, fabulous coastal scenery on the Hartland peninsula, genteel beachside towns such as Sidmouth and Lyme Regis, a beautiful cathedral at Exeter and even one of the most fossil-rich stretches of coastline in the UK. So what's not to love about it? Add great food, the classic cream tea and the charm and elegance of The Imperial Exmouth Hotel and you've got all the ingredients of a brilliant destination.[Read More]
What is it about Dorset that has brought so many writers here? Perhaps it's the breathtaking scenery of the rural area they now call 'Hardy Country', the dramatic sweep of Lyme Regis' Cobb, the wild shingles of Chesil Beach or the utterly spiffing seaside towns of Enid Blyton's adventures. Either way, plenty of people have gone mad in Dorset for its wonderful coastline, rolling green hills and geological marvels. No one could fault Durdle Dor, Corfe Castle, Swanage or Poole Harbour, with its nautical beauty and often colourful spectacle of gently bobbing boats. Bournemouth, where you'll find The Savoy Hotel, is one of the UK's favourite sunny day getaways. Why wouldn't it be? They have 7 miles of sandy beaches, a beautifully restored pier at Boscombe and world's oldest beach hut.[Read More]
Locations don't get much better than The Portpatrick Hotel in Dumfries and Galloway. On a hill overlooking the whitewashed houses of the old port, the hotel has fine views over the North Channel towards Ireland and England. It is spectacular. Mind you, the rest of the region has its moments too. The coast is punctuated by sandy beaches, lochs and rugged cliffs, whilst inland you'll find botanic gardens, castles, historic houses and ancient sites. Among the favourites are Logan Botanic Gardens, Broughton House and Castle Kennedy. For the more romantic, a visit to the Galloway Forest Park will reveal more stars than you could ever hope to see. It's official too – the park is one of just two places that are designated as a 'Dark Sky park'.[Read More]
You might not find mountains or moors in Norfolk but you really won't miss them at all. Especially when you've explored monastic ruins under enormous skies, walked across expansive salt marshes, strolled along the coast path, looked up in wonder at Norwich Cathedral or had a flutter at Fakenham races. But if you fancy some seaside fun, head for the resorts at Great Yarmouth, Cromer or Sheringham. Lovers of history will always find something here too, especially when they stay at The Golden Lion Hotel, Hunstanton. It's the oldest building in town. It has the warmest welcome too.[Read More]
For peace, quiet, beautiful countryside, wide open vistas and fewer crowds, Northumberland is hard to beat. It is England's least densely populated county and also its most northerly. Here, at the very farthest reaches of the former Roman Empire, you can still see forts and sections of Hadrian's Wall in the ancient landscape. You can walk on deserted beaches, with magical castles, like those at Bamburgh, watching over you. You can drive across tidal flats to visit Holy Island, a timeless place that now lies sleepily at the edge of the North Sea. Here you can see colonies of puffins and seals and marvel at your good fortune in choosing Northumberland as your holiday destination.[Read More]
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which provides a safe, development-free zone around the edges of the county, makes Pembrokeshire a place of unspoiled beauty. It's coastal path covers 186 gorgeous miles, passes 58 beaches and 14 harbours on its journey from Cardigan Bay in the north to Amroth in the south. There are islands where you can see vast colonies of seabirds and the UK's 'most beautiful beach' at Barrafundle. Inland there are gardens and castles to explore. In fact, The Imperial Hotel in Tenby is built into part of the old ramparts of Tenby's castle! Sitting atop a promontory and overlooking Tenby's fabulous beach, the hotel is right on the coast path – a perfect place to begin exploring Pembrokeshire.[Read More]
You could say that Perthshire is the heart of Scotland. It's no more than an hour and a half from Edinburgh or Glasgow and is on the main route to the Highlands and the north. However it couldn't be further from the big cities of the lowlands. Fishing, walking, kayaking, golfing and relaxing are the order of the day here in summer whilst winter brings a whole different brand of sporting events. Pitlochry, and The Pitlochry Hydro Hotel, sit at the centre of the county and offer great access to destinations like Gleneagles, the 'fair city' of Perth and gardens such as the Hermitage near Birnam. Here you'll find one of the biggest trees in Britain, the Fortingall Yew. It's no wonder they call it 'big tree country'.[Read More]
Base yourself in Somerset and you'll find a little of everything, right on your doorstep. A stay at The Lansdown Hotel in Bath, itself a Bath stone-built beauty, offers all the charm of one of England's prettiest cities as well as the chance to head out into the Mendip hills or out on to the levels. You could be shopping in the morning in Bath's markets and independent boutiques, enjoying a picnic in front of The Royal Crescent at lunch time and climbing Glastonbury Tor to survey the land of 'Avalon' in the afternoon. The contrast couldn't be greater. Likewise, from The Grand Atlantic Hotel in Weston Super Mare it's just a few steps to the prom and pier and just a short drive to Minehead, Porlock and the wild beauty of Exmoor or the curious caves at Cheddar Gorge.[Read More]
To stay or not to stay? It's not much of a question really, especially since there is so much more to Warwickshire than Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Bard. Mind you, it's a combination that brings visitors in their droves. As a base for exploring the rest of this historic county it's hard to beat, especially when you stay with us at The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel. Its location beside the Avon makes it perfect for exploring Stratford and the Georgian town of Royal Leamington Spa. From here you can also visit Britain's 'greatest medieval experience' at the spectacular Warwick Castle or enjoy a little peace and quiet among the sleepy villages of the Cotswolds. If you are looking for a little piece of England at its finest, it doesn't get much better than this![Read More]
Villages like Robin Hood's Bay, cling to steep sided valleys whilst Victorian resorts retain their composure next to gorgeous sands. Inland, the North Yorkshire National Park offers a moorland escape from the sunny seaside. The county town, York, is the place for architecture, cafe culture and quaint cobbled streets. What treasures lie within! To the west you'll find Harrogate, an Edwardian Spa Town that's brimming with attractions and historic sites. Our Hotel, The St George Hotel, shows off its Edwardian splendour with the best location in the town – right next to Harrogate's famous Spa baths.[Read More]


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Amid the speculations regularly indulged in at this time of year, we all hopefully proffer what we'd like to see, often having little idea of what's likely, what's possible or what Apple actually cares about.
New iMacs are on sale; even the 27-inch is now available here, albeit in limited numbers.
Most people seem pretty happy with the new MacBook Pros - I am. What a machine! The smaller MacBook Air is the perfect travelling companion, or just the ideal Mac for those who just value slimline in an attractive package. The mini - well, I don't hear much about them, but if you already have a USB keyboard and mouse (or wireless versions that work with Macs), plus a monitor, that's definitely the cheapest way to migrate to the Mac platform. I have recommended minis to several people.
The missing Mac, though, is still the Mac Pro, Apple's tower of power. Well, it was - now even the new MacBook Pro laptop gives the Pro a run for its money, speed-wise.
Where a tower excels is in being very expandable. Pop the side off the heavy duty aluminium case, slot in hard drives, RAM and video cards, close it, turn it on ...
But the basic specs are letting the Pro down. They have been updated - but that was a tickle, not the fundamental improvement they are crying out for.
It's what video and audio engineers and other power users are crying out for, too. Why slap more expensive stuff into a tower that's essentially three years old? They want new, and they want it now, although traditionally these big products get shown off at Apple's annual World Wide Developers' Conference, aka Dub Dub Dee Cee (WWDC), and that's not till mid year (usually June) in San Francisco.
The Mac Pro still looks pretty impressive on paper, but it has been neglected - there's even a Facebook page called MacProsPlease, set up by a freelance editor/animator to plea with Apple to address the issue.
Apple, this is visited by people who want to buy something from you. Get it? Feel free to add your plea.
In the style of the occasional terse missives Steve Jobs used to very occasionally fire back at surprised Apple users, Apple CEO Tim Cook promised new Mac Pros would be released in 2013 in a 2012 email: "Our Pro customers like you are really important to us. Although we didn't have a chance to talk about a new Mac Pro (at 2012's WWDC), don't worry as we're working on something really great for later next year."
"Really great" sounds really great, thanks Tim. Indeed, hidden files within a Boot Camp configuration file in a recent version of Mountain Lion appear to confirm a new generation of Mac Pro, mentioning a 'MacPro 6', a machine that doesn't currently exist, so hopefully that means it's already in testing.
The two versions of the current Mac Pro are a 3.2GHz, quad-core Intel Xeon chip and 6GB of RAM plus a one with two 2.4GHz, six-core Xeons and 12GB of RAM. Both sport 1TB hard drives and anaemic AMD Radeon HD 5770 graphics cards. They sell for NZ$2499 and NZ$3799. The CPUs are two-year-old Westmere-EP chips. Blah!
They have no Thunderbolt, no USB 3, and no SSD or Fusion Drives as base, although better drives and other options can be added as build-to-orders. There is no SATA III and RAM speed has been frozen - they are 'very 2010'. Somewhat derisively, the 'top-end graphics' option is two 2009 ATI Radeons you can buy elsewhere for a couple of hundred dollars each.
They don't cut it - professionals expect a lot more. Apple risks completely disenfranchising this market if it doesn't address the issue soon.
Intel has some new chips that would do Mac towers justice; for video, there are many options that definitively surpass what Mac Pros have available now.
As for storage, Fusion Drive is Apple's new data storage technology for desktops - it's in all the new iMacs. Fusion combines a hard drive with flash/SSD storage. The Mac operating system manages the contents of the combo drive so frequently-accessed files and applications are stored on the faster flash part, with infrequently used items left on the slower (but way cheaper) hard drive.
A new Pro will also (hopefully) include 802.11ac wireless, speeding up both throughput and coverage. But it might delete FireWire ports, still used by those in the video industries but no longer present in most other Macs. This would be as controversial as deleting the optical drives, but that's almost a cert - they're gone from all other Macs.
A new Pro would almost certainly have Thunderbolt and USB3 ports, although Thunderbolt is looking threatened right now with hardly anything available for it, even after all this time. The recent proclamation that USB 3 will double in speed soon, although requiring new controllers, adds to Thunderbolt foreboding. USB has far more adherents among peripheral makers: at the current Consumer Electronics Show a dearth of new (and awaited) Thunderbolt products disappointed Apple watchers.
The lack of Thunderbolt in the minor update to the Pro line last year really surprised people - it definitely would have kicked the market along, so perhaps that's to blame for the lack at CES. But it seems not to be supported on the CPUs.
Spec-wise, Thunderbolt certainly looks worthy: the peripheral-connection technology was developed by Intel in collaboration with Apple to combine video, data, audio and power in a single connection based on the PCI Express and DisplayPort architectures. It allows for high-speed and daisy-chaining connection of peripherals including hard drives, RAID arrays, video-capture solutions and network interfaces, and can transmit high-definition video using the DisplayPort protocol. Each Mac Thunderbolt port provides up to 10 Watts of power to connected peripherals, and up to 10 Gigabits per second data throughput, faster than current USB 3. A video editors dream, surely?
Apple has made some gains back with pro video editing - a recent update to Final Cut Pro X led to some praiseworthy speed increases and, gradually, missed features have been added back into the controversial suite. Logic, Apple's audio software for the professional market, has not had love for a long time, and that's another candidate for a WWDC release - and a good showcase for a new Pro's chops.
I eagerly await a new Mac Pro; I'm sure professional eagerness is that much keener.


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A Revamped Return Game For The Bolts In 2012
Special teams has been in focus for the Chargers with their recent signings Roscoe Parrish and Michael Spurlock. Both players have significant value in the return game and are explosive playmakers seldom utilized on the offensive side of the football. Throw these two into the mix with recently signed Eddie Royal earlier in the offseason along with incumbent kick returner Richard Goodman and the Bolts may have a return man controversy brewing.
The word controversy implies some genuine intrigue amongst high-profile players generally, but this particular debate could be just as impactful on the Bolts' 2012 season. After the departure of Darren Sproles last offseason, the Chargers' return game was expected to take a step back in the 2011 year.
While things may not have been quite as fruitful as in seasons past, Goodman managed to produce some solid numbers including a touchdown return during his first stint as the main kick returner. Goodman's career numbers of 27.5 yards per return (YPR) trumps any of the other potential kick return candidates while the recently signed Spurlock has the upper hand in terms of experience. His 73 career returns have yielded 1,830 yards and two touchdowns, but his 25.1 YPR pales in comparison to Goodman.
Goodman may be in line to hold onto the kick returning duties, but the punt return position is where the team really missed Sproles in 2011. A combination of Patrick Crayton and Bryan Walters attempted to hold down that spot, but their meager production is hardly worth mentioning. Both players are no longer with the Bolts for 2012 so that position is certainly up for grabs.
When comparing the team's recent signings, there appears to be a two-horse race for the designation of punt returner in 2012. Royal made his mark initially with the Denver Broncos as a punt return man that the Bolts knew all too well. His 81 career returns produced 967 yards and two touchdowns for an 11.9 YPR average which is quite impressive. At 5'10" 182lbs., his diminutive stature harkens back to Sproles and his explosive nature which has to be appealing to Chargers fans.
The other candidate is Roscoe Parrish who made his living as a return man with the Buffalo Bills and on 135 career returns accumulated 1,622 yards and scored three touchdowns. His 12.0 YPR is just slightly ahead of Royal's number which makes him the leader in the clubhouse for that particular gig. Like Royal, Parrish could also thrive as a situational slot receiver when needed, but his impact will definitely be most felt on special teams.
None of these recent signings are headline makers and won't be wowing anyone in terms of being big name players, but they could be the types of players the Bolts need most as they try to right the ship in 2012. Kassim Osgood's special teams abilities were lost in 2011 as well and although the coverage units weren't spectacular, they didn't do all that bad either. Adding in guys like Spurlock and Parrish will provide the club with those all important gunners to get down the field and cover kicks in an instant.
A special teams discussion isn't the topic du jour around most water coolers following games, but coaches and players alike know all too well how games tend to hinge on the small percentage of snaps in the kicking game. Having players capable of handling those responsibilities is a must for any football team and the Chargers have to feel good about having added some of the best in the business at doing just that to their roster in preparation for the 2012 season.
Now it's your turn to weigh-in! Do you think there will be any controversy around who returns kicks and punts this year for the Bolts? Does it appear that Richard Goodman's days are numbered as a return man given Michael Spurlock's pedigree? Which return man do you believe should be returning punts in the coming season; Royal or Parrish? Do you see these players having significant offensive roles in 2012 or will they primarily be role players with minor roles in certain situations? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
April 10, 2012at 8:00 AM Posted by Anthony M. Blake
5 comments:
Yo Anthony...Special Teams? But most quickly forget how valuable they are to the game! Critical in many ways...a good run back from a kickoff or a punt to us in which a solid return is yielded....well that means field position. And a shorter field is a good field to play in! Kick off coverage is also vital...pin the other guys deep means long field=long day baby! I am loving all the speed and multiple threats we are sitting with. Rivers has to be beyond excited. Just think how scary we cold be with a spread offensive play with 4 or 5 outside...WTF who can you cover? We would have deep-middle-slant and short dump off threats all day long with the new players we got. Then some back field in motion as the other threat...all of them can catch too! The Special Teams and Offense is looking scary solid (although I would like a big ass beefy RB as insurance for RM). The Defense is the third leg of a Team...we are well similar to last year so far with a trade in and out. We still need a pass rushing QB eating paler or two, and a SS is a must. I am not at all comfortable with our deep cover layout either...we can only hope for a solid draft and camp mixed in with a free agency acquisition perhaps before game time. The question was who should be the run back king...so freaking tough...I would not waste Royal on this, Goodman is solid (not great though) as he made more than a few questionable run backs from the goal line which gave us suckie positions. Spurlock could be the one I lean towards but a "run off" is great either way. Then we have Parrish....geez...another gamer for sure...this is a great position to be in, plenty of options and lots playing to get prime time slots! Damn it AJ, I am starting to appreciate you again (oh man, I must be losing it)!
I think with all the off season additions made by AJ on the return team(s) we are well stocked and there should be no concern. Problem is we can't bolster one position and forget about the rest. Other than the return game you'd be hard pressed to show strength and deep anywhere else on this team. Who know's maybe AJ is looking to convert some of these guys into CB's and move Jammer to safety (tongue and cheek). But it really appears like we are trying to win by blowing teams out with a high powered offense and special teams...sorry AJ if that's been tried before, most recently with the 2012 Packers and even within the Chargers organization with the Air Coryell era, and it simply doesn't work when it matters most. A strong defense, running the ball (clock management) and winnng the turn over battles wins championships so until we see some movement on the defensive side to improve the pass rush, secondary gaffs, and stop giving up so many first downs on third down conversions we haven't done anything to fix the problem.
Are the pick ups of Spurlock, Royal, Mecheam and Parrish good for the team of course they are but if you take a step back and look at the entire needs of the team going into this off season and see what has been done to date you have to scratch your head and say why no solid pick ups on the d-side of the ball (other than JJ). And for all those looking to the draft...how many first year players step in and make an immediate impact in the NFL?
goodman has value as a backup receiver---as long as he waits for the whistle
- Pete Spinning said... Apr 10, 2012, 12:44:00 PM
I keep waiting for AJ to pull a defensive rabbit out of his hat, or something... and say "HA! See.. I WAS getting defensive playmakers the whole time!".
I really don't feel comfortable with using the draft to fill gaping holes. You MIGHT be able to have a SS come in, and make an immediate impact. Weddle is a good partner, and could show him the ropes, as we rotate him in with backups. But, pass rush is something else. Not sure we will get more than 3 sacks out of a rookie. Hopefully Johnson, Phillips, Barnes, and the new guy somehow pull off some AMAZING chemistry this season... or our coverage squad is gonna have their hands full. (See Detroit game 2011).
Whoa...is that a comment from the long lost Fbhansen!!!!! WTF...I heard he became a Bronco fan?? I love his sometimes positive comments though rare latley....but I respect all his opinions, despite his sometimes negative comments. He has a passion for the Bolts (unless the rumer is true and he has already bought him some new Manning Bronco Gear) and had always been there do or die. I gotta agree I am still miffed by the lack of defensive player acquisitions thus far. I agree blowing our wad for a $100M player made no sense....I like the resigning of several key returning players from last year. But he (AJ) talks of buying some "D" but to date little has been bought? I said way earlier on a blog that it is rare you find a player, let alone many, to step from the draft into first string in the NFL and make an impact. I think we still need some free agency purchasing to fill those 2-3 positions (on D) and it is still early. Let us not forget that sometimes players get cut from camp that are good for one Team and not for another, and sometimes a draft for a trade can materialize. I will reserve my overview until the first preseason game....but I would love AJ to do us all some good and make a defensive buy soon that would further add to his 2012 buying streak. As I said earlier, 2 of the 3 phases of the game now look like we are sitting nicely....but Defense is still in need....come on AJ make it happen so Pete and I can hold onto Fbhansen as a fan for just one more year :)
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