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Pleasure principle
The Sunday Age
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The spectacular Bay of Islands.
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Destination: New Zealand
Theme: Adventure
New Zealand is a land of contrasts and can cater to many tastes. But it deserves to be savoured slowly, writes Paul Edwards.
Sometimes a place can be just too beautiful for its own good.
The worldwide impact of the Lord of the Rings and a
favourable exchange rate have made New Zealand one of the world's
most in-demand tourist destinations. Last year 855,000 Australians
crossed the Tasman; many of them heading for Auckland and Rotorua,
with mythical Lothlorien now also on the wish list.
Some Australians, accustomed to travelling the vast length and breadth of our island continent, make the mistake of trying to see the whole of New Zealand in two weeks of frantic driving.
Big mistake - New Zealand may be small compared to Australia, but it's still a very large place, almost as big as Italy and three times bigger than Austria.
The solution? Less is more. So just where can you go to escape the crowds and still have a memorable holiday?
We have selected four bite-sized regions that you can explore in some depth in less than a week. Take your pick and whet your appetite for the next trip - and the next.
This is New Zealand's largest wine-producing region, with 74 wineries turning out world-renowned vintages.
And where there's wine there's usually food, romantic scenery and a focus on gastronomic tourism. Marlborough scores heavily on all counts and within a couple of years will be one of the country's glamour-tourist regions.
At the northern tip of the South Island, just across Cook Strait from Wellington, Marlborough Sounds has 1500 kilometres of coastline, with sheltered bays and beaches and a hinterland of native bush. Just around the corner is Nelson, a lovely holiday spot at the head of Tasman Bay.
This maritime playground offers some of the world's best boating, diving, fishing, eco-tours and scenic bush walks, including the awesome Queen Charlotte track.
The walk skirts Queen Charlotte Sound, one of four fjord-like sunken valleys that together comprise the Marlborough Sounds. Picton is the main coastal town; a pretty little seaside place with marina facilities and an infrastructure serving visiting cruise ships.
A short drive away is Blenheim, the regional centre, offering wine and food tours and river cruises. Farther south the Awatere Valley runs into the high country, while a stunning coastal road tracks the Pacific from historic Seddon to Kaikoura - famous for crays.
Visit: Arts and craft shops for stunning paua jewellery, see a green-lip mussel farm and salmon hatchery or take a one-to-five day guided or independent trip with the Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company:
Combine cycling, walking and sea kayaking in Picton: www.southernwilderness.com. Stand where Captain Cook did as part of a day cruise: www.eco-tours.co.nz. And visit as many wineries as possible, including Tohu Wines, the world's first Maori winery: www.tohuwines.co.nz.
Sleep at: Old St Mary's Convent, Blenheim: five-star B&B in an eight-hectare garden among the vineyards: www.convent.co.nz.
St Leonard's self-catering cottages in the Cloudy Bar wine district: www.stleonards.co.nz. The Vintner's Retreat has self-contained villas in the heart of Marlborough: www.vintnersretreat.co.nz. The Bay of Many Coves Resort also has the Marlborough Sounds at its doorstep: www.bayofmanycovesresort.co.nz. Sennen House, built in 1886, is one of Picton's original colonial homesteads, now providing excellent tourist accommodation: www.sennenhouse.co.nz
Everyone knows this is where bungy-jumping was invented and jet boating gained fame, but there's more to this breathtaking resort than dangling on an elastic band or testing your nerves on the rapids.
There's also, for instance, the river-boarding experience -lying on a surf board to shoot rapids; the jet ski rescue sledge-ride, where you're dragged behind a powerful jet ski; rock jumps, where you freefall into a river from progressively higher cliffs; and a new method of torture, the rope-swing, which combines bungy, swing, freefall, and swimming.
If all this is more excitement than you can handle, there's also sitting very still, enjoying a glass of wine and gazing at some of the world's most beautiful mountain scenery.
Queenstown and adventure tourism are synonymous, with activities ranging from the gentle to the insane. Its golf courses offer gentle exercise, rafting rates somewhere in the middle - at least if someone vaguely sensible is in charge - but heli-mountain biking down vertiginous tracks is definitely insane.
If just reading about this leaves you out of breath, recover on a cruise of Lake Wakatipu, perhaps on the TSS Earnslaw, one of the world's last remaining coal-fired passenger vessels. Or back on land, try one of several luxurious spas.
With winter approaching, there are spectacular mountains around Queenstown that offer some of the world's finest heliskiing opportunities.
The sport that takes you higher, farther, faster is not suitable for beginners, but strong intermediate skiers can heliski in safety, in small groups led by a guide. Powder snow, off-piste runs and gulleys out of reach of lift-bound skiers open a new world. Each run takes about an hour, following a quick workshop on safety techniques and equipment. Lunch is usually provided. If bad weather prevents flying, it's usually possible to reschedule for the following day.
Visit: Punatapu Ki Tao, a regional gourmet cooking school in the wilderness settlement of Glenorchy: www.cuisinequeenstown.com. Join Dart River Safaris and see where much of Lord of the Rings was shot: www.dartriver.co.nz. Or throw your leg over at the Dart Stables and ride through the beautiful Dart Valley: www.glenorchy.co.nz. You can also walk the Queenstown wine trail for tastings and a nature walk, visit underground wine caves and watch intrepid bungy jumpers: www.queenstownwinetrail.co.nz. Or fly, wine and dine during a memorable flight through the Kawarau Gorge, taking in several wineries and a gourmet platter lunch: www.winetoursnz.com.
Sleep at: Stoneridge Lodge, built from recycled materials from a local church and bridge: www.stoneridge.co.nz. The Dairy, close to the centre of Queenstown, is a small, luxury hotel: www.thedairy.co.nz. Eichardt's was transformed into a luxury hotel in 2001 and was recently voted best, new, luxury hotel in the world: www.eichardtshotel.co.nz. Tussock Cottage at Lake Hayes is built of straw bales with native tussocks on the roof: www.tussockcottage.co.nz.
Contrary to popular opinion, Auckland is not the capital of New Zealand - Wellington is. It's also packed full of national treasures, galleries, museums and great shops, while a multitude of gastronomic delights also make it the nation's gourmet capital.
Home to many of New Zealand's icons - such as the Parliament buildings and Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand - Wellington offers visitors all the excitement of city life, yet has wildlife and nature right on its doorstep.
Its compact layout makes the city an easy place to walk around, while its cosmopolitan flavour gives all the stimulation and sophistication of a big city and locals delight in telling visitors that with a population of 400,000, it's bigger than Canberra.
The city has many sophisticated attractions, but is never far from the rustic pleasures of coast and bush. Wellingtonians head for the Wairarapa, a trendy weekend rural escape with quaint townships, a thriving cafe scene, art and culture and many nature walks. Martinborough (famous for pinot noir wines) and Greytown are nice little towns with interesting arts and crafts studios, excellent produce stores and dreamy little B&Bs.
Visit: Get a quick handle on Wellington's hospitality scene with a food and wine tour: zestfoodtours.co.nz. Tear around town on the cable car: www.WellingtonNZ.com/cablecar. Try rock climbing and kayaking on the waterfront: www.fergskayaks.co.nz. See a traditional museum plus a giant cinema screen: www.museumofwellington.co.nz. Take a ferry ride around the harbour: www.eastbywest.co.nz. Book for New Zealand's oldest theatre company: www.downstage.co.nz. Study Maori culture and NZ history at Te Papa: www.tepapa.govt.nz, and see indigenous artefacts being made. Or, if you have time, watch Peter Jackson's complete body of work in one sitting: www.filmarchive.org.nz
Sleep at: The Gatehouse, a quiet retreat surrounded by native bush in one of Wellington's bays: www.thegatehouse.co.nz. Ruby House B&B is also well located: www.rubyhouse.co.nz. Thornton House is in the city's historic centre: www.thorntonhouse.co.nz. For an out-of-town experience try the Martinborough Hotel: www.martinboroughhotel.co.nz. The Old Manse is a Martinborough icon: www.oldmanse.co.nz. Wharekauhau (pronounced Forry-co-ho) has won the New Zealand tourism award two years running. It's on a 2000-hectare sheep station: www.wharekauhau.co.nz. In Greytown, try the White Swan, a modern country hotel: www.thewhiteswan.co.nz
There's something compelling about the outmost extremity of any country. In New Zealand there's cold, damp Stewart Island in the south, and warm, beautiful Northland at the other end. And at the end of Northland is Cape Reingu, at latitude 34 degrees, also considerably closer to the tropics than Melbourne.
This is an area that lends itself to a driving holiday. The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is an 800-kilometre round trip that will take you to all parts of Northland and introduce you to the beaches, kauri forests and Maori culture of the northern region.
Golf enthusiasts can drive, pitch and putt their way around the courses dotted near the highway, which starts and finishes in Auckland, while students of Maori traditions can inspect where the first canoes landed at Hokianga harbour and see where the Treaty of Waitangi set out the ground rules for today's New Zealand.
There are ancient kauri forests, glow-worm caves, clean, quiet beaches and exceptional fishing spots - think marlin, yellowfin, and kingfish. Divers come here to explore sunken warships and the Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior. Surfers come to Ahipara for one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world.
Although the Bay of Islands is one of Northland's more famous icons, in truth there are many other east and west coast features that have equal claims. The Twin Coast Discovery Highway will show you most of them - then all that's left is the equally fascinating interior.
Visit: There are 144 islands in the Bay of Islands - hire a boat and see how many you can find. Don't miss the Hole in the Rock: www.excitor.co.nz or www.fullers-bay-of-islands.co.nz. Paddle your way around the headlands in a rented kayak: www.coastalkayakers.co.nz. Kiwi Eco Tours will introduce you to kauri walks, island beach visits, pulling up crayfish pots or a trip to lonely Cape Reinga, at the tip of Northland: www.kiwiecotours.co.nz. You'd kick yourself for ever if you missed out on seeing a wild kiwi, so perhaps you should visit the Aroha Island ecological centre to see how the little birds are being protected: www.aroha.net.nz. Catch the Waitangi Night Show for a spirited sound, light, music and drama production telling the story of New Zealand: www.culturenorth.co.nz
Sleep at: You'll want to stay a while around the Bay of Islands, and Eagle's Nest is an excellent place to unwind: www.eaglesnest.co.nz. Orongo Bay Homestead was the site of the first American consulate, now it's a lovely lodge with organic food: www.thehomestead.co.nz. Kingfish Lodge in Whangaroa Harbour is accessible only by boat or helicopter: www.kingfishlodge.co.nz. On the west coast, consider Hokianga Haven B&B on Omapere beachfront: www.hokiangahaven.co.nz or the long-established Omapere Tourist Hotel in a wonderful waterfront setting: www.omapere.co.nz.
Getting there: Eleven carriers cross the Tasman, offering flexible travel options. Air New Zealand has a comprehensive domestic network. Hire cars and motorhomes are available at all major airports.


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Port Authority To Review Fort Lee Lane Closures
The head of the Port Authority says he'll get to the bottom of local lane closures that snarled traffic in Fort Lee.
Two out of three lanes leading from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge were abruptly closed for four weekdays last month.
At the time, Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye was caught off-guard. He sent a fiery email to executives, reversing that decision and saying he was "appalled by the lack of process" behind the lane closures.
But at the first Port Authority board meeting since that incident, Foye was more circumspect.
"I can tell you that an internal review is underway," he said. "When that's concluded, we'll determine what additional steps need to be taken." Foye said he'd make the results of the review available to the public when it's complete.
But State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, who also attended the meeting, said she's not satisfied. "There's one little positive," she said. "At least I've heard that somebody is looking into this. But the time element that this is taking is very disconcerting."
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that some in Bergen County questioned whether the closures were politically motivated. They Gov. Chris Christie or his surrogates used the closures to retaliate against Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich. who has not endorsed Christie for re-election.
The Christie campaign has denied those allegations, calling them crazy.
But Weinberg said she's not satisfied.
"The silence that we get from the Port Authority leads to people's conjecture ... that this was somehow done as political payback to the mayor of Fort Lee," she said. "That is so bizarre that it's difficult to believe. But for want of any other explanation, the conjecture continues to grow."
Weinberg said she'd be introducing a resolution in the State Senate that would give a committee subpoena power so that the legislature can investigate the closures.

subset: commoncrawl


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Have Relationship Questions? Ask a Counselor for Answers ASAP
one more question sorry. he got mad in a text when I said don't let this situation tear us apart. He replied tear us apart? Are you in denial that we broke up? I replied saying "so we are broke up" Steve I don't want to lose you. I just thought I was giving you time to figure things out and that we were just taking a break.
His reply to me asking "so we really are broke up?" was "I just cannot communicate with you. Just leave me alone for awhile please.
Why did he not just say yes or no to my question because this leaves me confused and waiting to know what is going on.
Yes I know, he even at one point said I am sorry for putting you through this. I know this is hard but I have a huge situation over here. This does not sound like a break-up to me


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On Monday, Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley said he's got a fever. And the only prescription is more bell cow.
OK, he didn't say that, but he did express a wish that you hear out of many head coaches at this time of year, that their lead running back can truly be a lead running back. When Bradley was asked by NFL.com's Marc Sessler if he believes Toby Gerhart would be his bell-cow running back, Bradley responded, "That's what we hope to see. ... We like what we saw on tape."
Fantasy Analysis:
This follows what Bradley said a couple of weeks ago about Gerhart, that he could take on 15-20 touches per week. This shouldn't come as a surprise. The Jags gave Gerhart a $10.5 million contract with $4.5 guaranteed. They want to get as much as they can out of that investment. I believe it to be an unwise investment since Gerhart isn't a player who projects to be overly successful with a heavy workload. He can do a number of things well, but his lack of speed and agility makes suits him more for a backup role.
But hey, it's not my team. And in fantasy, workload is a major component of a running back's value. If the Jags give Toby 15 carries per game, he may not turn those into a ton of yards, but he could be a high source of touchdowns. He's a low-end RB2.


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Why the New York Yankees Cry Foul Over Ticket Prices
Major League Baseball announced on Monday that it is extending its partnership with online ticket broker StubHub through 2017—or at least 27 of the league's 30 teams are. The New York Yankees, the Chicago Cubs, and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have opted out. The three clubs have apparently had enough of watching tickets sell for less than face value through a league-sanctioned service.
The league first joined with StubHub in 2007 through its Advanced Media wing, known as BAM. The marriage worked reasonably well. Ticket holders selling through StubHub could ask any price they wanted. And ticket buyers could access that market on team websites alongside the primary box office. StubHub skimmed about 23 percent off every transaction and sent more than half of that back to BAM, according to SportsBusiness Journal. The league, SBJ reported, has been reaping roughly $60 million a year from the arrangement. (BAM spokesperson Matthew Gould declined to comment on that figure.) Baseball helped StubHub recruit buyers and sellers. In return, teams profited twice from the sale of a single seat.
The trouble is that baseball teams have to worry about the feelings of season ticket holders. Paying $40 for a seat and then watching the one next to it sell for $2 can lead to some awkward questions when it comes time for buyers to renew. And according to ticket search engine SeatGeek, about two-thirds of Yankees tickets that sold on the secondary market last year went for below face value. "We believe there are serious issues with the StubHub relationship," Randy Levine, Yankees team president, told the New York Post in June. "We are actively reviewing more fan-friendly alternatives for next year." Translation: We want price floors.
The Yankees and Angels have yet to reply to e-mails about what they plan to do instead of using StubHub. Cubs spokesperson Julian Green writes in an e-mail that the team is "continuing to explore our options as it relates to the secondary market." An unnamed source at the Yankees told ESPN that the team will be announcing a deal with Ticketmaster that is "more favorable to season-ticket holders." Stubhub spokesperson Glenn Lehrman says the teams have "decided to create their own marketplaces." It's likely all three will employ systems like those used by many NBA and NFL teams, setting a limit on minimum prices.
To help teams deal with the negative publicity that occurs when seats sell for a dollar, StubHub has agreed to change its baseball pricing to include all fees upfront. Currently, says Lehrman, a buyer sees the seller's offer price first, and then—as they go through the checkout process—StubHub's commission and the delivery fee are added. Seats listed for a buck actually cost about $11. Next year, the company will use "all-in" pricing and will lower its minimum fee. As a result, the lowest list price for a baseball ticket will be $6, which makes for a less-catchy headline.
StubHub and the league, however, did not move on price floors. "We want to leave it to the buyers and sellers to determine the price," says Mark Plutzer, BAM's vice president of ticketing. They will do this anyway, of course. The only question is whether teams choose to participate.
"Consumers aren't dumb," writes SeatGeek spokesperson Will Flaherty in an e-mail. "They'll flee to the lowest prices, wherever those are." He points to ticket pricing for the New York Jets football game against the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 23. The Jets resale service, run by Ticketmaster, sets the floor at $125 for lower-level end zone seats. Elsewhere on the Web, tickets in the same section are going for half as much. Any season ticket holder with internet access can see this. You might think that the Yankees, the team with the highest payroll in baseball, would recognize the futility of standing in the way of market forces and perhaps move to dynamic pricing. You'd be wrong.


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BSA Construction
LLC v Jimmie E. Johnson
Civil Tort. Affirms summary judgment for Jimmie Johnson after the Court of Appeals found Johnson did not owe BSA a duty of care after he appraised a property for less than the agreed-upon purchase price. Johnson cannot serve both the bank that hired him and BSA because of conflicting interests.
Indiana Court of Appeals
Michael Pugh v. State of Indiana
Criminal. Affirms Michael Pugh's convictions of two counts of rape, one count of attempted criminal deviate conduct, one count of robbery and one count of burglary as Class A felonies; one count of robbery and three counts of carjacking as Class B felonies; and one count of robbery as a Class C felony. Finds Pugh's three convictions of robbery do not violate the single larceny rule and his two convictions of rape do not violate the continuing crime doctrine.


text: Alisha Chandelier Earrings Style: 570097539 Out of Stock Love it? Everyone else did too. This item sold out! Use our search tool, chat online or call 1.888.855.4986 to find something equally desirable. The gorgeous, goddess-inspired chandelier earrings designed with a web of linked golden rings. Metal. Wire. Imported. Read More… Share on Facebook Tweet Pin


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Cast: Leilani Leeanne, Imani Rose, Sierra Banxxx, Amber Steel, Lacy Green
Once you go white, your ass will never be right. Every girl happily takes it up the ass.
Every Girl Happily Takes It Up The Ass! Once You Go White Your Ass Will Never Be Right! Nothing better than coming home to a girl with whip cream and a cherry on her phat ass. Leilani surprises her man and ends with a nice treat in her asshole! Amber is tired of paying all the bills while her husband just sits around the house. She relieves some stress by riding her husband's friend cock and his at the same time. Can I cove over?


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The Kent Thiry speeches are an enlightening resource in empowering individuals to tackle challenges head on so that they may be more well rounded, before jumping into a career in consulting.
Thiry obtained a bachelor's degree in political science from Stanford University. He went on to finish an MBA at the Harvard School of Business. He started his career as a consultant at Bain & Company. He became Vice President before moving on to climb the ladder at Vivra Holdings, Inc. There he assumed positions like CEO, President and Chairman of the Board.
Thiry is currently the Chairman and CEO of DaVita. He has filled this position since 1999 and has since turned the company around from near bankruptcy to achieving Fortune 500 status.
The Kent Thiry speeches draw on an extensive career in consulting to help audiences leverage their weaknesses to grow as an individual.


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19th Century British Newspapers contains full runs of influential national and regional newspapers representing different political and cultural segments of 19th-century British society.
July 3, 2014
NOTE: Most items obtained from this page are subscribed to by the library and accessible only to Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff.
WARNING: The abuse of Virginia Tech licensed online resources by such means as systematic downloading violates the university's acceptable use policy, jeopardizes Tech's future access to resources, and is prohibited.


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- Antonyms of CONSERVE:
- blow, squander, waste, clean, consume, deplete, drain, exhaust, expend, impoverish, spend, use up, dissipate, fritter, lavish, misspend, run through, throw away, disregard, ignore, neglect, break, damage, destroy, harm, hurt, impair, injure, ruin, wreck.
- Examples of usage:
But all of us can conserve energy- every one of us, every day of our lives.
"State of the Union Addresses of Jimmy Carter",Jimmy Carter.
Mere creeds will never conserve the truth.
"Love's Final Victory",Horatio.
It is owing to the careful, accurate, and critical work of continental and Irish scholars on the manuscript materials of Irish Law, History, Bardic Tales, and Poetry; on customs, dress, furniture, architecture, ornament, on hunting and sailing; on the manners of men and women in war and peace, that the modern re- teller of the Irish tales is enabled to conserve the Irish atmosphere.
"The High Deeds of Finn and other Bardic Romances of Ancient Ireland",T. W. Rolleston.
- But all of us can conserve energy- every one of us, every day of our lives.


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I am 49 years old and just not willing to live with the volume loss in my face which makes me look tired and haggard. I've recently lost weight and am working out and feel great about how I look and feel except for my facial sagging.
I was very nervous after reading all the reviews on this site but I researched my doctor and she was very experienced and is conservative in terms of her treatment plan. She did one vial today which covered both sides of my face: temple down the side and some in chin area and some in nasal folds and cheeks. I am expecting to do three treatments six weeks apart. (I can tell I will have no bruising like I had with Juvederm. I am very fair and vascular I had some cheek bruising- she filled the tear troughs and made a HUGE difference- no bruising there) and she only injected Sculptra in the manufacturers approved areas. I like her approach. I look forward to the results. I am massaging 5/5/5 as recommended with cold compresses today and tomorrow.


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Investing is an action fraught with risk, even though many choose to ignore this fact until after they have been hit by it. Perhaps some investors will never end up on the wrong side of the risks they take. That doesn't make them smarter investors, necessarily. The American financial system is structured to protect us from risks caused by malfeasance, but it does not do much to protect us from bad decisions.
My blood started to boil. I went into paroxysms of rage and misanthropy, unable to believe that someone could be so pathetic as to not leave a note. There was just no way that this person was oblivious to the fact that he or she had pummeled my car.
My faith in humanity was restored when the claims representative at my insurance company told me that, indeed, they get claims from people who hit parked cars and leave notes all the time. Though I do hope the person who did this feels guilty. In fact, if you've ever hit-and-run a parked car, why don't you just feel guilty for a second.
OK, that's enough. Thanks for caring.
I had a deeper realization, though. It actually made me both sad and embarrassed at the same time. It is this: My life is so worry-free that I have the luxury to treat someone hitting my car as some unspeakable travesty of justice. People all over the world are being killed, tortured, or persecuted for the color of their skin, their political beliefs, or their religion. There are countries where government not only does not function to protect its people, but actively represses them. Someone hit my car. I'm out a few hundred bucks to get it fixed, but it is no big deal. I am not being persecuted.
We need to remind ourselves of this fact as we consider why we invest. The United States has the best financial disclosure system in the world, the most liquid market, and the lion's share of the world's great companies. Our ability to participate in the growth of the companies in this market is a privilege.
Regardless of the protections afforded those who invest in America's public companies, most of these companies will fail. Not necessarily go belly up, but they will in some way let their shareholders down at some point. For many companies this letdown will be both dramatic and traumatic. For the shareholders, even more so.
Investing is all about risk
When you invest, you are therefore committing an act of faith. It is an act of educated faith, grant you. But, with every investment there is a real, non-zero possibility that the money you set down will never come back. Therefore, your money, your invested capital, is at risk. The level of risk depends on such things as the multiples you are paying, implied growth rates, volatility, and other measurable factors.
The thing that made me so mad about someone hitting my car was that I was engaging in a very low-risk activity at the time: the car was parked in a public lot. That I was not driving down the interstate blindfolded when the damage happened means nothing. I took a risk, albeit a minute one, and I rolled snake eyes.
But, does that mean I should no longer park my car? That I should avoid the risk of getting hit by walking everywhere? No, that would be stupid, because neither the chance nor the consequence of the risk necessitates the inconvenience of avoiding it. The same cannot be said for people who, for example, choose to walk through an explosives plant with a lit match. Sure, they might come out fine, but they still have done something with huge risks and awful consequences. Best to be avoided.
People are so accustomed to ignoring risk until they end up on the wrong side of it. In life, this can be fatal. In investing, it can cost us boatloads of money. Still, we tend to focus on the risk after it bites us, and that is wrong. I'll give you an example. I own CMGI (Nasdaq: CMGI), which has dropped more than 90% from its highs of this year. Fortunately, I've owned it long enough that I am not deeply upside down on the stock, but like many people who held CMGI, I have been very surprised at how fast the wheels seemed to have come off of this company once the IPO market cooled off.
However, my (and everyone's) risk in CMGI did not happen when the company shares dropped. It happened the moment I bought the stock. Worrying about the risk now that it's at $13 a stub is like joining the Army to avoid the draft. I knew that the company was selling at huge multiples to its cash flow, and that the company was heavily reliant on non-recurring events for its earnings. But, I was convinced that CMGI had a competitive advantage that, from a business fundamentals standpoint, would withstand the imminent time in which the Internet was not seen as such a bubble.
I was even prepared for the company to fall from its highs -- which I believed to be ridiculous, but not 90% ridiculous. And yet, here I am, along with thousands of former "CMGillionaires," licking my wounds from a stock that has done me wrong.
My loss is not the fault of the company or its management. The mistake is my own. I took a big risk and came up on the wrong side of it. It was not the first time, it will not be the last. When we invest in speculative companies, we must be especially vigilant of the risks facing the company. This has nothing to do with defending the company against the opinion of others -- that is nothing more than a tempest in a teapot. It does have everything to do with constantly looking at threats to a company's business, analyzing them, and adjusting your opinion of the company accordingly.
For every fallen angel company, I see a bevy of class-action lawsuits. From the outside, it would appear that some managements deserve having legal action taken against them. Most do not. But those who reflexively feel the need to find someone else to blame for their investment foibles, whether they join these suits or not, have completely missed the point.
You bought the stock. You took the risk. It was your right to do so, but if the stock fails to perform, it is your responsibility to suffer the consequences.
Fool on!
Bill Mann, TMFOtter on the Fool Discussion Boards


text: I love spotting new product – its akin to a rookie actor's first appearance on a well known TV show. You are watching to see how good (or bad) they look on camera and what the dynamic is with other cast members. Do they add something to the show? Detract from it? It's no different for new cars. BMW, in this case, is the well known, award winning show and 5-Series GT is the unknown player greeting customers in showrooms. I have seen pictures and renderings of the wagon/crossover mash up in various auto mags, that's like Page 6 for car guys, and I must say it looks much larger in person. Chalk that up to the tall roofline and XL chassis shared with BMW's flagship 7-Series. That might translate well inside with ample head and legroom but it makes for some awkward proportions outside. 5-Series GT's intention also seems a bit confused next to other BMW models like X5 and X6. After all, how many 4-5 passenger crossovers can one manufacturer make? This particular example is fitted with the company's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, good for 400hp and 450 ft-lbs of torque. In a puzzling move, BMW released this nearly $64,000 rear wheel drive V8 ahead of the six-cylinder and AWD versions that are hitting dealerships as you read this. The only overly positive thing I can say at this point is that I would take one over a Mercedes R-Class – itself a confused station wagon.


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· CLACKAMAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP MEETING - 6:30 to 8 p.m., Museum of the Oregon Territory, 211 Tumwater Dr., Oregon City. Speakers include Charlene Buckley, Curator and David Porter, Executive Director of the Clackamas Heritage Partners. Free and open to the public. Respond to 503-655-5574 by June 18.
· WEST LINN CHAMBER NETWORKING - 4:30 to 6 p.m., John L. Scott Real Estate, 22340 Salamo Rd.
· WEST LINN PARKINSON'S DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP - 10:30 a.m., Tanner Springs, 23000 Horizon Dr. Share experiences in a safe, supportive forum. Free. Contact Jim at 503-557-0951.
· BREAKFAST AT 'THE TABLE' - 6 to 8 a.m., Willamette Christian Church, 2015 8th Ave., West Linn. Serving the needs of the community; free and open to everybody. Donations accepted by Anne Rowell at 503-651-3840.
· WALLMASTERS TOASTMASTERS - 6:45 a.m., TOC Management Services, 6825 SW Sandburg Rd., Tigard. Contact Megan 503-550-6572 or www.wallmasters.org.
· JOB FINDERS SUPPORT GROUP - 12 to 2:00 p.m., Capitol Hill Library, 10723 SW Capitol Highway, Portland. Free and open to the public. Contact: 503-684-3581.
· LO CHAMBER NETWORKING MEETING - 8 to 9 a.m., hosted by LO Chamber Ambassadors as a fundraiser for American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Lake Oswego Main Fire Station, 300 B Ave.
· LAKE OSWEGO FARMERS MARKET - Millennium Plaza, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
· OLD TOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION BAKE SALE - Corner of Durham and Ladd streets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
· FUTURE STARS COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP CLUB - 5 to 6:15 p.m., Cascade Summit Apartments Clubhouse, 22100 Horizon Dr., West Linn. Based on Toastmasters model. Open to all, contact Cathey Armillas at 503-453-7785.
· LOACC CLC USER GROUP - 9 a.m. questions, 9:30 a.m. More photography with John Sanders.
· VISION SUPPORT GROUP - 1 to 2:30 p.m., Lake Oswego Adult Community Center. Guest speaker, topics related to vision loss. Last meeting before summer hiatus.
· SCRABBLE CLUB - 6:45 p.m., Lakewood Center for the Arts. Club meets weekly. Contact Ruth Hamilton 503-675-7663.
· GRUPO DE CHARLAR - 6 to 8 p.m. at West Linn Public Library. Open to Spanish speakers of all skill levels, or Spanish speakers who would like to practice their English.
· MARYLHURST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION - 7 p.m. West Linn Adult Community Center.
· LAKE GROVE FIRE DISTRICT BOARD - 7 p.m., 16400 Bryant Road, Lake Oswego. Agenda items (possibly in executive session) include real estate appraisal report of facility, update on election results of the Tualatin Valley Fire Fighters Union members' vote to support purchase proposal, fee schedule arrangements with Lake Oswego and candidates review for open position No. 1. Call Sherry Patterson, president, at 503-639-5161.
· PARKER CREST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION - 7 p.m. West Linn City Hall, City Council Chamber.
· ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUP - 10 to 11:30 a.m.Lake Oswego Adult Community Center. Last meeting before summer hiatus.
· WEST LINN CHAMBER NETWORKING - 4:30 to 6p.m., Bullseye Coffee, 1980 Willamette Falls Dr.
Send news of your event to What's Happening, Review/Tidings, P.O. Box 548, Lake Oswego, Ore., 97034. Deadline for submissions is noon Friday before the next publication date.


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*Lifevine Collective Network is a not-for-profit membership organization of patients, who work together, pooling resources to produce the highest quality medical marijuana at the lowest cost. Unlike a buyer's club or dispensary, Lifevine does not buy marijuana and resell it to patients. In a collective garden, qualifying patients share responsibility for the resources required to produce and process medical cannabis.
The recent amendment to Washington State medical marijuana law, effective July 22nd, 2011, allows qualifying patients to legally participate in a collective garden network for the purpose of producing, processing, transporting and delivering medical cannabis. Lifevine has been operating in this manner since 1999.
How to Join Lifevine Collective Network
As of June 1, 2010 medical cannabis authorizations issued by doctors must be printed on special tamper-proof paper. This precaution greatly reduces the risk of falsification; therefore, we no longer have to verify patients' identity. That speeds up and simplifies the enrollment process greatly. If you are a patient interested in joining Lifevine Collective Network, you may now initiate the process.
Upon joining the Network, Lifevine members must sign a membership agreement, which explains their legal rights and responsibilities under WA State law, RCW 69.51a.
4. Still need a medical authorization?
If your condition can be legally treated with medical cannabis under the Washington State law, but you don't have a doctor's authorization, you need to have the discussion with your doctor. If he/she sees fit to recommend medical cannabis, your doctor must fill out an official authorization form. Make sure the current version of the form is being used. The form must be printed on special tamper-resistant paper only your doctor can obtain.
If you don't have a doctor willing to authorize your use of medical cannabis our information on finding a physician may help you find a more open-minded medical provider. It has become a little easier since I-5798 became law in June of 2010.


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Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Certification
Due to complex challenges in today's food supply chain, many of the world's largest food retailers are mandating supplier certification to Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) schemes, which include SQF, BRC, IFS, FSSC, GLOBALG.A.P. and BAP and CanadaGAP.
NSF companies are the leading global certifier to GFSI benchmarked standards, with exceptional technical expertise, consistently calibrated auditors and capacity for a timely path to certification.
GFSI was established to ensure confidence in the delivery of safer food to consumers, while continuing to improve food safety throughout the supply chain. These global standards address food, packaging, packaging materials, storage and distribution for primary producers, manufacturers and distributors.
NSF International Presents 2017 Food Safety Leadership Awards
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. – NSF International, a global public health and safety organization that provides food safety and quality assurance...
NSF-GFTC Announces Name Change to NSF International and Moves Into State-of-the Art Facility
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. and GUELPH, Ontario – NSF-GFTC, formerly known as the Guelph Food Technology Centre (GFTC), has changed its...
Global Food Safety Firm NSF International and Euro Consultants Group Join Forces
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Français | Nederlands | Português | Deutsch | Español | 中国 ANN ARBOR, Mich. USA and WAVRE, Belgium – NSF...
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Over the last several years, neuronal stabilizing agents (also known as anticonvulsants or epilepsy medications) have been increasingly prescribed for Migraine prevention. Out of the four medications that are actually FDA approved for Migraine prevention, two of them -- Depakote (divalproex) and Topamax (topiramate) -- are neuronal stabilizing agents. It has been thought that these medications are effective for Migraine prevention because they calm overactive neurons in the brains of Migraineurs.
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is one medication in this family that has been prescribed off-label for Migraine prevention. A new study has now shown that Trileptal apparently does not work well as a Migraine preventive. The results of this research are published in the February 12, 2008, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
The study
Study objective: "To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of oxcarbazepine (1,200 mg/day) vs. placebo as prophylactic therapy for patients with migraine headaches."
Study methods:
- Participants were recruited from 23 headache and Migraine treatment centers in the United States.
- The 170 study participants were randomly assigned to two groups of 85. One group received oxcarbazepine; the other received placebo.
- Study participants were patients experiencing three to nine Migraine attacks per month.
- This study was conducted over a period of nearly five months.
Study results:
- There was no difference between the oxcarbazepine and placebo groups in change in number of migraine attacks from baseline during the last 28 days of double-blind (Neither the researchers nor the participants knew who was receiving oxcarbazepine and who was receiving placebo.) phase.
- Adverse events (side effects) were reported for 68 oxcarbazepine-treated patients (80%) and 55 placebo-treated patients (65%). The majority of adverse events were mild or moderate in severity.
- The most common side effects (15% of patients) in the oxcarbazepine-treated group were fatigue (20.0%), dizziness (17.6%), and nausea (16.5%).
- No side effect occurred in more than 15% of the placebo-treated patients.


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Count begins a long night of nailbiting
September 18, 2014 by Grace Franklin · Leave a Comment
At the Emirates Arena in Glasgow's East End the count started for the historic referendum with boxes from Shettleston coming in minutes after the polls closed at 10pm. They were followed quickly by other districts. Soon the hum of activity as papers were counted was at every one of the eight district areas.
Some YES team members and SNP Councillors said they were 'nervous' but each was quick to add they thought on the streets where they'd been canvassing ceaselessly for two years, the answer was YES.
Human Rights being violated by poverty
October 18, 2013 by Grace Franklin · Leave a Comment
Awareness of fundamental Human Rights would help eradicate much of the inequality being experienced in Scotland today.
Glasgow Human Rights Network gave a platform to three leading exponents of the theme: Poverty is a Human Rights violation. Hosted in Glasgow City Chambers and welcomed by Bailie Jim Scanlon, the event attracted around 50 people on Thursday 17 October 2013.
Kate Lauchlin – a seasoned community campaigner in Partick and now working on her PhD on Human Rights at the University of the West of Scotland, set the scene: 'Not only is it an outrage that poverty is a violation of Human Rights, it is enshrined in international law that poverty is a violation of Human Rights.' United Nations conventions, continental 'groupings' and national constitutions all set down human rights. But those international conventions the UK has signed, are still awaiting ratification in many cases, she pointed out.
Among the intrinsic human rights are the right to an adequate standard of living, the right to a home which includes local family and community interaction and is much more than just a 'house'; the right to a free choice to work, the right to social security, the right to take part in cultural life.
An illustration of a dove carrying human rights on its wings but with the bird encased in a cage, summed up the UK's position on human rights for her, she said.
Part of the solution was for the country to 'invest in the human rights culture. It matters.' She said: 'As far back as 2009 the United Nations' Economic and Social and Cultural Rights inspectorate was concerned with the low level of awareness of human rights in the UK among all strata of society.' If human rights were to be integrated into something like the Scottish Government's National Performance Framework, it would make a difference.
Another speaker was Tricia McConalogue of Bridging the Gap an organisation working in the Gorbals supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
She said that people needed to challenge the frequently presented- often Government originated – ideas that people in poverty could be used as a scapegoat. 'If this isn't challenged, it is accepted as fact and that is simply not the truth,' she said.
Having been most of the day standing outside the City Chambers at the Poverty Stone in George Square hearing testimony from people in poverty, Tricia elected to sit to share her thoughts and experience.
She said: 'Poverty today in Glasgow is the worst I've seen in my lifetime.' She gave details of individual situations when people receiving food from a foodbank could not afford to cook it. Of people being 'sanctioned' at the Job Centre even when they had found a job. Sanctioned means that person would be denied any benefits for a period of time because of some infringement of rules which frequently was an administrative mistake.
She also mentioned how people with mental health issues could be left terrified by any appeals process they may have to face. 'If they are deemed fit for a job, where does that leave them to recover from their mental health issues?' she asked. Tricia said she'd been moved to tears recently by some of the people she'd talked to – including one young man who was contemplating suicide because of the way he was being treated.
The final speaker was academic and former Amnesty worker Duncan Wilson who represented the Scottish Human Rights Commission. The Commission is working with public bodies – such as the National Health Service – and the third sector to develop Scotland's first National Action Plan.
Voicing the question: 'Is poverty a violation of Human Rights?' Duncan said: 'To some people it isn't as clear as torture, for example. But I think it is clear there is a a very strong case to be made for poverty to be seen as a violation of Human Rights.'
He defined poverty as the denial of freedom to live, to develop, to be free from hunger and to be free to take part in society. Around the world, these freedoms are denied. Official reports suggest the issues have been addressed 'A government report says they've achieve their target of having no slums, for example. But what they've actually done is clear the land where the slums were- leaving 100,000 people without any place to stay.'
New United Nations targets are to start from 2015 when the UN Millenium Goals programme will be completed. 'New goals will not be achieved without accountability being incorporated in the framework of any programme. Accountability is lacking in the current framework,' he said.
He said that poverty exist all over the world – even in Glasgow. 'Just take a train from Hyndland in the West End to Bridgeton in the East End. There is a difference of ten years' life expectancy among men in that short journey.
Among the ways to address poverty were that those with the least should be the last to take any cuts. 'That is a fundamental principle of Human Rights, he said.
He instanced people in Edinburgh using candles because they couldn't afford to switch on electricity. 'This is the 21st century in the capital of Scotland!!' he emphasised. '
He also said that people working in public services should be empowered to prevent problems rather than having to implement bad decisons of the authorities. He commended the Poverty Truth Commission which stood by its motto: 'Nothing about us , without us, is for us.'
'The participation of people and the information they need to understand and take part in those decision is what is needed, especially for the most marginalised.'
Scotland's first ever Action Plan for Human Rights will be a 'roadmap' for everyone at home, in school, at work or anywhere, he said. Expected to be launched next year it will empower people to know about their Human Rights, to take part in decisions, to address stigma and to increase the ability of those delivering services to 'get it right more often.'
Dr Vikki Turbine of Glasgow University Human Rights Network thanked the panel and said it was an inspiring start to further conversations which would help protect, respect and fulfil Human Rights in Scotland and help produce solutions to poverty.
September 13, 2013 by Grace Franklin · Leave a Comment
Saturday 14 September 2013 should be a busy day. Glasgow's East End will see an open day for its first, women-only gym. In a pink painted building once used as douce offices on Gallowgate near the Forge cinema, Gill's gym is set to spin, work-out and dance for a long time to come.
On Glasgow Green, a different crowd will gather to work out how to Bin the Bedroom Tax. The United Nations rapporteur, Raquel Rolnik, who spent two weeks in the UK gathering evidence on how the global financial crisis has affected housing, found that Bedroom Tax issues dominated her interviews with people who were having to cope with the 'spare room supplement,' as it is formally called. She said the policy should be abolished as it was affecting human rights. Introduced by the Westminster government, the tax reduces housing benefit where the person has more bedrooms than it is judged they need.
So Saturday's protesters will assemble on Glasgow Green for a rally and then head for the SECC where the Liberal Democrat Conference will be in process. The protesters have been curtailed by Glasgow City Council on how they may march. And police have curtailed how many may protest at the SECC. The erosion of these human rights is clouded by the fact that the protesters are seriously split among themselves. One wing is led by Tommy Sheridan and the other wing is bitterly opposed to the disgraced politician.
In the middle are the ordinary folk who are suffering to the point – in some cases – of contemplating suicide.
It is a little solace that the Scottish Government has allocated £20 million in its budget this week to provide help to people affected by this iniquitous Tax. But this same Government has also allocated £20 million to boost cycling as a form of transport.
Much more energy and visionary leadership has to be found to work out how to Say No 2 the Bedroom Tax and how to protect human rights to protest, to march and to speak out.
Maybe, just maybe, if more women get together to socialise in pink gyms, a new spin could be found on strategies to save desperate people from self-destruction.
Gill's Gym is up and running for women
September 12, 2013 by Grace Franklin · Leave a Comment
Women in Glasgow's East End now have a dedicated Women Only gym.
Thanks to Gill Connor and her team, the Forge Fitness Centre – or Gill's Gym – is up and running. It sits in its lovely girlie pink building near the Forge cinema at 1173 Gallowgate G31 4EG. Once the offices of Hunter and Clark, the premises have been given a feminine make-over with studios dedicated to Spinning, Vibrating Plates, Weights, Workouts and almost every other modern, professional fitness training routine.
An Open Day will be held on Saturday 14 September – from 12 noon till 3pm – with an invitation to any woman interested to drop in and find out what's in the Forge Fitness Centre for her. A special opening offer of £20 a month with no joining fee won't last long! So don't miss out.
Once a new customer services officer with a bank, Gill is passionate about health and fitness.
'The bank was very good and allowed me to reduce my working hours to follow my fitness passion and increase my freelance fitness training hours,' said Gill who is 24. 'That helped me manage the work / life balance. When this opportunity became available, it was a no-brainer for me to do this full time.'
From freelance fitness instructor to full time Fitness Manager, Gill has made the transition with calmness and in a planned way.
'Since July, its been long days -practically living here – to get the place ready. But it is all coming together now,' she said.
Apart from the cardio studio with treadmills, bikes, rower, cross trainers and steps, there is a weights and balls studio for Abs work. There is a distinctive yellow studio for the 10 bikes for spin sessions. 'We have disco lights in there which gives a much more fun and motivational atmosphere,' explained Gill.
Another unit is dedicated to vibro-plate and stretching.
'There most definitely will be something to suit everyone,' said Gill who has included nail bar and lipo treatment and Herbal Life professionals with their own dedicated space. Essential showers and changing facilities are included. But the prime place is a big, airy dance studio overlooking the famous Gallowgate and featuring an antique safe painted in silver and pink. 'It's there because we couldn't find a way to move it!' said Gill who proceeded to make a fun highlight of it.
'Women can be intimidated in a gym,' said Gill. 'They tend to use the one bit of equipment they know about and are often afraid to ask about using the other things. That's why my Forge Fitness Centre is women only. Women will feel much more comfortable and will ask questions. This won't be a scary place and we'll instruct people how to use the equipment. We'll also sit down with each person when she joins and talk about her lifestyle and the changes she wants. That way, we can advise the best exercises for her. She may only need minor tweeking to what she's doing, but we can keep an eye on her progress and give her encouragement when it's needed.'
With her Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications, her bank experience in customer service and her own tremendous enthusiasm for fitness and good health, Gill is seeing her dream come true. She said: 'I want women to feel that a gym can be fun and a nice place to socialise with friends.' She's created that comfortable environment in a cocoon of pink at the Forge Fitness Centre in 1173 Gallowgate, G31 4EG.
Find the Forge Fitness Centre on Twitter , You Tube, and Facebook
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Tel: 0141 280 7000
Thousands say 'Axe the bedroom tax.'
March 31, 2013 by Grace Franklin · Leave a Comment
The biggest protest rally Glasgow has seen in years had more than 3000 people marching from Glasgow Green to George Square, united in their opposition to the bedroom tax.
Seasoned campaigners, families with their children and baby buggies, trade unionists, people in a wide variety of mobility carts and folk walking their dogs, took more than an hour to wend their way to the city centre. Many of them shouting: 'Axe the tax.'
Facing the City Chambers, a series of speakers explained why their campaign was part of a wide strategy to protect the most vulnerable in the community.
Labour MP Ann McKechin, MSP Frank McAveety and Glasgow City Councillor George Redmond were among the group who marched. Arriving in George Square, Westminster MP Ann McKechin said to this website's reporter: 'I'm not surprised at this turnout. People are shocked by the scale of this unfair and unjust tax. The Westminster government doesn't understand the full impact it will have.'
But Labour politicians were castigated by different speakers. Said one: 'They might have marched near the front but it is inconsistent with what they are doing to the families they are victimising in the learning disability community in Glasgow. Glasgow City Council has these families on its hit list by closing three of the seven day centres they use.'
Another speaker put it more bluntly: 'Glasgow City Council should be ashamed of themselves. They have influence and power. They should tell all Housing Associations in Glasgow and Glasgow Housing Association that there must be NO EVICTIONS in the city. We need to know who's side they are on.'
The same speaker highlighted the £100 billion cost of the Trident refit and warheads for Faslane nuclear base. She urged people to support a March on Easter Monday from Glasgow to Faslane which they intended to shut down for the day. 'All these things are connected. They say there is no money, so attack the poor. But they can spend billions on weapons which can wipe out half of humanity. If we stand together we have the power, strength and determination to stop evictions and end this bedroom tax policy.'
Alan Wyllie of the West of Scotland Anti-Bedroom Tax Federation summed it up for most of the speakers: 'I'm an ordinary guy and don't see this as a political fight. I ask what is right and what is wrong? I believe it is wrong that the most vulnerable people are the hardest hit. It is wrong that fuel and food costs are rising while wages and benefits are going down. It is wrong to have this tax on bedrooms when millionaires are having their taxes cut. We are all in this together and must stop evictions. I urge Labour and SNP to protect all Scots. It is your duty!'
He said he'd read all the 2010 election manifestos. 'There was no mention of the bedroom tax. The Westminster government has no mandate for this,' he claimed to loud applause from the crowd. 'We didn't ask for this. We don't want it. But the Government is attacking the most vulnerable in our communities. Mark my words: We will unite and we will win.'
He led the way for many different groups to work together against the bedroom tax, by launching a Facebook campaign several months ago.
Speaker John McFarlane said the first round of the battle had been won by Dundee City Council declaring there would be no evictions in their city as a result of the tax. 'Every council should do the same. MPs and MSPs are supposed to represent us but we have to ask – do they stand for us or do they stand for the Tory bankers? If they do we must remove them!'
Black Triangle speaker David Churchley said: 'This bedroom tax is unworkable and unmanageable. It's better for us to get off our knees and fight than not to fight at all.' Calling for a 24 hour strike he added: 'It is up to us to keep what has been ours for 100 years. We didn't cause this crisis but we're being made to pay for it.'
Daniel McGarrall from the Glasgow against ATOS campaign said that 73 people die each week after being found fit to work by ATOS. He invited listeners to join the demonstrations on the last Friday of each month outside ATOS offices and the Commonwealth Games offices because ATOS is a sponsor of the Glasgow 2014 Games.
He outlined how he and another campaigner face a court trial for campaigning. 'We are defending the right to protest. And we will not be beaten.'
A spokesman from Govan Law Centre said that the bedroom tax was bringing misery to 100,000 people in Scotland. 'Around 80% of those affected are disabled. It is wrong that the Government is targetting the most vulnerable people,' he said, voicing his support to axe the tax and for no evictions.
Mary Lockhart reminded people of the Govan women who fought against the rent increases in 1919 when their menfolk were fighting in the war. 'They fought the landlords so that their children wouldn't have to sleep on the floor. They took a stand, got the shipyard workers on their side and said: 'I will stand by you, if you will stand by me.' Everyone today needs to be ready to protest and take action and stand by each other.'
As the marchers assembled at Glasgow Green, David Churchley was proudly holding the leading banner with his one good hand – the other being unusable because of a stroke. He said: ' I'm on the march because of this appalling, vicious vindictive bedroom tax. If you thought Thatcher's poll tax was bad; Cameron's is worse.' A former IT worker, he has been unable to work since his stroke. He added: 'My benefit will be reduced by £12 a week. I use my spare room for equipment like my treadmill so that I can do the exercises that keep me reasonably fit.'
Said worker Michael Collins with son Finn (8): 'We work and pay our taxes so that people can get help when they need it. We don't want our money to be given to bankers.'
Said student Jennifer Dornan: 'We must fight to oppose the injustice of the bedroom tax and convince people to do something about it. This attack is on the most vulnerable. We should be gunning for the people in government who can afford it.'
Paul McLaughlin of Glasgow West GAP which has been providing welfare support and advice for 13 years, said: 'We have to show our real anger and opposition to these charges. People of good conscience can't let this happen. Everyone must stand up and be counted because individuals are being isolated and made scapegoats. We've got to waken people up to the need to organise.' The advice centre is now located at Kinning Park Complex, 43 Cornwall Street, near Kinning Park underground.
Frank Doyle of Glasgow Against Atos said: 'This is an unjust society. The bankers get off but there is an assault on the most vulnerable.'
A 23-year-old banner last used in protest against the poll tax, was dusted down and on display by Dundee Fintry fighters.
Said Albert Mitchell: 'I've got a two bedroom house. My benefit of £141 will be reduced by £41 a fortnight. By the time I pay things like my gas and electricity I'm left with £10 a week to live on.' Colleague Michael MacGregor, who brought the banner out of his cupboard, said: 'We have the same threat of evictions and bailiffs now as we had in the days of the poll tax.'
Another marcher, called Sarah, of the West of Scotland Anti-bedroom Tax Federation said: 'There are an awful lot of people worried about the consequences of this terrible tax. A separated couple with joint custody and where the woman receives the child benefit, will find that the man will be penalised for having a bedroom for his own child.'
Fighter Margaret Jaconelli, who was evicted from her East End property because it was in the way of Commonwealth Games development and who wouldn't accept £30,000 compensation for her home of more than 20 years, was also on the march. 'This bedroom tax will mean that people will be evicted – just like me. I'm still fighting for justice two years on and haven't received one penny of compensation.'
Mum Sharon with her two-year-old, was protesting on behalf of a friend who also has a two-year-old. 'My friend has the wee one and a 14 year old. The two children will have to share one bedroom. Their dad, who is in a new relationship, will have to move into a one bedroom place from his present two bedroom house. He'll need to sleep on the sofa when his kids come to stay. But where is his new partner expected to sleep? Families aren't static today and there is no thought given to that.'
Another woman in the crowd told this website's reporter: 'I'm not paying the bedroom tax. I'll put the money by and hope that stops them evicting me. But I'm not paying it.'
Supporters were urged to turn out 'in your hundreds' at every local council chambers and Housing Association headquarters on Wednesday 10 April. 'Give them holy hell,' said the speaker. 'Tell them in no uncertain terms we say 'Axe the bedroom Tax' and 'NO' to evictions.'
Emirates Arena Rocks to the top
October 9, 2012 by Grace Franklin · 1 Comment
Glasgow's Emirates Arena is up and running!
The £113 million sports venue at 1000 London Road in the city's East End was opened on Friday 5 October 2012 by Glasgow City Council Leader, Gordon Matheson.
He stood at the door and personally welcomed some of the 400 pupils from Sacred Heart and Dalmarnock Primary Schools who were among the first official users into the building. They were trying out the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Scotland's only indoor velodrome, which is an integral part of the venue.
During the weekend following the opening, the place attracted well over 10,000 people who were freely able to inspect the new facility.
Located next to the Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village and Celtic Park, the Emirates Arena is the largest facility of its kind in Europe. During the Commonwealth Games in 2014, it will host the badminton and track cycling events and will be called the Commonwealth Arena for the duration of those Games.
The 10.5 hectare site also contains an indoor sports arena, three full-sized sports halls, 12 badminton courts, four outdoor 5-a-side football pitches, a 1km outdoor cycle circuit, one of the largest of Glasgow Club health and fitness centres and a luxury spa.
While it is home to Scotland's only professional basketball team, The Glasgow Rocks, it is also home to citizens of Glasgow who are members of the Glasgow Club.
Said Councillor Matheson: 'By investing in new facilities such as this, we will help to inspire a generation to become more involved in sport.'
He took a party of VIP guests on a tour of the Emirates Area. They included Shona Robison MSP, Minister for the Commonwealth Games and Sport; Gordon Arthur, Director of Communications and Marketing at Glasgow 2014; Michael Cavanagh, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland; Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland and Denise Holmes, Emirates' Sales Manager for Scotland and North East England.
Said Minister Shona Robison: 'This will be an excellent venue for the 2014 Games, a world-class venue for Glasgow and a legacy for the West of Scotland.'
Emirate's Sales Manager, Denise Holmes said: 'This facility is unlike any I have ever seen. The thought that has gone into the design and execution makes it one of the best equipped and high-tech venues of its type, worldwide. The Emirates Arena is a flagship venue and we are honoured to be able to have such a close association with it and the people of Glasgow.'
Commented Lord Smith, Chair of Glasgow 2014: 'This landmark venue is ready to welcome the best Commonwealth sportsmen and women, competing for glory in the badminton and track cycling events in less than two years' time. The fact that it is now open to the local community and will host world-class events well in advance of the Games, is a tangible example tha the Games' legacy is starting now.'
Said Michael Cavanagh, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland: This truly fabulous facility will be one of the iconic venues in 2014. It all adds to the excitement for the athletes and their determination to be competing for Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014.'
Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland, said: 'The Emirates Arena opening marks a key milestone on the road to Glasgow 2014. It is a truly phenomenal facility which will help inspire future generations to become involved in sport and physical activity. It will undoubtedly provide some fantastic sporting moments for years to come – the World Cup Track Cycling and the World Cup Gymnastics for a start. It will also be a real asset to the surrounding community who will benefit from regular access to this world-class facility.'
Between now and early February 2013, the Emirates Arena will be host to eight Scottish, European or World level sporting events.
For further information and ticket details see website: www.emiratesarena.co.uk
Glasgow Rocks fans describe the venue as 'amazing' despite the fact that their team lost to Newcastle Eagles in the very first game in the new arena. The Eagles won 106 – 84 after a strong push in the final quarter of the game.
Asbestos clean-up after school fire
May 25, 2012 by Grace Franklin · Leave a Comment
Demolition of the disused St Mark's Primary School in Glasgow's East End will start on Saturday 26 May. The building was torched earlier this week and white asbestos revealed.
The clear-up operation is being handled by specialist contractors in the immediate area and around Tollcross Park where the suspect debris will be dealt with.
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said there was no immediate risk to public health. 'Air quality is being monitored and is well within acceptable limits,' he said. 'The Council has written to residents in four streets beside the former school to give advice and explain how the clean-up is being done.'
Local people have been warned to leave all the clearing to the asbestos specialists and not to attempt to do any of the work themselves. In addition, residents have been asked not to cut hedges or lawns until work is complete and to limit use of their gardens. Plot holders at Tollcross Allotments have also been advised not to use their plots until the clear-up is complete.
The work will be carried out between 7am and 10pm each day until it is finished with atmospheric and ground level monitoring continuing till the completion of the job.
The process for removing the debris has been agreed with the Health & Safety Executive. The work is being carried out by specialist contractors – Hunter Demolition – and overseen by Glasgow City Council. Anyone finding material they are concerned about should not interfere with it, but notify Glasgow City Council immediately on 0141 287 0999.
The fire, which happened on Tuesday 22 May in the afternoon, was started deliberately. Strathclyde Police are appealing for information and ask people who can help to call 0141 532 4800 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Dawn raids start again
April 13, 2012 by Grace Franklin · Leave a Comment
Unbelievably, in the very week when protests are growing at asylum seekers being made destitute, the UK Borders Agency (UKBA) has dawn raided a family from Azerbaijan. The family is currently in the Cedars family detention centre in Sussex and scheduled to be removed on a flight leaving at 8am on Saturday 14 April.
The 29 year old woman Endalina is five months pregnant and suffers from high blood pressure.
Immigration officials broke into the family's home on Duke Street in the East End of Glasgow at 7.30am on Wednesday morning while the family were still in their beds. Their two year old son woke up to see his mother crying and shouting and immigration officials wearing stab-proof vests On the phone to Unity, the Glasgow support group for asylum seekers, Endalina's husband Emil said she was so distressed about being forcibly removed to Azerbaijan where their lives will be in danger that she suffered a thirty minute long panic attack when she was restrained by four immigration officials and could not breathe. She now has badly bruised arms.
Said a Unity spokesman: 'Endalina is now experiencing severe pain in her stomach, showing a discharge and has been advised by the nurse in Cedars to lie down and not to walk about. We are extremely concerned about her and her baby's well-being.' He said Unity was calling on the UKBA to immediately suspend the removal flight and to release the family.
He added: 'Endalina is only one or two weeks away from being too heavily pregnant to travel as most airlines will not take women who are more than 28 weeks into their pregnancy and the UKBA's own guidelines state that a medical certificate must be issued showing the mother is fit to fly.' He urged concerned Glasgow citizens immediately to contact Theresa May, the Home Secretary to urge her to stop the family's removal from the UK. The Home Office reference number is M1389212 and the email addresses are:
Fax: 020 7035 4745
Salmond letter raises Accord campaigners' hopes
March 3, 2012 by Grace Franklin · Leave a Comment
A promise by First Minister Alex Salmond has given hope to 50 East End families that the £18 million Tollcross Aquatic Centre can provide a replacement for their doomed day care Centre.
The Accord Centre in Dalmarnock will be demolished to make way for a coach park for the Commonwealth Games. In preparation for that, more than 100 people with conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down's Syndrome and complex learning needs have been dispersed to other centres in the city. But more than 50 families have rejected the proposed alternatives to the Accord believing they had been promised a 'like for like' facility.
A year ago, Alex Salmond visited the Accord Centre to see for himself what the situation was. Since then behind-the-scenes negotiations and discussions have been taking place with Glasgow City Council officials and elected members and the Scottish Government.
In a personal letter to one of the Accord Centre families, Alex Salmond said this week: 'I am keen to follow through on the Scottish Government's commitment to ensure that the legacy of the Commonwealth Games benefits the whole community of Glasgow. While recognising that you will be disappointed that Glasgow City Council has decided that those who use the Accord Centre are to transfer to the Bambury Centre, there is a real opportunity in the medium and long term to influence the shape of the new Aquatic Centre when it is adapted for community use following the Commonwealth Games in 2014. This brand new, modern, resource could be adapted to offer a similar facility to that which you saw when you visited the Harry Smith complex in South Lanarkshire.'
After that visit to South Lanarkshire one of the carers told this website: 'I wept when I saw it. It was everything we could wish for. There was a swimming pool, gyms, film room, cafe, art room and facilities for people with special needs like our sons and daughters. But it was also open to the public in a way that was safe for the vulnerable users but integrated with the general public.'
Alex Salmond's letter continued: 'The longer term plans (at the Tollcross Aquatic Centre) include a range of opportunities for people with learning disabilities such as the development and use of a community hall and function rooms. There is also the possibility of first floor accommodation in the Spectator Gallery which would provide an opportunity for a range of activities. And Glasgow Life staff are investigating how to incorporate personal changing and support areas into existing plans at the build stage of the current development. I know from discussions with my officials, that colleagues within Glasgow City Council are keen to explore and develop this option with you and I would encourage you to do so.'
He concluded: 'The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the Games Legacy includes recognition of the needs of people with a learning disability. The longer term plans for the Aquatic Centre present an opportunity to make a positive, tangible impact on the lives of such people. I have, therefore, asked my officials, working in conjunction with Glasgow City Council to prepare a funding package to ensure that a modern facility is created within the Tollcross Aquatic Centre after the Commonwealth Games in 2014 have taken place.'
In November, a confidential report was produced by the Joint Improvement Team made up of representatives of the Scottish Government, NHS and Cosla. According to Glasgow City Council, the report 'rules out the possibility of Tollcross Aquatics Centre being used as a learning disability centre prior to the Commonwealth Games. There is also a question mark about having a dedicated centre after the games. But it makes clear the desirability of people from the Accord/Bambury Centre using Tollcross as part of their everyday activities.'
Councillor Matt Kerr, Executive Member for Social Care in a statement issued this week said: 'I welcome this report and the conclusion that the Bambury Centre is a suitable base for people with learning disabilities. That Centre offers a real opportunity to deliver a service that will encourage greater social inclusion for service users. Considerable effort has gone into producing the report and so its recommendations will be taken very seriously by the Council.' He continued: 'Since reforming our learning disability services, people are showing they relish having greater flexibility to follow their own interests and aspirations. Using the Bambury Centre allows us to strike a balance between people taking greater control over their lives and retaining a centre.'
The move of the remaining families from the Accord Centre to the nearby Bambury Centre is imminent.
The Bambury Centre in Barrowfield, was recently purchased by West of Scotland Housing Association and is being refurbished. Part of the building, with its own entrance, will be reserved for the former Accord users as a meeting place where they will go out from to different activities.
After the receipt of Alex Salmond's letter one of the East Carers Group said: ' I am very, very pleased with the letter. This is what we've been campaigning for. We are not talking about access to Tollcross. We want a fully functional day care facility. The Bambury Centre is the epitome of Glasgow City Council's approach. It is a shabby after-thought. Our families are not being treated with the dignity they deserve. I cannot understand why the Council is not welcoming Tollcross and incorporating the facilities we're asking for. They are being dragged kicking and screaming to this. They have been given £150,000 of public money for a feasibility study into making Tollcross suit the needs of vulnerable people but they are not fully engaged with the idea. We want a fair replacement for the Accord Centre. The only people who don't see this are Glasgow City Councillors.'
Grace Harrigan, an official spokesperson for the East Carers group said: 'We welcome the commitment to provide modern day centre facilities in Tollcross. But we'd like it nailed down. This is not about access to Tollcross. By law, all new buildings should be accessible. Shame on Glasgow City Council if, after spending £18m on the Aquatic Centre at Tollcross, they have not included the needs of some of their most vulnerable citizens.'
In October at the Council meeting where the decision to close the Accord Centre was taken, Grace was one of three parents evicted from the public gallery for shouting at the Labour Councillors presenting the case for closure. Because of that, she believes she was targeted when she attended the February Budget meeting of the Council. Not only was she taken out of the public gallery by attendants but she was told she was banned for life from the City Chambers. On the day she told this website: 'I was doing nothing but listening. Then the attendant came over and said I was disrupting the meeting, took me out of the building and told me I would never be allowed back in.'
This week, in response, a Council statement was received about the incident: 'A member of the public was asked to leave the City Chambers after being warned by staff about their conduct during the budget debate. No-one has been banned from the City Chambers as a consequence of this incident.'
A long term supporter of the Accord campaigners, community activist, Iain McInnes told this website: 'This letter from Mr Salmond is good news. We've waited a long time for this. However, this is not victory. It is positive input along the road. When we get a letter saying Tollcross will be available for day care, offering facilities which have been available in the Accord Centre, and more; then we will believe the campaign will have succeeded.'
Olympia has its dome back again
March 1, 2012 by Grace Franklin · Leave a Comment
Wednesday 29 February 2012
Like the icing on the cake – the refurbished dome of the B-listed Olympia at Bridgeton Cross, was placed on top of the landmark building today.
The £10 million make-over of the 101 year old site across from Bridgeton Railway Station – is driven by Clyde Gateway, in close collaboration with local residents.
The wooden cupola measures 10 feet high by 15 feet in circumference and weighs 5 tonnes. It was removed in June of last year for restoration. Much of the original timber has been preserved and some new materials added. A 60ft crane operated by local contractors CCG, lifted the familiar dome into position.
Said local Councillor George Redmond: 'This is a historic moment for both the East End community and Glasgow as well as being another major landmark of the Clyde Gateway regeneration.' He added: 'The feedback from local residents since we started work on the Olympia has been overwhelming. We already knew that this building means a lot to them. However, the interest people have shown throughout the project has exceeded all expectations and helped create a real buzz and added to the sense of pride in the area.'
Bridgeton resident Jimmy McLellan sits on a local community steering group which advises Clyde Gateway. He said: 'It's been amazing to see the speed at which the works have progressed. For someone who has lived in the area for so long, the fact that the original dome is being restored and much of the original timber is still a part of it, means a lot. It helps ensure the history of the building is preserved. Now we are all looking forward to work being completed and local people being able to use the new facilities which we believe will be the best of their kind in Glasgow.'
The premises are expected to open this autumn – ahead of schedule. They will comprise a public library and cafe; a high performance centre and the headquarters for the National Governing Body for Amateur Boxing as well as commercial office space to be let.
Built as a theatre in 1911, the building was a cinema for 50 years. It lay derelict for almost two decades and was severely damaged by fire in 2004. Clyde Gateway purchased it and developed its refurbishment in consultation with local residents and business people.
This is part of a 20 year plan by Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company to bring investment into the area and re-vitalise the East End. Part of that plan involves the legacy outcomes from Glasgow's 2014 Commonwealth Games. And since boxing is one of the core sports in the Commonwealth Games, and has a rich tradition in Glasgow's East End, it was appropriate that Amateur Boxing Scotland took an option to relocate their headquarters to the Olympia when it was ready.


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6 pm - 8 pm Sat, Jul 13, 2013
Venue: Norman Rockwell Museum
9 Route 183, Stockbridge, MA 01262Contact:
Barbara Rundback
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Exhibition Opening Date. Fascinated by material culture and what the objects of mass production have to say about our lives, hopes, and longings, Jarvis Rockwell creates artworks that are at once tangible and transient, reflecting the impermanence of all things. Imbued with a sense of mystery and spiritual curiosity, his sensory structure drawings, Hindu-inspired pyramids assembled with hundreds of toy figurines, and tableau boxes will be on view in this first retrospective of the artistÕs work?an exploration of his artistic journey and the ideas and questions that continue to drive his work. A documentary film about the art of Jarvis Rockwell by filmmaker Rachel Victor will also be featured.
What to Expect From Sail Boston 2017
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Martha's Vineyard has been serving meals to Paducah's homebound about 24 years. The nonprofit recently found itself in need when several appliances broke down at once, but founder Martha Bell said members of the community have been stepping forward to help.
Earlier this summer, Martha's Vineyard's walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer and ice maker quit working in the same weekend. The group lost all the food stored in the cooler and the freezer and had to make costly repairs to the three appliances. Bell said the cooler and ice maker are both working, and the last of the three to be fixed - the freezer - was repaired Monday.
The air conditioning unit in the building's kitchen also broke down that weekend, Bell said, and the charity is currently having that repaired.
"It's coming along pretty good," Bell said of the recovery from those setbacks. "We're still kind of behind, but people have been giving what they can. And we're blessed. We're just really blessed with what we're getting."
Bell said local grocery stores have sent Martha's Vineyard produce and eggs, and local farmers have given fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, peaches, squash, okra, potatoes, onions, apples and corn on the cob.
"All the veggies and fruits that are coming in now, we've really been blessed with being able to send those to our people," Bell said. "When you think about it, the people that we feed are never going to make it to the farmers market or to a farm. And they're just so in awe when you can take them three or four peaches or three or four apples."
On Tuesday, Bell added, one donor sent Martha's Vineyard a case of ground beef.
"We had not one piece of ground beef in our kitchen, and that was wonderful."
Bell said on Tuesday Martha's Vineyard was able to send each person it serves fresh corn on the cob - that volunteers shuck and seal in plastic bags, ready to be cooked - cantaloupe and watermelon, as well as a gallon of milk and a half gallon of orange juice given by H.T. Hackney. Bell said the grocery supplier also recently sent the organization several other food staples.
"We're just blessed to be able to bless them," Bell said of meal recipients. "I guess you could say were passing the blessings on, when you stop and think about it."
And folks in Paducah have been giving money as well.
"I had some ladies that have Sunday school classes together, they've been donating like $100 toward helping us with whatever we need," Bell said.
She said churches, individuals, and businesses around Paducah have also given money, and other groups have planned fundraisers to help Martha's Vineyard in August.
For example, Bell found out Monday the West Kentucky Rockin' Rollers, a roller derby team in Paducah, is holding a bout that will benefit Martha's Vineyard on Aug. 16. The contest will be held at Kingsway Skateland, 3430 Wayne Sullivan Drive.
"So people are just coming together to help us, and that's what it's all about: Everybody jumping in and being a good neighbor," Bell said.
While donations are helping to keep the doors open at Martha's Vineyard, Bell said the nonprofit still needs additional volunteers, especially drivers to help deliver and to pick up food. It will continue to need donations in the future as well.
"Our big hope is that we could get different groups, churches and organizations that would like to, every month, fund a meal and help us with the utilities for that month. And that would be one way that we could get a lot of worry off of us," Bell said.
Bell said organizing giving that way would help Martha's Vineyard plan meals for the people it serves, so the volunteers aren't waiting for something to come in or making due with what they have.
"Whatever we get, we're just thankful we have it," Bell said. "I know God's going to see that we always have something here for our people. It might not be a big planned meal in advance, but it will be a meal."
Contact Leanne Fuller, a Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8653.
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Peptide Competition and Phosphatase Treatment:
Lysates prepared from Jurkat cells left untreated (1) or treated with hydrogen peroxide (2-6) were resolved by SDS-PAGE on a 10% polyacrylamide gel and transferred to PVDF. Membranes were either left untreated (1-5) or treated with lambda (λ) phosphatase (6), blocked with a 5% BS A-TBST buffer for one hour at room temperature, and incubated with ZAP-70 [pY292] antibody for two hours at room temperature in a 3% BSA-TBST buffer, following prior incubation with: no peptide (1, 6), the non-phosphopeptide corresponding to the immunogen (2), a generic phosphotyrosine-containing peptide (4) or, the phosphopeptide immunogen (5). After washing, membranes were incubated with goat F(ab')2 anti-rabbit IgG HRP conjugate (Cat. # ALI4404), and bands were detected using the Pierce SuperSignal™ method.


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Ah yes, working line GSDs... even a "low energy" working line GSD has more energy and drive than most "regular" dogs. Sometimes it takes them a while to mature into their drives. A calm, submissive 7 week old pup can suddenly turn into a monster at adolescence! We call these "sleeper" pups. I had one.
If this were my dog, I'd exercise the living daylights out of him, and then work on obedience and focus. Agility would be great. The reactivity to things outdoors, you mention things that are far away, is probably something he will grow out of with continued training. At ten months, he has a puppy brain in a big dog body, charged with testosterone; think 15 year old human boy. He still needs to learn discernment. With maturity and continued positive exposure and training, he should figure it out eventually. But a ten month old, intact male, working line GSD can be a real challenge even for the experienced!
The fact that he doesn't respond to leash corrections when distracted by the outdoors, tells me that he isn't quite as "sensitive" as originally thought. Working line GSDs can be extremely "hard", that is, insensitive to pressure and pain, especially when in drive.
I'm not a trainer, and I don't know your dog, so I can't give specific training advice. Hopefully some of the experts will chime in with suggestions.
Thank you Freestep - That makes a lot of sense. I removed him from daycare two weeks ago. I don't know which part of his DNA is expressing more prominently at this point, and I'm confused. any expertise you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Here's more info: He is working lines and his parents have produced police dogs in the past. I went with working lines from a reputable breeder to (try) and avoid health problems I had over the years with my GSDs from American show lines. My breeder picked out a "low energy" puppy for me and cautioned me he was "sensitive", not a candidate for police work, lowest prey drive in the litter. He is very empathic, sweet, and non-alpha. (Our 30 lb Shiba Inu is the boss at home). He developed a play drive late(9 months and loves the ball now- but doesn't always retrieve it). and our cat and senior Chow are his best friends. Our Chow is grumpy and has a heart condition, and it chokes me up to see Kato adjust his play style and be so gentle with her. Our daycare is on the campus of a vet/rehab clinic and a training facility. Kato and I have been working one-on-one with trainers to prepare him for testing with Therapy Dogs International, and he learned everything on the test in a month as a 5 month old. The lead trainer is a GSD owner. He continues with refresh training, but at 10 months he challenges the leash and chain collar after dozens of corrections, and he's highly distracted by outside stimuli. Indoors, however, he is capable of sitting alone in a room with treats resting on both his paws for 15 minutes until he is released. I'm told now that his distractibility in training is a symptom of his anxiety.
My husband and I started reflecting on his behavior. In public, he is very curious, but so calm that people are surprised by it and comment. (pet store, hardware store, doctor's office, car dealership service bay, post office after hours lobby, etc). He is not afraid of loud noises, clashing steel, etc. He DOES respond differently to people and dogs by "alert" barking if they are more than a few feet away, even at a 100 yards away. Up close, and in the home, he approaches guests readily with a lick and a nuzzle.
We recently installed electronic fencing on our property (2/3 acre). The receiver collar failed after 2 days (don't ask, long story) and he ran to my neighbor's house. He was invited inside. He greeted her two crated Burnese Mountain Dogs, (they are not playmates, only met twice) grabbed one of their toys and laid down in my neighbor's living room like it was his home.
I am a lifetime GSD owner but this is my first working line GSD. I am hoping that when he is neutered and begins hospital visits (minimum age is 1 year) that he'll be fulfilled and less anxious. I'm wondering now if therapy is enough, and if I should consider agility.
Thanks for listening. All ideas are welcome.
GSDs do have a tendency to be vocal about their feelings. They also tend toward anxiety. An anxious dog will whine more than a content dog. I honestly think that a lot of anxiety problems are genetic, so it's not necessarily due to anything you're doing wrong, but stressors in the environment can certainly trigger anxious behaviors.
I find that GSDs are not always good candidates for doggie daycare past a certain age, and your boy is about at that age. I would stop taking him to daycare, and instead play, train and exercise him one-on-one. Give him a job to do. See if that doesn't alleviate the general anxiety and the "barbering".
"Barbering"??? Anyone heard of this nervous habit?
I received a new name for my 10 month old, unaltered GSD's behavior this week - A behavioral vet diagnosed him with 'Barbering' and says that it's due to anxiety. I posted here a few weeks ago before the official "diagnosis" and a lot of posters called it 'flea biting', an affectionate behavior toward packmates.
It's a bit more serious, I guess. It's considered 'barbering' when the dog's nips do not cause pain, but actually remove hair on another dog, causing a bald spot. I was told to get Adaptil collars and atomizers to reduce his anxiety and attempt to discover the root of the anxiety.
My trainers tell me this all makes sense because he was highly distracted as a puppy and they observe "moderate" anxiety in him, judged by his occasional whining. (I thought all shepherds whined?)
I am wracking my brain trying to determine the source of his perceived anxiety without success. He only "barbers" the dogs in daycare, not his two packmates at home. I have stopped taking him to daycare.
He is an otherwise happy, healthy boy. Loves kids, people, and other dogs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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