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The blueberry is a Native American species with deep roots in America's history. By the time the Pilgrims arrived, the American Indians were already enjoying these juicy berries year round through very clever preservation techniques. They were dried in the sun, then added whole to soups, stews and meat; or crushed into a powder and rubbed into meat - perhaps the predecessor of today's trendy "spice rubs". The powder would also be combined with cornmeal, water and honey to make a pudding called Sautauthig. The Pilgrims learned to appreciate blueberries from the Indians, especially as it was the Indian's gift of blueberries which helped the new settlers make it through that first cold winter.
Blueberries also have a place in the annals of folk medicine. Their roots were brewed into a tea to help relax women during childbirth; their leaves steeped to make a blood purifier. Blueberry juice and syrup also cured coughs, according to tribal medicine men.
The blueberry is no youngster, botanists estimate it's been around for more than 13,000 years. However, it wasn't cultivated until the first quarter of this century.
Elizabeth White and Dr. Frederick V. Coville were the first to develop the hybrid for cultivated highbush blueberries by domesticating and improving wild highbush blueberry species. The result is a plump, juicy, sweet and easy-to-pick berry with color ranging from deep purple-blue to blue-black, highlighted by a silvery sheen called the "bloom".
Botanically speaking, the blueberry is part of a family that includes the flowering azalea, mountain laurel and heather - all plants that favor acid soil, plenty of water and a cool season. Once growers learned how to increase soil acidity, they were able to grow cultivated blueberries in 35 states and two provinces. Among the major cultivated blueberry producing regions are New Jersey in the East, Michigan and Indiana in the Mid West, and Oregon, Washington and British Columbia in the West. Blueberries are harvested in the South as well, with berries coming from North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas.
On average, cultivated blues represent more than half of all the blueberries produced in North America. Lowbush blues are also harvested, but mainly for use in processed foods.
Cultivated blueberries grow in clusters and don't all ripen at once. The berries at the bottom of the cluster can be ripe while the ones on top are still green. Fresh blueberries are picked by hand to gather the best quality fruit. Harvesting machines are also used to harvest blueberries, gently shaking each plant so only the ripe berries fall into the catching frame. Most of the machine harvested berries are immediately frozen for use year round.
Although fresh blueberries are available nearly eight months of the year from producers across the US and Canada, the peak season is from mid-June to mid-August when the majority of all North American blues are harvested. The earliest harvest is in the southern states and it progressively moves north and into Canada as the season continues.
And after the fresh season is over, cultivated blueberries can still be enjoyed year round, as frozen berries, and in processed foods.
Total North American production of both lowbush and cultivated blueberries reached an estimated 330 million pounds in 1997. Cultivated blueberries accounted for over 55% of total production. Cultivated blueberry production has steadily increased over the years, form an average of nearly 50 million pounds in the early 1960's to an average of more than 170 million pounds in the mid 1990's.
Slightly less than half of all cultivated blueberries are shipped to the fresh market, while the balance of the berries are harvested to be frozen, pureed, concentrated, canned or dried to be used in a wide range of food products, including yogurt, pastries, muffins, baby food, ice cream and cereals.
Look for: fresh blueberries that are firm, dry, plump, smooth-skinned and relatively free from leaves and stems. Size is not an indicator of maturity but color is - berries should be deep purple-blue to blue-black; reddish berries aren't ripe, but may be used in cooking.
Stay away from: containers of berries with juice stains, which may be a sign that the berries are crushed and possibly moldy; soft, watery fruit that means the berries are overripe; dehydrated, wrinkled fruit that means the berries have been stored too long.
Fresh berries should be stored covered, in the refrigerator and washed just before using. Use within 10 days of purchase.
Dry-pack berries in poly bags or boxes can be found in the frozen food section of your supermarket. The frozen berries should feel loose, not clumped together.
Frozen blueberries are individually quick frozen so you can pull out a few or as many as needed.
Blueberries should be kept frozen and the unused portion returned to the freezer promptly. If not used immediately, cover and refrigerate thawed berries and use within three days.
Commercially frozen berries are washed before being frozen so washing again is not necessary. If you make your own frozen blueberries, wash just before using.
The secret to successful freezing is to use berries that are unwashed and completely dry before popping them into the freezer. Completely cover the blueberry containers with plastic wrap or a resealable plastic bag, or transfer berries to a plastic bag and seal airtight. Or, arrange dry berries in a single layer on a cookie sheet. When frozen, transfer berries to plastic bags or freezer containers.
Luscious, sweet blueberries have a nutrition profile fitting for the 90's. They are not only lowfat, but also a good source of both fiber and vitamin C. In fact, a one-cup serving of fresh blueberries will give you 5 grams of fiber, more than most fruits and vegetables and 15% of your daily value for vitamin C at a cost of only 80 calories.
When buying packaged goods that call themselves "blueberry", such as waffles and pancakes; cereals and cookies; muffin, cake and cookie baking mixes, be sure to read the ingredient label closely. Some products don't contain any real blueberries at all, but rather artificially flavored and colored bits or apple pieces, designed to simulate berries.
Blueberries may change color when cooked. Acids, such as lemon juice and vinegar, cause the blue pigment in the berries to turn reddish. Blueberries also contain a yellow pigment, which in an alkaline environment, such as a batter with too much baking soda, may give you greenish-blue berries.
To reduce the amount of color streaking, stir your blueberries in last (right from your freezer, if frozen) into your cake or muffin batter.
For pancakes and waffles, add the blueberries as soon as the batter has been poured on the griddle or waffle iron. This will make the pancakes prettier and they'll be easier to flip. If frozen blueberries are used, cooking time may have to be increased to be sure the berries are heated through.
Blueberry Cake
Blueberry Tea Cakes
Blueberry Waldorf Salad
Blueberry, Watermelon and Walnut Salad
Other recipes from Produce Pete.
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Browse Research and Scholarship Follow
CORE Scholar is an institutional repository sponsored by Wright State University Libraries and managed by the Digital Initiatives and Repository Services department. The institutional repository collects and makes available the scholarly output of WSU faculty, staff, and students as well as local, regional, and WSU heritage material. The goal of CORE Scholar is to provide open access and worldwide exposure to Wright State's unique research and collections.

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Tiger's Eye- Solid Perfume Locket Necklace
Choose your favorite solid perfume to arrive inside:
SATIN CORSET features a powdery accord of irises, Stargazer lilies, roses, violets, and mimosa blooms in a soft bed of Bourbon vanilla. This delicate floral musk conjures the feminine image of a Victorian-era corset handmade with ivory satin, laced around a curvaceous form.
VIOLIN IN THE ATTIC features a blended wood base to emulate the instrument's maple, ebony, rosewood, and spruce body, followed with sweet resins to seal the carved woods. A warm layer of antique amber and frankincense evoke years of rosin dust coating this heirloom while it awaits a new generation to bring it to life.
ANTIQUE SETTEE reveals the past with hints of rose and violet lingering on velvet upholstery from perfumed guests that have come and gone. Polished wood trim is woven with Earl Grey tea spilled on the cushions years ago. The brightness of bergamot and lemon are balanced in the base of tonka and vetiver.
EVERGREEN MOUNTAIN captures the soothing landscape of lavender, Clary sage, and other botanicals blanketing the mountains. Fresh air sweetened with Douglas fir and jasmine lifts a base of balsam and three varieties of Spruce needles. A soft wood note completes this aromatic connection to a majestic and isolated refuge..
NIGHTSHADE GARDEN is a tribute to the midsummer harvest of tomatoes on winding vines with sweet aromatic herbs growing alongside. An uplifting aura of fresh citrus slowly softens into a vivid green base of leaves and vegetable blossoms. This perfume is for the gardeners.
FIRESIDE STORY opens with a trail of woodsmoke carried through the night air from a remote campsite. A blend of aromatic woods are woven with dried leaves, pine cones, and sweet tree resins crackling in the fire. As this warm incense settles into the skin, a soft base of vanilla creates the perfect setting for a ghost story.
FRENCH OAKMOSS is a tree lichen with a dark green, powerfully grounding aroma. It will deepen and extend other natural perfumes when layered with them while imparting a richly textured dry down. This scent is dirty, dry, leathery, and will pull the wearer deep into the forest floor. Lavender and violet leaf absolutes balance the heavy lichen, adding uplifting green tones to the dark base.
WINTER KITTY A blanket of snow evolves to a comforting base of vetiver, woods, and frankincense. A sweet musk of amber, rose and vanilla complete the scent of a kitty returned from a winter walk with chimney smoke and brisk air in his fur.
JASMINE (single note) is known as the bold and tranquil king of flowers. This heady white floral note combines extracts from two different varieties of Jasmine, creating the fullest range of scent possible.
VETIVER (single note) is a fragrant grass with an earthy, honey-like sweetness. Its grounding qualities make it a widely loved fixative note to layer with other natural essences as well as alone.
ROSE (single note) is full-bodied, sweet, and feminine with deep layers of mystery. This beautiful floral is a classic note, and both Moroccan and Bulgarian varieties are used in this voluptuous bouquet.
• Brass locket (with protective antique finish) is made in the USA.
• 27'' Brass Chain (with protective antique finish). If you would like a 17'' chain instead, you can request this in the notes to seller at checkout.
• Measures 1.5''x 1.25'' with a recessed area for the 23mm perfume tray.
• Tray holds 2g of perfume (about 30 applications) and can be removed and replaced with a refill when needed.
• Arrives elegantly packaged on bed of moss inside a letterpress-adorned gift box (made from 100% recycled paper).
• Plant essence is highly concentrated in a base of beeswax and jojoba wax.
Store away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Alcohol, phthalate, paraben, synthetic, and cruelty free.
© For Strange Women.


text: Hey mate can you fully explain all the parts in the diagram?? I bet you all think I am dumb, but yeah I am having troubles wiring my lifan, and I realy wanna sort it out! My coil only has 1 wire going into it!! and I think its black and red maybe?? Thanks, Nick


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|Are black women today too selfish; May be this is why we look to others
|Topic Started: Feb 10 2010, 09:27 PM (3,627 Views)
|Last Black man
|Feb 10 2010, 09:27 PM Post #1
It may shocked a lot of people but I am very seriously considering developing relationships with a woman that is non black which will be a shocked to most people that really know me because I have a strong perference for very dark women. However, all my past experiences are leading me to believe that today strong black women is really a selfish inmature, in secure little girl, and I doubt that these little girls really know the meaning of love, but instead would rather use a man.
Let me run down a story about a firend of mine who married a little girl against the wishes of everyone who caresd about him. He married a woman that was working and supporting herself and it was ironic that when they got enaged she lost here job. She also wanted to go to school for a Phd which my friend paid for her and it was his understanding that she would work at least part time. They have been married 15 years and the woman has a Phd and has never worked a day in her life since then.
Recently, my buddy was laid-off and was blessed to find a job , however, the job is more than 12 hours away. For some reason, his wife does not want to leave and told him to take the job. She is going to stay with her family and if she were to move with him; she would want to come home every month and stay as long as she wants. Does this sound like an act of love and understanding, or is this woman too selfish? I thought marriage is suppose to be a give and take situation where the both have to give sometimes and not a situation where the woman gets everything she wants without considering how the man feels. They have a kids and I beleve that kids needs to see their father everyday if possible.
It is none of me business, but me think sister is having her cake and eating it too. I would love to hear from the ladys and do they believe that the relationship is all about them or are they willing to make scarifice for the sake of the her family?
|New York
|Feb 10 2010, 09:33 PM Post #2
|Last Black man what race is this woman that you're talking about
|Last Black man
|Feb 10 2010, 09:42 PM Post #3
She is black! I am talking about crazy black women.
|New York
|Feb 10 2010, 09:45 PM Post #4
I thought you said that you were seeing a non Black woman, in your first sentence
|Last Black man
|Feb 10 2010, 09:50 PM Post #5
The story I told is not about me! I have told my story already. Right now I never thought I would be saying this b=ut I am seriously considering dating women that are not black. I have about had it with black women. I am not saying all black women are bad, but they ones I had the pleasure of meeting makes you want to leave the whole race along.
|New York
|Feb 10 2010, 09:56 PM Post #6
That's understandable because even on this website I saw how Black women attacked people
that didn't agree with them. Even on this website I saw Black women cuss people out
just because they had different views.
It seems like when some Black women don't get their way, they will try and tear up
everything in their path. So I can truly understand how you might be considering
dating outside your race
Life is short, and it's too short to be unhappy
|Last Black man
|Feb 10 2010, 10:09 PM Post #7
I agree about how they try to tear down everything around them when they do not get their way which indicates that may be everything has to be about them.
One of the reason I am saying what I am saying is I dated a woman about 10 years ago, she approcahed me and gave me her number. Since I am a very friendly giuy, I was like what is the worst thing that could happen if I called her. I went out with her six time and realized that she as not all there in the head, so I broke off contact with her. Boy was I ever wrong, and never in my wildest dream that this woman would make my life a living LLLLLL! It is this reason I am considering never dating another black woman again.
It just seems as if there is a pattern with black women today and they want their way. All I am going to say I am glad Inever kissed her or slept with her because as my uncle would say if she is this crazy and I never knocked the boots, just think how crazy ahe would be if I knocked the boots. This type of woman will do you in.
|New York
|Feb 10 2010, 10:24 PM Post #8
A lot of Black women seem very controling, and when they can't control you
then you have problems out of them.
If you date outside your race what type of woman are you leaning towards
White, Asian, Hispanics, etc
|Last Black man
|Feb 10 2010, 11:30 PM Post #9
I perfer a woman with some color and her skin. Since one of my great grandmother was from Mexico, I will let you guess.
|Feb 10 2010, 11:45 PM Post #10
Just what in the world are BLACK MEN looking for in a woman....... I am tired of this urban myth ....that black women or selfish, controlling and just don't know how to be a "woman" to the black man.....So that is why he is with the "other" race of women because they know how to 'treat' a man......PLEASE........ When I see the tabloids and they talk about what the 'other' race women do to the black man I see why we can't build as a race because the black man gives all the 'power' and the 'glory' to other women because they know how to treat him.....yah right!
|1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
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Panasonic claim that this has Skype - with their camera. However, it does not. Panasonic told me this would be fixed in late August 2013 - but it has not yet been fixed. Very disappointing.
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Phottix BG-5D III Battery Grip for Canon EOS 5D Mark III Review
Phottix BG-5D III for Canon EOS 5D Mark III
$100 / £60 www.phottix.com
The Phottix BG-5DIII battery grip is a budget-friendly option for doubling the 5D Mark III's battery life and enhancing its ergonomics. The unit's reduced price tag does come with a few downgrades when compared with Canon's BG-E11 grip, but many users won't be affected by the difference. The big question is whether or not it's worth plunging an extra $140 into Canon's superior model, or going with the Phottix to free up more capital for other accessories. Let's dive in and find out.
Key Features
- Mimics Canon's BG-E11 ergonomic rubberized grip design
- AF/On, FEL and AF Points buttons, command dial, vertical shutter button and power switch
- Vertical shooting with an additional shutter release and scroll wheel
- Holds 6 AA batteries or 2 LP-E6 batteries
- Tripod socket with metal threads
- 1-year warranty
- 6 x 1, 7/8 x 3, 3/8 in. (15.4 x 4.8 x 8.6 cm), 1 lb. 3.2 ounces, (540g)
In terms of its design and general layout, the Phottix BG-5DIII is all but identical to Canon's BG-E11. The unit delivers its power by plugging into the 5D Mark III's battery port after removing the battery door. It secures into the 5D Mark III's tripod threads by turning a large tension dial. Once ratcheted down significantly, I found that the Phottix BG-5DIII stayed glued to the bottom of my 5D Mark III all throughout my shoots, never loosening even the slightest.
|The Phottix BG-5DIII comes with two battery trays. One holds two LP-E6 battery packs while the other holds 6 AA batteries.
Cosmetically, too, the Phottix BG-5DIII looks nearly identical to the Canon BG-E11, but upon further inspection, the texture of the rubberized grip is finer than the Canon-branded grip. It's barely noticeable at a casual glance, but Canon's grip is a better match for the rubber on the 5D III.
The other main difference between these grips - and a far more important one - is that the Phottix BG-5DIII is made of a polycarbonate material while the Canon BG-E11 is made with weatherized magnesium alloy, just like the 5D Mark III's body. As a result, the Phottix BG-5DIII is a bit of a gamble when the raindrops begin to fall. I shot in light rain with the Phottix during my testing and did not run into any problems, but I wouldn't feel comfortable in a heavy downpour. During my shooting for this review I did, however, inadvertently splash the grip with paint during a real-estate shoot. It continued (and still continues) to work perfectly.
|The rubberized grip pattern is finer than that of the 5D Mark III's.
|The main dial of the Phottix grip isn't rubberized, but everything works as it should.
The bottom of the Phottix grip has a tripod socket with metal threads and a bar for attaching an additional camera strap. The right side of the grip features a removable battery tray that pulls out by twisting a small locking knob. Two Canon LP-E6 battery packs can be loaded into the tray, thus doubling the life of the 5D Mark III. Phottix also includes a secondary tray that hosts 6 AA batteries, but I found no need for it, and regarded it as a last-minute emergency feature. The onscreen battery life indicator is fully supported and appeared just as expected.
As for controls, the back of the Phottix offers a command dial and the following buttons: AF-ON, AE Lock and AF Point Selection. The left side hosts the shutter button, Main dial and M-Fn button, as well as the Off/On switch for the grip. Most of the controls on the Phottix felt identical to those on the 5D Mark III's body. The only differences are a lack of rubberization on the BG-5DIII's main dial, and a shutter button that clicks after a half press, rather than the continuous springy motion of the shutter button on the camera itself. I actually preferred the Phottix's shutter button over Canon's, but that's just me.
Summing Up
Overall, I found the performance of the Phottix BG-5DIII to be nearly flawless. It's a battery grip, it doesn't do much but it works and feels great in the hand. Compared to Canon's pricier BG-E11, the $140 savings is not a giant leap, but could truly benefit many shooters on a tight budget. The major difference is the Phottix BG-5DIII's polycarbonate construction and lack of weatherization. For pros and advanced shooters, this could be a dealbreaker, and for hardcore all-weather photographers, I'd recommend Canon's magnesium alloy offering. But Phottix has made a very compelling, great-value alternative for the rest of us.
What we like: Virtually identical features and controls to Canon's pricier model, one-year manufacturer's warranty, excellent performance, double the battery life/span
What we don't like: Polycarbonate construction and no weatherization
Mike Perlman is a freelance photographer and writer, based in Bar Harbor, Maine. After a spell reviewing camcorders at Camcorderinfo.com, Mike moved to infoSync World as the Senior Photography Editor, before taking up a role at TechnoBuffalo.com as the head of the Photography department. These days, Mike runs his own photography business and contributes to dpreview between shoots.
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Nice made battery grip. Texture of the rubberized grip is finer and don't match texture of Mark III. Mine come with wrong instruction. I had for a moment problem how to remove battery tray. Polycarbonate construction doesn't bother me. I don't see a reason to email@example.com more for genuine Canon grip.
2X battery life and Vertical shooting is what I just need :)
I like that NO ONE has mentioned that this grip is 2X the weight of the Canon one. Shooting weddings all day, i need a VG and i want it to be as light as possible. For the extra $100 over the canon from BHPhoto, ill spend it to save 200g.
You right I didn't know it nether.
This grip looks fine but just out of curiosity, why would anyone pay $3000 for a 5D3 and then walk around with a camera strap that says "Canon 5D3"? Is this (a) free advertising for Canon, (b) so that other people can tell what camera you have, even in a crowd or (c) to remind you what camera is on your shoulder.
I dont use the canon strap, and I actualy cover the canon logo and model in front of the camera with black tape.
Answer b)
I should put a Ricoh strap on it.
You right. Besides this strap is ugly and not convenient. Takes time to remove if you don't need it - working with tripod and than to reinstall it. Personally I use DOMKE GRIPPER strap which I love because of swivels and quick release. Nothing better.
2x battery life is good for video shooters. However, when you add the grip, you can't balance it on an HD-2000, or use it on a shoulder rig as the follow focus doesn't reach since the body is up higher. This is pointless hardware for 90% of people. Who can't reach into their pockets and get another battery after 1300 shots?!
You right if camera would have additional control in vertical position who would buy vertical grip. Heavier and doesn't quite work as it should with Stroboframe flash grip - flash little of center in vertical position of camera.
It would have been enough for this review to say:
It's made of polycarbonate, offers the same functions as Canon, and it's not weather-sealed. Oh yeah, and the surface is slightly different.
Wouldn't it.
I don't have a 5d3, but I do have 5d2's & 40D's & have genuine Canon grips for both & also 3rd party for the 40D too.
One observation I had on the above review, is that the loading of the batteries will be a bit of a pain for anyone using something like a Really Right Stuff L bracket, wont it?
With all of my current grips & I can load the batteries without removing the L brackets.
This grip looks like the two Pixel Vertax grips I have. One I purchased, the other one was a gift. The fit and finish is fine for the price, but the joystick doesn't work properly with AF sensor selection. I've had other electronic problems with my cameras when the grips are turned on.
Both came from overseas via EBay and I discovered returning or exchanging them would be expensive, and probably unreliable. There is a new U.S. distributor for Pixel, Argraph Corp.,they were no help at all. Friendly, but zero customer service. Both grips sit on a shelf and are a constant reminder about my mistake of purchasing knock-off products from overseas. I suggest the only time it's worth taking a chance on these kinds of products is when you can purchase them from the U.S. and get a decent return policy. I've decided to never us the Pixel distributor in the U.S., Argraph Corp., and sugest others also avoid them because of their lack of support.
Pixel Vertax
I have seen some BG for canon 6d from china for around £23. I wonder is it any good? Anybody tried?
Had a Phottix grip for 60D.
If you place it side by side with the Canon one - you wouldn't tell the difference.
Ok, for this 5DIII one the weathersealing and durability comes into play, but anyway - quality of Phottix grips is quite fine, and the price is even better.
Let's see, if they make one for 6D..
Phottix is the same as the no-brand grips that you can get for $50 on ebay. These things are essentially just battery holders. It'll work perfectly as long as you use genuine Canon batteries. Canon is gouging when it asks for $300 for the grip. Nikon happily does the same with its grips. But then, I guess Leica charges a fortune just for the brand name .....
Who cares what vendor makes the grip
as long as Canon holds on to the moronic L-design of their battery grips.
Look at Pentax and Nikon for a proper way to design a battery grip.
Actually the L design is better as you don't have to remove the grip just to change one of the batteries which makes swapping them faster, and leads the less wear and tear on your tripod thread. Plus people who always use the grip can put in on the camera and never take it off, or even make it semi permanently attached by using something like blue loctite on the screw for the grip.
Umm yeah, although with my nikons I just set it to use the battery grip first- and since the full size battery lasts an age, the internal one stays as a rarely used spare. And using a 3rd party full size battery (with charge lead input) I dont even open the grip - come back from shoot, and plug in camera. Bosh.
"I wouldn't feel comfortable in a heavy downpour."
I don't want to have a camera out in a heavy downpour.
I think the weatherproofing issue is a bit oversold as most people do treat their gear with some care.
If you think about it, the most vulnerable part of you camera is the front element of the lens. If you are protecting THAT in a rain, you will also be covering the rest of the body IMO.
Many people misunderstand what the weather sealing is there for.
The weather sealing on a camera/lens is not guaranteed or warranted, in anyway. If you get you camera/lens water damaged in the rain, even if it's a 1DX and/or weather sealed L lens you are sh*t out of luck. You should treat the weather sealing on your camera/lens the same way you would body armor, it has the POTENTIAL to save you and is better than not wearing it but does not make you impervious to gunfire and is not good enough or meant to just let people shoot you for fun just because you are wearing it.
@Josh, Yes, I get it. But you are then trivializing its importance while defending its presence. If that is the case, then one should not be making such an issue of its absence.
The fact is that the issue of weatherproofing, while it has its advantages for limiting the exposure to sensor dust (most importantly), is still heavily oversold to a credulous market.
The fact is that when we look at a camera/lens combination and then think about exposing it to rain/dust/fire and brimstone, the areas that ARE "weatherproofed" are already fairly well protected by the basic construction of the camera. The lens mount is the obvious point of ingress for contaminants and that can be (and should be) the focus of weatherproofing efforts. That said, it is a simple O-ring on the lens and the job is done.
Just like body armor is effective in some situations but is not an excuse to be careless the same is true of weather sealing on a camera. Both are effective but not to a degree the means you should be relying on them so heavily that you don't take other reasonable precautions. Is having weather sealing better than not having it? Of course it is. Can it protect your camera from dust/moisture in some circumstances? It sure can. Can it save your camera if you get caught in the rain? Yep. Does that mean you should make it a practice to shoot in the rain with your expensive DSLR/lens without some kind of rain cover? NO. Even the manufactures are not confidant enough in the weather sealing to specifically say what it will protect against or cover damage cased by water/moisture/dust that got through the sealing under the warranty. So you shouldn't be so confidant in it either.
Actually I would love to see a test where a DSLR with weather sealing and one without are left out in the rain or under a sprinkler for like 30 minutes to an hour and then taken apart to see how much water actually got inside them. Unfortunately not many are willing and/or able to do such an expensive test.
Then you should definitely check out what those french guys did to a Nikon D3s (water, ice, fire):
The problem with that video is they never take apart the camera to see how much moister got in so you still have no idea how effective the weather sealing really was. See just because a camera works immediately after getting wet doesn't mean that in 6 month or a year it wont stop working because the moisture that got in has been slowly rusting some electronic components in side the camera. Especially if the camera gets repeatedly exposed to moisture over time like when you make it a habit to use it in the rain without a rain cover.
I don't know much about alternative grips to EOS 5D's, But i can't imagine they are worse than the originals. Canon's grips in that segment are total garbage. Bad Ergonomics and plastic gears that breaks. I long after a grip with the quality they did to EOS1 film bodies.
I've been using the Phottix BG-7D with great results on my 7D and at a fraction of the OEM price. My cam friend likes it too.
Distributor of Phottix products in Turkey is Tripod Photo, you can buy the grip in Tukey online: http://www.tripodfoto.com/phottix-bg-5d-iii-bg-e11-multi-function-battery-grip-5d-mark-iii-uyumlu.5671.p
You'd have to be a real cheap ass to buy it over the Canon one. Heck I just dropped $15,000 on a Phase Ilone IQ140 :)
You are a brainwashed OEM clone with too much money to say that. It' is a good alternative compared to the rip-off pricing of OEM accessories.
Funny but I have never had a client ask me what I paid for my gear. They just want excellent results and I am saying that as a proud 20 year Leica and Canon shooter. Mentioning the Phase One is like saying my other car is a porsche. Yeah, and...
Sure if you are in the financial position to afford a PhaseOne IQ140 and accompanying lens the price difference between the Canon grip and a third party grip may seem trivial. But For most people who are not so financially blessed a few hundred dollars is a lot of money.
Get out of your ivory tower and look around once in while and you won't sound so ignorant when you speak.
To, Dixondeuxyeux. Be careful, you what they say about guys who drive Porsche? Unfortunately, ArcaSwiss somewhat correct for the wrong reason. I remember now. Even though Pixel Vertex has metal plate inside to support tripod socket and even though I bought it few months ago it still had battery problem even though they said they fixed it. It was discharging batteries 10% overnight. It was unfortunate because it is the only one that had that metal plate inside. So I had to return it.
It must be nice to not have a female dog. Though I recommend you get a parrot. Then you'll have someone to talk to on those long, lonely nights. He might even answer, and will make as much sense as you do.
Posts like this depress me. He's either a sexist, greedy, vulgar creep, or thinks it's terribly funny to pretend to be one. I don't want to know either one.
Do you any idea how immature and foolish you sound? Talking like some punk rapper wannabe does not impress anyone, nor does your unverifiable claims of wealth. All you have done is give the impression you are a spoiled, ignorant child. No one who reads these comments from you will ever take anything you say seriously again.
I love ArcaSwiss
I love the fact that he is upsetting the new-age-politically-correct-thought-police-facists and I find it funny that, at least to me, he is clearly pulling people's legs and the people don't get it (I didn't take his first comment about the IQ140 seriously because I thought it was just a wind-up).
It's just so funny.
It is even worse if he is not serious. If that is the case he is being a disrespectful to not only the members here but women in general on purpose to provoke a reaction not just because is ignorant and immature. Which is disrespectful in itself. No one said he shouldn't be allowed to say or think what he did/does. However the way one speaks and the words one uses will determine peoples opinion of them and the response one gets from their audience. Especially in a medium like this where what is typed is the only interaction and knowledge you typically get about the person. If you are going to talk in a disrespectful, immature, ignorant manor then you are going to get called on it. That is just how it works and is not even close to censorship or being "thought police." You have freedom of speech not freedom from the negative outcomes of what you decided to say. With freedom comes the responsibility of deciding how you will use it and accepting the consequences.
The problem with what you say, and it's the issue I have with liberals, is that you seem to think anyone who doesn't express views that are music to the ears of liberals is "disrespectful, immature, ignorant". Thus the only views that are reasonable are those expressed by liberals. Well, I for one strongly disagree.
And in any event, I think the clue as to how one should have reacted was in his first remarks about the Phase IQ140, which I thought was such an obvious "red flag to a bull" that I couldn't quite understand the angry responses; the remark was so far fetched that I thought it funny.
You are right you don't understand.
AcraSwiss got the response he did because he insulted and disrespected everyone who was thinking about buying this grip, everyone who has little money and has to buy less expensive third party gear, women, and if it is the case he was just trolling as you say the entire DPR readership. It has nothing to do with liberals or the views they like. If you can't see how referring to women as a "bitch" and saying that the less financially well off are just "cheap asses" is ignorant, immature and disrespectful you are more ignorant than ArcaSwiss. Like I said one has the right to express whatever view they want but they dont' have the right to not be criticized for it or disagreed with. That is how freedom of speech works.
Just a side note. The idea the those with less money are just cheap asses and that it is ok to refer to women as bitches is not a view any conservative or liberal I have ever spoken to would agree with.
This review to say the least is inadequate. There are no pictures inside the chamber. Why is it so important? Good third party grips have a metal plate running all the way to support tripod socket so camera can be hanged with a strap like BR. Bad grips have small plastic strip for socket support.
As far as "Weatherization" none of them are, even OEM regardless how much they advertize it. Regardless how sealed all of the compartments are the biggest opening is the wheel. If water gets though it the whole grip will flood. And those who carry cameras upside down should be aware of it because that is the worst entry point there is.
Pixel made the very first third part battery grip for the mkIII and I find it pretty good and at a fair price
The Phottix grip does have a metal strip for support. I believe I listed that on the specifications chart in my inadequate review.
Mike, I was wondering, inside the battery chamber, you mentioned that it does have the metal plate. I'm wondering if it also has the metal housing around the tripod thread inside the chamber like the OEM grip too? The Vertax has a round/circular shaped metal housing around the tripod socket inside the chamber and the OEM is square. The Mieke grips have the metal plate but the housing on the plate for the tripod socket is plastic! Can you tell me about that housing for the tripod socket inside the Phottix grip?
I have Phottix Odin Wireless Triggers, so I'm a Phottix fan... hoping that little housing is metal too on top of that metal plate! Is it possible you could show an image of the inside of the battery chamber??
Thanks and all the best,
The cost mentioned on phottix store points to $145 !!
As listed on DPR it is $100 ?
Which ones correct Guys ?
We list street price (as per Amazon.com, in this instance).
Amazon is no way the cheapest and shouldnt be the goto price guide....
....sorry of course it is amazon owns dpreview, dp is just another advertising tool for amazon!!!
Yes, Amazon uses their prices on their various sites, like DPReviev and IMDb.com. This is not a surprise, but they ought to show more clearly that they are part of that "family"...
I was wondering if I was the only one that felt this DPR "News" was the equivalent of a paid-for press release. Sad, imo. Hope I'm incorrect.
Lately, this Canon owner has been saving time by checking Canon Rumors more, and dpr less.
I try to not be too cynical, but perhaps the time interval between camera introduction and DPR preview/review is influenced by the vendor advertising budget? Or not?
And I'm underwhelmed by the stretched out "preview", then "preview with samples", then "preview with comments by pro", and then ....., and then finally ... maybe ... full review.
Oh, is it wrong to use Amazon to get approximate street prices? It's what I do without dpr paying me. Yes, rarely, there is a lower price somewhere, but competition ensures someone selling through Amazon is going to be close. I'd much rather have dpr using Amazon prices than msrp, and constantly crediting the source of prices really would just look like plugging Amazon. Good call, guys.
What kind of ugly made-up word is weatherization? Whatever happened to weather-proofing? I know one of the great joys of English is its free and easy approach to adopting and adapting but this may be a step too far. It's right up there with turning burgling into burglarization. Stop it!
That is right. A light breeze or even sunshine might be harmless but when struck by lightning most cameras get damaged.
Who sells this? How much does it cost? The review should include this. If this is only available on ebay and you save a hundred dollars or so...forget it.
Apologies, pricing and manufacturer website information now added.
|Hot Air Balloons Over Bagan by User9320321874
from balloons
|Blue mood by darub
from Fixed lens shootout.
|Yellow Warbler by LeeS
from A Big Year - birds
|Waiting for the Parade by tcoker1103
from - La Vida Loca - (Black and White Street Photography+ A Border)
The Pictar grip provides a number of customizable physical controls for your iPhone camera, but at its price point we would like to see better materials and build quality.
Peak Design's 'consider every detail' approach shines in the Everyday Backpack. While expensive, it's one of the best options out there for a photographer who needs to pack a lot of stuff in addition to gear.
If you're thinking of using Canon's sports glass on the Sony a9, think again. The ultra-fast camera slows way down when you attach off-brand glass.
The Polish town of Katowice is not known as an area of beauty, but as all photographers know, that doesn't mean that beauty can't be found if you know where to look. Mariusz Pietranek used a drone to look down on the colorful sedimentation tanks at an ironworks.
New York Times video journalist Ben Solomon spent a harrowing three weeks accompanying Iraqi Major Sajjad al-Hour as he and his men fought to retake Mosul from I.S. forces.
The 3D VR camera launched through a crowdfunding campaign in 2015 goes on sale beginning June 26.
Noctilucent clouds, a crescent moon and Venus were visible in the pre-dawn sky over Budapest yesterday. Photographer György Soponyai captured NASA's astronomy picture of the day.
Squirming pets won't sit still for photos? A Kickstarter campaign is looking to help.
Find out how Chris Burkard shifted from editorial photography to his true passions: landscapes, conservation and, of course, surfing.
The updated EyeEm app scans your camera roll and picks images that are composed particularly well, have the best quality, or highest chance of selling on EyeEm Market.
It's three years old but still a solid option for a Micro Four Thirds shooter looking for a high-quality, fast, wide-angle prime. Take a look at how we got along with it.
Tamron has announced the longest all-in-one zoom lens currently available, the 18-400mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD. Designed for Canon and Nikon crop-sensor cameras, the lens will be available in July.
When you're ready to step-up to full-frame from an entry-level or midrange camera, the choices can be overwhelming. Find out which models came out on top in our $1200-2000 enthusiast ILC roundup.
Just a guy wearing a VR headset, smashing invisible Goombas in Central Park.
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured this gorgeous aerial photo of the Martian landscape. And if you look really close, you can actually see the Mars Curiosity rover in the very middle.
The city of Laguna Beach, California has provided some clarification around the kinds of photography permits it offers.
Later this year, a VR180 camera will be Joining Yi's Halo and 360 VR cameras, which will offer stereo 3D capture, yet be as easy to use and compact as a 2D camera.
Caltech researchers have developed an 'optical phased array' chip that uses time delays instead of a lens to focus the incoming light.
Pricing and shipping have finally been revealed for two highly anticipated lenses from Sigma, announced in February.
These macro photos of clouds of paint billowing through clear water might look like high-quality CGI, but they're real photographs. And photographer Alberto Seveso told us how they were made.
Facebook is testing a feature that prevents people from saving, sharing, or even taking a screenshot of your profile picture.
We've reshot the Sony a9 in our studio. The short story: it's sharper! The long story... well you can read it all here.
The collection will be officially launched during the Europeana Transcribathon Campus Berlin 2017 crowdsourcing event which will be held on 22 and 23 June at the Berlin State Library.
Light gives us some insight into the preparations for the launch of the pre-order shipments of its much anticipated L16 multi-lens camera.
OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei has confirmed in a tweet that the second lens on the back of the OnePlus 5 uses a 1.6x optical zoom and that digital zoom is used to reach the claimed 2x zoom factor.
Fujifilm recently unveiled the second in its series of affordable cine lenses, the MK50-135mm T2.9. We got our hands on it for a couple days and took it for a spin.
Leica's first attempt at an M-series digital rangefinder was rough around the edges, but set a pattern for all of the cameras that came after it. In this week's Throwback Thursday article, Barney remembers the M8.
No stranger to extreme situations, legendary climber and filmmaker Jimmy Chin talks to Outside Magazine about his career, and the challenge of filming Alex Honnold's rope-free solo climb of El Capitain.
A company backed by Android co-founder Andy Rubin is attempting to make video conferencing less terrible.
Rangefinder magazine asked five professional portrait and wedding photographers about posting on Instagram; no surprise, they got five different answers.


text:
Steve Martin was born Stephen Glenn Martin in 1945, in Texas. He was born into a Baptist family and is a vegetarian. For three years his first job was selling guidebooks over weekends and during the summer vacations. During his free time he would visit the local Magic Shop where he learnt tricks and illusions. In time, he started working for tips doing magic tricks and creating animals with balloons.
After graduating from High School, he took drama classes and English poetry. He started acting in comedies at the Bird Cage Theatre. He later met Stormie Sherk and started practicing comedy and became involved in a relationship with her.
He enrolled and majored in Philosophy at University and was interested in becoming a professor. His interest later switched to theatre where he started working in clubs at night. In 1967 he became a writer for a show and won an Emmy Award. He first appeared on television on The Steve Allen show in 1969. He later appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Gong Show and NBC's Saturday Night Live.
He has released comedy albums that went platinum. He first appeared in a movie in 1977, The Absent-Minded Waiter, a film which was 7 minutes long and which was later nominated for an Academy Award. The first feature film that this talented actor appeared in, was Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band which was a huge success. He featured in many successful movies after that, one popular movie being Father of the Bride.
He wrote his first play in 1993 and then, many more successful plays followed. He first published a novel in 2010 called An Object of Beauty. He has been married twice. His first marriage lasted eight years. Steve Martin is a man of many talents: actor, comedian, musician, author, producer, playwright and composer.


text: I just saw that my Roamio had a Pending Restart. I did the restart and it said it was installing an update. The version is now 220.127.116.11.RC1-USA-6-846 I had not seen any talk of an update recently so I thought I would post about it. FYI: I am not a beta tester. I did think that RC1 in the version seemed interesting...maybe it's been there before and I did not notice. I have not had time to see what may have changed yet. Brad


text:
bluezoo Babies green frog printed starter set
Item No.2210102095
Item No.2210102095
This baby boy's starter set from bluezoo offers a green striped bodysuit, a green frog printed sleepsuit with long sleeves, grey bottoms with an applique frog design on the feet and a matching green beanie hat. Each suit has popper stud fastenings for easy changing.
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text:
AIDS 2012: Health Disparities and the U.S. MSM HIV Epidemic
Health Disparities and the US MSM HIV Epidemic
Filling the need for trusted information on national health issues…
Filling the need for trusted information on national health issues…
Health Disparities and the US MSM HIV Epidemic
In this session, representatives from some of the critical partners in this effort will present information about the status of the epidemic and the progress that has been made in the past several years.
The panel will include current members of Congress from both parties, who will discuss the future of the bipartisan partnership on U.S. global HIV/AIDS efforts.
The RRA Special Session will celebrate the deserving winners of the 2012 Awards through a combination of inspiring talks by exceptional global personalities, the presentation of the awards and remarks from the winners themselves.
Youth and HIV: Risks and Interventions in the 21st Century
This breakthrough session will explore research, policy, prevention, advocacy and programmatic themes within a GIPA context, with a focus on priorities and action plans, to address the need for a coordinated global HIV framework for BD populations.
Plenary: Turning the Tide on Transmission
Official Press Conference
Stigma: Breaking the Silences – Dealing with Stigma and Exclusion for PLHIV and HIV/AIDS Affected Populations
This session examines the elements of the UNAIDS strategy 'Getting to Zero' from the perspective of community.


text:
HMO Stocks with Vigor
By Sam Stovall
A recent addition to the list of industries with top Standard & Poor's is the managed health care group -- comprising companies that operate health-maintenance organizations (HMOs). Investors have poured money into the sector at a healthy clip: Year-to-date through Apr. 26, the S&P Managed Health Care index rose 26.7%, vs. a 5.0% decrease for the S&P 1500 (the combined S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400, and S&P SmallCap 600).
S&P analyst Phillip Seligman says although the group still faces a number of potential issues, including patients' rights legislation, litigation, and medical-cost inflation, he expects full-year 2002 earnings to increase 15% to 20% on average.
Seligman continues to recommend that investors focus on companies with a stable medical-cost ratio -- the measure of total health-care spending by an insurer as a percentage of total premium revenues. He also emphasizes companies with minimal exposure to the Medicare business, which can prove unprofitable because of low government reimbursement rates.
Another criteria he looks for: A relatively low percentage of capitated provider agreements, under which doctors get a fixed fee for each patient, no matter how much care they provide -- an arrangement that can prove quite costly to doctors. Some physician groups have gone bankrupt under these arrangements, notes Seligman, leaving HMOs with the bills they owe. Seligman also thinks investors should focus on industry players with strong management.
He expects the group to continue delivering strong earnings growth, fueled by premium price hikes at percentages in the mid- to upper-teens. Those hikes should outpace medical costs rising at rates in the low- to mid-teens. However, with corporate earnings continuing to suffer, employers have been taking a stronger position against rising premiums, including cutting back on expensive coverage options (referred to as buydowns) and passing more of the costs to employees (see BW Online, 4/30/01, "Shifting Health-Care Costs to You").
Despite the rate hikes, most HMOs are likely to face increases in their medical-cost ratios, according to Seligman. Given buydowns, the premium rate yields -- premium rates, or original prices, minus the buydowns -- realized by HMO operators can be a couple of percentage points lower than the rate hikes. In addition, large-group accounts, which command lower rate increases than small-group and individual accounts, make up a larger percentage of membership.
To offset the rising medical-cost ratios, HMOs have been focusing on reducing their selling, general, and administrative costs (SG&A) as a percentage of revenues. One effort along those lines: improving computer systems to further automate paper handling. Some HMOs are also consolidating their service operations through measures such as workforce reductions.
As for the potential impact of political developments, Seligman notes that President Bush has said he would veto the patients' rights bills being passed by the Senate because damage awards would be too costly, leading to higher premiums and higher levels of uninsured. In any event, the patients' rights bill and HMO reform have been put on the back burner by Congress.
Top choices in the group? Seligman has 5-STAR (buy) rankings on WellPoint (WLP ) and UnitedHealth (UNH ). He says both companies are well-managed and should see improved EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margins because of effective cost controls.
His other picks include Coventry (CVH ), Mid Atlantic Medical (MME ), and Oxford (OHP ), each of which is ranked 4 STARS (accumulate).
S&P Relative Strength Rankings
These industries carry six-month relative strength rankings of "5" as of Apr. 26, 2002 -- meaning that they're in the top 10% of the 115 industries in the S&P Super 1500 (the combined S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400, and S&P SmallCap 600) based on prior six-month price performance.
*S&P's ranking system for the appreciation potential of stocks over a 6- to 12-month period: 5 STARS (buy), 4 STARS (accumulate), 3 STARS (hold), 2 STARS (avoid), 1 STAR (sell).
Stovall is chief sector strategist for Standard & Poor's


text:
Lost Rangerwrote a review of Nixon Scout Watch - Men's on February 24, 2010
6 years!
I bought a Nixon Scout watch about 6 years ago and wore it through sandstorms in Iraq, snowstorms in the mountains of Southern Germany, surfing in the Netherlands, rock climbing in the Cascades, hiking in Glacier/Olympic/Rainier NP's, and everything in between. This watch is super sturdy, and will outlast 2-3 sets of batteries at least!


text:
By Beth Bily
Years ago, there was elation in the air. An area long gripped by high unemployment and dotted with abandoned mines was about to make a big comeback.
In September 2008, hundreds gathered on the Iron Range including state politicians, local officials, economic developers and company executives. It was a celebration of the future – mining was in the midst of a renaissance and the crown jewel, Essar Steel Minnesota, was breaking ground. That day, press releases promised 500 good-paying jobs and Essar executives capped the celebration with the breaking of coconuts – a tradition in the company's home country of India.
Fast forward six years and the promise of an up-and-running taconite plant in 27 months seems little more than a distant memory. And, the production of slab steel – once considered part and parcel of the redevelopment of the old Butler mining site near Nashwauk is seldom even mentioned.
The project has been plagued by work stoppages, changed plans and, ultimately, a construction site where work has slowed to a trickle, if not halted completely.
Late in January, the company issued a short written statement after media reports surfaced that construction crews were being pulled off the site due to nonpayment of bills. Later in February, it was learned Hammerlund Construction had filed a lien against Essar due to nonpayment of approximately $9 million.
The company maintains there is every intention of moving forward, adding that financing and cold weather are to blame for the most recent slowdown.
"While we work to obtain the additional resources required to sustain higher levels of construction activity, the number of construction workers on-site is being adjusted to fulfill only the critical project execution needs that exist and can be worked on at this time," Essar said in a January written statement.
As the project has progressed far more slowly than predicted, the mood has shifted and nerves are frayed as locals contemplate both the economic and emotional investment at stake.
"The Essar Steel development in Nashwauk has been a roller coaster for the region," said Aaron Brown, Hibbing Community College instructor, blogger and author of Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range. "Just four years ago, the school ran a referendum on the argument that avoiding consolidation would keep Nashwauk in business in time for Essar to open and save the town. Now, too much time has gone by and some of those same businesses have closed."
In his office at Nashwauk City Hall, Mayor Bill Hendricks contemplates a five-year city strategic plan. It's a plan that's difficult to finalize in a climate of uncertainty.
"They're shooting for production in 2015. It's not a predictable date. There are no guarantees and there's past history," said Hendricks. "Those who are looking for work and for the prosperity that will come with the plant – they're not happy."
Essar executives told BusinessNorth that current plans call for production in Q2 of 2015.
Financing is likely the biggest obstacle to bringing the project to fruition. The current climate doesn't bode well.
On a global scale, Essar's financials are troubling. Reports in the Economic Times of India suggest a deeply indebted company. That comes at a time when steel demand is weak and unlikely to offset rising costs.
In its 2012-2013 annual report, Essar Steel acknowledged the difficulty of making timely payments on its debt.
That comes following a $448 million loss during fiscal year 2012-2013, the annual report said. And Essar Steel was not optimistic about a quick turnaround.
"The view for fiscal year 2014 is even more difficult than FY 2013," the company reported.
Despite weak demand and high debt, the company contends the project is moving forward.
"Substantial progress has been made, and several milestones achieved," said Kevin Kangas, Essar's director of HSE, government and public affairs. "We have reached the final stages and expect additional funding to be available relatively soon."
There's little that can be done locally to kick start construction.
"We're monitoring the situation closely – we have a number of contractors who have a vested interest," said IRRRB Commissioner Tony Sertich. "We know how difficult it is for Essar to get financing. The financing is completely out of our hands."
The financial investment to date is large. The company received a loan from IRRRB. As of December, the agency was owed $6.96 million. The state also allocated $66 million through bonding proceeds and grants to build infrastructure for the project. ($62.6 million had been spent as of Dec. 31, 2013.)
Essar executives are aware there's public disappointment that the project isn't yet completed and that financing has yet to be secured. Kangas said the magnitude of the project has led to the long construction timeline.
"Essar understands the great interest in the ESML project status and schedule, and we have kept all project stakeholders as well informed as is possible," he said. "Essar deeply appreciates the contributions of and patience of all contractors, vendors and suppliers associated with this project."
Itasca County Commissioner Mark Mandich, whose district includes the Essar site, said he believes the project will move forward – in time.
"I'm still hopeful that the Indian banks come through" with financing, he said. "I'm pretty sure it's going to happen."
But for now, all that local officials can do is wait – wait for financing to come, wait for construction to move forward, wait for the next announcement and hope for the best.
"Iron Range citizens and leaders remain attached to the concept of a high-end taconite and steel plant on the western Mesabi. So much money has gone into the project that failure here would supplant Excelsior Energy as the most expensive economic development mistake in Range history," said Brown. "Nobody wants to give up on the goal of opening this mine, but the economic realities of this situation are considerably less ideal than everyone had hoped. We now must wait for Essar to hold up its end of the bargain, or sell the project to a company that can."


text:
Five Indian Air Force riders have entered the Limca Book of World Records for accomplishing the crossing of ten Himalayan passes in 51 hours, astride Hero Impulse bikes.
The team consisting of Warrant Officer Goutam Dhar Gupta, JWO Vikram Singh Yadav, Sgt. Ravinder Singh Rawat, Sgt. Tejinder Singh Kapoor and Sgt. Madan Mohan Reddy not only crossed ten passes but also broke a previous record of 20,493 feet proceeding to ride up to 20,540 feet. The five riders were congratulated in Delhi by Air Marshall Jyoti Narayan Burma, Air Officer-in-Charge administration, air headquarters, Indian Air Force, along with Anil Dua, senior vice-president (marketing and sales), Hero MotoCorp.
The ride commenced on May 16 in Leh, after which the team crossed the treacherous terrain by way of the Marsimik La, Khardung La and Chang La Himalayan passes, riding past the highest motorable roads in the world on this first leg. Other passes successfully crossed by the team were Tanglang La, Horlam La, Lachulung La, Nakee La, Baralacha La, Rohtang and Jalori. The record-setting ride ended on May 20th.
Issue: 214 | Autocar India: June 2017
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text:
Unmanned Systems Australia Pty Ltd
CASA Unmanned Operating Certificate Number UOC.051
CASA approved Multi-Use Listed Aviation Safety Contractor and Consultant Number 06/829-26
Unmanned Systems Australia Pty Ltd provide Consulting and Training Services in the area of unmanned aerial, maritime and land systems. We provide a turn-key consulting, equipment and training solution for those seeking to enter the Unmanned Systems market.
Based in Brisbane, Australia, Unmanned Systems Australia capitalizes on over 22 years experience in Unmanned and Autonomous Systems across a variety of fields.
The staff at Unmanned Systems Australia has extensive experience working with Government Agencies and are keen to help your business capitalise on the significant increase in the number and type of unmanned systems that are entering the market place. We provide an objective view of the best solution for your needs and then assist you in developing and delivering that capability.
Recent news
Vienna, 06 February 2017 – The Royal Australian Navy awarded to Schiebel a contract for the supply of its CAMCOPTER® S-100 System and three years of follow-on Contractor Logistics Support.
The Royal Australian Navy released an international Request for Tender (RfT) in late February 2016 for a UAS capability. Schiebel was very pleased to be able to submit a comprehensive proposal to deliver the latest version of its highly successful CAMCOPTER® S-100 UAS. After thorough proposal evaluation and completing negotiations, the contract was signed at the end of December 2016.
Hans Georg Schiebel, owner of Schiebel Group, emphasizes: "We feel most honored by the Royal Australian Navy's decision to purchase our CAMCOPTER® S-100 UAS. We are sure that the S-100 will prove to be an effective asset that will set a new benchmark for UAS capability."
As the experience of the company's diverse maritime customers shows, the CAMCOPTER® S-100 improves the situational awareness of ship-borne operations substantially, making it the number one short-range tactical unmanned aircraft for naval applications.
The CAMCOPTER® S-100 holds an impressive track record of supporting naval customers, with missions successfully completed on over 30 different ships on all the world's oceans, in every environment from the tropics to the Arctic.
Source: www.schiebel.net
Other articles:
Vienna / Fogo Island, 18 April 2016 – At the end of March 2016 at Fogo Island in Canada, Schiebel's CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) successfully
demonstrated its capabilities to a host of dignitaries from the Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Navy, Transport Canada, the Canadian National
Research Council and the University of Alaska in partnership with the Memorial University of Newfoundland.
During trials at the end of March 2016, the CAMCOPTER® S-100, equipped with the Wescam MX-10S payload camera, once again demonstrated its operational value and
mission effectiveness in open waters under icy winter conditions. The combination of the VTOL air vehicle and the Wescam MX-10S camera demonstrated its potential to easily
identify vessels, animals and objects at long ranges at sea.
"For the Canadian Government this trial is an important step forward to enhancing our operations by using UAV technology", explains Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport,
regarding the motivations for the trials.
The CAMCOPTER® S-100 was deployed aboard the CCGS George R. Pearkes, a light icebreaker of the Canadian Coast Guard. About 60 nautical miles north from Fogo Island,
the vessel broke through the ice at speeds of up to 14 knots, guided by imagery from the CAMCOPTER® S-100, which offered to the ship's captain not only a wide view image of the ice structure, but also identified boundaries between flat and rough ice.
Due to the S-100's operational maturity in the maritime environment and ability to operate in a broad range of weather conditions, it is perfectly suited to support the demands of the Coast Guard. The flight tests included multiple takeoffs and landings in winter conditions. "Once again the CAMCOPTER® S-100 has demonstrated it value, flexibility
and suitability for maritime operations in hostile environments", Chris Day, Head of Capability Engineering at Schiebel, stated.
Vienna / Den Helder, 09 February 2016 – Schiebel and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), the Netherlands Coastguard and the Royal Netherlands Air Force conducted a series of successful flights with a newly developed airborne Detect and Avoid System at the airport of Den Helder in December 2015. The AIRICA (ATM Innovative RPAS Integration for Coastguard Applications) project marks a major step forward in the process of safe integration of RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) into all classes of airspace.
During a special demonstration held at De Kooy Airfield in Den Helder, Schiebel provided it´s unmanned helicopter, the CAMCOPTER® S-100, onto which the NLR developed AirScout Detect and Avoid System was installed. The Netherlands Coastguard provided a Dornier Do-228 as "intruder" and the Royal Netherlands Air Force contributed with an Alouette helicopter as "intruder", and provided the Air Traffic Control services.
Several scenarios were successfully executed where the CAMCOPTER® S-100 "unexpectedly" encountered an intruder aircraft. The system then determined in real time the corrective action to ensure the necessary separation from the intruder aircraft. The AIRICA project is funded through the European SESAR programme (part of the Single European Sky initiative) and the key focus – integration of an RPAS into the airspace for Netherlands Coast Guard´s applications – was effectively demonstrated during the flights.
See more: Latest News
Vienna / Nowra, 16 June 2015 – Schiebel´s CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) has in a series of flights between 2 and 12 June 2015 successfully demonstrated its multi- sensor capability to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and other Australian Government Departments.
The demanding trials took place near Nowra, on the South East Coast of Australia, and encompassed multiple scenarios, performed during both the day and night. The primary goal was to provide RAN with a comprehensive understanding of how an advanced rotary wing UAS could be effectively used to support maritime and littoral Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) tasks. The three key mission payloads; the Finmeccanica - Selex ES SAGE ESM and PicoSAR radar and the L-3 Wescam MX-10 were operated in realistic maritime security scenarios
in the littoral and open ocean.
See more: Latest News
Work on Google [x] Project Wing Announced
Unmanned Systems Australia announces that is has been working with a Google [X] team under Project Wing for over 10 months on the development of their aerial delivery system. For more information see here.
Click on the photo above for the you tube video
French Navy Integrates Schiebel S100 CAMCOPTER into Naval Combat Management System
Following sea trials on board the L'Adroit Gowind-class Offshore Patrol Vessel, the DGA, the French Navy and DCNS validated all functional blocks between DCNS's Polaris combat system and the S100 Camcopter VTOL UAV developed by Schiebel of Austria. Based on the results of the trials, the DGA has issued DCNS with a permit to fly for the S100 Camcopter S100.
Launching and recovering a UAV from a warship presents many complex challenges. The successful physical and functional integration of a tactical VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAV on board a surface combatant by DCNS, with no impact on flight safety, represents a major breakthrough for naval air forces. For these tests, L'Adroit's single mast architecture, spacious flight deck, and helicopter hangar provided a great benefit.
Following the tests on board the L'Adroit the French Navy plans to further test SERVAL on board the La Fayette. Operation from a frigate would be much more challenging, as the physical integration such as antenna positioning, data link integration, and space provisions for operational crew, maintenance and support are more limited. The functional integration of data from the drone in the combat system becomes imperative.
The tests were designed to evaluate the performance of the DIOD-A module, developed by DCNS and integrated on this occasion with the Polaris combat system, for managing UAV payload data (from electro-optical sensors in this case) in real time. A further aim was to demonstrate that the interface between the UAS and the ship's combat system has no impact on flight safety.
See more details here.
Content courtesy of Defence Update.com
CASA Approved Operating Certificate for UAV operations
Unmanned Systems Australia is proud to announce their approval for operations of VTOL UAV systems up to 20 kg in Australia. CASA has approved the application for Unmanned Systems Australia under license number 1-11LN0P-01. Mr Phil Swinsburg, the Managing Director of Unmanned Systems Australia, says "We know that the UAV industry will continue to expand and there are a lot of new projects that we continue to be involved in. The approval for UAV operations in Australia will allow the company to meet the expanding demands for our clients. We will continue to expand the types of UAV system that we are able to operate in the future and we also look forward to expanding our Drone partnership program".
Unmanned Systems Australia accepted by CASA as Aviation Safety Consultant
Unmanned Systems Australia is proud to announce that CASA's has recently accepted Unmanned Systems Australia onto their Multi Use List for Aviation Safety Contractors and Consultants. This will allow Unmanned Systems Australia to supply services as requested by CASA, with a speciality focus on Unmanned Systems.
The number of applications for Unmanned Operators Certificates continues to grow rapidly in Australia. Helping CASA keep up with this supply and demand issue as well as ensuring safety compliance during the execution of Unmanned flight operations is a high priority.
Unmanned Systems Australia accepted into RPDE Program
Unmanned Systems Australia has recently been accepted into the Rapid Prototyping Development and Evaluation (RPDE) Program as an Associate Participant within the Australian Department of Defence. The evaluation process to gain entry to the program was through an industry wide tendering process. Unmanned Systems Australia was successful at their first attempt, offering expertise in the development of unmanned systems, ISR related services and robotics Research and Development.
Unmanned Systems Australia announces agency agreement with Schiebel to market the S-100 CAMCOPTER
Unmanned Systems Australia has agreed to market the Schiebel S-100 CAMCOPTER, a Vertical Take off and Landing UAS in Australia and the region. The S-100 CAMCOPTER has an endurance of up to 10 hours and a range of over 180km, providing a real-time video surveillance capability. The Aircraft can be fitted with a number of different sensors options making it suitable not only for observation and surveillance, but also for communication relay, mobile phone towersupplementation, and support to immediate disaster relief. The Aircraft employs an automatic take-off and landing procedures and is in service with a number for countries overseas. Unmanned Systems Australia will be marketing this to the civil and commercial sectors, where the applications for this type of economicalinformation collection is vast. Potential markets include Mining exploration and asset protection, Agricultural monitoring, Coastal Surveillance, Scientific Research, Search and Rescue, Disaster Management, Fire monitoring, Policing and many others. For more information about the Schiebel S-100 click here.
Unmanned Systems Australia assist in the delivery of Expeditionary UAS Runway (EUASR)
Unmanned Systems Australia and FAUN TrackWay, combined efforts to develop and produce a UAS Runway for the Australian Defence Forces Deployment to Afghanistan. The product was a Landing mat modified from already proven products but re-engineered to accommodate arrestor hook and arrestor cable landing systems. The system delivered was over 1000ft in length and over 50ft in width.
UAV landing mats such as this significantly reduce the environmental impact on military ranges and expedites the deployment of vital ISR capabilities into new area where the runway integrity may not have been assessed or where the runway is unreliable in parts due to damage. The deployment of UAV landing mats also greatly extends the maintenance cycle for runway dependent aircraft, reducing the impact of stones, dirt and FOD.
For Information on how a Landing Mat can be tailored to your requirement, please contact Unmanned Systems Australia


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Attention, expectant mothers: Amy Tara Koch wants you to know that you don't need to spend nine months hiding out in "fat pants" or attending a friend's wedding looking like a breakfast sausage. Her super-witty new book, Bump It Up: Transform your pregnancy into the ultimate style statement ($18, Ballentine Books) is packed with advice for ditching matronly maternity in favor of super-chic looks, and she's sharing six brilliant tips exclusively with STF, after the jump!
"This book is an outgrowth of my own experience with pregnancy," Amy tells us. "Like all women, my first instinct was to hide in my fat pants when trimester one poundage accumulated. The result? I felt frumpy, dumpy and bore a strong resemblance to my Belarusian farming ancestor. Not pretty." Her quest to dress her bump like Gwen Stefani's or Heidi Klum's failed miserably when she hit her local chain maternity store, so she decided to get clever and start looking for unexpected ways to stretch her pregnancy wardrobe. She came up with a simple formula for flattering her figure--"nothing frumpifies more than oversized clothing and lack of proportion!", she says--and then got creative with accessories. Start with basic black, invest in a few great pairs of leggings and one pair of maternity jeans, and don't forget the rule that you should only wear volume in one place--a blouse-y tunic needs bare legs or slim jeans to look good; a long flowing skirt requires a clingier top. Once you've got those basics nailed, try these amazingly clever little styling tips suggested by Amy:
Sign up for Glamour.com's Style Tips of the Week and Beauty Tip of the Day newsletters!
1. Embrace innerwear as ready-to-wear: Underpinnings give major look for minor dough. A bias-cut slip layered with a belted cardigan and funky jewelry offers Desperately Seeking Susan meets Mrs. Robinson cache. How to get the look? Make a pit stop at some of your chic septuagenarian relatives homes and mine their lingerie drawers. Nab gauzy nightgowns, caftans, "bed jackets" and slips. Flea markets and vintage shops are nightgown nirvana. Roomy black satin slips make comfy chic dresses. Bias cut long nighties, especially those with interesting swirls of color or prints, make glam cocktail frocks. Combining lingerie with something more structured like blazer adds polish to the look.
5.Make friends with a great tailor. If you think your tailor is simply the guy that hems pants, boy have you been missing the boat. Tailors have the sartorial know how to make your fantasy ensemble a reality with the flick of a needle. Can't find a dress you like? I couldn't either. So, when my bump materialized, I asked my tailor Boguslaw to design some gear with me. After ripping out images from fashion magazines, I hit my local fabric store for materials, Boguslaw got to work and, about two weeks later, I was the delighted recipient of maternity haute couture.
There you have it, dolls! Bump It Up is packed with even more amazing tips, exclusive designer sketches, and hilarious anecdotes to help you get through your pregnancy in style. It hits shelves tomorrow, so check it out....then let us know what you think of Amy's maternity style tips! Are any of you currently expecting? What's your go-to maternity uniform? How do you stay chic with your baby bump? Discuss!
More Ways to Get Glamour
*You could win $50,000 just for registering or logging in to Glamour.com!


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It always surprises me how many people choose a packed bistro on Valentine's evening to propose marriage. For those who work in restaurants, as I did for some years, the 14 February shift is generally one of the most soulless on the calendar. Dinner service may do a swift trade - a veritable conveyer belt of forced romance - but despite this, you could almost hear a pin drop in the places where I worked, which I put down to the diners feeling awkward about the whole cheesy Valentine's fandango.
The thought of doing something so momentous in front of all those other couples - many of them there merely because they feel obliged to be doing something "couply" - doesn't appeal to me at all. And after reading Emine Saner's hilarious, and heartbreaking, article on proposals gone wrong in G2 today, I like the idea even less.
Popping the question is a risky business. There is, of course, the fact that you can never be sure you'll be accepted (public rejection never tastes good). But also, judging by Saner's piece, the more imagination you put into your efforts to win lifelong commitment, for better or for worse, the greater the chances become of things going horribly wrong.
There's the woman who, halfway through the meal, nipped to the ladies, stripped to her undergarments and hopped inside a giant, hollow cake. This was then wheeled over to her boyfriend, by fully-briefed waiting staff, so she could leap out in a spray of confetti, and ask him to marry her. Mortifyingly, he got up and left without uttering a word. Another sorry tale involves a female proposee haplessly drinking the solitaire diamond which had been secreted in the bottom of her glass of champagne.
You get the picture - a herd (I believe this is the correct collective noun here) of romcom scriptwriters couldn't make these yarns up, and they're all true. But surely some of us have enjoyed smooth, sweet and fruitful proposals over Valentine's dinner? C'mon, prove this cynic wrong.


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Original 1920s Sparkling Pepsi cola sign -MINT
- Sold for: Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
- Item Category: Advertising
- Source: eBay
- Sold Date: May 31, 2007
- Channel: Auction House
Now up for your consideration is a fantastic looking 1920;s or early 1930s era Sparkling Pepsi-cola advertisement. This cardboard advertisement measures 8 ¼ inches by 16 inches across and is in excellent condition if not (MINT or near mint condition) as you can see from the pictures below. This advertisement still has a excellent color quality to the print with no fading or discoloration and would likely make an excellent addition to most collection. If t are any questions at all concerning this auction please email them to me and I will reply as quickly as possible.


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PSFK Picks: Top Five Apps Of The Week
A roundup of the latest, most fascinating apps we've learned about this past week.
Each week PSFK features many new and innovative apps. To give the best their due, we've compiled a roundup of the most interesting and creative apps written about on the site this past week:
App Lets Retailers Compete To Supply Household Goods [Future Of Retail]
Instead of visiting multiple stores to find the lowest priced items, NetPlenish assembles a delivery of lowest-priced items from multiple vendors.
App Selects Skin Care Products That Are Best For Your Skin Type
mySkin takes an assessment of a user's condition and then recommends the type of treatment they should be using.
Do Four Year Olds Need Email Accounts?
The Maily app for iPads lets kids as young as four share their scribbles safely and easily.
Dreamworks Backs Their Version of Instagram With Video
The new social app Ptch lets users create sharable slideshows (or mini movies) from media on their phone or existing social networks.
Olympic Hotel Uses Smartphone To Control Check-In, Room Service & TV
VIPs can use a Galaxy S III smartphone to control basic hotel services at London's Stratford Holiday Inn.


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Bill Bratton Open to Leading NYPD Again
Former NYPD commissioner Bill Bratton appears to be interested in his old job.
Bratton, who served as police chief in the Giuliani Administration, was in town to deliver a speech about policing at NYU. After, he addressed reporters. Bratton joked when asked directly about his interest in leading the NYPD again.
"Apart from being an optimist, I guess I'm a glutton for punishment," he said, adding that if he's tapped to head the department next year, he'd decide then if it's the right time.
Bratton's speech touched on a range of policing topics. He talked about Compstat, the crime data tracking system he created, which he said has helped reduce crime. He said he was proudest of his time in L.A. where he worked to re-build the community's trust in the police.
On the subject of stop and frisk, a central theme in this year's mayor's race, Bratton told reporters he believes it is a useful police tactic as long as it is done respectfully.
Bratton also defended Bill de Blasio, after Rudy Giuliani suggested the Democratic mayoral candidate, who has pledged to reform stop and frisk, was anti-cop.
"I don't detect any anti-police feeling or bias to my exposure with Mr. de Blasio. He's made it quite clear that he wants constitutional, respectful policing."


text: ARL Junior Kangaroos train-on squad announced Wed 28 Sep, 2011, 1:50pm Australian Rugby League, NRL.com Tweet Email Print The following players have been selected in the train-on squad for the 2011 ARL Junior Kangaroos. The ARL Junior Kangaroos will play the New Zealand Junior Kiwis in Newcastle as a preliminary game to the Australia V New Zealand Test Match on Sunday, October 16, at Ausgrid Stadium, Newcastle. Further players will be added to the squad at the completion of the Grand Finals, with the final squad to be selected on Tuesday, October 4. Canterbury Bulldogs Toyota Cup Coach, Andrew Patmore, has been appointed Coach of the 2011 Junior Kangaroos. Squad list is below: 2011 ARL Junior Kangaroos Squad: Player Club Kurt Baptiste Brisbane Broncos Mitchell Frei Brisbane Broncos Dane Gagai Brisbane Broncos Corey Norman Brisbane Broncos Nathan Massey Canberra Raiders Dale Finucane Canterbury- Bankstown Bulldogs Josh Jackson Canterbury- Bankstown Bulldogs Stewart Mills Cronulla Sharks Chad Townsend Cronulla Sharks Mahe Fonua Melbourne Storm Tyrone Roberts Newcastle Knights Jack De Belin St George – Illawarra Dragons Alex McKinnon St George – Illawarra Dragons Boyd Cordner Sydney Roosters Kane Evans Sydney Roosters Ethan Lowe Sydney Roosters Tautau Moga Sydney Roosters Matthew Groat Wests Tigers Jacob Miller Wests Tigers Tweet Email Print Send to a friend: Your Name: Your Email: Friend's Name: Friend's Email: Close Submit loading image needs to go here


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- 3 total posts
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- 1 question
Questions from hope_a3
Will taking Singulair be effective for my capsular contracture on the right breast, if my left breast has mild bottoming out?
I had breast augmentation 10 months ago. 6 months in, had surgery for CC on my left breast. 2 months post, my left breast was bottoming out mildly, so I wore wire bras 24/7 for... READ MORE
Recent comments from hope_a3
I love your approach on the boyfriend issue and how well you handled it! :) Just don't forget to remind him that, even though he doesn't have to be 100% about it, he does have to be helpful and just be there holding your hand during... READ COMMENT
I got so excited when i read your post!!! We are basically the same; I am petite, curvy and LOVE to be fit...i love exercising and the gym is my second home, so I don't want my breast implants to mess with that. I am shorter though, 5'1... READ COMMENT


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A few thoughts from the week in sports ...
I'm guessing hardly any Cleveland sports fans had ever heard of Mike Pettine a month ago.
This week, the 47-year-old was the most talked about sportsman in northeast Ohio after being hired as the Cleveland Browns' seventh head coach since 1999.
The hiring of Pettine (pronounced PETT-in) on Thursday completed a 25-day search in which the Browns took shots from both fans and media members close to home and nationally.
After the Browns fired Rob Chudzinski following a 4-12 season and just 352 days on the job on Dec. 30, owner Jimmy Haslam said, "We want an individual who is a strong winner who knows how to win football games."
Some big names popped up early in the Browns search, with 10 different candidates eventually reportedly interviewing for the opening.
Suffice it to say, Pettine was not one of the people who was labeled as a favorite for the job at the start and I'd be surprised if he was high on the Browns' list early on.
Pettine has never been a head coach at the NFL or college level. If Haslam was looking for someone from a winning program, then Buffalo was not the place to go: the Bills actually have a longer playoff drought than the Browns (1999 compared to 2002).
Chudzinski was hired after being the offensive coordinator for a Panthers team that went 4-12. Pettine was brought in after being the defensive coordinator for a 6-10 Bills team.
That's not exactly raiding the coaching staff of Super Bowl teams, or even playoff squads.
Not surprisingly, Browns fans' reactions were extremely mixed on Pettine's hire.
However, as far as first impressions go, I really liked what Pettine had to say and the way he said it. The guy looks the part of a tough football coach and talks the part, making me think right off the bat he'll command more leadership than the Browns' many recent flops. Of course, the way a coach usually gains the most respect is by winning games.
Pettine, a former high school football coach who gambled on making it in the NFL by breaking in on the staff of the Ravens and then going to the Jets, also has a strong reputation for his defensive knowledge and intense, straight-forward demeanor.
"I've been nicknamed BFT -- Blunt Force Trauma," Pettine said at Thursday's press conference.
Just about everything else Pettine said as he was introduced to Cleveland was impressive as well, from remarking that "this team is going to be built on toughness" to "I'll bet on myself" after being asked if he was worried about joining a troubled organization.
I also liked that despite being a defensive coach, Pettine has a vast knowledge of offense -- he was a high school quarterback under his father-coach in Pennsyslvania -- and plans to keep a hands-on approach with all facets of the Browns' job.
Obviously, only time will tell if the Browns caught lightning in a bottle and this gamble pays off, or Pettine's lack of experience leads to another short coaching tenure.
Chris Palmer, Butch Davis, Romeo Crennell, Eric Mangini, Pat Shurmur and Rob Chudzinski also were all highly touted by a revolving door of Browns' brass when they were hired over the last 15 years.
Each individual Browns fan will make up his or her own mind when "enough is enough." In several long online chats I've had with readers, some have said they're selling their season tickets.
Others are upset with the negativity Pettine's hire has brought, saying to give him time.
The biggest key isn't Pettine, though: it's getting the upcoming draft right, especially at quarterback, and adding some good free agents.
It's been well-documented that Cleveland has five Pro Bowlers and lots of salary cap room within which to work. Pettine deserves a chance to prove himself and just might, but it's put-up or shut-up time for Haslam, Mike Lombardi and Joe Banner
HALL IN THE FAMILY -- It's pretty incredible for one local athlete to be ranked among the nation's best collegians, but the Hall family from Doylestown has two siblings rated among the top wrestlers.
Ashland University junior Bryson Hall was ranked No. 3 in the latest NCAA Div. II Wrestling Coaches Poll. The former Chippewa standout owns a 14-1 record.
Bryson's younger sister, Hanna Hall, is ranked No. 4 for the inaugural Campbellsvile (Kent.) University women's team in the WCWA (Women's College Wrestling Association) Coaches Poll. The former wrestler for the Chipps' boys team was fourth in the 143-pound class and sixth at WCWA National Championships to earn All-American honors Saturday in St. Louis.
The Lady Tigers placed sixth in the 18-team field with 112 team points.
PARTING SHOTS -- The OHSAA competitive balance committee is trying to work out the details for a new referendum to level the playing field in tournaments, where private schools have won a disproportionate amount of state titles over the years.
After the OHSAA urged member schools not to sign Triway superintendent Dave Rice's petition that would call for a vote a separating the tournaments for public and private schools, OHSAA commissioner Dan Ross said at a media advisory committee meeting this week that a multiplier focusing on school boundaries was being tweaked, similar to the one that failed last spring. The 2013 referendum failed by a mere 10 votes, with 142 schools not casting ballots.
A reader from Mentor found some of my stories on this subject on The Daily Record website and submitted a proposal that the tournaments be separated to crown public and private state champs and then brought together for an overall state title.
The reader, who asked that his name not be used as his son is an active football player, pointed out that a majority of Div. I football powers play out-of-state teams in the regular season, so the current playoff format isn't very reflective of the season. He proposed cutting back the number of playoff teams and rounds by one, in order to work in the public vs. private title games. I asked a fellow media member to ask Ross about this proposal, but the commissioner said because of the limited number of non-public schools and potential for huge early round mismatches it wouldn't be feasible.
There's no perfect system, but I still like the tournaments being split until holding public vs. private overall championships the best.
A multiplier just moves some of the powerhouses for another division to deal with, and there's nowhere to go for the Div. I teams. However, that's still better than doing nothing.
n Although the OHSAA Wrestling Dual Team Tournament still has some kinks to be worked out in its second year, it's already come a long way. And it's doing a lot of good things for the sport.
There's no better way for fans to follow wrestling than a dual meet and it's the best way for the entire team to be recognized for its overall strength.
With that being said, the Northwestern at Waynedale regional semifinal match Wednesday at 6 p.m. should be one for the ages. Huskies coach Spencer Hershey Sr. has already said it could be "the best dual in Wayne County history."
Orrville coach Brent Steiner is a big fan of the dual tournament and the Waynedale and Northwestern programs.
"If you want to draw people to wrestling you need to set up events like this," Steiner said. "It's hard for fans to sit down and cheer on a whole team at some of the big weekend tournaments or even something like the sectional.
"When you look at how long Louie Stanley has been at Waynedale and Spencer Hershey has been at Northwestern and how well they've done it's really impressive."
Get to that regional event -- which also has Norwalk St. Paul and Milan Edison on another mat with the winners wrestling for a State Final Four spot -- plenty early and be prepared to wait in line. Waynedale athletic director Erich Riebe said the Bears' gym seats approximately 1,000 people and there will be no presale tickets or passes accepted. The gates will open at 5 p.m. and a sellout is expected. All tickets are $8 each, even for students, with the OHSAA keeping all the gate receipts. The regional wrestling host schools can only profit from concession stands.
Aaron Dorksen's weekly look at local, state and national sports appears on Sundays in The Daily Record. Dorksen can be reached at 330-287-1621 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow him on Twitter at @adorksenTDR.