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INTERVIEW: Hardwell at Electric Zoo
Listen to Hardwell on iHeartRadio
Hardwell continues to light up every crowd he plays for. The producer/DJ remains one of the biggest dance music artists, with the most loyal fans. Over the past few years, he's proven his passion for music, with his original tracks and remixes, and his label Revealed, while spreading his talent all over the world as he tours constantly.
We got to catch up with Hardwell after his set at Electric Zoo in New York City. He talked about the new music he premiered, his favorite rappers, and what his Canadian bus tour with Dannic and Dyro was like. Check it out below:
Did you play any new music in your Electric Zoo set?
I always play a lot of new edits. Because I'm like a guy who gets really bored, like when I play the same set over and over again. I always, especially for these kind of festivals, people are excited to see me, and I don't want to play the same set I did at Tomorrowland or Ultra, you know? Like, especially the live-stream set.
I played a lot of new songs. I premiered a new song from Dyro, I played my remix with W&W for Avicii "Wake Me Up," which is finally coming out.
There was a lot of different music in your set, including Justin Timberlake and Jay Z! Are you a fan?
I've played like hip-hop, I've played rock because I played Red Hot Chili Peppers, I've played Above and Beyond, I've played a lot of my own songs. I just, I just try and combine as much as possible. You can tell New York is such an open-minded crowd. So I think people really loved it, and I loved it as well.
I love the song "Holy Grail," and I wanted to play it in my set, it was so difficult to make an edit of it! I did my very best, and I think it worked out really well.
Are you a big Jay Z fan? Who are your favorite rappers?
I'm a huge Jay Z fan. I'm a really hip-hop kind of guy. Well, to be honest, 10 years ago when I started DJing, I started as a hip-hop DJ!
Definitely Eminem, Jay Z, Kanye, even like A$AP, Drake, of course. A lot of guys.
His [Eminem] new album is coming out in two weeks or three weeks, I guess. Well I'm curious to hear. The Marshall Mathers LP, I grew up with that album, so I'm really curious to hear his new album. I hope Slim Shady's getting back instead of Eminem!
How was your summer?
My summer was really hectic, to be honest. I'm really exhausted right now, but I really enjoyed every moment of it. I have two weeks off after this, so time to recover for me! But yeah, I played basically all the major festivals, from Tomorrowland to EDC, and now we're here at E Zoo. I did like a major tour in the states for two weeks, I had a major Canada tour for two weeks. It's been crazy. A lot of gigs in Europe as well.
You tour with your guys Dannic and Dyro a lot. What is like the most hilarious moment, or hilarious story from being on the road with them that you can remember?
Well, that's definitely the Canadian bus tour we did, the three of us together. Just the three of us in a bus. It was like going on a trip with school, in a bus. Three little kids, three little boys in a bus for two weeks. That was not good, that cost me like three years of my life at least, you know? There was just partying every day, and you know the moment you finish at the gig, you sleep, you wake up, you're in a new city and start playing again, and it goes all over and over again. So every night was just a big party, and it was definitely the most memorable moment we had, the three of us.
Since we are at Electric Zoo, if you were an animal, what animal would you be?
A penguin. That's my favorite animal because those animals are so stupid. You know an animal, like a penguin is just walking around on ice, is falling down all the time, eating fish, and going to sleep again, and that's it. That's its life. It's a beautiful life, right?
Photo Credit Rachel Kaplan for iHeartRadio

subset: commoncrawl


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Two Allman Brothers Band members announce their deprature
Listen to The Allman Brothers Band on iHeartRadio
The Allman Brothers Band is losing two guitarists. Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks have announced that they'll be leaving the group at the end of this year.
They say in a joint statement that it's been an "honor and pleasure" to be a part of the legendary band, and they'll be "forever grateful for the opportunity and the experience." They add that they're looking forward to spending their final year with the Allmans celebrating the group's 45th anniversary.
Haynes, who has been with the group for the past 25 years, and Trucks, who joined the band as a 19-year-old back in 1999, admit they're eager to focus their creative energies on their other projects. They both have separate solo careers and other bands. Haynes is also the frontman for Gov't Mule, while Trucks has the Tedeschi Trucks Band.
They add that leaving the Allmans will free up more time for them to spend with their families.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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Gwen Stefani facing backlash for calling younger self 'chunky'
Listen to No Doubt on iHeartRadio
Gwen Stefani is getting some negative reaction to a recent tweet.
The "No Doubt" singer posted a photo of herself as a teenager getting an autograph from Sting, along with the caption "Chunky me 1983."
chunky me 1983. getting @officialsting autograph backstage. cut to... pic.twitter.com/Uj1dmN9GPL
— Gwen Stefani (@gwenstefani) February 2, 2014
The throwback came as Gwen was remembering her favorite Super Bowl moment, when she got to perform with the Police frontman at the halftime show in 2003.
But some fans aren't responding well to the singer referring to herself as overweight. One Twitter user wrote, "that's chunky? I hope no one bigger than a size 6, 8 is reading this," and another told the star, "too many girls and women look up to you for you to talk like that."
The 44-year-old singer and fashion designer is currently pregnant with her third child with husband Gavin Rossdale.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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Rocklahoma starts this weekend, raising funds for storm victims
Guns N' Roses, Alice in Chains, and Korn are bringing rock n' roll to Pryor, Oklahoma this weekend. They're among those set to headline this year's Rocklahoma festival, which organizers are also using as a way to help provide assistance to their "neighbors" in the Oklahoma City area.
Following the devastating tornados that rolled through the region earlier this week, festival producers have announced plans to donate a portion of every ticket sold this weekend to the American Red Cross for their local relief efforts. Attendees will also be able to make donations at the event.
The 2013 edition of Rocklahoma starts Friday with performances from Guns N' Roses, Bush, Papa Roach, and more. Alice in Chains will top Saturday's bill, which also includes Bullet for My Valentine, Skillet, Halestorm, and others. Hollywood Undead, Cheap Trick, and Korn will take the stage Sunday to bring the festival to an end.
The full lineup and other details are available at Rocklahoma.com.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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What do the race for New Mexico's Public Regulation Commission and a late 1990s gang-related feud have in common?
Democratic candidate Jerome Block Jr., apparently.
The late 1990s was a period of legal turmoil for the 31-year-old legacy candidate, whose father and grandfather held the same seat and its equivalent on the regulatory body's predecessor, the State Corporation Commission.
In recent weeks, SFR has reported previously undisclosed details regarding Block's criminal history—including a 1998 disorderly conduct charge for urinating in public at Albuquerque's Summerfest and a 1999 arrest for riding with a drunk driver [June 25: "Failure to Appear"].
Furthermore, SFR reported Block Jr. misrepresented how he escaped a 1998 aggravated DWI charge; the candidate publicly stated he had been found "not guilty" when, in actuality, the case was dismissed only after the six-month time limit for prosecution expired.
Now, SFR can report, allegations of gang-related violence can be added to the list of Block's undisclosed past.
In 1998, a few weeks after Block's disorderly conduct charge, a restraining order was filed against Block in First Judicial District Court, claiming he had threatened the life of another student at the University of New Mexico in retaliation for a gang-related fight the year before.
According to court records, on July 5, 1997, a large brawl broke out at a party in Santa Fe County between a gang called "CPB" and two brothers, Jacques and Sage Paisner. During the melee, one of the CPB members, Julio Mendoza, received a cut across the face from a beer bottle. Mendoza and the Paisners were hospitalized for injuries suffered in the fray.
In the weeks following the fight, Mendoza filed a civil suit against the "John Does" involved in the fight, using the discovery process to subpoena the Paisners' emergency medical records. The Paisners' father, Santa Fe lawyer S Barry Paisner, successfully fought the order, which he told the court was designed to intimidate the family. The case was dismissed.
But the feud didn't end there. According to the restraining order application filed by S Barry Paisner on his sons' behalf, Mendoza and his "associates" threatened the Paisner brothers on at least five occasions over the next year. Included among the allegations is the 1998 incident at UNM involving Block.
"On Friday, Aug. 28, 1998, at the UNM campus, Jacques Paisner was confronted by Jerome Block and Paul Barela, grabbed by the arm and detained," the document states. "These individuals told Jacques Paisner that he 'cut Mendoza' and they were going to 'cut' Jacques."
S Barry Painser told the court that the family had filed four police complaints but were told they needed a court injunction before the police could offer protection. Judge Petra Maes ordered an initial 10-day restraining order against Block, Barela and Mendoza. A month later, the injunction was made permanent. S Barry Paisner could not be reached for comment.
"It is true that the Paisner family did file a restraining order against me," Block Jr. writes in an e-mail to SFR. "I believe that my involvement was just part of the procedure that Mr. Paisner was following to prevent retaliation against his son."
Block says in his recollection of the events he did not threaten Paisner.
"The individual I was with simply pointed at Jacques and said, 'He is the guy who stabbed [Julio],'" Block writes. "Never was Mr. Paisner 'detained' or threatened. I was not present at the July 5 incident, and do not know exactly what happened, therefore I had no reason to get involved at all with any of the parties."
According to eyewitness accounts of the 1997 fight, CPB stands for "County Project Boys" and was less an organized gang than a group of party organizers that adopted thug-like demeanors. Based out of Capital High School, the group also was referred to by rival groups as the "Capital Pretty Boys."
Block attended St. Michael's High School and says he was not involved with any gang activities.
"During my years of growing up in Santa Fe I was never exposed to any gang activity, much less belonging to one," Block writes. "I thrived in athletics during high school, and was too busy trying to raise a young son after high school to associate myself with this kind of activity."
The alleged assault by Block occurred while the candidate was studying at UNM, another item of personal history under debate. Block publicly claimed he received the "equivalent" of an associate degree from the "Anderson Western States School of Banking at the University of New Mexico." The Albuquerque Journal has since reported the institution does not exist.
As for the target of the attack, Jacques Paisner tells SFR he does not remember the incident clearly enough to comment, but the 28-year-old Santa Fean says he doubts it would impact the election.
"I know he is going to win [the election] anyway," Paisner, an author who recently published a collection of writing, Albuquerque Blues, says. "His dad was in the same position, his grandpa was in the same position and nobody even knows what a whatever commissioner is. So he's definitely going to win, no matter what you do."
Block's Green Party opponent for the 3rd District seat, Rick Lass, disagrees.
"This raises real questions to me about [Block's] integrity and character and whether he's really qualified to represent all New Mexicans on this very important commission," Lass says.
Block, a title insurance salesman, recently denied Lass' challenge to debate in each county in the district, and attacked Lass' employment history working at a grocery store and pizza restaurant, as well as a 1999 domestic violence charge to which Lass pleaded guilty [July 23: "Manning Up"].
Lass, who is the director of the nonprofit Voting Matters, believes he will garner support from disenfranchised Democrats in the race. He says he is personally supporting a mostly Democratic ticket, including US Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for president and US Rep. Tom Udall, D-NM, for New Mexico's open Senate seat. Although he assisted Carol Miller, an Independent candidate for New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District race, Lass says he is considering endorsing the Democratic nominee, Ben Ray Lujan, who currently holds the PRC seat at stake. Lass also has been keeping a high profile at Democratic campaign events, including the recent opening of Obama's Santa Fe campaign office, an event Block did not attend.
"So much of this campaign, unfortunately, has been about the past and we haven't even gotten to talk about what the Public Regulation Commission is and why it's so important to have a person who represents the people," Lass says. "I think if Block were to drop out then we could really focus on it a lot more."


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Report: Drones killing innocents based on NSA metadata
(NEWSER) – America's drone program is "absolutely" killing innocent people because it launches strikes solely based on NSA phone metadata and tracking technologies, a former drone pilot tells Glenn Greenwald and Jeremy Scahill, in the first post for Greenwald's much-hyped new media venture, The Intercept. The NSA's involvement with the drone program has been previously reported, but the Intercept piece focuses on the flaws of the approach, which eschews traditional human intelligence. Most notably: The terrorists appear to have caught on.
Read the full story on Newser.com


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Donald Sterling's last laugh: Force him to sell the Clippers and he could pay no taxes
Donald Sterling's reputation had a bad week, but his pocketbook has never looked better. The punishment meted out by NBA Commissioner Silver—the maximum league fine of $2.5 million—pales in comparison to the billion dollars Sterling stands to make from selling the Clippers. Ironically, the league's nuclear option—a forced sale—could also end up lining Sterling's pocketbook with millions in tax savings. Instead of his just deserts, will Sterling end up with a sweet tax treat?
First, there's never been a better time for Sterling to sell, financially speaking. The Clippers have historically been regarded as one of the worst teams in all of professional sports. During the first 30 years of Sterling's ownership (1981-2011), the Clippers won more games than they lost only twice. They made the playoffs just four times and managed to eke out only one playoff series win. But since 2011, they've made the playoffs every year and are even considered a fringe contender for the NBA title this season. Potential buyers can expect to see strong continued performance because the Clippers' core is locked up through next year or beyond thanks to Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and Coach Doc Rivers.
With this strong platform, the Clippers could sell for $1 billion. Just consider two other NBA teams—worse performers in much smaller markets—that sold in the past year: the Sacramento Kings ($534 million) and Milwaukee Bucks ($550 million). So Sterling, who paid only $12.5 million for the team back in the 1980s, may be able to lock in a 100-fold return on his investment.
If Sterling had voluntarily sold the team for $1 billion, he would have owed about $200 million in federal income tax and another $123 million in California state income tax. But thanks to a tax law that applies only to forced sales or other "involuntary conversions," Sterling's profits may all be tax-free.
Section 1033 of the tax code provides a special tax treatment for people whose property has been stolen, appropriated by the government (e.g. eminent domain), or otherwise "involuntarily converted." The basic idea is that if you have received money because someone took your stuff away from you, you shouldn't have to pay taxes since you didn't enter into the transaction voluntarily.
Read The Full Article On The Daily Beast
More articles from The Daily Beast:
- Passenger Flights Must Stop Carrying Lithium-Ion Batteries as Cargo
- Rutgers's Silly Condoleezza Rice Protest
- Hanging Out With the Minds Behind Google Doodles and Chrome Experiments
© 2013 Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC


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Palin Eyes 2014 Senate Bid
(NEWSER) – Is Sarah Palin thinking about reviving her political career? Asked by Sean Hannity if she might run for the Senate in Alaska next year, Palin said she had considered it—at other people's request—but she is waiting to see who else steps up and whether "there will be some new blood, new energy," Newsbusters reports. She told Hannity Democrat Mark Begich "needs to be replaced," and "any American with a heart for service has to always have in the back of their mind that they would do anything, everything that they could to help the cause."


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Aaron Schock on Foreign Policy
America needs a robust and assertive foreign policy with a long-term view to deal with problems before they become crises. We also need to be clear-headed about the nature of current threats and deal with them using a creative strategy based on smart power, superior intelligence information, and an insightful knowledge of history and the thinking of other governments and their people.
I continue to see the need for American engagement in the world and I shudder to think what the world would be like without American leadership over the past several decades.
Proponent's argument to vote Yes:Rep. IKE SKELTON (D, MO-4): Pakistan is important to the Middle East and our intentions there. Their cooperation, of course, is so very, very important. This legislation gives economic and democratic development assistance to that country.
Rep. HOWARD BERMAN (D, CA-28): We can't allow al Qaeda or any other terrorist group that threatens our national security to operate with impunity in the tribal regions or any other part of Pakistan. Nor can we permit the Pakistani state and its nuclear arsenal to be taken over by the Taliban. To help prevent this nightmare scenario, we need to forge a true strategic partnership with Pakistan and its people, strengthen Pakistan's democrat government, and work to make Pakistan a source of stability in a volatile region.
Opponent's argument to vote No:Rep. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN (R, FL-18): This bill focuses on past actions and failures attributed to the Pakistani Government, punishing the new leadership for the sins of its predecessors. While the authors of H.R. 1886 may have sought to empower our Pakistani partners to undertake the formidable task of fighting and winning against violent extremists, it does the opposite. We have gone down this road before. I recall during the Iraq debate, Members sought to prejudge the surge strategy before it could even be implemented. Let us hope that this will not be repeated with respect to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Arab American Institute has compiled a Scorecard to catalogue the voting record of the 112th Congress on issues of importance to the Arab American community. For the House, we included 15 items: two bills on the Arab Spring, five bills and one letter on Palestine, two bills on Lebanon, three bills and a letter regarding civil liberties, and two bills on immigration.
RESOLUTION expressing concern over persistent and credible reports of systematic, state-sanctioned organ harvesting from non-consenting prisoners of conscience, in the People's Republic of China, including from large numbers of Falun Gong practitioners imprisoned for their religious beliefs, and members of other religious and ethnic minority groups.
Dear Secretary Clinton:
We are writing to reaffirm our commitment to the unbreakable bond that exists between our country and the State of Israel and to express to you our deep concern over recent tension. In every important relationship, there will be occasional misunderstandings and conflicts.
Our valuable bilateral relationship with Israel needs and deserves constant reinforcement. As the Vice-President said during his recent visit to Israel: "Progress occurs in the Middle East when everyone knows there is simply no space between the U.S. and Israel when it comes to security, none. No space." Steadfast American backing has helped lead to Israeli peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan. And American involvement continues to be critical to the effort to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
We recognize that, despite the extraordinary closeness between our country and Israel, there will be differences over issues both large and small. Our view is that such differences are best resolved quietly, in trust and confidence, as befits longstanding strategic allies. We hope and expect that, with mutual effort and good faith, the United States and Israel will move beyond this disruption quickly, to the lasting benefit of both nations.
|2012 Governor, House and Senate candidates on Foreign Policy:
|Aaron Schock on other issues:
IL Gubernatorial:
Pat Quinn
IL Senatorial:
Doug Truax
Jim Oberweis
Mark Kirk
Richard Durbin
Sharon Hansen
Left 113th Congress, 2013-2014:
AL-1: Jo Bonner(R,resigned)
FL-13:Bill Young(R,deceased)
FL-19:Trey Radel(R,arrested)
IL-2: Jesse L. Jackson(D,convicted)
LA-5: Rodney Alexander(R,resigned)
MA-5: Ed Markey(D,elected)
MO-8: Jo Ann Emerson(R,resigned)
NC-12:Mel Watt(D,appointed)
NJ-1: Rob Andrews(D,investigated)
SC-1: Tim Scott(R,appointed)
Newly-elected special elections 2013-2014:
AL-1: Bradley Byrne(R)
FL-13:David Jolly(R)
FL-19:Curt Clawson(R)
IL-2: Robin Kelly(D)
LA-5: Vance McAllister(R)
MA-5: Katherine Clark(D)
MO-8: Jason Smith(R)
NC-12: Pending Jul.15
NJ-1: Pending Nov.4
SC-1: Mark Sanford(R)
Won primary 2014:
GA-11:Barry Loudermilk(R)
MA-6 :Richard Tisei(R)
TX-4: John Ratcliffe(R)
VA-7: Dave Brat(R)
AL-6 :Gary Palmer(R)
AR-4 :Bruce Westerman(R)
CA-11:Mark DeSaulnier(R)
CA-33:Ted Lieu(D)
CA-35:Norma Torres(D)
CA-45:Mimi Walters(R)
CO-4 :Ken Buck(R)
GA-1 :Buddy Carter(R)
GA-10:Jody Hice(R)
IA-1 :Pat Murphy(D)
MI-4 :John Moolenaar(R)
MI-12:Debbie Dingell(D)
MI-14:Brenda Lawrence(D)
MN-6 :Tom Emmer(R)
NC-6 :Mark Walker(R)
NC-7 :David Rouzer(R)
NJ-12:Bonnie Watson Coleman(R)
NY-4 :Kathleen Rice(D)
OK-5 :Steve Russell(R)
PA-13:Brendan Boyle(D)
TX-36:Brian Babin(R)
UT-4 :Mia Love(R)
VA-8 :Don Beyer(D)
Retiring to run for Senate in 2014:
AR-4: Tom Cotton(R)
CO-4: Cory Gardner(R)
GA-1: Jack Kingston(R)
GA-10:Paul Broun(R)
GA-11:Phil Gingrey(R)
HI-1: Colleen Hanabusa(D)
IA-1: Bruce Braley(D)
LA-6: Bill Cassidy(R)
MI-14:Gary Peters(D)
MT-0: Steve Daines(R)
OK-5: James Lankford(R)
TX-36:Steve Stockman(R)
WV-2: Shelley Moore Capito(R)
Former Reps running for House in 2014:
CA-3: Doug Ose(R)
CA-31:Joe Baca(D)
HI-1: Charles Djou(R)
IL-10:Bob Dold(R)
IL-17:Bobby Schilling(R)
KS-4: Todd Tiahrt(R)
MI-4: Peter Konetchy(R)
MI-14:Hansen Clarke(D)
MS-4: Gene Taylor(D)
MT-0: Denny Rehberg(R)
NH-1: Frank Guinta(R)
NY-11:Vito Fossella(R)
NY-18:Nan Hayworth(R)
OH-7: John Boccieri(D)
PA-13:Marjorie Margolies(D)
TX-23:Francisco Canseco(R)
Lost primary 2014:
GA-11:Bob Barr(R)
MA-6: John Tierney(D)
TX-4: Ralph Hall(R)
VA-7: Eric Cantor(R)
MI-11:Kerry Bentivolio(R)
Retiring to run for State Office in 2014:
AR-2: Tim Griffin(R)
CA-35:Gloria McLeod(D)
ME-2: Mike Michaud(D)
PA-13:Allyson Schwartz(D)
VI-0: Donna Christensen(D)
Retiring effective Jan. 2015:
AL-6: Spencer Bachus(R)
AZ-7: Ed Pastor(D)
CA-11:George Miller(D)
CA-25:Howard McKeon(R)
CA-31:Gary Miller(R)
CA-33:Henry Waxman(D)
CA-45:John Campbell(R)
IA-3: Tom Latham(R)
MI-4: Dave Camp(R)
MI-6: Tom Petri(R)
MI-12:John Dingell(D)
MN-6: Michele Bachmann(R)
NC-6: Howard Coble(R)
NC-7: Mike McIntyre(D)
NJ-3: Jon Runyan(R)
NJ-12:Rush Holt(D)
NY-4: Carolyn McCarthy(D)
NY-21:Bill Owens(D)
PA-6: Jim Gerlach(R)
UT-4: Jim Matheson(D)
VA-8: James Moran(D)
VA-10:Frank Wolf(R)
WA-4: Doc Hastings(R)
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Was $39.95 NOW $14.95
This is the Christmas stocking illuminated by integrated fiber optic filaments that create the effect of a twinkling, glowing tree or newly fallen snow around a snowman. The stocking is woven from polyester into a tapestry pattern that recreates a colorful Christmas tree surrounded by presents or a freshly made snowman in a snowfield flanked by two curious rabbits. The tree has 180 fiber optic lights that create a twinkling, multi-colored effect of a lit Christmas tree at night while 130 lights around the snowman illuminate snowflakes that suggest falling snow. Each requires three AAA batteries that tuck into the cuff, leaving ample room for stocking-stuffers. Specify Tree or Snowman. 16" H x 9 1/2" W x 1/2" D. (4 oz.)
Lifetime Guarantee
The Fiber Optic Christmas Stocking comes with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee. If this product ever disappoints you, for any reason, you may return your Hammacher Schlemmer purchase for exchange, credit, or refund.
Should you have any questions, we are available seven days a week (8:00 am – midnight EST). Please call 1-800-321-1484 to speak with a specialist or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com to receive a response within three business hours or less.
Sale item quantities are limited — please order soon.
Shipping charges noted in parentheses apply in addition to our standard shipping & service.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available. Please call 1-800-395-7006 for Premium or Express delivery rates.
Oversized items scheduled for expedited delivery (Premium or Express) may incur additional shipping and services charges because of their unusual size. Please call 1-800-321-1484 for an estimate of S&S charges. International callers, please call 1-513-860-3397.
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GST still applies and will be charged upon processing. For complete shipping & service charges please call Customer Service at 1-800-321-1484.
May we recommend:
(based on 17 reviews)
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The fiber optics make the stockings pop
By Audrey
from Vancouver BC
I love everything Christmas and these stockings are not only functional, but also decorative.
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- flag this review
By Hannah
from Hernando MS
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
1 worked 1 did not work
By TIGGER
from Galt, CA
The Christmas Tree stocking lit up and was very nice however, the Snowman stocking would not light up, unfortunately I decided to return both because I wanted them as a pair.
Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Hammacher Schlemmer Response: At Hammacher Schlemmer, our goal is for you to be delighted with our products and our service. However, it is clear that this item fell far short of your expectations and for this you have our sincere apologies. We are gratified that you took advantage of our unconditional Lifetime Guarantee.
By Deenda
from Huntsville, TX
These are truly unique! I can't wait to give them to my Mom & Dad this Christmas!!
Added touch for X-mas
By $taffyp$
from Calgary, Alberta Canada
Bought these for my family, nice added touch for Christmas !!
Beautiful and Original
By Marie
from Tucson
This is a fun, beautiful, and festive specimen of a Christmas Stocking item that would excite anyone with an interest in the inviting and flashing colors of a holiday tree. In some instances it can serve to add or bring the note of festivity onto an area in ones house/apartment not well-decorated for the holidays.
Christmas brighting
By srcourtrofficer
from North Carolina
great items this should make our Christmas decorations the best.
Very pretty at a wonderful price.....
By Mike and Margie
from Jacksonville Beach, FL
We are retired and needed stockings for our grandchildren to fill...
Great Colors and Quality Christmas Sock!
This is a beautiful specimen for all fans of holiday decoration. It has the celebratory colors, the good texture of material, and the flashing elements of a Christmas tree. You can buy both or give one to a friend or family. It is a unique item to have even if you already have another stocking!
Fun and useful gift
By Santashelper
from Detroit, MI
Great gift, even if recipient already has stocking(s). On/off switch for battery pack is very useful. Ample distribution of tastefully bright lights. Very satisfied and would purchase again.
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Luke Bryan postpones North Carolina concert
Listen to Luke Bryan on iHeartRadio
Luke Bryan fans in Greensboro, North Carolina are going having to wait a little longer to see the country star in concert.
Bryan was slated to perform at the Greensboro Coliseum Thursday night, but has postponed the show due to Winter Storm Pax. The show is only being delayed by a few days, however. Bryan has rescheduled the concert for February 17th. Tickets for the original date will be honored.
Lee Brice and Kelleigh Bannen are on board as opening acts. Cole Swindell, who was originally slated to appear at Thursday's show, won't be performing on the new date.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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'Sopranos' co-stars and more celebs react to actor's death
(Yahoo!) - Hollywood suffered a huge loss with the sudden passing of James Gandolfini on Wednesday at the age of 51. Gandolfini's managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders confirmed his death saying, "It is with immense sorrow that we report our client James Gandolfini passed away today while on holiday in Rome, Italy."
"He was a genius. Anyone who saw him even in the smallest of his performances knows that. He is one of the greatest actors of this or any time," said "Sopranos" creator David Chase. "A great deal of that genius resided in those sad eyes. I remember telling him many times, 'You don't get it. You're like Mozart.' There would be silence at the other end of the phone. For Deborah and Michael and Liliana this is crushing. And it's bad for the rest of the world. He wasn't easy sometimes. But he was my partner, he was my brother in ways I can't explain and never will be able to explain."
[PHOTOS: Remembering James Gandolfini]
Gandolfini's "Sopranos" co-stars shared their grief:
Edie Falco (Carmela Soprano): "I am shocked and devastated by Jim's passing. He was a man of tremendous depth and sensitivity, with a kindness and generosity beyond words. I consider myself very lucky to have spent 10 years as his close colleague. My heart goes out to his family." Falco continues saying she will "hold on to the memories of our intense and beautiful time together. The love between Tony and Carmela was one of the greatest I've ever known."
Jamie Lynn Sigler (Meadow Soprano): "This news has left me heartbroken. I can only imagine the pain his family feels at this time, and my heart goes out to them, especially Deborah, Michael, and Liliana. I spent 10 years of my life studying and admiring one of the most brilliant actors, yes, but more importantly one of the greatest men. Jim had the ability, unbeknownst to him, to make you feel like everything would be alright if he was around. I treasure my memories with him and feel so honored that I was an up close witness to his greatness."
Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti): "Jimmy treated us all like family with a generosity, loyalty, and compassion that is rare in this world.. Working with him was a pleasure and a privilege. I will be forever grateful having had a friend the likes of Jimmy."
Lorraine Bracco (Dr. Jennifer Melfi): "We lost a giant today. I am utterly heartbroken."
Tony Sirico (Paulie Gualtieri): "He was one of my best friends in life. He helped me with my career and I'm going to miss him. He's part of my family."
Steven Schirripa (Bobby Baccalieri): "Jimmy was a dear friend and like a brother to me. He was a great actor and a great father. I will miss him terribly. I am very sad."
Joseph R. Gannascoli (Vito Spatafore): "I will be forever indebted to Jimmy."
Since the shocking and devastating news of his death broke, celebrities have taken to Twitter to share their memories and sorrow. Below are some of the most notable reactions so far. We'll continue to update as more come in.
Heartbreaking news about James Gandolfini... Shocking. HUGE loss. Kind, humble, and a Singular Talent. Rest in Peace.— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) June 20, 2013
James Gandolfini. Unbelievably sad news. A fine man.— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) June 20, 2013
So sad to lose James Gandolfini. One of the sweetest, funniest, most generous actors I've ever worked with. Sending prayers to his family.— Susan Sarandon (@SusanSarandon) June 20, 2013
James Gandolfini was a kind, funny, wonderful guy. I'm so lucky to have worked with him. Sending love to his family. Such a sad, sad day.— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) June 19, 2013
I'm sadder about James Gandolfini than everyone else.— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) June 20, 2013
I am so deeply saddened by the untimely passing of sweet James Gandolfini! My heart is broken for his family!! I'm in shock— christina applegate (@1capplegate) June 19, 2013
Rest in peace, Mr. Gandolfini.— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) June 19, 2013
James Gandoldini gave the greatest performance in the history of television. He was also a kind man. Condolences to his family.— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) June 20, 2013
So, so sad. A huge loss for storytellers...RT @nytimes: Actor James Gandolfini, Star of 'The Sopranos,' Dead in Italy http://t.co/0CYtXfwF2c— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) June 20, 2013
Chili Palmer: You any good? Bear: Am I any good? You were DAMN good Mr. Gandolfini and will be sorely missed. R.I.P.— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) June 20, 2013
awful awful news. James Gandolfini will be missed. He was a great actor. Just great.— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) June 20, 2013
James Gandolfini was a great guy. Better actor. I'm sorry for his family.— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) June 19, 2013
Damn. RIP James Gandofini. An amazing actor that made arguably the greatest drama of all time, & a funny, sweet, gentle giant off screen.— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) June 20, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to James Gandolfini's family. An extraordinary actor. RIP, Mr. Gandolfini.— Robin Williams (@robinwilliams) June 20, 2013
I'm truly heartbroken to hear that James Gandolfini has passed away. He is one of my all time favorite actors. Tragic loss.— Jonah Hill (@JonahHill) June 19, 2013
RIP James Gandolfini. So sad!!— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) June 20, 2013
NO. Not James Gandolfini. He was in my top 5 favorite actors EVER. :(— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) June 20, 2013
Just saw the news and what a loss! #RIP James Gandolfini— Melissa Joan Hart (@MelissaJoanHart) June 20, 2013
Just heard TV icon James Gandolfini has died. I'm shocked. I'm sad. I loved his work. My heart goes out to his family.— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) June 20, 2013
So sad to hear about James Gandolfini. My thoughts & prayers are with his wife & kids.— Teresa Giudice (@Teresa_Giudice) June 20, 2013
I am heartbroken about James Gandolfini. He was a gentle giant and great man. I love this picture, I loved him. pic.twitter.com/Y1wdbeUDfK— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) June 19, 2013
RIP James Gandolfini, one of the nicest guys I've ever met— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) June 20, 2013
RIP James Gandolfini .... An amazing actor. Beyond shocked.— Shane West (@shanewest_1) June 19, 2013
Thank you James Gandolfini for some of the most brilliant tv moments of all time. So sad!!!— josh groban (@joshgroban) June 19, 2013
So so so sad about James Gandolfini - 51 is way too young.— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) June 19, 2013
Not tony soprano! Damn. Such a good guy and a great actor. James, rest in peace... http://t.co/TpfJNywu8X— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) June 19, 2013
Wow . Gandolfini one of the best ever . TERRIBLE!!!— Vinny Guadagnino (@VINNYGUADAGNINO) June 20, 2013
In tears over James gandolfinis passing.... Wow speechless— JWOWW (@JENNIWOWW) June 19, 2013
RIP James Gandolfini...51 yrs old. So sad.— Wayne Brady (@waynebrady) June 19, 2013
So sad to hear about James Gandolfini. RIP— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) June 19, 2013
http://t.co/td9DdRnODW SO SAD! PRAYING FOR HIS FAMILY- wow- Shocked by this news today....— Carson Daly (@CarsonDaly) June 19, 2013
Life is way too short & precious. So sad to hear of James Gandolfini passing 2day. Prayers for him & his loved ones. So sad at young 51— Brooke Burke-Charvet (@brookeburke) June 19, 2013
james gandolfini-- so sad what an incredible actor. more loss. be good to each other. it's all so short— GAVIN ROSSDALE (@GavinRossdale) June 20, 2013
R I p tony saprano— Howie Mandel (@howiemandel) June 19, 2013
Just read about James Gandolfini.. Never met him but what a damn good actor. Gone way to soon. Rip brother.. #prayers— Josh Henderson (@joshhenderson) June 19, 2013
So sad to hear about James Gandolfini. He was such an amazing actor and by all accounts a wonderful person. RIP.— Busy Philipps (@Busyphilipps25) June 19, 2013
Photo Credit Getty Images


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Judas Priest finished with new album
Listen to Judas Priest on iHeartRadio
Judas Priest is one step closer to releasing new music.
Frontman Rob Halford tells Loudwire.com that guitarist Glenn Tipton has been "looking over" the mastering sessions for the band's upcoming album, which "is finished." He adds that the group's new music is very "heavy."
But Halford doesn't say when fans can expect to find Priest's new album in stores. He just says it's "coming out at some point."
The new disc will be Judas Priest's follow up to their 2008 effort Nostradamus. It'll also be the band's first album with guitarist Richie Faulkner.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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WATCH: Crowd Lifts Train To Rescue Stuck Man
An Australian man didn't heed the warning to watch the gap between the train and the platform. As he walked onto the train, his foot fell between the gap and he got stuck.
RT @nicolastaylornz: Mind the Gap !!, Stirling Station this am #perthnews #wanews @thewest_com_au pic.twitter.com/p0uKvltadf
— Nicolas Taylor (@nicolastaylornz) August 6, 2014
Emergency workers quickly came to his aid, and alerted the conductor to halt the train. After a few failed attempts to free the man, a crowd of commuters jumped in and helped push the train enough to free the man.


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Justin Timberlake's post-Grammys blowout
Listen to Justin Timberlake on iHeartRadio
(Yahoo!) - JT is back and he's better than ever.
After Justin Timberlake stole the Grammy Awards Sunday night, the "Suit and Tie" singer performed a "fans only" show afterwards at the Palladium in Hollywood. omg! was there and watched as some of the biggest names in music rubbed elbows with the fans, all of whom welcomed Timberlake back with open arms.
People waited in line all day just to get a good spot inside the standing room only show. All tickets were General Admission aside from two small VIP sections blocked off on the upper left and right levels inside the theater. Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Neil Patrick Harris are just a few celebrities that were spotted together waiting for Timberlake's show.
Doors opened at 9 p.m. and Justin took the stage around 11:30 p.m., opening with his first solo hit "Like I Love You."
"I must confess, it's been a while," Timberlake said to the screaming crowd with a smile. "And for that, I apologize." Although Jessica Biel's husband has been acting rather than singing over the past four years, he still oozed confidence as he got back on stage with a 16-piece band.
Justin belted out hits that included "Cry Me a River" and "What Goes Around" and blended them with new songs off his upcoming album, "The 20/20 Experience" such as "Pusher Love Girl" and "That Girl." He also performed classic tunes like "Summer Love," "Senorita," and "LoveStoned" that had diehard Timberlake fans pretty much freaking out.
READ MORE: Yahoo!
Photo Credit Getty Images


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There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of prostate cancer:
Eat a Healthful Diet
Studies have found an association between diets high in fat and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Also, eating foods rich in lycopene seems to lower a man's risk of prostate cancer. Lycopene is a phytochemical that is found in certain fruits and vegetables , like grapefruits and tomatoes. Also, lycopene supplements are available at drug and health food stores, but their efficacy is uncertain.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly may reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Choose exercises you enjoy and make them a regular part of your day. Strive to maintain an exercise program that keeps you fit and at a healthy weight. For many people, this includes walking or participating in another aerobic activity for 30 minutes per day most days of the week. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Talk to Your Doctor About Medication
Daily aspirin therapy and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about your options.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Mohei Abouzied, MD
- Review Date: 09/2016 -
- Update Date: 09/17/2014 -


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We want to share your pet photos
Do you have a pet photo you would like to share with us? Click here to email us your pet photo. If it's good enough to make the cut we'll put it up in a post here on pets.ohio.com!
It doesn't just have to be cats or dogs, either. LIke this shot from Sharon. She tells us this toad comes back to her doorstep every year and seems to think this ceramic toad is the real thing.To read more or comment...
Video: Dog plays dead to avoid bath time
This dog goes to great lengths to avoid getting a bath.
To read more or comment...
Rescuers try to help pets that need each other
LOS ANGELES: Ivan, Domino and Joshua arrived together at the animal shelter when their ailing owner could no longer care for them. To get adopted, they will need to go as one.
The shepherd-husky mix, Dalmatian mix and Benji-lookalike will stay at the New York shelter until someone will take all three because the owner took legal steps to keep his dogs together and well cared for before he entered a Texas rest home.To read more or comment...
Obamas adopt 2nd White House dog, name her Sunny (with video)
WASHINGTON: Watch out, Bo — there's a new dog in town.To read more or comment...
Video: Cat plays with dolphins
If this isn't the cutest thing you see today, your life may be overflowing with cuteness. Here is a cat nuzzling some dolphins.
To read more or comment...
Vets name 12 most talkative dog breeds
Vetstreet.com polled more than 200 veteranarians to determine what dog breed is the most talkative. Not necessarily which has the largest bark, just those that bark the most frequently. The results may surprise you. Here they are:
1. Beagle
2. Miniature Pinscher
3. Pomeranian
4. Chihuahua
5. Alaskan Malamute
6. Siberian Husky
7. American English Coonhound
8. Miniature Schnauzer
9. Basset Hound
10. German Shepherd
11. Yorkshire Terrier
12. Bloodhound
Upcoming area pet events
Low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic — Summit County Public Health in cooperation with Pet Guards Inc. is offering rabies vaccinations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Richfield Village Police Department garage, 4450 W. Streetsboro Road. Vaccinations are $8 per animal. Other services are also offered for a fee. The clinic is limited to cats and dogs. All animals must be caged or leashed. Payment is by cash or check only. For more information, call 330-926-5600.
Purina Weight Circles Needed — Heaven's Homeless Angels, a rescue haven providing hospice care for unadoptable animals is collecting weight circles from Purina dry pet food products. The animal-based nonprofit hospice specializes in caring for animals that are aging, ill, homeless and/or unadoptable pets. Please send donations to P.O. Box 654, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Weight circles are redeemable for rebates that may be used for food purchases and in large enough quantities used for veterinary rebates.To read more or comment...
Video: Beware shark cat
It's Shark Week on Discovery Channel, but nothing the network airs will compare to this cat.To read more or comment...
Interior designer Nate Berkus joins team for fantasy dog parks
LOS ANGELES: Interior designer Nate Berkus has been adding fantasy to homes for 16 years, inspiring people with just the right creative touch. But he's been a dog-lover even longer, and he's turning his design expertise to a half-million-dollar fantasy dog park.
Berkus, 41, has joined the creative team for the 2014 Beneful Dream Dog Park Contest. Contestants have to answer one question: "If you had $500,000 to create a Dream Dog Park where you and your best buddy can play together, what would you do?"To read more or comment...
Video: Check out this pig with a Mickey Mouse marking
This pig with a Mickey Mouse marking is so much better than a Cheeto shaped like the Virgin Mary. This little piggy was born on July 30 at Natures Nook Family Farms in Middlefield, Ohio.
To read more or comment...
Upcoming area pet events
Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic — Summit County Public Health in cooperation with Pet Guards Inc. is offering rabies vaccinations from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 12 at Summit Lake Community Center, 380 W. Crosier St., Akron. Vaccinations are $8 per animal. Information at www.scphoh.org/ENVIRONMENTAL/ENV-VectorControl.html#rabies .
Kitten Krazy's Quick Fix Spay and Neuter Clinic — Congratulations to the clinic at 930 Lafayette Road in Medina on performing its 10,000th alteration on dogs and cats. The Medina County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the winner as the clinic, which opened July 1, 2011, hit the milestone. The SPCA received a free spay/neuter and a gift basket valued at $150. The clinic performs cat neuters for $35 and spays for $50. Dogs are fixed depending on weight starting at $75 for neuters and $85 for spays. Call 330-558-7540 for more information.To read more or comment...
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- 2011 (380)
- 2010 (415)
- 2009 (776)
- 2008 (2)


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Toby Keith Oklahoma benefit concert raises $2 million for tornado relief
Listen to Toby Keith on iHeartRadio
Toby Keith is providing $2 million worth of help to the residents of his home state.
A post on the country star's website says that's how much money he raised this summer with his "Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert," and adds that donations are "still being tallied."
Keith hosted the all-star marathon concert back in July, which drew a record crowd of more than 60-thousand to the University of Oklahoma's Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. Garth Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, and Trisha Yearwood are some of the stars who took part in the event.
The money is going to local recovery efforts across Central Oklahoma through The United Way Of Central Oklahoma May Tornado Relief Fund.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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Report: Metallica to play concert in Antarctica
Listen to Metallica on iHeartRadio
Metallica may need plenty of fuel and fire just to keep warm at their next rumored gig.
According to Cocal-Cola Zero's Colombian website, the metal vets are reportedly scheduled to put on a special concert in Antarctica sometime in December. The beverage company is supposedly sponsoring a contest in the South American country, and the grand prize is a trip for two to see Metallica take the stage on the world's southernmost continent.
But even though the event will likely interest most of Metallica's global audience, the contest is reportedly only open to Colombian residents.
"Blabbermouth" notes that Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich may have hinted at the Antarctic gig early this year during an interview with a San Francisco radio station. He said "another frontier" would be heading the band's way in December, but he said he wasn't allowed to share any more details about what he called a "very interesting thing."
He also said the band would be making an announcement earlier this month, but the big news never came.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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Alcoholics Paid in Beer to Clean City Streets
(NEWSER) – An unconventional method for cleaning up the streets of Amsterdam has some scratching their heads. A local foundation is paying citizens to clean up the streets—paying them in beer and sometimes cigarettes, that is. Apparently, the alcoholics in a local park were causing disturbances by fighting, being loud, and yelling at women, so the group behind the offbeat program, the Rainbow Foundation, decided to put them to work. The group of addicts starts work at 9am with two beers; they get a lunch break that comes with a hot meal and two more beers, and then work until the day ends at 3:30 with one last beer and 10 euros (about $13.50). The beers and money are courtesy of government funding. The Foundation contends that this program is great for the city and the alcoholics, saying it gives structure to their lives and keeps them busy—which in turn means they drink less. Newsy reports:


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Nikki Haley's Big Guns
Flanked by a pair of 2016 presidential contenders, Nikki Haley tried her darnedest to smother the notion that she's going to nationalize her reelection campaign for governor in South Carolina.
"It's funny. You guys asked that in 2010. It's like every couple years y'all think this means something national. It doesn't," she flatly told reporters on Monday, minutes before kicking off her 2014 bid with a rally featuring Govs. Rick Perry, Bobby Jindal, and Scott Walker.
And then Perry interjected.
"It is about a national effort," the Texas governor confirmed, swiftly contradicting Haley's answer while seated just a few feet from her. "It's about blue states versus red states. It is a national conversation I hope Americans are engaging with over the course of the next few years. Look at which one of these states' policies actually work, and my instincts are that most of the time it's going to be a red state."
If there was any doubt about the strategic path Haley will take to hold on to her governorship in the face of middling poll ratings in a ruby red Southern state, Monday's events laid them to rest.
Three big-name governors with designs on the White House hopped on a stage before a sparsely populated crowd in Greenville to laud Haley's tenure and repeatedly tether her opponent, Vincent Sheheen, to President Obama and the national Democratic agenda.
"There's a simple question: do you want to stand with the president and his allies like the one they've got running against Nikki who believe that you measure success in government by how many people are dependent on the government?" Walker asked.
Minutes prior, Jindal drew cheers from the audience when he praised Haley for fighting the GOP's cause du jour. "She stood up against Obamacare and said no for the United States and for South Carolina," he said.
The first female and minority governor in Palmetto State history finds herself in a unique position. Haley's political capital nationally is demonstrably stronger than it is locally. As a result, her biggest strength, even some Republicans here concede, is her ability to nationalize the contest at every turn.
"There's national Nikki Haley and there's local Nikki Haley, and she's perceived differently through those different lenses," said an elected Republican official who requested anonymity in exchange for candor. "But the upper hand she has is that South Carolina will grow redder over the next year."
The local Haley registers an approval rating in the low 40s and must defend an unemployment rate that hovers above the national average. She also has been pelted with competency questions following a seismic security breach that compromised millions of her residents' personal data and a slow response to a tuberculosis outbreak in a rural elementary school.
"If I was a governor with a 43 percent approval rating, I'd try to get more than three governors, I'd try to get 10 more governors to come prop me up," slugged South Carolina Democratic Party chairman Jaime Harrison. "She is a broken governor overseeing a broken government."
Read The Full Article On The Daily Beast
More articles from The Daily Beast:
- The Pros of Putting Special Forces On the Ground in Syria
- Is America Out of Ideas?
- The March on Washington: 50 Years Later
© 2013 Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC


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Docs Stumped By Guy Who Cries Blood
(NEWSER) – The first time Michael Spann cried blood, it "felt like I got hit in the head with a sledgehammer." It wouldn't be the last time. Blood began pouring out of Spann's eyes, nose, and mouth on a daily basis when he was 22, he tells the Tennessean. And though now, seven years later, it's slowed to a few times a week, the condition remains painful and debilitating. "Any job I get I lose because my eyes start bleeding," Spann says. Worst of all, it's totally unexplained.


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New storm hits Northeast, zaps power, flights
(NEWSER) – Little relief for the Northeast after a snowstorm Monday: Today, it's facing another winter storm, one that's already canceled some 2,400 flights, Fox Newsreports. Snowfall will range between a few inches in some areas, including New York City and Pittsburgh, to more than a foot in the Catskills and parts of New England. The "norm," per CNN, will be eight to 12 inches, with snowfall slowing in the afternoon. Ice is also expected in many areas, with New York City facing half an inch. In the Philadelphia area, more than 500,000 are without power,Philly.com reports. Areas across New England are closing schools.
Read the full story on Newser.com


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A tickling bandit is on the loose at Boston College
Several students who live near Boston College have reported that some guy has walked into their homes and either tickled their feet or watched them sleep, but didn't steal anything.
At least 10 people have gone to the police to report their experiences with the mystery man dubbed by locals as "the Tickler," reports Boston.com.
Many people in Boston's Brighton neighborhood, where the Tickler has struck, long believed the creeper to be a local urban legend.
"This is no myth," Boston police sergeant Michael O'Hara told Boston.com. "It's happening."
The Tickler's targets have described him as a 5'8″ black man who wears dark clothes including a hoodie. One guy said he saw the man sporting a ski mask.


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UFO's - The Real Deal - Un-Debunkable!
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[quote:smashurhead:MV8yMjAzODk1XzM3MzE1MjMxXzJCNzA2MkU1] Is it possible that these orb of lights are interdimensional advanced beings, they disappear and appear in a second, they can speed rapidly and so on? [/quote]
Original Message
The exact same type of UFO's - Light Phenomenon is showing up worldwide right now!
All of these sightings are from the last 5 years!
Why are orbs of light in triangle formation repeatedly appearing over cities the world over? What is the purpose?
For these are not chance "sightings", they are intentional appearances. They want us to see them.
Why not just come down and talk to us directly?
First contact is a very shocking thing. Perhaps they know it isn't best to force it upon us all at once. How would we react to ships unexpectedly descending upon the planet?
How would the media react? How would the military react?
Pretty orbs of light in the sky are non-threatening. And it is not immediately obvious what they are. Yet they give us all the information we need to conclude that they are in fact extra-terrestrial in origin. But it is up to us to figure it out for ourselves.
And in the process of figuring it out, we have time to absorb the reality of it, to get over the shock and disbelief. Time to realize that these beings are nothing to fear.
Perhaps when enough of us come to realize this, and we welcome them in peace, then they will formally introduce themselves.
These visitors, our galactic neighbors, understand human psychology very well. They know what they are doing. We are not the first planet they have visited.
This is real. This is not a joke. Research the history of UFO sightings for yourselves. You will see that these orbs have been appearing for a long time. But never like this, with such frequency, clarity, and purpose. Something amazing is happening. We are being prepared for first contact.
Don't freak out. These are wise, benevolent beings. And it probably isn't just one race from one planet. It is most likely an alliance of civilizations cooperating to help our planet progress.
Meeting our galactic neighbors will be extremely good for us. It will expand our minds greatly and do so much to help us progress into a peaceful, environmentally sustainable society.
Let us welcome them with love and gratitude!
There is GOOD out there!
To start with, wouldn't it be nice to know how much the government know about these UFOs that they often are so quick at explaining away as military experiments, Chinese Lanterns, Flares, Planes, illusions etc?
In fact, we do know a few things about how much the government knows! First of all, we know that they are aware of that the Lake Erie UFO orb phenomenon is not local for the Great Lake, and secondly, we know that they have been hiding their knowledge about these kinds of UFOs from the public for quite a long time.
How do we know that? We know, because in 2006, the British 'Ministry of Defence' (MOD) released some classified UFO files to the public, which can be viewed here: [
link to webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk
When we open up the link, the best thing we are perhaps expecting to find is some general UFO document that doesn't say much, just like it usually is when the government releases information of this nature. However, when opening up the first pdf file, the image hits us right in the face; it's the exact same orbs that have been sighted, photographed and filmed worldwide! So the phenomenon is not isolated only to the Great Lakes! And moreover, we can see that there has been a big cover-up in the United States regarding the orbs over Lake Erie, where so-called 'experts' have expressed their 'informed' opinions about that this can be, when in fact, their knowledge on the subject was there all the time. Instead, they try to make reliable witnesses look like fools.
In the MOD report it says, amongst a lot of other things that are indeed noteworthy:
"That Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP or UFO) Exist is indisputable. Credited with the ability to hover, land, take off, accelerate to astonishing velocities and vanish. They can reportedly alter their direction of flight suddenly and clearly can exhibit aerodynamics characteristics well beyond those of any known aircraft or missile - either manned or unmanned.
The Conditions for the initial formation and sustaining of what are apparently buoyant charged masses (of Plasma), which can form, separate, merge, hover, climb, dive, and accelerate are not completely understood.
Dependent on a color's temperature and aerosol density, it may be seen visually, either by it self generated plasma color, by reflected light, or silhouette by light blockage and background contrast.
Occasionally and perhaps exceptionally, it seems a field with, undetermined characteristics can exist between certain charged buoyant objects in loose formation, the intervening space between them forms an area, viewed as a shape, often Triangular, from which the reflection of light does not occur.
This is a key finding in the attribution of what have frequently been called black "Craft", often triangular and up to hundreds of feet in length
. - The UK Ministry of Defence"
This report is interesting in many ways. Although these lights show up clearly in many videos now posted on YouTube, I wanted to ask Michael Lee Hill how he would describe them. He told me:
"They are beautiful! Imagine a house sized ball of Light/plasma that is pulsating with what seems like the brightest most intense multidimensional colors I have ever seen. They usually appear as a single Orb. Then sometimes that Orb will "divide", or another 2nd Orb will appear next to the first. Sometimes a third Orb will appear and then all three Orbs will join into a huge triangle formation and create what seems to be one solid Triangular craft.
So now we know that the exact same kind of UFOs have been seen by reliable witnesses (even the Coast Guard) over Lake Erie, Suffolk, Virginia (see 'The Terrell Copeland Case'[1]), and the Great Britain, recorded by the Ministry of Defense. Now, are there even more places in the world where these specific types of UFOs have been sighted? Yes, there is!
2. The Portal -- The Hessdalen Lights Phenomenon
Hessdalen is a central Norwegian small village located in a 9.3 miles (15km) long valley. We find it approximately 75 miles south of a larger Norweigian city, Trondheim. Normally, it would have been quite an insignificant little village, with only 120 people living there, and few people in the world would have known it even existed. However, Hessdalen has been quite well known internationally for occasional occurrences of a "sometimes ominous luminous phenomena called the 'Hessdalen Lights'. The phenomena is monitored by the 'Hessdalen AMS [Automatic Measurement Station, editor's note]'"[2].
These unusual lights have been reported in Hessdalen since at least back in the 1940s. However, there was a great increase in these sightings over the period of December 1981 until the summer of 1984, when people could apparently see the lights as often as 15-20 times a week. Then the amount of sightings decreased again to a relatively steady amount of 10-20 sightings a year, in average.
The light people see is often bright white or yellow (compare the Eastlake UFOs) and of unknown origin to the villagers and scientists. These lights are "standing or floating above the ground level."[3] And these are not just flashing lights; they can be seen, sometimes for hours at the time!
Due to the increased sightings in the early 1980s, a research team nick-named 'Project Hessdalen'[5] was initiated by Dr. Erling Strand in 1983. In 1988, the 'Hessdalen AMS', which basically is a research station, was built in the valley. It registers and records the appearance of these lights. Later, the EMBLA program was initiated. It brings together established scientists and students into researching these lights. Leading research institutions are Østfold University College (Norway) and the Italian National Research Council.[4] So it's obvious that these lights can't be easily explained. In fact, these research institutions, after almost 30 years of steady research, have no clear idea of what these lights are. In Wikipedia, it gives us a number of bullet points, showing us what some scientists are guessing that it is. However, none of these explanations includes that the lights has some kind of higher consciousness, which is quite apparent to anyone who has ever seen them. Nothing artificial can make loops and patterns like that. There are those who would object and say that nothing we know of could make patterns like that, but the thing is that anyone who is objective to start with will see that these lights are moving around by consciousness. I haven't watches them on site, but it's enough to watch them on videos to be able to tell.
But to make sure, let's see what local eye witnesses think about the lights in Hessdalen:
Multimedia A-3.
One of the remarks a professor does is
"where is the power cord; where is the fuel?"
And he is nailing it down right to the point; these lights are not moving around with assistance from any known energy source, at least not to mainstream science.
The video presentation, 'The Portal' (Multimedia A-3 above) is a 47 minutes long video, filled with very reliable eye witnesses that have all seen similar things. The light phenomena are changing speed, indicating no mass by physical means, and "seems to be able to take on pieces of plasma or energy from the ground while passing by".[6] The same thing has been reported regarding the Eastlake UFOs. 'The Portal' continues the presentation by saying, "The phenomenon seems to radiate energy, due to the light and frequent change of color".[7] But also, some eye witnesses have, in connection with the sightings, felt the foul smell of sulphur. Apparently, in 2004 the scientists detected the light phenomenon several times, directly above a specific sulphur mine outside the village. "So this mine must be very special", says one of the interviewed locals of Hessdalen.[8] Although these lights have been seen hovering above the sulphur mine, it's just another theory, they add. The lights do not follow any fixed pattern, and certainly don't always hover over sulphur mines.
A spectral study has been done as well of the phenomenon, and it's been shown to contain oxygen, nitrogen, and silica, which in reality means air and dust. But there were also traces of the rare element of scandium, which can only be found in Scandinavia! Scandium is an extremely hard substance which can be found in the production of Soviet hydroplanes. This material is strong enough to cut through ice caps![9] The same material was used in Soviet fighters (and perhaps still is?) The Soviets had developed high-strength weldable aluminum alloys using Scandium. Now, that is interesting, because it's exactly what has been reported in the Eastlake UFO sightings! Eye witnesses have sometimes heard, sometimes seen (or both), how the UFOs have cut through the ice cap, making a massive sound. The Norwegian research team has now, as mentioned above, expanded their staff to include college students and others, because they need much more manpower to go to the bottom with this interesting phenomenon. It should be mentioned for research purposes that this phenomenon has also been observed in combination with the aurora borealis, starting out around 9:30 in the evening (fig. A-11).[10]
Figure A-11. The Light Phenomenon over Hessdalen in 2007, around the time of the aurora borealis (snapshot from 'The Portal'). The exposure time in this photo was 30 sec, and according to the Hessdalen researchers, the best photo ever taken of this phenomenon.
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TLC talk their collab with Lady Gaga
Listen to TLC on iHeartRadio | Listen to Lady Gaga on iHeartRadio
TLC is revealing more about their collaboration with Lady Gaga.
In an interview with "MTV News," the surviving members of the R&B group said a new song called "Posh Life" may appear on their new album.
They say Gaga had originally written "Posh Life" for herself, but decided not to release it as she felt it was too similar to the sound TLC is known for. T-Boz says when they got wind of the track, she and Chilli approached her about singing it together.
She describes "Posh Life" as "hilarious" and said it was "so funny" to hear the Mother Monster "[sing] like us."
Apparently both TLC and Gaga are pleased with how the song came out and are "excited" for fans to hear it. But it has yet to be added to the new album's official track list. T-Boz says that now it's up to "them record company people" to decide whether to include it.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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Mariah Carey teases single 'Beautiful' with Miguel
Listen to Mariah Carey on iHeartRadio | Listen to Miguel on iHeartRadio
Mariah Carey has confirmed that her new single will be called "Beautiful," and it will, as rumored, feature Miguel. Just before assuming her "American Idol" duties Thursday night, the star tweeted a video teaser breaking the news.
The video doesn't reveal much, apart from a simple guitar lick and the sounds of Mariah giggling to herself as she sits on motorcycle in a pair of red heels. At the end, it declares that "The New Era Begins" on May 6th, which is likely the date "Beautiful" will drop in full.
The single will be the first music from Mariah since she recorded "Almost Home" for the movie "Oz: The Great and Powerful" earlier this year.
THE NEW ERA BEGINS HERE: mariah.is/beautifulteaser @miguelunlimited— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) April 25, 2013


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PHOTO: Kim Kardashian gives another look at baby North!
Not too long ago, Kanye West made the big reveal on Kriss Jenner's daytime talk show 'Kris,' giving the world a first look at his and Kim Kardashian's newborn baby girl, North.
Kim has now shared another photo on Instagram! Now that we've all seen a little bit of North's wardrobe, we can finally get to see more of who gets to wear them all those tiny designer outfits.
Baby North is shown swaddled in a white blanket, laying down on what looks like a furry white blanket or throw.
The caption reads "I missed waking up with my little" with an angel emoji at the end. In other words, he missed her little angel while she was in Paris with Kanye.
Take a look! SO adorable!


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Pumpkin Cranberry Apple Baby Food Puree
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Organic Apple, Organic Pumpkin Puree, Water, Organic Cranberries, Citric Acid, Vitamin A Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Zinc Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid.
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'Furious' Israel yanks peace talks
(NEWSER) – The Israeli government says it has decided to halt peace talks with the Palestinians in response to yesterday's unity agreement between rival Palestinian factions, abruptly ending the nine-month peace initiative brokered by Secretary of State John Kerry. The negotiating period had been set to end next Tuesday, though both sides had been trying to agree to an extension.
Read the full story on Newser.com


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MSNBC Anchor Emotional On-Air After Zimmerman Verdict
MSNBC anchor Melissa Harris-Perry nearly broke down in tears in the wee hours of Sunday morning while describing her reaction — and the reaction of her 11-year-old daughter — to the not guilty verdict of George Zimmerman.
After a fellow anchor referenced Harris-Perry's initial comments that black parents will need to hold their children a little closer following the jury's decision, she became emotional.
"I think part of the reason I was having that reaction was because my 11-year-old is apparently — she's home with her father — and she was watching, and texted me that she felt like there was no justice in America. And my big sister told me that her 12-year-old son had gotten in bed with them tonight," she said, her voice cracking and appearing to fight back tears.


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LISTEN: Lana Del Rey releases new single 'West Coast'
Listen to Lana Del Rey on iHeartRadio
Lana Del Rey is following up her Coachella appearance Sunday with a recording of her new song, "West Coast." The singer released the track Monday, via Twitter, along with a video.
"West Coast" arrives after weeks of hints on social media, giving fans a first look at Lana's upcoming sophomore album Ultraviolence, which still has no release date. In the meantime, she's moving along with her U.S. tour, with stops in Phoenix and San Francisco this week.
Lana's also kicking off a promotional campaign for her new single with billboards popping up in cities like New York and Los Angeles, reading "Down on the West Coast, they got a sayin'" -- the first lines of her new single.
April 11, 2014
Check out "West Coast" below!


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Duke's Jabari Parker draws crowd of NBA stars
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Jabari Parker did his best to play it cool, but every once in a while he peeked over at LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade sitting courtside.
Yes, three of the NBA's biggest stars had come to the BankUnited Center on Wednesday night to watch Parker play.
Duke's freshman forward didn't disappoint, totaling 17 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks as the Blue Devils routed Miami 67-46. Miami Heat owner Micky Arison, several NBA scouts and others members of the Heat and Los Angeles Lakers also were part of the sellout crowd.
"It was blessing to see that they look out for the little guys in this basketball fraternity," Parker said of James, Bryant and Wade. "To tell you the truth, I'm focused on our guys. But you're a kid and you're going to look up at them every once in a while."
Parker is expected to be among the short list of candidates considered for the top pick in June's NBA draft. DraftExpress.com has him ranked as the third-best prospect. Parker is averaging 18.9 points and 7.6 rebounds this season. He also was the first freshman since Texas' Kevin Durant (2006-07 season) to score at least 20 points in his first seven games.
One NBA scout in attendance, however, expressed concerns about Parker's ability to run the floor and questioned how much more his game could grow. Kansas freshman center Joel Embiid and Oklahoma State sophomore guard Marcus Smart drew more praise from this scout.


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Return to Yosemite
So I was lucky enough to undergo many of my formative climbing experiences in the Valley in the 1970s, during the Golden Age of Yosemite free climbing. Life in the
Valley was good: hanging out in Camp 4 and climbing everyday on soaring sundrenched cracks and immaculate slabs. Swimming in the Merced River and sunbathing in the meadows. Lounging in the shade at the deli drinking beers in the afternoon. Smoking spliffs and drinking wine around a campfire at night, sleeping under the stars.
In those days the counterculture was still strong, and the California Stone Masters were at the forefront of technical prowess. Dropouts, druggies and longhairs living in the dirt outside of society's grasp − hardened devotees of freedom. Climbing was still esoteric then, a path apart. It was a rebel sport and hadn't yet sold its soul to gear manufacturers and the mass media.
When I first stayed there, Camp 4 cost just 25 cents a night and there was no time limit - you could remain as long as you wanted. The legendary Jim Bridwell was a fixture at the Camp 4 rescue site, and younger emerging rockstars like John Long, John Bachar and the teenaged Ron Kauk were always on the scene. Behind the rescue site there was an elaborate outdoor gym set up in the trees − the Yosemite climbers' version of an Olympic training camp, replete with the original Bachar ladder, pull-up bars, fingertip pull-up boards, parallel bars, iron cross rings, a fat knotted rope for thumbs-up jamming power, as well as a slack chain set up between two trees for honing your balance while resting between upper body sets.
The Valley was a mandatory pilgrimage site for dedicated climbers from around the world, including people like Pete Livesey, Ron Fawcett, Reinhardt Karl, Bill Denz, Wolfgang Gullich, Kurt Albert. There was avery special vibe to Yosemite in the 70s. At that particular moment in time it was at the cutting edge of the possible − the place where the future was already happening.
The last time I'd been to the Valley was in the autumn of 1987. The world climbing scene had by then undergone turbulent and dramatic changes and seemed to be in a downward spiral. The bolt-chopping wars were still raging in California, while sport climbing was in the ascendancy everywhere else, tacky lycra was in vogue, and most of the new generation climbers slagged off the Valley as a clueless and backward-looking obstacle to climbing's future − the place where it definitely wasn't happening.
I'd done a lot of climbing with Randy Leavitt in thepast couple of years, including a number of trad/sport- crossover bolted first ascents in Joshua Tree, and I knew that for better or worse, climbing was moving inexorably in an altered direction. But I still felt allegiance to the purity and integrity of the traditional ethos, as well as to the unsurpassed natural power and beauty of Yosemite itself. Like most years during that stage of my life, I'd spent an idyllic summer living out of my old VW van and climbing in the high country paradise of Tuolumne Meadows. Then in mid September, when the Meadows started getting cold, I'd drive down the winding mountain road into the Valley and climb there for a couple of golden autumnal weeks, before finally heading back to Southern California and starting the academic year as a graduate student at the University of California, Irvine.
But for the next few years after that my climbing got sidetracked by the fact that I had to concentrate on finishing my PhD and finding a job. Quite unforeseeably I was offered a Lectureship at the University of Edinburgh in 1989. So I followed my academic career path, moved to Scotland, and was abruptly wrenched away from the land of sunshine and perfect granite. Yosemite gradually faded into a fond and distant memory.
Fast-forward to the spring of 2012. From out of the blue I received an email from the American Alpine Club, inviting me to participate in their International Climbers Meet (ICM), to be held in Yosemite Valley during the second week of the coming October.
There was no way I could resist. I'd been a local host at three of the Scottish International Winter Meets, and had always found them to be highly enjoyable occasions. Like the Scottish Meets, the purpose of the ICM wasn't competition, but rather to foster goodwill and camaraderie among the members of the hosting club and climbers from all over the world. So the event would offer me a unique opportunity to represent Scotland and the MCofS as a climbing ambassador rather than host at an international gathering. Plus it would give me a totally unexpected excuse to return to the long-lost world of Yosemite.
I flew to Fresno, California a couple of days before the meet began, and took a YARTS bus from Merced to Yosemite. Entering the Valley once again after so many years was a heady 70s deja vu. The pines were still towering and the endless expanse of El Capitan still seemed too big to be real.
I got off the bus in Curry Village on Saturday afternoon and met Carol Kotchek, the ICM's organizer, and a few of the local hosts and participants who were already there, including Andrey from Brazil, and Ulrika and Susanne from Sweden. I spent a pleasant first evening sitting around the camp picnic table, drinking wine and chatting with new acquaintances.
Then on Sunday, before the meet began, I went cragging with Ulrika and Susanne − they'd been out climbing the day before and thankfully had a rental car.
After consulting the guidebook we decided on a 3 pitch 5.9 route called Commitment at the Five Open Books area near Lower Yosemite Falls. It seemed like an excellent warm-up plan − I wanted to ease my way back into things and try to remember how to climb smooth and slippery granite cracks. Plus I'd spent the summer on six and seven thousand metre icy peaks in Tajikistan, and then early autumn on indoor plastic at Ratho − hadn't touched real stone or placed any rock gear in ages.
An uphill trudge through the forest led to the base of the crag, but it wasn't clear where the route began. I went searching off to the right to no avail, and when I returned Ulrika and Susanne had disappeared. What the hell?
After some calling back and forth and general confusion, I eventually scrambled several hundred feet up and around the corner to re-join Team-Sweden at the rather unobvious base of the route. Unfortunately another party had just started − one guy was on the ground belaying and the other one was about 35 feet up on the lead.
"Hi Paul", the lead climber called down in a familiar manner. What? − he seemed to know me. He looked maybe in his mid 40s, so it was possible I'd met him before, when I lived in California. I trawled my fading memory banks but couldn't make a connection. "Looks like you picked up a couple of Eurobabes − nice one!" he continued.
"Huh?" Now I was genuinely bewildered. "Do I know you from some past life?" I inquired. "Nah, just jokin', man. We met Susanne and Ulrika yesterday on Nutcracker." "Ah, right." Well, at least they wouldn't be solemn and po-faced companions on the route. After waiting for the second guy to start climbing and clean some of their gear, the blonde and suntanned Ulrika led the first pitch − an elegant 5.8 splitter crack.
By then it was sunny and hot and the rock was slick. Susanne ventured forth on pitch two, and accidentally opted to do a harder and run-out face variation instead of the normal route. She chattered away nervously the entire rope length, but Ulrika assured me this was a good sign − you only had to worry about her when she was quiet. According to the guidebook, my pitch three was 'the clear crux of the route' and the reason for the name. The clear crux was an awkward undercling to a blind lieback move around a corner. But the gear was bomber and after an insecure step-around the lieback edge turned positive. The rest of the pitch to the top was pure fun and I began to feel like a real trad climber again.
On Monday morning October 8th the meet officially began. It got off to an auspicious start when the Nepali team performed a blessing ceremony and bestowed a white prayer scarf and a 'namaste' upon each participant. The strategy for the first couple of days was to divide people into groups of 6 or 7 with a local host, so the participants could mix and mingle and meet each other.
After a leisurely breakfast my group, along with three others, headed off to the Pat and Jack Pinnacle area for a pleasant and sociable day on the rocks. Initial re-acquaintance with Yosemite 5.10's didn't seem too bad, with Knob Job and Knuckleheads. But then I soon rediscovered the fact that Yosemite 5.11 flaring groove cracks can be damned hard, when I seconded Ted from Montana on The Tube, an old Bridwell testpiece from 1974. Just like Ted, I fell off and had to rest on the rope before managing to crank through the technical and vicious crux section.
Through the good graces of the National Park Service, the AAC had scored an excellent group camping site, located deep in the tranquil and secluded forest of Yellow Pines Campground. And they'd also hired a top-notch catering outfit. When we returned to camp in the evening, a self-service feast was laid out on a row of tables under the trees.
Overall there were 20 International visitors from 11 different countries, 23 US participants from the AAC, 10 American host climbers, and a photographer. Mealtimes were very affable affairs, eating on outdoor tables and talking with assorted people from around the world, the majority of whom had never been to Yosemite before. After dinner folk gradually migrated to the campfire, where conversations and libations continued into the night.
As a climbing bum in the 70s and 80s I'd developed an ingrained distrust of the National Park Service (NPS), having been harassed by Park Rangers on endless occasions. In those days climbers often bivvied in their vans and trucks in the Yosemite Lodge parking lot across the street from Camp 4, in order to avoid the highly restrictive time limits imposed by the NPS. But it was hard to get a restful sleep there, because the rangers would patrol the parking lot twice a night, once at midnight and then again about 3am. They'd cruise slowly through the lot and beam their powerful car-mounted spotlight onto every vehicle, and at any suspect rig that had the windows curtained-off they'd stop with searchlight fixed on their target.
Then with the guttural V-8 engine still running and police radio squawking away in the background, two handcuff-carrying and sidearm-toting Rangers would emerge from their patrol car with bludgeon-like flashlights in hand, and proceed to pound on the doors and windows, shouting, 'open up! − we know you're in there!' Shining their flashlights through every tiny gap in the curtains, trying to get a definite sighting of an illicit camper within. If that didn't work, they'd start rocking the car violently back and forth in an effort to freak out any hapless climber inside. It was a game of cat and mouse, and if you didn't lose your cool and they didn't actually see someone inside to justify escalating their tactics, they'd eventually give up and go on to the next suspect vehicle.
In those days I often had to live like a fugitive from justice. And what was my crime? Loving the Valley and wanting to climb there as much as I could. So it was now a gratifying but also somewhat disconcerting experience, sleeping peacefully in a deep and tranquil forest with the apparent blessing of the National Park Service. Times change.
On day two I was paired up with John Bragg, a renowned American climber from the old days. Amongst a numerous other things, in 1973 he'd done the first free ascent of Kansas City, one of the earliest 5.12s in the Shawangunks, and in 1976 he'd done the first ascent of Torre Egger in Patagonia with Jim Donini and Jay Wilson. Now he was one of the head honchos in the AAC and the easy-going overseer of the Meet.
Our original plan was to do the Central Pillar of Frenzy, a mega classic 6 pitch 5.9 route on Middle Cathedral Rock. I'd done it before, long ago, but certainly didn't mind doing it again. But when we emerged from the forest at the base of the route our lingering suspicions were confirmed: one of the prices these days for being a mega classic is being mega crowded.
"That party of three on the second pitch will take forever" John observed critically. And there was another party just starting the first pitch. So he sagely suggested doing the Kor-Beck
Route instead. It was another 6 pitch 5.9, but the climbing was harder than the Central Pillar and had a different character; a more physical and awkward corner system with flaring cracks, liebacks and wild stemming moves on polished footholds − classic Yosemite – with the added attractions that no one else was up there and I'd never climbed the route before.
"Yeah, let's do it," I agreed. And it was great climbing once again with an old school American. Like me and virtually no one else at the Meet, John didn't wear a helmet. And he set up belays the same way I did − nothing was equalised, there was no clear directional, and not a cordelette or locking karabiner in sight. Sunshine rock climbing should be casual!
On Wednesday we had another day of sociable climbing on Manure Pile Buttress, near the base of El Capitan. I was settled into the rhythm of the ICM and really enjoying a good-spirited and well-organised event. Then on Thursday the unthinkable happened − it rained. So we spent the day puttering about on some short routes down the Valley and below the clouds at Reed's Pinnacle. As it ironically transpired, one of the other climbers on the Reed's Pinnacle excursion, Dan Moore, was also from Scotland. Turns out he'd been living in Edinburgh for the past six years and we'd never even stumbled into each other before – I had to fly halfway around the world and attend an international gathering to meet someone from my own city.
The forecast was fluctuating, and initially Friday was predicted to be clear. So on Thursday evening Dan and I prepared for the NE Buttress of Higher Cathedral Rock,
a long and committing 5-star route on one of the highest formations in the Valley. Higher Cathedral Rock is a steep and beautiful crag, and the NE Buttress takes a classic 11 pitch crack line straight to the summit. The route itself requires 7-9 hours, and with a steep one-hour approach and an hour and a half descent, it all adds up to a long and strenuous day − just what we wanted.
But rain began pattering on my tent wall as I drifted off to sleep that night. I got up in the 5am darkness to take a look, but the sky was filled with low clouds and the ground still quite damp from overnight rain. So Friday turned into another soggy and low-key day, spent on short, non- committing routes up on Camp 4 Wall. Things were now getting critical − tomorrow was the last day of the meet, and we were both flying back to Scotland. I desperately wanted to do at least one long, super-classic route before the precious week was over.
Then things started looking up on Friday evening. The latest forecast was announced at dinnertime and it was for clearing weather on Saturday. So after dinner Dan and I re-racked our gear for the NE Buttress.
That night one of the planned activities of the Meet was to attend a talk and slide show by 'Hollywood' Hans Florine on El Cap speed records. I didn't really care about El Cap speed records, but the whole phenomenon is a sign of how much things had changed since my last visit in '87. The tide had already started turning in the Valley with Todd Skinner and Paul Piana's first free ascent of the Salathé Wall in '89. Climbing Yosemite's fabled Big Walls as fast and free as possible was the visionary way forward, as pioneered by Long, Bridwell and Westbay's inspired and Hendrix-attired Nose-in-a-Day ascent of 1975. The vision was later carried forward with Lynn Hill's milestone first free ascent of the Nose, followed by her incredible free-in-a-day ascent and more recently the exploits of the Huber brothers, and Alex Honnold's mind-boggling achievements. Yosemite has now firmly regained its status as a happening and cutting edge destination on the world climbing circuit. And that's not even to mention slack-line mania.
A very professional and polite woman was standing at the table, and seemed encouraged by the fact that Dan and I had stopped and were pondering our options, rather than just mechanically proceeding to our scheduled destination. There was a somewhat scruffy looking bloke, heavy-set with long oily black hair, standing in the shadows about five feet away, calmly watching people and taking things in.
The woman went into a low pressure sales pitch, saying it was an award winning film about climbing as a way of life, called Return to Balance. And as an added bonus, the climber himself would introduce the film. I looked again at the guy in the shadows. I hadn't seen Kauk since the 1986 California Bouldering Championships at Mt Woodson. He'd aged a fair bit and put on some weight, but that had to be him. "Hi, you're Ron, aren't you?" "Hey Bro, how's it goin'," he replied as we shook hands. Ron's talk and the film in which he featured were not mainstream climbing fare. The cinematography was expert and the images superb, but the images weren't primarily about climbing. Instead, they centred on the magnificent and ever transforming wild beauty of Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows.
The soundtrack was supplied by the haunting Native American cedar wood flute of Jeff Ball and his ensemble, and the music and scenery were in perfect accord. Kauk had done the voiceover for the film. Instead of a self- centred retrospective on his many landmark climbing feats, he talked in a direct and unpretentious manner about basic truths that unfortunately are often dismissed as clichés: the beauty and wonder of nature, the interconnectedness of all things, respect and appreciation for the environment and one's fellow creatures, thankfulness for being able to live in a place as magical and inspiring as Yosemite. Sequences of Ron climbing in totally relaxed and masterful style were interspersed with footage of soaring birds, flowing steams, lush forests, rainbows, stormy cloudscapes, crashing waterfalls. Awesome climbing on glowing stone just blended in as an integral part of the big picture.
After the film I went up and bought a copy of Kauk's book, Spirit of the Rock − he was definitely tuned in to something real. When he was signing the book I asked if there was any truth to the fabled story about how Midnight Lightning got its name.
According to climbing folklore back in the day, Bridwell, Bachar, Kauk and some other Camp 4 locals were sitting beneath the overhanging Columbia boulder one stormy night, tripping on acid. A sudden bolt of lightning split the sky, illuminating the rock face, and in a flash of psychedelic inspiration the key sequence was revealed to Bridwell. The next day they worked on the problem, following Bridwell's prophetic vision, and Kauk was the only one who could pull off the moves.
Ron laughed in reply. "Nah man, Bridwell had nuthin' ta do with it. Yabo and Bachar were workin' on the problem so I started workin' on it too. I was the one who got it first." "So it's just named after the Hendrix track, like Astroman?" "Yeah, it's a great song."
On the summit we were rewarded with amazing views of the Valley, and especially El Cap − we were directly across from the Nose and at the same height as where it topped out. Then a bitter-sweet descent through an ancient and serene pine forest in the late afternoon. My lungs savoured once again that unique and evocative Valley fragrance of pine trees and bay leaves. It had been a great route and a perfect way to end the trip. But when would I return?