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Cashner impressive to win duel with Giants, Lincecum
Right-hander delivers six strong innings in second start of year
SAN DIEGO -- Catching Andrew Cashner, John Baker said on Friday, was sort like the blissful afterglow of Christmas morning.
"It's like a fun new toy to play with," Baker said.
Baker was referring to the type and quality of pitches that Cashner used to his advantage in the Padres' 2-1 victory over the Giants before a crowd of 34,929 at Petco Park.
Making his second start since moving into the rotation last week for the injured Tyson Ross, Cashner (1-1) allowed a run on five hits over six innings. He retired the last 12 batters he faced in a start that lasted 83 pitches, 52 of which went for strikes.
"He was great. Obviously we have to think that, because he shut us down. The guy has a great arm and he just shut us down. It's that simple," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy.
Using a mid- to high-90s fastball and changeup, Cashner tossed in a pitch he didn't get much mileage out of his last time out against the Giants (13-10) last Saturday -- the curveball. It was the three-pitch mix, something he didn't really need in long relief, which worked well for him.
"It's easier to use all your weapons when you start," said Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley. "It opens up more options and gives you good things to choose from. He's getting better and better."
That wasn't so much the case early, as Cashner allowed a run in the first inning, courtesy of a wild pitch, as leadoff hitter Angel Pagan, trotted home easily from third base for a 1-0 lead. But that was the extent of the Giants' offense.
In the third inning, Pagan singled and Marco Scutaro walked to start the inning. But Cashner came back to strike out Pablo Sandoval looking on a 98-mph heater before getting Buster Posey and Hunter Pence on consecutive ground balls to shortstop Everth Cabrera.
"I wasn't making pitches at the beginning of the game, but then I started to make better ones," Cashner said. "They're a really aggressive team so I was trying to make pitches in the zone. I wanted to cut down on my walks."
The walk to Scutaro was the only one Cashner issued. He cruised in the middle part of the game before relievers Joe Thatcher, Dale Thayer, Luke Gregerson and Huston Street combined to get the last nine outs.
Street allowed two hits in the ninth inning and the tying run was at third base in pinch-runner Joaquin Arias. But Street got ahead in the count of Brandon Crawford and eventually got him to ground out to collect his fourth save of the season.
The Padres (7-15) didn't have -- or need -- much in the way of offense against Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum (2-1), who tossed 6 2/3 shutout innings his last start against the Padres last Saturday. Lincecum allowed two runs on six hits with three walks and nine strikeouts in seven innings.
"I thought he was not too different from what we saw last weekend," said Padres manager Bud Black.
Cashner singled to start the third inning and eventually stole second base but then was held at third as Chase Headley singled to right field with two outs. Carlos Quentin then lined a single to center field to tie the game. Yonder Alonso followed with an RBI single that was good for a 2-1 advantage.
But the story of the game was Cashner, who opened the season as a long reliever. Black and the front office have maintained that they see Cashner as a starter and that he likely would have joined the rotation at some point. But last Saturday, he filled in for a sick Clayton Richard and remained in the rotation after Ross landed on the disabled list with a left shoulder impingement.
Cashner likely would have been in the rotation to start the season, but he had surgery in December to repair a lacerated tendon in his right thumb and came to camp in Arizona in February a little behind his teammates. But he made up ground fast to make the team.
"The ability to make pitches when you need to ... that was great to see," Black said. "Today was another steppingstone. Let's continue on that path with Cash."
In other words, Cashner won't be headed back to the bullpen anytime soon.
"He hasn't reached his ceiling," Balsley said. "When he starts rolling, the sky is the limit."
Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. Keep track of @FollowThePadres on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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RICHMOND — The West Contra Costa Unified School District may break its own state record if it is successful in seeking a state waiver to its bond debt limit for a fourth time.
The waiver is necessary because West Contra Costa schools have $797 million in bond debt outstanding, leaving no more bonding capacity for the $360 million in debt authorized by Measure E, passed by district voters Nov. 6. Measure E was the district's fifth successful bond measure for school construction since 2000.
The district's total bond debt could rise to more than $1 billion when the 25- to 30-year bonds authorized under Measure E are sold.
The state limits a unified school district's bond debt to 2.5 percent of the total assessed valuation of property within its boundaries, while elementary and high school districts are allowed 1.5 percent. West Contra Costa, a unified district, is proposing to lift its limit to 5 percent for 12 years for Measure E bonds.
District trustees plan to take up the matter at their Jan. 9 meeting.
The State Board of Education has allowed 37 debt limit waivers to 30 districts since 2000, said Peter Foggiato, a school finance administrator with the California Department of Education.
West Contra Costa has had three waivers over the past 12 years, the most in the state. One of the waivers, granted in 2002, was never used, said Martin Coyne, a district executive director of bond finance.
The district has the third-largest bond program in California, behind the larger Los Angeles and San Diego districts, according to district trustee Charles Ramsey, a 20-year school board veteran.
In the Bay Area, Pittsburg Unified has received two waivers, and a couple of wealthier districts, Piedmont Unified in Alameda County and Ross Elementary in Marin County, have had one each.
The waivers are only allowed after the bonds have been approved by voters, assuring that taxpayers are responsible for the principal and interest costs.
"Voter-approved bonds are paid for by the voters," Foggiato said.
Ramsey called the 2.5 percent debt limit "arbitrary." He said the West Contra Costa district was a victim of a 20 percent decline in assessed valuation between 2009 and 2011 and needs to be creative to provide students with facilities comparable with those in other districts.
"(Other districts have) 10 times as much money, how is that fair?" he said. "We have to try other options to level the playing field."
But Alicia Minyen, a member of the California League of Bond Oversight Committees, opposes the waiver because it would force district residents to pay more than is normally allowed by law.
She pointed out that the Measure E ballot language stated that the district "may" seek a waiver. But she said the district knew all along it would need to seek one and should have informed voters more clearly of that.
"I think this is really misleading," she said. "I don't understand why the Department of Education keeps approving these things. I don't want them to consider it."
Debt-ceiling increases have ranged as high as 10.2 percent of assessed valuation for the Folsom Cordova district in Sacramento County.
The education department sometimes makes exceptions for districts that are anticipating a high rate of enrollment growth because new subdivisions are being built and assessed valuation is going to be increasing, Foggiato said.
Only two waivers were issued when the real estate market was going strong and assessed valuations were rising in 2005 and 2006.
"Everyone was within the 2.5 percent then, but with the real estate market going bust, bonding capacity has shrunk in many areas," said Enrique Palacios, finance director for the Pittsburg district.
Staff writer Theresa Harrington contributed to this story.
What: West Contra Costa Unified School District board meeting
When: 6:30 p.m., Jan. 9
Where: Lovonya DeJean Middle School Multipurpose Room, 3400 Macdonald Ave., Richmond

subset: commoncrawl


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Danai Gurira as the katana-wielding heroine...
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AMC has cast actress Danai Gurira (Treme/The Visitor) in the coveted role of Michonne in its original series, The Walking Dead. Last night's season two finale first featured the character who will reappear in season three of the AMC series. Michonne, a fan favorite from Robert Kirkmans comic book series, is a mysterious woman armed with a sword.
Michonne is part of McFarlane Toys' The Walking Dead Comic Series 1 (see our story HERE). While she hasn't been announced for McFarlane's Walking Dead TV series yet, I wouldn't be surprised to see her included in a future assortment.


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Hi folks,
I work for a University and was a student there several years ago. Our campus lacks a Buddhist/Dhamma club. There are tons of Christian groups, a Jewish group, and a Muslim group. I don't know how feasible or useful it would be to organize such a club and keep it running? I figured it might be a good group to organize Buddhist events or meditate together. I am already part of the Meditation club but it's not the same. It would also be a good group to have discussions on the Dhamma and maybe get non-Buddhists interested as well. The problem is, I don't even know where to start and if there are even like minded individuals or if other Buddhists just want to be left alone.
I would like the organization to be organized along the Venerable Walpola Rahula's "Basic Points Unifying the Theravada and the Mahayana" document (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_Poin ... 1y%C4%81na). Do you think this would work? Or is it too broad? Is it a worthwhile effort? The other thing I need to factor in is that it seems a lot of young people aren't too interested in this type of stuff.
Please let me know what you folks think.


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To change and re-arrange
There really are not word to describe the past few days, but here we go.
I got back from my spring break on a red eye flight early Monday. Class was at 9am and needless to say this is the part where making choices has to be done. To get the maximum out put of time and the absolute necessities done, mind you this does not include food and bathing, sad I know. This meaning, missing class, sleep 3 hours and get right back into working on garments. Jet-lagged and hitting the end of my rope at 2am, the following had been completed: 1 yrd of pleating. Yup that is right I am still pleating materialization for my cotton gown.
Awaking the next morning to find that I had slept through my alarm, I once again chose to keep working on my gown. Oh but wait, French 2 midterm. Crap! Sometimes I forget that there is anything else in my world. More so then anything, except perhaps engaging in my social life, I really just want to sleep. With that out of my way , there was a final meeting with the critic to look forward to today.
For the meeting this morning I magaged to pin all the pleating that I have to the base of my gown. Both the professor and the critic liked my work and that was a huge boost of energy. Okay I got what I needed to do the final push.
Back at the fort, i've ordered 3 pizzas and have locked myself in here for the WED – SUN, finish all 3 dresses push! Here we go kids 5 days and counting (I know I said don't remind me ;) hehe
Category: Nasya, Special Occasion
Comments (3)
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My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
You are such a workoholic! I hope evrything pays out for you. The gown is looking good so far.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!


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EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Addressing customers' demand for affordable and nutritious meal options, Fresh & Easy is expanding its popular Eatwell line.
Building on the success of the Eatwell line, which launched last year, are such meal options as steak and spinach salad, spicy tomato chicken pasta and garlic alfredo salmon. The new meals range in price from $2.49 to $4.99.
Each Eatwell meal contains no more than 25% of the daily values for calories, fat, saturated fat and sodium (based upon a 2,000-calorie diet).


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This is an Online test series package Containing multiple choice format question bank with latest syllabus and pattern. The package contains: 90 Topic Wise Practice Test Papers. You will receive an email with the activation code for this package.
Product Information
Format: Online tests
Test Language: Hindi
Total Tests : 90
Package details : The package contains: 90 Topic Wise Practice Test Papers
Solutions Available: Yes
Test Accessible On: Computer, Laptop
Exams: Bank Clerk
Validity: 12 months
Item Code: OTS-070
Have you used
Topic Wise Tests For SBI Clerk (In Hindi) ?
1 Click link below to share on facebook
2 Enter your friends email address and invite them to join cakart (comma seperated)


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'Wild Oats' is over the top — in all the wrong ways
STEVEN LINDSEY | Contributing Writer
The audience reaction throughout Wild Oats says it all. Half the theater-in-the-round patrons sit with stoic looks of boredom, arms crossed in defiance to the attempts onstage to garner laughs. The other half cackles uproariously at the Old West shenanigans in this pseudo-vaudevillian melodrama from playwright James McLure.
I sided more with the arm-crossers than the cacklers, though a laugh occasionally escaped me during this production. Wild Oats is one of those unfortunate theater experiences where I found myself focused on the Playbill, counting the number of scene until intermission like an inmate anxiously ticking away the days to parole. Perhaps the fact the theater was stiflingly hot and everyone around me was sweating and fanning themselves with their programs contributed to the prison feel; maybe it was the goofy over-acting by most of the actors. Or quite possibly, it is simply source material that's gone stale.
McLure adapted the play from an 18th century comedy by John O'Keeffe, transporting the action to 19th century Muleshoe, Texas. All the elements for a classic Old West comedy are present and accounted for: A Native American with an Irish accent. A devilish pastor. A handsome, Shakespeare-loving cowboy. A flamboyant West Point drop-out. A wealthy, unrefined heiress. So why does it go so horribly awry?
For every moment of inspired lunacy, a joke is killed by being explained. Nothing kills a punch line more than a dissertation on its funniness. And while some clever gimmicks are funny the first time, they are only mildly amusing the third and fourth and completely worn out by the 16th rehashing. There's a lot to absorb in the frenetic action unfolding all around you, one of the pure pleasures of theater-in-the-round, and this A.D.D. approach can often translate into grand comedy. Instead, it comes across as desperation.
There are some solid performances from actors who know how to tread the treacherous line between over-acting and willful exaggeration. Watching Andy Baldwin and Lee Jamison is sublimely enjoyable regardless of what they're doing. They're captivating, and each knows how to make the most of what they have been given. (A same-sex near-kiss between Baldwin and James Chandler is one of the play's greatest bits of physical comedy.)
This production is the first show of Theatre 3's landmark 50th anniversary season, so here's hoping like the true sowing of wild oats that this is something they just had to get out of their systems. For a company deft at switching from comedy to Broadway musicals to intense drama with such finesse, this miss is easily forgiven.
But a miss it is. Maybe you'll end up on Team Loves It and can joyfully explain what the rest of us missed. We can tell you what was interesting in the Playbill.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition August 19, 2011.


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You are here
: Emergencies
Examples of when to dial 9-1-1 include serious medical emergencies, any type of fire, a crime in-progress, any suspicious activity, any dangerous and/or life threatening emergency, and any time a person fears for their safety or the safety of others. It can be frightening to call 9-1-1 for emergency help, but it is important for emergency services personnel to have the necessary information to provide emergency services to those in need. It is also important for you to stay as calm as possible to assist the 9-1-1 dispatcher.
For situations where police, fire department, or animal control is needed but there is NOT an emergency, please call 425-235-2121 to reach our dispatch center. Non-emergencies could include reporting a crime that occurred prior and there is no suspect information, a found pet, and situations where emergency services personnel are needed but there is no danger nor life threatening circumstance occurring at the time
If you are not sure if your situation is an emergency, you are encouraged to call 9-1-1.
Keep the following information on hand, and leave it where it will be immediately available in case the need to call 9-1-1 arises. It would be wise to review this information with all members of the family, especially children.
The 9-1-1 operator will need the following information when taking a report of an incident in progress (taking place at the time you call) or one that has happened prior to the call. Giving the operator this information will reduce the number of questions that have to be asked and speed police or fire response.
Additionally, if you are calling about an incident in-progress, the operator will want to know if you have the ability to stall the suspect(s) until police arrives.
There will be additional information that the operator and responding units will need to know. Remember: help is already on the way - the operator is gathering more information for the responding units.
Cell phones are an important public safety tool, but they also create challenges for public safety and emergency responders. It is important for cell phone users, who are calling 9-1-1, to remember some basic ABCs:
A - Always be Aware of your surroundings. Tell the 9-1-1 operator the location of the emergency. Provide landmarks such as cross streets and mileposts.B - Be Prepared. Memorize the cell phone number so it can be readily given to the 9-1-1 operator when asked.C - Stay Connected. Do not hang up until told to do so. If you should get disconnected, call the 9-1-1 operator back.
Accidental 9-1-1 calls occur so often they overload Washington's 9-1-1 phone system. A 2004 survey of Washington's counties indicated that one-half of all 9-1-1 cell phone calls were accidentally dialed.
1. Lock your keypad. Refer to your phone's user manual for instructions.2. Turn off the 9-1-1 Auto-dial feature. Not all cell phones have this feature.3. Do not Program 9-1-1 into the Speed Dial.
If you do accidentally dial 9-1-1, stay on the phone. Before you hang up, tell the 9-1-1 operator that your call is a misdial.
Some reports, such as lost property, abandoned vehicles, theft and vandalism under $1,500, and non-injury hit-and-run accidents that occurred in Renton, can be made online on the City of Renton website at http://rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=1730.
For more information, contact Washington State Enhanced 9-1-1 Office at 1-800-562-6108, or visit their website at: WA State Enhanced 9-1-1 Office.
Valley Communications 9-1-1 Dispatching Center
A list of non-emergency numbers by zip code can be found on the King County website at www.kingcounty.gov/linksbyzip.
E-Mail the Block Watch Coordinator


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Hello everyone,
I am very new, not only to the forum but to the world of Buddhism altogether. I dabbled as one might say, but I've never really brought myself to fully embrace the path. That is until now. I am 25 years old, and a member of the United States Navy. I have previously been to college for journalism and I hail from the state of Washington. My first experience with Buddhism was at said college when I was honored to experience a Mandala viewing. The impression these humble beings left on me was subtle at first, but the more I thought about it over the years the more intrigued I became. I couldn't shake their unearthly voices when they sang, it was almost as if I were a tuning fork and the vibrations of their prayers were still felt years later. Never have I felt such peace, such clarity. Even in the chaotic and sometimes stressful world of the military I have found a sense of profound calm. I sought out this discussion board simply to find like minds, as the support for Buddhist belief here is a bit lacking. I am very happy to be here and look forward to discussing many interesting things. If you have any questions for me, feel free to ask.


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BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:1.0 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20101113T140000 DTEND:20101113T150000 LOCATION;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:James A Little Theater (1060 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM) DESCRIPTION;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:
Job, housing and commercial markets are pretty grown-up things to worry about, yet adults aren't the only ones who suffer during a recession. Children, too, feel the strain.
Pandemonium Productions, Santa Fe's youth musical-theater company, presents Annie, the award-winning 1977 Broadway musical about a group of children who live in an orphanage in New York City. Antagonized by the evil (or, at any rate, mean) orphanage director, Ms. Hannigan, rambunctious 11-year-old Annie sets out to find her long-estranged parents. On the way, she befriends a dog, a billionaire and even the president of the United States.
It's impossible to ignore the comparisons between the subject matter of this Great Depression-era play and today's current economic conundrum. Certainly, everyone in the story celebrates Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal, but it's Annie's determination and positive outlook that get her through—at least in this play.


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The United Nations has issued a new report, "Our Nutrient World," that claims the world is facing a fertilizer crisis because some areas of the world have too much fertilizer and others not enough.
Although the report acknowledges that the application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer has benefitted the world by allowing plants to produce more food, it also criticizes the use of mass-produced nutrients that "cause a web of water and air pollution that is damaging to human health…"
The report points out that the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer has increase nine-fold since the 1960s and phosphorus use has tripled. It is projected that the world will increase its demand and use of fertilizers in the next 40 years by 40 percent to 50 percent.
Without access to fertilizer, however, many parts of the world cannot produce enough food and old practices continue to degrade the land.
With these topics in mind, the report suggests that the world needs to rethink how fertilizers are used so that more food and energy can be produced with less pollution. Ares of particular concern includes Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia, where there is not enough access to nutrients.
A question to be decided, says the report, is what body should oversee a new attempt at globally managing fertilizer use.
The lead author of the report is Professor Mark Sutton from the UK's Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. He said, "Our analysis shows that by improving the management of the flow of nutrients we can help protect the environment, climate and human health, while addressing food and energy security concerns."


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This letter pertains to Cedar Grove Road (Highway 480) traffic and Cedar Grove Business Park.
The road has always been curvy and narrow without shoulders. However, the traffic was light and it was mostly residential traffic.
Now the Business Park has brought with it much traffic. There are tractor-trailers on this narrow road daily.
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the The Pioneer News, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.
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BUCKEYE LAKE, Ohio (AP) -- Authorities say two people are still unaccounted for following a large house fire in central Ohio.
It happened early Thursday near Buckeye Lake in Fairfield County, east of Columbus.
Units from multiple agencies responded just after midnight to fight the blaze, which was made more difficult by frigid temperatures.
Other residents got out safely, and nobody else was hurt. The house was destroyed.
Firefighters continue to search for the missing residents and determine the cause of the fire.


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At College of the Siskiyous we offer career counseling, classes in career planning, links to career assessments and a career resource library. The career resource library is open to both students and members of the community during our regular office hours Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Career Counseling is available by appointment only and at no fee for COS students. Academic counseling is available by request and at no fee to community members who are planning to enroll at COS and need academic counseling to assist them to choose appropriate courses to take at COS to achieve their career goal.
Few decisions are more important than deciding what to make of the future, what career to pursue and what training to acquire. Taking coursework such as GUID 1005 (College Success Skills ) or GUID 1002 (Career and Life Planning) at COS will assist you in determining where your interests lie, what your abilities are and what work would provide a sense of fulfillment.
GUID 1002- Career and Life Planning is offered online every Spring.
See our Career Assessment page for more information and links to other resources.


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day before yesterday I could not log on because I did not remeber both username and the email add i signed up for dhammawheel. but later that day I remebered the username and email adress. It kept saying my new password has been sent to my email add. but did not receive it.
I ended up opening a new user id.
I think there should be a option of forgetten username as well as forgetten password.
user name is Sudero1982


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Police and city must protect its residents
Oakland is quickly losing control of the city to punks, thugs and thieves.
I own two multiunit apartment buildings in the South Lake Merritt area. In the last year, my tenants have had six car break-ins, one strong-arm robbery, one apartment break-in and one stolen car.
There was a murder one year ago, and a few weeks ago, a naked woman was assaulted at 2 a.m. by multiple males. In the case of the assault and the stolen car, the police never came even though they were called.
Two of my tenants are asking to break their leases early because they feel unsafe — and I agree with them. The one with the stolen car told me clearly: It's like the Wild West out there.
The people who are preying on and victimizing the innocents know that no police and certainly no citizen will do anything to stop them. They are free to steal and terrorize anyone they please.
I add my voice to the citizens calling on our mayor, police and communities to protect our citizens. I can't think of anything more important to a civilized community than to provide protection to its citizens.
David Kirk
Time to fight back on mailbox thefts
Once again, the Fremont Ardenwood Housing Area has been struck by mailbox vandalism, specifically, Lennox Court/Donalbain Circle. The mail carrier rear access panels of two cluster mailboxes were ripped open, and all outgoing and incoming mail was taken.
This was the second incident on these streets within 12 months involving two different cluster boxes.
Upon notification, the Fremont postmaster responded in a timely manner in ordering and installing replacement cluster boxes with larger and sturdier units.
I also thank them for moving the Lennox Court cluster box from a near-hidden position back to near its original 1984 position, which offers more visibility and, hopefully, deters future vandalism and tagging by local gangs.
Homeowners, if you have a cluster mailbox that is in desperate need of repair, call the local post office and voice your concerns.
I also suggest that the post offices initiate a systematic review and a proactive replacement of all the original cluster boxes as a deterrent to future mail thefts.
For those who have tagged mailboxes, cars or windows, a graffiti-dissolving spray is available from your local hardware store. Homeowners, let's fight back.
Howard Braden
Parents insist on healthy lunches
With the new school year upon us, parents' attention is turning to school clothes, supplies and lunches. Yes, school lunches.
Traditionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has used the National School Lunch Program as a dumping ground for surplus meat and dairy commodities. Not surprisingly, its own surveys indicate that children consume excessive amounts of animal fat and sugary drinks, to the point where one-third have become overweight or obese. Their early dietary flaws become lifelong addictions, raising their risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Gradually, the tide is turning. The new USDA school lunch guidelines, mandated by President Barack Obama's Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, require doubling the servings of fruits and vegetables, more whole grains, less sodium and fat, and no meat for breakfast. Still, food lobbyists have prevailed on Congress to count pizza and french fries as vegetables, and fatty mystery meats and sugary dairy drinks abound.
Parents and students should consider a healthy school lunch as a work in progress and insist on healthful plant-based school meals, snacks and vending machine items. Guidance is available at www.fns.usda.gov/cnd, www.healthyschoollunches.org, and www.vrg.org/family.
Milton Connley
More facts needed to understand area
An Aug. 15 letter makes a number of statements directed against Israel.
The following facts may be helpful to provide greater understanding of the area:
The terrorist government of Gaza, in its charter, calls for the destruction of Israel and the killing of all Jews.
Most Israeli children live close to bomb shelters for protection from daily terrorist missiles fired from Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.
Thousands of Israeli innocent men, women and children have been killed by terrorist men, women and children suicide bombers in buses, restaurants, schools, hotels and homes.
After these acts of terror, the terrorist killers are celebrated in Gaza and the West Bank with naming streets and monuments after them.
How civilized are these actions?
Bill Schwartz


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Welcome to Empowering Resolutions!
Household and Business Employers, you are in the right place if you can answer "YES" to any of the following questions:
Household Employers:
- Are problems with your domestic staff disrupting the peace in your home?
- Are you paying someone to do a job you find you are doing yourself?
- Are you wasting time dealing with problems your employee brings up again and again?
- Do you worry about finding the right caregiver for your child or parent?
- Do you think your nanny is looking for another job?
- Do you feel awkward, anxious or afraid giving your employees negative (but crucial!) feedback?
- Is your domestic staff bickering and leaving housework unfinished?
- Does the thought of returning home and interacting with your domestic employee cause you anxiety and stress?
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- Do you want to learn how to avoid conflict with your domestic employees?
- Do you think you may have to fire your employee, but don't know how to proceed?
Business Employers:
- Is your business growing to the point that you need more help, but don't know where to start?
- Is conflict between your employees causing workplace friction, bad customer service, lost time and money, and overall inefficiency?
- Do you feel awkward, anxious or afraid giving your employees negative (but crucial!)feedback?
- Are your employees not following your instructions?
- Are you wasting time and money re-doing tasks assigned to your employees?
- Are you concerned that your employees hide problems from you, destroying goodwill and loyalty with your customers in the process?
- Are you worried that one or more of your employees is creating a toxic environment, causing other valuable employees to leave?


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18 October 2007 19:55:24
Download history, user uploaded file images, and a COMPETITION to win free stuff!posted by Dark0ne Site NewsIt's all happening today, folks!
First of all I have completed the download history section of the site. This handy little page allows you to see all the files you have downloaded from the site since it was launched. This was originally intended to be a Premium Member only feature, but what with the awesome donations I have received from people the server is now more powerful and can now cope with all users having access to this feature. However, Premium members will still be the only ones who gain access to the upcoming file and author tracking systems.
Now onto more exciting news; another new feature and a competition, with a PRIZE!
I've recently started playing Oblivion again and have been looking for some decent mods to run the game on. Unfortunately I ran into a few snags, especially with things like weapons and armour. Unfortunately all the file images were lost when TESSource went down and many of the authors of these files have not returned to update their entries with new images, so many awesome mods can no longer be previewed first.
During an "exciting" Operations Management lecture I started writing up plans for a new system that would allow general users of the site to upload images of mods in use. File uploaders have a new option available to them when editing or uploading files that allows them to choose from one of three options. (1) Allow images to be uploaded by other users indefinitely, without their moderation, (2) allows images to be uploaded by other users, but add the image to a "pending" queue that needs to be verified by the file uploader or (3) do not allow users to upload images for the file. By default all files have been set to the first option (upload indefinitely).
The upload system is in place and you can now upload your own images for files either by clicking the "Add your own images" link under the "Actions" box on file pages, or on the actual image gallery pages themselves.
But thats not all. Because I know some people just won't be bothered without some sort of impetus, from now until the end of November I am going to be running a competition, aptly named the "Gotta screencap them all!" competition. Open to all users, admin included, the user who uploads images for the most files will be bought a video game of their choice, costing no more than £35, or your local currency equivalent of £35. In the event that there is a draw between one or more entrants one user will be picked at random.
Please note this competition is not about how many images you upload, but how many files you upload images for. Try to spot the difference! General rules include my decision is final, no cash alternative, and all images are subject to review from me (to make sure you're not just uploading rubbish images that aren't relevent to the file). Similarly only those images verified by the uploader of the file (where applicable) will count.
Happy screencapping folks!
PS. If you do not know how to take screenshots in Oblivion you might want to read the "Taking screenshots 101" information on the official forums. Alternatively just use a program like Fraps.


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Don't miss out on a lower price on this hotel
Get an overview of this hotelArt Deco hotel in Brooklyn with fitness center
Popular property highlights
Near Brooklyn Museum
Situated in the city center, this hotel is close to Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Brooklyn Bridge, and Battery Park. Area attractions also include Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Fitness and business centers
At Brooklyn Way Hotel, BW Premier Collection recreational amenities include a fitness room. The hotel also features a 24-hour business center.
32-inch LCD TVs
LCD televisions come with premium digital channels. Guestrooms also feature complimentary wireless Internet access, coffee/tea makers, and complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access.
Guest Highlights
- Good, quiet location
- Proximity to public transit
- Breakfast
- Overall value of stay
- Helpful staff
- Clean guestrooms
Brooklyn Way Hotel, BW Premier Collection
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Brooklyn Way Hotel, BW Premier Collection features a fitness facility. High-speed wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary. Business amenities at this 2.5-star property consist of a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and audio-visual equipment. A meeting/conference space measuring 600 square feet is available. This Art Deco hotel also offers a multilingual staff and concierge services. On-site parking is available for a surcharge.
Brooklyn Way Hotel, BW Premier Collection is a smoke-free property.
- 24-hour front desk
- Total number of rooms - 99
- Number of floors - 11
- ATM/banking
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Free breakfast
- Concierge services
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-in
- Express check-out
- Fireplace in lobby
- Fitness facilities
- Free WiFi
- Free wired Internet
- Laundry facilities
- One meeting room
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Multilingual staff
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Year Built 2010
- 24-hour business center
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Smoke-free property
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Television in common areas
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Free wired Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi , Free wired Internet
Self parking (surcharge)
Room Amenities
- Premium TV channels
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Premium bedding
- Air conditioning
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Free local calls
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Designer toiletries
- Shower/tub combination
- Rainfall showerhead
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Desk
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Digital TV service
- Free WiFi
- Free wired Internet
- In-room massage available
- In-room safe
- Down comforter
- Egyptian-cotton sheets
- Individually furnished
Nearby Things to Do
Recreational amenities include a fitness facility.
Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the fitness facilities without adult supervision.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Ecotours nearby
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-out time is 11:30 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
- Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
- Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
- Pets not allowed (service animals welcome)
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
- Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 21 years old.
- The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
Optional extras
- Self parking fee: USD 22.50 per day (in/out privileges)
Hotel Name
- Best Western Hotel Prospect Park
- Best Western Plus Prospect Park
- Best Western Plus Prospect Park Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Way Hotel BW Premier Collection
- Best Western Plus Prospect Park Hotel Brooklyn
- Best Western Prospect Park
- Best Western Prospect Park Hotel
- Best Western Prospect Plus
- Hotel Best Western Plus Prospect Park
- Prospect Park Hotel
- Brooklyn Way BW Premier Collection
We should mention
Children 12 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.


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Additional funds of more than 20 percent will be available in 2005
Vienna, 18 November 2004 - After the passing of the Federal Finance Act 2005, it has become certain: as regards the budget estimates for the international presentation of Austrian culture, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will have 23 percent more funds at its disposal next year. The operating budget for international culture will rise from the present level of 4.8m euros to 6m euros. This is a clear signal and creates new possibilities for cultural cooperation programmes to make use of the available opportunities - especially in neighbourhood policy (Central European Cultural Platform), in cooperation with South-East Europe and in developing a stronger presence for Austrian cultural production in the new global centres in Asia and Latin America. Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik: "Our own scope for co-determination and action in international questions is increasingly also determined by the extent to which we showcase the creative potential and cultural tradition of our country to the world at large. This too is an integral part of a successful foreign policy. I know how much Austria's image abroad is shaped by the achievements of our artists, scholars and scientists and the potential that exists worldwide for a creative international cultural policy. The successful conclusion of the budget will enable us to present Austrian culture at the international level in an even more efficient manner. International cultural policy is an investment in the future which creates international trust, strengthens the position of Austria in Europe and reflects our country's own self-image."
With 29 Cultural Fora, 50 Austrian Libraries and 7 Austrian Institutes, the Foreign Ministry has a professional network in place whose work to promote the image of an internationally-minded Austria will be supported by more funds from 2005 onwards. "Knowing how great the international interest in Austrian culture is is both a mandate and a chance," said Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik with regard to the cultural focus of her ministry.


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Diet crazes come and go, from forgoing carbs with the Atkins diet to rewinding back a few decades with the baby food diet. Some people will try anything to lose weight. Today, many people are going gluten free in an effort to shed pounds and get healthy, but nutrition experts agree it's not for everyone.
A gluten free diet was designed for people with celiac disease. Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. According to Mayo Clinic, if you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine causing damaging inflammation that can prevent your body from absorbing some nutrients.
Some people swear eliminating gluten can also cause you to shed excess pounds, but Teresa Murphy, a registered dietitian with Ministry Health Care, says only those with diagnosed celiac are meant to go gluten-free, but others have tried it and like the results.
"I do have patients who follow a gluten free diet and they feel wonderful and in that case I say go ahead, it's certainly not harmful," Murphy said. "You do need to be aware of sneaking in those whole grains."
Whole grains give you a dose of vitamin D, zinc and magnesium which you can typically get from whole grains that have gluten, most notably wheat. Millet, quinoa, amaranth and rice are naturally gluten-free grains.
Murphy says her patients tell her quality gluten free products are difficult to find and expensive. Many of them also include high amounts of fat and sodium.
"Gluten free doesn't mean it's good for you," Murphy said.
People can lose weight going gluten free, but it's likely not from the gluten itself, but from cutting down on bread, pasta, and cookies.
"It's not necessarily the gluten free but the large amount of those gluten products that the American diet is typical of," she said.
Murphy doesn't recommend any fad diet, which she insists are short term, not scientifically studied and eliminate whole food groups.
"I just don't like them because of the restrictions a lot of them have. They miss out on a lot of nutrients."
If you don't have a food allergy, Murphy recommends a well-rounded diet that hits all the major food groups including fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low fat dairy and whole grains. She says it's all about the portions, which should be limited. When you eat a variety of foods in moderation, you lose weight she says.
Meanwhile, it's very possible to have celiac disease and not know it. Symptoms include bloating, stomach cramping, anemia, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, acid reflux, and a blistery rash. Some people with the disease have few or no symptoms. Murphy suggests getting checked by a physician if you think you may have celiac disease.


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Semiahmoo councillor's impaired-driving conviction upheld
A Semiahmoo First Nation councillor has lost an appeal of her convictions for impaired and dangerous driving.
Joanne Charles fought the convictions – handed down in August 2011 – on the basis that Crown lawyers did not prove she had intended to commit the offence, according to a B.C. Court of Appeal judgment rendered last week.
Charles – the spokesperson for Semiahmoo First Nation – was arrested more than 20 kilometres from her home, where she had consumed a family member's prescription-strength pain pills and up to four ounces of whisky.
Charles testified she has no recollection of what happened between the drink and when she woke up in a jail cell.
The argument didn't sway B.C. Appeal Court Justice Jon Sigurdson.
"The evidence clearly shows that she voluntarily and recklessly embarked on a course of ingestion of alcohol and drugs that led to her intoxication," Sigurdson writes in his reasons for judgment posted online Thursday.
Reached by phone that afternoon, Charles initially said she had "no idea" about the matter, but upon further questions confirmed it was her case. She asked where Peace Arch News got the information.
"Why are you wanting to do anything with that?" she said. "Personally, I'd like you not to report on anything."
Charles ended the call when told her request couldn't be honoured.
According to the judgment, on Sept. 6, 2008 Charles was found behind the wheel of a truck that coasted to a stop on River Road after a Delta police officer tried for nearly three kilometres to get the vehicle to pull over.
The truck matched the description of a vehicle in an earlier 911 call.
When yelled at to turn the truck off, Charles "did not respond and continued to hold the steering wheel with both hands, staring straight ahead," the judgment states.
A half-full bottle of Crown Royal whisky was among items found in the truck.
The officer demanded a breath sample and issued a 24-hour driving prohibition.
Both Charles and her sister, Kathryn Jensen, gave evidence at trial, explaining how the pair had met up "some days before" in Washington State, where Charles told her sister about "trouble she was having with her knee (which she had injured in a fall a month prior) and how much pain she was having from" abdominal cramping.
Jensen testified she gave Charles about six of the pain pills she takes for a painful condition, describing them as being "like super Extra Strength Tylenol." The court heard the pills were, in reality, a generic form of Vicodin.
"On the day of the alleged offences, the appellant had gone to the liquor store (and) returned to her home on the Semiahoo Reservation," the judgment states. "She… decided to look for Ibuprofen in her medicine cabinet. Instead she found the pills that her sister had given her and decided to take two. The appellant had not planned to go out that day.
"She ingested two of the pills given to her by her sister, and drank about 2.5-4.0 oz. of Crown Royal whisky. The appellant testified that she has no recollection of further events until she woke up in a jail cell."
Jensen told the court she did not know the pills shouldn't be taken with alcohol and that she did not tell Charles that the pills were prescription medication.
An expert witness testified that mixing the two causes a "severe" reaction, with symptoms ranging from drowsiness to confusion.
"He testified that if this drug is taken with any alcohol, 4 oz. of alcohol will be additive or super-additive to those effects, and could cause 'coma, severe mental confusion, drowsiness and dizziness, and lack of memory,'" Sigurdson writes.
At trial, Charles submitted that her driving and impairment were involuntary, and that she'd had no intention of driving after consuming the pills and whisky. She also testified she previously had taken Tylenol, with dinner and a drink, and "nothing had happened."
The trial judge found that "she alone decided to consume the pills and a very significant amount of alcohol.
"No one forced her or secretly caused her to do so," he ruled. "She also took a number of steps which clearly establishes she formed the intention to drive… sitting in the driver's seat, turning the vehicle on, putting it in gear, and physically manipulating the brake, accelerator and steering wheel to drive the vehicle for an extended period of time.
"She may not have initially planned to drive, but on the evidence she clearly changed those plans following her consumption of the pills and alcohol. Her supposed inability to remember, likely due to her advanced state of intoxication, is really of no assistance and does not in any way bring into question this evidence which proves her intention to drive her vehicle after consuming the pills and alcohol."
The trial judge did not accept that Charles didn't realize the pills were strong, nor that she didn't believe they were prescription-strength. She knew her sister used the pills to manage pain from trigeminal neuralgia, "the most painful medical disease known to the medical community."
Charles was handed fines totalling $2,012.50 and two one-year driving prohibitions.
While Sigurdson found the trial judge erred in noting that anything stronger than Extra Strength Tylenol requires a prescription, Crown Christina Godlewska argued the error is irrelevant and the fact Charles took the pills then drank alcohol "in itself is enough to constitute recklessness," the judgment notes.
"Merely not remembering is not a defence in the circumstances," Sigurdson agreed.


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After publishing Tony's post about shoes and boots a couple of weeks ago, which mentioned Wolverine's 1,000 Mile Boots, the good folks at Wolverine contacted us about running another giveaway with them. I was dee-lighed, as the last giveaway we did for the boots was quite popular. But also because I myself am a proud owner of Wolverine's 1,000 Mile Boots and an unabashed fan of them.
The design of the boots is based off the design of the original 1,000 Mile Boots that were introduced back in 1914. This was a time when a man needed a pair of boots that could walk miles of unpaved roads and yet still look good with a set of handsome duds.
The boots are made in the USA with top quality leather in a process that involves some of the same construction methods used to make the boots nearly a century ago. They're built to last a very, very long time and only get better with age.
For me personally, the best part about the boots is how incredibly versatile they are. I've worn them with everything from a t-shirt and jeans to slacks, a tweed sports coat, and a tie. And everything in-between. They can go from walking and working to an upscale event. Practical and handsome: now that's manly.
The Prize:
We're giving away two, count em, two pairs of Wolverine's 1,000 Mile Boots.
To enter, leave a comment sharing who you'd like to walk 1,000 miles with. The person can be real or fictional, dead or alive, someone you know or a famous person.
Deadline to enter is Monday, March 21 at 9PM CST. We'll then randomly select two lucky winners. Enter today!
Edit: The contest is over and comments are closed. We'll be announcing the winners on The AoM Trunk shortly.
Last updated: February 25, 2013


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by Amanda of Amanda Brooke
Oh dear! The days are becoming a blur in the school holidays and I have lost track, so my apologies to the co-op and dear readers for not posting this earlier today. My head is a little fuzzy today too with a pinched nerve in my neck, making writing a post a little uncomfortable too, so I will keep today's post brief and reflect on something that's on my mind.
In 2010 I crocheted pot mats (trivets) using garden twine (jute string) and crochet cotton. These mats have been most hard-wearing and soften naturally after a couple of washes. They are extremely practical and function well.
I've been thinking about other materials I could use to make these mats using crochet to create them and have come up with knotted together lengths of fabric strips, much like a rag rug but I wondered if any of the readers here had made them from anything frugal or simple?
Do you have any suggestions of other materials that could be used that would be sturdy and protect work surfaces in the kitchen?


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The Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District Board of Trustees June 17 appointed William Blair and Lynne Ewald as assistant principals at Mountain View High School, effective at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year.
Blair and Ewald will join Dave Grissom, recently hired as the new principal, and Assistant Principal Mike Mathiesen on the school's administrative team.
Blair taught Leadership, Broadcast Journalism, Newspaper and English at Mountain View High over the past nine years. He received the Mountain View Los Altos Teacher of the Year Award in 2009-2010.
Blair earned a bachelor's degree in English and psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and a teaching credential from the University of San Diego.
"We are pleased to welcome William to the MVLA administrative team," Superintendent Barry Groves said. "He brings an unbridled enthusiasm for kids and a passion for learning. As his ASB kids told me, he is going to be an awesome administrator."
Ewald previously served as assistant principal at Santa Clara High School, where Grissom worked for six years as the top administrator. In her role at Santa Clara High, Ewald oversaw the curriculum, master schedule, student activities and special programs.
She earned an undergraduate degree from Florida State University and a master's degree in educational administration from San Jose State University.
"Lynne is the hardest-working administrator that I have ever worked with," Grissom said. "Her relentless efforts on behalf of students are commendable. She will be a wonderful addition to the MVHS staff, and I look forward to working with her again."
Blair and Ewald replace Donna Peltz and Sharon Chrisman. Peltz continues to serve the district as a consultant, and Chrisman retired this month.


text: Travis Oliphant wrote: > Tim Hochberg wrote: > >> Francesc Altet wrote: >> >> It's not that the it's being built from ndarray, it's that the buffer >> that you are passing it is read only. >> > This is correct. > >> In fact, I'd argue that allowing >> the writeable flag to be set to True in this case is actually a bug. >> >> > It's actually intentional. Strings used as buffers are allowed to be > writeable. This is an explicit design decision to allow pickles to load > without making 2 copies of the memory. The pickled string that Python > creates is used as the actual memory for loaded arrays. > > Now, I suppose it would be possible to still allow this but be more > finnicky about when a string-used-as-the-memory can be set writeable > (i.e. we are the only reference to it). But, this would be a fragile > solution as well. > > My inclination is to just warn users not to use strings as buffers > unless they know what they are doing. The fact that it is read-only by > default is enough of a guard against "accidentally" altering a string > you didn't want to alter. > That makes sense. Someday, when string/unicode => bytes/string, we'll be able to use the bytes type for this and it'll be much cleaner. But not for a while I imagine. -tim


text:
Characterization of Patients With Uncommon Presentations and/or Uncommon Diseases Associated With the Cardiovascular System
- Full Text View
- Tabular View
- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
- Researchers are interested in studying individuals who have known or suspected metabolic or genetic diseases that put them at a high risk for heart diseases or diseases of their blood vessels. To improve the results of the study, both affected and nonaffected individuals will be asked to provide blood and other samples and will undergo tests to evaluate heart and lung function. Nonaffected individuals will include relatives of affected individuals and healthy nonrelated volunteers.
- To study individuals who have or are at risk for cardiovascular diseases, as well as their unaffected relatives and healthy volunteers.
- Individuals between 2 and 100 years of age. Participants may be healthy volunteers, individuals with cardiovascular diseases, or unaffected relatives of individuals with cardiovascular diseases.
- Participants will have some or all of the following tests, as directed by the study researchers:
- Photography of the face and full body
- Body measurements
- Radiography, including chest or limb x-rays
- Metabolic stress testing to study heart and muscle function
- Echocardiography to study heart function
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, including cardiovascular MRI, angiography, and contrast MRI, to study heart function and performance
- Computed tomography (CT) angiogram to obtain images of the heart and lungs
- Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to study possible fat infiltration of the heart
- Six-minute walk test to study heart, lung, and muscle function and performance
- Vascular ultrasound to study blood vessel walls
- Blood, tissue, and other specimens will be collected for research and testing, and will be taken either as part of the clinical study or during surgical procedures.
- Follow-up studies may be performed under separate research protocols.
|Cardiac Disease
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Time Perspective: Other
|Official Title:
|Cardiovascular Disease Discovery Protocol
|Estimated Enrollment:
|Study Start Date:
|May 13, 2010
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|2 Years to 100 Years (Child, Adult, Senior)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Eligible subjects may include anyone over 2 years of age who is affected with diseases/disorders (index cases), or who is a relative of a person who is affected with diseases/disorders.
- Pregnant women are eligible to participate in this study if they have been referred with a known or suspected pathology or if they are a relative of an index case with a known or suspected pathology.
- Healthy adult volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, and must agree to have blood or tissue samples studied, and potentially stored for future research.
- Index case subjects enrolled in this protocol will have been referred with a known or suspected pathology that may be associated with cardiovascular dysfunction or risk with a suspected atypical presentation, heritable disorder, or genetic predisposition. The investigator with expertise in the presentation of the subject, along with consulting specialists, will review the medical records of prospective subjects and offer admission based upon the potential to help the individual, to learn from the subject, or to initiate clinical or basic research suggested by the subject s workup.
Persons of less than 2 years of age or greater than 100 years of age
Healthy volunteers unable to give informed consent or who decline to have blood and/or tissue studies, or who do not consent to have samples stored for future research may be excluded from this study.
Healthy volunteers who are pregnant or nursing will be excluded from this study.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01143454
|Contact: Rebecca D Huffstutler, C.R.N.P.
|(301) 594-1281
|Contact: Michael N Sack, M.D.
|(301) 402-9259
|United States, Maryland
|Suburban Hospital
|Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20814
|National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike
|Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
|Contact: For more information at the NIH Clinical Center contact Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office (PRPL) 800-411-1222 ext TTY8664111010 email@example.com
|Principal Investigator:
|Michael N Sack, M.D.
|National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Additional Information:
|Responsible Party:
|National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01143454 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|June 11, 2010
|Last Updated:
|July 18, 2017
Keywords provided by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) ( National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) ):
Cardiac Disease
iPS Cells
Cardiac Risk Factors
Cardiac Disease Discovery
Heart Disease
Heart Disease Risk
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Heart Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017


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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.
LEADERS: Azerane Bam BinkyBunny JerseyGirl LBJ10 LittlePuffyTail LongEaredLions RabbitPam
Hi there. We have two male rabbits, 15 weeks old, that we have had since 8 weeks. They have been neutered. To begin with we only let them out in a pen but have gradually increased this and they hop round the living room and kitchen happily. It only took about 2 weeks to litter train them in the hutch, and not much longer to litter train them when out. When I say litter train I mean peeing in a litter box. Haven't mastered pooing in one place... that just seems to drop out without them noticing - I assume this is unfortunately normal? The last week or so they have started to not pee in the litter box when out. They aren't keeping to a specific spot, seems to be all over the place, including on our lap. they have also started pushing the litter box around the hutch and not peeing in that either. Unfortunately I can't seem to work out their 'look' when they are peeing, so unless it is on my lap we don't catch them mid-action to be able to lift up and place in litter tray.
Is this normal? How do we re-train them? They really don't like going in the pen in the lounge now as they can see where they used to run and can't anymore, so chew ferociously on the bars and try to dig out. So confining them to a smaller area to easily find the tray doesn't seem to be an option. Whenever we let them out i try to lift them and place them down in the litter tray as a starter so they know where it is (not that it has moved). Can't think what else to do?
As an aside, they don't seem too keen on hay. With the current re-placing of the litter tray they are pulling the hay out of the rack and then peeing on it - I'm not sure whether intentional or not.


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Dear Members,
The Three Precepts
[Presented by Dr.Tep Sastri @ SariputtaDhamma Group/JTN/Mult]
The term 'sikkha' is sometimes rendered as "precepts".
[Excerpts from Ankuttara Nikaya Tikanipata, 9. Samanavagga. Practice of a Recluse:]
10. Dutiyasikkhattayasuttam The second explanation of the precepts.
91 Bhikkhus, these three are the precepts. What three?
Training in higher virtues, training the mind to a higher degree and training for the higher wisdom.
Bhikkhus, these three are the activities of a recluse.
Energetic, to practise the higher virtues, to raise the mind to a higher level,
And for higher wisdom, he becomes steadfast with controlled mental faculties
To attain immeasurable concentration in the face, behind the back,
Beneath and above, as far as the directions, day and night.
Thaamavaa dhitimaa jhaayii, sato guttindriyo care.
Yathaa pure tathaa pacchaa, yathaa pacchaa tathaa pure;
Yathaa adho tathaa uddhaṃ, yathaa uddhaṃ tathaa adho.
Yathaa divaa tathaa rattim., yathaa rattim. tathaa divaa;
This is the trainer's method, and the best method
This same was followed by the Enlightened Ones in the world.
With the cessation of consciousness, there is destruction of craving and release
With the light of emancipation is the release of mind.
Abhibhuyya disaa sabbaa, appamaan.asamaadhinaa.
Tamaahu sekham. pat.ipadam atho sam.suddhacaariyam.
Tamaahu loke sambuddham., dhiiram. pat.ipadantagum..
Vi~n~naan.assa nirodhena, tan.haakkhayavimuttino;
Pajjotasseva nibbaanam., vimokkho hoti cetaso''ti. dasamam.
Love Buddha's dhamma,


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I know ,most of you hate the guy, but this is entertaining to read
Ron Artest's
Unforgettable Summer
Ron Artest embarked on his first trip to Kenya, Africa this summer and what he experienced while overseas was something that helped change the way he views the world, his roots, how he raises his kids and also reaffirmed how fortunate he is. Kings.com had a chance to sit down with Ron this past week to find out as much as possible about his experience.
By Andrew Nicholson
August 15, 2007
You've been back for two weeks, have you had a chance to reflect on your trip to Kenya?
"It made me think of how good we have it over here, but at the same time it made me appreciate life. I got a chance to see the soul of the African American and I also got a chance to see tribes that still live like they did 400 years ago. I feel like whatever God gives you [you should be grateful for] or how ever you may be living nowsome people think they are struggling in Americabut they are not really struggling until they see what it's like over there. At the same time, the tribes live in what we would say is poverty, but they dont consider it poverty. They live off of cows, milk, in the middle of the jungle and drink animal blood. Thats how they live. It made me appreciate life."
What kind of blood was it?
"It was goat blood or cow blood mixed with milk, but thats only in tribes. Its not the people that live in modern Africa."
Did they get sick from it?
"Thats what they're used to. Thats how they survive. If anything were to happen, if the electricity were to go out, or if the world were hit by an asteroid, theyre going to survive. Were going to be living on Mars or something and theyre going to be fine, thats why I really appreciated going over there."
Were you able to see any tribal ceremonies while you were there?
"We didnt get to see a ceremony, but we did see how they feast a little bit. We saw rituals, like how they dance. We sang songs! It was a different way of living, but it was beautiful."
You really enjoy learning about history and African American origin don't you?
"I try to. Im not as involved as I should be, but I try to."
You were fortunate to attend college and study mathematics. Do any of the people you encountered have the luxury of going to universities?
"No, one of the guys from the tribe didnt even know how African Americans got to America. We started asking him questions and he started asking us questions. It was definitely a bit of history just going there. I learned a lot and I plan on going again in the future."
You did your interview from Africa on your iphone. Had anyone ever seen an iphone before?
"No, they didnt know what an iphone is."
Was it humbling that they didnt know who you were?
"It wasnt humbling. They just didnt know who I was. They're not supposed to know who I am. They're not worried about basketball. It was more like they were hungry. And we were there to help. I mean, we met the tribal kings. They had 14 and 15 year old kids killing lions."
They say the NBA is a battle ground, but thats nothing compared to killing lions! I read that a hippopotamus came after you or something along those lines.
'"They didnt come after us. But at night when the sun goes down you have to pretty much be inside the tent or be with the warriors so they can protect you out there in the jungle. Its like a resort, but its very wild and very dangerous. We were staying at a nice resort, nice tents, but at night you cant control those animalsthere are too many of them. So anything could happen. We had a flashlight and when you flash the light the warrior would come to your aid. We had one guy with a rifle. You have the warriors because at night there's hyenas, hippopotamuses, elephants, monkeys all kinds of animals around your tent, its pretty dangerous!"
I saw a feature story on National Geographic about hippo's having the ability to kill people.
"The hippopotamus is believed to be the leading human killer in Africa among animals. Hippopotamus' at night are very mean."
Was it by far the coolest experience you've been apart of outside of the United States?
"Yes, and Im going to Honduras on Thursday. Were going to Feed the Children. We are going to be doing the same thing as we did in Africa in Honduras for three days."
Is it the same group?
"This time Im not going with the NBA Player's Association, I'm going by myself."
"When you have a lot of time on your hands during the summer you want to do things.
I like to help people. This summer Im just dedicating my time to people in need. Its something different and I enjoy it."
Ive been to a couple of the Read to Achieve and community service activities that players partake in, Ive noticed you genuinely enjoy it and always have a smile on your face. Why do you have so much fun going to things like that?
"I guess its how I grew up. Where I came from has made me appreciate life. Especially when you have the opportunity to help someone, I try to take advantage of it."
While you were in Africa, how did you communicate with the people?
"We had an African lady as our translator, so thats how we spoke to the people who spoke Swahili. But most of them spoke English too."
I read, that you said, you were going to talk to your kids about being spoiled! Now that you've been back, how did your kids react?
"My kids, theyre beautiful kids, they are very respectful to people. I want them to know that how they live is not how everyone lives, and maybe not how youre supposed to live. I dont know the percentage of how many people are rich and how many people are poor, but everyone doesn't live equally. We have to be grateful that we do not live in poverty and I let my kids know that. Its important that I know that, I was taught a lesson also, not just my kids."
What was the craziest thing you ate over there?
"I ate ostrich [testicles], I think!"
That must have been one of those instances where they tell you to eat it and they'll tell you what it is later!
"Yeah! (Laughs) It tasted like pork."
Is there anything else you want the fans to know about your time over there?
"A monkey tried to attack me! I was coming out of my tent and I saw a monkey. I was filming the monkey and saw it running towards me so I ran back inside my tentyou could see my camera shaking all over the place! I got out of my tent and tried to find the monkey, but he was in the tree. When the monkey started to come down a little bit, I ran back inside my tent again! When I unzipped my tent it wasn't there, but then, a third time, the monkey peeked it's head over, right over my tent just like a human! Then he just sat down in my chair and looked at me. It was the funniest thing ever! Some monkeys are nice. Some monkeys will attack you."
What kind of monkey was it?
"This was a black monkey. The black monkeys aren't mean. We were around baboons too, and baboons are pretty mean."
Where did this monkey encounter take place?
"Well, that took place in modern Africa. Then, when we flew into the jungle we saw a giraffe a hundred yards from the runway. We saw some hyenas, cheetahs and zebras, I got it all on camera. I saw a lion next to a water buffalo that it had just eaten. I got the hyenas on camera and some beautiful sunsets. It was an amazing time. I might go on a trip there next summer with a couple of people. I think it would be good for some people who havent had the opportunity to go out there. I'm opening an AIDS clinic out there and will have a school named after me too. Im opening them up in September right in the slums. There are about a million people who live in the slums, like 800,000 people and they are all poor. Most of them dont have a place to get tested for AIDS, so Im opening one right in the neighborhood."
Is it with Feed the Children or is it just Ron Artest?
"It is Ron Artest, but it is with an organization called Ray of the Hope that I am partnering with. It will be Ron Artest AIDS Clinic or whatever."
Do you ever sit back and think, "I'm really fortunate and the NBA hast afforded me so much ability to do whatever I want?"
"Yes, its so cool and it's all because of the NBA. I think that I would have been the type of person who would give back, no matter what, but the NBA has promoted me so much by playing games that Im able to do so much more. I guess if I were a movie star I would do the same thing. In the NBA, they give you all the credit, without them I wouldnt be doing half the stuff Im doing right now. Maybe I would, but we know that Im in a better position. I have kids in college, I have kids in high school with college scholarships, I have a program out here for kids, high risk kidsthey are going to be a part of my program. There are little perks you get with my programs, like tickets to the game, different things, maybe a scholarship. Im doing all types of things."
Will you keep in touch with people you met in Africa?
"Yes, I will, especially with the people running the school. Im also trying to put a park out there. In two or three years, I want to put a park in the neighborhood because the kids have nothing to play with -- no sports, sometimes no sneakers, and no park. In some cases, they have a little one-year-old playing with rocks next to feces. So I want to put a park, a clean park out there. I have to research it, but I want to put a park in one of those neighborhoods. Im not going to do a lot, because I dont have that much money. But I want to do little things. I dont even think it has to be out there. I guess anywhere that there is poverty to help somebody in any way."
The people who win marathons are frequently from Kenya. Did you see people running everywhere?
"They walk everywhere. The reason they always win is because of the high altitude level. They walk everywhere; most of them don't have cars."
What is Kenya like compared to other African countries?
"Some countries in Africa, like Sudan and Chad, are at war all the time. Its war, war, war. But in some places like Kenya and Nigeria, Ive heard that it can be a nice place to live."
I've seen pictures and movies that show people carry buckets of water and other stuff on their heads. It looks really difficult! Did you see people doing that?
"They were doing that in the modern streets, they were doing that in the slums and in the tribal areas. I was amazed by that too. Most of the women do that."
So looking ahead, will Honduras be a similar trip?
"Its going to be more Feed the Children than Ron Artest. I just want to be a part of it. Thats the only reason Im going. I want to be a part of something special. I might try to do something little. Most of the things Im going to do are going to be small because maybe when I do small things and get many other people to do small things, it could become a big thing. Many of the things I do are small because I have a family myself to take care of, so I cant do a bunch of huge things."
It's been a pleasure catching up with you Ron. Good to see you. Have a safe trip.
"Thanks man. Take care."


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The architects recognize that the armory as an exhibition space is a far cry from conventional "white cube" galleries, or what Mr. Herzog called "egocentric, architecturally driven museums." But he said the spaces are likely to inspire artists, not limit them. "Artists have increasingly started to like strange places to put their art," he said. "The specific conditions are unique and interesting and every artist is challenged to put his paintings or performances in such historic conditions." — New York Times
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For Skiers Tired of Following Other People's Tracks, Heli-Skiing Takes Them Away from It All
(continued from page 5)
He is not alone. Heli-skiing is addictive, and the major operators enjoy tremendous loyalty, selling about 70 percent of their spaces each year to repeat customers. There are heli-ski fanatics who go for several weeks each year, and many onetime avid downhill skiers who will no longer set foot in a conventional ski area.
Despite its reputation, heli-skiing is not about incredibly steep terrain, extreme skiing or big air. It's about snow, and plenty of it. It's about powder so deep there's no point in measuring it, and skiing in it for a week at a time without coming across another set of tracks. It's about perfect conditions on every descent, day after day, and never having to wait in line.
"Without being able to put my finger on the thing that makes it work any more than I could say what is the thing that makes someone fall in love, the fact of the matter is that over and over again people go, and then they just have to go back again," says Reb Forte, a money manager who lives at Squaw Valley, one of the nation's best ski resorts. He should know. Despite having a mountain that has hosted the winter Olympics at his doorstep, Forte has gone heli-skiing for the past 15 years, often for two weeks a year, and is already booked for next winter. While other heli-skiers strive to join the exclusive club of those who have skied a million vertical feet in their lifetime, Forte is pushing 5 million. "I find it hard to explain to people why I keep going back up there," he says. "It's incredibly enjoyable and satisfying, and you really spend the other 51 weeks of the year waiting for that week to roll around. For most people, it is the best week of their year."
Forte and many other heli-skiing junkies like him patronize Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH), the granddaddy of the sport. Canada is far and away the leading purveyor of heli-skiing, which can also be found in the United States and New Zealand, and to a lesser degree in Europe. The world's two largest heli-ski operators are in Canada, where conditions and terrain lend themselves to the pursuit. For this reason, Canadian heli-skiing is mainly a destination pursuit, where customers travel from around the world to ski, usually for a full week. Elsewhere, heli-skiing is more of a day trip, a chance for regular skiers to take a break and try something new and unusual.
In either case, the idea is to ski unbroken powder on terrain that is not served by lifts, and to ski a lot of it, far away from the crowds. Depending on the size of "the machine," as heli-skiers call the copter, anywhere from four to 11 skiers, accompanied by at least one guide, land on a ridge or plateau in the mountains and begin making turns in the best snow that their guides can locate, usually choosing from an area far bigger than a conventional ski resort. While some world-class ski areas, especially those in Utah, enjoy a reputation for large quantities of dry, light powder, even their biggest storms fall on runs that have been skied off and groomed. Every time they receive two feet of fresh snow, it's two feet on a firm base. For heli-skiers, every storm brings two feet of fresh powder on top of a staggering depth of older powder, creating conditions that many believe are unmatched anywhere.
"I can remember one day in 25 years here at Squaw where we had that kind of powder," recalls Forte. "The snow was light and above your waist. You can expect those kind of conditions at least once on every trip to Canada."
"It's virgin powder," says Andy Epstein emphatically. This past spring marked Epstein's 20th consecutive year of heli-skiing, averaging two to three weeks a season, enough for him to have accumulated six and a half million vertical feet. "In the summer, you might get two or three perfect days, where the temperature is just right and there is not a cloud in the sky, but down in the Caribbean that kind of weather is the norm and they get 200 days like that every year. That is what heli-skiing is like. You do more powder skiing in a week than most people do in a lifetime.
"I rate every trip I take from one to 10. I've been in a group with first-timers on what I consider a subpar week of heli-skiing, maybe a three or a four, and without a doubt they'd say it was the best week of skiing they ever had. I'm sure it was. The worst powder there is better than the best most people ever see."
Heli-skiing zealots like Forte and Epstein sound awfully convincing, and they are part of the reason it can be hard to even book a heli-skiing vacation. The destination ski areas in Canada routinely sell out every prime week, often a year in advance, and generally charge between $4,000 and $6,000 (all prices in this article are in U.S. dollars) a week per person, double occupancy. Typically, these packages include food, lodging and a guaranteed minimum amount of skiing of about 100,000 vertical feet a week. If weather conditions cause skiers to fall below this minimum, they receive a refund based on the shortfall. Above the guarantee, they are usually charged an added fee for extra skiing, which can easily reach an additional 30,000 to 40,000 feet in Canada. Although skiers can stop at the minimum, few do, and the extra skiing can add between several hundred and a thousand dollars.
"We begin taking bookings on the first day of the season for the following winter," says Marty von Neudegg, the marketing manager for Canadian Mountain Holidays, the oldest and largest heli-skiing operator in the world. This usually occurs around the second week of December. "By the end of January, we're 85 to 90 percent booked for the following year. People should call whenever they want, because there is always a space here or there or a cancellation, but if they are coming as a group and want a real selection, they need to be calling this year for the following winter--over a year in advance. If you're skiing with us in March and you wait until you come up to book your next trip, it may be too late."
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is Canada's other big destination outfit, and it enjoys similar success with reservations. "Guests who were here last winter commonly rebook the same week for the next year, so 70 percent of the seats are presold," says Leslie Woit, a marketing coordinator with the company. (Since the time of the interview, Woit has left Wiegele.) "We're usually full by the time the week rolls around, but some seats do go unsold, so it's worth checking. I think it's a misnomer that we are always fully booked." Nonetheless, she recommends making reservations a year in advance.
One of the reasons it is so hard to get space on these trips is that the operations take only a few skiers at a time. Mike Wiegele, which operates the single largest heli-ski area in the world, takes only 100 guests each week. The company's sole facility, in Blue River, British Columbia, consists of 19 chalets arranged around a central lodge, forming a self-contained village. The lodge houses a lounge, restaurant, gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, massage rooms with physical therapists, game room and wine cellar. Outside is a hockey rink, Austrian bowling on ice, and 12 kilometers of cross-country ski trails. That is the entire compound, but people come here to ski, and the hundred guests have a staggering 3,000 square miles of skiable terrain all to themselves. That's 30 square miles per guest.
CMH's lodges, which are also in British Columbia, are even more exclusive, accommodating a maximum of 44 and as few as 10 guests per area. As von Neudegg explains, the scope of the terrain is unbelievable: "There is no comparison with regular skiing. If you were at the very best ski resort, the largest ski resort in the world, it would be about one two-hundredth the size of one CMH heli-ski area, and we have 11 of these. Inside that regular ski area on a holiday weekend, there might be 30,000 skiers. In our area, it's you and 43 others in an area 200 times the size. Two of our areas accommodate only 10 guests, and they are not any smaller. If you have a huge snowfall at a regular ski area, by 10 o'clock everything is tracked up. We can easily go three weeks between snowfalls without crossing another skier's track."
To put this in another perspective, CMH's total area is almost 15,000 square miles, or about half the size of Switzerland, and there are never more than 400 people skiing there. This is why people like Forte and Epstein come back year after year, rotating their trips among the lodges. CMH's most private lodge, Valemount, is available only to a group of 10, which takes the entire facility, including chefs, staff and private helicopter, for the week. This fetches about $85,000 a week, and CMH is completely sold out for this winter. At another lodge, Revelstoke, one private party of four is accommodated each week, in addition to the 40 regular guests, and gets exclusive use of a smaller helicopter during their stay. This royal treatment costs the foursome more than $10,000 each for the week, and it is also completely sold out for the season.
"Time is a commodity, and if I am going to spend two or three weeks a year skiing, I want to make sure it's in powder, and get the most exciting skiing for my dollar--and that's heli-skiing," says Mitch Fields, a California contractor who has been heli-skiing for 20 years and has amassed almost 7 million vertical feet. "It's expensive, but when you compare the amount of skiing you do, it's really not. You can spend the same amount on a week of regular skiing with a nice hotel room at Vail or Snowbird, and you can't ski a third as much. You're standing in line with thousands of other people."
Since Mike Wiegele and CMH offer primarily week-long destination vacations, their lodges, though rustic, feature fine dining, massages and a variety of other diversions. Because they are remote, with Wiegele's guests bused in and CMH lodges accessible in winter only by helicopter, each week's group becomes a close-knit band.
"There is definitely a camaraderie that develops," says Forte, who has also done day heli-skiing at several locations in the United States. "You're in the lodge with the same people all week, and that's a lot of fun. I really like the lodge aspect. Everyone there is nuts about skiing, and they love being there. You see some of the same people each year, and you always meet interesting people. It's a certainty." Forte recalls skiing with professional and Olympic skiers and snowboarders, as well as royalty: "After the 1988 Olympics in Calgary, the king and queen of Norway came up. I skied with them and their son and daughter and two pistol-packing security guys, who were very good skiers."
Few CMH customers have the special relationship with the company that Fields and his wife, Holly, enjoy, and they would certainly agree that the lodges have an appealing social dimension. "We met up there in 1982, and we even got married up there," he recalls. "It was her first trip, but I had been a few times." The couple often goes for two weeks back-to-back, and Holly has nearly the same amount of heli-skiing under her belt that her husband boasts.
"The non-skiing part is also excellent," Epstein agrees. "I've developed a lot of lasting friendships from heli-skiing, and so have a lot of people I know. There's no other experience I've been through where you have that type of camaraderie. It's almost similar to a country club." Epstein's family has gotten into the act, and his brothers often ski with him; two of them, Larry and Mark, have surpassed the million-foot mark.
Mike Wiegele awards million-foot skiers with a silver belt buckle to mark their accomplishment, while CMH presents those who attain that level a custom-made ski suit valued at more than $1,000. To date, more than 1,300 skiers have joined CMH's elite fraternity; the record is 17 million-plus feet, held by a gentleman named Ned Damon, whose wife, Carolyn, has tallied 14 million feet. Von Neudegg proudly notes, "We were the first organization in the world to recognize 'frequent fliers', way before the airlines. We were doing it in the '60s. To reach a million feet means you've skied with us eight to 10 weeks."
Heli-skiing in the United States is a very different proposition. Operators are almost exclusively geared towards day trips, which affords an excellent opportunity to experience heli-skiing without the expense, planning or time commitment that the destination package requires. Most operators are based at major ski resorts, where skiers seek to augment their vacation with a different experience. Heli-skiing outfits can be found in Telluride, Colorado; Sun Valley, Idaho; Snowbird, Utah; and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. An outfit called Triple Crown of Colorado uses helicopters to shuttle guests for a day each of conventional skiing at Aspen and Vail and a day of heli-skiing at Telluride (guests also have the option of skiing at just one site). Resort-based day operators can also be found at the Panorama ski area near Banff and at Whistler resort, both in British Columbia.
These one-day packages typically include three to five guided runs, lunch and transfers to and from the helicopter. Prices range from $325 to $625 per day, making this a cost-effective way to sample the sport. By comparison, the destination are as in Canada typically offer at least twice as much skiing in a day, but they are able to take advantage of an earlier start and a later finish, since guests are already there, as well as higher mountains. One advantage of skiing with day outfitters is that they generally use smaller helicopters and therefore have fewer skiers with each guide, while CMH generally has 11 skiers per guide and Wiegele has 10 skiers with two guides.
One exception to the American mold is Ruby Mountain Heli-Skiing in Lamoille, Nevada, the country's only destination heli-ski area. Ruby Mountain offers three-day packages in the northeastern corner of the state, amid 500 square miles of high-elevation powder. Each three-day excursion is limited to 16 guests, housed in a luxurious ranch.
"American heli-skiing is mostly done in much smaller helicopters, and the hot one right now is the A-Star 350 B2 model, which carries four skiers and a guide," says Joe Royer, the owner of Ruby Mountain. "While Canadian heli-skiing is primarily a destination thing, in America it's mostly day skiing associated with ski areas, except for us. Our runs are a bit shorter, but other than that it's pretty much the same. For people who have not tried it, the source of uphill transportation is radically different from a lift. When those helicopters start up in the morning, it doesn't matter how long you've been doing this, or how much longer you're going to be doing this; it's very exciting." Heli-skiing season in western Canada generally runs from late December until the beginning of May, while Royer's season starts in mid-January and lasts until mid-April. Three-day packages run about $2,500.
Snowboarders are also welcome at heli-skiing destinations, and the deep powder of heli-skiing may be even better suited to snowboards than to the so-called fat skis, which, being wider than traditional skis, supply more flotation in deep powder and are the choice of most heli-skiers today. For skiers and boarders, companies urge guests to carry their boots onto the plane, as no rentals are available at the remote lodges, and lost luggage could ruin your vacation.
All the destination operators in Canada and the United States include the rentals of fat skis in their packages, and encourage guests to leave their "skinny" skis at home. Most of the day operators also offer the option of renting these skis; much of the recent popularity of the sport can be attributed to them. "Fat skis have totally revolutionized heli-skiing," claims von Neudegg. "No one brings their skis anymore. Fat skis are the tool for the job, and 99 percent of our skiers, including our guides, use them. Even the very best skiers use them, and they find that they've never skied faster or had more fun in their lives."
"They came out about seven years ago," says Leslie Woit. "Before that, heli-skiing was the domain of fit, younger males. You needed really good technique, strong thighs and a good heart. Fat skis have made the sport more forgiving. A few diehards still come with their skinny skis, but I've yet to see anyone make it beyond Tuesday without giving fat skis a chance, and then they stick with them. You can ski longer days and get less tired."
Even such longtime skiers as Epstein, who began heli-skiing well before the advent of fat skis, have made the leap. "It's like having power steering versus manual," he says. First-timer Keating, an expert skier, is more blunt: "I tried my own skis the first morning and I got my ass kicked. I switched to their fat skis and it made a world of difference. They make it easier--there's less effort and it's easier to turn, so it's easier to look good."
Turning is the essence of heli-skiing. Many expert conventional skiers are surprised to learn that heli-skiing terrain has no bumps or moguls. It consists of hundreds of linked turns through deep powder, which can be tiring, especially on regular skis. Guides instruct skiers through the number of turns, scheduling stops to regroup at "that stand of trees 200 turns down." Typically, the guide will go over the terrain with the skiers, explaining any peculiarities, such as crevasses on a glacier, and then lay out a game plan and rules, including the spacing between skiers, whether they should go single file and other details. He also usually skis one side of the run and insists that everyone in the group stay to the left or right of his tracks. No one ever skies or stops below the guide.
Safety is an important consideration in heli-skiing. Skiing is an inherently dangerous activity, and flying helicopters in the mountains in winter weather exacerbates the risks involved. Since these are not groomed ski areas, there is also the possibility of avalanches, a very real threat that should never be underestimated. On the other hand, many of the accidents that take place at conventional ski areas are the result of skiers going too fast on groomed or icy surfaces, falling on hard pack, and colliding with man-made objects and other skiers on crowded slopes, none of which are likely to happen while heli-skiing. Still, the major operators are extremely serious about safety and always up-front about the dangers.
"Safety drills are very intimidating," says Royer. "Every other word is death. There's a huge risk out there that no one is trying to hide, and we want to make sure that everyone is willing to assume it."
In the past few years, high-profile accidents have included a crash that injured supermodel Christie Brinkley and another that killed Frank Wells, then the president of Disney. Heli-skiing literature is full of waivers and warnings, and CMH's excellent publication, the "Heli-Skiing Handbook," tackles the safety issue before delving into anything else. The company is candid about the risks and detailed in its precautions. As the handbook states, "In spite of all of our efforts over more than 32 years, and 80,000 skier weeks, there have been 28 fatalities; 21 of these in seven avalanche accidents."
Every skier is given an avalanche transceiver, an electronic device that can be used to locate them in case they get buried in the snow. No one should go heli-skiing with an operator that does not provide these devices and explain how they are used. "We view a safety video, go through the equipment, shovels, avalanche probes, et cetera," says Woit. "Then we have a transceiver session and a helicopter safety orientation."
"Safety instruction begins long before they get in the helicopter," says von Neudegg. "It begins when they get their first information packets. They have a safety briefing on the bus from Calgary. Then we have additional briefings at the lodge." CMH employs aerial photography, and each evening employees at all the resort's lodges communicate with one another by radio, comparing data to ascertain weather and avalanche conditions.
Skiers selecting a heli-ski operator should be demanding when inquiring about safety. In addition to each guest's transceiver, each guide should carry a radio, a shovel and other essentials. Other standard precautions include using a buddy system when skiing among the trees. Do not hesitate to inquire about the guides' training. Many outfitters use only guides who have been certified by a body such as the International Association of Mountain Guides, which has stringent requirements. In addition to skiing and understanding snow conditions, these individuals are professional mountain guides, who are trained in climbing, evacuation, survival and first aid.
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