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Pretty soon, most of us will be declaring our resolutions for the new year. On top of most of our lists will be organization. If you're a paper and pen kind of gal {or you're holiday shopping for someone who is}, you must check out Quo Vadis Planners and Notebooks. Not only are they beautiful, but they come in various layouts to suit many needs—students, business, moms, everyone.
They even offer a nifty search tool so that you can find the perfect planner layout for YOUR needs. After you've chosen a planner layout, then you get to choose a cover. They have a ton of gorgeous options!
I received the Planner with the Habana cover. It is a gorgeous planner…sleek and classic. It has inner pocket and rounded corners. The cover is flexible but durable. It has a leather feel. I love the elastic closure!
I also received a notebook with a limited edition Robert le héros cover. The Robert le héros are simply stunning. The notebooks come either lined or unlined–whatever you prefer and they make excellent journals. They'd also be perfect for students of course.
Plus, Quo Vadis offers lots of eco friendly options as well with their Equology planners, which are made with 100% post consumer waste recycled paper.
Unlike other recycled paper, Equology paper is crisp, very white, and good to write on. Equology planners come bound or refillable.
* Alkaline/neutral paper
* Certified EcoLogo, chlorine-free and FSC recycled paper
* Manufactured using biogas energy
This giveaway is closed. Congratulations to the winner, Emillie Rose!
The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.


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The Extraordinary Rendition of President George Bush Jnr
Page update: 11.07.08
The legal resurrection of the Republic of the United States of America and its Constitution began visibly on Monday 9th June 2008 on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. Congressman Dennis Kucinich (Democrat - Ohio) introduced a resolution detailing thirty five Articles of Impeachment against the 43rd President of the United States of America, George Walker Bush. Kucinich was supported by a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, Congressman Robert Wexler (Democrat - Florida).
In a formal and carefully structured resolution, President George Bush Jnr was openly accused of: Creating a secret propaganda campaign to manufacture a false case for war against Iraq (Article 1); Falsely, systematically, and with criminal intent conflating the attacks of September 11, 2001, with misrepresentation of Iraq as a security threat, as part of a fraudulent justification for a war of aggression (Article 2); Misleading the American people and members of Congress to believe that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, to manufacture a false case for war (Article 3); Misleading the American people and members of Congress to believe that Iraq posed an imminent threat to the United States (Article 4); Illegally misspending funds to secretly begin a war of aggression (Article 5); Invading Iraq in violation of the requirements of HJRes114 (Article 6); Invading Iraq without a Congressional Declaration of War (Article 7); Invading Iraq, a sovereign nation, in violation of the UN Charter (Article 8); Failing to provide troops with body armor and vehicle armor (Article 9); Falsifying accounts of US troop deaths and injuries for political purposes (Article 10); Establishing permanent US military bases in Iraq (Article 11); Initiating a war against Iraq for control of that nation's natural resources (Article 12); Creating a secret task force to develop energy and military policies with respect to Iraq and other countries (Article 13); Misprision of a Felony, misusing and exposing classified information and obstructing justice in the matter of Valerie Plame Wilson, clandestine agent of the Central Intelligence Agency (Article 14); Providing immunity from prosecution for criminal contractors in Iraq (Article 15); Reckless misspending and waste of US tax dollars in connection with Iraq and US contractors (Article 16); Illegal detention - detaining indefinitely and without charge both US citizens and foreign captives (Article 17); Torture - secretly authorizing, and encouraging the use of torture against captives in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other places, as a matter of official policy (Article 18); Rendition - kidnapping people and taking them against their will to 'black sites' located in other nations, including nations known to practice torture (Article 19); Imprisoning children (Article 20); Misleading Congress and the American people about threats from Iran, and supporting terrorist organizations within Iran, with the goal of overthrowing the Iranian government (Article 21); Creating secret laws (Article 22); Violation of the Posse Comitatus Act (Article 23); Spying on American citizens, without a court-ordered warrant, in violation of the law and the Fourth Amendment (Article 24); Directing telecommunications companies to create an illegal and unconstitutional database of the private telephone numbers and emails of American citizens (Article 25); Announcing the intent to violate laws with signing statements (Article 26); Failing to comply with Congressional subpoenas and instructing former employees not to comply (Article 27); Tampering with free and fair elections, corruption of the administration of justice (Article 28); Conspiracy to violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (Article 29); Misleading Congress and the American people in an attempt to destroy Medicare (Article 30); Katrina - failing to plan for the predicted disaster of Hurricane Katrina, failing to respond to a civil emergency (Article 31); Misleading Congress and the American people, systematically undermining efforts to address global climate change (Article 32); Repeatedly ignoring and failing to respond to high level intelligence warnings of planned terrorist attacks in the US, prior to 911 (Article 33); Obstructing the investigation into the attacks of September 11, 2001 (Article 34); Endangering the health of 911 first responders (Article 35).
The full Kucinich impeachment text can be found here, or in pdf format here, here and here. This document cites extensive collateral sources for each of the thirty five Articles of Impeachment. Two YouTube videos of Dennis Kucinich delivering his impeachment resolution on the floor of the House of Representatives can be seen here (from Brasscheck TV - 10.06.08). And there is Keith Olbermann's Countdown report on the Kucinich Articles of Impeachment here (from MSNBC 10.06.08 - YouTube video (8 mins).
In the second week of June 2008, the Bush White House strenuously suppressed any informed reporting of the House of Representatives impeachment session in the American mainstream media. Recently, agents of the US Executive Branch covertly paid CNN $2.0 billion not to report certain news. Quite how these monies will be represented in CNN's accounts, or in the individual private accounts of CNN's board and executive members, is not yet clear. Similar large coercive payments are being made, on an ongoing basis, by agents of the US Executive Branch, to other major media outlets and to the people who control their editorial policies. Source of funds documentation is being sought in relation to these payments.
On Monday 9th June 2008, just hours after Dennis Kucinich had delivered his thirty five Articles of Impeachment to Congress, his website was taken down by pro-Bush intelligence operatives attempting to restrict distribution of the text.
On Wednesday 11th June 2008, Dennis Kucinich told Al Jazeera (here) that the impeachment attempt was not just about the past, but also about the future. "If we do not establish that the rule of law must apply to the President of the US now, what we are doing is through our inaction creating a precedent that would let the next President know that he could go ahead and wage war without Congressional approval. That he could approve of wiretapping, rendition, spying, torture or anything because Congress wouldn't act. We need to take a stand now not just for justice, for what's happened over the last six, seven years but also to restrain any abuse of power in the next administration."
On Friday 13th June 2008, Dennis Kucinich did a wide-ranging 25-minute interview on the Alex Jones programme (Austin, Texas). There is a three-part YouTube video of this interview here (Part 1), here (Part 2) and here (Part 3).
We have addressed some other aspects of the legal decadence of the US Executive Branch and the political disintegration of the Bush White House elsewhere in this blog here, here and here.
Kucinich Introduces Articles of Impeachment; Website Suspiciously Attacked
Cleveland Leader (10.06.08)
Wexler to Cosponsor Bush Impeachment
A senior member of the House Judiciary Committee supports the Kucinich impeachment initiative (10.06.08)
Wexler attacked for impeachment support
Congressman Robert Wexler (Democrat - Florida) responds to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel (12.06.08)
Kucinich vows to reintroduce Impeachment Articles if Democrats let them die in committee
Background comments from the Kucinich.us website
Citing the Iraq War, Attorney Vincent Bugliosi seeks the prosecution of George Bush for Murder
Talking to the Democracy Now website, Bugliosi sets out the legal architecture against George Bush Jnr, the overwhelming evidence of his guilt, and the jurisdiction under which he can be successfully prosecuted for murder in the American courts (13.06.08).
The crucifixion of Chief Justice John Glover Roberts
The Decapitation of Darkside America
Bush White House begins to disintegrate
The Bilocation of Hillary Clone-Clinton
Criminal collapse of Citibank and Morgan Stanley
Halliburton death-rattle in DC
Index of blog contents
Spirituality websites worth watching
Labels: Articles of Impeachment against George Bush Jnr, Dennis Kucinich, George Bush Jnr, Invading Iraq without a Congressional Declaration of War, Robert Wexler

subset: commoncrawl


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Afghan Nerd Apron
Product Color:
Product information
Wearing this Apron Afghan Nerd proves to everyone that you really CAN cook. I mean, who else would put on an apron for no other reason? And everyone knows that a Barbeque is a messy (and yummy) ordeal. Afghan Nerd might even protect you from extra heavy duty splatters and spills.
The Afghanistan Apron includes neck ties and extra long waist ties and makes any cooking experience rewarding. You are sure to receive many compliments! 35% Cotton / 65% polyester blend, twill fabric. Machine washable.
Sku: MD0BE0000021460101010057YGDGBL000


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Current Highlights on Broadway
Find a show or venue
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Your independent guide to the best shows in New York
230 West 49th Street, New York, NY 10038
230 West 49th Street, New York, NY 10038
Year opened: 1925
Capacity: 1,108
Now Showing
From Trey Parker and Matt Stone, four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of South Park comes this outrageously funny and risque Broadway musical about a pair of mismatched Mormon boys sent on a mission to a place that's about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get. Starring BOM veteran Gavin Creel as Elder Price, fresh from his London stint in the same role, be prepared for a show where no holds are barred and perhaps cover yourself with a napkin as you'll be spluttering in comic awesomeness throughout.
This Broadway theatre first began life in 1925 as the Forrest Theatre, designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp and built for the Shuberts as part of a theatre-hotel complex, named after the 19th century tragedian Edwin Forrest. Later on, the theatre was renamed the Coronet in 1945 following renovations by architects Walker & Gillette, before being once again rechristened the O'Neill in 1959, honoring the eminent American playwright. It now forms part of the Jujamcyn Theater Company and has staged a host of award-winning productions before becoming the incumbent home of the Book of Mormon since 2011.
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Please note: The term Eugene O'Neill Theatre as well as all associated graphics, logos, and/or other tradermarks, tradenames or copyrights are the property of the Eugene O'Neill Theatre and are used herein for factual descriptive purposes only. We are in no way associated with or authorized by the Eugene O'Neill Theatre and neither that entity nor any of its affiliates have licensed or endorsed us to sell tickets, goods and or services in conjunction with their events.


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Smith's strained groin showing improvement
WASHINGTON -- There was positive news on Saturday morning about Seth Smith's strained right groin.
San Diego manager Bud Black said that Smith would try to take some swings in the batting cage before Saturday's game against the Nationals. Black also said the outfielder might do some light jogging on Sunday.
According to Black, there's a chance Smith -- who sustained the injury in Thursday's victory -- could be ready to get back in the starting lineup during a series in San Francisco that begins on Monday.
Smith suffered the strain chasing a Jose Lobaton double down the left-field line in the 10th inning. The Padres went on to win the game, 4-3, in 12 innings.
"When I was running toward the left-field line, I felt it tweak on me," Smith said. "I've had something similar before in Colorado, where I think I missed three games."
The Padres played their second game two men short on the bench on Saturday, as the reserves were Alexi Amarista, Nick Hundley, and Yasmani Grandal.
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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Quark, Greek yogurt's cheesy German cousin, is a creamy, cheese-like product with yogurt-like features, and it's quickly making its presence felt in the dairy aisle, ready to win over a skeptical American market.
According to FoodBev Media, the über healthy German-style quark has started to pop up in Whole Foods and other specialty stores -- thanks to brands like Elli.
What does it take to woo Americans? McLean Design, the brains behind the quark introduction, finds that a clear understanding of evolving consumer behavior helps.
"Elli quark has a contemporary, Euro-chic feel, designed to appeal to consumers as a smarter, healthier dairy snack," said Ian McLean, founder and creative director of McLean Design Inc. "Elli captures a youthful, forward-thinking aesthetic," said McLean. "That helps it differentiate from typical dairy products, which are good for you, but not actively healthy like quark."
Read, "Introducing a healthy European dairy product to the United States."
Hamdi Ulukaya, CEO of Chobani, faced similar issues in introducing Greek yogurt to the American market. NBC News reports that before Chobani came along, Greek yogurt sales in the United States were nearly nonexistent. Today, the popular product makes up more than one-third of the yogurt we eat.
Many yogurt giants such as General Mills and Kraft Foods waited for Greek yogurt trend to fizzle, and by entering the market so late, the companies missed out. Read more here.
Whether quark will be a passing fad or a product here to stay, customers are making it clear that they are willing to give it a try.


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Note: This item is more than nine years old. Please take the publication date into consideration for any date references.
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News Release
Media Contact: TPWD News, firstname.lastname@example.com, 512-389-8030
May 23, 2008
LAMPS Antlerless Deer Permit Applications Available
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is now accepting applications for Landowner Assisted Management Permitting System (LAMPS) antlerless deer permits for the 2008-2009 hunting season. The LAMPS program was initiated in 1993 to offer East Texas landowners and hunters additional opportunities for harvesting antlerless deer.
Many counties in East Texas allow the harvest of antlerless deer "by permit only," or during a few select "doe days." However, LAMPS permits allow antlerless deer to be hunted the entire general gun season with minimal reporting requirements.
Persons interested in enrolling a property in the LAMPS program should recognize there are minimum qualification requirements. Permission from the landowner must be obtained before applying for permits if the person applying is not the landowner. The property must occur in one of the more than 50 East Texas counties in the program. And, the property must meet the minimum acreage requirement for the county. The minimum acreage requirement varies form county to county, but ranges from 50 to 200 acres.
To guarantee receipt of permits by the opening day of the general firearms season, applications must be received by September 1. For information on the minimum acreage requirements and applications call the LAMPS office at (409) 489-0823 or log on to the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site
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(5.4.16 i)


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Join Maria for 6 weeks of private lessons to get your voice in good shape. If you sing a little bit, but you would like to learn new techniques and learn a healthier, more effective way to sing, these lessons are perfect for you. Maria will help you develop and strengthen your voice while helping you build confidence in your singing. Since this is a private lesson, you will be able to focus on songs and aspects of singing that interest you. This opportunity is appropriate for everyone from beginners (including shower singers!) to experienced singers who are looking for more structured practice. Maria has experience with many genres of music, with a focus on jazz and pop.
Wednesdays, November 7, 14, 28, December 5, 12, 19
Maria McNeil has studied voice since she was ten years old and has performed various styles of music. She studied under accomplished singers and musicians and graduated with honors from the Chicago Academy for the Arts. She later earned a professional music degree in vocal performance and songwriting from Berklee College of Music. Maria has performed her own original music in Chicago, Boston, and New York City and worked at a studio with recording artists in the Nashville area. She is currently working on new music projects but focuses most of her time on teaching vocal and piano lessons. She is influenced mostly by jazz, R&B, and neo-soul music. She strongly believes singing should lift the spirit and encourages students to find their own voice through vocal exercise.


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Preparing for College
- Four Things to Do in the Four Years Before College
For your child, high school means football games, a driver's license, SATs, and the prom. For you, it means college is right around the corner. Before your child starts touring college campuses, here are four things you can do to get ready.
- Talking to Your Child about College Expectations
If you're the parent of a high school student who's looking ahead to college, it's important to have a grown-up conversation with your child about college expectations. A frank discussion can help everyone get on the same page. Here are some talking points.


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Doggy Day Care in Lincoln, IL
Drop off your dog at your sitter's home in the morning, and pick them up in the evening.
Animal loving stay at home mom!
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Don't let your 9-to-5 stop you from being a great pet parent. When you're heading to work, drop off your beloved pet with a loving dog sitter near you. Your dog will get the love and care they're used to at home, and you'll get photo updates and the peace of mind that comes from finding great care for your pet. We're proud to offer a wide range of pet care, including puppy day care and pet day care for all kinds of pets. We know you love your pets, but you can't always be there, which is where our loving sitters come in. Forget kennels, find a loving neighbor who will give your dog the one-on-one attention they deserve. That way, when you head to work, you know your dog's in good hands.


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A BOROUGH charity for people with sight loss has issued a fresh appeal for volunteers.
The Pocklington Resource and Information Centre in Stourbridge has run its lottery funded Visually Impaired People (VIP) project for almost three years but to continue to provide its free home-visiting scheme for blind and sight-limited people more volunteers are desperately needed.
Volunteers typically visit service users in their own homes either weekly or fortnightly for about one-and-a-half or two hours to offer company, help with reading and correspondence or to accompany people on trips within the community.
Jan Lacy, volunteer co-ordinator at the centre, said: "We have had great success with the services we provide, but we are reliant on volunteers coming forward to offer their services.
"We are looking for people who have the time and willingness to offer support, are reliable, self-motivated and have good communication skills. All volunteers will receive a full induction as part of the role and are then carefully matched to people with sight loss who have been referred into the service."
Based at the Mary Stevens Centre, Oldswinford, the resource centre is part of the Thomas Pocklington Trust charity which aims to improve the quality of life of people with sight loss.
Serving the whole of the Dudley borough, the centre is open five days a week between 9am and 4pm.
Anyone interested in volunteering can call Jan Lacy on 01384 440333 or email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Tina Ricciardi
Medical Sales Rep., Figure Competitor
Age: 36
Height: 5'4" Weight: 108 lbs.
Ambridge, PA
Thanks to the inspiration from my dear friend, Sgt. Robert Lepore, I recently entered my first figure contest and won first place in my division.
I have tried many different protein powders over the past few years and have found Designer Whey by Next Proteins to be my favorite. During training for 20 weeks prior to the contest, I need a low calorie, low carb, high protein powder, and relied on Designer Whey.
The other supplement I couldn't have done without was L-Glutamine Powder by Fitness Labs. I took this after every workout and even mixed it with water and sipped it during workouts. I also took a scoop immediately before bed. It helped tremendously with my muscle recovery.
Thanks to these supplements, I accomplished my goal!


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This game was classified by the community with the following category scores - Violence=2/3, Sex=0/3, Mature Content=2/3. An multiplayer platformer that takes place underground. Dig down for gold, but you'll have to contend with monsters and other players. Gather treasure, lie in wait for an ambush, and lay devious traps. Procedurally-generated levels ensure that no two games are exactly the same. Struggle for subterranean supremacy!
Buy Xbox content on Xbox.com. Your Xbox 360 console will automatically download the content next time you turn it on and connect to Xbox Live.Learn More


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Topic: New to the Group
Hi Everyone,
My husband (age 57) was diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary in Jan. 2014. After several tests, it was determined that he had bile duct cancer. They are 86% sure that it is cholangiocarcinoma. He has been receiving folfox and oxiplatin since then. It has helped reduce the tumors in his liver (there are two tumors, one is very large, now 11 cm around reduced from 13cm). There are tumors on both sides of the liver and I think a lymph node. We have gotten a second opinion from NIH (we live in MD) and no one wants to do surgery. Has anyone else started their journey with a diagnosis of CUP? Glad to have found you guys!


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NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Google ( GOOG) Maps is back on Apple's ( AAPL) iPhone, much to the rejoice of users around the world. Google Maps came back to the iPhone this week, as Apple approved the popular mapping application for iOS devices. "At the heart of this app is our constantly improving map of the world that includes detailed information for more than 80 million businesses and points of interest. Preview where you want to go with Street View and see inside places with Business Photos to decide on a table or see if it's better at the bar. To get you there, you've got voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic conditions to avoid the jams and if you want to use public transportation, find information for more than one million public transit stops," Google wrote on its blog. Apple, known for its well-designed, beautiful hardware and software, has suffered a bitter pill with its mapping application, which forced Apple CEO Tim Cook to apologize. It also lead to a shakeup at the company, with senior executive Scott Forstall ousted from the company. Apple has been the subject of much criticism outside of the map fiasco, as analysts have cut estimates on shipment concerns and component supplies being cut. UBS analyst Steven Milunovich cutting his price target from $780 to $700 on lower-than-expected iPhone and iPad shipments in the first calendar quarter. Jeffries analyst Peter Misek wrote in a research note that Apple's component suppliers have received order cuts in the past couple of days. "Apple component suppliers have received order cuts in the last 24-48 hours, but we believe assembly orders remain unchanged," Misek wrote in his note. He rates Apple "buy" with a $800 price target. Apple continued to decline this week, falling 4.38% to $509.89, while Google moved in the opposite direction, gaining 2.58% to wind up at $701.85.
Clearwire ( CLWR) rose this week on news that its majority shareholder, Sprint ( S) offered to buy the rest of the company it doesn't already own, for $2.90 a share, a deal worth around $2.1 billion. Clearwire traded well above the $2.90 offer, as speculation increases Sprint will increase its offer for the rest of the company. Shares of Clearwire increased 41% this week to close at $3.37, while shares of Sprint ended the week 2.28% lower to wind up at $5.55. Enjoy your weekend everyone. -- Written by Chris Ciaccia in New York >Contact by Email. Follow @Commodity_Bull
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The Antiquity Of It All
Five top American breeders discuss their devotion to a handful of ancient, elegant breeds with smooth gaits and amazing style
(continued from page 3)
"Until then, my experience had been mostly with thoroughbreds, and I'd never ridden an Icelandic," recalls Slott, a Manhattan bond trader at the time. "When I did I was impressed. Here was a horse that for centuries had been developed just for riding. It was speedy, comfortable, safe and very intelligent. From a performance point of view, I was impressed with this horse's ability to move with ease, and it was so much to my liking, I decided to give up other types of riding."
But Slott didn't stop there. Upon his return he began breeding and training Icelandic horses at Mill Farm, a 2,000-acre spread he created in Ancramdale, New York, with Icelander Kristjan Kristjansson, who has trained and bred Icelandic horses all his life. Nestled in a valley that's dotted with boulders and surrounded by green rolling hills, the farm looks as if it were pared from the Icelandic countryside.
"These are the ancient gaited horses of the Vikings, the only naturally five-gaited horses in the world, and they all move with power, consistency and smoothness," says Slott, who is married to Molly Schaefer, the publisher of Town & Country and a horsewoman in her own right. "They also have wonderful temperaments because [in Iceland] they breed [the horses] selectively, as much for mind as for performance."
Throughout the centuries, the aim of horse breeders has been to duplicate and improve equine characteristics important to man, a pragmatic approach that appears to have reached its ultimate expression in today's "big business" equestrian world, where strains are exquisitely refined and matched against the requirements of often-narrow disciplines. Because the objectives are so specialized, however, finding a well-bred riding horse with a gentle, tractable nature can be difficult.
Unlike breeders of thoroughbred race horses, Slott is one of a select few around the United States who specialize in breeding horses meant to be ridden for show and fun, not finish lines. Five of those breeders can be found within a 50-mile radius of northwestern Connecticut, and each offers a dramatically different breed: Polish Arabian, Peruvian Paso, Connemara, Iberian and Icelandic. n Horses as we know them today started evolving approximately 6,000 years ago, when man first attempted to domesticate the swift four-legged animals running just beyond his reach. Eventually the pursuers captured one and tamed it, then caught others and started breeding their favorites to each other. Once man started interjecting his will, various types and breeds began appearing, as horses with great prepotency (the ability to consistently pass on their type and character to their offspring) duplicated themselves.
Two Eastern breeds emerged early on and had a profound influence on all the horses that followed. They were the swift desert horse of the Middle East, known as the Arabian, and the rugged North African horse of the Barbary Coast, known as the Barb. These breeds formed the basis of the world's foundation stock and influenced all modern-day breeds.
As early as 3000 b.c., horses resembling modern-day Arabians were observed living on the Arabian Peninsula. They are said to have been bred by Bedu tribesmen, who recorded their pedigrees orally until the historian El Kelbi chronicled them in 789 a.d. He traced their roots to a stallion called Hoshaba and a mare named Baz that, legend has it, was captured in Yemen by the great-great-grandson of Noah.
Ishmael, the outcast son of Abraham and the first ancestor of the Bedu tribes, supposedly kept Arabian horses. So did King Solomon and the Prophet Mohammed, who was apparently so taken with the animals that he made their care a tenet of faith. It was he who influenced the Moors, who carried a reverence for horses to Spain in the seventh and eighth centuries.
New York businessman Arnold Fisher was not an experienced horseman when he encountered his first Arabian horse. It was the spring of 1981, and a friend had just invited Fisher, a middle-aged nonrider, on a trail ride in Bedford, New York. The beauty and temperament of his mount were sensational and after his ride he inquired about its breed. "Arabian," he was told. With that, Fisher's life took a new direction.
Soon he was on the phone with his mount's breeder, Ruth Schmidt, a breeder of black Arabians whose own horse, Casio Bay, had been considered for the 1979 movie The Black Stallion. Sight unseen, Fisher purchased a stallion, Dunabasque, over the phone. Then, acting again on his friend's advice, he called Larry Jones, a horse trainer in nearby Sherman, Connecticut, and asked him to train the horse. Fisher and his wife, Audrey, soon teamed with Jones. Today, their Dunromin' Arabian Farm, in Pine Plains, New York, is one of the nation's leading breeders of Polish Arabians.
"The day Dunabasque came off the trailer, I was hooked," Fisher recalls. "I'd never seen anything so magnificent in my life." A grandson of the great Polish stallion Bask, Dunabasque was a superb example of the Arabians that Poland has been producing for more than 400 years (he died in 1997). The purebred Polish Arabian has influenced nearly every one of the world's major Arabian horse gene pools.
This highly prized horse is a result of a selective Polish breeding program, which tests each horse's physical soundness and training potential on the racetrack. Horses too small, too nervous or constitutionally unsound for racing are culled from the breeding pool. Similarly, mares that have succeeded on the race track but prove to be irregular breeders or poor mothers are sold.
Eager to learn more about his new horse and others like it, Fisher asked Jones to accompany him and his wife to the 1982 U.S. National Championships in Louisville. "That's when I realized the extent of Larry's knowledge of this breed," he says. "He was able to predict most of the winners. I knew then that if I wanted to get into Arabian horses, this was the man who could guide me."
Since his first trip to the nationals with the Fishers, Larry Jones has trained dozens of young horses for the couple. "Polish Arabians make excellent training candidates," Jones says. "They have been selectively bred for centuries, with emphasis on traits such as soundness, stamina, beauty and trainability. The next result from the Polish horsemen's foresight is a very consistent modern-day gene pool, which regularly produces for us a beautiful and trainable, athletic Arabian horse."
These days, the Fishers have 39 horses at their 286-acre farm, with a few champion stallions, including Penitent, a magnificent grey named National Champion Stallion of Poland in 1985 and European Supreme Champion Stallion in 1987. Fisher smiles and sits back in his chair, recalling the first foal he ever delivered at the farm. "I didn't know much about this business then, and I'd certainly never delivered a foal. It was in the winter. The colt was lying on the straw under the heat lamps and as it lay there nickering, attached to its dam, it was almost a religious experience."
Like the Arabian, the Icelandic can boast an ancient bloodline; but it also has a genetic purity few breeds can match. Because of restrictive legislation on horse breeding passed by Iceland's general assembly, the Allthing, in the tenth century, there has been no infusion of outside blood for more than 1,000 years. Furthermore, exported Icelandic horses are not permitted to return. The result is that the native horses retain their original conformation and size. They have great carriage and usually stand no higher than 14 1/2 hands, roughly 66 inches. Perhaps best of all, they still have five smooth gaits.
In addition to the usual walk, trot and canter, the Icelandic horse--which can carry a 250-pound man--has a gait called the tolt, a remarkably smooth four-beat movement in which the animal moves its feet quickly in the same order as it does in the walk. In this gait, the forepart of the horse rises, the back yields and the rear legs move in well under the animal's body to create a movement that cradles the rider in the saddle, allowing for constant connection with the horse. In the fifth gait, known as a pace, both legs on one side of the horse move in unison and the horse extends itself quickly and powerfully, often traveling at speeds of up to 35 mph. The rider sits in the saddle for all Icelandic gaits.
"Strangely enough, these horses are easier to ride than horses with just three gaits," observes Slott. "You get on one and suddenly find yourself riding better than you've ever ridden before. These horses are meant to be ridden and enjoyed in the open countryside." Slott first learned of the affection Icelanders have for their native horses when he was vacationing there. "The horses there have occupied a central place in that country's history and folklore for over 1,000 years, and they were carefully and thoughtfully bred to serve as mounts and companions to the family. Even today, it's not uncommon to find four or five per household."
Ten-year-old Bettina Drummond gazed into the magisterial face of Nuno Oliveira, master of the Portuguese School of Classical Education. She had been accepted as his student.
Bettina was then living in Portugal. Her mother, a prominent horsewoman, was the Countess de Flers, the former Phyllis Field, daughter of department store magnate Marshall Field III. Bettina had always received skilled instruction. To train with Oliveira, however, was an unexpected privilege.
Her progress was dramatic. By the time she was 12, Bettina had performed a ballotade, a difficult movement in which the horse trots in place and leaps into the air; its origin stems from military battles. At 16, she was presented with a coveted pair of spurs awarded only to instructors, and she became Oliveira's exhibition rider. At 19, she earned a license to train horses and, at 21, she earned her degree as a master horse trainer.
"It was because of Mr. Oliveira that I became fascinated with dressage as an art form and with how things fit together," says Drummond. "Thanks to him, I became absolutely devoted to Iberian horses." Her partners in the experience were the Iberian horses in his barn; a few of them were Andalusians from nearby Spain, but usually they were Lusitanos, which are native to Portugal.
Iberian horses are known for their spectacular movement, balance, suppleness and agility, not to mention a courageous, spirited and gentle disposition. Their facial profile is convex, their eyes are almond-shaped, and they have sloped croups (top hindquarters), which make their hind legs flexible and allow them to move in a collected, or restrained, gait. In Spain, these horses are most often used for ceremonial duties in the bullring and for high-level dressage, a process of putting horses through a series of precise maneuvers using very little in the way of discernable commands.
The origins of the Iberian horse are closely linked with the history of that region--a saga of invasion and occupation by different African sects during the fifteenth century. It can only be surmised that the Iberian horse resulted from crossbreeding of indigenous stock and the North African Barb.
Iberian stallions generally stand from 15.2 to 16.2 hands high at the shoulder and have a commanding presence and lofty and spectacular paces. They are compact and strong, limber and powerful in the hindquarters and neck. Most important is their docile temperament, which makes them easy to teach and happy to submit to dressage disciplines without loss of spirit. Drummond's Pruyn Stud at Auden Field sits high on a hill overlooking the Newtown, Connecticut, countryside. Years before she started the farm, her mother had dreamed of establishing an American dressage center. In 1991, at age 28, her daughter fulfilled that dream by buying the Newtown property with a partner. In 1994, shortly after her grandmother, Ruth Pruyn Field, died, Bettina established Pruyn Stud. "I named the stud after my grandmother because she is responsible for my having it," she says. "She left me some money to do something with horses, and it enabled me to buy my Iberian breeding stock."
Admittedly ambitious about training horses in the classical mode, Drummond says she is "not particularly competitive" when it comes to riding. Her goal these days, she says, is "to produce some wonderful dressage horses that go on to do what I was taught, so that I may, in turn, pass on what I have learned." Toward that end, she has been importing Lusitanos for training and showing along with a few French horses (a breed called Selle Francais), which Drummond feels are more suited to the "look" required by contemporary dressage tests.
It is the Lusitanos, however, that are her first love, and she hopes to introduce more of them into American dressage competition. "Right now, I'm trying to tone down the anxiety quota," she adds. "Lusitanos are often very hot and reactive because they're bred to look for the bull in the bullring. At the same time, they have this marvelous forward nature from the leg because they're always ready to charge. Some people see their natural suspension as taking away from the forward nature. I believe this is because few people will ride them on the edge of their nature. When you ride them with your hair on fire, boy, it's like martial arts. And once you get ready to roll, you can't back off. They have fine, sensitive personalities, and once you get their engines stoked, they're magnificent."
Nancy Burr stands barely five foot, two inches. When she's dressed in her riding clothes, she resembles a jockey. "Please don't tell me I look like National Velvet," she says with a smile as she puts a brush to the glistening bay coat of Ballywhim Ardan Mor, one of her prized Connemara stallions. "People are always saying that. I competed a lot when I was a girl in Westport [Connecticut] and there was a time I actually did want to win the Grand National or some other great competition, but I'm through with that now. I'm a serious horse breeder."
Recognized by the American Connemara Pony Society as one of the nation's top breeders, Burr, who is in her mid-40s, knew a lot about horses before she decided to breed these ancient ponies.
She started riding at age five, partly because her mother, Mary, was the secretary of the Fairfield County Hounds in Connecticut, partly because she was "just plain horse crazy." Later in her childhood she hunted and pony-clubbed with New Jersey's Spring Valley Hounds and rode at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport.
In 1983, Burr, who is married to Connecticut businessman Kevin Montanaro, finally decided to take the plunge and settled on Connemaras. "I'd known a wonderful pony that was half Connemara when I was a girl and I wanted to breed them," she says.
The Connemara pony is Ireland's only indigenous breed. It is also one of the most beautiful of all ponies. Before the arrival of the Celtic raiders and traders in the fifth and sixth centuries b.c., Connemaras resembled the stocky equines that now inhabit Norway, Iceland and the Shetland Isles of Scotland. But it wasn't until the late sixteenth century, when an Andalusian mare reputedly escaped from a wrecked vessel belonging to the Spanish Armada, that the breed began to change.
The influence of the Iberian horse on the Connemara is obvious even for those who don't believe the legend. In the sixteenth century, Galway City, a port near the Irish coastal area of Connemara, was an important trading center, particularly with Spain, and the Irish countryside was dotted with beautiful Andalusian and Lusitano riding horses. Some of these were undoubtedly bred to native ponies, as were Arabian horses two centuries later.
Connemara ponies nearly perished by 1850, another victim of the great potato famine that ravaged Ireland during the 1840s. But the ponies that did survive are not the versatile ponies of today. The modern Connemara resulted from an 1897 royal commission led by J. Cossar Ewart, a professor at Edinburgh University, who examined Irish horses to assess the breeds worth saving. He single-handedly saved the Connemara, which he described as "fertile and free from disease...without exception the best animals I ever knew. Its extinction would be a national loss." He suggested crossbreeding its surviving members with Welsh cobs, thoroughbreds, hackneys and roadster ponies.
Thanks to Ewart's perceptive breeding recommendations, the already versatile Connemara became even more so. In 1923, Ireland formed the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society. Three years later, England formed a similar organization, and in the 1950s, the American Connemara Pony Society was formed "in recognition of the need for a pony of great stamina and versatility, capable of carrying an adult in the hunting field, yet gentle and tractable enough for a young child, fearless as a show jumper, yet suitable and steady as a driving pony."
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text:
- MVP ion medium (driving and putting)
- MVP Vector (various weights and condition)
- Rivers (various weights/condition/plastic)
- Gl trident
- striker (various weights/condition/plastic)
- blizzard boss
Random (these go in and out depending on the course or weather)
- mamba (rollers)
- gl halo (replaces the blizzard boss for big D if it's windy)
- blizzard katana (if I need some crazy turnover shot)
I can't find a mid range to fall in love with. I'm actually most likely going back to the core and just use the trident if the wind is too much for the core to handle.
I love the ions but with the opto pure finally arriving I am tempted to switch.....
What do you guys think?


text:
MLB.com Columnist
Bill Ladson
Nats add outfielder Schierholtz on Minors deal
WASHINGTON -- The Nationals agreed to terms with Nate Schierholtz on a Minor League contract Monday, less than two weeks after the Cubs designated the outfielder for assignment.
The move is aimed at helping bolster a Washington bench that has been missing a left-handed presence since outfielder Nate McLouth went on the 15-day disabled list earlier this month because of an inflamed right shoulder.
McLouth has suffered a number of setbacks during his rehab process and opted to get a second opinion because the shoulder wasn't healing properly. He was scheduled to undergo an arthrogram MRI -- effectively a joint X-ray -- on Monday to help determine the full extent of the injury and how much time it will force him to miss.
"It was by design that we went after [Schierholtz]," general manager Mike Rizzo said. "He's had great success as a pinch-hitter. He can play all three outfield positions above average. He throws well. He still runs well. He's got some pop from the left side of the plate. And as you see by our bench, we're a little short on left-handed power bats."
Manager Matt Williams also admitted that his bench is "right-handed heavy" in McLouth's absence despite having two switch-hitters in infielders Danny Espinosa and Asdrubal Cabrera. Schierholtz, who hit .192 in 99 games for Chicago this season, could help to even that discrepancy while also providing a proven and experienced bat.
Schierholtz had his best season in 2013, with the Cubs, batting .251 with a career-best 21 homers, 32 doubles, 56 extra-base hits and 56 runs.
"You have to have options. So what we don't have right now is that quote-unquote lefty off the bench," Williams said. "[Schierholtz] was out there and available, and given his history and the way he's played, it was the logical thing to do. … You have to make sure that you're covered and you have options. And he's a good player. He had a great season last year, and he's got experience doing what he may potentially be asked to do here."
Rizzo said the Nationals attempted to acquire Schierhotlz via trade on a number of occasions during past seasons, but the deals never worked out.
The left-handed slugger is expected to arrive at Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, and Rizzo said Schierholtz would remain there as long as necessary to regain his form. The outfielder hasn't seen action since Aug. 5.
"We know when the last time he's played, so we're going to gauge how he feels," Rizzo said. "We'll get him as many at-bats as needs down there until we bring him up."
Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the time. He also could be found on Twitter @WashingNats. Daniel Popper is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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The Emerald Greens: Golfing in Ireland
Within the confines of the pub in Michael Rosney's Killeen House Hotel are 6,500 golf balls from all over the world. On any given night there are 20, 30 or more golfers, the majority from beyond Ireland's shores, talking about their Irish golf experiences in a fog of smoke and a sea of ale. If you should have a ball with a logo on it and it's one the pub doesn't have, Rosney will gladly exchange it for your favorite pint.
As much as a ball for a pint is an act of barter, it is more an act of friendship. And beyond the act of friendship, a ball for a pint is an act that imbues the spirit of Irish golf. Golf in Ireland, be it on one of its seminal seaside links or its gorgeous inland courses, is a game that welcomes all with genuine warmth and a decided lack of pretense. "The Irish still view golf as a game of the people," says Irish golf entrepreneur Pat Ruddy, owner of the magnificent European Club in County Wicklow. "We don't view it as a business opportunity or a game of the elite. We view it as a game that can be played by all, the rich alongside the poor."
With the tourist engorgement of the Scottish courses over the past 10 years, Ireland has increasingly received the spillover. Americans mostly, though with continental Europeans and Asians coming in greater numbers, this annual migration of duffers and dandies seeks out the greats of Irish golf. Is there still anyone who hasn't heard about Ballybunion? Could there be anybody not fa-miliar with Royal County Down? Has any soul not yet been made aware of Portmarnock? Heard about the Lindbergh kidnapping?
These Irish courses are truly classic and deserve the Mecca status accorded St. Andrews or Muirfield or Royal Dornoch in Scotland. But like Scotland, there are many courses in Ireland of great challenge and beauty beyond the Holy Trio. Some, like Waterville, Tralee and Royal Portrush, are coming to be known as special destinations unto themselves. Still others, such as Lahinch, Portstewart and Dooks, are swiftly building their own reputations. And courses such as County Louth and the European Club are still off the path beaten by most of the world's golfers, though they are steadily finding their own admirers.
Golf journeys to Ireland begin and end at either Dublin, on the east coast, or Shannon, on the west. At either airport of call, the visiting golfer is at the midpoint of the country and within short driving distance (depending on the number of cattle and sheep encountered) of most of the well-known Irish courses.
This journey will begin at a not-so-well-known course an hour's drive up the N1 from Dublin, with a tortuous right toward the Irish Sea at Drogheda, following the signs (as long as they last) to the tiny village of Baltray. There, virtually at the end of the road if not the end of the earth, is County Louth Golf Club at Baltray. You can call it Baltray, because everyone who belongs to it or knows about it calls it Baltray.
What you will say about Baltray after playing it the first time will probably fall somewhere between "superb" and "fantastic." It is a remarkable find for the first-time player even though it has been there in one form or another since 1892. Masterfully and passionately rebuilt by the architect Tom Simpson in the late 1930s, it contains some wonderful holes, a friendly clubhouse and one of the best caddies that 20 Irish punts can buy for three hours and a bit.
As the lore has it, Simpson walked up the opening hole in 1937, which is now the fourth, and exclaimed: "If all the holes are like this, I'll have very little to do." Simpson left the fourth hole alone--and changed everything else. What he created is a course known to the Irish as one of the finest everyday courses in the land, and known to outsiders not at all.
On a very fine day, the wind straightening the clubhouse flags and tickling the tall grasses along the fairways, I ventured forth as a onesome, sent off in front of a junior tournament. That I was the sole golfer in a group of two did not mean that I was alone. Carrying my bag, analyzing my swing, reading my putts and fortifying my soul was Martin Lawless. A man in his 40s, Lawless told me that he had spent most of his life in the army and now did caddying and odd jobs for a living. The caddying paid well, by Irish standards, £20 a bag plus tip for a senior caddie like himself.
Martin looked somewhat older than his stated age, a fact attributable no doubt to the somewhat excessive use of spirits and tobacco. This did not, however, dull his enthusiasm as a caddie nor did it interfere with his profuse knowledge of the course and his ability to read his man after two swings and two putts. Martin Lawless was a real caddie, you see, not a mere dragger of the bag or reciter of the distances.
On the second hole, he caught my attention and tweaked my imagination as I lined up a short pitch shot.
As I took a practice swing, Martin inquired, to my astonishment: "Do you see that bunker there right this moment?"
My rather stupefied answer was a question: "Martin, is it going to move?"
"Oh, no, no, no," said Martin. "I mean, are you ah seein' that bunker right in front of you?"
"Well, yes, I do see it now."
"Just play your shot over the left edge and let it hit on the far left side of the green. Don't hit it too hard or she'll pop over to the back. There's plenty of break to the right once she hits the green."
And so it went that day, with Martin having a club suggestion, a line suggestion, a swing suggestion on almost every shot while at the same time not being intrusive. Martin Lawless managed to climb into my head every bit as much as beautiful Baltray was climbing into my heart.
Particularly striking were the 12th through the 15th holes. At the 12th you are nearest the Irish Sea, though you still cannot see it. A large dune wall down the right side of the 12th and 13th blocks the view, though waves can be heard breaching on the beach if there is a freshening breeze. The 12th plays downhill from the tee, then uphill to the green through dunes pinching tightly on the left and right. Even from the middle of the fairway the green looks no larger than a slice of toast. It's an intimidating shot to say the least.
The 13th plays straight away down a narrowing fairway to a well-guarded green. The 14th is a short, 338-yard hole that is long on character, the lumpy fairway and its uphill shot to the green calling for something more than mediocre play. The 150-yard par-3 15th has a narrow, sloping green that is hard to hit and can be even harder to putt.
I wish the final two holes had a bit more character in them. They are much more heath-land than links-land, with very little movement to them. Still, the preceding holes have been so surprising in both their challenge and their variety that merely average golf holes at the finish are disappointing in their adequacy.
At the end of the round is the fine, friendly clubhouse, where a good steak, a good Guinness and a good conversation can be had. Upstairs there are spartan accommodations for those seeking to stay overnight, the rooms mindful in their design and furnishing to early YMCA. Still, the bar is just down the stairs, the course just out the door.
Now swing an hour south of Dublin, to County Wicklow, to the tiny hamlet of Brittas Bay. There you will find delightful beaches and very few people. You will also find Pat Ruddy's European Club, a new links course designed by Ruddy himself that embodies all that is good about the grand old game: sandy soil, dune mountains and rough, rolling fairways.
What Ruddy has created at the European Club is special. Although the course has been played for only four years, there are classic holes here tucked among giant dune hills and carpeted along the beach. The eighth is one of the best par 4s anywhere in the world, its green in a natural amphitheater among the dunes.
Given Ruddy's passion for the theater, he has also designed a curtain-raiser for the second act. Players take a bit of a stroll to get from the 11th green to the 12th tee. Coming around a dune mound, the player steps up on the tee and gets one of golf's best panoramas: a sweeping look at the Irish Sea, and northward, the long par 4 that awaits him, followed by a par 5, followed by a par 3 hidden in the dunes, followed by another par 4 that plays up to the Mizen Head. It's a dramatic, definitive stretch, one that won't be forgotten.
Nor is the 18th forgotten, because everybody gives Ruddy an argument about it. The 18th plays inland toward the tiny, modern clubhouse. There's a pond in front of the green, one of the most controversial bodies of water in the game of golf.
It would be quite easy to commute to either Baltray or the European Club while staying in Dublin. And near Baltray are several other delightful links courses, such as Bettystown, Greenore and Seapoint. Yet while in Dublin it would be almost impossible to resist the temptation of playing Portmarnock. It has been called the most natural links course in the world. There is nothing about it that seems at all artificial, and the charm and challenge of Portmarnock are not readily discerned from the very start. The links land here is subtle, much more like St. Andrews.
The opening holes offer little challenge, unless the wind is blowing. Like St. Andrews, Portmarnock requires wind to bare its teeth. Since the land is fairly flat, when the wind does blow there is little to stop or deflect it. The difficulty of Portmarnock will suddenly become more overt. Its best holes, at least by consensus, are the par-4 14th and the par-3 15th. The 14th is Ireland's Eye, so named for a rock outcropping in the Irish Sea, the top of which is visible from the tee and provides an excellent line of play. The shot to the 14th green is a white knuckler. Miss it and deep pot bunkers gobble up golf balls like so many jelly beans.
The 15th is Ben Crenshaw's favorite par 3. Playing at somewhere around 190 yards, the hole sits hard against the beach line, and out-of-bounds is very close on the right. The green is convex and vexing. You can easily find yourself putting back and forth across it three times.
While it's in the Dublin suburbs, Portmarnock is still blessed with isolation, sticking out on a finger of land that keeps the urban sprawl at a civil distance. Civility, in fact, seems the order of the day at Portmarnock. The clubhouse, a homey white wood building with a red roof, can be quiet and staid.
Stories of Portmarnock caddies abound. It is told that an American once found himself in one of Portmarnock's deep pot bunkers. After three full swings the ball remained in the bunker. At that point, the caddie demanded the club and proposed to show the visitor a trick or two about playing from the sand. He took three swings and the ball remained in the bunker.
With nary a dent to his confidence, the caddie emerged from the bunker, handed the visitor the club and announced: "There, that's what you are doing wrong."
It would not be over the top to say that you can do no wrong playing Irish golf. Most would agree that you are oh so right when you play in the southwest. Here you find Ballybunion, an hour and a half south of Shannon Airport, a drive that can take you through Limerick or by ferry across the Shannon River. An hour south of Ballybunion is Tralee, and another hour to the south is Dooks, and perhaps another 45 minutes is Waterville, at the very bottom of the Ring of Kerry. Inland is Killarney and its two wonderful courses--Mahoney's Point and Killeen--as well as the Killeen House Hotel and its golf ball currency.
Ballybunion. It is a lyrical, magical name that conjures thoughts of Brigadoon with tee times. For the most part, the two golf courses at Ballybunion are lyrical and magical, even if the town itself is more Blackpool (the English Coney Island) than Brigadoon. And about that clubhouse, the new one? Was someone trying to build a catering hall? "The O'Reilly wedding is right this way, thank you." There is something too modern and slick about it for courses that are much more about the old, even if one of them is called the New.
Everyone comes to play the Old Course at Ballybunion, and why not. But lest you think you will be driving off into links heaven from the first tee, think again. The first hole plays around a graveyard, a small plot of tombstones that has buried the start of thousands of rounds of golf. Out of bounds, you see.
If the first hole doesn't bury you, the second might. It's a long, uphill par 4 into the dunes, with the green on the most natural of plateaus. It requires two terrific shots to get home, and getting on in three is hardly a sin and usually a relief. Ballybunion offers many dramatic holes, all naturally wandering through the dunes and many perched on cliffs high above the Atlantic. It's a tough, tough golf course, a downright ferocious one in the winds that come barreling off the Atlantic.
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text:
"Through the round of many births I roamed
without reward,
without rest,
seeking the house-builder.
Painful is birth
again & again.
House-builder, you're seen!
You will not build a house again.
All your rafters broken,
the ridge pole destroyed,
gone to the Unformed, the mind
has come to the end of craving" Dhammapada, Verses 153-154


text:
NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Hostess Brands, the maker of Wonder Bread, Ding Dongs, Ho Ho's, Sno Balls, Drakes Cakes and Twinkies, will liquidate its operations after the snack maker was unable to solve a labor dispute with its union employees and exit bankruptcy . The Irving, Tx.,-based company has asked a White Plains, N.Y., judge for permission to file for a liquidation to sell the company's property, plant and equipment and shut down for good. Such a move will likely cost job losses for most of the Hostess's 18,500 workers and end a storied history for the company. After filing for a second bankruptcy within the last decade in January, Hostess management and its unionized workers were unable to negotiate new pay and benefit packages, which could have kept the company in business, the company said in a Friday statement. Earlier in November, Hostess's Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union employees went on strike to protest what were severe cuts to pay and benefit packages, after 92% of the union's workers rejected a new salary plan. In response to the strike, Hostess closed some of its plants permanently, and company management gave workers an ultimatum -- end the strike by Thursday night or the company would shutter its doors for good. On Thursday evening, Hostess determined that too few employees had returned to work for the company to remain in business. The liquidation will close 33 bakeries and over 500 distribution centers, Hostess said. "We deeply regret the necessity of today's decision, but we do not have the financial resources to weather an extended nationwide strike," Chief Executive Gregory Rayburn said in a statement. "Hostess Brands will move promptly to lay off most of its 18,500-member workforce and focus on selling its assets to the highest bidders," Rayburn added. When filing for bankruptcy in January, Hostess Brands cited an inability to renegotiate crippling pension and benefit plans with its unionized employees, which made the near 20,000 worker strong company vulnerable to cash shortages and an economic downturn. For the company, which has made popular American breads and desserts since the 1930s, the January filing was its second trip into bankruptcy. In 2004, the company formerly known as Interstate Bakeries went bankrupt and stayed in administration for over four years until it re-emerged as Hostess Brands in 2009. Friday's liquidation signals there will no third shot for the company. On Thursday, BCTGM International Union president Frank Hurt said the company's demise was the "result of nearly a decade of financial and operational mismanagement," after hedge funds took control of the company and tried to make union workers bear the brunt of Hostess's financial challenges. "What's happening with Hostess Brands is a microcosm of what's wrong with America, as Bain-style Wall Street vultures make themselves rich by making America poor," A.F.L.-C.I.O. President Richard Trumka added in a seperate statement.
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Jay emerging as force in Cards' lineup
ST. LOUIS -- Having started the season with little promise of playing time and work to do to move up the depth chart, Jon Jay has recently become the toughest out in the Cardinals' lineup.
Now entrenched as the team's starting center fielder, Jay extended his season-best hitting streak to 12 games with a single in his second at-bat on Wednesday night and then followed that with hits in two of his next three to finish the homestand 11-for-19. He reached base another eight times by being hit by pitches six times and walking twice.
In three of the six starts he made during the team's 6-1 homestand, Jay was on base four times. His batting average has climbed to .313, which would rank as second-best in the National League if he had enough plate appearances to qualify for that leader board.
"Jon had a very good day for us again," manager Mike Matheny said after his club's 7-3 win vs. the Reds. "He continues to put together tough at-bats."
Said Jay of his recent production: "I don't look at that. I'm just trying to help the team win games."
A table-setter atop the lineup for most of his career, Jay has emerged a run-producer while batting lower in the order this season. He returned to the two-hole on Wednesday, though that move was dictated primarily by Kolten Wong's absence and was one that Matheny suggested would be short-term.
"We needed someone in that spot. With Jon's ability to get on base, it fits," Matheny said of the lineup shuffle. "There's conversations that we've had about whether [having Jay hit second] would be a better fit right now, but if it didn't look like our offense was doing a nice job of clicking, it would be a greater discussion."
Jenifer Langosch is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, By Gosh, It's Langosch, and follow her on Twitter @LangoschMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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For as long as the peoples of Aarklash can remember, the wolfen have always existed and have always worshipped Yllia the moon goddess.Whether roving the wild lands or defending their territories, these half-man half-wolf predators have always known how to instill fear into the heart of their enemy.The wolfen were born to counter the insane ambitions of the Craftsman, the god who sought to overthrow the order established by his peers. They are the protectors of nature and the keepers of the balance of Creation.On the battlefield the wolfen are formidable fighters, guided only by their predatory instincts. To them, there is no need for artifice: claws and fangs are already deadly weapons. Working in packs, they strike hard and fast, using their physical power to compensate for their low numbers. However, confronted with the technology of other nations, they sometimes need to use metal weapons. In the hands of such bloodthirsty colossuses, their great hunting blades are simply devastating. No matter if they are sedentary or nomadic, the wolfen live in packs. Their instinct tells them to follow the alpha wolfen, the one who has proven he or she had the strength or wisdom to lead them. In times of war, male and female will fight side by side. Only the young and the elderly are kept away from the fight. Wolfen packs can be divided into two broad categories: the nomadic and the sedentary.The wolfen worship the moon goddess, Yllia, and adore the constellation of the Wolf.


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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
Are you an entrepreneur with an idea for green technology? EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program may be an opportunity to help advance your innovation. Learn About SBIR
EPA is one of 11 federal agencies that participate in the SBIR Program established by the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982. EPA issues annual solicitations for Phase I and Phase II research proposals from science and technology-based firms. Phase II contracts are limited to small businesses that have successfully completed their Phase I projects.
- U.S. EPA: 2017-2018 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Solicitation Webinar
- 2017 SBIR Phase I Contract Recipients
- 2016 SBIR Phase II Contract Recipients
- 2016 SBIR Phase I Contract Recipients
- Missed the June 14, 2016, informational webinar on the 2017 EPA SBIR Phase I Solicitation? Learn more through the webinar presentation and FAQs.
- EPA Awards $1.6 Million to Small Businesses to Support the Development of Environmental Technologies
- EPA Announces $1.3 Million to Small Businesses to Support the Nation's Green Economy –December 2016
- Planting the Seeds of Innovation: EPA Awards Contracts to 13 Small Businesses to Support Environmental Research –December 2016
- Small Business Innovation Research on the Road –September 2016
- First Impressions: an Introduction to EPA's Small Business Innovation Research Program –May 2016


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The major selling point for Afrezza is that it's a better form of inhaled insulin than Exubera. While there is some truth to this, the fact is Afrezza, should it come to market, will have to prove this point over and over. Physicians still associate inhaled insulin with Exubera and will need some major convincing that Afrezza isn't Exubera. This convincing will cost money that MannKind doesn't have. This is one of the most overlooked factors when investors, more like suckers, buy into the MannKind myth. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have spent millions building brand awareness and formulary position for their short-acting insulins. So much so that when Sanofi tried to enter the short-acting market with Apidra, the company couldn't make a dent in the market. MannKind and whoever is dumb enough to partner with the company will have to spend millions just to have a chance at gaining share -- a task which will be even more difficult as Mann has consistently stated Afrezza would command a premium price based on the fact it's inhaled and not injected. He's also claiming Afrezza works better than the injectable competition, a belief not shared by everyone in the diabetes community, including Diabetic Investor.
BOSTON ( TheStreet) -- This week's Biotech Stock Mailbag opens with a tweet from eliasinthezone: "AF, what do you think about $MNKD? I hear a lot of good things but I haven't read yet an article from you on this stock." The last time I wrote about MannKind ( MNKD) was in November. I was asked if the stock had found its bottom. (It was trading just under $2 at the time.) I said I don't call bottoms but do recognize that MannKind could easily trade higher. Nonetheless, my bearish outlook on MannKind remains unchanged because Afrezza, if it's ever approved, will be a commercial flop. Results are expected this summer from the Afrezza clinical trials. Sure enough, the run up into the Afrezza data is under way, with MannKind shares closing in on $4. Enterprise value is now a ridiculously high $1.2 billion. Stupid but no surprise given the retail investor cult still worshiping at the feet of company founder Al Mann. MannKind expects to announce top-line results from the Afrezza phase III trials -- one each in type 1 and type 2 diabetics -- in the middle of August. If the studies are positive, the company says it can resubmit Afrezza to the FDA sometime in September or October. Assuming a six-month review, an FDA approval decision could occur in March or April 2014. Frankly, I don't care if the Afrezza studies are positive or not. I'm more than happy to assume positive data. Even so, I'd say the odds of an FDA approval are a toss up, at best. Predicting FDA reviews of diabetes products today is a fool's errand. Seemingly out of nowhere, FDA rejected a long-acting insulin from Novo Nordisk ( NOVO) in February, yet in March, the agency approved the first SGLT2 inhibitor, Invokana, from Johnson & Johnson ( JNJ).
FDA rejected a similar SGLT2 inhibitor from Bristol-Myers Squibb ( BMY) and AstraZeneca ( ZAN) last year. For the sake of argument, let's be super optimistic and assume FDA approves Afrezza, allowing MannKind to introduce the second inhaled insulin device into the diabetes market. What happens next will not be pretty for MannKind or any investor silly enough to own the stock. The fact is that Afrezza trips all the FDA red flags -- a new, unproven medical device, a diabetes drug that is inhaled into the lungs, two previous rejections, and a history of discord between MannKind and regulators. Good luck Al Mann-iacs because you'll need it. I'll now hand over the Mailbag to David Kliff, a diabetes expert who runs the well-respected and widely followed Diabetic Investor newsletter, to explain:


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A BOLTON teenager who went missing - before being found last week - has disappeared again.
Charlotte Dootson, aged 17, was reported missing on Monday March 3 after last being seen near the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in Prescot Street.
Merseyside Police then said the teenager had been found on Thursday March 6.
She had been living in care in Liverpool at the time but has sinced returned to a care home in Derby Street, Bolton.
Her father, Marc Dootson, aged 49, of Monks Lane, Breightmet, said that as of Tuesday morning she has gone missing once again.
He said: "I'm really scared about what might potentially happen to her and just want her to get in touch — I want her to know she is not in trouble with us at all. I don't want to lose her."


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Chicago Jones Lang LaSalle has become the first major real estate service firm to enroll 100% of its managed property in the EPA's Energy Star program.
The company said that the 330 office buildings that make up its property-management portfolio have been enrolled in Energy Star Portfolio Manager, a process which involves reporting a range of energy-related information to receive a rating between 1 and 100. Ratings correspond to the level of energy performance of a building compared with competitive building, so a building with a 75 rating -- the level required to receive an Energy Star label--is more energy efficient than 75% of comparable buildings.
The average Energy Star rating of properties in Jones Lang LaSalle's managed portfolio is 67, or 17 percentage points higher than the industry average score of 50. This strong performance equates to approximately $50,000 per building in annual energy-cost savings for buildings managed by Jones Lang LaSalle.
"Participation in Energy Star is the best way to objectively measure a building's energy efficiency, and measuring performance is a key element in improvement," said Dan Probst, chairman of Energy and Sustainability Services at Jones Lang LaSalle. "Owners are more likely to make modest investments in properties when they can see a payback in terms of reduced energy cost."


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For over 50 years, Mitsubishi has remained at the forefront of the mini split industry thanks to their dedication to providing efficient, user-friendly comfort solutions. This is a two zone mini split system designed to give you individual control over the temperature in multiple rooms. An efficient MXZ-4C36NA2 outdoor condenser, built with advanced technology, is combined with low-profile SLZ-KA ceiling cassette indoor units and two wireless remote controllers for the perfect marriage of convenience and comfort. With multiple operating modes, multiple fan speeds, and multiple airflow directions, this is a system that fits the needs of nearly any home.
Product Features
Precision Temperature Control Technology
The MXZ-4C36NA2 outdoor condenser is equipped with inverter technology and an electronic linear expansion valve. These components improve temperature accuracy and system efficiency through precise adjustments of both compressor speed and refrigerant flow.
In heating mode, Mitsubishi's hot start technology prevents cold drafts by stalling fan operation while the heat exchanger is warming up.
When the indoor unit is run in dry mode, it will remove extra moisture from the room. This improves your comfort and reduces both mold growth and the chance of property damage in the conditioned space.
Vane Control
Optimal air flow is easy to achieve with SLZ-KA models thanks to the vane control option. This function provides access to an auto mode and a swing mode. Auto selects the best vane position based on operating mode and swing cycles through all positions.
Condensate Removal System
The included SLZ-KA indoor units contain an internal drain mechanism capable of lifting condensate 19-11/16". This simplifies installation and prevents condensate overflow, which can damage or destroy your property.
Advanced Remote Controller
The MHK1 wireless controllers have dual set point control, allowing you to set how fast your zones are cooled or heated. They offer scheduling options, providing you with exceptional flexibility. With these features, your home will always be comfortable.
Inconspicuous Design
If you are looking for unobtrusive zoned comfort, this system is right for you. The only visible portion of the indoor units are the grilles, which clock in at a slender depth of 13/16".
Product Includes
Product NoteEach indoor unit will include any port adapters necessary for multi-zone installation. This product requires the following accessories for installation:


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Zappos, Tony Hsieh and the death of the job ad as we know it
Innovative e-commerce company Zappos is vowing never to post another job ad or send another rejection email using an "inhumane rejection template".
The Las Vegas-based online shoe and clothing store has announced a shake-up of their recruitment process, abandoning job postings in exchange for a series of social networks to gather with aspiring employees.
Recruitment consultant Stacy Donovan Zapar shared the decision to end the job posting for Zappos in a post on professional social network LinkedIn.
"I'm happy to announce that Zappos has launched a new careers site and officially turned off job postings. Gone. Poof. Done," Ms Donovan Zapar wrote.
While the change will boost the reach and slash the processing time for the recruitment team, senior HR manager Michael Bailen describes the move as a bid to get away from the transactional and one-sided nature of recruitment.
In a post on recruitment blog ere.net, Bailen described the job ad process as "fundamentally broken" and in need of a complete overhaul.
"By removing the redundant nature of screening, reviewing, and rejecting candidates, we will redirect that energy into creating proactive pipelines of talent. When our managers have an opening in the future, we'll already have Insiders (aspiring employees) pipelined, pre-qualified, and ready to be interviewed," Bailen wrote.
According to Bailen, the online clothing and shoes company received more than 30,000 job applications last year and hired only 1.5 per cent, spending only a few seconds on each application.
The move to "put people first" in their hiring process is a continuation of their company mission, pioneered by chief executive Tony Hsieh to "deliver happiness".
Aspiring employees are encouraged to create a video cover letter and connect with the Zappos team on external social networks, such as Twitter and on Google Hangouts.
The candidates will be able to gain access to information and discussions to give a more detailed picture of the company.
Zappos is well known for its focus on company culture. CEO Tony Hsieh describes the company mission as "delivering happiness".
It employs more than 1300 people and was bought by online retailer Amazon for $US850 million in 2009.
In 2008, Zappos launched an annual offer to pay employees to quit their jobs in a bid to weed out employees who weren't passionate about the company.
In April 2014, parent company Amazon announced plans to replicate the initiative, which pays staff an additional month of their salary.
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Cedar Key goes virtual
By Josh Berger
As most of you know Cedar Key was recently visited by Rebekah Ray and Kaye Brynes for the young author's conference but this year there was a twist. Polly Werner from Florida Virtual Schools was here to set up a live feed so Florida virtual students could see and interact with the authors along with Cedar Key students.
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the Cedar Key Beacon, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
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Daihatsu Cuore CX CNG Car Price in Pakistan
Brand New Daihatsu Cuore CX CNG.car Price in Pakistan. Buy this Daihatsu Cuore CX CNG car at most suitable price in Pakistan. Also check Second hand or used hery Daihatsu Cuore CX CNG Prices in Pakistan. Check PaperPk Shop for cars , autos and Vehicle prices in Pakistan
The Honda City is a subcompact car manufactured by the Japanese manufacturer Honda since 1981. Originally made for the Japanese, European and Australasian markets, the City was retired without replacement in 1994. The nameplate was then revived for use on a series of compact four door sedans particularly aimed at developing markets, mainly sold in Asia outside of Japan but lately also in Latin America and Australia.
Since 2002, the City is also known as the Honda Fit Aria. It is a subcompact sedan built on Honda's Global Small Car platform, which it shares by the Fit/Jazz (a five-door hatchback), the Airwave/Partner (a wagon/panel van version of the Fit Aria/City), the Mobilio, and the Mobilio Spike. One of the characteristics shared by the Fit/Jazz, City/Fit Aria, and Airwave, is the location of the fuel tank. Rather than placing it under the rear


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Alcantara, Coghlan stay hot, but Wood stumbles
Lefty gives up seven runs in six innings; rookie hits first Majors HR
CHICAGO -- The Cubs truly embodied the resilience they've shown throughout the first half during Sunday's 10-7 loss to the Braves at Wrigley Field. But, in what seems to be the script of late, it was too little, too late.
For the second straight day, the Braves rode to victory on the back of a wide lead built in the early innings -- this time a 7-0 margin through three off starter Travis Wood (7-8, 4.96 ERA).
But the Cubs outhit (8-5) and outscored (7-3) the Braves over the final six frames, thanks to hot hitters Arismendy Alcantara and Chris Coghlan, who sent two-run homers into the right-field bleachers during the sixth and seventh innings, respectively. Alcantara's blast was the first of his Major League career.
"We fell behind a little bit and kept chipping away," manager Rick Renteria said. "I thought the guys kept battling. We put ourselves in the position to potentially inch closer. We just fell a little short."
The Cubs added three in the eighth on a bases-loaded walk and John Baker's two-out, two-run double.
Anthony Rizzo led off the inning with a single, his first hit of the day, then Starlin Castro and Luis Valbuena both walked. After Mike Olt struck out, Ryan Sweeney took a free pass, sending Rizzo home.
Castro was tagged out at home trying to score on a wild pitch from Jordan Walden during Baker's at-bat. Renteria challenged the call, but it was confirmed after a replay review.
"[Catcher Gerald Laird] made a hell of a play on that ball that got away," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "That was a big play, believe it or not."
Laird and All-Star pitcher Julio Teheran brought home the Braves' first three runs on consecutive at-bats in the second. In the third, Jason Heyward added a run with a single to right, then Chris Johnson, who went 3-for-4, followed with a three-run homer to center -- his third of the series and sixth this season.
The Braves piled on three more in the seventh on a two-out, three-run double from Tommy La Stella, which prompted Renteria to call on Justin Grimm to replace Zac Rosscup. The Cubs manager went to the bullpen twice more for Wesley Wright and Neil Ramirez.
Wood, who at this time last year was headed to the All-Star Game, left after 104 pitches (66 strikes) over six innings, giving up seven earned runs on seven hits and three walks. It was the second straight game a Cubs starter struggled, after Edwin Jackson lasted just 3 2/3 innings and surrendered nine earned runs in Saturday's 11-6 loss.
"For myself, I'm not happy with it at all," Wood said. "A lot of stuff to improve on. A lot of stuff to do better in the second half. ... Every year is different. It's kind of what I've taken into spring -- that you're never going to be the same as you were last year. Nothing is ever going to go the same way it did. It's just a new year, different challenges, and you've got to overcome them."
Alcantara continued his push for a permanent spot on the big league roster, going 2-for-5 with a double and the homer -- his fourth and fifth extra-base hits through his first five big league games, in which he's hit .391 and posted a .400 on-base percentage.
Renteria wouldn't say whether Alcantara will remain with the Cubs after the All-Star break.
"I'm having fun," Alcantara said. "I just try to do my job. If they want me to stay here, I will. It's not my decision."
Daniel Kramer is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Valley Fever Symposium begins with news of clinical trial
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Congressman Kevin McCarthy's two-day Valley Fever Symposium began Monday with a survivor's reception and an announcement of a clinical trail.
Valley Fever is a disease caused by a fungus that lives in soil. The San Joaquin Valley is among the highest-risk locations in the world for valley fever exposure.
Anyone exposed to the fungus can get the infection. The greatest danger is for people whose jobs expose them to dust, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Valley Fever is often mild, with no symptoms, according to the CDC. Symptoms can include fever, cough, headache, rash and muscle aches.
CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden and National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins are attending the Bakersfield Valley Fever Symposium.
Collins announced Monday that a clinical trial will be held in the Bakersfield area with 1,000 symptomatic participants. The aim is to better treat valley fever and ultimately prevent or cure the disease.
"I am pleased Dr. Frieden and Dr. Collins are coming to the Central Valley to see first-hand what our community is doing to combat Valley Fever," the congressman said in a news release. "Through this symposium, we will continue the ongoing collaboration and involvement among our community, academia, the private sector and federal officials to improve diagnosis and treatments. Our goal is to continue raising awareness and prevention of this disease as well as continue to work on developing a vaccine."
The survivor's reception is 4:30 p.m. Monday at Kern County Department of Public Health - Hans Einstein Center, 1800 Mt. Vernon Ave.
The symposium continues Tuesday at California State University, Bakersfield's multipurpose room, with the following schedule:
- 8 a.m. to noon. - State of the Science, Presentations from Leading Experts on Valley Fever
- 1-1:45 p.m. - The Congressional Valley Fever Task Force
- 2-2:45 p.m. - California Public Policy and Challenges
- 3-3:45 p.m. - Susceptible Populations of Valley Fever
- 4-4:45 p.m. - Pets/Animals and Valley Fever


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Genus: Aix
Species: sponsa
Description: The male wood duck is one of the most recognizable birds in the United States. It has over 6 different colors on its body!
The markings of the male wood duck are:
What a colorful bird!
The males do not have the decorative markings all year-round. They use the colorful markings to attract females during the breeding season that runs from autumn until the early summer. In the late summer, they grow gray feathers with blue markings on the wings and white markings on the face and neck. You can still recognize them as a wood duck by the red eyes and bill.
Female wood ducks have grayish-brown bodies. The back is dark gray-brown and the sides are a lighter shade. The most noticeable characteristics of the females are found on the head. The head is gray with a white eye-ring around each eye. The head also has a crest of feathers at the back and white feathers on the throat and chin.
Size: Wood ducks are about 19 inches in length. They have a wingspan of about 28-39 inches.
Diet: Wood ducks alter their diet throughout their lives. As juveniles, they eat a lot of invertebrates and occasionally a small fish. As they near maturity, wood ducks switch to a diet more focused on plants. They eat seeds, nuts and plant matter. Wood ducks will also eat aquatic and land invertebrates.
Typical Lifespan: Wood ducks typically do not live past the age of 4 in the wild. They have a high mortality rate, especially when young. Wood ducks in captivity have the potential to live well into their teens.
Habitat: Wood ducks can be found in ponds, lakes, marshes and along rivers and streams. They prefer areas that have a mix of water habitats and forests.
Range: Wood ducks live year-round in the Southeast and along the Pacific Coast. The highest population is along the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Coast south of New Jersey. In the summer months, many wood ducks migrate north to cooler climates. In the summer, wood ducks can be seen in every state east of the Rocky Mountains and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Communication: Male wood ducks call to females with a squeaky whistle of "jweep." The females call with a different, louder "oo-eek" whistle.
Reproduction and Family Life: Wood ducks pair up in late winter and they begin breeding in early spring. The males attract females with their call and attractive, colorful breeding plumage.
After the pair breed, they build a nest in the cavity of a tree. The cavity can be natural or a hole abandoned by a woodpecker. They prefer trees that overhang water or are close to a water source. Trees with cavities are becoming rarer and rarer with wetland loss and competition from other species. If they cannot find a tree cavity, wood ducks will readily use nest boxes built by people. Learn how to make a wood duck box and the best location for setting them up: Duck Box Plans
The nest can have approximately 15 eggs lined with feathers from the female. Sometimes there will be as few as 6 eggs in the nest and on occasion, as many as 40! A single nest can have over 40 eggs, because some of the eggs were laid by other females. If a female cannot find a nest of her own, then she will lay her eggs inside another wood duck's nest!
After a few weeks, the eggs hatch. The ducklings are born with feathers and they leave the nest quickly. The ducklings will not be raised in the nest, but on the water instead. This means that very young ducklings must jump out of the high tree cavities onto the ground to make their way to water. It can be a challenging experience for a newly hatch wood duck!
Threats to Wood Ducks:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds
United States Geological Survey
University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Web
USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service
Field Guide to Birds of North America. Brinkley, Edward S. Foreward by Craig Tufts. New York: Sterling Publishing, 2007.
A special NWF program helped restore Gulf Coast marshes and woodlands damaged by the 2005 hurricanes
A photographer captures the moment wood ducklings leap from their nest box
Early spring is an ideal time to install birdhouses on your property


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HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - A thief walked in to a high-end bicycle store in Hollywood but wasn't there to buy a new bike.
The theft happened at Big Wheel Cycles, located at 7035 Taft Street in Hollywood, about 4:10 p.m. Wednesday.
Surveillance video showed a man enter the store and cut a security cable attached to two Go Pro cameras. He then looked around to see if any employee or customers noticed.
The cameras, which are water-proof and typically attached to a helmet of the user, are worth about $800.
"When we were passing the Go Pro cameras, we noticed the locks were on the ground," said Tony Chin, the owner of Big Wheel Cycles. "We said something is wrong. We looked and saw two were missing.
The thief then walked to another area of the store and waited a few seconds before grabbing the two cameras off the display and hiding behind a rack, video showed.
He then stuffed the cameras under his shirt and left the store.
"Up to now, I can't believe that he had enough nerve to come in and steal those cameras having that much people and security cameras on," said Chin.
Chin said his staff recognized the man, who previously tried selling them steaks out of the back of his truck.
Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call the Hollywood Police Department at 954-967-4357.
Copyright 2013 by Local10.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.