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Government as Santa Claus
No, I am not satisfied with the results of the presidential election.
When we were ignorant and irrational children, we believed in Santa Claus. Today, ignorant and irrational adults believe in a distorted form of Santa known as the government.
Even before President Theodore Roosevelt, progressives and government officials were indoctrinating the masses into believing the fantasy that government was a form of Santa Claus.
If you ask the ignorant and irrational whether they want a political candidate who said prosperity is created by taking risks and working hard versus a candidate who said prosperity is created by the government, they would select the latter candidate.
Unfortunately, we are there today because the ignorant and irrational people outnumber the knowledgeable and rational people.
Ray Greer
Forward thinking now will flourish
Oh yes, I am truly satisfied and relieved with President Barack Obama's re-election!
He will marshal our country together and avoid the fiscal cliff by getting a recalcitrant Congress to do its duty and extend the Bush tax cuts only for those who truly need it — those making less than $250,000 a year. For example, someone earning $500,000 a year would pay a higher tax rate than presently only on income above $250,000.
Corporations and the wealthy will finally do their part by patriotically acquiescing to let their tax rates return to the reasonable levels we had during the Clinton administration.
Democratic gains in the House and Senate, with a statesman such as Alan Grayson and consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren, will squelch the right wing's war on women and the poor.
Forward and progressive thinking will now flourish.
Ed Chainey
Very satisfied that Obama was re-elected
I am very satisfied with the results of Tuesday's election.
I am thankful to President Obama for ending "don't ask, don't tell," supporting gay marriage, guaranteeing coverage for pre-existing conditions, supporting a woman's right to make her own decisions about her body.
I'm grateful to the president for signing into law the Lilly Ledbetter Equal Pay Act, making sure being a woman is no longer a pre-existing condition, ending the war in Iraq, and killing Osama bin Laden.
Courtney O'Brien
Elated about President Obama's re-election
I'm extremely comfortable and elated with the re-election of President Obama.
All you have to know about the Republican Party is that its thundering voices of discord are the likes of Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and Donald Trump. I'd never join that ideologically stained crowd.
Since Jan. 20, 2009, Republicans have regurgitated a persistent warning of our country's demise. But on Tuesday the American electorate rejected their demagogic rant.
Earlier this year, Beck perpetuated the GOP mantra, "If Obama wins a second term, America as we know it will cease to exist." That only tells me Beck and Republicans have no faith in the ability of our country to survive.
In the last four years, we have made enormous strides out of the economic abyss into which America plunged during President Bush's second term.
During the next four years, the economic rebound of the United States will be equally impressive.
Ronald Entwistle
San Pablo
Dismayed by lack of voters' wisdom
After digesting the outcomes of this election, I am dismayed by the lack of wisdom shown by voters across this nation. What disturbs me are the justifications expressed in defense of their votes.
The downside of this country's democratic process is that the votes of the uninformed count as much as those of us who study and understand the issues. At times, I wish there were a minimum intelligence test all voters had to pass, much like a driver's license exam.
To think that many of us really believe President Obama will be any more effective in getting Congress to do its job during the next four years borders on insanity. Albert Einstein defined this as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
I can understand the voters' mindset four years ago who really wanted change. Obama made that promise: We listened and then voted. But to do so again calls to mind the quote, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me."
My hope is future voters will read and understand the issues and not be "fooled again."
Dave Morris
Walnut Creek
Obama plans to destroy the U.S.
I am not satisfied with the election results. Here are my reasons why.
President Obama won, but what should you expect for his next term?
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been negotiating with the United Nations on three issues:
The main action of removing all guns will create an impotent America, as our Second Amendment rights are removed.
Obama is an Alinsky Democrat, which means he has an agenda to destroy America. He has set up 32 economic sectors with czars, which will dictate policy to all businesses in their sector.
This will result in the nationalization of all businesses, making us a communist country.
This is what we voted for, right?
Don Crook
America got fooled for a second time
How does the old saying go: "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."
Shame on you, America. You just got fooled again. You had the chance to take this country back and you blew it.
Four more years of the same. One can only hope.
More likely it'll be four years of even worse. President Obama backers reason that he inherited a mess from George W. Bush. Well, firefighters inherit fires, but they don't pour gasoline on them.
Ray Green
Republicans lost because they alienated the center
The election results suggest that for the second consecutive election cycle, national Republicans' hopes for political dominance were dashed in large part by their own far-right candidates.
In 2010 and 2012, the very conservative Republican primary electorate was determined to sweep out the party's centrists. The tea party wave that began in 2010 kept rolling early this year, again threatening the Republicans' chances for a Capitol Hill majority.
In 2010, primary voters in Colorado, Missouri and Indiana selected tea party-backed conservatives, many who have alienated the party's moderate members, especially women.
James R. Knight
Richmond voters defeated measure
I was disappointed with local and national press coverage of Richmond's Measure N, a proposed tax on sugar-sweetened drinks.
Ignoring the regressive nature of this tax, the mainstream press characterized the campaign as being a struggle between the "big bad" beverage lobby and the "noble underdogs," Councilman Jeff Ritterman and his entourage of dedicated middle-class activists.
Ignored in this scenario were the targets of this regressive tax: the working class, minority communities and small local merchants.
Ritterman repeatedly told the press there was no organized opposition until the beverage lobby arrived. The press never challenged this erroneous assertion. In fact, there was a lot of grass-roots opposition from the beginning.
This opposition came from all segments of the community, especially the working-class elements, but was dismissed by the measure's proponents and the press, implicitly communicating class and racial bias by assuming the citizens of Richmond can't think for ourselves. In fact, we can and have, and two-thirds of the Richmond electorate demonstrated this Tuesday by soundly defeating this poorly conceived regressive tax.
Charles T. Smith
There is simply too much campaigning
Mostly, I am OK with the election results.
However, I wish American presidential terms were back to three four-year terms (12 years total).
Seems a shame that about three years into a first term our presidents usually start campaigning for a second term. If the electorate then votes to re-elect the president for a second term, about three years into this final term, the president and Congress are labeled "lame ducks," in which not much important legislation is likely to pass.
Do the math: Subtracting two years of lame-duck periods from two four-year terms (eight years) leaves only six years of real, undistracted presidency.
I think there's too much campaigning and too much looking forward to campaigning.
Claire J. Baker


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Vehicle Technician I
Tesla's goal is to produce a full range of electric cars, from sports cars to mass-market vehicles â€" relentlessly driving down the cost of electric vehicles. It is currently the only U.S. automaker that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. Palo Alto, California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. Tesla has delivered more than 1850+ Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific Region. Model S, the first premium sedan to be built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, goes on the market in mid-2012.
Tesla Motors is looking for an experienced Vehicle Technician to work on one of the most progressive vehicle brands in the world. This position requires a significant amount of customer interaction, so the ideal candidate will not only possess the technical acumen, but also the ability to provide a strong level of customer service. This position is located at our Hamburg Service Center however the role will require travel as needed and directed by management. If you are interested in becoming a part of a world class service team supporting the latest EV technology, we are interested in hearing from you. More details about the job are listed below:
- Performs entry-level work in the inspection, repair, and service of Tesla electric vehicles
- Operate a variety of hand, power, and shop tools
- Perform equipment inspections, adjustments and certifications
- Pick up and deliver customer vehicles using full size van and 20ft trailer
- Perform Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI) of new cars
- Maintain records of time, expenses and materials
- Order shop supplies and parts
- Perform other related duties as assigned
- Help maintain cleanliness of vehicles and service center
- Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet deadlines
- Support journeymen technicians as needed
Required Knowledge:
- Methods, techniques, parts, tools and materials used in the maintenance and repair of vehicles including testing, diagnosis, HVAC service, hydraulic, brakes, testing and repair of electronic systems and modules
- Operation and maintenance of a wide variety of hand and power tools, shop tools, test equipment
- Automotive equipment and servicing methods
- Experience using scan tools, following diagnostics and operating scopes/DVOM equipment
- Chemicals and lubricants used in automotive servicing
Education and Experience:
- Degree or Certificate from a University program in Automotive Technology or equivalent experience
- 1-3 yrs experience in a dealership environment, 3-5 years in the automotive industry
- 3 ASE Certifications from the following: A3, A4, A5, A6, A7
- Factory Trained Status / OEM Training, Hybrid Experience a plus
- Certification to repair A/C systems and handle refrigerant
- Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to follow instructions required
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including the public
- Maintain and perform top level professional integrity and appearance as an automotive technician
|Hamburg, NJ
United States
|Web Site:
|1050 Bing Street
San Carlos, CA 94070
United States
|Cleantech / Energy

subset: commoncrawl


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Weaving Station: One
We just received a very generous gift of a Nilus LeClerc Loom, dubbed Weaving Station: One.
Jen is working on getting it set up and learning how to use it – if anyone out there knows about setting up looms and weaving and would like to have access to ours, please contact us.
Tags: announcement, looms, new equipment, something new, tools, weaving


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PakFactory Blog
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By APCNews Mombasa, 30 December 2006
In March 2006, APC organised a consultation in Mombasa, Kenya to bring together key stakeholders who could have an influence on the model that the consortium might choose. "A few weeks before the event, it became clear that the level of interest was much higher than expected. Last minute requests to participate came unexpectedly from groups that had no previous contact, so that on the day, instead of the initially expected 30 participants, a total of 90 arrived", said APC policy manager Willie Currie. Participants came from Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. The meeting received extensive coverage in African and international media and APC launched the Fibre for Africa website to provide information on access to infrastructure in Africa.
After a day of debate the meeting participants decided that the concerns about the EASSy process should be taken up with the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). Subsequently, NEPAD, East and Southern African governments, regulators and the EASSy consortium agreed to a set of policy and regulatory conditions for EASSy, which were contained in a protocol agreed to in principle by a meeting of communications ministers from fifteen member states on 6 June 2006. A process for formal ratification of the protocol by participating governments was also put in motion.
The South Atlantic 3/West Africa Submarine Cable (SAT-3/WASC) is a submarine communications cable linking Portugal and Spain to South Africa, with connections to several West African countries along the route. APC together with partners convened a workshop for the Communications Regulators' Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) in Johannesburg on 24-25 July 2006 on the SAT-3/WASC/SAFE submarine cable to address what happens when national monopolies end, and what this means for regulators.
The African regulators, policy advisors, operators, businesspeople, civil society delegates, and consumer lobby groups attending the meeting issued a media statement which stated that SAT-3 prices must come down significantly and ultimately be aligned with costs in order to encourage the full and proper adoption of broadband access, so that its competitive, economic and developmental potential can be realised. The statement also stressed that future regulatory decisions regarding SAT-3 should be in the interests of the industry as a whole and the African consumer, rather than in the sole interest of any single operator or consortium of operators.
In November 2006, APC together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) convened a workshop in Johannesburg for dialogue and exchange on promising options and critical issues for national policy and advocacy on "open access" at local and national levels.
The workshop brought together almost 40 practitioners, advocacy groups and selected policy makers and regulators from Southern and Eastern Africa, who shared an interest in the concept and application of open access, in terms of national and "first-mile" infrastructure, as well as in related notions of "community-driven networks", i.e. local level community-owned networks capable of providing ICT services and internet access along with low-cost voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service for use by local communities unable to afford mobile telephony.
The pressure of initiatives like the workshops with CRASA and the UNDP and the signing of the NEPAD protocol on EASSy has indirectly caused a downward trend on prices on SAT-3 as the operating consortium tries to preempt regulatory intervention to lower prices. The SAT-3 monopoly ends in 2007 and the South African government announced in early 2007 that it would take steps to regulate the SAT-3 landing station near Cape Town as an essential service, which would open it to access by competing telecom operators in South Africa.
The next steps are to explore the possibility of developing pilot community-based networks in the four East African countries where UNDP research shows there is a viable technical business plan.


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Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome: Two challenging respiratory disorders
These disorders are just starting to become more recognized in veterinary patients. Once established, they carry a heavy mortality rate, but since they result from a variety of primary causes, understanding how and when they might develop may help save a patient's life.
Nov 01, 2009


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LAKE COUNTY -- Lake County Farm Bureau executive director Claudia Street is among 10 Farm Bureau leaders from across California selected to participate in a yearlong training program that lays the foundation for future contributions to the farming and ranching community.
The 2013 Leadership Farm Bureau class will receive more than 250 hours of instruction in subjects including political advocacy, public speaking, media relations, personal development and the Farm Bureau organization.
This year's class will participate in an advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., as well as a trip to North Carolina to allow the group to compare and contrast what they see in California with the forces affecting farmers and ranchers in other regions of the country.
The participants' training will culminate in a graduation ceremony during the California Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting this December in Monterey.


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More details and pricing information is revealed in latest update from Matty...
For a great selection of film, comic and TV action figures and collectibles, check out BigBadToyStore.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, PastGenerationToys.com, MonkeyDepot.com, and Sekaido.com.
For a great selection of film, TV and pop culture t-shirts and apparel, check out TShirtGurus.com and 80sTees.com.
Toyguru has posted specific details concerning all the SDCC reveals from last night's episode of Attack of the Show on Mattycollector's facebook page. Here is what he had to say regarding all the the new DC and MOTUC exclusives from the mother of all conventions:Hey toy fans,
Part 1 of what will be a 2-part story on Mattel's SDCC exclusives just aired on G4's Attack of the Show. Big thanks to Blair and the whole AOTS crew, who were a pleasure to work with.
Since not all the sound bites made it into the final aired cut, here are a few more tidbits on the exclusives revealed thus far:
Mo-Larr vs. Skeletor.
This box set will be $40.00 both at SDCC and on MattyCollector.com after the show (no change to product). Mo-Larr will come with all his tools including his drill and his floss. Skeletor features a new toothless face and comes with his Havok Staff, Power Sword and half Power Sword. The pack out is truly epic as designed by Ray Makowski. It includes Skeletor's massage chair and magazine collection as chip art. Also features brand new bios supplied by the gang at Robot Chicken!
Orko (with Prince Adam)
So here is the first of our SDCC items that will be different after the show. The version of Orko at SDCC will feature color change when you dip him in warm water. His magic book also show the SDCC logo in hot water. The version sold on MattyCollector.com after the show will not be color change (on Orko or the book) but both version will include his stand, wand and book as well as a pack in Prince Adam with two heads (He-Man and new Prince Adam smirk) as well as a purple Power Sword and half purple Power Sword.
The bio on the back belongs to Orko as this is his figure. Adam is his accessory! The only difference between the SDCC version and the MattyCollector.com version is the color change feature. $25.00
A lot of fans have asked "why Orko for SDCC?" Well, simple. We chose Orko because we wanted to go with a more 'A' list MOTU character who would draw in fans otherwise unfamiliar with the current line. In the past our SDCC items have been a bit more obscure in character selection so we deliberately went the other way this year. Also, since Orko was larger then a "standard" accessory we had no way to fit him into a monthly $20.00 figure structure. But by pairing him with Adam we could do a unique structure for a unique price ($25.00) at the show. One of the whole points of an SDCC item is to get PR for a line and to do an item that wouldn't fit into the standard line due to size, theme etc... This fit the bill in a lot of ways!
Plastic Man
Plasti comes with a ton of accessories and does everything plastic can do. He has standard arms, stretchy arms, snap on stretch parts like a fly swatter and paddle ball. He also has a snap on bendy neck piece and a spring snap on leg piece.
And only at SDCC you can get Plastic Man as a suit case (similar to Gleek). you can even snap on his arms and head to the suitcase as if he has been "shopping at SDCC". Open the case up for an extra surprise.
Plastic Man will be on MattyCollector.com after the show, but the suitcase is only a gift with purchase at SDCC. $20.00
Starro DC 75th pack.
The grand daddy of our SDCC items for this year. This pack is a recreation of the classic Brave and the Bold cover and features light and sounds as well as the voice of Batman actor Kevin Conroy. Each figure in the set has a recorded description just like a museum display with Kevin describing the origin of each character. It is an incredible package designed by Frank Varela.
And as a bonus, only at SDCC will you get a polly bag set of four 6" scale Starro Spores that work with most DCUC action figures! The Starro Spores are only available at the show as a gift with purchase! $50.00
We'll have more SDCC exclusives to reveal Thursday night and the whole list (including some not on the show) will be up on MattyCollector.com on Friday.
See you all in San Diego!


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Are you interested in learning more about living things, or perhaps beginning to train for a career in the healthcare or medical professions? This course will help you understand the structure and function of the human body at the level of your tiniest living components—your cells. You'll also learn about DNA—what it is, what it does, and even a little bit about how forensic scientists use it to solve crimes. The knowledge you'll gain from this course is essential to understanding the fundamental causes of human disease, and will prepare you for more advanced courses in human anatomy and physiology.
We'll begin the course by focusing on the structure and function of your cells. You'll get to know how your cells are organized, then you'll explore how they obtain the materials and energy your body needs. After you've mastered cells, we'll examine DNA and figure out how it sends messages that have a major impact on your physical appearance, general health, and even your personality traits. You'll look at how your cells divide for growth and sexual reproduction, and how you can pass some of your traits on to your children. As a grand finale, you'll bring together many of the elements you've learned to understand cancer—what causes it, how it progresses, and how it can be treated.
As you explore each topic, you'll have lots of opportunities to deepen your understanding and relate what you're learning to your own life. When things get complicated, you'll have the guidance you need, so you won't get overwhelmed by the details. By the end of the course, you'll have a better appreciation of the fundamental characteristics of living things as well as a solid foundation in the biology of human beings and the biological and medical sciences.
A new session of each course opens each month, allowing you to enroll whenever your busy schedule permits!
How does it work? Once a session starts, two lessons will be released each week, for the six-week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends.
Keep in mind that the interactive discussion area for each lesson automatically closes 2 weeks after each lesson is released, so you're encouraged to complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.
The Final Exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the Final Exam has been released, you will have 2 weeks plus 10 days to complete the Final and finish any remaining lessons in your course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.
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• Adobe PDF plug-in (a free download obtained at Adobe.com .)
For someone who took biology more than 40 years ago, I found the information fairly easy to absorb. I appreciated the analogies used by instructor to get the information across to her students. They made it easier for me to understand the concepts she was teaching. I hope I have an opportunity to take another course with Rene.
I really enjoyed this Biology class. I thought it was going to be too difficult for me, but actually it wasn't. The course was very informative, interesting and had just enough touches of humor and real life examples so that I could understand the material. While I don't think I've grasped all of it, this will certainly be material that I will go back to for greater understanding. Thank you so much for the opportunity to learn this material and thank you to our instructor Rene, for caring enough to take an otherwise "scary" bit of material and bring it to light the way she has, in a condensed, hit the high points of the course. I'll look for another course taught by Rene and be even further enlightened!
I like the instructors analogies and how they related to the subject matter, like comparing a cell to a house. I thought the class was well thought out and presented in a logical manner. I loved the length of each class - giving you enough information to learn, but not over whelming. I enjoyed the class thoroughly.
This course was just right for me. I have read & studied a lot of biology over the years, but I wanted a simple, up-to-date review and that's what I got. Nicely written; I especially liked the analogies, they were great. The assignments were interesting and fun.
I found this course, Introduction to Biology, fascinating and a valuable update of my education of science. The instructor was excellent and responded to my questions with great depth. The span of the course is correct for its length. I hope there will be a follow-on course with a focus on plant biology and fungi.
Thank you so much for such an enjoyable class! Through your illustrations and analogies you made learning these concepts easy and fun! I really enjoyed it!
I enrolled in this Ed2Go course as a refresher of basic biology since my last biology course was during high school back in 1972. My intention is to enroll in a for-credit college level biology course/lab. This Ed2Go online biology class suited my needs perfectly. In addition, I was so fascinated by the discussion of chemistry and how it relates to biology, that I am currently enrolled in the online chemistry course! Learning is Life Long!
Thank you for all the information that you included in the course, especially for connecting theory to the everyday life, which made it easier to understand some mechanisms.
I really enjoyed this course and I can actually say that I regret it's over.
Enjoyed the class, liked your way of teaching. You are making students understand the material not just simply memorize it! I did not study for a while and this was a good refresher for me.
I really enjoyed this course and felt that I learned a lot from it. I was pleased to see that the instructor used real life comparisons to help me better understand concepts. I really enjoyed this class and will enjoy using this new knowledge in my everyday life.
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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Kids
Missing teeth
We found out today that my 8 year old son has 8 adult teeth missing.as you can imagine i am beside myself with worry.Both for his dental health but also for his self esteem and how he may be teased.Is there anything we can do to create a false smile until he can have prostesis made, as they are nearly all at the front.what can be done for now? please, i am open to all ideas, i am really upset about this affecting him as a young teenager let alone a young man. concerned mum...
The good news is that there are several options to "replace" your son's missing teeth until he is old enough for permanent implants and restorations. The most important step is to get an accurate diagnosis of his problem and to commit to a long-term plan of treatment. This may involve holding open spaces for eventual replacement with implants when his growth is complete, or orthodontic treatment soon to move teeth into the open spaces.
Your son should be evaluated by an orthodontist and you may decide to get several opinions. Make sure that your dentist and orthodontist explain the advantages and disadvantages of all options including time in treatment and eventual cost.
No matter which plan you choose, your son will undoubtedly have some spaces in his mouth for a period of time. The easiest and most convenient way to mask this is a removable appliance that has "false teeth" attached to it. It is made of acrylic and is similar to an orthodontic retainer. As your child grows and teeth erupt, this appliance (frequently called a "flipper") can be re-made.
Your child will probably need braces at some point and false teeth can be attached to the arch wires to fill in the missing spaces.
Dennis J McTigue, DDS
Professor of Pediatric Dentistry
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University


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ByWSJ Staff
By Corey Boles and Evan Perez
Democrats and Republicans will both get a chance to claim victory in the political theater over the confirmation of federal judges after some maneuvering Wednesday.
At issue are 17 nominations for judgeships by President Barack Obama. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had threatened to force Republicans to vote on the nominees over the next few weeks, beginning Wednesday, even if it meant little other business could be considered.
But just before Mr. Reid's threatened votes were set to begin, the two sides reached agreement to schedule votes for 12 district court judges and two appeals court judges between now and the first week of May, according to a senior Democratic aide. A Republican aide said any deal wouldn't necessarily speed up the consideration of judges.
The Obama administration has complained about the slow pace of Senate votes for judicial nominees, blaming Republicans for blocking some noncontroversial nominees. Many have been waiting for floor votes since last year.
Republicans say there is no effort to stop Obama nominees and accuse the president and Mr. Reid of putting a higher priority on judicial votes than on pocketbook issues such as rising gasoline prices.
The pace of confirmations isn't likely to be any faster than before, but Democrats can at least assert that they extracted some assurance of moving ahead on the judicial votes. Meanwhile, the arrangement paves the way for the Senate to take up a jobs bill that previously passed the House, which is a priority for Republicans.
It's no grand peace, but the truce allows each side to say it got what it wanted.
Update: A Democratic aide said Democrats also generally favor the jobs bill and said Mr. Reid earlier this week offered to take action on it in return for Republicans agreeing to allow votes on the judges.


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Immune and Viral Outcomes of HIV-1 Therapy Interruption
This study has been completed.
The Wistar Institute
Information provided by (Responsible Party):
Luis Montaner, The Wistar Institute
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
First received: January 16, 2003
Last updated: February 8, 2016
Last verified: December 2005
- Full Text View
- Tabular View
- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Detailed Description:
The purpose of this study is to determine if stopping anti-HIV drugs for a period of time is safe and effective for enhancing the immune function of patients with HIV.
|HIV Infections
|Behavioral: Treatment interruption/reinitiation schedule
|Phase 1
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary Purpose: Treatment
|Official Title:
|Immune and Viral Outcomes of HIV-1 Therapy Interruption
Resource links provided by NLM:
MedlinePlus related topics: HIV/AIDSU.S. FDA Resources
Further study details as provided by Luis Montaner, The Wistar Institute:
Primary Outcome Measures:
- Viral suppression in the absence of therapy, compared to a structured treatment interruption (STI) group maintaining continual suppression
Secondary Outcome Measures:
- Safety of sequential STIs
- changes in immune reconstitution in relation to sequential STIs, including CD4 T-cell changes, recall responses, and T-cell activation, as measured by cell surface antigen changes
- genotypic changes occurring in HIV-1 protease and reverse transcriptase regions after sequential STIs and their relation to clinical failure under the ART regimen at study entry
|Study Start Date:
|September 2000
|Study Completion Date:
|July 2003
|Primary Completion Date:
|May 2003 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Our preliminary studies have shown that structured treatment interruption of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may boost patients' immune responses to HIV-1. In this study, we will test the hypothesis that repeated structured treatment interruptions will increase HIV-1 immunity and result in better control of viral replication than in controls. We will test this hypothesis by determining time to viral rebound after withdrawal of antiretroviral therapy in a randomized, non-blinded study of a well-characterized subject population from a single center. Patients in this study will be randomized to either treatment interruption or control groups. Patients will be monitored for adherence to therapy and changes in immune status following HAART interruption. CD4 percentage, CD 4 and CD8 mediated anti-HIV-1 responses, cell surface T-cell antigen expression, and thymic function will be assessed.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|17 Years and older (Child, Adult, Senior)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria
- HIV-1 positive
- HIV RNA < 500 copies/ml on a regimen of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and either one protease inhibitor (PI) or one nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) for 6 months prior to study entry - HIV RNA < 50 copies/ml at study screening
- CD4 > 400 cells/mm3 with CD4 nadir of > 100 cells/mm3
- Agree to Medication Event Monitoring System monitoring of one component of antiretroviral regimen
- HIV-1 viral load >10,000 copies/ml at any time prior to initiating the current uninterrupted HAART regimen
- Willing to abstain from all immunomodulatory drugs during the study
Contacts and Locations
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below. For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00051818
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00051818
|United States, Pennsylvania
|The Wistar Institute
|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Sponsors and Collaborators
The Wistar Institute
|Principal Investigator:
|Luis J. Montaner
|The Wistar Institute
More Information
Keywords provided by Luis Montaner, The Wistar Institute:
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017
Papasavvas E, Kostman JR, Mounzer K, Grant RM, Gross R, Gallo C, Azzoni L, Foulkes A, Thiel B, Pistilli M, Mackiewicz A, Shull J, Montaner LJ. Randomized, controlled trial of therapy interruption in chronic HIV-1 infection. PLoS Med. 2004 Dec;1(3):e64. Epub 2004 Dec 28.
Papasavvas E, Grant RM, Sun J, Mackiewicz A, Pistilli M, Gallo C, Kostman JR, Mounzer K, Shull J, Montaner LJ. Lack of persistent drug-resistant mutations evaluated within and between treatment interruptions in chronically HIV-1-infected patients. AIDS. 2003 Nov 7;17(16):2337-43.
|Responsible Party:
|Luis Montaner, Professor and Director, HIV-1 Immunopathogenesis Laboratory, The Wistar Institute
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00051818 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
5R01AI048398-01 ( U.S. NIH Grant/Contract )
|Study First Received:
|January 16, 2003
|Last Updated:
|February 8, 2016
Keywords provided by Luis Montaner, The Wistar Institute:
chronic HIV infection
treatment interruption
HIV-specific immune response
immune response
virological response
treatment experienced
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
HIV Infections
Lentivirus Infections
Retroviridae Infections
RNA Virus Infections
Virus Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes
Immune System Diseases
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017


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Gathered with more than 100 other South Bay labor activists in Carson, Pastora Munroe cried as she watched President Barack Obama's second inauguration Monday.
The 58-year-old Los Angeles woman immigrated from Honduras as a teenager, attended grade school and college in the area, and became a social worker and labor activist. She was laid off last year.
"I want to see happy families, I want to see everybody get their jobs back," she said during the boisterous watch party at the office of Good Jobs LA. "The president is reassuring us and giving us hope for the future. He's saying: `It's OK, let's move forward."'
But the primary message from Good Jobs LA, a nonprofit group that lobbies for workers' rights, is that immigration reform must be tackled this year so that more undocumented immigrants can be granted a path to citizenship.
"We elected him so we want to make sure he is held accountable for his promise of immigration reform," said Melissa Chadburn, an action coordinator for Good Jobs LA. "We will have comprehensive immigration reform but it won't be handed to us. We're going to have to fight for it."
Labor organizers are planning marches, petitions and other actions to encourage the president and Congress to move quickly on immigration and health-care reform, Chadburn said.
"It's time to work for that change. His first four years (in office), his message was hope," Chadburn said. "The next four years, his message is change."
The president touched on the issue of immigration reform only briefly Monday, saying the nation's "journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity, until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country."
Cheers, applause and an occasional shout of "amen" rang through the Good Jobs LA office during Obama's inaugural speech. After Obama took the oath of office, several people threw confetti in the air.
Michelle Reed, a Service Employees International Union activist, shouted in agreement with the president after he echoed her belief that achieving their political goals will take hard work.
After Obama said: "While freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by his people here on Earth," Reed exclaimed: "See? It's what I said! Come on, president! Yes!
"The next four years is immigration reform and job creation and health care reform," she said. "Everyone's going to have to be a part of it to make it happen."
Another SEIU activist at the watch party Monday gave a speech to the crowd about upcoming protests in support of immigration reform.
"We already have an agenda and we're going to ask all of you to be a part of that movement," Citlalli Chavez said. "We will be providing you with calendars and dates. As SEIU, we re-elected Barack Obama but we need to help him. We need to work together to make this happen."
At another watch party at the at Los Angeles headquarters of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, attendees paid careful attention to any remarks about immigration.
Illegal immigrant Isabel Medina said Obama vowed to take action on the immigration issue during his campaigns, and now she is counting on him to follow through on that pledge.
"He said that he would do ... immigration reform if he (was) re-elected," she told KCAL 9.
Medina, who has been in the country for 16 years, brought her three children with her to watch the inauguration, noting that her two youngest children were U.S. citizens, but her oldest was not. He will soon be going to college thanks to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy Obama approved last year, preventing certain young immigrants from being deported.
"That's only for two years," Medina told the station. "What's going to happen after those two years?"
Follow Sandy Mazza on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sandymazza
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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Fedor Tyutin and Jakub Voracek each had a goal and two assists as Columbus defeated the Ducks, 5-2, on Tuesday night at Honda Center.
The Ducks are 0-3-1 since the Olympic break and fell seven points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Columbus, playing the second of back-to-back nights and without leading scorer Rick Nash and third-leading scorer Kristian Huselius, took a 3-0 and withstood a rally by the Ducks.
Ryan Getzlaf dug the puck out of the corner and wristed it past goalie Mathieu Garon with 5:04 remaining to pull the Ducks to 3-2. Saku Koivu took a hooking penalty with 2:32 to go and Columbus' Antoine Vermette scored on the power play to put the game away.
Lubomir Visnovsky scored on slap shot from the high slot during four-on-four action with 10:49 remaining to make it 3-1.
Tyutin had put Columbus up, 3-0, with a shot from the left circle at 13:07 of the second period. The Ducks then pulled Jonas Hiller for Curtis McElhinney, who made his first appearance since he was acquired from Calgary in a trade for Vesa Toskala.
Voracek lifted a wrist shot from deep inside the left circle above Hiller's right shoulder for a power play goal at 8:14 of the second. Derek Dorsett punched in a rebound in the first period for the Blue Jackets.


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Students may pursue major and minor programs offered in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies that will prepare them both for entry-level professional careers and graduate study in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Athletic Training and Public Health. In addition, our curriculum prepares students for future study in the allied health professions (physical therapy, physician assistant, and occupational therapy).
Major in Athletic Training
The B.S. degree in Athletic Training is offered to students who desire to either enter the work environment or to pursue graduate education in this field. Certified Athletic Trainers work under the direct supervision of a licensed physician and perform a wide variety of services to the physically active population. Their primary responsibilities include, injury prevention, recognition and evaluation, management, first aid, and rehabilitation of injuries, organization, administration, education, and counseling. Certified Athletic Trainers are employed in such settings as high schools, colleges and universities, orthopedic clinics, professional sports, industrial settings, and physician's offices. This program will require some off campus travel to various clinical sites. Successful completion of this program will allow the student to be eligible for the national certification examination administered by the Board of Certification. Students interested in this major should contact the Athletic Training Program Director for more information and other requirements regarding this program. Major courses include: KHS 185, KHS 271, KHS 273, KHS 275, KHS 277, KHS 285, KHS 287, KHS 304, KHS 306, KHS 320, KHS 322, KHS 390, KHS 395, KHS 400, KHS 403, KHS 407, KHS 423 (42 credits). Allied courses required for this major include: BIO 100 or 111 and PSY 211 (7 credits).
Those interested in the Athletic Training Program will begin the application process and pre-requisites to be admitted to the program during their first semester. The application process consists of submitting a portfolio, fulfilling academic requirements, and completing program requirements, technical standards and health care standards.
A student must complete the application process in order to be considered for acceptance into the Athletic Training Program. Completion of the application process does not guarantee admission into the Athletic Training Program. Students not accepted into the Athletic Training Program can continue their education in another major of the Kinesiology and Health Studies Department. Students are not officially admitted until the spring semester of their second year upon successful completion of all requirements.
Admission to the Athletic Training Program at Georgetown College is competitive and should not be confused with admissions to the College. Athletic Training room hours (800) will be required once admitted to the program. The program requirements that must be met prior to official application are:
- Must have earned a minimum of 30 credit hours of college credit.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of BIO 111 and KHS 185 with a grade of B or better.
- Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
- Interview with the Athletic Training Program Admissions Committee.
Students with any deficiencies in the above criteria can be admitted at the discretion of the Athletic Training Program Admission Committee.
Course Offerings
100. Lifetime Fitness. (1 hour) Knowledge and skills associated with the relationship of physical activity and nutrition to health and fitness; lecture and lab experiences. Fall and Spring
106. Racquetball. (1 hour) This course is designed to acquaint the student with racquetball. It enhances physical fitness, coordination, agility, and eye/hand coordination.
111. Conditioning Activities. (1 hour) This course is designed to teach skills and knowledge about aerobic exercise and weight training.
113. Archery. (1 hour) Fundamental skills, rules, techniques and etiquette of archery. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses.
120. Tennis. (1 hour) Rules, skills, etiquette, and strategy relating to singles and doubles play.
124. Billiards and Bowling. (1 hour) Rules, skills, techniques, and etiquette for bowling and billiards. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses.
126. Horsemanship. (1 hour) Fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for basic horsemanship with emphasis on riding styles and care and maintenance of horses. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses.
132. Golf. (1 hour) Rules, basic skills, etiquette, practice, and participation under playing conditions. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses.
134. Fencing. (1 hour) Rules, skills, techniques, and etiquette relating to fencing.
136. Badminton. (1 hour) Fundamental skills, rules, techniques, and etiquette of badminton.
140. Basketball. (1 hour) Fundamental skills, techniques, and rules of basketball.
170. Introductory Topics in Physical and Recreational Activities. (1 hour) Selected physical education activity topics. As needed
180. First Aid, CPR, and Sport Safety. (3 hours) Emergency treatment and preventive measures for injuries and accidents with emphasis on sport injuries. Successful completion of course requirements will qualify students to receive certification by the American Heart Association. Spring and Fall
185. Introduction to Athletic Training. (3 hours) Course content incorporates an overview of the mechanism, prevention, management, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Practical experiences include the application of supportive techniques to the major joints of the body. Fall and Spring
200. Medical Terminology. (3 hours) Utilizing an independent method of workbook/text, weekly quizzes, and audio tape pronunciation this course provides the student with a working knowledge of common medical terms and abbreviations. This course will use a body systems approach to medical terminology; therefore, allowing the student to learn vocabulary as it pertains to each of the systems of the body (respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, nervous, etc.). Spring
214. Foundations of Kinesiology. (3 hours) Survey of principles and perspectives from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences related to the study of human movement. Fall
220. Personal Health. (3 hours) Fundamentals of health including health services, safety, drugs, and disease control. Spring and Even Falls
230. Health and Physical Education in the Elementary School. (2 or 3 hours) Characteristics, physical growth, and needs of children in grades K-6 with games, rhythms, and activities appropriate to their physiological and emotional development. Fall
260. Practicum in Kinesiology and Health Studies. (1-3 hours) Field experiences arranged by the student under a qualified professional and supervised by a college instructor. As needed
271. Praticum in Athletic Training I. (1 hour) Field experiences in athletic training under a qualified Approved Clinical Instructor in athletic training. Prerequisite: KHS 185 Fall
273. Practicum in Athletic Training II. (1 hour) Field experiences in athletic training under a qualified Approved Clinical Instructor in athletic training. Prerequisite: KHS 185 Spring
275. Practicum in athletic Training III. (1 hour) Field experiences in athletic training under a qualified Approved Clinical Instructor in athletic training. Prerequisite: KHS 185 Fall
277. Practicum in Athletic Training IV. (1 hour) Field experiences in athletic training under a qualified Approved Clinical Instructor in athletic training. Prerequisite: KHS 185 Spring
285. Evaluation and Assessment I. (2 hours) Evaluation, assessment, knowledge, and prevention of injuries related to the lower extremities, including special testing and functional return to activity. Prerequisite: KHS 185.
287. Evaluation and Assessment II. (2 hours) Evaluation, assessment, knowledge, and prevention of injuries related to the upper extremities, including special testing and functional return to activity. Prerequisite: KHS 185.
304. Anatomy for Allied Health. (4 hours) A course in human anatomy for allied health and KHS students, with emphasis on gross anatomy and palpation. The following systems will be covered: musculoskeletal, endocrine, integumentary, and urogenital. Prerequisite: BIO 100 or 111. Fall
306. Physiology for Allied Health. (3 hours) A course in human physiology for allied health and KHS students. The following systems will be covered: nervous system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, temperature regulation, and the reproductive system. Prerequisite: BIO 100 or 111. Spring
310. Health Care Administration. (3 hours) Introduces methods of policy analysis and concepts of economic theory as means to understand the basic issues and trends in the health care system and analyze the impact of changes on the ability of patients to access health services, the practice of health sciences professionals and the quality and process of care.
315. Epidemiology. (3 hours) Covers the basic concepts and principles of Epidemiology and biostatistics. Special emphasis is placed upon application of the epidemiological concepts that are presented. Prerequisite: MAT 111 or PSY 211 and BIO 100 or higher.
320. Nutrition. (3 hours) Scientific study of nutrition; application of this knowledge to personal and professional areas. Spring
322. Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics. (3 hours) Application of principles from anatomy, physiology, and physics (mechanics) for the analysis and appreciation of human movement in sport and exercise activities. Prerequisite: KHS 304
324. Environmental Health. (3 hours) Covers the effect of environmental factors on the health and well being of mankind. Prerequisite: KHS 220.
352. Techniques of Coaching and Officiating Volleyball. (3 hours) Skills of coaching, officiating, interpretation, and application of rules. Odd Springs
356. Techniques of Coaching and Officiating Football. (3 hours) Intended to familiarize the student with strategy, tactics, and fundamentals of football; methods of officiating. Odd Falls
358. Techniques of Coaching and Officiating Basketball. (3 hours) Designed to acquaint the student with fundamental techniques for coaching basketball; current trends in offense and defense; insights into modern coaching psychology. Odd Falls
360. Techniques of Coaching and Officiating Baseball and Softball. (3 hours) Techniques in coaching baseball and softball, organizational, administrative aspects of coaching; officiating techniques and rules governing baseball. Odd Springs
390. Therapeutic Modalities. (3 hours) Development of knowledge and practical use regarding the indications, contradictions, actions, and side effects of modalities (ultrasounds, electrical muscle stimulation, cold and warm applications, and other). Prerequisite: KHS 185 Spring
395. Therapeutic Exercise & Rehabilitation. (3 hours) Focus on procedures to develop and apply exercise and rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries. Includes the use of a variety of isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic equipment. Prerequisite: KHS 185 Fall
400. Psycho-social Issues in Kinesiology and Health Studies. (3 hours) Study of the literature pertaining to the psycho-social factors that may affect athletic performance, and rehabilitation process, compliance with medically prescribed health/fitness programs, and other current topics. Experience in basic techniques of health and rehabilitation counseling will be acquired through in-class exercises and field placements. Prerequisite: PSY 111. Fall
403. General Medical Conditions & Pharmacology for Athletic Training. (3 hours) Advanced course designed to recognize and appreciate various medical conditions of diverse populations, including youth, adolescents, adult, and special needs. This course will also encompass common pharmacological applications used by allied health professionals including Certified Athletic Trainers. Prerequisite: KHS 185 and BIO 100 or 111 Fall
405. Health Behavior Modification. (3 hours) In depth study of the theories and principles of behavioral science and skills development in the methods of modifying and controlling behavior in both clinical and personal settings. Emphasis on techniques of managing self-behavior. Fall
407. Organization & Administration in Athletic Training. (3 hours) Advanced course designed to demonstrate management challenges that Certified Athletic Trainers encounter during daily operation in the field of athletic training. Covers the theories of organization and administration and applies them to real world situations in the profession of athletic training. Prerequisite: KHS 185 Spring
410. Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology and Health Studies. (3 hours) This course is designed to familiarize the student with the various testing procedures used in Kinesiology and instruct him/her on how to use the results. The areas studied will include a wide range, including test of knowledge, skills, fitness, and attitudes. In addition, each student will be introduced to research methods. Students are expected to conduct a research project. Prerequisite: MAT 111 or PSY 211. Spring
423. Physiology of Exercise. (3 hours) Nature of neuromuscular activity; physical potential of the human body related to requirements of exercise. Prerequisite: KHS 304 and KHS 306. Spring
435. Research in Kinesiology and Health Studies. (3 hours) Analysis of research being done in selected areas of Kinesiology and Health and conduct of research on an appropriate topic.
440. Independent Study in Kinesiology and Health Studies. (1, 2, or 3 hours)
460. Internship in Kinesiology and Health Studies. (1-6 hours)
470. Advanced Topics in Kinesiology and Health Studies. (3-6 hours). As Needed


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Gimme Gimme Giveaway: Win a Wooden Coaster Set
We are proud to announce the first in our series of Gimme Gimme Giveaways. Through the summer we will be giving away treasured items left behind at Blog Cabin 2013 after episode filming wrapped.
The first item up for grabs? We will give away a wooden coaster set, handcrafted by Blog Cabin 2013 project manager Dylan Eastman. Dylan fashioned the set of six coasters from the home's original corner posts. To learn more about this project and get Dylan's handy step-by-step instructions, please visit the Made+Remade blog.
To enter for a chance to win the coaster set, take the virtual home tour, examine each space and then tell us, via a comment posted below, which Blog Cabin 2013 reclaimed or upcycled furnishing or decorative accessory you like best.
You have from July 19, 2013, at 9 a.m. ET until Friday, July 26, 2013, at 5 p.m. ET to post your comment and thereby enter for a chance to win this one-of-a-kind coaster set. On Monday, July 29, 2013, we will randomly select the winner of this coaster giveaway and post the winner in the blog on or around July 30, 2013.
Stay tuned for our next Gimme Gimme Giveaway, which begins August 9, 2013. We will be giving away bedding from Blog Cabin 2013.


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DIRECTOR of rugby Nigel Davies makes just two changes to his starting line up as Gloucester prepare for the visit of local rivals Worcester Warriors to Kingsholm on Friday evening (kick- off 7.45pm).
Davies makes one change to his pack, and one to his back line. Dan Murphy replaces Nick Wood at loose head prop, while Henry Trinder partners Mike Tindall in the Gloucester midfield in place of Tim Molenaar.
It's round 16 in the Aviva Premiership, and Gloucester currently find themselves in fifth position, four points behind London Wasps who occupy the final play off spot.
Gloucester's last game was away at Wasps, of course, a hard fought 29-33 defeat last Sunday.
It means the Cherry and Whites have faced a short turnaround this week and Davies confirmed that Gloucester have had to be smart with their scheduling this week. "
We have to consider where we are in the season. A lot of groundwork has been put in already.
"It's very much about keeping the energy in this group of players. They worked extremely hard last Sunday up at Wasps and were unlucky not to come away with the win.
"Over the past two weeks, I've been pleased with the performances that have been put in. We've shown a lot of character as well and we've got to show up with the same level of intensity and focus that we had in the last two games."
The fact that it's a local derby means that the game will also have a little extra edge to it.
"Friday night's game is very important for us. It's another derby fixture, so there will be a lot of emotion involved and we have to ensure that we channel our emotions in the right way to be effective.
"Worcester are fighting hard in the Premiership to ease clear of the bottom three teams, while we're trying to force our way into the top four. There's a lot at stake for both teams."
Gloucester: Rob Cook; Charlie Sharples, Henry Trinder, Mike Tindall (capt), Jonny May; Ryan Mills, Dan Robson; Dan Murphy, Darren Dawidiuk, Rupert Harden; Lua Lokotui, Will James; Tom Savage, Akapusi Qera, Sione Kalamafoni
Replacements: Huia Edmonds, Nick Wood, Dario Chistolini, Peter Buxton, Andy Hazell, Dave Lewis, Tim Molenaar, Martyn Thomas.


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Starting Jan. 1, 2011, Kentuckians can now be cited and fined $25 for texting while driving. Repeat offenders can be fined $50 plus court costs.
What are your thoughts about this new law? Will it be effective? Have you been affected by a driver who was sending text messages or using a phone while driving?
Share your thoughts about the new legislation.
Texting while driving is very dangerous, and I think the fines are not serious enough. I wear my seat belt, and follow the laws, but someone who is so busy paying attention to a written conversation on their phone could cause me or someone else to be in an accident. Why is a text message worth someone's life? It isn't - and the fines and punishments should reflect the seriousness of the action.


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NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Apple ( AAPL) sells iDevices by the hundreds of millions each year. If Steve Jobs was still around, these products could even include an iCar. In a New York Times article talking about a potential Apple iWatch, Nick Bilton touches on Apple's penchant for pushing the boundaries, even taking on the automobile industry. Before Jobs passed away, Apple reportedly wanted to make its own car. Prior to his death in October 2011, Jobs had a meeting with John Markoff of The New York Times, telling Markoff that he would've liked Apple to do something with autos. This isn't the first time we've heard about Apple and autos. Back in August, Apple's Senior Vice President of Marketing, Phil Schiller, touched on this subject during the company's patent trial with Samsung. "First, Apple had been known for years for the Mac. Then we had a big hit called the iPod -- it really changed the view inside and outside the company," Schiller said. "People were suggesting every idea: make a camera, make a car -- crazy stuff." Apple has already made some headway into autos, with Siri coming to Daimler's ( DAI) Mercedes Benz A-Class line. Going a step further, some notable Apple employees have deep rooted passion for cars. Schiller lists cars as one of his passions on his Twitter bio. Eddy Cue, senior vice president of internet software and services, sits on Ferrari's board. Tim Cook actually met with Ferrari's CEO Luca di Montezemolo last year, further fueling the fire. Google's ( GOOG) working on driverless cars in its quest for domination of every facet of technology. A car either developed solely by Apple, or with the help of, say, General Motors ( GM) or Ford ( F), could get the attention off Google's driverless car and back on Apple. The Cupertino, Calif.-based firm sorely needs to regain its reputation for cutting-edge innovation, given the recent downturn in the stock. As far back as I can remember, there's always been speculation that Apple would move into automobiles, perhaps designing its own car. Several years ago, for example, there were rumors that Apple would work with Volkswagen to build the reported iCar.
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Players and fans will enjoy a comfortable, 72-degree temperature controlled climate at Tropicana Field. Offering a family-friendly environment with excellent amenities for spectators, Tropicana Field is the ideal location for America's premier college all-star football game.
Driving Directions
Tropicana Field
One Tropicana Drive
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Tropicana Field is located directly east of I-275 in St. Petersburg. The dome is visible from the highway. I-375 and I-175 both veer off of I-275 and feed into Tropicana Field.
Follow the signs! Signs are located on approach routes throughout downtown St. Petersburg to help guide you to general parking areas and color-coded permit lots.


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Mary Bach says the price for her Brown and Serve sausage scanned for two pennies more than what the price tag showed. The Pennsylvania woman, who's a consumer activist, accused Walmart of unfair trade practices and she won. A judge awarded her $100 in damages. Walmart has a month to appeal.
Frustrated Consumer Sues Walmart Over 2 Cents
By editor • Oct 4, 2011


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Topic: About the Widows Walk
I lost my husband about 2 1/2 weeks ago. He battled intrahepatic CC for 9 months. Today would have been our 45th wedding anniversary. USAA sent me some booklets on grieving, etc. One phamplet is titled About the Widows walk. I thought I would copy it here in hopes that it helps those who have lost a husband. This is how it goes.
Along the seacoasts of our country you can still see examples of the small observation platforms built atop Early American homes. From this vantage point one could watch for ships returning to harbor. In those days a large segment of the population was involved in the whaling industry and other maritime activities. Many men's lives were lost as some ships never returned to port, and others that did reported crew members dead or missing. Thus the lookout became known as the widow's walk because so many women were widowed by the sea.
Each of us who has lost a mate will spend a time on the widow's walk. Now you are pacing that walkway, searching for the ship that sailed out of your life. Without your captain and without a map you are facing the vast horizon of your own uncharted future. For me, it was a distant and intimidating view. Eventually I discovered within myself as you will discover within yourself a compass I did not know I had until I needed it. In my own widowhood and in preparing this booklet I found no ways avoid the widow's walk. It is a passage each of us who has been left behind will make. I did learn ways to shorten the journey and to ease the worrow along the way. And I want to share them with you.
This introduction of this phamplet brought tears to my eyes. I know I must learn to stand on my own two feet. How I will do that I do not know. But I have no choice. The only peace I find is that I know my husband is in a better place. He is no longer suffering. Now I must find my compass so that he knows I will be ok.
I hope this will help some of you out there. We have no choice, but to learn how to survive.


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MORAGA, Calif. -- Matthew Dellavedova scored 24 points and the Saint Mary's men's basketball team picked up its 10th victory of the season with a 78-62 win over Yale on Sunday at McKeon Pavilion.
Brad Waldow, Beau Levesque and Jorden Page all chipped in with 10 points for Saint Mary's (10-3). Waldow added eight rebounds, and Stephen Holt also played well with nine points and six rebounds.
Dellavedova also made a bit of history Sunday. By making four 3-pointers, he passed David Sivulich for the all-time lead in 3-pointers made. Dellavedova has made 239 from long distance, one more than Sivulich.
He also moved past Diamon Simpson into fourth on the school's all-time scoring list. Dellavedova has scored 1,620 points in his career. David Vann is third on the list with 1,738, and Daniel Kickert holds the record with 1,874.
Leading by 10 at halftime, the Gaels took control right out of the locker room.
All five Gaels who took the court to begin the half -- Matthew Dellavedova, Jorden Page, James Walker III, Mitchell Young and Brad Waldow -- scored in the run, with Page's layup in transition making the score 50-30 with 16:56 left.
Page and Waldow also provided a highlight-reel play during the streak, as Page looked off a defender, found Waldow alone underneath the hoop, and the big man from Shingle Springs, Calif. threw it down for a crowd-pleasing dunk.
Yale (4-9) traded baskets with the Gaels for the next few minutes, but could never quite get the deficit to a dangerous level. Greg Kelley led three Bulldogs in double figures with 14 points.
Having been more a distributor than a scorer over the last two games, Dellavedova used Sunday's game to again show how effective he can be when called on to do the bulk of the scoring.
That started from the very beginning, as Dellavedova's 3-pointer capped an early 10-0 run that put Saint Mary's up 14-4 with just under 15 minutes left in the first half.
It continued in the second half, as the All America candidate scored in a variety of ways. He stepped out to hit the 3-pointer, drifted into the lane to float shots over the defense, and drew contact to get to the free throw line. He finished 9 of 13 from the field and also added six assists in the win.
"It's a good win. Like I told our team, we don't take these for granted," Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett said. "We beat a team that has played a lot on the road and I think we got better as the game went on."
When Dellavedova wasn't doing the scoring, balance proved key as Saint Mary's continued to build on the lead. Seven different Gaels scored in the first half, and a 3-point play by Beau Levesque with 3:38 left in the half pushed the advantage to 36-24 in favor of the home squad.
Yale cut into the lead before the break thanks to a long distance display by one of its big men. 6-foot-8 forward Greg Kelley stepped out to hit a pair of 3-pointers, the second of which cut the Saint Mary's lead to 36-30 with 1:10 before halftime.
The Gaels scored the final four points of the period though, with a Dellavedova jumper and two free throws by Holt making the score 40-30 at halftime.
Saint Mary's is back in action Monday, as Harvard visits McKeon Pavilion to take part in the 2012 Shamrock Office Solutions Classic at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at SMCGaels.com or through the SMC Athletic Ticket Office at (925) 631-GoTx.
"We've improved so much over the last month," Bennett said. "When we played in Anaheim, even in the game we won, I didn't think we were playing very well. Since that point, we've gotten better. This will be a good test for us tomorrow. This is one of the toughest nonconference games we have on the schedule."


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Carl Malobabich Jr. has joined the Penn State Beaver Office of Housing and Food Services staff as a cook. His previous positions have included second cook for Penn State Hospitality Services, executive chef at DuBois Country Club, sous chef at Wildwood Golf Club, and executive chef at Gateway Lodge Country Inn & Restaurant.
Malobabich also has been sous chef at the Radisson Hotel, Monroeville; the Common Plea Restaurant, Pittsburgh; Armstrong's Restaurant, Moon Township, and Jackson Rancheria Casino Hotel & Conference Center, Jackson, Calif.
While at Jackson Rancheria, he received the Achievement in Excellence Award and was featured in the D'Vine Wine and Visitors Guide as chef of the Bronze Eagle Restaurant. He served a student externship at Roy's at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach, Calif.
Malobabich, a native of Hopewell Township, served in the U.S. Air Force and graduated from the International Culinary Academy, Pittsburgh.
He can be contacted at firstname.lastname@example.com or 724-773-3775.


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Home Concert Tickets Rock and Pop Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton Tickets
From his time in The Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek & The Dominoes and his huge solo output, Eric Clapton has amassed a formidable body of work. Do you want to hear global hits like "Layla" and "Cocaine" at an Eric Clapton concert? Select a date to view the range of tickets available or view the Eric Clapton tour on a map to find an event near you. You can also sell your spare Eric Clapton tickets on viagogo, and listing tickets is free. All Eric Clapton tickets are covered by the viagogo Ticket guarantee! Don't wait any longer - buy your Eric Clapton tickets now!
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— May 2003
By Ben Ellison
Zap! Boom!
|Part 2: Another approach to lightning protection is to run away from it.
This uncertainty is echoed by a representative of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). The organization has modified its specifications for an LPS in recent years and says there will likely be more changes in the future. The existing standard calls for an "air terminal," or lightning rod, as high above the boat as possible, connected via heavy conductor to a ground plate or strip on the hull bottom. All major metal objects and electronics should be bonded to this ground. A boat advertised as built to ABYC standards does not necessarily have such an LPS, which is not mandatory. While the ABYC and Thomson agree that an LPS will help lead a strike's massive power safely out of the boat, hopefully with a minimum of the "side flashes" that can also hurt people and electronics, both are emphatic that there are no guarantees. The primary goal of the ABYC specs is protection of humans, not electronics. NMEA and ABYC intend to work together toward a more comprehensive electronics protection standard, and Thomson has a private company (www.marinelightning.com) that is developing a device to channel side flashes away from sensitive areas. It's also worth noting that Thomson is currently conducting a survey of powerboaters who have experienced lightning strikes, and should you be so qualified, you can help advance the science at his university site, www.thomson.ece.ufl.edu/lightning.
Another approach to lightning protection is to run away from it, and there are some gadgets that can help. One is StrikeAlert, a pager-like device that hears lightning's RF disturbances and lights a series of LEDs indicating range up to about 40 miles. Apparently it will indicate whether strikes are approaching or going away, but will not give you any information as to the lightning's bearing. It costs about $80 (719-536-9990, www.strikealert.com). A much more sophisticated system is the Boltek Storm Tracker, a directional antenna and decoder that works with PC software that can map lightning strikes over a 300-mile radius. Models start at $500 (905-734-8045, www.boltek.com). This product is not specifically designed for marine use; actually many users have it set up as part of amateur weather stations connected to the Web, and you may find a useful nearby station at www.weathermatrix.com.
Of course, approaching thunderstorms are often quite visible to the naked eye, with the lightning potential in their famously tall, dark, anvil-shape clouds frequently proportional to their drama. Some skippers adjust their long-range radar to maximize rain clutter and can thus track even embedded and/or distant activity. But as to our correspondent's habit of staying in port when thunderstorms are predicted...well, I suspect he's erring on the side of caution, as weather forecasters often do.
Of course, it's wise to stay sharp and have a plan. Getting to a mooring, disconnecting electronics, getting folks inside and away from metal objects--all these moves can help. But ultimately it's about risk management, a topic perhaps too much on the collective mind these days. There's so much to worry about--including, at this writing, idiot rock bands and security guards--that even a powerful, unpredictable force of nature seems to pale in comparison. My advice: learn about lightning and take care, but--for Thor's sake--go boating.
This article originally appeared in the April 2003 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.


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Toys"R"Us Series 17 Arriving Next Month In New Packaging...
Next month, Diamond Select will pick some of their favorite characters from the Marvel Now initiative and give them all-new, all-Now figures for Marvel Minimates Series 17 at Toys"R"Us. The line-up includes The Avengers Hulk and Iron Man, Uncanny Avengers Captain America and the Scarlet Witch, and Savage Wolverines Wolverine and a Savage Land Reaper, as well as a fourth two-pack with Phoenix Five versions of Emma Frost and Colossus from Avengers vs. X-Men, to add to your AvX-themed collection. Check out the new packaging below, and keep checking Toys"R"Us stores and toysrus.com for them to arrive next month.
To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with Collectibles Insurance, the official insurance company of the Figures.com network. Say "Figures.com" to get 5% off your first term premiums.
To buy action figures, take a look at BigBadToyStore.com, PlasmaInfusion.com, Toynk.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonkeyDepot.com.


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Basque Tank Tops are an Idakoos specialtiy! Idakoos has many things to offer. Whether you want to get a Basque Vest Top for a special occasion, give a Basque Singlet as a present or need to represent with a funny Basque Tank Top during Holidays or Family and Friends get-togethers, Idakoos is sure to have the right Basque Vest Top for you! Even if it turns out you can't find the right Basque Tank Top with the perfect design for your mother, father or children (or friends!); Idakoos offers all of its men's women's and children's Basque Tank Tops as Custom Basque Tank Tops. Personalize any Basque Singlet the way you want to ensure the perfect gift.
Showing 1 - 24 of 44 Tank Top


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Ask the Japan Recruiter
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Takako, a recruiter in our Tokyo office, talks about our recruiting and interview process in Japan, and gives advice to potential candidates.
Can you tell us about your background with Goldman Sachs and your recruiting responsibilities?
I joined the Goldman Sachs campus recruiting team just over three years ago covering two divisions, Global Investment Research and Securities. Now I also help cover the Investment Banking, Merchant Banking, Investment Management and Operations divisions and my focus is to recruit candidates to work in these divisions in Japan.
In 2014, Goldman Sachs reaches a milestone in Japan. Can you tell us about that?
We are really excited because in 2014 we will be celebrating our fortieth year of the office opening in Japan. It is an important milestone, especially for our senior managers in Japan today who were campus hires and have been with the firm for a long time. They really help to reinforce the culture of the firm and show candidates how the firm provides long-term career opportunities. The celebration is really about having worked with our clients through the decades and having established a culture and presence in Japan that we're very proud of.
What are some of the qualifications and skills you look for in candidates?
We look for team players. Teamwork is really important to us, so we like candidates to demonstrate how they have worked in a team setting. Our working environment is also very fast-paced with many types of clients, we want people who like to work in situations like this and who can be flexible in responding to client needs with sometimes tight deadlines.
Not all, but many of our positions require some Japanese language skills in order to work and engage with local clients. Individuals with international experience—for example, those who study outside of Japan—are also strong candidates because their experience can be valuable to working in a global environment like we have at Goldman Sachs. Diversity is important to us and we encourage qualified people with different backgrounds and experiences to consider the opportunities we have in Japan.
What is the recruiting process like in Japan? What are the deadlines?
We have two distinct recruiting cycles. The first is for students at local universities in Japan and takes place a little over one year in advance of actually joining as a new hire—for example, we are currently recruiting students who will join us in 2015. The other cycle is for students who are studying outside of Japan and the timelines are similar to those in the US.
Can you describe the interview process as it relates to Japan?
Within a couple weeks after the application deadline has passed, we notify the candidates who we are interested in speaking with. The next step is for the candidates to come in for a first-round, in-person interview or phone interview depending on the candidate's location. Each division has a slightly different process after that, in terms of the number of interviews and who within each division or team will meet each candidate. Typically, the second-round interview is with senior managers, or it is structured as a "super day" where the candidate can meet with a number of people in one day. Usually there are three or four steps as part of the interview process.
What advice would you offer to someone who will be interviewing with you?
An interview is a great opportunity for a candidate to present who they are and what they can offer to Goldman Sachs and our clients. It's important for a candidate to think about their strengths and weaknesses before the interview and be prepared to discuss their academic or work experiences. My advice is for a candidate to have a list of three things—perhaps most significant achievements—that sets them apart from other candidates.


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Category: hidden meanings of names
In this week's Nameberry 9, Appellation Mountain's Abby Sandel talks about names with some personal significance that's not necessarily obvious on the surface.
Sometimes the craziest name becomes instantly charming the second we learn the backstory. Meaning matters, and I'm always impressed when parents take the time to seek out names rich with personal significance.
Passing down family names is great, but this idea takes it one step further. It's a process of thinking about what's important to your family. Favorite places, artists, experiences that signify something about the pregnancy. Think of Shiloh Nouvel Jolie–Pitt's middle name, inspired by architect Jean Nouvel, or Zuma Rossdale, possibly a nod to a Malibu beach important to his dad.


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Angels drop fourth straight in Houston
Blanton is solid, but offense is limited to Hamilton's homer
HOUSTON -- It looked like the Angels finally had something going in the top of the ninth at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday night. Trailing by two and three outs away from 22 losses in 33 games, Mike Trout and Albert Pujols opened the final inning with singles off a dominant Bud Norris, finally getting the Astros' ace out of the game, and closer Jose Veras hit Josh Hamilton two batters later to load the bases with one out.
Finally, you thought, the Angels were showing some life, some spirit, some grit in their season-long quest for relevance.
And then, one pitch later, a hard ground ball from Howie Kendrick settled into the glove of shortstop Marwin Gonzalez, who flipped it to second baseman Jose Altuve, who fired to first baseman Carlos Pena. A double play, the fourth of the game for the Angels. A 3-1 defeat, their fourth loss in a row and 11th in their last 14 games. And a series loss to a last-place Astros team that came in with six consecutive losses.
"It's not who you're playing or where you're playing; it's how you're playing," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "And right now, we're not doing enough things well to set the game up on our terms and give ourselves the margin of error you need when you don't get a break."
But the Angels did get a break.
When Dane De La Rosa scooped up Trevor Crowe's safety-squeeze bunt in the eighth and flipped home, Jimmy Paredes appeared to slide past the tag of Hank Conger and swipe the plate with his left hand. But home-plate umpire Bill Welke ruled that he didn't touch the plate and Conger was able to tag him for the out to keep it a two-run game.
It didn't matter.
Norris, who pitched seven shutout innings at Angel Stadium on April 12, gave up only a Hamilton solo homer -- the slugger's third on the year and first since April 14 -- in eight-plus innings of crazy-efficiency. Norris threw 58 of his 84 pitches for strike, needed only 77 of them to complete eight innings and moved opponent Joe Blanton to 0-6, even though the Angels' starter gave up only three runs in 6 2/3 innings.
"I think the sinker was really working," said Norris, now 4-3 with a 3.40 ERA on the year. "I threw a lot of two-seamers to the outside of the plate and got some guys out of their comfort zone. When I can do that and go back to my slider and fastball away, it sets up both sides of the plate. The No. 1 priority is locating down and away, but throwing some sinkers into some guys was really big."
The Angels had nine hits, but went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
Erick Aybar hit a leadoff single and Pujols laced a double in the first, but they didn't score. Mark Trumbo singled in the third, but was thrown out easily at second on what Scioscia said was a "misread" -- not a hit-and-run -- with Hamilton batting. Kendrick and Alberto Callaspo hit one-out singles in the fifth, but Chris Iannetta grounded into an inning-ending double play. Trout hit a two-out double in the sixth, but Pujols grounded out to end the inning. And when J.B. Shuck drew a one-out walk in the eighth, Aybar hit another inning-ending double play.
Their fourth double-play groundout, coming one inning later, gave the Angels five straight series losses and nine in 11 tries this season.
Asked if this team is past the point of frustration, Trumbo said: "It's still frustrating. You never want to stop feeling frustrated because then you've pretty much given up hope. You come here each day with the mindset we're going to win the ballgame, so obviously it's a letdown when that doesn't happen."
Scioscia tried hard to take positives out of Wednesday's loss. Like the fact that Hamilton's homer went to the opposite field. Or that a lot of balls were hit hard. Or that Blanton has thrown three consecutive quality starts, giving up eight earned runs in 20 2/3 innings in that span.
But Blanton's ERA on the year is still 5.66.
And the Angels' 11-22 record is matched only by the 1969 and '76 teams for the worst start through 33 games in franchise history. Neither of those teams won more than 76 games.
"It's a team game," Blanton said when asked if he could at least take solace in the fact that he's pitching better. "Our goal is to win games. It's not happening right now, but it does feel better to at least contribute and at least give us a chance when I'm out there. The first couple starts, I wasn't doing that. And now I am at least giving us a chance. We're just missing by a beat right now. Hopefully it comes around soon."
Alden Gonzalez is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Gonzo and "The Show", and follow him on Twitter @Alden_Gonzalez. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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ESPN.com's Chad Ford floated an interesting trade possibility today (warning: it's a subscription-only link). He thinks the Pistons might be a good fit for Rudy Gay, who is on Memphis' trading block.
Citing unnamed NBA general managers who have spoken to the Grizzlies, Ford says Memphis is concerned about losing Gay as a restricted free agent this summer and also thinks it's one defensive presence away from being a playoff team.
He goes on to say that the Pistons have been looking to move small forward Tayshaun Prince, who seemingly would provide what Memphis is looking for, but Detroit might have to throw in a first-round draft pick to make the trade more enticing.
For what it's worth, Gay is a high-flying 23-year-old who has become a borderline star averaging 20.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this year. He would be another young piece around which the Pistons can build, but as a wing, he doesn't provide what they really need: a post player.


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Local water districts have started an upbeat campaign to conserve water, but there is a darker threat looming for water supplies after a bone-dry spring saw only a smattering of rain.
Unlike some districts that receive water from a potent Sierra snowpack, Marin is at the mercy of rain, which provides much of the drinking water for the county via eight reservoirs, most on Mount Tamalpais and one at Stafford Lake in Novato. The rest comes from the Russian River, which also is fed by local rains.
It looked to be a banner rainy season as the storms were plentiful last fall and in the early winter. Through Christmas 2012 the Marin Municipal Water District recorded 31.25 inches of rain at Lake Lagunitas on Mount Tamalpais, about twice as much as normal.
But then beginning Jan. 1 it was as though Mother Nature noted the calendar and decided to halt the rains.
Marin Municipal recorded a mere 5.15 inches of rain from January through May. On average, 32.82 inches falls during that period, based on rainfall records dating back 135 years.
The water district recorded 40.20 inches for the season, which ran from July 1, 2012, through June 30. On average 52.65 inches of rain falls.
"We do need the big rains this fall," said Brad Sherwood, spokesman for the Sonoma County Water Agency, which supplies water to Marin Municipal and the North Marin Water District in Novato. "The 'D' word will probably be discussed this fall and winter if the rains do not come."
That's 'D' as in drought.
In response the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership — nine North Bay cities and water districts that use Russian River water — are getting ahead of that possibility by asking people to save 20 gallons a day through a voluntary conservation program dubbed the "20 Gallon Challenge."
The program's website, 20gallons.org, offers water-saving tips and prizes — water-saving dishwashers, landscaping and toilets — to get people to participate.
"The dry spring was the impetus for the program," said Krishna Kumar, general manager at Marin Municipal.
It was the dry conditions that sent the storage within Marin Municipal's reservoir system below average. Typically at this time of year, reservoirs are 80 percent of capacity, but now are 77 percent. Last year at this time they were 89 percent of capacity.
"We are in a wait-and-watch mode," Krishna said, noting that while down, the reservoirs are fairly close to average for this time of year. "It has not really affected us to this point."
Indeed rationing is off the table and won't be an issue until April 1 of next year. At that point if there are 50,000 or fewer acre feet in the system, a 10 percent voluntary rationing program would kick in. If there is less than 40,000 acre feet, a 25 percent mandatory program would be implemented. As of last week there were 61,356 acre feet in the reservoirs. An acre foot can supply about three single-family homes with water for a year. There are 325,851 gallons in an acre foot.
Rationing may not be as simple as it once was because many Marin residents have stepped up to save water, from installing low-flow toilets to planting drought-resistant gardens. Per capita, there has been a 25 percent drop in water use in the county since the 1970s. The average person uses about 131 gallons a day in the county, which is below a state mandated goal of 137 gallons set for 2015.
"There is always room for conservation," Kumar said. "Marin has shown that before."
And all it will take is some good rains this fall and winter to keep that discussion from occurring.
Of course there are no guarantees.
The National Weather Service has not been able to determine if this coming rainy season will be rainy or dry, instead calling it "neutral" for time being. In September the weather service will issue a report for the rainy season.
"We rely on the rain and every year is different," said Chris DeGabriele, general manager of the North Marin Water District, which has seen its Stafford Lake reservoir drop by a foot under average.
"We have to see what this year holds."
Contact Mark Prado via email at email@example.com


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Liquid Force Fury Wakeboard With Fury Bindings
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Specifically engineered footbed and liner just for kids.


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Kickout Fatigue: The Ryback Conundrum
by, 10-20-2012 at 12:56 AM (5626 Views)
For the most part, I've enjoyed the meteoric rise of Ryback. After the 20th squash match where he did the same 3 moves it got a bit old, but all along I've been pretty captivated by this beastly wrestler and the path of destruction he's been blazing across the WWE.
Seeing him catapulted into a main even situation against CM Punk was pretty shocking to me. Obviously, WWE is high on this guy, that was never more obvious than he decimated then Intercontinental Champion Miz in about 3 minutes. But taking him from nobody to main eventing a PPV for the WWE Championship in just a few short months? I don't think anyone saw that coming.
Here's where the problem comes. The Punk vs Ryback match is a no win situation for WWE. Let's look at what happens if Ryback wins the match.
First of all, you've got WWE putting the belt around the waist of a rookie. We all know wrestling's scripted, but there's still a high level of prestige that goes into winning that belt. Finally being recognized by the company as THE GUY is a huge honor, something most superstars chase for a long long time before achieving (if they ever achieve it, many don't). How's it going to sit with all the guys in the back if WWE grants a rookie a title reign?
Also, how's it going to look if Punk, after nearly a year of domination, suddenly loses to an unseasoned wrestler? Punk has held onto his belt so many times when it looked like his defeat was going to happen. The top tier talent in WWE could never get it away from him, but a wrestler who's only been around for a few months and has only ever been in 3 minute matches against (mostly) nobodies can?
Then there's the timing of it. If punk gets through Hell in a Cell with his belt, then he'll hit 1 solid year as champion before the next PPV comes around. That's a huge mark, and it's hard to believe that WWE would take the title away before Punk hits that historic 1 year mark.
Okay, now let's look at the issues if Punk does win and retains the belt. WWE has spent month after month building Ryback into an unstoppable monster. Handicap matches couldn't stop him, Intercontinental Champions couldn't stop him, he's been built up to be one of the most dominant forces that the WWE has ever seen. Does the WWE really want to throw that away by having him lose at HIAC?
Probably not, which means that we could be in for a truly bad finish to what will likely be an awesome match. Let's look at history, which in the case of Ryback leads you to Goldberg and his undefeated streak. WCW built him into an unstoppable beast. They did a great job with it, and even though he had some great tests along the way, he kept winning and remained undefeated for a very long time.
The problem was, he eventually had to lose. To accomplish this, WCW put together one of the dumbest screw-job endings pro wrestling has ever seen. A disguised Scott Hall repeatedly tased Goldberg, which weakened him enough so he was defeated by Kevin Nash. The streak was over, the fans were furious, and that was that.
A straight Punk victory vs Ryback is almost certainly not going to happen. It's just too damaging to Ryback's character at this point. But I also can't imagine them putting the belt on Ryback so early in his career, and also so close to Punk's 1 year mark with the belt. This leads me to believe that we're headed towards a truly wonky ending. Interference gone wrong, maybe? An accidental Cena chair shot that hits Ryback instead of Punk? Or something even more off the wall, like a run-in from someone we don't expect? Or maybe Punk will just use something ridiculous like Scott Hall did, employing a taser or something along those lines to incapacitate Ryback.
I give WWE credit for moving forward with this match, but I don't give them too much credit. Don't forget, if not for Cena's injury, we were in for yet another Cena/Punk showdown. What I will give WWE credit for is saying "to hell with it" and throwing together Ryback and Punk as a replacement storyline. It's a stroke of brilliance, and even though they've put themselves in a tough situation over the outcome, I'm still glad they moved forward with this.
So who do I hope wins the match? I have to say, it's been a while since any storyline in the WWE had the electric energy that this Ryback/Punk thing does. The fans seem to sense that this is a volatile situation. The crowd was going nuts at the end of Raw. WWE has been so hesitant to have guys drop belts, so for that reason I want Ryback to win. I think it forces change, and brings a fresh sense of "anything can happen" to the product.
That's who I hope wins, but who do I think wins? Punk. I just don't see them putting the belt on a rookie, and I don't see them ending Punk's reign so close to the 1 year mark. Either way they go with this match, they're going to do some damage to their product, but it's been a pretty entertaining mess and I can't wait to see what they come up with for the finish.
Let's just hope it's not Scott Hall in a disguise again...