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Steve Chiotakis: All this week, we're helping you understand why Greece is such a threat to the global economy and why you should care.
Today, young Greeks say there aren't many work prospects at home. So some decide to come to the United States, but the jobless rate is high here too.
That's why some Greek nationals in New York feel torn about whether to encourage their friends back home to come join them. Sally Herships explains.
Sally Herships: Ellen Athena Catsikeas is Greek-American. Born here, high school there, college here. After graduating in the mid-'90s, Catsikeas wasn't able to break into the film business. At the time, Greece was booming. So she went back.
Ellen Athena Catsikeas: We all actually had a very good quality of life. It wasn't too shabby to be able to go to Greek Islands for the weekend, you know.
But 10 glorious years later, the money started drying up. Catsikeas had been working as a freelance film director.
Catsikeas: What seemed to be a system that worked; you might wait two or three months for your pay but you knew you were going to get it. Suddenly you were up against companies that were maybe paying six months down the line, seven months down the line.
So she packed up her bags and headed for her second home: The states. Professionally it's worked out for her, but she was sad to leave.
Catsikeas: I think we all when we went there wanted to be a part of making Greece better. We all brought our degrees and our master's, or certain people brought their Ph.Ds, and we wanted to reverse the brain drain. But I think the brain drain is happening again.
As evidenced by all the calls New York City resident Larisa Antypa is getting from her homeland.
Herships: Would you tell people now to come here?
Larisa Antypa: That's a tricky question.
Antypa first came to the states to study drama. Now she works at the Greek Cultural Center in Queens.
Antypa: Sure, you can come to United States, but don't think this is heaven also, job-wise.
Antypa says America was more promising 10 years ago when she arrived. Then, you didn't need connections to find work. But now...
Antypa: When you first come here and don't know anybody -- right now at this moment, it's a big, big difference not knowing anybody and trying to find a job.
And Ellen Catsikeas agrees with Antypa. She says except for people who are willing to take big steps back in their careers, America may no longer be the promised land.
In New York, I'm Sally Herships for Marketplace.


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Election season often increases the volume and vociferousness of political conversations. Widening ideological gulfs, dissected and fueled by pundits, have made politics seem like a contact sport more than ever. While some political activities can be prohibited in the workplace, some actions are protected.
According to Vault.com's "Politics in the Workplace Survey," 66% of survey respondents said co-workers discussed politics in the workplace and 46% had witnessed a political argument between co-workers.
The resulting hurt feelings, resentment and anger can decrease worker productivity and raise the workplace temperature. And political disputes can cause problems at work between co-workers, between workers and managers and even between workers and visiting customers who may be offended by conversations they overhear. A spirited debate can escalate into a claim of discrimination or a hostile work environment.
Existing emplo...(register to read more)
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
(IBList user synopsis):
An anxious man recounts the fate of a friend, an eccentric, studious person with a slight hump in one shoulder. After college, the friend returns to live in his isolated family home, where he becomes immersed in mysterious, studious work, and where his hump begins to noticeably grow.
Originally published in Weird Tales, April 1937.
Original title: The Mannikin
Original languages:
Genre: Fiction→ Horror→ Satanism, Demonology, and Black Magic
This work is a subwork of the following works : Opener of the Way, the (1945) [Collection] Author: Robert Bloch
Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper (1962) [Collection] Author: Robert Bloch
Sleep No More (1964) [Anthology] Authors: M. R. James
, Algernon Blackwood
, Robert W. Chambers
, Robert E. Howard
, Clark Ashton Smith
, Frank Belknap Long
, Robert Bloch
, H. Russell Wakefield
, M.P. Shiel
, Henry S. Whitehead
, Howard Wandrei
, Hazel Heald
7th Fontana Book Of Great Horror Stories, the (1972) [Anthology] Authors: M. R. James
, Arthur Conan Doyle
, Dylan Thomas
, Robert Bloch
, Sax Rohmer
, Celia Fremlin
, Gerald Kersh
, C.S. Forester
, Marjorie Bowen
, Dennis Wheatley
, Winston Graham
, Thomas Hood
, Mary Danby
Mysteries of the Worm (1981) [Collection] Author: Robert Bloch
Early Fears, the (1994) [Collection] Author: Robert Bloch


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Famous Developers Flex Their Creativity in Big Name Games for WarioWare: D.I.Y.
March 22, 2010
Famous Developers Flex Their Creativity in "Big Name Games" for WarioWare: D.I.Y.
Some of the video game industry's brightest talents are contributing to a unique series of microgames for the upcoming WarioWare: D.I.Y. game for the Nintendo DS family of products and the downloadable WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase game for the WiiWare service. Starting March 29, consumers who own either of the games and have a broadband Internet connection will be able to download microgames created by several acclaimed developers, each of whom has been invited to create an original microgame using Nintendo's new WarioWare: D.I.Y. game. New microgames by the developers listed below and many others will be available for download under the "Big Name Games" banner every Monday through July 26, at no additional cost to users with broadband Internet access.
The list of "Big Name Games" participants reads like a roster of gaming all-stars. Pixel aka Daisuke Amaya (Cave Story), 5TH Cell (Scribblenauts), WayForward (A Boy and his Blob), Gaijin Games (BIT.TRIP series) and Team Meat (Super Meat Boy) will be featured in the weekly series. To kick things off in grand style, Nintendo will debut new games by Japanese designers Masahiro Sakurai (Super Smash Bros.) and Yoshio Sakamoto (Metroid) on March 29. Fans can also visit the Nintendo Channel on the Wii console to view exclusive videos and behind-the-scenes peeks of some of these remarkable games. The first video, featuring Masahiro Sakurai, is now available on the Nintendo Channel.
Launching exclusively for the top-selling Nintendo DS family of portable game systems on March 28, WarioWare: D.I.Y. lets users of any experience level create and share their own microgames. Whether starting from scratch or using a library of pre-made graphics and sound samples, players can design every aspect of their microgames, from artwork and music to actions and animations. Users with wireless broadband Internet access can upload their creations to share with friends and can also download additional content. Additionally, players can submit their games in Design Challenges with the possibility of their games being selected and made available for download as Theme Games. The game also includes more than 90 pre-made microgames to kick-start the creative process. Exclusively for the WiiWare service, WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase features an additional 70 unique microgames, and lets players enjoy games created with WarioWare D.I.Y. on their television to access and play the same downloadable microgames (broadband Internet access required).
For more information about WarioWare: D.I.Y., please visit http://www.wariowarediy.com/


text:
Well hello there, Monday! Is it just us or do the weekends feel shorter and shorter now that beach season is here?
We just can't get enough of surfing and bonfires, but today, it's back to the cubicle for most of us. At least Carson has one helluva prize to get your work week started.
Lorde's coming to the Greek Theatre and we've got your tickets to the show at 7am and 9am during the Daly Download.
All you gotta do is memorize his countdown and hit us up at 877-971-HITS. Here's a quick look at today's top five:
5. All Of Me (Tiësto Remix) – John Legend
4. Turn Down For What – DJ Snake & Lil Jon
3. Problem –Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea
2. Happy – Pharrell Williams
1. Fancy – Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX
-Sarah Carroll, 97.1 AMP Radio/Los Angeles


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Washington pulls away
Up until late in the third quarter, the Washington basketball team was teetering on a slim 1-point lead.
In fact, Mid-Prairie had two chances to take the lead with free shots after it got in the bonus. With Washington leading 32-31 the Hawks missed the front end of a 1-and-1 and had a lane violation after making the first free throw when they trailed 34-33.
From there Washington took a 40-34 lead to close the quarter and never looked back in a 54-44 win against Mid-Prairie, Tuesday.
Senior guard Dema Giardino scored 6 points in the fourth quarter and finished with a game-high 17 points.
"A lot of that was from attacking the basket," Long said.
In the first half she converted her first career 4-point play after knocking down her 3-pointer and free throw.
Her two free throws capped a 9-2 run that began at the end of the third quarter.
"I was told to attack," Giardino said. "I had a tricky first quarter and wasn't making anything."
The closest the Golden Hawks would get the rest of the way was four points.
There were five ties in the game including four in the first half and two first-half lead changes.
Mid-Prairie hung around all game but couldn't take control with a basket or convert from the free-throw line.
"We only play them once or twice a year, so we want to beat them every chance we get," Giardino said. "It is a high for our team that we really enjoy."
Washington head coach Phil Long said all the games this season are likely to come down to the wire. He referenced this as the reason for his gray hair.
"We are not going to beat anybody badly this year," Long said. "We can win every game we are in. They will always be close games. A 10-point victory is a 50-point victory for us."
The charity stripe and scoring continues to haunt the Demons, which could be seen as a good problem since Washington is getting to the line frequently. According to Long, Washington's 48 free-throw attempts is a school record. Washington only cashed in on 58 percent of its attempts.
"We got to the line and make some more free throws — it is maybe a 15- or 18-point game," Long said.
While Giardino got to the basket at will to shoulder the scoring load in the second half, junior guard Stephanie Fishback kept Washington in the game in the first half.
She finished with 13 points, 12 of which came in the opening half.
"Stephanie has been sicker than a dog with a virus since last Friday," Long said. "She missed practice and then came sick Saturday (to the WACO scrimmage). To work that hard for as many minutes as she is playing with her head and chest plugged up, she is a warrior."
Giardino continues to be the primary ball handler for the first year for the Demons. Long said she needs to do a better job of controlling the game.
"I got to teach her more about clock management," Long said. "Sometimes we were pushing the tempo when we needed to take the air out of the ball."
Giardino dished out a team-leading three assists.
Senior Grace Redlinger fouled out of the game after playing a new position on the full-court press.
"I think she understands more that she is going to have to play more with her hands than her feet," Long said. "To score 54 — and Grace is on the bench most of the game — that is a pretty good sign that my bench was pretty solid."
Senior forward Addisen Shive was the catalyst of the reserves and led the team with 12 rebounds and three steals.
"Shive was just huge for us on the boards," Long said. "She got more minutes tonight than she has had all season. She was a horse in there."
Redlinger and Giardino had eight rebounds, Fisback, junior Sydney Hoffman and junior Rachael Halls had seven rebounds, each.
Washington held the Hawks scoreless in the first four minutes and to 27 percent shooting for the game.
Junior Taylor Kurtz had a team-high eight rebounds for Mid-Prairie.
Washington travels to Williamsburg, Thursday, for an 8 p.m. start.


text:
The Office - An American Workplace - Season 5
Release Date: 07 February 2011 | Certificate: Suitable for 12 years and over
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Scranton's most outrageous workforce is back to give their clients the business in the fifth hilarious season of The Office. Join obnoxious regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell) and his fellow paper pushers Dwight (Rainn Wilson), Jim (John Krasinski), Pam (Jenna Fischer) and Ryan (B.J. Novak) as they steal customers, frame co-workers, indulge in intra-office love affairs and just plain behave badly while a documentary film crew captures their every word and misdeed. Developed for American television by Primetime Emmy® Award-winner Greg Daniels, The Office: Season Five features 26 uproarious episodes – including two one-hour specials, exclusive commentaries, webisodes, deleted scenes and more in a sidesplitting five-disc collection no true fan of The Office can afford to miss!
Bonus Features:
* Deleted scenes
* Webisodes
* Commentaries
* Gag Reel
* 100 Episodes, 100 moments
Bonus Features:
* Deleted scenes
* Webisodes
* Commentaries
* Gag Reel
* 100 Episodes, 100 moments
Deleted Scenes
Episode Commentaries
Gag Reel
100 Episodes, 100 moments
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences presents The Office
The Office promos
Episode Commentaries
Gag Reel
100 Episodes, 100 moments
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences presents The Office
The Office promos
Release Date: 07 February 2011
Certificate: 12 - Suitable for Persons Aged 12 or Over
Region 2
Sound: Dolby Digital
Main Language: English
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Catalogue No: 8277026


text:
If you've ever been to San Francisco's Silicon Valley then you've probably met many successful Lebanese men and women who are not only holding key positions in big renown tech companies but are also behind life changing innovations impacting humanity.
One such inspiring success story is that of Ramzi Haidamus, who has just recently been appointed President at Nokia Technologies.
With a rich academic background joining both Harvard and Stanford, Ramzi played a big role as Dolby's Executive Vice President in the Marketing and Business Development field as well as the Consumer Licensing Division which generated more than 75% of Dolby's revenues.
Haidamus also played a pivotal role in the adoption of Dolby technology in worldwide standards such as the famous DVD and Bluray. In fact, his contribution to the worldwide launch of the DVD format, won Dolby a joint Emmy Award in 1999 for scientific and technological advancement.
If you're a fan of the Oscars, then you would be happy to know that he was also behind the deal which turned the Kodak Theatre, hosting the yearly awaited Oscars event, into what is now called the Dolby Theatre, a first class surround sound live entertainment venue.
With such an amazing track record, one would think this man would have a difficult ego centric personality but meeting with him in one of Beirut's hotels a few days before Nokia's big announcement, we were truly inspired by his calm character, his modest approach and his love to his family and homeland.
In times where daily disappointments destroy the dreams and aspirations of our Lebanese youth, this story comes as a boost of pride and hope as well as a living proof that if given a chance, our determination mixed with our innate innovative and creative genes can truly impact the world.
What are the innovations that Ramzi Haidamus will bring to Nokia Technologies? I guess time will tell and this Lebanese blog is eagerly waiting to report it.
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Grace of Monaco to Open Cannes Film Festival
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Weinstein Company, Biopics, Drama, Period, Distribution, Rumors, Upcoming Releases,
Grace of Monaco will open this year's Cannes Film Festival.
Olivier Dahan's biopic, which stars Nicole Kidman as the iconic Hollywood actress-turned-princess, is set to make its grand debut on May 14 during the prestigious film festival in the south of France, although it will appear out of the competition.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news amidst rumors the movie might never see the big screen after it was pulled from the official US release schedule on Thursday. The film's original November release was delayed because it was said not to be ready for viewing, and it was then pushed back to March 14.
Dahan previously admitted he disagreed with Harvey Weinstein over the film's final edit, which was thought to be the reason behind the delay. "What's complicated at the moment is ensuring that you, the critics, can review my version of the film and not that of somebody else. It's not over yet. I haven't given up," he said.
Click to continue reading Grace of Monaco to Open Cannes Film Festival
Roman Polanski Makes Sexist Remarks at Cannes
Posted by Robin Paulson Categories: Drama, Celebrity Controversy, New Releases,
For someone already accused of a serious sex crime here in the States, director Roman Polanski probably should have kept his recent comments at the Cannes Film Festival to himself.
The 79 year-old auteur has come under fire for his sexist remarks made at the film festival, where he is promoting his latest movie Venus in Fur. When asked how his view of women has changed over the years, Polanski uttered some eyebrow-raising words:
"Offering flowers to a lady has become indecent. I think to level the genders — it's purely idiotic. I think it's a result… of progress in medicine. I think that the Pill has changed greatly the woman of our times, 'masculinizing' her — how would you say it? [...] I think that it chases away the romance from our lives and that's a great pity."
As if he didn't already have enough people up in arms against him for the allegations made against him regarding the minor, Polanski surely now has many women signed up to boycott his work. Is anyone else wondering what his wife Emmanuelle Seigner thinks of all this?
Read More | Jezebel
Director Nicolas Winding Refn Addresses Being Booed at Cannes
Posted by Robin Paulson Categories: Drama, Thrillers, Filmmaking, New Releases,
Though Ryan Gosling wasn't at Cannes to share the brunt of the boos following the premiere of Only God Forgives, director Nicolas Winding Refn kept his cool about the negative response to their film.
When asked about whether or not he was aware of his movie being booed, Refn's initial response was, "Oh, cool." When pressed further about how he could be happy about it, the Danish filmmaker expressed that he still didn't care all that much:
"I mean, how can I expect someone to not react like this when on one hand you are dropping what you do in everyone's face and at the same time saying, 'Love me, please,' you know? You're going to get that. You know, great art — horrible thing to say — but art is meant to divide, because if it doesn't divide, it doesn't penetrate, and if it doesn't penetrate, you just consume it."
You can judge Only God Forgives for yourself when it hits theaters July 19.
Read More | Vulture
Ryan Gosling Reveals Unusual Habit in 'Seduced and Abandoned' Doc
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Documentary, Celebrity Gossip, Filmmaking, New Releases,
Ryan Gosling used to shove movies down his pants. The Only God Forgives actor was so obsessed with cinema as a child that he would hide copies of his favorite flicks in his trousers when his mother tried to punish his bad behavior by taking them away.
Ryan made the frank confession in James Toback and Alec Baldwin's forthcoming movie-making documentary Seduced and Abandoned, which screened to positive reviews at the Cannes Film Festival this week. "I loved movies so much, sometimes, I'd shove them down the front of my pants. I liked the way they feel," he said in an interview.
The documentary - which was filmed at last year's Cannes festival in France - gives a warts-and-all insight into the process of getting movies made and follows the 30 Rock actor as he tries to schmooze producers, financiers, journalists and actors to get on board a proposed film production starring himself and Neve Campbell.
Click to continue reading Ryan Gosling Reveals Unusual Habit in 'Seduced and Abandoned' Doc
'The Great Gatsby' Kicks Off Cannes Film Festival
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Warner Bros, Adaptation, Drama, Romance, New Releases,
The Great Gatsby opened the Cannes Film Festival last night.
Several stars from the film including Leonardo DiCaprio - who plays main character Jay Gatsby - Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan and Amitabh Bachchan took to the red carpet in the rain for the premiere of Baz Luhrmann's drama movie to launch the 66th annual film gala.
DiCaprio looked dapper in a smart black suit and admitted taking on the lead role in the motion picture - which is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's popular novel - carried "enormous pressure." He told BBC News, "What is so great about this novel and why people still discuss it nearly 100 years later and still have arguments about the meaning of each sentence and each word and each bit of symbolism, is because it's left up to the interpretation of you as a reader. In a way it's a recipe for disaster because so many people are going to say, 'That's not how I felt Daisy should be or how Gatsby should be.' I just looked at it as an incredible character to take on, something that was subtle in its approach but had so much depth and meaning in every single line."
Click to continue reading 'The Great Gatsby' Kicks Off Cannes Film Festival
Cinecast: Brittany Murphy's Final Film Finished, Anne Cries Over Catwoman
Posted by Robin Paulson Categories: Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Biopics, Drama, Science Fiction, Sequels, Comedy, Thrillers, Casting, Celeb News, Celebrity Gossip, Distribution, Scripts, Upcoming Releases,
+ Three years following Brittany Murphy's death, the actress' final film, Something Wicked, is complete. An independent thriller directed by Darin Scott, the movie currently seeks a distributor.
+ When asked whether or not she would bring Catwoman back to the big screen, Anne Hathaway was ecstatic about the thought. She also cried at a press conference over talking about the idea of saying goodbye to the catsuit.
+ Judd Apatow becomes the third guest editor for Vanity Fair - appropriately for their first Comedy Issue. The three covers for the magazine - which comes out in December - feature a number of Apatow's regular actors, including his wife Leslie Mann, Paul Rudd, Kristin Wiig, and Will Ferrell.
+ Matt Damon has confirmed that he has been cast in George Clooney's latest directorial effort, The Monuments of Men.
Click to continue reading Cinecast: Brittany Murphy's Final Film Finished, Anne Cries Over Catwoman
Robert De Niro: From Little Fockers to Cannes
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Awards, Celeb News,
Although he currently stars in Little Fockers, Robert De Niro has still been deemed a good judge of movies.
De Niro – a co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival – has just been named jury president of the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival.
The Oscar winner, whose appointment comes one year after Tim Burton served as president, will head a nine-member panel.
"The Cannes Film Festival is a rare opportunity for me as it is one of the oldest and one of the best in the world," De Niro stated.
The 2011 event will be held from May 11-22.
Read More | Yahoo! News
Robin Hood to Open 2010 Cannes Film Festival
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Universal, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Period, Remakes, Trailers, Upcoming Releases,
Once again, the Cannes Film Festival will begin with a non-French film. Last year, Up became the first animated feature to receive the international spotlight. This year, Ridley Scott's Robin Hood will be the selection opening the prestigious event.
The film - which tells the early years of the legend - stars Russell Crowe as the titular character - and Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian. The story was written by Brian Helgeland, the man behind L.A Confidential (another Crowe film).
Click to continue reading Robin Hood to Open 2010 Cannes Film Festival
Tribeca to Open with 3D Shrek
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: DreamWorks, Animation, Family, Sequels, Upcoming Releases,
The fourth Shrek movie will be opening the Tribeca Film Festival.
Shrek Forever After - which features the voices of stars such as Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas - is set to be released on May 21. The comedy, the first of the series to be released in 3D, is being advertised as the final chapter.
The New York-based festival was founded in 2002 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in response to the 9/11 attacks. The ninth annual event runs April 21 - May 2.
The rest of the line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.
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Of all the names Jesus Christ took upon himself, the title of "Son" is to me one of the most powerful.
Unlike many of the marvelous names to which Christ answers, the title of "Son" is instantly relatable. I will never be royalty or herd sheep, but I have sons. I was a daughter. We are all sons and daughters who strive to understand the relationship that exists from parent and child.
We know that in order to maintain a relationship between child and parent, there must be an understanding that children yield to the loving and righteous will of their parents. It is, at least in those tender growing up years, the role of the parent to counsel and teach. It is the duty of the child to obey.
Did you bristle at that last sentence? I did, even while writing it. We don't like obedience, especially in the United States, a country of fierce independence. We balk at the idea of being told what to do. We've even grown uneasy with the idea of the "strict" parent, making way for an entire generation of children raised with permissive parenting. It is little wonder this same generation battles a faith crisis. If we cannot obey our earthly parents, it is all the more difficult to obey a heavenly parent whom we can neither hear nor see.
Christ, of course, knew the first law of heaven was obedience. He understood perfectly his earthly mission, which was to do the will of the Father. While he was certainly obedient to his earthly parents, he had to occasionally remind them of his divine purpose. "Wist ye not that I be about my Father's business?" he asked his mother, after she found him in Jerusalem's temple (see Luke 2:49).
In ancient times, it was the role of the son, especially the eldest, to carry on the trade or craftsmanship of his father. In doing so, the understanding was that the firstborn would inherit his father's wealth. Again, Christ understood that his role went beyond carving wood. His purpose, his business, was much grander.
It was easy for Christ's apostles to get caught up in the daily details. Where would they sleep? How would they fill their bellies another day? In John 4, the disciples are admonishing Christ to eat the meat they have set before him. He says to them, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."
Perhaps Christ's most powerful utterance is when he prepares to perform the Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane. He acknowledges, even through his pain, the willingness to obey his Father. "And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:41-42).
I wonder what would happen if each of us went through our day with that same, singular purpose, understanding that our will, swallowed up in the will of God, is more meaningful and powerful than the myriad times we strike out on our own.
What choices would we make if we looked through the lens of obedience instead of rebellion? How would we treat others? How would we spend our time?
We live in the era of distraction and diffusion. The blinking screens and stores stocked with beautiful things are just one more barrier that keeps us from remembering and living our true purpose.
Don't get me wrong. I love this marvelous Christmas season. I think the gift-giving, the stockings, the plates of Christmas treats and the glorious concerts are all brush-strokes on a beautiful holiday picture. It is all meaningful, and it is all Christmas. Sure there is commercialism, but we can't really control that piece. What we can control is the gifts we give. We can control where we put ourselves and where we put our hearts. Elder Neal A. Maxwell, in his seminal talk "Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father," says this:8 comments on this story
" the submission of one's will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God's altar. The many other things we 'give' are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God's will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!"
Christ understood his mission. We honor him, during Christmas and every day of the year, by understanding, and living, ours.
Tiffany Gee Lewis lives in St. Paul, Minn., and is the mother of four boys. She blogs at thetiffanywindow.wordpress.com. Her email is email@example.com


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'I can't score goals, so it was great'
Saturday's stunning penalty save to hand Liverpool three points over Stoke was not the first time Simon Mignolet had denied an opponent from 12 yards – but it certainly prompted the loudest reaction.
The Belgian's sprawling save low to his right from Jonathan Walters' spot-kick, and his subsequent reflex stop to keep out Kenwyne Jones, ensured the Reds began a season with victory for the first time in five years.
"The penalty save was an incredible moment because it more or less meant we had won the game," the 25-year-old said.
"It doesn't really happen that a goalkeeper directly secures the points. You can't score goals so for something like this to come around is great and will help my confidence for the next game.
"I saved a penalty in the Tyne and Wear derby and believe me that was loud. But this was more about the moment, my first game as a Liverpool player. It was unbelievable to help out on my debut and I am a happy man.
"You study those things as a goalkeeper. All credit to the guys at the training ground who helped me analyse those things. You have to be lucky that you dive the same way but I was very pleased.
"It was the debut that you dream of. I had hoped to do something like that but you never really think that you will. Saving a penalty in the last minute of your first game for Liverpool is just amazing.
"I've felt at home from the very first moment I arrived here. The way people have treated me has been amazing. When you play your first Premier League game and can do those things it makes it easier.
"I was a bit nervous in the first 15 minutes with it being my debut but this will help me settle and means the next game will be much easier."
Mignolet's heroic moment was required after vice-captain Daniel Agger was penalised for handball in the penalty area, and the Dane later tweeted his thanks to the Reds' new goalkeeper.
But the stopper insisted credit should be given to the whole team: "Daniel had helped us many times before that. You don't keep a clean sheet on your own.
"The whole back four did a magnificent job. Sturridge scored the winner, I saved a penalty. Next week someone else will do something.
"As a team I felt that we did really well and we deserved more than one goal. Asmir Begovic had an unbelievable game for them.
"There is an unwritten law in football that if you play well and don't take your chances, there will be one or two chances for the opposition. I was thinking that the longer the game went on.
"I had a feeling they would equalise in the last minute but luckily it didn't happen. The main thing is that we kept a clean sheet and got three points.
"When the penalty was awarded everyone was thinking we were only going to get a draw.
"It can have a damaging effect if you play well and don't win. But we can now go to the next game relaxed. We can do the same things we have done, rather than feeling anxious that we have to win.
"Winning hasn't happened too often for Liverpool on the opening day of the season in recent years.
"This is very important to set our season off but let's keep our feet on the floor. We have only got three points and scored one goal. Now we have to forget about what happened and concentrate on Aston Villa."


text:
Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in 'Ride Reports - Epic Rides' started by TucsonStan, Mar 30, 2013.
ditto; try http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=845262
I didn't see any report of current status on this link either, I can't believe it would take more than 6 days to make the ride, should be something posted somewhere but I can't seem to find it.
<HR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #575757; COLOR: #575757" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title -->The reason for the trip has arrived!
When the idea for The Real Cannonball got cooked up way back when, in that motel conference room in Brawley, California, it looked so far out in the future that race day would never actually get here. Well, the day has finally arrived.
I had set the alarm on my cellphone but was so worried about sleeping through it or not hearing it, that I catnapped all night rather than actually getting any real sleep. I had the cellphone alarm set for 4am but was wide awake around 3am. I'd packed up all my gear Friday night so all I had to do was load up the Helix and get going. As I'm not carrying a bunch of electronic GPS gear, I'd studied MapQuest to try to memorize the route I needed to take to get to the Red Ball Garage.
Leaving the Red Bull Inn, I turn left on Hwy 22, merge left onto 287 and turn left again as I get to I-78. I'm on I-78 for around 30 miles, till I reach Highways 1 & 9. If I hadn't turned on 1 & 9, I would have gotten on the Jersey Turnpike with it's assorted tolls and tollbooths. Some people in the race had purchased an E-Z Pass thingy that they then tied to a credit card so they would be able to not have to stop to pay the tolls. In my research into trying to not pay tolls, I saw that by going my way, I'd only have to pay the $12 toll for the Holland Tunnel and you only pay that toll on your way into the city, there's no toll on the way out of the city. I guess that's for evacuation purposes.
As it seems like I the only person stupid enough to be up at this ungodly hour in the morning, the ride to the city goes much quicker than I expected. After exiting the Holland Tunnel, I head up town. I got a bit confused as I remember the address of the Red Ball Garage as being on 1st. As 1st is a one-way street that goes north, I have to ride around a few blocks because I think I've missed it. The next time around, I see that there in no #142 on 1st Ave. Good thing I took notes. I pull over and check, only to find out that the Red Ball Garage isn't on 1st as I thought but on 31st St. Well, I had half the number right, do I get partial credit?
I zoom off up 1st Ave, me and what seems like 5000 cabs. I can't help wonder why are there so many cabs on the street at 4:30 in the morning. I know that New York never sleeps but how many people are hailing cabs at this hour in the morning.
Before I know it, I'm at 31st Street. I turn left and quickly find the Red Ball Garage. Nobody else is there. I manage to park, probably illegally, at some crazy angle, in front of a car who I hope doesn't want to leave before 7am start of the race.
Alan had posted on Friday night that he'd like to have all the participants there by 6am. As I'm way early, as is my way, I head off, in the city that never sleeps, to find something for breakfast. About 1 1/2 blocks away, I find what looks like a fruit stand. In the back is a small grocery store with a deli. I order a chicken breast sandwich and get a gatorade to drink. As I don't want to get too far away from the scooter with all my stuff strapped to it, I take my sandwich and walk back to the Red Ball.
I know how everyone just loves pictures of food so here it is,
The Real Cannonball Breakfast of Champions, in front of the Red Ball Garage in New York City!
After breakfast, I just hang out in the area of 31st Street and 3rd Avenue.
As I'm standing there on the corner, it dawns on me that I might be in trouble. I'm standing on a street corner, in New York City, in leather chaps and a leather jacket. Hell, I look like one of the Village People! I might just get propositioned!
It's now after 6 and still nobody else has arrived. It looks like I might just be racing to California alone. Around 6:25, Alan arrives. A few minutes later, the Loopers, Bill, Debbie and Professor Hixson arrive. The Loopers, as they call themselves are from Ohio and are known for putting on the Lake Erie Loop race every year. It's a 650 mile, small cc motorcycle race around Lake Erie. If you're interested, you can look it up since that's about all I know about it. As a scooter racer, I don't think I'm eligible to run.
It's the usual greetings and introductions all around. Alan tells everyone to make sure to get the license stamped. A few pictures are taken. Final checks on scooters and motorcycles are done and people are getting ready to ride.
Side note.....Way back when, when this hair-brained idea took root, there were a number of people who said, "Hell yes, count me in!" As in most things, life jumped up and bit people in the ass. One entrant had cancer surgery and decided that they just weren't going to be able to do it. Another entrant sold her house and dropped out. A very brilliant scooter designer/builder/engineer lost a close family member and decided, at the last minute, not to race. An entrant from Florida was never heard from again. And there were several more entrants, all of whom got bit in the butt by life. So....that leaves two. Quite possibly, the two dumbest people left in the world!
At exactly 7am, everybody but me seems ready to go. They're all sitting on their rides, engines running. Then the Loopers, two on Ninja 250's and Prefessor Hixson on an Aprillia 50 with a 70cc kit. (Professor Hixson teaches at some college in Ohio and his ride is a college engineering class project. The students had done all the work, including getting sponsors to fund their race. Two of the students will follow in a van.)
As the Loopers ride west on 31st street, I walk back to where Alan is sitting on his scooter.
"Didn't you want to take some pictures?"
"No, we gotta go."
"Well, those guys are going through the Lincoln Tunnel and I want to go through the Holland Tunnel" I say, pointing to the Loopers as they disappear in the distance.
Excitedly, Alan says, "I want to go through the Lincoln Tunnel" and he zooms off behind Bill, Debbie and the Professor.
Here I am, standing in front of the Red Ball Garage by myself, wondering why everyone had to leave at exactly 7am. Doesn't anybody but me realize that this race is 3000 miles long? I don't think that leaving at exactly 7am or leaving at 7:05am is going to make a whole lot of difference 3000 miles from now. Oh well.....
I walk over to one of the Red Ball guys and ask the best way to get to the Holland Tunnel. He says to go straight across 31st, turn left on 7th and it'll run me right into the tunnel. Off I go.
I follow his directions. About halfway to the tunnel, I catch up to Bill and Debbie. So much for leaving at exactly 7am. I drop in behind them. I don't see Alan or the professor.
Exiting the tunnel, I retrace my steps to get me to I-78. As I swing to the left hand lane to pick up the Pulaski Highway (7 & 9), I hear Debbie as Bill, "Where's he going?" The light changes and I don't hear his answer.
On I-78, I head west. I hadn't gone very far when I see a rest area on the right. Hey, there's Bill and Debbie. Bill's adjusting, or fixing, something on Debbie's bike. I toot the horn several times and ride on. They would later catch up to me at the New Jersey/Pennsylvania border where I have to stop to pay an unexpected $1 toll. In no time at all, they pass me up.
Right about here, I want to say to those of you who say, "If there ain't no pictures, there ain't no trip", that, from here on to California, there are very few pictures. I'm going to try to paint you a picture with words. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this ride report is going to get very, very long!
I stop for gas a couple of times. Since the toll plaza, I hadn't seen anybody. I pulled off the interstate and into a Sunoco station. As I'm filling up, I hear the high pitched whine of a two stroke engine. In pulls Alan, all by himself. I ask him about the Professor. "Right after we pulled out of the tunnel, he took off like a shot and left me like I was standing still."
We decide that we'll ride together for a while. I pull off first and head onto the interstate. Now I've never been fond of riding with anyone and this is no exception. Periodically, I check beyond me to make sure he's still back there. Then....when I check the rearview mirror, nothing but highway. He's not there. I rock side to side, checking both mirrors, trying to see if he's in a blind spot. Nothing. Ok, now what do I do? About that time, I notice a car on my left, running the same spped as me. The lady on the passenger side has the window rolled down and she's mouyhing the words, "He lost his muffler". Great. Again, I ask myself, what do I do now? Do I leave him there, since this IS a race? Or, do I go back and at least try to help him? I picture that he's just standing on the shoulder of the road, next to his broken scooter.
I decide that I just can't leave him there so, in two miles, I exit the interstate, cross over and start back. Just after I've turned and committed to enter the freeway going back north, what do I see out of the corner of my eye......Alan, headed south on the freeway at, what looks like, full speed. Great, I guess his lost muffler wasn't as big a problem after all. For me, I'm now committed to ride the 10 miles back to the previous exit, exit, cross over and get back on going south.
A couple of miles after reentering the freeway, I spy Alan's muffler laying on the shoulder, just outside of the white line. Now, I'm asking myself if I want to stop and pick up the muffler? Why didn't Alan pick it up? If it's not important to him, why's it important to me? If I stop and get it, will I see Alan again? I check the rearview mirror. All I can see is grill. I figure that if I stop, I'm going to be the hood ornament on a very big rig. Since Alan rode on, I ride on too.
At the next exit, where I'd turned around a few minutes earlier, I slow down to try to see if Alan has pulled off there. Nothing. At my next gas stop, I check my phone to see if he's tried to contact me. Nothing. Oh well, I guess he's ok. At every stop I make for the rest of the day, I check the phone. Nothing.
The miles drift by. Everything seems normal.....but boring. I sing a few songs, only halfway through because that's all I know. I solve a few of the world's problems and start writing the next great American novel.....in my head.
I ride till dark. It was my intention to right into the wee hours of the morning. Forty miles north of Greeneville, Tn., it begins to rain. I ride on. The road seems to be brand new. In the pich black of the night, the road looks like a sheet of ice in the reflection of lights. As I ride on, I realize that, in the wet darkness, there a big possibility that I'll hit a piece of truck tire rubber that's lying on the road, invisible to me. Now I'm petrified. This has just turned into a white knuckle ride. At the next exit, I pull off and into a Super 8 motel. It's almost 11pm!
At the Super 8, I turn on the TV, to the weather channel. They're showing a huge low pressure center over eastern Tennessee that, they're saying, will cause it to rain here till Tuesday. This is Saturday night.
My search for America.....by Helix is going to be wet.
Try this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=O5_zjnc1VLI
Your last installment didn't need no stinkin pics. Your story was quite interesting without them
The Real Cannonball.....Day 2
As a very early riser, I head to the motel's free breakfast right at 6am. I've had so many free breakfasts over the last 30 days that this one doesn't stand out as anything out of the ordinary or worthy of remembering. Afterwards, I head back to the room to load up and hit the road.
The best thing about Sunday morning? It's not raining! I'm on the road by 6:30am.
I spoke too soon. Five miles down the road, the rain starts. The storm is headed east and I'm riding west so I hope I can lessen my ride in the rain. It will continue for the next 5 hours. I ride through a lite rain, south towards Knoxville on I-78, looking for I-40 West.
On I-40, west of Knoxville, the scooter sputters a few times and quits. I pull to the shoulder. As I'd just passed an overpass as it quit, I slowly roll the Helix, backwards, down a slight grade till I'm under the overpass and out of the rain. Now what do I do? I run things through my head. I have two roadside assistance plans. Do I call AAA or do I call Good Sam Club? Do I get it towed forward, where I know of nothing? Or, get towed back to Knoxville? It's Sunday, nothing open. Tomorrow's Monday, most motorcycle shops are closed. On a lark, I turn the key and push the button. It fires up. Hey, what the hell! I guess it's not as serious as I first envisioned. I idle it for a bit. Then I twist the grip and head west again.
As I ride along, I try to run the "quit on the side of the road" scenarios over in my head. What I finally decide is that the Helix doesn't do water well. Now, as I ride west, I try to stay out of the water pools. I hate to ride in the center of the road because that always where the oil is. Now, I don't want to ride where the car and truck tires go because that's usually the lowest part of the road and therefore has the most water. This is turning into a tough ride. I ride on.
Somewhere around Nashville, the rain starts to peter out. Finally, it quits and I ride west towards Memphis.
It was just early evening when I ride into Hazen, Arkansas. First, I pull into a gas station to fill up. An older Lincoln Town Car pulls up behind me and I notice it has antique plates. I wonder how old a car has to be to qualify for antique plates here in Arkansas. I figure that I'll ask the driver when he/she gets out. When he does finally get out, the car shrinks a bit. This guy has to be the tallest person I've ever seen....and he's wearing Army fatigues! I look at him, he looks at me and I say, "I was going to ask you about the plates on the car but now I've got to ask, 'How tall are you?' ".
He says 7'.
"They let people in the army as tall as you?"
"I just barely squeeked in."
"How come you're in the Army and not the NBA?"
"Believe it or not, I'm not very good at basketball and the Army offers more security."
"Makes sense to me."
We chat a bit and go our separate ways. About 100 yards away, across a recently plowed field, is a motel. I'd stopped early today because I needed to change the oil in the Helix. Earlier, I'd bought a quart of oil and a gallon of water. I dump the water out, cut the plastic jug in half to catch the oil. I then fill the crankcase and use the empty quart bottle to hold the old oil. I tried to recycle it at several auto parts stores, with no luck. The next day, Monday, I ride west with the old oil safely stored in the topcase.
Monday morning, after another free breakfast, it's back on I-40. Now, get a clear picture, if you've ever ridden an interstate, you've pretty much ridden them all. All I do today is ride, stop for gas, take a pee break and then repeat, then repeat again, and again.
My father used to say that if you're not the lead dog, the view never changes. Riding the interstate, that adage is pretty much true, the view never changes.
Riding west out of Arkansas, I repeat yesterday's ride sequence....ride, gas, pee, ride, gas, pee. Every now and then, just for a change, I buy a Coke to go with my Clif Bar, then it's back to ride, gas, pee, ride, gas, pee......
Around dark, I start looking for a motel. I had planned to ride to Amarillo but it's getting late so.... Apparently, nobody stays east of Amarillo because I can't find squat. I wind up riding into Amarillo.....in the rain!
For those of you who've been around since way back when, you might remember that, prior to the start of the race, I'd only ridden in the rain one time. It was way back in Calhoun, Texas one afternoon, 30 days ago! In the last 4 days, it's rained on me every single day.
Shortly after the rain started this time, as I tried to avoid "deep" water, I'd hit a series of small potholes, all filled with water. Sure enough, 100 yards up the road, the Helix sputtered and stalled out. This time I just waited a bit. I didn't even turn the key off. I pushed the button and she fired up but she wasn't enthusiastic about it. After a bit of idling, I was off again.
In Amarillo, it's back to Super 8. After I get registered, the desk clerk guy takes me outside and shows me where I can park the Helix on the sidewalk, where it will be out of the rain.
Three days down. I had been hoping to finish the race by late Tuesday. I now know that that won't happen. If I can make Kingman tomorrow (Tuesday), I'll be in Redondo Beach by sometime Wednesday afternoon late.
Right here, I want to go back and tell you that every evening, after riding hard all day, I'd send a note to Alan. I want to see how he was doing and where he was. After day one, when I'd ridden in the rain into Greeneville, TN., Alan had stopped in Wytheville, VA. According to MapQuest, that put me about 125 ahead.
After day two, I was in Hazen, AR. Alan, apparently, is not a rain rider. After riding from Wytheville, VA. to Knoxville in the pouring rain, he was soaked through. He decided that he'd had enough for that day and got a motel room to dry out his stuff. Again, according to MapQuest, I was now around 500 miles out in front.
Day three found me in Amarillo and Alan in Ft. Smith, AR. I think he'd cut into my lead by about 50 miles. No where near enough to catch up before we reached the coast. Now my fear was that he'd ride all night and catch up. He had a bit of an advangtage if he wanted to ride late into the night as he had a chase vehicle. If he'd put the chase vehicle out front, he wouldn't have to worry about hitting hunks of tire rubber as they'd be able to spot them first. I don't think that happened as we seemed to maintain the same distance between us.
In the next ride report, I ride in snow!
Great Stuff Stan- keep it coming!
The Real Cannonball.....Day 4
The dawn of the fourth day of The Real Cannonball finds me at another free breakfast at the Super 8 in Amarillo, Texas. I'd been up since around 5am. Everything was packed up and sitting, out in the hallway, on one of those luggage carts that they use for people who go on trips with everything they own. I, on the other hand, could have run this race with what someone could carry in a reasonably sized tank bag. The clothes that I was wearing were the exact same clothes that I'd started the race in last Saturday, except for the socks. I've got to have clean socks everyday, other than that, who cares. Since it had been pretty cold for the whole race, what I was wearing didn't smell too bad.
Breakfast at the Super 8 in Amarillo, Texas was just another motel free continental breakfast but, if you're a biscuits and gravy person, avoid this place at all costs. I'm not a biscuits and gravy guy but thought that, for a change from cold cereal or Belgian waffles, I'd try some biscuits and gravy. The biscuits were ok but the gravy tasted like, as they were making the it, they tried to add a little salt and the top fell off the salt shaker. Describing the taste as tasting like brine does not do the taste justice. I told the young lady who was working there about it. I asked if they got it out of some package or made it fresh? She said they made it fresh everyday and that she'd made that batch that very morning. I put some on a plate just so she could try it. As I was leaving the room to load the scooter, I saw her adding milk to the gravy, I guess to thin out the brine taste. If she added the milk contents of several cows she couldn't make THAT gravy eatable.
With the scooter loaded up and the skies clearing, I head back out on I-40 for my everyday routine, which you already know about.
Now, I've been through Amarillo several times so I thought I'd get a picture of Cadillac Ranch as I rode west out of Amarillo. Never saw it. I know where it is because I've been there but this time I never saw it. Maybe it was the sleep deprivation thing I mentioned. Maybe it was just brain fade. Maybe it was my trying to move the finish line closer telepathically. Anyway, now that I think about it, since there's no picture, maybe that part of the trip never happened.
I had hoped to make Kingman, Arizona by dark. Didn't happen. Since we were riding west, as soon as I hit a new state, I started checking out the mile markers. Mile markers run west to east, with #1 being on the west side of the state. As soon as I saw the first one in a state, I'd know how far I had to ride before hitting the next state. I think it was over 100 miles from Amarillo to the New Mexico line. New Mexico is around 335 miles across, with Arizona being about the same. Riding to Kingman would have made for at least a 700 mile day and I knew that just wasn't going to happen.
The weather is clear and the ride good....until Flagstaff. It's getting dark and colder. I'm thinking that, if I slow the ride down, maybe I can creep my way into Kingman, making tomorrows ride to the coast, a shorter day. My arriving in Flagstaff brings another night of riding into a town in the rain. Greeneville, TN., Amarillo, TX., and now Flagstaff, AZ.. The only town that I'd ridden into around dark where it didn't rain on me, was Hazen, AR., but then, on that day, I'd already ridden 6 hours in the rain.
Somewhere in New Mexico, there had been a really big storm front directly ahead of me. I was a huge dark cloud where you can actually see the rain falling. I was headed west, it was moving north. I was hoping that I might be able to slide by on the south side. As I started seeing drops on the windshield, I stopped under an overpass and got out all the raingear that I wasn't already wearing to fend off the cold. Have you ever tried putting on raingear in a hurricane, with a steady stream of big rigs cruising by just a few feet away? With the wind blowing to beat the band, I manage to get all bundled up. I ride on west.
Now, 9 times out of 10, when I put on raingear, it's a signal to the Universal Powers that be to make it quit raining so I ride along in the dry, sweating death with humidity. This wasn't quite that bad, but close. I think I hit about 37 more drops of before the rain quit. As it was pretty cold, there was no sweating.
As it gets darker on my ride into Flagstaff, it starts to rain. Nothing serious but rain none the less. Since it's not heavy, I decide to push on. As I ride, the rain seems to be getting heavier. Riding at 60 on a scooter, a sprinkle can seem like a downpour. And, it's getting colder, much colder.
By now, I'm getting cold. I can feel my arms shivering because I can feel that I'm twitching the handlebars back and forth. And it's still pouring. I decide that discretion is the better part of valor and start looking for a motel. All of a sudden, the rain that had been hitting the wind screen on the helmet is sticking in slushy drops. It's snowing! One of those heavy, wet, very slushy types of snow. Now, it's heavier. And it's sticking more. The scooter windshield is covered. The helmet windscreen is almost covered. Big Rigs are rumbling by, just to my left, at 80 mph or so. I'm having trouble seeing the road. The headlight looks like it's looking into a fog. More trucks rumble by. I'm afraid to take my hands off the handlebars to wipe off the windscreen so I can see. I grip the handlebars tighter, trying not to shiver and shake things too much.
Then....it's all gone. For about 1/2 mile, I must have ridden through a really cold spot where the rain turned to snow. After that 1/2 mile, I rode into a warmer spot, by at least a few degrees anyway, because the snow melted even faster than it had stuck to everything. In all my concern about how bad it would get, part of me wanted it to continue till I got somewhere to be able to take a picture. The scooter, and me, all covered in snow was a picture that I really wanted to be able to post. Here is where I say, maybe next time, but I'm really hoping that there is no next time.
With it still raining pretty good, I ride into Williams, Arizona. Williams is the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railroad, which I have ridden to the canyon. Once again, I find a Super 8. I wonder if these guys have a discount card? Somebody pulls out just as I drive up and I'm able to park right in front of the office. There's no covered parking here.
In the morning, this is what I find....
I had no idea how cold it had gotten there but I hadn't seen frost that thick in many, many years. I tried scraping/wiping it off but decided to just wait for the sun to peek over the trees. I didn't take a picture of it thawing out but, as it did, I kept having to rotate it because the side to the sun would thaw, leaving everything else covered in frost. It was kind of like I was barbequing the Helix I had to turn it so many times.
Another free breakfast, minus the gravy, and I was away.
Wednesday. Day 5 of The Real Cannonball.
Hopefully, today is the day that I ride into the Portofino Inn, in Redondo Beach, California. I think I'm still around 300 miles ahead of Alan but I'm not sure. He didn't post anything last night so he might be ahead of me.
My regular routine continues, as I ride out of the cold of Williams, Arizona. Everywhere headed west from Williams is warmer. By the time I pass Kingman, it's really getting warm and I have to pull over to start peeling off some of the layers of raingear and clothing that I'm still wearing.
On across the deserts of California, I'm dreaming of the finish line and not having to ride for a day or two. Since I don't have a chase vehicle, I do have to ride home to Tucson but at a much more leisurely pace than I've ridden over the past 5 days. If it rains on my way home, I'll stop, not feeling like I have to push on.
I've ridden about 5 hours when......
After riding 2,760 miles, I'm dead in the water......
The drive belt failed. As I pulled over on the shoulder, the engine was still running. A turn of the throttle revved the engine but no go. Also the engine had a funny sound to it. I think that when the engine over-revved as the belt died, it might have done some damage to the valves.
As I sat on the side of the road, waiting the good folks from Barstow Towing, I noticed that the muffler was cracked. I think the vibration of the exhaust manifold had vibrated the cracks in the muffler. Way back in Texas, the guys at Greathouse Motorsports hadn't wanted to replace the exhaust manifold gaskets as they couldn't get one of the header bolts/nuts off. They'd told me about it and I was ok with it. I'd already been there 12 days and didn't want to be delayed any longer.
So, since way back when in Texas, I'd basically been riding on the Titanic. It wasn't so much as to if it was going to fail, but when.
Up there, just 240 miles away is Redondo Beach and finish line. Just 240 miles away. Hell, I can practically smell the salt air from here!
So close.....yet so far!
It's ok, I'll get'em next year.
Tomorrow....the "In Conclusion" ride report to "America.....by Helix"..
Stan, my hat is off to you. I can see that you have the true spirit of adventure riding. From what other reports I've seen you are #1 in my book for the way you have approached this challenge not to mention how you have shared both your journey out and your experiences on the road making the best out of even the most trying of circumstances from mechanical issues to days of riding in the rain something that few people are really prepared to do for hours much less days on end.
CD......Thanks for the kind words. Looking back, even in the trying times, I tried to see something good in it all. There were a few times when I asked myself if I was having fun and would I do it again. The answer is a resounding YES! If there's ever another long distance scooter race anywhere, you can pretty much count on me being there.....
In conclusion.......
Back in March, as I was preparing for the trip and trying to decide if I wanted to blog about it, one of the things I wanted to do was to keep track of every expense on the trip. I thought that people who were planning their own trips to wherever might want to have an idea of my expenses.
March 31st, 2013 Tucson to Las Cruces, N.M.
Gas $24.21
Drinks $3.01
Motel $47.51
And that was pretty much it.
Sorry everyone, but keeping track of every expense every time I had one quickly became a new job and I wasn't on this trip to take on another job.
The things that I did keep track of were the the big things.......
The trip took me 39 days. In those 39 days, I covered 7,602 miles.....on two wheels. There were a few more on the back of two different tow trucks but those miles don't count. In all those miles, I hit 21 states, not counting the ones I hit twice.
Since I got home, I managed to get the Helix taken apart enough to see the problems. I think I said before that I one great big equipment failure and was in the process of having another.
The failure of the drive belt is what caused me to drop out of The Real Cannonball........
This is a picture of a ticking bomb. If the belt would have made it, I think that the muffler wouldn't have......
So, to wrap it up....I wouldn't trade a minute of the ride for anything.
From here......
to here.....
to here......
It was all good!
And I thank you all for tagging along....
Up the road, if you come across an old coot riding a Helix, tap him on the shoulder and say hi, it might just be.......TucsonStan
P.S. Even though I didn't finish The Real Cannonball, since I rode 50 miles further than any other scooter in the race, does that mean I won?
I have followed your ride report from the beginning and looked forward to each update. Even shivered a bit when reading about riding in the snow.
I do hope to see you and your Helix in future ride reports.
Thanks againn for sharing your experience.
Stan maybe I'll see on you on the 2014 Scooter Cannonball. I'm seriously considering it on my GTS 250 to show that I've fully recovered from my recent accident which left me with a tibia plateau facture on my right leg and a broken ankle on my left. One month in on the recovery with probably 2-3 more before I can get back on a scoot.
Anyway, I admire the spirit in which you have done this challenge. It shows sportsmanship and class. You are the winner in my book.
Thanks for a great ride report. I really appreciate a guy that doesn't have to load up a $20K BMW or Goldwing with thousands of dollars of electronic gear and mapping software, multiple GPS's an such to enjoy a multi-thousand mile ride around the country. Like you, I don't camp much anymore, I really need a bed, a shower, FOX News, a little internet time, and a place to plug in my CPAP machine. But those needs seem to come with age, the ride is what's important, and you, my friend, have done the ride.
You've has given me much to think about. Being a seasoned (old) and long time touring rider (45 years and almost 400,000 miles) and much like you a paper map guy, I'm re-thinking the whole big bike thing. My DL1000 is getting to the point that if she decides to take a nap it's a real struggle to get her back on her feet. (or perhaps at 67 I'm just not as capable of picking her up as I used to be) I'm thinking a Helix or something similar might be the answer, light, reliable, and capable.
Thanks again, Mike
Great report, I really enjoyed following along.
Stan, you did a great job documenting this ride. I hope you post your next big ride so I can follow along on that one too.
Sir, I suspect you have tested yourself and tasted life in many differing and challenging ways on your path to the present. Your numerical status at the finish of this Cannonball race pales in comparison to your status in the competition to live life with the spirit you exhibit. Winner does not describe you adequately in my opinion.
Thank you for your ride report. Read every word of it. You are a good writer, something I envy others. As a past Helix owner, your trip had special meaning to me as well.
Awesome report, Stan! As others have said, you are THE winner in my book. Congrats on a fine accomplishment.
You go Stan !
Great trip, and ride report . Paul


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Pa. mom admits to buying son weapons
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Dillon Cossey, 14, is lead in shackles into the courtroom at the Montgomery County Courthouse for his hearing in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Bradley C. Bower)
By Maryclaire Dale
The Associated Press
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — A woman admitted she helped her troubled, bullied 14-year-old son build a cache of weapons by buying him a rifle and gunpowder, but investigators still don't know if she was aware her son was planning a deadly school attack.
Michele Cossey, 46, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Norristown to one count of child endangerment. She admitted that she bought him a rifle with a laser scope and gunpowder, which investigators said he was using to build grenades.
Prosecutors said her son, Dillon, came idolize the Columbine High School shooters and was planning an attack last year on Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, which some former schoolmates attended.
Cossey, bullied over his weight, had left public school in seventh grade and was being home-schooled. Over time, violent Internet sites fueled his revenge fantasies, his defense lawyer said after his juvenile court plea.
Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Christopher Parisi said he thought purchasing the weapons was "an attempt to boost his self-esteem, and in some way help the child, as misplaced as those thoughts may have been."
Michelle Cossey's sentencing hearing won't happen until after she undergoes a psychiatric evaluation. The maximum possible prison term is 3 1/2 to 7 years, but her defense attorney she could get less than a year - or even just probation - under sentencing guidelines.
Parisi said he doesn't know if Cossey knew about her son's attack plans, but that he hopes to learn that before sentencing.
"If it were to come out that she knew he was planning an attack ... that would certainly increase the severity of the crime," he said.
The judge who sentenced Dillon Cossey to a juvenile treatment facility, where he could remain until his 21st birthday, said that Michele Cossey had fostered a "me-and-mom-against-the-world" attitude in her only child.
Authorities did not think the school attack was imminent, but the boy did amass an arsenal - knives, swords, BB guns, the rifle and partly assembled homemade grenades - in his bedroom at his Plymouth Township home.
Police learned of the planned attack when Cossey invited a friend to join him. The friend went to police last fall.
Michelle Cossey has had twice-a-month supervised visits with her son, is missing him and wants him back home, defense lawyer Tim Woodward said.
"Her ultimate goal is to be reunited with her son," the attorney said. "She does admit that she made some mistakes."


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Beauty Legend, Marilyn Monroe Inspires An Entire M.A.C Collection (Only Fit For A Beauty Queen)
A long time in the making, M.A.C Cosmetics has finally debuted its Marilyn Monroe-inspired collection set, fit for a beauty queen. The products are covered in archived photos of the posthumous icon. Chic style, sultry appeal and refined beauty described Ms. Monroe to the tee, and the appropriately titled "M.A.C Marilyn Monroe' collection exudes glamour, sensuality, and beauty at its best. "M.A.C Marilyn Monroe" will be available in stores for a limited time, between October 4 through November 1. But if you can't wait to get your hands on this collection like us, you can get a head start online on September 27.
Take a peek at our favorites from the collection.
Beauty Powder in Forever Marilyn


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16-year-old quarterback David Sills committed to USC in February 2010 and plans on honoring that commitment when he gets to college in the fall of 2015. He's finishing his freshman year of high school.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — David Sills turns 16 today. He acts a lot older.
Sills is the prep quarterback who verbally committed to USC as a 13-year-old in February 2010, making news headlines nationwide as the youngest athlete to ever accept a college scholarship offer. Back then, he was known to college football fans as the baby-faced seventh-grade prodigy with floppy blonde hair and a puka shell necklace.
Now, the Delaware native is finishing up the ninth grade at Eastern Christian Academy in Elkton, Md. In person, he hardly resembles the kid he was pictured as not too long ago. Sills is tall – nearing 6-4 already – and remarkably filled out in his upper body. He's well-spoken and very measured in tone.
Sills was in Santa Barbara over Memorial Day Weekend for a massive football camp put on by his private coach, famed QB guru Steve Clarkson. The camp and corresponding all-star games are held at the city college's smallish football stadium, which looks out over the Pacific Ocean.
Both Clarkson and Sills admit that the pupil doesn't need to be here – he's the most hyped of any of the participants, by far – but he's gotten so used to coming to Clarkson's camps over the last six years that his attendance wasn't even a question. His parents and siblings drop him off at the field in the morning each day and then go shopping on State Street until the afternoon.
Southern California is a second home to Sills by now. He's been to L.A. and its surrounding areas too many times to count since he started working with Clarkson in the summer of 2006. He acts like a native.
"He will do well in Los Angeles, let's put it that way," says Clarkson. "He'll have no problem getting along there.
"His personality lends itself to it."
Sills has a little Hollywood in him. To call him the football version of pop star Justin Bieber wouldn't be too much of a stretch.
"I really don't feel like I'm that different," Sills said. "I'm the same kid. I do the same things. I get treated the same way.
"There's nothing different, besides the publicity and stuff."
Still, he says he's been asked for autographs dozens of times, most of the time after camps or games. And he gets approached at other times, too, depending on where he is.
"If I'm at a football thing, I always get recognized," Sills said. "If I'm at the mall, I sometimes get recognized."
It's unusual. Never before has a football player this young been this hyped. Quarterbacks like Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow were big deals before they got to college, but both of those signal-callers rose to national prominence during their junior years of high school.
Sills beat them to the punch by four years.
"I don't know how a kid could ever be mentally prepared for all this," Clarkson said. "Every place he goes, people know who he is."
"This kid really is special. He's got such a star quality about him, and I've never seen anything like it."
Clarkson, who has coached Barkley and a host of other top QB's, is the man most responsible for Sills' fame, outside of the teen's father, David Sills IV. In the spring of 2006, Sills IV read Clarkson's name in an article, looked up his information and phoned him over and over until he got a callback.
Clarkson was busy then training former USC quarterback Matt Leinart for the NFL draft, so he didn't pick up once or respond to the many voicemails detailing the 9-year-old Sills' skills. But when the draft was over, he finally called back and arranged a weekend evaluation in L.A.
By the second day seeing Sills, Clarkson was sold on his rocket arm and natural ability to pick up coaching and put it into motion. The kid has been flying out to work with Clarkson for one weekend a month ever since.
Each summer, they pick one specific area of his game to attempt to improve. Last summer it was not locking his front leg during his throwing motion; this summer it's keeping his elbow in place during his release.
Sometimes the Sills make the trips to L.A. a family vacation, like they did on Memorial Day. When Sills comes by himself, he typically stays at Clarkson's San Gabriel home with the coach's wife and kids.
Three-plus years after he began working with Sills, Clarkson was talking with USC coach Lane Kiffin about another one of his pupils, Orange County prep Max Wittek – then being recruited by the Trojans and now in his second season with the team.Pedro Moura/ESPNLA.com
Quarterback David Sills was in Santa Barbara over Memorial Day Weekend to work out at a camp led by his longtime quarterbacks coach, Steve Clarkson.
Clarkson says he casually brought up Sills in conversation that day, directing Kiffin toward a highlight video of Sills' exploits he had recently posted on YouTube. By the end of the week, Sills was officially a USC commit, even though he had never met Kiffin or any USC coaches in person.
It'd be a whirlwind for anybody, let alone a 13-year-old kid from the East Coast who was eight when USC won the 2004 BCS Championship. But his family members insist it hasn't negatively affected him as a person.
"He doesn't change," says Sills' adopted brother, Jahmere Irvin-Sills, who was taken in by the Sills family two-plus years ago when Jahmere's mother died. "He's the same kid as he was before he got the college scholarship."
Irvin-Sills is a Class of 2013 cornerback at Eastern Christian. He has a dozen scholarship offers from schools like Auburn, Ole Miss and West Virginia but says he'd commit on the spot if offered by USC.
He says the only time his younger brother acts cocky or overconfident is when they talk trash to each other on the field.
"I'll tell him, 'You suck,'" Irvin-Sills said. "'I picked you off too many times.'
"Then he'll get mad and try to fire at me. It's fun."
At the Santa Barbara camp, Sills is the hot topic of conversation, as usual. He pays little mind to the attention and stays with Irvin-Sills whenever he's not throwing on the field. He's been an attention-grabber since middle school, but it's only going to get more intense, as he gets older and the competition gets stiffer.
Everywhere he goes, people are watching.
"Because of what's been written about him, he is that guy," Clarkson said. "But he's also way ahead, in that standpoint, of understanding what it's like to be a company man, almost."
Sills sounds like a company man. Ask him about Kiffin, and he tells you his future coach is a "great offensive mind and a great guy, too." Ask him about being the No. 1-ranked quarterback in his high-school class, and he says he's more worried about "competing against himself to be better" than competing against any other players.
But he's not exactly humble, either.
It's his "job," he says, to get his high-school teammates college scholarships by making them look good in games. Barkley "had a few bad reads" in the few spring practices Sills saw on USC's campus last month. He switched high schools from Red Lion Academy to Eastern Christian this offseason because Red Lion wanted to focus less on football and he and his family "didn't like that very much."
But for all that, Sills is still so very young. He talks about coming to USC like it's a definite thing but doesn't rule out making more college visits over the next few years. For what it's worth, his iPhone background is a picture of Barkley and USC safety T.J. McDonald walking out of the Coliseum tunnel.
His prospective major in college? He knows most athletes pick communication or sociology, but he's thinking something math- or science-based – probably civil engineering.
"I think it'd be a challenge for me," he says. "I like challenges."


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Whether you are in the mood to indulge in something new or just want to enjoy some old favorites, we promise that our inventive menu and attentive service will leave you truly satisfied. No matter what your occasion calls for or your appetite demands, the friendly staff promise to make your next experience a pleasant one.
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These guys suck! They have absolutely no customer service. even if you buy a lot of pies from them. they can't throw a topping for free. I ended up ordering from Dominos. They were AWESOME!!!! They at least threw in 2 topping for free. Dominos is the best!!! DO NOT ORDER FROM THESE 2GUYS!!!!!
Best local pizza place in Fair Lawn. Top notch!
Nestled in the small Bergen County town of Fair Lawn, our family serves quality pizza made with the freshest ingredients at affordable prices. Open 7 Days a week, we offer a quick freshly prepared breakfast sandwich and a coffee to start your day. For lunch, try one of our hand tossed specialty pizzas, or maybe something from our grill. If you don't have time to cook dinner after a long day at...
Two Guys Pizza & Grille is located at 95 30th St, Fair Lawn, NJ. This business specializes in Carry & Take Out and Pizza and has 1 review(s) with a star rating of 1.5. Two Guys Pizza & Grille is open Mon - Fri, 7am - 10pm; Sat, 9am - 10pm; Sun, 11am - 9pm and accepts American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard and Visa.


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Two more victims have come forward accusing a Morgan Hill summer camp counselor of sexual abuse.
Twenty-year-old Nicolas Lhermine was arrested earlier this month.
Police said a 6-year-old girl told her parents something happened involving Lhermine at the YMCA Paradise Valley Elementary Child Care Center, where he worked.
Investigators said they also found child pornography on Lhermine's cell phone, including images of a 17-year-old girl.
Detectives said interviews over the past week revealed a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old girl were victimized by Lhermine, bringing the total number of victims to four.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office filed additional charges of Lewd and Lascivious Acts on a Child and Production of Child Pornography.


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Pete's Gear: Rickenbacker 12-string (1980)
Pete Townshend used a JetGlo 12-string Rickenbacker of unknown model or vintage (appears to be a Rose, Morris, Co., Ltd., model 1993; dot neck, double body binding, all-black control knobs) on at least two occasions in 1980: at Grugahalle, Essen, German, 27 March, 1980, for Substitute and I Can't Explain, and at Zurcher Hallenstadion, in Zürich, Switzerland, 28 March, 1980, likely for Substitute and I Can't Explain. (It is confirmed that he did not use it on 26 March or 1 March, leaving 30 March and 31 March as possible other dates he used this guitar on the European tour.) As a stage guitar, it was likely a non-vintage model. (It is not the 1964 330S/12 that was used in the recording of Face Dances, which was originally Fireglo, but later refinished (note the truss rod cover).)
Resources and Information
Thanks to the following:
- Siege
- Many thanks to Dr. Jazz – A Historical Picture Gallery (drjazz.ch) for the use of these photos.
Additional info
- Björn Eriksson's Rickenbacker Info: rickbeat.com.
- Vintage Guitars Info: guitarhq.com/rick.html.
- Rickenbacker Registration: rickresource.com.
- alt.guitar.rickenbacker FAQ: faqs.org/faqs/music/guitars/rickenbacker/


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Monday July 13, 2009
Somewhere Outside of San Luis Obispo
Mystery Volcom Checkpoint Challenge
No one knew what to expect from the Volcom Mystery Challenge. There were rumors of bull riding floating around, some thoughts of rodeo type activities, and even a few murmurs of teams expecting mud-wresting—so, when the teams pulled up to a paintball course on an Army Reserve base outside of San Luis Obispo, they were relieved and psyched, until they found out the one stipulation that made this a true Cali Rally Checkpoint Challenge: The teams would be engaged in paintball warfare, but the catch was, they weren't allowed to wear shirts. Hence the name; The Volcom Central California Shirtless Paintball Challenge at Gladiator Paintball Park.
When we came up with the shirtless concept we and Volcom guys thought the teams would whinge and moan, but like true warriors, they ripped their shirts off and said "Lets do this!" Paintball!
The first round was Lost vs. Reef, and the Reef boys made mincemeat out of the young …Lost team. Their tactic of rushing to the front lines and shooting anything that moved worked to a T. In fact, the only Reef who guy who got shot was their team photog, Chris Straley who became victim of a sniper shot from TransWorld's Justin Cote because he was lagging behind. Yep, if you cowered like a wuss you got capped by sniper fire. Straley would not make the mistake again.
Second round was Billabong vs. Analog, and with Hoyer and Bones teamed up like skinny and psycho Navy Seals to take 'Bong out, who may have got the last laugh by stealing a bunch of Analog's gear while they were playing the final game.
In the final battle, Reef and Analog split the first two games, then in the last game, the rag tag Army of Chris Abad, Sean Moody, Paul Fisher, Nick Rozsa, and Straley channeled their inner solider and "killed" team Analog for 1000 points and the teams second checkpoint win.
After the war, Nick Rozsa and our new favorite pshychopath, Josh Hoyer, did an extra duel for 250 bonus points. Just like in the Old West, they shuffled twenty paces, turned and shot—both direct chest hits! It was one of the craziest things we've ever seen.
The teams on this year's Cali Rally have pushed themselves beyond the brink, and with one checkpoint left, it's still anybody's ball game—the Cal Rally rules.—Chris Cote
Special thanks to Nate and Jody Tyler for letting us spend the night in their yurt, to Volcom's Mikey Guarino, Jack Morrissey, and Tom Carey for coming up with the most diabolical challenge on the Cali Rally yet, and Dave at Gladiator Paintball Park for being a great host to a bunch of crazy people.


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Death notices for August 15, 2009
Gazette staff
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Nancy Grosenick, 66, of Lexington, Ky., formerly of Madison, died Thursday at home. Services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at St. William Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the time of services at the church.
Beverly Ann (Fiedler) Macdonald, 67, of Janesville, died Wednesday at Mercy Hospital, Janesville. Services will be private. Whitcomb-Lynch-Albrecht Funeral Home, Janesville, is assisting the family.
Ruth C. Owens, 84, of Delavan, died at Friday at Holton Manor Nursing Home, Elkhorn. Arrangements are pending at Betzer Funeral Home, Delavan.
Last updated: 3:35 pm Wednesday, December 19, 2012


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Find your favorites at ArtPrize9, through Oct. 8
From downtown streets, museums, restaurants, bars and churches to the post office, police department and parks, Grand Rapids is overflowing with art this fall, courtesy of ArtPrize9. Some pieces even are installed in the Grand River and are visible from nearby bridges, promenades and buildings. Running through Oct. 8, the city's annual phantasmagoria of art … Continue Reading →


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We found 3 urologists who accept Gold Compass 0 near Sewell, NJ.
Dr. Michael Packer's specialty is urology (urinary tract disease). Before completing his residency at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis and Yale-New Haven Hospital, Dr. Packer attended medical school at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Packer's clinical interests include kidney stones, enuresis (bed wetting), and hernia surgery. Blue Cross/Blue Shield, TRICARE, and QualCare are among the insurance carriers that Dr. Packer honors. Dr. Packer's professional affiliations include Virtua Physician Partners, Temple University Hospital (TUH), and Abington - Jefferson Health. His practice is open to new patients.
Clinical interests: Varicocele, Microsurgery, Incontinence, Hydrocelectomy, Endoscopic Surgery, Urinary Incontinence, Ki ... (Read more)
Dr. Gregory Dean's medical specialty is urology (urinary tract disease). Areas of expertise for Dr. Dean include kidney stones, enuresis (bed wetting), and hydronephrosis. His hospital/clinic affiliations include Virtua Physician Partners, Temple University Hospital (TUH), and Abington - Jefferson Health. Blue Cross/Blue Shield, TRICARE, and QualCare are among the insurance carriers that Dr. Dean honors. He is open to new patients. After completing medical school at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Dean performed his residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center. He has received the following distinction: Philadelphia Magazine's Top Docs.
Clinical interests: Varicocele, Incontinence, Hydrocelectomy, Endoscopic Surgery, Urinary Incontinence, Kidney Stones, H ... (Read more)
Dr. Jonathan Roth is an urology (urinary tract disease) specialist. Areas of expertise for Dr. Roth include kidney stones, enuresis (bed wetting), and hydronephrosis. He is professionally affiliated with Virtua Physician Partners, Temple University Hospital (TUH), and Abington - Jefferson Health. After completing medical school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, he performed his residency at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. His average patient rating is 3.0 stars out of 5. He takes United Healthcare Plans, United Healthcare HSA, and AmeriHealth, as well as other insurance carriers. Dr. Roth welcomes new patients.
Clinical interests: Varicocele, Microsurgery, Incontinence, Hydrocelectomy, Endoscopic Surgery, Urinary Incontinence, Ki ... (Read more)
The specialty of urology focuses on the structures of the body that produce urine and remove it from the body, such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Since related structures in men are responsible for both reproduction and the transportation of urine, urologists specialize in men's sexual health in addition to disorders of the urinary tract. Urologists treat both men and women, as well as patients ranging in age from newborn to elderly.
Certain urologic conditions are specific to male or female patients. Women are especially prone to stress incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis (a condition causing pain in the bladder), and urethral diverticuli (a structural issue where a small pouch develops from the urethra into the vagina). Some of these conditions may be adequately treated by a gynecologist, but patients may prefer to see a urologist because of their expertise in the urinary tract system. As for men, male infertility and sexual problems can be treated by a urologist. For example, urologists treat erectile dysfunction with medications or prosthetics. They may also perform surgeries such as vasectomies or vasectomy reversals.
Some other conditions that urologists treat include:
- Kidney stones, which are mineral deposits that can form anywhere in the urinary tract. The stones can be quite painful, and some large stones may be impossible to expel naturally. Fortunately, kidney stone treatments have advanced quite a bit in recent years, and a urologist may recommend a procedure such as shockwave lithotripsy (where sound waves are used to break down the stones), or percutaneous extraction (where telescopic tools are inserted through tiny incisions in the back to remove the stones). There can be some pain associated with these treatments, but they are far less invasive than the older methods of removal.
- Urinary tract infections, which are extremely common. However, if they happen over and over again, there may be an underlying problem within the urinary tract.
- Congenital abnormalities, which refers to problems that are present at birth. Congenital abnormalities affect the genitourinary tract more often than any other system of the body, and they range from mild to severe in appearance and effect. The most common abnormality (in male infants) is cryptorchidism, where a testicle does not descend from the body down into the scrotum. Another common problem is hypospadias, where the opening of the urethra appears on the underside of the penis.
- Renal disease, which is the loss of kidney function. For patients with renal disease, their urologist may be their primary surgeon or a coordinating member of their care team.
- Tumors and malignancies, which are especially common in the case of prostate cancer. Urologists are most often consultants to oncologists in these cases.
The American Urological Association recognizes seven subspecialties of urology:
- Pediatric Urology, the treatment of genitourinary tract disorders in children and infants
- Urologic Oncology, the treatment of cancers within the genitourinary tract
- Renal Transplantation, the treatment of severe kidney disease by replacing a non-functioning kidney with a donor kidney
- Male Infertility, the treatment of infertility due to problems with sperm, semen, or male sexuality
- Calculi, the treatment of kidney stones
- Female Urology, the care of women's urinary health
- Neurourology, the treatment of urinary disorders caused by problems with the nervous system. For example, certain voiding disorders happen when the bladder does not receive signals appropriately, and erectile dysfunction is sometimes due to nerve loss.
Urinary and sexual problems can be especially distressing for many people. Fortunately, urologists are experts at managing these health conditions.


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"The X Factor" Season 3 has come to a close, and the future of the series is now in flux. It's not yet been officially announced that there will be a Season 4; judge Demi Lovato has already left the show; and Simon Cowell, whose closing remarks on Thursday's "X Factor" finale almost sounded like a goodbye, has hinted that he might take on a more behind-the-scenes role if and when the series returns in 2014.
So, who could ever take Simon's seat on the "X Factor" judging panel? Speaking exclusively to Yahoo's Reality Rocks backstage after the finale, he said: "Who would replace me? Hopefully someone with the same kind of experience as me. The job I do well is I do know how to make hit records. And I do that in my day job. I think that's what we need more of on these shows — people who've made records, rather than just sang records. I've always had a theory of, how much does a singer want another singer to do well? I kind of query that — because I know what singers are like!"
"The X Factor" caught a lot of flak this season (some of it deserved), but Simon, the mentor of excellent, credible Season 3 winners Alex & Sierra, seemed pleased with how things ultimately panned out. "The last three weeks worked," he stressed, referring to Alex & Sierra's multiple, unprecedented iTunes hits. (Runner-up Jeff Gutt and third-placer Carlito Olivero also charted respectably.) "From a record-company perspective, which is kind of where I look at it from, we started to get it right. I'm not going to say what I would and wouldn't do differently [in Season 4]…but the show has to be relevant. You have to believe, like with Alex & Sierra, that you're going to find a star."
As for the irony that "The X Factor's" lowest-rated season just may have yielded its most successful winner, Simon said: "Look, I'm not going to lie — both [ratings and record sales] are important. If you don't have big ratings, you've got a problem. And if you can't produce stars, you've got a problem. Somehow the two have to work together."
We'll see what happens with "The X Factor" next year. In the meantime, check out Simon's interview above, and interviews with fellow judges Kelly Rowland and Demi Lovato below!
Related links:
- Most-robbed contestants of "The X Factor" Season 3
- Demi Lovato leaving "The X Factor"
- More Reality Rocks articles
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