text:
In a post late Friday to the PlayStation blog, Sony senior director, corporate communications and social media, Patrick Seybold issued the following update concerning the ongoing PlayStation Network outage:
An external intrusion on our system has affected our PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. In order to conduct a thorough investigation and to verify the smooth and secure operation of our network services going forward, we turned off PlayStation Network & Qriocity services on the evening of Wednesday, April 20th. Providing quality entertainment services to our customers and partners is our utmost priority. We are doing all we can to resolve this situation quickly, and we once again thank you for your patience. We will continue to update you promptly as we have additional information to share.
Though it provides little information on when PS3 owners might see online services restored, the language hints at the potential severity of the situation. Both the PlayStation Network and Qriocity have been compromised to such a degree that Sony felt it had no alternative but to pull the plug. With both systems containing significant amounts of customer personal and credit card data, the implication that at some point that information may not have been secure gives some cause for concern.
As we reported, in an earlier response to the situation, Seybold wrote that the system could be down for 'a day or two' while the company investigated the situation and effected repairs. While not untruthful, that statement came after the April 20 time given today as the time when Sony turned off the systems. Given the sensitivity of the situation it's understandable that Sony would want to be careful in what information it released; however, should customer data be involved, the company will need to act quickly to share the nature of the exposure with those affected.
When PSN first went down many presumed the hacker group Anonymous might be resuming its denial of service attack. For its part, though, Anonymous claims it has nothing to do with this round of trouble. A post on the group's blog states, "While it could be the case that other Anons have acted by themselves, AnonOps was not related to this incident and does not take responsibility for whatever has happened."
Regardless the source, the customer service challenge for Sony continues to mount as players eager to play Portal 2, SOCOM 4, or any of their other PS3 games online become frustrated. Many of them around the Net have started to suggest compensation is now in order in the form of a free game or access to the Plus features of the PlayStation Network.
Shacknews will continue to watch the situation and update you with any new information when it becomes available.


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CottageCutz Elites Mittens Die - COTTAGE CUTZ: Cottage Cutz Elites Dies. With design styles that are cute and adorable, fun and whimsical, and classically elegant these universal wafer-thin dies make a great addition to your paper crafting supplies. Cut amazing shapes out of paper, cardstock, adhesive-backed paper, vinyl, vellum and more. They are made from American steel and are universal dies designed to work with all leading brand die-cutting machines on the market. This die has an easy release coating along with pin holes that aid in the removal of the cardstock. This package contains Mittens (a Made Easy design). Assembled design size: 1-7/64x3 inches. Made in USA.Still have a question? Click to ask a Question

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Word of the Day
punnet PUHN-it noun; a small container or basket for strawberries or other fruit. � Dictionary.com
Website of the Day
Strawberry Fields
Strawberry Fields is a living memorial to the world-famous singer, songwriter and peace activist, John Lennon, and the tranquil section of New York City�s Central park that honors Lennon.
Number to Know
11,747: The most people the Ellis Island immigration center has processed in a single day is 11,747.
This Day in History
April 17, 1937: Daffy Duck�s first appearance, in Porky�s Duck Hunt.
Today�s Featured Birthday
Nick Hornby, English author and screenwriter, 57
Daily Quote
�I don�t want my books to exclude anyone, but if they have to, then I would rather they excluded the people who feel they are too smart for them!� � Nick Hornby
Morning Minutes, April 17
Word of the Day


text:
"He is faithful and just to do exactly what He promised."
During the past 11 months of my life, my journey has been a difficult one. I am not going to patronize you by telling you that it has been easy, because life is not always easy and it can make a sudden u-turn that will lunge you in a direction that you never intended. I too, will not lavish you with deception by making you think that I have been a superwoman of faith. Ultimately, I have not. I have strictly relied on my faith in God. Otherwise I would have hit the ground and crumbled.
After suffering the loss of someone that was so special to me, it appeared that my life was wrecked and I had little hope of survival. My vehicle was my sanctuary, and if it could have held the tears that were shed, it would be under water right now. But yet, God has been my stronghold through it all, and He remained faithful to His promise.
I often wondered, "Will my life return to normal?" However, it will never be normal as before, but there is grace in finding a new normal. And my new normal has allowed me to live again and accepts the plans that He has for me.
To those of you who have and are traveling the road of difficulty, I want to encourage you to remain steadfast. You have heard it said many times, "When the going gets tough, the tough gets going." But I say, "When the going gets tough, the tough hang in there and persevere. I know that is easier said than done, but trust me, I know this from experience. I continued endure the journey, while it was much easier to just give up. However, I was determined to outlast the enemy.
James 1:12 reminds us, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life."
You will make it through this ordeal. Just get through today and I promise you tomorrow will bring new opportunities and a whole new perspective on life.
God is faithful
"He is faithful and just to do exactly what He promised."


text:
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Cookin' with Steph & Bianca
According to Henry's Buddhist tradition, one shouldn't eat onions or garlic. So we had to make our sauce from scratch since most jarred sauces contain onions and garlic. We used the Mushroom Marinara recipe from Veganomicon but left out the minced garlic.
We also made the Tofu Cashew Ricotta from Vcon. It was the first time I'd tried this stuff (Steph had made it previously), and wow! It's so creamy and delicious. I could eat it with a spoon by itself.
Besides sauce and "ricotta," we also stuck some nutritious veggies in between the layers. Here's Steph sauteeing some spinach to mix with carrot and zucchini:
And here we are spreading the veggies on:
There were about 15 people in the class and we received lots of compliments. Someone even said they couldn't tell the lasagna was cheeseless!
I should also give props to Richard, Stephanie's husband. He took these awesome pics with my new camera, and I'm super jealous of his skills. I'm still figuring the camera out but I haven't been able to get great results like this without using a flash.
31 comments:
Looks like you all had a lot of fun. The veggies on the lasagna look amaaaazing.
- February 3, 2009 at 10:13 AM
- pixiepine said...
Sounds like a neat experience. I don't know what on earth I would do without onions and garlic, but it's always good to try new things!
- February 3, 2009 at 10:18 AM
- Tara said...
Glad you had a good time! The lasagna looks yummy! I'm trying to limit onions and garlic in order to follow a more sattvic diet, so it's nice to know I can still make a delicious lasagna.
- February 3, 2009 at 10:23 AM
It sounds like you had a good time. I'm glad everyone liked the lasagna.
- February 3, 2009 at 11:31 AM
By the way, I like your shirt
- February 3, 2009 at 11:32 AM
- ChocolateCoveredVegan said...
Ok, my secret: I really wanted to try the Eden grains, but couldn't find them anywhere around me, so I shot the company an email :o). Same thing with the Barney Butter.
Now I have NO idea how Vitamix found me...
- February 3, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Yum. The lasagna looks terrific.
- February 3, 2009 at 11:41 AM
- Mihl said...
How I wish I could have come! Your food looks super yummy. (Although not to use garlic and onions makes me a little bit sad.)
- February 3, 2009 at 11:58 AM
- Vegyogini said...
How fun!
- February 3, 2009 at 11:58 AM
- Jess - The Domestic Vegan said...
I LOVE that cashew ricotta! YUM! It's awesome in lasagna, and also on top of whole wheat or water crackers. I want some now...
That sounds really fun to do a demo like that! I'm glad the lasagna was well-received!
Cute shirt, too!
- February 3, 2009 at 12:46 PM
- Tami (Vegan Appetite) said...
I love that picture putting the vegetables on....so pretty!
It's really cool you're doing a cooking class.
- February 3, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Cute shirt =)
Love the lasagna it looks really delicious but no garlic?! WHAT!? haha I couldn't live without garlic.
- February 3, 2009 at 1:12 PM
- Melody Polakow said...
What fun! It looks delicious!
I would have such a hard time cooking without onions/garlic.. where I grew up people wouldn't use them and the food was so bland. They would use hing though.. which helped a bit I guess.
- February 3, 2009 at 1:51 PM
- Jen aka Jewbacca said...
holy cow that's so awesome! i'm kind of a nimrod when it comes to buddhism, but why can't they have garlic or onions? just curious. how did the sauce taste without them? just curious about that as well.
- February 3, 2009 at 2:31 PM
- Live From Memphis said...
Hey, so is there like a vegan potluck thing going on anywhere in memphis? Anyone Anyone?
- meat free fer 19years
- dairy free fer 8
Getting tired of my own cooking. I make everyone in my office eat it too.
- February 3, 2009 at 2:36 PM
- jessy said...
that is so cool, Bianca! glad you & Steph had so much fun! you guys look like professionals! yay! the lasagna = gloriously gooooood looking - i'd love a slice! ;) (i'd also like to second Kiersten's comment on your shirt - it's awesome!)
- February 3, 2009 at 3:13 PM
- Cyn said...
That cashew ricotta and me are total BFF. I'm making some for calzones later this week. And I love lasagna with lots of veggies, I totally need to make some - if only it didn't take so long. Maybe this weekend.
- February 3, 2009 at 3:13 PM
- Sal said...
very cool, that lasagna looks great. I haven't tried making the cashew ricotta yet but it sounds uberrad.
- February 3, 2009 at 3:29 PM
- Lauren said...
that's awesome that everyone liked your lasagna!! the tofu cashew ricotta is amazzzing, i agree..i could just eat it with a spoon too haha ;)
oh, and i love your hair! :)
- February 3, 2009 at 3:37 PM
- Gina said...
Oooooh! That lasagna looks soo good!
That ricotta is so awesome, one of the few things I have made from V'con...I could eat it like pudding!
- February 3, 2009 at 4:06 PM
- Melisser; the Urban Housewife said...
How cool! It looks super tasty.
- February 3, 2009 at 5:46 PM
- Theresa said...
Wow, what a great looking lasagne!
- February 3, 2009 at 9:41 PM
- River said...
Cookin' with Steph & Bianca sounds like it should be a cooking show on the Food Network!
You guys look so happy and the food looks deeeeeelicious!! I love all the veggie goodness!
- February 3, 2009 at 10:10 PM
- Lisa (Show Me Vegan) said...
you both are very photogenic! I love hearing about your cooking demonstrations and the dishes you choose for introducing people to vegan food. Plus, I've so got to try those Vcon recipes!
- February 4, 2009 at 6:58 AM
- happyherbivore.com said...
two cooking divas! (the food looks awesome btw) -- LOVE the photos... you should add them to the cookbook for sure! I love seeing people "in action"
- February 4, 2009 at 8:26 AM
- Susan G said...
Way to get out the vegan word! I love that ricotta.
Have you ever tried the Indian spice hing? It has a garlicky, oniony flavor. Used by ayurvedic cooks who don't use onion and garlic.
- February 4, 2009 at 10:13 AM
How cool is that! I love that you were able to do such a great demo in such a blessed place - right on!
- February 4, 2009 at 10:37 AM
- Vegan_Noodle said...
You two are awesome. Wish I could have sat in for the class! That tofu ricotta is the best...
- February 4, 2009 at 1:39 PM
May I please have some of that lasagna? It's so pretty and colorful and well, tasty I'm sure!
- February 5, 2009 at 11:28 AM
- The Vegan SlaughterHouse said...
oh you two are just too cute for words! hell ya' sistahs! much love to you from the derty D!
- February 6, 2009 at 12:14 PM
- Erin said...
That looks like a lot of fun, and a very tasty lasagna!
- February 9, 2009 at 7:56 PM


text:
When grocery shopping I'm amazed at how many food things consisting of the wonderful combo chocolate & peanut butter I go for. Sports bars, ice cream, muffins, cookies, etc... Seriously. I am also still floored everytime I go to Whole Foods and look at the energy bar section and see how many bars NEW bars there are with chocolate & pb combo. The latest find was a chocolate and spirilina bar! Yeah, pretty wild. I thought oh ick, this has to taste horrible. And with that said, I went ahead and bought one! LOL. To be honest it wasn't that bad. Granted it did not taste like a candy bar, but it did not taste like chocolate covered lawn clippings. It wasn't bad, really, and it was good for me. It had an ingredient list I could relate to (no chemical degree necessary to read it).
Well with all these constant cravings of things relating to the "chocolate and peanut butter family" I've always wanted to do a bread. Hence, my latest creation. This bread came out great. It's not that moist like a banana bread would be, but it truly did taste amazing when it was sliced, toasted with butter on top.
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bread
(inspiration from Dinners for a Year)
print recipe
¾ cup dark brown sugar
¾ cup peanut butter (I used chunky)
1 TB vanilla
2 eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups buttermilk
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 cup whole wheat flour, sifted
4 ts baking powder
1/2 ts salt
¾ cup of milk choco chunks (I wanted chunks of choco in here)
3 TB of melted butter +/-
Raw sugar for sprinkling
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a small bowl mix the buttermilk and eggs together. In another bowl sift the flours, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla; add in the buttermilk & egg mixture. Then beat in the flour mixture; beat well until just combined.
By hand add in the milk chocolate chunks.
Pour batter into greased loaf pan and bake for 50 - 55 minutes until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan 10 minutes before unmolding.
**note: on the last 30 minutes of baking I put a bit of melted butter on the top, then sprinkled some raw sugar chunks on the top of the bread, optional, but wonderful**
This recipe and photographs are copyrighted and the property of Dawn Finicane


text:
A girl or boy who competes in cheerleading competitions with their cheer team. They are strong, spirited, and sportsmanlike. They flip, twist, and bend their bodies into pretzel forms. They perform two minute and thirty second routines consisting of stunts, jumps, tumbling, and dance, complete with a variety of exaggerated facial expressions. They are committed to their sport and their team. Cheerleading is their passion.
Erica on Cheer Extreme is a a very talented competitive cheerleader
by thecheerforcegirl April 02, 2011
buy the domain for your cat blog


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The story so far: A panel of economists from across the political spectrum came up with a presidential platform they could all support. It was a platform that would doom any real candidate. So we created a fake one.
We tested out one of our key ideas — eliminating the mortgage-interest tax deduction — on a focus group. They hated it.
"Three quarters of your mortgage goes to interest, so if they eliminated that deduction it would be like you were throwing your money out the window every month," someone said.
But getting rid of the deduction would make homes cheaper, the moderator said.
"If housing prices go down lower, this is going to be very dangerous," someone else said.
Not to worry: With the help of Alex Tornero of the Strategy Group for Media we drafted an ad that they promised would help sell the idea.
We showed our focus group the ad, and they liked it. It didn't really convince them. But for a minute, we had them.
We also showed the ad to our panel of economists. They talked about what the fake candidate should have said in the ad. The economists make good points, but their points would never fit into a 30-second ad.
This is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News. I'm Melissa Block.
And I'm Robert Siegel.
Is it impossible to explain a complex idea in a 30-second political ad? Well, that possibility has not deterred NPR's Planet Money team. As we told you yesterday, Planet Money created a fake candidate with the help of economists. The hope was that this theoretical candidate could advocate ideas that economists consider no-brainers but politicians shy away from.
And now, NPR's Robert Smith is going to boil one of those ideas into an ad.
ROBERT SMITH, BYLINE: The ad begins with a relatively good-looking guy who is wearing casual shirt, standing in front of a suburban home. And our fake candidate looks right into the camera.
SMITH: OK. OK. Let me pause this ad for a second because this is not language that any economist would ever use. It's actually pretty meaningless. But this ad is where we ended up. The project started, I swear, with a more noble mission of educating the public. We gathered economists from across the political spectrum, and we ask them: what can you all agree on? And they came up with a good list. And at the top was a pretty bold idea: eliminate what is probably America's favorite tax deduction.
DEAN BAKER: The mortgage interest deduction.
KATHERINE BAICKER: The mortgage interest deduction.
LUIGI ZINGALES: Mortgage interest is actually extremely perverse.
SMITH: Yes, perverse because the way these economists see the world, this deduction is a huge government gift to a select group of people, to homeowners. Owners save thousands of dollars a year on the taxes. And if you rent, you get nothing. Eliminating this deduction is pretty logical. It just sounds really bad when you put it in the mouth of a candidate. Hey, middle-class homeowners, I promise to raise your taxes. So we did what any real candidate would do. We went to see an ad guru...
JOE SLADE WHITE: My name is Joe Slade White.
SMITH: ...and asked him, how would you convince voters that eliminating the mortgage interest deduction is a good idea. White calmly explained to me that I completely misunderstand advertising.
WHITE: You don't want to push ideas down their throats.
SMITH: He got real Zen at this point. The way to sell something is to give the people what they already want.
WHITE: Every message that you want is already inside the voters. And so all you have to do is evoke that message. That's very hard and you have to do it well, and you have to do the research.
SMITH: In other words, get thee to a focus group.
MICHAEL GROSS: Well, thanks everybody for coming out. We'll try...
SMITH: A few days later, I am watching 10 undecided voters from behind a two-way mirror. Ipsos Public Affairs in Washington, D.C. kindly agreed to let us borrow a focus group for the night. Michael Gross from Ipsos is the moderator. And over the next hour, he explained our economists' plan point by point. When he got to eliminating the mortgage tax deduction, you could see people shaking their heads. Irene spoke up first.
IRENE: Three-quarters of your mortgage goes to interest. So if they eliminated that deduction, it would be like you're throwing your money out the window every month.
SMITH: And when the moderator explained that this could actually bring home prices down, another woman, Marilyn, got pretty mad.
MARILYN: If housing prices go down lower, this is going to be very dangerous especially for a society that's top heavy with baby boomers that are aging.
GROSS: You know, there were actually, like, economists that came up with this. I just wanted to read you a couple...
SMITH: People actually made sour faces when the moderator said the word economist. Another woman at the end of the table, Ava, she really hated the word that the economists were using: eliminate.
AVA: It's like anytime you eliminate something or get rid of it, it's going to backfire in a different area.
SMITH: Julia Clark from Ipsos was sitting with me behind the mirror, and she leaned in when she heard this.
JULIA CLARK: Those words scare her, and they wouldn't want to use those words in a communication.
SMITH: So don't use the word eliminate. Shh, we're about to come to the part where the group hears some actual ad language. We previously contacted an ad firm called the Strategy Group for Media. And Alex Tornero there offered to draft some copy for us.
ALEX TORNERO: You know, basically boil it down to a core, you know, its emotional core to get to, you know, what we can drive this message on, and it really is on this idea of fairness.
SMITH: Michael, our moderator, presented a few of Alex's ads to the group. And then he got to this one.
SMITH: Got to pop in here. The whole part about children and seniors, that's what the ad guys came up with. The economists did not say this. OK, proceed.
SMITH: You can watch the whole video on npr.org. One of the guys in the focus group gave us a thumbs up. Even Marilyn liked the part about fairness. And remember, these were the same people who hated this plan a half an hour ago. But it turns out, the effect was fleeting. After the focus group was over, Marilyn said it probably wouldn't really convince her.
MARILYN: Wait a minute. What are they eliminating? How does that help? But in that quick moment it feels good.
SMITH: And in politics, maybe that's the best you can hope for. As for the economists, when I showed them the ad, I could tell that they were disappointed. Several lectured me about what should've been in there, what our fake candidate should have said - all good points that you could never fit into 30 seconds.
Robert Smith, NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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Tylenol Overdose Can Be Deadly for a ChildJune 15, 2012
Doctors, pharmacists urged to educate parents about possible hazards. Overdoses of the pain and fever drug acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) are a leading cause of acute liver failure in children, and more public education is needed to warn parents and others of this danger, experts say.
Acetaminophen is a widely available over-the-counter medication, but repeated doses above the recommended level, or overdoses due to errors or intentional consumption, can lead to acute liver failure and even death in children, according to Dr. Rod Lim, of the Children's Hospital at the London Health Sciences Center in Ontario, Canada, and colleagues. To read more - Click hereBack to NASET News Alert


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Keyboard instruments > Piano solo
Isaac Albéniz
Editor: Norbert Müllemann
Fingering: Rolf Koenen
5.00 €
Urtext Edition, paperbound
Pages: 4 (I, 3), Size 23,5 x 31,0 cm
Order no. HN 753 · ISMN 979-0-2018-0753-9
Level of difficulty (Piano): easy (Level 3)
"Señor Albéniz may well inscribe upon his escutcheon the words 'Veni, vidi, vici'." The London press thus commented on the Spaniard's triumphal tour of Britain between 1889 and 1893. It was in the British Isles of all places that Albéniz increasingly turned to subjects from his native country, composing España (HN 857) amongst other things. Although it might seem surprising, in this tribute to the Iberian peninsula Albéniz also included a tango that appears in the form of a Cuban habanera. Behind the multicultural charade is one of Albéniz' most popular works, full of warm longing for exotic climes. This easy-to-play piece is now available as a single edition.
If you're after single-copy editions of these works, look no further.
[Pianist, 2014]
The levels of difficulty of the
piano music published by G. Henle Publishers
The levels of difficulty of the piano music published by G. Henle Publishers
|Bach, Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach, nos. 4 and 5
|Bach, Well-Tempered Clavier I, no. 1 Prelude C major
|Beethoven, Piano Sonatas op. 49,1 and 2
|Grieg, Lyric Pieces op. 12, no. 4
|Schumann, Fantasy Pieces op. 12, no. 1
|Chopin, Nocturnes op. 27, nos. 1 and 2
|Beethoven, Piano Sonata op. 10, no. 3
|Beethoven, Piano Sonata op. 81a
|Schumann, Toccata op. 7
Guide to the levels of difficulty
"I don't know what 'difficult' means. Either you can play or you can't" – this was the rather terse comment by the great violinist Nathan Milstein, on being asked about the unbelievable difficulty of Niccolo Paganini's Caprice no. 1.
The relativity of the evaluation of difficulty in music immediately becomes clear. Yet I gladly take up this great challenge, presented to me by G. Henle Publishers. For I am aware of how useful a guide like this can be, both from my own experience as well as that of many colleagues. In particular so as to be able to identify "appropriate" works. For example for music teachers, who teach at very different levels, from beginners to those preparing for music conservatories, but also for all those interested amateurs for whom this guide is intended.
After careful deliberation I have settled on nine levels of difficulty, which I have divided into three groups: 1–3 (easy), 4–6 (medium), 7–9 (difficult). A number of parameters have been considered when assessing the level of difficulty. I have not just looked at the number of fast or slow notes to be played, or the chord sequences; of central importance are also the complexity of the piece's composition, its rhythmic complexities, the difficulty of reading the text for the first time, and last but not least, how easy or difficult it is to understand its musical structure. I have defined "piece" as being the musical unit of a sonata, or a single piece in a cycle, which is why Bach's "Well-Tempered Clavier" Part I comprises a total of 48 levels of difficulty (each prelude and fugue is considered separately), Schumann's Sonata in f sharp minor op.11 only has a single number. My assessment is measured by the ability to prepare a piece for performance.
While assessing the pieces, it became clear that the medium level of difficulty (4–6) is the trickiest. Now and again this means that a piece is judged as a "3/4", even if it only deserved a "3" as far as piano technique is concerned. An example of such a "borderline" case (easy/medium) is Schumann's "Scenes from Childhood" op. 15 Von fremden Ländern und Menschen or at the other end "6/7" part of Bach's "English Suites". And of course within a main category there are also "from-to" evaluations (e.g. 7/8).
Any evaluation of art or music will always be subjective, even if the aim was to be objective. Despite the fact that I have endeavoured to be as careful as possible, I am all too aware that the results of my work can be called into question, and am therefore grateful for any suggestions you might have.
Prof. Rolf Koenen © 2010


text:
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Oxfam welcomes the World Bank's announcement to provide money to support the long term recovery of the three Ebola-affected countries. It is crucial that the world does not turn away once the Ebola crisis is brought under control if we are going to prevent outbreaks from striking again.
Oxfam reaction to speeches from World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim and IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, Spring Meetings 2015
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Saturday, February 23, 2008
ESPN Talks NASCAR For Three Wet Hours
If there was ever any doubt that Allen Bestwick was the right man to put in the ESPN Infield Pit Studio, it was erased on Saturday night.
Hosting NASCAR Countdown at 7PM, Bestwick began a three hour journey that showcased the resources and deep racing knowledge that ESPN has finally been able to coordinate for their NASCAR coverage this season.
Hands down, this was a moment for the NASCAR on ESPN team that may serve as a rallying point for the rest of the 2008 season.
Between the Infield Pit Center announcers, the pit reporters and the race announcers in the booth, the network stayed on the air for three hours without a wheel turned on the track.
Now, during the year when ESPN runs into a difficult circumstance with their race coverage, they have something to reference that can serve to inspire the whole team. Simply by remembering that night when they all pulled together to fill three hours in the rain of Southern California, things are not going to seem all that bad when a "TV moment" happens.
Bestwick was simply masterful in organizing the troops, and credit needs to be given to the pit reporters, including newcomer Shannon Spake, who worked in the rain to get interviews and covered a tremendous variety of topics. Sometimes about news, sometimes about personal issues, and sometimes simply about goofy rain delay fun, ESPN got it right.
The amazing thing was that there were no SportsCenter cut-ins, there were no ESPNEWS updates, and there was not a Hollywood celebrity in sight.
This was "old school NASCAR on ESPN." We are at the track in the rain and we are going to stay until it's over. Dare I say, it was even fun to watch.
The cooperation of the NASCAR drivers was outstanding. Fans may have switched favorites after some of the extended interviews and frank conversations exchanged during this coverage. Once again, Rusty Wallace proved himself to be perfectly suited to the Infield Pit Center analyst role alongside of Bestwick.
These two have known each other for years, and Wallace knows that Bestwick will keep him from getting out of hand or too excited. Even Brad Daugherty was key in explaining his former role as a member of NASCAR's committee that serves to hear appeals of penalties for the national series.
Upstairs, Jerry Punch was very comfortable using his reporting skills to draw candid conversation from Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree. It was especially nice to see Petree open himself up and show more of his true personality. Tim Brewer pitched in from the Tech Center, and only the bad weather kept him indoors.
In the end, the rain cancelled everything, but from one perspective that did not matter. Everyone on the NASCAR on ESPN TV crew now knows two things they did not last season.
One, they have a new leader in Allen Bestwick. Two, now they can handle anything.
Once everyone dries out it will be interesting to see how Fox and ESPN deal with the pending Sunday TV network scramble.
The Daly Planet welcomes comments from readers. Simply click on the COMMENTS button below and follow the easy instructions. Thanks again for taking the time to stop by.
28 comments:
- l_long said...
The way the rain delay was handled what super! It's the kind of thing we haven't had happen in recent times -- a lot of people, a lot of talk, interviews, jokes, a couple of taped features that were interesting and stuff not seen before, and so on.
It was entertaining and informative.
I loved Rusty's interview of brothers Wallace. Those guys are so much fun. And it was interesting to hear about Mike's daughter and her budding race career!
I think I enjoyed the rainout more than I might have enjoyed the race...
- February 23, 2008 at 11:04 PM
- Brett Baldeck said...
What a difference a year can make. This time last year FOX was being praised for its coverage and ESPN was struggling.
I have to thank ESPN for making the changes over the offseason. This year is so much better! Tonight was awesome and reminded me of the old ESPN. I can't wait to see what you guys do with the broadcast tomorrow night.
- February 23, 2008 at 11:22 PM
- gagirl said...
I've got to hand it to ESPN -- they got it soooooo right tonight. It was informative, quick paced and downright fun. Who know a three-hour rainout could be so enjoyable.
- February 23, 2008 at 11:56 PM
- Anonymous said...
ESPN's rain-delay programming was wonderful. And, no ticker, no interruptions for "sports updates". I think they get it now.
- February 24, 2008 at 12:06 AM
- Vince said...
I can't believe I watched ESPN's rain delay coverage for 3 hours and didn't see a SC update or cut in. Have they finally figured it out? AB was great and Rusty has finally found his role, I think.
Good job ESPN and good job all the pit reporters, guys in the booth (both upstairs and downstairs) and good job guys in the truck. You all got it right tonight. Keep up the good work.
- February 24, 2008 at 12:18 AM
- SquidBuzz said...
My thoughts and praises have already been said here. I was quite surprised that I was able to watch all 3 hours without getting mad at what they were doing. I even caught myself laughing a time or two.
Good Job ESPN.
- February 24, 2008 at 12:22 AM
- SophiaZ123 said...
JD, leave it to YOu and others to point out the obvious. NO CUT INS about the other stuff in sports? I did have a ticker on the bottom of my screen (watched from the 31 inch tv in my room as opposed to kitchen tv where you can zoom out the ticker)
Like somebody else said, hello, I think I enjoyed THIS more than the race. It was total fun and AB IS DA BEST.
Even more, I enjoyed EVERYBODY from ESPN.
FEW have given more grief to this station than I and I just want to say, ESPN, were you LISTENING to yourselves tonight?
This was fantastic television. I even did not get annoyed with the Petty moving again tape with Brad. I FINALLY see Brad's connection to the sport and his love for it. And the chemistry tonight was terrific.
It was like the guys on Fox, the ESPN boys were having fun. I got a hoot out of the interview with the Wallace Brothers. It was great "reality tv."
Good job.
Thanks for the column, JD.
- February 24, 2008 at 12:28 AM
- Anonymous said...
@12:06, I misspoke. I meant to say "no SportsCenter", instead of tickers.
- February 24, 2008 at 12:45 AM
- Anonymous said...
Ditto above comments. Coverage was so good for so long, I almost forgot there was a race.
Kingston, NY
- February 24, 2008 at 6:08 AM
- Bill H said...
Last nights rain out makes me wonder, are the sports center cut ins planned before the broadcast or are they a decision made on the fly by the producer?
- February 24, 2008 at 7:03 AM
- SallyB said...
This was coverage theway it used to be! For years, rain delays could be more entertaining than the races, giving drivers and team owners a chance to show more of their personalities. Everyone at ESPN did an outstanding job keeping things interesting for the fans, and I was never tempted to change the channel, even when it became apparent there would be no racing. An exceptional effort on the part of television coverage.
- February 24, 2008 at 7:24 AM
- Anonymous said...
ESPN did a pretty good job, and I have a new-found respect for Brad D. after watching him ad-lib for this whole show.
- February 24, 2008 at 7:59 AM
- Anonymous said...
- This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
- February 24, 2008 at 7:59 AM
- Statboy said...
I too thought ESPN did a great job. I'm just concerned if this was a one-time only kind of thing, or will they be able to do as well as they did last night for the entire season.
- February 24, 2008 at 8:49 AM
- Anonymous said...
Well, I watched the whole three hours and wish it would have been longer.
Great work by all players - every single one of them. The DJ and Petree discussion about cheating was priceless. That's the kind of gold you can mine during a rain delay if you work at it.
I also really enjoyed the McMurray/Biffle interview and thoroughly enjoyed the Wallace brothers interview even though I really don't like the Wallaces...
Great work again ESPN, and thanks for satisfying my NASCAR appetite for Saturday night.
- February 24, 2008 at 8:54 AM
- ri88girl said...
Thank you ESPN! and all of us who have tried to help them and now see the fruits of it all. My best compliment to ESPN is to say that even though I knew the race was NOT going to happen by about 8:30 I never turned the channel. I was having too much fun watching everyone having fun.
- February 24, 2008 at 9:15 AM
- Tripp said...
I'll add my congratulations to the throng of people who made this broadcast from soggy southern California work. Great job.
Alan Bestwick proves, again, that he is THE guy to pilot ESPN's coverage. This role fits him like a finely tailored suit.
The guy that continues to surprise me is Rusty. Watching him last year was painful, but this year his insight, enthusiasm and good humor have blended to manifest a personality that is really a pleasure to watch. I don't know what changed over the off-season, but was well worth whatever it cost. Great job Rusty.
ESPN's attitude transplant and reorganizing of roles over the winter is paying dividends for the NASCAR fans. As one who enjoyed last night's broadcast, I'll simply say thanks.
- February 24, 2008 at 9:49 AM
- Anonymous said...
Great show!The only thing bad about it it Dale Jarret's UPS brown suit that he always wears.It looks like it's the only one he owns.
- February 24, 2008 at 10:01 AM
- Anonymous said...
It wasn't as much fun as a Fox rain delay, but it was far above anything ESPN did last year. The Wallace, Wallace, and Wallace interview was excellent and Shannon and Jamie, though lacking the insider status of Wendy, Dilner, and Dr. Dick, impressed me with their professionalism under trying conditions.
- February 24, 2008 at 10:09 AM
- Truck Series Fan! said...
JD, yes the ESPN show was great and I kept on thinking how can they keep going but they did without stumbling. The drivers coming over into their studio was wonderful too (one of my favorites is Carl). And they got lots of Nationwide series drivers' interviews too (isn't it amazing how many of those young kids have braces?). Brad's interview with Richard Petty was interesting more so as a fan than a reporter - he's so enthusiastic I find him enjoyable to watch. They have found a niche for Rusty too he did a great job. Hats off to those guys and gals they must be exhausted today and a long day ahead for them.
- February 24, 2008 at 10:13 AM
- Newracefan said...
I DVR'd what was suppose to be the race and after reading JD and the posters I decided to go ahead and watch it anyway. It was definately the right thing to do. Biffel was hysterical, Andy's electric spoiler (I wonder who the driver really was). ESPN has really turned the corner with the non-race TV which does make me hopeful for the actual race coverage. Hopefully we will find out on Sunday.
PS to who ever is doing the rain dance- PLEASE STOP. We had enough rain last season I would really like a dry 2008 season.
- February 24, 2008 at 10:35 AM
- Anonymous said...
Excellent job by ESPN. I was shocked to look at my clock at one point and realize that a) more than two hours had passed, and I was enjoying myself immensely; and b) I was secretly, deep in my heart, hoping NASCAR would delay cancelling the race so I could watch more of this wonderful show.
That, folks, is how you learn from your mistakes, and how you listen to your audience. What an incredible change from last year. It can't be easy to hear people say "You're crap, go away", but I have to admit they've taken the criticism and instituted enormous positive changes. Kudos to ESPN.
- February 24, 2008 at 10:39 AM
- Anonymous said...
C'mon people; you would rather watch rain delay fill than actual racing. Give me a break.
Espn did what other networks have done many times during a rain delay. Could it be that the expectations for an ESPN broadcast are so low that they now receive praise for actually doing their job?
- February 24, 2008 at 11:07 AM
- Anonymous said...
I look at it as, I give credit where credit is due.
ESPN did an excellent job with the rain delay, as did SPEED on Friday afternoon. They kept me watching when I had no plans to do so.
Yes, they're doing their jobs as they should - but would you like to do your job for an entire year with no positive feedback? If they do well, I say so. If they don't I say so (thanks to Mr. Daly for allowing us to do that!)
- February 24, 2008 at 12:33 PM
- Anonymous said...
Yippeee! It was just like the good ol' days. Loved the interviews, the fun, the jabs. It was great. In fact, I had planned to switch back and forth between the race and the big Tennesssee-Memphis State game, but I couldn't do it. I was enjoying the race coverage too much. Thanks, ESPN. This is what we've all been asking for. And way to go, Alan Bestwick. You and your gang were awesome.
- February 24, 2008 at 12:49 PM
- Anonymous said...
JD, note ann 1243 and 1249 how true is it. Kind of the way we want it to be. Love this blog, thanks.
Kingston, NY
- February 24, 2008 at 12:57 PM
- Anonymous said...
JD, opps, meant 1249 this blog
Kingston, NY
- February 24, 2008 at 1:04 PM
- chase said...
ESPN HIT IT BIG! And who would ever have thought I would say that!!! They've got it going with AB at the helm and in charge - what a thoroughly entertaining and informative program! It was the most enjoyable 'rain delay' I have ever sat through!!! Even Rusty was palatable - but barely so. ESPN has finally done something right for the fans and that is AB - now if they can keep it up and not lose him then I can almost look forward to the ESPN part of the season! Here's hoping ESPN realizes the awesome talent they have in AB - if they had only used him last season ESPN would have saved themselves. Thanks John!
- February 25, 2008 at 9:34 AM


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Shep Knacker's surname is British slang for testicle, but will he have the balls to resist financially ruinous U.S. medical practices?
So Much for That. By Lionel Shriver. HarperCollins, 436 pp., $25.99.
By Janice Harayda
Knacker, the surname of the hero of So Much for That, is British slang for testicle. Lionel Shriver is an American who lives in London, so it's safe to assume she knows this. It's also safe to assume that a man named Shepherd Knacker has symbolic weight, or stands for more than what he is: a 48-year-old married father of two and a home repairman who has spent his adult life saving for an escapist retirement.
Whom does Shep represent? Try this: The good Shepherd does carpentry and anticipates redemption in what he calls an "Afterlife." Still stumped? Shep has a wife named Glynis, which means "holy," and a best friend named Jackson, a variation on John. He's the son of a Gabriel Knacker, a Presbyterian minister, and has a psychological resurrection after persecution by his boss. His story involves significant fish, water and palm imagery.
Okay, we can see a few religious parallels here. But Shep isn't a Jesus figure in the usual sense, a charismatic leader whom others worship. He's far too low-keyed and accommodating. Nor is this book about Christianity. Quite the opposite: It's a novel about an America in which people entrust their lives not to Jesus but to a broken health care system that betrays even those who can afford to use it.
For years Shep has been a good and faithful servant of mammon, a man who built a home-repair business that he sold for a million dollars. He planned to use to the cash to underwrite his retirement on a palmy island off the coast of Africa. But his wife learns that she has mesothelioma on the day he announces that, with or without her, he's leaving his job and country to begin his Afterlife on Pemba. Suddenly Shep can't leave his company or country because Glynis needs his medical insurance, and if he doubts it, he needs only to look at his friend Jackson's daughter, who has a ravaging degenerative disease.
This jury-rigged opening is the first of several plot contrivances that are less believable than the withering assault on U.S. health care delivered by So Much for That. After years of writing for the Economist and the Guardian, Shriver may be America's best reporter-novelist now that Tom Wolfe has entered his lifetime-achievement-award years. She's unafraid of research. This has allowed her to gather the details needed to skewer plausibly a raft of medical indignities: the dubious procedures such as penis-enlargement surgery, the so-called "Medicare spend-down" that requires the elderly to use up their assets before the government will pay for a nursing home, the gung-ho doctors who bombard the dying with unproven treatments that won't save them and at best will prolong their lives briefly and torturously.
Shep has a natural wariness of the physicians' impulses toward overkill and feels like "a religious skeptic" when Glynis's internist refers her to Philip Goldman, a world-class, out-of-network expert on her rare peritoneal mesothelioma. But Shep tries to buy into the medical tent-revivalism when he sees how much it means to his wife: "Since the internist produced more tangible redemption than either Gabe Knacker's traditional Presbyterianism or [his sister-in-law] Deb's barmy born-again sect in Tucson, it was time to convert. To become a loyal, tithing parishoner of Philip Goldman's church."
For all his doubts, Shep looks like a saint next to the friends and relatives who, in their ignorance or egocentrism, add to his wife's pain. Glynis is in the hospital after debulking surgery when her born-again sister Deb tries to convert her with a condescending variation on Pascal's wager: "Like, if a lottery is free, why not grab a ticket? All your teachers said you were so smart." Glynis resists, and Deb blunders on by telling her sister that at least her asbestos-related cancer made her thin. "Yeah, right," Glynis says. "The Mesothelioma Diet. The book's not out yet, but you could still get a head start by chewing on some old insulation."
Much of this is heavy-handed, an inelegant cross between a protest novel and domestic fiction about a family tested by illness. So Much for That is issue-driven, and some of its characters emerge as vehicles for ideas, or embodiments of arguments made by Susan Sontag and Barbara Ehrenreich about the language of cancer, more than as credible people. Shriver tends to spell her messages in neon: Her book has three medical subplots when two might have made her point.
But Shriver has a moral fearlessness rare among novelists. Health care is one of the three great issues in America today, along with war and the economy, and she wrestles with it perhaps more ambitiously than any fiction writer of her generation. And if she is a polemicist, she can deliver subtle blows. Consider the surname of one of Glynis's doctors: Knox. In context the name appears to nod to the fiery – and, some say, pernicious – founder of the Scottish Presbyterianism. It also suggests Fort Knox, the U.S. gold Bullion Depository. With one word, Shriver suggests the essence of her novel: a tale of the intersection of money and a misguided belief in the godlike abilities of doctors.
So Much for That isn't a plea for people to trust in Jesus instead of health-care providers. Shriver has said that she deplores all religions, and nothing in her book suggests otherwise. In this novel she tells us that you are saved neither by God nor by doctors who play Him. You are saved by reason, or pursuing your own vision of a good life. In America, money helps. But you can choose to live elsewhere. Will Shep have the balls to make that choice? Suffice to say that if he often disagrees with his wife, he has something of the spirit she shows when she complains that nobody ever put on a gravestone: "Here Lies, etc., She Swiffered the Kitchen Floor."
Best line: Glynis rages against the saccharine, kid-glove treatment she gets from family and friends after she develops cancer: "I feel as if I'm trapped in a Top Forty by the Carpenters."
Worst line: "'Ipso facto!' Shep chuckled."
Editor: Gail Winston
Published: March 2010
Reading group guide: A Totally Unauthorized Reading Group Guide to So Much for That appeared on this site on Nov. 26, 2010, in the post just before this one.
Furthermore: So Much for That was shortlisted for the 2010 National Book Award for fiction. You may also want to read the comments Mark Athitakis made about the novel on his American Fiction Notes blog on Jan. 11, 2010, and on March 14, 2010.
About the author: Shriver wrote We Need to Talk About Kevin, which won the 2005 Orange Prize, and other books.
Janice Harayda was the book columnist for Glamour and the book editor of the Plain Dealer in Cleveland. You can also follow Jan (@janiceharayda) on Twitter at www.twitter.com/janiceharayda.
© 2010 Janice Harayda. All rights reserved.


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John John Florence's remarkable run to the Final of the Billabong Pro Tahiti was one of the most impressive of his career. As a reward, Florence took possession of the ratings lead, and the Jeep Leader's yellow jersey. His ultimate goal of winning a world title is now clearly in view, but with Gabriel Medina close on his heels, he still has work to do.
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Sunday, February 10, 2008
Can Allen Bestwick Save "NASCAR Now?"
The sound you hear in the distance and the cloud of dust you see on the horizon is the TV cavalry riding to the rescue.
After a first year of chaos, and an unsteady first week of this season, Allen Bestwick is riding to the rescue of NASCAR Now.
The white hot spotlight of NASCAR TV was focused on ESPN2 last year as away from the track that network offered the only daily motorsports program on television. Instead of the general racing show that was RPM2Night, ESPN2 chose to deal with an even smaller slice of the auto racing pie and focused on NASCAR alone.
NASCAR Now last season promised fans the ultimate in coverage. There would be no NHRA, no IRL and no other news to turn the spotlight away from NASCAR. This show would cover the three NASCAR national touring series in-depth. It would provide the foundation for ESPN's coverage of the entire Busch Series and the final seventeen NEXTEL Cup races.
Unfortunately, things did not work out that way. NASCAR Now had a problem, and despite the pleas of the fans and the fundamental reality of the sport, nothing changed. The focus of NASCAR Now was on ESPN, and not NASCAR.
This TV series basically denied that the Craftsman Truck Series existed. NASCAR Now never had any reporter on-scene for features or interviews, and rarely used "soundbites" from the race winners. Normally, any video highlights consisted of the last lap and possibly a good crash or two. Even with a mid-week Craftsman sponsorship that forced a driver interview, the Truck Series was almost invisible.
Even more curious was NASCAR Now's brutal treatment of the Busch Series. Time and time again The Daly Planet asked why Saturday Busch Series video highlights were not even seen in the Sunday or Monday versions of this program. The anger culminated in April with this column, which called NASCAR Now "the new worst show in the history of TV."
Despite the fact that the Busch Series was the only NASCAR property on ESPN exclusively, it was the NEXTEL Cup that served as the NASCAR Now obsession in 2007. These TV rookies were hooked on the glamour of the Cup Series, and missed the big picture reality of the sport.
Over-and-over-again, polite Cup Series drivers and owners appeared on NASCAR Now both on-camera and by telephone for interviews. The questions they were asked by host Erik Kuselias were entry level fan questions at best. Often, you could actually see the subject being interviewed take just a moment to gather themselves before answering. The reason was clear. They were thinking to themselves, did he really just ask me that?
Now, the ultimate TV irony is about to unfold on Monday night at 6PM Eastern Time.
Allen Bestwick was fired from Inside NEXTEL Cup Racing on SPEED. Change was needed, the show was stale, and Bestwick was the problem concluded the new Production VP at SPEED. That show had been on-the-air for a decade, and was a time-honored tradition for fans. Monday nights would never be the same.
Moving to ESPN in the first year of the new NASCAR TV contract, Bestwick did everything except drive the TV trucks to the next race. A veteran of play-by-play, Bestwick watched Jerry Punch struggle in the booth. Allowed to call selected Busch Series races, Bestwick got rave reviews.
As a nationally know studio host, Bestwick watched Chris Fowler, Brent Musburger, Erik Kuselias and finally Suzy Kolber fill the lead anchor chair in the Infield Studio for ESPN and ABC. Bestwick was finally allowed to sit in that chair, but only for the Busch Series shows. He was the child at the small table looking over at the adults and wondering how to make the jump.
Now, the TV tide has turned for Bestwick. He has been placed front-and-center in the new ESPN/ABC TV package. He will host the pre-race shows from the Infield Studio all season long. Brent Musburger is gone, so Bestwick will be the only host for the broadcasts. He will have Rusty Wallace alongside for commentary, and Brad Daugherty in the mix to stir the pot.
The biggest piece of the Bestwick puzzle is his return into the homes of NASCAR fans on Monday nights. Even with NASCAR Now airing at 6PM, the TV technology in most homes will make sure to record this program every week. This re-vamped hour is going to be the key to the entire series gaining ground with the fans.
In 2007, the NASCAR Now Monday hour was a mess. No Truck or Busch highlights, no members of the NASCAR on ESPN team appeared, and analysis was left to a well-meaning Truck Series driver and commentary to a Dallas Morning News columnist with little NASCAR experience. Instead of allowing the analyst to conduct the live interviews, the show host read scripted questions to some of the top names in the sport.
Beginning Monday, ESPN has eliminated almost all those problems with one little change. Bestwick will host an hour that will feature all three series, live interviews, regular contributions from the ESPN NASCAR team and all of the NASCAR Now "Insiders" who held the show together last season.
The big addition will be a roundtable discussion each Monday. This new feature will use ESPN NASCAR announcers to both review and preview the racing, as well as deal with any top stories that may need some veteran perspective.
Bestwick will be backed by newcomer Nicole Manske and ESPN veteran Ryan Burr on Mondays. This duo will host the other weekday shows, but also travel to the races and file reports for Mondays' NASCAR Now. That is a key change, having a team member on-scene instead of an ESPN "pool reporter."
The first program should be interesting, but the unfolding TV dynamic over the course of the season should be fascinating. NASCAR Now has the potential to be as big a franchise for ESPN as Baseball Tonight or NFL Live.
Bestwick also gives this show the potential to leave the studio and hit the road anytime. Sunday night after the Daytona 500, ESPN will do just that with a special one hour edition of NASCAR Now from the speedway. The network executives may take one look at College Gameday and ponder the possibilities of NASCAR Now leaving the studio more often.
ESPN has made a lot of positive changes where NASCAR is concerned, and Monday night veteran fans will begin a whole new era in NASCAR TV history.
Bestwick's migration from the little-known TV host of Inside Winston Cup on SpeedVision to a key player in trying to restore the proud NASCAR heritage of ESPN is complete. Monday nights are about to get very interesting.
The Daly Planet welcomes comments from readers. Simply click on the COMMENTS button below and follow the easy instructions. The rules for posting are on the right side of the main page. Thanks again for taking the time to stop by.
34 comments:
- Newracefan said...
I am not sure even AB can save Nascar Now. After the first few shows (this year I stopped going out of my way to watch although I will give AB and even Nicole a shot to impress me. Hopefully AB has some content control and Nicole follows AB's lead. I will be hopeful but am not opitimistic
- February 10, 2008 at 7:28 PM
- SophiaZ123 said...
I will watch, IF I REMEMBER, monday night but ONLY because AB is hosting.
other than that, I ain't getting my hopes up.
- February 10, 2008 at 7:42 PM
- elena said...
I'm not sure Allen can "save" NN, but I hope he does a good job.
Some of the problems the first week have been of the technical nature and are very annoying. The cutting off of an interview, the music so loud you cannot hear the driver's comments, the tape delay, etc.
I'm not familiar with Nicole, but was not impressed with her for the very few minutes on media day. She mispronounced a couple of driver's names ala Rusty.
- February 10, 2008 at 8:15 PM
- Anonymous said...
I have been watching Nascar for 40 years. Nascar Now is new and like anything new it takes time. I also watch college basketball and that was where I was first turned on to Ryan Burr. He is a true professional, give him time, I think he will be a guy 10 years from now we will all be very glad he is a part of our sport.
- February 10, 2008 at 9:03 PM
- haus20 said...
For right now, Nascar Now is not must see Nascar TV. ANY Nascar show on Speed will get the nod over Nascar Now.
- February 10, 2008 at 9:15 PM
- SophiaZ123 said...
thanks for the reminder of the noise on NNOW.
One thing that drove me NUTS last year was when they were interviewing a driver, over top of the talking would come this weird staccato "space ship landing noise" and a bunch of graphics on the side of the tv screen. The first time I heard it, I thought it was a mistake or a technical glitch!%$#?
VERY INTRUSIVE and loud.
And don't get me STARTED on the loud music played over talk shows/interviews.
That's like a virus and all channels/tv shows do this..what ever happened to natural peace and quiet.
Sophia showing her age
p.s. Speaking of Nicole, SPEED REPORT was FAB tonight with Bob Varsha and krista Voda. Professional and respectable and Krista didn't give any of those smoky "come here big boy" looks to the camera that drove me nuts with Barbie.
I shall watch NASCAR NOW with remote in hand. :)
- February 10, 2008 at 9:31 PM
- Anonymous said...
If AB is giving the reins a bit with this show and able to control the content somewhat, I believe he could make it into something. But I don't have my hopes up that any of that will happen. The show as of now is too focused on hype and style than real content.
- February 10, 2008 at 10:34 PM
- Anonymous said...
"Bestwick will host an hour that will feature all three series, live interviews, regular contributions from the ESPN NASCAR team and all of the NASCAR Now "Insiders" who held the show together last season."
Gee, maybe David Newton will show up tomorrow to expound on his story on the espn.com home page, about Ashley Judd breaking the pit road dress code Sunday by showing up in a dress. Or, quoting Newton, "a low-cut black dress adorned with multicolored tulips."
What's sad is the NASCAR officials Ramsey Poston and Jim Hunter thought it was great, never mind all the other women - even the owner's wives- have had to follow the no dresses and closed toes shoe rules for years. If Ashley gets to break the rules, I hope the other wives get to as well. NASCAR is so desperate for publicity they'll do anything.
Says the article: "There is a double standard, and she's the double standard," spokesman Ramsey Poston said.
I swear, some people complain about Marty Smith, but at the heart of it, Marty is a lot more nuts and bolts racing than David "Hollywood" Newton.
- February 10, 2008 at 11:13 PM
- Anonymous said...
I'm almost positive Newton was the guy who counted the months between Jeff Gordon's marriage and his baby's due date and put it in his news article. I don't know why you're surprised he's on Ashly Judd watch. He's not my favorite on NASCAR Now either.
I'll watch NASCAR Now through Sunday's after Daytona 500 show and decide if it gets a season pass.
- February 11, 2008 at 7:31 AM
- Anonymous said...
AB will be better on this show, but the bottom line is the espn'ers in bristol have no clue about racing. the studio upper ups have never cared about NASCAR and never will!
this newton guy should stay off TV and just keep writing your cheesy articles!
- February 11, 2008 at 7:43 AM
- Anonymous said...
Looking forward to AB tonight on NN. Mr. Bestwick earned this and I hope it gives us what we all have been wanting, that breath of fresh air racing fans deserve.
Kingston, NY
- February 11, 2008 at 7:56 AM
- Ron P. said...
I'm hoping that Allen will do good, But remember this is ESPN were talking about so who knows what will happen. I'm sure that the Connecticut Posse will hog tie Allen's wrists, so I'm not expecting much.
We'll see what tomorrow morning brings.
- February 11, 2008 at 9:09 AM
- Anonymous said...
AB is the best race talent in the biz. and he should be doing play by play for fox instead of Mike "NO" Joy.
But Fox let him get hired away, and espn producers can't figure out he's the best they've got. sorry dr punch
- February 11, 2008 at 9:21 AM
- GinaV24 said...
I know that Allen will do his best and put on as good a show as ESPN will allow. He's really great at this and I'll tune in on Monday's even if I miss the rest of the week for lack of interest.
- February 11, 2008 at 9:24 AM
- loafer said...
If AB can't do it no one can. He did a super job on This Week in Nextel Cup and was sorely missed. Our cable service does not carry ESPN so we unfortunatly will not see the show in Canada. We have 3 sports channels but they only give Nascar a glance now and then. It seems as though they feel we are not interested. I have written to each of them about their sorry lack of coverage but they don't even answer my letters.
- February 11, 2008 at 11:16 AM
- jersey_dan said...
i agree with most of the posters here; the return of AB won't be enough to bring me back as a regular viewer. if the problem was just the host, then yes, i could see AB saving it. however, the problems with NN are deeper than just the host, and without addressing them, even the best, most knowledgeable host won't succeed. that said, i will watch tonight to see how it goes.
- February 11, 2008 at 12:15 PM
- joe mama said...
Sounds promising. I'll give it a go and I'll try to keep an open mind.
It's nice to know that sometimes, someone actually listens to the criticism and makes an effort to fix it.
Wonder if Brian is taking notes?
- February 11, 2008 at 12:16 PM
- Anonymous said...
Allen Bestwick, far and away, the "class act" of NASCAR broadcasting. Inside Winston Cup was "must see" viewing for years until "someone" decided to roll the monotone-plagued Dave Despain into the set, duplicating the somewhat insightful Wind Tunnel show and all but killing off Inside Winston Cup. After taking a top notch host off of the show, the "executive wisdom" continued by placing the (who-is-he) Mr Vickers on the panel who perpetuated the downfall of the show by NEVER having any insight. But since he had virtually no experience, who (outside of executive wisdom) would have expected such?
Allen Bestwick will make NASCAR NOW a top notch show hosted by a top notch host. But...Allen,...beware, once the show is off and rolling....beware of more "executive wisdom."
- February 11, 2008 at 12:30 PM
- Photojosh said...
like AB enough that I'll give Nascar Now a few weeks of regular attention. I'd rather see AB in the booth, but I'll be happy to watch him on NN. I think there's a good change he can turn it around.
- February 11, 2008 at 12:35 PM
- flee said...
loafer said his cable network does not carry ESPN so he won't be getting it in Canada. In fact ESPN is not broadcast here so nobody in Canada gets it. I will be interested to read this blog tomorrow to see how Allen did -- he has always been a favourite of mine.
- February 11, 2008 at 12:36 PM
- ri88girl said...
I was demoralized when AB didn't appear on NN last week and turned it right off. However, I will try again. Good thing tv is like racing and you still love your driver regardless of his team. Hope ESPN is paying attention.
- February 11, 2008 at 1:20 PM
- Anonymous said...
I expected some speed bumps during the first weeks of NN's new season. There is still the inflexible script issue that needs tweaking. However, AB's congenial on-air personality may be able to overcome the producer's tight structure. If anybody can, its AB.
- February 11, 2008 at 2:40 PM
- Anonymous said...
- This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
- February 11, 2008 at 3:52 PM
- Anonymous said...
@anon 2.10 9:03--but he's been hosting this show for a YEAR! Surely he learned SOMETHING! So we should suffer through incompetence for 9 more years so then by then he may finally learn what many NEW fans already know? I don't know how long you've read this blog since you don't sign with a name, but the theme of many of JDs columns and our posts here, is that us fans have a certain expectation and "waiting" 10 years for someone to be an "expert" on what they should ALREADY know ain't going to cut it. From the gate, anyone who "failed" to meet our expectation was thrown under the bus time and time again.
We suffered for many years with Jeanne Z. on Fox and literally created a second countdown to when baseball season would start so she would go away. When we heard that Krista was coming to be apart of the Fox broadcast team I swear you could hear the collective cheers of fans across the country!
She allegedly read Mark's book "NASCAR for Dummies" to get educated on NASCAR but it didn't help her. She was notorious for asking the "What the heck?" questions. And many drivers would kindly answer and at the same time answer in a "that was the stupidest question evah" way.
@anon 02.10 11:13--totally agree!
- February 11, 2008 at 4:21 PM
- Anonymous said...
Good gravy! I forgot to include my comments!
I LOVE Allen so definitely look forward to seeing how they let Allen take over the reins! Can't wait!
- February 11, 2008 at 4:23 PM
- Dot said...
I too love AB and have the DVR set up. I wasn't too impressed with NN last week.
Not on subject but, I read where our good budy Suzy Kolber is out of football. Let's hope she's not coming back to NASCAR.
- February 11, 2008 at 6:09 PM
- Anonymous said...
good, solid show today. AB did well, the interviews were good and Nicole's report was nice.
- February 11, 2008 at 6:30 PM
- Truck Series Fan! said...
I had to watch the recorded show and thought AB did a great job and after a couple of weeks, I think it'll turn into his show and maybe he'll show off some of his personality more. I think the producers should tell RW not to say "driving their brains out". MW's interview was super and it was fun seeing him so happy and upbeat. Nicole looked a little different and she was rather quiet too. Looking forward to TWIN tonight too.
- February 11, 2008 at 6:56 PM
- Geez said...
Can Allen Bestwick save NASCAR Now?
He certainly saved today's show. I had to make sure I was on ESPN2.
Very well done.
- February 11, 2008 at 7:02 PM
- Mary said...
As is so typical with ESPN even though they said it would be on and the guide showed it as being on I appear to have taped Sportscenter - oh well
- February 11, 2008 at 7:11 PM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
There is a new column up about the Monday NASCAR Now show. To see it, just refresh your browser.
- February 11, 2008 at 7:12 PM
- Anonymous said...
"Can Allen Bestwick save "NASCAR Now?"
It seems that, yes, he can.
Good show today.
- February 11, 2008 at 7:18 PM
- Anonymous said...
Mary said...
As is so typical with ESPN even though they said it would be on and the guide showed it as being on I appear to have taped Sportscenter - oh well
February 11, 2008 7:11 PM
Sportscenter was on. ON ESPN. NASCAR Now was also on. ON ESPN 2
It seems you may have recorded ESPN and not ESPN 2. This was no fault of ESPN. It is a simple mistake that anyone can make.
- February 11, 2008 at 7:39 PM
- elena said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- February 11, 2008 at 8:00 PM


text:
Euro-area economic data due this week will probably show the damage inflicted by the region's sovereign debt crisis with the worst quarterly decline in output for almost four years.
Gross domestic product shrank 0.4 per cent in the fourth quarter, according to the median of 45 estimates gathered by Bloomberg News. That would be the biggest decline since the first quarter of 2009, when GDP fell 2.8 per cent in the wake of the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. The data is due to be published on Feb. 14.
While measures to stem the region's debt turmoil have helped curb sovereign bond yields from Spain to Greece, at least seven countries of the 17-nation bloc are in recession, leaving 18.7 million people out of work. The European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said last week that "economic weakness" will prevail in early 2013 even as the economy shows confidence stabilizing "at low levels."
The fourth quarter "is probably the trough of the cycle, Draghi is hopeful that it will be," said Marchel Alexandrovich, an economist at Jefferies International Ltd. in London. "We should see some improvement in economy in the first half of this year. The question is, whether it's strong enough" given the risks that lie ahead, he said.
Brussels meeting
Euro-area finance chiefs meet in Brussels today to discuss aid to Cyprus and Greece as a tightening election contest in Italy and corruption allegations in Spain threaten to reignite the region's debt crisis. Group of 20 finance chiefs and central bankers will gather in Moscow later this week.
The Stoxx Europe 600 Index fell 0.6 per cent today. The euro climbed 0.3 per cent to $1.3410, snapping a three-day decline.
European Central Bank council member Jens Weidmann said today the euro isn't seriously overvalued and warned governments against trying to weaken the currency.
"Latest indicators don't signal a serious overvaluation of the euro despite its recent appreciation" and "politicians should hold on to the established division of labor," said Weidmann, who heads Germany's Bundesbank. "An exchange-rate policy to specifically weaken the euro would lead to higher inflation in the end."
'Double whammy'
The European Union's statistics agency, Eurostat, will publish GDP data on Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. in Luxembourg. That will be the culmination of a series of GDP reports the same day from France, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal and Greece.
While the euro region's economy hasn't grown since the third quarter of 2011, the pace of decline in GDP, driven by a continent-wide push to narrow budget deficits and exacerbated by stalling exports, may be slowing now as demand picks up in the U.S. and China.
"The fourth quarter was a double whammy for Europe, with austerity and exports to the U.S. falling off," said Gilles Moec, co-chief European economist at Deutsche Bank in London. In the first quarter "there should be a gradual acceleration in external traction to help lift us out of that predicament."
The euro-area economy won't return to growth until the second quarter as a recovery in Italy is delayed and France continues to shrink, according to Bloomberg News's monthly survey published Jan. 17. Economists expect GDP to stay unchanged in the three months through March, before rising 0.1 per cent and 0.2 per cent in the second and third quarters, the survey showed. For the year, the economists predict a 0.1 per cent decline.
Downside risks
"The risks surrounding the economic outlook for the euro area continue to be on the downside," Draghi said at his monthly news conference on Feb. 7, after the ECB kept its benchmark interest rate on hold at 0.75 per cent.
Germany, the euro region's biggest economy, and France, its next largest, are increasingly showing signs of diverging. German industrial production rose in December, adding to signs that the nation's recovery is gathering pace. Though GDP probably fell 0.5 per cent in the fourth quarter, it is expected to rebound with 0.1 per cent expansion in the first quarter of this year, Bloomberg surveys show.
"Between France and Germany, Germany may be decoupling," said Pierre-Olivier Beffy, chief economist at Exane BNP Paribas in London.
France is on the brink of falling back into its second recession in four years. French output probably shrank 0.2 per cent in the fourth quarter, according to the median forecast of 28 economists in a Bloomberg News survey. Economists in the monthly survey by Bloomberg predict a further decline in the first three months of 2013.
Hollande's battle
President Francois Hollande is battling with jobless claims at a 15-year high as companies including PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault SA and Alcatel-Lucent SA cut tens of thousands of jobs. He's also struggling to slash the state budget deficit to 3 per cent of GDP this year from 4.5 per cent in 2012 — a target that the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund expect to be missed unless further action is taken.
"France is in quite a special position," Moec said. "The fiscal contraction there is now reaching its peak while most other countries hit it in 2011 and 2012. Plus the corporate sector was late in adjusting."
French industrial production fell 1.8 per cent in the fourth quarter, while manufacturing output dropped 2.5 per cent, national statistics office Insee said today.
Rajoy controversy
Spain and Italy, where GDP has probably declined for six straight quarters, are also the focus of concern about rising political risk. The Spanish government is facing corruption allegations, though Premier Mariano Rajoy denied receiving illegal cash payments. In Italy, the euro area's No. 3 economy, an election that is less than two weeks away may yield a hung parliament.
"Unfortunately in the euro area, political risk tends to blow the numbers around," Alexandrovich said. "We could come out of the Italian election later this month and find that nothing has been settled, then markets begin to sell off and we return to, or near return to, the early part of 2012."


text:
Here's a caramelized profiterol (croquembouche style) pop!
The May 2010 Daring Bakers' challenge was hosted by Cat of Little Miss Cupcake. Cat challenged everyone to make a Piece Montée, or Croquembouche, based on recipes from Peter Kump's Baking School in Manhattan and Nick Malgieri.
Pate à Choux
- ¾ cup (175 ml.) water
- 6 Tbsp. (85 g.) unsalted butter
- ¼ Tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 cup (125 g.) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For Egg Wash: 1 egg and pinch of salt
Pre-heat oven to 425◦F/220◦C degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Preparing batter: Combine water, butter, salt and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and stir occasionally. At boil, remove from heat and sift in the flour, stirring to combine completely. Return to heat and cook, stirring constantly until the batter dries slightly and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. Transfer to a bowl and stir with a wooden spoon 1 minute to cool slightly. Add 1 egg. The batter will appear loose and shiny. As you stir, the batter will become dry-looking like lightly buttered mashed potatoes. It is at this point that you will add in the next egg. Repeat until you have incorporated all the eggs.
- Piping: Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a large open tip (I piped directly from the bag opening without a tip). Pipe choux about 1 inch-part in the baking sheets. Choux should be about 1 inch high about 1 inch wide. Using a clean finger dipped in hot water, gently press down on any tips that have formed on the top of choux when piping. You want them to retain their ball shape, but be smoothly curved on top. Brush tops with egg wash (1 egg lightly beaten with pinch of salt).
- Baking: Bake the choux at 425◦F/220◦C degrees until well-puffed and turning lightly golden in color, about 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to 350◦F/180◦C degrees and continue baking until well-colored and dry, about 20 minutes more. Remove to a rack and cool. Can be stored in a airtight box overnight.
- Filling: When you are ready to assemble your piece montée, using a plain pastry tip, pierce the bottom of each choux. Fill the choux with pastry cream using either the same tip or a star tip, and place on a paper-lined sheet. Choux can be refrigerated briefly at this point while you make your glaze. Use one of these to top your choux and assemble your piece montée.
- 1 cup (225 g.) sugar
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Combine sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan with a metal kitchen spoon stirring until the sugar resembles wet sand. Place on medium heat; heat without stirring until sugar starts to melt around the sides of the pan and the center begins to smoke. Begin to stir sugar. Continue heating, stirring occasionally until the sugar is a clear, amber color. Remove from heat immediately; place bottom of pan in ice water to stop the cooking. Use immediately.
I simply got all my profiteroles filled and caramelized (and drizzled with more caramel) and instead of turning them into a Croquembouche I put them on sticks. I like to put things on sticks. Things look cute on sticks.
Assembly of your Piece Montée: You may want to lay out your unfilled, unglazed choux in a practice design to get a feel for how to assemble the final dessert. For example, if making a conical shape, trace a circle (no bigger than 8 inches) on a piece of parchment to use as a pattern. Then take some of the larger choux and assemble them in the circle for the bottom layer. Practice seeing which pieces fit together best. Once you are ready to assemble your piece montée, dip the top of each choux in your glaze (careful it may be still hot!), and start assembling on your cake board/plate/sheet. Continue dipping and adding choux in levels using the glaze to hold them together as you build up. When you have finished the design of your piece montée, you may drizzle with remaining glaze or use ribbons, sugar cookie cut-outs, almonds, flowers, etc. to decorate.
- 1 cup (225 ml.) whole milk
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 6 Tbsp. (100 g.) sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 Tbsp. (30 g.) unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp. pistachio paste
- a few drops green food coloring (optional)
Dissolve cornstarch in ¼ cup of milk. Combine the remaining milk with the sugar in a saucepan; bring to boil; remove from heat. Beat the whole egg, then the yolks into the cornstarch mixture. Pour 1/3 of boiling milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly so that the eggs do not begin to cook. Return the remaining milk to boil. Pour in the hot egg mixture in a stream, continuing whisking. Continue whisking (this is important – you do not want the eggs to solidify/cook) until the cream thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and beat in the butter and vanilla. Pour cream into a stainless steel/ceramic bowl. Press plastic wrap firmly against the surface. Chill immediately and until ready to use.
Besides the pops and just for the fun of it, I did a tiny cronquembouche: an individual serving. I started with those miniature profiteroles...
... filled them with a very small tip. And then it was time to build up. Oh and drizzle with caramel and caramel and more caramel!
Crunch, crunch, crunch.......


text:
Be a part of a unique online community that connects post production professionals and film academics worldwide.
You'll have access to personalize your news feed, access to Live Post Talks and much more. Contribute to the community by posting interesting post production content.
October 3, 2010, 11:46 am
If you're reading this blog you are a student of the art of editing. You want to become a better editor. You want to be ready when the opportunity comes up to edit and incredibly great story. I believe as an editor if you can edit five things that you are truly proud of in one year, your doing good. We all have to edit stories that aren't always the best. It's those time you just practice your craft. Maintain your skills so when the 'monster' comes you're ready.
July 22, 2018, 9:25 am
What do you get when you combine a great Australian mic with a "foreign" windscreen/pop filter? Let's see and hear!
July 21, 2018, 9:31 am
This is Allan McKay. Welcome to Episode 150! This Episode is all about stalking: In other words, how to get anyone's email address so you can do you outreach — and get the job!
July 21, 2018, 8:16 am
Craig Wood, ACE has worked on a list of hit films that put him in the upper echelon of blockbuster film editors: three of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, both Guardians of the Galaxy movies (and probably the next one), Tomorrowland, Rango, A Cure for Wellness, and The Great Wall, among many others. His latest is Ant-man and the Wasp, co-edited with Dan Lebental.
July 20, 2018, 12:58 pm
In this episode Timothy and co-host Teresa Morrow talk with Perter Albrechtsen about his work on the new film Generation Wealth. Peter discusses the challenges this documentary presented as well as lots of other projects from his long an acclaimed career in sound.
July 20, 2018, 12:56 pm
Both companies announced QLC, 96-Layer, FLASH memory chips on July 19th. Toshiba and Western Digital are both expecting 1.33Tb (terabits) of storage per chip. Western Digital's announcement covers that the chip was jointly developed with Toshiba in Yokkaichi, Japan.
July 20, 2018, 10:46 am
In this extract from PureMix, Grammy award winning mixer Fab Dupont sets up parallel compression using the humble Dynamics III Compressor/Limiter and 7 band EQ III. both stock plugins in Pro Tools.
July 20, 2018, 10:46 am
Gone are the days of being asked to be kind, rewind a video before returning the tape to the rental shop, or putting the tapes in the VHS cleaner to try and squeeze a few more plays out of them. And oh, the fragility: as you played a VHS tape more and more, it developed flaws and imperfections, changing the image itself.
July 20, 2018, 5:18 am
When you don't know what your next step should be, these questions can help you figure it out.
July 19, 2018, 12:16 pm
A technical breakdown of the Land of the Dead from Pixar's Coco. RenderMan 22, released yesterday, integrates new lighting technology used on the movie into the commercial release of the software.
July 19, 2018, 12:16 pm
CHICAGO -- SIGGRAPH 2018, the world's leading annual interdisciplinary educational event showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques, has announced news from its Production Sessions program. The 45th SIGGRAPH conference will take place August 12-16 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Gordon Burkell sits down to discuss Selina MacArthur's Emmy nominated work on Black Mirror's USS Callister.
Gordon Burkell sits down with Beth Morgan to discuss the costume design for GLOW.
Gordon Burkell sits down with Tanya Swerling to discuss her work on the show GLOW.
Choose what Post News gets sent directly to your E-Mail, daily or weekly.
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text:
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- Available in fabric and leather
Construction & Warranty
- Frame Construction The wood is kiln-dried, a process which pulls out most of the moisture so the wood won't warp or twist as it ages. Long-lasting support is provided by steel springs. The pitch and size of each piece is engineered for generous comfort.
- Padding & Ergonomics All Lane cushions are environmentally safe. At the core of each cushion is high-density, high-resiliency foam, which is wrapped with thick layers of polyester fiber to ensure comfort and durability.
- Coil Construction 8-gauge steel springs attached to a sturdy hardwood/plywood frame with special lined clips for noise-free, lifetime easy seating.
- 1-Arm Loveseat: 41" H x 55" W x 41" D
- Weight: 148 lbs
- Brand: Lane Furniture
- Stock Id: 286825
- Product Number: 20422513917
- Series: Alpine
- Warranty Info:
- Type: Reclining
- Style: Contemporary
- Upholstery: Leather Match
- Frame Material: Wood
- Color: Taupe
- Storage: No
- Width: 55"
- Depth: 41"
- Height: 41"
- Weight: 148 lbs
- brand: Lane Furniture
- Armless: No