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Patients and physicians have contacted the National Gaucher Foundation regarding recent discussions and decisions by US insurance carriers and specifically United Health Care to establish a preferred status category for one of the three enzyme replacement therapies currently approved by FDA for treatment of patients with Gaucher disease. The position of the National Gaucher Foundation and its Medical Advisory Board is as follows:
Imiglucerase, velaglucerase alfa, and taliglucerase alfa are bio-similar products that are not bio-identical. They are all highly purified pharmacologic recombinant human glucocerebrosidase glycoproteins produced using different technologies and derived from different cell lines: Imiglucerase (Chinese hamster ovary cell line); Velaglucerase alfa (human fibroblasts derived from a fibrosarcoma cell line): Taliglucerase (carrot root cell line). Although the conformational crystal structures of all three appear to be similar, there are minor differences in primary amino acid structure and more significant differences in glycosylation.1,2 Globally since 1994, more than 5,000 phenotypically and genotypically diverse Gaucher disease patients have been treated with imiglucerase with an extensive observational record of efficacy and safety. Since 2010, other enzyme therapies for Gaucher disease, velaglucerase alpha and taliglucerase, were also approved by the FDA. Randomized and observational clinical trials comprising a few hundred treatment-naïve and "switch" patients suggest that, during the initial 1-3 years of treatment, velaglucerase alfa and taliglucerase are arguably safe and of comparable efficacy to imiglucerase for reversing disease manifestations such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hepatosplenomegaly, for reduction of biomarkers and, in the case of velaglucerase alfa, for maintaining therapeutic gains in patients previously treated with imiglucerase.3-14 Velaglucerase alfa and taliglucerase appear to reduce bone marrow Gaucher cell infiltration measured indirectly with quantitative chemical shift MRI imaging similarly to imiglucerase.8,15,16 Compared to imiglucerase, currently published clinical trial and post-marketing data for velaglucerase alfa and taliglucerase with respect to patient-centered outcomes, such as osteopenia, osteonecrosis, fractures, need for hospitalization for splenectomy, and health-related quality of life are rudimentary.17-23 Although taliglucerase is currently authorized for use only in adults, imiglucerase and velaglucerase alfa are approved for pediatric use. However, published data showing that ERT reverses Gaucher disease-associated growth and development retardation in pre-pubertal children are only available for imiglucerase.24,25 Finally, in stable patients during the "maintenance" phase of treatment, the safety and efficacy of infusion schedules less frequent than every two weeks is supported by clinical trial evidence only for imiglucerase.26
Before endorsing a position that imiglucerase, velaglucerase alfa, and taliglucerase are interchangeable or that one ERT should be granted preferential status over the others, we believe further study and clinical experience is warranted and advisable. Differences in antigenicity and seroconversion (apparently less likely with velaglucerase compared with imiglucerase and taliglucerase) to date appear to have little overall effect on safety and efficacy although some severe adverse reactions have been reported.6,7,9-13,27 The long term effect of antigenic variation, if any, is not known. Differences in safety profiles not directly related to the recombinant enzymes themselves but rather to some other aspect of the variant manufacturing process are also possible and may explain atypical late-onset severe adverse events that are beginning to appear in the literature.28 Because imiglucerase has had much longer "exposure time" than either velaglucerase or taliglucerase, the reports of late onset events are largely confined to that product. That pattern may not necessarily hold up in the future.
In vitro and animal studies of differential cellular uptake of the three ERTs have been inconsistent although most studies were not done using Gaucher monocytes or macrophages or in Gaucher animal models.1,2,29,30 In the D409V/null Gaucher mouse model, "significant differential molecular responses were observed in direct transcriptome (the set of all RNA molecules, including mRNA, rRNA, tRNA, and other non-coding RNA) comparisons from imiglucerase- and velaglucerase-treated tissues."31 Whether these cellular differences may ultimately relate to different long-term clinical outcomes including late onset complications of Gaucher disease such as cancers and Parkinson disease is also currently unknown.
We understand that the United Health Care decision to assign preferential status to a single ERT was heavily, if not entirely, based on important and legitimate financial considerations. We strongly endorse efforts to reduce personal and societal costs of health care, including therapies for rare, orphan diseases such as Gaucher disease. However, should each insurance company have a preferential and exclusive ERT, patients may have to switch treatments every time a new negotiation is concluded and every time they change from one health insurance company to another, possibly with a change in physician as well! Furthermore, should it turn out that a large number of insurance companies choose the same preferential product so that other manufacturers cut back on unneeded inventory, there would be an effective reversion to the single product era of 2009 when the Gaucher patient community was devastated by a supply interruption due to a major manufacturing malfunction.
For the past 29 years, the National Gaucher Foundation has represented thousands of individuals and families who are affected by Gaucher disease. Its Medical Advisory Board, comprised of experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of Gaucher disease, collectively has more than 50,000 patient-years of clinical experience with this rare disease. We firmly believe that treatment for Gaucher disease should not only be evidence-driven but also personalized based on patient history and unique disease characteristics. Premature assignment of preferential placement of one ERT for Gaucher disease (as exemplified by the new United Healthcare policy) undermines the value of expert physician judgment, unnecessarily interferes with the physician-patient relationship and limits our ability to comprehensively understand the effect of treatment on long-term clinical outcomes. Historically, patients and families affected by Gaucher disease and other rare disorders were severely underserved. Remarkable progress has been achieved. This is not the time for policy changes that have the potential to reverse the gains of the past and limit the prospects for the future.
1. Brumshtein B, Salinas P, Peterson B, Chan V, Silman I, Sussman JL, Savickas PJ, Robinson GS, Futerman AH. Characterization of gene-activated human acid-beta-glucosidase: crystal structure, glycan composition, and internalization into macrophages. Glycobiology. 2010;20:24-32. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwp138.
2. Tekoah Y, Tzaban S, Kizhner T, Hainrichson M, Gantman A, Golembo M, Aviezer D, Shaaltiel Y. Glycosylation and Functionality of Recombinant ß-Glucocerebrosidase from Various Production Systems. Biosci Rep 2013 Aug 28 [Epub ahead of print]; PMID 23980545.
3. Grabowski GA, Barton NW, Pastores G, Dambrosia JM, Banerjee TK, McKee MA, Parker C, Schiffmann R, Hill SC, Brady RO. Enzyme therapy in type 1 Gaucher disease: comparative efficacy of mannose-terminated glucocerebrosidase from natural and recombinant sources. Ann Intern Med 1995;122:33-39.
4. Weinreb NJ, Charrow J, Andersson HC, Kaplan P, Kolodny EH, Mistry P, Pastores G, Rosenbloom BE, Scott CR, Wappner RS, Zimran A. Effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy in 1028 patients with type 1 Gaucher disease after 2 to 5 years of treatment: a report from the Gaucher Registry. Am J Med. 2002;113:112-119.
5. Weinreb NJ, Goldblatt J, Villalobos J, Charrow J, Cole JA, Kerstenetzky M, Vom Dahl S, Hollak C. Long-term clinical outcomes in type 1 Gaucher disease following 10 years of imiglucerase treatment. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2013:36:543-553.
6. Zimran A, Altarescu G, Philips M, Attias D, Jmoudiak M, Deeb M, Wang N, Bhirangi K, Cohn GM, Elstein D. Phase 1/2 and extension study of velaglucerase alfa replacement therapy in adults with type 1 Gaucher disease: 48-month experience. Blood. 2010;115:4651-46566. doi: 10.1182/blood-2010-02-268649.
7. Burrow TA, Grabowski GA. Velaglucerase alfa in the treatment of Gaucher disease type 1. Clin Investig (Lond). 2011 Feb;1(2):285-293.
8. van Dussen L, Cox TM, Hendriks EJ, Morris E, Akkerman EM, Maas M, Groener JE, Aerts JM, Deegan PB, Hollak CE. Effects of switching from a reduced dose imiglucerase to velaglucerase in type 1 Gaucher disease: clinical and biochemical outcomes. Haematologica. 2012;97:1850-1854. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2011.059071.
9. Zimran A, Pastores GM, Tylki-Szymanska A, Hughes DA, Elstein D, Mardach R, Eng C, Smith L, Heisel-Kurth M, Charrow J, Harmatz P, Fernhoff P, Rhead W, Longo N, Giraldo P, Ruiz JA, Zahrieh D, Crombez E, Grabowski GA. Safety and efficacy of velaglucerase alfa in Gaucher disease type 1 patients previously treated with imiglucerase. Am J Hematol. 2013;88:172-178. doi: 10.1002/ajh.23383.
10. Gonzalez DE, Turkia HB, Lukina EA, Kisinovsky I, Dridi MF, Elstein D, Zahrieh D, Crombez E, Bhirangi K, Barton NW, Zimran A. Enzyme replacement therapy with velaglucerase alfa in Gaucher disease: Results from a randomized, double-blind, multinational, Phase 3 study. Am J Hematol. 2013;88:166-171. doi: 10.1002/ajh.23381.
11. Ben Turkia H, Gonzalez DE, Barton NW, Zimran A, Kabra M, Lukina EA, Giraldo P, Kisinovsky I, Bavdekar A, Ben Dridi MF, Gupta N, Kishnani PS, Sureshkumar EK, Wang N, Crombez E, Bhirangi K, Mehta A. Velaglucerase alfa enzyme replacement therapy compared with imiglucerase in patients with Gaucher disease. Am J Hematol. 2013;88:179-184. doi: 10.1002/ajh.23382.
12. Pastores GM, Rosenbloom B, Weinreb N, Goker-Alpan O, Grabowski G, Cohn GM, Zahrieh D. A multicenter open-label treatment protocol (HGT-GCB-058) of velaglucerase alfa enzyme replacement therapy in patients with Gaucher disease type 1: safety and tolerability. Genet Med. 2013. doi: 10.1038/gim.2013.154.
13. Zimran A, Brill-Almon E, Chertkoff R, Petakov M, Blanco-Favela F, Muñoz ET, Solorio-Meza SE, Amato D, Duran G, Giona F, Heitner R, Rosenbaum H, Giraldo P, Mehta A, Park G, Phillips M, Elstein D, Altarescu G, Szleifer M, Hashmueli S, Aviezer D. Pivotal trial with plant cell-expressed recombinant glucocerebrosidase, taliglucerase alfa, a novel enzyme replacement therapy for Gaucher disease. Blood. 2011;118:5767-5773. doi: 10.1182/blood-2011-07-366955.
14. Hollak CE. An evidence-based review of the potential benefits of taliglucerase alfa in the treatment of patients with Gaucher disease. Core Evid. 2012;7:15-20. doi: 10.2147/CE.S20201.
15. Maas M, van Kuijk C, Stoker J, Hollak CE, Akkerman EM, Aerts JF, den Heeten GJ. Quantification of bone involvement in Gaucher disease: MR imaging bone marrow burden score as an alternative to Dixon quantitative chemical shift MR imaging--initial experience. Radiology. 2003;229:554-561.
16. van Dussen L, Zimran A, Akkerman EM, Aerts JM, Petakov M, Elstein D, Rosenbaum H, Aviezer D, Brill-Almon E, Chertkoff R, Maas M, Hollak CE. Taliglucerase alfa leads to favorable bone marrow responses in patients with type I Gaucher disease. Blood Cells Mol Dis. 2013;50:206-211. doi: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2012.11.001.
17. Charrow J, Dulisse B, Grabowski GA, Weinreb NJ. The effect of enzyme replacement therapy on bone crisis and bone pain in patients with type 1 Gaucher disease. Clin Genet 2007: 71: 205–211.
18. Sims KB, Pastores GM, Weinreb NJ, Barranger J, Rosenbloom BE, Packman S, Kaplan P, Mankin H, Xavier R, Angell J, Fitzpatrick MA, Rosenthal D. Improvement of bone disease by imiglucerase (Cerezyme) therapy in patients with skeletal manifestations of type 1 Gaucher disease: results of a 48-month longitudinal cohort study. Clin Genet. 2008;73:430-440.
19. Mistry PK, Deegan P, Vellodi A, Cole JA, Yeh M, Weinreb NJ. Timing of initiation of enzyme replacement therapy after diagnosis of type 1 Gaucher disease: effect on incidence of avascular necrosis. Br J Haematol. 2009;147:561-570.
20. Mistry PK, Weinreb NJ, Kaplan P, Cole JA, Gwosdow AR, Hangartner T. Osteopenia in Gaucher disease develops early in life: Response to imiglucerase enzyme therapy in children, adoslescents and adults. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2011; 46:66-72.
21. Khan A, Hangartner T, Weinreb NJ, Taylor JS, Mistry PK. Risk factors for fractures and avascular osteonecrosis in type 1 Gaucher disease - a study from the International Collaborative Gaucher Group (ICGG) Gaucher Registry. J Bone Miner Res. 2012;27:1839-1848.
22. Elstein D, Foldes AJ, Zahrieh D, Cohn GM, Djordjevic M, Brutaru C, Zimran A. Significant and continuous improvement in bone mineral density among type 1 Gaucher disease patients treated with velaglucerase alfa: 69-month experience, including dose reduction. Blood Cells Mol Dis. 2011;47:56-61. doi: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2011.04.005.
23. Weinreb NJ, Barranger J, Packman S, Prakash-Cheng A, Rosenbloom B, Sims K, Angell J, Skrinar A, Pastores GM. Imiglucerase (Cerezyme) improves quality of life in patients with skeletal manifestations of Gaucher disease. Clin Genet 2007: 71: 576–588.
24. Kaplan P, Mazur A, Manor 0, Charrow J, Esplin J, Gribble TJ, Wappner RS, Wisch JS, Weinreb NJ: Acceleration of retarded growth in children with Gaucher disease after treatment with alglucerase. J Pediatrics 1996;129:149-153.
25. Andersson H, Kaplan P, Kacena K, Yee J. Eight-year clinical outcomes of long-term enzyme replacement therapy for 884 children with Gaucher disease type 1. Pediatrics. 2008;122:1182-1190. doi: 10.1542/peds.2007-2144.
26. Kishnani PS, DiRocco M, Kaplan P, Mehta A, Pastores GM, Smith SE, Puga AC, Lemay RM, Weinreb NJ. A randomized trial comparing the efficacy and safety of imiglucerase (Cerezyme) infusions every 4 weeks versus every 2 weeks in the maintenance therapy of adult patients with Gaucher disease type 1. Mol Genet Metab 2009; 96:164-170.
27. Starzyk K, Richards S, Yee J, Smith SE, Kingma W. The long-term international safety experience of imiglucerase therapy for Gaucher disease. Mol Genet Metab. 2007;90:157-163.
28. Vairo F, Netto C, Dorneles A, Mittelstadt S, Wilke M, Doneda D, Michelin K, Ribeiro CB, Quevedo A, Vieira T, Nalin T, Lueska S, Schwartz IV. Enzyme Replacement Therapy in a Patient with Gaucher Disease Type III: A Paradigmatic Case Showing Severe Adverse Reactions Started a Long Time After the Beginning of Treatment. JIMD Rep. 2013;11:1-6. doi: 10.1007/8904_2013_214.
29. Berger J, Stirnemann J, Bourgne C, Pereira B, Pigeon P, Heraoui D, Froissart R, Rapatel C, Rose C, Belmatoug N, Berger MG. The uptake of recombinant glucocerebrosidases by blood monocytes from type 1 Gaucher disease patients is variable. Br J Haematol. 2012;157:274-277. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2011.08989.x.
30. Xu YH, Sun Y, Barnes S, Grabowski GA. Comparative therapeutic effects of velaglucerase alfa and imiglucerase in a Gaucher disease mouse model. PLoS One. 2010;5(5):e10750. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010750.
31. Dasgupta N, Xu YH, Oh S, Sun Y, Jia L, Keddache M, Grabowski GA. Gaucher Disease: Transcriptome Analyses Using Microarray or mRNA Sequencing in a Gba1 Mutant Mouse Model Treated with Velaglucerase alfa or Imiglucerase. PLoS One. 2013;8(10):e74912. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074912.


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Posted: Monday, September 26, 2011 1:27 AM
Very exotic ladies available to service you with any request at a fair price. We are located at a convenient location in an upscale environment. We have ladies of all ethnicities including caucasian, black, asian, indian, and european. We strive to have all of our guests leaving satisfied and pride ourselves on our excellent service.
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subset: commoncrawl


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I'm looking for ideas for a 5-6 day (40-50 mile)loop trip in either the Uncompahgre or La Garita Wilderness areas in SW Colorado for late July/early August. I've done a couple of trips in the Weminuche, but would like to try a different wilderness area. Anyone have experience in these areas and can recommend a beautiful, loop (only one vehicle)trip.
I'm not aware of any loop hikes in that area. What about the South San Jaun wilderness? I believe there are a few loops there and if not I bet you could go cross country above treeline and make one.
http://www.mountainphotographer.com/ouray-uncompahgre-loop/That is shorter and 2 days.How about further south?http://www.14ers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18655
Thanks. I've done the Weminuche Wilderness trip to Chicago Basin in the past. It's beautiful, but very crowded. There are several possible loop trips in the Uncompahgre Wilderness: Bear Creek-Horsethief (the one you gave a link for), Middle Fork/East Fork of the Cimarron, Big Blue/Ridge Stock Driveway; Fall Creek/Little Cimarron trails. I was hoping that someone had some experience doing these loops and could recommend one over the other.
The La Garita's are sort of tough on loops, Uncompahgre probably more so, but I think you could put one together from 40-60 miles or at least a semi-loop. Have you sketched anything out on the maps? I've done some work but am not sure about the trail status of some of the old stock trails on my maps.Do you have a particular starting/ending point in mind? Eddiesville TH could make a loop going up on the divide then back across the north side on the Cebolla Trail and then back up to San Luis Pass and back to your starting point. The north side of the La Garita's would probably make your longest loop possibilities. There are loops on the eastern side of the range as well.
Ah. Well sorry, can't help then. I was just sharing some of my suggestions when I looked in this area a while back. Whatever you pick make sure you give us a trip report!
It is hard to do a loop in the La Garita. I've thought about going up the Creede trail (from Creede), intersecting the Colorado Trail/CDT at San Luis Pass, heading west on the CDT to the Skyline trail until it intersects the Cebolla trail, then back east on the Cebolla trail to the Mineral Creek trail, south on the Mineral Creek tail to the East Mineral Creek trail and then back to San Luis Pass and down to Creede. Other potential loops involve going to the Wheeler Geologic area first and then head north into the wilderness.
Edited by ettestad on 07/02/2010 10:19:52 MDT.
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It sounds like Charlie Sheen is done being Mr. Nice Guy!
When talking about Ashton Kutcher and his former sitcom 'Two and Half Men', Sheen finally let out a few 'torpedoes of truth' on the matter.
While talking to TMZ he revealed that he is tired of lying and pretending that the show doesn't suck, adding that he is also tired of pretending that Ashton doesn't suck.
Charlie had previously been polite about the show and his successor Ashton Kutcher.
That didn't last too long!
However, Sheen did go on to say that it is nothing personal, stating that he just feels bad for Ashton, because he is saddled with such bad writing.
Hmm touché Mr. Sheen! It's nice to see your back it must be that tiger blood!


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Today is October 13, 2015
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September 22, 2009
Tom Haycock
Published 2,212 days ago
Tom Haycock
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KENILWORTH - Our loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Thomas William Haycock, age 75, passed away Sept. 20, 2009 at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center while surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 2, 1934 in Price to Jess and Ruth Mollard Haycock. Married Dian R. Smith, later divorced. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tom was a lifelong resident of Carbon County where he was a truck driver for Savage Brother's and a retired member of the United Mine Worker's of America Desbee Dove Mine. He honorably served his country aboard the U.S.S. Cacapon on Midway Island during World War II. Tom enjoyed his luncheons and visits at the Senior Center in Price. He also loved spending time with his Pug dogs, fishing and hunting with his dear friend Pee Wee. Survived by two daughters and one son, Virginia (Tylon) Overgaard, Rock Springs, Wyo., Clark (Angie) Haycock, Salt Lake, Gaylene (Bobby) Appleby, Price; sister, Norma Steele, Price; brothers, Clyde (Karen) Haycock, Layton, Jim (Juanita) Haycock, Hanna, Wyo.; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and two sisters; and grandson, Chris Appleby. Funeral service, Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, 11 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home. Family will be at Mitchell's Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. and Friday one hour prior to service. Interment, Cliffview Cemetery, Price.
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- Fram
- Scenic Exploration
- 276 Capacity
- 10 Days
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- $5,669
Summary : Set sail from Iceland on a journey to the high Arctic lands of Svalbard learning about the Global Conveyor Belt and the importance of this area on global climate and temperature. Along the way, visit Jan Mayen, one of the most isolated islands on the planet. Weather permitting, cross the 80th parallel spotting walrus, whales and polar bears.
Activities : Birding, Child-Friendly, Culture, Hiking
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$5,669 to $8,633
Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik, is the starting point of the climate pilgrimage. Set sail for one of the most diverse and isolated islands on Earth, Jan Mayen.
The capital of the Westfjords region of Iceland, with a population of about 4,100, Isafjordur is the largest town in the Westfjords. For centuries it was a major center of commerce and trading, all based on fish. Take a stroll around this cozy town and enjoy its diverse architecture. You'll find the country's oldest dwelling here, along with other fine examples of timber houses built by wealthy foreign traders in the 18th century. Isafjordur offers a wide range of optional excursions of various levels of difficulty.
Heading north, cross the open sea following the currents commonly known as the Global Conveyor Belt which transport warmer waters towards the North Pole. As you follow the warmer waters of the equatorial Atlantic as they head north towards the cooler polar regions, you are party to a phenomenon that is of immense importance to global climate and worldwide changes in temperature. You have an opportunity to enjoy a series of lectures on a wide range of climatic and natural themes.
The closest land mass to Jan Mayen Island is Iceland, located some 372 miles to the southwest. Without doubt, Norway's most secluded piece of real estate. Jan Mayen rarely sees visitors of any kind, making your visit a unique opportunity. The crew of the MS Fram and your resident expedition team will endeavor to do their utmost to facilitate a landing on this remote outpost. Admire Beerenberg volcano, the northernmost active volcano on Earth with its perfect cone shape and mighty summit.
A day at sea affords an opportunity to reflect on yesterday's incredible experiences and anticipate the highlights that await you in Svalbard. A series of lectures and discussions on seabirds and marine mammals will help to highlight the rich diversity of these waters. A chance to learn a little more about Svalbard itself will illustrate why the region has become such a strong global thermometer in the ongoing debate about climate change.
Situated at 78º 55' N, Ny Ålesund is one of the world's most northerly permanently-occupied communities and an important field station for marine biologists, oceanographers and climatologists. Enjoy the small visitor's center with a good muliti-media show, in addition to the northernmost post office in the world.
Dependent on ice conditions, attempt to cross the 80th parallel. In the beginning of last century, up until less than a couple of decades ago, a plan to get this far north would have been unconceivable at this time of the year. However, times have changed and ice conditions as well. Some of the larger species use these waters as hunting grounds, so keep your eyes open for walrus, whales and polar bears.
Isfjorden is the largest fjord complex in Svalbard, almost slicing the island in half. Sailing into the fjord, you are presented with the spectacular site of towering cliffs that lie beneath a moving blanket of seabirds–like the Brunnich Guillemot and the Kittiwake.This afternoon there is a fitting finale for your incredible journey, a final expedition landing followed later by festivities and an outdoor BBQ on the deck.
The voyage has come to an end. Head for home an ambassador for one of the last large European wildernesses with a wealth of new climate knowledge and appreciation for the pristine Arctic nature and vulnerable wildlife.
The above itinerary is a guide only, as the exact program depends on weather and ice conditions and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. ExpeditionTrips is not responsible for itinerary changes.
Mandatory Travel Insurance:
Although travel insurance is not mandatory to participate in this voyage, ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends at least $100,000 Emergency Medical/Evacuation coverage forr trips which includes coverage for cancellation, trip disruption, baggage and personal property. ExpeditionTrips can assist you with this.
Cabin accommodations; coffee and tea; wind and water-resistant jacket; landings with Polarcirkel boats and activities onboard and ashore; professional English speaking Expedition team that give lectures as well as accompany landings and activities; Suite - M and Grand Suite - MG include select complimentary beverages for lunch and dinner: chill filtered water (still or sparkling) by the carafe, sodas, soft drinks, beer and a selection of wines by the glass - no spirits. Subject to change without notice.
Not Included:
International and local flights; travel insurance; luggage handling; passport and visa expenses; alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks except those that are included in itinerary; optional excursions and gratuities; personal expenses; fuel surcharge may apply.


text:
Sanbornton ballots for Sept. 9 primary election are already online
Published Date
To The Daily Sun,
I have just picked up the Official Primary Sanbornton Ballots for the Sept. 9 Primary election.
The ballots can also be viewed on the Sanbornton web site or click on http://sanborntonnh.org/Bulletin_Board_&_Useful_Info/2014%20Primary%20Ballot.PDF
Happy voting.
Bill Whalen


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HUNTINGTON BEACH — Two big plays, one on the defensive end, the other, a last-second heave on offense, turned the tide for the Huntington Beach High football team Friday.
Huntington turned in a goal-line stand late in the first half against Bakersfield Christian to protect a precarious lead, then used a long touchdown pass on the final play of the half to establish control, and both plays went a long way in helping the Oilers emerge with a 32-10 victory in the 2013 season opener for both teams at Cap Sheue Field.
The defensive stance came when the Oilers stacked up Bakersfield Christian running back Matt Smith, who went on to rush for a game-high 103 yards, for a four-yard loss on a fourth-and-goal play with 2:05 remaining until halftime. It protected a 10-3 Huntington lead.
On Huntington's ensuing drive, receiver Maurice Barber caught a Kai Ross pass over the middle at the Oilers' 44-yard line, weaved his way to the outside and raced his way down the Huntington sideline before being brought down at the BC 33.
Ross was sacked on the next play for an eight-yard loss and two plays later, facing third down at the 41 with two seconds left, Ross again was chased, this time past midfield back into Huntington territory, but was able to elude several Eagles. With time expired, he ran to the left, set and threw toward the back of the end zone. There to make a great catch behind a BC defender was Tucker deCamp. His only reception of the half put the Oilers on top, 17-3.
It was a wild ending to the first half of a game that was marred by penalties called against both teams.
"It's the first game, and we got it over with," Huntington Coach Eric Lo said. "We had those first-game mistakes, for sure, and the penalties were ridiculous. One real good thing, I thought, was that we didn't turn the ball over, but we did miss a lot of assignments. We also had those two touchdowns called back. There were a lot of flags tonight."
Lo was right. In the first half alone, Huntington was flagged 11 times for 92 yards. In all, the Oilers were called for 19 penalties.
BC was penalized 11 times (13 total, but two were declined), nine of which came in the second half.
The Eagles, who last year were runner-up to the CIF Central Section Division 4 title, scored first. They took the opening kickoff and, aided by a pair of personal foul calls against Huntington, reached the Oilers' eight. The drive stalled but Nathan Dejager came on to connect on a 25-yard field goal.
Huntington, which entered the game with a No. 6 preseason ranking in the CIF Southern Section Southwest Division, answered right back. A five-play drive on their first offensive possession of the season took just under two minutes and was set up by a 36-yard kickoff return by Lee Durant. On first down, Ross found a wide open Nolan Thompson for a 20-yard pass play to the BC 30. The Oilers managed seven yards on the next three plays and on fourth-and-3 from the 23, Ross broke away from a would-be tackler in the backfield and shot up the middle to the end zone for the go-ahead score and a 7-3 lead.
A partially blocked punt by the Huntington defense early in the second quarter set up the Oilers at the BC 33. The Oilers reached the 12 but settled for a 34-yard field goal by Daniel Flores with 10:07 left in the quarter. After the teams traded punts, BC got the ball back with 7:20 left in the half and marched from its own 15 down to the Huntington 8.
On first and goal, Smith fought his way for seven yards to the one. On second down, he was met in the backfield by Huntington defensive lineman Lucio Rosas who dropped Smith for a three-yard loss. A third-down pass by quarterback Brandon Jones fell incomplete in the end zone.
On fourth down from the four, the Oilers defense was hit with an encroachment call. From the two, Smith again got the call but he was swarmed in by a host of Oilers, led by Barber, who dropped him for a four-yard loss.
"That was a great play," Lo said of the fourth-down stance. "Our guys came up big down there when it was still anybody's game."
On Huntington's touchdown drive that closed out the half, Durant kept it alive with runs of 20 and 12 yards, Barber extended it with his sizzling, 33-yard reception, and Ross ended it with his escape on the run that ended with deCamp making a big catch in the back of the end zone.
"That was Kai Ross being the good athlete that he is," Lo said of the senior's scramble and save. "Tucker [deCamp] made a great catch and he's a real good athlete, too. He had that other nice catch there toward the end of the game. We made some big plays tonight."
Including two that were for naught.
Durant returned the second-half kickoff 84 yards for an apparent touchdown, but it was negated by an illegal block call against the Oilers. Late in the third quarter, Ross took an interception back 71 yards for another apparent score, but it was wiped off by a defensive holding call.
Barber came up with an interception at the BC 37 with 5:21 left in the third quarter and it led to Huntington's next score. Ross lofted a pass to the left corner of the end zone which Thompson was able to get under and make a great catch. The score gave the Oilers a 24-3 advantage.


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Atlanta, GA 30318 (map)
Phone: (404) 367-0001
Lay-aways welcome. Ask for details.


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Richard Leahy Interviewed for Television on "The Bookman's Corner" by Lois Lindstrom
Apr 17
On April 16th, Arlington Independent Media (Channel 69) aired this week's edition of "The Bookman's Corner", with current host Lois Lindstrom, interviewing this author, Richard Leahy, about his new book on Virginia wine, Beyond Jefferson's Vines.
Lindstrom, who co-hosted a cable TV show, "Metropolitan Magazine" on Channel 10, a public affairs program reaching viewers in Fairfax County, Virginia, in the early 1990's. She wrote a book titled: "Memoirs of a Swedish Nurse: A Life of Adventure, A Journey to Spirituality" and she is currently a freelance writer in Virginia.
To see the interview live on Channel 69's website, click on http://www.bookmanscorner.com/programs.html.


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Colorado Springs, Colorado
This iReport is part of an assignment:
Your baseball heroes
Mr. Bonds
I had the opportunity to meet Barry Bonds at Coors field. A friend of mine used to play minor league baseball with Barry and he invited me to sit in the seats that Barry reserved for him. During the game, Barry would look up from the dugout and wave to us. He didn't start the game, but pinch hit in the 8th inning and laced a single to right.
After the game, we went down to meet Barry and he was a very cool guy. He shook my hand and posed for this picture. We all stood around joined by Aaron Cook and Ray King talking baseball. Barry was a gentleman to me and even though he was talking to his buddy and other Rockies players, he made a point to make eye contact with me and draw me into the conversation.
Regardless of Barry's reputation, he was a class guy during the 15 minutes or so that I spent with him. He is still the best overall hitter that I have ever seen.
- baseball
What do you think of this story?
iReport welcomes a lively discussion, so comments on iReports are not pre-screened before they post. See the iReport community guidelines for details about content that is not welcome on iReport.


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Snow show on Leap Day
This winter has been mild but yesterday's snowfall broguht smiles to the faces of mother and son duo Becca Abramson and Jacob Pettit, 3, a preschool student at A Child's University in Cranston. The battle took place in their yard on Osprey Court.
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Plum and Split Milk, London, United Kingdom. Architect: Archer Humphryes Architects , 2013.
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KY06ROEBLING KY NOVEMBER 5, 2010 A Southbank Shuttle trolley vehicle carries people to the center of Roebling Suspension Bridge for a ceremony marking the re-opening of the bridge to vehicular traffic. The new trolley vehicles, which begin service 11/13, were purchased specifically to accommodate the weight limit on the bridge. The bridge has been closed to vehicular traffic since April for a $16.2 million painting project. The Enquirer/Patrick Reddy
- Filed Under
In Jason Williams' article "Streetcar alternative: Cranley likes the idea of a trolley bus" (Nov. 19), he states that the streetcar proponents do not support the rubber-tired trolley because it "can go away if the route is not successful." That certainly makes more sense than spending $150 million on an unsuccessful route, which the proposed rail streetcar could and probably will be.
James Rueger, Green Township
Trolley route could be altered at any time
Most successful major companies would not adapt a new system without testing it first. It is logical to pick potential streetcar routes and test them with a motorized bus. San Diego has an old-fashioned simulated streetcar that travels to the many, many popular areas in that city. One ticket is good for the day and the riders can hop off at any stop and catch the next streetcar at half-hour intervals. What a great way to see all of their fascinating sites. The route can be altered at any time. No wires, no tracks, no large cars interfering with traffic.
James Jaun, Loveland
Cranley not interested in transit Downtown
John Cranley is a master politician. If you're a fan of "House of Cards" or "The Wire," you have to respect his political game plan right now.
Lesson 1: If you don't have the power to stop the streetcar, delay. Check
Lesson 2: Define your opponent, Roxanne Qualls. Check
Lesson 3: If you don't like the streetcar conversation, change the subject.
The last one will prove more difficult for the mayor-elect to check off his hit list. For one, Cranley's only interest in transit is whatever runs counter to the streetcar. If a dreamed-up idea from two Anderson Township residents could help stop the streetcar, then it's all aboard. Cranley isn't interested in improving transit Downtown, he's just trying to change the public conversation.
Second, though he's wrangled the OKI director and the Hamilton County Transportation Improvement District into the trolley alternative discussion, this appears solely so he can pitch the Downtown trolley as a viable alternative to the streetcar when he visits D.C. in December to try to move the federal money awarded to the streetcar. This will be almost impossible. The awarded money is not only highly competitive and specific to the streetcar, but the trolley has gone through no votes, plans, public hearings or anything else that would make it a real thing the feds could consider at this time, though they could reserve the funds, mostly unspent, until such time an alternative project has been fully developed. But again, since transit isn't actually in Cranley's interests, it's doubtful the system is expanded in the next four years.
Eric Douglas, Clifton
Develop a citywide transportation plan
There are some of us who opposed the light rail streetcar program because it was never designed to be a part of an overall citywide transportation system serving many needs and many neighborhoods.
So, Mayor-elect John Cranley, take a deep breath. Try to stop the construction in place without penalty and take time to develop a citywide transportation plan that will engage the community and build support for a funding medium. A citywide transportation plan could be a vehicle (no pun intended) to bring neighborhoods together.
Barry V. Cholak, North Fairmount
Don't spend money we don't have right now
When the Over-the-Rhine Foundation approached Metro in the 1990s about changing the route for the Downtowner, they were happy to include the early pioneering restaurant businesses of Over-the-Rhine for lunch. The route at that time, which went to Longworth Hall from City Hall, was scarcely used. Our hopes for the Downtowner was that it would have several types of days (e.g., secretaries' day, bosses' day) and look very different, with artwork on the side or something fun on the top to draw attention. When asked for that, the answer was they parked the buses as they came in each day, and couldn't use one or two like that. Really? A spot or two couldn't be assigned to a Downtowner bus. So, when it failed after awhile, no one was surprised. Some people never do and never plan to ride a "bus." We were certain that making it look like something more fun would attract people to give it a try. The "trackless trolleys" used in other cities, that keep their schedules, like Charleston, are dependable and make it fun to get all around town. Yes, we want the "real" thing, but we don't buy fancy cars for ourselves when we can't afford them, and we don't expect our government leaders to keep spending enormous sums of money we don't have right now. That was pretty apparent from the results of the election.
Marge Hammelrath, East End
Wheeled trolley makes a lot of sense
I am not a resident of the city, but a wheeled trolley makes a lot of sense. There are a variety of benefits:
? Motorized trolley needs no track or infrastructure. I understand that the federal government will not fund a route without an infrastructure (tracks), but this system would be much more economical - just the cost of vehicles, fuel, maintenance and driver costs. They could even run on propane to reduce emissions.
? A rock solid contract could be written to ensure residents and businesses that the trolley would run for a given time period (25 or 50 years) to promote/ensure development.
? Routes could be expanded easily to Clifton or Mount Adams (even if they were seasonal); again no limitations by the tracks.
? Trolleys could be customized with a Cincinnati theme to make visiting our great city more memorable - imagine seeing these all around Downtown. They would have to be kept spotlessly clean and top-notch!
Steve Massa, Liberty Township
Sounds like a lot more fun than the current plan
Those cute trolley cars make more sense than the streetcar. Dayton has the Orville and the Wilbur. Maybe we could have the Procter, the Gamble, the William Howard (Taft), the Jerry (Springer), the Barney (Kroger), the Neil (Armstrong) and many others. Sounds like a lot more fun than the current plan.
Marilyn Reed, Hyde Park ■


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Central Hostel
E. Birznieka Upisa iela 20, Riga, Latvia, LV-1050
Overall Rating: 90
Central Hostel offers cosy, cheap double rooms and 4 bed private rooms for bargain prices.
Facilities at this hostel include:
- Credit cards accepted
- Car Parking
- Self-catering Facilities
- No curfew
- Secure lockers
- Lounge area
- Internet / Wi-Fi
- 24 hour reception
- Safety deposit
- 24 hour hot showers
- Tours/Travel Desk
- Washing machines
- Bicycle hire
- Common area / room
- Communal kitchen
- Outside area
- Pets allowed
- Television room
Important Information
Central Hostel is every traveler's second home, a small, cozy hostel with very reasonable prices. The comfortable and bright rooms are perfect for single travelers, couples and families with children who wish to stay in a quiet street in the centre of Riga. Our Hostel is situated just 5 minutes walk from the Central Train station and Bus station and 10 minutes walk from the Old Town. We have free parking in the Hostel's back yard and we can also organize an airport transfer for an additional cost. The price includes simple breakfast, starting from early morning until lunch time, and you are welcome to help yourself to a cup of tea and coffee at any time. Also for your convenience, we offer a kitchen where you can cook your favorite meals and a common room with TV, DVD, water pipe and a book exchange corner. We also have a second common room where smoking is permitted. On the first floor of the building is a small grocery store and close to the hostel you can find a few cafeterias with cheap and tasty food. In addition, Central Hostel has free internet access, Wi-Fi in all rooms. You can do your laundry or even rent bikes from us for a small fee. Whether you want to party, relax, see the most beautiful places in Riga and Latvia, or something else, Central Hostel's knowledgeable staff are happy to help you with any information you need. To make your stay as nice as possible, we offer you: Free breakfast till midday Free internet Free tee and coffee Cozy kitchen with all facilities TV and DVD in common room Bed linen and towels included in price Airport pick up available Free Wi-Fi in most of the rooms A friendly hostel staff is looking forward to welcome you to our sunny hostel! :)


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Leap Year Gallery
Amy Adams is a young woman who has an elaborate scheme to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day, an Irish tradition which occurs every time the date February 29 rolls around. However she faces a major setback when bad weather threatens to derail her planned trip to Dublin. With the help of an innkeeper, however, her cross-country odyssey just might result in her getting engaged. View photos from Leap Year…
Roll your mouse over the left and right-hand sides of the image and then click to view more pictures.
3 of 3
Read our review of Leap Year
Recent Galleries:
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Hidden - Lead dog - 25/Aug/15
With Vini. Linked P1 and P2. Led P3 - stunning climbing, one of the best pitches of the grade I've done in Ceuse. A really special experience, and the start of a great day!cjsheps - AltLd β - 04/Jul/15
Uisdean linked first two pitches and I linked last two into a 60m beast. Incredible climbing on the 6c+ pitch, just enough holds. Brilliant setting, good adventure. Nice to get away from the crowds for a bit. The top is magical. More of this please. Callum_Johnson - AltLd O/S - 20/Aug/14 with Uisdean
Uisdean hawthorn - AltLd O/S - 20/Aug/14 with Callum_Johnson
Luke Dawson - Lead O/S - 21/Jul/14 with Charles Dawson
Jay C - AltLd - 03/Jul/13 with Mark C
Hidden - AltLd - 14/Jun/13
Incredible!willackers - Lead O/S - 10/Jun/13 with Rob Napier
Dragged up by mates that knew what they were doingRdC - 2nd - 22/Aug/12
Amazing. Pitch 3 is superbdavid morse - AltLd - 21/Aug/12 with Ross DC, stevebarratt
Best sport route ever. 3rd pitch is amazing.samwillo - Lead - 01/Aug/12 with Hamish Creber
Outstanding, one the best bits of climbing on trip and the top of Ceuse is gorgeous. I led P1 & P3. P3 is just sublime, took me a while to get into this - hadn't done multi-pitch in ages but the climbing just lured me on. V cold - chattering teeth - on last pitch (don't be fooled if it's sunny on the ground, it's cold up top).ksjs - AltLd O/S - 11/Jun/12 with Jim
Hidden - AltLd O/S - 10/Jun/12
Third pitch looks 8b and is incredible. Fantastic lineShea - AltLd - 2012 with Colm Shannon
Hidden - Lead O/S - 27/Jul/10
Hidden - Lead O/S - 16/Jul/09
Hidden - 2009
repeated again 8 yrs later - still just as goodswitch - AltLd rpt - Jul/08
Lead 2nd and crux pitch - one of the best routes I've ever done. The top-out is beautiful too.alaan - AltLd O/S - Sep/07 with Californian Mike
Hidden - AltLd O/S - 13/Sep/06
phsharpy - Lead O/S - 13/Sep/06 with Alex Barrows
Great route. Quite Verdony, slopy pockets etcDave Musgrove Jnr - AltLd - Aug/04 with Nick Ashton
Hidden - AltLd β - May/04


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With all the last-minute deal-making and back and forth among Cincinnati officials, some residents remain confused about details of the city's operating budget for this year. At least, that's the impression CityBeat gets based on its feedback.
Among the most asked-about items is exactly which city-owned swimming pools are affected by budget cuts to help reduce Cincinnati's $54.7 million deficit. In all, 19 of its 33 pools won't open next summer.
A speech sponsored by the Cincinnati 912 Project at a local Catholic high school has been canceled because it violates the Archdiocese's policy prohibiting partisan events.
The 912 Project, a group inspired by right-wing talk show host and self-professed "rodeo clown" Glenn Beck, had rented space at Purcell Marian High School in East Walnut Hills for the Dec. 11 event.
Not a sound you'll want to hear when the temps are in the frigid-zone. If you don't take care of your pipes that might be exactly what you have to deal with.
Yet, shockingly, few American flags fly in my neighborhood on a daily basis. And not many find their way outside on holidays like Memorial Day, Veteran's Day or Independence Day. Well, this Monday is Flag Day, another prime opportunity for everyone across the political spectrum to express their passion for America's ideals by flying the old Red, White and Blue.
Greater Cincinnati made the list of the Top 10 cities in the United States with the easiest and most affordable commutes.
In a ranking complied by Kiplinger.com and released today, the Cincinnati-Middletown Metropolitan Statistical Area ranked no. 7. To make the list, an area had to have a population of at least 1 million people and a low congestion cost, which the site defines as a measurement of wasted time and fuel calculated by the Texas Transportation Institute.
Fresh from a successful effort at stopping a budget amendment to block the replacement of a deteriorating Cincinnati bridge, State Rep. Denise Driehaus (D-31st District) will hold a town hall meeting to discuss the Ohio budget with constituents.
Driehaus marshaled forces in the Ohio House this week after she noticed an amendment that affected the $66.5 million project had quietly been added to the state budget bill by State Rep. Bob Peterson (R-85thDistrict).
Organizers of a local anti-gang and violence reduction program will hold an open house Thursday so the community can become reacquainted with its street advocate team.
The Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) is holding the open house and resource fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its offices. The location is 19 W. Elder St. in Over-the-Rhine.


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Gene Van Curen - "Thy modesty's a candle to thy merit."
That's what Henry Fielding said, and he never even met Gene Van Curen!
When I met with Gene to do this profile, I was glad I knew something of him and his volunteer experiences, or I would have been left with only two or three sentences.
This Ohio native who grew up in Charlotte, N. C. moved to Florida right out of college to join FPL. After a 35-year career, Gene retired in the early 90s.
One of his jobs with the energy giant was that of public spokesman to address environmental concerns when the Martin County plant was being built. His calm personality must have been a perfect fit for the task at hand,
It was an FPL policy that district managers and customer service staffers be involved in the community, and that's how it began for Gene.
His initial involvement was with Rotary, serving in various clubs during his years on the Treasure Coast, but now solidly entrenched in the Rotary Club of Stuart-Sunrise. He has been a board member, president and was chair of the scholarship committee for 12-years - where some 150 appplications are received and reviewed annually for the five scholarships that Rotary awards to graduating seniors.
Depending on where he lived, Gene has always been involved with the United Way, and currently serves the United Way of Martin County on many levels.
He has been on the Community Impact Committee (which meets year-round to review new agencies, do site visits, etc.), has participated in Citizen Review Panels, and has been on the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.
As an involved businessman, Gene has always belonged to the local chamber of commerce and during the 70s was president of the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce. During that same decade, he also began volunteering with the Red Cross and Boy Scouts of America.
Gene was Eagle Scout Board Review Chair for the district, a job he found extremely rewarding and which he just gave up this year.
He also is involved with - and admires the work of - the Environmental Studies Council of Martin County, where he is a long-time board member.
Somehow or other, in and around all of that, Gene finds time to work as Business Manager for wife Judy's Stuart-based Center for Travel and is treasurer of TCTIA, the Treasure Coast Travel Industry Association.
If he ever has down time, you're likely to find Gene in his garage workshop, where he loves to do repairs.
When you run into Gene Van Curen about town, be sure to tell him his secret is out of the bag. He may be modest about his community service, but now you all know truth.
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Huskies and their fans love a parade
By Carl Adamec
HARTFORD, Conn. — One of the reasons Breanna Stewart chose to play for the University of Connecticut women's basketball team was that she believed the program gave her the best chance of making her dream of winning a national championship come true.
But the aftermath of her first NCAA title and the Huskies' eighth overall has been even beyond her wildest dreams.
A crowd estimated at 10,000 braved a cool and blustery late afternoon Sunday to honor the 2013 national champions at a victory parade through the streets of Connecticut's capital city. The parade was followed by a rally at the state capitol where the coaches and players were recognized.
"It's just now starting to settle in," Stewart said. "Obviously this was a week that no one will ever forget. Coming back to Connecticut and getting all this support on campus and here is awesome. I couldn't have imagined it would be like this. It's been great to be able to share the celebration and I'm just trying to take it all in."
Stewart became the first UConn freshman to be named the Final Four Most Outstanding Players after the Huskies finished off their NCAA tournament run by beating Notre Dame 83-65 a week ago and Louisville 93-60 Tuesday night at New Orleans Arena. The North Syracuse, N.Y., native had 29 points, five rebounds, and four blocked shots against the Irish. She then had 23 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocked shots, and three steals in the rout of the Cardinals.
As UConn coach Geno Auriemma spoke about her at the rally, the fans began to chant, "Stewie, Stewie, Stewie." Stewart, who was also MOP of the Bridgeport Regional, smiled.
"That was cool," Stewart said. "To have all those people cheering for us was a nice feeling."
The afternoon's other big roar was reserved for senior Kelly Faris. She admitted her second parade was bittersweet because she'll be moving on. She'll be at ESPN's headquarters in Bristol Monday night to attend the WNBA Draft. Most projections have her going in the first round.
But one thing about a championship team is that you're together forever.
"I believe that," Faris said. "It doesn't mean we're going be around each other much or anything like that. But you have this common bond that no one can ever can take away from you.
"I know the first group I was with (in 2010), I talk to all of them all the time. And this group is even more special just from growing up throughout the year with them and what we accomplished together. It goes back to that common bond that very few people have and no one can take away."
Auriemma knows that feeling.
"When you win a championship, I'm always one to think that teams are about feelings and emotions and the trust you build among your teammates," Auriemma said. "What happens when you're fortunate enough to win a championship, you look around and those people are going to be part of your life for the rest of your life. Every time they get together this is something that they're going to talk about.
"The trophies are going to rust and the medals are going to get lost and the pictures will fade. But those kind of memories never go away."
As the Huskies toured the city, they threw beads into the crowd. A number of fans threw items, such as basketballs, to the players to be autographed. But unlike past rallies, there were no predictions for next season from Auriemma.
But for Stewart, one celebration is not enough.
"Once you win one championship, you want to win another one. You want to do this all over again," Stewart said. "Something like this makes all the work we put into it worth it."


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One day in the life of My Shoes
One day in the life of My Shoes
By Adrianna
One spring day, I was searching for my trusty shows. I finally found them taking a nap in the closet so I woke them up. As I was putting them on, my mom came in. "I want you to throw away those old, dirty, worn out shoes," she said. I didn't want to, but sadly I obeyed my mother. Along the way I heard my shoes talking to each other about how I would never throw them away. Then, "POOF," there they were. In the old, stinky, icky, mucky garbage they lay. They were yelling for help to get out, so I put them in the outside garbage instead so we wouldn't hear their sad cries. Somehow, once I was back inside, they tipped over the garbage can. The next day I had a big sticky mess to clean up after school. When I was cleaning, I didn't see my shoes. I asked my mom if I could look for them. She said, "After your homework you may look." Later, when I looked for them, I looked everywhere I thought they might be. Afterwards I asked my mom if we could put up a "LOST SHOES" sign. "No," she answered.
I went into my room and started to cry. When I finished I went and asked mom if she would help me look. "I don't need to," she said. There, in her hands, were my shoes! I asked her where she found them. Mom explained that Miss Sun, our friendly neighbor, spotted them. They were on the street by our apartment building calling for help. She went from door to door asking if anyone lost any shoes. At last, she came to our door. "And you said, 'Yes,' right?" I asked happily. "I sure did," mom answered. I looked at my shoes and scolded them. "Don't you dare run away again!" Looking back at mom, I asked, "May I keep them?" "Yes," she said. Yea! Yahoo! The End.
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Need some ideas for those Labor Day cookouts, this weekend? No fear! I'm here to show you some absolutely tasty dishes to bring along with you, that are tried and true. From dips to salads to entrées, you're pretty set. Just click on the picture or caption to get the recipe!
Have fun on your long weekend off and stay safe out there, everyone!


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bug with ftp links
if I write a note to an ftp site like this:
* userid:email@example.com
I would like the note to appear like this:
with the link that is directly activable from Todoist and opens it in a new tab
but the message I see is an unreadable mess and doesn't redirect to the link I want
All responses
Hello Jan,
the proper format for inserting links into tasks is:
for example, a link to todoist.com with the URL being the linked text (in a task without a check box) should be:
* "todoist.com":(todoist.com)
Still, it seems that there is a bug with ftp links as neither userid:email@example.com nor ftp://userid:email@example.com seem to work.
I have forwarded this to the developers. Thank you for pointing it out and sorry for the inconvenience.
Best regards,
Hello Jan,
this bug has been fixed. Now you can post FTP links as tasks using the following formula:
which will point the linked word to the address used in brackets.
Best regards,


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Pavano's start 'encouraging,' but shoulder has been slow to improve
Get the 1500 ESPN SportsWire delivered to your inbox daily, and keep up with all the news in Twin Cities Sports
MINNEAPOLIS -- Despite allowing four earned runs in six innings, Carl Pavano -- battling discomfort in his throwing shoulder -- was able to reach back for some quality pitches in the Minnesota Twins 5-4 loss to the Cleveland Indians on Monday night.
Pavano's average fastball velocity was 87 mph with several 88s and a couple 89s mixed in -- a slight improvement from his previous few starts. He was also able to locate well for the most part, aside from hanging a changeup to Casey Kotchman, who blasted a two-run homer in the fifth inning.
"I think that's about as high as I've been all year," Pavano said, regarding his velocity, "so I think that's encouraging in the sense that that's what we're looking for -- strength and trying to get stronger. So I think that's definitely a good sign. ... It's going to just take time. There's no doubt about it."
Manager Ron Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson made the decision to pull Pavano after only 72 pitches, marking the fourth consecutive start in which the 36-year-old righty has thrown fewer than 85 pitches.
Pavano had thrown 95 pitches or more in each his first four starts, and in 2011 he threw 88 pitches or more in 32 of his 33 outings.
"We could have run him back out there and got him close to 85 or 90 pitches, but we're trying to stay away from that right now with what he's going through," Gardenhire said. "He's not a guy that's going to say, 'I want out of here.' He's not going to do it. So we have to guard him."
Pavano didn't question the decision, nor did he even feel the need to discuss it with Gardenhire or Anderson.
"I think it was just a move today to try to give me a breather until I can get it a little stronger," said Pavano, who is on the last year of a two-year, $16.5 million contract. "I think you start getting your pitch counts up where I'm at shoulder-wise I think it does you more harm than good right now if you're starting to fatigue. ...
"So I think this was an opportunity to get Frankie (Liriano) in there and get him some clean innings and get me out of there with the pitch count down."
Pavano said Sunday that he has skipped at least one throwing session recently in order to "save bullets."
When asked if he and Anderson have been in constant communication about how his shoulder feels, Pavano said, "No, not at all. I'm depending on myself.
"It's been going on for long enough that I can compare (from) five, six weeks ago what it felt like. And it definitely feels like it's made improvement. Not the type of improvement that I'd like, but it's definitely made improvement and hasn't gotten worse. So you just try to stick to that and keep grinding it out."
Pavano's next start is scheduled for Saturday in Milwaukee. He said Sunday there's a chance he could get a cortisone shot if the discomfort persists.
"As a pitcher your arm doesn't always feel 100 percent, but with what I'm dealing with there's days where it bothers me more than others. But I've been able to get through it and on my fifth day I feel good enough to go out there and compete. That's the most important thing."


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Today we're bringing the wonderful imaginings of the very talented Mr.Andrew Denholm, an illustrator based in Melrose, Scotland.
As always we turn to the man himself to explain his work:
"I like to create illustrations with a sense of humour and fun. I tend to use bright, bold colours but also enjoy working with monotone print techniques as well. I have been drawing pictures my whole life and love spending as much time as possible creating new characters and images for others to enjoy."
Indeed his work is humorous, colourful and engaging, but in his drawings for Mekong Red Dragon Rice we also find a more refined look. Deliberately rendered with a very basic colour palette, the illustration cleverly uses the Mekong river to stitch together the journey of rice as it is grown, harvested, transported and sold. The illustration gels well with the overall minimalistic feel to the packaging and this clever illustration produced by Andrew makes the pack into a truly stunning piece of work.
I have no doubts that we're going to be seeing a lot more from this talented individual but in the meantime those looking to check out more of his work can head over to his website, Behance, Twitter or Facebook.


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The Blog
Obama to Partner With Google for 'First-Ever Presidential Hangout Road Trip'
11:00 AM, Jan 23, 2014 • By DANIEL HALPER
President Obama will partner with Google for the "first-ever Presidential Hangout Road Trip," Google announced today.
"Next Tuesday, at 9pm EST, President Obama will deliver his annual State of the Union address to Congress. Later that week, you'll have the chance to connect with the President and speak about his administration's plan in the first-ever Presidential Hangout Road Trip," claims Google in a blog post.
But it would appear the "Road Trip" does not require the president to hit the road:
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Delaying start dates for incoming associates may have another downside: leaving them with nothing to do but get into trouble.
Brian Schroeder has an impressive résumé. The Texan graduated from Duke in 2005, having majored in theater studies, and went on to Harvard Law School. There, he was an editor of the Harvard Latino Law Review and a co-president of Lambda, an LGBT student group. He also took part in Parody, the HLS comedy show (which Elie was involved in during his time at Harvard Law).
After taking a year off to travel around Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe, he graduated from HLS this spring and moved to New York for a Biglaw job. He was supposed to start at Sidley Austin. [Update: Tipsters say Schroeder had taken the Sidley deferral package and was doing pro bono work.]
On Friday at 6:31 p.m., Schroeder's Facebook status read, "Brian Schroeder is all tattooed and ready to go." He included a link to these tattooed self portraits.
That night, Schroeder got very drunk and got up to some serious trouble on the morning of October 31. Yesterday a friend wrote on his wall:
"I totally just read this article that someone with your name and age set a fire…just a coincidence huh?!"
Unfortunately, it's not a coincidence.
On Saturday morning at 9 a.m., Schroeder set fire to an East Side chapel, reports the New York Post. The chapel at Memorial Park on 30th Street houses the remains of unidentified 9/11 victims.
Why would he do this? Police tell the Post it was a drunken dare.
The remains, destined for a permanant home at the World Trade Center memorial, were not damaged, but mementos and candles left there "were destroyed or possibly stolen," according to Mayor Bloomberg.
Schroeder did not get up to any other tricks on Halloween night. He turned himself in at 7 p.m. on Saturday night. (Maybe while wearing Ivy League gear. See his shirt in this photo.)
Tipsters say Schroeder summered with LeBoeuf (pre-merger) in DC, Heller in San Francisco, and Sidley Austin last summer. We understand that
he was to start at Sidley this month he had taken Sidley's deferral package. If true, that means he was getting a $75,000 salary to do pro bono work until January 2011.
The damage to the chapel sounds minimal but the damage to Schroeder's career is not as easily extinguished. A recent arson conviction can't be good for Schroeder's New York bar admission.
We've reached out to Schroeder and Sidley Austin for comment, but have not yet heard back.
Update: Sidley comments and rescinds Schroeder's offer. See new post.
Sept. 11 chapel 'arsonist' gives up [New York Post]
Ivy League Law Grad Torches 9/11 Chapel [Gothamist]
Memorial Park arson: Drunk out-of-towner sets fire to sacred WTC area [New York Daily News]
Recent alum torches New York 9/11 chapel [Harvard Law Record]
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|Swap Shop: 10/17/11
|Written by Noah Lockamy
|Monday, 17 October 2011 09:43
For Sale: Western saddles for sale. Bona Allen saddle, asking $300. Billy Cook saddle asking $275. Simco saddle, asking $175. New roper saddle only used 2-3 times asking $150. Heavy all purpose saddle, asking $125. Call 406-2169 anytime. You may leave a message if no answer.
For Sale: Black Glass 30" KitchenAid Cooktop. Manual and installation guide is included. Was installed and taken out as new home buyer wanted gas. Like new, never used. Complete with shielded wireing pigtail. Cost $800 new, asking $300. Call 828-260-1517 (Newland number).
For Sale: 8 gigabyte iPod touch. 2nd generation (maybe 3rd, but not iOS 5 compatable). In good condition, still works great, normal wear and tear, comes with case and USB chord. Asking $100, might negotiate a little. If interested call or text 828-381-1149.
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text: http://forums.fedoraforum.org – Hi I've been trying to play quake live but in full screen I get horrible lag. I looked online and found you can install ati catalyst which I did. Now when I boot I get the fedora 17 logo filling up loading screen and then the monitor goes to sleep. I installed the drivers with yum install kmod-catalyst and checked the driver module matched my kernel. I'm pretty sure its the latest one same as my laptop 3.5.2-1.fc17.x86_64 I'm running Fedora 17 with a HD6850. Anyone know how to make the catalyst drivers work on Fedora 17? Or how I go about uninstalling them and going back to the old dr (HowTos)


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Design Cincinnati points us at a slightly old but still very relevant posting from Chicago Carless called "Cincinnati is Cool". It's a great and entertaining read. He starts it out with:
"Despite my pre-trip trepidation to travel to the land of the abandoned subway, as it turned out, Cincinnati is cool. And don't you know, ex-New Yorker and current Downtown Chicagoan that I am, I half-expect to turn into a pillar of salt for saying so. I had been jonesing for a break from blogging before the end of summer, so when Cincinnati Jamie asked if I wanted to ride shotgun on a weekend trip back home to check on his Queen City condo, I jumped at the chance. I didn't expect more than a few quiet days in a quaint backwater, a plate of chili, and some gratuitous references (on my part) to WKRP… I admit it. Cincinnati blew me away."
Read the whole thing. I found his observations very consistent with what I previously described in my article on Cincinnati. (For a more negative take, see this entry from Twin City Sidewalks).
You may recall me saying of Midwest cities and Indy that they have two problems in luring people there: getting on the list, and closing the deal after a visit. As you can see from the Chicago Carless entry, Cincy has horrible brand headwinds to fight. But it most assuredly does not have the same problems that other cities do in making a great first impression. Like New York and San Francisco, Cincy actually does hit you in the face with how cool it is on the cab ride into the airport, as you experierence a fantastic skyline vista on the way. Plus all the old, dense architecture, the geography, etc. Partially perhaps because expectations are so low, Cincinnati does a great job of wowing visitors. I always leave impressed. The challenge for Cincy could possibly be the reverse as for Indy. The quality of the built environment might inflate expectations of how cool living there might be to the point of setting people up for disappointment later. Nevertheless, this is a huge asset for Cincinnati and something the city can really leverage to great effect. If Cincy's growth ever ignited again, this environment is like gasoline sloshing around on the floor ready to turn that growth fire into a raging inferno. It is easy to envision how Cincinnati could turn into a really special Midwest success story, if it overcomes its challenges and gets on the right path.
One other thing. It was again interesting reading that someone else had the same experience I did where racial remarks that would be considered completely unacceptable elsewhere were stated out in the open in Cincinnati. This is a major, major problem with the city. Given what I know of the place, I'd have to put better race relations as by far top priority for that city. This problem will sabotage everything else they do if not addressed.
For Indy readers, Mike Doyle of Chicago Carless recently contributed here in my posting about the city's brand. Remember what I said about the physical appearance of the city? Well, Mike stopped briefly in downtown Indy on his way back from Cincy. After waxing poetic about how much he liked Cincinnati, here is what he had to say about Naptown.
"We finally did make that stop in Indy, too. Downtown there was certainly monumental, but small given the size of the surrounding city. I couldn't help thinking of Milwaukee, another Midwestern burg with a downtown curiously unimpressive for a place of its size. (After several hundred more miles of boring Hoosier farmland, I also couldn't help thinking God put Indiana on the map to make people appreciate Illinois and Ohio better)."
The problem of the poor physical appearance and quality of space in Indianapolis is a five alarm fire, but the community doesn't even smell the smoke. Making a serious effort to start addressing this is absolutely critical to the city's future success. Imagine a guy like Mike Doyle, a New York native living in Chicago, with two equivalent job offers in his hand, one in Cincinnati, the other in Indianapolis. Which one do you imagine he might pick? Indy is fighting with one hand tied behind its back.
On another topic, I was reminded this week of another statement someone made about Indy. He'd moved here from a top tier coastal city and often is around the city's elite at various functions. He was annoyed at how often those people whisper and snipe to each other about how bad Indy is compared to Chicago or New York or where ever. He said he wants to just tell these people, "Some of us chose to live here." Remember what I said about most of the haters being natives? It reminds me of these dysfunctional corporate cultures you sometimes see where people spend their days complaining to co-workers about how horrible the company is. That sort of thing is toxic and corrosive. I won't claim this is unique to Indy. It appears to be a near universal affliction among smaller cities. But it has similar negative effects.
I sometimes ask people who think Indy is worse than City X, "Why not move there?" Price isn't the object. My brother, a graphic designer and actor, two famously low paying professions, was able to make the move from Indy to Chicago to pursue his acting career. New York City might be financially out of reach, but there are many cool places that aren't. I think it's a totally legitimate question to consider.
Now obviously I have my complaints too, as with the poor physical appearance of the city. But I'm optimistic that this is like being a teenage boy with braces and bad acne. With proper treatment and a little time, I think the city can grow up to be a stallion who's in like Flynn with the ladies so to speak. I don't think people need to be rah-rah all the time. But constant carping about how bad things are a la the Indy Star message boards is a morale killer for a city just as it is at a company. The city's not perfect by any means, but it's got a lot good doing for it. And like Richard Stallman said of free software vs. proprietary software. "The question with free software isn't 'When will this feature be done?' but 'How can I help get it done quicker?'" Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
David Hoppe over at Nuvo weighs in on the airport art controversy. "This level of institutional risk aversion goes a long way toward explaining why it is Indianapolis has yet to really invest in a landmark work of public art worthy of the name. It's not because of the money such a piece might cost, but because of the lack of confidence the people with money in this town have in their own taste and judgement when it comes to anything aesthetic Therefore, when someone — anyone — complains about a piece of public art ala Wolin's photograph, alarm bells ring, panic buttons are pushed. That's because the powers that be here keep confusing art and advertising. As far as they're concerned, Wolin's work of documentary art isn't an expression to be experienced, weighed and responded to (yes, the person who complained was certainly within their rights to take umbrage), but a promotional statement intended to persuade."
Clearly, part of the aim of the airport art program was to telegraph messages. There is a promotional aspect to it and I don't object to that. But as it turned out, the message the airport delivered ended up being different from what they intended. Wise words from Hoppe.
More on talent and mobility from Jim Russell at New Geography. "The rub is that greater investment in your human capital will make your young adults more likely to leave. This is the mobility paradox. Regional workforce development has the unintended effect of increasing out-migration." Lots more good stuff in there.
Here's an interesting chart showing the price to rent ratio for various cities.
America's museums are making major budget cuts to deal with shrinking endowments.
An interesting article on using the heat from roads to warm up water or even generate electricity.
A video series called "Perils for Pedestrians". The episode I linked is about pedestrian access to bridges. This is certainly of relevance in Kansas City, where there is a controversy of MoDOT's decision not to include any pedestrian or bike access on the new Paseo bridge.
Cincinnati. The Enquirer has a great interactive section about CVG airport.
Columbus. The city is asking for light rail money from the stimulus.
Detroit. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Motown Records. Detroit has long been one of the creative epicenters of music in the United States. Motown Records is the centerpiece of that.
Indianapolis. Sustainable food in Indy (via Go Indy Go!)
Speaking of public art, next year George Rickey is the featured artist in the downtown public art program.
INDOT releases its statewide transit study. Warning: It's 430 pages!
CICP wants to make the state a center of clean technology. The race to do this is getting quite crowded as many states are trying to get a piece of this action, just like life sciences.
St. Louis. Good news from the St. Louis Symphony, which actually saw ticket sales and revenues go up in December.


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Man, don't you wish you could take your Seattle pride and your favorite jams with you everywhere? Well, with this wireless Bluetooth speaker, you can! It has printed team graphics, a USB charging cable and internal lithium-ion batteries to provide up to 10 hours of playtime for nonstop Sounders fun.
- Can be used as a speakerphone when receiving calls
- Imported
- Includes USB charging cable
- Internal lithium-ion batteries provide up to 10 hours of use
- Measures approximately 6" x 2.25" x 1.25"
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- Officially licensed
- Screen print graphics
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The Early Years
From our humble beginnings during the Spanish Civil War, and generous support from our sponsors and donors, Plan has always focused first and foremost on ensuring that children are safe, protected, and have the opportunity to meet their full potential.
The Beginning
In the midst of the horrors of war, refugee worker Eric Muggeridge, journalist John Langdon-Davies, humanitarians Esme Odgers and Nick Carter, along with a handful of other committed individuals, devoted themselves to helping children start over, recognizing that it would take gentle patience and loving care to bring these young ones 'back to life.'"
Eric Muggeridge: During those first 18 months I covered 35,000 miles with my truck. I made 57 trips into Madrid from Valencia, carrying in food to the Capital and coming out with a load of refugee children. I picked up refugees from the road out of Malage. Children injured and dying, children who had left their parents and relatives dead on the roadside… Children like little Jose, aged 5, who arrived, with thousands of others, clutching a note which read, "This is Jose, my child. I know I shall be killed when they capture Santander. Whoever reads this will they please take care of my son for me."
We found mansions in Catalonia and created Children's Colonies for the orphans. One center was at Sarrie outside of Barcelona, and others by the sea at Torrentbo and Sitges. I carried as many children as we had funds for in my truck to their new homes. School started again. New thoughts of childish happiness began to blossom, our orphans thanked us with their shining faces.
As the conflict escalated across the country, it soon became unsafe for the refugee children to remain in Spain, and housing and provisions were secured in France — provided that Muggeridge and other volunteers could transport them across the border.
After three harrowing days of finding transportation, struggling with closed borders, negotiating with officials, and dodging border bombings, the first group of children crossed over into France on January 29, 1939.
After that first crossing, there were multiple other trips between Spain and France, as Muggeridge continued to find refugee children who had either lost or been separated from their parents.
Meanwhile, in the United States, a fledgling committee was formed under the name of Foster Parents' Plan for Children in Spain, and Edna Blue – a wife and mother of two children in New York who met Eric Muggeridge at an organizing event on Long Island – became the de facto administrator, using her own typewriter, as well as donated stationery and postage, to raise awareness about the plight of refugee children in Spain.
Edna Blue: Of course we knew we needed publicity but we could not afford to pay for it. I began writing to [radio personality] Walter Winchell. … It became a ritual with me. I wrote at least once a week for months and months. One day it happened on the radio.
Of course I wasn't lucky enough to hear it, but by the way the phone rang the next day I knew I had succeeded – or I should say Winchell had succeeded for us. Letters of inquiry began coming in and in about one week, checks!
The idea behind sustained donations came from John Langdon-Davies and started with an individual signing a pledge indicating he/she would become the Foster Parent for a child in Spain for one year. This pledge took the form of a 25 cents-a-day contribution and written letters to the child. In turn, the Foster Parent would receive a photo of the child and his/her history, which included "something about the child, what he liked and so on, and something about his temperament, so the person in America could write intelligently."
Having worn down Walter Winchell by writing and writing, I took to writing to Eleanor Roosevelt. I think I wrote for exactly one year – then one day it happened. Mrs. Roosevelt mailed us her application to become a Foster Parent with her first month's check.
At that time we had about 35 Foster Parents. We had the photo of her child and the child's case history published in all the papers, and that did it. In less than two months we had 200 Foster Parents — we are now on the map!!
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Is Brenda's Hair Ugly on 'America's Next Top Model'? (VIDEO)
Some of the other models think so, when they started making fun of Brenda's short red 'do. "That really hurt my feelings, because I didn't choose this haircut," said Brenda. "I feel like that's kind of like laughing in Tyra's face."
We think she's adorable, but seriously, you could shave Brenda's hair off and she'd still be gorgeous.
Watch the video after the jump.
Alexandra Falls Twice on 'America's Next Top Model' (VIDEO)
But whoever dreamed up those hideous pendulums on the runway? They should be forced to run the gauntlet themselves. What a nightmare.
Watch the video after the jump.
Who will win Project Runway tonight?
Also: did Christian Siriano give away the winner? (WARNING: THAT'S POTENTIALLY A MAJOR SPOILER!)
|101 (55.5%)
|Carol Hannah
|64 (35.2%)
|17 (9.3%)
Help save The Beautiful Life (or you could just do your laundry or something)
Cancellations + the web = instant petitions. A TV show used to just die and then that would be it. Oh, sometimes something happens where a show gets a second chance (exec taking a chance, summer reruns getting good ratings, the show doing well on DVD, buzz, etc), but it's a long shot. And now, whenever a show is canceled the web gives us the opportunity to create and/or sign a petition to get the show renewed.
The Real Models of Reality Television
Sometime in the early 2000s, Tyra Banks had the idea for a competitive reality show that would crown a new supermodel. Back when the second season was debuting, she told me the idea came to her while she was staring out of the large picture window in her living room. I, too come up with my best reality television show ideas while staring into blank space, but unfortunately I don't have Tyra's credibility or connections, and my knitting competition show has yet to debut.
Tim Gunn is now a comic book superhero
It's a very clever way to reintroduce a group of characters that could be considered somewhat dated and make them relevant again. Since the storyline involves the theft of some superhero costumes, there may even be some crossover appeal between the genders. Hopefully, the comic will not be confused for that other Models, Inc. from way back when.
Apparently the group will be pursuing supervillains who commit "crimes of fashion." In which case, they're going to have to go against half the superpeople in the Marvel Universe. So who should they go after? Which superheroes or villains have committed the greatest fashion crimes at Marvel?
America's Next Top Model: Who will win?
It's finally that time when Tyra has three contestants left on America's Next Top Model. After weeding out the competition, we are left with Allison, Aminat, and Teyona. Like every finale, the girls will have to complete a Cover Girl commercial/photoshoot, and then the final two will have a runway walk-off.
Who has the upper hand? None of them. Each contestant is missing a piece of the model puzzle. None of the winners ever had every aspect down, bringing it all down to the decision of Tyra Banks. Let's take a look at some of the advantages, disadvantages, and outlying factors that will affect the girls in the final episode.
Model wannabes freak out at America's Next Top Model auditions - VIDEO
For some reason, a giant fight broke out at the America's Next Top Model auditions at the Park Central New York Hotel in New York City yesterday afternoon. No one is sure what exactly started the craziness, but at the end there were a ton of shoes and other clothing scattered on the street outside of the hotel. If that wasn't enough, six people were injured (two seriously enough to be taken to the hospital) and three people were arrested. Check out the video after the jump of the crowd stampeding. Officials say that the show wasn't prepared for this many people showing up (ya think?). Also there seems to be a car spewing smoke involved and a woman getting slapped. Or something.
Maybe we need a real Fashion Police, not just one that talks about the clothing. Bad girls, bad girls...whatcha gonna do?
NBC won't air veggie sex ad during the Super Bowl after all - VIDEO
NBC has pulled a PETA ad that was going to run during the Super Bowl, because it "depicts a level of sexuality exceeding our standards." Hey, what about subjecting viewers to those people on The Biggest Loser? And they usually have their tops completely off. This particular commercial shows various lingerie models getting all frisky with broccoli and pumpkins (pumpkins??). I guess it is pretty sexual, though I've seen edgier things on daytime soaps.
Funny how there is always a few controversies when it comes to these Super Bowl ads, either before they run or after the fact.
PETA says that they don't understand why the ad was pulled when ads for chicken and burgers are OK even though they make you "fat" and "boring in bed." As an eater of chicken and burgers, I resent that.
Does NBC have a Project Runway replacement in the works?
The new Bravo show is going to be called Fashion House. The ad says that the winner will win "a large cash prize" and that the winner can use the show to "serve as the launching pad to catapult your fashion career into high gear."
Catapult your fashion career into high gear? What a horrible sentence.
Miss USA wants to be a reporter - and a model! - VIDEO
We've been getting a lot of wisdom and insight from our beauty pageant contestants lately. First was the solution to our lack of maps/Africa/the Iraq situation uttered so eloquently by Miss Teen South Carolina, and now we have Miss USA Rachel Smith, who explained what she wants to do with her career in front of the Women In Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN?):
"I always wanted to be a reporter - maybe some TV. Who knows? Some serious news - but some modeling, too...I just don't want to end up like Katie Couric. I want people to take me seriously."
Street Customs motors onto TLC this fall
Street Customs, a new series for TLC set in West Coast Customs in Corona, California and starring owner Ryan Friedlinghaus, will hit TLC Thursdays this fall.
Friedlinghaus started West Coast Customs in 1993, and the business eventually became a phenomenon, raking in over ten million dollars and building custom cars for many famous people. The company is also opening shops in Moscow and Dubai.
TLC scheduled Street Customs for Thursday nights to fit in with similar fare like American Chopper, American Hotrod and Wrecks to Riches.
This sounds like it could be a good series, and given the success of the other shows aired during "Turbo on TLC," I'm sure it will do well.
Deal or No Deal sued
Deal or No Deal, the stupid NBC game show that airs a couple of times a week, is being sued by a former "paid audience extra" on the show.
Judy Ann Myers was taping a segment of the show last February, and during a commercial break she was told to hurry up to get into the audience so she could take part in a dance contest that was being held. Well, Myers tripped on the way down (I guess there were no handrails on the stairs and the lighting was bad) and hurt herself, and now she wants $25,000.
Game shows are really stupid nowadays
That's not me saying that, it's The Los Angeles Times. But I have to agree.
As several of us here have pointed out in the past, just look at the shows that pass for game shows nowadays. Deal Or No Deal has the gimmick of hot chicks and shiny suitcases. So far, so good (every show needs something). But then we get the most annoying guests in the history of television. Seriously, these people are so OUTGOING and have big PERSONALITIES, all of them, that the producers must give them a test before the show and won't pick anyone normal. Even their family members are this way. This was never the case on game shows before, and if you got an episode where it was like that, it stood out.
Now all of these contestants are the same, and so are the shows. After all, what is Identity but Deal Or No Deal, only with humans instead of suitcases? More annoying guests, more luck, and more stupid decisions (honestly, quit while you're ahead). And the l.......o......n.....g, drawn out pauses and "suspense" each show tries to build. Ugh.
Melinda Doolittle looks like a deer in headlights
For once throughout the competition, that face was used appropriately and not just because someone praised her talents for the millionth time. During Melinda's interview with Ryan, she found herself caught in the verbal crossfire of Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell last night on American Idol...
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text: Olga Smirnova | IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information Official Broadway League sites: - sites - broadway.org broadwayleague.com broadwayfanclub.com kidsnightonbroadway.com stagespecs.org tonyawards.com Quick Search For: In This Category: All Show People/Org. Theatre Season Olga Smirnova Performer Female Productions ProductionsDate of ProductionsThe Merry World[Musical, Revue, Original] Performer: Olga Smirnova Jun 08, 1926 - Aug 21, 1926 Find out where Olga Smirnova and are credited together © 2001-2015, The Broadway League, All Rights Reserved. (Copyright and Disclaimer)


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