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Feature - Baptism by fire: Airman battles 63,000 gallons of burning jet fuel, receives medal for heroism
Troops battle a blaze at Forward Operating Base Wright, Afghanistan, on Nov. 15, 2010. First Lt. Nicholas Mercurio, from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., helped lead firefighting efforts which ultimately saved Forward Operating Base Wright from destruction. Mercurio was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal with Valor for his efforts on Jan. 19, 2012. He is assigned to the 1st Combat Camera Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Peter Shinn)
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Baptism by fire: Airman battles 63,000 gallons of burning jet fuel, receives medal for heroism
Posted 2/2/2012 Updated 2/2/2012
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by Airman 1st Class Tom Brading
Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
2/2/2012 -
-- 1st Lt. Nicholas Mercurio, from the 1st Combat Camera Squadron here, didn't set out to receive the Air Force Achievement Medal with Valor while deployed with Provincial Reconstruction Team Kunar. But because of circumstances he experienced, the first lieutenant earned the medal because he went "above and beyond."
"My hope was that I could just go out there and do my job," said Mercurio.
His job was public affairs officer for the ongoing reconstruction mission in Kunar Province in Afghanistan. However, three weeks into his first deployment to the country, on Nov. 15, 2010, he was awakened to the sound of his roommate yelling, "We're under attack!"
At approximately 6 a.m., an insurgent fired a rocket-propelled grenade. The grenade scored a direct hit to a helicopter fuel bladder which was perched at a forward arming and refueling point overlooking the base. The refueling station was the site of armed vehicles, helicopters, rockets, ammunition and more than 60,000 gallons of jet fuel.
The station immediately burst into flames as black smoke and fire towered more than 1,000 feet into the air above. The western mountains were covered by the smoke hung over the forward operating base as twisted bits of metal and shrapnel rained down from the sky.
"It was baptism by fire," said Mercurio, in regards to his first experience with combat. "We trained and retrained both mentally and physically, however, you never know how you'll react until you're in that moment."
"A second RPG was fired into a building near us," said Mercurio. "It was so close our supply officer said it felt like it gave him a haircut."
When the fuel bladder was hit, the gas started slowly burning a path down the hill. As seconds passed, the slow-burning fuel became an ocean of gasoline, leaving a trail of fire in its wake and heading straight toward the barracks housing the majority of service members stationed there.
Without any firefighting equipment, Mercurio, along with other service members, immediately took action to stop the fire. They started loading nearby sandbags into a pick-up truck and drove up to the fire to try to stop the blaze.
Sacrificing their own safety, they cut open bag after bag of sand, forcing the fire back uphill inch by inch. Adding to the danger was the .50 caliber ammunition and Hellfire missiles detonating due to the heat on top of the hill.
If that wasn't enough, there was another variable to overcome. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, stocked with C-4 explosives, were parked on the flight line and engulfed in flames.
One of the MRAPs exploded in the midst of the chaos, flipping an officer backwards. The turret from the MRAP shot across the flight line and Mercurio witnessed one of the doors from the vehicle shoot above his head.
An hour into the battle, firefighters from Asadabad, the capital city of Kunar, arrived at the scene in fire trucks.
"We took turns using the water hoses to fight the fire," said Mercurio. "Shoulder-to-shoulder, we fought the fire until it felt like we were going to hack out our lungs, then we'd trade with Afghan firefighters and they'd fight it, too."
Eventually, the team brought the extensive wall of flames under control and kept the fire away from any structures. The fire finally burned itself out.
Mercurio credits his actions to his instincts and the combat training provided to him during his time at Camp Atterbury, Ind., prior to deploying to Afghanistan. In addition, he credits the group of officers that assisted in fighting the fire with him.
Lt. Col. Aaron Burgstein, 1st Combat Camera commander, presented Mercurio with the Air Force Achievement Medal with Valor on Jan. 19.
According to the citation signed by Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, the valor device was in recognition of Mercurio's heroic actions in direct contact by an enemy force and his courageous leadership in the face of grave danger. Mercurio was an example to his peers and directly impacted the command's ability to avoid a catastrophic loss of infrastructure, equipment and personnel.
"It's not about winning medals," said Mercurio. "It's about doing your job. Our job was to help the Afghan people and the better we do that job, the faster we won't be at war in Afghanistan."
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The Examiner
The claim
Annoying songs get stuck in your head more.
The facts
Virtually everyone experiences them, and rarely are they thought of fondly. They are earworms, the tunes that burrow into our consciousness and play on repeat.
In a recent study involving hundreds of people, Ira Hyman Jr., Ph.D., of Western Washington University and colleagues looked at what made songs most likely to stick, exposing unsuspecting subjects to popular songs and then asking them to complete various tasks.
Previous research showed that people can recall the first verse of a song they like, but after the chorus stumble over the lyrics. At this point the song becomes incomplete - a conflict without closure - and that is one way that it becomes an intrusive thought, Dr. Hyman said.
"You get to the chorus, and then it's looping right there, and you're kind of doomed at that point," he said.
The study found that songs typically intrude during tasks that are either too difficult, which causes the mind to wander, or too easy, which creates a mental opening for repetitive thoughts. The trick to flushing out an earworm, Dr. Hyman said, is to find a task that is engaging and that requires the auditory and verbal components of your working memory - like reading a good book or watching a favorite television show.
The bottom line
Research suggests that songs we like, not ones we despise, are most likely to form intrusive thoughts.
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Chris McGee & Aaron Bouplon on 2014
Submitted by Kris Thompson on
Aaron's right, cycling should be FUN. If you don't know how to make your comments count than learn again
News Item:
20 Comments
It doesn't really matter. It
Submitted by Fred (not verified) on
It doesn't really matter. It was just hypocritical as all hell and I was just pointing it out.
As to your other points, you're exactly right. I may or may not be named Fred (okay, I'm not).
I'm pretty sure that Rick James, Miss Manners, Sir Racealot, and many others weren't the posters' real names.
Points: -9
Correct, focus on the content of the comment
Submitted by Kris Thompson on
It doesn't matter, it's what you say that matters.
In fact, we could remove the name from the display. Than all comments are unknown, even mine.
dude you seriously don't get
Submitted by lolz (not verified) on
dude you seriously don't get it. downvoting to oblivion doesn't stop sites like reddit from being hostile communities full of bullies, trolls and hazing, and it's not going to fix anything here, either. you either remove comments entirely or moderate the site properly with IP trace and static identities / logins or else comments here will continue to be a liability more than an asset to the site.
Points: 5
I find having my comments
Submitted by Stuart Smalley (not verified) on
I find having my comments voted down to be unnecessarily hurtful.
Points: -3
with respect Kris, the fact
Submitted by BWR (not verified) on
with respect Kris, the fact that YOU won't register to contribute content to a site has very little bearing on whether others will or not. There are thousands of user-subscribed hobby forums out there that contradict your opinion on this. My point below about "social capital" means that people who subscribe under a static alias (assuming the site is correctly set up with some kind of simple traceability to prevent sockpuppets from forming) will generally self-regulate to prevent being banned / ostracized.
again, with all due respect, I submit the following: http://dashes.com/anil/2011/07/if-your-websites-full-of-assholes-its-you...
again, with
Points: -3
They killed the ACA forum, so
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
They killed the ACA forum, so now people are only left with 303cycling. Some Good, some really bad threads.
Not everybody has or wants to use Facebook.
Will be interesting to see how the new E.D. responds to people that disagree...
Points: 0
the ACA forum was already
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
the ACA forum was already dying a slow painful death, it was simply put out of its misery.
There are a number of legitimate reasons why people would want to post either anonymously or (preferaby) via a handle attached to a login account, and largely these reasons do not have to do with being a troll. Examples include: maintaining a degree of separation between work / social life / hobbies, stalking/bullying, or simply having the bad luck to be female / a minority and having your words dismissed simply because of that (this happens far more often than I think anyone cares to admit). If you look at social media like Twitter, there are legit aliases (@angryasian / James Huang comes to mind) who've been well regarded internet presences for decades and would prefer to use that alias / handle anywhere they're contributing content, as the alias has a considerable amount of social capital and history behind it, even though the actual identity of the person behind it has never been a secret.
The ACA forum died because of
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
The ACA forum died because of the lack of anonymity, not even screen names. As you said, there are lots of reasons folks want to post anonymously, many of them very legit. The ACA forum wouldn't allow it, so it saw less and less traffic until it withered and died.
Points: 12
Boups has a lot of positive
Submitted by Bobby (not verified) on
Boups has a lot of positive energy, looking forward to him stepping in and mixing it up for the betterment of the sport and community. Gimme a Boooooouuuuppppps!
A Grasshopper's Perspective
Submitted by EAE (not verified) on
I want to reply to two comments . . .
"Will be interesting to see how the new E.D. responds to people that disagree..."
Dissent can be healthy. But there is an important difference between an individual that provides occasional but valuable criticism and one that has turned bitching into a full time job. In that video, I think Boups signaled that he knows the difference between the two.
So rather than wondering about how the E.D. will respond, let's hope that "Anonymous" spends some time thinking about what was said and whether or not he's having fun and helping others to do the same.
"Boups has a lot of positive energy"
I am a new guy; new to racing and new to cross. People like me can be considered an inconvenience or the future of the sport.
Several weeks ago, after I requested a voluntary upgrade from SM5 and held my own in my first weekend of SM4 racing, I opened my email that Monday morning to find a congratulatory email from Aaron (whom I don't know, he had my email because I emailed him a question before the Cross Classic which he organized). After weeks of listening to "Anonymous" tell me that my races didn't matter, I found it encouraging that Boups cared enough about my lowly SM5 to SM4 progression to send me an 'attaboy.' A few days after that, BRAC selected him as the E.D.
I think the selection committee chose wisely.
Good luck, Boups, most of us are here to help and have fun. Cheers!
Points: 23


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"I'm not a fan of Tarantino; 'Pulp Fiction' was vastly overrated, and 'Inglourious Basterds' was intolerable for me. So I'd say 'Reservoir Dogs,' though I can also sit through 'Jackie Brown.'"
"'Inglourious Basterds' in a walk. And I love all the other ones!"
"'Pulp Fiction' is his most emblematic film. Everything you can think of when you think of Tarantino is in that movie, codified in that movie, emblazoned onto the celluloid, a document to stand the test of time. It was THE cool of the '90s, delivered at the halfway mark of the decade it would define, and may remain my favorite of his films. There was a time when I would watch it once a day, sometimes twice on weekends. It is, for me, a movie that does everything I want a movie to do and more."
Drew Hunt, Chicago Reader/The Talking Pictures:
"'Pulp Fiction' remains his most accomplished work. To this day, the film bubbles with a kind of energy that's unique to Tarantino. Whether it's his zestful twisting of time and space, his contradictory yet strangely noble sense of moralism, or his ability to make the minuscule seem grandiose, 'Pulp Fiction' (and the rest of his oeuvre, for that matter) seems to me a film that only he could have directed."
Jordan Hoffman, Film.com/ScreenCrush:
"'Reservoir Dogs' beats out 'Inglorious Basterds' on nostalgia points for me. It had the good luck to come out when I was a freshman at Tisch and you can't underestimate how much of a great unifier this film was. It was beloved by both the Hollywood-fed lowbrows as well as the Cahiers du Cinema-quoting snoots. That first Friday night screening at Village 7 was a veritable who's who of future boldfaced personages and if I were a different sort of gent I'd be dropping names all over your nice clean survey. 'Reservoir Dogs' is, also, a helluva picture -- extremely innovative in its language, framing and attitude. Yes, you can have a field day sleuthing out the sources that 'inspired' Tarantino, but it still comes together quite well. The masses maybe didn't get hip to Tarantino 'til 'Pulp Fiction,' but the other filmmakers, the myriad who aped him, got their starting gun with 'Reservoir Dogs.'"
Eric Havens, Downright Creepy:
"I was one of the rare people who had lost faith in Tarantino after 'Kill Bill' and 'Death Proof.' It seemed he had slipped entirely into a self indulgent quest of cleverness and inside jokes, the films themselves a near afterthought. Then came 'Inglorious Basterds.' Not only Tarantino's best, it's one of the more impressive movies of the last few years. A perfect combination of a damn fine narrative mixed with that, ummm, Tarantino-ness, 'Inglorious Basterds' managed to win this guy over despite walking into the theater with more than a handful of snark. And my snark is not something to be taken lightly. Well done Mr. Tarantino."
Jason Gorber, Twitch/Filmfest.ca:
"It's become trendy to cite 'Jackie Brown' as QT's best film, but I'm old enough to remember the genuine indifference many felt for it after getting their feet wet with 'Pulp Fiction' (I lived through the same thing when I was going gaga for the at-the-time dismissed 'Lebowski,' after 'Fargo' left me just a wee bit cold). I think that film is still his most heartfelt and genuine, and contains a stunningly effective love story told in a mature, delightful way. The fact that De Niro gives one of his best performances and that's not even the most memorable part of the film illustrates the effectiveness of the flick. And, oh those delicious tracking shots. Plus, while I now know 'Reservoir Dogs' as a mildly flawed yet charming homage to a number of other films I hadn't heard of at the time, seeing that in a theatre helped changed my entire outlook of how I could respond to cinema. I have vivid memories of leaving the screening and immediately seeking out the soundtrack at a local music store (remember those?) -- it had to be special ordered to Canada, as local distributors didn't think this little arthouse flick warranted distribution of the tunes up here. Oooka chakaa, indeed."
Kenji Fujishima, The House Next Door:
"I think this might just be my masterpiece," Lt. Aldo Raine says to a fellow Jewish U.S. soldier at the very end of 'Inglourious Basterds.' Quentin Tarantino may have intended that as a brutal cold-joke punchline, but I seriously think this epic about violent World War II epics is Tarantino's finest hour. Other films of his -- I'm thinking especially of 'Jackie Brown' and 'Kill Bill Vol. 2' -- may carry a warmer emotional charge, but 'Basterds' is his boldest (and still is, even in light of 'Django Unchained') deconstruction of the kind of disreputable genre movies he loves, one that also breaks down easy distinctions of 'good' and 'evil' in order to stage a subversive dialectic about the ethics of revenge in wartime. The apocalyptic movie-theater conflagration that marks its climax is Tarantino's most awe-inspiring expression yet of the immortalizing and annihilating qualities of cinema."
"'Pulp Fiction.' It's one of those rare works where the medium can be measured by what came before and after it. I'm not certain that there has been a more influential film in my lifetime."
Alonso Duralde, TheWrap/What The Flick?!:
"I know better than to say 'No one else will pick this,' since you always get a wide variety of answers here, but I'm sure I'll be in the minority by picking 'Death Proof.' It's the one movie where I feel like his periodic pacing problems are justified (he's paying homage to grindhouse movies), and I think the dialogue between both sets of female friends really crackles in an interesting way. And Zoe Bell playing Ship's Mast with crazy Kurt Russell in hot pursuit? One of the greatest car chase sequences ever made."
"'Pulp Fiction,' obviously. How can anyone say otherwise?"
Billy Donnelly, Ain't It Cool News:
"This might be the toughest Criticwire Survey question I've had to answer to date, and that's because asking a Tarantino fan to pick their favorite of his films is like asking a parent to tell you which of their children they love the most (which is a bit messed up). But after some serious going back and forth and with the proverbial gun to my head, I've got to give the nod to 'Pulp Fiction.' First off, it's not just one great film, but three great films rolled into one package. Each of those stories being told is filled with fully realized characters who themselves could easily branch off into their own side stories and it's hard to look at any second of the finished film and say, 'This part didn't work for me' or 'That character didn't intrigue me a great deal.' From the easily quotable and brilliant script to its bizarre yet engaging set of tales, 'Pulp Fiction' grabs your attention from the moment two guys are just talking about fast food in a car on their way to job and doesn't let it go until they walk out of a diner having shared another similar conversation. Their lives have changed by the end of the film, and with 'Pulp Fiction' being your introduction to all things Tarantino, so has yours. Tarantino has come close to matching the greatness of 'Pulp Fiction' on a couple of occasions, but I have to pick the one that set such a high bar for excellence in the first place as his very best."
"I haven't seen 'Django Unchained' yet, but I'd still say 'Pulp Fiction.' His formal style continues to evolve, but 'Pulp Fiction' to this day reads like a manifesto for his combination of quotation, homage and brazenly original virtuosity."
Michael Dalton, Movie Parliament:
"'Inglourious Basterds' has to be my favorite, with 'Reservoir Dogs' a close second. 'Inglourious Basterds' was the first and currently only Tarantino film that I have seen in the cinema, apt given that the film is very much a celebration of its powers. Seeing this film for the second time remains one the most memorable and enjoyable cinema going experiences of my life. The genius of this film lies in the extended scenes of dialogue, where tension is expertly constructed and then defused in short, bloody, bursts of violence. Tarantino's bravest and craziest, this is a film that perfectly symbolizes his strengths as a writer, director, and storyteller. In the shape of Christoph Waltz as Hans Landa, it may also contain the best performance within a Tarantino film. The film closes with the line, 'This might just be my masterpiece...' something I completely agree with Mr. Tarantino."
"'Jackie Brown' and 'Death Proof' show off the more critical side to Tarantino's loving genre homages, but 'Inglourious Basterds' stands as his best work to date. Honing his diversionary, long-winded dialogue into artfully suspenseful battles of wits, QT makes scenes that should demolish narrative momentum into crucial, gripping plot advancements. And for a film that delights in indulging the fantasy of killing Hitler, Tarantino demonstrates remarkable restraint in his violence, mostly conserving it to short, nightmarish bursts before going all out in the climax. By ending one holocaust with his own, however, Tarantino deftly puts his own giddy sense of vengeance under the microscope. Apropos of its Nazi focus, 'Basterds' does not so much close the book on the exhausted subject of WWII as burn it, and its depiction of the 'good guys' becoming mass murderers and suicide bombers in a quest for justice tips its hat to more contemporary American conflicts."
Marc Ciafardini, GoSeeTalk.com:
"Even though his films are so different they're nearly incomparable, Tarantino's best work to date (yes, including 'Django') is without a doubt 'Inglourious Basterds.' Like all QT films the writing speaks for itself, but here it simply sings. It's razor sharp, almost hypnotic and just commands your attention yet there's usually a playful undertone that keeps it from feeling pretentious. Not only was his screenplay whip-smart but through some cosmic alchemy was able to assemble the incredibly talented eclectic ensemble of Christoph Waltz, Mélanie Laurent, Michael Fassbender etc. to pull off his supremely well-crafted writing. Additionally he pulled one helluva performance out of Brad Pitt and that's got to count for something. While there's immense joy and beauty in revisiting any QT film again and again, nothing hits the high notes on repeat viewings like this period piece/revisionist history lesson better know as the good old 'Ingluorious Basterds.'"
"Quentin Tarantino's best film is the obvious one. I am simply shocked that anyone would say anything but 'Pulp Fiction' which I regard as one of the top 25 films of all-time. On any given day, my recall has vivid flashbacks to any number of scenes. It breathes within me. I'm more street smart because of it."
"I'll probably catch some heat for this, but bring it on: Tarantino's best movie is 'Jackie Brown.' It's packed with Tarantino hallmarks -- colorful characters, shocking violence, Sam Jackson with amazing hair -- but it never bogs down or feels like an experiment in scene-setting or alternate histories. Chalk it up to the source material, but this is one of the few times Tarantino's had an actual story to work with and not just a collection of ideas or set pieces. The cast is killer, too, anchored by a powerful Pam Grier and the wonderful Robert Forster."
"I really love 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Reservoir Dogs,' but I'd have to go with 'Django Unchained.' It has everything you want or need from a Tarantino film. It has plenty of violence, humor, sex, and social/historic commentary. Fun, fun, fun."
Christopher Campbell, DocBlog:
"'Inglourious Basterds.'"
Patrick Bromley, F This Movie:
"Tarantino is one of the few filmmakers whose every movie (save maybe for 'Death Proof' -- and I LOVE 'Death Proof') is his best movie -- at least while I'm watching it. I'm inclined to say 'Inglourious Basterds,' but then I remember how much I love 'Jackie Brown.' And every time I watch both volumes of 'Kill Bill' consecutively, I become convinced that that is his best movie, and the one that feels the most like the sum total of all his influences and obsessions (taken separately, I don't think either volume is in the running for best). Plenty of people can't stand Tarantino. I get it, even though I totally do not get it. He's a filmmaker whose every choice just works for me. I can't possibly pick a 'best.'"
"While 'Pulp Fiction' is certainly his most impactful, now that I'm the same age Tarantino was when it was released, I think 'Jackie Brown' is not only his best movie but a kind of miracle. It's assembled masterfully, with pacing that hits a perfect grace note on the border between deliberate and slow, and down to the last extra beautifully acted. I'm amazed and frankly a bit pissed that someone my age made a movie this great, but if Jackie Brown has taught me anything it's that in 20+ years I have a chance to be as cool as Max Cherry, so there's that at least."
"'Inglourious Basterds.'"
Adam Batty, Hope Lies at 24 Frames Per Second:
"'Inglourious Basterds' is the perfect fusion of the pop culture riffing that Tarantino is known for and 'legitimate' drama, for want of a better term. While 'Django Unchained' is yet to reach these shores, I get the feeling that Tarantino's latest follows suit. I'm very fond of Mr. Tarantino's work, and it's been interesting to view it thoroughly as a complete oeuvre and retrospective entity thanks to the recent 'Tarantino XX' Blu-ray collection."
"Just as Nas will probably never make a better album than 'Illmatic,' Tarantino is unlikely to top the perfect storm that is 'Pulp Fiction.' Though it took me a while to appreciate the former, my initial viewing of the latter remains a watershed moment in my movie-watching history. Tarantino showed an impressionable 15-year-old what films were capable of in terms of language and narrative structure, and the masterpiece continues to wow me today."
"'Jackie Brown,' with 'Inglourious Basterds' a quirky second."
Michael J. Anderson, Tativille:
"Though it took me a lot longer than most to arrive at the consensus opinion -- I used to take the Tarantino-hater position that 'Jackie Brown' represented his best work -- I now agree with nearly everyone else that his best is in fact 'Pulp Fiction.' Boring, I know. More interesting, perhaps, is the question of the director's second best, and for that I would nominate 'Kill Bill: Volume 2.'"
The Best Movie Currently In Theaters on December 24, 2012:
The Most Popular Response: "Zero Dark Thirty," "Amour" (tie)
Other Movies Receiving Multiple Votes: "Killing Them Softly," "Holy Motors," "Argo," "Django Unchained," "Lincoln," "The Master."


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Canon Pro9500 Mk-II - crappy matte results - help please !
Started Jan 8, 2012 | Discussions thread
Shop cameras & lenses ▾
tshapiro • Regular Member • Posts: 331
Re: Did you choose the matte black for printing ???
This is what I do. it may or may not work for you.
Two ways to go.
1) Let the printer manage the colors. in the print driver choose Premium Matte or Photo Rag. Do not choose Other Fine Art or generic Matte Paper.
2) Use a profile, but only use the Canon profile that came with the printer that most matches the paper you are using Don't use third party profiles even they are the brand of the paper. So, if you are using Hahnemuhle Rag paper, use Canon Photo Rag Profile and the Photo Rag selection in the driver.
Let us know if this helps.
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- Walter Hopp Philosophy
Walter Hopp
Assistant Professor at Boston University.
I attended the USC School of Philosophy from 1999 to 2005. The education and support I received were simply excellent. During my time there, I was able to take courses with most of the faculty in the department. This not only provided me with a solid foundation in many areas of philosophy, but also gave me the opportunity to work closely with a number of brilliant teachers and mentors at various stages of my graduate career. Regular departmental colloquia, typically delivered by internationally recognized philosophers, added immensely to the intellectual life of the department. The department also provided financial support for graduate students presenting work at conferences. My dissertation covered topics at the intersection of phenomenology, contemporary epistemology, and philosophy of mind, and USC proved to be an ideal place to do work which, like my own, incorporates both historical and contemporary philosophical literature and themes. My dissertation advisors—Dallas Willard, James Van Cleve, and James Higginbotham—regularly provided detailed feedback on my work and introduced me to a wide range of literature relevant to my topic. Along with several other members of the department, they also ensured that I was adequately prepared for the academic job market. Finally, Mudd Hall of Philosophy is the perfect setting for graduate study. In addition to being one of the finest pieces of architecture in Los Angeles (which is, yes, saying something), it houses the Hoose Library of Philosophy. And because Mudd Hall is, after all, in Los Angeles, there's no shortage of things to do when, for whatever reason, one needs a break from philosophy.
Since 2005, I have been Assistant Professor at Boston University. My experience at USC amply prepared me for a career of philosophical research and teaching at a major research university. The broad education I received during my coursework at USC has proven invaluable in helping me adapt to life at a pluralistic department such as we have at BU, while the assistance I received at the dissertation stage has enabled me to sustain an active program of research.


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ringworm 20x1.75 bmx tyre
- £19.99
- Availability
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With tread stretching from rim-to-rim, the Ringworm gives traction at any angle while protecting the sidewall from punctures and wear. The tread pattern hooks up from ramp to flatland.
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GRC Wireless
Raise money through cell phone & smartphone recycling. Thousands of GRC Wireless participants have raised over $10 million through our programs.
About Operation Gratitude: Hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops are deployed in hostile & remote regions of the world & on ships in international waters. Operation Gratitude (OperationGratitude.com) seeks to lift troops' morale, & bring a smile to their faces by sending care packages to service members in harm's way & Wounded Warriors here at home. The care packages contain food, toiletries, entertainment items & personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love & support.
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The Bachelor
Bachelor 2013 Spoilers: Who Goes Home Tonight, February 5?
Beware the Ides of February, Bachelor Nation. There's about to be a bloodbath on The Bachelor Season 17 as Sean Lowe whisks his women off to Canada. Last night, in The Bachelor Season 17, Episode 5, Sean sent Jackie Parr home — right after she warned him about the increasingly manipulative antics of one Ms. Tierra LiCausi. Then, at the rose ceremony, Sean eliminated Robyn Howard.
In Episode 6, Tierra's winning streak continues, as Sean opts again to keep her, despite the fact that the girls have all turned against Tierra the Tierrable at this point. Maybe he keeps her because she gets hypothermia and he doesn't want to be all "good luck at the hospital," but he has eliminated injured girls before, we're just saying. Who goes home instead?
Prepare yourselves. In Episode 6, Sarah Herron leaves during the cocktail party. Then, Sean sends Selma Alameri and Daniella McBride home, according to Reality Steve. The bad news? We don't get to see those three adorable ladies on our TV screens after tomorrow. The good news? Now Selma's free to date her No. 1 fan, Arie Luyendyk, Jr.
Source: Reality Steve


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Pedometer for Solly and me (the lumberjack woman)
Friday, February 15, 2013
I just got and programmed my pedometer. I have a very busy weekend with work so I debated how to set it. I chose a middling stride length so it wouldn't record me putzing around doing chores, but not such a long stride length I couldn't use it in a building or a house. After all, if I have a patient sleeping, and I am done with my chores, I want to see it record any laps I take around the building. I also vow to take my youngest dog - a standard poodle named Solomon - for a walk at least twice to break up my studying time at home. Seeing him happy makes me happy and we both deserve that!
He looks kind of scared in this photo. Still a puppy, new to cameras!
Oh, and I considered not adding anything about this, but it was bugging me enough yesterday that I spouted off about it to someone I hardly knew. I should have waited to do it here, in a more appropriate format. After a "required mingle" session, in which a co-ed group had to shake hands and talk with four new people in the room, one of the men I shook hands with loudly complained that only men came over to shake hands with him. (Despite the fact that we talked and giggled for several minutes!) This is something that NEVER would have happened to me when I was 20 pounds lighter. I am not obese, but I have developed a bit of a lumberjack quality, especially when I'm wearing winter clothes and no makeup. Still, I was a bit offended. I have long hair, was wearing purple, think I look like a woman... I wanted to say something, but I didn't.
I went home, thought about telling my husband and decided better of it. No use getting him offended on my behalf, too. And what is the point of that? Whatever this guy's motivation was for making a stink about who chose to be friendly with him, I think he just made it less likely anyone will shake his hand at all next time.
And me? If I had made a stink back, I might have excluded myself from future hand-shakings. It is better I tell you dear Sparkpeople that my feelings were hurt because you are a lot more likely to understand.
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I have had something similar happen to me, I made a joke of it: "Do you need new glasses because, HELLO! I'm not a guy!" or whatever seemed appropriate. If I think they are being deliberately rude, I would probably say "well that's a strange comment, goodbye" and walk away. (I DON'T look like a lumberjack, I wear a D cup bra for gosh sake) Don't let it upset you!
1199 days ago
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Those who love movies and video games in equal measure have had a red circle scrawled around the release date for Silent Hill for quite some time. Sure, there's nothing new about a horror flick based on a popular game series, but not many of those movies come attached to names like Christophe Gans (Brotherhood of the Wolf) and Roger Avary (The Rules of Attraction, Killing Zoe). With filmmakers like these on board, the odds of a half-decent movie being produced increase exponentially. And let's give the gamers a break. One can only take so many Dooms and BloodRaynes and Resident Evil: Apocalypses (sue me, I liked the first one) before starting to get a little desperate. So the hopes pinned upon Silent Hill were pretty high, if only those of a small-yet-passionate fanbase.
And then came word that Sony wouldn't be pre-screening the flick for press, which automatically placed Silent Hill in a "sight-unseen" garbage bin, alongside cinematic detritus like When a Stranger Calls, Stay Alive, BloodRayne, and Underworld: Evolution. (A note to Sony and the other studios: I'd quit it with the "no press screenings" approach; the moviegoers are getting wise to this gimmick.) Needless to say, the "press blackout" strategy didn't do a whole hell of a lot to generate excitement among the loyal Hill fans, but ...
Frankly I'm a little surprised that Sony hid Silent Hill from the press because, while it's certainly not an excellent film (and it's really got a little too much fat on its bones), the thing is precisely what the hardcore gamers / gorehounds have been asking for: a video game adaptation that pays respect to its source material while forging just enough new ground to tell a grimly entertaining visual story. Not much more than a "haunted town" thrill-ride, with only a few plot points tossed in to the mix to keep the thing moving, Silent Hill truly is a feast for the eyes -- provided your eyeballs aren't too squeamish.
As the movie opens, Rose Da Silva (Radha Mitchell) is in the act of pursuing her young daughter, an adorable little kid who has the nasty habit of sleepwalking near cliffsides. Thwarting her daughter's unintentional suicide at the last second, Rose hears the kid mutter something about "Silent Hill" before Dad (Sean Bean) comes rushing out to see if everyone's OK.
Next thing we know, Rose and little Sharon are hightailing it across the interstate, single-mindedly intent on visiting a small town named Silent Hill, West Virginia. The fact that Silent Hill is a ghost town, long ago ravaged by a harrowing underground inferno, does little to impede Rose's conviction: There's something wrong with her little girl (whom we quickly learn is adopted) -- and Silent Hill seems to hold the answer.
Despite being a well and truly dead town, Silent Hill does hold a whole lot of ... something, but it sure isn't anything resembling easy answers, group therapy, or a nice little lollipop for the ride home. Not surprisingly, horror fans, Silent Hill is absolutely packed to the rafters with slimy monsters, contorted corpses, chattering hell-bugs, tortured souls, and a few sneaky survivors who just might be more dangerous than the throngs of hell-spawned beasties that shadow Rose's every step. And, with little Sharon now lost somewhere in the deepest depths of Silent Hill's nether-regions, poor mom has to travel through some of hell's most unsanitary rest-stops if she wants to get her daughter back.
Silent Hill is about as deep as the Ghost House that arrives with your local carnival every Spring, but it's presented with such a bleak, dark, and ferocious visual edge that one finds it a bit easier to forgive the flick's narrative shortcomings. Clocking in at an overstuffed two hours, Silent Hill feels more like an "unrated director's cut" than an efficiently streamlined horror thriller. Even I, who actively enjoyed the movie, found myself checking my watch on more than one occasion, simply because when Silent Hill should be picking up some steam ... it takes an extra coffee break to dole out some backstory exposition that A) isn't really all that important, and B) was pretty much covered three scenes earlier. (Another small complaint: Playing Rose's husband, Sean Bean is saddled with a subplot that could be (literally) sliced out of the film and nobody would even notice.)
That's really my one and only (big) problem with Silent Hill: It needed a few extra trips to the editing bay, period. Aside from that, I had a gruesome good time on my visit to the Hill. Radha Mitchell does some excellent work with a difficult role; the background characters are suitably intriguing and/or horrifying; the screenplay, while certainly not Avary's finest work, is appropriately dour and disconcerting; and the look of the movie ... well, it deserves its own paragraph.
I'll not list all the production designers, set decorators, cinematographers, CGI wizards, and gore-wranglers individually -- but let's just say everyone associated with the visual end of Silent Hill earned their paychecks big-time, and then some. At its darkest and gloomiest moments, Silent Hill is a masterpiece of visual ... ickyness. The sets, the design, the monsters and Gans' aggressively fluid camera flourishes all add up to a monster movie unlike any you've seen before. (The plot itself is, of course, nothing new -- but the look of Silent Hill sure as hell is.)
So to answer the question that Silent Hill's target audience has been clinging to for the past few months: Yeah, Silent Hill is probably the finest "video game movie" to hit the screens so far. (Then again, calling a film "better than Super Mario Bros., Double Dragon, and House of the Dead" is hardly high praise.) The movie seems to come from a group of filmmakers who want to please the game-fans at the same time they treat the horror geeks to something a little gritty, a little grungy, and more than a little gory.
Basically, Silent Hill is probably the best Clive Barker flick that Clive Barker had nothing to do with.
categories Movies, Reviews, New Releases, Cinematical


text: I'm going to get my MTB out for the early spring to ride on while there is still salt on the roads. I know that brakes can freeze up or have a reduced stopping power as the temperature decreases. But is there anything to worry about with the suspection system? My bike has about 1.5 inches of travel. Do I need to be careful in the cold?


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Service & Repair
Need your garage door repaired, driveway or security gate repaired or commercial door repaired or serviced? Call us today and our team of Ventura and Santa Barbara County-based factory-trained, dedicated technicians will maintain and repair your residential garage door and commercial doors 24/7 regardless of the make or model.
Free Consultation
Call our staff of friendly, well-trained consultants. We've been serving the Ventura County and Santa Barbara County area since 1992 and have helped countless homeowners and commercial property owners choose the right garage door, residential gate, security gate, commercial garage door or commercial door operator to fit their needs.
Visit Our Showroom
A special point of pride for us is our garage door showroom. There is no other garage door display quite like ours in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Featuring a wide selection of garage doors, you'll have an opportunity to see fully functional garage doors and garage door openers and customize your garage door features before buying.
Meet the Family
Since 1992, Jim and Jennifer Willis have been supplying Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties with the highest quality garage doors, garage door openers, gates, security gates, commercial doors and commercial operators. Visit our showroom and you'll see why local homeowners and commercial property owners choose Santa Barbara Overhead Door time and again for a new garage door or to repair a garage door or repair an entrance gate.


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Since 1982, when The Village Voice, a New
York City weekly newspaper, became the first
employer to offer domestic-partner health-insurance benefits, an increasing number of
companies have begun offering them.
"Many companies are realizing they need
to offer equal benefits to their gay and lesbian
employees in order to be competitive," says
Daryl Herrschaft, director of workplace projects for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
In 2006, 53 percent of Fortune 500 companies offered domestic-partner health insurance, according to the HRC. But Herrschaft
notes that many U.S. companies are expanding benefits and protections for GLBT
employees to include benefits such as family
and medical leave, bereavement leave, relocation assistance and adoption assistance.
He says 71 percent of the U.S. companies
offering domestic-partner health insurance
last year also offered bereavement leave, 63
percent offered relocation assistance and 60
percent offered family medical leave.
Such domestic-partner benefits already havehad a life-changing impact on ChristineCrespo, who uses them to help in the ongo-ing care of her
triplets. She is
Ernst & Young's
LGBTA (the A
stands for "ally")
strategy leader
and has worked
for the company
for 18 years.
Ernst &
Young didn't
have domestic-partner benefits
when Crespo
Kevin Hannan joined the
firm—few companies did. She was instrumental in getting domestic-partner health-insurance benefits at Ernst & Young in 2001
and establishing a GLBT employee-resource
group two years later.
Having the benefits has helped Crespo's
family life, which she says makes her a more
productive employee. Crespo's partner nine
years ago gave birth to triplets. Crespo could
have used Ernst & Young's adoption-assistance
program to adopt the triplets if it were available at the time.
Crespo's partner, an attorney, recently
decided to go back to school to get a teaching
Crespo has
been able to
provide medical insurance
for her partner
and their children while her
partner pursues
the career
change. "You
end up getting
a lot of access
to the firm's
resources as a
result of [hav- Christine Crespo
ing domestic-partner benefits]," she says. "As the kids have
grown up, it's made a huge difference."
She says this will save her thousands
because it's much cheaper for her to add her
partner and the children to her policy than it
would be for her partner to get similar coverage through COBRA.
Ernst & Young also has a spousal-equivalency
policy, which Crespo describes as a process that
constantly seeks to ensure that domestic partners
are provided the same benefits across the board
as married spouses.
"[My partner and I] would have gone forward with children whether one of us had
domestic-partner benefits or not. We were
just at that point in our lives," she says. "But
knowing the benefits are there has made
things a lot easier."
She has used the domestic-partner benefits
in the same mundane ways that married people do—everything from childcare to summer
camps to dentist and physician appointments.
Domestic-partner health-insurance benefits
played a key role in Chubb's recruitment of
Hannan and have increased his loyalty to the


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Floor Plans & Pricing
- Garden
- Sq Ft:740
- Rent:$565 / mo
- Beds:1
- Deposit:Please Call
- Baths:1
- Garden
- Sq Ft:1080
- Rent:$635 / mo
- Beds:2
- Deposit:Please Call
- Baths:1
Prices and availability subject to change without notice.
Map & Directions
General Directions
I-71 to Rte. 82 West. Left on Rte. 42 (Pearl Rd.) Pass Boston Rd. 2/10 mile on the left is Skyview Drive. Turn left and we are located on the right.
Apartment Features
- Air Conditioning
- Balcony
- Cable Ready
- Dishwasher
- Oversized Closets
Community Features
- Covered Parking
- Emergency Maintenance
- Extra Storage
- Laundry Facility
- Playground
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis Court(s)
- Pet Friendly
Special Features
- Pets
- Call for Policy
Additional Features
- Carports available
- 2 association swimming pools
- Front load washers/dryers use smart cards
- Central air conditioning
- Generous cupboard space
- Gas heat
- Cable TV available
- Large Eat-in kitchens
- 24 hr. Emergency Maintenance
- 1 Small Dog /or Cat Welcome**restrictions apply**
- Senior Discounts
Community Information
Overall Rating
What are Certified Ratings?
These are ratings based on residents who live at the property and have completed a resident satisfaction survey.
Residents are invited to participate in the satisfaction survey via a list of email addresses* submitted by the property and independently certified and administered by a third party market research firm.
Because reviews on Apartment Guide are from Certified Residents and are managed by a third party, you can feel confident that the feedback provided is accurate and trustworthy.
* Email list administration is managed by an independent market research firm, not Apartment Guide
Value for the Money
Office Staff
Building Exterior
Move-in Condition
Parking Availability
Recreational Facilities
7 Reviews for Forest Hills
Sort by:
Any time I had a problem they were right there to fix it. I love it that they post notes on the door letting everyone know what is going on at the apartment buildings. The staff is excellent and very helpful and I love the idea that I can park in front of the building close to the doors since I have to start work so early in the morning. I tell everyone that I meet how happy I am living here and the staff is wonderful.
Phyllis R.
I have lived here 2 years and have had no problems. I love my apartment, and the people that work here are the best. The property is always kept clean and beautiful. I love my balcony. Never have I seen one so big.
Candy A.
The only concern I have is the flow of the air and heat into the apartment. The vents are open all the way but it still seem like the flow is very little.
I feel our rent continues to be raised yearly but our apartments are not reflecting anything to show for the increase. Newly renovated suites are being advertised for much less than the long term residents are/have been paying (and long term tennants are not receiving the updates). However, the leasing office staff is very friendly and knowledgable and are always quick to respond to questions/concerns.
I love the peaceful setting and the size of the apartment. I am happy they allow pets. I enjoy the varied ages of residents.
What is a Certified Resident?
A resident who lives at the property and has completed a resident satisfaction survey.
Advertising properties provide a list of email addresses of its residents to Kingsley Associates, a third party market research firm, who then sends out the satisfaction survey to the residents. Properties may also conduct satisfaction surveys of its residents through other third party market research firms. In those cases, we will publish those survey responses as long as the questions conform to our standard survey format.
Because reviews are from Certified Residents, and are managed by a third party, you can feel confident that the feedback provided is accurate and trustworthy.
Forest Hills41.272400,-81.8337004110 Skyview Drive, Brunswick, Ohio 44212Forest Hills
FOREST HILLS IS NESTLED IN A BEAUTIFUL SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTAL COMMUNITY AND PART OF A HOME ASSOCIATION,.yet is just minutes away from Southpark mall, restaurants, and major highways. If you are interested in a spacious apartment home with a great price per square foot, perfect location and a carefree lifestyle that offers you 24 hour emergency maintenance ,2 sparkling pools and tennis court, then you will be interested in making Forest Hills Apartments your next place to call home! Our location on Skyview Drive allows easy assess to I-71, the Ohio Turnpike and I-480. Our staff welcomes you to come visit today. "We care management team"
Office Hours
|08:30 AM to 04:30 PM
|09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
|09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
|09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
|08:30 AM to 04:30 PM
|10:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Lease Terms
Professionally managed by Bandera Companies.
Fax: 3302256114


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Staff report
Published May 6, 2013
The Medical University of South Carolina is hosting a U.S.-Israel Neurotechnology Business Exchange this week to provide American companies with access and introductions to Israeli tech companies.
The conference will take place today and Tuesday, and the event's goal is to provide opportunities for joint research, development and investment as well as clinical and marketing alliances. Israeli companies Alpha Omega, Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics, Insightec, Neurotech Solutions, NeuroQuest, Tech Transfer Israel and Vaya Pharma are participating, among others.
Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt and Israel Economic Minister to North America Nili Shalev also will announce an agreement to collaborate in industrial research and development. The agreement will create funding mechanisms for projects between Israeli and South Carolina companies and universities.
Event sponsors include SCRA, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, The InterTech Group, the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast, the University of South Carolina and Clemson University, among others.


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May 29, 2016
The special election was held to fill the unexpired term of the late Pearl River Tribal Councilman Edward Wesley, who died in March.
Cheriena Brooke Ben has been certified the winner.
Below are the official returns, as provided by the Tribal Election Committee:
Cheriena Ben 123 (1st)
Jesse B. Ben 15
Bea Carson 59
Shirley W. Cotton 25
Bernadine Dixon 13
Hamilton Farve 43
Cynthia C. Isaac 1
Ken Isaac 10
Geraline W. Jeanguneat 25
Barry D. Jim, Sr. 54
Elijah K. Jimmie 87 (2nd)
James Ray Johnson 28
Karen McMillan 23
Allen Meely 5
Matilda "Tila" Riggen 11
Edward Routh 18
Timothy Taylor 28
Robert Paul Tubby, Sr. 13
Priscella Wahwasuck 8
Adrian Wesley 44
Daniel Wesley 5
Beasley Willis, Sr. 11
Lena J. Willis 65 (4th)
Kennith H. York 82 (3rd)
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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When the economy was booming a few years ago, staff members at OSI were forced to hire almost anyone who walked through the door. There was no real screening process for debt collectors at the company's 13 call centers, says Clay Boyles, regional human resources director. "If they could communicate reasonably well, that's all we looked for." As a result, skill levels were often minimal, and many recruits quit in the first weeks or months on the job. Turnover was a whopping 222 percent, and it was difficult to keep seats filled, he says.
It was during this good economy that Boyles went looking for a tool to help him reduce turnover. He selected Spherion Assessment Services to develop a custom pre-employment assessment test for all of the call centers. Spherion's psychologists interviewed the company's top and bottom performers and created an online assessment test that evaluates candidates on five established competencies for service rep and supervisor roles.
"The test was a godsend," Boyles says. In the good economy, it helped hiring managers weed out applicants who would most likely perform poorly or quit in the first 30 days, which made it a valuable investment, he says. But now, when the economy is struggling and his applicant pool is much larger, the assessment test is saving the company millions of dollars in personnel and turnover costs. In the past they were fortunate to have a small pool of applicants to choose from, he says. "No one grows up wanting to be a debt collector." But with today's high unemployment rates, if Boyles puts an ad in the Sunday paper, there will be 150 applicants at the door on Monday morning. "We don't have the capacity to handle that," he says.
Before they even speak with a recruiter, candidates are given the assessment test. They receive a good, average, or low rating. The last group, about 15 percent of the applicant pool, is automatically eliminated from the interview process. "That saves us a ton of time," says Boyles. It also saves the company from making a lot of bad hires. Before they started using the assessment test, at least half of those people would have been given jobs.
The test costs $8 per person, running the company roughly $10,000 per month for the six offices that use it. It's an expense that the executive team has questioned in a time of cost-cutting, but Boyles defends it vigorously. "The assessment process is a cost-cutting tool," he says. It's especially helpful when he's ramping up a new office. "There is no way I could go through a pile of applications and get 60 good collectors in the door through interviews alone." The test helps him identify the best candidates in a much shorter amount of time.
And he has proof that the tool is paying off. In the two years since it was implemented, turnover has dropped to 117 percent during a time when the company more than doubled the number of service reps, from 700 to 1,800, and added two call centers. "To reduce turnover in a time of growth is impressive," he says. "Usually when you are hiring to fill seats, turnover spikes."
Boyles estimates the savings related to the assessment process to be a million dollars per year. That number incorporates the saving of roughly $5,000 per person for hiring costs, plus the salaries of three full-time recruiters that the company is able to do without because it is hiring fewer people and interviewing fewer candidates. That number does not include increases in productivity. Three years ago if an employee stayed three months, managers considered it a successful hire, he says. But research shows that 80 percent of the money OSI collects comes from customer-service reps who have been with the company for six months or more. "No one thought about that cost of turnover," he says. "The people who aren't right for the job leave in the first 90 days."
Now they recognize the value of the top performers and, thanks to better hiring decisions, revenues and gross collections across the company are up. For example, after reducing the number of reps at the call center in San Antonio, Texas, from 100 to the 60 top people, collections went up for the following two months. "We are screening the riffraff out at the door, which allows us to support and focus on our best performers."
Workforce, April 2003, p. 66 -- Subscribe Now!


text:
Florida Power & Light Co. officials had this to say about a top GOP senator's request to halt utility rate hearings until investigations into what could be too cozy connections between regulators and utilities.
"We believe it is in our customers' best interest for the PSC to proceed with its evaluation of our request – on its merits and the facts – so that it can make a timely decision that will allow us to move forward with investments in the electrical infrastructure that benefit our customers and the communities we serve," FPL spokesman Mark Bubriski said in an e-mail.
Sen. Mike Fasano asked Public Service Commission Chairman Matthew Carter to postpone rate hearings currently underway – including a $1.3 billion rate hike sought by FPL scheduled to resume Wednesday – indefinitely.
Fasano wants several current investigations wrapped up before the hearings continue. He also wants them suspended until the Senate confirms Gov. Charlie Crist's two nominations for the panel. Crist received a list of six finalists – including two current commissioners – earlier this month and has until Oct. 2 to make his picks.
Yesterday, PSC spokeswoman Cynthia Muir was captured on videotape physically restraining a reporter who was trying to interview Carter after a meeting adjourned.
Controversies have hobbled the panel since the opening day of the FPL base rate increase on Aug. 24 when news of PSC lobbyist Ryder Rudd's attendance at FPL VP Ed Tancer's Kentucky Derby party in Palm Beach Gardens brought the hearing to a screeching halt.
Rudd resigned after an internal investigation could not prove that he broke the law or rules but did not exonerate him.
Commissioner Nancy Argenziano fired her aide, Larry Smith, and two other commissioners suspended their aides in the wake of news reports that they had exchanged secret Blackberry messages with FPL attorney Natalie Smith.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an inquiry into the relationships between the regulators and their staff and utility company officials. Fasano has asked for Senate hearings on the issue as well.
But Senate President Jeff Atwater isn't likely to schedule before committees meet late in October, if then, said Atwater spokeswoman Jaryn Emhof.


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The big Boeing C-97 STRAT was the true workaholic machine for the USAAF after WW2. It was a great proptransport and served the USAF well into the 50's. From this aircraft came the KC-97,the air tanker version with the flying boom & new position known as the Boomer or boom operater pos at the rear of the KC-97 STRAT. Then came the 377 civilian version known as the Stratocruiser. Panam airways became the first to order the big propliner with 20 aircraft then followed by United,AOA,Northwest & BOAC. Only 56 of these Giants of the airways were ever made for airline service. The rest out of a total of 888 served as airtankers & cargo lifters for the USAF in many ways. ONLY Today in the 21st century,there is ONLY 2 of such Boeing examples left in Airworthy status. One,firetanker #97 of Hawkins & Powers aviation & the BAHF C-97G Soon to become a Flying Museum of COLD WAR History. We are pressing on day to day with the project to bring this fantastic proptransport back to the skies once again for all to see & enjoy! See us at new site at www.spiritoffreedom.org Cheers, JR
Please check your spelling (press "Check Spelling" above)
©Copyright 2016 Demand Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved


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During the month of April Adopt A Butterfly is at Westfield - Santa Anita - in Arcadia, California. From April 9th through May 1st Adopt A Butterfly brings a live educational and interactive butterfly conservatory experience.
I need someone who will wrap their arms around me, love me and never let go
I'm an irresistible little nugget who would love a home to call my own
Desperately seeking home for Fergie. This dog was found a month ago and if someone can't adopt this beautiful dog she will have to be taken to a shelter and will likely be put down. Fergie is an approximately two-year old female that has not been fixed. She is a loving dog that is good mannered and would be a great addition to any family. If you are interested please call or text Theresa at (323) 691.5601
I am a big sweet boy who just needs some lovin'!
Come visit me and I will purr, meow, and twill to get your attention. I would love to love you!
Night of the Living Dog is an event thrown by the Amanda Foundation to raise awareness for orphaned cats and dogs throughout Los Angeles
I am the whole package: sweet, playful, affectionate, and easy-going
I am an active, high energy girl who would love to be in a household where I could show off my athletic abilities. So bring some toys and let's get going!
Los Angeles is home to a growing population of homeless dogs and dogs that are in shelters, so National Adopt a Shelter Dog month is the perfect time to make a difference. To help kickoff this month, Chicken Soup for the Soul is teaming up with Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) to encourage pet adoptions beginning October 1st through October 12th
A distinguished gentle-dog looking for a happy, quiet home!
Bring me home and let me color your world!
Super sweet and affectionate - visit me today to see how wonderful I am!
I am a sweet girl who loves to cuddle and be brushed. Why not visit me and see how special I am?
Memorial Day is the perfect time to relax and spend some time with your favorite pet. You can make a day of it with some hiking, running, visit your favorite pet friendly restaurant or make a weekend out of it and go camping. To help celebrate the holiday weekend and your pet the Nonprofit Found Animals' Adopt & Shop website is holding a Memorial Day sale beginning Saturday
National Puppy Day was last month, but who really needs a special day to bring a puppy home? Anytime you bring a puppy home is a special day so we have 5 Steps To Puppy Adoption that have been provided by Found Animals Executive Director Aimee Gilbreath to help make your home puppy perfect
Hug me! I am a sweet boy who loves to be cuddled and carried everywhere. Since I am small and such a good natured little guy, I would make an excellent traveling companion. I even like cats! Come see what a lap dog I really am.
I am an easy going, handsome tabby who will entertain you as I leap up to play with a feather toy. I would also be very happy just to sit by your side or cuddle with a feline friend. Come check me out
Including a pet in your family can be incredibly rewarding. But leading a happy, healthy pack is also a large responsibility


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1 Park near Newell, West Virginia
Chester, West Virginia 2.05 miles E
New Manchester, West Virginia 5.58 miles SE
Triadelphia, West Virginia 36.09 miles S
Wheeling, West Virginia 37.78 miles S
Newell, West Virginia (map) | (304) 387-3063
Sites: 70 | Latest Rate: $32.00 | 3 Reviews
|Clean Restrooms:
|Clean Showers:
May 2015 - $32.00
Overall a nice park with friendly owners and fellow campers. Sites along the river in the above section were great. I loved looking out over the river and watching the barges. Sites are fairly tight and the Wi-Fi was non-existent. Therefore the reason for an 8. Our rig is 40' long. - illini777
Aug 2014 - $30.00
Stopped here for a couple of days while at mountaineer race track just down the road. Stayed right on the river so had a lovely view with geese every morning. Everything worked well, the management was beyond nice and helpful. I got really lost on the way in and she stayed on the phone the entire time to get me to the park. Perfect location for mountaineer. Good verizon cell. Everything worked. If you have a boat you are right there too. - FrancisandRenee
Sep 2013 - $32.00
We enjoyed our stay at this quiet out of the way campground. They offer a boat launch and a fishing pier right on the Ohio River. The bathrooms and shower houses are the cleanest and best kept I've ever seen at a campground. The owners are very friendly and willing to help with anything they can. Most of the campers here are seasonal renters who come on weekends to enjoy the river. We camped here for 2 months while working at a nearby power plant. I was working night shift and had absolutely no problem with noise of any type during the day. My wife says it was the same during the night while I was gone. We will definitely stay here again. The rate above is the daily rate, we were charged $550 per month, including all utilities. - The Bells 412


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Welcome to the OHHA
February 2, 2016
Notice of Annual Membership Meeting
Date: Saturday, February 13, 2016
Time: 2:00 pm
Place: Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale
6750 Mississauga Road
Mississauga, Ontario
Greenwich Room
Agenda Items:
- Introduction of Board of Directors, Officers and Executive
- Ratification of Motion Pertaining to 2016 Board Election
- President's Remarks
- Approval of 2015 Annual Meeting Minutes
- Presentation of 2015 Audited Financial Statement
- Appointment of 2016 Auditors
- General Manager's Remarks
- Other Business
In order to verify membership we ask members to kindly bring their card.
For further information please contact the OHHA office at 905-854-6442 or 1-866-774-6442.
December 3, 2015
University of Guelph – Equine Guelph Winter Semester starts in January 2016. For course descriptions and further information, please click here
November 24, 2015
CHRHF Launches 2016 Calendar to Celebrate 40th Anniversary and Honour Equine Racing Heroes
2016 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and to celebrate, a calendar has been produced honouring many of the racing industry's equine heroes.
From the moment Linda Rainey, Managing Director of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, read 'So God Made a Racehorse' she knew it was special. "The beautiful words written by TROT Magazine Editor Darryl Kaplan captured all the best qualities of our equine racing heroes and spoke directly to what the CHRHF represents."
With Kaplan's agreement, it was decided to create a calendar to celebrate the CHRHF's 40th anniversary in 2016. Commenting on the project, Darryl noted, "There are few athletes in this world more deserving of our admiration than the tremendous equine performers on our racetracks. 'So God Made a Racehorse' was written as a tribute to the horse and it is an honour to have the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame use this piece in its 2016 calendar."
Darryl's powerful words are accompanied throughout the calendar with images of Hall of Fame horses from the files of award winning photographer Dave Landry, "The horses brought me into photography at an early age", said Landry, "Being involved with this project brought back cherished memories of racing and farm visits. I very much enjoy seeing the great ones honoured, as it serves to remind us how fortunate we are to have them in our lives. In recognizing their achievements, we ensure the traditions of horse racing remain a strong part of Canadian culture."
Each page of the 12 month calendar features a stanza of "So God Made a Racehorse" along with a beautiful Dave Landry photo of either a Standardbred or Thoroughbred CHRHF member. Horses featured include Somebeachsomewhere, Jambalaya, Dance Smartly, Bettors Delight, Wando, Izvestia, Mystic Mistress, Dreamfair Eternal, Soaring Free, Kadabra, Rocknroll Hanover and Peteski.
The full colour calendars measure 12.5"x9.5"(opening to 12.5"x 19") and can be purchased for $15.00 each + HST through the CHRHF online gift shop at, http://shop.horseracinghalloffame.com/.
The calendars will also be on sale November 28 and 29th in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and on the 2nd Floor at Woodbine during both Thoroughbred and Standardbred race cards. Additional racetrack locations and dates, as well as information on retail sales locations to be announced shortly.Linda Rainey Managing Director Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame 416-417-9404 firstname.lastname@example.com
October 16, 2015
Deloitte is undertaking an Ontario Horse Racing Industry Economic Impact survey. If you are interested in participating in this survey, please click on the link below.
July 27, 2015
The University of Guelph – Equine Guelph offers equine studies online. If you are interested to learn more, please follow the link below:
July 20, 2015Ontario Standardbred Horseperson Association Steering Committee Invites Applications for Directorships for the Inaugural Board of Directors The Steering Committee of the forthcoming Ontario Standardbred Horseperson Association (OSHA) invites prospective industry and independent directors to apply for directorships on the inaugural Board of Directors, expected to be established by August 1, 2015. Applications are welcome if received by July 22, 2015. Early applications are encouraged.
If you possess some of the following competencies, you are encouraged to apply:
- Financial;
- Governance;
- Equine welfare;
- Gaming (e.g., pari-mutuel) and entertainment industry;
- Horseperson industry;
- Human resources and compensation;
- Information technology;
- Legal/regulatory;
- Marketing and communications;
- Public policy and political acumen;
- Risk management;
- Safety, health and the environment; and
- Strategic planning.
Desired attributes of prospective directors include: commitment and engagement, communication, impact and influence, integrity and accountability, leadership and teamwork.
This inaugural Board is expected to be comprised of seven directors, including four industry directors and three independent directors. One of the independent directors will be elected Chair. Industry directors may include individuals affiliated with the standardbred horseperson industry, including horse breeders, drivers, grooms, owners and trainers. Independent directors should have no relationship to the standardbred horseperson industry.
While the inaugural Board will be appointed, OSHA will move quickly to populating the Board with elected industry directors. As such, terms for Directors of this inaugural Board may be limited to one, two or three years.
There are expected to be five meetings per year. Modest compensation may be accorded to directors, in the judgment of the inaugural Board. Diverse board candidates are encouraged to apply, to achieve gender, cultural, age and geographic diversity.
This inaugural Board is expected to comply with leading governance practices. All prospective industry and independent Directors are encouraged to apply by submitting a curriculum vitae or short bio, in hard copy or by email, in confidence to:The Steering Committee Ontario Standardbred Horseperson Association c/o Ontario Horse Racing 90 Sheppard Ave East, Suite 200 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M2N 0A4 firstname.lastname@example.com
It is anticipated that Directors and Committee members may be eligible for a modest per diem of around $300 to $500, subject to Board approval.
Questions, if any, may be directed to individual horsepersons' associations within Ontario, or to the Steering Committee at the above email address.
February 12, 2015
Update for OHHA Members
Last Saturday, February 7th, the Ontario Harness Horse Association conducted a board meeting in the morning and its Annual General Meeting following in the afternoon. Both meetings were held at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel in Mississauga.
During the board meeting Messrs. Jody Jamieson and Anthony Haughan were reappointed as Directors-at-Large for a one-year term.
Due to the ongoing process of amalgamating the current four Standardbred horsemen's associations, the OHHA board decided to maintain its 2014 Executive Committee for the current year. Executive Committee officers and members are: Ken Hardy (President), Jody Jamieson (1st Vice-President), Kent Baker (2nd Vice-President), Paul Lindsey (Treasurer), Peter Core, Dave Gibson, Anthony Haughan, Jim Whelan and Mark Williams.
For the same reason a motion was brought forward and ratified by the members, during the AGM, to maintain the status quo pertaining to the OHHA Board of Directors.
OHHA recognizes the importance of working with the Ontario Racing Commission in order to achieve the establishment of one Standardbred horsemen's association. OHHA has always strongly supported the concept of one association/one voice for the Standardbred horsepeople of Ontario.
A definite timeline for the completion of the amalgamation has of yet not been set and OHHA wishes to reassure its members that for the duration all will remain as is. The RRSP program is healthy, insurance programs are being maintained, representation for those who need it will be available.
OHHA encourages all members who have questions or concerns to contact the office.
January 6, 2015
Notice of Annual Membership Meeting
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2015
Time: 2:00 pm
Place: Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre, 6750 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario - Hazel McCallion Room
Agenda Items:
- Introduction of Board of Directors, Officers and Executive
- Ratification of Motion Pertaining to 2015 Board Election
- President's Remarks
- Approval of 2014 Annual Meeting Minutes
- Presentation of 2014 Audited Financial Statement
- Appointment of 2015 Auditors
- General Manager's Remarks
- Other Business
For further information please contact the OHHA office at 905-854-6442 or 1-866-774-6442.
December 11, 2014
Equine Guelph and the University of Guelph are currently conducting a study on the awareness of current research among members of Ontario's horse industry – the study aims to measure who in the equine industry is accessing University of Guelph research, how they are accessing it, and whether the information changes their practices. In order to assess this we are asking members of the industry (riders, athletes, owners, veterinarians, and equine business owners) to complete a short online survey. In it you will be asked about your involvement with the horse-industry and your sources for horse-related information and any experiences with University of Guelph equine research. Participation in the survey is completely voluntary and anonymous and should take no more than 30 minutes. If you are under the age of 18 please seek consent from your parent or guardian before completing this survey.
Below you will find the link to the survey, which contains an information letter describing the project and your role as a participant. I encourage you to read the information letter before completing the survey, and please do not hesitate to contact the research team with any questions you may have. You can contact the principal investigator Professor Jeff Thomason at email@example.com, or student investigator Erin Massender at firstname.lastname@example.com.
The survey will close on February 1, 2015.
Thank you very much for your time,
Erin Massender, Research Assistant
September 12, 2014
For the ninth year in a row, OHHA will offer college/university entrance scholarships to children of active OHHA members. For 2014 one scholarship will be at the university level in the amount of $2,500, and two will be at the college level in the amount of $1,500 each. Money will be distributed upon proof of registration at an Ontario college or university.
Application deadline is November 7, 2014.
To qualify, submit a completed application form (available here or by contacting the OHHA office) by mail on or before the due date to:
Scholarship Committee
Ontario Harness Horse Association
35 Crawford Crescent
PO Box 429
Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0
For further enquiries please contact Brian Tropea at the OHHA office: 905-854-6442 or 1-866-774-6442 ext. 222.
July 25, 2014
The Ontario Harness Horse Association supports the proponents behind the EquiLottery initiative, a new horse-racing product that adds lottery money directly into on-track handle. To read the Press Release, please click here.
June 23, 2014
The Ontario Harness Horse Association has prepared a response to the current situation as it unfolds in the Meadowlands. To read the Press Release, please click here.
June 9, 2014
To read the response from the New Democratic Party, please click here.
To read the response from the Liberal Party, please click here.
To read the response from the Progressive Conservative Party, please click here.
June 2, 2014
OHHA has sent letters to all party leaders asking them a series of questions regarding their plans for the horse-racing industry in Ontario.
To read the Press Release, please click here.
To read the letter as was sent to the 3 party leaders, please click here
April 30, 2014
On Monday, April 28, the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario released its Special Report pertaining to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's Modernization Plan.
To read the report, please click here.
March 14, 2014
Mr. Tony Doucette, host of CBC – Windsor Morning, interviewed Brian Tropea last Wednesday (March 12th). To listen to the communication please click on
February 3, 2014
Brian Tropea was interviewed by radio CFRU 93.3. earlier today. To listen to this interview click on the link below, once opened, click on the arrow in front of February 3, 2014 Hoofbeats, and, as a final step find 13:32 on the gold bar.
January 21, 2014
The Ontario Harness Horse Association would like to remind its members of the upcoming
Annual Membership Meeting
Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Best Western Plus Milton Inn (Banquet Room)
161 Chisholm Drive, Milton, ON
We strongly encourage members' attendance as the business and future of the association will be discussed.
November 21, 2013
OHHA Board of Directors Election Postponed
OHHA Annual Membership Meeting Notice
Election of OHHA's board of directors historically has been held each year on the second Tuesday in December as stipulated in the association's bylaws.
For 2014 the board has decided to postpone this year's election process due to the considered creation of one SB horsepeople's association as outlined in the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel's report that was delivered last month. Performing the administrative responsibilities attached to an election has always been a costly exercise and the board felt these costs would not be warranted under the current circumstances.
In order to maintain due process a vote will be conducted during the Annual Membership Meeting and if members in attendance at that meeting indicate an election should be held the process will be started immediately after the annual meeting.
Members having questions or concerns regarding this decision are encouraged to call the OHHA office.
The 2014 OHHA Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled forTuesday, January 28, 2014 – 6:00 pm Best Western Plus Milton Inn (Banquet Room) 161 Chisholm Drive, Milton, ON
October 29, 2013
For the eighth year in a row, OHHA will offer college/university entrance scholarships to children of active OHHA members. For 2013 one scholarship will be at the university level in the amount of $2,500, and two will be at the college level in the amount of $1,500 each. Money will be distributed upon proof of registration at an Ontario college or university.
Application deadline is November 21, 2013.
To qualify, submit a completed application form (available on the this website (get involved – scholarships) or by contacting the OHHA office) by mail on or before the due date to:Scholarship Committee Ontario Harness Horse Association 35 Crawford Crescent PO Box 429 Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0
For further enquiries please contact Brian Tropea at the OHHA office: 905-854-6442 or 1-866-774-6442 ext. 222.
October 16, 2013
The Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel has delivered its Final Report to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. To read the report please…..Click here.
October 9, 2013
The Ontario Racing Commission is seeking public input regarding Standardbred race date changes submitted by Western Fair and Flamboro Downs. To view the ORC notice please……Click here
July 2, 2013
On Friday, June 28, the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel released its draft plan for the future of horse racing in Ontario. Industry participants have the opportunity to provide their input at four scheduled meetings or by written suggestion.
The report, information regarding registration for the meetings and email address for written suggestions can be accessed by clicking on the links in the notice below.
Ontario's Horse Racing Industry
Transitioning to a Sustainable Future
The Ontario government is committed to supporting a sustainable racing industry that is fair to industry partners and the people of the province. The Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel has been directed to develop a plan that sets a clear path forward on:
- growing the fan base and enhancing wagering revenues,
- improving the governance and regulation of the horse racing industry,
- developing a sustainable funding model, and
- promoting excellence in racehorse management and breeding.
The panel will also work with industry partners, the Ministry of Finance and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to integrate horse racing into the broader Ontario gaming strategy.
In early July the Panel will hold public meetings open to all interested parties, to discuss their draft plan for a sustainable Ontario horse racing industry.
You can download the panel's draft plan, entitled "Toward a Sustainable Future – a Plan for Horse Racing in Ontario," and are invited to submit written suggestions on how it can be improved. The Panel will incorporate stakeholder and public input into their final plan, which will be released October 2013 to allow for phased implementation beginning April 1, 2014.
- Transition Funding for Individual Racetracks
- Final 2012 Report of the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel
- Minister's Letter to the Panel (May 1, 2013)
For further inquiries, please email: email@example.com
June 24, 2013
Horse Racing Public Meetings
Ontario has asked the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel for a plan that sets a clear path forward on:
- growing the fan base and enhancing wagering revenues
- improving the governance and regulation of the horse racing industry
- developing a sustainable funding model, and
- promoting excellence in racehorse management and breeding.
The Panel is required to submit its final plan by October 2013 to allow for implementation on April 1, 2014.
Public meetings are open to all interested parties and will take place as follows:
Monday, July 8, 2013
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Western Fair District Raceway
900 King Street
Carousel Room
London ON
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Woodbine Raceway
555 Rexdale Boulevard
Toronto ON
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ajax Downs
50 Alexander's Crossing
Ajax ON
Thursday, July 11, 2013*
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Rideau Carleton Raceway
4837 Albion Road
Ottawa ON
*Services for this meeting will be provided in English and French.
To register for a session or to sign up for web-ex or teleconference , please:
- call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300,
- e-mail email@example.com, or
- register online.
You can also submit comments online. The Discussion Paper will be posted on this site by the end of June.
April 22, 2013
This event is scheduled for Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 pm in West Copetown. For further information and the registration form please…..Click here.
March 13, 2013
Due to a scheduling conflict encountered by the PC Party it is necessary to reschedule the dinner with Tim Hudak which was originally slated to take place on March 19th.
This PC fundraiser is now confirmed for Tuesday May 14, 2013; venue and time unchanged. The amended registration form can be accessed here.
The Executive Director of the PC Ontario Fund and OHHA thank you for your understanding and offer sincere apologies to those who have already registered in case this date change causes any inconvenience.
January 10, 2013
The OHHA Board of Directors met yesterday, January 9, 2013, to elect the Officers and Executive Committee for 2013.
Ken Hardy was re-elected as President for a third term.
Mr. Hardy thanked the board for its continued support. He acknowledged the difficult circumstances in which the racing industry currently finds itself and he expressed his concerns pertaining to the future of racing.
Other members of the OHHA Executive Committee are:
First Vice President: Jody Jamieson
Second Vice President: Kent Baker
Treasurer: Paul Lindsey
Executive Members: Peter Core, Dave Gibson, Anthony Haughan, Jim Whelan and Mark Williams
December 7 2012
The OHHA Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled forSaturday, January 26, 2013 – 2:00 pm Delta Meadowvale Hotel (Hazel McCallion Room) 6750 Mississauga, Ontario
We invite and encourage all our members to attend this meeting.November 1, 2012
The Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA), which represents the majority of Standardbred horsepeople in Ontario, after careful consideration of the final report as prepared by the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel, would like to share its initial reaction to the publicized content.
Unfortunately, we are not greatly surprised by the recommendations as communicated by the panel. Given the process that has surrounded the government's intentional dismantlement of the harness racing sector the outcome appears to have been predetermined.
To be clear, the decision to kill the Slots-at-Racetracks Program was made before the release of the Drummond report. Mr. Drummond, in his recommendations, noted the program should be reviewed, not eliminated. OHHA has historically supported a review realising there were issues with the existing arrangements, particularly the minimal reinvestment by some racetracks into the infrastructure in order to enhance the industry.
Misinterpreting the recommendation from the Drummond report, the government announced that SARP was dead, effective March 31, 2013. A multitude of reasons were provided for this decision: it was going to help the fiscal position of the province, it was a "subsidy" to the industry, the industry was unsustainable, a new model was needed….. We have heard it all and none of the reasoning withstands even the most basic test of scrutiny.
Given the public pressure applied by OHHA and others, the OMAFRA panel was appointed to appease the industry and buy the government time. This week we were presented the final report excluding a segment of financial information. The panel developed a model based on revenue generated from pari-mutuel wagering in 2011. The report clearly demonstrates that the impact will be significant, particularly on the Standardbred industry.
While we applaud the recommendations calling for accountability and transparency, obligations we have repeatedly asked and encouraged the ORC to enforce, OHHA will not and cannot accept a report that buries a dagger in the back of its membership.
Investments by our members and members from other organizations have grown the economy. In addition to the SARP program contributing in excess of $14 billion dollars to the provincial treasury since its introduction, direct taxation from the economic activity generated by the racing sector is approaching a quarter of a billion dollars. $1.25 Billion dollars per year have been received by the government to provide services for our fellow citizens. Apparently "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" doesn't register with this government.
The panel shows a certain level of naïveté by suggesting that gutting Standardbred race dates and purses will keep Ontario competitive with other jurisdictions. Given that our major competitors south of the border are increasing racing opportunities and purses, we will become far less competitive in racing opportunities, purse monies and in the breeding shed. How will the demand for the Ontario Standardbred increase under these circumstances? What will be the loss of economic activity and loss of revenue for government under this proposal?
The extreme bias favoring the A Thoroughbreds is an affront to the Standardbred industry. While we will not engage in a divide and conquer discussion, to recommend that Standardbreds lose 54% of race days and over 60% of purse monies, compared to a minimal decline of race days and purses for A Thoroughbreds, is a grave injustice by any measure. Yes, we will hear about the tremendous cut to the Thoroughbred B tracks and OHHA deeply sympathizes with those who will be affected at Ft. Erie Racetrack.
The fact that government doesn't want a partnership on slot machines but is willing to partner with racetracks on other types of gaming is more than a little confusing. Of course, none of this increased gaming revenue is available to horsepeople, but will be used to offset racetracks operational expenses.
While we thank the panel for its time and effort we feel deeply disheartened. This is a confidence-shaking report, a bad deal for harness racing, and a bad deal for the people of Ontario.
The panel refers to OHRIA as representing the horse racing industry. However, this particular association certainly does not seem to represent the rank and file of the harness racing sector. The latest results of its efforts could not have made this any more evident as reflected in its initial submission to OMAFRA and the ensuing final report presented by the panel.
As we mentioned at the beginning, this was a political process designed to achieve a pre-determined outcome to the benefit of a few and the detriment of many. Ending the SARP was never about the dismal fiscal position of the province; they could have enhanced the program if they wanted to improve the province's finances.
The only rational response is to reject the report. We must continue to work with all elected officials to move the industry forward in a meaningful manner. As we have since our inception (1961), OHHA will continue to provide open and responsible leadership on behalf of all its members and we welcome and value our members' continued input.
For further information contact:
Brian Tropea, General Manager
905-854-6442 or 1-866-774-6442 ext. 222
Email: email@example.com
To read the report…..Click here.
To view the report…..Click here.
Panel to Work With Industry on Future of Horse Racing
McGuinty Government Helping Industry Transition to More Sustainable Future
- Work with the industry to help develop a vision for the future.
- Provide recommendations to the government on how to allocate transition funding.
- Advise on the modernization of other industry revenue sources to assist the industry in becoming more self-sufficient.
A final report from the panel is expected in late summer 2012.
- Ontario will provide up to $50 million over three years in transition support to the industry.
- Employment Ontario will help displaced workers in the industry find jobs and training.
- Since 1998, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has provided nearly $3.7 billion to horse racing in Ontario through the Slots at Racetracks program.
- The industry is expected to receive a payment of $340 million from the OLG this year.
- The Slots at Racetracks Program gives 20 per cent of gross slot revenue. That money is shared equally between the track operator and those involved with running horses at the respective tracks. The program will end on March 31, 2013.
- Mark Cripps
Minister's Office
- Susan Murray
Communications Branch
racing industry facing serious declines
The 2011 racing season has been completed and the statistics are now available. The new racing model developed and implemented by the Ontario Racing Commission for the 2011 season led to declines in purses paid, opportunities and pari-mutuel wagering. To view a comparison between 2010 and 2011 click here.


text:
A vast majority, or 70 per cent, of CEO turnovers at the world's largest 2,500 public companies in 2013 were planned events, as opposed to forced turnovers or the result of mergers, according to a new study.
About 76 per cent of incoming CEOs were 'insiders' who were promoted from within the company, said the newly released 2013 Chief Executive Study from Strategy & (formerly Booz & Company).
"The high proportion of planned turnovers is a strong signal that companies are continuing to take an active, considered approach to putting in place new leadership," said Gary L Neilson, senior partner at Strategy & and co-author of the 14th annual global Chief Executive Study.
The study examines trends and patterns among incoming and outgoing CEOs of the world's 2,500 largest public companies.
It also looks at women CEOs over the past 10 years as well as overall succession trends with a focus incoming class of CEOs of 2013.
CEO turnover at the world's largest companies in 2013 decreased slightly to 14.4 per cent from 15.0 per cent in 2012 well within the range of turnover generally expected during non-recession periods.
"While the CEO succession rates in the Middle East continue to be higher than the global average, we have seen a meaningful decline this year in this region as well and are now approaching the global levels," said Per-Ola Karlsson, senior partner at Strategy&, co-author of the report.
The findings suggest that the 'global CEO' as commonly thought of is a rarity- the trend seems to be 'local' and 'native'.
In addition to the fact that 76 per cent of new CEOs in 2013 were insiders (compared to 71 per cent in 2012) 80 per cent were nationals of the same country as the company's headquarters; 65 per cent did not have experience working abroad.
"Companies continue to select CEOs who are familiar faces, particularly when it comes to nationality and international experience, suggesting that the 'global CEO' is more mythical than real," said Karlsson.
The median age of incoming CEOs was 53.
CEO tenure has remained relatively steady over the past five years - but rose slightly in 2013 to the 14-year median of five years.
The study includes two other findings that illuminate what companies are looking for in a CEO.
First, the percentage of CEOs appointed with joint CEO/Chairman titles decreased for the third straight year