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6 September 2019
2019 has been a turbulent year for politics as political parties grapple with the UK's economic, social and political crises. From Brexit to the NHS, the Fabian Society will be at the heart of the policy debates at this year's Labour party conference in Brighton.Continue reading Labour party
19 September 2019
Good jobs, responsible employers and prosperous communities are the foundation of a thriving economy. How can we ensure that they are available to everyone, no matter where they live? This new pamphlet edited by Rachel Reeves MP delves into the big questions facing the left.Continue reading Class / Democracy / Economy / Inequality / Labour party
13 September 2019
New Fabian Society research reveals that renters' support for rent controls is motivated by more than just saving money, with the results suggesting private renters want rent regulation to tackle insecurity and unfair treatment.Continue reading Class / Housing / Inequality / Labour party
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The Fabian Review
This edition of the Fabian Review focuses on the battle for the souls of the Labour and Conservative parties with contributions from Zubaida Haque, Paul Mason, Rosie Duffield MP, Rosena Allin-Khan MP, and Daniel Johnson MSP, plus Kate Murray talks to Stella Creasy MP.
Latest from the Fabian SocietyView All
Stepping up
18 September 2019
LAUREN CROWLEY: As today's BEIS committee report proves, the government must do more to manage the transition to automation.Continue reading Changing Work Centre / Economy / Inequality / Work
Gearing up
16 September 2019
MARK PERRYMAN: Labour needs an insurgency of such a scale that will catapult it into government.Continue reading Labour party / Elections
Calling a truce
11 September 2019
VANESHA SINGH: At a time when the past indiscretions of Tory leadership contenders have put drug use back in the headlines, Labour should take the lead on reforming drugs policy.Continue reading Class / Crime / Inequality / Labour party
Our founding feminists
6 September 2019
JANA SMITH ELFORD: The pioneering efforts of several early female Fabians have too often been written out of history.Continue reading History
Modern hinterlands
5 September 2019
PENNY ANDREWS: Whether they like gardening, sport or jam-making, politicians should be?recognised for the real people they are.Continue reading Democracy
Cultured communities
3 September 2019
The Fabian Society is pleased to announce a new project on arts and culture in local communities, in partnership with the City of London Corporation.Continue reading Class / Culture / Economy
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Everyday Socialism
Good jobs, responsible employers and prosperous communities are?the foundation of a thriving economy. How can we ensure that they?are?available to everyone, no matter where they live?Read more
Beyond affordability
New Fabian Society research reveals that renters' support for rent controls is motivated by more than just saving money, with the results suggesting private renters want rent regulation to tackle insecurity and unfair treatment.Read more
Progressive federalism
A new Fabian Society report argues?progressive federalism is better than independence for Scotland.Read more
Capital gains
Capital Gains?presents proposals to Sadiq Khan for his second term as London mayor.Read more
People Power
The Changing Work Centre, a joint initiative from the Fabian Society and Community, has today launched a new report which calls for a new focus on workers at the heart of industrial strategy.Read more
Summer 2019
This edition of the Fabian Review explores ideas on greening Labour with contributions from Ed Miliband MP, Sue Hayman MP, and Nadia Whittome plus Kate Murray talks to Yvette Cooper MP.?Read more
Getting Organised
Trade unions need to better represent the UK's 4 million self-employed workers, according to a new report by the Fabian Society.Read more
Open and ethical
Human rights abuses, immigration scandals and poor decision-making have left the immigration system in need of urgent reform, according to a new Fabian Society report.Read more
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Two days after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced that his country's troops would begin withdrawing from Georgia, there's little evidence of a pullout, with Georgians in occupied territory struggling to stay safe and get food.
A few hundred meters north of Georgia's ransacked Army base in the central Georgian city of Gori, Russian troops on Monday were digging trenches to fortify an artillery battery.
The troops also have detained Georgian policemen and continue to block the only highway linking west to east Georgia. And Russia's presence in Georgia is not limited to its military. Russian broadcasts have replaced Georgian TV in Russian-occupied cities such as Gori.
"For four days all we've seen is Russian TV. They make us Georgians look like such animals," says Gori resident Zoya Lazarishvili.
One column of Russian tanks and armored vehicles left Gori on Tuesday, but Russian officials said the main withdrawal would not happen for days to come.
Russian soldiers took 20 Georgian troops prisoner at a key port in western Georgia on Tuesday and commandeered American Humvees used in US-Georgian military exercises in the past few years.
NATO ends 'business as usual'
The developments came as ministers of the 26-member North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), meeting in Brussels, said the alliance "cannot continue with business as usual" with Russia until it had fully pulled out of Georgia. [Editor's note: NATO was corrected from 'American' to 'Atlantic']
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) agreed Tuesday to immediately send 20 additional unarmed military monitors to areas near the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia and to deploy up to 80 more. The OSCE already has eight military monitors there as part of its 200-person mission in Georgia. Six were in South Ossetia's capital, Tskhinvali, until they were evacuated to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi after their field office was shelled during the recent fighting between Georgian and Russian troops.
Russia's Navy said on Tuesday it had canceled a September visit by a US navy ship to a Russian port. The US last week pulled out of a naval exercise with Russia because of Russia's intervention in Georgia.
But while Western officials mull how to punish Russia, polls suggest most Russians approve of their government's actions.
A survey by the independent Levada Analytical Center in Moscow showed 71 percent of respondents supported Russian-backed South Ossetia in the conflict, with 21 percent neutral and only 2 percent support for Georgia.
Meanwhile, more than 90 percent of Gori's population of 50,000 has fled, according to Christoph Bierwirth, of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR) in Georgia. The city is a virtual ghost town as shops are shuttered and the streets are empty of cars and people. Most of those who remain in Gori are the elderly and feeble. Few young people stayed behind.
Signs of looting are visible, particularly at a bank across the street from City Hall, but residents say the looting was minimal.
"Some Ossetians came and stole some cars and robbed some stores of groceries, but there weren't too many problems," says Nodar Diasamisze, who stayed in Gori as it was being occupied by Russian forces last week.
Villages outside Gori, however, have been more vulnerable to roaming bands of irregular paramilitaries.
Many homes along the road to the nearby village of Karaleti have been bombed and burned and every market looted. Medea Bibilashvili says that Karaleti was not pillaged by Russian troops, but by "marauders." "I don't know who stole everything," she acknowledges.
Others, however, appear quite certain who the marauders were.
A woman named Marina who spoke on that condition that her family name not be used, was one of eight people who had just come out from hiding in a garage. "Ossetians attacked us, they stole all our cars – didn't leave a single one," she says.
The only cars left in Karaleti are the few shells of recently burned wrecks.Marina's house was ransacked and a store room burned while she hid at a neighbor's. Locals claim only a few citizens were actually killed, although Ms. Bibilashvili says that some young men were rounded up and taken away. The number could not be verified.
Georgian villages ransacked
Georgian villages north of the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinvali did not fare as well. Rena Effendi, a freelance photographer who just returned from a Russian-sponsored journalist tour of the Georgian breakaway region, recalls the overwhelming stench of burning bodies as she traveled south from the town of Kurta.
"There was nothing left of the village. Many homes were still burning," she says. "I'll never forget that smell."
Dazed ethnic Georgian refugees tell stories of how they hid in basements while Ossetian and Chechen marauders ransacked their possessions, of neighbors being shot and of homes being torched.
Those who could ran with nothing but the clothes on their backs while those too old and feeble remained behind.
"They poured gasoline on houses and lit them on fire every day," says Alexi Datashvili, one of some two dozen elderly and feeble residents who fled to Gori from the Georgian villages of Tamarsheni, Khekvi, Achaveli, and Kurta.
"The Russians were normal. The Ossetians stole cows, pianos, cars... and killed everything. There is not a person, a dog, a chicken left alive," Mr. Datashvili grieved. "It's genocide."
Russia's Ministry of Extraordinary Situations evacuated these residents and bused them to an abandoned orphanage in Gori, where they were given boxes of humanitarian aid.
Presently, the most pressing problem for Georgians in Gori, and more so for those in the villages, is access to food. Organizations like the Red Cross and UNHCR complain that having no security guarantees prevents them from delivering food and medicines to the villages. UNCHR spokeswoman, Lita Sunjit, estimated that some 30,000 families around Gori cannot receive aid. "All South Ossetia is cut off from us," Sunjit said.
In Gori, people struggle in chaotic lines at various distribution points for staples like bread and pasta, but the residents of Karateli, effectively cut off from Gori, have no such luxury.
Malkhaz Koletashvili, one of the eight that emerged red-eyed from a garage declared, "there are no shops. We have no flour, no salt, no bread. We are hungry."


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Author Profile
Terry J. Allen
Terry J. Allen, an In These Times senior editor, has written the magazine's monthly
investigative health and science column since 2006.
A photojournalist and researcher as well, Allen's work has appeared in numerous national and international media, including The Boston Globe, Harper's, thenation.com, American Prospect, New Scientist, and Salon.com.
She was senior researcher for the book The Impeachment of George W. Bush (2007), and contributed to the Sundance prize-winning documentary film Trouble The Water (2008). Contact her at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Undocumented in Vermont: The Hidden Life of a Migrant Farmworker
"Hey, come on in," I told Carlos. Silhouetted by summer sun, he stood at the front door of my Vermont house. "No," he said pointing to his work boots,... MORE
Rural America · April 8, 2017
Trump Can't Follow Through on His Promises—And Will Need A Scapegoat
The more he fails to deliver on his economic pledges, the more he'll try to shift the blame. MORE
Features · December 9, 2016
Trump Bullies, Boasts and Bullshits in Bernie's Burlington
Sitting in the audience was like watching blood dry—a convergence of the compellingly grotesque and the mind-numbingly boring. MORE
Features · January 9, 2016
The Vermont-New York Heroin-and-Guns Carousel That Can Make Dealers a 1,400% Profit
Shooting up in Vermont, shooting up New York. MORE
Features · July 13, 2015
We're Breeding Dogs to Death
The legacy of eugenics is mutilating our best friends. MORE
Features · May 27, 2015
Salman Rushdie on Charlie Hebdo: 'Vilifying … These Fallen Artists' Is 'Disgraceful'
The target of an infamous fatwa weighs in on satire, free speech and religion. MORE
Features · January 15, 2015
Why Eric Garner Couldn't Breathe
The chokehold is only half the story of homicidal violence. MORE
Features · January 15, 2015
Do You Want Shrapnel with That Airbag?
Culpable carmakers and captive regulators make a deadly combo. MORE
Features · December 10, 2014
The Pandemic We Are Ignoring
A possible cure for hep-C comes at a great cost to the sick. MORE
Views · October 14, 2014
Anaphylactic Sticker Shock
Road trip! Or, two middle-aged women go on a Hunter S. Thompson-esque drug-buying spree across an international border. And score. MORE
Views · August 4, 2014


text: Home > About AABB > Corporate Partnership > Advertising Opportunities Advertising Opportunities Page ContentIf you are interested in learning more about AABB's advertising opportunities, or secure advertising space please contact firstname.lastname@example.com. 2020 AABB Media Kit (PDF) AABB NewsPublished 11 times per year, the association's magazine provides an insightful look at critical issues affecting the transfusion medicine, cellular therapy and patient blood management community.AABB SmartBriefAABB SmartBrief is a daily email providing updates on the latest news in transfusion medicine and cellular therapies. With about 9,000 subscribers, AABB SmartBrief provides an opportunity to keep your brand top-of-mind for a large and influential audience.TRANSFUSIONTRANSFUSION is AABB's scholarly, peer-reviewed monthly journal, publishing the latest technological advances, clinical research, and controversial issues related to transfusion medicine, cellular and gene therapies, and tissue transplantation. Each issue addresses topics such as clinical transfusion, immunology, genetics, cellular therapy, and hematology. In addition to a supplement containing AABB Annual Meeting abstracts, other supplements focus on key conference proceedings and single-topic content not readily available elsewhere. TRANSFUSION is free to all AABB members.AABB WebsiteSkyscraper and button ads offer an excellent visual opportunity for your company, product or service. AABB's website maintains an active user base with high duration time per unique visitor. Placing your ad on AABB's many venues gives you the opportunity to reinforce your band and build traffic to your site. Your ad will rotate on pages, except pages with continuing medical education (CME) information and/or content or other pages not approved by AABB. AABB CareerLinkThe CareerLink job board from AABB is the premier portal to find hundreds of qualified healthcare professionals that have specific experience in blood banking, transfusion medicine, patient blood management and cellular therapies. CareerLink brings together the best people with the best opportunities.


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Conservationists at Lake Tahoe are suing over new regulatory changes they say will erode environmental protection of the mountain lake by allowing for construction of bigger buildings near the shore and failing to adequately monitor water quality.
The Sierra Club and Friends of the West Shore filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Sacramento on Monday challenging rules the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency adopted in December.
The suit says the changes would allow local governments around the lake to adopt weakened pollution controls that don't meet minimum standards set by the bistate panel that Congress authorized in 1980.
Among other things, the new rules double building height limits from three stories to six stories just west of the Stateline casino district across the California line in South Lake Tahoe.


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Liv's Bike Fit and Size Guide
Take the first step to finding your dream bike. It doesn't matter if you are competing at the highest level or commuting to work, superior fit is all-important and choosing the right bike size is the first step to getting your perfect ride.
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For specific bike models, check out Liv bikes in your region here. Sizing should be used as a reference only. The best way to determine your correct size is to head into your local authorized Liv dealer. Available sizes may vary from country to country.
Find Your Size for ROAD AND CYCLOCROSS BIKES
Find Your Size for MOUNTAIN BIKES
Find Your Size for LIFESTYLE BIKES
Athlete Testimonials: What Bike Size do the Pros Ride?
Our athletes ride Liv bikes in competition, during training, and for fun. It's their feedback after rounds of prototypes and testing that inspires the final fit adjustments to make the best bikes for female bodies. While putting Liv bikes through the paces, our athletes have the opportunity to dial in their fit and make sure they are on the right size bike. Because, when it comes down to it, it's not just your height that plays a role in what size bike you will choose. Every rider has her own unique anatomy, riding style, and personal preferences. So, we've asked Liv athletes and ambassadors to share their information to help you make a more informed decision when choosing the bike size you will ride.
Still, nothing compares to jumping on a bike and taking it for a test ride before your purchase. That's why we recommend visiting your local bike shop or trying a bike at a Liv bike demo event near you. After any bike purchase, a professional fit is always highly recommended.
Lesley Paterson
Professional Off-road Triathlete
Height: 5ft 3in OR 160 cm
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Bike Size: X-Small
Bikes I Ride: Obsess Advanced, Pique Advanced, Envie Advanced
Bike Fit Adjustments I Made
Other than changing my saddle out, I didn't need to change anything which was my first time EVER!
Why I Love My Bike
Because it is light and nimble and VERY responsive. It just feels like it's a part of me rather than something I'm having to try and move around!
Rae Morrison
Professional Enduro Athlete, Giant Factory Off-Road Team
Height: 5ft 7in OR 170 cm
Inseam: 31.5in OR 80 cm
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Bike Fit Adjustments I Made
I adjusted a few things on the Hail to best fit my personal preferences. I run a shorter stem 35mm, bars are cut to 750mm, the cranks I run are 170mm, and I swapped to a larger 170mm fork. The seat I run is stock, the Liv contact SL saddle. I like this flatter saddle to allow me to scoot forwards and back during climbs and flat ground pedaling.
Why I Love My Bike
I love my bikes for the adventure and thrills they take me on. I love the confidence and speed it inspires in me. The Hail is a mini DH bike that can pedal so there is no track out of its depth and can make you feel very secure and confident as well as push your riding beyond what you would expect.
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Professional Cyclocross and XC MTB Athlete, Liv Factory Off-Road Team
Height: 5ft 5in OR 165 cm
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Allysa Seely
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Bikes I Ride: Envie Advanced Pro, Avow Advanced Pro, Pique Advanced
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I changed the saddle on my Avow to the Liv contact SLR forward.
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I love that my bikes are easy to handle and turn on a dime.
Shirin Gerami
Professional Triathlete
Height: 5ft 8in OR 173 cm
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Bikes I Ride: Envie Advanced Pro, Avow Advanced Pro
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Changed the saddle, the water bottling system, and the aero bars on my Avow to the ones that turn upwards.
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It gives me wings.
Leonie Picton
Professional Enduro Athlete
Height: 5ft 7in OR 170 cm
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Bike Size: Medium
Bikes I Ride: Hail Advanced 0
Bike Fit Adjustments I Made
Longer dropper post, different saddle, and thicker grips. Last year I upgraded the rotor sizes but this year the bike came stock with 200 mm rotors in the front and 180 mm rotors in the rear, which is great! I also love that the Hail comes with 800 mm bars as well.
Why I Love My Bike
A bike is like your best friend. Bikes inspire you to be creative and adventurous. They teach you discipline and build strength (mentally and physically). They take you places far beyond what you thought possible. You experience the thrill of achieving goals and the disappointment of setbacks. My bike is my life.


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Imagination -- one of the least understood but most cherished products of the mind and brain -- will become the focus of wide-ranging study at a new center jointly founded by UC San Diego and the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation.
The two institutions have created the UCSD-based Center for Human Imagination, which will involve thinkers from fields as different as technology, sociology, politics, medicine and literature, especially science fiction.
"We are changing the world so fast right now and the level of transformation is profound," said Sheldon Brown, the UCSD media arts professor who was named director of the center. "This is the outcome of imagination. We need a more thoughtful, deliberative approach to understanding how it works."
The perils and positives of imagination were a defining theme for Clarke, the British futurist and science fiction author who wrote such acclaimed books as "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Rendezvous with Rama."
Clarke, who died in 2008, literally helped imagine the future. In 1945, he published a paper that laid out the basic concept for the geostationary satellites that exist today. Those satellites helped make the Internet and other wireless devices possible, shaping how people communicate and interact.
Tedson Meyers, chairman of the Clarke Foundation, said in a statement, "A number of excellent universities responded to our request for proposals to become the home of the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination, but the University of California, San Diego made the most compelling case.
"Its top flight research resources, facilities and academic excellence in multi-disciplinary collaborations within the UC system and beyond are ideally suited to approach the potential of human imagination from a wide range of perspectives."
Brown says recent advances in the study of how the mind and brain function have hastened the need for the new center.
"Every couple of years, we are literally doubling our understanding of how the brain functions," Brown said. "We can ask specific questions about how imagination works. Are there positive feedback loops we can build in to stimulate or enhance human imagination. That's something we need to study."
The center is just beginning to sketch out ideas for research projects and public lectures. But Brown says the center has already decided to involve such well-known science fiction writers as David Brin and Kim Stanley Robinson, both of whom earned degrees at UCSD, and Gregory Benford, a sci-fi writer and physicist at UC Irvine.


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CO-Gov: Penry to exit race
Colorado state Sen. Josh Penry (R) plans to end his gubernatorial campaign and endorse former Rep. Scott McInnis (R), according to two sources familiar with his thinking.
Penry's decision to opt out of the race is a stunner as many national Republicans had touted him as a potential rising star (and we had featured him in our "Rising" series that looks at up and coming politicians).
Political chatter in the immediate aftermath of Penry's decision suggested he might be considering a run against 3rd district Rep. John Salazar (D) who won the Western Slope seat when McInnis retired in 2004. Salazar's seat is one of 49 held by Democrats that Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) carried in 2008. (McCain won it 50 percent to 48 percent for President Barack Obama.) But, Republicans already have a candidate -- state Rep. Scott Tipton -- they are high on in the race.
Sources close to Penry suggested that he was heavily influenced by the victories for Republicans in New Jersey and Virginia last week -- wins due, at least in part, to the lack of competitive primaries on the Republican side.
Penry was worried that a bruising August primary would potentially compromise the eventual nominee's chances of beating Ritter. Combine that with his youth (he is 33) and his role as state Senate Minority Leader and Penry decided that dropping out of the race was the best option for him and the party.
McInnis, who spent six terms in Congress, now has a clear shot at Gov. Bill Ritter (D) next fall. Democrats have expressed serious concern about Ritter's electoral prospects and his poll numbers have lagged badly since he was elected in a landslide in 2006.
Penry was elected to the state House in 2004 and to the state Senate in 2006. Prior to his career in elected office, he had served as a staffer to McInnis in Congress -- a fact that made the potential primary all the more delicious.
McInnis beat Penry in the first race within the race, raising $545,000 to Penry's $400,000 between July 1 and September 30. Ritter collected $452,000 during that time.
Chris Cillizza
November 9, 2009; 3:00 PM ET
Categories: Governors
Save & Share: Previous: The most important number in politics today
Next: CT-Gov: Rell Won't Run Again
This is great news for Republicans. Penry is out and McInnis vs. Ritter in the GE. I think this race will be done early as McInnis is in a great shot to win now. With McInnis & Norton as the de-facto nominee's, it looks like Colorodo will be going red in 2010. As for Penry, perhaps he could run for Secretary of State. When Coffman ran for & won Tancredo's old congressional seat, he vacated the Sec. of State's office and there now is a Ritter appointment.
Posted by: reason5 | November 10, 2009 11:44 AM | Report abuse
Query: name a decision that Obama can make in less than a Present idential term?
Answer: nine iron or six?
Posted by: snowbama | November 9, 2009 5:58 PM | Report abuse
But, hey, there's that award-winning new bridge over the Mississippi now. So at least you got that going for you. Which is nice.
Posted by: mnteng | November 9, 2009 5:49 PM | Report abuse
In other Gubernatorial news, long-shot hopeful for the 2012 GOP Presidential nomination Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota had hoped to start this week on a high note after having a pretty miserable week last week, according to The Fix. Instead, this week began with the Associated Press digging through some of the Governor's stale promises from earlier in his tenure. In today's story, the AP digs up a statement from an early State of the State address, in which Gov Pawlenty promised to address homelessness in Minnesota, saying it could be solved by 2010. Well, here we are on the cusp of 2010 and Minnesota's homeless rate has gone UP under Pawlenty's tenure. Of course he blames the economy & holds himself blameless on the economy. Unfortunately, the MN homeless rate has gone up faster than elsewhere in the country, undermining the governor's excuse.
Who knows what other shocking tidbits about Governor long-on-talk, short-on-action Pawlenty await?
Posted by: bsimon1 | November 9, 2009 4:13 PM | Report abuse
The apparent paid blog spamming that continuously targets Chris Cillizza's "Fix," with "snowbama" as the straw-man patsy of a band of frat boy- type cubicle dwellers, is truly remarkable in its scope and unremitting duration.
Congrats, Chris -- somebody thinks what goes on here is important enough to try to bury in psy ops effluvia...
Unfortunately, taxpayers may be footing the bill.
Posted by: scrivener50 | November 9, 2009 4:02 PM | Report abuse
yeah -- nepotism and cronyism rule!
Posted by: drivl
the stopped clock phenomenon. In fact, the liberals are in power now and do "rule". I think the most famous purveyor of this is the chairman of the Ways and Means who employed his nephew to build a website at $80K a year. Two years later there was no website. however, since it was a liberal, this fell into the realm of "normal" productivity.
Posted by: snowbama | November 9, 2009 3:51 PM | Report abuse
We're not talking about your allowance, snow globe.
Posted by: nodebris | November 9, 2009 3:48 PM | Report abuse
yeah -- nepotism and cronyism rule!
Posted by: drindl | November 9, 2009 3:35 PM | Report abuse
There is nothing technically illegal about paying family members. It is done all the time.
Posted by: snowbama | November 9, 2009 3:30 PM | Report abuse
CC - is announcing that every piece of news is a stunner or a complete surprise more an indication of your hyperbolic and adolescent writing style or more a sign of your ignorance of what is going on in the world?
Put down the NYTimes and read the WSJ. not only will it still be around in a few years, it actually produces propoganda-free information.
Posted by: snowbama | November 9, 2009 3:28 PM | Report abuse
McInnis paid his wife out of campaign funds even though he was retiring from office. The FEC investigation was dismissed but I wouldn't be suprised to see this come back up again if this race gets dirty.
I wonder if there is something going on behind the scenes??? CC, get us the dirt.
Posted by: AndyR3 | November 9, 2009 3:27 PM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.


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Carabiner compatibility test
Any time equipment is to be used with a new carabiner, a compatibility test is recommended.
- Read the technical notice before viewing the following techniques.
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1971 Dodge Challenger - Fair Game
For Tommy And Karen Wall, This Built '71 Challenger Is Just The Ticket
When you first look at Tommy and Karen Wall's '71 Challenger, it seems to be a nicely restored Dodge musclecar. The GY3 Citron Yellow paint, Shaker hood, and sano appearance does little to dispute this until you notice the lack of R/T badging. That's because this vehicle came off the assembly line with a standard 318 under the hood.
"I'd always wanted a big-block E-Body," explains Tommy. "We had a chance to buy this car in very good condition, so it was a great place to start. Since the originals are so expensive now and we wanted something we could drive without worrying about it getting hurt, this was just what we wanted."
Indeed, the Challenger package from 1971 is often considered a benchmark machine in the five-year model run with its unique grille and long option list. Had it been born an R/T, the Walls' work probably would have been a lot easier. Still, as it was, the 318 car proved a great starting point for what's less a clone than a nice street machine
While a Hemi would have been the ultimate for most, the engine chosen to power the Dodge was basically a stock 440. The work was turned over to Duluth, Georgia's, Steve Schweizer, who assembled a fresh new mill using primarily OE and Mopar Performance Parts. An MP .484-lift/284-duration street cam went into the center, Hooker headers route fumes to 3-inch pipes for better exhaust flow, and spark plugs via a Chrysler electronic ignition coupled to an MSD distributor and MSD wires. Otherwise, it's as close to stock as a factory-built powerplant. On top, of course, is the prerequisite Edelbrock intake and brace of new Holley two-barrels topped off with the Shaker outfit, which is a combination of used and repro parts.
Behind this is a 727 coupled to a slightly loose 2,800-stall converter and a streetable 3.91 gearset residing in the 8 rearend. Since the idea was to keep the car as stock-appearing as possible, Rallye wheels were added, shod in wide BFGoodrich rubber. For driveability, a Hemi suspension was installed, the subframes tied together, and front and rear sway bars were made part of the car. The battery was moved to the trunk as well.
Dan Thompson of Auto Perfection in Marietta, Georgia, receives credit for the paint, which was carefully applied to the prepped body. In addition to the Shaker, the car now sports the rear-deck wing and performance-notched rear valance for the exhaust tips. Inside is the console-hosted Slap Stick, Rallye dash package, and a small aftermarket addition in the form of a Grant steering wheel. The interior was courtesy of Year One. Tim's Upholstery handled the vinyl top and seat-cover installation.
The finished project sees street duty about 3,000 miles a year, idles in traffic, turns heads on the show field, doesn't give the owners heart failure every time they see a big truck, and is enjoyed on the roads near Kennesaw, Georgia. The Walls even drove it to Atlanta last year for the Hot Rod Power Festival finale. It might not be the real thing, but this Challenger's lack of R/T badging doesn't make it any less serious than the real thing. Fair game, indeed.


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Our monthly hip hop concert series Through the Mic returns tonight with co-headliners Freestyle Fellowship and Breakestra. Freestyle Fellowship are among the forefathers of L.A. hip hop. The quartet--Aceyalone, Myca 9, Self Jupiter, and P.E.A.C.E.--formed more than twenty years ago and were staples of the legendary Good Life Cafe scene. Their albums To Whom It May Concern and Innercity Griots are landmarks of independent hip hop, and all four members have stayed prolific as a group or as solo artists ever since. Their fifth and most recent album is The Promise, from 2011.
Breakestra has been around nearly fifteen years, taking on different line-up permutations but always retaining a blend of 60s and 70s funk and soul, and 80s and 90s hip hop, adding up to something that is totally contemporary. Breakestra has released albums on excellent hip hop labels Stones Throw and Ubiquity, including their most recent, Dusk 'til Dawn, which features singer Afrodyete and Jurassic 5 MC Chali 2na. For tonight's concert Breakestra will assemble as an eight-piece band that is not to be missed.
Scott Tennent


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Key Canuck Kesler's play will be pivotal
Forward aims to become team's difference-maker, again
'(Ryan Kesler) is strong in every part of the game. ... That is the one thing you can say about him, he brings a lot of things to the table,' says Daniel Sedin of his Canucks teammate, shown making life difficult for Chicago Blackhawk Brandon Saad.
Photograph by: JONATHAN HAYWARD , THE CANADIAN PRESS
VANCOUVER — A lot can happen in two years and in Ryan Kesler's case, it hasn't all been good.
There was the hip surgery in the summer of 2011 and then early last summer he went under the knife to repair shoulder and wrist problems. He finally returned in mid-February following a lengthy rehab only to break his foot while blocking a shot in his first game back.
But he's healthy again — knock on an old Sher-Wood — and that gives the Vancouver Canucks hope as they enter the playoffs.
A healthy Kesler can be a difference-maker as the Nashville Predators discovered two years ago. It was during that second-round playoff series in 2011 that Kesler delivered a virtuoso performance. In what was a six-game series, Kesler had five goals — two of them game-winners — and six assists. All Nashville coach Barry Trotz could do was shake his head.
"He was a force the whole series," Trotz said. "We used multiple people against him. He had one of those series that is absolutely remarkable for one player."
It was vintage Kesler, but the trouble is hockey players don't always get better with age and Kesler's health battles have left him with a 28-year-old body that has lots of miles on the odometer.
The Canucks have their fingers crossed that Kesler can remain healthy and return to the kind of form he displayed back in 2010-11 when he scored 41 goals and won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward.
This season, they won their fifth consecutive Northwest Division title largely without him — Kesler played only 17 games this season — but the Canucks know they need a significant contribution from Kesler if they are to make serious noise in the Stanley Cup tournament.
It is not a stretch to suggest that Kesler is one of the biggest keys to playoff success for Vancouver.
"I don't see it as pressure, I see it as opportunity," Kesler says of those lofty expectations. "I think some people don't understand it's a team game and I am a piece to the puzzle. We need 20 guys playing their best. Any given night, any given series, there (are) going to be guys that play up and above and I definitely want to be one of those guys."
Kesler thinks he still can raise his game to the kind of level we saw in that Nashville series two years ago.
"Yeah, I was feeling it for sure," says Kesler, allowing himself to reminisce for a moment. "It felt like anything I shot, anything I did, I seemed to contribute offensively.
"In the playoffs it really doesn't matter who scores or who plays well, just as long as you get the win. Ask anybody in here. If Hank and Danny don't score a goal in the playoffs or I don't score a goal and we win the Cup, I'll be fine with that."
Ask anyone in the Canuck dressing room how important Kesler is to the team and they'll tell you.
Kesler is a big part of everything they do. He is an integral part of both the power play and penalty-kill and it's probably not a coincidence that both have been better since he returned from his foot injury.
Kesler also takes some pressure off the top line of Henrik and Daniel Sedin and Alex Burrows. With a dangerous second line, opposing teams can't just focus on stopping the Sedins. Kesler also excels in the faceoff circle.
Daniel Sedin certainly hasn't forgotten that Nashville series.
"He took over that series," Daniel said.
"In every situation, power play, five-on-five, PK. That is what he brings to our team. He is strong in every part of the game. ... That is the one thing you can say about him, he brings a lot of things to the table."
Kesler still doesn't know exactly how coach Alain Vigneault will use him in the playoffs. Vigneault has been experimenting with Kesler on the wing with Derek Roy and Chris Higgins as he attempts to load up a second line.
Kesler is more comfortable in the middle, but understands the reasoning behind the switch and how it should benefit the Sedins.
"They (the Sedins) are pretty good at handling the pressure but teams can't focus just on them, especially with Derek and Chris and the way we are playing, it's going to be really tough for teams to have two lines going at them.
"I think it gives us different looks. Whatever (Vigneault) decides ... We can go with three lines (with Kesler and Roy both at centre) or we can have two stacked lines. It's really up to him."
Kesler acknowledges he is going through a bit of a learning curve playing on the wing. He likes to carry the puck and doesn't see nearly as much of it on the wing.
"Derek's pretty crafty with the puck, he's a guy who is always looking to pass," Kesler says. "My job is to get open for him and use my shot."
Defensively, Kesler says not much changes with him on the wing.
"I take most of the draws still and if I am the first guy back I am going low, so it really doesn't change too much," he says. "It's still hockey out there and it's still the National Hockey League. I'm just having fun doing it.
"Obviously, going into the playoffs healthy it feels good. It feels good to be able to focus on playing the game and focus on helping the team win."


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Writing. About sports. Sometimes it is so terrible it can make you cry, cry like a child who has learned his heroes have feet of clay. "Feet" meaning "buttocks" and "of clay" meaning "shot full of Dianabol." Here's Gene Wojciechowski.
If I ever see Jeter's name attached to the hip of performance enhancers, I'm done. I mean it — I'll never watch another big league game again. Because if Captain Pinstripes could do the Vitamin S deed, then anybody can.
Jeter's name is where I draw the line in the PED sand. He is the absolute last guy I'd ever suspect of juicing. It seems so, well, beneath him. He is the one player who I actually think would walk away from the game if he thought he had to cheat to compete.
Yes, Gene Wojciechowski still believes in heroes. Deeply, soggily, and in lush tones of purple. He would give up on baseball—even if "Bud Selig paid me"—if he ever learned that Jeter had relied on performance-enhancing drugs. Or Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Mariano Rivera, Joe Mauer, Jim Thome, Albert Pujols...
Dammit, there are still great men in this great game. Great men and pure. And none greater and more pure than Derek Jeter, the Captain, a true Yankee.
Yankees fans would go into permanent mourning if Jeter betrayed them. A-Rod's steroids admission they could handle; he was a free-agent import. Jeter, though, was born and raised by the organization. You think Yankees and you think Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Maris, Berra, Munson, Reggie and Jeter.
Uh, yeah, that's one list. Here's another.
It's been 40 years since Sports Illustrated pointed out that everyone in every sport was getting cranked up and/or pumped up with every sort of drug they could get. It's been 20 years since fans chanted "steroids" at Jose Canseco. It's nine years since steroids turned up in the glove compartment of Manny Alexander's Mercedes. Manny Alexander! Right now, my favorite baseball team still has at least one guy whose neck is bigger around than his skull. So does yours.
So what is the point, exactly, of this little air for violin and waterworks, on the world's biggest sports site? To establish Jeter's innocence, or to establish Gene Wojciechowski's?


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Ibanez Guitar and Bass Cases are the real deal - quality and value, built just for your guitar!
Other cases may look like an Ibanez case. But if it doesn't say Ibanez, it isn't an Ibanez. Only Ibanez cases are designed specifically to fit and protect your Ibanez guitar or bass.
Accept no substitutes! Protect your investment by insisting on the genuine article. Generic look alike cases designed to fit everything rarely fit anything right. Only Ibanez cases and bags are made to fit the unique shape of Ibanez guitars and basses. If it doesn't say Ibanez on the case, it isn't an Ibanez.
What started as a simple string and pedal sales catalog has grown exponentially over the past thirty years. The early days were a time where catalogs didn't have much of a presence in the industry, but what began as a college dorm room operation grew rapidly. In 1986 we moved to a full product offering and 64-page catalog, which over the years has grown to 162 pages. Join the AMS family and get your free catalog now!
Copyright © 1996-2020 American Musical Supply, Inc. All rights reserved. American Musical Supply reserves the right to correct pricing and/or product specifications in the event of typographical errors found in our print catalog or on our website. If a product is listed at an incorrect price due to such errors or because of inaccurate information received from a supplier, American Musical Supply shall have the right to refuse or cancel any orders placed, whether or not the order has been confirmed and your credit card charged. If your credit card has already been charged for the purchase and your order is canceled, American Musical Supply will issue a credit to your credit card account in the amount of the charge.


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Long-time financial services editor and reporter Dan Jamieson recently offered an interesting take on the current fee-only issue (see "Commission-only planners could be the next group of of pay compliance"). Following on the heels of Ann Marsh of Financial Planning who reported that 486 wirehouse brokers described themselves as fee-only on the CFP Board website, Dan's piece reported that "About 900 CFP holders are listed as commission-only on the CFP Board's database… …[who are] registered representatives at wirehouses, regionals and a number of independent BDs." Dan went on to observe that while these CFPs may well only charge their clients commissions, their firms all have advisory businesses that collect fees, and therefore, under the CFP Board definitions, "should describe themselves as receiving both commissions and fees."
I know, on its face, this sounds ridiculous. At first, I thought Dan's story was tongue-in-cheek. But after reading the whole article, I realized that he was serious—and that he raises two important points. The first, which I've raised in these virtual pages myself, is that the CFP Board is focusing on the wrong thing here (as is virtually every other organization that addresses this issue). Advisor "compensation" isn't the issue: the issue is the conflicts of interest inherent in the different ways clients pay for the services they receive from advisors or brokers, and, according to the CFP Board, how clients pay any "affiliated firms."
This change in focus would eliminate much of the current confusion regarding the disclosure of advisor "compensation." Clients either pay commissions on their purchases, or fees (flat, hourly, or as a percent of AUM) for advice.
The second important issue (and probably the more important of the two) is the one that makes most us feel that disciplining an advisor for claiming to be "commission-only" when in fact, they are "fee and commission" is a miscarriage of justice. The reason we feel this way is that, while it may not be a fully accurate description, there's no harm done to the investor. (The broker may suffer some harm, though, in the form of losing prospective clients who are looking for a fee-compensated relationship. But that's his/her problem.)
Let me say right up front, that there's nothing wrong with charging commissions. As they say, some of my best friends are commission-charging sales people. Much of American business exists thanks to commission-charging sales people. Heck, this website is a business because of commission-charging sales people, bless their hearts. In financial services, many investors simply want to buy a stock or a bond, and are happy to pay a commission to the broker who sells them the securities in question. Why would the investor care if this broker were also an advisor to other clients? As the lawyers say, it's immaterial.
But does it work the other way? Would it be equally immaterial to a client if his/her "advisor" was a broker to other clients? Of course not. And that's the point.
Even if the advisor/broker were compensated solely by client fees, their brokerage firm is not: They also get paid to underwrite stocks and bonds, to "market" mutual funds and annuities, and they mark up the cost of stocks and bonds purchased on the market (principal trading). Because all of these revenue sources involve securities that may wind up in a client's portfolio, they are major conflicts of interest.
That why the CFP Board restricts affiliation of fee-only advisors with brokerage firms—and why SIFMA is fighting the Dodd-Frank mandated application of an RIA-like fiduciary standard to brokers.
The point is that commission-charging advisors and their firms have more conflicts of interest, which are more material to their clients, and are more hidden from their clients, than do fee-charging advisors. Consequently, the CFP Board is right to restrict the affiliation of fee-only advisors with BDs, right to require brokers to describe themselves as "fee and commission" and right not to worry too much about whatever else self-described "commission-only" brokers do.


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Yuki Sugihara-Fountain Ring Wearable Fountain Parts
At Design Interviews
Interview with Yuki Sugihara : Frank Scott: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?. Yuki Sugihara : To take advantage of the laws of nature. .Frank Scott: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?. Yuki Sugihara : Transparent and thin water membrane is so beautiful that we express the beauty, wonder and importance of water in a butterfly and spider shapes. .Frank Scott: What are your future plans for this award winning design?. Yuki Sugihara : We would like to expand market in EU. .Frank Scott: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?. Yuki Sugihara : First concept came to us in 2010. Then we won Lexus Design Award 2014 with advanced idea. In 2015 we finally realized original idea in whole new product, silver rings. .Frank Scott: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?. Yuki Sugihara : To realize Fountain ring is Sugihara's mission. No one think to make a hybrid of a ring and a fountain, but she imagined. .Frank Scott: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?. Yuki Sugihara : We already started to sell it on internet. .Frank Scott: What made you design this particular type of work?. Yuki Sugihara : Playful mind and serious water situation in the world. .Frank Scott: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?. Yuki Sugihara : Our precious fountain works, Water dome. It was popular project, but we must consider water quantity from a sustainable point of view. Moreover, normal large fountain is not suitable for personal use. .Frank Scott: Who is the target customer for his design?. Yuki Sugihara : A person who wants to play with water. Besides, a fiancee, husbands and romantic people who are looking for a nice gift. .Frank Scott: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?. Yuki Sugihara : There are many silver rings, but function to make a fountain is unique. .Frank Scott: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?. Yuki Sugihara : Very simple. Fountain plus ring. .Frank Scott: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?. Yuki Sugihara : Shade 3D and Illustrator. .Frank Scott: What is the most unique aspect of your design?. Yuki Sugihara : We design rings shape, however actually the laws of nature designs water flow. .Frank Scott: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?. Yuki Sugihara : Jewelry artisans. .Frank Scott: What is the role of technology in this particular design?. Yuki Sugihara : Basic design to make 3D models. .Frank Scott: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?. Yuki Sugihara : We analyzed water consumption data in major countries. .Frank Scott: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?. Yuki Sugihara : While using a circulation pomp, the flow rate is fixed, however, the flow of tap water is different in each kitchens and buses. Moreover, the distance between a tap and a target is also different. We designed rings to fit any water circumstances. .Frank Scott: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?. Yuki Sugihara : There is no border for water and design. .Frank Scott: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?. Yuki Sugihara : Powers of observation. .Frank Scott: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?. Yuki Sugihara : The purpose of these rings is not to consume water, but to celebrate it and underline its importance. Fountain rings will remind owners of the essentiality of water, making its user rediscover its fundamental qualities. .
Yuki Sugihara-Fountain Ring Wearable Fountain Parts Images:
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Cooking For Engineers
Analytical cooking discussed.
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MAC Santokus
Cooking For Engineers Forum Index
Tools, Equipment, and Gadgets
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Michael Chu
Joined: 10 May 2005
Posts: 1654
Location: Austin, TX (USA)
Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 11:55 pm
Post subject: MAC Santokus
So, Tina wants to get a santoku for herself and has been reading up online different brands and how they perform. I'm partial to the
Shun Santoku
, but Tina's not so keen on the idea of spending over $100 when she's read the
MAC Superior Santoku
received top marks from Cook's Illustrated and can be had for $60.
She's also interested in the forged, granton edge
MAC Professional Santoku
because it's only $17 more.
Anyone have experience with MAC knives? Unfortunately, we can't find any local stores to check them out and get a feel for how they, well, feel.
Back to top
Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 11:23 am
Post subject:
Here is an excellent Santoku for $45:
Unless you have the 7" wide blade Shun santoku
and particularly like the extra size, then I would buy yourself one of these:
and give the Shun to her. The Hattori HDs always get better reviews than the Shuns from the enthusiasts/addicts on knifeforums.com
I don't think the granton is worth any extra money. In fact I prefer not to have it (UGLY and reduces the life of the blade). The only knives where I have heard it making a difference as far as food not sticking are these:
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Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 11:41 am
Post subject:
I forgot to add that I hear MAC makes a good product so you can't really go wrong. Enjoy shopping!
Some brief MAC discussion:
Back to top
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 7:28 pm
Post subject: Re: MAC Santokus
What Santoku did you get and how do you like it?
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Michael Chu
Joined: 10 May 2005
Posts: 1654
Location: Austin, TX (USA)
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 8:45 pm
Post subject:
We haven't gotten it yet.
We did try out a whole bunch - Wusthof Classic, Wusthof Le Cordon Bleu, Global, Shun, Henckels Pro-S.
Tina needs the knife to be comfortable in her hand (a high priority that everyone should have when choosing a knife, regardless of edge design) so handle feel was very important.
Next requirement was the curve of the blade needed to facilitate the chopping motions that Tina will be making. Since it is a santoku, it'll be used predominantly for chopping, dicing, and mincing vegetables and just a little bit of slicing meats (for stir frys). So, the rocking motion was very important for Tina. The Classic and Le Cordon Bleu line were excellent, but the Grand Prix II just wasn't working out. Visually, we couldn't tell a difference, but on a board it made a huge difference.
We also went to chinatown and Japantown in San Francisco in search of santokus but at one Japanese store we saw what looked like a pretty high quality knife from a company that didn't have an English name. We asked to see if we could try it on a board and the store owners seemed to be shocked. They said in twenty years of business no one has ever asked that - and no, we could not try it out - you can see the curve for yourselves. Well, for over a hundred dollars, I'm not going to trust my eyes if my hands are going to be the ones using the knife later.
In the end, we settled on trying the Wusthof Classic. Tina found that after a little bit of use, the handle and blade position felt uncomfortable. The bolster rubs against her finger and the handle was too angular. In our side by side test with the MAC Santoku, it was clearly not in the same league in terms of design and sharpness. The MAC's handle fit comfortably in Tina's grip (and in mine, we grip our knives differently) and the edge was SHARP. When chopping green onions, the MAC cut cleanly through and even produced a different sound when compared to the Wusthof and my Shun chef's knife. The MAC didn't rock as nicely as the Wusthof, but Tina decided that the edge more than made up for that. When the Wustof chopped green onions, the pieces were still partially attached after she was done (I thought it was knife technique, but after using the MAC, there was a clear difference without changing technique).
I'd rate the edge of the MAC as sharper than my Shun (although, the MAC is brand new and the Shun has been used a lot and has only been steeled and never resharpened) and the Wusthof went back to the store.
Oh, we also sent the MAC back because the handle wasn't well bonded to the tang and so a crack was visible. We're waiting for the store to get more in stock to send us another one.
(This whole adventure is significant because until recently Tina has never had an interest in cooking and always feared my sharp knives. This is the first time she's buying a knife for herself and I was surprised (delighted?) that as she kept trying knives she insisted on sharper and sharper.)
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Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 7:25 am
Post subject:
Michael Chu wrote:
I'd rate the edge of the MAC as sharper than my Shun (although, the MAC is brand new and the Shun has been used a lot and has only been steeled and never resharpened) and the Wusthof went back to the store.
The out of box sharpness isn't really a fair way to judge the edge of a knife. I haven't come across any new knife that I consider fully sharpened. In fact, a lot of Japanese companies don't even send out the knives fully sharpened. They allow the user to put on the final edge. You owe it to yourself to get a set of waterstones and learn how to sharpen. You will love the newly acquired skill which can be picked up very quickly and perfected over a lifetime. Check out my set:
Norton 220, 1000, 4000 & 1000/8000 [8" x 3" x1"]
(In case you are wondering, the knife is a 240mm Japanese Gyuto handmade by Shinichi Watanabe. I can tell you more about it if you are interested.)
Id also be careful with the steel and the Shun. With a Rockwell hardness of around 60 the Shun can be delicate. Personally Id only use a glass smooth steel on my Shuns if I was to use one at all.
Michael Chu wrote:
Oh, we also sent the MAC back because the handle wasn't well bonded to the tang and so a crack was visible. We're waiting for the store to get more in stock to send us another one.
It is a commonly known fact that a lot of Japanese knife manufactures suffer from various problems with quality control. The only way to know what to expect is to subscribe to a community of knife enthusiasts who can offer experience and expertise. I recommended the Hattori HD series because it is regarded as having excellent fit and finish. I think the Misono UX10 series (http://www.japanesechefsknife.com/UX10Series.html) is known to be the best in that regard.
You should take a second look at the Hattori HD Santoku on this page:
The only thing to warn you about is the fact that if you buy one, you will soon be drooling over buying more.
Enjoy shopping!
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Michael Chu
Joined: 10 May 2005
Posts: 1654
Location: Austin, TX (USA)
Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 5:59 pm
Post subject:
I have seen waterstones for sale on online vendors for as little as $30 for a
but some vendors sell individual waterstones for $90 or more (ex. Norton 4000/8000 waterstone).
Is there a real difference between one brand of waterstone and another, or are the materials used in manufacturing more or less the same?
Back to top
Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 10:48 pm
Post subject:
Michael Chu wrote:
I have seen waterstones for sale on online vendors for as little as $30 for a
but some vendors sell individual waterstones for $90 or more (ex. Norton 4000/8000 waterstone).
Is there a real difference between one brand of waterstone and another, or are the materials used in manufacturing more or less the same?
Yes. There is a difference. It has to do with how quickly they cut and how well they wear. A good waterstone cuts quickly and does not dish easily.
Shapton ($$$$) seems to be everyone's favorite with Norton as a VERY close second. King stones are cheaper but tend to wear faster so they will require more frequent flattening.
The link you posted seems to be only one 1000/6000 combo stone (judging by the price and the title). I would stay away from it as they don't really give you any information and the picture is obviously misleading. An important thing to know is the dimensions of the stone. The bigger the better. The nice thing about my Nortons is that they are 3" wide. The extra width really helps to hold the angle steady.
I bought my Nortons here:
(always shipped the same day and all stones are shipped in stackable plastic cases with rubber feet that also serve as solid sharpening bases)
However I believe the best prices for Nortons can be found here:
If you want to get the best of the best you can check out the Shapton website, but be prepared to empty the bank account:
Don't forget to buy glass and sandpaper, or some sort of lapping plate because stones will require flattening.
Combo stones are great for the finer grits but the lower grits wear faster so you will want a full stones' thickness. For example a good set might be: 220, 1000 and 4000/8000. FYI, 8000 will leave a beautiful mirror polish on the edge
and 220 is generally only used when regrinding the bevel or removing chips
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Joined: 12 May 2005
Posts: 21
Location: Kenosha, WI
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:10 pm
Post subject:
Update? Did you purchase a santoku? Which one did you get? Do you like it?
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Michael Chu
Joined: 10 May 2005
Posts: 1654
Location: Austin, TX (USA)
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 10:09 pm
Post subject:
So, we received a second MAC santoku which also had some fit and finish problems. Tina returned it to Cutlery & More for a refund and then purchased a Tojiro DP Santoku from japanesechefsknife.com. (Later, after corresponding with MAC in preparation for my chef's knife testing, they said we should have handled returns/complaints through them as they would like to see what the defect was. Cutlery and More has not proivded them with the knife or notified them of any complaints. Next time that's what we'll do.)
Tina really liked her Tojiro DP until we received the MAC chef's knives. Now she uses the
exclusively. We ended up giving the Tojiro DP santoku to my mom (and she loves it, but her comparison point is Ginsu knives).
Originally, I had considered doing a santoku test, but after doing the chef's knife test, I'm having second thoughts.
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Please feel free to add to the list if you are aware of any other DVD movies shot in the country.
Where's Apocalypse Now?
I think you can add Brokedown Palace to the list.
Anyway, are you including in the list movies shot here only partially? like Man on the Moon. Just asking...
can yopu include my researchs:Eatern Condors-Philippines as VietnamGray's anatomy-directed by Steven sodenberghSuspectTwilight zone(2 episodes shot here>i saw the A quality of Mercy by dean stockwell at Studio 23]Nice ba?
Didn't find Blood Surf from the list. It got world-class beautiful beach and surf.Thanks Komikero!
I think 'Blood Surf' will be listed more appropriately in full-blooded Pinoy actors on US/foreign DVDs list. What do you think, barrid?
NAKED WEAPON -- nasa Spain daw pero sa background me dumaang passenger jeep.
The "American Ninja" movies (I think there were four sequels) starring Michael Dudikoff.
How about the "Ali" movie starring Will Smith? I think they shot a scene in the Araneta Coliseum.
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text:
Good morning Chairman Prieto and all members of the Assembly Budget Committee. I am pleased to join you today, along with my DCF colleagues, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2014 Proposed Budget. Joining me today is DCF Deputy Commissioner Robert Sabreen; Budget Director Doris Windle; and Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey Guenzel.
Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to thank Governor Christie and the State Legislature for their ongoing commitment to the children and families of New Jersey.
Since I last came before you - only one year ago - many important and exciting developments have taken place within the Department of Children and Families. I'd like to focus on just a few of them here today.
First, I want to mention the important progress DCF continues to make in regards to our ongoing child welfare reform and Modified Settlement Agreement.
I am very proud to report some very recent statistics to you, which represent our most current data for the months of February and March 2013.
In respect to Caseload Compliance, we have continued to improve Intake Worker Compliance over the past several months and are nearing the final MSA target. I am proud to report we have either met or surpassed our final MSA target for Permanency Worker Compliance for the months of February and March.
During the month of February, we were 100% compliant for Family Team Meetings, surpassing the MSA goal of 90%.
For both Initial Case Plans and Ongoing Case Plans, we surpassed our MSA target of 95% for February and March, achieving 99% compliance in both categories.
And lastly, in terms of Visitation, for the month of March, we exceeded our MSA targets in both categories of Worker Visits with Parents Twice a Month, and Weekly Parent Visits with Child.
While we acknowledge their will always be "ebbs and flows" in our work at DCF, I believe we are at a place in our reform where we are using a laser focus to guide us and drill down on the core issues we must still continue to improve upon. Today we are a system that has the ability to maintain and continue progress - which clearly illustrates that our system is in a very different place today than it once was.
Allow me to provide you with an example.
Since 2006, the number of children placed out-of-state for treatment has continued to decline. As of last year, all but one of the five youth placed out-of-state were in a specialized program for the deaf or hard of hearing. Just recently, DCF awarded a contract to create a program for these children with hearing impairments right here in New Jersey so that these children may come back home and be closer to their families, while still receiving the vital services they need to grow and thrive. This is a major milestone in our reform, and indicative of the fact that although major reform and change takes time, ultimately success is being achieved.
While this may be just one small program for a finite number of children, the resulting impact is enormous, not just in meeting the requirements of this MSA, but doing what we truly believe is in the best interests of the children we serve.
I could share many more positive examples of our work around reform and progress with you, such as our success in developing a national model for providing sustained access to healthcare for children in out-of-home-placement. Or the incredible work we are undertaking with our adolescent population and children aging out of the system. These - and many other areas of performance for which we are exceptionally proud - reflect who DCF is today.
In fact, according to the Federal Monitor's report last year, "There have been significant accomplishments since 2006 in improving child welfare system performance and meeting many of the requirements and outcomes of the MSA... and DCF remains on course towards meaningful practice change in New Jersey.
As we continue to mature as a Department, I believe it is essential for you to know that DCF launched its 2012 - 2014 Strategic Plan last summer, essentially charting the course of our work, purpose and desired outcomes for the next two years. The Strategic Plan acts as our blueprint - or roadmap if you will - that sets our priorities, goals and actions. It makes it clear to all of our staff and stakeholders where we desire to go and how we plan to get there.
What's most important about our Strategic Plan is that it incorporates and then builds on the existing work currently underway within DCF, assuring that we do not lose sight of our primary mission, and that is to work in partnership with New Jersey's communities to assure our children and families are safe, supported and successful.
Our Strategic Plan also identified a new Vision and Mission Statement for DCF. I can assure you that much thought, discussion and collaboration went into the development of these statements, and I am confident their message is a true reflection of what DCF is, who we serve, and how we illustrate the good work we do each and every day.
Speaking of that good work, I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to acknowledge Superstorm Sandy and the devastating effect it had on the children and families of our state. We all witnessed the devastation - the likes of which were unimaginable - in the aftermath of the storm. But despite all of the challenges our state faced, I was overwhelmingly impressed by the commitment and dedication shown by the entire DCF workforce to ensure the safety and well-being of ALL of New Jersey's children and families, not just those who were previously known to us.
I am also proud to say that despite the fact that power was out across the state for days on end, travel was difficult with downed trees and live wires, and communication by phone and email was a challenge, the State Central Registry - or the Child Abuse Hotline - remained fully operational and staffed with committed individuals 24 hours a day before, during and after the storm. We never once experienced any disruption in service at the Hotline, as our dedicated staff rode out the storm in the call center to assure their important work would continue to get done.
In the days immediately after the storm, our staff left the safety and security of their own homes to make family visits, check on our children, and get our offices open and operational around the state. One thing I am most proud of and I want to share with you is the fact that within just a few days of the storm, we reached out to every resource parent in the state to assess their well-being, and to assist with any emergent needs.
I think these examples are largely indicative of the overall culture that exists at DCF. We are a maturing organization - from our earliest days as a new state department known essentially as the state's child welfare division - to an evolving and wide-ranging organization that is focused on the comprehensive needs of children, families and women.
Speaking of women, the Department of Children and Families has been delighted to have had the Division on Women transferred to our auspices this past year. This move has allowed for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to women's services, allowing us to sharpen our focus on the occurrence of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault.
We have been able to incorporate the work of this division into the existing work at DCF, and acknowledge their significance in many ways. For example, we were able to highlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month last October through different events, messages, and even by wearing purple department-wide in recognition of this issue. We recently celebrated Women's History Month, and just yesterday we acknowledged Sexual Assault Awareness Month by wearing jeans department-wide in acknowledgement of national Denim Day. Next month we look forward to recognizing Displaced Homemakers Awareness Month.
Earlier this year, we issued four grants, totaling $135,000, to implement a Male Batterers' Intervention Program as part of our Encouraging Responsible Fatherhood Initiative. The four grant recipients in Atlantic, Middlesex, Morris and Sussex Counties, will be working with us to address service needs of families involved in domestic violence by assisting fathers and families move towards a non-violent, non-coercive family structure, while increasing safety within households and prevent future violence.
We have embraced this new work and the Division on Women, as these issues are important to all of us and the work we do to support women, children and families across the state.
This past year we also transferred the provision of services to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities up to age 21 from the Department of Human Services to DCF.
As you may recall, the transition occurred in two phases.
In October 2012, approximately 500 children receiving out-of-home placement and intensive in-home services were transitioned to DCF's Children's System of Care. In an effort to ensure a smoother transition, at the same time this first phase of children were transferred to DCF, several developmental disability case managers were also transitioned over to the Department so that they continued to manage the care for these children.
Also, in preparation for that transition, several new services were developed and implemented. This included additional out-of-home treatment beds for children dually diagnosed with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities and mental illness. Additionally, every child has access to the statewide network of Mobile Response and Stabilization programs. Over the past three years, DCF has developed additional trainings for the Mobile Response programs that are focused on assisting children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families.
On January 1, 2013, the second phase of the transition was implemented. This second phase represented the transfer of Developmental Disability (DD) Family Support Services to DCF. DD Family Support Services include such things as respite, camp, assistive technology and home and vehicle modifications that help support the family of a child with developmental disabilities care for their child at home. Unlike the first phase of the transition, this second phase was much more substantial as it represented an increase of more than 15,000 children and youth to our system of care.
Similar to the first phase, care coordination is provided by our system partner, PerformCare and children that need services like Mobile Response and CMO have these services readily available.
In preparation for and throughout both phases of these transitions, we worked closely with families, stakeholders and service providers. We continue to be engaged with these individuals and groups to assure we continue to develop our expertise, and receive feedback about the strengths of the system and the opportunities for improvement.
I believe the transition of these services is a clear example of our ongoing evolution in the maturation of DCF as we bring another vital service into our realm for the benefit of those we serve.
I am cognizant of the fact that DCF's journey from its infancy to where we are today is not one we have traveled alone. We are fortunate to have been joined on this path by DCF staff, resource families, service providers, child welfare advocates, concerned citizens, the legislature and the Christie Administration. It is that spirit of partnership that we can acknowledge what DCF has accomplished to date and look forward to our future success, growth and progress and advancement that still lies ahead.


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This week we will be checking out the fourth chapter of this book by Alex. This is a continuous effort that started with my blog post on the first chapter. In this chapter, Alex delves into a couple of features that are new with SQL 2005 that could affect your queries and alter the expected results.
The two features being described are:
- Snapshot Isolation
- Merge
In SQL 2005 we were introduced to the Snapshot Isolation features. The default isolation prior to SQL 2005 was READ COMMITTED. One of the primary focus points with SNAPSHOT Isolation discussed in this chapter is with regards to the usage of triggers to enforce integrity and business rules. Again, Alex goes to the extent to show how this could be a problem, how to reproduce the problem, what the expected results should have been, and he offers up a method to overcome the potential pitfalls.
I will throw one bit of warning here though. Read carefully through the triggers and the verbiage that Alex has used. There is a troubleshooting trigger which Alex uses to demonstrate a point. As a preface to the trigger he states there is an embedded query in the trigger and that it should never be rolled to production. If one reads this quickly, they might misread that and understand it to say that a trigger should never be used in production (that is a myth out there in DBA land already as it is). I think an inline comment in the trigger explicitly pointing out the portion that should never be used in production would be worth the effort and type space.
As we read about the Merge feature, we are reintroduced to @@ROWCOUNT and an issue that can arise in a trigger. We have an issue arise where the MERGE can cause unwanted behavior. I like this section of the chapter. Alex does a good job of demonstrating this feature and has intrigued me in regards to the Merge feature.
We see some good stuff once again in this chapter on Defensive Programming. I recommend again that you read it.


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Debate rises on sea levels as McCloy brings in experts
BELMONT businessman Jeff McCloy is taking the rising sea debate to another level with three scientific experts to deliver their findings to Lake Macquarie residents.
The millionaire developer has organised professors Ian Plimer, David Archibald and Robert Carter to address a free information night on climate change at Belmont 16 Footers on Tuesday.
Debate has raged for many years over rising sea levels in the Lake Macquarie area and the council adopted a climate change policy last year that restricted certain developments by the lake and ocean.
Mr McCloy said he would mount a class action against the Lake Macquarie City Council for reducing the value of properties in the area as a result of the policy.
Legal action is still an option, but the next step is the information session with University of Adelaide's Mr Plimer, Perth-based scientist Mr Archibald and Mr Carter from the Marine and Geophysical laboratory at James Cook University.
"I don't believe the community fully understands the impacts of this policy. The ramifications are enormous," Mr McCloy said.
"Some people will be prevented from building extensions or face such a cost impost it will not be viable, while others will be prevented from building anything at all.
"There are numerous experts around Australia and the world who are questioning the science used to assess the key criteria for large-scale sea level rises.
"In fact, there is research that suggests rises in sea levels are decelerating."
Lake Macquarie mayor Greg Piper said the council had simply adopted the same climate change policy that was being used by state and federal governments.
"Jeff is unashamedly a climate change sceptic and he won't be swayed, but he expects other people will be swayed by him," Cr Piper said.
"I think it's good that a minority view is heard, but I've listened to Ian Plimer on television and radio and I've read his book, which frankly I wouldn't pay for.
"But I am willing to listen to them all if I can make it along to the information session."


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God Moves in a Mysterious Way
31243, Hymns, God Moves in a Mysterious Way, no. 285
1. God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
2. Ye fearful Saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
3. His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
4. Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan his works in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
Text: William Cowper, 1731-1800
Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868