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How 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Helps Turn Queens into Marketing Matriarchs
In 2015, rising drag superstar Alaska had some urgent instructions for the teeming masses, otherwise known as her rapidly growing fanbase. "Shut the f*ck up and gimme all your money," she demanded at the outset of her tongue-in-cheek gangsta rap song "Gimme All Your Money."
Alaska (a.k.a. Alaska Thunderf*ck, a.k.a. Alaska 5000, a.k.a. Justin Honard) had just finished in the top three on the fifth regular season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" (RPDR) — and though it was still a year before she would appear again (and reign supreme) on the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars," her marketing power had already firmly kicked into overdrive.
At its core, drag culture has always had a strong transactional component, Alaska explains. "Tipping is very much a thing in drag shows and drag culture, like the exchanging of a single dollar," she says. "It's not really about the money; it's about you getting to share a moment with the performer on stage — that's what tipping is really about. But when you become a drag queen who's on 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' suddenly it becomes, 'Okay, well, here's my shirt, and we also have a phone case, and we also have all these products. And so ['Gimme All Your Money'] was just sort of extrapolating that to the absurd."
Since its inception in 2009, RPDR has ever more proven itself to be a marketing juggernaut, both for the queens themselves, whose careers often explode post-competition, and for savvy advertisers hoping to tap into the buying power of the show's predominantly young, hip and influential audience. With some 9.2 million social engagements during its 13th season run in 2021, RPDR was one of the top social cable programs of the year. (Not to mention its five 2021 Emmy Award wins, bringing its lifetime total to a whopping 24.)
According to estimates by Celebrity Net Worth and others, a growing number of the iconic show's former contestants are now millionaires. (By many reckonings, "RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars" Season 3 winner Trixie Mattel currently leads the royal RPDR-alum pack, with a reported net worth of about $10 million — of course not counting RuPaul herself, who clocks in at a staggering $60 million.) Through music careers, makeup empires, mainstream corporate endorsements and much more, hardworking RPDR alumni are becoming moguls and proving that they have incredible appeal in a wide variety of global forums.
It's an astounding financial explosion for an art form that not so long ago was mostly relegated to the dim shadows of smoky nightclubs.
Even just a decade ago, as she was launching her drag career in Los Angeles, Alaska had little inkling of what a massively lucrative profession it might become after her RPDR appearances.
"I don't think any of us predicted the sort of explosion of how much drag would inspire people and therefore become its own sort of economy," she says. "I just saw that a bunch of the queens I was working with in West Hollywood were getting the opportunity and going on 'Drag Race' — and then I saw that their Facebook numbers were suddenly way higher than everybody else's. And I was like, 'Oh, I want that.'"
'With Drag, There Are No Rules'
Longtime LGBTQ+ media and marketing expert Bob Witeck, president of Witeck Communications, was a consultant for the upstart Logo cable TV network as it prepped the 2009 launch of RPDR, its most eagerly awaited original show to date. "Logo always wanted to have a place for RuPaul's talent," says Witeck. "They recognized the value of it, and that it had — in fact, as we all know now — a very large crossover audience."
Witeck believes drag's enormous surge in popularity via RPDR ultimately owes itself to two key ingredients. "I think it's the notion that at its heart, it's filled with both humor and with love — and people recognize that those are universal qualities," he says. "At first, for drag stars, they're sort of saying, 'This is my joke.' But the thing that RuPaul, I think, made possible by virtue of personality and by showmanship is to say, 'You're all going to be in on the joke.'
"For the people who participate in drag in a very serious way, of course, it's not really a joke, but generally seems to be a lifelong choice of perfecting a powerful performance and identity — and I think people find that that has both deep authenticity and passion in it that is very compelling," Witeck explains. "People know it's for fun — but on 'Drag Race,' it's inclusive fun and not mean fun."
RuPaul hasn't just elevated the public's perception of drag; she's awakened the beast that is the public's insatiable appetite for drag-related swag.
"RuPaul has really shown that drag can be this thing where you can dip your toes into every sort of media," says Alaska. "She has written books, and she has clothes, and she has a chocolate bar, and she makes music, and she's been in films. That's part of what also attracts me to drag, that there aren't conventional rules as to, 'Oh, you can't do that, you're not allowed to go into that area.' With drag, there are no rules, and you can go anywhere you want with that."
Indeed, for Alaska, a rule-less marketing world has even granted her the liberty to brilliantly capitalize on what for less clever others might have been major setbacks or even career killers. Take that time in 2016, when after a few arguably slippery moves during her run as a contestant on "RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars" Season 2, haters began calling her a snake on social media and filling her comments with snake emojis. Undaunted, Alaska christened herself the Queen of Snakes and released a hilarious snake-infused YouTube video called "Getting to Know Alaska." Fans ate it up.
"So many things that I've sort of latched onto and use for Alaska have come from the people," she says. "I mean, the people were saying 'Your makeup is terrible' after I appeared on 'Drag Race.' They were saying it on Twitter over and over, and I was getting tagged. And that made me say, 'Oh, well, I'm going to put that on a T-shirt because people say that all the time.' And like, 'Well, I need a song that goes with the T-shirt,' so I wrote the song [2014's "Your Makeup Is Terrible," her second single, which has since racked up more than 7 million views on YouTube].
"And so yes, with the snake thing, everyone was calling me a snake, and people were typing snake emojis at me on Twitter," she remembers. "So I was like, 'Well, why don't we start putting that on a shirt? Why don't we lean into that?'"
Today, it's just one of many products and projects in Alaska's ever-expanding online store. Her memoir, "My Name's Yours, What's Alaska?," was released in November. She just dropped a stunning out-of-drag video for "wow," a new single from her soon to be released '90s-infused album "Red 4 Filth" — the accompanying North American tour kicks off later this year. Meanwhile, she also hosts the popular Race Chaser podcast with sister RPDR alum Willam.
The Monetary Value of Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent
Like many of top RPDR veterans, Alaska is managed by Burbank, California-based Producer Entertainment Group (or PEG), founded in 2011 at the onset of the drag industry's explosion.
"We help our clients envision their drag character as a brand and a business," says PEG partner Jacob Slane. "Then we give them the tools and make the necessary connections so they can truly be successful. Often that involves content creation and distribution, which I think we've become quite good at. But it also means finding them the best agents, securing the most favorable terms for touring, and creating compelling merchandise."
In September, PEG teamed up with six of its biggest RPDR-alumni clients — Alaska, Trixie Mattel, Monét X Change, Sharon Needles, Trinity the Tuck and Manila Luzon — to launch SERV, a new vodka brand aimed squarely at the LGBTQ+ market. "Although spirits is a very crowded field, there were no major brands targeting the LGBTQ+ community year-round, putting our own community on the bottles and harnessing the fun and fierceness of drag," Slane explains.
Alaska counts SERV among her proudest recent achievements. "Drag queens and vodka have been bonded for time immemorial," she says. "So a bunch of us queens got together and we said, 'Okay, we're going to do a vodka brand,' and everyone chose their flavors. And I was like, 'You know what? When I order vodka, I just want it to taste like vodka.' So I was lucky enough to get Original Unflavored vodka, and it's delicious. It's really good, and the bottles are beautiful. So I'm really proud of that one."
Today's booming drag commerce takes on epic proportions during RuPaul's DragCon, which happens annually in both Los Angeles and New York (but of course has been on hiatus during the pandemic — it's currently scheduled to return to L.A. in May). Co-run by RuPaul and RPDR production company World of Wonder, the 2018 editions of DragCon drew 100,000 attendees and raked in an estimated $8.2 million in sales — and that's not counting entrance fees, which for the last NYC edition ran $40 a day or $70 for the weekend.
Even queens who haven't yet made it to the main stage of "RuPaul's Drag Race" have taken cues from the show's alumni about how to monetize their nascent brands. For instance, several up-and-coming East Coast queens, including "New Jersey's hardest working housewife" Anida Tension and the appropriately named Kimmy Sumony, have teamed with New Jersey-based apparel and accessories maker dMart Gear to create branded swag for their growing fan bases.
How Much Pay to Play?
With so much now at stake in becoming a RPDR contestant, most incoming queens now feel compelled to invest sizable sums for their onscreen wardrobes simply to be able to compete on the runway. Season 11 winner Yvie Oddly told Vice last year that she scraped together some $14,000 for her outfits for the show, yet still wound up feeling her competitors had far outspent her. "I could tell that even having spent more money than I had ever even had in my life, everybody else was clearly more expensive," she said. "So when they called me cheap, I understood why."
Three-time RPDR alum Shangela (aka D.J. Pierce) is another queen whose less expensive lewks sometimes drew bitchy commentary during her appearances on seasons 2 and 3 in 2010 and 2011 — but she was able to substantially up her wardrobe game for her return to season 3 of "RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars" in 2016 after her sheer charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent had led to numerous additional TV and film roles in the interim. The payoff? More than 1.5 million Instagram followers are now enticed by her merchandise collection, including graphic T-shirts and assorted merch emblazoned with her signature "halleloo" catchphrase. Meanwhile, major brands want to cash in on Shangela's appeal too. In 2021 her business prowess and longtime LGBTQ activism intersected in a campaign for GLAAD and BMW of North America to promote the new BMW 4 Series Convertible.
For advertisers, "RuPaul's Drag Race" is an increasingly desirable way to connect with the show's commercially powerful viewing base, which now stretches across the planet. LGBTQ+-focused tour operator and wedding planning service Pink Iceland saw RPDR as a natural fit when it became one of the first international companies to sponsor a prize on the American edition of RPDR in 2019.
"I must say that the biggest benefit was just the visibility," says Eva María Lange, Pink Iceland's CEO. "It was good for marketing locally because a lot of Icelandic people watch the show." What's more, the global reach of RPDR drew new Pink Iceland clients from all over the world. "Obviously, not only the queer community watches the show, but also straight people who are just more queer in their mindset, so to speak," she says. "And that is exactly the type of travelers that we want to welcome to our lovely country."
Large mainstream companies are also eager to hop aboard the RPDR advertising bandwagon. In 2021, Chipotle became the latest major brand to team up with "Drag Race" alumni in a campaign so keenly targeted at young consumers that its intricate details are likely mind-boggling for anyone over 30.
First, Chipotle paired with makeup company E.l.f. Cosmetics to create "E.l.f. x Chipotle," a makeup line inspired by Chipotle's burrito ingredients. It then enlisted alums Trixie Mattel and Kim Chi to create a special vegan "Eyes. Chips. Face." bowl (a riff on the letters in E.l.f.'s name, which stand for "Eyes. Lips. Face."), and had the queens create videos for Mattel's hugely popular YouTube channel (with 1.5 million subscribers). One video, a so-called "makeup mukbang," takes on the Korean-born "mukbang" viral video trend of watching people eat, featured Chi and Mattel putting on E.l.f. makeup and then eating their own Chipotle bowl. It's been watched 1.6 million times and counting.
"The ['Drag Race'] fanbase is loyal and extremely passionate," says Slane. "People want to support their favorite queens, and it sends a message that brands are forward-thinking when they partner with us."
With a collective 166 contestants on 13 seasons of RPDR — not to mention 14 more nipping at her heels with the launch of Season 14 — how does Alaska manage to consistently stay on top of the heap as one of drag's biggest earners?
"I think luck is a huge part of it, I think timing is a huge part of it, and I think working hard is definitely part of it," she says. "I'm grateful all the time that I get to do drag as my job. It isn't lost on me how absurd that is, and I'm really grateful about it. But I don't know what the secret formula is. I guess just put your name and your face on a bunch of shit and see if people buy it."


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It doesn't matter if Barack Obama or Mitt Romney wins the presidency. Both will continue NAFTA, the integration of North America and the integration of the 34 nations of the Americas. Globalization will proceed to put corporations in charge of the world and American workers will continue to lose jobs as the process of putting together a global, cheap, mobile labor force moves forward.
When President Obama was a candidate for president, he told American workers that he would take another look at NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and make sure that he would get guaranteed protections for America's workers and the environment.
He lied.
Ever since NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, U.S. presidents have been locked into the integration of North America, a process of the harmonization of everything that goes on within integrated economic regions of the world. For global issues, all regions will be bound by international law. In the United States, our rights will be modified in the 1st Amendment and abolished in the 2nd amendment.
The United States has already signed on to a version of the European Union's version of freedom of expression, with exceptions, in dealing with cyber crimes. Your speech, even if true, can be grounds for a crime. If you are found guilty, you could be sentenced to 3 or more years in prison for your true statements.
President Obama met with and agreed with George W. Bush to continue this process of integration of North America and the 34 nations of the Americas, known as the Partnership for Prosperity in the Americas. Though there are differences between the last two presidents in certain areas of this New World Order, it's full speed ahead with global integration. Read the first complete page of this document and see this Democrat and Republican project for the complete integration of the Western Hemisphere (as in the European Union).
So all those false campaign promises by Obama to "toughen labor and environmental standards" were for the benefit of American workers. Michael D. Shear, of the Washington Post wrote on February 20, 2009:
"The president's message served as a reminder of last year's private assessment by Canadian officials that then-candidate Obama's frequent criticisms of NAFTA were nothing more than campaign speeches aimed at chasing support among Rust Belt union workers."
"…the Canadians concluded in a memo after meeting with Austan Goolsbee, a senior campaign aide and now a member of Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, that 'Much of the rhetoric that may be perceived to be protectionist is more reflective of political maneuvering than policy.'" (Translation: Obama lied. everybody does it. Yes. Romney does it, too.)
When confronted with the facts, candidate Obama and his advisers told Canadian leaders and CEOs that the message was for the yokels back home. Now that you know that Obama and George Bush are on the same page, you can be assured that Romney, the perfect money-chasing CEO, is not going to be left out of this unleashed corporate-governed world, based on the World Trade Organization. He will be right at home at the annual North American summits, where the North American Community is being constructed.
And Obama is the first president to announce the construction of a North American perimeter for the continent. It will join the United States and Canada, followed by Mexico at a slower pace. Once all three nations declare they have operational control of their borders, the interior borders between Canada and the United States and between Mexico and the United States can be opened to the free flow of commerce and people, including free labor mobility throughout the continent.
Remember this: A North American perimeter around the continent is one of the final stages of a political union- in this case a North American union.
Now if Romney wins, pay attention. Obama will brief Romney and the new president will agree to continue the annual North American summits, the place where the integration of North America is being developed (and at the U.S. Department of Commerce). And he will also be briefed on the Partnership for Prosperity in the Americas, which now has 14 member nations. The goal is to have all 34 nations of the Western Hemisphere integrated as a region, based on international law. All regions will "harmonize" and "integrate" and this New World Order will be the same wherever you go.
Another reminder: This will be the end of our 1st and 2nd Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Obama has been active in pushing for changes in the Bill of Rights. Some president will have to complete this task to comply (harmonize) with other regions.
Obama has signed all the trade agreements that the corporations asked for (South Korea, Columbia and Panama) and he, or Romney will certainly try to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), another trade agreement that will take away more American jobs and give foreign corporations the ability to sue our government if any government at any level in the U.S. denies that corporation the "right" to make a profit.
An example from the NAFTA trade agreement is Chapter 11. Under chapter 11, if a county commission, or any government, denies a foreign corporation the right to make a profit , it can take legal action. If that commission has a zoning law that prohibits that corporation the right to build a big box store on a site, that corporation can sue. If it wins, the U.S. has to pay that corporation a large amount in compensation.
These corporations can try their case before a trade tribunal. The North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has an appointed tribunal that can hear the case or the company can go through the U.S. Courts, all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. If the company still doesn't like the verdict, the foreign company can appeal to the NAFTA Trade Tribunal for a final decision.
If the tribunal decides different than the U.S. Supreme Court, the tribunal decision must be upheld and the U.S. must pay. We do not have sovereignty in our own nation. This new Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) being negotiated will mean more benefits for CEOs and none for workers and the environment. Of course, American companies will continue to ship jobs overseas.
It is all part of globalization, a global plan agreed to by the United Nations and the corporations (WTO) in 1999. It would be based on trading regions that would also be integrated and every region would be harmonized. As George W. Bush said at a North American summit in Canada, even the amount of jelly beans in a package would be harmonized. These harmonized rules, regulations and international law would govern every part of the earth. That's why our Bill of Rights will have to be changed or eliminated. For those of you who will still be here in 2050, you should write this paragraph down.
See NAFTA's Chapter 11 from citizen.org for a clear explanation of this corporate system of taking American citizens hard-earned tax money and giving it to foreign corporations.
This globalization means that there will be no more sovereign nations. The borders will be open and every person will be carrying a biometric ID and will be accessed on interconnected databases. Corporations can pick more workers from around the world by simply using the interconnected data bases to hire cheap, skilled, temporary labor. And each region can "keep track" of every person.
Remember this. Obama says that those three trade agreements he signed goes a long way to improve the situation for workers and the environment. That is simply a lie. The key words here should be "these side agreements he made have no guaranteed enforcement mechanisms". And President Tom Donohue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce would never agree to support any trade agreement that had these guaranteed benefits for labor and the environment.
When candidate Obama supported the Peru Trade Agreement, he said that it would improve conditions for workers and the environment but offered no proof. He did get a large campaign boost from corporations, though.
But Donohue made it clear "…that the labor provisions (Peru agreement) cannot be read to require compliance with ILO (International Labor Organization) Conventions.""
That means in the Peru, NAFTA, and CAFTA (Central America Free Trade Agreement) agreements, there are no guaranteed provisions or steps in these trade agreements to protect workers or the environments. The corporate CEOs own Congress and the White House. They are the ones who paid elected congressmen to turn their backs on the citizens of the United States and their oath of office. Trade agreements and their appointed officials plus International law will govern what remains of America.
Remember that Mitt Romney or Barack Obama will be driving this nation toward the same destination, deeper into the abyss.
Before mid century, the United States will no longer exist geographically or politically. It is understood that the current economic system is programmed to fail and the corporate leaders are just trying to see who dies with the most wealth.
What's left will be your worst nightmare.
So go ahead and continue to believe their lies. Vote anyway.
And later you can say, one more time, "Just wait till the next election."

subset: commoncrawl


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At Agriboard, we deliver custom engineered intelligent buildings that are based upon your designs and are Faster, Safer, more Energy Efficient and Sustainable.
Over the past several years, the company has developed strategic partnerships with major financial institutions and retailers to construct buildings using Agriboard's proprietary compressed agricultural fiber board panels.
Recent News
Agriboard Industries
delivered a global house system to Shining Light Community development in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan in Early March 2011, the school was a 72 foot by 20 foot structure with three class rooms, and an office. The project was completed on June 20 2011 and allows space for the English speaking pre-school, and primary education need of the tribes in the area.
Website Design
Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved.


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Yet another update improving this famous naval combat simulator – the benefits of the community development initiative at work!
Matrix Games and Advanced Gaming Systems (www.advancedgaming.biz) are proud to announce the release of another update for Harpoon 3: Advanced Naval Warfare. Serving as a significant sign that the new community-focused development initiative is working, this 3.9.3 update repairs roughly a dozen crashes or bugs posted on the community issue tracking system.
The release comes as the third update in just a few months, with more improvements and fixes in subsequent updates on the way. As was mentioned in our 3.9.2 release, the 3.9.x series of updates are aimed at improving game stability and increasing responsiveness to customer feedback, with the goal of improving the entire game experience for the Harpoon community. Matrix Games and Advanced Gaming Systems encourage Harpoon 3 fans to head to the official forums to become a part of this new initiative.
David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said "This new community-based development initiative is really working hard to improve this great naval warfare sim for everyone. We're proud to be working with Advanced Gaming Systems and this robust, dedicated community to frequently and effectively better Harpoon 3."
Harpoon 3 – Advanced Naval Warfare is the culmination of decades of development and fan support, resulting in the most comprehensive, realistic, and accurate simulation of modern combined air and naval operations available to the gaming public. Harpoon 3 gives the player an opportunity to manage some of the most advanced air and naval assets available in the world, putting them in the middle of many historical and 'what if' scenarios. Players will have the chance to battle it out against a variety of enemies using technology from all of the premier naval powers of the day: Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the Persian Gulf, re-live Operation El Dorado Canyon, strike at the heart of Libya, guard the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap to stop a Soviet naval invasion of the Atlantic, or stalk unwary U.S. shipping in a Soviet Akula-class submarine.


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Restaurant owner Ed Halabi says small businesses endure hardships that large corporations don't face. His story is part of AC360's series on election issues, "What Keeps You Up at Night?"
Post by: Anderson Cooper
Filed under: Economy • Taxes
I saw a few seconds of this segment. The business owner made the claim that 50% of people pay no taxes. CNN does a horrible job presenting the public with accurate information. A good segment would have informed the public about all of the tools like the Small Business Association for business. Instead, we get this desperate attempt to score points in Fox Nation by presenting misinformation from right wing blogs. This show has a keeping people honest segment. What a joke. Most troubling are the young people exposed to this constant barrage of hostility and misinformation from GOP leaning news.
The gentleman with the Italian restaurant was spot on! I know, I have been a restaurant owner/operater since Bill Clintons'(hint) awesome economy. Besides getting taxed to death, we little guys always pay more for product than the big guys. Working your own business 7 days a week really IS necessary to survive today.
Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news. Tune in weeknights at 8 and 10 ET on CNN.
Questions or comments? Send an email
Want to know more? Go behind the scenes with AC361°


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Hundreds of birds and dolphins have been washing up dead along the Peru coast, and this has government officials looking for causes.
The mass deaths have taken place against the backdrop of oceanic warming in the region.
At least 1,200 birds, mostly pelicans, have been found dead in recent weeks along a stretch of Pacific coast in northern Peru, the Reuters website said on Sunday.
Recent months have also seen an estimated 800 dolphins die in the same area, Reuters said.
Officials have recommended that people keep away from the beaches.
According to the agricultural ministry, preliminary tests on some dead pelicans indicate malnourishment may be a factor.
"We're starting from the hypothesis that it's because the birds are young and unable to find enough food for themselves, and also because the sea temperature has risen and anchovies have moved elsewhere," Reuters quoted Deputy Agriculture Minister Juan Rheineck as saying.
A mass die off of pelicans happened along the northern Peru coast in 1997 at a time when the "El Nino" warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean was under way. This mass death was attributed to the lack of anchovies, a key link in the region's marine food chain.
Although "El Nino" has not happened officially since early 2010, significant changes to sea-surface temperatures have been happening since the start of 2012.
After months of "La Nina", El Nino's opposite, the equatorial Pacific Ocean has returned to "neutral" status, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) website said on Monday. The CPC report also cited current above-average sea-surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean, which borders Peru and northern South America.
A NOAA analysis of sea-surface temperatures, posted on May 3, showed readings about 2 to 6 degrees F above normal off the northern half of Peru, along with Ecuador and the Galapagos, Colombia and Panama.
NOAA/CPC statistical forecasts have called for "neutral" status through the Northern Hemisphere summer followed by nearly equal odds of "El Nino" versus neutral conditions during the fall and winter.
Long-range forecasters at AccuWeather.com expect a shift to El Nino status by the end of summer.
From AccuWeather.com (find the original story here); reprinted with permission.


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Honolulu, Hawaii (CNN) - As a new Congress takes over on Capitol Hill, all eyes are turning to what will certainly be a vastly different Obama Cabinet in the coming weeks.
High-level vacancies in the administration are expected to include secretary of state, secretary of defense and treasury secretary. A permanent CIA director also must be chosen.
[twitter-follow screen_name='politicalticker']
And even though President Barack Obama remains on vacation all week in Hawaii, 5,000 miles away from Washington, speculation is swirling over whom Obama will pick for the top spots and when they will be announced.
Although Obama announced late last month that Sen. John Kerry is his pick to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, a senior administration official tells CNN no final decisions have been made regarding the other key positions.
CNN has learned that former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, a favorite for the Defense Department post whose prospects had appeared to be dimming amid criticism from pro-Israel groups and gay organizations over past comments, is still in the running for secretary of defense.
Another source tells CNN's Gloria Borger that the president "hasn't signed off yet" on Hagel replacing outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and is "mulling over this and other appointments" while in Hawaii this week.
The general expectation, this source added, is that the president will likely announce the Defense post, as well as other Cabinet appointments, as early as next week.
Hagel has some big backers.
"I understand his nomination is back on the table, and I believe very strongly he should be defense secretary," former Democratic Sen. Max Cleland told CNN.
Meanwhile, the president himself did not rule Hagel out for the top Defense post in a recent interview on NBC's "Meet the Press."
"My No. 1 criteria will be who's going to do the best job in helping to secure America," the president said, adding that nothing he had seen specifically ruled Hagel out.
Still, Hagel supporters are concerned about the process of names being floated and opening possible contenders up to harsh scrutiny before they are formally named.
"Anyone with any record of involvement in controversial issues will always mobilize against a would-be nominee a whole phalanx of accusations and sometimes distortions," said Zbigniew Brzezinski, the former national security adviser to former President Jimmy Carter.
Hagel is not the only name in the mix for the powerful post. Michele Flournoy, former undersecretary of defense for policy, remains a leading candidate. A source also tells Borger that Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter "still has his supporters."
Meanwhile, at the Treasury Department, where Secretary Timothy Geithner plans to leave sometime around the inauguration, at least one person floated – American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault - has no plans to leave that company, a spokesman confirmed to CNN.
White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew is considered to be a frontrunner for the job.
At the CIA, Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Adviser John Brennan and Acting CIA Director Michael Morrell remain on the short list to replace retired Gen. David Petraeus, according to a source.
History shows that most presidents get the nominees they want, but in this political environment, there's no guarantee.
"It used to just be Supreme Court justices who inspired these sorts of partisan free-for-alls; now it's bleeding into a president's cabinet picks as well," said Reid Wilson of the National Journal.
- CNN Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger contributed to this report
How can I apply?
Make the right moves, Mr. Pres. Review the past dealings of these corrupted entities, and totally transform them for the good of the poor, oppressed, imprisoned, and unjustly maligned. Reopen every closed case, and overturn the power of those who've benefited from the past misdeeds & dealings of these profound agencies. Reveal for the sake of our children and their futures, all the secrets to why we live in misery, and why religion, money, drugs, and sex can no longer ease our pain. Show us the money and how it was laundered and made, show us the false wars that helped retain the power structure that allows the mega rich and powerful to increase power and wealth, and how the poorest of the poor can become enslaved in prison systems. Choose wisely, to help us break and escape the spell.


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charles french words reading and writing
November 11 is Veterans Day, and I simply wanted to offer my thank you to all the men and women who have served or are serving our country in the Armed Forces.
This day began with Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, which ended the First World War. Congress formalized Armistice Day as a national holiday in 1938. After World War II and The Korean War, the day was renamed Veterans Day, and it serves as a time to honor all of those who have served or are serving.
Please let it be a day of honor and thanks, not one of special sales deals. It is a day to recognize the commitment, duty, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces.


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http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2012/12/new-google-maps-android-api-now-part-of.html 'den alıntıdır.
Google Play services is our new platform that offers you better integration with Google products, and which provides greater agility for quickly rolling out new capabilities for you to use within your apps. Today we're launching Google Play services v2.0, which includes two new APIs, including perhaps our most frequently requested upgrade: Maps.
Google Maps Android API
The new version of the API allows developers to bring many of the recent features of Google Maps for Android to your Android apps. We're excited to make this API available as part of Google Play services supporting devices from Froyo onwards (API level 8+).
The new API uses vector-based maps that support 2D and 3D views, and allow users to tilt and rotate the map with simple gestures. Along with the layers you've come to know from Google Maps such as satellite, hybrid, terrain and traffic, the new API lets you include indoor maps for many major airports and shopping centers in your app.
One of most common feature requests we've heard on Android is support for Map Fragments. With this new API, adding a map to your Activity is as simple as:
<fragment android:id="@+id/map" android:layout_width="match_parent" android:layout_height="match_parent" class="com.google.android.gms.maps.MapFragment" />
Check out this image from updated Trulia Android app (which goes live tomorrow), that users can use to search for a place to buy or rent in 3D.
The new API is simpler to use, so that creating markers and info windows is easy. Polylines, Polygons, Ground Overlays and Tile Overlays can all now be added to the map with just a few lines of code.
To get started follow the getting started instructions to obtain an API Key. Then download and configure the Google Play services SDK using the SDK Manager. Check the Google Maps for Android API documentation for more details.
More than 800,000 sites around the world already use our mapping APIs to create amazing and useful apps. We hope you enjoy using this new addition to the Google Maps API family, and building mapping experiences that were never before possible on a mobile device.
Photo Sphere
In Android 4.2, we introduced Photo Sphere mode in the Camera, which you can use to create amazing, immersive panoramas just like you see in Street View on Google Maps. Today we're excited to announce new APIs and documentation that empower developers, businesses, and photographers to explore new uses of Photo Sphere for work and for play.
We've made Photo Sphere an open format so anyone can create and view them on the web or on mobile devices.
A Photo sphere is simply an image file (like a JPG) that has in it text-based metadata, an open format created by Adobe called XMP. The metadata describes the Photo Sphere's dimensions and how it should be rendered within the interactive Photo Sphere viewer you see in Android, Google+, and Google Maps.
If you'd like to programmatically or manually add the XMP metadata into panoramic images not created by the Photo Sphere camera in Android, stay tuned today for more details on the metadata and how to apply it to your photos programmatically later.
In the new Google Play services, we've added the ability for Android app developers to check to see if an image is a Photo Sphere and then open it up in the Photo Sphere viewer.
// This listener will be called with information about the given panorama. OnPanoramaInfoLoadedListener infoLoadedListener = new OnPanoramaInfoLoadedListener() { @Override public void onPanoramaInfoLoaded(ConnectionResult result, Intent viewerIntent) { if (result.isSuccess()) { // If the intent is not null, the image can be shown as a // panorama. if (viewerIntent != null) { // Use the given intent to start the panorama viewer. startActivity(viewerIntent); } } // If viewerIntent is null, the image is not a viewable panorama. } };< // Create client instance and connect to it. PanoramaClient client = ... ... // Once connected to the client, initiate the asynchronous check on whether // the image is a viewable panorama. client.loadPanoramaInfo(infoLoadedListener, panoramaUri);


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Friendly fire kills 5 U.S. troops in Afghanistan
The death of five American troops in a suspected friendly fire airstrike in Afghanistan marks the deadliest such incident involving coalition forces during nearly 13 years of fighting and comes at a time when casualties from enemy fire are at the war's low point.
Monday's tragedy was disclosed Tuesday by the Pentagon, which has turned most combat operations over to Afghan security forces as the United States continues to reduce the number of troops there.
"We do have reason to suspect that friendly fire was the cause," Pentagon press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said. An Afghan soldier was also killed in the incident, Afghan police said.
The airstrike occurred during an engagement with enemy forces in Zabul province, which borders Pakistan's tribal areas.
The troops were elite special operation forces, according to a coalition official. He asked that his name be withheld because he is not authorized to speak about the incident.
The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan has declined to 31,800 from a peak of about 100,000 several years ago. The U.S. force is scheduled to be trimmed to less than 10,000 next year if Afghan's government signs a security agreement with the United States.
The number of U.S. combat deaths in Afghanistan has fallen to 14 so far this year, not including the latest deaths, down from a peak of 439 in 2010, according to a USA TODAY analysis of Pentagon data.
Airstrikes have been controversial in Afghanistan. Outgoing Afghan President Hamid Karzai has frequently criticized the coalition for airstrikes that have caused civilian casualties.
In March, a NATO airstrike in Afghanistan's eastern Logar province killed five Afghan soldiers and wounded eight others.
In April 2002, four Canadian troops were killed by a U.S. airstrike.
The most well-known and controversial friendly fire death took place in 2004, when Army Ranger and former professional football player Pat Tillman and an Afghan national were killed in a battle near the Pakistan border.
The Pentagon initially announced that Tillman was killed by enemy fire, but a month later revealed that another group of coalition forces had mistaken Tillman's group for the enemy.
In this week's incident, provincial Police Chief Gen. Ghulam Sakhi Rooghlawanay told the Associated Press that after a joint operation by Afghan and NATO, "the joint forces came under the attack of insurgents, and then foreign forces called for air support."
"Unfortunately five NATO soldiers and one Afghan army officer were killed mistakenly by NATO airstrike," he said.
Pajhwok Afghan News reported that an interpreter also was killed. Taliban spokesman Qari Yusuf Ahmadi told Pajhwok that Taliban fighters were locked in a gunbattle with foreign troops when coalition planes bombed their own troops.
The deaths bring to 36 the number of NATO troops killed so far this year in Afghanistan, including eight in June.
About 50,000 coalition troops are stationed in Afghanistan, more than 32,000 of them Americans.
Contributing: John Bacon and Paul Overberg


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David Patou is the founder and CEO of Campus Sherpa, a student-run company that offers personalized college tours by real college students.
David started Campus Sherpa during his freshman year at Georgetown University. In this episode, he talked about the personal inspirations he had for starting this business, how to build a minimal viable product (MVP), refining and validating the business model and how to get early traction for your startup.
"There is never a convenient time to launch the business. It always comes with the opportunity cost. Starting off small as a side project is a good way to test the waters."
– David Patou
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Email | Google Play | Stitcher | RSS | More


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Welcome to Doctor Dementia's website
I am a gerontologist from the US, with my PhD in Engineering from Denmark. I specialize in welfare technologies and quality of life in dementia care, but have broad interests and enjoy learning new things just for the sake of learning.
Through Doctor Dementia, you can find a variety of information about aging, technologies for aging adults, quality of life, life with dementia, and a few other things.
- Read more about my background on my About page.
- Read my work experience through my CV, or view my publications.
- Get in touch with me on my Contact page.
- Read about some of my previous work under Adventures With Dementia at the top right.
- Search my blog posts or read by topic at the bottom left of the page.
- Browse through my posts up at the top of the page under Blog.
- If you like what you read, please follow my page or sign up for notifications via email at the bottom right of the page.


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The money you need. The name millions trust.
Advance America is here for you with the money you need. With over 2,500 locations nationwide you could get the money you need today in as little as 15 min. Or visit advanceamerica.net to apply online, and you could be eligible for a deposit of $100 or more directly into your checking account. Advance America is the largest payday loan provider in the U.S., serving millions of hardworking, satisfied customers. As a leading payday loan company, we understand that you may need other financial services. That's why in addition to cash advances, we provide a range of trusted financial solutions including prepaid debit cards and MoneyGram® services - money transfers, money orders and bill pay.. Advance America has helped millions of Americans since 1997. We understand that you may need other financial services. That's why we're here for you with a range of financial choices at most of our locations including: * Visa® Prepaid Cards * Check-To-Card * Visa® Gift Cards * TaxOne® tax services * MoneyGram® services: -Money transfers -Money orders -Bill payment Certain limitations apply. Subject to approval. Checks may be issued instead of cash. © 2008 AARC,Inc. All rights reserved. Services may vary by location. Visa® Prepaid cards and Visa® Gift cards issued by MetaBank pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc. MoneyGram® and the Globe® are registered marks of MoneyGram. TaxOne® is a registered trademark of Redgear Technologies,Inc.
From family friendly trips with kid friendly activities to local plumbers lawyers, spas, and contractors. Judy's Book has millions of listings and reviews for the best and not so great. Whether you're looking for a specific business or just trying to discover great places we make it easy. We're a family oriented site focusing on bringing trusted reviews and recommendations to moms and others. Green and Sustainable places are becoming more relevant to Judy's Book users, have a favorite place? Write a review and tell users why it's Green!


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Dad took me car-shopping my Senior year of high school, explaining that although he'd drive the new car for a while, it was intended eventually for my use. I pictured myself in a Jeep Cherokee: four-wheel-drive, room in the back for dive gear and camping kit, a rack on top for my parents' old orange canoe, and plenty of under-carriage clearance for the treacherous Forest-Service roads I enjoyed exploring. Instead of a Jeep, though, we drove away in a 1990 Subaru Loyale wagon—less expensive (even new), and with the same 4WD, clearance, and room in the back for all the stuff I imagined packing for my upcoming Life Adventures.
As planned, my dad drove the wagon for a couple years, periodically taking me to an empty lot at the edge of town for lessons in driving the stick-shift. And eventually—once I'd learned not to lurch around the lot or assassinate the engine—he turned over the keys.
I'd thought myself clever to come up with "SCUBARU" as a personalized plate—but someone else had beat me to it! With sailing, scuba-diving, and canoeing in mind, I settled on WTRLOGD for the plates… Still, I come from a family that names cars, and this one would always be "Scubaru" to me.
I loaded her up at various times with Forest Service maps, tent and camp-stove, hiking boots, canoe paddles, picnic blanket, books and camera and journal… And over the years my trusty vehicle & I ventured forth to "fill in" the Idaho atlas with tracks of where-we'd-been. A five-foot map of the state hung on my wall, with all my roaming & rambles marked in highlighter pen—and at every opportunity I interspersed those outings with forays to the Pacific coast.
Scubaru proved her worth over and over again. In a blinding snowstorm atop Washington's Snoqualmie pass, when most of the cars on the road were either pulled over or slid onto the shoulders, I put on my chains and kept right on going. An ice storm in Oregon's Colombia Gorge encased trees, signs, and roadway in inches of solid ice, but Scubaru crept cautiously all the way to Portland, accompanied by the explosive acoustics of bursting trees alongside the road.
After one particularly hairy drive in the Sawtooths (a pot-holed and washed-out dirt road, no wider than the car and without turn-outs for passing—just a sheer drop, inches from the passenger tires) I spotted a warning sign: "NO passenger vehicles." (Oops. If there were a companion sign at the other end of the road where I started, I'd missed it!) I had to peel my fingers off the steering wheel to pat Scubaru's dashboard and congratulate her with a heartfelt "Good girl!"
Of course, even four-wheel-drive isn't foolproof. (Though Dad also taught me not to BE a fool; specifically, not to drive into tricky conditions with the 4WD already engaged—because if you get stuck when you're in 4WD, you're really stuck!) Nevertheless, I had to dig her out of a couple spots. I used a snowshoe to scoop a back tire out of a snowbank in the Boise National Forest, and in the Salmon-Challis Forest put my grandpa's collapsible Army shovel to use, extracting her from a mire of mud where a beaver dam had flooded the road…
When a downpour threatened a planned picnic along the Snake River, I popped open the tailgate and happily set my spread in the back of the car. Sheltered by the overhanging door, I savored my strawberries & brie to the soundtrack of raindrops pelting the roof. On a couple occasions, with lightning storms too close for comfort in an exposed tent, I folded down the back seats and stretched out to sleep.
On the shore of Big Trinity Lake, I woke one morning to drifts of snow piled against my tent-corners, and had to chip my solid-frozen bacon from the cooler with a hatchet… but Scubaru scooted me safely back down the mountain, heater blasting.
Along the Washington Coast where stretches of beach serve as legally designated "highway," I misjudged the incoming tide and dashed the last leg with waves licking the tires and wipers warding off wads of sea-foam blowing against the glass. Scubaru served staunchly through many a scrape and adventure.
With a little love and care, a Subaru will run forEVER. I drove that one for close to twenty years, and I might still be driving her… But when I departed my first marriage, I didn't stop to quibble about any of the community-property stuff. Not long after I moved out, the wagon was also absent from her accustomed spot in front of my ex's house… I never inquired about her fate.
Fast forward a few years… My husband started making noises this summer about the red 1989 Subaru Loyale parked in front of our neighbor's house: I wonder if they'd consider selling it. I countered with "practical" negatives—we work together and don't need a second car, they'd have posted a sign if they wanted to sell… But Keoni recognized what I hadn't acknowledged even to myself: my affectionate nostalgia for that whacky wandering wagon. In no time at all he had negotiated a sale-price, payable primarily in the form of a sizable certificate to our restaurant.
Next thing I knew, I was slipping into the driver's seat of a car that felt as familiar and comfortable as a favorite old pair of jeans.
Keoni and our son Kapena are plotting "improvements" to the engine and paint and upholstery… Fixing her up will be a fun family project, but I'm content already. I'm "back" in my very first car, and behind her wheel I've come full circle. This time with the SCUBARU plates!


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We're in the home stretch of Vegan MoFo kids! I have discovered so many new blogs and "met" many new bloggers thanks to this fabulous month highlighting vegan food. How cool is it to meet new people and enjoy so much "virtual" food? Rock 'n roll, kids! I'm loving this MoFo Mojo!
Like so many of my fellow bloggers, the chilly Autumn weather has lulled me into pot pie time. Growing up, those nasty, fat-filled hydrogenated frozen wonders, the individual pot pie, was one of my favorite treats. When I had a bad cold and was home from school, or maybe just to make my day extra special, I was allowed to have a pot pie – these were very special treats to be rationed. The idea of having food out of the freezer, and out of an individual box was so hypnotizing, seductive even.
I didn't grow up on junk and fast foods. When I was a kid, my mum made homemade yogurt and always had sprouts next to the window. Sugar-sweetened cereals were something we got to eat when visiting Grandma, not at home. This health food-heaven did slip slowly into the SAD as each new member of the family arrived (I'm the eldest of 6), convenience and time management winning over more time-consuming healthful food preparation. If I'm sharing this with you, it's to really underline the exceptional nature of the pot pie in my tender childhood memories. That being said, the pendulum had swung to the complete other side of the spectrum for my youngest siblings who ate fast food multiple times a week and who lived on frozen foods. The yin and the yang of the universe.
I now make vegan pot pies once or twice a month during the winter months. I most often just make veggie pot pies, but I wanted to try the "All American Seitan Pot Pie" from VCON to see what it was all about.
Here's my crust – I used half buckwheat flour half white AP. I really prefer using whole wheat, but I was out so opted to try this little experiment. I really liked it. The buckwheat gave it a deep, earthy flavor that we really enjoyed.
Do you see that steam? My fillings just in the crust. I just used the veggies I had in my freezer – corn, green beans and peas, plus some carrots and potatoes.
And here we are, a hair short of an hour later (notice the now yellow picture due to the freaking darkness outside – grrr). May I serve you up a bit of pot pie?
I could never malign a pot pie, I just couldn't do it. I will say I found this particular recipe a bit too salty, but I think that's because I'm not accustomed to using the seitan in the pie. Maybe not. It was powerful good, though, and the leftovers had but a brief stay in my fridge.
One of the television stations is carrying the presidential debate starting at 4:45 a.m. I might get up for it. You know. Trying to make me feel less concerned that McWar isn't going to give Bush a third term…


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New Mexico Tech's Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) is a three-dimensional
total lightning location system. The system is patterned after the LDAR
(Lightning Detection and Ranging) system developed at NASA's Kennedy Space
Center by Carl Lennon, Launa Maier and colleagues. The Lightning Mapping
Array measures the time of arrival of 60 MHz RF radiation from a lightning
discharge at multiple stations, and locates the sources of the radiation
to produce a three-dimensional map of total lightning activity. The
time-of-arrival technique for studying lightning was pioneered by Dave
Proctor in South Africa.
Here is an example of observations obtained in central Oklahoma during June,
1998 of a left-right splitting storm system that produced large hail and
several tornados:


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JACKSBOT Has Some Dirty Tricks up Its Sleeves
Contrary to initial reports, JACKSBOT may not be as low risk as initially thought. We noted some JACKSBOT infection in the wild, indicating that the people behind this multiplatform malware are saving their best tricks for last.
We analyzed the JACKSBOT backdoor family (specific detection name JAVA_JACKSBOT.A) that arrives as a Java application. Because it is a Java application, it can run on any platform that supports the Java Runtime Environment. When it was first reported, it was considered low risk and no actual infection was recorded. However, days after the report was released, Trend Micro successfully cleaned two infection counts; one in Australia and one in Malaysia. This indicates that the malware is now being distributed in the wild.
There is a possibility that this malware presents itself as a Minecraft modification to unsuspecting users as it contains the special command "MC" for stealing Minecraft passwords from the compromised system.
Using a decompiler, I was able to see how this malware performs its dirty work. As seen in the screenshot below, the malware checks the OS currently running on the system.
JACKSBOT can also be considered as a remote access Trojan (RAT), which is capable of taking control of the compromised system with some of the following backdoor commands:
- Chat
- Corrupt
- DeletFile
- GetFile
- GetScreen
- KillProcess
- ListFiles
- ListProcess
- Restart
- Shutdown
- TakeFile
- VisitURL
However, the malware's focus is mainly on Windows. The malware writers behind JACKSBOT may just be testing the waters for a successful multiplatform malware; however for now they appear to be unwilling to invest the time and resources to develop the code more completely. Consider this excerpt of the malware's code focusing on Windows as seen below:
For those familiar with running Linux and Mac, the system command "LOGOUT" may be done in Linux and Mac, but the malware writer did not choose to do so – which would make sense, given that his main target platform is Windows.
A deeper look into the malware's routines reveals that it is capable of visiting URLs, creating files and/or folders, running shell commands as well as executing and ending programs. It can also steal information by logging keystrokes and mouse events.
JACKSBOT'S information stealing capabilities is useless if it cannot properly log it into a file. However, this is also covered by the malware for all target OSes. Other commands that may be bothersome to users include displaying message boxes, stealing system information and files, visiting remote URLs, performing DDoS attacks and capturing screen shots.
With the tight market competition among OSes and the growing market for Mac OS X, it's efficient for cybercriminals to write multiplatform malware rather than OS specific binaries. Although there are only 2 infections right now, JACKSBOT and its kin may in fact be the next trend in the threat landscape considering the rapidly changing market. Additionally, it is likely that the authors will continue to improve the code to fully support infection for OS X and Linux.
Users with JACKSBOT infected system may unknowingly be giving away all important data to someone else. This malware also allows cybercriminals to modify the affected system. Thus, users should be cautious before downloading files from suspicious URLs, especially cracks or hacks, as these may lead to the system compromise.
The Trend Micro Smart Protection Network detects and deletes JAVA_JACKSBOT.A if it is found on user systems.
With additional insights from Roland dela Paz
Post from: Trendlabs Security Intelligence Blog – by Trend Micro
JACKSBOT Has Some Dirty Tricks up Its Sleeves
Read more: JACKSBOT Has Some Dirty Tricks up Its Sleeves


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Kay Hively: Christmas a time to share with others
Kids of the world! Just a few hours left!
As I think about Christmas on the doorstep, I wonder about children all around the world and how they view this day. I wonder if there are children who experience Christmas as I did in my childhood. Are there 8-year-old children someplace in the world who still truly believe in Santa Claus? Are there kids whose parents still keep the secrets of Christmas from them at that age?
Are there still children who don't get a toy at any other time of the year? Are there children who get their only apples and oranges in a Christmas stocking?
Are there children who still sneak away somewhere to work on a gift for a brother or sister or a parent? Are there little boys trying to whittle a toy for a sister or a little girl who is embroidering a hankie for her mother?
Is there still a father who is saving a few coins to buy his wife a scarf or a pair of gloves?
I hope somewhere in the world, a rich man has sent someone to the basement for cardboard box because he's seen a needy family and he's going to pack up a box and deliver it himself.
Somewhere in this world, there must be a young boy with a whistle who will play a carol for a shut-in.
Can we possibly hope that a well-financed couple will give up that holiday trip to the Caribbean and give the money to the Salvation Army?
Is someone, somewhere, leaving a box of groceries on someone's porch or going to the electric company's office and paying someone's electric bill this month?
It is no secret that our Christmas, our lives in general, are made happier if we give to others and forsake ourselves.
Neosho and its neighbors have a long history of helping neighbors at this time of year and throughout the days of the calendar. While it's grand to provide a Christmas dinner, we must not forget that people have to eat in March and August, as well as in December.
So, here we are. The turkey is thawing, the fruitcakes are waiting, the stockings are ready to hang, the carols are ringing all around town as millions and millions of people pause together to remember the Christ child and what his coming has brought to this sometimes weary world.
As we wrap up the season, I wish you warmth and love and good companionship. And may we all carry only the good things in our heart as we spend another year waiting for Christmas. Looking back from today to last Christmas, I am awed by all the good people and the good deeds of which I am aware. May next year be the same.
No matter your religious beliefs, I hope you find only the joys of the spirit of Christmas. So, I say to everyone, "Merry, Merry Christmas."
Neosho Daily News


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A really hard double has peaked my interest for years and this year I dabbled with the idea months before UTMB. I thought it would be interesting and a fun experiment to see what I can handle both mentally and physically. I have dreams to partake in journeys that last much more than a 100 miles, this double was an opportunity to see how I would respond running on tired legs and already feeling mentally and physically defeated just 13 days prior. To say the least, this was a lot of fun and I'm glad I did it.
Run Rabbit Run was pretty much not going to happen. UTMB beat me up, leaving me mentally exhausted and with a battered gastrocnemius disabling my running. Then I went to the Dolomites with the super-friendly and fun North Face Europe team and my family to relax and do a photo shoot with my talented global teammate Fernanda Maciel. The Dolomites are breath taking! Being in these inspiring mountains, taking care of my body with the perfect dose of healthy food, Natura Health products and the added bonus of some amazing physio/bodywork on my legs, rejuvenated my running spirit and enabled my legs to heal allowing me to ponder the idea of Run Rabbit Run.
Photo by Krista Olson
Awesome TNF employee Alessia and Global athlete Fernada along with my family and I all traveled to Cortina and made our way to the Refugio Gli Scoiattoli sitting adjacent to the iconic Cinque Torri walls. I had an incredible time running back n forth – once my leg was healed – with Fernada, hanging out with Chiara and the TNF Europe team and relaxing with the family while continuously being blown away by the beauty of the Italian Dolomites. Pretty much one of the best places on earth.
Photo by Damiano Levati
After a couple nights in Venezia with my family we made the long-painful trip back to the states and eventually landed in Denver. My wife and son made one more flight to join Krista's family in Kansas for a wedding. I however continued on with a really good friend from high-school, Britt Dick who rescued me from the airport, driving us to Steamboat Springs where I foolishly was going to run another 100 and she was going to crush her first 50 miler. It was great to catch up with her and eventually make it to Steamboat. After being up for 26 straight hours I was ready to crawl into bed after a really long day.
After a few hours of sleep I woke up and after a few hours of restlessly rolling around I got a few more zzzz's, but not even close to enough to recover from the jet lag. This next day I spent good and dizzy, got in an hour run, ate some yummy food, jumped in a sauna for 20 minutes and checked in for another 100 mile adventure. I was excited to be apart of this great event again and catch up with so many good friends. After eating a little chicken and sweet potatoes I had a new friend Jay OHare who lives in Steamboat stop by so I could give him a few items to help crew the next day; we got that dialed in and talked for a bit before another nights rest. I got to bed that night at a reasonable hour and did get a little more sleep than the previous days, so figured I would be somewhat ready to try another 100 out.
I shared a hotel with JB and Jen Benna, so when we got up the next morning we were able to catch up and talk about our adventures and the fun race that we would be off and running at the high-noon start. We went over details with Roch Horton and eventually made our way down to the start. Jen was super focused, had a hard run, but persevered to probably one of her proudest runs to date. I was ecstatic to watch her cross the finish and complete her long day.
Fun start. Photo: irunfar
The start was just a tad more relaxed than the emotion and excitement of UTMB, both starts were equally fun, however this one was a little more chill. I hopped out front with Jason who showed he belonged out front all day. I let him go about a mile up the course not to be seen again until he was showered and shaved and 10k's richer; so happy for this guy and his amazing run! I however wanted to play it conservatively, so I hiked up the first big climb at a pretty casual pace.
By the time we reached the top of Mt Warner and onto scenic single track at 10k, I settled into a nice groove with some runners and played it mellow as to hopefully have the body warm up and shake out the jet lag. It took somewhere around 50 miles for the dizziness to stop, but somewhat expected after UTMB and the travels home. I wasn't really sure what was going to happen once I started, I felt like I was on a boat and the waves were tittering me back n forth; a little unsettling since I was on somewhat dry land and to the best of my knowledge at the time, not on a boat as well.
Crusing with a view. Photo: Matt Trapp
My goal for the race was to finish and have a blast doing it, this didn't prepare me well for racing but I really enjoyed my run and time spent in Steamboat Springs. The miles clicked off pretty effortlessly, the legs felt somewhat strong; a little wobbly but not as sore as I imagined. We flew down Fish Creek Falls – which to me is the highlight of the course – enjoying the technical sections, crashing water falls and the calming sound of the creek floating by.
(Two weeks later…I'm finally continuing this race report. I've spent the last couple weeks putting on the Enchanted Forest Wine Run and then traveling again to Southern California camping with the family and spending time with good SoCal friends! Sorry for the delay.)
After the beautiful trip down Fish Creek falls we all run a few road miles through town in route to the rolling Emerald mountains. Last year I suffered much through this section, this time I took it easy and really enjoyed my run. Thinking back on this race, I recall my mantra for the day was "peace like a river", I wanted to float, peacefully and enjoy the trails. I knew I shouldn't/couldn't run this race all out; I wanted to test myself, but I also really wanted to relax through a long run and let in unfold in its own momentum. I'm very happy and content with my run. I might have taken it too easy, but I came in with the mindset to have fun and not worry about racing.
Olympian Hall 2nd time. Photo: Chris Vargo
I could go on and on about this run, but to be honest I'm done with this post and am moving on to what is next; I went for a run today and it was equally satisfying. The more I do different forms of motion the more I'm internally grateful to move and be free. Some-days it's in beautiful mountains on rugged terrain, some days it's on smooth trail with not much vertical and even some days I find myself pushing my son in his BOB stroller at a casual pace; they are all good and I appreciate each day I get up and enjoy life in whatever form it's presented to me on that day. I don't always feel this way and struggle with being present, I'm happy to be aware of all my moods and emotions, not labeling them but learning, growing and being grateful in each moment.
To continue on with the run, I ran it, I felt relatively good and have recovered nicely afterwards. My energy levels have been super low and I have tried to take time and let the body reset. Honestly these last three weeks have been really hard. I didn't run almost anything, for me this has been difficult; running everyday is just what I do and when I took it away from myself I had a difficult time adjusting and embracing life. It's been a long year of running and all the things that come with that have worn me down, but that is apart of my life and I embrace the struggles that come with balancing a running career and family life. I'm moving forward stronger with intent to be the best I am in everything I do, I will fail, but I'll keep coming back for more.
The finish with RD bunny Fred! Photo: Run Rabbit Run FB


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ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) -- A group of upstate New York dog owners thinks it has a can-do plan to profitably compost the tons of dog doo left behind by the roughly 50,000 canines that use the city's pooch park each year.
If their pilot project is successful, the Tompkins County Dog Owners Group and Cayuga Compost hope to market usable compost within the next two or three years.
More importantly, finding a use for the billions of pounds of pooch poop produced yearly in the United States could also lead to a significant reduction in the amount of waste material sent to landfills, said Leon Kochian, a spokesman for TC DOG, the not-for-profit volunteer group involved in funding the project.
"There was a large Dumpster at the park, and it was just always overflowing with plastic bags of dog poop. The amount was unbelievable," said Kochian, a Cornell University biology professor who owns a yellow Labrador retriever.
"Ithaca has a reputation as a green community. ... It made sense to us to find a way to compost and spare the landfill from all the plastic bags," Kochian said.
Dog and cat waste contain parasites and pathogens that make them unsuitable as compost for vegetable gardens and topsoil and can run off into local waterways and diminish water quality, said Cary Oshins, an assistant program director for the U.S. Composting Council. Composted pet waste can be used for deep-fill or other purposes.
There are any number of small-scale backyard pet waste composters and converters available on the market, but Oshins said he had not heard of any place in the U.S. trying to compost pet waste on such a grand scale.
"It actually makes sense to do it on a larger scale. The larger the facility, the more control," he said. "Anything that gets waste out of a landfill is a good thing."
There are between 3,000 and 4,000 dog-dedicated parks in the United States.
Moreover, there are an estimated 73 million pet dogs in the United States. The average dog produces about 274 pounds of waste a year, which means total dog waste in the U.S. is more than 20 billion pounds.
A handful of dog parks in the U.S. provide onsite composting receptacles but none have tried moving it offsite to a large-scale composting facility in a commercial venture, according to DogParkUSA.com, a national dog park Web site.
But large-scale composting has worked at the Parc Notre Dame de Grace in Montreal, Canada, where municipal officials have been composting dog waste since 2004 and annually divert about a ton of dog waste and 7,000 plastic bags from the local landfill.
Kochian estimated Cayuga Compost has been collecting about 1,000 pounds of poop monthly from the nearly 5-acre Ithaca Dog Park.
It's not surprising that Ithaca would try to find an eco-friendly solution to its excess dog doo problem. The city has a long history of being a city on the cutting edge.
The city library operates on solar power; a task force is examining how Ithaca can build a rail system of high speed podcars to transport people; and the Green Springs Natural Cemetery was among the first in the nation to allow only biodegradable coffins and no tombstones, just markers of flat fieldstones, trees or shrubs.


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TOM KNIGHT: 'Double No-Hit Johnny' thrilled fans with rare feat
The Cincinnati Reds were training in Tampa, Fla. in the spring of 1939 and their first exhibition game was with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Brooklyn General Manager Larry MacPhail thought it would be a great attraction if the Reds could pitch Johnny Vander Meer and Paul Derringer against the boys from Flatbush. The Reds agreed.
After all, the year before, Vandy pitched his two consecutive no-hitters and Derringer won 20 games. So the game with the two star pitchers was thus advertised and every ticket for the little Tampa ballpark was sold.
The stands were packed early the day of the game and the crowd was as enthusiastic as if it were opening day of the regular season. But they were disappointed. Both "Big Paul" and "The Double No-Hit Kid" were taken ill with the flu and hauled off to the local hospital. Right before game time, an announcement was made that since the two billed aces would not appear as publicized, anyone who wanted to could leave and have their money refunded. Not one fan accepted the kind offer!
The 6'1", 190-pound left-handed Vander Meer pitched his no-hit games on June 11, 1938 in Crosley Field against the visiting Boston Bees (Braves), 3-0. Then, on June 15, here in Brooklyn, in the first major league night game in New York, he blanked the Dodgers, 6-0, before more than 35,000 fans at Ebbets Field!
In those days, no-hit games were not common. The last no-hit game in the National League was four years earlier when Paul "Daffy" Dean threw one against the Dodgers at Ebbets Field on Sept. 24, 1934, winning 3-0 in the second game of a doubleheader. That was the day on which Paul's brother "Dizzy" had a no-hitter going into the eighth inning of the first game before the Dodgers came up with three hits.
Diz shut them out anyway and said after the doubleheader, "Gee, if I'd known Paul was gonna do it, I'd a done it too!" Perhaps he would have. That year, "Dizzy" won 30 games and "Daffy" won 19 as the St. Louis Gas House Gang won the N.L. pennant and World Series over the Detroit Tigers.
After Vander Meer's 1938 gems, the next no-hit game did not occur until 1940 when the tables were turned as Brooklyn's Tex Carleton hurled a marvelous 3-0 game at Cincinnati. So, Vander Meer's feat was all the more incredible considering the comparative rarity of hitless games in those years.
Vandy won 119 and lost 121 lifetime. Then at age 35 he was out of the majors and tried a comeback. It was his swan song. He joined the Tulsa club in the Texas League and, on July 15, 1952, was scheduled to pitch against Beaumont.
Only 335 fans came out to see "Double No-Hit Johnny," but many more fans wished they had been there. For on that day, 14 years and one month after that second consecutive no-hit game in Brooklyn, Vander Meer pitched another no-hitter! He walked three, hit one batter, and one runner was safe on an error.
This time, only 335 fans cheered Johnny at the end of the game. It was a game they would never forget.
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2011 has been momentous for news of revolutions,toppled dictators, dead public figures, scandals and expensive natural disasters. With all these world-changing events, it can't be easy to forget on the part of Princess Kate Middleton.
The newly minted Duchess won the heart of both Prince William and the world, with her easy grace and shiny — so shiny! — hair. She was runner-up for Time Magazine's Person of the year ("The Protester" won), and was recently named 2011's best-mannered person (The worst? Kim Kardashian.) Her uterus even made our year-end list of what's in and out, replacing her sister Pippa's posterior as the royal body part fueling national speculation.
But mostly, we just envied the way she looked, the dresses and hats she wore and the ease with which she adapted to her new role in the public eye. When it comes to fashion, the Duchess hasn't made a single misstep. Here are some of her most memorable looks.
» Read More...


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Home » One Off Sale » HENRY COW: Unrest (ESD version).
HENRY COW: Unrest (ESD version).
The second Virgin LP, remixed, with extra tracks (The Glove, Torchfire). The first ESD reissue, with extra tracks (not on our reissue). Inferior sound.
Only available at this price as part of the ReR Sale Offer (minimum) 4 titles)
Code: ESD80492
Price: £5.00


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Californians head to the polls, being told by critics that our vote "doesn't matter" in the presidential election. And there is no governorship race on the ballot, nor any other state constitutional offices. So why bother to vote?
Because, a century ago, Gov. Hiram Johnson understood that power can best be overcome by the people and a ballot in their hands. He understood that politicians nary are there to protect the public, but actually that the public – empowered with direct democracy and the right to vote on a peoples' initiative – are the best defense of democracy and our rights.
Today, Proposition 32 is on the ballot, and, if enacted by the voters, it will become the game-changer that truly has the power to cut the special money interests that have tilted the political playing field of Sacramento in favor of corporate and union interest – at the expense of millions of other Californians.
To date, some $70 million has been spent to try to convince the voters that Prop. 32 is "deceptive." This money has largely been bundled and spent by the executive boards of public sector unions, who clearly understand that Prop. 32 would erode their ability to obtain sweetheart deals from Sacramento politicians.
Clearly, Tuesday represents a "which way forward" moment in our state's history.
Californians understand that Sacramento is broken and that special interests – whether from the left or the right – have crowded us out.
We also understand that corruption is rampant in a state that is fueled by money and lobbyists who wine and dine legislators and stuff their campaign coffers with checks. We know that they have forgotten that they are supposed to speak for us and our children. We understand that money speaks louder than our families.
Having served in the Legislature, I understand how that robbing of the people's voice has occurred. I witnessed the "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" transactions made out of public sight. These transactions have resulted in a public education system that has failed parents and children, year after year, yet have enriched the largest teachers' association which is able to literally intimidate legislators into not even voting for the most sensible of bills: like adopting sound procedures for firing teachers who have sexually abused innocent children.
It's no wonder the voters are cynical. After all, just last month, two more cities – San Bernardino and Compton – notified the California Public Employees Retirement System that they could no longer afford to make full payments on the lucrative pensions that government employee unions negotiated for their members. And a few days earlier we saw yet another elected official arrested in Los Angeles on accusations of rewarding campaign donors with discounted property tax bills.
And just this week we witnessed teachers unions in several school districts sabotaging efforts to win federal education dollars for their cash-strapped districts because they didn't like that receiving these funds would require accepting a teacher evaluation system. Ironically, they still asked voters to raise taxes on themselves.
So how does this ever change? Simply rearranging the chairs on a California Titanic won't work. We need a real game-changer, one that cuts the money ties and gives power back to the people.
By voting Yes on Prop. 32, we declare that we understand that it's the people who ultimately have the power to put our families and children first. Do we dare to stand up to the special interests?
Gloria Romero is an education reformer and former Democratic state senator from Los Angeles.


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Dog Nail Cutter - Nail clippers may be a necessary component in your dog's grooming routine. Some dogs wear their nails down naturally through daily activity and running on hard surfaces while others have nails that grow long and need clipping back on a regular basis and this can be regardless of whether or not the dog runs on hard surfaces. Clipping a dog's nails is an important part of a dog's grooming regime if they are not worn down naturally. If they are allowed to grow too long, not only do they become sharp and scratch easily, but they can lead to lameness and which in turn can cause leg joint problems, not to mention that the paws become hugely uncomfortable and painful. A pet parent should choose the type of nail clipper required depending on the breed of dog, the type of nail, length of growth and how often clipping is necessary. Shake Hands stocks a wide range of dog nail cutters and clippers online. We stock a variety of sizes as well, so that pet parents can choose the most suitable clipper based on his/her breed requirements.


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Hawaii beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. They are also among the most dangerous because of large waves and strong currents.
Our Goal
The goal of Hawaii Beach Safety is to give beach users timely and accurate information for choosing a beach destination appropriate to their ocean skill level. This website was established through cooperation between Hawaii Lifeguard Association, City & County of Honolulu, County of Maui, Hawaii Department of Health, Hawaii Tourism Authority, and the University of Hawaii School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology as a non-profit venture.
Hawaii Beach Safety provides wave and beach hazard information that is updated every 15 minutes based on forecasts by the National Weather Service. Three signs are employed to rate Hawaii's life-guarded beaches (Caution, High Hazard, and Extreme Hazard). Because conditions at beaches change quickly we encourage you to check back often for the latest information. Additionally, other factors, such as beach closures, road closures, stinging jellyfish, shark sightings, and other events are posted on the site when available.
We want you to have a safe and enjoyable time while visiting Hawaii's beaches. This is best achieved by choosing the appropriate beach as you plan your daily activities.
Encouraged Use
We encourage you to use this site to make an aware and informed decision based on the latest information. When you get to the beach, be sure to check with the lifeguards for problems and hazards. Life guards are stationed at the most popular beaches to provide information and assist you in case of an emergency. It is far better to recognize that a beach is too dangerous and move to another, than to attempt entering the ocean and risk injury.
Reuse of the information on this website is encouraged. We provide all alerts, conditions and hazards via an Open API for anyone to use to incorporate into their application or follow in their news reader via RSS.
Rating Signs & Alerts
Beach hazard rating signs are designed to help you identify a beach that is appropriate to your ocean skill level. The system is similar to the difficulty signs used at ski resorts. Life-guarded beaches are rated based on ocean conditions and known beach hazards, just as a ski resort rates ski slopes on steepness or complexity. A skilled skier may look for the most difficult challenges on a mountain, whereas a novice will look for the least.
Primarily for beachgoers, surfers and swimmers
High Hazard
No conditions available
Primarily for boaters and kayakers
High Hazard
No conditions available
Types of Alerts
In addition to rating signs, public health and ocean safety professionals may issue alerts for events impacting beachgoers. These range in impact and severity from a surfing contest to a tsunami. These alerts fall under five broad categories. The last category, closure, will result in the rating signs to change to closed.
StatementA statement is issued to advise the community regarding events that are scheduled or can be reasonably predicted to happen that may affect beach or ocean usage.
WatchA watch is issued to allow time for preparation for a beach event.
AdvisoryAn advisory is issued when events are occurring that are not a direct threat to life or property.
WarningWarnings are issued when a beach event is occurring or imminent and action is needed to protect life and property.
ClosureAccess to this city beach park is being denied for public safety purposes.


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BYRON, Ga. (AP) — The upcoming "Dukes of Hazzard" reunion in Byron is beginning to have the makings of a countrified Woodstock.
Organizer Chris Jennings said when he first conceived the "Dukes of Hazzard" Georgia Reunion, Classic Car Show and Music Festival, he was hoping for 10,000 people. He said he now believes more than 60,000 will show up for the event that runs Friday through Sunday. He said tickets have been sold in all 50 states and nine countries.
The reunion will feature seven of the original cast members, including John Schneider (Bo Duke), Tom Wopat (Luke Duke), Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke), James Best (Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane), Sonny Shroyer (Deputy Enos Strate), Ben Jones (Cooter Davenport) and Rick Hurst (Deputy Cletus Hogg). The cast members will be available for autographs Saturday.
The show aired from 1979 to 1985 and at one time was second only to "Dallas" in the ratings. It featured the exploits of the Duke boys and their battles with corrupt county commissioner Boss Hogg and his right-hand man, Sheriff Coltrane. Their confrontations invariably resulted in car chases, featuring the Duke's iconic 1972 Dodge Charger, the General Lee.
"It was just a great family-oriented show," said Jennings, a Macon car dealer. "The only bad thing is all of the cars I've wrecked over the years trying to imitate them. I remember racing home to watch it."
The event will feature a concert Friday by country singer David Allen Coe, a classic car show with more than 500 cars, an Army tank, a monster truck, helicopter rides and jump houses for children. Other musical performances through the weekend include Ben Jones & Cooter's Garage Band, Confederate Railroad and The Lacs, a "country-rap" duo. Other local musical acts also will perform.
Hours are 4-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.
The reunion is being held at the Old Middle Georgia Raceway at 4015 U.S. 41 North in Byron. Advance one-day tickets are $20. All three days costs $35. Children 6 and younger and seniors 65 and older are free. Tickets can be purchased at www.dukesofhazzardgareunion.com, or in Warner Robins at Victory Lane Auto Sales or Flooring Specialists, and in Byron at the Welcome Center or Big Peach Antique Mall.
Jennings said proceeds will go to the Bradley Baptist Church Road to Hope Program, the Jones County Cruisers Annual Charity Drive for children and families, as well as other charities.
In the show, fictional Hazzard County was set in Georgia. The first five episodes were filmed in Covington, but the filming then moved to California.


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Conditions demand different treatments
One doctor prescribes a handful of pills to manage your heart condition.
Another suggests surgery.
Both carry risks. Which way should you go?
"It's kind of a moving target," said Dr. Keith Pattison, a Columbus interventional cardiologist. "Medicines have gotten better in removing symptoms, and heart (bypass) surgery ... is usually considered to carry a 1 percent or perhaps 2 percent risk of death ... at a qualified center."
But patients with coronary artery disease aren't limited to one or the other. Improvements in cardiac catheterizations and stent placements provide other options.
"That gets to be a very blurry area," Pattison said.
While the number of stent placements has increased over the past few decades, bypass surgeries have declined, said Dr. William Fanning, a Columbus cardiothoracic surgeon.
But, "there are certain cardiac conditions that we know that surgery prolongs patients' lives," he said. The goal of surgery, Fanning said, is to improve the quality of life as well as lengthen it. This applies to conditions including left main coronary artery stenosis and mitral valve disease.
"Those patients ... live longer with surgery than they do with medical therapy," Fanning said.
He said patients usually are referred to him by their cardiologists or primary-care doctors after weighing the options.
There's no formula for treating coronary artery disease, and what works for one patient might not work for another, said Dr. Steven Nissen, chairman of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic.
"Over the last decade or two, there are very good medicines - cholesterol, blood pressure - that work well," Nissen said. "However, there are patients whose symptoms are not well-controlled despite good medical therapy."
Nissen said there are advantages and disadvantages to all the options, depending on the patient and his or her medical condition.
"Someone with advanced kidney disease, we may prefer to do medical therapy or a stent," Nissen said.
"It is a really complex interplay with a lot of moving parts."
Heart Disease


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Senators duel over 'race card'
Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Ron Johnson on Wednesday argued in the Senate whether Rockefeller's remarks about Republican opposition to Obamacare amounted to implying that Johnson is "a racist."
As he chaired a hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee, Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat accused the GOP of opposing President Barack Obama and the Affordable Care Act because he's the "wrong color," eliciting an emotional reaction from Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, that the Democratic senator "would basically imply that I'm a racist."
Johnson, the lone Republican in the room during Rockefeller's remarks, told Rockefeller "it was regrettable and I would say it was offensive … that you would play the race card."
( Also on POLITICO: Anatomy of a scandal)
"That you would say that opposition to Obamacare necessarily must stream from some inherent racism? Very offensive. Listen, my opposition to health care has nothing to do with the race of President Obama," Johnson said. "It is the greatest assault on our freedom in my lifetime."
It was the second time this month that the retiring liberal lawmaker had accused Republicans of opposing the president over race, arguingduring a transportation funding hearing that the GOP doesn't want anything good to happen under Obama's watch "because he's the wrong color."
On Wednesday, his critiques of the GOP again came in a sparsely attended committee hearing, this time during an analysis of health-care spending.
( Also on POLITICO: Pelosi picks Dems for Benghazi panel)
"It's very important to take a long view at what's going on here. And I'll be able to dig up some emails that make part of the Affordable Care Act that doesn't look good, especially from people who have made up their mind that they don't want it to work. Because they don't like the president, maybe he's of the wrong color. Something of that sort," Rockefeller said. "I've seen a lot of that and I know a lot of that to be true. It's not something you're meant to talk about in public, but it's something I'm talking about in public because that is very true."
Rockefeller then referred to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and said he has been "committed" to "blocking every piece of legislation" that Obama puts forth, with some exceptions.
"I find that disingenuous behavior," Rockefeller said, lambasting Republicans for using "convenient political arguments" against Obamacare for several minutes, arguing every law has "waste, fraud and abuse."
Though Rockefeller then went about the committee proceedings, a stunned Johnson had not forgotten the racial comment Rockefeller made 10 minutes earlier and responded angrily to the Democrat's assertion that Obamacare opposition is race-based.
"I didn't object to this because of the race of the president. I objected to this because it is an assault on our freedom. And Mr. Chairman, I have to admit, I have a great deal of respect for you, but I'm the only one in the room, and I found it very offensive that you would basically imply that I'm a racist because I oppose this health care law. That is outrageous," Johnson said, then asking a question of the witness.
Rockefeller concluded then that Johnson wants the American people to return to the "totally free enterprise" health-care system before the Affordable Care Act, an assumption Johnson bristled at and called "incorrect."
"You are assuming the wrong thing, Mr. Chairman. You've implied that I'm a racist. Now you're saying [I want] to go back to a failed health care system?" Johnson responded. "Please don't assume, don't make implications of what I'm thinking and what I would really support. You have no idea."
"I actually do. And, you know, God help you," Rockefeller said, insisting he never called Johnson a racist.
"No senator, God help you for implying I'm a racist because I oppose this health care," Johnson said. "I was called a racist. I think most people would lose their temper, Mr. Chairman."


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On Wednesday Chester Nez, one of the 29 original Navajo code talkers who worked for the US during WWII sending secret messages in their native language, died in his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Nez was 93, and his death was confirmed by Judy Avila, who helped him write his memoirs, according to The Los Angeles Times.
Nez was one of the first code talkers recruited for the job in 1942, while the US was seeing its codes broken over and over again by Japanese code breakers. According to AZCentral, he was in tenth grade when he was recruited by US Marines, who came to his boarding school in Arizona looking for native Navajo speakers.
Navajo has a complex grammar, and at the time there were few, if any, written records of the language. CNN notes that Nez and his peers were forbidden to speak Navajo growing up—until, of course, they were needed to devise a code based on the language. The 29 Navajo men attended boot camp at Camp Pendelton in California and there devised a dictionary with special words for military terms that did not exist in Navajo. They then memorized that dictionary, as the Naval History and Heritage Command recounts:
When a Navajo code talker received a message, what he heard was a string of seemingly unrelated Navajo words. The code talker first had to translate each Navajo word into its English equivalent. Then he used only the first letter of the English equivalent in spelling an English word. Thus, the Navajo words "wol-la-chee" (ant), "be-la-sana" (apple) and "tse-nill" (axe) all stood for the letter "a." One way to say the word "Navy" in Navajo code would be "tsah (needle) wol-la-chee (ant) ah-keh-di- glini (victor) tsah-ah-dzoh (yucca)."
Most letters had more than one Navajo word representing them. Not all words had to be spelled out letter by letter. The developers of the original code assigned Navajo words to represent about 450 frequently used military terms that did not exist in the Navajo language. Several examples: "besh- lo" (iron fish) meant "submarine," "dah-he- tih-hi" (hummingbird) meant "fighter plane" and "debeh-li-zine" (black street) meant "squad."
The Navajo code talkers were primarily employed in the Pacific Theater of Operations, and Nez himself served in the thick of fighting in Guadalcanal, Guam, Peleliu, and Bougainville.
"In developing our code, we were careful to use everyday Navajo words, so that we could memorize and retain the words easily," Nez told CNN in 2011. "I think that made our job easier, and I think it helped us to be successful in the heat of battle. Still, I worried every day that I might make an error that cost American lives. But our code was the only code in modern warfare that was never broken. The Japanese tried, but they couldn't decipher it. Not even another Navajo could decipher it if he wasn't a code talker."
The US Marines eventually recruited more Navajo speakers, and by 1945 somewhere between 375 to 420 were working as code talkers. The code talkers were forbidden from discussing their work until 1968, when the program was declassified.
Breakthroughs made during WWII in cryptography were hugely important for computing and information security in the following years and decades. And the Navajo code talkers have their own part in that history. As Robert Graham of Errata Security tweeted tonight, "WW II Navajo Code Talkers: proof that 'security through obscurity' works."