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Are We Ailing from Too Much Deregulation
Americans May be Losing Faith in Free Markets" reads the title of a July 16 "news analysis" by Los Angeles Times reporter Peter G. Gosselin. "Wave Goodbye to the Invisible Hand" is the title of an August 1 article by Pulitzer Prize–winning Washington Post columnist Steven Pearlstein.
This recent trend in economic reporting actually began with an April 13 article by New York Times economics reporter Peter S. Goodman titled "A Fresh Look at the Apostle of Free Markets." Goodman's article, which I examined at length on the Cato@Liberty blog, was full of misinformation, not just about his subject, Milton Friedman, but also about economic thought and about the state of the U.S. economy. The newer articles continue the trend. And they're all wrong.
Many journalists claim that the U.S. economy since the late 1970s has been very free, with little regulation; that this absence of regulation has caused markets to fail; that there was a consensus in favor of little regulation; and that, now, this consensus is fading. On all these counts, the reports are false. Specifically, the U.S. economy has not been free since before the New Deal of the 1930s. Even before the 1930s, the U.S. economy was "mixed" — that is, a combination of economic freedom and government regulation — and Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal altered the "mix" substantially toward regulation and away from freedom. The deregulation of the late 1970s and 1980s reversed some of the regulations that came with the New Deal and some that preceded it, but the net amount of regulation has been much higher in the alleged era of deregulation than it was during the post–National Recovery Admnistration New Deal. Moreover, most of the apparent "market failures" that these articles refer to fall into one of two categories: Either they are not market failures at all, but market successes, or they are failures that are due to government regulation. Also, the consensus has not shifted from deregulation to regulation: there never was a consensus in favor of deregulation. There was a consensus in favor of deregulation among economists and a minority of politicians in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but never among the majority of politicians. Finally, most of the problems that have happened in the U.S. economy in the last few years strengthen the case for economic freedom and against government control.
Consider some specifics. Pearlstein writes: For the past 25 years, the United States has put its faith in open, unregulated and lightly taxed markets, and there's little doubt that, over time, that model has expanded economic output and improved economic efficiency. But what Americans have also come to realize is that the same model is less adept at providing other things that we value highly — things like safety, fairness, economic security and environmental sustainability.
There are two main problems with that two‐sentence paragraph: the first sentence and the second sentence.
An Era of Deregulation?
Take the first sentence. "Unregulated markets" for the past 25 years? The Federal Register, which lists new regulations, averaged 72,844 pages annually during the Carter years from 1977 to 1980. These were presumably, by Pearlstein's 25‐year standard, the last time before now that Americans didn't have "faith" in open, unregulated markets. Then the average fell to 54,335 during the Reagan years, rose to 59, 527 during the Bush I years, to 71,590 during the Clinton years, and, finally, to a record 75,526 during the administration of that great believer in laissez‐faire, George W. Bush. It's true that when governments deregulate, they must announce those changes in the Federal Register, too, and so some of the pages represent genuine deregulation. But most of the pages were new regulations, no matter what president was in power at the time. So, far from moving away from regulation, the U.S. economy became even more regulated during Pearlstein's alleged 25‐year era of light regulation.
Of course, the number of pages in the Federal Register is a crude measure of regulation. But it's not the only measure we need rely on. Veronique de Rugy and Melinda Warren, in "Regulatory Agency Spending Reaches New Height," an August 2008 report by the Mercatus Center and the Weidenbaum Center, found that between 1980 and 2007, roughly the years that Pearlstein labels "unregulated," the number of full‐time employees of U.S. government regulatory agencies increased 63 percent, from 146,139 to 238,351. During that same time, the U.S. population rose from 226.5 million to about 301 million, an increase of only 33 percent. Moreover, according to de Rugy and Warren, U.S. government spending on regulation alone (not including compliance costs, a much bigger number) tripled, from $13.5 billion to $40.8 billion (all in 2000‐year dollars.) As a percent of GDP, spending on regulation rose from 0.26 percent to 0.35 percent, a 35‐percent increase. Some deregulation.
One could argue that we need to distinguish here between different kinds of regulation. Often people refer to "economic regulation" when they mean restrictions on whether new firms can enter businesses or that require firms to get government permission before setting their prices. If this is what they mean, then there is a case to be made that, in substantial sectors of the economy, there is less government regulation now than before the late 1970s. There has been substantial deregulation at the federal level of airlines, trucking, railroads, oil, and natural gas, to name five large sectors. And indeed, as we shall see later, this deregulation has had, on net, good effects.
What was the nature of this new regulation? The biggest growth came in so‐called "homeland security," where spending more than quintupled, from $2.9 billion in 1980 to $16.6 billion in 2007 (all in real 2000 dollars). The second‐largest growth rate was in regulation of finance and banking, where spending almost tripled, rising from $725 million to $2.07 billion. Together, regulation of homeland security and of finance and banking now account for over half of federal regulatory spending.
Markets vs. Government
Also incorrect is Pearlstein's second sentence. Free markets have done much better than governments at providing safety, fairness, economic security, and environmental sustainability. The reason, for three out of the four, is simple. Economic freedom tends to lead to economic growth, as Pearlstein himself admits in the above quote, and economic growth leads to more safety, more economic security, and more demand for environmental quality. Safety and environmental quality are what economists call "normal goods." As our real incomes rise, we want more of them. Over the 20th century, as our real incomes rose, we workers demanded more safety. And we got it. As economist W. Kip Viscusi notes in "Job Safety," published in The Concise Encyclopedia of Economics, as U.S. per capita disposable income per year rose from $1,085 in 1933 to $3,376 in 1970 (all in 1970 prices), death rates on the job fell from 37 per 100,000 workers to 18 per 100,000. Note that all of this preceded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which began in 1970. This shouldn't be surprising. As workers, we show our demand for safety by the wage premium we insist on to take a given risk. As real incomes rose, this wage premium rose. Employers found it cheaper to avoid some of the risk premium by reducing risk — that is, by increasing safety. In short, there is and has been a "market for safety."
The case with environmental quality is similar. Past some income level, environmental quality is almost certainly a normal good, that is, a good that people demand more of as their income increases. But demand does not guarantee supply. Why not? One major factor is that so much of the environment is a "commons," a resource that everyone can use but no one owns. As Garrett Hardin pointed out in his classic 1968 article "The Tragedy of the Commons," when no one owns a resource, it will be overused because no one has much incentive not to overuse it. One obvious solution is to transform, to the extent possible, the commons into private property. This has been done with rivers, lakes, and land, but is hard to do with air and oceans. But certainly we could go much further toward private ownership than we have until now, turning rivers, for example, into private property, as is done in Scotland. Scotland, not coincidentally, has pristine rivers. So note the irony. Contra Pearlstein, one reason that we haven't had the environmental quality we have demanded is that overregulation has prevented private ownership.
On the issue of economic security, the wealthier we are, the more secure we are. And because, as Pearlstein himself admits, economic freedom creates wealth, it necessarily creates security. Virtually no one in America ever needs to worry any more about starving. That is in part due to the welfare state but is mainly due to the riches created by relatively free markets. Of course, if, by "economic security," Pearlstein means confidence that one's income will never fall, then he's right that markets don't lead to that. Nor does government regulation. Government regulation of the economy's money supply, high tariffs, high taxes, and regulations that kept wage rates high all caused the Great Depression or contributed to its length.
Freedom and Fairness
Pearlstein objects that economic freedom does not lead to fairness, but it does. One of the fairest things in life is that people reap what they sow, getting the benefits when they make good decisions and bearing the costs when they make bad ones. Markets create that fairness every day. And what makes Pearlstein's argument ironic is that elsewhere in his article he writes that "government has had to step in to rescue the markets from their excesses and prevent a meltdown of the financial system." If he really believes that these are excesses and if he really wants fairness, why does he think that the government should bail people out from their mistakes? Some of the people whom the government is bailing out are very wealthy people who will retain more of that wealth because of the bailouts. Many of the people paying taxes for the bailouts are middle‐income people who acted responsibly. Just what is Pearlstein's view of fairness, anyway?
In his article, Gosselin details three factors that are "pushing people to favor more regulation" — the high price of gasoline, the fall in house prices, and the dismal performance of the stock market for most of the current decade. If Gosselin were simply stating that these factors have made people more favorable to regulation, he might have a point. But that's not all he does. He seems to take the side of those who see these three factors as market failures. On gasoline prices, although he points out that most economists think these prices are due to "booming global demand meeting limited global supply," he dismisses this reasoning, arguing that "the price run‐ups seem out of whack with demand, which has increased only about 1% worldwide." But Gosselin is confusing demand and consumption. It's consumption of oil that has increased a little. Demand has increased much more than consumption. That's why the price rose. A standard exercise in introductory economics classes is to show students that when supply is fairly inelastic and demand increases a lot, the price will rise a lot, and the actual amount produced and consumed will rise just a little. That's what has happened in the world oil market. Moreover, why has global oil supply been so limited? There are three main factors, all of which are entirely due to regulation. The first factor is OPEC, an organization of governments that regulates the supply of oil. OPEC was formed, incidentally, in response to President Eisenhower's regulations on oil imports, which discriminated against imports from the countries that formed OPEC. The second factor is that almost all oil‐producing countries in the world have government‐run oil industries. The third factor is the U.S. government's restrictions on offshore drilling for oil and on oil development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Whether one favors or opposes these restrictions on drilling, the point is that they do constrain the supply of oil and do, therefore, cause the price of oil to be higher than otherwise.
Interestingly, Gosselin leaves out the major price declines that have occurred in some of the most unregulated or newly deregulated parts of the economy: computing power (there is little regulation of the computer industry) and clothing (there has been a major shift toward free trade in clothing.)
Fannie, Freddie, and the Housing Crunch
On housing prices, Gosselin claims that "the rise in house prices and the recent plunge grew out of an almost unregulated corner of the mortgage market — the one for riskier loans." But in fact much of this problem arose from regulation. Jeffrey Hummel and I detailed how in Investors' Business Daily ("Blame the Feds, Not the Fed, For Subprime Mortgages," March 23, 2008). Federal government regulation contributed in three ways. First, the federal government helped cause the boom in housing prices by helping cause moral hazard: people taking risks because they know that if things turn out badly, someone else will bear some of the cost. The federal government's semiautonomous mortgage agencies — Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae — all buy and resell mortgages. Of the more than $15 trillion in mortgages in existence in early 2008, about one third were owned by, or were securitized by, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, the Federal Housing and Veterans Administration and other government agencies that subsidize mortgages.
Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were no longer government agencies during the time period at issue, they were government‐sponsored enterprises. Many buyers of their repackaged loans, therefore, assumed an implicit federal‐government guarantee. That assumption, as we now know, was all too true. This implicit guarantee caused less scrutiny by lenders than otherwise, which helped drive up housing prices.
The federal government's second contribution to the increase in housing prices was the Community Reinvestment Act. This act, first passed in 1977 and beefed up in 1995, requires banks to lend in high‐risk areas that they otherwise would avoid. Banks that fail to comply pay fines and have more difficulty getting approval for mergers and branch expansions. As Stan Liebowitz, a University of Texas economist, has pointed out, a Fannie Mae Foundation report enthusiastically singled out one mortgage lender that followed "the most flexible underwriting criteria permitted." That lender's loans to low‐income people had grown to $600 billion by 2003. Its name? Countrywide, the largest U.S. mortgage lender and one of the lenders in the most trouble for its lax lending practices.
Finally, a little‐noted change in regulations by the comptroller of the currency in December 2005 acted as the trigger. The comptroller made it mandatory for banks to require minimum payments on credit card balances, causing increases of at least 50 percent for most cards and as much as 100 percent on others. Many people who hold subprime mortgages are people for whom a higher monthly payment on a credit card would be a problem. Whereas before this regulation, many people's priorities would have been mortgage first, credit card second, the new regulation caused many borrowers to reverse the order. Thus the comptroller's seemingly small increase in regulation had the unintended effect of causing some mortgage borrowers to default.
This is not to say, of course, that private businesses never do anything stupid unless it is caused by bad government policy. Certainly, many actors in the private sector put their and other people's money at risk in absurd way. It is safe to say, though, that in the case of the subprime mess, regulation and government subsidies deserve much of the blame.
Why Regulation Fails
Moreover, notably absent from all four earlier‐mentioned articles is an argument for why regulation would work or how deregulation fails. I have already provided evidence of how badly regulation has worked in oil and in the housing market. But there's more to say. There are two main reasons that regulation generally works out badly. One is that the regulators have little incentive to get things right. Indeed, when their regulations fail, they often use this fact to argue for more power and more regulation. Astonishingly, the argument often works. The second reason is that regulatory agencies are often captured by the politically powerful and used to stomp out competition. The recent regulations on housing finance, for example, require mortgage brokers to be licensed. That will reduce competition in mortgage brokering and enhance the incomes of existing mortgage brokers.
And we have powerful evidence of the beneficial effects of deregulation. Air fares, for example, according to Brookings Institution economists Clifford Winston and Steven Morrison, are 22‐percent lower than they would have been had regulation continued. Brookings economist Robert Crandall and Mercatus economist Jerry Ellig estimated in the late 1990s that when the lower air fares are adjusted for the decline in quality and amenities, passengers saved a cool $19 billion a year. In other words, the majority of us prefer lower fares to higher fares, more meals, and emptier airplanes. According to Hoover Institution economist Thomas G. Moore, between 1977, the year before deregulation of trucking began, and 1982, inflation‐adjusted rates for truckloadsize shipments fell by 25 percent and service quality improved. And, of course, because of decontrol of oil and gasoline prices under presidents Carter and Reagan, increases in world oil prices have been passed on to consumers rather than suppressed, so that the time‐killing line‐ups for gasoline in the 1970s have not been repeated.
It's possible that I'm being uncharitable in interpreting Gosselin. Perhaps his tone simply reflects the tone of Americans whom he sees as souring on economic freedom. But shouldn't economic journalists, whatever else they do, get the facts right? And the three overriding facts are: (1) we have not had a period of light regulation, (2) deregulation didn't fail, and (3) regulation makes things worse.


text:
Phobias are extreme and irrational fears that interfere with daily
life. People with phobias have fears that are out of proportion to real danger,
and, while they are aware that their fears are not rational, they are not able
to control them.
Phobias are sometimes present with other conditions, such as panic
disorders and Tourette's disorder.
Last Revised:
April 11, 2012
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
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subset: commoncrawl


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Christina Aguilera isn't the only female singer who can nail impressions of fellow singers.
Demi Lovato imitated music artists on NBC's "The Tonight Show" Friday, while playing Wheel of Musical Impressions with host Jimmy Fallon. Among them was none other than the "Genie in a Nottle" singer.
Lovato channeled the "Voice" judge while singing a soulful rendition of the theme song for the cartoon "SpongeBob SquarePants."
U.S. & World
"Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!" Fallon exclaimed, standing up. "That is unbelievable! Game over!"
The "Skyscraper" songstress sang "Bingo Was His Name-O" while emulating Cher and imitated hip-hop star Fetty Wap while singing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
PHOTOS: Demi Lovato and Wilmer Valderrama's cutest pics
Aguilera had last year showcased on "The Tonight Show" and on "The Voice" her superb musical and spoken impressions of Cher, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Sia, Lady Gaga and alternating "Voice" coach Shakira.
(E! and NBC are part of the NBCUniversal family.)


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Notice is given that articles of incorporation that will incorporate COMMON GROUND COFFEE & EATERY, Inc. have been delivered to the Secretary of State for filing in accordance with the Georgia Business Corporation Code. The initial registered office of the corporation is located at 902 S. Main Street, Baxley, GA 31513 and its initial registered agent at such address is Christopher Lightsey.
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Converting FROM EndNote TO
Converting FROM EndNote TO BibTeX is easy. With your EndNote library open select the style BibTeX Export and click on File, Export. Give the file a name, and Save as type: Text File.
A more complex (but apparently much better) way of converting from EndNote to BibTex is as follows: download JabRef (it's free) from http://jabref.sourceforge.net (you need to have Java VM version 1.5 or newer up and running). After installing and running it, open up a new database. Then go to File, Export, Unpack EndNote Filter Set. Follow the instructions in the .txt file. This method is claimed to be "the best way to get EndNote working with the BibTex format. The nice thing about jabref is that it is one of the best GUI fronts to BibTex I have come across ... and also it will generate the necessary BibTex keys for you...something the normal 'BibTex Export' in EndNote does not do."
Converting FROM BibTeX TO EndNote (ie if your word processor is LaTeX but you want to generate references in Word) is quite tricky, and a bit trickier than converting to EndNote from other software. You will need to download some extra software to enable the process. The semi-official BibTeX site is a good place to start. Another good site, with conversion software, is Trent Apted's BibTeX to EndNote converter page at the University of Sydney. (EndNote has a BibTex conversion tools site but these tools are over 15 years old and are unlikely to be reliable).


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Is Hawaii Worth It?
Four local families talk about the price of paradise—and whether they're willing to pay it any longer. Also, check out some eye-opening stats on the cost of living in the Islands.
(page 1 of 5)
It's something we've all asked ourselves. Maybe it was after sitting in H-1 traffic for two hours after a hard day of work at your subpar job, for which you had to be on the road at 6 a.m., just to make it on time. Maybe it was after you forked over $7 for a minuscule box of Frosted Mini-Wheats, or after you opened your HECO bill for $450.
Is it really worth it to live here?
Economist Paul Brewbaker dubs our high cost of living "the paradise premium: The amount we observe people in Hawaii are willing to pay … to be here," he says.
Here, four Hawaii families share their answer to the Big Question. For half of them, it's Hawaii—no matter the cost. For the other half, it just isn't worth it anymore.
The weather, the culture, the Aloha spirit. The bills, the cost of housing, the lack of professional opportunities. They've weighed all the factors and made the decision that was best for them.
Back and Forth
Monday through Friday, Raffy Jacinto is usually driving home at the same time many people are caught in traffic (although he's sitting there right along with them). Jacinto, age 36, is a water-science and dive technician at Aulani Resort and Spa and works either the graveyard shift from 11:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., or the swing shift from 4 p.m. to midnight. He and his wife, Margie, 34, along with their 2-year-old daughter, Gabbie, live in a two-bedroom townhouse rental near Kahala Mall, but he doesn't mind the commute. "I get to tuck my daughter in at night and then I go off to work and see them the next day when I come home," he says. Jacinto says he's happy working at Aulani, and prefers to live in town, despite the travel time and $4.45-a-gallon gas. But he wasn't always so content. In the past six years, the Jacintos have moved back and forth between Honolulu and Dallas twice.
House Hunting
Median Single-Family Home Prices
Source: national association of realtors, 2011
The first time the couple moved to Texas was in 2005. "There were not a lot of opportunities available here," says Jacinto. "After awhile we felt like we were stuck in a rut. That's kind of what got us looking to move to the Mainland." Jacinto worked at Sea Life Park and, while he was putting his biology degree to use, he felt he had peaked there. Margie worked in retail.
Jacinto was born in the Philippines, but his family moved to Oahu in 1984 and he attended Star of the Sea Catholic school and Punahou. He went to college in the Philippines, where he met Margie. The two moved back to Hawaii and married in 2002. They managed to find a one-bedroom apartment in Waikiki for $1,250 a month and loved the area. "I wasn't really making enough to move forward with the plans I had mapped out for Margie and I," he says, adding that the two had talked about starting a family in the near future. "Rather than sit and wait and see what happens, I thought it'd be more proactive to look somewhere else."
Dallas felt sensible. It was cheaper, plus they already knew people there—Jacinto's brother-in-law and his family lived in Dallas. "It seemed like a logical place."
The effects on their bank accounts were immediate. Jacinto says in addition to cheaper rent, everyday costs such as groceries, gas and utilities were all lower than Honolulu, even with the more than 8 percent sales tax. They also both got to keep more of what they earned; there's no personal income tax in Texas (although property taxes are high).
For less than the price of their Waikiki apartment, the Jacintos found a two-bedroom apartment close to downtown Dallas. Jacinto landed a job as an entry-level aquarist at the Dallas World Aquarium.
Two years later, they decided Dallas wasn't where they wanted to be. "We got homesick," he says with a laugh. "Dallas is a great city and, in general, the people are nice, but it's just not Hawaii. It's flat and nondescript. In my head I'm like, It's a whole lot of nothing, no wonder it's so cheap out here!"
So, in 2007 they sold their cars, packed up their belongings and flew back to Oahu. He went back to Sea Life Park and she started writing for a local publication. They took advantage of their old Waikiki neighborhood, and the familiar surfing and fishing spots.
But a sense of déjà vu set in for Jacinto at Sea Life Park. Shortly after, his old boss from the Dallas aquarium offered him a job as a staff supervisor. He couldn't refuse. The Jacintos moved back to Dallas in 2009, thinking this time they were in it for the long haul. The couple bought a house for $250,000 in a nice neighborhood. Soon after, their daughter was born. "We had found all the different things that we wanted. We had good jobs, we had our house, we had cars, we had our daughter and friends and family," he says. "If you put it down on paper it was great."


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'Yooper' Added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Finally! After all of these years, my people are finally recognized as existing by the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Monday, after 10 years of campaigning, the word "Yooper" was added to the dictionary.
That decade-long campaign was headed up by a Yooper named Steve Parks.
As part of the process, Merriam-Webster officials needed to verify that the word wasn't just a local term (it is NOT a local term, dang it!).
The word is defined as "a native or resident of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan," and will appear beginning in the 2014 edition of the dictionary, according to Merriam-Webster officials.
There will be an official celebration taking place in August and a representative from Merriam-Webster is planning to attend and get a good look at what it means to be a Yooper. (I hope they like pasties.)


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CES 2010 LaCie has introduced a wireless hard drive for your telly and it'll take up no more room than a small stack of CDs.
LaCie's LaCinema Mini HD: compact as a disc
The LaCinema Mini HD has a 120 x 120mm footprint but manages to house a 500GB hard drive, 802.11n Wi-Fi pick-up, DLNA media server and player.
There's an HDMI port round the back - and LaCie nicely includes a suitable cable in the box - ready to feed your content on your telly at up to 1080p resolution.
HDMI, USB, Ethernet and digital optical ports are all present
LaCie claimed the Mini HD's codec support is "extensive", highlighting the drive's ability to play MKV, AVC and DivX files in particular.
Available in Europe any day now, the LaCinema Mini HD will cost £260. ®
Multimedia Hard Drive Reviews
Iomega ScreenPlay Director HD
Western Digital WD TV Live
Freecom MediaPlayer II 500GB
LaCie LaCinema Black MAX


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I use Barca 2
I have purchased and installed MITG on my Sandisk U3 Cruzer. Just opened the U3 Barca programme but I can't seem to import my contacts, messages etc from the PC Barca programme.
Using the import Wizard I have clicked on "other pocomail or barca installation" as my import source. The next window that opens automatically puts \Barca.ini as the Directory to import from, and asks me to type YES to confirm I have seen the "warning" that I will be "overwriting data in this installation". When I do this and click Start nothing happens.
I must be missing something obvious. Can anyone give me an idiot guide through the steps please?
Assuming I get the importing done, can those offering to help also tell me what procedure I will need to follow to get MITG to replicate/sync with what's in my PC Barca, and vice versa, in the future?


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Welcome to Westerly Yeovil MINI. We pride ourselves in offering you the highest level of service, offering new cars, approved used and servicing.
Introducing MINI Flex Car Insurance. A brand new Defaqto 5 Star rated monthly car insurance policy. What's more, for a limited time, when you purchase a new MINI the first three months cover are free.
MINI Electric has everything you'd expect – good looks, that unique go-kart handling – plus it's fully electric.


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Enough Rants About the iPhone 5, It's Just Another Apple Product
You probably heard enough rants about the new iPhone 5, when even Apple has to openly apologize for some of their hiccups but if you take a minute and rethink why you keep coming back getting a new Mac, a new iPhone or what not, then you realize that maybe, just maybe, you are asking too much.
When people buy a new iMac or Macbook replacement, it is not only because of new innovations that been added to the product line (don't count retina display), people do so because it is time to upgrade because they need a faster machine, bigger screen size, or lighter mobile device. People buy Apple products because they are die hard fans who would not be swayed to go back to the PC.
Same with the iPhone. People just expect too much when it comes with the new release. Ok, you want bigger screens, Apple gave you that, faster processor, that's included too, longer battery life, not that one as it is a trade off with a more slimmer design and faster processor. Along just like any other Apple products, Apple throws in a few bad apples (just like Brian Tong puts it on CNET's Apple Byte, subscribe to it for all the good and bad news inside the Apple world). The Map application definitely on all front pages and the cheap aluminum housing, the lighting cables that makes all your iPhone/iPad obsolete (soon) and the new screen aspect ratio where not even 5% of the app developers are ready for leaving you with all the void with the extended screen estate.
But for all die hard fans out there, we all know that Apple will eventually come up with all the tweaks they need to get it right. The key is, don't compare the iPhone with their Android or upcoming Windows phone counterparts, Apple is Apple, and you are still biting into it.
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L'Abri is a French word that means shelter. The first L'Abri community was founded in Switzerland in 1955 by Dr. Francis Schaeffer and his wife, Edith. Dr. Schaeffer was a Christian theologian and philosopher who also authored a number of books on theology, philosophy, general culture and the arts.
The L'Abri communities are study centers in Europe, Asia and America where individuals have the opportunity to seek answers to honest questions about God and the significance of human life. L'Abri believes that Christianity speaks to all aspects of life.
At this site you will find the latest information for each branch and an introduction to what L'Abri Fellowship is all about. If you still have questions after reviewing the information here, please contact the branch closest to where you live. Read More >>
updated 11-15-2019
Review our Online Resources
Read the L'Abri Statements


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Welcome to our website! As we have the ability to list over one million items on our website (our selection changes all of the time), it is not feasible for a company our size to record and playback the descriptions on every item on our website. However, if you have a disability we are here to help you. Please call our disability services phone line at 303.443.1339 during regular business hours and one of our kind and friendly personal shoppers will help you navigate through our website, help conduct advanced searches, help you choose the item you are looking for with the specifications you are seeking, read you the specifications of any item and consult with you about the products themselves. There is no charge for the help of this personal shopper for anyone with a disability. Finally, your personal shopper will explain our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, and help you place an order if you so desire.
The KB Studio in Denver Metro Area, CO is an authorized dealer of Baldwin Products. More than just a brand name. Baldwin identifies a birthright to the claim that time-tested skills forge the surest path to timely design solutions. Since 1946, Baldwin Hardware has delivered modern luxury to discriminating homeowners, architects and designers through superior design, craftsmanship and functionality.
From being the first to forge solid brass door hardware to setting precedence for Lifetime Finishes, Baldwin is synonymous with innovation and unsurpassed quality. For those who aspire to make the home much more than mere shelter Baldwin is their assurance that function and elegance, as well as lasting value and luxurious style, can be found within the same fine family of products.
So if you are looking for Baldwin products in Denver Metro Area, Boulder, Centennial, Louisville, Parker, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lafayette, Longmont and Fort Collins, or if you have any questions about Baldwin products, please feel free to call us at 303.443.1339 or simply stop by The KB Studio at any time and we would be glad to help you.


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North Richland Hills, TX Real Estate
Population: 8,132 The area known as Northeast Tarrant County includes the communities of Bedford, Euless, Hurst, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, and Watauga. This area is one of the fastest growing areas in Texas, primarily due to the close proximity to both Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as the airport. The growth has not eliminated the secure, friendly,small-town, family-oriented atmosphere that has always prevailed in the communities. View Properties in this Community > Ebby Halliday Offices Serving this Community: Arlington > Irving > Southlake > Other Ebby Offices > Education The Birdville Independent School District provides a well-planned education to students in North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, and Watauga. Area Colleges and Universities Tarrant County College Shopping Mayfair Village North East Mall North Hills Mall Richland Pointe Mall Shops at Central Park...
North Richland Hills, TX Homes For Sale
Search For Properties In North Richland Hills
For a list of schools located within the district(s) please click on the link(s) below.


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Octoplus PRO JTAG Software v.1.1.3 is out!
Octoplus PRO JTAG Software v.1.1.3 is out!
Today we are glad to present you a new software feature – "Content Extractor".
Content Extractor – New Possibilities:
- View and save (extract) data (files, directories and volumes) directly from the device trough eMMC or/and JTAG interface
- View and save (extract) data (files, directories and volumes) from binary dumps (with Full Flash), which have been read from the device
- All popular file systems are supported: ext2, ext3, ext4, NTFS, FAT
- Ability to save selected files, directories and volumes on user's hard drive
- Easy extract, view and save contacts
- Easy extract, view and save pictures
- Easy extract, view and SMS messages
- Preview graphic files (and their cache)
- Ability to work with pictures and media files using computer's operation system
- Advanced search:
- Search files in file systems or in binary dumps of the device
- Search user's contacts or SMS messages
- Search file name of found pictures
- Easy and intuitive graphical user interface (GUI)
Octoplus PRO JTAG Software v.1.1.3 - Other New Features:
- Uploaded improved SRF for H345 into the Support Area.
- Improved connection via eMMC interface.
- Box Firmware has been updated! To update the firmware, it is necessary to connect the box and only then run the software.


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The Gütermann creativ Sew-all Thread is the correct sewing thread for all materials and seams. It is exceptionally suitable for stitching with the sewing machine and by hand, regardless of the stitch type - the Sew-all Thread is designed to handle all demands.
This particularly high-quality and uniform sewing thread guarantees optimal sewing without fiber lint and seam crimping with the finest needles, from needle size NM 60. Strong and durable seams result from the high tear and abrasion resistace of the sewing thread.
Showing 1 of 1 results
Gutermann Sew All Thread 100m£1.95We use Gutermann Sew All thread on all the sewing machines in our showroom and use it for the 'sew test' on all our repair work.


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Friday, 7 March 2008
Raspberry and Almond Madeira Cake
10 comments:
- MrsB said...
yum yum what a great cake, it's such a good little book isn't it! I love all the cakes and stuff in there!
- 8 March 2008 at 13:46
- Maria♥ said...
Hi Mrs B
Thanks sweetie. I agree, it is a good little book and lots of wonderful cakes and bakes ;o)
- 8 March 2008 at 19:33
- Rosie said...
Oh what a lovely cake Maria!! Raspberries and almonds make a fantastic combo - I love this little book too so many great recipes :)
Rosie x
- 9 March 2008 at 08:58
- Finla said...
When i saw the pic even without reading your post i knew from whick book you had made them.
I have the same book too .
Your cake looks exactly like in the book.
- 9 March 2008 at 09:30
- Maria♥ said...
Hi Rosie
Thanks and yes it's a fantastic book.
Hi Happy Cook
Thanks for the lovely comment. It seems this book is really popular but it's definitely a book every baker should have in their collection.
- 9 March 2008 at 18:52
- pistachio said...
Hi Maria, I'm so happy to have found your wonderful blog. I'm really looking forward to reading it from the very beginning.
pi xxx
- 9 March 2008 at 21:00
- Swati said...
Lovely description to the cake ...Beautiful and delicious cake as always!!
- 10 March 2008 at 12:57
- Maria♥ said...
Hi Pi, thanks and welcome to my blog.
Hi swati
Thanks for the lovely comment, especially coming from such a talented baker as yourself ;o)
- 10 March 2008 at 19:43
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm WOW...I like the look of this cake.
Love Hevz xxx
- 17 April 2008 at 14:34
- Miss Bish said...
Hi Maria,
I came across your blog when I typed the name of this cake... You see I follow the recipe in the little book, but my cake ends up really stodgy! It has a consistency not dissimilar to brownies (ie. really compact), which I personally like, but I assume it ought to be fluffy like a normal sponge. What am I doing wrong?? Or rather, what are you doing right?
- 15 April 2010 at 10:27


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Sending High School Transcripts to CSUF
Students can send official transcripts which include their grades from the first semester of the senior year and/or the final transcript with the graduation date posted to the Admissions and Records office via two methods - paper or electronic (if the sending institution supports this method). Please note: Transcripts sent too early, those without all the required semesters' grades, will be destroyed.
Paper Transcripts
If possible include your name and CSUF student ID (CWID) written clearly on the outside of the envelope. Official transcripts may be sent to:
California State University, Fullerton
Admissions and Records
P.O. Box 6900
Fullerton, CA 92834-6900
Electronic Transcripts
California State University Fullerton currently accepts electronic high school transcripts via the docufide by Parchment system. If your school is not a member of this system please request paper transcripts be sent instead.
Important Note about Ordering Transcripts via docufide by parchment
When placing high school transcript orders via the docufide by parchment system ensure to search for and pick California State University, Fullerton from their list of destinations. Avoid selecting "OTHER" and manually entering email addresses. Student who manually enter email addresses as the recipient destination risk having their transcripts misdirected or lost.
California State University, Fullerton is not responsible for lost or misdirected transcripts and students risk having their applications rescinded for failure to submitted transcripts to the Admissions office by posted deadlines.


text: Officer Rocket works Holiday Cheer to his advantage Saturday, December 27, 2008 12:00 AM General FLORENCE, KY . . . December 27, 2008 . . . Officer Rocket worked speed both ways in the $50,000 Holiday Cheer Stakes at Turfway Park Saturday, ignoring a fiery pace early and then zooming up the rail late to win by a length. Rouse the Cat, favored at 2-1, was second, with Golden Country a neck back in third. The win capped a fine day for Officer Rocket's connections. His savvy performance was the third win on the day for owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey and trainer Mike Maker and the fourth for jockey Orlando Mojica.Officer Rocket was far back early as Rouse the Cat took the quick lead and was pushed by Timbucto to a quarter in :21.69 and by Golden Country to fractions of :44.92 and :57.77. As Rouse the Cat and Golden Country fought it out in deep stretch, Officer Rocket fooled them both from the rail. Final time for the six furlongs was 1:11.48."He's usually up closer than that but there was a lot of speed in here and I told Orlando to see how it set up," said Maker. "Right about the sixteenth pole I thought we might get second, but then he came on."The 9-2 third choice in the field of 12, Officer Rocket paid $11.60 to win. Completing the order of finish were Darling Mon, Wait On Tate, Big Glen, Godolphin Gray, Timbucto, William Tell, Future Prospect, My Private Lake, and Junior College. Aquino was an early scratch. An objection by the rider of Golden Country against Rouse the Cat was not allowed.The Holiday Cheer was Officer Rocket's first start for the Ramseys and Maker. The four-year-old colt ran in an optional allowance race at Churchill for an $80,000 tag in his last start and the Ramseys took him."I've always been a big fan of this horse since he was a two-year-old and won a stake in Chicago," said Maker. "Fortunately, when he was there for the taking Mr. Ramsey loved him too."Officer Rocket in fact won back-to-back Chicago stakes at two, the Spectacular Bid outright and the Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3) in a dead-heat. On the 2007 Kentucky Derby trail he was runner-up in both the Southwest Stakes and the Rebel (G3), finishing behind Curlin in the latter, but a poor start in the Arkansas Derby ended his Derby quest. After going winless in five starts at three, he sat out eight months and returned at four to get three wins, four seconds, and a third from 11 starts this year. Bred in Great Britain, the Officer colt now has six wins, six seconds, and two thirds in 22 career starts for earnings of $371,783.In addition to the Holiday Cheer, the Ramseys, Maker, and Mojica teamed up to win the fourth race with Drums of Thunder and the fifth race with Just Like William. Mojica also won the 10th race with Serna's Gold for David P. Holloway Racing and trainer Bill Connelly.Turfway's holiday live racing schedule continues Sunday through Wednesday, with first post at 1:10pm daily. Racing then continues uninterrupted with the opening of the Winter/Spring Meet on January 1, also at 1:10pm.


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11525 Cantrell Rd
Little Rock, AR 72212
10am - 7pm
F-S: 10am - 6pm
Su: 11pm - 4pm
At Fleet Feet Sports, we believe that quality shoes that fit your well and are appropriate for your foot type can be the most important piece of equipment. We offer a wide selection of shoes to meet your various needs. To ensure we offer the best selection for our customers, we are constantly wear-testing and evaluating new styles and brands.
Just in time to get out onto the trails for spring!
Come see the new trail shoes from New Balance, Mizuno & Brooks.
Come in to check our collection of flats from New Balance, Saucony & Brooks.
From Saucony we have: Shay XC2 & the Kilkenny XC3. From New Balance we have: The 507 and the 560 trail. From Brooks we have the Mach 12 Spikeless.


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Six Tips For Better Napping
The sleep experts say napping done right is good for the brain and our work performance.
But what's the best way to grab some extra zzz's during the day? Here are some tips from the experts:
1. Don't nap too long, especially if it's a week day and you're working. Experts warn that the longer the nap, the more likely you'll wake up groggy, a feeling that can last up to 30 minutes. So what's the sweet spot to feel the benefits of a nap? As little as 10 to 20 minutes will leave you refreshed, energetic and mentally sharper. On the weekends when alertness is less important, longer naps are ok, but try to avoid ones that last more than an hour so they don't interfere with nighttime sleep.


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Refresh your Browser to see more updates....rocket attacks on Israel have resumed.
11:39 PM As you read this, there are currently close to a million Israelis in Southern Israel who are in bomb shelters tonight.
11:26 PM Conflicting reports over the age of the young child wounded by the Gazan rocket attack; his age is put at 9 months or 2 years.
11:24 PM In the rocket attack on Ashkelon before (10:44 PM), there are numerous suffering from shell shock who are being treated by emergency medical services.
11:03 PM Three Gazan mortars fired at Kissufim IDF base.
11:02 PM Reports that 3 wounded by shrapnel in Gazan rocket attack on Kibbutz; 2 adults and a 2 year old wounded in his arm.
10:59 PM Reports that an infant has been wounded by the rocket attack.
10:55 PM Gazan Rocket hits house in a kibbutz -- there are reported wounded.
10:52 PM No reports of wounded in Beer Sheva rocket attack. Forces responding to direct hit in on Israeli community near Gaza.
10:50 PM Direct Hit on Community near Gaza. Security and Emergency Medical forces responding.
10:49 PM Grad rockets launched at Ashkelon - Iron Dome is activated.
10:47 PM 3 Grad rockets shot down by Iron Dome in Beer Sheva, 2 rockets landed in the city. MDA ambulances responding -- possible wounded.
10:44 PM Color Red Rocket Alarm Sirens in Ashkelon
10:36 PM Reports of IAF attack helicopters flying over Gaza, shooting at Terrorist targets.
10:29 PM Emergency Message from the US Consulate in Jerusalem: US Consular staff are forbidden from taking new Jerusalem Light Rail public train system - cites "security concerns"
The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem advises U.S. citizens that the light rail system in Jerusalem has now started operations in the city. This new form of transportation is part of the public transportation network. Official U.S. Government personnel are currently prohibited from utilizing public transportation facilities, including municipal buses and the light rail network. The Consulate General will monitor the performance and security climate of the new light rail system as it begins operations. (US Consulate in Jerusalem)
10:26 PM Rocket Attack on Beer Sheva - Iron dome shoots down one Grad rocket.
8:35 PM Rocket attacks on Eshkol region. 2 rockets land in open areas. No injuries or damage.
7:52 PM Palestinian sources report that IDF tanks are firing at Gazan rocket launchers in the area of Beit Lehiya (Gaza Strip)
7:40 PM Apparently the Grad rocket aimed at Beer Sheva landed outside the city.
All residents of Southern Israel communities within rocket range are requested to stay in bomb shelters at this time.
7:38 PM Reports of rocket strikes in Ofakim. No information yet about possible injuries or damage.
7:36 PM Israel Radio reports that Grad rockets launched at Beer Sheva and Netivot. Civilians report they heard an explosion in BeerSheva (could be Iron Dome, or a grad)
7:35 PM Sirens in Beer Sheva - explosion heard in city...
7:32 PM Sirens in Eshkol region.
7:31 PM Sirens in Lachish Region...Grad rockets launched at Israel.
7:30 PM Sirens in the Zikim/South Ashkelon area.
7:20 PM IDF Homefront Command has cancelled the "Breeze Festival" scheduled for this evening in Ashkelon. Confirmation that a rocket landed in the Southern Ashkelon area...
7:15 PM IDF Homefront Command: All residents in the areas surrounding Gaza should be in the vicinity of bomb shelters/safe rooms due to the elevated threat levels that rockets may be launched in the immediate future from Gaza.
7:12 PM Reports that a rocket landed in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Ashkelon. No Damage or Injuries.
7:06 PM Gazan rocket lands in open area near South Ashkelon. No reports of injuries or damage.
7:05 PM Sirens continue throughout Southern Ashkelon.
7:03 PM Color Red Rocket Warning System and Sirens in Southern Asheklon. Homefront Command requests that Sederot Residents stay in secure areas for the time being.
6:59 PM IDF Intelligence: Immediate threat of rocket launches to Southern Communities.
4:49 PM IDF Homefront command lowers threat levels for Southern Israel communities.
4:03 PM IDF Homefront command instructs the Ashdod municipality to close all yeshiva and camp programs today, sending everyone home due to possible rocket strikes (IDF intellegence has warnings of increased terrorists activity in Gaza)
3:17 PM As a reward for Gazan Palestinian terrorists shooting 130 rockets at Southern Israel, the following convoy of "humanitarian" aid was allowed to cross into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom checkpoint today.
1:41 PM Despite rumors racing around on Facebook and twitter, there are no terrorists running around Ashdod. Israeli police have stated there is no known terrorist threat within Ashdod.
1:23 PM Earlier today, due to terror threats, the IDF homefront command ordered the immediate closure of the Sami Shimon College of Engineering in Ashdod and BeerSheva -- no tests or classes will be given today. (viewable on the SCE website at the top).
1:18 PM and there are now "hot" alerts for rocket launches against Southern Israel. The open-air market in Kiryat Gat has been ordered closed, as well as in Ashdod.
Visiting Israel?
Learn to Shoot at Caliber-3 with top Israeli Anti-Terror Experts!
Follow the Muqata on Twitter.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד


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Conservation and Environment in Mexico: Monthly Updates
Conservation in Mexico Monthly Update: January-February 2014
Our first leatherback nest was rescued in November and so January saw the end of the 60 day incubation period and the giant hatchlings arrive (in comparison to the Olive Ridley and Black turtles!). An exciting time for us all and they even managed to arrive on the morning of the 60 days so we were able to get some photos in the light to share with you all.
Throughout January and February we have had four nests hatch and mid-February saw another nest laid so with luck there is plenty of time for our volunteers in April to see some of these spectacular little (big!) guys. The red letter day, however, was with the fourth nest as we were able to release all three of our turtle species hatchlings at the same time. This was really fantastic as you are able to see the differences between the three species from how they look to how they move.
At the beginning of January we were able to start measuring the temperature and humidity of the inside of the nests. Hopefully with these measurements we will be able to really get to grips with the percentage of how many females and males we are able to release. All reptiles have 'temperature dependant sex determination' with the easy way to remember it as 'Cool Guys and Hot Chicks'! This means that by taking the temperature of the nests we will be able to make any miniature adjustments to the hatchery if we need to cool or heat things for a more accurate 50/50 mix of hatchlings to release.
Lagoon Bird Biodiversity Study
The bird surveys have been continuing on the lagoon mainly using our little row boat. The increase in water washing through the lagoon during the wet season has managed to thin the large quantities of weeds and lily pads growing on the lagoon making our job of rowing much easier. One of our favourite spots called 'Media Luna' has been frequently visited and there is a current population of about six Snail Kites (Rostrhamus sociabilis) feeding in this pretty small section of the lagoon, and this indicates a very healthy ecosystem in this area.
Nearer the dock where we launch the boat there is a mass of American Coots (Fulica americana) feeding. Our last survey there counted 136 individuals! Another great bird we are regularly seeing in this area is the Limpkin (Aramus guarauna). This, according to National Geographic Birds of North America, only exists on the Eastern Coast, nowhere near our location on the Pacific side! There have also been one or two sightings of the Roseate Spoonbills (Ajaja ajaja) flying overhead but we are waiting in anticipation for them to return in force in a few months' time.
Crocodile Repopulation Project
The crocodiles have flourished over the Christmas holiday period with regular sightings of the wild ones in the adjacent lagoon – although they seemed to be checking us out as much as we were checking them out! Our main objectives for 2014 are to create a small museum of the flora and fauna found at La Colorada Lagoon. The aim for this museum is to generate as broad a spectrum of local knowledge as possible and as such, our current volunteers have each chosen a subject for an information poster so that any new volunteers in the next few months will be adding to our growing collection.
The bird surveys on the path following the outskirts of the lagoon have been very interesting. Since the start of the year they have yielded a quite a few new birds, including Swanson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni), the Rufus Backed Thrush (Turdus rufopalliatus), the Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) and the Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). We have also seen the return of the Citreoline Trogan (Trogon citreolus) which is a beautiful bird that we generally see flying together in pairs chattering away to each other.
Camp Maintenance
We have really been charging ahead with regular beach clean-ups since the start of the New Year, this has resulted in a very large collection of plastic bottles and strangely enough many old shoes too!
We are also in the process of uncovering large areas of the hatchery that are currently unused due to the end of the peak laying season. The idea is to remove the shade cloths, acting as a bit of a roof, so the sun may truly burn down on the sand and kill off any bacteria in the sand, preparing the area properly for next season's batch of nests.
Before the hurricane season starts we need to prepare ourselves for the possibility that some of our beach may be lost into the ocean, therefore we are also starting to dismantle one of our old bunk houses and move it further back away from the ocean. Luckily we have quite a few months before the storms can potentially hit so we are slowly moving this process along and have plenty of other space for our volunteers to get a good night's sleep.
Having had a great start to 2014 I really hope you have enjoyed reading about it and will be coming out to help us with all our exploits this year.
Flora Blackett
Conservation Manager, Mexico


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Walpole, Mass., man is on one of two teams of "regular people" pitted against one another to solve a re-enacted crime pulled from police files.
To those who don't really know him, he's Mark Nicholson. But to his friends, he's Hollywood.
Nicholson, who spends his days hunting down the creepy creatures that invade local homes, recently spent a week in Los Angeles trying to solve the brutal stabbing death of a 14-year-old girl for the Spike TV reality show, "Murder."
Though the opportunity to be a detective and appear on television was a dream come true, Nicholson, 40, came upon the role by chance. One of his pest control customers works for Boston Casting - a company that finds actors for television - and would send e-mails about casting calls to him.
"She always said, 'Oh jeez, Mark, you're so funny. They're always looking for guys like you,' " said Nicholson.
One day, Nicholson's wife, Suzanne, came upon e-mail inviting her husband to try out for the Spike show "Murder." Thinking about her husband's love of cop shows such as CSI and his ability to investigate the critter problems at his customers' homes, Suzanne insisted that Nicholson try out.
"I thought that this would be right up his alley," said Suzanne. "I had a gut feeling that he'd get picked."
There were about 600 people at the Boston casting call and there were similar groups trying out at other spots across the nation. Nicholson was one of 30 selected for the first season.
Nicolson said the show pits two teams of "regular people" against one another to solve a re-enacted crime that is pulled from police files. The crime has already been solved by police, but contestants have the opportunity to examine a replicated crime scene, collect evidence and work together to get as close to the real culprit as they can.
"Mark was picked because of his inherent interest and aptitude towards the crime drama," said Melissa Leung, spokeswoman for Spike TV. "He was an interesting character that we felt our viewers would love to watch on TV."
In May, Nicholson flew out to Los Angeles for a week of shooting the show. After receiving a crash course in crime scene investigation and the television crew's blessing on the wardrobe his wife had picked out for him, Nicholson was set to try to solve the crime.
"When they actually brought you into the crime scene and they show you the girl (the victim, played by an actress) and everything, it kind of makes you want to cry," said Nicholson, who has four children under 10 and a fifth on the way. "But then you realize you're there to collect evidence, and you focus."
Aside from a monetary prize for the winning team, the show will also donate $5,000 to the victim's charity in the name of the team members.
Nicholson isn't able to reveal whether his team solved the case and won the episode, at the risk of a million-dollar penalty from the production company, a fact that makes him chuckle.
"I'm like, 'Buddy, I'm self-employed,' " Nicholson said. "Do you know how long it would take you to get a million out of me?"
Regardless of the punishment's absurdity, Nicholson remains mum on the details, saying only, "This was the most incredible experience I've ever had."
Unlike some who are disenchanted with the entertainment industry after an experience with long waits and big egos, Nicholson came out of his weeklong shoot eager to appear on another show. The crew, he said, was great, and now that he's home and back to work as usual, he misses what he calls "hurry up and waiting."
Nicholson, who said he and the other contestants were paid "a couple thousand" to do the show, even got accustomed to one of the more foreign aspects of being on television: makeup.
"By the end of the week, I was like, 'I'm going to have to get my own beauty kit,' " he said with a chuckle.
While Nicholson is not sure how his Hollywood tale will end - producers from "Murder" are sending his tape to other shows, he said - he is glad to be back in Walpole after his stint in California.
"I really realized there's no place else I could live," he said. "I need all these trees and shade. The palm trees don't give you any shade."
"Murder" appears on Spike TV, every tuesday beginning next week from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. It is not known when the episode Nicholson appears in will air.


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Just before my previous computer gave up the ghost I managed to salvage a handful of photographs off the desktop and this is three from that selection. They are not the best compositions in the world but they are all I have to show for a camera that is no longer with me. Happy days!
Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category
Three photographs off the desktop.February 14, 2012
Relevance.February 14, 2012
Views from the road.February 14, 2012
The Blue and Red is a visual journal from in and out of the saddle and I always enjoy a peep. I especially like the photos that do not feature humans or bicycles, just like these!
Boardman. Bombing. 1991.February 14, 2012
Via Super TT.
Pelizzoli Pista.February 14, 2012
My love for the track bike continues.
Milk Race Final. Birmingham 1985.January 3, 2012
1980 1985 1986.October 30, 2011
Essential Item No.5. Dynamo works print.October 30, 2011
Here it is, my daily kick up the arse, thanks to Chris Sleath of Dynamo works.
When it's raining or blowing a gale outside and I really don't fancy it, this print beautifully made by hand and letter press that is hung proudly above my mantle let's me know that if I want to keep this healthy heart of mine ticking, then I should just get on with it… And get on with I do.
For more amazing print work just like this go peep Dynamo.
SF 79.October 25, 2011
L'Eroica! L'Eroica! L'Eroica!October 25, 2011
Damn, for a minute there it had slipped my mind but this edit just reminded me of how much of an awesome time I had at this year's L'Eroica… Look at my face at the top of the first climb, Never after slogging my guts out have I looked so happy! Must be the wine.
Thank you Le Coq Sportif! And while on the subject I must give shouts out to Mike, Marc and Billy for without them it would not have happened.x
1972.October 23, 2011
Massan. 'Bossing' it.October 23, 2011
No tricks, no spins, no bullshit. He just rides likes to ride his bike real fast and I like that.
Le Coq Sportif and the Leader's jersey.October 23, 2011
2012 marks the return of Le coq sportif to the roads of the Tour de France. Next summer to celebrate its 130th anniversary, the brand will be supplying all the leaders jerseys- the yellow jersey, green jersey, the polka dot jersey and white jersey.
More than just a partnership, it is also a choice of the heart, evidence that confirms the commitment of Le coq sportif to cycling yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The 2012 yellow jersey is a subtle blend of authenticity and modernity. It incorporates clean lines, fitted sleeves above the elbow, and a flat sewn collar that mirrors the jersey produced by Le coq sportif for the Tour in 1951. The positioning of the logo is directly inspired by the jersey of the Tour 1972, won for the fourth consecutive year by Eddy Merckx
Looking good guys, Bring on 2012!
L'Eroica 2011 and a Canonet 28.October 9, 2011
First, let me explain:
I bought a camera, a Canonet 28 rangefinder 12 months ago from a market in Oswestry and instantly I fell in love with it's small size and ease of use. That week I ran a film through it and the results were O.K but something was very wrong, I had horrible vertical lines and what looked like half frames over 90% of my negatives and consequently my prints too:
I only paid £3 for it but I was still quite unhappy as I knew what this little beast of a camera was capable of, unfortunately for me those capabilities did not translate through to my pictures.
I thought maybe it was the film, so I tried another. The same results. I thought perhaps it was the lab I was using, so I tried another and yet again, the same results.
At this point I'm gutted and beginning to type 'canonet' into Ebay every week to try and find a replacement. There were a few of them listed, but none of them £3. I'm about ready to quit.
I grab my DSLR again and begin using that, but in my opinion nothing can compare to the look and feel of film and also being able to fix a moment in time onto something physical is something that pleases me so once again I grab the Canonet and I proceed to open the back of it. I figure either the shutter is sticking or the rollers have filth in them so I use a small brush and some compressed air and I probe and hope that I can somehow accidentally fix the problem.
It's 11 months now since I got my mitts on this camera and it's still acting up but I had just messed with it so I cross my fingers and hope that this time my prints will be crystal clear and free from all unwanted lines and blemishes. I run a test film and low and behold, the results are exactly the same! I still have lines and I still have strange shadows and what look like half frames. A ghost in the camera maybe? I doubt it.
I'm now ready to take this heap of junk and toss it into a fire but I was desperate to take it with me to L'Eroica. The problem is it doesn't work properly and time is running out for me to find a replacement.
I decide to finally take it to two camera stores with a selection of the dodgy prints to see if they can shed any light on my problem. I got nothing but the web address for a man who could "look at it" for me.
Three days now until L'Eroica and it's not looking good so I have one last blast at fixing this piece of crap and then, after what seemed like hours of me staring into that back of the camera with a torch and a magnifying glass, like an apple falling onto the head it came to me *rolls drum* all along I'v been shooting rolls of film through this thing and it has no light seals, not anywhere, none!
A quick trip to my local haberdashery and I return with black felt and double sided tape for the DIY repair job. An hour later and I think I've solved my problem and just in the nick of time as in two days I fly to Italy for Le Coq Sportif's L'Eroica. I have just enough time to shoot a roll and have it developed to see the results. These next prints will dictate whether this beauty of a rangefinder ends up either in the fire and burned to death or strapped proudly around my neck in Chianti.
It worked! I win! It's now fixed and I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am, it's such an amazing little thing, it really is and all for £3 too. If you are ever after a compact, robust rangefinder and you can't afford a Leica, go for one of these, seriously, they are that good.
And now some shots from my trip to L'Eroica last week with Le Coq Sportif. All of the following photographs were taken using my repaired Canonet 28;
See the rest of the Canonet group here.
Peep the Le Coq Sportif L'Eroica photopool here.
For more of my black and white photo work peep my Tumblr.
Spinwell Projects No.4. The Beanie [+].October 7, 2011
Due to popular demand the Spinwell Projects beanie has been repeated, but this time in a much nicer choice of material; Thick, soft Cotton mix.
Spinwell Projects always endeavors to manufacture locally using materials produced on these shores and this piece of headwear is no exception; Spinwell Projects No.4 has been lovingly handcrafted by one man and his machine in Wales.
Perfect for those early morning cycling journeys.
Head over to the store to find out more on how you can get your mitts one of these beauties, while stocks last.
L'Eroica 2011. The Flea market [photographs].October 4, 2011
Day one on Saturday sees the flea market come into town, I say flea market it is a great big cycle jumble in English terms. Stretched out either side of Gaiole's main road this jumble is big and not only is it big, it is good, very good. Everything you ever needed for your period build and all the accompaniments to go with it can be found here. Even the rarest of the rare is on the tables, it seems that the cream of Italy's cycle merchandise dealers have landed in Chianti for the day to bless all of the hungry with their wares. You simply do not get a selection this good in the U.K.
I could have bought it all, I really could. Had I gone there with an empty suitcase and a full bank account I surely would have at least grabbed a frame or two, and some wheels, and a groupset and then probably most of the other needed components to build a complete. Instead I bought a Gios T-shirt, I figured I should buy something off them considering how much I was lurking around their stall all day, staring at those beautiful blue frames.
Peep more photographs over at my Flickrspot.
Spinwell for Le Coq Sportif. Notes from the strada bianchi.October 4, 2011
Aaaaargh! The Muscles on the back on my right leg begin to seize and I pull over to massage (punch) the pain out but it's not working. I say to myself "dude, you have only ridden 40km, sort yourself out" as men twice my age crawl past me up this long and windy gravel road. It's midday on Race day at L'eroica and I'm suffering, my training for this event has consisted of a daily 5km commute and that's it. Like a fool I believed that since I had taken part in the event previously, this year would be a 'breeze'. Ha! A Breeze.
It wasn't a breeze at all, this race is a toughie. I've ridden up some hard climbs in my time but they were on modern bikes, with modern components and adequate gearing, on butter smooth tarmac. There's none of that round here, let me tell you. You're on a pre 84 bike, mate. That's usually with 10 gears, with a frame made of Steel, toe clips and straps for your feet and tubular tyres. Now, I love all of that stuff as you probably know but out there all I wanted to do was cry into my handlebars after my hands and wrists had been shattered to pieces by the famed white gravel roads.
Earlier that morning I had felt good and strong, I had my English Le Coq Sportif jersey on and like all of my fellow team mates I felt proud but right now I'm just about cooked.
Unlike last year it's hot as hell, my body feels like it's been in a microwave and I need water. My bike (an early 70s Cornale) feels like it's made of lead pipe and I'm going nowhere fast. I've eaten well all day at the L'Eroica food stops, Tuscan bean soup, bananas, apricots, bread and jam, the lot but I've nothing left, I'm on empty.
I get back on the bike and press on before anyone else passes me and demoralizes me further. There's 30km to go and I think to myself "there can't be much more climbing after this hill, surely". Mike Routledge of the UK team said later on that day that " he felt like he'd been climbing so much, he should soon be at the moon" He was right.
I'm faced with a wall of white gravel and in my head I can hear the mother out of the Belleville rendezvous film whistling my pedal strokes like a metronome. One-two-three-four… one-two-three-four. I reach into the back of my soaked LCS merino jersey and pull out some sweets that I had stashed from an earlier food stop and jam them into my mouth, right now I need the sugar. I could need these later on but to be honest, I very much doubt that there'll be a climb as steep and as loose under tyres as this one.
I wonder where the French team are? My English team partner, Patrick and I had been riding with them earlier but we managed to drop them somewhere after food stop number one but I'm sure, given my performance today they will be along soon. I expect them any moment, all of them in the Blue, Blanc, Rouge of the Le Coq Sportif France country jersey, swallowing me up like a massive wave over a fallen surfer.
I want some Coca Cola, the elixir of life, but it's Sunday and I'm in the wilderness. It's not going to happen and I accept it.
Suddenly I see Patrick on the side of the road, he's stopped for me, and we continue up and over the crest and into the descent. I always feel like I'm in a computer game during descents and this is no exception. Some hate dropping down off of hills, I for one love it. I'm an ex downhiller, I should.
With this decent and all of it's fun comes a fresh perspective. My legs feel a little better and I no longer concentrate on the pain, instead I focus on my surroundings, Tuscany, its utterly beautiful here. Picture postcard country. So the sun is cooking my body, so what, would I rather it raining and blowing a gale? I think not. So the terrain is demanding, so what, would I rather be cycling in Worcestershire? Nope.
At the end of the day I finished the race with no scrapes or techinicals, I also finished ahead the ever-strong French team. I have no idea on how long the 75km took me, I didn't care. I had finished and I had a cold beer in my hand. I had that elation coursing through me and I was beaming from ear to ear. Sure, I couldn't quite get my legs to work but I had nowhere to go anyway so it didn't matter.
– – – –
Now, that was just a taster of what's to come, I'v plenty more to post from my weekend's activities in Chianti, so expect more words and lots of pictures!
Special thanks go out to:
Mike Routledge and Marc Chamberlain of Le Coq Sportif UK.
Patrick and Christophe of le Coq Sportif France.
Patrick, my podna from Oi Polloi.
Ed and Brian of Hanon shop.
Beth from Tea and Cake.
Max from Tokyo Fixed Gear.
I must also give a massive shout out to the whole LCS family, UK, Italy, France, Spain all of you, thank you! You all made the experience truly unforgettable.
Peep more at the Le Coq Sportif facebook page.
You can also read my account from last year's event here, and here.
L'Eroica 2011. Le Coq Sportif teaser.September 25, 2011
Woop woop! My first cameo! Ok, so only a few days until L'Eroica 2011 and I'm raring to go… last year was an utter blast and I am once again privileged to be invited out to the event by my friends at Le Coq Sportif.
Peep my report from last year.
The atmosphere the whole weekend was electric, where 3000 like minded, fanatical individuals descend upon Gaiole in Chianti for two days of pure cycling nostalgia. Woolen jerseys and steel bikes aplenty, any man interested in the traditions of the cycle race can certainly find his fill here…
Not only that there's lots of great food (I'm looking forward to the wild boar pasta myself), lashings of great Chianti wine, coupled with great surroundings… Damn! it's like a little heaven in Italy for the weekend.
Only a few days now!
ToB Stage 3 [Stoke]. Photographs Pt.2September 18, 2011
The Collarbone.September 14, 2011
Yesterday I was introduced to a man named Camille McMillan. I had heard his name before but, honestly, I wasn't 100% certain on what this man was known for but I was soon schooled. Camille happens to be serious hot-property in world of cycling photography and I should slap myself for not finding this out sooner.
Without knowing I have been looking and admiring his work for some time, in newspapers, magazines and on countless websites and blogs. Now it seems I can put a face to a name and a name to a photograph.
Camille, along with one of Rapha's original co-founders; Luke Scheybeler has recently set up 'The Collarbone' … A ipad/iphone based app featuring Pro-peloton Photo-reportage. I don't entirely know what it's going to be, or look like but after googling and finding their Tumblr it's quite obviously going to be something of exceptional goodness.
Peep the Collarbone tumblr and hold tight for the release of the official Collarbone App coming very soon.


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I utterly reject any changes that actually impact the plot or original continuity.
- forget Luke's one-in-a-millon shot to blow up DS1, swap in bumbling X-Wing Pilot JarJar Binks who accidentally makes the shot instead!
Any word/rumors on free goodies stores might be giving out on release day? I'd rather pre-order from Amazon but I'm holding out to see if there's anything good at retail.
Quote from: Diddly on August 16, 2011, 01:46 AMAny word/rumors on free goodies stores might be giving out on release day? I'd rather pre-order from Amazon but I'm holding out to see if there's anything good at retail.Buy any of the Blu-rays at Walmart and you'll also take home a poster of this gorgeous and not-at-all-ridiculous Star Wars artwork.
These are hardly confirmed. I grain of salt, perhaps?
On Wednesday, a press representative for Lucasfilm confirmed that this change will be included in the Blu-ray release, writing in an email: YesDarth says NO.
I hope it is not true about Hayden's face when Luke takes off Vader's Mask. One of the greatest scenes SW saga is now ruined with one little word. ugh
Sebastian Shaw hasn't been replaced.
I like the comments given on youtube for the kryte dragon yell."Sand people are notoriously scared of flamboyant homosexuals.""Actually, this is true to George's real vision for Star Wars. He had always intended for Obi-Wan to be a flaming homosexual, but the studios just wouldn't allow it..."
Now we know what sound Gary Busey makes when he masturbates
Sandpeople: HOLY ****! RUN BEFORE LUCAS CHANGES US TOO!
"Yes, the updates are confirmed. We hope fans will wait to see for themselves how they fit into the Saga before making any judgments."
Page created in 0.087 seconds with 18 queries.


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Friday, 01 February 2013 04:13 AM
Clinton told reporters there are signs Iran is sending more people and increasingly sophisticated weaponry to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his 22-month battle against rebels seeking to end his family's four-decades of authoritarian rule.
Speaking on the eve of her State Department departure, Clinton also said Russia continues aid to the Syrian government, including financially, and she appeared skeptical that Moscow was easing in its opposition to Assad's departure.
Clinton declined comment on reports Israel had bombed Syria on Wednesday but she voiced fears that the conflict, in which more than 60,000 people are believed to have died, may worsen internally and spread.
"I personally have been warning for quite some time of the dangers associated with an increasingly lethal civil war and a potential proxy war," Clinton told a small group of reporters a day before she is to be replaced by Senator John Kerry.
"Therefore, I think it's incumbent on those nations that have refused to be constructive players to reconsider their positions because the worst kind of predictions of what could happen internally and spilling over the borders of Syria are certainly within the realm of the possible now," she added.
Diplomats, Syrian rebels and security sources said Israeli jets bombed a convoy near the Lebanese border on Wednesday, apparently hitting weapons destined for Hezbollah. Syria denied the reports, saying the target was a military research center northwest of Damascus and 8 miles (13 km) from the border.
Syria warned of a possible "surprise" response to Israel over the reported attack while Hezbollah, an Iranian ally that also supports Assad, said Israel was trying to thwart Arab military power and vowed to stand by its ally.
Clinton said that the United States was worried that Iran had recently increased its support for Assad.
"It appears that they may be increasing that involvement and that is a matter of great concern to us," she said.
"I think the numbers [of people] have increased," she added. "There is a lot of concern that they are increasing the quality of the weapons, because Assad is using up his weaponry. So it's numbers and it's materiel."
She made similar comments about Russia.
"We have reason to believe that the Russians continue to supply financial and military assistance in the form of equipment," she said. "They are doing it in the recent past."
Russia has been Assad's most important ally throughout the 22-month-old Syrian conflict, which began with peaceful street protests and evolved into an armed uprising against his rule.
Moscow has blocked three Security Council resolutions aimed at pushing him out or pressuring him to end the bloodshed. But Russia has also distanced itself from Assad by saying it is not trying to prop him up and will not offer him asylum.
Clinton appeared skeptical Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's comment this week that Assad's chances of staying in power were growing "smaller and smaller" might herald a fundamental shift in Russia's stance.
"On the Russians, Medvedev included, we have heard rhetoric before over the last now nearly two years that we thought provided an opening ... unfortunately, all of that rhetoric has failed to translate into changes in Russian policy," she said.
Clinton praised the head of Syria's main opposition coalition, Mouaz Alkhatib, for saying this week that he was ready to hold talks with Assad representatives outside Syria if authorities released tens of thousands of detainees.
"I thought he was not only courageous but smart in saying that if certain conditions are met we will begin discussing a political transition because you have to you know make it clear that there will be something other than hardened fighters when this conflict finally ends," Clinton said. "Otherwise, it might not ever end in the foreseeable future."
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Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart: Fighting Started In NYC? Pic
Rob and Kristen's problems look like they began during their trip to NYC! On May 8, when they were at JFK International Airport, they didn't look too happy to be together and a top expert agrees!
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart need to realize that a picture can tell a thousand words. That's the case in this pic from May 8 when the couple were headed back to LA. They don't look very happy and a top body language expert tells HollywoodLife.com what in the pic shows growing tension.
Rob & Kristen Fighting Began In NYC?
HollywoodLife.com spoke with top body language expert Dr. Lilian Glass who tells us that Rob and Kristen looked totally out of sync while in NYC after the Met Gala.
"Kristen is back to her brooding self," she tells us. "He's literally giving her the cold shoulder. There's too much physcial distance between them — she's a step behind him."
If there's anything we've learned from Dr. Glass, it's that how you interact physically tells a lot about your relationship. Sure some couples are into PDA but she thinks they look icy in this pic!
Kristen Spotted Arguing On Rob's Birthday
We told you that on May 13, the day of Rob's 27th birthday, Kristen was spotted at a friend's house arguing on the phone. T
"Kristen was pacing back-and-forth in her friend's apartment, smoking," an X17 Online photographer says. "She looked really upset, talking on the phone for almost an hour — I'm guessing she was talking to Rob. She was really animated, like she was trying to explain something. She was getting frustrated and seemed very emotional."
Yikes, we're not sure what they did on his birthday, if anything! But do you think tension and fighting began brewing in NYC?
WATCH: Robert Pattinson Celebrates Birthday Alone
— Chloe Melas
More Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart Relationship News:
- Kristen Stewart Upset That Robert Pattinson Is Taking Her For Granted
- Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart: Trust Is Still A Major Issue
- Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson Have Fight On His Birthday — Report


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Conservation and Environment in Peru: Monthly Updates
What a busy summer we have had this year. Once again the lodge was packed to capacity for several weeks and with over 40 volunteers on site we were able to get huge amounts of work done. We have made some great advances in all of our on-going projects and even had time to start a pioneering research project with caiman (the South American alligators). As usual, my dilemma is knowing where to start as there is so much to report on!
Turtle Project
Those of you who have been following our conservation efforts over the years know that July and August see us undertaking the collection phase of our turtle project. We work with a freshwater species of turtle known as the "Taricaya" (Podocnemis unifilis) which is threatened by the poaching of its eggs, hunting for food and accidental deaths in fishing nets. The dry season is a tough time for all the people that rely on the rainforest and its resources to survive. River levels are too low for the transportation of timber; animals are spread out across the forest in search of food and the Brazil nut production ceases until the next rains come. The eggs of the turtle are a good nutritional foodstuff for the locals and if it were just those living in the jungle using this natural resource then the threat would be manageable. However, the eggs are considered a delicacy in Peru and they are illegally sold in markets all over the country at a good price. This encourages their extraction from the river banks and fishermen, native communities and farmers fiercely search out the nests during this time.
We have been doing our bit for the conservation of this animal for many years and once again the government has given us the necessary permits to exclusively patrol and monitor a large river island, Playa Alta, about 20 minutes downriver from Taricaya. Having previously readied the artificial beaches it was time to head out every night and camp on the beaches waiting for the female turtles to haul themselves up the beach and lay their eggs. With the help of our Eseéja guide and experienced staff we stated to await the first nests of the season. This soon became frustrating as Mother Nature intervened and cold weather spells, "friajes", and unseasonal rains made laying conditions unsuitable and many females headed back into the river without laying their eggs. Still our patience and perseverance was rewarded and to this date we have collected over 30 turtle nests but I suspect the delay in the season due to the climate will mean that some individuals will continue laying into September and I have extended the project for at least another week or until the rains and cold start again signalling the end of the laying.
Biometric data has been collected from each nest including sand temperature, GPS location, depth of nest, number of eggs, weight of eggs and size. All this information is essential as turtle eggs can be influenced by environmental factors, especially temperature, and we want to ensure that our artificial beaches reflect the natural conditions selected by the mothers as closely as possible. Now we must wait for the eggs to hatch when we will mark all the babies and release them back in the Madre de Dios river from which their mothers hail.
Biodiversity Studies
The large numbers at the lodge meant that we could work on several projects simultaneously and this month we have been working hard on our bird and bat studies. Our registers for the reserve in both cases are quite spectacular and with so many species recorded it is always going to be difficult to find new species for the area. With this in mind we have altered the bias of our bat studies and have been patrolling the reserve looking for the roosting/nesting sites of our bat species. To help us out, we welcomed back our bat expert Hugo Zamora and over the course of two weeks he wandered all over the reserve with keen groups of volunteers looking for the tell-tale signs of sleeping bats.
Bats are incredibly resourceful animals and can nest in tree hollows, old termite nests and some even fashion their own nests from large Heliconia leaves. These "tent-making" bats are truly remarkable and they build new nests every day to sleep and hide from predators. Hugo and his team identified and GPS marked over 30 active nesting sites and such high numbers in a relatively small area further testifies to the remarkable diversity found at Taricaya.
Whilst Hugo was out patrolling and hanging his nets at night Mauricio Ugarte joined us again as we hung up our mists nets to continue our bird banding and research project. Rachel Kilby and I follow a strict rotation with our mist netting and we have ringed over a thousand birds at Taricaya but it is always nice to welcome Mauricio back as he is a true specialist and can identify huge numbers of birds by and song alone. However, our joint efforts over the last 10 years has led to the compilation of a bird list in excess of 450 species and I believed that even he would struggle to find new species with so many already recorded. It was a challenge duly accepted and in just a fortnight with us I am proud to say that our new list totals a staggering 457 species! This is almost one species per hectare and closes on a world record diversity for number of bird species found in an area of 500 hectares or less.
New sightings included a White-shouldered antshrike (Thamnophilus aethiops), Green honeycreeper (Cholorophanes spiza) and Òrange-headed tanager (Thlypopsis sordida). We have photos of over 65% of the species and the project is the culmination of over 13 years of fieldwork in often unforgiving conditions. Fantastic!
Caiman Research
Our resident veterinarian, Carmen, has been studying the caiman of the area for her thesis degree and over recent months we have helped her catch and sample close to 50 individuals. The study species are the black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) and Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodylus). We have hauled large caiman into the canoe and she has withdrawn blood to be sampled to sex the individuals and to check for disease and levels of mercury in the blood. Mercury is an unfortunate pollutant resulting from gold mining and it is an on-going concern for all conservationists as levels continue to rise in the rivers. The fish that live in the waters will have lower concentrations but as we climb the food chain the concentrations can become more dangerous and the concern is that top fish predators such as caiman and otters are being slowly poisoned.
The samples are in Lima but we decided to perform a pioneering bit of research utilising our honed skills for capturing large crocs! There has never been a case of fixing a tracking device on a caiman in Peru and so we decided to capture a large female and surgically attach the sensor from one of our radio collars. Very little is known about the life history of these beautiful animals. Are they territorial? When do they start nesting? How much do they incubate their eggs? and so much more…..After a long night hunting for the right individual- a female over 15kg and therefore guaranteed to breed- we finally caught the one we needed, a magnificent female spectacled caiman. Her data was collected and the transmitter surgically implanted in the thick fat layers on the side of her neck. A great success!
Since that night we have been out on the river at the crack of dawn with GPS and volunteers have had a truly unique experience as we follow the life of our new friend! I believe that the data we will collect will be pioneering and another example of the extraordinary work we undertake at Taricaya. We continue to push boundaries and never give up as we continue to fight to learn more the most diverse ecosystem on the planet…the Amazon rainforest. The more we learn the better equipped we are to pioneer and manage its conservation!
I look forward to bringing you more news next time as we finish the jaguar enclosure, care for our turtle nests and start this year's liberation of the magnificent Peruvian spider monkey (Ateles chamek). Our fourth release group in undergoing their final health checks and in September/October they will be released and our task of monitoring them begin in earnest as we venture deep into the adjoining National Park tracking them and recording data on their behaviour and acclimatisation.
Until then…
Stuart Timson
Conservation Director
Projects Abroad
1st September, 2014


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NATIONWIDE — Although media outlets in India and London have recently reported that applications had been filed to patent yoga moves in the United States, experts say a patent wouldn't affect U.S. yoga classes even if one exists. Also, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), which has 700,000 pending patent applications, has not been able to identify any U.S. patent that is directed to a yoga position.
"The Indian claim of intellectual property rights in Ayurvedic medicine does not affect classes or studios, since India is not asking for payment of any licensing fees for use of traditional yogic moves," says Shirley Archer, who has written on the issue as a contributing editor and monthly columnist for IDEA Fitness Journal. "What it is meant to circumvent is a claim of property right in yoga moves such as the one Bikram [Yoga] asserted."
Bikram Yoga, started by Bikram Choudhury, has been granted many copyrights, including a copyright of 26 poses and two breathing exercises. The copyrights have been a source of controversy for years among mind/body professionals.
John Marcoux, Bikram Yoga's general counsel, cites confusion of the terms "patent" and "copyright" for the recent uproar.
According to the USPTO, a patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor. An inventor doesn't have to sell their invention, but they have the right to exclude others from making or selling the invention.
A copyright protects authors of "original works of authorship," including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic and certain other intellectual works, both published and unpublished. A copyright protects the form of expression rather than the subject matter of the writing.


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TENERIFE a fine giugno
Trascorreremo qualche giorno a Tenerife a fine giugno e vorremmo avere informazioni o dritte riguardo il lifestyle (diurno e notturno) nell'isola.
Grazie in anticipo a coloro che vorranno scriverci!
Baci. F&S
Well, let's give u a brief overview of Tenerife's LS.
There are 3 clubs in the island: 2 in the south side (Mystique & XSecret) one in the north (Sol ACapali). Best ones are those in the south of the island. Are frequented by international couples along working days and also national ones on Saturdays. Along the week, single man can entry. On Saturdays, it's just for couples and/or girls.
There are 5 nudist beaches. Two in the north (Los Patos & Benijos), one close to the Capital (Las Gaviotas) and two in the south (La Tejita y Montada Pelada). This last one is a group of coves, of difficult access, but really wonderful and quiet.
There also is an small rural swinger hotel, close to El Teide volcano, in the town called Vilaflor (Rural Swinger Tenerife Hotel).
LS is spread in Tenerife. There are many couples who join it. They use mainly a local Web page and a national one to meet. Because they aren't very confident with english, international LS pages aren't very popular, yet.
We hope this information may be useful for all of u.
If u need any additional help, please feel free to contact us.
María & Alberto
💋 💋 💋
Dearest Maria & Alberto, we are very thankful for your informations. Hopefully, we will catch up on a nudist beach....never say never... 🙂 Kisses!!!
Well, on Sunday, almost sure we'll go to a nudist beach. If u wanna join us, u'll be very welcome.?
great!!! kisses!
😘 😍