legmen xanax: July 2012

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

So You Want to Learn About Wine? ? The New Connoisseur

Since I?ve been in the Food & Wine industry for the past 14 years upon graduating from college, many people have asked me the easiest way to learn more about wine. My favorite thing about wine, as well as beer and spirits, is that the best way to learn about them is to drink them! I?ve learned countless things about history, food, culture, and people through tasting wine. Below, I?ve listed some of Chicago?s best sources for free wine tastings.

Every Sunday afternoon, from 2pm ? 5pm, all three Lush locations have a free wine tasting. With a different theme every week as well as the skilled Lush staff available to answer any questions you may have, you can get a casual yet comprehensive introduction to the wines of the world.

University Village / 1257 S. Halsted / 312.738.1900

West Town / 1412 W. Chicago / 312.666.6900

Roscoe Village / 2232 W.Roscoe / 773.281.8888

With free tastings every Thursday from 6pm ? 8pm, as well as paid classes and events including a craft beer tasting in September, and both a wine and beer club, Wine Styles does it?s best to cultivate a well-informed consumer.

Wine Styles Belmont / 1433 W Belmont Ave /?773.549.2227

Wine Styles Evanston /?1741 Sherman Avenue /?847.328.4400

Free tastings on Fridays from 6pm ? 8pm, many hosted by local wine distributors, with a new series of tastings pairing wine with some of your favorite Chicago food finds starting Thursday Aug 23 at 7pm with food from Dee?s Restaurant for $25. The Poison Cup is actually a Wine & Art Boutique, allowing you take home artistry either in bottle or on canvas.

The Poison Cup / 1128 W. Armitage ave. / 773.935.1325

Get out there and drink!

- Anika Ten?

Source: http://thenewconnoisseur.wordpress.com/2012/07/31/so-you-want-to-learn-about-wine/

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Dodgers get RHP League from Mariners

Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Brandon League throws against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 27, 2012, in Seattle. The Mariners won 6-1. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

LOS ANGELES (AP) ? The Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their bullpen for a playoff run, acquiring former All-Star reliever Brandon League from the Seattle Mariners for two prospects Monday night.

The teams announced the deal a day before the deadline to make trades without waivers. Seattle also sent righty reliever Steve Delabar to the Blue Jays for outfielder Eric Thames.

"New league, new hitters, new teammates," League said after the Mariners' 4-1 over Toronto, a game in which he did not pitch. "It's definitely an exciting time. Now, it's a new chapter in my life and go help the Dodgers try and win a ring."

The Dodgers, challenging San Francisco for the NL West lead, sent outfielder Leon Landry and right-handed pitcher Logan Bawcom to the Mariners. Seattle is last in the AL West.

League was 0-5 with nine saves and a 3.63 ERA in 46 games this season. The 29-year-old righty was an All-Star last year when he had 37 saves for the Mariners.

The Dodgers are familiar with League ? he got two outs against them in June when six Seattle pitchers combined for a no-hitter against Los Angeles.

League has been particularly tough on right-handed hitters, holding them to a .225 batting average during his career.

League is 17-27 with 54 saves and a 3.69 ERA since 2004 with Toronto and Seattle. He had an inkling a deal might be in the works.

"You can't ignore the rumors and the deadline's the deadline. The past three years you've been hearing stuff whether it be during the trade deadline or even in the offseason," he said.

"But I have said nothing, but expressed how much I love Seattle and wanted to stay here. But, I'm a free agent at the end of the year. You never know what's going to happen ... and this happened," he said.

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said there interest in League.

"A year ago, Brandon had a terrific year. He is walking into a free agent year. At this time, this was probably the wise thing to do for us," he said.

A week ago, the Mariners traded star outfielder Ichiro Suzuki to the New York Yankees. As far as deals, "you have conversations going on and you don't know where it will lead from here," Zduriencik said.

"We'll see. I think that we had worked on these for a while, and this is where we settled," he said.

The 22-year-old Landry went into the day batting .328 with eight home runs, 51 RBIs and 20 stolen bases for Class A Rancho Cucamonga.

The 23-year-old Bawcom had totaled 20 saves and a 2.03 ERA for Double-A Chattanooga and Rancho Cucamonga.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-07-31-Dodgers-Mariners%20Trade/id-e35f411a12e04fe2bb7b45ae30867743

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Monday, July 30, 2012

Three Berry Pie with Brown Sugar Topping from Tv Food and Drink ...

I didn?t intend for this to be the pie I made to celebrate having to put my cat to sleep, but that?s the way it turned out.

Z had been back and forth to the vet for about a week, and the ultimate diagnosis was a cyst inside his intestine which would most likely have just grown back had I spent the several thousand dollars on surgery to have it removed. ?His disposition in that week had altered itself from playful and relaxed to sullen and despondent. He wasn?t eating or drinking, and he couldn?t use his box. ?It was clear he could not find a comfortable position for himself to rest.

I started this pie in the late afternoon, while wallowing in denial over what would have to be done. ?Michael arrived later in the evening and talked me back into reality. ?Without being able to use his box, there wasn?t a lot of time for Z. ?None of us were benefitting from delay. ?So after a few more crying sessions, I finally caved and said to Michael between sniffles, ?Ok? let me just get this pie out of the oven, and while it?s cooling we?ll take Z in, and then when we get back we can eat it.?

I understand dividing my attentions between a dying cat and a three berry pie with brown sugar topping might seem a bit coarse. ?But once I had accepted what needed to be done for Z, it was no longer tough for me. ?We had shared fourteen years of companionship and he?d been content and healthy through all of it. Below is the last picture we took of him. ?The heart sleeve on his paw is covering up the IV that was delivering the dose that would move him on. ?He was at ease all the way through the end, purring and nuzzling me. ?I could not have asked for a better end for him.

It?s been over a month now, and I?m starting to hear the call of kittens at the Saturday afternoon pet adoption fairs outside the Petco on Sunset. ?But I?ll hold off a while longer.

And we did go back home that night and eat the pie. ?We topped it with ice cream. We each had two giant slices. ?At his peak, Z weighed approximately 19 pounds, so I?m sure he would have wanted nothing else for us.

Three Berry Pie with Brown Sugar Topping
Adapted from Food Network Magazine ?July August 2012, page 82

For the Dough:

3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
10 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2-4 Tbsps ice water

For the Filling:

2 cups blueberries
2 cups strawberries, husked and quartered (or halved)
2 cups blackberries
3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
2 wide strips lemon zest
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 Tbsps flour
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 tsp salt

For the Topping:

3/4?cup coarsely chopped almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts, toasted
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
4 Tbsps unsalted butter, melted
pinch of salt

Additional:

pie weights or dried beans to serve as pie weights

Make the dough: ? Pulse the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, vinegar, salt, and about 1/3 the butter in a food processor until the butter is incorporated. ?Add the remaining butter and pulse until it is in pea-size pieces.

Add 2 tablespoons ice water and pulse until the dough just comes together. ?Pinch a small piece of dough. ?If it doesn?t hold together, add up to 2 more tablespoons of ice water, pulsing 1 tablespoon at a time.

Turn the dough out onto a large piece of plastic wrap and press into a ball. ?Pat into a 1/2 inch disk and wrap tightly. ?Refrigerate until firm, at least one hour.

Once firm, roll the dough into a 12-inch round on a lightly floured surface or between 2 pieces of lightly floured parchment paper?(if the dough becomes soft, refrigerate again until firm). ?Center the dough in a 9-inch pie plate. ?Fold the overhang under itself and crimp the edges. ?Refrigerate 3o minutes.

Preheat oven to 350? F.

Lightly pierce the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork, then line with parchment paper or foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. ?Bake 20 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights and continue baking until lightly golden, about 10 more minutes. ?Transfer to a rack and let cook completely.

Meanwhile, make the filling: Bring 1 cup of blueberries, 1 cup of strawberries and 1 cup of blackberries along with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and the lemon zest to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat, crushing the berries slightly with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 20 minutes. Discard the lemon zest. Transfer the berry mixture to a bowl, stir in the remaining 3 cups of berries and 1/4 cup granulated sugar, the lemon juice, the flour, nutmeg and salt. Let cool completely.

For the Topping: ?Combine the nuts, brown sugar, flour, butter and salt. ?Squeeze the mixture into clumps with your hands and scatter on a baking sheet. ?Freeze for 30 minutes.

Increase the oven temperature to 375? F. ?Pour the cooled berry filling into the crust and top with the frozen crumb topping. ?Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown, 45 to 55 minutes. ?(If the topping browns too quickly, cover it with foil).

Transfer the pie to a rack and cool overnight, or at least 4 hours, so the filling sets ?(We didn?t do that. ?We?re not sadists. ?We let it cool an hour. ?It was fine).

Tags: berry pie recipe, best pie crust, blackberry pie recipe, blueberry pie recipe, brown sugar crust, brown sugar topping recipe, Food Network Magazine pie recipes, how to make brown sugar crust, how to make brown sugar topping, how to make pie crust, pie crust recipe, pies with different berries, putting a cat to sleep, strawberry pie recipe, three berry pie recipe

Posted in Desserts and Homemade 18 hours, 2 minutes ago at 12:50 pm. Add a comment

Source: http://tvfoodanddrink.com/2012/07/berry-pie-brown-sugar-topping/

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Fred Chavez, Jr., 88, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Fred was born on March 11, 1924 and passed away on Wednesday, July 25, 2012.

Fred was a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico at the time of his passing.

Fred proudly served his country during W.W.II.

He is survived by his wife Carmen.

Fred's Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary at St. Therese Catholic Church, 300 Mildred NW 87107, on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Reception at the parish hall. A private interment will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Valerie Cordova's cancer recovery fund. Checks payable to Valerie can be sent to 1623 Van Cleave NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107; or donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station PO Box 4777, NY, NY 10163-4777.

Source: http://krqe.tributes.com/show/Fred-Chavez-94181671

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Sunday, July 29, 2012

Kemp's 4 hits help Dodgers trounce Giants

Associated Press Sports

updated 7:25 p.m. ET July 28, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Matt Kemp remembers the days he would come to San Francisco and draw little notice. He prefers the way it is now.

Kemp homered among his four hits and drove in four runs, Chad Billingsley took a two-hitter into the eighth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Giants 10-0 on Saturday.

"It's cool," Kemp said of the taunts he gets from the Giants' fans. "I get a kick out of it. They used to not know who I was."

Hanley Ramirez had three RBIs in helping the Dodgers beat San Francisco for the second straight day to pull within a game of the NL West-leading Giants.

"He's like having another Matt Kemp," Dodgers' manager Don Mattingly said. "You get a guy who can fly and has power."

Kemp said he's enjoyed his new teammate.

"He has a pretty swing," Kemp said. "He's always been one of my favorite players and now we're on the same team. Wherever he bats, he's going to help us."

Billingsley (6-9) drove in a run for Los Angeles with a sacrifice fly. He gave up leadoff doubles to Buster Posey in the second and Angel Pagan in the fifth, the only baserunners he allowed through seven innings. He gave up two more hits and was lifted with one out in the eighth.

"It looks like he has gotten back on track," Giants' manager Bruce Bochy said. "He hit his spots. It was a well-pitched game."

Barry Zito (8-7) gave up four runs on seven hits over 5 1-3 innings. He walked one and struck out four.

The Dodgers got to Zito right away. Mark Ellis opened the game with a sharp single and, one out later, Kemp hit his 15th home run, a drive that sailed halfway up the left field bleachers.

"Kemp has been swinging the bat well," Zito said. "He took a good swing on a good pitch. It was right where I wanted it."

Billingsley's sacrifice fly in the fifth drove in the Dodgers' third run and Hairston's RBI double in the sixth ended Zito's day.

"The last time we were in here we were a different team," Billingsley said. "Hanley has been a good addition and Kemp hit the home run early and we just continued it."

The Dodgers tacked on three runs in the seventh on A.J. Ellis' leadoff home run and back-to-back doubles from Kemp and Ramirez. They added three more in the ninth on Kemp's fourth hit and Ramirez's two-run single.

"It's great to have the whole team together," Ellis said. "We feel like we can match up with anybody. When Chad is locked in like he was today, he's as good as anyone in the league."

Luis Cruz had two hits for the Dodgers, extending his hitting streak to 11.

Marco Scutaro and Brandon Crawford each singled with one out in the eighth, prompting Billingsley's exit. Javy Guerra came on to get the final five outs.

NOTES: Zito has a first-inning ERA of 6.30. ... Dodgers RHP Rubby De La Rosa will join LHP Ted Lilly at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga for a rehab assignment. ... Giants INF Pablo Sandoval (left hamstring strain) was placed on the DL retroactive to July 25 and INF Emmanuel Burriss was designated for assignment to make room for Scutaro and Aubrey Huff, who was activated from the DL. ... Dodgers' RHP Matt Guerrier will begin a rehab assignment, though he's not expected to pitch for the Dodgers again until September. ... LHP Clayton Kershaw (7-6, 3.14) pitches for the Dodgers in Sunday's series finale. His career ERA of 1.45 (minimum 50 innings) against the Giants is the lowest all-time against the team. ... RHP Ryan Vogelsong (8-4, 2.26) starts for the Giants. ... Billingsley recorded his first career sacrifice fly.

More news

Ciriaco's gift triple lifts BoSox

??Curtis Granderson misplayed Pedro Ciriaco's ninth-inning flyball into a go-ahead triple, and the Red Sox beat the Yankees 8-6 after Mark Teixeira had tied the score with a two-run homer off nemesis Vicente Padilla.

Hot White Sox defeat slumping Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Adam Dunn hit his major league-leading 31st home run, Philip Humber pitched six solid innings and the Chicago White Sox won their fifth straight game by beating the Texas Rangers 5-2 on Saturday night.

Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/48376543/ns/sports-baseball/

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The #1Failure of Retiring CEO's - Sustainable Leadership

The #1 Failure of Retiring CEO?s

Do you know Jack?

Jack is a recently-retired-highly-successful-former-CEO of a Fortune 500 Company.

Like most smart leaders, Jack planned ahead to ensure he would leave his company in good hands, and carefully chose and groomed his successor years before his retirement party.

At the top of his game, he was a competitive typical Type A high achiever who was respected by many (and feared by some).? Before he retired, his wife described him as a ?workaholic.?? Now she says he has too much time on his hands and six months into his retirement, he is ?driving her nuts.?? To make matters worse, the kids are making rude comments under their breath, ?Mom, there?s a grumpy stranger living in our house!? In other words, Jack?s now become a bit of a pain in the a**.? He?s gone from ?Hero to Zero? in his own castle.? And Jack can only play so many rounds of golf (or tennis) before it?s just not as much fun anymore.

Fast forward, a few more months into retirement:? Jack now feels restless, dissatisfied and somewhat useless.? His family doesn?t ?snap to attention? like his employees did when he walked into the room.? In fact, they often disappear. To make matters worse, Jack?s wife has her own interests ? without him.? She spends time with her friends, enjoys her part time job at the hospital and has recently taken up scuba diving.? Jack is also notices they snap at each other more, short conversations are sprinkled with biting sarcasm and now they occasionally argue loudly in front of the kids.

Jack thinks to himself, ?If this is what retirement is like, I?d rather be back at work!?

The problem:? While Jack responsibly prepared his company for his exit, Jack failed to prepare himself, and his family, for his re-entrance.? Jack?s wife was right. He was a workaholic ? and for a good reason: Human nature.? Jack spent much more time at work because with his title came a strong identity, a purpose and a sense of accomplishment (and a big paycheck).? Whether he spent less time at home because he didn?t feel as accomplished and purposeful as a father or husband as he did being a CEO, or the other way around, who knows?? It doesn?t matter what came first, the chicken or the egg.

Jack wasn?t a bad father or neglectful husband.? He was still an ordinary man, just human.? Because, as ?just humans? we will naturally spend more time doing what is familiar and what makes us feel good, than where we don?t feel as rewarded.? Gradually, we spend more and more time at work and less and less time at home.? To compound the problem, we naturally prefer to avoid the discomfort or conflict we are having at home, actual or perceived, and spend more time where we feel more satisfied.? Unfortunately, Jack sees evidence which only supports his ?theory? that ?they (i.e., Jack?s family) don?t give me respect.?

The solution:? Become the CEO of YOU before retirement.? Jack?s transition back into family life would have been much more successful and satisfying had he started his Personal Transition Plan at the same time he started his succession plan.? Had he done so, Jack (and his family) would have found the re-entry to be much smoother.

If you are like Jack, what hobbies, interests or ?someday goals? can you begin explore, cultivate or even take action on now that can be in full swing by the time you officially retire?? What are you willing to do now to build (or repair) relationships with your spouse or your almost-grown-kids so you aren?t ?the grumpy stranger in the house??

Here?s my challenge to you now: ?Prepare yourself for how you will answer the question: ?What do you do?? after you are retired.? Will you be able to answer with ease and confidence ? even though you are without a title or a job? Hint:? If you can answer the question: Who are you?? you will have this one in the bag!

Tags: ceo retiring, executive in transition, executive retiring, leader retiring, succession plan, succession planning

Source: http://sustainable-leaders.com/how-retiring-ceos-fail/

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Native screenshot feature for Windows Phone 8 confirmed by emulator

While we found many features worth noting in our review of Windows Phone 7.5, one that was missing (and near to our hearts as people who review phones) was the ability to easily take screenshots on the devices. Thankfully, that issue appears to be resolved in Windows Phone 8, as WP7App.de has dug deep into the emulator (video evidence after the break) and confirmed the feature exists, enabled by clicking the Start and Camera button at the same time. That should make our lives easier and, for most, let them share snaps of their phone of choice's tile setup and inevitable autocorrect mistakes.

Continue reading Native screenshot feature for Windows Phone 8 confirmed by emulator

Filed under: Cellphones

Native screenshot feature for Windows Phone 8 confirmed by emulator originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 16:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/-RoFb1QRbIw/

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Saturday, July 28, 2012

BMW's C Evolution electric scooter does 62 miles on a charge, maxes out at 75 mph

All things considered, we think it's safe to say BMW very rarely disappoints with its latest road-friendly creations, and one of the outfit's most recent concoctions is this eco-friendly C Evolution electric scooter. According to the German company, the prototype two-wheeler's quite close to hitting its final production stages, noting "it might soon become a part of everyday road traffic in cities throughout the world" and that it is "outstanding in terms of performance, functionality and design." On paper, the C Evolution appears to be rather promising, with BMW also claiming the environmental hog can ride out about 62 miles on a single charge -- all while being able to reach max speeds of around 75 mph. No word yet on how much you'll have to save up for one of these, but for now, there's a video of the C Evo in action waiting on you just past the break.

Continue reading BMW's C Evolution electric scooter does 62 miles on a charge, maxes out at 75 mph

Filed under: Transportation

BMW's C Evolution electric scooter does 62 miles on a charge, maxes out at 75 mph originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 05:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/28/bmw-c-evolution-electric-scooter/

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Finding A Home Finance Loan That Best Suits You | Arty Apt

When you are searching for a home mortgage it?s important you find the right one. You want the loan to fit your living instead of you adapting to it. The best way to do this is by sitting down as well as taking a good look at your current finances ? the amount do you make each month, the amount of are you currently paying out on a monthly basis and how much dollars do you have on hand. The resolution these questions will help you figure out how much residence you can afford and which loan is the most suitable.

For so many people finding a down payment for a residence can be difficult, especially in modern day economy. This is the reason of which zero deposit home loan is so popular. The appeal of this type of loan posseses an ugly side also. When you borrowing 100% the lending company will charge you a higher interest rate. This is how they generate money. The higher the monthly interest the more money you are paying back, which means a better monthly payment to you.
The objective of any loan is to keep your monthly payment the small sum of you possibly can but also to hold the overall payback on the loan low. Using a 100% mortgage loan this will be hard.
Zero deposit house loans may seem like a good idea at first glance but if you take because closer look you?ll find a few things that you will not like. What there are is many restrictions and criteria that will essentially can lead to the loss of your home. You?ll need to look at terms and conditions carefully. You may even aim for a lawyer look it over to get on the safe side. This will reduce any hidden situations in the future.
Searching online regarding zero deposit house loans will help you to learn more about the pro?s and con?s. You should also look for grant programs that will give you the down payment. These types of programs do not require that you pay them back.
A mortgage is a 30-year commitment that should not be taken lightly. When you choose the right home mortgage that you are potentially saving who you are a ton of money as well offers reducing a great amount of tension in your life. So make sure you don?t rush into anything without cautiously examining all of your alternatives.

For more information about home mortgage visit our website.

This entry was posted in blog and tagged getting a home loan. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.

Source: http://artyapt.com/blog/finding-a-home-finance-loan-that-best-suits-you/

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Slaloming Lombard Street in a Racing-Spec Motorcycle | Web ...

Photo: MotoGP.com

Lombard Street, the windy San Francisco road with the line of cars and gaping socks-in-sandals tourists, isn?t the twistiest road in the city (that title belongs to Vermont Street), but it?s a sunny stage that?s ideal for public stunts. And MotoGP racer Stefan Bradl wended his way down the street on his racing-spec motorcycle four times for a Red Bull promotional video.

Bradl is the 2011 Moto2 Champion and, at 22 years old, competing in this weekend?s MotoGP race at Laguna Seca. Think of Lombard as a warm up for the course?s infamous Corkscrew.?Besides the curves, which 2011 Moto2 champion Bradl is used to, the street is made of bricks that have been polished slick after decades of traffic. Even after using tire warmers, he kept his speed low, but the exhaust broadcast all 1,000cc of the engine in his Honda RC 213V.

After the ride on Tuesday morning, Bradl and team owner?Lucio Cecchinello went down to Stanford University?s Automotive Innovation Facility to talk risk and safety in motorcycle racing?with moderator and IDEO partner Diego Rodriguez. Bradl and Cecchinello rapped about how they get the fastest lap times while keeping the rider on the bike with everything from rest and a strict diet, to tire warmers and braking points. As Cecchinello said, ?We need to approach the limit, but not overtake it.?

The race weekend started on Wednesday when Bradl arrives and eats a special diet. He keeps fit, plans his braking strategy for the first turn when his carbon stoppers are still cold, and then, when time nears to the green flag, he moves around to get blood flowing. ?I need to warm up my body before getting on the bike, just like the tires,? he said.

Preparation, after all technical measures have been made, becomes a matter of mental acuity. ?You need to feel like it?s coming from up there,? he said, gesturing skyward. When audience members persisted and asked about his mental prep, he replied with the same vibe: When you?re the son of a racing legend, and have been riding motorcycles since toddlerhood, it all becomes ineffable instinct.

Still, the electronics help. Cecchinello?s team gets data from on-board accelerometers, suspension sensors, and a myriad of other devices that give actionable metrics. Along with other teams, they?ve been focusing recently on biological factors that affect lap times. After learning that after 45 minutes of exposure to 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit), which is exactly what happens to MotoGP riders, cognitive performance drops off. The team is now intent on developing a helmet that can regulate temperature without adding extra weight or drag.

The biggest story in the last several years of motorcycle safety has been the rider-mounted airbag. Once the rider leaves the bike in a crash, the bag inflates into something like football shoulder pads. Once deployed, the bag braces the rider?s arms, chest, neck, and back, preventing serious or fatal falls. Bradl said that knowing the airbag was there if he needed it made him feel calm and confident.

Race technology ends up in consumer goods, like the back braces now found in high-end motorcycle jackets. And while riders might not need temperature-regulating helmets, the proliferation of bike-friendly airbags are already here and gaining traction.

Source: http://z4webhosting.com/blog/23138/slaloming-lombard-street-in-a-racing-spec-motorcycle/

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Friday, July 27, 2012

CIA, FBI beefs up security for Olympics

As the London Olympics gets under way, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center said Wednesday that U.S. intelligence agencies had established a "threat integration center" with British security officials to analyze threats.

"For the past two years, NCTC, in coordination with our intelligence community and British partners, has been leading the U.S. effort to make sure that we are collecting and analyzing and sharing all potential threat information relating to the Olympics and that we are in a position to respond quickly to prevent any possible plotting tied to the games," Matthew Olsen, director of the NCTC, testified Wednesday before the House Homeland Security Committee.

"In particular, NCTC, with our intelligence community partners, established a Threat Integration Center, designed to operate around the clock providing real-time situational awareness and threat analysis," Olsen said in his prepared testimony.

The threat analysis center will be staffed by officials from the CIA, NCTC and the FBI as well as other U.S. intelligence services to review threat information and quickly share it with British Security officials from Scotland Yard, MI-5 and MI-6.

According to officials, the threat integration center, which is housed at the U.S. Embassy in London became fully operational on Wednesday. Spokespeople from the CIA and FBI declined to specifically address how many employees and agents they have in the United Kingdom assisting with the Olympic security effort, but two sources said the FBI had a contingent of about 50 employees and agents working in the United Kingdom.

"And we are, as part of our routine and ongoing and longstanding coordination with our close ally, we'll have some liaison personnel that will be in country during the Olympic Games. They won't directly be providing security. That's what the U.K. authorities will be doing. But they'll be providing some routine liaison capability," Patrick Ventrell said at a July 17, 2012, State Department Briefing.

Along with the contingent of U.S. intelligence officials looking for terrorist threat information, there will also be a contingent of security officers from Diplomatic Security and the U.S. Secret Service on hand to guard athletes and dignitaries as the games get under way.

Godwin?s Law (Theagitator)

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Lower Back Pain - Healthy Life

Lower back pain is a very common condition that affects a significant proportion of the population. Lower back pain affects people to varying degrees, from an occasional ache to constant debilitating pain. Successful lower back pain treatment is dependent upon an accurate diagnosis and treatment that is directed towards normalising the function of the spine.

Health and Fitness Solutions is a London physiotherapy and podiatry clinic with 5 branches around central London. Health and Fitness Solutions can provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment for lower back pain. Assessment of lower back pain involves a discussion about your pain, followed by a physical examination, in which we assess the way that you move. From this information we are able to formulate a diagnosis and lower back pain treatment plan. This lower back pain treatment plan may include spinal mobilisation, muscle energy techniques, stretching, acupuncture, soft tissue massage, taping and lower back pain exercises. A variety of lower back pain exercises are an essential part of this program. Exercises may target strengthening the core muscles to stabilize the pelvis and lower back. These exercises tend to be relatively simplistic on the surface, but the value of the exercises is in completing them correctly, to train correct movement pattern or technique, rather than just ?getting them done?. Lower back pain exercises may also be given to improve your range of motion of your lower back, or even to improve the flexibility of your thoracic spine and rib cage, and hips, as these can all be contributors to lower back pain. For a sustainable recovery from lower back pain, this exercise rehabilitation program is then progressed to more challenging exercises to facilitate the use of this improved range of motion, with stability in functional and sporting situations.

Source: http://www.khokyai.com/2012/07/lower-back-pain/

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Healthy, hippie life. ? scribbles & sass

For those of you who are still trying to get to know me, I?ll give you a bit of an inside scoop about a few things.

I started blogging over two years ago to help me recover from a pretty nasty ankle injury. I was consumed with healthy living blogs and my rehab. It was a very intense summer of clean eating, physio, yoga and craziness. Because of that first blog I found the Twitter chat #fitblog, and in turn many of my favourite blog friends.

I also work for a powerhouse company that owns three different chains of gyms. I have three free gym memberships, write and edit a health and fitness magazine, and am surrounded by all things fitness day-in and day-out. Personal trainers, nutritionists, everyone is drinking the kool-aid. (That is if kool-aid was healthy)

So with that I must admit: the gym and I are on a break. We haven?t broken up, we just need some time apart.

I can?t wrap my head about weight training, or running (even though I want a race medal) or anything of the sort.

When I first started losing the activity passion, I jumped into planning mode knowing it?s what I ?should? be doing. Scheduling workouts and meal prep became consuming and were driving me mad.

There is more to my healthy life than the gym. While I do know that physical fitness is a good part of the healthy pie chart, I am much more focused on my mental and emotional health right now.

(teacup pig)

Embracing my hippie roots handed down to me from the mother, I?m sweating with yoga, walking more places, smiling, sitting in the grass, and soaking up plenty of sunshine.

I?m letting myself be consumed with positivity instead of meal plans and training schedules.

Sometimes you just need to go with the flow. Now would be that flow.

Have you stepped back for a bit? How did you reflect and get back to it?

Source: http://scribblesandsass.com/2012/07/25/healthy-hippie-life/

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

EYES ON LONDON: Cameron can't see, Russia gaffe

Two police officers patrol at St. Pancras Station in London, Thursday, July 26, 2012. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Searchlights shine over the Olympic Stadium during a rehearsal for the opening ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 25, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics with opening ceremonies for the games scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

A jet is silhouetted against the setting sun as it passes in the distance behind spires of the Tower Bridge Wednesday, July 25, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics with opening ceremonies scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon completes his run in Sarajevo's 1984 Winter Olympic stadium in Sarajevo, Bosnia, Thursday, July 26, 2012. The Secretary-General visited the Sarajevo Olympic Stadium for a morning run in a symbolic gesture to mark his visit to "Olympic Sarajevo" on his regional tour of southeastern Europe. (AP Photo/Sulejman Omerbasic)

In this multiple exposure photo, a Brazilian gymnast performs on the vault during training at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 26, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

LONDON (AP) ? Around the 2012 Olympics and its host city with journalists from The Associated Press bringing the flavor and details of the games to you:

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ROOM WITHOUT A VIEW

He can hear the spikes and serves, but however much he tries to take a peek, British Prime Minister David Cameron won't catch a glimpse of the beach volleyball contests due to be staged right next to his home at London's famous No. 10 Downing Street.

Ex-leader Tony Blair once joked it was a "masterstroke" to hold the competition at Horse Guards Parade, a storied square in the heart of central London, which sits right next to the British leader's residence.

But Cameron says Thursday that a temporary 15,000-seat arena built for the matches has completely obscured his view.

"There's no direct line of sight," says Cameron.

?David Stringer ? Twitter http://twitter.com/david_stringer

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BEING VEGAN

A woman dressed as a parrot is passing out literature on being vegan. Did you know that Carl Lewis and gold medal swimmer Murray Rose are vegans?

?Jenna Fryer ? Twitter http://twitter.com/jennafryer

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ROMNEY REMARKS

Is London prepared to pull off the Olympic Games smoothly? Is that what Mitt Romney's asking?

The Republican presidential candidate is causing a stir in Britain by raising the question. The former Massachusetts governor is visiting British political leaders Thursday while trying to show he has what it takes to represent America on the world stage.

But instead of highlighting ties with America's staunchest ally, Romney may have embarrassed the Brits instead. Romney said in an interview that it's unclear whether Britain can overcome the issues that have dogged its final preparations for the Games.

Leaving a meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Romney said he expects the games will be successful.

Cameron says Romney and others will "see beyond doubt that Britain can deliver."

?David Stringer ? Twitter http://twitter.com/david_stringer

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COOL IT

Do Brits simply not believe in air conditioning? Or is it just never needed?

"Man, it's hot in here," said U.S. boxer Claressa "T-Rex" Shields at training near the Olympic village. It was a seasonable 80 F (26.5 Celsius) on the street, but far, far hotter inside the sweltering gymnasium.

Will it be this hot for boxing's main event? Shields, a 17-year-old from Flint, Michigan, was asked.

"I sure hope not," she smiled.

?Paul Haven ? Twitter http:/twitter.com/paulhaven

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JUST DESSERTS

"The cherry on top of a pile of cherries." ? U.S. fencer and gold medalist Mariel Zagunis, on being the flag bearer for opening ceremony.

She says she's bursting with pride that a. she got the job and b. women have outnumbered men on the team for the first time.

?Mark Colson, Tim Reynolds ? Twitter http://twitter.com/ByTimReynolds.

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DON'T MESS WITH HER

Talking of doping, AP's Jenna Fryer just had a close encounter with an ad that's arguably a little wide of the mark. It's from Transport for London. Check out the arms. http://img.ly/lfJ6

?Jenna Fryer ? Twitter http://twitter.com/jennafryer

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TORCH RELAY CONCERT

To celebrate the torch's arrival in London a concert is being held in Hyde Park on Thursday ? the same place where the plug was pulled on Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen a few weeks ago after they violated a curfew.

Rees Ianson, 32, was a torch bearer in the north of England and so was given the opportunity to get tickets.

"I jumped at the chance, I'm looking forward to it," says the sales manager from Lincolnshire who was nominated as a torch runner for his charity work.

He's not just down for the concert. Rees also has tickets for basketball and hockey. "I can't wait," he said on his way to the gig featuring the likes of Mark Ronson and Dizzie Rascal.

?Fergus Bell ? Twitter http://twitter.com/fergb

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WHERE YOU FROM AGAIN?

Kazakhstan is trying to replace two of its male Olympic weightlifters at the 11th hour, possibly because of citizenship issues.

The two are Arli Chontei, in the 56-kilogram category, and Farkhad Kharki, in the 62-kilogram category.

International Weightlifting Federation spokeswoman Aniko Nemeth-Mora says Kazakhstan is citing medical reasons. However, Kazakh weightlifting official Mendikhan Tapsiruly tells AP that "this is most likely to do with the fact they were granted citizenship recently."

Both lifters are originally from China. Two other lifters in Kazakhstan's team were recruited from China, while one switched nationalities from Russia.

?Karl Ritter ? Twitter http://twitter.com/Karl-Ritter

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HANDS OFF!

Russia's Olympic committee is laying claim to over a dozen athletes born in once-Soviet Ukraine. And it's sparked an outcry in Kiev, the Ukrainian capital.

Some athletes are listed as born in the "Ukraine region" of Russia, while others are listed as coming from the Ukrainian cities of Lutsk and Lviv, which were described as Russian.

Similar mistakes were made for Georgia-born athletes.

Russia's Olympic Committee is now working to correct the data. But it's done little to appease widespread resentment as a result of centuries of Russian dominance which ended when Ukraine gained its independence in 1991.

?Vladimir Isachenkov ? Twitter http://twitter.com/visachenkov

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POSITIVE DRUG TEST

A Greek athlete has failed a doping test and is out of the Olympics. High jump champion Dimitris Chondrokoukis has tested positive for the steroid stanozolol.

His father ? and coach ? says the news is "surreal" and is asking for a follow-up test.

?Graham Dunbar ? Twitter http://twitter.com/gdunbarap

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NO HIJAB

The ruling has come down: Saudi Arabia's female judo competitor will not be allowed to wear a hijab during her matches.

Asian judo federations allow them, but in London the veil has been deemed dangerous. Judo includes strangleholds and chokeholds ? and judo officials think that could prove even more painful if there's something to tug.

They also think judo should be free of religion and politics.

Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani is one of two female Saudi athletes here. The kingdom is allowing them to compete after the International Olympic Committee and human rights groups exerted intense pressure for an end to its practice of sending all-male teams to the games.

?Maria Cheng ? Twitter http://twitter.com/mylcheng

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