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Lineup #60

Class of 2007.

This week's Lineup is a long time coming, 12 years to be exact. I've written before about how my obsession with music and making mix tapes has deep roots, but nothing solidified that more than four formative years in High School. Maybe it was the fact that any song or album was at my fingertips via Limewire. Maybe it was albums like the Garden State soundtrack or the mix tapes from The O.C. that catapulted me into the world of Indie music. Maybe adolescence and navigating what the f*ck growing up meant warranted a very elaborate soundtrack, or some sort of combination of all three. Nevertheless, the rest is history.

Lineup #60 is my best attempt at whittling 5+ hours of my all time favorite songs from High School into a digestible playlist that's still somewhat relevant in 2015, or at least will hopefully bring you back to your own days of growing up in the best possible way.

I've been meaning to make this Lineup for awhile now, but The CW's announcement that all four seasons of The O.C. are now streaming online for free was the sign that it was time. I spent most of Sunday afternoon digging through my iTunes Library, and let me tell you, it was quite the trip.

If music was at all a part of your High School experience, drop whatever you have planned for tonight and dust off your old music and playlists - it's the most most most fun and you'll discover songs that you haven't listened to in 10 years that you still know all the words to and you'll also probably be pretty embarrassed about some of the music you loved so dearly*, but you'll blast it anyways and sing every word because it will take you right. back.

To those of you who let me rip your CDs, exchanged CD mixes and sang at the top of your lungs with me, you know who you are and thank you.

Until next Monday.

This feels like a good time to admit some of the tracks that did not make it into Lineup #60, but must be noted due to their deep impact:

  • The entire "Honey" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.
  • Anything from Gavin DeGraw "Chariot" or "Chariot Stripped".
  • "All I Ever Wanted" by Train (I truly can't tell you how many times I listened to this one).
  • "Geek in the Pink" by Jason Mraz, dedicated to my OG partner in crime DJK. I also definitely own his entire discography.
  • "Holiday from Real" or "Dark Blue" by Jack's Mannequin (does anyone else remember this band?)
  • All of the music we used to get drunk hang out and listen to featured in Lineup #19 and Lineup #39.
  • And the kicker, James Blunt's debut album "Back to Bedlam" which my High School self could not get enough, which my current day self is still perplexed by.
    Archives, November 2015eseids


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Opinion News
May 12,2017

Khyber mail

Zalan Khan

Part - II

In the early years of the PTI’s tenure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and following another public gaffe by Shaukat Yousafzai and Shah Farman, I asked a PTI insider why people like himself and the more articulate PTI workers did not contest the 2013 elections instead of their more incompetent MPAs.

His reply was telling: “We thought we were not right for street-level politics and needed someone with more experience”. In retrospect, this decision has pushed the KP wing of the party into a sorry state today. In 2013, few, if any, of their MPAs won on the basis of any real political ability. Opportunity knocked and many of those who sacrificed the most, complained about the noise.

Running parallel to this is the PTI’s central leadership, which views KP as a consolation prize after losing the 2013 general election. It is more interested in using the province as a platform to capture Islamabad. These frequent distractions – whether in the form of dharnas or boycotts – distracted and paralysed the party’s decision-making as many leaders felt that snap elections were imminent.

Four key factors have saved the party from a even greater debacle. The first is the improvement in security. The importance of this factor cannot be understated. The situation across the province was dire prior to 2014. Attacks were merciless and relentless. Schools, bazaars, workplaces and even funerals were not safe. This led to an unprecedented exodus of talent and cash from the province. And the blame was – rightly or wrongly – largely placed at the feet of the ruling ANP-PPP leadership.

The second factor has been the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees from the province since the APS attack. They have been a convenient scapegoat for many of the problems that the province has faced over the years. While Imran Khan has been critical of the move, it has resulted in short-term benefits for locals. Instead, it has led to an increase in the cost of labour and a decrease in property rents and prices. The humanitarian tragedy of deporting tens of thousands of people who have now lived in the province for two decades has received little public sympathy.

The third factor involves the perception that reforms are going ahead. This engagement has been positive. There has been an improvement in staff attendance in schools and hospitals. Complaints are more swiftly addressed and attempts at rolling back some reforms have been resisted. This has repeated dividends in initiatives like healthcare reform and the Billion Tree Tsunami. It has also meant that the crushingly slow pace of launching projects has been forgiven by many because it appears as if something has been done. This is despite the countless attempts made to use clever media campaigns to mask matters of substance. For instance, the conflict of interest bill has been watered down heavily, the accountability campaign has stalled entirely, the depoliticisation of the police has not seen any dramatic reforms and the accountability of top officers remains dubious. Discretionary spending has remained inequitable. It largely focuses on the home districts of the chief minister, the provincial assembly speaker and the education minister instead of focusing on areas of known deprivation.

The final factor is Imran Khan. Despite the issues attributed to the PTI leadership, he remains a popular symbol. Voters attribute the failings of his party leadership to the individuals who are part of his party and not to him. Imran Khan’s ability to ensure the victory of his chosen candidates has weakened as well. But there is no denying his ability to draw a crowd in any part of the province and make a weak candidate undeservingly competitive.

At the ground level, there is no sense in stirring anti-government sentiments. At the same time, there is also no sense in the mass wave of support in favour of the PTI. This suggests that it will eventually comes down to the strength of individual candidates and their ability or inability to attract a large crowd and pull leaders to bolster their votes. By that standard, the PTI will struggle. There have been few, if any, competent or charismatic leaders from the PTI who have come to the forefront in KP. Most of them have only been able to win by using Imran Khan’s name and do not deserve to be re-elected.

The PTI’s coalition partners are struggling as well. The JI, under Sirajul Haq, has become lacklustre. Having lost its once-famed intellectual moorings, it has now been reduced to a party nationally associated with its student wings. It is now a constituency-level party limited to Dir and Buner that is making a desperate bid to hold on to electoral relevance. If it is given a choice, the JI would prefer the revival of the MMA in some form or the other.

The QWP remains the closest thing to a party of electables. It is kept together by the charisma of one of those rare, consistent election winners, Aftab Sherpao. The Sherpao- PTI combination has always come through as an odd couple. While his adeptness can ensure some wins, it is unlikely that he will able to win a similar number of seats again. And even if he were to achieve that, there are no clear indications that he would feel beholden to reach out to the PTI. On the other hand, Sherpao, a former PPP leader, is still dreaming of the day that he will merge his faction back with the PPP.

Taking into account the PTI’s focus on Punjab and winning Islamabad, defeat seems inevitable. The question is whether it will be a respectable defeat or a rout.

To be continued

The writer is the founder of the website:

Twitter: qissakhwani

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Karachi News
September 08,2018

Sindh’s 13 districts facing severe to moderate drought: PMD

M. Waqar Bhatti

Moderate to severe drought-like conditions have emerged in the southern parts of the country, including Sindh and Balochistan, where 70 and 46 per cent less than normal rains were received, respectively, during May and August.

This was stated by officials of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday who also warned that drought conditions may get severe in the coming days. “When El Nino ends, such conditions emerge, including lesser rains,” PMD Director General Dr Ghulam Rasool told The News. He explained that El Nino is an irregularly occurring and complex series of climatic changes, which is to blame for less than normal rains in this monsoon season which has resulted in drought-like conditions, especially in southern Pakistan.

According to a drought alert issued by the PMD, due to deficient summer, monsoon rainfall, moderate drought-like conditions have emerged over most of Sindh, including Tharparkar, Matiari, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Dadu, Karachi, Kambar-Shadadkot, Umerkot, Sanghar, Sujawal, Shaheed Benazirabad, Jamshoro and Khairpur districts in Sindh.

Similarly, various parts of southern Balochistan, including Dalbandin, Gwadar, Jiwani, Panjgur, Pasni, Nokkundi, Ormara, Quetta and Turbat were also facing moderate to severe drought due to at least 50 per cent less than normal rains in the monsoon season from May to August.

Officials said mild to moderate drought at a few places of southern Punjab, including Multan and Mianwali, as well as in Bunji, Chilas, Gilgit and Gupis in Gilgit Baltistan was also being reported.

Dry conditions will cause water stress in cultivated areas of the country due to limited supply of irrigation water for Kharif crops, said officials. According to them, water availability in Tarbela Dam is at maximum level, while Mangla Dam is almost half filled to maximum conservation level (almost 65 feet) at Mangla reservoir.

On the other hand, small dams (situated near Islamabad) and ground water conditions have significantly improved at most places of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Due to less water in Mangla reservoir and minimal expected rainfall during the next three months, water shortages are most likely for sowing of Rabi crops.

“Keeping in view the above scenario, it is advised to all stakeholders to be ready to handle the situation,” Rasool, the PMD chief said. He added that they were also expecting less than normal winter rains this year.

Sindh districts drought-hit

After less than 70 per cent normal rains in the province, the Sindh government has declared six districts including Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sangar, Dadu, Thatta and Kambar-Shahdadkot as drought-hit areas.

Overall 167 villages in these districts were declared drought-hit areas and the provincial government has pledged to provide wheat to people in these villages to minimise their suffering. Meanwhile, with 100 per cent less than normal or no rain at all received in Karachi this monsoon season, PMD officials have warned that they were seeing no showers in the month of September as well, which is the last month of the monsoon season in Pakistan.

According to Karachi Met Office Director Abdur Rashid, the city received only traces of rain, which could not even be measured. He said September is the month when tropical cyclones usually occur in the Arabian Sea but at the moment, no cyclonic activity was also being observed, which cause rains in the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan.

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August 30, 2018

Nepra allows Re0.36/unit increase in electricity tariff

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Wednesday allowed an increase of Re0.36/unit in electricity tariff for all the power distribution companies except K-Electric on account of fuel price adjustment for July.

The tariff adjustment/increase will however, not be applicable on lifeline consumers who consume up to 50 units in a month.

Nepra said power generation cost was high in July, while the consumers were charged with low rates.

Nepra took the decision in a public hearing on a petition filed by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) on behalf of the power distribution companies (discos).

The CPPA, in its petition, sought Re0.63/unit increase in tariff for July.

The CPPA also sought a previous adjustment of supplemental charges of Rs2.25 billion (Re0.16/unit), but the regulator rejected its plea.

CPPA told the power regulator that actual cost of electricity generation stood at Rs5.6072/unit against the reference fuel price of Rs4.981, registering an increase of Re0.626/unit.

Ex-Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) discos would be able to collect an additional Rs4.5 billion from electricity consumers in their next monthly bills as a result of the latest tariff adjustment.

Ex-Wapda discos include Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Sukkur and Tribal Areas electric supply companies.

The CPPA purchased 10.74 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity generated from high speed diesel- (HSD) based power plants in July at a cost of Rs12.8538/unit. It bought 1,283.76 GWh of electricity produced on residual fuel oil, which accounted for 9.34 percent of total generation at Rs13.5532/unit.

The cost of electricity based on re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) stood at Rs9.72/unit and its share was 24.5 percent in total electricity generation in July. The electricity generated from RLNG was 3,370.24 GWh.

Currently, two RLNG terminals are operational in the country. The second RLNG terminal was operated at half capacity during the month under review as power sector preferred to run plants on HSD and furnace oil and rather ignored comparatively cheap RLNG.

The total generation from hydropower sources was 3,891.5 GWh, accounting for just 28.30 percent of total generation during July.

The cost of electricity generated by using indigenous gas was Rs5.0246/unit and its total share in electricity generation was 14.87 percent or 2,045 GWh.

The coal-fired power generation was 1,736.77 GWh, accounting for 12.63 percent of total generation at a cost of Rs6.0323/unit.

Nuclear power plants generated 735.65 GWh of electricity at Re0.9523/unit in July, cheapest amongst all fuels.

The electricity imported from Iran was 28.39 89 GWh at Rs11.57/unit.

The 99.86 GWh was generated through bagasse at a cost of Rs6.1832 and 428.92 GWh and 61.52 GWh were produced from wind and solar sources, respectively.

The CCPA further said total electricity generated in July was 13,751 GWh, amounting to Rs73.098 billion. The net electricity delivered to power distribution companies, during the month, was 13,397 GWh, costing Rs75.120 billion. Out of the total delivered electricity, distribution losses stood at 2.5 percent or Re0.1442 per unit.


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Week three: from cabinets to countertops

Hi guys, it's been so much fun walking you through our awesomely 80s kitchen reno. My last post was all about how we came up with the concept for the new house. And that's pretty fun, but what I really love? All the details and materials that make the idea come alive. Ready for the lowdown?

We drew inspiration for the concept from two sources. First, our love of modern design coupled with the classic design elements of our new house. Second, a color palette that bridged the divide between dramatic statement and warm, homey retreat. We loved the idea of mixing white walls and black flooring with soft wood tones, greenery, and brass hardware.

We carried those colors into the kitchen, starting with the cabinetry. We went with Shaker-style cabinets, which is a great way to go if you want something that feels both modern and classic.  But rather than do all the cabinets in a single color, we chose to do the lower cabinets in black and the upper cabinets in white, like a tuxedo. (By the way, the cabinets in these pictures are Shaker-style.)

The way to make this color combination successful is to use the colors thoughtfully. Dark cabinets on the bottom make the room feel grounded and light cabinets on top make the room feel light and airy, which establishes a nice balance.  We also went with white on the counters and the backsplash to make absolutely sure the black didn’t get overwhelming.

Choosing a countertop material took time. I’m in love with Carrera marble (who isn’t), but after reading endlessly about why it’s dicey to use in the kitchen, I decided against it. The challenge with marble is that it’s a porous stone, so if you spill wine or tomato sauce it can stain the stone if you don’t clean it up quickly. If you spill vinegar or lemon juice, you can etch the stone. So, if you’re OK with high maintenance material that will show a little wear and tear, go for it. But I knew it would bug me, so I looked into alternatives that had similar color and movement (the fancy word for the flowing lines that run across some marble and granite).

We picked a quartz countertop from Caesarstone. Quartz is an engineered stone, meaning they mix about 90% ground natural quartz with 10% polymer resin to create an incredibly durable product, much like granite.  Caesarstone has a new countertop style called Calacatta Nuvo, which looked close enough to Carrera for me without all the headaches.

 I hope the plants come with the counter...

I hope the plants come with the counter...

The backsplash was an easy decision. White subway tile has a hold on me that won’t let go. It’s the perfect marriage of new-school and old-school. But I wanted to do something a little different than the traditional horizontal layout, so I found elongated subway tile and we’re going to install it in a herringbone pattern.

 When you use longer-than-average subway tile you get a simpler pattern that's easy on the eyes.

When you use longer-than-average subway tile you get a simpler pattern that's easy on the eyes.

Feeling ready for another risk, we are going to break up the black and white cabinets by using walnut veneer pantries from IKEA at either end of the countertop. The wood will soften the high contrast colors and add something unexpected to the mix, which is always fun. We may go back and have Semi-Handmade replace the doors with reclaimed wood in the future, but right now, we’re focused on staying on budget.

 I can't wait for all the little accessories and organizers IKEA makes for their pantries.

I can't wait for all the little accessories and organizers IKEA makes for their pantries.

The last step, of course, is to add accessories that will inject warmth and color. The cabinet hardware and faucet we found are a warm, antique brass. The lines of each piece are simple but the material itself feels vintage and the yellow undertones look soft and happy. I’m on the hunt for an antique-style Kilim or Persian rug to break up the black flooring and add a big punch of color to the kitchen. (If you see something great, send it my way.)

The cabinets are (supposed) to start going up next week. As soon as I’ve got pictures of the you’ll be the first to see them. I’m so excited to see it all come together. But this week, the contractors are focused on sanding the floors to start the refinishing process. Patience, patience, I keep telling myself.

 Want a regular installment of ideas and inspiration? Subscribe today and get a copy of my guide to tackling the clutter and as a bonus inspired by the renovation, tips to finding a great contractor.

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His Yoke Is Easy

In Winnipeg, we met Henry Unrau, who laboured dreadfully under the Law, thinking he was doing God service. He was a tormented soul but a very self-righteous one who, while seeking counsel and help, quite believed that he was in a position of counseling and helping instead toward those who were not enslaved by service of the letter as was he. What ironies and contradictions in man!

His Yoke is Easy

There are those who worship God

And try to do His will their way

Like a horse which the Master has not broke,

But when finally they see that the means are meant to be,

Then the duty will be done His way.

His commandments are not hard,

It’s delight to do His will;

His yoke is easy and His burden light.

We know that truth will make us free

In Jesus Christ, simplicity,

And the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Substitutions He won’t have,

Those are not the things He wants;

We must learn to do exactly as He asks.

We have no wisdom in ourselves to decide the right from wrong;

We must hear Him tell us what and even how.

Chorus repeat.

There is purpose everywhere

In all the smallest things He does

And though our understanding can’t see this,

Still to trust Him and obey is the one and only way

And if we do that we just can’t miss.

Winnipeg, MB; January 3, 1981

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Suddenly Single, She Built a Business While Staying Home With Her Son

Freelance writer
Tyler Olson/Shutterstock.com

It was late 2011 and I was eight months pregnant when my husband moved into the guest room. My marriage was over, and I didn’t see it coming.

I didn’t have a job because we’d planned for me to be a stay-at-home mom, and I was living 1,700 miles away from family.

Plans change — that’s no surprise to anyone. And when I spent that first November night alone in bed, staring at the ceiling and wondering what was going to happen in the new year, I knew my plans had to change.

But one thing wasn’t going to change: my commitment to being at home with my baby.

I was losing my marriage and the future I’d counted on, but I wasn’t about to let it cost me precious time with my son.

Determining My Approach to Single Stay-at-Home Mom Status

I’d been working on building a freelance business earlier the same year, but it was nothing more than a side project at the time.

I had long-term plans of making a full-time income from freelancing, but not for years.

As it was, I didn’t have much focus and I earned an average of $300-400 per month — hardly enough to support myself, let alone the baby that was five weeks away from arriving.

But with some determination, a lot of sacrifice and a bit of luck, I was able to ramp up and keep working for myself — even though I was a single mom with no other income.

Two essential factors made it possible for me to work from home with a baby: marketable skills and a low cost of living.

Putting My Journalism Degree to Work

Because I’d been on the freelancing scene, I knew it was theoretically possible to make a decent income working part-time hours.

I’d already begun to develop a personal network of other freelancers, so I had models to follow and people who could answer some of my most basic questions. Between my journalism degree and the work experience I’d picked up in various communications roles since graduation, I had a solid foundation of writing and editing skills.

About a month after the baby was born, it was time to get serious about freelancing. I started with what I knew: academic editing and formatting.

Graduate students often needed help with formatting their theses or dissertations, and it never hurt to have another set of eyes on anything, either. I plumbed my networks for any referrals, which is how I ended up getting a lot of my work.

In the first three months of 2012, I brought in about $300 per month — the same amount of money as the year before — while working about 25% fewer hours. It was a step in the right direction, but not enough.

In the second quarter of 2012, my work fell off. I focused on maintaining my sanity as a new mother navigating a divorce that, in my case, also meant a cross-country move. After the move, in June, I dug right back into work.

As I tried to figure out how to find gigs on sites like Thumbtack and Elance (now Upwork), I ended up finding even more information about ditching them for better-paying opportunities.

After about a year and a half, those opportunities drew me out of academic editing (which I didn’t enjoy) and into freelance writing. I focused on freelance blogging, and once I started landing gigs, I never looked back.

Logistically, “working around the baby” wasn’t easy. I’d moved from Colorado back home to North Carolina for the family support (and a more affordable rent situation). But even with their help, it was challenging to manage my workload on top of home life with a baby.

I soon figured out there needed to be a distinct delineation between work I did when the baby was awake, and work I did when he was asleep or with a grandparent.

I didn’t waste valuable nap times doing things like folding laundry. That’s when I did client work and anything requiring real mental effort — with no exceptions.

Keeping My Expenses Low

As terrible as getting divorced was, I was fortunate to come out of my marriage with no debt and even a tiny cushion of about $3,000, thanks to an old personal injury settlement.

Having no debt gave me a tremendous amount of freedom. As long as I could find safe, low-rent housing, I could keep my overhead low.

For a while, I rented a small garage apartment from a family member in North Carolina. It ended up costing me about a third of what the rental house in Colorado had (where rentals are much more expensive than in North Carolina).

Then, beginning in 2014, I shared a place in the same town with a long-time friend who’d been looking for a roommate.

By that point, I was making about $1,000 a month in freelance income and receiving child support, which wasn’t a lot but covered a good chunk of the rent.

The single most effective thing I did for keeping my expenses low was putting myself on a cash budget.

I used the old-school envelope system, with the white envelopes and everything. It’s absolutely the reason I was able to stay out of debt — even when making less than $12,000 per year, including child support.

With the cash budget came the commitment to sacrifice.

I gulped down every bit of frugal living advice I could find, and did it all: I stopped buying new clothes and getting my hair cut. The library became my source of entertainment. I used discounted gift cards for regular purchases and everything we ate was made from scratch.

And, of course, I kept my 12-year-old car, instead of picking up a car payment.

It wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it.

What Can You Do?

No matter where you are in life, there are things you can learn from my experience.

Get Out of Debt

This is the primary lesson — and do it as quickly as possible.

Debt will strangle any hope you have of succeeding during a long period of lean income, and you never know if or when that time might start.

Because I started out with no debt, I was able to raise a child as a single, stay-at-home mom on a very low income. A car payment, a credit card balance or a student loan would have made it impossible.

Build Your Network

Any time you’re looking for ways to make money or start a business from home, you need three things: a peer group, a mentor and a role model.

I started freelancing in 2010, but it wasn’t until I had all three of these pieces in place in 2014 that I made some real traction and began making decent money.

Look for people who can fill each of those roles, no matter what your business is.

Have a Plan B

Always, always, always have a Plan B (and C, D and E) ready to go in case your current life doesn’t go as expected.

You never know when or how your situation will change, and it’s best to be prepared for the bottom to fall out before it happens.

I didn’t have a Plan B, but my modified long-term plan filled the gap. After my first full year of freelancing, I’d brought in about $8,000 before expenses. It wasn’t easy, but it was enough.

And my story has a happy ending: At the end of 2014 — after three full years as a freelancing single mom — my stint as a broke single mom ended. I had my highest-earning month to date, bringing in more than $3,300… and I remarried.

Your Turn: Have you ever had to find a way to live and work on lean income?

Ashley Gainer is a writer, editor and coach. When she’s not writing for her clients, she’s teaching other at-home freelancers how to be successful. You can find her online at ashleygainer.com or on Twitter @ageditorial.

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Test-Drive a New Kia and You’ll Get a Free $25

free money

Buying a car isn’t particularly fun. Especially when it’s an unexpected purchase, like in my boyfriend’s case.

From deciding on a budget to comparing different makes and models to figuring out how to get the best price at the dealership, there’s a lot involved in the process.

Thankfully, Kia’s latest promotion makes car shopping a little more tolerable. From now until March 31, 2016, you can get a $25 Visa Prepaid card when you test-drive a new Kia.

How to Get a Free $25

Click here, fill out your contact information and print out the promotional certificate. Take it to a Kia dealership near you and test-drive any new Kia on the lot.

Then, ask the salesperson to fill out the designated section on the print-out, and mail the completed certificate to the address on the form before April 15, 2016.

You’ll receive your $25 Visa Prepaid card approximately six to eight weeks after submitting your certificate.

Other terms and conditions for the promotion:

  • You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license
  • You only get one $25 Visa Prepaid card per household
  • The promotion only takes place in the continental U.S.

My boyfriend and I visited a Kia dealership in our neighborhood last weekend. To save everyone’s time, we cut to the chase and let our salesman know we were interested in the promotion.

And, just like that, we took a brand-new 2016 Kia Forte — with all the bells and whistles — out for a spin. Afterward, he filled out his dealer information, and we were in and out within 30 minutes.

This offer is limited to the first 10,000 completed certificates received, so get moving! In the meantime, here are other ways to make money test-driving cars.

Your Turn: Will you test-drive a new Kia for a $25 Visa Prepaid card?

Kathleen Garvin is an editor for The Penny Hoarder and conscientious test-driver. You can check out her beginner-friendly marketing blog at www.themaroonhouse.com.

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More than 125 years of delivering value.
It’s Penrod. Period.

It’s all about value.

Behind the recognizable Penrod name is an efficient trade network and reliable distribution infrastructure for forest products, built on best practices and exceptionally competent compliance.

We are committed to the needs of our manufacturing customers—wherever you may be—and we are working every day to strengthen our global value chain through innovative yet always reliable forest product operations and service.

It’s all about utility.

St-Raymond Veneer Inc., part of The Penrod Group and an integrated manufacturer of high-utility, high-quality face veneer and sliced veneer for the hardwood plywood industry, is located in beautiful St-Raymond, Quebec, Canada, and has a rich history of success in the veneer industry.

The combination of our advanced manufacturing facility, sought-after production expertise, commitment to quality standards, and competitive costs makes the most of the high-utility forest products we offer, giving you even higher value.

& Hinges

It’s all about commitment.

Penrod took its history and experience in managing diverse distribution and manufacturing channels and applied it to door related items.

The company’s commitment to service has enabled it to become one of the leaders to the professional market in NAFTA for products that include hinges, fasteners and general hardware. You’ll find a variety of finishes for residential and commercial applications, as well as a competitively priced inventory that is generally available for shipment within 24 hours. It is the Penrod way.

Our commitment to progress enables us to continually look at creating new products and find innovative solutions to better serve the needs of our customers.

PVC Building

It’s all about innovation.

XO by Penrod offers you special hybrid PVC solutions that stand out in the marketplace. They’re easier to use because they cut more smoothly and the sealed-edge boards stay cleaner. They’re tougher because they don’t chip like others due to the special way they’re made. And they’re better because they’re more dent resistant, and can be milled and machined.

They are, after all, made by Penrod.

Keeping Our

Penrod can be traced back almost 130 years through two world wars, a depression and the development of strong competition from Third World countries.

From the time the “Walnut King” John Noble Penrod started this company in 1888 to the production of wooden airplane components during World War I, Penrod was there.

From promoting mahogany to the American furniture market in the ‘40s to supplying the African mahogany veneer in the interior of the ‘65 Cadillac, Penrod was there.

From the creation of a metal products division in 1988 to the purchase of St-Raymond in 2003, Penrod was there. From establishing a PVC division in 2004, Penrod was there.

With continued global growth, Penrod continues to be there.

The Penrod Company
272 Bendix Road Suite 550, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 USA
phone 757-498-0186 • fax 757-498-1075

From its inception in 1888 as a manufacturer of forest products, Penrod has grown to be one of the world’s largest suppliers of forest products, metal and PVC products for the residential and commercial construction markets. With offices in every major region around the globe, distribution centers on most continents, and an efficient trade network, we are an international leader in the industries we service. Penrod is proud to embrace the concept of sustainable forestry as an essential element to our success as a company and as a solidly compliant, responsible global citizen.

The Penrod Company • All Rights Reserved ©1888–Red Chalk Studios

The Penrod Company • All Rights Reserved ©1888–Red Chalk Studios


text:
Ed Lines – June 29, 2018

Ed Lines – June 29, 2018

PLENTY of beaming sunshine, garden parties and Jo Cox get togethers all over the district, and the European Withdrawal Bill gets signed into law – what’s not to love about Great Britain in flaming June?

Can you imagine the effect on the nation’s psyche, if we could only plan for a few months of proper summer weather every year?

Inflation up? Interest rates and taxes too? Who cares when we’re all splashing out on Ambre Solaire and turning a lovely shade of lobster pink, while the rarely spotted BBQ transforms raw chicken and sausages into crucified portions of the raging trots.

I was watching the weather reports with some envy last weekend, being as I was in Denver, Colorado, to watch England play New Zealand in a ground-breaking Test match on American soil. It was a great, if all-too-brief trip, and although the players baked in 90-plus temperatures, the days either side of the match were quite stormy while back home England sizzled.

Flying back I was full sure the clouds would land about 10 minutes behind me, but nope, it looks like we’re set fair for a while yet.

I might even get the golf sticks out at this rate.

Still, this is England. Despite the wettest winter since Noah went all ‘animals two-by-two’ what’s the betting that if the weather doesn’t break by next weekend, there will be a hosepipe ban and warnings of stand pipes?

I was going to say ‘I don’t care – I’ll get by on beer’ but apparently we’re heading for an ale shortage due to short supplies of CO2.

Whatever. Chilled white wine will have to suffice, because for my money this weather wants to endure until Christmas and then warm up a bit.

So far (it’s Thursday at 3pm) I haven’t heard anyone complaining that it’s too hot yet. It can only be a matter of time.

On not-too-distant a subject I was taking a gentle walk round Wasinhgton Park in Denver last Saturday morning when a TV news reporter ambushed me with a microphone and a cameraman in tow. What did I think about the city council’s plans to lift the drinking ban in public parks?

I said she clearly knows a beeraholic when she sees one, but I wasn’t local and completely in the dark. Still, it made the main evening news on Channel 7 – even if my quotes were edited completely out of context.

Flaming journalists, eh?

Still, what a sporting weekend – victories for England at rugby league, union, soccer, cricket and Lewis Hamilton wins the F1.

As for Germany being knocked out of the World Cup? Laugh? I nearly gave the staff the weekend off. If you have any German friends, just don’t mention the VAR ... boom, boom!

Talk about feelgood factor – all we need now is for England to keep progressing in Russia and the Brexit doom-mongers will find themselves talking to the wall. No-one will care.

Speaking of which, it would have been nice for mass lightning strikes to have ravaged central London last weekend during the Snowflakes’ mass teddy-tantrum, calling for a second referendum, but you can’t have everything. Bad cases of sunburn will have to do.

I find it funny – actually no, I find it infuriating – what the BBC decides to consider ‘news’ given its brazen bias.

Free speech rallies up and down the country, including thousands of people at Speakers Corner and at the gates of Downing Street, are roundly ignored by the Beeb and even newspapers of supposed record like the increasingly left-wing Times, because they are driven by right-of-centre protesters.

Or, as they prefer to describe them, ‘far right thugs’.

At one such march social media was full of images of a Muslim man attacking peaceful protesters with a stick, while police could be seen just yards away, doing their best to ignore it. Could you imagine if the roles were reversed? Feet wouldn’t touch the ground.

Closer to home, the disgraceful, violent scenes outside Frankie’s hamburger joint on Bradford Road took place with uniformed police officers apparently within spitting distance. Arrests? Don’t talk out of your hat.

Perhaps someone someday will explain this craven capitulation better than I can. Or perhaps not.

Maybe they’re just pre-empting possible government policy that would basically abolish prison sentences under 12 months.

Why not? The police have effectively stopped enforcing large tracts of public criminality, except where idiotic serial offenders basically fall into their laps.

I heard a dippy liberal woman on the radio this week saying that prison just turns inmates into repeat offenders.

I preferred the view of media commentator Peter Hitchens who said that by the time courts finally, finally hand out a custodial sentence, the offender has dozens of crimes to their name and is already a serial criminal.

Ergo, prison needs to be tougher and more immediate if it is to work as a deterrent.

Don’t expect such plain common sense to prevail.

IN LIGHT of the second anniversary of the tragic murder of Jo Cox, it’s worth reflecting on the solitary task that faced West Yorkshire Police in its aftermath.

Thomas Mair was swiftly apprehended and his modus operandi established by the simple expedient of studying his internet browsing history at local libraries.

As to how he got the gun he used though – nothing. Zilch. Police know where it was stolen from but not how it got to Mair, a man who didn’t drive and had a very limited social circle.

Two years on and it’s still a blank. A vital, puzzling one.

As such, you’d think that a journalist who has since gained Mair’s confidence, to the point that the killer is willing to talk to him, would be encouraged by the police and the judiciary, wouldn’t you? To get answers they simply can’t?

But no, the writer has been blocked from seeing Mair by the authorities, thus ensuring no-one can get the answers and explanations so many people would like.

You’d almost think they have something to hide...

I TRY to pay attention to the infernal ramblings emanating from the political pygmies over at Huddersfield Town Hall, but can’t say much of it makes sense.

Conservative leader David Hall’s ‘welcome’ of Labour’s plans to concrete over much of North Kirklees puzzled me briefly. Then it dawned that it probably reflected his relief at the Spen Valley largely escaping scot-free. He didn’t quite say “sod Dewsbury” with the barely believable allocation of 5,500 homes on two sites, but I can’t say he sounded much concerned.

That plan for the cutely titled ‘Dewsbury Riverside’ – I much prefer my monicker of Shariatown – isn’t a homes project, it is literally a new town.

Labour managed to browbeat a planning inspector into rubber stamping their scheme (I think the government is putting the squeeze on these people to shoehorn plans through) but I can’t for the life of me find details about the new schools, roads, health centres and various other infrastructure essentials.

I drove to Thornhill Lees at 4.30pm a couple of Thursdays ago and a one-legged bloke with a sprained ankle would have gotten there faster on foot. Driving through Ravensthorpe at pretty much any time is a nightmare.

I’ve said it before, they’d better plan a helipad in, because getting an ambulance from the back of that dead end all the way to Pinderfields will be fun. You could conceive a bairn and be ready to drop by the time you’d navigated your way to Pinders.

The easy bit has been finally done by Kirklees Labour in getting their plan through. I doubt they’ve bothered thinking about actually delivering it.

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A.D. Rundle presents Dick Caram's play

Greek play redux at A.D. Rundle

A.D. Rundle presents Dick Caram's play, 'Agamemnon and Clytemnestra: Special Victims Unit' at the school on Wednesday and Thursday nights

It’s a fresh take on an old piece of literature.

A.D. Rundle presents Dick Caram’s play, ‘Agamemnon and Clytemnestra: Special Victims Unit.’

It is a funny, refreshing, and modern approach to Aeschylus’ classic play.

Show nights are Wednesday, November 27 and Thursday, November 28 at 7 p.m. in Rundle drama room.

Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for adults.

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text:
Chapter 7

What Should We Wear?

In my years as a wedding celebrant, I have probably seen just about any wedding apparel you can imagine, possibly even going beyond your imagination! Once you’ve announced your intentions, you will no doubt be subjected to a lot of suggestions from well-meaning friends and family about what your attire should be. Listen to them all, take what makes sense to you, and discard the rest.

The reality is that this is your day, your wedding, and you are the only ones who get to choose what to wear.

GLBT couples have somewhat more flexibility in their sartorial selections than do mixed-sex couples, for the simple reason that marriage equality hasn’t been around for all that long, so there hasn’t been time to build up “accepted” traditions. This offers you a certain amount of freedom, as there are fewer expectations and assumptions about the “right” way to do any of it.

The first and last rule is this: wear something that isn’t too uncomfortable (so you’re thinking of your partner and not of how your dress is scratching your back) and wear something that makes you feel good.

The rest is irrelevant.

Gentlemen, alas, you still have limited choices, unless you prefer a different gender expression. But if not, it’s likely that you’ll stay classic, wearing a suit or perhaps a shirt and khakis for a more informal setting. You still have choices, though. To dress alike or not dress alike. To go all the way and wear tuxedos, or to dress down for that bonfire after the ceremony. Dressing up signifies the specialness of the day, the fact of having stepped out of the ordinary and into something new, magical, and exciting. Dressing down signifies your level of comfort together, your willingness to incorporate this day into the whole fabric of your life together. There’s no right answer here.

Ladies, you do have more choices. You may have both always dreamed of a wedding gown and both want to wear one: there are few things more beautiful, and 40% of lesbian brides still opt for the gown. Perhaps you are informal in your day-to-day life and prefer to remain that way for your wedding. Maybe one of you wants a dress while the other wants a suit. What you want this day to reflect is your delight in each other, and how you dress should reflect that feeling.

No matter who you are and who you’re marrying, you may choose to be creative. Does one of you come from a country or ethnic background where there is a proscribed attire for weddings? You may want to celebrate your past, present, and future coming together by wearing that outfit. I have seen two women who were wearing traditional (and colorful!) Korean costumes.

And remember who you’re marrying, as well. Complementing your partner’s outfit is something you must consider, so you may wish to embark on a joint shopping trip to try out some varying styles of wedding attire.

And the creativity doesn’t stop there. Transgender persons looking for something special to wear for their wedding may choose to go the androgynous route, or emphasize masculine or feminine wedding traditions. Tuxedos are a classic wedding garb for transgender men: they make you look handsome and really underline the “gentleman” look.

The main point is to have one or two—or twenty!—conversations together before you make any plans or buy any fabric. You’re a couple, so while each of you needs to feel right about what he or she is wearing, you also need to feel right about what your fiancé(e) is wearing. Discuss what’s important to you and what you can let go.

And remember, it’s your wedding day, so by definition you will be perfectly attired!


text:
Articles about rootkits

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Over the past decade, the world has seen advances in rootkits running on Windows and Unix operating systems that few would have thought possible. Now, it's Mac OS X's turn, as a security researcher plans to share a variety of techniques for developing the ultra-stealthy programs for the Apple platform. At a talk titled …
Dan Goodin, 20 Jul 2009
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Clever attack exploits fully-patched Linux kernel

A recently published attack exploiting newer versions of the Linux kernel is getting plenty of notice because it works even when security enhancements are running and the bug is virtually impossible to detect in source code reviews. The exploit code was released Friday by Brad Spengler of grsecurity, a developer of …
Dan Goodin, 17 Jul 2009
The Register breaking news

'Secure' Wyse thin clients vulnerable to remote exploit bugs

A popular brand of thin client device used by nuclear labs, military contractors and Fortune 100 companies is susceptible to exploits that put entire fleets of the machines in the control of online attackers. Wyse Technologies, maker of the slimmed-down computing devices, touts them as being as secure, "or better" than PCs …
Dan Goodin, 10 Jul 2009
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Three 'critical' Windows fixes due on Patch Tuesday

Microsoft on Tuesday plans to release updates patching three critical Windows security vulnerabilities, two of which are already under attack. One of the updates plugs a hole in an Internet Explorer component that handles online video. Hundreds of thousands and possibly millions of websites - mostly catering to Chinese- …
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Thousands of websites have been hit by fast-moving exploit code that installs a cocktail of nasty malware on visitors' computers by targeting a previously unknown vulnerability in some versions of Internet Explorer. The compromised websites link to a series of servers that exploit a zero-day vulnerability in an IE component …
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McAfee false-positive glitch fells PCs worldwide

IT admins across the globe are letting out a collective groan after servers and PCs running McAfee VirusScan were brought down when the anti-virus program attacked their core system files. In some cases, this caused the machines to display the dreaded blue screen of death. Details are still coming in, but forums here and here …
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iPhone crashing bug could lead to serious exploit

Updated This story was updated to correct factual errors contained in an IDG News article that first reported the vulnerability. If you own an iPhone, security researcher Charlie Miller can knock it off the network. And if his hunch is right, he just might be able to do a lot more, at least until Apple fixes the flaw. Exploiting a …
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AVG bosses aren't saying much, but there's new evidence the anti-virus maker is seriously considering building an application for the Mac. A job posting on the company's website seeks a senior software developer who is familiar with the OS X platform. Responsibilities for the full-time position include the following: …
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The leader of a malicious hacker collective who used his job as a security guard to breach sensitive Texas hospital computers has been arrested just days before his group planned a "massive DDoS" attack for the July 4 Independence Day holiday. Jesse William McGraw, 25, of Arlington, Texas, was taken into custody late Friday …
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text:
Gavin Henson

Discussion in 'The Clubhouse Bar' started by PeeJay, Feb 14, 2007.

  1. PeeJay

    PeeJay Guest

    Anyone who knows the centre of Cardiff well should know where I mean, but I was in a bar called Edward's this evening. Just about closing time, we were all finishing our drinks when who should walk in but the Tango man himself, Gavin Henson. Naturally, I'm stunned and, as an instinctive reaction, I shout over to him and wave. He gives me a sort of acknowledgement in the form of that surfing hand gesture (the thumb and little finger outstretched, like what Ronaldinho does) and I'm like "OMG, Gavin Henson just acknowledged me on a night out in Cardiff!"

    So anyways, I go over to him and say "Nice to meet you, Gav" while offering my hand for him to shake, but he just looks at me like I'm some sort of leper and says "Are those hands clean?" Naturally, I'm stunned. Granted, the guy is probably just looking to have a quiet night out and probably gets people coming up to him like I did all the time, but seriously the least he could have done was just shake my hand. But no, all he can do is ask me if my f***ing hands are clean. It would have taken him all of five seconds to shake my hand and perhaps grant me a photograph, but instead he completely spurns me, leaving me to look like an absolute tit.

    In summary, don't try and get anything from Gavin Henson cos he's a complete arse.
  2. Forum Ad Advertisement

  3. O'Rothlain

    O'Rothlain Guest

    Imagine what poor Charlotte has to endure...
  4. DC

    DC Guest

    you never know maybe he's a germaphobe sorta like howie mandel
  5. Funnily enough I saw Gavin the other night in Cardiff...he was fine with me but he was a bit flustered 'cause some farm hand had just tried to accost him...he got a picture on his phone :

    ;) :p

    Nah seriously if you do have average or above levels of cleanliness I'll henceforth imagine Gavin as a Howard Hughes character walking round wearing cardboard boxes on his feet, disinfecting everything and storeing jars of his own urine.
  6. Cymro

    Cymro Guest

    PeeJay its beccause you are a gog pal!
  7. loratadine

    loratadine Guest

    lol, listen i wouldny worry about it!!

    hes obviously an obssessive compulsive guy!!

  8. Rugby_Cymru

    Rugby_Cymru Guest

    I got a photo taken with Henson whilst he was out with Charlotte a few months back.
    He was polite, shook my hand and posed for a photo with me. Charlotte even had a chat with me about some girls on a hen do near us.
    I can honeslty say i have a totally different experience with him than you do.

    I came away with positive feelings about the bloke.

    Can't explain why he said that to you.
    Even if he didn't have a very good day, there was no need to say that.
  9. Best rugby personality I've met.. erm.. let's see..
    O'driscoll is alrite..
    Francois Pienaar is also alrite... gave me my medal that guy..
    Austin Healey.. made me laugh all nite... had an opportunity to have dinner together with justin sampson, austin and eric rush.. they all good...

    however, from my pals who are IRB match commisioners, they say that the best player to be araound with is Umaga.. so down to earth and humble...
  10. Rugby_Cymru

    Rugby_Cymru Guest

    Not quite what we were talking about, but some lovely name-dropping there. Well done. :D
  11. ak47

    ak47 Guest

    i swear to god

    but unlike your experiences

    This TWAT wouldnt leave me alone

    Was taking a **** in the urinals, andhe comes in all drunk, and merry

    "Oh what a great country you have blah blah"

    i'm like yep, where u from

    "Wales, man.........I play for the Welsh rugby team".

    Immediately - I think about TRF

    who are you then

    he is shocked, "well i am Gavin Henson, do you not know me."

    i probably should but in this state, no i dont even know myself

    for the rest of the day and night, he kept coming up saying "yeah yeah great f***ing club, great my lads, hey lads meet this guy he doesnt know me"........."he doesnt know you"

    so after all that debacle about me not knowing who he was....i told everyone in the club, oi that dude over their is a famous welsh ruby player........some Henson dude.

    Took another sip of the lager........sparked up a ciggy......and continued to talk NRL.

    I remember, i couldnt remember everything, so i came on here a few days later and asked for photos of big players and i think it was Lora who delivered on a pic of the turned out to be Henson alright
  12. Cymro

    Cymro Guest

    On a note of drunken Welsh Rugby Players

    <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value=""></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

    Anyone who can guess who he is will get a rep point
  13. Rugby_Cymru

    Rugby_Cymru Guest

    Is that Rhys Thomas?
  14. Haha if you click on the video it brings up a youtube screen with the title 'Rhys Thomas welsh international ****** in cardiff'.
  15. Rugby_Cymru

    Rugby_Cymru Guest

    I'm an honest man and i'll tell ya the truth that i simply clicked play on the screen on TRF. I actually didn't know i could go to youtube wiht a link.
    I just took a lucky guess.
  16. Cymro

    Cymro Guest

    I know hes honest :p
  17. PeeJay

    PeeJay Guest

    Yeah, to begin with I thought it was Kevin Morgan in that vid, but right at the end when he gets up it's blatantly Rhys Thomas.
  18. Cymro

    Cymro Guest

    Really an excellent show by a Welsh International!
  19. gjohn85

    gjohn85 Guest

    I have heard mix feeling off friends who has met Gav, some says he really nice & others say he's a dick. Must depend on his mood.

    When he asked if you hands are clean, you should of asked him if his hands are clean or is it the fake tan on his hands.
  20. The Flash

    The Flash Guest

    Seriously tho, you don't shake as many hands as he does.

    I bet one of his team-mates or somebody has jokingly got in his ear and just to make him think said "Do you ever wonder how many of those fans of yours still have **** on their hands when you shake them?" "How many lads have you seen washing their hands in the pub loo wash-basin, eh Gav?"

    I could imagine that being said to him and him thinking "Flippin' 'eck! I'm probably coverin' meself in other peoples waste!"

    I don't know what guys are like over there, but I happen to know that there are loads of dropkicks over here who don't wash up.

    And they must go about 10 times a night too.......

    Makes you think about when you shake hands with mates up town a little, eh? lol!!!
  21. Cymro

    Cymro Guest

    Good point, now to speculate which team mates might have done so, Adam and Duncan for myself!
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09-21-2018  2:23 pm      •
Charlene Crowell
Published: 19 July 2013

Life poses a series of challenges for individuals, families and communities. But every now and then, a real victory comes along that reminds us that what is fair and just will eventually prevail. That was the lesson of the two-year saga to confirm Richard Cordray, President Obama's nominee to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The idea of a federal office focused solely on protecting the nation's consumers arose in the wake of the worst financial calamity since the 1930s Great Recession. More than two million homes were lost to foreclosure and nearby homes lost value even while neighbors remained current on loan payments. The tsunami of foreclosures in communities of color drained nearly $1 billion of wealth. Eventually unemployment grew as workers through no fault of their own were laid off.

A then-little known Harvard professor, Elizabeth Warren conceived the idea of a federal consumer watchdog; but was flatly rejected to become its first director. President Obama then nominated Richard Cordray, a former Ohio Attorney General. Cordray received broad support across party lines. But fierce opposition to the idea of a consumer watchdog led to 44 U.S. Senators sending a letter advising President Obama that no nominee to lead the Bureau, regardless of ability or experience, would be confirmed.

In the meantime, CFPB staff went to work protecting consumers. They held field hearings, requested comment on proposed rules and as required by the Dodd-Frank Act, made regular reports to both chambers of Congress every six months. Over five million consumers contacted CFPB with financial questions. An online consumer complaint system offered convenient access to not only file a complaint, but also to check its status. To date, CFPB has returned nearly $500 million to consumers who were sold unfair or deceptive products in credit cards, auto  loans and more.

Despite these measurable pro-consumer actions, opposition to CFPB continued. Opponents insisted that the Bureau's governing structure change from a director to a commission.

In response, major news outlets from Portland, Maine to Los Angeles and markets between ran independent editorials and commentaries – all calling for Cordray's confirmation.  The July 11 Los Angeles Times editorial wrote, "According to the official Senate historian,  lawmakers have never before blocked a nominee because they didn't like the way an agency was structured."

Activism also played a major role. On July 15, Americans for Financial Reform and the Center for Responsible Lending announced poll results that revealed still-growing support for CFPB. Taken July 8-11, the survey found that consumer support for CFPB grew by more than 10 percentage points over a year ago. Strong support was evident among Independents, Democrats and Republicans, with 83 percent saying that Wall Street should be held accountable with tougher rules and enforcement.  A second survey released the same day by Consumers Union, the policy arm of Consumer Reports, found that 74 percent of respondents supported approval of a CFPB director to ensure that the Bureau's work is not interrupted.

On the day of the confirmation vote, consumer advocates delivered over 160,000 signed petitions calling for Cordray's confirmation to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office. The effort was mobilized by AFR, Consumers Union, the American Federation of Labor, and the National Council of La Raza.

Finally after years of debates and delays, a vote on the confirmation was held and received a 66-34 tally. With a director confirmed for a full term of office, CFPB gains the full use of its powers.

Commenting on the confirmation vote, the CRL said, "As businesses compete under the same set of rules, working families will receive fair financial services. We celebrate this great achievement and look forward to working with the Director to bring overdue relief to families who have dealt with abusive financial practices for far too long."

For all the frustrations now felt throughout the nation – but particularly in communities of color – the hard-fought CFPB outcome should inspire others to fight for what's is right. It took many voices and many actions focused on achieving a single goal. Yes, other numerous challenges remain. Yet our collective resolve should never fade or grow weary. A better day will arrive when we dedicate our best efforts.

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Aston Villa’s Lambert: Benteke’s display not up to my standards

Aston Villa's Paul Lambert criticises Christian Benteke for a below-par display despite his brace in a 3-2 win at Swindon

The Sport Review staff
By The Sport Review staff
gabriel agbonlahor
Gabriel Agbonlahor scored in Villa's 3-2 win at Swindon Photo: The Sport Review

gabriel agbonlahor

Paul Lambert criticised Christian Benteke for a below-par performance, despite the striker scoring twice to help Aston Villa to a 3-2 victory over Swindon.

The 21-year-old and Gabriel Agbonlahor both scored a nine-minute spell just before half-time, but Swindon fought back courtesy of a brace from Miles Storey.

However, Lambert’s men managed to avoid extra-time and possible penalties as their Belgian striker netted in the 90th minute to book Villa’s place in the fifth round.

“Benteke has had a quality start at Villa but his game wasn’t up to my standards,” said Lambert.

“His two goals were world-class finishes but you set yourself a standard and we’ve got to keep him up to that. Why did he fell short? I don’t know.

“But he has been brilliant since he came here and he will get better. He is only 21 and has been a pleasure to work with. He is going to be a big player.”

Villa are currently 17th in the Premier League and without a win since the 15 September, and Lambert believes their Capital One Cup victory could prove vital in improving their league form.

“At 2-0 we were really comfortable and doing well and could have got another goal just before half-time,” he added.

“You become complacent, and credit to Swindon for trying to play the right way, but we deserved to win this game.

“I know how hard it is coming here and you’ve got to earn the right to win. It is not all glamour. It is a big win for us.”

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Ravens vs. Broncos Pick – NFL Week 1

The Denver Broncos head in to the 2015 campaign with one of the greatest signal callers ever under center once again. There was plenty of speculation following last season that it was it for Peyton Manning, but he put that to rest and started to prepare for this season. Manning, towards the second-half of last season, was starting to wear down. There wasn’t anywhere near the same zip we are accustomed to seeing from Manning. His arm looked dead, and his career was looking over with each passing week. The Broncos opted out of the hurry-up offense and went for a more balanced attack, with more ground game work. I really didn’t understand why they weren’t using what had been so good to them since Manning took over. However, it was clear that either Manning’s arm was done for, or there was an injury we didn’t know about. I believe it was the Buffalo Bills game that I started to question Manning. He threw a severely underthrown ball along the sidelines that was picked off. Some people chalked it up as bad game, but there was more to it. Manning continued to sputter down the stretch, as they essentially became a run first squad.

Following the season it was revealed that Manning was playing with an injury, a thigh injury to be exactly. The injury was disclosed during the season, but I don’t think many people thought much about it. The thigh certainly has an impact in the process of throwing a football. Before the injury, Manning was losing zip on his ball, but not to that extent. We’re going to find it real quick if Manning is going to get through another season. It won’t take me long to ascertain if Manning is toast. This may very well be the last season of his career. Stay tuned.

Then there is the added drama of the rumors surrounding John Elway wishing to trade Manning away. The Broncos and Manning open the year against the Baltimore Ravens. Joe Flacco needs to regain some of that Super Bowl magic he had a few years back. Flacco is still undoubtedly a great quarterback. I have no doubts that he puts together an impressive season. He passed for 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, which equated to his best season as a pro. He surpassed his passing yardage record with 3986. 27 touchdowns was also a career high for him. A big jump from his lackluster 2013 campaign, which saw him dishing out 19 touchdowns to 22 interceptions. Flacco and Manning duel it out in this CBS nationally televised game at 4:25 ET.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos NFL Pick

Betting Odds:

Ravens +4.5(-110)
@Broncos +4(-110)

Over 48(-110)
Under 48(-110)

Odds provided by

Ravens vs. Broncos Pick:

Manning and the Broncos’ offense will be without the services of some faces that have become familiar in Denver. First, Wes Welker is out, and is actually still looking for work. His history of concussions has caught up to him and no one is willing to take a shot on him. Welker was one of the main plugs in the Bronco offense two seasons ago, but severely dropped off in 2014. We all saw it coming, a guy of his stature getting beat up on the field for as long as he has was eventually going to slow down. If this is the end for Welker, it was a great career for him, but will be without a Super Bowl ring. Additionally, tight end Julius Thomas, a favorite of Peyton, will be catching balls from Blake Bortles in Jacksonville. Owen Daniels takes over as the number 1 tight end in Denver, definitely a drop off. Manning will still have Demaryius Thomas as his go-to guy, the undisputed number 1 on the Broncos. Emanuel Sanders plays opposite Thomas in the Bronco offense.

The Broncos’ offense didn’t live up to their 2013 season. But we can come to the conclusion that the defense improved drastically. Manning didn’t need to score 40 points a game for the Broncos to win. They could chew up clock on the ground and let the defense go to work. The signing of Aqib Talib was a big reason for that. Talib is back in a Broncos’ uniform this season. The Broncos in fact ranked as 3rd best in the NFL in terms of total team defense. If you weren’t paying attention I’m sure that comes as a bit of a surprise.

I believe that Manning is going to come out with something to prove in week 1. I really don’t know if he is going to hold up throughout the entire season. The Broncos blew the Ravens out in an opener in Denver a couple years back. I see the environment in Denver playing to the Broncos advantage here. The thin air always does, but in game 1 where teams aren’t exactly in mid-season conditioning form, it should wear down on the Ravens come the 4th quarter. I expect a 7-10 point victory for the Broncos, thus, covering the 4.5 points.

PICK: BRONCOS -4.5 (-110)


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I just bought my last Telegraph. News is supposed to be fair and impartial. You people swing so far toward the Republican side that it is disgusting. If you cannot be fair, then I don’t need your paper.

I thought there were laws against having that many passengers in your car when you are that young. Maybe if they had obeyed the law this would not have happened.

A couple years ago someone tried to make a big deal because the street in Wood River is named Whitelaw, trying to make it a racial issue. Well, Whitelaw is the man who helped build the refinery, so I think the person who made this stupid remark should call in to Sound Off and apologize.

I really love the new comics page with the challenging sudoku. The other comics were so bad I stopped reading them. These are really laugh out loud funny. The obits are much improved too. Thanks, Telegraph, for all of the good work.

For some people it is very difficult to tell the truth. Remember when the representative shouted “Liar” when Obama took the podium? He was chastised by everyone. You have to respect the office, if not the man. Well, I say the man in office should respect the office! He shoved this Obama care through Congress lying to the public touring the universities and workplaces as if he was on the campaign trail putting pressure on their reps to vote for it. Pie in the sky. Just like Hillary and the deaths of four Americans in Benghazi, she refused to supply support that cost them their lives. “What difference does it make now” — her famous words! Why don’t you ask the wives, mothers, fathers and children of those for “what difference it made.” And you want her to take Obama’s place ? Are you that crazy? Let’s drain that swamp and get some honest and real Americans in office before it’s to late to reverse the damage done by this President and his administration.

My parents taught me to always tell the truth. Unfortunately, the man who hit me on the evening of Nov. 11 in his white Dodge Ram on Homer Adams Parkway doesn’t have the same moral principles as I do. To this man, I believe in karma.

I went into small business that actually had Fox on the TV. My advice to you if that happens is to complete you business as quickly as possible and escape before it lowers your mental capacity too.

Sarah Palin is an embarrassment to the Republican Party. Why, oh why, do we still let her get herself on television and open her mouth? When our party can put aside people like Palin, Cruz and even Romney we will be a much better party. Get rid of the ignorance.

Gasoline dealers should not be allowed to listen to the news media. Every time it is announced that gas prices are coming down in this country they raise the price.

Gov. Pat Quinn brags that much of his agenda for this year was accomplished including “gay marriage,” expanding the state’s health care to align with Obamacare and restricting the sale of firearms. What didn’t Gov. Quinn accomplish? Fixing our $100 billion pension crisis. Shame on those who continue to support the Democrats.

Where are all the deer at? Are they in the corn fields?

To all of the sheep in our are: if a person is running for public office and they say they are suited to carry the progressive torch, this means they are a socialist.

If you think that Lee Harvey Oswald killed President John F. Kennedy, I bet you believe in the tooth fairy and the Easter Bunny.

Kevin Riker’s letter attempts to justify Obama lying to the American people about Obamacare. What he conveniently ignores is the fact that Obama purposely misled the American people, not only about Obamacare but also about Benghazi, in the heat of a presidential campaign. Obama’s heart had nothing to do about his lies; it had everything to do about politics.

So now that Sarah Palin has opened up her mouth with nothing but negativity again about the pope, of all people, she will apologize. Really? Keep her off our television sets. She is not an example of what I want my children to grow up wanting to be. You can put her right along with Boehner, Cantor and many of the Congress who don’t have respect for anyone.

Feel that there has been a conspiracy going on for the years that Obama has been in office and soon will come to light when an investigation is done. Don’t you find it funny that with maybe only 15 days till the next vacation for the House that nothing has been accomplished as far as the debt that will be coming up in January, the immigration bill, and other very important things that they should have been working on all of this time. No, instead, they are trying to figure out another way to do away with the Affordable Care Act which is here to stay. They have had all this time to come up with help for this president and chose not to do so. Idiots, would have better sense.

Don’t men realize how unappealing they are when they sit around with their mouths hanging open? Can’t they breathe through their noses?

I see that the referendum will be put on the March ballot for the $18.8 million jail bond issue. I bet you that the some people who sighed this referendum will vote to put to keep Pat Quinn in office.

Even though there are people so down on everything that happens in this wonderful country it should stop. We the people are tearing down the reputation of our own country because we believe everything someone says bad about it. Lies have become a reality to people because they have let themselves believe the lies. They are not true. Stop the untruths from happening and stand up for what we all believe in, freedom. Let’s be positive about our America.


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 The Times

Who will protect our children from the anti-vaxxers?

Politicians with little regard for evidence have helped this dangerous movement to flourish

The politicisation of medicine is a disease masquerading as a cure. Ireland’s health service has been grievously harmed by decades of ham-fisted political interference, much of it fuelled by party rivalries, personal vanity and parish-pump concerns. In recent years, however, some of the geniuses who’ve helped botch the healthcare system have seemed increasingly eager to share their views on the science of healthcare itself, with predictably sickening consequences.

One of the most shameful illustrations of this merger between bad politics and bad medicine is the cover of respectability that’s been provided by some TDs and senators for aspects of the propaganda spewed out by the anti-vaccination movement.

Anyone who doubts the scale or seriousness of the threat posed by the spread of virulent misinformation about…

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