text:
• Treat Yourself to a SPA, Not a Pen Test

    by Rook Security on August 27, 2015

    Leading image

    A lot of companies are asked to do a pen test by their clients, because they think a pen test will let them know if their business partner’s technology is “secure” against cyber threats. The scan happens. The areas that need to be fixed are fixed. And the client feels warm and fuzzy inside. However, this feeling is misleading as the company isn't necessarily more secure— all it says is that you found some technical vulnerabilities and that you are going to fix them (or have fixed them). But it…

  • Introduction to Social Media Investigation

    by Ben Rothke on August 28, 2015

    Had you Googled social media investigation a decade ago, you would have gotten a handful of responses. Today, it has become a key part of law enforcement, family law and more. Social media played predominantly in the terrible murder last week of journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward. Law enforcement poured over the social media profiles of the perpetrator. In Introduction to Social Media…

  • Security Metrics to Drive Change

    by Tony Bradley on August 24, 2015

    What’s the point, really? You've dedicated terabytes of storage to capture insane volumes of log data, but for what? Yes, you can distill the highlights which make you look good and drop them in your reports. Be warned that those types of vanity metrics don’t provide any real value. Use the right security metrics in the right way, and you can clearly illustrate the issues. And that's how you…

  • If You Don't Know Where You Are, How Do You Know Where You Are Going?

    by Tony Bradley on August 21, 2015

    Business intelligence and big data analytics are valuable tools for organizations. Collecting and analyzing the right metrics related to current and past performance helps businesses develop effective plans for the future. This is especially true when it comes to securing your network and protecting your data. Think of it like making a trip to the grocery store. You can just walk in and shop. You…

  • The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography

    by Ben Rothke on August 19, 2015

    It’s not clear who first uttered the quip: Of course I can keep a secret. It's the people I tell it to that can't. But what’s clear is that there are plenty of times when it’s a matter of life and death to ensure that secrets remain undisclosed. In The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography, author Simon Singh reveals the often hush-hush world of the science of…

  • What Black Hat and the NFL Have in Common: Strategy

    by Eric Cowperthwaite on August 19, 2015

    This time of year is a merging of two of my favorite things, Hacker Summer Camp aka BSidesLV, Black Hat and DefCon, and the beginning of the football season. On the surface it might not appear that these things have a lot in common. However, a bit deeper analysis tells us that the strategies employed by your security team and your favorite football team revolve around many of the same principles…

  • Change Your Gears

    by Securosis Team on August 17, 2015

    I'm a cyclist. Not necessarily a very good one, but I can hold my own in the middle of the pack. On group rides you always have the person who locks into a gear and sticks with it. Their pedaling cadence slows on hills, speeds up on inclines, and they don't really shift a lot. It isn't overly efficient, especially compared to the pro-level riders who keep a constant cadence and work the shifter…

  • A Note on #CISOProblems

    by Eric Cowperthwaite on August 11, 2015

    What is it about this time of year? In the past month or so I’ve noticed even more headlines and reports than usual about the problems plaguing today’s CSOs and CISOs. If you’ve somehow managed to dodge the onslaught of grim stats, I’ll sum it up for you: The “bad guys” are proliferating and becoming more sophisticated. Security managers are having a hard time getting enough “good guys” on their…

  • CISO Guide to Being an Effective Security Leader

    by Fahmida Y. Rashid on August 10, 2015

    With all the data breaches and security headlines of the past year, it was inevitable that the role of the CISO would become much more visible. Organizations are increasingly hiring CISOs or creating senior-level security positions, but there is still a lot of confusion about what a CISO actually does. The job description has changed from mitigating exposure and securing the perimeter, to one of…

  • A Vendor's View of the RSA Conference: U.S. vs. Asia-Pacific Japan

    by RSAC Contributor on August 7, 2015

    This post comes from Stephen Cavey, director of corporate development for Ground Labs. Ground Labs was a sponsor and exhibitor for both RSA Conference USA and RSA Conference APJ this year. Below are his thoughts on both conferences. Conferences provide the ideal venue to directly engage your clients, as well as connect with members of the same industry. And when it comes to IT security…

  • Digital Identity Management

    by Ben Rothke on August 6, 2015

    Digital identity management is a broad term; but when applied to information security, refers to identifying users with a network, application or system and controlling their access to resources within those systems and applications. An interesting point made early in Digital Identity Management (Elsevier 978-1785480041) is that French Interest users averaged 16.4 digital ID’s in 2013; which is up…

This document was retrieved from on Sun, 30 Aug 2015 11:55:42 -0400.
© 2015 EMC Corporation. All rights reserved.


Content-Type: application/http; msgtype=response

WARC-Type: response

text:
Justice on wheels: Double-decker courthouse launched in UAE

Dubai's courts building  (AFP Photo / Str)
Abu Dhabi is planning to literally bring justice to the most distant corners of the emirate with the help of a newly launched double-deck bus, redesigned for holding court sessions and trials wherever it is necessary.

As part of its efforts to improve services, the Emirate's Judicial Department has announced the launch of a fully equipped mobile courtroom capable of holding trials and accommodating legal and administrative staff.

The inauguration on the 4.5 metres high and 14 metres long double-decker, took place in the Presidential Palace.

“The strategy of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department lays stress on the development of judicial and legal services through innovative ways that save the time and effort of customers and on taking its services to all members of the public anytime, anywhere,” Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, said at the ceremony, The National reports.

On its ground level, the bus has a courtroom that will accommodate judges, prosecutors, and clerks. The administrative office providing services and answering public inquiries will be located on the second floor. The bus is also reportedly equipped with a multiple touch-screen system to provide directory information and details of the case during the trials.

The bus will now travel across the Abu Dhabi emirate on an educational campaign and will visit schools, universities and residential areas to help raise public awareness of judicial procedures.

After that the courtroom will become fully-operational and will start holding trials. “This will be especially efficient to reach those involved in group hearings or individuals with special needs who have difficulty travelling,” a judicial department spokesperson told Gulf News earlier this year.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates each governed by a hereditary emir who jointly form the Federal Supreme Council, the highest legislative and executive body in the country. One of the emirs is selected as the President of the United Arab Emirates. All emirates have their own secular and Islamic law for civil, criminal, and high courts.

warcinfo:
robots: classic
hostname: ip-10-171-96-226.ec2.internal
software: Nutch 1.6 (CC)/CC WarcExport 1.0
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2015-35
operator: CommonCrawl Admin
description: Wide crawl of the web for August 2015
publisher: CommonCrawl
format: WARC File Format 1.0
conformsTo: http://bibnum.bnf.fr/WARC/WARC_ISO_28500_version1_latestdraft.pdf


text:
Pinkerton detective Casey Walker is hired by McAllister to find his grandson, Tommy, and remove him from his "unfit" mother. Though Belle Parker McAllister met her husband, Tom, in a brothel, she is a good woman and a loving mother. After Tom's father disinherited him, they made a new life for themselves in California.

When Tom dies, Belle fears her father-in-law will try to take Tommy, so she hires a bodyguard, Casey Walker, to protect her son. Casey soon discovers that Belle is not a woman of easy virtue and tries to talk McAllister out of his fanatical desire to take the boy.

McAllister has Casey followed and Tommy kidnapped. Believing Casey betrayed her trust and filled with guilt over her son's abduction, Belle goes to San Francisco to confront McAllister. When McAllister is found murdered, Belle is the prime suspect and is jailed for the murder. Casey convinces her to marry him to keep Tommy safe in his custody.

Belle is released when one of McAllister's old rivals confesses. Misunderstandings abound and even though she and Casey are in love, neither will admit to their true feeling; except in bed.

Strong characters, a fast pace, plenty of action, adventure and sensuality keep the pages flying in one more entertaining Connie Mason romance. SENSUAL (Feb., 400 pp., $5.50)

Reviewed by:
Jill Brager


text:
Israeli army closes three roads leading to Gaza in probable military build-up

Friday 16 November 2012 23.56
1 of 2
Israel says its attack is is response to increasing missiles from Gaza
Israel says its attack is is response to increasing missiles from Gaza
Two rockets from Gaza crashed near Tel Aviv yesterday
Two rockets from Gaza crashed near Tel Aviv yesterday

The Israeli army has said it was closing to civilian traffic three roads that lead to, or border the Gaza Strip, in an indication of a probable military build-up in the area.

Shortly before, political sources said Defence Minister Ehud Barak was seeking government approval to mobilise up to 75,000 reserve troops for Israel's Gaza campaign, in a sign of preparations for a possible ground offensive.

Palestinian militants have fired a rocket aimed at Jerusalem, setting off air raid sirens throughout the city.

It opens a new front in three days of fierce fighting between Israel and armed groups in Gaza.

The attack marks a major escalation by Gaza militants, both for its symbolism and its distance from the Palestinian territory.

Located roughly 75km away from the Gaza border, Jerusalem had been thought to be beyond the range of Gaza rocket squads.

Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Hamas militant wing, said the group had fired a long-range, homemade "M-75" rocket at Jerusalem.

The Israeli campaign has been limited to airstrikes so far, but military officials say they are considering expanding it to a ground campaign.

Lt Col Avital Leibovich, a military spokeswoman, said the military called 16,000 reservists to duty today as it gears up for a possible ground offensive.

She said the army had authority to draft an additional 14,000 soldiers.

Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the rocket landed in an open area near Gush Ezion, a collection of Jewish settlements in the West Bank southeast of the city.

Gush Ezion is close to the Palestinian city of Bethlehem and just a few kilometers from the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City, one of Islam's holiest sites.

Jews call the compound the Temple Mount because of the biblical Jewish temples that once stood there.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians live in Jerusalem and nearby areas of the West Bank.

Militants already have fired rockets into the southern outskirts of Tel Aviv, another unprecedented achievement, yesterday.

The rocket attacks have not hurt anyone in the bustling metropolis, but have caused panic and jitters.

Just a few years ago, Palestinian rockets were limited to crude, homemade devices manufactured in Gaza.

But in recent years, Hamas and other armed groups have smuggled in sophisticated, longer-range rockets from Iran and Libya, which has been flush with weapons since Muammar Gaddafi was ousted last year.

Most of the rockets do not have guided systems, limiting their accuracy, though Israeli officials believe the militants may have a small number of guided missiles that have not yet been deployed.

The strike occurred on the third day of an Israeli offensive in Gaza meant to halt rocket fire from the crowded seaside strip.

Israel began the offensive Wednesday by assassinating Hamas' military chief and striking dozens of rocket launchers.

But militants have continued to rain rockets across Israel.

Along the border today, tanks, armoured vehicles and military bulldozers were parked in neat rows.

Soldiers milled about, while buses filled with soldiers moved in the area.

Hamas militants have vowed to resist the Israeli offensive.

They received a boost of solidarity today with a visit by Egyptian Prime Minister Hesham Kandil, who called on Israel to end its operation.

In all, 23 Palestinians have been killed, including 11 civilians, according to Gaza health officials, and 250 people wounded.

Three Israelis were killed when a rocket hit an apartment building in southern Israel.


text:
FONT-SIZE Plus   Neg

Dow Chemical (DOW) Has Fallen Below Today's Range

Dow Chemical (DOW) gapped open lower Monday morning, but has since traded in a narrow range. The stock has fallen further in the last few minutes on increased volume and is now down 1.01 at $32.41.

Dow Chemical has been pulling back from resistance for the past week and a half and has set a one-month low.

by RTT Staff Writer

For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News

comments powered by Disqus
Trade DOW now with
Follow RTT


text:
Vintage Sterling Silver Beach Bathing Female Charm - RARE

$45 USD

Add to Wish List

Just 4 Girls

Just4Girls, Wine Country, CA

Jewelry & Collectibles

Many items are in the backroom. So if you are looking for something and can't find it please inquire.

Platinum Rating Platinum
Exclusive Ruby Lane Member since 2007

Shipping & Handling :$3.85 USD
Insurance:$1.95 USD

Price for shipping to USA
change location
USPS First-Class Mail Parcel

140 character limit

More from Just 4 Girls


WARC-Truncated: length

text:
Our quality selection of floor coverings makes it easy to create that perfect space. Let us help make the path you walk on exceptional!

  • Mohawk Flooring

    Mohawk Flooring

    Mohawk sells floor covering and textiles for every room in the home and for every commercial application.
    Shaw Floors

    Shaw Floors

    Get lasting appeal and a solid foundation for a number of fashionable looks for your hardwood floors.
    Tarkett Floors

    Tarkett is a worldwide leader in flooring and sports surfaces serving architects, contractors, facility professionals, distributors, retailers to meet individual tastes and functional needs.
    Armstrong Floors

    Armstrong Flooring

    Armstrong markets the most extensive portfolio of residential and commercial floor products available.

Why choose us?

Huge selection of quality floor coverings!

Rug and Remnant Floors specializes in flooring fashion. Our sales team will provide the best possible shopping experience when purchasing fashionable flooring. Rug and Remnant Floors has a non-pressured, relaxed atmosphere that will allow you to reach your flooring fashion decisions, which will leave you feeling confident with your purchase. Rug and Remnant Floors is your flooring store to meet your needs from residential, commercial and property management.

Great service and installation guarantee!

Our professional installers have been in the flooring industry for many years. They have a vast amount of experience when installing any product from carpet to hard surfaces. We take pride in the workmanship each of our professional installers’ desire and produce. All of our installations are guaranteed. Please see in-store for complete details.

Great Manufacturers Warranties

As with any flooring products, all the manufacturers have their own unique warranties. When choosing the right product for your home or commercial site, please remember to talk to our sales staff about the warranties that are offered by the manufacturers.

Location! Location! Location!

Rug and Remnant Floors has moved back to our new retail building located at 8395 King George Blvd.


text:
News Article

Sevens coach wants Wallabies stars

Printable Version Printable Version    Recommend Recommend    Email to a friend Email to a friend

By AAP Media Unit

Boom Wallabies Digby Ioane, David Pocock and James O'Connor are being sized up for Commonwealth Games duty along with Matt Giteau, to bolster Australia's improving Sevens squad.

Coach Michael O'Connor guided Australia to the semi-finals at Las Vegas on the weekend, their best result in two years on the IRB Sevens circuit, and believes they would be genuine gold medal contenders in Delhi with the addition of a couple of Test stars.

At the 2006 Melbourne Games, Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Chris Latham and Scott Fava were four Test players thrown into the Sevens squad in a move which had mild success, resulting in a fourth-place finish.

Pleased with the progress of his young squad, O'Connor doesn't feel the need to include as many Wallabies in Delhi in October, but has told the Australian Rugby Union's high-performance unit he was keen for a big-name boost.

He would even love to educate Queensland winger Ioane and Western Force flanker Pocock, who have limited Sevens experience, on the run in between the end of the Wallabies Tri-Nations campaign and their Spring Tour of Europe.

"I've had that discussion with the ARU and I'm very interested in one or two," he told AAP.

"There are players there who have played Sevens before who are good Sevens players and there are players who haven't but I have no doubt they would be good Sevens players - the obvious examples are Digby Ioane and David Pocock."

O'Connor said Ioane's strength and speed made him a Sevens natural while Pocock, who has unseated George Smith as the Wallabies ball scavenger, "ticks all the boxes."

"I think Dave Pocock would be an absolutely fantastic Sevens player," he said.

"He's extremely fit, strong over the ball, quick, he played in the centres at school, and he's smart and would learn quickly.

"Gits has played and is good at Sevens, James O'Connor has played a bit of Sevens and he'd be great."

The main stumbling block is Wallabies coach Robbie Deans preparation schedule for the Spring Tour, which will include Tests against England, Italy, France and possibly also Wales and the All Blacks.

The Wallabies are scheduled to leave for Europe on October 30, more than three weeks after the Sevens are played at Delhi, but Deans' first training camp is due to start in Sydney on October 4.

O'Connor would require his full squad to attend a 10-day pre-Games camp in late September in Darwin, to include a mini-tournament against other Games rivals.

"Sevens is a game we don't play a lot in Australia and there are nuances that you can only learn by playing the game," he said.

"I've taken on Super 14 players who don't aim up with the fitness aspect of it."

Ioane last played Sevens in 2003 but quickly put his hand up on Wednesday.

"I would love to, it would just depend on how it panned out with the Test season," he said.

Brought to you by AAP

© 2010 AAP

Two enforced changes to Comm Youth Games squad; Schedules released
The Australian Boys Sevens squad that will travel to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa has been forced to make two changes.
Read full article...
Aussie skippers claim Sevens player honours at 2015 John Eales Medal
=Qantas Australian Sevens captains Ed Jenkins and Sharni Williams have been named Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year at the 2015 John Eales Medal in Sydney. Read full article...
Behind-the-scenes with Sevens star Charlotte Caslick
Women's World Sevens Player of the Year nominee Charlotte Caslick gave the Rugby community a unique insight into her game-day preparations ahead of the recent exhibition clash against Japan at ANZ Stadium. Read full article...


text:
Dale College 2012

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 13:52
Large dalecollege schools630

It has been a long 14 seasons since Dale College enjoyed such spectator support.

It has been a long 14 seasons since Dale College enjoyed such spectator support and an enthusiasm to see “this Dale rugby team”.

Where ever one went the talk of the rugby season was the way this team approached the game, the spirit in which they played and their ability to be able to bounce back and take control. Hector Paper (1961) said that it is “like watching lightning” against Grens as one just did not know where to look!

For the record the 2012 Dale First XV played 19 games; winning 15, losing two with two games ending in a draw. They scored 495 points to 236 points from the opposition. The win rate for 2012 is 79% and the success rate 84%. A pleasing set of results as report cards would reflect.

 To put this into more perspective one has to realise that based on seasonal history and going back to the 1880 rugby season  Dale enjoy a win rate of 65% and a success rate of 68%. Clearly the 2012 side rates as a very successful Dale College First XV.

The most important analysis of South African Schools rugby season of 2012 is that the Dale side finished off the season in the most credible Number 9 position in the Top 20. Furthermore an analysis looking at schools rugby results over the last four years and the top 28 sides, Dale College is rated and ranked at number 10 in South Africa. Both positions are significant in that no other schools side on the Border and in the Eastern Province or the Eastern Cape Province are ahead of Dale College. A remarkable achievement and season and a first for a Black South African schoolboy rugby team.

The side played at the Graeme College Rugby day in Grahamstown, the Kearsney College Easter Festival in Durban and the Grey High School Festival in Port Elizabeth. They encountered all sorts of weather conditions from mud and water at a rain-soaked Graeme College to mist and diffused light conditions in Durban and torrential rain in Port Elizabeth. So much so that a game against Daniël Pienaar had to be called off as just too dangerous underfoot.

One might ask why the past 14 seasons are significant. In a nutshell, 14 seasons ago, was the last time that a Dale side achieved a win rate of 90% or more. From then onward there have been many peaks, reaching 75%, and valleys to the worst season of 25% win rate in 2007. This was a very young Dale side that were the nucleus of the renaissance period of the last few years. Considering that Dale has not been blessed with great forward power the sides have adapted to a fast and mobile fifteen with fast pace and great interchange between forwards and backs. The lack of big forwards has brought out the best in the Dalians to adapt playing conditions and take advantage of fitness and playing at full pace and in many cases mesmerising both opposition and spectators alike. Accolades aplenty have been written. From the Sowetan, the Natal newspapers, to the local newspapers as well as National magazines such as You and Huisgenoot. All singing praises of Dale Rugby like no other school could enjoy or has enjoyed.

Some seasons ago we criticised many schools for poaching Dale College talented players. These schools are from the Gauteng area and even our local environment. We acknowledged that Dale was in a transitional development phase and an all-embracing change, transformation and acceptance based on the demographic make up of the New South Africa. The last few seasons under Head Coach and Director of Dale College Rugby – Grant Griffith - the doomsayers have again been forced to take back their harsh criticism, negative perceptions and to eat humble pie. Those “poachers” have at last resorted to developing talent from their own pool of previously disadvantaged players and are recognising the enormous pool of raw talent that exists

 Research has shown that all past Dale College and Diocesan Grammar School Headmasters have all and almost as one reiterated year after year from earliest times the need for broad-based education to involve the population of South Africa. Two Headmasters, Malcolm Andrew and James Haupt, had the courage of their convictions to press ahead with the open schools policy and implement the visions of their predecessors without any contradiction or awkwardness. All this to the distress of their respective SGB members in general. Most of those members of the SGB at that time of early transformation saw nothing but deceit and perceived disaster in the way the Headmasters were implementing change and education of one and all!
May those SGB members, to a man, who have passed on rest in peace and who are most likely turning in their graves! However those who were highly critical, including Chairmen and are still alive and kicking, should at least be man enough in true Dalian tradition, stand up, be counted and state “we were wrong and admit that the New Dalian has brought great honour to our and their Alma Mater and that Headmasters Andrew and Haupt were correct!”  Again there will be readers who may ask the reason for this inclusion in the article about Dale Rugby. The simple answer is that sooner or later the truth must out and to give praise where praise is due. Without foresight we would still be trying to defend the indefensible

The underlying magic that is Dale College is that the 2012 rugby side had a squad of 22 so called Black players who did themselves proud, the school proud, transformation proud and given Grant Griffith and his coaching “brains trust” members extreme pride. The season also saw the arrival at Dale College of rugby players from Zimbabwe. This was reminiscent of the days of yesteryear when boys came to Dale from the then Northern and Southern Rhodesias and further a field. It did not raise eyebrows then and when these were raised this season a reminder to the past soon placed the situation into perspective.

Some games this year gave spectators some anxious moments. There will always be teams that make it a goal to lower the flag of the high-rolling and successful team. That is the nature of competition. The character shown by this 2012 side in coming back to draw with highly rated sides from Paul Roos and Glenwood has been a talking point and must be used as motivational inspiration to future teams, especially when the half-time scores would indicate embarrassing end results in each case.

 Kingswood came close to lowering the Dale flag but again patience won the day and against the run of play Dale snuck home to win in Grahamstown. The early season game and win against a big Marlow side in the mud and quagmire Graeme College field gave an indication as to the character of the side that was ably captained by Sibanye. Bukani who also had to take over leading a depleted Craven Week Border Schools side.
Highlights of the season must surely be the “Double Header Win” away and at home against Selborne College. The home game in King saw the Dale Squad turn out in Pink Strip to highlight cancer and to promote CANSA. This first at school rugby was a great talking point. A spectacle that had its own set of emotions that were in many cases privately and openly reflected by many spectators. This was only the third time since 1910 that the Dale side did not play in traditional black jerseys with red hoops. The Reunion game against Queen’s College saw a highly motivated Dale side streak away to a commanding lead. It also saw the Dale side produce a character filled defensive game to keep a revitalised Queen’s team away and to force a win. One of the best games of the season

With wins and drawn games also come games that are lost. The season of 2012 will record two losses - one against Grey High School in Port Elizabeth and the other the last game of the season against Queen’s College in Queenstown.

The Grey game was billed as the game of the season. Unfortunately Dale was hit with injuries and the typical very windy conditions upset the Dale style of play. Half-time saw Dale holding a slender lead. No doubt the Grey coaches saw the weaknesses and stern words saw a new approach from Grey. There was no domination and only late into the second half did the Grey side move ahead through clever and opportunist play. All credit to Grey who were up to the challenge and were able to counter the Dale style of play.

The last game of the season against our oldest schoolboy rival (1891) Queen’s College in Queenstown lived up to the pre-match expectations from all sides of the rugby spectrum. As usual the game was played at a frenetic pace. However Dale missed two vital players in scrumhalf Akona Sihunu was doing duty for SA Schools and flyhalf Luke Masasire playing cricket in Australia for the Zimbabwe national Under-19 side in the ICC Cup tournament.

Queen's were fired up and through the brilliant play of the Queen’s halfback pairing were able to punish the Dale side. The end result was a hard convincing win for Queen's that was not as one-sided as the score might suggest. Queen's flyhalf Josh Stander gave a brilliant performance of tactical play and was the Queen's general on the day. Although Dale were beaten rugby was the winner giving the departing Queen’s College Headmaster Dave Lovett his first win against Dale as he leaves to take up the Headmaster post at KES.

What does the future and specifically 2013 rugby season hold in store for Dale? It is expected that about half the squad will be back to form the nucleus of the 2013 team. There is talent coming through at second and third teams as well as individual Under-16 and Under Under-15 and Under-14 sides. A criticism is that the open sides below thirds do not play nearly enough games in a season to hone skills and allow for Dale coaches to spot early talent. Dale Junior had a good season and is again in a building phase that promises good results for the future. The use of more than development phases is needed. Dale College have to take some bold steps and step up the game and rugby coaching to the extent of incorporating an academy. We have the talent, as a transformed former all-white historical school of South Africa we need to attract the millions of rands up for sport development. Dale needs a rethink and a business driven individual to be out in the market place soliciting the aid and sponsorships. The year 2013 marks 20 years from when the academy approach was first brought up for discussion!

The sad news is that Dale College Head coach Grant Griffith is leaving Dale to take up a coaching post with the Hamiltons rugby club in Cape Town. It is a sad loss for Dale College but a wonderful opportunity for coach Griffith. The Old Dalian who captained the all conquering 1993 rugby side to coaching at Dale Junior and ultimately at Dale College. He will be sorely missed as he could always be seen at the Dale Junior fields and games as well as with all the Dale College teams. He joined the College in 2007 and was appointed assistant First XV coach and after successfully guiding Dale Junior teams through the previous few years.

Griffy as he is affectionately called by every one has achieved much once he was appointed head coach of Dale College rugby. The seasonal stats from 2009 to 2012 seasons read:

His record under the headings played - won - lost -  drew - points for - points against - %age wins:

2009: 20 - 11 - 9 - 0 - 559 - 301 - 60
2010: 18 - 10 - 8 - 0 - 423 - 318 - 56
2011: 20 - 14 - 6 - 0 - 537 - 311 - 70
2012: 19 - 15 - 2 - 2 - 495 - 236 - 79

Total: 77 - 50 - 25 - 2 - 2014 - 1166 - 65

We all wish Griffy well in Cape Town and we know that his successor at First XV level will have big feet to fill that have been left by the “little man of Dale Rugby” and where some of the dale Junior boys were bigger than he is and where he was like a midget when mixing with his First XV boys. Good luck, Griffy, and may your life as student, rugby player and coach at Dale College place you in good stead in the future.

2012 Rugby Awards

Half Colours

Ayathandwa Tsengiwe
Luke Masasire
Luwanda Mbi
Zimi Ngongqwana
Mihlali Mgadle
Anathi Nompandana
Lindokhuhle Kenene
Rocur Julies
Banele Mvolontshi

Malwande Mhame
Milani Mqhayi
Tapiwe Tsomondo
Sibanye Bukanye
Thabani Mgugudu
Mihlali Mtongana
Somila Jho
Tinotenda Zakeyo
Clement Chirwa
Kwezi Puza
Lazarus Chisaya
Anda Nanto

Akhona Sihunu


text:
Pollard one of five new Bok caps

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 10:10
Large pollard bok training.jpg630

There are five debutants in the Springbok squad to face Scotland in Port Elizabeth, with 14 changes from the match-day 23 that edged Wales.

There are five debutants in the Springbok squad to face Scotland in Port Elizabeth, with 14 changes from the match-day 23 that edged Wales in Nelspruit.

The four uncapped players on a new-look bench are prop Marcel van der Merwe, lock Stephan Lewies, loose forward Teboho Mohoje and flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff. Also on the bench are Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Francois Hougaard and Zane Kirchner, none of whom have played any Test rugby yet this season.

Two players, Handré Pollard and Marcell Coetzee, have not yet featured for the Springboks this year, while four of these are replacements who have been promoted to the starting team, namely Lwazi Mvovo, Schalk Burger, Lodewyk de Jager and Coenie Oosthuizen.

Tendai Mtawarira (neck), Flip van der Merwe (knee) Willem Alberts (concussion) and Johan Goosen (knee) were not considered for selection this week. Goosen has been released from the squad and has returned to Bloemfontein to continue his final phase rehabilitation at the Cheetahs.

"We had to make a number of changes to the team and while team selection is never easy, especially this week when we had to make a few hard decisions, it's been great to see the excitement under the players for this final Test of the series," said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.

"Our plans had always been to try a few new combinations this week against Scotland and I'm looking forward to see the guys grab their opportunities."

Meyer said Pollard had always been part of his plans for the June Tests, but that his selection as SA Under-20 captain meant he could only join the squad this week.

"Handré is a very talented player and has a big opportunity this week, but he'll have Fourie du Preez’s experience next to him, while he's played a lot with Jan Serfontein before. It's great to have the current and a former World Junior Player of the Year in the same backline.

"The other new faces in the starting line-up have been part of our squad for some time and they all deserve a run."

On the composition of the bench, Meyer commented: "Adriaan, Trevor, Francois and Zane know what it's about while the other guys will bring energy and enthusiasm with them.

"All of them deserve this chance. 'Oupa' still played Varsity and Vodacom Cup rugby earlier this season before he got an opportunity to play Super Rugby for the Cheetahs because of injuries. He took his chance and now he’s on the cusp of making his Test debut," said Meyer.

"Marnitz and Marcel have shone for their franchises this year and patiently waited in the last couple of weeks, always working hard and putting in everything at our training sessions. Stephan only joined us on Monday, but he made an impression already at our training camp in Durban last month and slotted in without any problems this week.

"Marcel, Stephan, Oupa and Marnitz all made their Super Rugby debuts earlier this year following injuries to other players and it's great to see so many younger players come through the ranks."

The Springboks will face a confident Scotland side on Saturday after they beat the USA, Canada and Argentina on tour in the last three weeks.

"They are always a tough opponent, like we saw last year in Nelspruit, but our aim is to build on the two victories over Wales in the last fortnight," said Meyer.

Meanwhile, Van der Merwe has joined a long list of injured players who will not play again this season after he was ruled out for six months following examination by specialists in Pretoria. He injured his posterior cruciate ligaments.

Mtawarira, who has a bulging disc in his neck and consulted with a specialist in Durban earlier this week, will be monitored for the next two weeks before a decision on his return to the field will be made.

The following players missed out on the entire or part of the June Tests because of injury: Jean de Villiers (knee), Damian de Allende (knee) Eben Etzebeth (foot), Jaque Fourie (ankle), Pat Lambie (bicep), Frans Malherbe (concussion), Scarra Ntubeni (foot), Pieter-Steph du Toit (knee), Franco van der Merwe (ankle), Arno Botha (knee), Pierre Spies (bicep), Louis Schreuder (hand), Gio Aplon (elbow), Juan de Jongh (pneumonia), Mtawarira, Van der Merwe, Alberts and Goosen.

Seven players based in France and England have been released to their clubs and were not available for selection this week. they are Gurthrö Steenkamp, Schalk Brits, Bakkies Botha, Francois Louw, Morné Steyn, Wynand Olivier and Bryan Habana.

South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 JP Pietersen, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Victor Matfield (captain), 4 Lodewyk de Jager, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Marcel van der Merwe, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Teboho Mohoje, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Marnitz Boshoff, 23 Zane Kirchner.

Date: Saturday, June 28
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT; 16.00 BST)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Marius Mitrea (Italy)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)


text:
France v England

French force: Imanol Harinordoquy gets stuck into England's forwards during France's 19-12 win at last year's RWC

By Sarah Mockford, Rugby World Features Editor

PARIS IN the springtime (well nearly). That’s the venue for this weekend’s RBS 6 Nations tie between France and England – the first time the two sides have met since Les Bleus knocked Martin Johnson’s men out of the World Cup in October. Both sides have new coaches in charge now – Philippe Saint-Andre in the blue corner and Stuart Lancaster in the white – so what can we expect when the two sides meet at Stade de France on Sunday afternoon?

  • England’s unchanged first XV contains 197 Test caps – less than a third of France’s 623.
  • England’s starting players are on average four years younger than France’s – 25.5 years compared to 29.6.
  • France haven’t lost at the Stade de France in ten championship matches, but England are the last side to beat them there in the Six Nations: 24-13 in 2008. In fact, England have won four of their last five games against France in the Six Nations.
  • If England triumph in Paris it would be the first time they have won three away games in the championship since the Six Nations began in 2000.

Julien Dupuy and Lionel Beauxis

New duo: Julien Dupuy and Lionel Beauxis

The half-backs

As a reaction to last weekend’s 17-17 draw with Ireland, Saint-Andre has changed his half-back pairing, bringing in Lionel Beauxis and Julien Dupuy for Morgan Parra and Francois Trinh-Duc. The newcomers should bring a more pragmatic approach to France’s game and expect to see Beauxis playing for territory with his boot rather than Les Bleus running the ball from the first whistle.

Beauxis and England’s Owen Farrell are both accurate goalkickers, but France have the best disciplinary record in this year’s Six Nations, conceding just 16 penalties compared to England’s 31, so the Toulouse man is more likely to be given the opportunity to build a lead for his team than Farrell.

Kicking aside, Farrell must build on his strong performance against Wales, particularly where England’s attack is concerned. He and Lee Dickson, who will no doubt be put under pressure by Dupuy, need to ensure the back-line has some quick ball to play with so they can get Manu Tuilagi across the gain-line and bring the back three into the game for the first time in 2012.

The set-piece

France will be looking to assert their authority at scrum time with their front of Jean-Baptiste Poux, Dimitri Szarzewski and Nicolas Mas vastly more experienced than England trio Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley and Dan Cole. France also have the benefit of simply participating in more scrums in this Six Nations – 23 in their three games compared to only ten by England – and they’ve won every single one.

England No 8 Ben Morgan is at his best when given a solid scrum platform from which he can burst forward and capitalise on his speed and power; if England’s scrum is put under pressure then their attacking game will immediately be put on the back foot.

Chris Ashton

Looking for an opening: Chris Ashton has yet to rediscover his best form

Cutting edge

The French haven’t excelled in terms of attacking rugby to date but they still have the ability to turn on the style when they choose and have scored seven tries in their three games while England have managed two, both Charlie Hodgson charge downs.

France’s discipline means England can’t rely on Farrell’s boot and if they are to win in Paris they need to show the same passion and determination that they did against Wales but step up another level in attack.

Ben Foden, Chris Ashton and David Strettle, who have had a minimal impact on the championship to date, need to get more involved in the game. They should be looking for more work themselves by coming off their wings or counter-attacking from deep while the likes of Farrell and Tuilagi can also bring them into the attack earlier with offloads and short balls in midfield.

If France get a strong foothold up front it could be a tough afternoon for England, but I’m backing Chris Robshaw to give as good as they get and, in fact, I think there could well be a second stalemate in Paris in as many weeks. Yes, I’m going for a draw!

FRANCE: Clement Poitrenaud; Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie, Wesley Fofana, Julien Malzieu; Lionel Beauxis, Julien Dupuy; Jean-Baptiste Poux, Dimitri Szarzewski, Nicolas Mas, Pascal Pape, Yoann Maestri, Thierry Dusautoir (captain), Julien Bonnaire, Imanol Harinordoquy.
Replacements: William Servat, Vincent Debaty, Lionel Nallet, Louis Picamoles, Morgan Parra, Francois Trinh-Duc, Maxime Mermoz.

ENGLAND: Ben Foden; Chris Ashton, Manu Tuilagi, Brad Barritt, David Strettle; Owen Farrell, Lee Dickson; Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole, Mouritz Botha, Geoff Parling, Tom Croft, Chris Robshaw (captain), Ben Morgan.
Replacements: Rob Webber, Matt Stevens, Tom Palmer, Phil Dowson, Ben Youngs, Charlie Hodgson, Mike Brown.
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)


text:
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Slideshow

run Disney, Disney running, Walt Disney World Marathon

The Walt Disney World Marathon

Hot dog! It’s one of Mickey Mouse’s favorite phrases and it couldn’t have been more appropriate for the 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon on January 13, 2013. The mercury climbed to unseasonably warm temps, with a high of 81 degrees and humidity to match. The sun hung hot and heavy in a largely cloudless blue sky as runners worked their way around the World—Walt Disney World, that is.

I was on hand for all of the weekend’s action, from the Health & Fitness Expo to the Pasta in the Park Party, the Walt Disney World Marathon Meet Up and the Downtown Disney Cool Down After Party.

As one of the weekend’s 65,000 runners, I soaked in the sun as I ran through Magic Kingdom, the Walt Disney World Speedway, Animal Kingdom, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot on marathon morning—dressed as Cinderella in Rags with Jacque the Mouse by my side, played with gusto by my husband. These are my highlights from the weekend, including a few brushes with Mickey Mouse himself.

Click on any photo for a slideshow view. All photos copyright Karla Bruning and Phil Hospod

Disclosure: As a member of the running media, runDisney has provided me with complimentary race entry, hotel, park tickets, airfare and some meals (like the Pasta in the Park Party) for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. But as always, all opinions are purely my own. I really do believe in being honest about my experiences and Disney is no exception. For more information read my Disclosure Policy.

Karla Bruning

Karla Bruning is a regular contributor to SHAPE.com, TV host for events like the Panasonic New York City Triathlon + race announcer at events like the TCS New York City Marathon. She used to report for Newsweek but spent her free time squeezing in workouts. Now it's her job. She's run 7 marathons, 22 halves, 6 triathlons, moonlights as a wedding singer, spoils her dog + travels compulsively.

    Follow Along:
  • facebook
  • googleplus
  • pinterest
  • twitter
  • youtube

01 2013

4 Comments Add Yours ↓

The upper is the most recent comment

  1. 1

    Great collection of photos – it’d be hard to run a Disney marathon without stopping! Can see what a warm day it was – perfect for visitors and spectators – maybe not for marathoners 😉
    Ewen recently posted..Assessing strengths and weaknessesMy Profile

  2. 3

    So great to see all your photos! :-)

    • Karla Bruning

      Love your photos too! We took pictures with totally different characters. It’s fun to see who stops for who.

  1. Run, Karla, Run! » Blog Archive Dopey Challenge Comes to 2014 Disney World Marathon - Run, Karla, Run! 23 03 13

Your Comment

CommentLuv badge


text:
A new 10k in under 60 mins thread?

They're all too fast in the other thread!

15,161 to 15,180 of 16,094 messages
09/11/2012 at 20:52

Been a Runnersworld reader for some time now but only just cottoned onto the forum. I've also been parkrunning for a few years now at Richmond and Gunnersbury. Which parkrun do you go to Lisa123? Sorry to hear about your grandad but running should help you feel better about it.

09/11/2012 at 22:59

Lisa, so sorry you've lost your grandad Hope you're okay.

Hi Becky, welcome

7th skip, well done

Dave, I have my fingers crossed for your next run.

Andi, that's good news about your back.

 I still have a horrible cough and blocked nose/ears and I developed a headache yesterday which still hasn't gone away. Painkillers don't help which is really odd because I so rarely take them. I didn't go out for the three miles I had planned last night; I went to lie down in a dark room.

Today's 11-hour shift (with the headache) means I can't run today either. I don't think there's any chance I'll be running Sunday.

Still planning on parkrun tomorrow morning though, I need to get out there. Won't be very fast though!

10/11/2012 at 06:50
Morning all

Becky welcome you will love this thread everyone helps keep each other motivated

Lisa so sorry about your Grandad big hugs for your family sad times

Andi great news back seems improved, stupid technology don't know why we rely on it! Lol

Carpathius I hate the bugs around this time of year they just go on and on and on fingers crossed you on the last leg of it now!
Dave hope the next time out is pain free nightmare.

Well hubby joined the gym that girls and I go to yesterday as he has entered a monster dragon bike ride inear us in Wales next June and feels he needs some other training so I can see us fighting over time out the house again soon to train he he . No sure will be fine girls where chuffed yesterday as dad came to meet them at club so we could all swim together small things that mean so much to little ins

Well this morning I get few hours by myself so plan a run and a longish swim in peace thank god for the weekend

Was anybody racing this weekend? I've lost track. I have my 10k Morunning next Sunday and think Graham and a couple more of you also had races next Sunday but not sure about this weekend. If anyone is good luck
10/11/2012 at 07:50

Sorry to hear about your Grandad.  Running can be a source of escape however if you don't feel like running then go with how you feel.

10/11/2012 at 07:55

Hi & welcome to the thread.

Hope you feel better soon.  Good luck with the parkun.

That sounds like fun for you hurbby !  No running from me as I've got a really bad sore throat and blocked sinus at the mo.  It's meant that I've not been on the phones (work in a call centre) for 5 days (however I did manage 1.5hrs on the phones yesterday).

10/11/2012 at 10:47

(((HM4))) Hope that gets better soon.

Sam, it's always good when you can do stuff together.

I ran deliberately slowly this morning and it felt so good to be running again! There were also several club members there who basically told me I'd be fine tomorrow and to stop being a nancy about it  I actually felt better running than I do standing around, while I was moving my cough didn't appear. So I am very happy indeed!

10/11/2012 at 12:01

Hi again all, well this time tomorrow i should be finish or close to finishing my first 10k trail in beckenham! anyone else running the same race?

10/11/2012 at 18:32

7th Skip, well done and fingers crossed the injury doesn't flare up again, take it easy for a couple of weeks now

Lisa, hugs and condolences to you and your family. Some 'you' time and running alone with your thoughts might be a good thing.

Hi BeckyS and welcome to your newly found corner of RW

Carpathius, am sorry things havn't totally cleared up, have you decided about the race tomorrow yet? I sometimes feel better when I'm out and not moping around at home if I'm feeling under the weather so it may help you?

Sam, I hope you all get a decent family discout at the gym?  Sounds like the Perrott family are all super fit

HM4, I hope things clear up quickly for you and your back to peak fitness

Andrew, get an early night and good luck for tomorrow! Don't forget the race review tomorrow

My back still feels good thanks but must keep up with the exercises just in case. Went out for 8k this afternoon during a break in the heavy rain but had stupidly had a fag about 30 mins before so struggled quite a bit and rather than take walk breaks I ended up stopping to catch my breath up the hilly sections. 58 mins (not counting the couple of minutes not moving) so although slow wasn't as bad as I'd thought.

10/11/2012 at 18:52
Thanks Andi I will let you all know how I get on!
10/11/2012 at 19:25

HM4 I hope that you start to feel a bit better soon, there is lots of nasties going round at the moment.

Carpathius well done on your run this morning, I take it you have taken the decision to race tomorrow then

Andi good news on the back front (if that makes sense!!). 8k + hills sounds like fun.

Andrew good luck on your trail race tomorrow, I did look at this race as I really enjoy off-road running but felt it was a bit close to the race I have booked for next Sunday. Looking forward to a post race review though

Parkrun for me this morning (Becky Tilgate is my local) and a PB at 26.33, pleased with that as I was hoping to get a sub 27 min run, the glutes are aching a bit now though!

Curry and wine for me tonight.

Edited: 10/11/2012 at 19:26
10/11/2012 at 20:07

Lisa, yes, it makes perfect sense to me thanks and, I now know the secret of your motivation!

PB=Curry and Wine

Might try that myself lol

10/11/2012 at 21:35

Thanks for the encouragement folks   A tentative thumbs up today - we walked our proposed route and then ran 1 lap so about 5km walk + 1 mile run.  Foot was sore to stretch out this morning but the run felt absolutely fine.  Left leg below the knee variously complaining this afternoon, but I hope if I take it steady I'm gonna be ok

Congrats on the 5k pb Lisa, that's really going in the right direction

11/11/2012 at 07:19

Thanks guys.  Seems like everyone's training is going well.

Wel done.  That sounds really quick.

11/11/2012 at 16:59

Blimey do many posts in such a short time! Hello everyone!

Lisa I am sorry to hear your news, look after yourself.

Daveo sounds like it is going ok keep it up!

Littel dog doing so well, he is allowed o lead walks now ( but still on the lead in the house also) - but the vet is really pleased with his progress

I did a very slow 15k today, was lovely running weather and I really enjoyed it, and no pain from knee at all

11/11/2012 at 21:24

1 mile again this afternoon.  I didn't take my garmin, made it all the way round, probably was running a bit faster cos I sweated and was out of breath by the end.  A little twinge from the foot right at the end, but it feels ok now.

I envy you being able to run 15k Louise!

11/11/2012 at 21:32

ok, I answered my own question today..... Is a trail run harder than a road run?..... Answer YES!!!

With a road run I can get in to a rhythm, relax and listen to my music!

With a trail run with wet muddy ground you just cant, you have to be with it at all times!

Having said this, I loved it! there is something about running though muddy puddles that put a smile on my face!

Finished with a time of  1:06.14 so very pleased with that!

just got to book my next run now!

12/11/2012 at 00:07
Hello! Can I join? I'm not really a beginner, more of a returner!

I did my first parkrun last week in 31.14, and am building for a 10k in Christchurch, Dorset on 9th Decmber. I know I can run the distance but the time might not be great...
12/11/2012 at 06:07

Hi all. Not been on here for a while. Did my normal club run on tuesday which was great and managed 5.9 miles in 45 mins with avg 7.47 min/miles and then did a 10 mile run on saturday in 1 hr 19 min with an avg 8.15 min/miles so really pleased with that too.

I didi my first kent league cross country in swanley yesterday. Very different for sure and much harder than running on the road. Worked out a 5 mile course and 3 laps. Did it in 42 mins 40 secs. Avg 8.6 min/miles.

I have deal kent fitness league next sunday followed by another one the next sunday and then finish off with the Thanet 10 mile run.

One thing I won't be doing next week is a 10 mile run the day before and drink 7 vodka and cokes the night before LOL.

12/11/2012 at 09:21

Hiya holeymoley (great name!). Come on in, you'll be right at home. Good luck for your 10k plans, sounds like you'll do fine. Maybe you won't get sub-60 on your first one but then what would we aim for

Blimey Speedy G, you just get faster. You'll be banished to the sub-40 thread if you're not careful

Well done Andrew, trail running sounds like fun - and a good way to ruin trainers! You'll have to do better than that with race reports though - we want details!

Daveo, that's progress though. Still keeping my fingers crossed for your foot.

Louise, that's really good news about your dog. He'll be running with you in no time.

Lisa, congratulations on your PB. That's a really good time, we'll have to rename you Speedy L now.

I did run yesterday, but very slowly - time was 1:20:15 for seven miles which is quite a lot slower than I would have liked normally but considering I nearly didn't race at all I'm OK with it. I don't half ache this morning though!

Race report coming up...

12/11/2012 at 09:25

Scenic 7

I haven't run that far since about February so decided that it was just going to be a slow plod. We were actually in the loos when the call came to move down to the start line so we shot out and found the rest of the field in the car park round the corner. We observed the two minute silence and then moved to the start line on the road. We were jogging towards the part of the road (as was everyone around us) that looked as if it might be the start when a faint whistle went and I said to my mum 'was that the start?'. It was, except we hadn't got there yet - I'm not sure this rolling start lark is going to catch on.
There were impatient car drivers behind us already, and I thought 'Yeah, good luck with getting down here any time soon' because the runners filled up the road pretty nicely. We were on a country lane by now (it's not called Scenic for nothing) and it was a long downhill stretch, not too steep to jog down but plenty steep enough to feel gravity doing it's bit. It would have been nicer if I hadn't looked at the course map and knew that we'd be coming back up at the end!
I thought I was at the back but heard a marshall call to another 'only a couple more now Barry' so I knew there were at least two behind me. I'd passed the first mile marker and felt fine but was starting to wonder out loud where the second one had got to, and another lady said she thought we ought to have passed it by now; but no, there it was up ahead. We nattered away because she'd slowed a bit and I'd sped up a bit and the third mile marker arrived fairly quickly - my companion wondered where it was about two minutes later and was very chuffed to hear we'd passed it. I was running happily and easily and decided that I wasn't going to push, even though I could have gone faster, and so stayed with my new companion. Mile 4 came, and then I suddenly remembered that there was supposed to be a Horrid Hill just ahead, and there was a hill but it wasn't all that horrid, it just went on a bit (like me). Just past the 4 mile mark and I was wondering what the time was (My sister had forgotten her watch and was really annoyed - she uses it to pace - so since I was just going to pootle round I'd lent her mine). I do like knowing what the elapsed time is but was quite shocked to hear that it had been 50 minutes already!

 We found the six mile marker and my companion said she thought we could do 1:15, to which I privately thought 'not up that bloody hill we won't' but we did speed up a little bit. I actually thought we weren't going to make 1:20 and then decided it didn't matter anyway since I nearly hadn't run at all and it was a beautiful day.
I was therefore slightly annoyed to round the final corner and see the finishing funnel ahead and the big clock which said "01:19:54" and realised that unless I turned into Superman, able to clear hundreds of yards in a single leap, I wasn't going to get there within six seconds. I think I made it in 1:20:10 in the end although official chip timing says 1:20:15.9. Since there was no sign of a timing mat at the start (just at the finish) I think they took the start time from the whistle which means it was a little faster because we were still jogging towards the start when it went. I don't think it was 16 seconds of faster but it might have been.
It was a great race, and I'm very glad I did it. And it turns out there were three behind me!

15,161 to 15,180 of 16,094 messages
Previously bookmarked threads are now visible in "Followed Threads". You can also manage notifications on these threads from the "Forum Settings" section of your profile settings page to prevent being sent an email when a reply is made.
Forum Jump

RW Forums


text:
Talkback: Pacing Groups At The Virgin London Marathon

12 messages
22/04/2010 at 08:36

I am fairly sure this is a stupid question, but it is my first

 Do your pace runners stop at all during the race to answer a call of nature? I can understand the quick guys being able to but I am planning on running with the 10 min/mile guy and thats 4.30 hours...

 If they dont, what is your advice to keep with them. Run ahead a bit and stop or stop and then catch up?

22/04/2010 at 10:13
What time are the "get you round" group hoping to get round in?
13/04/2011 at 09:58

Do the pacers speed up for the next mile if they get slowed down on one stretch e.g. due to congestion?

I.e. do they try to run each mile at the given pace, or do they try to run the entire marathon on average at the given pace?

10/04/2012 at 10:54

Hi Barney,

The answer from our pacing chief is...

"Pacers will run each mile at the specified pace and, if unimpeded, will be accurate to within 10 seconds either side. If they are held up due to congestion they will gradually pick up the pace to make the time up over the next few miles rather than blitzing the pace to catch up on the next one."

Hope that helps!

10/04/2012 at 13:33

Wow! This is great! I need this.

As its my first Marathon, looking at one of these, I do Half Marathons in 2 hrs 12 mins

  • 10:00 miling (just under 4:30)
  • 11:00 miling (just under 5:00)
  • 'Get You Round
15/04/2012 at 09:38
I'm starting from Pen 1 , Green start. Will there be a sub 3 hour Pace Group there that I can attach myself to?
15/04/2012 at 10:26

Nick.. no, not from green start.  There is usually a sub 3 pacer from the blue start so you will have to try and hook up with them later.

Most of the folks on green have already run a qualifying time so perhaps the organisers feel that you don't really need anyone to hold your hand!

16/04/2012 at 14:21
Challenge accepted! I shall attempt to get from pen 3 (where I expect to be given the 3 30 i put on the form) to the sub 3 pacer, given my 2:11 time in 2 twenty miler races I should be aiming for somethin close to 3 hours
27/04/2012 at 21:40
I ran my first marathon this year and just wanted to say a huge thanks to the 11 min/mile pacers at the London Marathon. I was really hoping for under 5 hours and with the help of these guys I achieved it. Not only was it great to have you to follow but they provided really useful advice and encouragement along the way. I was hoping to say thanks at the end, but didn't manage to see them again when my eyes set sight on the finish line! So thank you, and may possibly see you again next year (will decide when the blisters have gone!).
12/02/2013 at 17:38
Hi I'm running my first marathon in April, I was running with a partner but due to work commitments she can't train with me so we will be running different times, thing is, I like running with someone, can we meet the pacers prior to the race so we know who they are?! I ran in Manchester and the pacers were a Godsend, stopped me running too fast, so I would love to run in a group!!
12/02/2013 at 17:48

You'll see them at the start, they'll be carry signs that are visible from a long way off.

Or, do you mean meet them socially and perhaps do some training with them ? (Just re-read your question and I'm not clear)

18/04/2013 at 13:13

My training times are well up on my pen times. Should I be concerned or is it possible to run say 3:45 from pen 9. What has experience taught people?

We'd love you to add a comment! Please login or take half a minute to register as a free member
12 messages
Previously bookmarked threads are now visible in "Followed Threads". You can also manage notifications on these threads from the "Forum Settings" section of your profile settings page to prevent being sent an email when a reply is made.
Forum Jump

RW Forums


text:
Price: $ MSRP: $

Important Shipping Note: U.S. sales only.

Model Number:

At last, a modern, feminine update to the classic trackster pant. The Spartan II Pant by Brooks has a straight leg, a mid-rise and flat-seam construction for a fit that will put an end to your quest for a perfect track pant.

Sizing Note: Lengths Available

  • Black (001)

  • Short: 29" inseam, 37" outseam (size medium)
  • Regular: 30.5" inseam, 38.5" outseam (size medium)
  • Tall: 32" inseam, 40" outseam (size medium)
  • Two 4.5" x 5" secure-zip side pockets
  • 9" reflective ankle zippers
  • Flat waistband for flattering look with adjustable drawstring
  • Vapor-Dry2: (93% Moisture-Transfer Polyester/7% Spandex) a balance of warmth and weight with excellent moisture management and a super-soft feel

Apparel Performance Characteristics

Apparel Fit: What's this?

  • Fitted
  • Semi-Fitted
  • Relaxed

Temperature Range °F: What's this?

  • Cold
    • Below 30
  • Moderate
    • 30-45
    • 40-55
    • 50-65
  • Hot
    • above 65

Fabric Thickness: What's this?

  • Thin
  • Medium
  • Thick

Customer Reviews

Comments: I live in these pants once the weather turns cool. Living in a south eastern climate they can be too warm for running, but are great for those EARLY morning runs or to pull over capri's when heading out to the gym. What I LOVE most about these is the length. Someone finally figured out that short people want track pants too.  The short fits my 5 ft and a little bit frame just right.
From: Nancy, Eastern, NC


text:
Cars News

Tata Nano diesel, mini SUV and more: Expect fireworks over next 18 months

Tata Nano diesel, mini SUV and more Expect fireworks over next 18 monthsTata Motors has announced that the next 18 months will see a fireworks of outputs from them. They will be launching new cars like the Nano diesel and a compact SUV in the Indian auto industry to revive their profile in the Indian auto Declining sales figures in the passenger car segment, has pushed Tata Motors to get back to the drawing board and design new cars, from the scratch.

Tata’s last big car launch came over 4 years back in the form of Nano, and their last passenger car, which managed to make an impact on the industry, was the Indica, which was launched 14 years back. Tata Motors has revealed that they will be investing $1.36 billion (Rs 7,500 crores) in the passenger vehicle segment over the next five years.

Tata Motors should have evolved naturally in the Indian auto industry, just like Mahindra and Maruti. But, probably passenger car segment was not their segment. This is evident from the fact that Tata Motors’ previous two heads were heads of their commercial vehicle segment. But Tata is shifting their focus, or increasing their focus towards the passenger car segment. Appointment of Karl Slym, is a headway in this direction.

Tim Leverton, Head, Research and Development, Tata Motors, said, “We have done something very innovative that will allow us to respond more positively. You’ll see, over the next 12-18 months onwards, a fireworks of output. The business is understanding that’s a heavy investment to make. But it needs to be made. The company is in a transitionary phase. The nature of what we have got to do over the next five years in really coming to global standards in passenger cars is a reflection of what has been happening in commercial vehicles.”

Source: ET

About the author

Sagar Patel

Sagar Patel

A first drive in a manual rickety old van was enough to pave the road forward for Editor in Chief, Sagar Patel. When not driving or riding, his dexterity shifts gear to voice passion through words via reviews, and news, all the while, closely monitoring updates from the auto industry.

Email -

Followon Google+

Your opinion matters

  • kumar

    when will Mr. Tata learn and understand that the a car looks gr8 from the front not from the rear and sides,


text:
Back Home Button
The Rush Limbaugh Show
Excellence in Broadcasting
RSS Icon

As the World Burns, President Obama Fills Out His NCAA Bracket

RUSH: Where's Obama? Where is Obama? I'm still amazed at how utterly out of it Obama is. Where is he? Has he checked out, is he sick? Are his handlers busy in other parts of the world?

Get this. Mrs. Clinton has met with Libyan rebel leaders in Paris. Now, it's safe to do that, I figure, now that the revolution against Khadafy is safely lost. Khadafy's probably gonna win this or has won, so now it's safe to go meet with the rebel leaders, probably trying to arrange a place for 'em to live, Paris, Miami, LA. LA looks a lot like Libya, certain parts of it. I've been there. I have seen it. You've got that going on. I mean it's baffling. His handlers are busy in other parts of the world and unable to give him direction? What's going on? He's acting like a child. The big news about Obama today is that he is going to tape his NCAA bracket picks today to be aired on ESPN tomorrow. I mean that's the news, and that's from our good buddy Jacob Tapper at ABC News. The world anxiously awaits President Obama's revelation of his NCAA basketball brackets. The important work of being president will be broadcast tomorrow.

Did you know the stock market was down 250 this morning? It's at 173 right now. The stock market was down 250. Unemployment, I think that's a little bit of an issue for millions of Americans. Some people say the deficit is not $14 trillion, that it's much higher than that. Have you noticed that gasoline prices are creeping up towards four bucks a gallon? In fact, in Obama's home state of Hawaii they have now gone past four dollars a gallon. You know, this is the time of year, though, folks -- we've learned this from observation -- this is the time of year when the president really starts to focus. This is when Obama calls on past experience and reads everything written on a subject. This is the culmination of endless hours of watching, reading, and thinking about college basketball, the brackets. He's gonna videotape his picks for broadcast on ESPN. It was last year on March 17th the president took time to appear on ESPN to fill out his brackets, explain his picks, and really demonstrate how preparation pays off. That was last year.

RUSH: The president, of course, is AWOL. Nobody knows where he is other than taping his NCAA basketball bracket picks for airing on ESPN tomorrow. I got a couple notes when I checked the e-mail during the break. "How does he do?" I don't know, folks. You know, I didn't go to college so I don't have the rah-rah college spirit when it comes to college football or basketball. I don't really get into it. I don't know how his picks work out. I have no clue. My memory tells me that he botched it horribly last year, but I don't really know, and I have not taken the time to look it up.

RUSH: Here's Tom in Naples, Florida. You're next on the EIB Network. Hello.

CALLER: Hey, Rush Limbaugh! How are you doing?

RUSH: Fine, sir, thank you very much.

CALLER: Hey, I'm calling and I was trying to add a little levity to the day but my issue with I don't want Obama to pick Ohio State in his brackets, because that's who I'm picking. And I've already put mine in so I'm not gonna be able to see what he did, but, you know, he already got the Olympics to Rio de Janeiro -- and while I was on old hold, I heard you saying he's going to Rio.

RUSH: Yeah, he is, this weekend.

CALLER: I'm thinking, "What's with this," you know? He beat Chicago, now he's going to Rio. I don't understand that, but I guess my big concern is that he's just gonna destroy sports in America in total.

RUSH: How?

CALLER: He's a crummy golfer. He might be a fair basketball player. We know you can't pick a baseball team, and certainly the Packers would have to agree that he doesn't know what's going on with football.

RUSH: He has a very questionable first pitch at baseball games. The form there is not, you know, particularly....uh, manly.

CALLER: Yeah, I was gonna say "masculine," but manly.

RUSH: Same difference.

CALLER: Yeah, same difference. Hey, but, anyway, I was thinking, "When are we gonna have, like the Chevy Volt 500 at NASCAR?" or, you know, "What's this guy gonna do to sports in general?" I'm not a big NASCAR fan but I know a lot of friends that are.

RUSH: Look, I don't want to put the fear of God out there. You don't have an NFL team in Naples, but wait 'til they call on this guy to fix the NFL labor problem.

CALLER: Well, they're in Marco right now discussing it.

RUSH: I know.

CALLER: Read that in the paper this morning.

RUSH: That's where the players are, right? The players in Marco Island.

CALLER: The players are in Marco, right.

RUSH: Yeah, and the owners are in New Orleans, Snerdley. Just so you know, the NFL owners are in New Orleans. The players are at Marco Island (which is not a cheap place to go to meet, by the way), but wait. Wait 'til they bring Obama in to solve the NFL problem. It will happen, by the way.

Rush 24/7 Audio/Video

Listen to the Latest Show Watch the Latest Show

Most Popular

EIB Features


text:
Russian Machine Never Breaks » Mario Lemieux We're the relentlessly fun Washington Capitals blog hopelessly devoted to Alex Ovechkin, Dmitry Orlov, and Evgeny Kuznetsov! Sat, 29 Aug 2015 18:02:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Alex Ovechkin Nominated for Sixth Ted Lindsay Award As NHL’s “Most Outstanding Player” Tue, 05 May 2015 23:44:19 +0000 Alex OvechkinLindsay

Photo credit: @NHL

Late last month, Alex Ovechkin was nominated for the Hart Memorial Trophy has the NHL’s “most valuable” player as voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.

Now, Ovechkin has been recognized as a finalist for the version selected by his peers. Along with Carey Price and Jamie Benn, Ovi is one of three players who could take home the Ted Lindsay Award as the league’s “most outstanding player” at the NHL’s postseason awards show in Las Vegas. This is Ovechkin’s sixth Lindsay Award nomination after winning the award three years in a row from 2008-2010. Only Wayne Gretzky, with five wins, and Mario Lemieux, with four, have won more the award more times since it was established in 1971.

Below, here’s the press release from the Capitals.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) announced today that Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is one of three finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award, which is presented annually to the “Most Outstanding Player” in the NHL, as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA. Montreal goaltender Carey Price and Dallas forward Jamie Benn have also been nominated.

Ovechkin is vying to become the third player in NHL history to win four “Most Outstanding Player” awards, joining Wayne Gretzky (5) and Mario Lemieux (4). He previously received the players’ Award in three consecutive seasons (2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10) and was a finalist in both 2005-06 and 2012-13. Ovechkin is one of three players to win the NHLPA’s honor three straight years, joining Wayne Gretzky (1982-85) and Guy Lafleur (1976-78). He has also been nominated as one of three finalists for the 2014-15 Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded “to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team” by members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.

Ovechkin scored 53 goals this season to capture his third consecutive and fifth career Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s leading goal-scorer. This season marked the sixth time in Ovechkin’s 10 NHL seasons he has reached the 50-goal plateau (2005-06, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2013-14, 2014-15). The Moscow native joins Mike Bossy (9), Wayne Gretzky (9), Marcel Dionne (6), Guy Lafleur (6) and Mario Lemieux (6) as the only players in NHL history to record six 50-goal seasons. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the only other NHL players with more than one 50-goal season since Ovechkin entered the League in 2005-06 are Dany Heatley (2), Ilya Kovalchuk (2) and Steven Stamkos (2).

Ovechkin also led the NHL in power-play goals (25), game-winning goals (11) and shots (395) this season. His 25 power-play goals set a career high and franchise record and marked the most by any player in the NHL since Teemu Selanne scored 25 in 2006-07. This season marked the third consecutive season and fourth time in his career Ovechkin has led the NHL in power-play goals (2007-08, 2012-15). The 6’3”, 235-pound left wing scored his 20th power play goal of the season on March 7 against Buffalo, marking the fourth time in his career he has scored 20 or more power play goals in a season. The only other players in NHL history with at least four 20-PPG seasons are Brett Hull (5), Mike Bossy (4), Phil Esposito (4), Tim Kerr (4) and Luc Robitaille (4).

Ovechkin recorded his 826th career point on Nov. 4 with an assist in the first period against Calgary, passing Peter Bondra (825) for first place on the Capitals’ franchise points list. Ovechkin reached the milestone in his 691st career game, 270 games faster than Bondra (961). On April 2 at Montreal, Ovechkin scored his 473rd career goal, passing Peter Bondra (472) for first place on the Capitals franchise goals list. Ovechkin scored his 472nd goal in his 755th career game, reaching the milestone in 206 games fewer than Bondra (961). Ovechkin now holds the Capitals franchise record in goals (475), points (895), power-play goals (176), game-winning goals (80), overtime goals (15), shots (3,830) and multi-goal games (100).

The 2014-15 Ted Lindsay Award recipient will be announced on June 24 during the 2015 NHL Awards from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The Ted Lindsay Award is the only award voted on by the players themselves, carrying on the tradition established by the Lester B. Pearson Award dating back to 1970-71. The Award honors Ted Lindsay, an All-Star forward known for his skill, tenacity, leadership, and for his role in establishing the original Players’ Association.

]]> 4
Alex Ovechkin in 2013-14: One Of The Greatest Ever? Fri, 13 Dec 2013 16:50:07 +0000

Photo credit: Geoff Burke/USA Today Sports

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin probably won’t hit 50 goals in 50 games. Even with his four-goal night against the Tampa Bay Lightning the other night, his chances of hitting 50 goals in his last 50 regular season games seems unlikely. Going by the NHL standard (and arbitrary) definition of 50 goals in a team’s first 50 games of a season, it’s even more unlikely.

But that shouldn’t lessen what he’s is doing right now. Ovechkin’s 2013-14 season could be historic yet.

Ovi is unlikely to score the “true” 50-in-50 this year, but he could come pretty close. Right now, he has 26 goals in 31 games, 29 of which he played (Ovechkin missed two games to injury). He’s currently on pace to score 42 goals through game 50.

Only five players have reached the historic 50-in-50 milestone. No one has done it since Brett Hull in 1992.

These achievements came in high-scoring eras: the 40s and the 80s/early 90s. After Hull hit 50-in-50 in 1992, league-wide scoring took a big dip from 7.253 goals per game in 1993-94 to 5.973 goals per game in 1995-96. Even though it ticked up after that, scoring has been trending down– all the way to the 5.136 in 2003-04– the height of the “dead puck” era and the lowest average since 1955-56.

This year’s goal-scoring average is 5.284, which makes Ovechkin’s prolific season all the more impressive. A goal in 2013-14 is more valuable than a goal in the 80s because there are so fewer of them to go around. Here’s how Alex’s pace stacks up against the rest of the league.

Player Season Result S/G 1GEq 50GEq ResEq
Maurice Richard 1944-45 50 G in 50 GP 8.167 0.647 32.350 32.350
Mike Bossy 1980-81 50 G in 50 GP 7.688 0.687 34.365 34.365
Wayne Gretzky 1981-82 61 G in 50 GP 8.025 0.658 32.922 40.165
Wayne Gretzky 1983-84 61 G in 50 GP 7.889 0.670 33.490 40.857
Wayne Gretzky 1984-85 53 G in 50 GP 7.771 0.680 33.998 36.038
Mario Lemieux 1988-89 54 G in 50 GP 7.483 0.706 35.307 38.131
Brett Hull 1990-91 52 G in 50 GP 6.911 0.765 38.229 39.758
Brett Hull 1991-92 50 G in 50 GP 6.958 0.759 37.971 37.971
Alex Ovechkin* 2013-14 42 G in 50 GP 5.284 1 50 42

* On pace for.

Legend: GP – games played by a player’s team; S/G – average scoring per game in the season of achievement; 1GEq – the 2013-14 equivalent of one goal scored in the season of achievement; 50GEq – 2013-14 equivalent of 50 goals scored in the season of achievement; ResEq – equivalent of the player’s output in 2013-14 goals.

Based on these data, even the most elite scorers in league history would have a hard time hitting 50-in-50 in 2013-14. Goals just aren’t that easy to come by anymore. The closest would be Gretzky’s 61 goals in 1983-84, which would convert to 41 goals today. If Ovi hits 42, well… that’ll be history.

Average scoring data from QuantHockey.

]]> 9
This is a Garage League and Other Lockout Lessons Sun, 06 Jan 2013 18:18:32 +0000 Ted Leonsis

I guess it’s appropriate to start by saying that we’re all unimaginably happy about the return of hockey. That said, we’ve learned a lot over the four-month lockout, and this seems like the appropriate time to take stock.

Lesson 1: Mario Lemieux was right

The NHL is a garage league. I’m not talking about riff-raff players spoiling up the staid finesse hockey of a bygone era; I’m talking about business competence. Since my adolescence, the NHL has lost part or all of three seasons. Fans who have been following hockey for a decade have seen 20% of that time obscured or obliterated by lockouts.

Imagine running a business where you do work 80% of the time. The rest of the time you’re struggling to master a skill most functionally social humans learn in kindergarten: sharing. Your business plan is flawed.

The last lockout saw the NHL exiled to cable wilderness, almost literally. In an effort to limit salary expenses, the NHL ended up limiting their TV exposure for years, which had to have an appreciable effect on revenue. Revenue-sharing was at the heart of this lockout, so in some ways this lockout was just an extension of that one.

Or perhaps it’s an extension of expansion. We know many teams– particularly expansion teams– are drowning in red ink. Columbus and Phoenix have solubility problems. Nashville would be in dire trouble too if they weren’t such a good hockey team with a surging fan base. These teams exist because the NHL saw fit to spread itself into non-traditional (read: not northeast US and Canada) markets, but those teams have always struggled. Phoenix for a time was underwritten by the league itself.

I propose that the friction between established teams and small-market teams had as much to do with this lockout as friction between owners and players. In fact, the PA’s negotiating strategy initially tried to wedge the two apart. It seems hard to defend expansion as a business strategy when you consider a) the league has had to bail these teams out, b) the gap between small teams and big teams underpinned many of the NHL’s concerns in the lockout, and c) it’s ice hockey in the freaking desert— how is that a good idea?

I guess what I’m trying to say is: Gary Bettman is not good at his job. Feel free to agree or disagree.

Lesson 2: DC is not a hockeytown

Or at least, it isn’t right now. Flashback to April 2012: the Caps had captured the city’s imagination with a gritty style of hockey. The city’s football team was atrocious and without a good draft position. The city’s baseball team was plagued by injury and youth. The city’s soccer team had missed the playoffs a few years in a row. The city’s basketball team was a disgrace.

Since then, Dan Snyder made some deals to draft Robert Griffin III second overall, and RG3 then vaulted the team to an NFC East Championship. The Nationals were fantastic and made the playoffs (so did Baltimore, nyah nyah). Under coach Ben Olsen, DC United had its best year since they won  the MLS Championship in 2007. The city’s basketball team is still a disgrace.

The stack ranking of DC sports has flipped. It seems for now that the Washington Capitals’ moment has passed. It can certainly be recaptured, but right now we’re taking stock and that stock has definitely dropped.

Part of that is Ted Leonsis’ fault. The Capitals owner was listed among the league’s so-called hardliners spurring the stubbornness that led to breakdowns during negotiations. Unfortunately, Ted probably can’t comment on the CBA or his characterization as a holdout. When he talked about the NBA salary cap in September of 2010, Leonsis was fined $100,000. He’s not really in a position to defend himself, which is fine, because we’re not really in a position to give him a hard time about it. After all, he did keep the Capitals staff on payroll for the duration of the lockout.

Leonsis has the benefit of the doubt. Up until now (and excluding the Jagr era), he’s been a good owner for the fans. This is now his opportunity to reconcile with a community that has cooled towards him.

Lesson 3: Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dale Hunter were right to leave

Throughout 2012, Evgeny Kuznetsov vacillated over playing in the NHL or staying in the KHL. His new marriage and the upcoming Sochi olympics probably factored in to his eventual decision to stay in Russia for two more years, but the loss of half this NHL season makes that choice even more prescient. We’re no longer inclined to criticize a player for making a business decision that has worked out great for him so far.

Same goes with Dale Hunter, a coach for whom I had no shortage of criticism last season. Hunter chose to leave the Caps after just one partial season as head coach. He’s back in Ontario, coaching a team he also owns, which plays in a league that doesn’t implode every 7-10 years. However we disagreed with his coaching tactics, Hunter’s choice was the smart one for him, his family, and his farm. Even Bourne agrees.

Lesson 4: There was a cost

As The Washington Post’s Katie Carrera wrote last month, the lockout has been devastating to businesses near Verizon Center. The end of the lockout will come as great news to the Penn Quarter/Chinatown neighborhood, who rely on the collective thirst and hunger of Caps fans to pay their bills. Here’s hoping all our favorite joints can staff up in the coming weeks.

Same for the workers at Verizon Center, who lost hours due to the lockout.

Then there’s the marginal players who couldn’t make a pro roster once the ranks got crowded with eligible NHL players.

And don’t forget the esteemed hockey writers who had to lower themselves to menial and demeaning tasks like writing about football just to fill up the hours.

There’s lots of people with jobs related directly or tangentially to the Caps, and most of them had a leaner Christmas than usual because of the lockout.

It’ll take time for the coffers to fill and the wounds to heal, but it will require a spirit of reconciliation for that to happen. That’s why I’m not supporting any kind of boycott. Just the opposite actually: I want to go to Iron Horse and Clyde’s and Rocket Bar and scarf down a ton of food and a few too many adult beverages. I want to tip the good workers at Verizon Center and tell them how glad I am to see them again.

And I harbor no hard feelings towards Evgeny Kuznetsov or Dale Hunter for making the right choices for their careers and their families.

And I hold no grudge against Ted Leonsis for whatever role he played in the lockout. He’s got a sterling record of fan outreach, and I bet that will continue.

Gary Bettman, on the other hand? Well, let’s just say that when the Stanley Cup Finals arrive, I’ll be joining in on this tradition:

Alright, that’s my piece. What did you learn from the lockout? What did I get wrong?

]]> 30
Old Man Knuble Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:30:01 +0000 Mike Knuble

Photo credit: Chris Gordon

A 24-year-old Mike Knuble, then a promising forward prospect, played nine games for the Detroit Red Wings during the 1996-97 season.

Players who were still playing during Knuble’s first season in the NHL include Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Patrick Roy, Dominik Hasek, Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull, Mark Messier, Dino Ciccarelli, Brian Leetch, Grant Fuhr, and Ron Hextall.

Just days after Knuble’s first game, Phil Collins announced that he was leaving Genesis to focus on his solo career, M.C. Hammer wasn’t yet bankrupt, and it would be months before The Daily Show debuts on Comedy Central.

I guess what I am trying to say is Knuble is old getting up there in years, but don’t tell him that.

“I’m out there playing for another deal,” he said. “I’m not riding off into the sunset. I want to make that point clear to everybody. This is no farewell song.”

I agree with him, but it is one of the last tracks on a darn good Greatest Hits album.

Players like Knuble who are productive over the age of 35 tend to keep their production rates in the league relatively stable as they age. Knuble was also a late bloomer: He had averaged eight goals per season his first three years and has almost tripled that production in his last three.

Using wingers who played at 39 years old post-lockout, we can make an educated guess on Knuble’s production for 2011-12. I will caution you that the entire player pool from which to draw from is limited, containing only Bill Guerin, Brendan Shanahan, Mark Recchi, and Teemu Selanne.

Using these players as a guide, we can speculate that Knuble will play 75 games, score 34 points (21 G and 13A) while taking 188 shots on goal.

Here are some probabilities for goals and point scored:

“It’s going to be a challenging year, definitely, with more competition,” cautioned Knuble. “Nothing is guaranteed.”

We couldn’t agree more.

]]> 6
Caps Pens Alumni Game Ends in 5-5 Tie, Peter Bondra Nets GTG Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:44:41 +0000

Above, are highlights from the Caps Pens Alumni Game where the two-period exhibition ended in a 5-5 tie. One of my favorite All-Time Capitals, Peter Bondra, tied the game in the final few minutes with a wicked slap shot from the middle of the circles. In Bonzai’s post-game scrum with the media, he revealed that the scrimmage actually got quite intense.

“Early in the game I know what to expect. When the game went on – the old guys actually brought [the intensity level] up. They started hooking, [playing] old-time hockey. There was chopping at the skates. One guy broke a stick on my leg.”

We’re still awaiting word for if that guy was Mario Lemieux. Paul Mulvey (2), Alan May, and Mark Lofthouse also scored for the Capitals, while Ron Francis, Jay Caufield, Rob Brown, Rod Buskas, and Craig Simpson tallied for the Pens.

For more coverage of the first real event on the Winter Classic ice (sorry, media guys), make sure to check out On Frozen Blog and Capitals Insider who’ll be there all weekend.

Alan May

Alan May looks to score as Rick Tocchet smiles in the background.

Peter Bondra, going against Paul Coffey, skates into the offensive zone. (Photo credit: ESPN)

Peter Bondra shows Paul Coffey that he still has some moves.

Mario Lemeiux looks to go up ice at the Caps Pens Alumni Game

Lemieux looks to start the break-out.

Don Beaupre gets beaten glove side

Craig Simpson scores glove-side on Don Beaupre. Nothing new there!

Yvon Labre

Yvon Labre shares a laugh with the Pens bench.

Dennis Maruk

Brooks Laich, err I mean Dennis Maruk, looks for a pass in the Neutral Zone.

Mario Lemeiux goes into the zone being guarded by Sylvain Cote

Sylvain Cote defends Ron Francis. GET YER STICK UP, COTES!

Peter Bondra celebrates his GTG

Peter Bondra celebrates his GTG.

Players salute the 10,000 fans in attendance

The players salute the 10,000 people in attendance at Heinz Field.

Photo opt

Of course. Mario has to be front and center.

]]> 3
Alex Ovechkin: 50 in 50? Fri, 15 Oct 2010 03:17:47 +0000 ovechkin-goal

Could Ovi join Maurice Richard as one of five players to score 50 in 50?

Could Ovi join Maurice Richard as one of five players to score 50 in 50?

Alex Ovechkin kept his pace for an 82-goal season intact against the Islanders which got me thinking: is 50 in 50 even close to a reality?

50 goals in the first 50 games is a rare feat indeed. It has only been done by five players: Maurice Richard in 1945. Mike Bossy in 1982. Lemieux in 1989. Brett Hull did it twice, and in back-to-back seasons no less (1990-1 and 1991-2). The Great One accomplished the feat three times: 1982, 1984 and again in 1985. So why not Ovechkin?

To estimate his chances I will use something called a Monte Carlo simulation. It starts with me using the shots on goal and shooting percentage for Ovechkin since he made his debut in the league 5 years ago to the last game of the regular season in 2009-10. Only regular season games were counted. For instance, he has only been held to zero shots on goal 3 out of 396 games, or .76% of the time. He has shot 20% in 32 of his regular season games, or 8.08% of the time.

Using this data, and Excel’s random number generator, I simulated goal-scoring totals for 50 games. Then, I ran this 50-game season 10,000 times and calculated the results.

Before I reveal the chances, take a guess at what you think they are. I’ll wait….

Ok, now that you have your guess, let’s look at the numbers.

Based on 10,000 50-game seasons in my cold, heartless math universe, Ovechkin will average 26 plus or minus 6 goals. He only hit the magical 50+ mark two times out of 10,000 – once with 58 goals and another with 53. He just missed the mark once with 49 goals in 50 games and 48 goals 4 other times.

For kicks I also ran this for an 82-game season when I saw NHL Hot Stove predicted Ovechkin would only score 37 goals. For an 82-game season, I have Ovechkin scoring on average 42 goals, plus or minus 8.

So ~68% of the time he should be between 34 and 50 goals. A 37-goal season looks light. I would take the over.

]]> 16


text:
Oak Grove Kitchens and Baths DBA

Rusty Horseshoe Woodworks

Rusty Horseshoe Woodworks

Glad to have gotten this email from Richard one of my readers, a couple weeks ago. It's one of my buy replica watches all time favorite replica Rolex Submariner watches and cheap soccer jerseys. I reviewed this two-tone Rolex Submariner fake watch a swiss replica watches long time ago as you can see in the link. This blue diamond dial replica watches uk two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex replica watches turned out to be very popular replica watches sale and to be honest with you it's a really http://www.americanfoodsgroup.com/newafg/contentfiles/about.asp fun piece. More so than the most popular black dial all stainless steel fake Submariner.

Hand Carved Western Wood Art
Custom Cabinets
Serving Austin, Texas Since 1990
40 Years Experience

There are three ways to purchase items from Rusty Horseshoe Woodworks:

1.    You may visit booth #26 at Wimberley Market Days in Wimberley, Texas.
        Market Days is held the first Saturday every month from 8am to 4pm.
        Market Days are closed January and February.
2.    For the best selection, you may purchase items directly at
       our shop in Austin,  Texas
        Please call 512-924-4256. Potential and existing customers are always
        welcome - just call first to make sure we are home.
3.   To order on line,visit our virtual store on Etsy.com.

Credit cards are accepted at all venues

          nike cortez| louis vuitton sac soldes| casque beats| ray ban pas cher| shox rivalry| nike free run soldes| nike shox rivalry pas cher| cortez nike| chaussure nike free run| nike free run pas cher|