| Hayashi needs improvement
Kim Hayashi can do the math. The Chandler BMX rider is 24 points out of first place in USA Cycling rankings with six points events left to determine the team for the Beijing Olympics. It's next to impossible for her to make up that deficit and earn the automatic Olympic berth that goes to the points champion. A selection committee will choose the second U.S. woman rider for the sport's Olympic debut. The first qualifier race this year is at noon Friday at Estrella Mountain BMX track in Goodyear. The National Bicycle League Coyote Nationals, not part of Olympic qualifying, are Saturday and Sunday. .
Wind Tunnel Tuneup: Faster Bikes
The numbers on the meter provide a relative measure of Gotti's aerodynamic efficiency. As the wind flows past Gotti, some of it is interrupted. This causes the floor that takes up most of the center of the tunnel to dip and sway ever so slightly. Since the floor is actually the top of a massive aerodynamic balance, the slightest movement is measured and recorded by a bank of computers. Later these second-by-second samplings will be distilled into information that hopefully will help Gotti win the world's best-known bicycle race. As the test begins, the numbers on the display fluctuate randomly. Then, as Gotti lowers his head, they begin to drop: 3.0, 2.82, 2.65. The numbers give Gotti a relative measure of the degree to which his bicycle and body impede airflow. Smaller numbers represent less aerodynamic drag.
Deere takes a Giant Leap
About 50% of Deere's sales come from agricultural equipment, with the remainder split between construction equipment and commercial and consumer equipment. "Building to demand is the biggest focus for all of these businesses," says Nelson. "We began in construction equipment where it used to be normal to order big construction pieces six months in advance. Today we'll deliver any piece of big construction equipment in far less time. That puts a tremendous amount of importance on reducing leadtimes, particularly with our supply base. We're directing a lot of our supplier development engineers toward the activity of reducing cycle times." Nelson's team brought on board 94 supplier development engineers, including four with Ph.D.s, as part of its roadmap at Deere. Their salaries are shared by the divisions and corporate.
Bikes, waste make sidewalks unsafe
I worked for many years as a supervisor on many job sites. I learned that the best way to get my underlings to perform their best was for me to lead by example.
I would like to admonish the Everett policeman who rides his bicycle on the sidewalk (every day) for almost running me over without even saying "excuse me" or even aknowledging the fact that I had to jump out of his way to avoid being struck. Had he been a citizen, I would have clouted him with my cane. But, since he had a gun, I chose instead to write this letter.
No, he was not on his way to a crime scene, as he sat at the light and waited to cross.
Also, to the little old lady who allows her dog to poo on the sidewalk at Hoyt and Hewitt nearly everyday, shame on you. I pity your animals and any children that you care for.
Planning panel gives OK to open coffee shop on Fort Johnson Road
James Island residents Amanda and Ali Aydin have gotten unanimous approval from the Charleston Planning Commission to open a coffee shop on Fort Johnson Road next to James Island Charter High School. The owners, who got the go-ahead from the panel last week, say they plan to open sometime this summer. The zoning change for Fort Johnson Road still must be approved by Charleston City Council. The issue is expected to be heard at council's meeting Feb. 26. The Aydins bought the building and surrounding 1.3 acres at 1014 Fort Johnson Road five months ago for $425,000 with a vision to open a coffee shop. The business tentatively will be named the Fort Johnson Coffee House and will be housed in the existing building on the site. Ali Aydin said the garage on the back of the property will be torn down to make room for a parking area.
Murano improves on style, safety
When Nissan Guam location sales manager Enzo Turrini first bought the second generation of the Nissan Murano back in 2004, his wife hadn't yet bought in to the idea of vehicle's futuristic look. The trend of massive sports utility vehicles was changing for a market looking for style and road comforts. A few models later, Nissan has again struck gold with its style, Turrini says, also improving on many safety features. .
Live Coverage: The Red Carpet Blog
Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder. Fonder for parties, that is. I hear one of the highlights of Madonna's post-Oscar party with Demi Moore and Guy Oseary, held at Oseary's L.A.-area manse, was the Le Tourment Vert absinthe. Yes, absinthe! (Yep, the strong green stuff's legal again.) While the party was superVIP and closed to the press, I've got some more details for you. Among the guests were Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Cameron Diaz, Forest Whitaker, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Orlando Bloom, Jeremy Piven, Wesley Snipes and, fresh from their megastar AIDS fundraiser with Chopard and VH1, Sir Elton John and David Furnish. No official word on this, but I hear Kate Hudson wanted to bring more than one guest to Madge's bash.
The Other Side of the Felt, Vol. 1: Road to the WSOP
I have always said that I have the best job in the world. Being a tournament director has given me the opportunity to see the world, meet my beautiful wife, Maryann (which resulted in the birth of my son in 2006), and meet thousands of interesting people along the way. In 1997, I was dealing at Bay 101 Casino and I developed carpal tunnel syndrome in my left hand. I never could have known then that was the best break in my career. I loved dealing and was happy doing it, so I might not have ever quit, but because of the CTS I had to go on the floor to pay the bills. I eventually filled in for the vacationing tournament director and loved it right away. I had a real passion for .
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