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Thursday, December 30, 2010

What did the Sugar Bowl CEO know and when did he know it?

ED. NOTE:  This is one of those stories that gets me so pissed off, I have a hard time writing a coherent column.  So please bear with me as I try not to simply segue into rant mode.

According to the Columbus Dispatch, Sugar Bowl CEO Paul Hoolahan admits he lobbied Ohio State to keep the Tat Five (and the 6th dude nobody's really talking about) eligible for the game against Arkansas on January 4th.

Sugar Bowl CEO...and NCAA violations adviser
Even better, while the suspensions of the Tat Five (and the 6th dude nobody cares about) were announced on December 22nd, folks will be happy to know that the CEO of the Sugar Bowl was told about possible suspensions on December 7th - two full weeks before they were handed out publicly.

Yes, you read that correctly: bowl officials were given an early heads up regarding ongoing NCAA investigations, violations and school disciplinary matters.  Awesome!  No potential problem there, huh?

Apparently Ohio State AD Gene Smith told Hoolahan they were trying to push the suspensions back to the 2011 season and Hoolahan told Smith how strongly he felt about the players participating in the Sugar Bowl:

"I made the point that anything that could be done to preserve the integrity of this year's game, we would greatly appreciate it.  That appeal did not fall on deaf ears, and I'm extremely excited about it, that the Buckeyes are coming in at full strength and with no dilution."

Oh, that's rich.  Did he really say "integrity?"  Is there video?  Because I'd love to see if he said it with a straight face.  Or, like some Hollywood actor, it took him several takes ("I made the point that anything that could be done to preserve the int... preserve the integ... *snicker* ...the integret-bwahaha!  I'm sorry, can I try that again?").

Then again, maybe the reporter got it wrong and mistyped "integrity" when he really said "ratings" or "future TV contracts" or "assloads of money."

Yeah, yeah, I know - he was using integrity to mean "the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire."  I'm guessing the irony of its more common usage -
"adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty" - was lost on him.

Of course the bigger irony of it all is that while his lobbying efforts proved to indeed be successful, the game is now certain to have a lot of things, but integrity definitely won't be one of them.  Because while all the bodies will be on the field, the game will now be more diluted than if Tressel had the balls to sit the Tat Five (and the other dude).

And Hoolahan wasn't alone in his lobbying efforts.  The Dispatch article states that OSU officials, along with Big Ten commissioner Jjim Delany, were also among those who successfully lobbied the NCAA to reinstate the players for the Sugar Bowl.

Yes, that Jim Delany.  The one who blasted the NCAA for its Cam Newton decision saying "there ought to be accountability.  There ought to be consequences" and questioned the NCAA interpretation of its rules:

"This was an opportunity to apply a very reasonable concept.  They chose to go with a very high standard instead of what's more of a reasonable application given the facts and reality that we're dealing with."

Exactly.  A "reasonable application" - i.e. letting 5 dudes (and a 6th guy we shouldn't even bother mentioning anymore) who got busted for getting extra benefits and selling shit against the rules start their suspension when its more convenient.

Like, say, after a bowl game.  Part of the NCAA's little-known but very, very, very reasonable "Start your suspension when you want" bylaw.

A bylaw AD Smith - and especially Tressel - should be ashamed they embraced.

Surprisingly, it's a large number of Buckeye fans who are disappointed that the players are getting a Sugar Bowl pass.  Something not lost on Hoolahan who said that he was aware that many Scarlet and Gray fans felt that the players should not be allowed to play in his bowl game.

"I appreciate and fully understand the Midwestern values and ethics behind that.  But I'm probably thinking of this from a selfish standpoint."

Gee, you think?

And I love how he says "Midwestern values" and "ethics behind that," like they're a couple of quaint little concepts only rubes who don't use his definition of "integrity" adhere to.

But please don't say you fully understand them.  Take it from this Midwesterner - you don't.

wingedhelmet said...

Perhaps the CEO has cut a deal with the "Tat 5" and a player to be named later allowing him to share in the profits from the sale of their Sugar Bowl - *participant (loser)* rings and jerseys.

tOSU had and still has the choice of making the correct decision if they hope to retain any *vestige* of whatever good reputation they may have enjoyed.

As for the NCAA "they are who we thought they were".

TitleIX said...

Hmmm. Midwestern values? Yes, aint we trite?

Here is an idea.
Since all they care about is money, let's start a boycott the Sugar Bowl campaign.
Kill the ratings.
That is something they will respond to.
How about contacting the advertisers and offering to avoid their products?

Integrity you say?
At least WE have some.

Who's in?

srudoff said...

The book Death to the BCS calls out the Sugar Bowl and it's CEo big time. The guy makes 600k a year to organize ONE exhibition football game. Bowl Executives "scout" possible opponents all year long, even though many of the bowls are tied into conferences and slotted oppponents. These scouting trips are just a free way for bowl execs to see a game and get wined and dined at the expense of the colleges. It's amazing what a sham these bowl games are.

It's a GREAT book that I'd recommend to any football fan.

whetstonebuck said...

Just because you are the founder of AA (aneurisms anonymous),

"Hi, Yost,"

doesn't mean you have to fall off the wagon.

As Tim, the Tool Man, Taylor would say, "Let it go. Let it go."

Bigasshammm said...

Again nothing new is being learned in all of this. NCAA football is a crime on many levels but somehow they justify it. What a joke. I will state again that I will lose whatever respect I had for JT if he plays those players. Sure he may be playing them only because he is being told to but then he's just begging for the money like anyone else.
It's a shame that this has to be tUOS because all we look like is Michigan haters when this could be any other school and we would still be saying the same things. It's not about the school involved it's about the NCAA.

srudoff said...

If Tressel is told to play the guys by his AD, how can you lose respect for him? That doesn't make sense.

BaggyPantsDevil said...

Just in case L'affaire de Newton hasn’t convinced us of who and what really drives college football, now we have Tat/Ring/Gold Pants-gate to drive the point home.

I have the suspicion that the NCAA is far more comfortable dealing with violations of its rules years after the fact. It’s far easier to mete out justice after games have been played and the money’s been made (a la Reggie Bush) than it is to yank star athletes out of big money bowl games.

The age of the internet—with its Facebook indiscretions and feisty bloggers—results in public knowledge of potential rules violations almost as they happen. This, in turn, puts the NCAA in the apparently uncomfortable position of having to frequently punish the very athletes who are its meal ticket. I have a feeling that the Cam Newton story will not have a happy ending and that after he’s in the NFL “new information” will surface and then it is possible that wins and titles will be vacated and trophies returned. Of course, by then, no one will really care and all the money will have already been made.

Andy said...

I'm just happy my "Tat-5" creation has caught on. I knew I should have gone the trademark office before I put it up on the delicious feed.

Now please, NO more big news today. I have a Miss State KYF to create and in true Andy final exam fashion, I have done nothing to prepare.

BaggyPantsDevil said...

I’m with srudoff in my belief that bowl games are now a cancerous parasite on college football. And that’s not easy for me to say since I grew up spending New Year’s Day watching bowl after bowl after bowl. The Sugar Bowl CEO will likely claim he earns his salary by providing a compelling matchup in his game but—to me—compelling matchups happen every Saturday in college football because of traditional rivalries and the passionate nature of the game. The meddling—and profiteering--CEO type is not only superfluous but an actual detriment to what makes college football so wonderful.

wingedhelmet said...

Under the first commercial use provisions you own the "Tat 5" copyright and I will cease and desist immediately. Besides I am thinking that something even better might come out of this situation, that is, of course once the inVestigation has been completed and the DSSYW classes begin in earnest at tOSU.

Bigasshammm said...

As a coach of his stature his reputation should be more important to him then his paycheck. Therefore if he truly believes those players should be benched then he benches them regardless of what the AD says. Tressel's gotten to Godlike status in OH and therefore there is no way the AD could ever fire him because he didn't listen to him and play his golden players.Therefore no matter what happens if they play in the game any respect for Tressel as a quality coach and teacher is gone and he might as well go to the SEC.

srudoff said...

Tress just announced that all 5 are coming back for their senior seasons and that he made them decide on coming back before allowing them even on the plane to New Orleans. That's pretty ballsy. He said it wouldn't be fair if they were allowed to play and then left to skirt punishment.

Not sure if he can hold them to that of course but he made them pledge to him that they would return.

Andy said...

Well... I guess that is one way to reduce the PR damage caused by this mess.

I gotta give it to JT, he certainly has strong crisis management skills. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand the NCAA basically told him the players need to play in the Sugar Bowl or else -- and on the other hand he knew those same players had the NFL option to avoid missing 5 games next year.

It will be interesting to see if any of them "go back on their promise".

phil said...

Todd Blackledge and Brad Nessler will call the Sugar Bowl.

Todd: Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to New Orleans and the Sugar Bowl.
Brad: Tonight you aren't just going to watch college football. You are going to watch a game full of integrity.
Todd: So right you are Brad. And tonight's Sugar Bowl is sponsored by Ebay - Where you can sell anything!
Brad: And also sponsored by Terry's Tats for all your tattoo needs. We offer financing or bartering. Get that tattoo to help your family TODAY!!

Bigasshammm said...

I still say 3 of them scoot for the NFL. Saying they're coming back for their senior seasons is the same as them apologizing. It's just hollow words to try to wash over this whole thing.

TitleIX said...

Dontja think that if the point of the sales were to help your Mom, you would just give her the stuff to sell????
They pulled the 'momma' card.
Just like they wil pull the sorry, gotta help my family and go pro deck of cards.....

This is mind-numbingly wrong on soooooo many levels.
But we will continue on like lemmings flying over the cliff together or moths to the flame and this will all blow over til the next instance of douchebaggery.

Speaking of which, someone should remind Lou Holthtz that you cant profit off ones amateur status even if the 'trinkets' were given to you......AS A REWARD FOR YOUR AMATEUR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE..........aaaggh

Someone please make these bad men stop...

TitleIX said...

Oh, and Tressel has no balls.
As the head coach you can decide who does or does not play...for whatever reason.
And if the AD is holding you hostage then how about exercising ones integrity and calling him out? You think ol Tress cant find another job??
I call Bullshit!
Oh no, ALL of them from the NCAA, the BCS, the AD, and the HC are guilty as sin.

/end f lion rant

srudoff said...

The deadline to declare for the draft is January 15th - so we soon shall see - if the deadline were in, say March, I think you might be right. No way do they pledge this, then play, then declare 11 days later.

And when they don't declare, I'll of course expect an "I was wrong" from Title 9 and BAH. Along with a "Tressel really is a great guy that plays by the rules." and finally a "not only are you a good looking man, sru, you're also very powerful". (BAH is excused from that last part if he wants).

Mikoyan said...

I think all of this is one of the reasons why I enjoy watching the Army-Navy game and include Navy in my list of favorite teams. They may not be the best teams out there but when they play it seems like they are just there to play.

bigGexpress said...

Wow, this is officially ridiculous. I cannot believe that. Nothing surprises me anymore.

TitleIX said...

Breaking news.....Tater ineligible for the bowl game as he did not meet University standards.
Betting its the grades

srudoff said...

there goes gardner's fake medical redshirt

Andy said...

No way Gardner plays in the game. They will put the scout team guy (Jeremy Gallon) in first.

Mikoyan said...

There was a pretty interesting editorial in the Washington Post yesterday about the whole thing. And there was another one today about sports donations.

Mikoyan said...

Here is the editorial about the Sugar Bowl thing:

And the other:


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Friday, November 04, 2011

Know Your Foe - Iowa

The 7-1 Michigan Wolverines hit the road to face 5-3 Iowa at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. While Michigan holds a 40-12-4 record over the Hawkeyes, Kirk Ferentz's team will be gunning for their third straight victory over U-M -- something that's never happened before in the history of the series.  But you knew all that.  What you don't know is found below in another hair-raising edition of...Know Your Foe!

The picture was crooked on the official
university bookstore website
Guess they weren't 1st in graphic design
History: The University of Iowa was founded on February 25, 1847, a mere five days after Iowa was admitted into the Union.  Not surprisingly, it was Iowa's first public institution of higher learning.  What is surprising is, regardless of what the seal says, the official name of the school is State University of Iowa.  But in 1959, the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts changed it's name to Iowa State University of Science and Technology (aka Iowa State). Due to the confusion, rather than change its name, the State University of Iowa Board of Regents approved using "University of Iowa" (UI) for everyday usage in October, 1964. So, to recap: Iowa is actually Iowa State, Iowa State is actually Iowa Tech, and officially there is no such thing as The University of Iowa.

Iowa takes great pride in claiming to "be first" in a lot of things, some of which even have nothing to do with being the first to install pink locker rooms for the visiting football team. It was the first U.S. public university to admit men and women on an equal basis. It established the first law school west of the Mississippi (becoming one of the first institutions in America to grant a law degree to a woman and an African-American, in 1873 and 1879 respectively). And in 1870, the university opened the first co-ed medical school, probably so that all those co-ed lawyers had somebody to sue.

Continuing on with its theme of firsts, SUofI was the world's first university to accept creative work in theater, writing, music, and art on an equal basis with academic research, and to put an African American on a varsity athletic squad (Frank Holbrook, 1895). Iowa also pioneered standardized testing, so we can all blame them for those damn scan-trons (or thank them for keeping so many Spartans and Buckeyes from getting into Michigan).

Location: Iowa City, Iowa. It’s the sixth largest city in Iowa, and was the first state capitol until 1857. The Old Capitol building remains and is a centerpiece of the Iowa campus. It’s tied with Stamford, Connecticut as the U.S. Metropolitan area with the highest percentage of adult’s holding a bachelor degree (44%). Much like so many of the locales that are home to Big Ten schools, Iowa City is a stereotypical college town. There’s a pedestrian mall that includes many of the town’s restaurants and bars. There’s a lively music scene. And it’s been ranked as the eighth most enlightened town by something called Utne Reader, and the tenth smartest place to live by Kiplinger’s.

Nickname: They call themselves Hawkeyes. The state of Iowa is known as the Hawkeye state. How the state (and university) got the name Hawkeyes used to be the subject of a bit of a debate. Some claimed the name is a tribute to Chief Black Hawk due to the Black Hawk War of 1832.  But the the Iowa Athletics site maintains that it originally came from the novel, The Last of the Mohicans, by James Fenimore Cooper. In the book, Hawkeye was the name bestowed on a white scout who hunted and lived with the Delaware Indians.

Who's your mascot?
Mascot: The university has a costumed Hawkeye, known as Herky, who has been a symbol of the university since 1948. The university had had gone through a number of mascots, including Burch, a black bear cub who lived under the football bleachers until he was found drowned in the Iowa River in 1910 (the MZone's first thought: ask Brutus the Buckeye where he was that day). Herky was conceived by a journalism instructor and his name was selected based on a statewide contest.

Herky's first appearance at a football game came in 1959, but he was soon banned from the sideline after a couple of problems. In Evanston he came close to starting a riot when he pulled the tail off Northwestern's Wildcat mascot, and he also caused a stir when he climbed an electric pole at a home game.

Originally made of papier-mache and chicken wire, today’s mascot has a couple seven pound Kevlar head versions: two wearing football helmets and one without. They heads are manufactured by the same Minnesota company that makes Sesame Street costumes, and cost a total of $5,880.

Colors/Logo/Helmet: Officially, they wear Black and Old Gold. For a previous Iowa KYF, Andy searched high and low, but could not find any related story as to how and why they picked these colors. And let's be honest, the “gold” for Iowa is really more of a yellow. But given that they grow a lot of corn in Iowa, it makes sense that their gold is more "corny."

The logo is something called a Tigerhawk and was introduced in 1979 when former head football coach Hayden Fry arrived from North Texas State University. Fry was allowed to hire a marketing group to create the logo to in an effort to reshape the image of the Iowa football team which hadn't had a winning season since 1960. It must have worked, because Fry turned the Hawkeyes into a respected football program where he gathered 143 wins, 3 Big Ten titles, and 14 bowl appearances in 20 years.

Although, as we stated in a previous post here at the MZone, if you turn it on its side, their logo looks a lot like Fred Flintstone.  You be the judge:

And their uniforms look a lot like those of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, another change courtesy of Hayden Fry's attempt to make the woeful program he took over play like winners by looking like winners. With the approval of the Rooney family, Fry basically copied the Steelers uniforms. Prior to that, Iowa had a series of non-descript yellow and black helmets. About the only thing that has changed on the Iowa helmets since 1979 is the addition of a small, circular yellow decal containing the letters "ANF" on their helmets; the acronym stands for "America Needs Farmers" and was intended to draw attention to the economic plight experienced by many farmers in the American midwest.

You can spot the difference by noting that only one of the
teams above would lose to the Minnesota Gophers

Fight Song: The Iowa Fight Song was written in 1951 by Iowa native Meredith Willson, creator of Broadway play The Music Man.  The song only has 61 words, yet the word “Fight!” appears nine times.  Hell, the word “Iowa” only shows up four times.

The word is "Fight! Fight! Fight! for IOWA,
Let every loyal Iowan sing;
The word is "Fight! Fight! Fight! for IOWA,"
Until the walls and rafters ring (Go Hawks!)
Come on and cheer, cheer, cheer, for IOWA
Come on and cheer until you hear the final gun.
The word is "Fight! Fight! Fight! for IOWA,"
Until the game is won.

Academics: According to the latest US News and World Reports rankings, Iowa is #71, tied with BYU, V-Tech and fellow B1G school, MSU.  However, they more than make up for this so-so ranking with a #4 spot on the Princeton Review list of the Top Party Schools.

The pride and joy of the University is probably the Writers’ Workshop. The Workshop is a two-year residency program which ultimately requires a creative thesis, usually a novel or a collection of stories. It was the first creative writing degree program in the country and it’s alumni have won a dozen Pulitzer Prizes, and four graduates of the program have been named U.S. Poet Laureates. So I’m sure if Know Your Foe was in the hands of a Writers’ Workshop grad it would be much more interesting.

This is either Hayden Fry or a
police sketch of a serial killer
Football: Football was first played as a club sport at Iowa in 1872, but it was not a varsity sport until 1889 (and may not be again after last week's loss to Minnesota). They lost their first official varsity game to Grinnell College in the one and only game they played that season. The next year they won a game. Ten years later they went undefeated and were offered a place in the Western Athletic Conference, which later became the Big Ten. Iowa has won eleven Big Ten championships, the last in 2004. Nile Kinnick won the 1939 Heisman Trophy, beating out Tom Harmon (#Bullshit). In 1970, Michigan’s Bump Elliott became Iowa’s Athletic Director a year after Don Canham replaced him as coach with Bo Schembechler (#NotBullshit).

Over the years, 92 Hawkeyes have been named a first-team or second-team All-American, and 22 have been named consensus first-team All-Americans. They have produced three members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including Michigan native Paul Krause. Nine players and five coaches represent Iowa in the College Football Hall of Fame, including 1985 Heisman runner up Chuck Long. As previously mentioned, Hayden Fry brought Iowa football back to life in 1979. They have been a consistently tough Big Ten opponent since (although, did we mention they lost to Minnesota last week?).

Other Sports: The University of Iowa currently fields 24 varsity teams. But when you think Iowa sports, you need to begin with wrestling where they rule. Legendary Olympian Dan Gable and 2 other coaches have led the wrestling Hawkeyes to 21 national and 32 Big Ten titles, includes nine straight national titles (1978-86). Their men’s basketball team has had some success, making it to three Final Fours. Their baseball team made the drive to Omaha and the College World Series in 1972.

Famous Alums: Famous non athletic Hawkeyes include Actors Gene Wilder (who was once married to U-M alum Gilda Radner), Tom Arnold and Ashton Kutcher. TV news anchor Tom Brokaw and Pulitzer Prize winner Tennessee Williams and novelist John Irving . The founder of famous public opinion poll, George Gallup was a football player and editor of school paper. Grammy winning singer Al Jarreau and Academy Award winning screenwriter Diablo Cody (Juno) both spent some time in Iowa City.  And they must live with the shame of Lou Holtz on this list as well.

Iowa alum Gene Wilder and the pre-Hayden Fry Hawkeye football team

Ron's pick: I believe in our kids, and they'll keep it rolling. This is not last year or the year before. They get it done.

Michigan - 28
Iowa - 17

Yost's pick: Last weekend was a huge game for Michigan. Not only wasn't it a loss, but it wasn't close. They put away an inferior team and didn't let them hang around or let them back in it. And before The Dark Period, Saturday's game in Iowa would probably be a road version of last weekend. But, even after their loss to Minnesota (did we mention--? Nevermind), Iowa is 5-0 at home (0-3 on the road). So while they played poorly last weekend, Iowa isn't a bad team (right?). Still, are these Wolverines really going to lay an egg for Brady Hoke during his birthday week? Just can't see it. Very close. Comes down to the forth quarter but I think we pull it out.

Michigan - 28
Iowa - 27

DrCatie said...

I am in Minneapolis this week for Business. Leaving today, however I did notice the HUGE deal that they have made of beating Iowa last Saturday. Coming from Michigan and our record in MOST sports the last few years I fully understand their joy of winning. My business associate said " you would have thought we won the Super Bowl"! When you think about it.....they have the Vickings (not so much) and the Twins (Really not so much) and the Gophers.......seriously......that Iowa win is the best they will get this year!

Having lost to the Gophers when the rest of our conference is eating them alive.....does give you pause of thought.......how much do they want to beat us this week? Hopefully not more than we want to beat them! :)

phil said...

Excellent job by Ron. I should make this request. When we play Bucknuts, do we really have to trash our website by putting their KYF info on here? It would be like sitting us down and forcing us to watch Dancing with the Stars or even worse, forcing us to listen to Colin Cowturd.

Ron said...

Yost deserves the majority of the credit for this one. He did a great job.

616goblue said...

I can attest that Iowa City is a great college town as my first job after I graduated college was there in the 319. Ah yes, the pedistrian mall is a haven for restaurants and bars and the local musicians that play in front of the downtown Sheridan on the weekends. Not sure if it falls in the resturant category but the food cart vendors sell, regardless of menu, what is affectionately known as "street meat." Then again at 1am, you are not sure what you are really eating in that gyro...

While it is a little known fact that Ashton Kutcher is one of my fraternity brothers and our fraternity International Headquarters is in Iowa City, I'm just curious if there are any presidents or astronauts that are State University of Iowa alumni.

Space bitches, space.

MMQ said...

Just as I suspected...No hot Chicks or pictures of Hot Chicks in Iowa...Just corn and a football team that lost to the Gophers...

Did you mention that?

Mikoyan said...

I love these Know Your Foes. I think they are one of the best features of the site. I would hope that we would have one for that school in Ohio. At some time, could we have a Know Your Friend again. You guys did that one a while ago...but it would be nice.

Unfortunately, I wont be watching this game as I will be at the EMU game taking pictures. I hope the Hurons can beat the Cardinals......

Speaking of stuff, this morning on Michigan Radio, they did a really nice special about Bump Elliot.

Ramona said...

Yost, you think it's going to be that close? I'm going to say by..3 to 7 pts. Then again I'm also picking LSU for the win and my son informs me I couldn't be more wrong.

Dennis said...

At least you didn't compare us to Skip Bayless. Or Desmond Howard. Man, talk about losing IQ points listening to ESPN... :>

phil said...

Dennis - not to worry. We'll have the KYF for tUOS because I just sold some advertising to Jack Maxton Chevrolet, Auto Direct of Columbus and Fine Line Tattoos and Body Piercings (now under new ownership...motto: "We're not that kind of Tattoo parlor anymore.")

Dennis said...

Ah, the memories. My Dad bought our '78 Malbu Classic staion wagon (Camel colored) from Jack Maxton. It actually lasted for 15 years before it started using more oil than gas.

And no, Mom didn't get a Fook Michigan or any other tattoo from Fine Line Tattoo. Sorry to shatter the stereotype (and short circuit the joke.) Dad was the only one with any ink and he got his while serving in Korea.

surrounded in columbus said...

"got his while serving in Korea."

yeah, but it probably still said "Fuck Michigan"

Dennis said...

Well, that goes without saying. :)

Seriously it is an anchor and mermaid thing, which was funny because he wasn't Navy, but Army.

As for this game, I'm still not sure what to think, but I'll take a stab and say it will be close through the 3rd quarter, but Iowa's defense will get tired and you guys will win 35-24. I saw Gerd picked Iowa by one.

FWIW, I'm thinking Indiana will do wonders for the OSU offense, Miller will throw for 130 or so, and we'll have 250 or so on the ground. Might be close early, but it ends up 41-14.

Jim15032 said...

That is a pretty good fight song. But someone forgot to mention Forest Evashevski, an even stronger Michigan Iowa connection than Bump or (not mentioned either) Mary Sue Coleman.

beast in 'bama said...

So which is it?

a) Kneel before Herky, or
b) Kiss the ... ring

James said...

Is that supposed to be a lowercase "i" in the middle of the Iowa logo?

HmbFossil said...

Ah yes, 616, George's Best Gryos. Greatest 1am food ever!

I looked back at last year's MZone Iowa game thread. Pretty funny/interesting. I commented that Iowa fans were allowing themselves to have high expectations and MZoners were coming unglued about RR. I guess I deserve a "Karma bitch, karma." :)

It will be interesting to see the Michigan D's gameplan. Greg Mattison should be plenty familiar with the Iowa offensive scheme, as it's practically the same one used while his son Bryan played D for the Hawks. As for the Iowa D, they are young and mobile QB's confuse them quite easily. So Denard may have a big day coming his way.

Typically, Iowa loses 1 game a year they have no business losing and wins 1 game they have no business winning. So there was last week... And this week?

I think Iowa still loses, 31-21.

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Wacky Window Wednesday

Today, after a full charge with the new super cable, my car acted a bit funny... after starting it up, I tried to close the windows... the passenger side window would not shut.  It just kept going up and down.  Thinking maybe the door wasn't closed fully, I got out and shut the door firmly.  Window still kept going up and down.  Turned car off and then back on.  Window still not staying closed... but at some point soon after the reboot, it did stay closed.  Also, after full charge the gauge was at 100 % but readout only said 94 miles.

1 comment:

  1. Sounds like the window used up your miles ;) I think those MINI windows have a anti-pinch feature. It means if it detects something in the path of it closing, like an arm, it goes back down. I have seen these windows, on my own cars, get confused by water, heat, etc.


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Airport-Goers Run Into Unusual Parking Problem

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BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (WCCO) — Some people flying out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Wednesday got an unexpected delay.

The parking lot was full at the main terminal. Airport officials said a large amount of spring break travelers are leaving their cars in the long-term parking lot.

Parking workers had to send some travelers over to the value lot at Terminal 2, previously known as the Humphrey Terminal. The good news is that the terminals are linked by the light rail line and it’s free.

But the whole process takes time and can often give travelers a delay they didn’t plan for.

“When I give myself enough time the parking is pretty easy and when I don’t I’m usually in a rush. But I’ve got about an hour, I’m not too worried about it,” said traveler Jon Newburg.

“No point in being upset by it. I’m very pleased there was an alternative route when you think how far one could travel with all this luggage. But it’s fine,” said traveler Ginger Zierdt.

The airport expects to run into this problem off and on for the next month, mostly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as heavy traffic continues over spring break.

But you can always check on parking availability online and over the phone.

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Twins Pummel Phillies Pitching In 11-7 Win

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(credit: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

(credit: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Trevor Plouffe and the Minnesota Twins are finally making cavernous Target Field look like a hitter’s park.

Plouffe had a homer, a double and three RBIs and the Twins racked up 17 hits in an 11-7 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night.

Ben Revere and Jamey Carroll each had three hits and two RBIs and Denard Span and Josh Willingham also homered for the Twins, who have won 10 of 13 games.

“We’re making our hitting coach look pretty good right now,” Revere said with a smile.

Particularly the once-struggling Plouffe, who is hitting .417 with five homers, four doubles and 12 RBIs in nine games this month. But he’s not the only one on a roll.

Joe Mauer added two hits and two RBIs for the Twins, who scored at least 10 runs for the third time in seven games, got up big early and then kept turning the Phillies back every time they started to close the gap.

“You have to have your whole lineup contributing and that’s what we’re getting right now, our whole lineup,” Willingham said. “It can’t be one or two guys every night. It’s got to be the whole lineup up and down.”

Jimmy Rollins had four hits and two RBIs for the Phillies, who left 10 runners on base and couldn’t overcome another poor start from Kyle Kendrick (2-6). The right-hander gave up six runs on eight hits with two walks and two strikeouts. He has a 7.80 ERA in his last three starts.

The injury-plagued Phillies fell to 29-34, 9½ games behind Washington in the NL East. They’ve lost nine of their last 10 games while they wait for injured stars Ryan Howard, Roy Halladay and Chase Utley to come to the rescue.

“What can I say? It seems like it’s hard for us to get it,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. “It’s hard for us to put together a solid game.”

Span started the Twins first inning with a home run to right field, his second of the season and fifth career leadoff homer.

The Twins tacked on four more in the second inning on Plouffe’s two-run homer and base hits from Revere and Mauer to take a commanding 5-0 lead.

But the Phillies started chipping away, scoring four off Nick Blackburn (3-4) in the fourth inning, stringing three straight hits together to get the rally going. Rollins was in the middle of everything, starting the game with a single, picking up doubles in the third and fourth and getting a single and scoring on a base hit from Jim Thome, the slugger who reached the 600-homer plateau in a Twins uniform, in the sixth to cut Minnesota’s lead to 8-7.

Willingham hit a solo home off of lefty Joe Savery in the sixth and Carroll drove in Plouffe with a single in the seventh for a little more breathing room.

The epitome of the Phillies’ hard-luck season may have come in the seventh when the Twins had two on and two out and Revere at the plate. Revere popped a foul ball up along the third base line and Phillies third baseman Mike Fontenot gave chase.

Just as he was about to haul in the final out, a young boy reached up with his glove and snatched it away. The youngster was wearing a Phillies cap and Phillies jersey. Given new life, Revere poked a single through the right side of the infield to score Span to make it 11-7.

“I owe that little kid dinner,” Revere said with a chuckle. “He helped me out a little bit there.”

The offensive outburst helped the Twins overcome a shaky start from Blackburn, who lasted five innings. The right-hander gave up four runs on eight hits with two walks and a strikeout in his second start since coming off the disabled list.

“The team doing well helps a lot,” Plouffe said. “When guys are hitting, it kind of helps you out. It’s contagious. I say it all the time and it’s true.”

NOTES: Willingham tipped his cap to his wife, Ginger, after crossing home plate in the sixth. Ginger tweeted that it was her birthday and she asked her hubby for a homer. … Mauer picked up his 500th career walk in the seventh. … Phillies 2B Chase Utley (knee) started a rehab assignment with Class-A Clearwater on Tuesday night. … Phillies manager Charlie Manuel came out to argue with 2B umpire Manny Gonzalez in the fifth inning that Plouffe missed third base while scoring on a double from Carroll. … The Twins held a moment of silence for former RHP Dave Boswell, who died at his home in Maryland on Monday. … P.J. Walters (2-1, 4.42) will take the mound for Minnesota on Wednesday in Game 2 of the series against Phillies LHP Cole Hamels (8-3, 2.93).

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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Rick Burud

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Dayton Declares Emergency After Minn. Storm

The spring snowstorm that made travel difficult Thursday across parts of Minnesota heaped more headaches on the southwest corner of the state, where communities are still struggling to restore power following an ice storm earlier in the week. Officials said it may be early next week before electricity is restored in the southwest.


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Tuesday, September 1, 2015

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Television Ad Spending in the Twin Cities

Ad Buy Details

Buyer Michele Bachmann Related buys
Buyer type Candidate Related buys
Race Congress - 6th District Related buys
Ads support party Republican Related buys
Station KMSP Related buys
Number of ads 21
Amount $52,900
Start date 10/29/08
End date 11/04/08
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Tuesday, September 1, 2015

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< A succession election? | Main | Kung-Fu Lawmaking >

Possible Veto Bait

Posted at 1:19 PM on March 18, 2008 by Michael Marchio

Remember the "Good Faith" insurance practices bill? The one that was stripped out of a $2 billion public safety bill last session because Gov. Tim Pawlenty threatened to veto the whole thing over it? Well, its back, and won Senate approval this afternoon.

The original version of SF2822, sponsored by Sen. Tarryl Clark (DFL-St. Cloud), according to our friends at Senate Briefly, means that "the insured must show, first, that the insurer lacked a reasonable basis for denying benefits and, second, that the insurer acted with knowledge or reckless disregard for the lack of a reasonable basis. The bill limits insureds' recovery to economic damages and permits, but does not require, courts to award attorney fees."

During the floor debate, Sen. Linda Scheid (DFL-Brooklyn Park) said she was concerned about the court awarding attorneys fees and driving up the costs of premiums, and offered a delete-all amendment. These amendments replace the entire text of a bill. Its pretty much the legislative equivalent of a lawmaker yelling "Oh Snap" right there on the floor.

Scheid's amendment kept most of the provisions, but limited the attorney's fees to $40,000 and gives the insured an additional award of "half the difference between the insurer's pre-trial offers and the final award, up to $100,000", which would reassure insurance companies that they wouldn't be paying attorney's fees through the nose and passing the cost off to other customers.

Scheid's amendment was adopted on a 37-30 vote, though it was 35 to 32 before a few lawmakers, seeing it would pass, changed their votes to go with the majority. It then passed on a voice vote.

While Scheid's amendment may have carried the day, Sen. Clark could end up being the big MFL winner from this. While Scheid's amendment may be less generous to the insured, it had more support. The governor may not like this one any better than last year's "Good Faith" bill, but if it has enough support to override the potential veto, Sen. Clark will get the points, not Sen. Scheid.

This could precede a street fight in the House. Yesterday, Rep. Steve Smith (R-Mound) rose on a point of personal privilege on the floor to address a lobbying campaign by the insurance industry attacking him for co-sponsoring the house file of the bill. "The Insurance Federation of Minnesota has been distributing information claiming that I personally, in my profession as a lawyer, will be lining my own pockets through my support of "Good Faith" legislation."

According to an email he read on the floor, he'd been accused of "Bringing this up to help line the pockets of trial lawyers like yourself will change my voting preference. I'm sure you also support SF2822, Rep. Atkins Good Faith bill, another bill that will benefit you and your brother trial lawyers."

He went on:

"Why can't we discuss bills on their merits? These emails accusing me of seeking personal financial gain and improper motives strike at the very core of our work here in this chamber...How offensive and troubling that the Insurance Federation can spend $1 million or more to threaten our elections and discredit our actions with false and misleading accusations that have no merit."

Rep. Smith doesn't often give floor speeches, but when he does, he makes them count. And for the record, he is not a trial lawyer, he is an attorney practicing family law. HF3115, co-authored by Smith, with a chief author of Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights), has passed through the Commerce and Labor, but that's a floor hearing we'll be sure to watch out for, and may even hold a floor-a-palooza on it.


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November is Great for “Mo” Awareness

According to, November is a busy National Health Observance month. Here are just some of the events we’re celebrating this month:

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

American Diabetes Month

National Epilepsy Awareness Month

Diabetic Eye Disease Month

Great American Smokeout (American Cancer Society)

National Child Mental Health Month

Healthy Skin Month

American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month

Whew! And that’s not including all the monthly observances, or any of the special awareness days and weeks, such as Emphysema Awareness Week.

It can make your head spin to think about so many health conditions, but what a great way to focus attention on these issues, raise funds, encourage early detection — and eventually even save lives.

My vote for most humorous and engaging initiative, though, has got to go to Movember (“Moustache” plus “November”), a global men’s health event. Males start the month clean-shaven and grow their ‘staches for 30 days, getting donations from friends, family and co-workers along the way. In effect, they’re walking, talking billboards raising awareness and money, while having a good time unleashing their inner Tom Selleck.

Have you noticed there are more moustaches sprouting in your workplace? Might be some “Mo Bros” among you. Most likely they’re aided by “Mo Sistas.” That’s the nickname for participants in the health charity’s endeavor to raise awareness of men’s diseases, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and depression.

According to the Movember website, three million participants have raised more than $446 million for research, education and outreach. In fact, in 2012, the Global Journal listed Movember as one of the top 100 NGOs (non-government organization) in the world.

The Aussies who started Movember in 2003 were just having a good laught with friends, but the next year they decided to get serious by fundraising for men’s health. They were inspired by the way women led the charge to find a cure for breast cancer, so they followed suit with men’s cancers.

If Movember seems too flippant for such serious issues, never fear. You only have to wait until June, when this nation celebrates Men’s Health Month. No moustaches required.

Jebra Turner
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Marlins looking for a third baseman? There’s one in their system

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — One of the bigger rumors that’s been floating around the lobby here has been that the Marlins are looking to 1. Trade Logan Morrison and/or 2. Bring in a third baseman.

Juan Uribe has been mentioned, though he’s reportedly looking for a three-year deal. No specific names have surfaced in terms of trade returns for Morrison, though there has been some talk of them wanting a big-league ready, or close to big-league ready third baseman in return.

One thing, though, that the Marlins do need to consider, is that they have a pretty good third base prospect in their system already. Miami drafted Colin Moran with the sixth overall pick in the 2013 Draft with the hopes that he could be a fairly quick to Miami advanced college bat. He fared well in full-season ball during his debut, then went on to the Arizona Fall League and we named him the No. 14 prospect in the AFL after he started slowly, but adjusted and finished well. He’s currently the No. 72 prospect on’s Top 100, No. 4 on the Marlins Top 20 and fifth among third base prospects.

The question is, of course, just how quickly he can be ready for the big leagues. There seems to be some debate over that. The Marlins took him that early clearly believing it would be a short trip up the ladder and they hope he can hit Miami in 2015 and that has entered into their internal discussions about moves to make. Does that mean Uribe and his three years are off the table? Not sure yet, but I bet it’s being talked about with Moran in mind.

I talked to some scouts who saw him in the Fall League and got some different feedback. One scout thought back end of 2015 was reasonable. Another didn’t see him as quite a quick a riser, saying he thought it would take 2-3 years, with the more conservative projection more likely. Our own Bernie Pleskoff is more in line with that evaluation after having seen him multiple times in Arizona. It’s not that Bernie (follow him on Twitter @BerniePleskoff) doesn’t like him at all, but he’s skeptical about his ability to get there quickly and will need some development time to iron his game out.

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Odiela Laib

Sept. 19, 1935-Dec. 28, 2013

December 31, 2013
Minot Daily News

Odiela Darliss Laib, 78, McClusky, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at home, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Odiela was born on Sept. 19, 1935, the third child of 13 children of William and Melita (Anhorn) Mertz. She was baptized on Nov. 17, 1935, at St. Jacobus Lutheran Church, north of Goodrich. She attended elementary school and graduated from eighth grade in 1949, at a rural country school in Mertz Township. Odiela was confirmed on June 4, 1950, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denhoff. Following school, Odiela worked for five years at Hansen's Cash Store in Denhoff.

On Nov. 23, 1955, she married her lifelong partner, Elmer Laib, at Mercer. In 1956 they began farming southwest of McClusky. In 1957, they moved to a farm south of McClusky. Here they expanded their farming operation while raising their six children. In 1966, they had the first all electric heat home in the rural Capital Electric Cooperative area, and in 1972, they were selected as the Sheridan County Conservation Award winners.

They had toured the United States, fished in Canada, and got pottery from Mexico. A great passion of Odiela's was the collection of glassware, such as Fenton, Hull, McCoy, Shawnee, Frankoma, Bavarian, Depression, Royal Copley, and Lefton, and many musical metal pieces. In 1993, Elmer and Odiela purchased the R & H Motel in McClusky. They expanded the operation in the ensuing years to include a bait shop and trailer park. They established many lifelong friendships with many of their seasonal customers.

Odiela was a secretary for Lutheran Brotherhood from 1983 to 1993 with Erwin Neuharth. She researched and put together the genealogy of eight generations of the Laib ancestry. Odiela's interests and hobbies included card playing, fishing and visiting. Her greatest joys in her life were her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family.

Odiela is survived by: her husband of 58 years, Elmer; children, LaVern (Sherry), of Stanley, N.D., Sheryl (Rocky) Shotnokaff, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Steven (Carol), of Isabel, S.D., Elliot (Stephany), of Plano, Texas, Virgil (friend Julie), of McClusky, and Lynette (Norman) Boehm, of McClusky; brothers, Ronald (Loretta), William (Carol), David (Sharon), Curtis (Linda), Clarence (Nancy), of Bismarck, and Gary (Marilyn), of Mandan; sisters, Glennis Muscha (Ben), of Harvey, and Lois Mertz, of Bismarck; sisters-in-law, Shirley Mertz, of Minot, N.D., and Marlene (John) Grate, of Isabel, S.D. She is also survived by many grandchildren, stepgrandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her best friends, Dianne and Melvin Hissung.

Odiela was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Allen, Whelan, and Arlin; and sister, Melita Rose Mertz.

In honoring Odiela's request, a graveside service is being scheduled for May 10, 2014, at the St. Jacobus Lutheran Cemetery of rural Goodrich.

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The Full Wiki

More info on Fusoya

Fusoya: Misc

Final Fantasy

Up to date as of February 01, 2010

From Final Fantasy Wiki

Artwork by Yoshitaka Amano
Sprite(s) SNES menu portrait GBA and FF4TAY menu portrait Fusoya's DS portrait Battle sprite Fusoya's battle sprite in the Mobile Phone version and The After Years
Japanese name Fusuya
Kana フースーヤ
Romaji Fūsūya
Voice actor(s)
Banjou Ginga
Voice actor(s)
Michael McConnohie
Job Lunarian
Skill White Magic
Black Magic
Regen (SNES and GBA)
Bless (Nintendo DS and After Years)
Birthplace Red Moon
Laterality Right-handed
Final Fantasy IV Character

Fusoya, also known as FuSoYa, is the final player character in Final Fantasy IV. He is a Lunarian from the Red Moon, and it is his job to watch over the sleep of the Lunarians. He is the brother of Kluya, and is thus the uncle of both Cecil Harvey and Golbez. He is the oldest and wisest of the main characters. In the English localization of the Nintendo DS version, Fusoya is pronounced [fuˈsɔɪ.ə].

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow. (Skip section)

Final Fantasy IV

Fusoya was supposed to watch over the Lunar Sleep. However, a Lunarian named Zemus wanted to raze the Earth so the Lunarians could take it over. Fusoya waited on The Moon for the one who would help defeat Zemus to arrive. This person just happened to be his own nephew Cecil Harvey, who was accompanied by Rydia, Rosa Joanna Farrell, and Edge at the time. Fusoya told them of Zemus' plan. Zemus was gathering the Crystals in order to activate the Giant of Babil, which was a wish granting giant who would destroy the world on command. He told the party that Zemus was manipulating Golbez in order to achieve this goal. He then told the party to return to the Tower of Babil in order to stop the Giant. However, because it was shielded, Fusoya joined the party in order to deactivate it.

The party returned to Earth. However, they were too late. The Giant began its wave of destruction. However, Cid Pollendina mobilized the entire world to join the battle in a fleet of newly remodeled airships. Cid helped the party enter the Giant. The party then worked their way to the CPU. However, on the way, they had to fight the Archfiends one last time. When they finally reached the CPU and destroyed it, an angry Golbez appeared. However, Fusoya was able to break Zemus' control of Golbez, and revealed that Golbez and Cecil were brothers. Golbez agreed to help Fusoya defeat Zemus, and the two returned to The Moon together, using the teleporter in the Tower of Babil.

Fusoya's DS model

Fusoya and Golbez are next seen battling Zemus in The Moon. They are able to defeat him by casting Meteor together. However, Zemus' hatred, Zeromus, rises from Zemus' corpse and attacks Fusoya and Golbez. They try to cast Meteor again, however, it does not work. Fusoya orders Golbez to use a special Crystal to defeat him, however, Golbez's darkness makes the Crystal have no effect. Zeromus then casts Meteor on Fusoya and Golbez, defeating them. This leaves Cecil and his party to fight Zeromus, and the prayers of former party members, including Fusoya and Golbez, help them succeed.

In the ending, Fusoya and Golbez return to the Lunar Sleep as the Red Moon leaves Earth's orbit.

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years

Fusoya appears in Golbez's chapter. He fights a revived Zeromus with Golbez, before the monster destroys the Crystal Palace with a Big Bang. Fusoya teleports Golbez out of there, so that he can continue to fight against the evil that is attacking the world. His fate is unknown. During the ending, Golbez says he will go to look for him and the other Lunarians.

Equipment and Stats

Fusoya's stats are relatively low, and his MP does not increase above 190 except past level 70. His stats are weighted towards magic. His equipment is limited to rods, staves, hoods, and robes.

In the DS remake, Fusoya's stats don't increase at all on a level-up. Though Bless helps his low MP, his spellcasting is hindered by it.

Fusoya in battle in The After Years

Fusoya has access to both Black and White Magic. He joins the party knowing every spell in the game, but his 190 MP pales in comparison to the party's other spell casters and limits his efficiency. Fusoya is unique in that he knows every White and Black Magic spell in the game as soon as he joins the party.

Fusoya can also use Regen, which restores a very small amount of HP to each party member over time. This ability does not appear in the American SNES version. In the DS release, Regen is replaced with Bless, which restores a very small amount of MP to each party member over time (similar to Regen, only with MP).

In Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, Bless restores both HP and MP. Fusoya has only one Band ability with Golbez, Double Black Magic, which casts Double Firaga, Double Blizzaga, Double Thundaga or Double Meteor. He is only playable in the Lunarian chapter and knows every spell in the game.

Musical Themes

Fusoya's theme is The Lunarians.

Fu and Su are Chinese words that respectively mean "good fortune" and "longevity". Ya in Chinese is an affix which is used to mark some person names.

  • In Final Fantasy IV, Fusoya is the only party member whose in game portrait has him facing to the right. Everyone else looks forwards or to the left.
  • He's also the only character in The After Years not to get a new portrait, with the exception of the portraits for the characters in their Pig or Frog status.

This article uses material from the "Fusoya" article on the Final Fantasy wiki at Wikia and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.

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Is reception open 24 hours?

Yes, we have a friendly, informative receptionist on duty 24 hours every day of the year to ensure you have the best possible stay.

When can I check in?

Generally speaking, check-in is at 3pm. However, we know your travelling boots will be tired so we’ll let you check in as soon as your room or bed is ready. You are welcome to store your bags in the luggage room or use the common facilities while you wait.

When do I have to leave?

It’s hard to see you go but since you’ll be traveling on, we ask that you check out by 11am to make room for incoming guests. The lockers and lounge will still be at your disposal, of course.

What does the price include?

Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there – taxes! In addition to regular taxes there is also a per head “tourist tax” in Prague. But you don’t need to worry about them because they’re already included. Likewise, we don’t think our beds would be very comfortable if we didn’t put linens on them so the price includes: taxes, towels, linens, daily housekeeping

How can I pay?

The mighty Czech Koruna (or “crown”) or the even mightier Euro (at our current in-house exchange rate) are both accepted, as are credit cards (with a 4 % service charge).

Will Miss Sophie’s accept my Euros or exchange Euros for Czech crowns?

In a word, yes. We use an in-house exchange rate. Please inquire at reception for more information. This service is available as long as the receptionist has sufficient currency.

I don’t have a credit card. Can I still make a reservation?

Sure, but only during non-peak season. If you do not have a credit card, we also accept advance payment through a bank transfer to secure your reservation.

You might also be able to make a non-confirmed reservation, whereby you must call or email to confirm two days before your arrival. This also requires that you arrive by 3pm or call again to reconfirm on the day of your arrival. This option is not always available so email us and we’ll see what we can work out for you: info@miss-sophies.com.

Is there a minimum or maximum stay requirement?

For most of the year we have no minimum stay requirements, although on peak holidays – Easter and New Years Eve – there is usually a 3-4 night minimum stay.
Extended stays for more than 7 nights are only accepted with prior discussion. Please email us with your requirements.

I need a visa for the Czech Republic. Can Sophie’s Hostel send me a reservation confirmation so I can apply?

Yes. If you require a letter of confirmation of your reservation with our official stamp and signature in order to apply for a visa, please allow up to 3 days for us to prepare this document. There is a non-refundable processing fee of 300 CZK and we require full non-refundable prepayment of your reservation. These payments are non-refundable in all circumstances. Please also note that we can only send these letters as a .pdf attachment via email.

To find out whether you need a visa to visit the Czech Republic you can visit this website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

Can I have breakfast at Miss Sophie’s?

Yes! Every morning, our chefs at Sophie’s Kitchen (just across the street) proudly prepares a hearty breakfast offering. An all-you-can-eat buffet is available for 150 CZK which includes fresh breads, ham and cheese selection, jams, granola, fruits, yoghurt, juice, tea and coffee. You can also upgrade to a hot brunch option for 200 CZK which includes the full buffet as well as freshly cooked hot items – such as eggs, omelets, bacon, pancakes and more!

Will my things be safe at Miss Sophie’s?

For the safety of our guests and their belongings, we offer:

• keycard entry for all rooms
• secure luggage room*
• lockable storage boxes under dorm-room beds*
• code-locked safes in all the private rooms and apartments
• safe deposit boxes for small valuables
• laptop storage behind reception
• 24-hour reception

*Lockers require a separate lock. If you do not have one of your own you can borrow a padlock from the reception free of charge.

Do you provide a map of Prague?

Yes! We provide guests with a free customized map of Prague full of great helpful information and recommendations for our favorite places to eat, shop, sight-see, and more!

Is there anything interesting going on while I’m Prague?

Prague is a city with lots of things going on no matter the season! Find cultural and art exhibitions, live music and concerts, outdoor markets, sporting events and more in addition to Prague’s must sees.

For specific events in and around Prague, we recommend visiting the following sites:

Prague TV
Prague Events Calendar
Prague Monitor
Ticketpro Agency
Facebook Group

As always, if you have any questions about upcoming events or things to do and see in Prague, feel free to ask our friendly receptionists.

How can I stay connected with Miss Sophie’s?

There are heaps of ways! Follow us on Twitter, ‘like’ us on Facebook, find us on Flickr, leave a review on Tripadvisor…and our favourite way: come back to visit!


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Mitchell Long

Tropics is the Los Angeles based group playing a wide variety of music including Brazilian, Latin, straight ahead Jazz and many popular styles. The group is founded by the extraordinary Bass player Jose Marino and features Mitchell long on guitar and vocals as well as a roster of world class musicians. Tropics is a truly versatile and world class musical outfit available for any type of event or concert setting and can be available as a duo, trio or in full band instrumentation. You can sit back and listen to the soothing sounds or enjoy dancing to your favorite songs with the vast repertoire available.

Jose "Zelao" Marino, Cristiano Novelli and Mitchell Long of Tropics.

This CD was recorded live with some keyboard (Frank Zottoli) and percussion (Ritchie Garcia) overdubs. Should be available soon! Tropics is a versatile band available for any event or concert and ranging from duo to full band instrumentation.


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Bradley Cooper or Lance Armstrong?

It hasn't taken long for the Lance Armstrong story to become the hottest new biopic in town. Shortly after the cyclist confessed to doping on Oprah, J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot snatched up the rights to an upcoming book about Armstrong. And everybody wants to be in the J.J. Abrams business right now.

Turns out a certain handsome, Oscar-nominated actor has aggressively thrown his hat into the ring to portray the embattled athlete: None other than Bradley Cooper. But how close is he to securing the part?

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A Christmas Story

‘A Christmas Story’ Considered Historically Significant, Will Be Preserved in the Library of Congress

It's a major award! Looks like the Library of Congress is in a very Christmas-y mood, as Bob Clark's classic 'A Christmas Story' is one of 25 new films selected for preservation into the National Film Registry. Oh fudge, indeed!

Jump after the break to find out the other 24 titles!

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Watching Horror Films Can Burn Calories Faster; Which Movies Burn the Most?

This Halloween, most of us will be doing one of two things (or both): Watching scary movies, and gorging ourselves with candy. But you needn't feel guilty after your third 'Friday the 13th' movie and your tenth fun size Snickers bar: a new study has found that watching horror movies can actually burn hundreds of calories! Fire up Netflix and break out the candy corn!

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‘Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 2′ Will Have a Post-Credits Scene and Alternate Ending

Every movie wants to get in on the post-credits bandwagon, the most recent one being 'The Avengers'' sneak peek at Thanos, but apparently 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2' is trying to join in. Certainly a surprising film to feature a stinger, most would probably agree, but it's been such a fan-driven series that it has to be considered something of a parting gift to the folks who made it so huge.

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5 Fun Facts About Turkeys — Yes, They Can Fly (and Change Color)

Turkey staring at the camera
Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Thanksgiving is almost here, which means we start seeing turkeys everywhere—on TV, in our children’s school drawings, running through our dreams every single night while we sleep … you get the idea. And eventually these poor turkeys will be inside many of our overstuffed stomachs as well.

Americans consume up to 45 million turkeys every Thanksgiving, and around 270 million each year. That’s a blessing if you’re a carnivore and aficionado of lean poultry, but it’s a terrible curse if you happen to be a turkey. The president only pardons one turkey (and a backup bird) per year, which means the odds aren’t on the turkeys’ side.

Turkeys, apart from what you see on your dinner plate, are pretty incredible birds. Here are five fun Thanksgiving turkey facts for you to ponder and pass along to others for their holiday edification.

Benjamin Franklin Wanted the Turkey to Be the National Bird

Ben Franklin loved turkeys. He loved them so much, in fact, that he wanted to enshrine the turkey as the national bird of the United States. Franklin thought turkeys were a little bit odd and silly, to be sure (who doesn’t?). But the other choice, the bald eagle, in Franklin’s opinion was a big coward and not fit for the office of national bird. The eagle won out over the much braver turkey, changing the fate of both birds for years to come.

Wild Turkeys Can Run and Fly Really Fast

Yep, wild turkeys (not their fat, domesticated cousins) can run up to 25 miles per hour, and contrary to the popular belief that they’re flightless, these forest-dwelling birds can fly in short bursts—reaching speeds of 55 miles per hour. Living in the wild comes with some danger, and swiftness on the ground and in the air has enabled the wild turkey to live, well, “wild,” as their name would suggest, and free.

Turkeys and T. Rex Both Had Wishbones

Chicken and turkeys are related to the dinosaurs. Modern fowl are some of the closest living relatives to the massive and formidable beasts that dominated the earth millions of years ago. Of course, if you spot a turkey waddling about a pen, you might not be struck with terror, but turkeys, like the ferocious T. Rex, have wishbones, which is a sign of their genetic relationship. If turkeys knew of their proud and extremely dangerous lineage, they’d likely be even cockier than they are now.

Turkeys Roam On California Farm Ahead Of The Holiday Season
Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Emotion Can Change a Turkey’s Color

Turkeys don’t blush, per se, but a bald turkey head, along with the featherless wattles, can change color according to the bird’s emotions and levels of anxiety and excitement. Blue, pink, red and white are some of the hues in the multicolored paint can of a turkey’s skin tone. And you thought turkeys only came in one color!

Wild Turkeys See Better Than Human Beings

Wild turkeys see a heck of a lot better than humans do. With a field of vision of 270 degrees and superior color perception, these birds are incredibly hard to sneak up on. Their vision lets them literally keep an eye—or two eyes—out for natural predators, as well as holiday hunters looking for a meal to set out on the dinner table come that dreaded fourth Thursday in November.

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UFC 135 headliners Jon Jones, Quinton Jackson on Monday's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

http://mmajunkie.com UFC 135 headliners and opponents Jon Jones and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson are both guests on Monday’s edition of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

The Sept. 19 edition of ABC’s late-night talk show airs at midnight ET/PT.

Jones, the UFC’s reigning light-heavyweight champion, and ex-titleholder Jackson discuss their pay-per-view headliner that takes place later that week.

UFC 135 takes place Sept. 24 at Denver’s Pepsi Center. In addition to Jones vs. Jackson, the event features a welterweight co-headliner between UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes and Josh Koscheck.

Jones and Jackson will ham it up as part of the fight-week publicity push for the event. With a busy fall fight schedule that includes multiple MMA events on most weekends, UFC 135 is one of the bigger cards.

Kimmel formerly has hosted MMA personalities such as Chuck Liddell, Frank Shamrock, Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson and David “Tank” Abbott on the program, which debuted in 2003.

Also appearing with Jones and Jackson are TV host Phil McGraw and rock band Switchfoot.

For the latest on UFC 135, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Jon Jones)

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UFC champ Jones, challenger Henderson look forward to UFC clash

ATLANTA – Light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones neutralized his toughest opponent yet when he defeated former titleholder Rashad Evans early Sunday, but the next challenge won’t get easier.

The UFC on Sunday confirmed that venerable star Dan Henderson (29-8 MMA, 5-2 UFC) will face Jones (16-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) next. Henderson has been waiting for a title shot since beating ex-champ Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in a November slugfest that USA TODAY named a Fight of the Year.

Henderson can absorb and deliver powerful strikes, making him a formidable opponent for anyone.

“Dan Henderson is an awesome opponent,” Jones says. “It’s just going to be a lot of things to conquer in this fight. He has extreme knockout power.”

Although Jones has never put anyone to sleep with a solo shot in a real fight, he knows a bit about smashing opponents to pieces. With a 6-foot-4 frame and UFC’s longest reach at 84.5 inches, he has enough leverage and torque to deliver elbow strikes that have shattered facial bones.

He normally lands those fight-ending shots when he’s in top position on the ground. Jones gets there by relying on his roots in Greco-Roman wrestling to secure clinches that set up throws or trips.

But Henderson knows something about applying Greco-Roman work to mixed martial arts. The two-time Olympian, with Matt Lindland and Randy Couture, was a member of the original Team Quest trio that introduced the standing clinch tactics that have become as fundamental to mixed martial arts’ vocabulary as Brazilian jiu-jitsu’s techniques on the ground.

Henderson’s trademark in the past five years has been a powerful punch from the right side that has put away a litany of notable opponents across several weight classes, including three major ex-champions in Wanderlei Silva, Rafael Cavalcante and Fedor Emelianenko, as well as contender Michael Bisping.

Yet the clinch remains Henderson’s foundation. He sees it as a key to success against Jones.

“You’ve really got to get inside and fight with him and end up in the clinch with him a lot,” Henderson says. “Jones is better than most guys in the clinch. … (But) that’s where I’m most comfortable. At the same time I need to be real careful with catching one of those goofy elbows that he throws.”

The champion’s flamboyance with elbow strikes from odd angles offers one of many differences between his philosophy of combat and Henderson’s. They hardly could be further apart in their physical attributes, style and approach to fighting.

Jones has a tall, lanky body type that can pack on muscle. At age 24 and still a few years shy of his physical prime, he weighs 220 pounds or more except when shedding water to make the light-heavyweight division’s 205-pound limit the day before fights.

Henderson is so small that he carries fewer pounds than some welterweights on a normal day.

Rare techniques dance through Jones’ mind every day as he envisions fighting. He has spoken frequently of his insistence on creativity, which showed this weekend in his mixture of strikes from unusually long ranges.

“He looked pretty solid,” Henderson says. “He threw a lot of stuff that’s, I guess, typical of him. Unorthodox with some nasty elbows. A lot of kicks.”

Henderson, like former stablemates Lindland and Couture, embodies the blue-collar side of MMA.

Three years ago, when he was still training in central New York as a fighter with talent but still far from elite status, Jones saw little in common with the Team Quest founders. Jones told USA TODAY about it in 2009:

“Their Greco’s a lot different than mine. They don’t execute a lot of throws. They just use their Greco tie-up just to maintain good positioning, or maybe to hold their opponents against the cage.

“I look at my clinch as a little more active clinch, where I’m always looking for takedowns or different angles or strikes and things, (so) I don’t really look to those guys for clinch knowledge. I think we have two different views on the clinch.”

For much of his 14 years at the top level of mixed martial arts, Henderson wore down foes with a grinding style that incorporates small punches and short elbows while leaning on them against the cage. Henderson employed the tactics so well that he neutralized larger men such as Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira to win points and earn a reputation as “Decision Dan.”

He shed the label later in his career as he realized his knockout power. But he doesn’t expect to rely solely on the right hand against Jones.

Trying to beat Jones without close-range tactics is a fruitless exercise, Henderson thinks.

“Rashad’s game should have been a little bit more mix it up from the outside and threaten more with takedowns and put Jones on his back,” Henderson says. “Rashad fought Jon Jones’ fight, not his own. … I definitely saw (openings) that Rashad should have capitalized on.”

Henderson, 41, wants to fight Jones in UFC’s July 7 show in Las Vegas, though the challenger views the date as a long-shot hope at best since it’s less than three months from now. Whenever it happens, Henderson sees an opportunity to cap off an MMA career few can match for breadth of accomplishment.

He has won one-night tournaments involving heavyweights and likely Hall of Famers in UFC and RINGS. He captured titles in PRIDE Fighting Championships and Strikeforce. He remains the only man to hold major titles in two weight classes at the same time.

Those accolades make Henderson one of the few intriguing targets left at 205 pounds for Jones, who over the past 15 months has beaten four of the five active 205-pounders who have been UFC champions, as well as one of the top young prospects.

“I feel great that I already have a mission,” Jones says. “He’s a winner. He has a huge fanbase. I’m sure the haters will come right away, which I’m OK with.”

For more on UFC 145, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.

(Pictured: Dan Henderson)

Sergio Non is USA TODAY‘s primary MMA writer. His work occasionally appears on MMAjunkie.com, which is part of the USA TODAY Sports Media Group.

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Video: ONE FC's Bibiano Fernandes: Back to 145? Maybe. But flyweight? 'No way.'

Bibiano Fernandes has felt right at home at featherweight in the past. And he feels plenty comfortable now as a bantamweight.

Fernandes (14-3) this past month won ONE FC’s interim bantamweight title with a five-round unanimous decision victory over Koetsu Okazaki (8-3-1) at ONE FC 9 in the Philippines.

He was the DREAM featherweight champ in 2009-2010, then dropped down to bantamweight after losing the belt to Hiroyuki Takaya. And he quickly proceeded to win that promotion’s title at 135. Now he awaits word on when he might fight current ONE FC champ Soo Chul Kim, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury.

In the meantime, would Fernandes ever consider going back up to featherweight? Maybe, he said. But given his walk-around weight, it would have to be a pretty good fight waiting for him.

“I don’t know – I walk at 147 or 148 (pounds),” Fernandes recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio). “That’s as high as I can go with my weight. There’d have to be a good reason to fight there. I can do it, but I’ll probably be at 135.”

He’d probably be giving up some size going back up to featherweight – though only having to cut a few pounds certainly could be a notch in his favor.

But considering the cut to 135 comes without much difficulty for him, what would he think about going down another 10 pounds to flyweight? After all, some flyweights make the cut to 125 from that 147-148 Fernandes is talking about making to get to bantamweight.

“At 135, I feel good,” he said. “I feel very strong and I don’t have to lose a lot of weight. But 125, definitely not. I can go up, but go down? No way.”

Fernandes had a brief flirtation with the UFC a year ago, and even was reported to be booked for a fight at UFC 149 against Roland Delorme. But that fight soon was removed from the UFC’s website, and Fernandes later said he merely was negotiating with the UFC – but never signed a deal.

As its interim bantamweight champ, Fernandes, who is ranked No. 7 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie.com MMA bantamweight rankings now is a ONE FC loyalist.

“I have a six-fight deal with ONE FC, and I’m going to keep putting on good fights and we’ll see what happens for me,” he said. “I’m waiting to fight the champ at 135 and waiting for them to call me to say that’s the next fight. So we’ll see.”

For more coverage of “ONE FC 9: Rise to Power,” stay tuned to the MMA Events section of the site.

MMAjunkie.com Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia, MMAjunkie.com lead staff reporter John Morgan and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

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Karos Online Review

By Omer Altay
Karos Online is 3D, fantasy MMORPG published by NHN. The game is set in the vast, open world of Asmara. I say ‘Open World’ for two reasons. First, there’s very little ‘zoning’ in Karos; instead players can move in and out of cities and areas without going through any loading screens, except when entering dungeons. Secondly, the environments in Karos just feel more immersive; as buildings in the distance are massive and clearly visible, the tree leaves are blown by the wind and the water graphics are gorgeous. Strictly ‘graphics-wise’, Karos Online is quite a masterpiece. The game’s graphics vaguely resemble the visuals in games like Lineage 2 and Perfect World, except a tad crisper. Karos Online has a lot more to offer than just visuals though.

Character Creation… A Bore..
Like many other free-to-play MMORPGs – the folks behind Karos Online really didn’t put too much effort in the game’s character creation and customization options. The game has six playable classes – Mystic, Bow Mistress, Paladin, Rogue, Sorceress and Blader. Most of the class names are self explanatory; Bladers are ‘Warriors’ while the Bow Mistresses are ‘Archers’. The only confusing two classes are Sorceress and Mystic. The sorceress specializes in ‘debuff’ and ‘curse’ spells while the Mystic is more concerned about dealing damage. The classes in Karos Online are unfortunately gender-locked, meaning players cannot change their genders. All sorceresses, blade mistresses, paladins and mystics are female, while all bladers and rogues are male. Each of the game’s six playable classes can advance into one of two new jobs at level 15, which is explained on the overview tab. The actual avatar customization options extremely limited, as the game offers only three choices for face type, four choices for hair type and eight choices for hair colors. That’s the extent of the game’s customization options.

Little Direction
One small complaint I have with Karos Online is that the game has very little direction. Upon first creating a character and actually entering the game, players aren’t presented with any cutscenes, quests or really much of anything to ‘ease’ them into things. Players will basically have to just start grinding away or grabbing random quests from nearby NPCs, which isn’t bad in and of itself, but I feel that when I play a game for the first time, the game should at least try to grab my attention. Dungeons and Dragons Online, for example, did this quite well; the entire first twenty minutes or so of the game were heavily story-driven and a bit linear, which made getting into the game easy. Even GhostX, with its terribly poor English translations, had a linear, story-driven introduction which helped players ease into the game. In its current state, Karos Online basically throws the player into the game without any background or direction. Now, this isn’t exactly a big deal for experienced MMORPG gamers, as most of us already know the ‘deal’; talk to nearby NPCs, grab quests, kill monsters, level up and distribute skill points. But those ‘casual’ gamers who haven’t played many MMORPGs before likely won’t stick around long enough to discover some of the game’s finer aspects.

Core Gameplay and Progression
The core gameplay and combat mechanics in Karos Online don’t deviate much from the generic MMORPG formula found in games like Shaiya and Last Chaos. The only aspect of the game’s combat that deviates from most games is the pacing; combat feels a tad slow-paced in Karos Online. On the positive side, the progression system in Karos Online is quite unique and interesting. Players gain experience as they defeat enemies and complete quests, but they also gain ‘FP” or ‘Fletta point’. These fletta points increase independently from experience, as players can gain multiple FPs before leveling up once. The actual leveling system is fairly straightforward; every level yields slightly better stats and a single skill point. On the other hand, every “FP” can be used for one of two things. The main use for Fletta Points is to increase certain attributes. Some of the attributes that FP can be used to increase are Yang, Yin, Air, Fire, Wood, Earth and Water. For example, every FP point put into ‘water’ increases movement speed by 4%, while every point into Yang increases HP regeneration by 1. The fact that everyone is free to spend their FP points whichever way they like adds an interesting new layer of variety to Karos Online. Fletta Points can also be used to enhance equipment by bottling up FP and spending them on item enhancements.

Quest. Don’t Grind.
The most important piece of advice I can give to anyone thinking about playing Karos Online is to complete as many quest as possible. Grinding away at monsters without any active quests is an enormous waste of time in this game; killing monsters yields an extremely small amount of experience. I remember when I was level 4, killing a level 3 enemy pushed me from 426/1680 to 436/1680 experience. At this rate I would need to kill 168 monsters to level up, and with the slow-paced combat, that would take a very long time. Completing quests on the other hand is really the only way to gain experience at a moderate rate. Handing in two simple ‘kill quests’ at level 4 brought me from 436/1680 to 1356/1680 experience. However, while experimenting, I did learn that grinding is an efficient method of gaining FP. Either way, the best way to progress is to complete quests, as in the process of completing a quest you’ll need to kill countless monsters anway, so you’ll gain both FP and XP. Oftentimes quests are repeatable as well, so make sure to do some of the more rewarding quests a few times.
More Inventory Space Please!
One small gripe I have with Karos Online is that the game doesn’t start players off with nearly enough inventory space. The one starting bag everyone begins with only has twenty inventory slots. This may seem like a lot, but since every enemy seems to drop at least 3-4 different kinds of items (and quest items take up space), inventory can become scarce extremely fast. Personally, I found myself running to an NPC to unload my junk once every five minutes or so. The only way to gain more inventory space is to either purchase additional bags from another player or craft them yourself. Few players are willing to sell these bags, as they’re fairly difficult to craft, and the materials required to craft them aren’t common.

Fishing, Mining and More!
The two resource gathering skills in Karos Online are fishing and mining. Both of these skills have their own uses. Fishing is useful for obtaining the materials required to craft potions. Potions can be incredibly useful when exploring dungeons without a healer. Players can fish without actually being near their computer as well, making it well worth checking out. Mining, on the other hand, is primarily for crafting weapons and armor. Rare ores can are required to craft the best pieces of equipment. PvP in Karos Online is quite simple. Players can turn PK mode on or off at any time. While in PK mode, players can attack other players who are also in PK mode. Keep in mind, though; PvP is only available to those level 10+.

Great Interface
Perhaps one of Karos Online’s strongest points is its excellent interface. Just about everything from the experience bar, to the hotkey icons looks ‘sleek’ and modern. The map itself is also extremely helpful ; quest locations and quest monsters are clearly labeled, making it extremely difficult to ever get ‘lost’. The English translations are also unusually good. Most free-to-play MMOs tend to have a lot of broken English, but from my experience everything from quest and item descriptions have easy to understand and well-translated text.
Final Verdict – Good (3/5)
Karos Online is an extremely polished fantasy MMORPG that offers many interesting features. The game’s gorgeous graphics, unique two-tiered progression system and many playable classes make it well worth checking out, but the game does little to push the genre forward. Anyone who has already played either Shaiya, Last Chaos or practically any other 3D Fantasy MMORPG won’t find much new in Karos. Combat is a bit slow-paced, and the game doesn’t have nearly as many ‘skills’ as it should, but despite this, Karos Online is still an overall solid fantasy MMORPG.

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  • Demmo Unowho

    I fail to see why they bother with this pos this is like the third time its “returned” and they dont do crap to make it any better so you just get the same garbage that made you leave in the first place.


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Sydney buyers warned off Jervis Bay 'paper estate'

A warning has gone out to Sydneysiders buying waterfront lots near Jervis Bay without realising they can't build there.

A Sydney real estate agent is still advertising lots for sale in the Erowal Bay paper subdivision on St George's Basin.

The Fair Trading Minister is investigating the matter, while Shoalhaven Council is trying to contact potential purchasers to warn them off.

Councillor Patricia White says council is also working to get the land re-zoned.

"So what we've done in our development committee meeting is put steps in place for the possible rezoning of the land to an appropriate environmental protection zone".

Meanwhile, the Foundation for National Parks is trying to raise enough money to buy the remaining blocks.

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Arsonists target polling booths in Bangladesh

Bangladesh elections

Ruling Bangladesh party Awami League supporters protest against opposition strikes in Dhaka.

AFP: Munir Uz Zaman

At least 100 polling stations in Bangladesh have been torched ahead of the county's controversial general election.

The violence comes as the opposition, which is boycotting the vote, begins a two-day strike in protest against what it calls a "scandalous farce".

Some 100 people have been killed during weeks of violence.

The opposition wants a neutral caretaker administration to oversee the election, as in previous years - something the government has refused.

Police and election officials have reported arson attacks at more than 100 polling stations in some 20 districts around the country, including in the capital, Dhaka.

The opposition boycott means more than half of Bangladesh's 300 parliamentary seats will go uncontested, handing power back to the Awami League.

Doctor Badiul Alam Majumder of the non-government organisation 'Sujan' says attempts to bring all parties back to the election have failed.

"The diplomatic community has been trying to convince the government to postpone the election, but unfortunately, the government is adamant about going ahead and we fear this could lead to serious violence."

The European Union, the United States and the Commonwealth have all refused to send election observers.

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NBN 'switched on' in regional South Australia for the first time

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A worker feeds optic fibre cable into a pit during the NBN rollout.

A worker feeds optic fibre cable into a pit during the NBN rollout.

The first rural district of South Australia to connect to the National Broadband Network's (NBN) fixed wireless technology will ‘switch on’ today.

Five towns in the Coorong District can now order the service and gain access to high speed internet.

NBN Co spokesman Joe Dennis, says a further 110 towers will be constructed in regional South Australia, over the next two years.

“Each tower services, on average, around about 200 or 250 premises ... so we’re looking at considerable coverage,” he says.

“The internet is not a luxury. Access to fast, reliable internet is an absolute necessity.

“Farmers and small businesses across rural Australia are seeing immense benefit from that connection.”

About 957 households have access to fixed wireless technology, from today, but others are looking at a wait of up to two years, before they too switch on.

“On the more remote farms, you’ve got the new satellite network,” Joe Dennis says.

“You might find someone on a satellite service quite close to Murray Bridge, for example, that just finds themself outside the fixed wireless network.

“NBN Co is launching two brand new satellites, towards the end of 2015 and they’re due to be switched on in early 2016.”

Coorong Council Mayor Roger Strother says farmers in the catchment area will be able to transform their enterprises.

“Instead of being just producers now, they’re also people that have got to market their product [and] they’ve got to make contact with everybody, not only locally but regionally and Australia wide and even internationally,” he says.

“Once you get out of town - 5km, 10km out of town – the opportunity to access internet is pretty limited.”

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Tony Abbott says Japan's attempts to resume Southern Ocean whaling will not harm relations

The bodies of three minke whales lie on the deck of a Japanese whaling ship.

Mr Abe said Japan is committed to carrying out scientific research on whales.

AAP: Tim Watters/Sea Shepherd Australia

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says any attempt by Japan to resume whaling in the Southern Ocean would not damage a "special friendship" underlined today by the signing of a free trade deal.

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe says his country will abide by the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling earlier this year that its whaling program in the Southern Ocean must cease.

The ICJ ruled the program was not carried out for scientific purposes.

But Mr Abe, who is in Australia for a three-day visit, indicated that might not be where the matter ends.

"The decision by ICJ confirms that one of the objectives of the international convention for regulating whaling is indeed a sustainable use of resources," he said through a translator.

On Monday, Mr Abe indicated his intention to restart Japan's Southern Ocean whaling program.

He said Japan is committed to carrying out scientific research on whales.

"Japan, looking at international law and scientific ground, will engage in research of whaling in order to collect the indispensible scientific information in order to manage the whale resources," he said.

Mr Abbott says the two countries will have to differ on the issue.

"Friends can disagree. That's in no way inconsistent," he said.

On Tuesday night a gala dinner was held at Parliament House in Canberra to honour Mr Abe.

Labor's foreign affairs spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek planned to raise the issue when she met Mr Abe at the dinner.

"Being such close friends does allow us to raise issues like whaling, where there has been some differences of opinion between Japan and Australia, and we will do that in the meeting," she said.

"I think the fact that Japan has accepted the international verdict on the current whaling program in the Southern Ocean is a very important step and a very good indication."

Earlier, Mr Abe and Mr Abbott signed three treaties designed to further liberalise trade and enhance cooperation in the areas of defence, science and technology.

Mr Abe also addressed a special joint sitting of federal parliament on the first full day of his visit to Australia.

Speaking in English, he reiterated his nation's vow of peace made after World War II, sending his condolences to Australians killed and traumatised in that conflict.

He said deepened economic and defence ties had led to a new era in the relationship between the two nations.

"We will now join up in a scrum just like in rugby," he said, drawing laughter from MPs.

"Let us walk forward together - Australia and Japan with no limit – yes, we can do it."

On Wednesday, Mr Abe will tour parts of Western Australia's Pilbara region.

Premier Colin Barnett will show Mr Abe and Mr Abbott the West Angelas iron ore mine, which is a joint venture project between Rio Tinto and two Japanese companies.

WA's exports to Japan totalled almost $23 billion in 2013, making the country WA's second largest export market.

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