Miley Cyrus in Virtual Bubble?

Rampant reports around the Web indicate that Miley Cyrus has had a moratorium on public appearances and media utterances placed on her. Reports say that Disney has decided the Hannah Montana star has reached a no-win situation with the media frenzy surrounding her recent Vanity Fair magazine photo shoot and its somewhat revealing results.

So she seemingly will stay buttoned up and in the Disney cocoon for awhile, until the hubbub dies down. That's probably the smartest thing she could do. The media monster is blaming her, blaming Billy Ray, blaming Vanity Fair, blaming the publicity machine. There's plenty of blame to go around, but there's still a valid argument to be made that this is a tempest in a teapot. Millions of words written and spoken over ... what? Remember, despite all of her superstar success, Miley Cyrus is just a 15-year-old child.

Dale Earnhardt honored at Dale Earnhardt Day

The Hershey Company honored the life and career of racing legend Dale Earnhardt with the unveiling of a replica of a large fan photo mosaic during the Dale Earnhardt Day celebration in Mooresville, N.C. on Tuesday.

Bearing Earnhardt’s likeness, the 6-foot-tall, 8-foot-wide mosaic is comprised of approximately 1,400 photos from fans across the country, including actress Carmen Electra, racing team owner Richard Childress and drivers Mark Martin and Martin Truex Jr.

The mosaic, previewed to fans, will serve as a permanent tribute to “The Intimidator” at Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) headquarters in Mooresville when completed later this year. In recognition of Earnhardt’s impact on the racing world, Hershey is paying tribute to Dale Earnhardt by producing a series of Collector Edition Dale Earnhardt Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds Bars and Kit Kat Wafer Bars. The specially moulded bars feature a distinctive on-bar design, including Earnhardt?s signature and stylized #3.

The Collector Edition bars will be available at select retail outlets nationwide while supplies last. Hershey is also encouraging fans to honor the racing legend by inviting them to visit www.hersheys.com/dale to upload a photo for inclusion in the permanent mosaic and to make a donation to The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Fans can still upload their photos and tribute messages through June 3 for inclusion in the final mosaic.

Jon Wood to run the No 21 at Richmond

Jon Wood will drive the #21 Air Force Ford Fusion at this weekend’s Sprint Cup event at the Richmond International Raceway.

The 26 year old driver will be attempting to qualify for his second start of the 2008 season, after qualifying 12th at Talladega Superspeedway last week.

Kvapil, Yates No 28 gets sponsor for Darlington

Yates Racing announced that LaFayette Ford, who sponsored the #28 with driver Fred Lorenzen from 1962-1967, will again sponsor the #28 entry but this time with driver Travis Kvapil for the Sprint Cup series race at Darlington Raceway on May 10th.

Kvapil’s #28 will sport a paint scheme reminiscent to that of Fred Lorenzen’s during the 60’s when LaFayette Ford sponsored Lorenzen’s #28 machine. The Darlington 500 will mark the first time LaFayette Ford has served as a primary sponsor in the Sprint Cup Series since the dealership was associated with Lorenzen. LaFayette Ford is proud to be Fayetteville, North Carolina’s only family-owned and operated Ford dealer. They have been serving the Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and surrounding areas since 1949.

10-week Basic Dog Obedience Training Formula

10-week Basic Dog Obedience Training Formula

Learning new things can be stressful for your dog especially in the beginning when concepts and teaching methods are new. If your dog refused to eat during the early stages of training, stop the program and have a play session or calm your dog until it is relaxed and begins to accept treats again. This process may require 3 to 4 sessions but it is worth going through it to develop your dogs positive attitude towards obedience.

Conduct 3 training sessions a day, each session lasting approximately 20 minutes while allowing at least 1 hour rest in-between sessions. In a 2-week period, there should be a total of 30 sessions.

Week 1 And Week 2

1) Teach your dog the heel command. Repeat a series of 3 to 5 circles and perform 5 series of 4-step heels per session.

2) Teach the sit and release command. Command your dog to sit, let it stay in the sit position for a moment then give the release command to release your dog from the sit. Repeat this series 5 times per session.

3) For each session, work on a series of 1 exercise and move to another exercise (i.e., work on one series of 4-step heel, then a series of sit and break, and finally a series of 4-step heels).

Although dogs need repetition to learn a skill, you need a variety of exercises to keep them interested as they bore easily.

Week 3 And Week 4

1) Reinforce the heel command. Test the heel command from lessons learned from week 1 and week 2.

2) Reinforcing the sit and release command. Begin training your dog to hold the sit position starting from 5 seconds and gradually stretching the time to 10 seconds.

3) Begin teaching your dog the down command (use treats to lure your dog to teach it the command). Repeat the series 2 times per session in week 3 and 3 times per session in week 4.

Week 5 And Week 6

1) Continue to reinforce and test the heel, sit and release commands. Begin to include distractions when training heel and sit to train your dog to continue focusing on you even there are distractions.

2) Extend the concept of holding position to build patience by extending the sit from 5 - 10 seconds to 30 seconds - 1 minute before releasing the sit command.

When you test your dog, you should repeat each test until it passes the test 3 consecutive times.

3) Start to reinforce the down command in week 5 by removing the treat and shoulder help. During week 6, begin reinforcing without any bodily assistance. You can reintroduce treats as the reward but do not tempt your dog. Only reward your dog after it has successfully completed the down command.

Training sessions may become more stressful for both you and your dog as you progress from the teaching phase and enter into the more difficult reinforcing phase. If you find a particular test too tough for both of you; stop the exercise and continue to practice the skills individually, you can repeat that particular test a few days later.

While the length and regularity of the sessions remain unchanged since the first week, the sessions are becoming less predictable and require varieties to make them as interesting and effective as they can be.

Week 7 And Week 8

1) While continuing to reinforce and test the heel, sit and release commands, dont forget to reinforce the down command as well. In 1 of every 3 sessions, add distractions to your basic commands. Improve down from a stand exercise with the down command.

2) Extend the time-span of the holding position and begin teaching the stay command.

3) Begin combining the different commands when training. Teach sit and down from your front and testing motion down and motion sit.

4) Start teaching the come command. Put your dog on sit/stay position, while walking backwards monitor the position holding skills. Body language plays an important role in teaching this command and sending the wrong signals sometimes causes your dog not to hold the position.

Week 9, Week 10 And After

1) Reinforce stay and come command. Always practice a short leash recall to reinforce the final finish position. Repeat at least 10 times per session. Come is the most important command but the least practiced of all the other commands.

2) Conduct test and reinforce all obedience commands. Practice all commands equally, working on each command as little as 1 or as many as 5 repetitions per series though you should avoid creating patterns.

Make exercises targeted towards your practical obedience application. Include distraction training in at least 1 out of every 3 obedience practice sessions.

DogTrainster aims to educate dog owners and lovers to adopt positive training approaches in training their dogs. To learn more us, visit us at -http://www.DogTrainster.com Ultimate Resource and Tips for Dog Training.

About the Author

A dog enthusiast who grew up with dogs and has a passion for dog training. Founder of DogTrainster.com, a dog training portal with a panel of experienced training consultants who promote positive approach to dog training.

Lowe’s adding SAFER barrier along the inside wall of backstretch

Lowe’s Motor Speedway will have a SAFER barrier along the inside wall of its backstretch by the time the track opens for NASCAR racing next month.

An additional 340 feet of the Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barriers are being installed, and track president Humpy Wheeler said Tuesday the project will be completed in time for the May 17 All-Star race. The track has had a SAFER barrier on part of the inside backstretch wall coming out of Turn 2, but none heading into Turn 3.

“Not that many people end up down here, but just in case they do, we want to make sure they’ve got some cushioning,” Wheeler said of the project that will cost about $110,000.

“I wanted to do this for a while. The Las Vegas deal, we saw it is the bizarre places on the race track that you’ve got to watch out for. Those are the ones that will bite you.”

Every track on the Sprint Cup circuit has SAFER barriers installed wherever NASCAR told them they needed it. But there are areas that remain untouched, and there’s been an increased focus on improving inside walls and openings since Jeff Gordon crashed at Las Vegas in March.

ESPN.com

Schrader will replace Franchitti at Richmond

Ken Schrader will drive the No. 40 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge this weekend at Richmond International Raceway, team officials said Tuesday.

Schrader will replace the injured Dario Franchitti, who broke his left ankle in the Nationwide Series race Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway.

Sprint Cup top 12 and beyond heading into Richmond

Below is a look at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Top 12 along with other notable drivers, going into the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 at Richmond International Raceway on May 3.

1 — Jeff Burton (No. 31 AT&T Mobility Chevrolet)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 95.1

2008 Rundown
*One win, three top fives, six top 10s
*Average finish of 7.6
*Led six races for 61 laps

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*One win, seven top fives, 12 top 10s; one pole
*Average finish of 15.5
*Finished 18th in September’s Richmond race
*Led nine of 27 races for 899 laps

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*Series-high 2,867 laps run on the lead lap (of a total of 2,887)

2– Kyle Busch (No. 18 M&M’s Toyota)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 108.2

2008 Rundown
*Two wins, five top fives, six top 10s
*Average finish of 9.9
*Led seven races for 398 laps

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*Five top fives
*Average finish of 6.2
*Finished 20th in September
*Led four of six races for 292 laps

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*Series-high Average Running Position of 9.7

3– Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 108.8

2008 Rundown
*Three top fives, seven top 10s
*Average finish of 10.4
*Led seven races for 401 laps

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*Three wins, seven top fives, nine top 10s
*Average finish of 11.3
*Finished 30th in September
*Led eight of 17 races for 322 laps

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*214 Fastest Laps Run, second-most

4 — Denny Hamlin (No. 11 FedEx Toyota)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 101.5

2008 Rundown
*One win, four top fives, six top 10s
*Average finish of 11.1
*Led four races for 249 laps

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*Two top fives, three top 10s; one pole
*Average finish of 6.5
*Finished sixth in September
*Led all four of his Richmond races for 67 laps

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*Series-high 568 Quality Passes (passes of cars in the top 15 under green)

5 — Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 100.3

2008 Rundown
*One win, four top fives
*Average finish of 12.1
*Led seven races for 412 laps

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*Two wins, three top fives; two poles
*Average finish of 17.8
*Swept at Richmond last season
*Led six of 12 races for 337 laps

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*2,345 Laps in the Top 15 (81.2%), fourth-most

6 — Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 93.0

2008 Rundown
*Two top fives, four top 10s
*Average finish of 11.2
*Led three races for 34 laps

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*One win, four top fives, eight top 10s; one pole
*Average finish of 12.1
*Finished seventh in September
*Led eight of 14 races for 646 laps

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*2,698 laps run on the lead lap (of a total of 2,887), second-most

7– Clint Bowyer (No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 88.1

2008 Rundown
*Two top fives, six top 10s
*Average finish of 12.3
*Led three races for 137 laps

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*Two top 10s
*Average finish of 10.8
*Finished 12th in September
*Led one of four races for four laps

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*107 Fastest Laps Run, seventh-most

8 — Greg Biffle (No. 16 3M Ford)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 89.2

2008 Rundown
*Three top fives, five top 10s
*Average finish of 13.6
*Led three races for 17 laps

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*Two top fives, five top 10s; one pole
*Average finish of 16.0
*Finished 39th in September
*Led four of 11 races for 71 laps

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*105 Fastest Laps Run, eighth-most

9 — Tony Stewart (No. 20 Home Depot Toyota)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 99.6

2008 Rundown
*Three top fives, five top 10s
*Average finish of 14.8
*Led four races for 350 laps

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*Three wins, six top fives, 12 top 10s
*Average finish of 11.3
*Finished second in September
*Led 10 of 18 races for 792 laps

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*Series-high 2,452 Laps in the Top 15 (84.9%)

10 — Carl Edwards (No. 99 Office Depot Ford)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 104.9

2008 Rundown
*Three wins, four top fives, five top 10s
*Average finish of 14.8
*Led four races for 306 laps

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*Two top 10s
*Average finish of 20.6
*Finished 42nd in September
*Led one of seven races for 15 laps

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*Series-high 352 Fastest Laps Run

11 — Ryan Newman (No. 12 Alltel Dodge)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 85.4

2008 Rundown
*One win, two top fives, four top 10s
*Average finish of 16.2
*Led four races for 53 laps

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*One win, four top fives, seven top 10s; one pole
*Average finish of 11.1
*Finished 11th in September
*Led eight of 12 races for 388 laps

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*541 Quality Passes (passes of cars in the top 15 under green), third-most

12 — Juan Pablo Montoya (No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 74.0

2008 Rundown
*One top five
*Average finish of 16.9
*Led one race for one lap

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*Average finish of 33.5 in two Richmond races
*Finished 41st in September

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*959 Green Flag Passes, second-most

14 — Jeff Gordon (No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet)
*Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 94.2

2008 Rundown
*Three top fives
*Average finish of 18.9
*Led six races for 184 laps

Richmond International Raceway Outlook:
*Two wins, 12 top fives, 18 top 10s; five poles
*Average finish of 15.5
*Finished fourth in September
*Led 19 of 30 races for 1,059 laps

Season-to-Date Loop Data Highlight
*153 Fastest Laps Run, sixth-most

[NASCAR]

The CRP: Keep It, Plant It, Or What?

Grain prices are telling Cornbelt farmers to plant every acre possible; whether that is corn, beans, wheat, hay, or whatever, there will be a good market for it. It seems increased demand for corn has squeezed acreage for other crops while global demand is increasing. So where do we find more land to plant? Well, at one time, about 35 million more acres were planted, but they are now in the CRP. What are the options here?

Despite a doubling of grain prices in the past year, planted acreage is only going to increase about 1% in 2008, and only 2.5% compared to 2006 planted acreage, when prices were well below current values. Iowa State University economists Bruce Babcock and Chad Hart say the lack of an acreage response to the higher prices indicates why biofuels have had the significant impact on commodity prices. And those higher prices will not fall until planted acreage increases.

With global food prices up, planted acreage will increase in many countries, such as Brazil, Argentina, Africa, and Eastern Europe, where land has been idled until now. In the US, over 35 million acres of land remains idled in the Conservation Reserve. But Babcock and Hart content that as CRP contracts expire, the land will return to production because revenue will exceed CRP contracts. That is a bit of the opposite when the CRP was created in 1986 and it was a secondary land retirement program designed to stabilize grain and land prices in the mid-1980’s recession.

As CRP contracts expire yearly, some will be renewed but Babcock and Hart suggest that owners will not opt for renewal to return the land into crops. And they surmise that might be as many as 20 million acres returned to cropland. Other owners will pay the penalty to break their CRP contracts, however penalties are stiff for the original CRP contracts, but minimal for CRP contracts just signed. Among the recently signed CRP contracts, the length of the contract related to the environmental sensitivity of the land. Ironically, the most environmentally sensitive land which received the longest contracts, would make the most sense for an early breaking of the contracts to allow planting.

Perennially, USDA receives pressure from livestock owners and the grain handling industry to phase out the CRP so more grain will be produced and grain prices can fall. That will likely recur this year, while environmental groups continue to lobby for CRP expansion. But Babcock and Hart contend that high grain prices will cause many CRP landowners to suffer the financial penalty and plant their land. If that is the inevitability, Babcock and Hart suggest:
1) USDA should reduce penalties for breaking contracts on the land that will expire in the next three years, which will not be as environmentally sensitive.
2) Some CRP landowners who just re-enrolled environmentally sensitive land will probably break their contracts to allow planting.
3) If USDA sees it is losing control of environmentally sensitive land, it could take new bids on the land, to enable that land to remain out of production, but at a higher cost that more closely parallels current land prices.
4) Re-bidding the land would also allow control over the environmentally sensitive land while opening up less sensitive land to grain production that satisfies the livestock industry.

Babcock and Hart acknowledge that re-bidding the CRP would draw criticism, but it would also address the needs of agriculture to provide both food and fuel at the same time. It would also keep expanded production in the US, rather than have it default to other countries.

Summary:
The Conservation Reserve has locked up 35 million acres that were once in production and could be returned to production to meet the food and fuel needs of the nation. However a systematic approach would be a re-bidding of the CRP contracts to return land to production that is less environmentally sensitive, but keep the most environmentally sensitive land in the CRP at contract prices parallel to current land values. Such a system would increase planted acreage more than 6% at a time when greater production is needed.

The Mulch Blog Steps Up

For those of you crazy enough to still be following the farm bill, going over to the Mulch Blog is worth your while. Over there, Ken Cook (of Environmental Working Group fame) is following the action, particularly in regards to payment limits (also AGI limits, if you know what I'm saying). We've lost our farm bill blogging mojo for now, but I can guarantee we'll be back at some point to take some shots at the final product. We'll call it like we see it regarding the issues we feel qualified to pass judgement on, and none of this "well it's not perfect but it really is pretty good, considering" stuff we're already starting to see from certain corners. A Mr. John Crabtree of the Center for Rural Affairs home office likes to refer to that as "typical progressive nonprofit happy horses--t when they get their butts kicked". Actually, come to think of it, Mr. Crabtree has various colorful appellations for all of the stages of the political and policy-making process, none of which are suitable for the better sort, which we most certainly are not.

Anyway, go on over and read up.

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