The Bob Newhart Show

When Bob's doctor puts him on a strict diet, Bob also joins a weight-reducing class that turns out to be made up mostly of overweight women.

Determined to lose eight pounds from around his middle, Bob goes on a strict diet and, with Jerry's help, joins a weight-reducing class that seems to be populated mostly by women.

When Bob's doctor puts him on a strict diet, Bob also joins a weight-reducing class that turns out to be made up mostly of overweight women.

Determined to lose eight pounds from around his middle, Bob goes on a strict diet and, with Jerry's help, joins a weight-reducing class that seems to be populated mostly by women.

When Bob's doctor puts him on a strict diet, Bob also joins a weight-reducing class that turns out to be made up mostly of overweight women.

The BD-5 Micro is a small American, single-seat homebuilt kit aircraft introduced in the early 1970s by Jim Bede. The BD-5 has a small fuselage holding its semi-reclined pilot under a large canopy, with the engine installed in a compartment in the middle of the fuselage, and a propeller (or jet engine in the BD-5J variant) in the rear. The combination of fighter-like looks and relatively low cost led to the BD-5 selling over 5,000 kits or plans.[1] However few were actually completed due to the company's bankruptcy in the mid-1970s, brought on by the failure to deliver a reliable engine for the design. In total only a few hundred were completed, although many of these are still being flown today. Contents [hide] * 1 Design and development o 1.1 Flight testing o 1.2 Deliveries begin o 1.3 Deliveries end o 1.4 Further developments * 2 BD-5J * 3 Surviving Aircraft * 4 Specifications (BD-5B) * 5 See also * 6 References * 7 External links * 8 Related content [edit] Design and development Prior to starting work on the BD-5, Jim Bede had introduced the successful Bede BD-4 design. This was a fairly conventional looking high-wing four-seater, but it offered good performance and was fairly inexpensive. Over the lifetime of the company about 600 BD-4s were sold, a success by any measure that allowed Bede to move on to more ambitious designs. Although Bede had apparently first looked at a new design as early as 1967, work on the BD-4 meant he was not able put any serious effort into the new Micro until about 1970.[2] Work on a prototype started in earnest late that year. While the BD-4 was fairly conventional looking, the Micro was a radical design. It is an extremely small one-seat design that looks more like a jet fighter than a prop plane, with the pilot sitting in a semi-reclined position under a large fighter-like plexiglas canopy. Behind the pilot was a compartment housing a two-cylinder air-cooled 40 hp engine driving a pusher propeller. For improved performance the aircraft featured both a V-tail and retractable landing gear in order to reduce drag. Calculated drag was so low that spoilers were added to the wing in order to improve deceleration for landing. This was apparently the first application of spoilers on a light aircraft. [3] Two versions were planned, the BD-5A with "short" 14' 3" (4.34 m) wings tuned for high speeds and acrobatics, and the BD-5B with a 21' 6" (6.55 m) wings for longer range and powered glider use. Performance of the BD-5A was predicted to be 210 mph (340 km/h) in cruise, while the BD-5B would be only slightly slower and have a range of 1,215 miles. Builders could optionally buy both wings, switching them in about ten minutes. In addition to being easy to fly, the BD-5 was also intended to be easy to build and own. The fuselage was constructed primarily from fiberglass panels over an aluminum frame, reducing construction time to only a few hundred hours. Although the early designs required some welding in the landing gear area, it was planned that this would be removed in the kit versions, so construction would require no special tooling or skills.[4] Even the cost of operation would be extremely low, offering fuel economy of almost 40 mpg. With the wings removed the aircraft could be packed into a small custom tailer, allowing it to be towed away by car for storage in a garage, and from there to any suitable flat area for takeoff.[5]. Bede published an information booklet about the BD-5 in November 1970. Several very positive magazine articles appeared at this point. The October 1971 issue of Science & Mechanics had the BD-5 on the cover, listing the price as $1,950 and a top speed of 215 MPH. The associated article showed the construction of the original prototype, with numerous claims about how easy it was to construct. The same month's issue of Popular Science also covered the aircraft, although it listed the price at $2,965.[5] A feeding frenzy followed as the "mini fighter" generated intense demand. As one author put it, "Even before the plane first left the ground, thoughts of flying the sleek, bullet-shaped aircraft with its pusher prop stimulated the imagination of nearly everyone who had heard of the program."[2] On 24 February 1971 the first $200 deposit to reserve a "place in line" to receive a kit was accepted, with the target shipping date being 24 May 1972.[6] By August 1971, 800 deposits had been taken, even though the first BD-5 prototype had yet to complete high-speed taxi tests.[2] By the end of the year, they had over 4,300 orders, making it one of the most popular aircraft in modern history. [edit] Flight testing The prototype, N500BD, flew briefly on 12 September 1971, powered by a 36 hp Polaris Industries snowmobile engine. The stability of the aircraft with the original V-tail was marginal at best, and clearly needed a redesign. With the original fiberglass fuselage this was a time consuming process, so the decision was made to switch to an all-metal fuselage of hydroformed aluminum components. These could be modified with relative ease during the testing cycle. This also made economic sense as the orders rolled in, as assembly-line production of stamped metal parts is expensive to set up but less expensive in production.[2] By December 1971 the tooling for the new fuselage was in development, also featuring a longer and more "pointy" nose, whereas the N500BD was somewhat "egg shaped", patterned on the Schleicher ASW 15.[2] While this was starting up Bede continued to experiment with modifications to the tail, eventually abandoning the V-tail and changing to a more conventional three-part layout, but with highly swept surfaces. Further testing on N500BD showed flow interference between the horizontal surfaces and the propeller, so the surfaces were raised six inches to eliminate this. The first example of the new fuselage arrived in March 1972, and was fitted with a new Kiekhaefer Aeromarine engine Bede had seen at the Oshkosh Airshow in 1971. Finished as N501BD, numerous little delays prevented it from flying until 11 July 1972. These flights demonstrated continued problems with the tail design, which was again redesigned, losing the sweep and becoming fairly conventional looking. [7] The program was now far too large for Bede to handle alone. In March 1972 he hired Burt Rutan to head the flight test department, and was soon joined by Les Berven, as test pilot.[2] They took over development, giving Bede more time to work on the business. This was proving difficult enough, as Kiekhaefer and Bede could not reach an agreement about deliveries, forcing him to change to a similar 440 cc 40 hp Hirth Motoren design, but then selecting a larger 650 cc 55 hp Hirth engine instead. Several additional problems turned up during testing. One was that the stick forces were very low, but this was easily addressed by making the servo tabs larger. A more worrying development was that the engines all had problems with mixture due to changes in engine speed or load, which led to rough running. In August Bede was demonstrating the plane to the FAA in order to receive permission to fly at Oshkosh, when the engine seized. On its dead-stick landing, the airplane overran the runway, buckling the nosegear. Mixture was definitely the cause of the crash of N501BD in September 1972 when the mixture control broke and Breven had to execute a forced landing.[2] Since N502BD would be ready in two months, N501BD was not repaired. However, N502BD ran into problems of its own. The earlier models used a variable speed belt system between the engine and the prop, but this was removed from N502BD and it suddenly started exhibiting a serious vibration problem. Experts were called in and additional bearings fixed the problem, but it was not until 26 March 1973 that N502BD flew. From then on the test program seemed to go more smoothly.[8] By the time the test program was starting to reach its conclusions the plane had undergone some fairly major changes. One victim of the program was the shorter "A" wing, which calculations showed would only improve performance at speeds very close to Vmax (the highest available speed), at slower speeds there was little or no advantage. Additionally it was found that the landing speed with the smaller wing was decidedly fast. Split flaps and spoilers had also disappeared. The canopy and cockpit dimensions had changed, there was a complete new tail section, new landing gear systems, and more ominously, they had already changed the engine twice. What remained, however, was the basic concept of the fighter-like pusher aircraft, which, if anything, had improved in looks. By this point it seemed the basic design was complete, and Bede turned his attention to other projects. One was a jet-powered BD-5, the BD-5J, which is detailed below.[1] Another was the Bede BD-6, a single-seat version of the BD-4 based on the same Hirth engine being used in the BD-5. Still another was the "new" Bede BD-7, a two-seat side-by-side version of the BD-5 of which a prototype was built.[9] There was even an attempt to sidestep the engine problem with the BD-5S, a glider (S for Sailplane) version with lengthened wings and no engine, which prompted Air Progress magazine to sarcastically note, "At last, a BD-5 with no engine problems". This glider version did not fly well and the project was scrapped. Additionally, Bede decided to seek FAA certification of the BD-5D as a production aircraft and sell it complete, taking $600 deposits for this model. [edit] Deliveries begin By the middle of 1973 the basic design was complete and the tooling set up for production. The engines were the only part holding up deliveries, so Bede offered to ship the kit with the engine to follow. This was a fairly attractive option; it meant the builder could "get to work" and hopefully complete the airframe by the time the engine arrived, at that point expected in September 1973.[3] All three Hirth engines were offered; builders could keep the 40 hp design, or "trade up" to the larger 55 hp or 70 hp engines then being offered. The latter, which Bede had developed with Hirth, was now considered the baseline engine for the aircraft as the original 40 hp proved to be insufficient power. In a late 1973 newsletter to prospective owners, Bede suggested the 70 hp model and discouraged use of the smaller engines.[10] Prices had risen throughout the 30 months since the deposits were first taken. Originally priced at $1,799, the base price was now $2,599 with the 55 hp, and owners were offered a "trade up" for the difference in price if they had ordered with the original 40 hp engine. When 1974 came around, the engines were still not being delivered, although some started to arrive early that year. At that point, unexpectedly, Hirth went bankrupt after about 500 of the engines had shipped. Once again the design lacked a suitable engine, but this time the search for a replacement ended with a Xenoah design from Japan. Development of this engine was lengthy, and in the end it would not be certified for export until 1978, although this was not expected at the time.[11] [edit] Deliveries end After more than 5,100 kits had been delivered to prospective builders, the kits stopped shipping as well. Although the company was effectively bankrupt at this point, work on the BD-5D continued for some time. The bankruptcy became official in 1979, by which point the BD-5 project was long dead. During the bankruptcy proceedings it was learned that the money ostensibly being used to build kits was instead being spent on a variety of projects. As a result, Bede entered a consent decree with the FTC to no longer accept deposits on aircraft for a period of ten years.[12] BD-5B built, owned and flown by retired USAF pilot Dan Ross. The scoop under the fuselage identifies this as being Rotax powered. BD-5B built, owned and flown by retired USAF pilot Dan Ross. The scoop under the fuselage identifies this as being Rotax powered. Many owners abandoned their kits, some of which were incomplete, but a few hundred diehard builders finished them with a variety of third party engine installation designs. Having to hunt for an engine was only one problem, another being that the time to build the aircraft was much longer than quoted, requiring thousands of hours in most cases. Some of this was due to the need to fit their selected engine into an airframe designed for the Hirth, which was no longer available. Additionally, some of the kits were shipped with missing parts, adding to the confusion.[13] All of this led to a rash of kits being sold for fire sale prices, although this did allow the builders that were looking to complete kits do so without spending too much more.[6] And while Bede claimed the aircraft could be put together by anyone in a garage, builders generally agree that doing so will result in a potentially dangerous aircraft, and construction should only proceed on a set of properly laid-out jigs.[13] For all of these reasons, it was some time before completed BD-5s started to appear.[14] Over the next few years the aircraft garnered what at first glance appears to be a terrible safety record. The earliest kits shipped with the short "A" wings (optionally), and all four examples completed with these wings crashed on their first flight, with three fatalities, largely a side effect of a 100 mph (160 km/h) landing speed combined with the tiny wheelbase. Nevertheless the current record holder of the FAI C-1a/0 (300 kg or less takeoff weight) class speed record over a 3k m course at restricted altitude is a BD-5A (listed as BD-5B but used -5A wings for the record attempt) with a Rotax 618UL 74 hp two-stroke, three-cylinder water-cooled engine.[15] Rotax-equipped BD-5s are generally easy to distinguish due to the small radiator "scoop" under the fuselage. Crashes in the B models were generally due to an engine failure on takeoff, both due to the mix of "oddball" engines as well as endemic cooling problems. The reason this is such an issue with the BD-5 is twofold the high line of thrust means an engine failure immediately results in a nose-up attitude, and the pilots who failed to fly the aircraft first and then attempt to restart the engine inevitably stalled, with the associated consequences. This was not the only problem; the original wing had a very sharp stall with little warning. A rather small center of gravity range also added to the problems of properly trimming the aircraft. [edit] Further developments With the demise of the Bede Aircraft Company, the BD-5 entered a sort of limbo while builders completed their kits. The early safety problems and the problems of adapting a suitable engine added to the problems. But over the next few years, solutions to most of these problems arrived in one form or another. Many other changes have also been incorporated to improve the original design. Today the BD-5 is a rewarding, if demanding aircraft. For instance, the problem of finding a suitable engine with 60 to 70 hp yet still weighing under 100 lbs was a serious problem in the 1970s, but today there are a number of "off the shelf" designs in this class. For instance, the widely available Rotax 582 is a 65 hp engine of 80 lbs in standard configuration, almost tailor-made for the BD-5. Better yet, the Rotax is liquid-cooled, thereby greatly simplifying the cooling problems that earlier air-cooled engines had. Problems with the abrupt stall were addressed by Harry Riblett, who produced a slight reprofile of the wing root airfoil that softened the stall response of the aircraft.[16] But it presented other unique problems associated with the way the reprofile was to be performed, essentially gluing foam to the aluminum skin and covering with fiberglass. Similarly, the small center-of-gravity range has since been addressed via small stretches to the fuselage. Several companies were formed to help builders complete their kits, and many of the aftermarket modifications were worked into these services. Today, BD Micro Technologies of Siletz, Oregon continues to offer kitbuilding support, including new-build kits featuring (optionally) all of these modifications, and even the BD-5T, a turboprop version of the BD-5 using a modified Solar/Hamilton Sundstrand T62 turbine powering a mechanically-controlled variable-pitch propeller. An unusual adaptation of the BD-5, the Acapella 100, appeared in the early 1980s. Designer Carl D. Barlow of Option Air Reno mated a BD-5 fuselage with a distinctive twin-boom empennage and fitted it with a 100 hp Continental O-200 engine. Later, a 200 hp Lycoming IO-360 was fitted, and the wings shortened from 26.5 feet to 19.5 feet, becoming the Acapella 200-S model. The prototype of this aircraft was first flown on 6 June 1980, with pilot Bill Skiliar at the controls. Unfortunately, it did not fly well and was difficult to control. Only the one prototype was built and it was donated to the Experimental Aircraft Association's [[EAA AirVenture Museum Airventure Museum[[ in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA, where it is occasionally placed on display. Bede Aircraft Company has since re-formed and has been working on several new designs. Bede has hinted at a two-seat tandem version of the aircraft called the "Super BD-5" using a certified aircraft engine and a number of modifications and improvements, but to date nothing other than a preliminary design drawing has been made available.[17] [edit] BD-5J "Bud Light Jet" BD-5J at Fargo 1997 "Bud Light Jet" BD-5J at Fargo 1997 While the new Hirth engine was being tested, Bede decided to create an unconventional variant of the BD-5 with a small jet engine. The result was the BD-5J, a 300 mph (480 km/h) aircraft that looked fast while sitting on the ramp. The design used the Sermel TRS-18-046 turbojet (now Microturbo, a division of Turbomeca), which produced 225 lbf thrust. The original engines were produced under license by Ames Industrial in the USA. The wing was modified to an "intermediate" size between the original A and B wings, with a 17 ft span. Bob Bishop had purchased 20 BD-5J kits as soon as they had appeared, and many of the flying examples started life in this batch of twenty. Versions from the original batch became a popular airshow fixture. Throughout the 1980s until 1991, Coors flew two of them as the "Silver Bullets." Budweiser also had a BD-5J called the "Bud Light Jet", but that contract has long expired. The aircraft also appeared in the opening sequence of the James Bond film, Octopussy.[1] A large number of these aircraft have since been involved in crashes. The Bud Light Jet crashed after a fuel flow sensor burst in mid-flight, causing a fire in the engine compartment, although the pilot was able to escape safely. While practicing for an air show, Scott Manning fatally crashed in the "Stinger Jet," the last BD-5J that remained on the air show circuit, on 16 June 2006 at Carp Airport, Canada. The BD-5J is certified by the United States Department of Defense as a cruise missile surrogate, with Bishop's Aerial Productions offering a version known as the Smart-1 (Smart Manned Aerial Radar Target, Model 1)[18]. The radar return and general performance characteristics make it a useful aid in training. On 27 June 2006, while flying one of these aircraft, pilot Chuck Lischer, a highly experienced professional air show pilot, impacted trees on his final approach to the Ocean City Municipal Airport in Ocean City, Maryland in a fatal accident. The BD-5J has also held the Guinness record for the World's Smallest Jet for more than 25 years. Bob Bishop originally garnered the record with one of his jets, and in November 2004 the record changed hands to Juan Jimnez[19], whose BD-5J weighed in at 358.8 lbs (162.8 kg) empty weight, 80lbs (36 kg) lighter than Bishop's jet. [edit] Surviving Aircraft As of 2002, there were an estimated 150 BD-5s in airworthy condition.[6] A BD-5B is on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex of the National Air and Space Museum at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia. The BD-5J from Octopussy is on display in the Pima Air and Space Museum in Arizona.[20] [edit] Specifications (BD-5B) Ron and Phyllis Loewen's Bede BD-5B C-FGXC, Manitoba Air Show 2007 Ron and Phyllis Loewen's Bede BD-5B C-FGXC, Manitoba Air Show 2007 Data from {name of first source} General characteristics * Crew: one, pilot * Length: 12 ft to 13.5 ft w/stretch kits (3.88 m to 4.11 m) * Wingspan: 14 ft to 21 ft 6 in (4.26 m to 6.55 m) * Height: 5 ft 2 in (1.6 m) * Wing area: Depends on wing used (-5A, -5B or -5J) * Empty weight: 358 lb and up (178 kg) * Loaded weight: 700 lb to 1100 lb (340 kg to 530 kg) * Max takeoff weight: 1100 lb (530 kg) * Powerplant: Various reciprocating engines, from Rotax to Turbo Honda; turboprop with modified Solar T62; jet with Microturbo Couguar or TRS-18 , () each Performance * Maximum speed: 200+ mph (320+ km/h) recip, 300 mph (500 km/h) jet * Range: 720+ miles (1,152+ km) recip, 300+ miles (500 km) jet () * Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,658 m) recip, 23,000 ft (7,010 m) jet () * Rate of climb: 1,900 ft/min (579 m/min) recip, 4,000 ft/min (1,219 m/min) jet () * Wing loading: Varies depending on wing selected and aircraft weight () enjoy liveleak to see more cool videos go to http://www.liveleak.com/group/3v1ld34ds_dumpster

The Cowsills were a singing group from Newport, Rhode Island specializing in what would later be defined as bubblegum pop. The band was formed in the spring of 1965 by four brothers Barry, Bill, Bob, and John Cowsill. After their initial success, the brothers were later joined by their siblings, Susan and Paul and their mother, Barbara. Rounding out the group was remaining brother Richard, who did not sing with the group but was assigned as road manager and advisor. Origins and early successes Originally inspired by the Everly Brothers and later the Beatles,[citation needed] The Cowsills' musical interest started while (their father) Bud Cowsill was stationed in Canton, Ohio in the late 1950s as a Navy recruiter. Bud and Barb encouraged Billy and Bob to take guitar lessons. The boys developed their musical talent and harmonized vocals and they gave performances at school church dances in Stark County, Ohio. The boys' first television appearance was on the "Gene Carroll Show" on WEWS in Cleveland. Bud retired from a long career in the US Navy to manage his children's career, along with his wife. The band drew increasing attention through the 1960s. In late 1965, the initial four members were hired as a regular act on Bannisters Wharf in Newport, where they would sing Beatles songs hour after hour. They also produced their first recordings, and released them on Mercury Records. Despite their appeal, the company passed on a record contract for reasons never specified. In 1966, the band was signed by MGM records, and Barbara who would become known to their fans affectionately as "Mini-Mom," due to her diminutive stature joined the group to record "The Rain, The Park and Other Things." Shortly thereafter the band was expanded yet again, to include siblings Susan and Paul. With the success of "The Rain...," the band quickly became a popular act in the U.S., and achieved significant airplay in England and other parts of Europe. "The Rain..." wound up reaching #2 on the Billboard charts, selling some three million copies in its first release. Bob Cowsill is quoted as follows on the band's early days: "Although Bill and I performed at a very young age, and Bill, myself, Barry and John did a lot of frat parties at Brown University and clubs in Newport ... the most memorable performance of what I would view as the precursor of what The Cowsills would be was at Kings Park in Newport (right at the foot of Halidon Hall) at some carnival. The family angle just evolved ... first Bill and me, then Bill me and Barry, then Bill, me, Barry and John, then Bill, me, Barry, John and Mom, then Bill, me, Barry, John, Mom and Paul, then later, me, Paul, John, Barry, Mom and Susan, then back to Bill, me, Barry and John (very briefly in the end) and then to me, Paul, John and Susan. Our first real break came when we were playing the MK Hotel in Newport (in the basement there) and a guy from the "Today Show" saw us and asked if we wanted to be on the "Today" show. We weren't famous or anything but we were young and we were related and we were quite good. So we went on "The Today show" (I doubt a tape exists of that but if it did it would be priceless to see) and someone from Mercury Records saw us, which ultimately led to our signing with that label and putting out "Most Of All" (a great "school's out" song that should have been our first hit in my opinion), which led to Artie Kornfeld and Steve Duboff. Mercury dropped us, but Artie and Steve had written "The Rain, The Park and Other Things" and we went in and recorded that song at A&R studios in New York and took the whole package to MGM, who decided wouldn't it just be terrific if their mother performed with them and, voila, the rest, as they say, is history." [citation needed] In 1968, the band scored another million selling hit with the song Indian Lake which reached #10 on the charts and in 1969, the band had another number two hit and another million seller with their version of the title song from the musical Hair. [edit] Television and The Cowsills The Cowsills also made many television appearances throughout the late 1960s and into the early 1970s, including on their own television special. They were approached at one point to play the roles of the children on the television series "The Partridge Family," a situation comedy inspired by their success. But they were not willing to have actress Shirley Jones play the role of their mother instead of their real mother, Barbara. The Cowsills were also known as spokespeople for the American Dairy Association, appearing in advertisements promoting milk. Also, during the first season of Love American Style (the 1969-1970), The Cowsills sang the theme song to the show.[citation needed] [edit] Breakups and reunions In 1971, following a series of personal squabbles among the family members, the Cowsills stopped playing together as a band. The individual members went on to various career attempts within and outside of the music industry, and some produced albums and performed from time to time, albeit not as the Cowsills during the remainder of the '70s and up through the majority of the following decade. One project in particular was the band Bridey Murphy, which was formed in the mid-'70s and featured Paul, Bill, Barry, and Waddy Wachtel, and performed to varying degrees of success. One notable project during this period occurred in 1978, when several of the Cowsills Paul, John, and Barry recorded an album entitled "Cocaine Drain."[1] The album was produced by Chuck Plotkin. However, due to difficulties between some of the family members over the final version of the album, it was shelved and has never been released. To this day, the surviving members of the band prefer not to talk about a release date for the album. Of the separate members, the one with the most notable degree of success has been Susan, who gained a significant degree of critical success as a member of The Continental Drifters, along with her husband, Russ Broussard. She was also part of Dwight Twilley's band in the mid-1980s, and currently has a solo career as the leader of her own band, the Susan Cowsill Band.[citation needed] Her album, Just Believe it, was released in late 2005 by Blue Corn Music. Billy Cowsill, who had moved to Canada in the 1970s, also did well in that country as a solo artist and as a member of Vancouver, British Columbia's Blue Northern, before forming the nationally acclaimed Blue Shadows and recording two albums for Sony Canada. In 1990, Bob, Paul, John, and Susan again regrouped, this time as The Cowsills. The original plan was to simply hit the "oldies circuit," but after some deliberation, they decided to incorporate and showcase new material written by Bob and his wife, Mary Jo, into the act. This incarnation of the band started playing small clubs and showcases in the Los Angeles area and eventually spread out to similar venues across the country and into Canada. Their performances generated positive reviews from critics and fans alike, including a very well-received performance on The Joan Rivers Show, where Susan voiced her frustration as to never being able to figure out which of the two girls on The Partridge Family was supposed to represent her. The success of this reunion led the Cowsills back into the recording studio, which resulted in the album, Global. This has also led to several reunions over the years in various forms, ranging from a few concerts to special feature performances at major events. Most notable of these events were "A Taste of Rhode Island in 2000," which featured all seven surviving Cowsills, and "A Family Thing 2", which was a benefit concert in 2004 for Bill's medical and financial difficulties at the time. This concert took place at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, and included an appearance by Shirley Jones, who introduced the band. Though she did not sing with them that night, immediately after her announcement, the Cowsills played "I Really Want To Know You", which is the one song that both The Cowsills and The Partridge Family had recorded. During this period, Barry also released a solo CD, As Is, with the proceeds going towards Bill's relief. Also in 2004, the Cowsills were asked to sing the National Anthem at Fenway Park and Susan's first solo release, "Just Believe It," was released in 2004 in Europe and 2005 in the U.S. John expanded his interests to include acting. During the 1980s, he performed with Jan and Dean and was also part of the Dwight Twilley Band along with Susan for a time.[citation needed] He has appeared on the ABC sitcom Full House and the long-running soap opera, "General Hospital." Currently, John is a member of the Touring Beach Boys's band, playing keyboards and singing lead on some of the Beach Boys tunes. After working as a sound engineer for Helen Reddy, Paul left the music industry for a career in the construction industry. While he still performs with The Cowsills, his primary occupation is that of a farmer in Oregon. Of the Cowsills, Bob has had his best success outside of the music industry. He currently works in the medical industry, helping to train hospital emergency departments to use a software package called EDITS (Emergency Department Information Tracking System) that manages data capture and billing issues associated with emergency room accountancy. In addition to providing training, Bob was part of the actual development and coding team for the software package. As of 2007, the surviving members of the Cowsills are touring as part of "The Original Idols Live!" show, which is hosted by Barry Williams, who had played Greg Brady on "The Brady Bunch. The show includes the Bay City Rollers featuring Ian Mitchell, Leif Garrett and Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods. Additional artists Merrill Osmond, Tony DeFranco, Rex Smith, and Danny Bonaduce join the show on selected dates only. [edit] Deaths The following members of the Cowsills are deceased: [edit] Barbara In January, 1985, Barbara Cowsill died of emphysema while living in Arizona. The funeral was the first real reunion of the family members since the band's breakup. [edit] Bud Bud, the father of the Cowsill children, died of leukemia in September, 1992, while living in Mexico. [edit] Barry Both Barry Cowsill and his sister Susan were living in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina struck on August 29, 2005. According to cowsill.com, Susan and her husband left New Orleans and were accounted for. However, most of her belongings at her New Orleans home were destroyed. It was reported that Barry was spotted at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on August 29, but was not heard from after leaving phone messages for his sister on September 1. He was believed to have been spotted in some tape footage taken by a TV news crew on or about September 5, although the person seen living on the street in the footage is not clearly resolved. A badly decomposed body recovered from the Chartres Street Wharf in New Orleans on December 28 was identified on January 4, 2006 as Barry. [2] The official cause of death is believed to be drowning; the New Orleans coroner found no signs of foul play. Barry is survived by his two daughters, one son and two grandsons, as well as a step-daughter and two step-granddaughters. Two memorial services were held for Barry. One was held on February 18, 2006 in his native Newport, Rhode Island at the Hotel Viking. The second was held on February 26, 2006 in New Orleans. [edit] Bill Bill Cowsill died on 17 February 2006 in Calgary, Alberta on the eve of brother Barry's Newport memorial service. Although the cause of death was not confirmed at the time of the announcement, it has since been officially listed as due to complications from a variety of ailments that Bill had suffered from for years, including emphysema, osteoporosis and Cushing syndrome. In addition, according to Paul Cowsill, Bill's health had been further damaged from the effects stemming from a history of problems with drug and alcohol abuse.[citation needed] Bill had spent the last 35 years in Western Canada, residing in Edmonton, Vancouver and Calgary. Bill is survived by two sons. Bill's good friend and former roommate, young Dylan Sadlier- Brown, son to Mark Sadlier-Brown of Calgary's Highwater Jug Band, was Bill Cowsill's unofficial musicial prodigy. [edit] Recognition efforts Recently some long-time Cowsill fans have formed the Committee for the Nomination of The Cowsills for Induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which as the name implies is a lobbying effort to have the band inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The original plan was to have the induction occur in 2005 the 40th anniversary of the first recorded release by The Cowsills but these efforts were unsuccessful. The Committee, however, is still pressing forward with their efforts, and fans wishing to assist can do so by signing an on-line petition they have set up for this purpose. During their research, the Committee compiled the following facts about The Cowsills and their careers: The Cowsills hold more gold records than 115 of the 147 current Hall of Fame members inducted as performers. Billy played guitar on the song Right On recorded by Ike Turner. Susan is the youngest rock performer to have a Top Ten hit. John was part of the first American rock group to play in the Republic of China. The Cowsills had the first live album to feature a studio track when In Concert featured Hair. Hall of Famer Bob Marley used to cover Cowsill songs. The Guestbooks on robinrecords.com and cowsill.com have posts from all 50 states, 19 foreign countries, and six of the seven continents. The Cowsills were the first of only five album covers done for rock bands by famous cartoonist Jack Davis. Billy once recorded with a guitar borrowed from John Lennon. The bands true worth is illustrated by the fact that they were initially "discovered" by Johnny Nashs all black R&B label, JODA Records, and they were asked to headline with future Hall of Famers Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and The Beach Boys before they had their first hit record at Soundblast 66 in Yankee Stadium.

reading comprehension 1. A new skate park has been proposed for Vancouver's Stanley Park. While the plan has had a lot of support from the skate community, residents living close to the area are concerned about he type of youth that it will attract. In spite of skate boarding's popularity, promoted by celebrities such as Tony Hawk, there still remain a number of misconceptions about the sport. It will be interesting to see if the plan goes ahead, and whether or not it helps the sport to __________________________. (a) gain momentum in Asia (b) take the blame for rising crime rates (c) become popular among teens (d) shake its bad reputation 2. In business news, the Canadian dollar has reached 94 cents to the American dollar, a level it has not been at since the 1970s. It has been projected that the Canadian dollar will be on a par with the US dollar before the year's end. This is good news for Canadian businesses, but not as good for Canadians who are working in the United States. _________________ hoping to get a good exchange rate when they transfer their earnings back into Canadian dollars. (a) Many Americans have their jobs in Canada (b) Many Canadians work in the United States (c) Many Americans import from Canada (d) many Canadians invest in the Unites States 3. On average, women spend nearly twice as much as men do on hair products each year. Interestingly, this is due mainly to quantity as opposed to quality. While men spend far less than women, on average, they are more likely to spend more on individual products. When surveyed, men admitted to having little idea what products they need, and are easily swayed by beauty counter attendants to buy higher-end products. Women, on the other hand, are more concerned about value, and ______________________. (a) seek out lower cost items (b) end up buying expensive items (c) refuse to buy any beauty products at all (d) criticize men's lack of judgement 4. Health officials have just announced that the childhood infection known as the mumps has reappeared across the country. While the mumps used to be common, these days it is considered quite rare. Widespread vaccination programs ________________. While in the early 1950s there were 34,000 cases a year, by the 1990s that number that fallen by 99% to 400. Between 2000 and 2004 the number of cases dropped to an average of 87. However, concern about the mumps has resurfaced as an outbreak that began on the east coast gained momentum, spreading westward across the country. (a) have caused the mumps to break out (b) have made children suffer from the mumps (c) have promoted the importance of personal hygiene (d) have all but eliminated it as a childhood disease 5. Throughout the 1860-70s Chinese people risked their lives to build the American railroad, but as soon as the project was completed, America wanted them to leave the country. What followed was a difficult period for Chinese immigrants to America. In spite of being faced with a head tax, personal attacks, and discrimination from the workforce, _________________. Today, Chinese-Americans are an integral part of America's multi-cultural society. integrating old and new world traditions in forming their identities. (a) the Americans developed their affinity (b) some Chinese regretted their decisions (c) the Chinese in America persevered (d) China and America deferred their talk 6. As the US elections near, health care has become one of the biggest 'election issues.' Every candidate has a stance on it, and many have been criticized for wavering in their plans. The issue has gained even more public interest following the release of Michael Moore's new documentary Sicko which highlights some of the cracks in the current American health care system. It is expected that health care ______________________. (a) will garner interests from pharmaceutical companies (b) will be improved tremendously through its reform (c) will be the issue that determines this next election (d) will not be as big a deal as people have expected 7. How much water should we drink in a day? For years, the standard was eight glasses a day. Nutritionists advise drinking a glass of water first think in the morning. Others suggest drinking at least five glasses before noon. The truth is, the number will be different for everyone. The important thing is to __________________. For the most part, our bodies tell us when we need water. If you're feeling fatigued or like a headache is coming on, the chances are that your body needs water. Often time people misread these signs and give their bodies food instead of water. (a) listen to your body (b) drink as much as possible (c) try not to make yourself tired (d) have eight glasses of water per day 8. Many companies are beginning to implement new health care plans for their employees that offer more comprehensive coverage. Most current plans offer limited vision and dental care, and anywhere from 30-70% prescription drug coverage. These plans generally cost approximately $85.00/month, 75% of which is covered by the employer. The more comprehensive plans will cost more on a monthly basis, but offer better coverage which would give people, especially families, greater peace of mind. For most people, a slightly higher monthly payment for full coverage is ________________. (a) a serious letdown (b) a good trade-off (c) a pain in the neck (d) a walk in the park 9. The creators of the cartoon Sough Park have come under criticism for a recent episode that aired which negatively depicts the actor Cam Thomas. The actor has sued the creators, and is fighting to have the episode removed from the season's DVD. This is not the first time the South Park's creators _______________________. Part of the appeal of the cartoon is that it deals with mature themes and often makes politically charged statements. the cartoon-format gives the show a certain innocence, which often acts as a cover for the maturity of the program itself. (a) should apologize to an actor in public (b) came up with a controversial magazine (c) will be found guilty of fraud (d) have upset a well-known media figure 10. As bio diesel becomes a more feasible alternative to oil, an increasing number of food crops _______________________. Corn has been central to the bio diesel project, as it is one of the best crops for ethanol extraction. With global warming on the minds of politicians and voters, bio diesel in and important issue, both for the upcoming election and for environmental reasons. As corn has gained prominence as a producer of bio fuel, corn stocks have skyrocketed as people race to buy into it. (a) may cause global warming (b) are being modified into energy crops (c) are being replaced by corn (d) are being refined to provide wholesome food 11. A recent recall on precut baby carrots has left consumers even more frightened about the foods they consume. This was the third in a series of recalls on packaged vegetables sold in grocery store produce departments. These recalls have made consumers more aware of where their food is coming from, which, in many cases, is miles and miles away. For the most part, very little of the produce available at grocery stores _________________________. What this means is that it has been grown, packaged, and shipped in massive quantities, often picking up bacteria somewhere along the way. (a) needs to be transported (b) comes from abroad (c) has been recalled (d) is produced locally 12. November 7, 2007 To Mr. J. Kelley, This is a final notice. Your September bill of $64.07 is overdue, and must be paid in full immediately. Failure to pay will result in your cellular phone services being disconnected. Once it is disconnected, you will be required to pay $50.00 for reconnection services, if you so desire. If there are any discrepancies in our records, please inform us immediately. If we have not received payment by November 18, 2007, _________________________. Rayman Cellular Services Customer Service Department (a) you should settle the account (b) you will hear from our lawyer (c) we will clear your account (d) we will disconnect your phone 13. Knitting has become a fashionable craft amongst younger women. In cities across North America, 'knitting circles' can be seen in cafes and small pubs. 2007 ' The Year of the Craft' has helped to popularize some older crafts such as knitting, and introduce them to a younger generation. Many young women say they find knitting to be relaxing, which may account for its popularity. Another factor may be the shift in the style industry this year to chunky-knit scarves and toques. As opposed to paying $60 for a hand-knit scarf in a boutique store, young women __________________________. (a) are simply knitting the scarves themselves (b)don't like to get their hands dirty (c) love to show their sensitive, feminine side (d) prefer to buy cheaper machine-knit one 14. Maintaining a proper diet is nearly impossible considering the number of mixed messages coming out of the dieting industry. Diet books are one of the best selling genres of writing. It's not surprising then that the general public is bombarded with __________________. From low fat to low carbohydrate diets, nearly every diet on the market presents a different idea of 'healthy eating.' While many diets are effective in the short-term, very few are sustainable for the long-term. The result is that people find themselves trapped in a cycle of weight loss and weight gain. (a) wholesome, light, fun ways to eat (b) good nutrition and a balanced diet (c) cheap quick-fix diet products (d) so many conflicting messages 15. In local news, an elderly couple walking through South Pleasant Park this afternoon spotted a black bear on the pathway. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the encounter, as the bear simply passed by, but the couple appeared to be slightly shaken up. The man had a cellular phone on hand, and was able to call 911 immediately. Police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, and even two helicopters were sent to the scene immediately. _____________________, all of the commotion appeared to scare the bear into a protected woodland area, and authorities were unable to locate him. Residents have been warned to take extra precaution when walking through the park. (a) At the same time (b) Indeed (c) In addition (d) However 16. Chicken pox is an infectious disease that is commonly caught in childhood. It is not a serious disease and nearly all children experience it. However, adult chicken pox can be much more severe. For this reason, parents often intentionally put their children in close proximity to a child with chicken pox, which increases the chances that they will catch it. Chicken pox is also easily spread as a result of its 10-15 day incubation period. _______________________, chicken pox is in its most infectious stage before the carrier has any visible signs of the disease. (a) That is (b) Thus (c) Conversely (d) Rather 17. As mega-stores such as Wal-Mart spread to more cities and towns, smaller stores are increasingly unable to compete. Often referred to as 'big box stores,' corporations like Wal-Mart have immense buying ower based on the size of stores as well the number of stores worldwide. It is almost impossible for smaller businesses to offer prices as low as the big companies. Many communities have attempted to ban the building of 'big box stores' in their towns in an effort to protect independent businesses. Q: What is the main idea of this passage? (a) A welcoming of large corporations (b) A review of Wal-Mart's profits (c) Responses to mega-store development (d) A critique of independent businesses 18. Some of the most sophisticated bank robberies in England were recently uncovered. London police say they were baffled by the sophistication of the thieves. An ATM machine was ripped off early in the year, with the thieves getting away with over half a million pounds. Officers said that the thieves were utilizing advanced technology which was unknown to them. All of the suspected thieves are facing trial, and up to 35 years in prison if convicted. Q: What is the best title for the above passage? (a) Advanced ATM Technology (b) Suspected Bank Espionage (c) A London Robbery (d) Imprisoned Thieves 19. Singer and songwriter Jewel has just re-released her 1994 album 'Pieces of You' with enhanced sound and production. The album is being sold for $25.99 at all HMV Music stores as a special collector's edition. When initially released in 1994, the album sold millions of copies and boosted Jewel to international fame. Some fans are critical of the re-release, seeing it simply as a moneymaking ploy by Jewel's managers. Jewel is expected to release her 8th new album in the fall of 2009. Q: What is the passage mainly about? (a) The release of a collector's CD (b) The announcement of a music tour (c) Jewel's break with her managers (d) Jewel's 2009 album re-release 20. Film piracy persists to be a problem in the United States, as people continue to illegally download movies, dramatically cutting into box-office sales. A new plan is underway to counter this trend. The plan involves a law that bans the use of video recording devices in theaters. At this time, anyone caught with such a device has simply been asked to leave the theater, but has not been charged with any offence. That may be changing soon if new laws are put into effect. Q: What is the main idea of the passage? (a) Box-office sales have been low and plans are in place to remedy this (b) A new regulation is intended to deter illegal movie recording (c) Video recording devices will be allowed in theaters soon. (d) Illegally downloaded movies account for billions in lost revenues. 21. The city of Bend, Oregon, is internationally renowned for its pristine mountain biking trails. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or an advanced rider, you'll find trails in Bend to suit your ability. In addition, Bend offers some of the best restaurants in the state, with award winning chefs working out of a number of the high-end hotels. For more information, contact Discover Bend at 1-800-534-1212, and ask for a brochure on travel to Oregon. Q: What is the main idea of this passage? (a) Bend , Oregon, is a great tourist destination. (b) There are a number of good restaurants in the state. (c) Only advanced mountain bikers should use the trails. (d) Oregon is not well known to international travelers 22. Airlines remain strict on security regulations, and the limitations on what can be brought on the plane in carry-on luggage seem to be tightening. Many air travelers have been experiencing frustration as water bottles and bottles of shampoo are confiscated at security. Part of the frustration comes from different airlines implementing different regulations, leaving passengers confused as to what they can and cannot pack. The best idea for travelers is to call the airline a day earlier just to confirm what the rules are at present. Q: What is the best title for the passage? (a) A Reduction in Airport Security Personnel (b) Confusion Regarding Security Regulations (c) Baggage Weight Restrictions on Airplanes (d) Heightened Incidents of Theft in Airports 23. December 5, 2007 Notice to all tenants: On Thursday, December 14th we will be fumigating the building for silverfish. Due to the toxicity of the fumigation, no one will be allowed into the building between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Plese have all food products removed from your suites, or safely stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If you have any concerns, I am happy to address them, and can be reached at (514) 555-9649 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Darryl White AAA- Bug Services Q: Which of the following is NOT included in the notice? (a) The date of the fumigation (b) The type of insect infestation (c) The hours of building closure (d) Mr. White's after-hours number 24. Escape Getaways offers the ideal family vacation, with resorts in Cancun, Cozumel, and Puerto Vallarta. From June 1 to September 1, children stay for free! This offer applies to one child per family, and is based on double room occupancy. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other. Additional children can stay for $220/week. Escape Getaways also provides inexpensive daycare facilities, allowing parents to take a break and relax. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) The offer only applies to resorts in Puerto Vallarta. (b) Activities for children are provided for $220/week. (c) Daycare facilities are provided by Escape Getaways free of charge. (d) Parents bringing more than one child must pay an additional cost. 25. Author Pete McCarthy has received prasise for his humorous travel novel McCarthy's Bar. Pete McCarthy writes in a style similar to Bill Bryson, offering the knowledge of a well-read traveler coupled with the clever insights of a humor writer. The novel follows McCarthy as he travels through Ireland, uncovering friends and family from his ch9ildhood vacations spent in the country. McCarthy draws his readers in, making them feel as though they were on the trip with him. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) Pete McCarthy wrote with Bill Bryson in Ireland. (b) McCarthy's writing lacks the structure of an experienced writer. (c) Bill Bryson writes in an analogous manner to McCarthy. (d) McCarthy's Bar follows McCarthy on his first journey through Ireland. 26. A reporter for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) remains in captivity 45 days after he was kidnapped at gunpoint by militants. The reporter was the only western journalist permanently posted in the Gaza Strip. Today, a video appeared on a militant webpage showing the reporter in good health, and declaring that he has faced no violence or ill treatment from his captors. While the video is uplifting for those close to him, there is no way of knowing when the video was recorded. Friends and family are pleading for the reporter's immediate release. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) An American reporter was captured by militants (b) No other journalists set foot in the Gaza Strip. (c) The militants released a video of the captive (d) The reporter has already been released at this time 27. From: Holiday Plaze To: Mary Jane Date: June 12, 2007 3:18 PM Subject: Confirmation This message is to confirm your accommodations at the Holiday Plaza from Wednesday, June 19th to Sunday, June 23rd. We have you booked in a double room, with two queen-sized beds and a foldout couch. The total cost of your stay will be $542.08. We will not process your payment until you have checked in. Any changes or cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-888-555-7643 if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Guest Management Holiday Plaza Q: Which of the following is correct according to the e-mail? (a) The Holiday Plaza charges $542.08 per night. (b) Changes must be made at least two days prior to check in. (c) Mary Jane's accommodations have been cancelled. (d) The foldout couch is available for an additional charge. 28. The game of 'Word Match' was initially released in 1938, popularized in the 1970s, and is now owned by 1 in 4 families in North America. The game combines spelling and vocabulary with an element of luck, which might account for its popularity across such a wide range of players. This year, a commemorative edition will be released, including the original tile design from the 1938 edition. Pre-orders are already being taken, and it is expected that stores will sell out within hours. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) The game is popular amongst a small group of people. (b) The commemorative edition varies greatly from the original. (c) The game 'Word Match' has lost its popularity. (d) The new edition is expected to be well received. 29. The weather should be looking up this week, with temperatures expected to reach 32 degrees by Tuesday, and a high of 34 degree on Wednesday. Later in the week, temperatures should cool to the high 20s, with a mix of sun and clouds. Over the weekend we may see some rain, as a low-pressure system is expected to travel east a cross the province. The showers should pass by Sunday afternoon, and the sun will likely return. Check back on the website anytime for your up-to-the-minute weather forecast. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the forecast? (a) Temperatures will drop by mid-week (b) There may be rain on Saturday. (c) The weather is entirely unpredictable (d) Tuesday will be warmer than Wednesday. 30. Critter's Camping offers 19 spacious campsites on beautiful Long Beach in Tofino. Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit, a picnic table, and a space to set up one family-sized tent. Bathroom and shower facilities are available, as well as a kitchen and dish washing area. Critter's is open 365 days a year, and campsites cost $14.00 a night for up to two people, plus $2.00 a night for each additional person. Call today to make a reservation, and ask about our weeklong discount rates. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) The cost of campsites increases for more than two people. (b) Critter's does not accept reservations without a deposit (c) Rates are discounted for stays less than one week. (d) Picnic tables are available for a reasonable cost. 31. The American Cancer Society is looking for a Senior Fundraising Coordinator. The suitable applicant will have a minimum of 3-5 years experience working with a not-for-profit community organization. An undergraduate degree in the Social Sciences is required, and preference will be given to anyone with a Master's degree. A vehicle will be provided as the position involves travel within the region, but a driver's license is a requirement. This position may involve evening and weekend work. Q: Which is correct about the position advertised? (a) The successful candidate needs only a high school diploma. (b) It requires less than three years experience in non-profit organization. (c) It needs someone willing to work evenings and weekends. (d) It requires less than five years experience in fundraising coordination. 32. Suggestion of fixed elections in the developing world has garnered the attention of the media across Western Europe. One critical element of any country claiming to be a democracy is a free election process. Free elections are something that a large number of people in the developed world simply take for granted, to the extent that voter turnout is less than 67% in most first world countries. however when it comes to free elections in developing countries, or the lack thereof, a powerful group of countries in Western Europe have taken notice. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the article? (a) Voter turnout is over 50% in the developed world. (b) There are no free elections in the developing world. (c) Democracy exists in very few countries. (d) 67% of people voted for free elections. 33. Homelessness is becoming an increasing problem around the world. While exact numbers are nearly impossible to locate, it is estimated that over 100 million people around the world are homeless . What this means is that these people are without a stable, fixed address. In many North American cities, the response