12 Best Tonneau Cover Reviews and Buying Guide 2018!
One of the most valuable investments you can make for your truck is a tonneau cover.
Available in different sizes, styles, and designs, the truck bed cover will help keep your cargo safe and secure while protecting your truck bed from damages caused by harsh elements.
What's more, the cover enhances the overall appearance of your truck and dramatically cuts down your fuel costs.
Sadly, picking the right cover for your truck can be quite daunting since there are thousands of products on the market today.
The purpose of coming up with this post is to take you through the 12 best tonneau cover reviews that we've selected for you.
Now, we'll share with you our exclusive tips and tricks for choosing the perfect cover for your specific vehicle.
A tonneau cover is basically a cover for your truck bed. It goes by other names like pickup cover, truck bed cover, tonno cover, truck tarp, among others.
The cover inherited its name from the first cars made in the history of humankind. These cars didn't have a roof, meaning their cabs were wide open to the harsh weather elements, including rain and snow.
Since these cars were quite expensive and nobody could stand them being ruined by the harsh weather conditions, the manufacturers started designing covers for the open area. And these covers were known as "Tonneau covers.
It's worth noting that the tonneau covers come in an array of styles and options to help you get the perfect type for your truck.
Below, we'll take a closer look at the 12 top-rated covers currently available on the market.
Our tonneau cover reviews begin with the Tyger Auto TG-BC3D1011 TRI-FOLD Tonneau Cover. For those who don't know, TYGER Auto is a multi-national manufacturer of quality and reliable aftermarket auto parts that meet/exceed OE standards.
This particular tri-fold cover is designed for anyone looking for a great folding type truck bed cover. It's designed using dual coated marine-grade vinyl plus a heavy-duty aluminum frame for exceptional durability.
It's designed to enhance maximum safety and security of your goods. The patented clamping system provides a weather-tight seal that ensures no harsh weather elements reaches your cargo and the truck bed itself. Besides, the cover has been tested and proven to help you save gas by up to 12% mileage.
Accessing your truck bed contents is even easier, thanks to patented quick-release rear latches which enable you to get into the truck bed with one simple step.
When it comes to installing this cover, you'll not need to hire an expert for the task. This is because the cover comes pre-assembled to enhance easy installation. What's more, all the crucial installation hardware (including the instructions) comes included in the box for even easier storage.
Remember that Tyger Auto stands behind all their products and guarantee 100% user satisfaction. They offer you a Limited Lifetime warranty for this product to ensure you buy it without risking your money.
Like the previous model, this soft MaxMate cover also comes with a tri-fold design. This allows you to quickly remove it in seconds when hauling oversized loads or fold it forward and secure it in place when transporting smaller loads.
When correctly installed, the cover will make the truck bed weather tight so that no moisture, dust, grime, etc., can get its way into your precious cargo. And thanks to its low profile design, this will also reduce your truck air resistance which translates to reduced fuel consumption by up to 13%. When you want to get into the truck bed, the pre-assembled horizontal crossbars will easily fold up with the cover to grant you full bed access.
For maximum durability and longevity, this cover is made using quality materials. These include a dual coated marine grade vinyl, stainless steel clamps, and aluminum powder coated frame.
This covers also comes wholly pre-assembled to make it easy for you to install. NO drilling is needed during the installation, plus it comes with easy-to-follow instructions for quick setup.
The tri-fold cover is suitable for use with pickup trucks with a bed length of 6.5 feet; it's compatible with all 2002-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2003-2018 Dodge Ram 2500 3500 vehicle models.
By investing in this truck bed cover, you'll not be risking your money as it also comes with a NO-hassle 10-year manufacturer warranty!
We have another Tyger product in our 3rd spot, which goes by the name Tyger Auto TG-BC3T1530 TRI-FOLD Cover. This cover also ranks as one of the best tri-fold tonneau cover models you can get on the market today.
Like its cousin, this tri-fold cover also comes completely assembled to give you an easy time when installing it. All the installation hardware and full instructions are included in the package for hassle-free setup.
When put in place, this cover will carry out its duties to your satisfaction. It'll offer you a weather-tight truck bed space where you can safely store all your cargo. And when you want to access your cargo, the soft cover will easily fold up to offer you easy and quick access.
Similar to all the other top-rated covers, this cover will also reduce air drag when driving your vehicle, which significantly contributes to fuel economy (saves gas by up to 12%).
For the construction part, this cover is also made of the same high-quality materials as the previous Tyger cover—including a heavy-duty vinyl material and aluminum coated frame.
The cover is 100% compatible with2016-2018 Toyota Tacoma models. It will also work with other trucks with a bed length of 5 feet, whether or not they have a deck rail system.
The TYGER Limited Lifetime warranty will give you peace of mind when using this cover.
Gator Soft Tri-Fold is another top-rated bed truck cover that offers you maximum protection to your cargo from the unwanted spying eyes as well as harsh weather elements.
Featuring a tri-fold design, this tonneau cover is designed to sit on the top section of your bed rail. And once installed, it provides a weather-tight seal that will keep your cargo and truck bed safe from even the harshest weather elements. Unlike most of the models out there, this cover also comes with a tailgate seal which takes your cargo protection against elements to an even higher level.
Regarding durability, Gator gives you the best. The cover is made using incredibly durable, 100% tear-resistant vinyl. Additionally, the cover comes reinforced by aluminum powder-coated frame to ensure you'll enjoy your investment for a more extended period of time.
The included buckles grant you convenient fastening of your cover all the way up to the third panel—allowing you to access and offload your cargo easily.
In less than 10 minutes, you'll be able to fully install this truck bed cover on your own. You don't need any tools for the job as you just need to use the integrated quick-latch; you can also manually adjust the latch for the perfect fit.
Above all, this cover has a textured finish which provides an appealing look to your truck, making your truck stand apart from the other models.
If still looking for the best folding tonneau cover, you might also want to consider TAC Tonneau Cover as one of your top options. TAC is a reputable the North America based brand that boasts of 20plus years of manufacturing top-notch aftermarket auto parts.
What really makes this TAC cover a favorite for many truck owners is how it's able to stand up to the harshest weather conditions and keep your cargo protected from any potential damage or the peeping toms. Even when riding in heavy downpours, the cover will ensure your cargo remains dry.
Similar to all the other top-rated covers we've featured in this list, this cover is also pretty easy to install. It comes pre-assembled, so you don't need to do any drilling or cutting, plus all the installation hardware and instructions are included in the box.
As you'd expect, this cover is made using durable materials for long-lasting service. Most notably, it features a heavy-duty aluminum finish that not only enhances its durability but also improves your vehicle gas mileage by up to 10%.
When you're hauling oversized cargo, you can easily remove this tri-fold cover in a matter of seconds. And for smaller loads, you just fold it forward and lock it in place.
Above all, the cover comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty that covers all the manufacturer defects. This is to mean that you can reach out to the manufacturer if you notice any issues with your cover.
It's Tyger Auto again! This time, they're also offering you a tri-fold tonneau cover, ideal for trucks with a bed length of 5.8 feet. This cover will fit the 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 and other similar vehicles.
Looking into more details, you'll notice that this cover isn't much different from the previous Tygers. For instance, you'll easily see that it also features a durable, long-lasting construction of marine grade vinyl material and aluminum coated frame.
The soft tri-fold cover will not disappoint when it comes to doing its job. It'll form a tight seal that blocks all the weather elements from reaching your cargo during transportation. Like its cousins, it also does a commendable job of improving your gas mileage by as high as 12%.
Installing the cover is also a breeze as it comes pre-assembled to eliminate the drilling part. Also, all the necessary hardware and instructions are included in the box to ease the installation process.
As it's the case with all the other products from Tyger Auto, this truck bed cover comes with Tyger limited lifetime warranty to assure you that you're making a risk-free investment.
We have Gator Tri-Fold Tonneau Truck Bed Cover as another great cover for truck beds. Like the other Gator we discussed earlier, this model is made of durable tear-resistant vinyl for increased longevity.
It also does a great job of keeping your cargo safe and safe secure. When correctly installed, it'll form a weather tight space where you'll carry your cargo with an assurance that no water, moisture grime, dust, etc., will get into them. Even better, it comes with a tailgate seal which further eliminates the possibility of any elements getting to your cargo.
The tri-fold cover also boasts of tool-free, hassle-free installation. No cutting. No drilling. You just need to attach the quick latches into place and then adjust them by hand to obtain the perfect fit.
Another important thing to note about this Gator is that it has a 6.5 feet truck bed length, so it'll fit all trucks with such a length. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty to ensure you have a peace of mind when using it.
For the truck owners looking for the best roll up tonneau cover, this Tyger Auto TG-BC2D2064 RoLock cover will be a great option. It fits a truck bed of length 5.8 feet—making it ideal for 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 and other similar trucks.
Featuring a pretty affordable price tag, this cover is designed using dual coated, marine-grade vinyl material to enhance its durability and longevity. Just like the other Tygers, its frame is also coated with heavy-duty aluminum powder for even greater durability.
The cover seals with Velcro strips on its sides to form a weather-tight, safe and secure environment where you can store even the most delicate cargo for convenient transportation to any place. A latch lock system will then secure the cover to the tailgate to ensure maximum cargo protection.
Installation here is as easy as it is with all the other tonneau covers made by Tyger. The cover comes fully assembled such that you only need to secure it onto the bed rails, with no cutting and drilling involved. Everything you need for the job (installation hardware, mounting instructions) is included in the box.
We also can't fail to acknowledge the fact that Tyger stands behind this product. They offer you a limited lifetime warranty which will cover all the manufacturer defects you might encounter throughout the lifespan of the cover.
One of best retractable tonneau cover models you can ever get on the market comes at our 9th position. And that's Gator Covers Retractable Tonneau Truck Bed Cover. 100% made in the USA, this cover is also designed using Gator's highest quality standards to ensure it addresses the needs of all truck owners.
To start with, the cover is designed to last forever. In other words, it's designed using LEXAN, the type of material used to make the cockpit of a fighter jet! For those who don't know, LEXAN polycarbonate has an excellent reputation for lightweight, durability, resistance to UV rays, moisture proof, and ability withstand temperatures running from -50 to +200 ℉.
The top section of the cover features a one-piece construction which helps keep off water penetration, keeping your cargo safe and protected.
As it's the case with any top-notch retractable cover, this Gator will lock up your cargo to make it secure from the unwanted eyes and harsh weather elements.
Installing this cover is the easiest part. Unlike most of the retractable models which lock every 12", this Gator Retractable Tonneau Truck Bed Cover will lock in any position, making the setup task much easier for you. No maintenance is needed for this cover as al its ball bearings come fully sealed and will never freeze.
While most covers are all about securing your cargo, this specific cover goes the extra step to enhance the look of your truck as well. Once installed, you'll find it hard to keep your eyes off its high gloss finish which offers an eye-grabbing mirror look. As if that's not enough, it features a flat matte finish that makes your truck stand from the rest!
This is the last Tyger Auto cover we're featuring on our list of the finest covers for truck owners. The Tyger Auto TG-BC3C1040 has a tri-fold design, just like the Tyger models we reviewed earlier at the beginning of this list.
Like all its cousins, this Tyger enjoy massive popularity across the whole of US. This is mainly due to its long-lasting design which features dual coated marine grade vinyl construction, plus heavy-duty aluminum powder coated frame. This is doubtlessly one of the strongest combinations that will make the cover last a lifetime.
It also comes with its horizontal crossbars pre-assembled, to help offer support to the vinyl material by exerting a horizontal tension. Note that the crossbars will conveniently fold up with the cover to grant you full access to your truck bed.
When you fold the cover, the integrated safety buckles will secure it in place as the patented quick release rear latches enable you to access the truck bed in one simple step.
The installation process is quite easy and doesn't require any drilling. The full procedure comes clearly outlined in the included manual. For trucks with over-the-bed liners, however, you might need to do some cutting for proper installation.
MaxMate Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover is made using marine grade vinyl plus aluminum powder coated frame to make the cover one of the strongest, long-lasting models you can ever get.
Featuring a tri-fold design, this cover also comes with pre-assembled horizontal crossbars which offer support to the cover when its set into place. The bars conveniently fold up with the cover to allow you full access to your truck bed.
Installation is quite simple and straightforward here as there are no drilling jobs. You'll find all the mounting hardware and instruction on the box. It works well with under the bedrail liners with no need for any modifications. For trucks with over the bed liner, however, you'll need to do some cutting to secure the clamps correctly.
The affordable cover comes with a hassle-free 10-year warranty which makes it a risk-free investment.
Bringing us to the end of our tonneau reviews is the MaxMate Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover. Because it comes with a pocket-friendly price tag, we highly recommend this top-quality cover to all truck owners with a limited budget.
As we've seen in our previous MaxMate product, this cover is also designed with high-quality materials to increase its strength and durability. That is, it's made of dual coated marine grade vinyl and aluminum powder frame coating to ensure it'll hold up to all weather elements and serve you for an extended period of time.
Installing the tonneau cover is a piece of cake, with the included mounting hardware and set of instructions. No drilling is necessary. For trucks with over the bed liner, however, some cutting needs to be done for proper cover installation.
Thanks to the Velcro straps that secure the cover to the side and the latch lock system at the tailgate, this cover will form a completely weather-tight, secure space for holding all your goods for safe transportation. The adjustable tension system will help you straighten the cover to make it look tight and more secure.
This MaxMate also comes with a hefty, no-hassle warranty of 10 years! So, if things go wrong with your cover, you can reach out to the manufacturer for a quick solution.
How To Buy a Tonneau Cover?
As we promised at the beginning of this post, we'll share with you some exclusive tips and tricks below on how to ensure you get the perfect tonneau cover for your specific truck.
What materials have been used to design it?
One of the key steps to finding the perfect tonneau cover for your truck involves checking its durability.
Remember that your cover will be exposed to all types of weather elements, including the harshest weather elements. Plus, you'll want it to serve you for a longer period since you don't need to buy a new cover after every few months.
With that in mind, you'd want to ensure the cover you buy, whether hard or soft cover, is made of the sturdiest materials available.
What type of tonneau cover do you really need?
Tonneau covers can be divided into two main groups—the soft and hard covers.
The hard covers are usually higher priced than soft models and offer you better security. The soft covers are cheaper but more versatile.
Scroll below to find out more about various types of covers that fall under the two categories, to get a clear picture of the specific cover that will suit your needs.
Have you checked the type of bed liner on your truck cover?
As you already, there are two main types of bed liners—over the rail and under the rail bed liners.
Pickups equipped with under the rail bed liners do not present you with any issues when installing a trcuk covers. Vehicles with over the rail bed liner are, however, a bit difficult to install.
If your truck has an over the bed liner, it's important to check if the tonneau cover you want to buy can be installed on it to avoid getting disappointed later on.
How easy to install a cover is varying from cover to cover.
We guess that everybody wants a cover that they can easily put into place in the shortest possible period of time.
As you might have noted from our top products reviews above, all the featured products are extremely easy to install. This is mainly because they come pre-installed so that you only need to attach them into place to complete the setup.
They come with all the mounting hardware and instructions included for hassle-free installation.
If you can get a cover that doesn't require you to do any modifications to your truck bed, like cutting or drilling holes, the better.
Does the cover require any maintenance?
You should also know how much you're willing to do regarding the maintenance of your vehicle.
Every cover will come with some maintenance instructions. Some models are less demanding as they only require you to wash them with soap and water.
However, the more mechanical covers will require more maintenance to keep them effective and extend their life. For instance, a retractable truck bed will need occasional lubrication to ensure ease of movement.
Just ensure you pick a cover that you'll be able to maintain as indicated by the manufacturer.
Lastly, you should decide the amount of cash you're willing to invest in a tonneau cover for your pickup.
The soft covers are usually cheaper than the hard covers and cost around $150 to $550, while the hard covers range from $550 to $2000 or more.
Depending on your financial situation, you should be able to come up with a budget that will let you get a cover that matches your specific needs.
Do Tonneau Covers Help With Gas Mileage?
So, you've heard it many times that a tonneau cover contributes to fuel economy. But how exactly does it do that?
Well, the way the cover helps save gas has something to do with aerodynamics and the wind that pushes its way into your pickup tailgate.
If you don't have a cover on your truck bed, air will get trapped in the bed. The air will then form a cushion around which the surrounding air will bounce off. The problem with this situation is that your vehicle engine will need to use more power to overcome the force of drag your vehicle will experience when driving.
Remember that the more power an engine needs, the more fuel it'll consume.
What if you put on that tonneau cover in your truck bed?
It's simple—air will not get easily trapped in your vehicle's truck bed. As such, you'll reduce the force of drag for your vehicle, and the engine will need less power to overcome less drag force. The result is improved gas mileage.
It's worth noting that different trucks come with different shapes, which make their aerodynamics (and hence the gas mileage) significantly differ from model to model. Besides, different drivers have different driving habits which can also make the mileage differ.
Is all this a MYTH?
For a long time, most scientists have gone against the claims of the truck covers saving you fuel. Myth busters too have come out to dismiss these claims as myths.
BUT…SEMA (Special Equipment Market Association) conducted a study in January 2007 in an attempt to settle this dispute between manufacturers and users/scientists.
According to the study, the highest aerodynamic drag (7.8%) was recorded at 85mph. If we could say that most of the engine power is used to overcome the force of drag at this speed, then reducing the drag by 6% would mean a reduction in engine workload—resulting in improved fuel economy by 1.08mpg.
Let's say you're driving at a realistic high speed of 65mph. In such a case, the drag would be reduced by up to 5.5%. If we'd use the same maths/calculations as above, we'll find that that fuel economy is improved by around 0.5mpg.
If you drive at a speed of 55mph or below, the tonneau cover fuel economy benefit will basically disappear since the aerodynamic isn't significant at such speeds (it becomes significant when you reach 55-60mph). Technically speaking, there'll be small fuel savings, but the amount would be extremely small—less than a 10th of an mpg.
Bottom-line: a tonneau cover will help save gas, but not a significant amount. It reduces around 4-8% aerodynamic drag which directly results in fuel economy (though it doesn't help you save much). The shape of your truck and your driving habits will also affect the amount of gas saved.
As we did mention above, there is a variety of tonneau covers out there—with different colors, materials, designs, etc.—to ensure you've unlimited choices when looking for the best tonneau cover for your truck.
In this section, we'll outline the most common types of covers available.
The soft covers are usually made using vinyl or any other fabric materials with rubberized coating. These covers have a reputation for versatility, durability, and availability in a wide range of options.
They're also extremely easy to install (some come as Snap-On or snap-less covers) and remove. Storing them when not in use is also extremely easy.
As you'd expect, the soft covers are usually cheaper compared to the hard covers.
The hard covers come with a pretty rigid design which looks like a trunk or hood. They're usually made of materials such as metal, fiberglass, and plastic.
Like the soft covers, these covers also come in a wide range of options; some are foldable, solid, hinged, and so on.
Installing them might take you time and require more than one person. Likewise, uninstalling them will also require some work.
Needless to mention, the hard tonneaus come at a higher cost than soft covers.
If we dig deeper, we'll realize that both soft and hard covers come in several options to ensure you get a model that fits your specific preferences.
This type of tonneau cover is usually designed using soft materials such as vinyl and backed vinyl. They're intended for attaching to your truck bed with the help of Velcro, snaps or even the 'tongue and groove' seals.
Roll up covers are the most popular covers you can get on the market today. They're also affordably priced, making them ideal for folks on a budget.
Retractable covers are among the latest covers designed released into the market and are as a result of the latest innovations in the tonneau cover industry.
The covers are designed to be 100% weather tight and are sure to offer optimal security to any cargo you're transporting. Besides, they're designed to provide you with easy access to your truck bed.
Keep in mind that you can also get remote control retractable covers which are even easier to use (however, you'll need to spend a good amount of cash to get these models).
When not in use, you can easily roll a retractable cover for easy storage in the storage canister at the front of your truck bed.
Hinged covers come designed to act as truck lids. They're hinged at the front area of your truck bed, hence their name.
These covers come in both hard and soft material designs, meaning you can easily choose the type of material you prefer in a truck cover.
The good thing about hinged covers is that they're shipped to you in pre-assembled form to facilitate hassle-free and quick storage.
For a lightweight and durable cover, you can never go wrong with the hinged models.
Folding covers are crafted using 2 or more panels set in such a way that they fold upon each other to offer you easy and convenient access to your truck bed.
You'll also find some folding cover designs that are completely detachable to offer you total access to the truck bed when the need arises.
Yes, you can also find some covers that come with an integrated toolbox that you can mount clear of your truck bed rails. You can easily retract out of the way beneath the toolkit if you wish to.
These are types of covers that come with a built-in locking mechanism to offer you maximum protection to your cargo. They're made of solid materials such as ABS plastic, aluminum, or fiberglass, to make them sturdy and durable.
Lastly, we have the low profile covers which sit right above the truck bed. They're ideal for people who don't like the added height a cover introduces at the back of their pickup trucks.
These types of covers will not add any weight to your vehicle and might even remain invisible to the eye if you were to view them from the sides of your truck.
For this reason, they tend to add a streamlined, aesthetically pleasing appearance to your truck.
Note that they're also available in both soft and hard material designs.
It protects your truck bed from various elements such as rain, sun damage, debris, etc. Such elements are notorious for easily damaging your truck bed when left uncovered.
By covering your cargo in the truck bed, a tonneau cover guarantees you of their security. These can be tools, luggage, equipment, etc. Even if you leave your truck anywhere, no one will come over and steal your goods as they're securely locked.
If it's raining and you're hauling precious cargo that you don't want to get rained on, a tonneau cover will come handy.
Lastly, a tonneau cover looks pretty cool and that enables it to boost the overall appearance of your truck. We all know that the truck bed isn't always pleasing to the eye. But on adding a cover, your truck will look unique, streamlined, and appealing to the eye.
Before installing and using the tonneau cover, read all the instructions that come with the cover as manual.
If you have no experience with installing truck cover before, take the help of an experienced man.
Don't be hurry while folding or rolling your tonneau cover.
Clean and maintain your tonneau cover regularly.
Q: Do tonneau covers keep water out?
A: In fact, roll-up bed covers in general aren't as waterproof as any of the hard cover or retractable cover. You can use a tailgate seal to block a lot of the dust and water to your truck bed, no matter what kind of bed cover you have.
Q: What are tonneau covers made of?
A: Roll up roll-up tonneau made from cloth or vinyl . Retractable tonneau is typically made of vinyl, plastic or aluminum. Fiberglass, hard plastic are also common for truck covers.
Q: How much does it cost to install a tonneau cover?
A: Soft covers generally cost $150 to $550 whereas hard covers start at about $500 and go up to over $2000.
Q: How much cargo security will my tonneau cover provide?
A: It is tough to say about security in a sentence. Security level dependents on the material used in tonneau cover's construction. Vinyl or fabric materials can be punctured or slashed with a sharp object.
On the other hand it is tough to crack hard top and retractable tonneau cover units. You can use a integrated lock systems at the tailgate to improve security.
Q: What is a tailgate seal?
A: If you install a tonneau cover then a tailgate seal kit helps to seal your tailgate to keep dust, water and snow out of your truck box.
Q: Can I use my tonneau cover with a bed liner?
A: If your tonneau cover is compatible with your existing bed liner, then you can use such a system. Here your prime concern is whether or not your existing bed liner covers the bed rail as well. If so, then your problem will be in the mounting points for your cover. In that case you can use it by creating small notches right through your liner to attach the tonneau clamps in. If the bed liner is a spray-on or painted-on type, putting a tonneau cover shouldn't be a problem.
Q: How do you measure a truck for a tonneau cover?
As long as you own a pickup truck, buying a tonneau cover is essential. It'll help keep your truck bed protected from harmful elements that can damage it while helping you keep your cargo safe and secure during transportation.
As you can easily tell from our tonneau covers exhaustive guide above, there are more covers on the market that you can ever imagine. They come in different types, shapes, designs, so you'll always be spoilt for choices when looking for your preferred model.
However, the journey of analyzing thousands of covers until you find the right one might be confusing and daunting at the same time.
That's why we crafted this post to make your buying process easier. Our list of the top-rated truck bed cover reviews will take you through the 12 most popular, highest-quality tonneau covers that you can get for your truck today.
Additionally, our buying guide will show you the top tricks of sorting out various tonneau covers and picking the perfect one for your vehicle.


The goal of this protocol is to present transcanalicular laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy as a minimally invasive approach in the treatment of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Mor, J. M., Guo, Y., Koch, K. R., Heindl, L. M. Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction. J. Vis. Exp. (128), e55981, doi:10.3791/55981 (2017).
Today's gold standard in the treatment of infrasaccal primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) is external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), a relatively invasive procedure that can be performed after failure of recanalizing treatments. However, with progress in the field of diode laser technology, new approaches have emerged. Laser-assisted transcanalicular DCR with subsequent bicanalicular silicon intubation is a new option showing great promise as a viable minimally invasive procedure. Under permanent endoscopic visual control from the nasal cavity, a diode laser fiber is inserted into the lacrimal sac and laser energy is applied to create a bony ostium between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity. Since no skin incision needs to be made, advantages of this method comprise the sparing of the skin as well as the medial palpebral structures and the physiological palpebral-canalicular pump mechanism. The duration of surgery as well as reconvalescence is generally shorter than with external DCR. Complications include silicon tube prolapse, mild swelling and, rarely, canalicular infection and thermal injury. One-year functional success rates, defined as complete resolution of symptoms and ostium patency, are high, yet still range behind those of external DCR. However, secondary external DCR after failure of laser-assisted DCR can be performed without difficulty. Thus, laser-assisted transcanalicular DCR is a valid option that should be considered as a second-step procedure after failure of recanalization procedures and before external DCR.
Infrasaccal primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) is a common disorder in middle-aged and older patients leading to chronic epiphora and blepharitis as well as recurring or chronic dacryocystitis. Most commonly, patients develop an infrasaccal obstruction of one or both nasolacrimal ducts, resulting in insufficient tear drainage.
In the treatment of PANDO, external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is still considered to be the gold standard, even though this procedure historically dates back over a hundred years to when it was first performed1. After skin incision and preparation of the nasal wall of the lacrimal sac, a drill is used to create a bony ostium leading to the nasal cavity, thus bypassing the obstructed duct. Functional success rates above 85% have been reported for this method2,3. These results, however, come at the cost of performing a relatively invasive procedure that puts at risk the medial structures of the eyelid including the physiological canalicular pump mechanism4,5 and may leave patients with an unwelcome scar, although modern nasojugal skin incisions have improved results. These risks are potentially avoidable by performing less invasive techniques or choosing an endonasal approach.
In order to circumvent invasive surgery, much work has been done in the field of minimally invasive tear drainage recanalization. Two methods in particular have been established as potential first-step procedures: microdrill dacryoplasty and laser-assisted dacryoplasty. These procedures are based on transcanalicular endoscopy of the tear drainage system and can be performed to treat for short-segment membranous stenoses of the nasolacrimal duct. Though only minimally invasive and characterized by quick reconvalescence, a common drawback of these recanalizing techniques are the relatively low functional success rates with regard to long-term outcomes6,7,8,9.
In an effort to fill the void between these first-step procedures and external DCR as a definitive treatment, new approaches have recently been developed. The most promising of which is laser-assisted DCR for the treatment of absolute infrasaccal PANDO. Like with all aforementioned approaches, patients are recommended to be put under general anesthesia for this procedure. A diode laser fiber is inserted via either canaliculus and is then advanced into the lacrimal sac. Next, laser energy is applied to the lateral nasal wall until a bony ostium is created, connecting to the nasal cavity at the height of the middle turbinate's anterior margin10,11. All the while, constant visual control is kept using endonasal endoscopy. The newly formed anastomosis serves as a bypass for the tear drainage. After successful irrigation, bicanalicular silicon intubation is performed to prevent early scarring of the newly formed ostium. Postoperative treatment consists of decongestant, steroidal and antibiotic eye drops to prevent swelling, inflammation, and infection, respectively.
The duration of surgery as well as reconvalescence is generally shorter than with external DCR (10 - 25 min in laser-assisted DCR vs. 35 - 75 min in external DCR). Complication rates are relatively low, the most common being discrete swelling of the eyelids and silicon tube prolapse. Canalicular infection and thermal injury are rare events10. One-year functional success rates of 74 - 88% have been reported10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18, thus ranging closely behind those of external DCR without suffering the disadvantages of the external surgical approach. However, long-term results remain yet to be provided. Additionally, even after failure of laser-assisted DCR, secondary external DCR can still be performed without difficulty. Consequently, laser-assisted DCR qualifies as a viable second-step procedure that should optimally be performed after failure of recanalization surgery and before external DCR.
For this procedure, informed consent is required and has been obtained for every patient who has undergone surgery in the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. All examinations and surgical interventions were executed in accordance with national laws and the declaration of Helsinki from 1975 in its current version.
NOTE: Unless indicated otherwise, instructions will always only refer to the side on which the procedure is being performed. Use sterilized equipment.
Perform a thorough ophthalmic examination (with special attention to eyelids, upper and lower punctum, and tear drainage) including irrigation and probing to test for PANDO10.
For standardized irrigation, insert a Bangerter probe into the upper and, subsequently, lower punctum. Begin by inserting it vertically, then tilt it toward the temple into a horizontal position to follow the physiological formation of the canaliculus. When the probe is in position, carefully inject saline to test for lacrimal duct obstruction.
NOTE: In infrasaccal PANDO, the Bangerter cannula will easily reach the lateral nasal wall without a bouncy resistance ("hard stop"). Trying to irrigate will result in contralateral reflux through the opposite punctum without any fluid reaching the patient's pharynx10.
Rule out acute infections, tumors of the tear drainage system as well as traumatic, congenital or presaccal obstruction.
To rule out acute infections, look for painful reddening, swelling or purulent discharge of the tear drainage. To rule out tumors, look for indolent swelling, ulceration or pigmentation. Presaccal obstruction results in a bouncy resistance when trying to advance the Bangerter Probe into the lacrimal sac ("soft stop"). Congenital and traumatic obstruction can be ruled out by taking patient history10,19,20.
Rule out intranasal rhinological pathologies, e.g. severe septum deviation. This should be done by taking the patient's history in combination with a rhinological inspection of the nasal cavity 21.
Put the patient under general anesthesia, e.g. by intravenous injection of propofol, remifentanil, and atracurium for induction and inhalation of desfluran plus intravenous remifentanil for maintenance, using standard weight-adapted dosing10. Intubation should be performed, but use of a larynx mask is also possible.
NOTE: Anesthetics as well as dosages may vary between clinics. No specific anaesthesia protocol is required for laser-assisted DCR.
Insert the video-assisted endoscope into the nasal cavity by carefully advancing it through the nostril. Visualize the anterior margin of the middle turbinate by slightly tilting the endoscope towards the lateral nasal wall.
Set up the laser equipment and laser settings to the correct values. Put on protective glasses.
Connect the laser fiber optic (diameter 400 µm) to the diode laser (wavelength 810 nm). Set the diode laser settings to 6 - 8 W, 200 ms pulse duration, 100 ms exposition pause.
Fit the laser fiber optic into the hand-piece for maneuvering and through a blunt cannula. Let 2 - 3 mm of the fiber stick out at the tip of the cannula.
Perform carbonization of the laser fiber tip by holding it on a wooden spatula and applying laser energy for a few seconds until the tip is sufficiently blackened.
NOTE: This will limit unwanted energy distribution to the tissue of the lacrimal sac.
Position the laser fiber correctly at the lateral nasal wall.
Use a lacrimal probe to dilate the lower punctum (Figure 2a). Insert the probe in a vertical orientation at first and then bring into a horizontal orientation before further advancing it towards the lacrimal sac. This will allow for the laser fiber to be inserted smoothly in the next step.
Insert the laser fiber into the lower canaliculus (Figure 2b, 2c). Begin by inserting it vertically, then tilt it toward the temple into a horizontal position to follow the physiological formation of the lower canaliculus.
Carefully advance the laser fiber into the lacrimal sac until it touches the lateral nasal wall, i.e. the medial lacrimal saccal wall. There, aim the tip in an antero-inferior direction so that it points to the anterior margin of the middle turbinate.
Verify correct positioning endoscopically by monitoring transluminescence of the aiming beam at the height of the anterior margin of the middle turbinate (Figure 2d).
Create a sufficient nasolacrimal bypass by application of pulsed laser energy to the nasal wall.
Apply laser energy (using the parameters set above), keeping constant contact to the wall without pressure, aiming for the anterior margin of the middle turbinate. The laser will vaporize the tissue directly in front of it, creating a nasolacrimal bypass (Figure 2d, 2e).
NOTE: The total energy required ranges between 0.9 - 1.8 kJ and tends to vary between patients.
Ensure that the fiber tip is not actively pressed against the wall. Be careful not to let the tip slip back into the metal cannula as this will cause thermal injury due to heating of the metal. Also avoid sideways movements as the tip can break off.
Upon penetrating the lateral nasal wall, pull the laser fiber back a bit and enlarge the ostium by carefully vaporizing the margins in a circular manner. Try to create as large a bypass as possible (Figure 2f).
Aim for a total diameter of 5 mm for the ostium.
Stop applying energy and remove the laser fiber together with the hand-piece and the cannula by carefully retracting the equipment.
Verify the patency of the ostium by saline irrigation using a Bangerter probe as described in 1.1.1. If a patent ostium was created, successful irrigation should be visible endoscopically.
Place the silicon tube (Figure 2g).
Through the lower punctum, insert a monocanalicular silicon tube and carefully advance it until the leading metal tip passes the bony ostium and protrudes into the nasal cavity.
Use Blakesley forceps to grab the tip from inside the nasal cavity and pull the silicon tube out of the nose and into position (Figure 2h).
Use a pair of scissors to shorten the silicon tube. The end should not be sticking out of the nose.
Perform silicon intubation via the upper canaliculus as well (following steps 2.7.1 through 2.7.3) (Figure 2h).
After surgery, initiate treatment with antibiotic eye drops (e.g. ofloxacin), decongestant eye drops (e.g. xylometazolin) and steroidal eye drops (e.g. prednisolone acetate). Antibiotics can be stopped after one week, while steroidal and decongestant eye drops should slowly be weaned off over the course of one month.
Follow-up at six weeks and three months after surgery. Look for resolution of symptoms, silicon tube prolapse, infection, and secretion.
Remove silicon tubes at three months after surgery by simply grabbing the T-shaped end at the height of the puncta and carefully pulling them out.
The procedure as described above takes about 10 - 25 min and is usually tolerated very well. Upon examination the next day, a little swelling of the eyelid can be present in about 60% of cases. This little swelling always resolves completely within a maximum of three days. Patients do not complain about pain, silicon prolapse or signs of injury or infection. However, due to bicanalicular silicon intubation being performed during the procedure, epiphora may persist until the tubes are removed. Topical application of antibiotic, steroidal, and decongestant eye postoperatively is essential and patients need to follow instructions closely for optimal results. At three months after surgery, silicon tubes can be removed easily. In optimal cases, complete and permanent resolution of symptoms can be observed. Table 1 gives an overview of the results of this technique, previously published by Koch et al. in 201610.
Although relief of symptoms initially occurs in most patients, about 20 - 25% of patients, who have otherwise had little to no complications, show incomplete resolution of symptoms at the six-months mark. The most likely reason for this is scar tissue forming in the bony ostium. In these cases of recurring stenosis, secondary external DCR can become necessary.
Serious complications are rare. When the utilized laser equipment is not handled carefully, the tip of the laser fiber can slip back into the metal cannula which will cause heating of the metal. This results in thermal injury to the canaliculus or lacrimal sac. Penetrating injuries due to necrosis of the tear drainage system require suturing and, possibly, a displacement flap to close the defect. Affected patients need to be followed up more closely as the lesion facilitates scarring and an ensuing obstruction as well as infections. Secondary external DCR and canaliculus reconstruction surgery can become necessary in these cases.
Figure 1. Pre- and postoperative portrait photos of a 73-year-old patient who underwent transcanalicular laser-assisted DCR of the left side.
a Preoperative appearance. b Mild swelling of the lower eyelid on the first postoperative day, resolving completely within two days. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
a. Dilation of the upper punctum using a lacrimal probe. Dilation has to be performed bicanalicularly to facilitate silicon intubation later.
b. The laser fiber is inserted into the handpiece and the blunt cannula. Subsequently, it is inserted into the lower canaliculus.
c. Correct placement of the laser fiber. After inserting the cannula, the tip is pointing in an antero-inferior direction, aiming for the anterior margin of the middle turbinate.
d. The aiming beam of the laser appears approximately at the anterior margin of the middle turbinate. Laser energy is applied to create an ostium.
e. As the tissue between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity grows thinner, the light becomes brighter. Breaching of the wall is imminent.
f. Shortly after breaching the wall. The tip of the laser fiber can be seen sticking through the newly formed osteotomy.
g. Silicon intubation of the lower canaliculus.
h. Intranasal image during silicon intubation of the upper canaliculus. The first silicon tube is already in place (lateral side) while the leading metal tip of the second silicon tube is sticking out of the ostium. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Overview of the results of laser-assisted DCR as described in this protocol. Data previously published in Klin. Monbl. Augenheilkd. by Koch et al. in 201610.
Transcanalicular laser-assisted DCR as described above is a fairly quick, minimally invasive way to treat absolute infrasaccal nasolacrimal duct obstruction effectively without the need for skin incision, thus sparing not only the skin but also the medial canthal tendon and the physiological canalicular pump mechanism. While the procedure is well suited for patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, pathologies other than idiopathic stenosis do not qualify for this procedure. This is owing, in part, to the fact that it does not allow for full inspection of the lacrimal sac or biopsies of atypical findings to be taken19,20,22,23.
In terms of functional success, it ranges closely behind the current gold standard of external DCR with early functional success rates of 74 - 85% at one-year follow-up 10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19 for the transcanalicular approach compared to >85% for external DCR2,3,19. However, studies providing long term results are somewhat scarce. In one study, Kaynak et al. found that functional success rates of laser-assisted DCR can drop to 63% within the first year and further drop to 60% within the first two years24. In contrast, Dogan et al. found functionally successful results in up to 84% of cases over a mean follow-up time of 18.1 months17. The relatively wide range of outcomes may be due to the fact that laser-assisted DCR is not yet a standardized technique and most protocols found in literature show certain fundamental differences. These differences encompass varying laser settings and wavelengths, Teflon vs. silicon intubation, local vs. general anaesthesia and the additional use of adjuvant substances like mitomycin C (MMC) or endonasal trephination15,17,25,26,27,28. Compared to external DCR, complication rates in laser-assisted DCR are relatively low and duration of surgery as well as reconvalescence is kept to a minimum10.
In order to improve functional success rates, a number of additional steps have been proposed, adding to the mere formation of a lacrimal bypass. For one thing, in the above mentioned protocol, bicanalicular silicon intubation is included to facilitate epithelization of the bypass and prevent early scarring of the newly formed osteotomy10,11,12,13,14,15,16. This step (as either monocanalicular or bicanalicular intubation) is commonly used in a variety of protocols and techniques including external DCR2,3,19. However, the data found on this matter in current literature is conflicting and no consensus on whether patients benefit from silicon intubation in lacrimal bypass surgery has been reached to date25,26.
Furthermore, to inhibit scarring of the osteotomy, the topical application of the antimetabolite mitomycin C, known for its use in glaucoma surgery, has been proposed. Several studies investigating the alleged profit of additional topical MMC application to the bypass right after osteotomy could not show a significant advantage of this adjunctive procedure17,27,28.
The most critical step in the provided protocol is the correct formation of a sufficient osteotomy in the optimal location. When inserting the laser fiber optic, it is recommended to take the approach via the lower canaliculus as this will grant the highest maneuverability later. In a recent study of laser-assisted DC10,11, the laser fiber was advanced through the upper canaliculus in 20 of the participating patients. In three of those, correct positioning of the laser proved impossible due to prominence of the upper orbital rim, in turn leading to unfavorable positioning of the osteotomy later. Furthermore, after successful positioning of the tip and before applying energy to the lateral nasal wall, it is of paramount importance to ensure the tip has not slid back into the cannula. In one reported case10,11, retraction of the tip resulted in heating of the metal cannula, which in turn led to thermal injury that required plastic reconstruction.
It is important to note that the osteotomy created with a 300 - 400 µm diode laser fiber is markedly smaller than that of a drill in external DCR. After enlargement of the osteotomy as described above, ostium diameters of up to 5 mm can be achieved. However, the ostium diameter in external DCR ranges around 1 cm. Logically, a bigger osteotomy is less susceptible to early scarring. It is therefore recommended to aim for as big an ostium as possible while at the same time avoiding unnecessary tissue damage. It has to be noted that the induction of fibrosis as a late complication of the laser procedure is possible. However, the degree to which this happens cannot be estimated yet.
In summary, transcanalicular laser-assisted DCR, if performed as delineated above, provides good results as a viable option before invasive lacrimal surgery in cases of PANDO. Because of low complication rates and short convalescence and surgery time, patient satisfaction is high, while at the same time, functional success rates range closely behind those of external DCR.
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Association; FOR 2240 "(Lymph)Angiogenesis And Cellular Immunity In Inflammatory Diseases Of The Eye" to LMH; HE 6743/2-1 and HE 6743/3-1 to LMH), GEROK program of the University of Cologne to KRK and LMH. Our gratitude goes to Dr. Kühner for technical support.
Toti, A., et al. Nuovo metodo conservatoire di cura radicale delle suppurazioni croniche del sacco lacrimale (dacriocistorinostomia). Clin. Mod. Pisa. 1, (10), 385-387 (1904).
Alnawaiseh, M., et al. Long-Term Outcomes of External Dacryocystorhinostomy in the Age of Transcanalicular Microendoscopic Techniques. J. Ophthalmol. (2016).
Tooley, A. A., et al. Dacryocystorhinostomy for Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Stenosis in the Elderly (≥80 Years of Age). Ophthalmology. (2016).
Detorakis, E. T., Drakonaki, E., Papadaki, E., Pallikaris, I. G., Tsilimbaris, M. K. Watery eye following patent external DCR: an MR dacryocystography study. Orbit. 29, (5), 239-243 (2010).
Kakizaki, H., et al. The lacrimal canaliculus and sac bordered by the Horner's muscle form the functional lacrimal drainage system. Ophthalmology. 112, (4), 710-716 (2005).
Emmerich, K. H., Ungerechts, R., Meyer-Rüsenberg, H. W. Mikroendoskopische Tränenwegschirurgie. Ophthalmologe. 106, (3), 196-204 (2009).
Emmerich, K. H., Lüchtenberg, M., Meyer-Rüsenberg, H. W., Steinhauer, J. Dacryoendoskopie und Laserdacryoplastik: Technik und Ergebnisse. Klin. Monatsbl. Augenheilkd. 211, (6), 375-379 (1997).
Meyer-Rüsenberg, H. W., Emmerich, K. H., Lüchtenberg, M., Steinhauer, J. Endoskopische Laserdacryoplastik - Methodik und Ergebnisse nach 3 Monaten. Ophthalmologe. 96, (5), 332-334 (1999).
Emmerich, K. H., Ungerechts, R., Meyer-Rüsenberg, H. W. Transcanalicular microendoscopic laser DCR: technique and results. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 229, (1), 39-41 (2012).
Koch, K. R., Cursiefen, C., Heindl, L. M. Transcanalicular Laser Dacryocystorhinostomy: One-Year-Experience in the Treatment of Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstructions. Klin. Monbl. Augenheilkd. 233, (2), 182-186 (2016).
Koch, K. R., Kühner, H., Cursiefen, C., Heindl, L. M. Significance of transcanalicular laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy in modern lacrimal drainage surgery. Ophthalmologe. 112, (2), 122-126 (2015).
Uludag, G., Yeniad, B., Ceylan, E., Yildiz-Tas, A., Kozer-Bilgin, L. Outcome comparison between transcanalicular and external dacryocystorhinostomy. Int. J. Ophthalmol. 8, (2), 353-357 (2015).
Ozcimen, M., Uysal, I. O., Eryilmaz, M. A., Kal, A. Endocanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy for nasolacrimal duct obstruction: short-term results of a new minimally invasive surgical technique. J. Craniofac. Surg. 21, (6), 1932-1934 (2010).
Drnovsek-Olup, B., Beltram, M. Transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy. Indian. J. Ophthalmol. 58, (3), 213-217 (2010).
D'Ecclesia, A., et al. Endoscopic laser-assisted dacryocistorhinostomy DCR with the placement of a customised silicone and Teflon bicanalicular stent Endoscopic laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Clin. Ter. 165, (6), e391-e394 (2014).
Ayintap, E., et al. Analysis of age as a possible prognostic factor for transcanalicular multidiode laser dacryocystorhinostomy. J. Ophthalmol. (2014).
Dogan, R., Meric, A., Ozsütcü, M., Yenigun, A. Diode laser-assisted endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: a comparison of three different combinations of adjunctive procedures. Eur. Arch. Otorhinolaryngol. 270, (8), 2255-2261 (2013).
Plaza, G., Beteré, F., Nogueira, A. Transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy with diode laser: long-term results. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 23, (3), 179-182 (2007).
Heindl, L. M., Junemann, A., Holbach, L. M. A clinicopathologic study of nasal mucosa in 350 patients with external dacryocystorhinostomy. Orbit. 28, (1), 7-11 (2009).
Heindl, L. M., Treutlein, E., Jünemann, A. G., Kruse, F. E., Holbach, L. M. Selective lacrimal sac biopsy for external dacryocystorhinostomy: a clinical pathological study. Ophthalmologe. 107, (12), 1139-1144 (2010).
Aziz, T., Biron, V. L., Ansari, K., Flores-Mir, C. Measurement tools for the diagnosis of nasal septal deviation: a systematic review. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 43, 11 (2014).
von Goscinski, C., Koch, K. R., Cursiefen, C., Heindl, L. M. Tumors of the lacrimal drainage system. HNO. 64, (6), 386-393 (2016).
Heindl, L. M., Jünemann, A. G., Kruse, F. E., Holbach, L. M. Tumors of the lacrimal drainage system. Orbit. 29, (5), 298-306 (2010).
Kaynak, P., et al. Transcanalicular diode laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction: 2-year follow up. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 30, (1), 28-33 (2014).
Goel, R., et al. Transcanalicular Laser-Assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy With Endonasal Augmentation in Primary Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: Our Experience. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. (2016).
Yildirim, Y., et al. Comparison of Transcanalicular Multidiode Laser Dacryocystorhinostomy with and without Silicon Tube Intubation. J Ophthalmol. (2016).
Kar, T., Yildirim, Y., Topal, T., Çolakoğlu, K., Ünal, M. H. Efficacy of adjunctive mitomycin C in transcanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy in different age groups. Eur. J. Ophthalmol. 26, (1), 1-5 (2016).
Ozsutcu, M., Balci, O., Tanriverdi, C., Demirci, G. Efficacy of adjunctive mitomycin C in transcanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy. Eur. Arch. Otorhinolaryngol. 274, (2), 873-877 (2016).


With communication from our French cousin Estelle we welcome Joey into the family.
Joey works in California as a Visual Effects genius and has worked on many films. He Graduated from the Art College in 1989 with a Degree in Advertising and Illustration. Since then his career has rocketed. He has been working freelance in Los Angeles and his feature credits include working with top brands including Apple, Burger King, Microsoft, Dominos, Nike, taco Bell and Ninendo. His feature credits include Transformers [Graphics and EFX], National Treasure 2, Pirates of the Carribean 1 and 2, Hairspray [opening titles and end credits], Dogtown [Matte paintings and EFX and Spiderman 2 EFX. Additionally Joey has done episodic and series work for Smallville and Band of Brothers.


text:
Which Cities Give the Most to Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton?
By Alex Greer on October 25, 2016 at 5:51 PM
As of Sept. 31, presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have raised nearly $700 million combined for their campaigns. While that figure reveals the magnitude of fundraising in this election cycle, it doesn't explain how those contributions are distributed geographically.
To help answer that question, InsideGov, a political research site powered by Graphiq, found the cities that have donated the most to the Clinton and Trump campaigns. Overall, Democratic nominee Clinton's top cities are located on the East and West Coast, while Republican nominee Trump has stronger support in cities in the South.
*Note: The fundraising figures here only include contributions to each candidate's official campaign committee and consider contributions of $200 or more. Campaigns are not required to disclose donor information for small contributions under $200. Because these are absolute totals, as opposed to per capita, the most populous cities are favored.
As expected, Clinton posts strong fundraising numbers in predominantly liberal coastal cities like New York, San Francisco and Seattle. She also shows strong support in her home communities: Clinton is from Illinois, represented New York as a senator and lived in Washington, D.C., for a number of years.
Perhaps most surprising here is the inclusion of Houston and Dallas, Texas, in the top 10. In the last 10 elections, Texas has only voted Democrat once, in 1976. Even though Texas hasn't gone blue in a while, the state does tend to give a fair amount to Democrats. Also worth noting is the presence of Atlanta, Georgia. While Georgia has traditionally been a strong red state, it's shaping up to be one of the most competitive swings states in 2016.
Unlike Clinton, Trump's top cities are concentrated in the South, with three cities from Texas making the top five. The only cities from the East Coast to make the top 10 are Trump's native New York City and Naples, Florida, which is in the predominantly Republican Collier County.
While Trump may post stronger figures in southern cities, his overall contribution numbers are significantly lower than Clinton's. This could be attributed to two reasons. First, many of Trump's supporters are spread across rural areas with low population densities. Second, Trump's campaign relies more on grassroots support and small donations under $200. Only 36 percent of Trump's campaign committee contributions have come from large individual donations, compared to 75 percent for the Clinton campaign. Overall, though, Trump's fundraising totals trail Clinton's.
Campaign finances don't necessarily make or break a campaign, especially in cases where the candidate can loan his own campaign large sums of money. But Trump's $230 million-plus deficit here is not an encouraging sign for the campaign. To compare, Gov. Mitt Romney trailed President Obama by $130 million in the 2012 election. Regardless, it's clear that the 2016 presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most expensive in U.S. history.
Learn More About the 2016 Candidates on InsideGov
Alex Greer
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Bolgheri is located at the heart of Maremma Livorno.
The village grew around the medieval castle, set on a hill.
The resort has become famous not only for the beauty of its landscape including its famous red wines.
Among the most prestigious wines are produced here in Bolgheri Sassicaia, the wine and the many native sangiovese wines of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia and Tenuta Guado al Tasso.


text:
Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery
5036 S. El Pomar Rd
Email: info@pomarjunction.com
Web Site: pomarjunction.com
Wine club discounts, picnic grounds, sustainable farming practices, private tastings by appointment, owner on site
Six miles east of the old railroad town of Templeton, California, where El Pomar Drive meets South El Pomar Road, wine lovers are delighted when they come across Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery.
It's not hard to miss. The unassuming tasting room is a delightful 1920s vintage farmhouse, lovingly restored by by the Merrill Family. Owner Marsha Merrill's knack for authenticity is apparent inside and out, but that's not what stops visitors. Marsha, whose grandfather was a longtime Southern Pacific Railroad engineer, decided to honor her family heritage by relocating a genuine boxcar and cupola caboose to the winery's property. The intriguing train cars now stand just outside the tasting room's doors. Guests are invited to pop their heads into the caboose, which will be restored to its original glory someday when there's time.
For now, the Merrill family's main energy is going into growing glorious grapes and making great wines. Marsha and her husband Dana supervise the entire operation, while their son Matt is a partner and general manager, and son Keith is the graphic artist. Matt's wife Nicole is wine club manager and more. The Merrills also appreciate their close working relationship with Consulting Winemaker Kevin Riley, who has helped them craft superb estate and select-block wines appealing to a range of tastes and price points.
As an eighth-generation farming family (they manage 5,000 acres of vineyards for themselves and other brands), the Merrills believe in a hands-on approach from planting through harvest. They are dedicated to using natural resources and employing sustainable farming techniques, which led to their recent certification to the Sustainability in Practice (SIP) program. Fittingly, Pomar Junction is slated to host the 5th Annual Earth Day Food and Wine Festival in April 2011.
The fact that Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery wines are made with family pride is evident right down to the estate vineyard wine label. It features a train caboose pausing at a station in an sketch drawing by Marsha's uncle, the son of the engineer.


Today, I woke up, and I believe I saw half an ab. Actually, I'm convinced. I stretched, touched the area where my abs are supposed to be- I haven't actually seen one (like, in about) ever, but this morning, I know that the first half of the two abs in the top row, made somewhat of an appearance.
You see, about three and a half months ago, I looked in the mirror, hated myself for the gazillionth day in a row, couldn't stand not liking my clothing options for my body and said, "ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I would just like to clarify one thing. I have achieved a strong sense of self-awareness, and truly believe I am beautiful, intelligent, a generous soul, ambitious, kind, motivated, etc. I have all of the qualities that I love in other human beings, I just never lost the "Freshman 15." 15 years later, I decided the time had come to shed the excess weight. So, I did.


text:
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import Shortcuts from '../shortcuts';
import Button from './remoteControlButton';
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import CenterButton from './remoteControlCenterButton';

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            o: () => { props.actions.mediaPause(); },
            i: () => { props.actions.mediaStop(); },
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            r: () => { props.actions.mediaRewind(); },
            m: () => { props.actions.toggleMute(); },
            d: () => { props.actions.toggle3d(); },
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                          onClick={this.props.actions.turnOffTv}
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                        <Button
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                          labelText="INPUT"
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                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="info"
                          buttonType="round"
                          color="white"
                          text="INFO"
                          icon="info_outline"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="help"
                          buttonType="round"
                          color="white"
                          icon="import_contacts"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />

                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="num1"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="white"
                          text="1"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="num2"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="white"
                          text="2"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="num3"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="white"
                          text="3"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />

                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="num4"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="white"
                          text="4"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="num5"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="white"
                          text="5"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="num6"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="white"
                          text="6"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />

                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="num7"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="white"
                          text="7"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="num8"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="white"
                          text="8"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="num9"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="white"
                          text="9"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />

                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="guide"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="white"
                          text="GUIDE"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="num0"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="white"
                          text="0"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="qview"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="white"
                          text="Q.VIEW"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />

                        <CombinedButton
                          type="vol"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="lightblue"
                          buttons={[
                                { onClick: this.props.actions.volumeUp,
                                  text: '+',
                                },
                                { onClick: this.props.actions.volumeDown,
                                  text: '–',
                                },
                          ]}
                        />

                            <Button
                              disabled
                              type="fav"
                              buttonType="square"
                              color="white"
                              text="FAV"
                              onClick={this.onClick}
                            />
                            <Button
                              type="d3"
                              buttonType="square"
                              color="white"
                              text="3D"
                              onClick={this.props.actions.toggle3d}
                            />
                            <Button
                              type="mute"
                              buttonType="square"
                              color="white"
                              text="MUTE"
                              icon="volume_off"
                              onClick={this.props.actions.toggleMute}
                            />

                        <CombinedButton
                          type="channel"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="lightblue"
                          buttons={[
                            { onClick: this.props.actions.channelUp,
                              icon: 'expand_less',
                            },
                            { onClick: this.props.actions.channelDown,
                              icon: 'expand_more',
                            },
                          ]}
                        />

                        <CenterButton
                          disabled
                          type="center"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          topButtons={[
                            { onClick: this.onClick,
                              className: 'recent-button',
                              text: 'RECENT',
                            },
                            { onClick: this.onClick,
                              className: 'smart-button',
                              text: 'SMART',
                              icon: 'home',
                            },
                            { onClick: this.onClick,
                              className: 'apps-button',
                              text: 'MY APPS',
                              icon: 'view_module',
                            },
                          ]}
                          bottomButtons={[
                            { onClick: this.onClick,
                              className: 'back-button',
                              text: 'BACK',
                              icon: 'undo',
                            },
                            { onClick: this.onClick,
                              className: 'live-button',
                              text: 'LIVE MENU',
                            },
                            { onClick: this.onClick,
                              className: 'exit-button',
                              text: 'EXIT',
                            },
                          ]}
                          arrowButtons={[
                            { onClick: this.onClick,
                              className: 'up-button',
                              icon: 'expand_less',
                            },
                            { onClick: this.onClick,
                              className: 'left-button',
                              icon: 'chevron_left',
                            },
                            { onClick: this.onClick,
                              className: 'right-button',
                              icon: 'chevron_right',
                            },
                            { onClick: this.onClick,
                              className: 'down-button',
                              icon: 'expand_more',
                            },
                          ]}
                          arrowCenterButton={{
                              onClick: this.onClick,
                              className: 'ok-button button-black',
                              text: 'OK',
                              icon: 'radio_button_checked',
                          }}
                        />

                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="dot-one"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="red"
                          icon="fiber_manual_record"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="dot-two"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="green"
                          icon="fiber_manual_recordfiber_manual_record"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="dot-three"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="yellow"
                          icon="fiber_manual_record     fiber_manual_recordfiber_manual_record"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="dot-four"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="blue"
                          icon={
                            'fiber_manual_recordfiber_manual_record ' +
                            'fiber_manual_recordfiber_manual_record'
                          }
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />

                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="text"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          icon="format_align_justify"
                          text="TEXT"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="topt"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          text="T.OPT"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="app2"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          text="APP/*"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />

                        <Button
                          type="stop"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          icon="stop"
                          onClick={this.props.actions.mediaStop}
                        />
                        <Button
                          type="play"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          icon="play_arrow"
                          onClick={this.props.actions.mediaPlay}
                        />
                        <Button
                          type="pause"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          icon="pause"
                          onClick={this.props.actions.mediaPause}
                        />

                        <Button
                          type="rewind"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          icon="fast_rewind"
                          onClick={this.props.actions.mediaRewind}
                        />
                        <Button
                          type="forward"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          icon="fast_forward"
                          onClick={this.props.actions.mediaForward}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="rec"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          text="REC/*"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />

                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="subtitle"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          text="SUBTITLE"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="ad"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          text="AD"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />
                        <Button
                          disabled
                          type="radio"
                          buttonType="square"
                          color="black"
                          text="TV/RAD"
                          onClick={this.onClick}
                        />

        );
    }

    onClick() {
        // console.log('button clicked:', e.currentTarget.className);
    }
};

RemoteController.propTypes = {
    actions: PropTypes.object.isRequired,
};

export default RemoteController;

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Is there anybody nowadays who disagrees that the current economic model has failed us miserably?An economic model that works only for the benefit of the few, that forces more than 90% of the global population to struggle daily in order to maintain and strengthen it, is surely a mad one. Nevertheless, this model has managed to ensure that those same people who are oppressed by it, defend it, vote for it and fear its demise.
A system that uses dishonest financial practices, bleeds people dry and mistreats workers in order to survive is not a healthy system. That is enough negativity.
The good news is that there is an alternative, we have a solution, and a more human and fairer system is possible. Initiatives such as NESI are working hard to build a new economic model.
The latest financial crisis has differed from previous ones. Thanks to advances in technology, we have been more aware of what is happening, regardless of whether the powers that be want us to know. Having access to multiple accounts of what is going on, analysing data and drawing our own conclusions, have proved that we are no longer so easily manipulated by those who pull the strings of the global economy. We have been pushed to react, and come up with the Economy for the Common Good model and a global forum for debating the New Economy and Social Innovation.
In this regard, if there is one industry that could drive significant economic change on a global scale, and which reaches all corners of the planet, it is the textile industry. This industry involves different sectors of the economy, and is currently far from being an example of good practice.
Indeed, the textile industry is the second most polluting after oil, and one where the transparency and traceability of its work processes and practices are seriously lacking.
Pollution, child labour, exhausting working hours, pitiful wages and slavery are all common features of the clothes we wear. Fortunately, something which has come to be known as sustainable fashion exists, and is working to build an industry that is more transparent, closer to people, less polluting, and where clothing is becoming a powerful engine for change.
What is sustainable fashion doing for a new economy?
Our fashion aims to minimise environmental impact by using organic fabrics, reusing and recycling materials, or giving new life to second-hand clothes with techniques such as Upcycling. It also seeks to ensure decent working conditions for all those who are involved in the production chain, defending local production which restores jobs. This then also reduces the carbon footprint of the final product as the distance between production and consumption is minimised. Sustainable fashion means reinventing the way we dress and making it more meaningful.
To achieve our goal, we also have to be innovative and look for new fabrics that are more ecological and friendly to our planet. Hemp, bamboo, milk fibre and pineapple are some of the new fabrics and materials used in our fashion, demonstrating that it is possible to combat environmental deterioration, and that the ways to do this can be surprising. Being innovative is not only necessary when it comes to the raw materials we use, but also for finding new, sustainable ways of marketing, communicating about and selling the final products.
The Circular Project Shop is the first place in Madrid specialising in sustainable fashion. After two years of opening its doors every day, I can say that it is no longer just about providing products that are environmentally-friendly and fair trade. Sustainable fashion requires taking a holistic approach, and forces us to abandon conventional marketing and communication methods. We need to get closer to consumers, behaving in the honest manner that the society we want and the economy we seek require of us.
Sustainable fashion constitutes an exciting challenge, holding us to account for the way of living we wish to preserve.
What are you waiting for? Let It Slow!


text:
Why One Home Run That Barry Zito Gave Up in College Now Stands Above the Rest
In March 1999 USC pitcher Barry Zito gave up a home run in a snowy, cold game against a Washington State University centerfielder. Nearly two decades later, he learns who exactly hit that home run off of him.
Andy Lyons/Allsport
It was a frigid Saturday morning on the Washington State University campus in Pullman, Wash. The temperature that day—March 27, 1999—was 28 degrees with a wind chill in the teens, and USC's baseball team was in town for a three-game series. The first game on Friday night was snowed out, forcing the teams to play a doubleheader on Saturday. WSU coach Steve Farrington instructed the team to arrive early in the morning … to clear the snow off the field in time for the noon start.
Farrington drove his pickup truck onto the field, and the players used shovels to haul the snow off of the infield and into the bed of his truck. When the bed was full, Farrington drove beyond the right-field fence and dumped the snow out. This snow-removal process lasted longer than an hour, all so the Cougers could open their Pac-10 season on time against the perennially powerful Trojans.
"I was a student at Washington State, calling the baseball games on the radio," says Derek Deis, now a news anchor in nearby Spokane at KXLY TV. "It would be hard to forget that day. We have cold days in late March, and snow, but that day was brutal."
The teams placed torpedo heaters by their benches, but they did hardly anything to cut the cold. When the Trojans showed up at the field around 10:30 a.m. for the twinbill, the weather was so harsh that most of the players had never dealt with anything like this before. But if USC turned around and went home, the games would still have to be replayed later that season—and the last thing the Trojans wanted was a return trip to this faraway outpost in eastern Washington.
USC's starting pitcher in the first game was crafty southpaw Barry Zito. In 11 weeks, Barry Zito would be drafted by Oakland as the ninth overall pick in the MLB Draft. In three years, Zito would win the American League Cy Young Award. But today he was just another Trojan wondering why God put him in the tundra.
"All I remember thinking was, 'What am I doing here?'" Zito said recently—he's a songwriter living in Nashville now, a world away from his baseball life.
"But I recall that game. I remember it well. I was just talking about the game, in fact. It got really cold in Nashville, and I said it's nothing like that day I pitched a game and it was 28 degrees with a 10-degree wind chill, something like that. I remember … we went out bought thermals there. I had two sets of thermals on. Imagine pitching with two sets of thermals. Our bus pulled up to the field. It was a little bandbox. And I remember sitting on that bus down the left-field line, trying to prepare self mentally. I remember I pitched pretty well, in spite of the cold. I think we won, like, 2–1."
"No," Zito was told. "It was 6–5."
"Wow," he said. "I don't remember giving up that many runs too often that season. But I guess I can see it. That place, seriously, was a total bandbox—small, and the air was so thin there."
Eighteen years later the memories were coming back to Zito.
"That was a crazy game," he said. "I actually broke my catcher's thumb, Eric Munson. He was coming out in the [MLB] draft too, and I was afraid I hurt his chances and he might get picked lower because of that. I threw a fastball, he was expecting a curve. Thank God he was still the third pick.
"But that day was a transformation pitching experience for me. Never before in my life did I pitch in a game where it was below freezing. And never after—not in Detroit or Cleveland, anywhere."
Washington State's team, in a show of bravado, played in short sleeves. USC scored twice in the first inning, and WSU got one back in the bottom of the first. The scored stayed that way until the bottom of the fifth, when it started snowing again. There was a 15-minute delay while the snow squall blew over Pullman.
"I think I stayed in the dugout, by the heater," Zito said. "Most of the guys went on the bus, but I didn't want to lose focus. I didn't want to lose my groove. I think I was pitching pretty well."
In the bottom of the fifth, after the snow stopped, the Cougars' wiry center-fielder came to the plate to face the wily Zito. A lefty batter, the senior struck out his first time up.
"I do remember giving up a home run that day," Zito said.
The center-fielder recalls the home run, vaguely. He thinks it was a fastball, "given the wicked nature of Zito's curve."
"I do remember contact, and I remember the ball clearing the wall in right-center," Steve Gleason said.
A line from the play-by-play of the first game between USC and WSU on March 27, 1999.
Steve Gleason up to bat for the Cougers on a much warmer day than March 27, 1999.
Courtesy of Washington State
Zito vaguely recalls the name Steve Gleason, but he does not know the story....
A Saints' special-teams player, Gleason memorably blocked a punt in New Orleans's first game after Hurricane Katrina at the Superdome in 2006, morphing into a symbol of the city's pluck and recovery. Gleason retired from the NFL in 2008 and settled in New Orleans, marrying a local girl, Michel Varisco. But in 2011 he announced that he'd been diagnosed with ALS, a neurological disease currently with no cure. Gleason, a documentary giving a stark and very real examination of life with ALS, was released to critical acclaim in 2016. The disease has robbed him of all ability to move, and he spends his time, mostly, as a national leader in the fight against ALS and the search for a cure—and thanks to technology, Gleason answered the questions for this story by typing with his eyes on the laptop on his mechanized wheelchair.
"That is crazy, man," Zito said. "I am going to have to learn about Steve."
"When you're a college kid, you didn't know that Barry Zito and Steve Gleason were going to become Barry Zito and Steve Gleason," says Deis, the play-by-play man and a WSU senior at the time. "But I can tell you, at that time, Steve Gleason was the man on campus. Phenomenal athlete for guy his size. The first game I saw my freshman year, playing Montana, he made a tackle and I thought he killed the guy. That became par for the course with Gleas. He just laid the wood to so many guys. On the baseball field, he played with reckless abandon.''
At 5' 11" and 210 pounds, Gleason was light for a linebacker, but just right for a center-fielder. But he had a better chance to be a pro linebacker than baseball player, so that's the direction he took.
"In high school, I planned to play both sports, because I figured that my size would not allow me to be an NFL linebacker," Gleason typed via his eyes. "I loved baseball. I wouldn't say that I was obsessed with either sport. I didn't really watch either sport super closely. The first NFL game I watched live, was the first NFL game I played in.
"As things played out in college, I was just better at football. I figured I would give the NFL a shot, rather than toil in the minor leagues for a few years. Comparing my experience with both sports, the atmosphere, travel logistics, and nature of baseball is so much more fun. Baseball teams are on the road all the time. The goal is to keep things fun and relaxed. Before, during, and after the games the idea is to keep things loose, so guys are always goofing around, making up games, filling time. We'd go on nine-day road trips every year during spring break—Hawaii, California, Texas, Arizona.
"Football is more like a business meeting, or a business trip. Everyone has game plans and binders on the plane. Road trips are typically 36 hours, or less. Before games, guys are trying to get psyched up rather than relax. They're going to battle. Although I only worked on baseball a few months a year, I think the biggest difference for me is, in football, I felt like I could just out-think, work harder and try harder than the next guy to be successful. In baseball, in many ways, the more you try and the more you think, the worse things go."
But that day in eastern Washington, this was just another baseball game—in freezing conditions.
"I didn't realize that Barry was such an elite pitcher, so I guess it wasn't something that was a big deal," Gleason typed. "I wasn't a stats guy—still not—and at that point, I was a senior and understood that football was probably the best chance I had to play professionally. My years in the NFL, I didn't follow MLB baseball really at all. I had no idea that Barry Zito won the Cy Young, and in fact I didn't realize that I had hit a home run off him until the WSU play-by-play commentator [Deis] tweeted to me a few years ago.
Steve Gleason, his son Rivers and his wife Michel take in a Cubs game.
Courtesy of Steve Gleason
"After I retired, I caught several Cubs games at Wrigley, but didn't really get back into baseball until a few years ago when [Steve's and Michel's son] Rivers started playing. It's such a great sport. In fact, Michel and Rivers and I watch maybe 80-100 MLB games a year with the MLB app on Apple TV, and we have season tickets at Tulane, where I got my MBA. Baseball—helping coach Rivers and watching at any level—has been one of the things that has flourished, despite my physical decline from ALS.
"We started a new project last fall, the Gleason Life Skills Sports Clinics. The clinics teach the essential skills to succeed in athletics, but also the essential skills to succeed in life. Our first two clinics have been baseball."
Zito had no idea why someone wanted to reach him to talk about a college home run he gave up on a 28-degree day in eastern Washington 18 years ago, in a nine-inning complete game, in which he threw 148 pitches and struck out 14. He's damn proud of the game. But at the end of the conversation, he sounded damn glad he gave up the home run, just because it let him get to know someone in a different, important world.
"Sounds like an incredible man," Zito said of Gleason. "I want to get familiar with him. What a story."
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