Ultramarathon Daily News | Tue, May 14

This guy is on his way to running 44 hundred milers in 2019.

Yahoo: Dean has sardine burps.

Uhan/IRF: Injured with a race on the horizon? Here’s what to do.

New Episode: Check out our latest interview with Zach Ornelas. This guy is on an absolute streak right now, from a huge road ultramarathon in Africa to 50 mile trail races, Zach is anxious for more. Fun talk with a guy who balances it all while teaching and coaching high schoolers.

Throwback Tuesday: Check out this girls xc race from 2001. Recognize any names? Wow! h/t Frank Bures.

China: The Chinese government bans a race official from participating in race management for a year after he directs mens leader the wrong way.

Ultrarunning Magazine: How to use caffeine in ultramarathon events.

There’s a petition going around about RD “Sherpa” John Lacroix that calls for him to stop “bullying” and harassing people and being a general PITA. I’ve linked to his writing plenty of times on these pages (he’s always got something interesting to say), and while I don’t always agree with him, I don’t think a public “petition” like this is helpful or appropriate. For the record, John hates me for reasons I still don’t understand and blocked me a long time ago.

GearJunkie: I’ve watched enough climbing videos and. have wondered about the portaledges they sleep on. Here’s a review of the latest to market.

Please remember to include your name when commenting. I will not publish anonymous comments. More today than usual. Thanks. –Eric

30 Responses to "Ultramarathon Daily News | Tue, May 14"

Jeff R. says:

May 14, 2019 at 8:40 am

There are some serious allegations in that Sherpa John petition. Very disconcerting and scary.

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tmfjones says:

May 14, 2019 at 9:28 am

if he’s *just* a PITA then a petition is dumb and overkill. if he has targeted and harassed women then a petition is more than appropriate so people can know about it and stay away.

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1. Running Man says:
  
  May 16, 2019 at 3:12 pm
  
  As a parent, what I am reading in all of these comments is so disturbing. One of the things I most fear is that the kind of cyber bullying that’s happening below–on both sides–is the same kind of bullying that’s driving so many children to despair. Online forums are not the place for these kinds of attacks. Eric, although I’m a huge fan of yours, I’m disappointed that you called out the petition. And I say that as someone who has had some scrapes with SJ and was banned from his race series because I challenged him head on for his allegations against the Leadville Race Series years ago.
  
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Dylan G says:

May 14, 2019 at 9:42 am

I’ve never met or heard of Sherpa John up until now, but am genuinely curious what platform/forum do you think would be more appropriate to bring these allegations to light if you don’t think the petition is helpful?

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1. eric schranz says:
  
  May 14, 2019 at 9:57 am
  
  It’s a fair question and I don’t have an answer. I don’t know.
  
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"Sherpa" John Lacroix says:

May 14, 2019 at 11:00 am

This is Sherpa John

I am aware of the petition that is going around and there are a variety of allegations being made in the petition. I do not find it fruitful to get into a discussion about what is true vs. what is not.. but I will say that some of the allegations ARE true, and some simply are not.

I will say, as I have on the Human Potential Running Series Facebook Page, that everyone’s feelings are valid, all behavior is not. I, like many of you, am a human being. I make mistakes. I say and do the wrong things and have countless times. I hear the concerns being expressed by those who created the petition.. and I am committed to being more self aware, learning about my character blind spots, and working tirelessly to be better. I am in a growth mindset and looking for ways to move forward while delivering the change these individuals wish to see. The goal of any petition should be a way to move forward that enhances community, not tear one apart.

What makes it difficult is that the individuals who have created this petition have relayed to others that they will not accept an apology, nor are they willing to give me the chance to change. They will except nothing less than my removal from the ultra community, and forcing my business into bankruptcy. While I appreciate the petition, and take it to heart… these individuals are standing up against bullying by effectively bullying the bully. This is not an effective way to effectuate change as it promotes negative reinforcement of consequences.. open and mediated dialogue would be better. Discussion. I am open to one-on-one, and mediated, discussion with anyone who feels they have a past experience they wish to express, as well as discussing best ways for us all to move forward in affecting interpersonal change in myself.. and my business.

I have and will continue to issue an apology to those affected by my past behaviors… regardless of the level of validity of the claims. I am more concerned with how I have made others feel, and how others feel the need to stand up and speak as a result of my words and actions.. than I am speaking about the merits of the accusations being levied.

In the 15-years that I have been involved in ultramarathon running, I have stood up to speak out against countless issues that our sport has faced. I have spoken out to effectuate change, with the hopes of making our sport better. My delivery hasn’t always been the best, and the way in which I have directed my desire to affect change hasn’t always been responsible. My opinions have not always been in line with the popular ones and yes Eric.. I can be a “PITA.”

I continue to learn from this experience and continue to meet with countless mentor’s, advisors, fellow race directors, third party business owners I work with, and runners alike. I do not at all take these accusations lightly and I am dedicated to furthering my learning.. my personal growth.. and my professional growth through this experience.

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Jenn C says:

May 14, 2019 at 2:43 pm

Here is the link to the petition, which at the time of this comment, has been signed by 294 people: https://www.change.org/p/members-of-the-ultrarunning-community-stop-john-paul-lacroix-from-bullying

“What makes it difficult is that the individuals who have created this petition have relayed to others that they will not accept an apology, nor are they willing to give me the chance to change. They will except nothing less than my removal from the ultra community, and forcing my business into bankruptcy.”

This is a flat out lie, John. Maybe the lie is yours, or maybe the lie is from the people from whom you are getting your information.

The final sentence in the petition is “Our hope is that Mr. Lacroix will make positive changes that will be reflected not only in his words but in his long-term actions.”

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Josh says:

May 14, 2019 at 3:03 pm

Wow, reading online the response is pretty much what would be expected. Try to turn it around on them…

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Laurie Nakauchi says:

May 14, 2019 at 8:12 pm

I asked if many of the people affected if they had ever said they would not accept an apology from John. The post is public so anyone can see it. Based on the responses, it is clear he is trying to deflect and avoid taking responsibility.

Also some in the running community have reached out to John about the possibility of doing some restorative justice work to help him with his “personal growth” and to have a mediated discussion. Let’s see if this will really happen.

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Mike H says:

May 15, 2019 at 8:27 am

Although generally good practice, I think the ‘anonymous comments’ thing was a specific challenge in this case because of the historical abuse from “S”JPL that people wouldn’t want to deal with. They have families, jobs, etc. and running is a fun outlet — they don’t have the time and energy for long internet diatribes (those have been visible historical), let alone email and verbal threats.

I empathize through family experience with mental health issues, and hope he gets the support he needs and we all deserve.

I hope apologies and material change happen with some of the specific relationships. At a broader level, it’s been a “My way is better than yours” attitude for several years in Colorado instead of ever working within a heterogeneous and happy bunch of runners, and intentional rabble rousing for whatever reasons of attention people do those things. I can’t imagine having that mindset, so I can’t imagine how it would change anytime soon. There are just so many better races and situations to choose from.

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1. eric schranz says:
  
  May 15, 2019 at 8:36 am
  
  While I’ve had to watch comments closely over the last week or so, I’ve had the policy stated here for over a year. I made a poor decision and posted an anonymous essay by someone and quite a few readers read some innuendo in that I’d missed. Since then, names are required for commentary and comments.
  
  Reply
Allison C. says:

May 15, 2019 at 2:24 pm

Well it’s hard for John to tell the truth when he is nothing but a pathological liar. Doesn’t help that he is also a narcissistic sociopath. I have known him for some 5 years and I can tell you that over the course of that time, he has been nothing but dishonest to those around him, including his recent ex-wife whom he cheated on countless times with countless women. I only know this cause I was one of the women he cheated with. Imagine my surprise when I found out he was married with a kid. And when I broke it off cause I found out… he went absolutely ballistic, to the point of punching himself. Talk about psycho tantrum. The petition is a legit summation of his true character sadly. This apology tour he is on is just a means by which to save face so that karma doesn’t come back to bite him in the rear. It is nothing but hollow and meaningless. It’s too bad they can’t do more than petition his exile. He deserves far worse.

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Sherpa John Lacroix says:

May 15, 2019 at 2:51 pm

Laurie.. Only ONE person has reached out to me with regards to the possibility of doing some “restorative justice work” to help with my “personal growth” and I have scheduled to attend the suggested seminar, and am looking to attend the more in depth workshop in August. I should note that, it was not at all presented to me as “restorative justice,” but instead as a friend looking to help me improve. That’s the difference in language being used in regards to this issue.. some folks are taking the time to offer care and compassion to ALL involved, while others are just being bullies. One of the main points I am hearing is that language matters.. and word choice, tone, subject matter, inflection, all of it.. matters when it comes to speaking to each other. The respect that is being sought goes both ways. We need to find a way for us ALL to be mindful and respectful of each others needs, traumas, health, feelings, etc. No one is above another here.. no one is better or smarter or less broken. I am asking you all to also LEAD BY EXAMPLE.

No one has reached out to me to have a mediated discussion. Not one person. It has never once been brought up in this entire process. Only one person has reached out to have ANY kind of dialogue, and that would be the individual you allude to with regards to “restorative justice.” He did not offer to be a mediator, or offer to direct me towards a mediated discussion. All that was discussed was the workshops suggested.

The post you speak of that “anyone can see” is actually not at all visible to me. I have only seen one post, that was shared with me via screenshot… and it was a threatening post where I was being publicly taunted. Other than that.. I have received every single bit of information with regards to the concerns raised through hearsay. The petition was mentioned to me in passing on a phone call and then I had to google for it. I implore you to please.. please continue to seek meaningful ways in which we can all connect and work towards the outcomes we all want and deserve.

I will also continue to do work on my end through continuing to attend therapy, on a weekly basis, as I have for more than 2 years straight now. Ultimately, my personal and professional development is on my own accord, will be handled appropriately, and really isn’t anyone else’s business. You want results. Focus on that… but please do forgive me for being human should I make a mistake or two along the way. Change is a process. Some things will be immediate, some things are going to take time. I also suggest you, and others, continue to focus on your own behaviors and how you have also contributed to the ill will being discussed. I’ll take personal accountability for my actions and behaviors, but it is only fair I expect the same from all of you as well. We need to remember, that when you point a finger at someone, 3 fingers point back at you. I am taking accountability for my own behaviors and I hope the same will be true for others.

Ms. Coker.. The information shared with me came from a pretty reliable source, who was spoken to by one of the individuals who seems to be working hard to continue to spread the petition. Since no one from the group who initiated the petition has at all reached out to me, and since no one has yet to offer having any kind of dialogue, you are correct in that I am receiving information 3rd hand. That’s the biggest issue with the petition.. no one wants to talk directly to me, and the attacks are going through various other channels. The individual who spoke iterated that “no apology will be good enough, and that the time for change has come and gone.” I wholeheartedly believe the individual who shared this with me, and I believe that the individual who stated it would state such a thing given her own past. It IS possible, that someone working on behalf of the petitioners is indeed spreading false information to others. That’s sometimes just what happens.. people play telephone.

I am open to dialogue and I suggest and prefer it be mediated, preferably by a professional trained in conflict resolution. I am not at all trying to deflect or avoid taking responsibility… In my video response on the HPRS Facebook page, in my company’s most recent newsletter, and on my podcast.. I have spoken candidly with regards to my past (and some recent) behaviors being less than favorable. I can stand up and admit that I have not always been a good human, that I have treated others poorly, and I have shown poor judgement in my past. I’m trying NOT to argue about the validity of your claims, argue what is true or not, trying not to get into diatribes about who said what and when that elicited certain reactions from me.. I am focused on trying my very best to hear you, and to acknowledge that your feelings are valid. I have issued numerous sincere apologies, I have clearly outlined (in both spoken word and in print) what I intend to do about it moving forward.. I am exploring the workshops suggested to me.. I am doing literally everything within my power to take action and work towards the results you all seek. Now let me do the work!

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John says:

May 15, 2019 at 3:04 pm

Allison,

I am neither a pathological liar, or a narcissistic sociopath.
I did indeed cheat on my ex-wife. I did indeed cheat on her numerous times. I was not a good husband and that is why I divorced my ex-wife.. now 2 years ago. I took on the responsibility of letting her go to find the happiness she deserves.. and so I can also do the work required to not be the man I was. You know countless people who have lived a similar life, you just either don’t know it or refuse to accept that about people. We all make mistakes.. and I’ve made mine. I am capable, willing, and able to own them.

This is a personal journey that I have taken very seriously, and one that few people know about since I have kept my circle very small since that time. You have NOT “known me for 5 years”.. you know a former version of myself and I’m sorry for the version you met.

I never once punched myself in the face after someone broke an affair off with me… that never happened. Interestingly enough, you came and ran in one of my races in the time since…

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Allison C. says:

May 15, 2019 at 3:41 pm

John,

Everything you do is for attention. Everything! It is all an act compounded on lies. It’s amazing to see that you are willing to admit your mistakes now, after the fact, but can we really believe someone that has lived 20 or even 30 years lying to people? Your apologetic posts are nothing more than an attempt to save face for your business. If you truly cared about repenting for your actions, your business and it’s well being would be the last thing you worry about. If you really were concerned about those you hurt, abused, or harassed, you wouldn’t keep doing it over, and over, and over again. And if it weren’t for this petition, and the fact that it is all true, and the fact that it may very well affect your business, you wouldn’t give a rats rear and you know it. Just admit it. The facade you put up is nothing but an act to get people to like you until they know you. And then once they know you, you can’t help but be the person you are.

I hope this petition is just the start of karma coming around to hand you what you have dealt out for years. No offense, but you truly deserve what’s coming for all that you have done to the many people you have upset, offended, or harassed.

And yes, you did hit yourself. Consequently, I have reached out to others who know you who also have witnessed this behavior. Again, more lies proving that you truly are a pathological liar.

P.S. I race for me, not for your business. I race to push my limits, not to stroke your ego. Yet, like a true narcissistic sociopath… it’s all about you in the end in your mind. You are always the victim. You are always the martyr.

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1. eric schranz says:
  
  May 15, 2019 at 3:44 pm
  
  Alright, you’ve both vented. Let’s end this name calling on this page. Thanks.
  
  Reply
Anaka says:

May 15, 2019 at 5:35 pm

John

It sounds like 1 person made the comment that they would not accept an apology, although I’m willing to bet there are many people who have been hurt so deeply by you that they would not accept an apology from you. That is their decision. One person does not speak for the upstanders who started the petition, and one person especially does not speak for all the people who have stood up and shared their stories as a result of the petition.

Just curious, why is it other people have to come to you in order for you to make amends? It would seem to me that you would be the one interested in doing the work and reaching out to those you have hurt. Perhaps if you would take some initiative to reach out then you would not have to rely on your “spies” (your word, not mine) for misinformation. If you need some help figuring out where to start, begin with your most recent rants on facebook from the past couple of weeks, not years.

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Laurie Nakauchi says:

May 15, 2019 at 6:00 pm

John,

I have not reached out to you directly (but have talked to Stuart C about setting up a group discussion) to have a mediated discussion because of responses like those above. If “language matters.. and word choice, tone, subject matter, inflection, all of it.. matters when it comes to speaking to each other,” please understand that your tone in the messages you sent to me on May 5th (just over a week ago) were very aggressive in tone and word choice. That told me enough to know you have not changed…yet. I give you the benefit of the doubt that it may still happen.

I have never met Allison C. but because of our interactions and what I witnessed, I believe her completely.

While her interactions with you were years ago, your closing remark to her demonstrates to me that change has NOT happened.

“I never once punched myself in the face after someone broke an affair off with me… that never happened. Interestingly enough, you came and ran in one of my races in the time since.”

Still gaslighting and then trying to deflect to get in the last word.

Good luck with your personal journey.

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Jenn C says:

May 15, 2019 at 6:34 pm

You say “Now let me do the work!” Well do it John, and stop talking. Your actions speak better than words, and your words show you haven’t changed at all. Your comments here tell me you haven’t changed at all. Including the fact that you used my last name in your response, when I did not post with it.

You’ve apologized a number of times thru the years, yet not changed your behavior. A quote I recently read says, “An apology without change is just manipulation,” and that’s all your apologies are.

There are others in our community truly working hard to do good things. I will invest my energy in them, and no longer waste it on you.

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Jenn C says:

May 15, 2019 at 6:38 pm

PS – 332 signatures and counting

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cory feign says:

May 15, 2019 at 10:00 pm

seems like it’s time to hang out in real life and sort this out. my living room is open almost every day.

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Charles Johnston says:

May 15, 2019 at 10:59 pm

John,

As someone who you’ve very consistently slandered/libeled (5+ years), I’d be open to a face-to-face visit. I can drive to Denver in the next couple weekends, and I’m sure Cory Feign would mediate. If you truly want to show people you’re trying to turn a new leaf over, start with me, someone you’ve very intentionally and publicly attacked. That might make a big impression on people. And to be clear I personally would happily accept an apology. I’m not even angry anymore. The world is too small for this sort of drama to last forever. Just as with other RDs who are friends of mine, I think it would be very cool if this all ended with civility, and one day I’m signing up for one of your races because it fits into my race schedule.

So what do you say?

Charles
Ouray 100 RD

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Francesca Tronchin says:

May 16, 2019 at 6:47 am

John’s overly defensive posture here just demonstrates he has not really taken the petition to heart. If he knows who has written the petition, if he has a personal connection who is relaying messages between himself and the writers of the petition, there is no mystery to whom he needs to apologize. The petition was written; that was the targets’ way of reaching out. Now the ball is in John’s court to apologize, not to sit around waiting for folks to come to him for an apology.
I’d also like to mention how offensive it is he uses the nickname “Sherpa.” As far as I know, John is not from Nepal or Tibet. Just because I have a deep appreciation for Motown & ’70s soul music as well as a profound respect for Dr. King, I cannot claim to be African-American.

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Stuart Cohen says:

May 16, 2019 at 8:24 pm

Hi everyone. Funny I’ve never even been on this site before; dunno if that means I lose my ultra-card or something. Anyway…

I’ve talked with many people in the CO trailrunning community about this situation, including some of you on this thread, and if anything is clear, it’s that there is a lot of pain here. Being friends with many of you, including John, for many years, I’m personally disappointed in myself for actively avoiding any detailed knowledge of these conflicts. In doing so, my cowardice has let down many friends when I could have been a more active positive voice in the community. That’s what I intend to change.

I truly believe we have the possibility to create a inclusive trailrunning community with sincere respect and love. That’s going to require time and work by a lot of people, and I want to quit being a bystander and do my part. In doing so, I’m working with a couple others to help set up mediated discussions with John. We aim for these discussions to be led by an impartial professional trained in conflict resolution. It will likely take time to make that happen, so I just ask the community for patience so we can work effectively towards a positive outcome for everyone.

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Allison C. says:

May 17, 2019 at 5:58 am

I want to see change in John before an apology can be even considered at this point. However, I have seen the apologies and then witnessed him going right back to his usual self. So in the end… an apology is not enough unfortunately. As Jenn C. pointed out:

“You’ve apologized a number of times thru the years, yet not changed your behavior. A quote I recently read says, “An apology without change is just manipulation,” and that’s all your apologies are.”

And that is what makes a simply apology, simply not enough. After listening to John’s recent podcast, it was more of the same:

“I am a bad person. I need work. I am changing, but the road is long and hard. I have much to change still.”

I just eye roll here. Literally eye roll. It’s the worst sob story for someone where bad choices, bad behavior, and treating people like crap has finally caught up to them and they can’t deal with the consequences. It reminds me of the scene in Shawshank Redemption with the inmate that is scared and ends up getting beaten by the security guard. He cries about how he shouldn’t be there even though his decisions and choices landed him there. People always seem to trend towards being “apologetic” when they are on the receiving end of accountability, but have zero inflection to their actions or choices otherwise. Sadly, John’s life seems to be the shining text book example of this trait in people.

I mean c’mon… as recently as May 5th:

“If “language matters.. and word choice, tone, subject matter, inflection, all of it.. matters when it comes to speaking to each other,” please understand that your tone in the messages you sent to me on May 5th (just over a week ago) were very aggressive in tone and word choice. That told me enough to know you have not changed…yet. I give you the benefit of the doubt that it may still happen.”

2 years of therapy and a cry that John has improved (on his most recent podcast) and this is where he was but a week ago. Sorry, but I am not buying into the apologies. People don’t deserve to be treated this way, especially those of us that have been treated as such by him.

This discussion has showed me one thing. I can now feel validated in how I thought I was being treated and manipulated by John. Clearly there is a trend of activity here that has been continually for what appears to be years. And because of that, I don’t think that 3 posts and two podcast/video apologies are really going to cut it.

As to mediation… pffttt. John is good at acting and manipulating people, as we can see from the many posts and outcries in the last week. Mediation will only be a side show of him fake crying or fake sincerity in my opinion as I have seen that side of him many times when he is trying to get what he wants.

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Jennifer says:

August 30, 2019 at 8:27 pm

Hello,

I’d just like to add that I had a very similar experience as Allison C. with John nearly 10 years ago. He is a grade A liar and sociopath and he will never change. I broke it off with him when I found out he was married and he threatened suicide, manipulated me, involved my professional colleagues and friends. He is not a good person. He has no respect for women and he is a pathological liar. He has a severe personality disorder and anybody who involves themselves with him is asking for trouble. Please head my advice and avoid him. Do not forgive him, he will not change. I genuinely believe him to be dangerous.

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Kim says:

March 10, 2020 at 8:59 pm

It’s so crazy that this is coming up all these years later. I have had my own run ins with John, so have several of my female friends. And I 100% believe and agree with all of the women who have come forward. I signed the petition even though I am late.

I believe people can put in the work and change but I don’t believe John will. I wish he would leave the trail running community. It’s such a great supportive place and people like him stain it.

I recently listened to an episode of his podcast. I couldn’t make it through the whole thing. He literally spent 45 + minutes mocking other people. And the way his voice changes when he makes fun of someone, it’s awful. Nauseating really.

The other 20 + minutes he’s talking about how great he is, how he’s basically invented all of trail running. How his races are the most this or the most that and how being a race director is the hardest job in the entire galaxy.

It’s rubbish. I cannot understand how anyone supports this guy.

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Stephen Rodgers says:

December 8, 2022 at 3:09 am

So how did this all pan out?
Is the Sherpa a changed man these days? 🤔

Reply
1. eric schranz says:
  
  December 8, 2022 at 7:55 am
  
  No idea. Haven’t paid attention.
  
  Reply
Ultramarathon Daily News | Mon, Feb 6 - Ultrarunnerpodcast.com says:

February 6, 2023 at 5:51 am

[…] at 13min) and check it out. If you’re a regular reader, you’ll recognize his name from this issue (be sure to read the comments) and you’ll likely notice that many of his assertions are simply and provably not true. […]

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